Posted by Lieutenant Commander Dr. Charlotte Mackenzie Kelley (Executive Officer/Number One) in MEETING READY ROOM

Posted by Lieutenant Commander Alex Cross (Chief Counselor) in MEETING READY ROOM
Snip

Izak like the idea of a party for Captain Becket… he felt the man deserved a good send off. He looked over at Counselor Cross. “Let me know if you want any help with the preparations, I’ll chip in wherever you need me.”

He shifted his attention over to their new Executive Officer. “Commander, the Engineering department is at 97% manning. We have 12 people transferring out when we reach the starbase and 15 people coming in. That will bump us up to just over 98% strength. I’ve had particular difficulty retaining Junior Officers… if you or the Captain have any contacts that can help recruit potential additions, it would be greatly appreciated.”

The Chief Engineer glanced down at his PADD briefly, even though he knew most of the information it displayed already. “We completed a Warp Core overhaul before this latest mission, so we’re in good shape there. All other systems are nominal, except the port-side holodecks on Deck 16, which are experiencing a force field issue that renders the treadmill effect non-functional. I’ll give my team another couple of days to figure it out on their own, and then I’ll jump in.”

He wasn’t happy that the crewmen were still troubleshooting the issue, but he also knew this was valuable experience for them. “The only other major evolution coming up for my department is the semi-annual review of auxiliary craft. I don’t anticipate any significant issues there either.”

With his report complete Izak simply added. “I’m standing by if you have any questions, Ma’am.”

OOC: The JO comment was real… we’ve had a few new players pop in over the last 5 months but nobody has stayed around for more than a couple of posts. Maybe Lynx’s secondary character will fill part of that void.

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

Soral entered the room, he had been in a conversation with the Vulcan science academy, more specifically his mother, who was the one in charge over there

“I apologise for my tardiness”

He said nodding to the officers present while he found his seat.

Lt Soral T’Varan
Chief Diplomatic Officer
USS Ark Angel

” Of Course Lieutenant apology noted and accepted we’re currently discussing the party for Captain Becket’s retirement upon reaching Starbase 243. Before returning to the status of each department continuing with Lieutenant Hegush or Lieutenant Spenn.” Charlotte replied

Commander Dr. Charlotte M. Kelley
XO USS ARK ANGEL

“Parties are not something we Vulcans and in particular myself are good at, may I ask what we have decided?”

It was unusal for Soral to take interest in such matters, he however had come a long way in Human matters since joining the Ark Angel and the Captain had a great deal to do with it, so he wanted his service to be honoured as all great Captain’s should be

Lt Soral T’Varan
Chief Diplomatic Officer
USS Ark Angel

Charlotte allowed herself a faint smile at Soral’s question.

“Nothing has been finalized just yet, Lieutenant. Since Captain Becket’s departure marks the end of his command, I believe it’s only fitting that we recognize his service to this ship and her crew.”

She folded her hands behind her back as she addressed him.

“I was thinking of holding a farewell gathering in the crew lounge before we arrive at Starbase 243. Nothing extravagant—just an opportunity for the crew to thank him personally and wish him well as he begins his assignment at Starfleet Academy.”

Her smile softened slightly.

“I know social gatherings aren’t something you typically seek out, Soral, but I think the Captain would appreciate seeing every member of his senior staff there. You’ve served with distinction under his command, and your presence alone would say a great deal.”

She gave him a respectful nod.

“If you have any suggestions, I’d be glad to hear them. Captain Becket deserves a proper send-off.”

Commander Dr. Charlotte M. Kelley
XO USS ARK ANGEL

“I agree Commander, I’ll leave the suggestions to someone with more experience in such matters, I will endeavour to be there”

He didn’t say so but he really appreciated the Commanders understanding of Vulcans and social events and in particular himself

“I must say I am pleased to finally meet you Commander, I don’t believe we have had the chance to talk before now”

Lt Soral T’Varan
Chief Diplomatic Officer
USS Ark Angel

Charlotte inclined her head in acknowledgment.

“Thank you, Lieutenant. Your presence will mean more than any elaborate celebration ever could.”

A warm, professional smile crossed her face.

“And the feeling is mutual. While we’ve served aboard the same ship, our duties have kept us on different paths. It’s a pleasure to finally speak with you properly.”

She regarded him with quiet respect.

“I’ve read your reports and the work you’ve done as Chief Diplomatic Officer. Your ability to balance Vulcan logic with the realities of diplomacy has been an asset to Captain Becket and to the ArkAngel.”

Her expression remained composed.

“I hope this is only the first of many conversations, Lieutenant. With the changes ahead for the ship, I suspect our departments will have ample opportunity to work together. I look forward to that.”

She offered a courteous nod.

“For now, thank you for your support—and for your willingness to join us in honoring the Captain. I’m certain he’ll appreciate it.”

Commander Dr. Charlotte M. Kelley
XO USS ARK ANGEL

“As do I Commander”

Soral said with a respectful nod , he then waited patiently for the meeting to continue, he had delayed it for long enough

Lt Soral T’Varan
Chief Diplomatic Officer
USS Ark Angel

“Of course.now I believe we’ve been on the party long enough let’s continue the meeting with the updates from the departments with our Chief Medical Officer Lt. Spenn.” Charlotte replied.

Commander Dr. Charlotte M. Kelley
XO USS ARK ANGEL

Ollie entered the room and slipped into one of the unoccupied chairs. He had been occupied doing what he thought would be a quick little task but it seemed time on this ship moved faster than the warp engines and a lot had happened during that quick task. He gave an apologetic shrug to the XO and waited to give report.

Lieutenant Commander Ezeami - COS

Charlotte looked up as the Ready Room doors parted once more, watching Lieutenant Commander Oliver “Ollie” Ezeami slip quietly into one of the remaining seats. His apologetic shrug spoke before he did.

She returned it with a small, understanding smile.

“Good morning, Commander.”

She gave a slight wave of her hand, dismissing the need for an explanation.

“You’re right on time enough. We all know how quickly a ‘five-minute task’ can become thirty aboard a starship.”

There was a faint trace of humor in her voice before her expression settled back into its usual professional calm.

“I’m waiting on just a few more department heads before we begin. Once everyone is here, we’ll go around the table for departmental reports.”

Charlotte took another sip of her coffee before setting the mug beside her PADD, her attention shifting briefly toward the Ready Room doors in anticipation of the remaining officers’ arrival.
Commander Dr. Charlotte M. Kelley
XO USS ARK ANGEL

Lieutenant Alex Cross sat quietly among the senior staff, his posture relaxed but attentive as the last of the department heads filtered into the Ready Room. His PADD remained on the table before him, dimmed for the moment while Commander Kelley waited for everyone to arrive.

The conversation surrounding Captain Becket’s retirement had naturally given way to lighter moments before the formal business of the meeting. Cross found himself encouraged by what he had seen. Even officers as reserved as Lieutenant Soral had expressed a desire to honor the Captain, while Lieutenant Waryn had immediately offered his assistance with the farewell gathering. It spoke to the respect Captain Becket had earned throughout the crew.

Cross made a quiet mental note to speak with Waryn after the briefing. Organizing a send-off worthy of the Captain would take coordination, and he welcomed the Chief Engineer’s offer to help.

As Commander Ezeami entered and took his seat, Cross acknowledged him with a small nod before returning his attention to the head of the table. The room had settled into that familiar pre-meeting silence—a mixture of quiet conversations, the occasional tap of a PADD, and officers mentally reviewing the reports they were about to deliver.

For Cross, these few moments were often as revealing as the meeting itself. He watched the subtle interactions between his fellow department heads, the easy professionalism that had developed over months of serving together, and reflected that this sense of trust would be one of the crew’s greatest strengths during the transition to a new commanding officer.

With everyone nearly assembled, he folded his hands on the tabletop and waited patiently for Commander Kelley to officially call the senior staff briefing to order.

Lieutenant Alex Cross
Chief Counselor
U.S.S. Ark Angel

Charlotte let the quiet settle over the Ready Room for another moment, her gaze moving around the table. The senior staff were nearly all present now, conversations fading naturally into attentive silence as officers finished reviewing their reports.

She noted Counselor Cross’s calm, observant demeanor, Soral’s characteristic composure, and Commander Ezeami settling into his seat. Despite the uncertainty that accompanied Captain Becket’s impending retirement, there was a reassuring sense of professionalism in the room. The crew remained focused, ready to do what Starfleet officers did best.

Setting her coffee cup aside, Charlotte tapped her PADD once, bringing the meeting agenda onto the main display.

She looked around the table, making eye contact with each department head before speaking.

“Good morning, everyone.”

Her voice was calm, confident, and carried easily through the Ready Room.

“Thank you all for being here.”

She paused briefly.

“I know the crew has had much to discuss following Captain Becket’s announcement. While there will be opportunities to properly recognize his service and leadership in the days ahead, our responsibility remains the same—to ensure the ArkAngel continues to operate at the standard he expects of us.”

She folded her hands lightly on the table.

“Today’s briefing will focus on departmental readiness, ongoing operations, and any issues requiring command attention. If there are no pressing concerns outside the agenda, we’ll conclude by discussing preparations for the Captain’s farewell and ensuring a smooth transition of command.”

Charlotte gave a small nod toward the table.

“Let’s begin with departmental reports.”

Her eyes shifted to the Chief Security Officer.

“Commander Ezeami, Security has the floor.”
Commander Dr. Charlotte M. Kelley
XO USS ARK ANGEL

Ollie leaned forward in his chair and cleared his throat. “Nothing too crazy to report ma’am, which I suppose is a good thing when it comes to a security report. Armory supplies are all accounted for, cleaned and polished. My staff is in great shape. We are probably about due for some drills and I think our trip back to the star base might be the perfect time for that. No shipboard incidents that are really worth noting… I might have to assign somebody to vacuum up the dust bunnies in the brig.”

He flashed a grin at the XO as he finished report and settled back into his chair.

Lieutenant Commander Ezeami - COS