In at the Shallow End

Captain Taybar was sat in her ready room speaking to someone on the sub-space comm. channel when the door chimes to the corridor outside announced that someone was at the door.

“I have to go, that will be my new first officer.” Aki explained.

[I'll see you on Jupiter station.] The voice on the other end of the link announced. [In ‘The Red Spot', last one there buys the drinks.]

Aki smiled at the joke and closed the channel. She knew that her friend would be there long before Aki could reach the station, so she knew that she'd be buying the drinks.

“Enter.” She announced.

The door to the corridor outside opened and Lieutenant Commander Steven Hartmann appeared and stepped inside.

“Welcome onboard Commander.” Aki said, rising from her chair. “Please take a seat.”

Steven shook the Captain's outstretched hand and sat down in the chair opposite, waiting for the Captain to speak. Aki watched her new first officer for a few moments.

"So how do you like the ship ?” Aki enquired. “Settled in yet ?”

“This is quite a ship Captain.” Steven replied. “I've already visited the Armoury and the torpedo rooms and then I observed the installation of the new weapons pod.”

“Ever the Tactical officer.” Aki commented. “How did the installation go ?”

“The Engineers say that the pod should be fully operation within two days.” Steven reported. “We may be ready to leave dry-dock a day early, performing any last minute repairs on route to Starbase 901.”

“I see you've already started to get into First officer mode.” Aki said. “Which means that I can do this with some ease.”

“Do what ?” Steven enquired.

“I've got a friend arriving at Jupiter station in a couple of hours and I'd like to visit them.” Aki explained. “They're only on the station for a couple of days, but as the ship won't be ready to leave, I have the time. Which means that command of ensuring that all the repairs get done will fall to you?”

“Nothing like being pushed in at the deep end.” Steven commented.

“More like the shallow end.” Aki replied. “Apart from ensuring the work gets done and all the new crew arrive, there's not much else for you to do.”

“I'm sure I can find something to keep me occupied.” Steven said. “There's still a lot of the ship to explore.”

“I've decided to take Lieutenant Moss with me, because I think my friend could be of help to him.” Aki stated. “Hopefully we'll be back in two days, just before the Leviathan is due to leave space dock.”

“I look forward to the challenge.” Steven said.

“Then you have command.” Aki replied. “Liaise with Commander Rashad if you have any problems, she'll be your first officer until my return. One thing you may have to deal with is the arrival of a new Command Marine. Whilst I was at Starfleet HQ, I was informed that Colonel Phanan was being re-assigned for a special mission. I don't have any details on his replacement, but I'm sure the Marines will let us know in good time.”

“Understood.” Steven confirmed.

There were a few other minor matters to discuss, but half an hour later, the Captain was heading for the shuttle bay and Steven Hartmann was sat in the Captain's chair on the Bridge in Command of the Leviathan.