Posted by Lieutenant Commander Alex Cross (Chief Counselor) in Side Sim: 17/18 Forward Lounge

Posted by Captain Alex Becket (Commanding Officer) in Side Sim: 17/18 Forward Lounge

Posted by Lieutenant Commander Alex Cross (Chief Counselor) in Side Sim: 17/18 Forward Lounge
Posted by… suppressed (12) by the Post Ghost! 👻
Lieutenant Alex Cross stepped through the doors of the 17/18 Forward Lounge and paused for a moment to take in the atmosphere.

The lounge was alive with the familiar rhythm of shipboard life. Conversations drifted between tables, punctuated by the occasional laugh, while the panoramic view beyond the forward windows offered a breathtaking display of stars streaking past at warp. It was one of the few places aboard where officers and crew could set aside duty rosters and departmental responsibilities for a little while and simply be themselves.

Dressed in his duty uniform, Cross made his way toward the replicator and ordered a cup of chicory coffee, a small reminder of home. As the steaming mug materialized, he offered a polite nod to a few crew members he recognized before selecting a table with a clear view of both the lounge and the stars beyond.

Settling into his chair, the counselor wrapped both hands around the warm mug and allowed himself a rare moment of quiet reflection. His attention drifted between the passing starfield and the crew around him, always observant, always listening, though tonight there was no particular agenda behind it.

For now, he was simply another officer enjoying a few moments away from the demands of duty.

Alex took a sip of his coffee and relaxed into his seat, content to see where the evening might lead.

CNS Alex Cross

Becket walked in and sighed. He didn’t think that the last mission was going to be as long as it did. He saw the counselor sitting by himself and thought to him should I go talk to him?. He thought. So he went ahead and sat down. “Counselor.” He said looking at Cross. Drinking some brandy from the replicator.

Captain Alex Becket
Commanding Officer
U.S.S. Ark Angel

Cross looked over, a bit surprised. He had been concentrating on the news report and hadn’t heard the Captain’s approach. “Captain, my apologies, I was concentrating on the news report. Good to see you, sir.”

Ollie wandered into the lounge and glanced around to see the level of activity. He had finished up his most recent shift and was excited to have some down time. He made his way over to one of the replicators and pondered what he would get for a moment. It had been awhile since he had treated himself and decided that today was a good time.

Addressing the replicator he said, “Peanut butter milkshake with whipped cream, a spoon and a straw please.”

A few seconds later the sweet treat appeared and he grabbed it with a smile. Turning around and taking a closer look at who was around he saw the counselor and captain conversing at one of the tables. He made his way over as he took a sip from his milkshake.

“Counselor, Captain, I hope you both are doing well,” he said nodding to the two other officers.

Lieutenant Commander Ezeami - COS

He looked at Ollie. “I am doing alright. It’s just been a lot of stuff going. I’ve just received orders. However, I’m not sure if it’s true.” He said.

Captain Alex Becket
Commanding Officer
U.S.S. Ark Angel

Cross nodded in greeting to Ezeami before looking back toward the Captain. “What have you heard, sir?”

Counselor Alex Cross

“It’s good to see you to counselor. What I’ve heard honestly is apparently I might go into early retirement or working at headquarters. I’ve heard that there will be this female Vulcan taking over as CO. But not sure about who though.” He said. Just a little confused on why he’s going into early retirement.

Captain Alex Becket
Commanding Officer
U.S.S. Ark Angel

Izak had just retrieved a Bajoran Ale from the replicator and was about to grab a table when he saw a few of the Senior Staff sitting together. I should pobabaly go join them… I’ve been so focused on the department that I rarely interact with them outside of meetings.

Truth be told… as the newest Department Head he still wasn’t that comfortable socializing with the Lieutenant Commanders and above. He still felt like he was struggling to do everything he expected a Chief Engineer to do… things all the other Department Heads seem to handle with ease.

He approached the table from the front so a couple of the occupants could see him coming. He heard the CO’s announcement just as he arrived.

“Retirement? Aren’t you in your early 30’s Captain?” Lt Waryn asked as he sat down and nodded to Alex and Ollie as a silent greeting. “It has to be some sort of Staff assignment at Headquarters… no way they put you out to pasture this early.”

Izak took a sip of his drink and shook his head. Still… you’re leaving the Ark Angel? I know change of commands are routine… but it won’t feel the same without you, Sir.”

Lt Izak Waryn - Chief Engineer - U.S.S. Ark Angel

He chuckled for a minute. “Yeah I’ll be stationed at Headquarters. It’s not going to be the same but it’ll be okay.” He said.

Captain Alex Becket
Commanding Officer
U.S.S. Ark Angel

“How do you feel about this, sir? Are you alright with them taking you out of the center seat?” He asked concerned.

Counselor Alex Cross

He thought about it for a minute. “Honestly, I don’t know what to feel. They’ve apparently within the message is a desk job and being a professor there at command. I honestly feel like I’m going to miss being in the center seat. Though I know it wouldn’t feel the same without any of you guys. All of you guys are great and exceptional crew. If I know T’Nara well enough, she’ll end up doing the best she can while I’m gone. It’s not that I want to leave. But I have my orders.” He said. He was completely unsure of how to deal with not being on board the ship. Being the commanding officer of the Ark Angel has been his dream and now that he had been ordered back to command, and being a teacher and having a desk job he is completely unsure what to expect.

Captain Alex Becket
Commanding Officer
U.S.S. Ark Angel

“Well, sir my comm channel is always open if you need someone to listen while you figure it. Personally, while we will miss you here on the Angel, I think the Academy is lucky to get you.” Cross smiled as he tried to offer his support and encouragement.

Counselor Alex Cross

“I appreciate it Counselor. However, I do want everyone’s opinion. Captain T’Nara. What does everyone know about her? All I got is the profile of hers. All I know is that she might be a former maquis. Not sure. Then to the academy to being captain in 5 years. I’m just worried about her command structure. I’ve known her for some time and then lost everything about her and my friendship. Counselor, before we arrive back at the Star base, could you do some research on her?” He asked her.

Captain Alex Becket
Commanding Officer
U.S.S. Ark Angel

“Absolutely, sir. I would be honoured to do that for you.” Cross said sincerely.

Counselor Alex Cross

“Thank you. I want to know who you are going to be up against.’ He said.

Captain Alex Becket
Commanding Officer
U.S.S. Ark Angel

Lieutenant Alex Cross listened without interrupting, his attention fixed on the information displayed across his padd as he compared service dates, assignments, and qualifications. After a few moments, he looked up from the screen, his gaze shifting between Captain Becket and Lieutenant Waryn. The counselor’s expression was thoughtful as he addressed them both.

“For a Vulcan, that’s a remarkably unconventional career path, sir. Between the Maquis service, the provisional commissions, and the steady rise to captain, there isn’t much about her record that follows the expected pattern.” He set the padd down on the table between the three of them.

“Captain T’Nara appears to have built her career by proving herself repeatedly rather than following the traditional Starfleet promotion track. After her time with the Maquis and subsequent incarceration, she accepted a provisional commission and advanced through multiple assignments by merit. Her background gives her a blend of Maquis field experience, Starfleet operational doctrine, and a Vulcan education through the Vulcan Science Academy.”

Cross glanced toward Waryn before continuing. “From a command perspective, that kind of experience tends to produce an officer who’s comfortable operating outside textbook solutions while still understanding the value of structure. She has likely seen both the strengths and weaknesses of rigid procedure.”

He paused briefly, considering the implications.

“Her record suggests she’s highly adaptable. The Maquis would have taught her to think creatively with limited resources, while Starfleet refined that into disciplined command. Combined with Vulcan logic and scientific training, that could make her a formidable tactician—particularly in close-quarters situations or where unconventional thinking is required.”

He folded his hands comfortably, his eyes once again moving between the captain and the chief engineer.

“Psychologically, I would expect someone who has spent years earning trust after a controversial past to place a high value on competence and accountability. Officers like that often expect the same standards from those under their command.”

A faint smile crossed his face.

“My initial impression, based solely on her record, is that she isn’t someone to underestimate. She has overcome enough obstacles that people likely stopped questioning whether she belonged a long time ago.”

Cross looked back to Captain Becket.

“I’ll continue reviewing her personnel history and any command evaluations that are available, sir. If there are any behavioral patterns or leadership tendencies worth noting before she arrives, I’ll make sure both of you have them.”

Counselor Alex Cross

He sat there listening to Counselor Cross about the new commanding officers record and history. “The Maquis? Isn’t that a group of people who are federation citizens but defected from Starfleet? If so why is command assigning her here?” He thought about it more and more. “I know as for me I was undercover prior taking over the Ark Angel and was doing maquis stuff. Observing everyone. However, my analysis comes back to something rather rash.” He added.

Captain Alex Becket
Commanding Officer
U.S.S. Ark Angel