Posted by Commander Shara Calloway (Chief Intelligence Officer) in The Holodeck Incident [Tag Calloway]

Posted by Commander Shara Calloway (Chief Intelligence Officer) in The Holodeck Incident [Tag Calloway]

Posted by Lieutenant Eulailia Dacascos (Chief Operations Officer) in The Holodeck Incident [Tag Calloway]
Posted by… suppressed (6) by the Post Ghost! 👻
Eulailia walked down the dimly lit corridors, each step echoing faintly as she approached Shara’s quarters. Standing outside, she hesitated for a moment, her visit spur of the moment and contemplating the possible upcoming conversation. Instead of opting for the usual chime, she decided to announce her presence with a firm knock.

Memories of her recent training session with Shara floated around in her mind; it hadn’t gone as smoothly as she had hoped, yet she had acquired notable skills. These new combat abilities allowed her to confidently spar with Commander Mwezi during that one session she had with him in the holodeck. Now, driven by the need to gauge her combat readiness, Laila sought Shara’s assessment.

Reflecting on the progress since Shara had programmed that scary holodeck program, Laila acknowledged a heightened strength. However, uncertainty lingered in her mind. Was she truly prepared for combat challenges in the field, would she be ready to move into a security role on the Asimov? With a determined heart and mind, she wanted to discuss this transition, seek guidance from Shara on the path ahead.

Dacascos, COO

On Deck 5 of their new ship, Shara and Micah has a slightly different set up than others might. True, she did have Officer quarters, and he did have Guest quarters, but because they were married and the nature of both their work, theirs was a combined set. The wall that the two quarters shared had had a door installed. A door that they could lock and secure, because the room that was one of the bedrooms was a secured office meant for them to both be able to do what they needed to do.

She wasn’t expecting anyone, so Shara had been sitting cross legged on the bed picking away at her guitar. She set it down with reverence and moved to the door. Surprise touched her eyes. “Laila, come on in,” she said, stepping to the side.

The couple weren’t overly into decorating, but there were a few touches here and there. It was important for Shara that she remind herself that she was alive and living a life that mattered to others, that her presence had an impact. So, there was the stand for her guitar, and two framed images on the wall: one of her and Micah dressed in formal wear in a green space of some kind, plus another at the same event with a bunch of other people, including a brunette woman in a delicate looking pale green gown who was standing next to an Orion man in a dress uniform. They all looked elated.

On a different wall was a Marine flag folded into a triangle and showcased in a shadow box .

The rest of the visible quarters were neat and tidy, with no extraneous items other than an empty coffee cup from an hour ago that she hadn’t yet recycled. All in all, Micah and Shara lived pared down lives. Now, had Laila seen their place in Tennessee she’d realize they had more belongings than the surface revealed, but despite Shara’s own sentimentality, she still didn’t feel the need to have stuff. The only thing she missed deeply was her piano and she could’t wait to be reunited.

Cmdr. Shara Calloway, Chief Intelligence Officer

“Thank you, Commander.” Laila said as she stepped into the combined quarters, taking in the minimalistic yet meaningful decor that reflected Shara’s life.
Laila couldn’t help but notice the subtle reminders of life beyond duty, the framed images, the guitar and the Marine flag. It humanized the Commander and even Micah, whom she had always felt had a mysterious and cold demeanor about him. However standing in the room reminded her that even a seasoned high ranking officers like Shara had a life beyond the uniform. It made the prospect of her own journey more relatable, knowing that she too could find balance between duty and personal fulfillment. It all spoke volumes about Shara’s journey, sentimentality and her family.

“I am sorry to drop by unexpected. I’ve been thinking about our last training session, in the holodeck,” Laila said, her eyes briefly meeting Shara’s. “I’ve learned a lot, but I need to know if I’m truly ready for field challenges. I’m considering transitioning into a security role on the Asimov.”

Laila sought not just guidance but validation in the path she was contemplating. The transition was significant, and she trusted Shara’s insights, whether good or constructive criticism help her get through it successfully.

Lieutenant Eulailia Dacascos
(Chief Operations Officer)

Shara’s brows arched just a smidge. “Really? That’s unexpected. Are you unhappy in Operations?” she asked. Most people didn’t make department changes idly but this was not a typical shift and so Shara was curious what prompted this idea in the younger officer.

Cmdr. Shara Calloway, Chief Intelligence Officer

Eulailia paused, expression thoughtful. “No, Commander, I’m not unhappy in Operations. It’s just that, during the holodeck training, I realized how much more exciting it is to be able to participate in combat. I do not want to sit at a console on the bridge during missions, I want to be out there helping. I guess its the dynamic nature of the work, the quick thinking required in the field, it’s something I want to do.”

She moved further into the room, her eyes scanning the various commendations and personal mementos on display as she continued. “I want to make the most impactful contribution. I want to be on the front lines, protecting the ship and its crew in a more direct manner.” She knew her father would flip out if he found out and her mother might catch the next shuttle the Asimov and attempt to remove her, but Laila didn’t care. It was her life and she could do what she wanted with it. She looked at Shara and presented a smile, “I understand the gravity of the role, Commander. I’m ready to undergo additional training and preparation to ensure I meet the standards. I believe I can handle the challenges that come with the transition. I’m willing to make sacrifices for the greater good of the crew and the Asimov.”

Lieutenant Dacascos
(Chief Operations Officer)

Calloway studied the younger woman intently, her expression not giving her thoughts away. “The fundamental thing that most people get wrong about a role in security is that it is an action role. It can, but so can medical, or science, or engineering. It just depends on the situation. The worst security officers are the ones that want the action. The best ones are the ones that will do whatever they can to prevent a situation from needing a fight. It’s one thing to be willing to risk yourself, but are you actually considering this change for what you can offer the ship and your fellow crew, or are you bored and wanting something more active?” There was no condemnation in her voice- she was genuinely asking a question she was curious about.

~Shara Calloway, CIO

Eulailia stood tall like she had to prove herself, trying to meet Commander Calloway’s gaze without blinking excessively. “It’s not about being bored, Commander. I am certain I can do more, be more, for the ship and the crew. I want to contribute in a way that goes beyond sitting behind a console. I believe… I mean, I am ready for a more hands-on role.”

Although Eulailia eyes showed a bit of uncertainty she said, “I understand the importance of prevention. Preventing the need for action whenever possible. I know I don’t have experience, but I’m willing to learn and adapt to ensure the safety of the Asimov and its crew. I don’t take this decision lightly. I’ve thought long and hard about this. I’m ready to undergo any training necessary to make this transition successful.” She clasped her hands in front of her nervously, “So what do you think Commander? I know Captain Kiernan will not consider my transition without someone to vouch for me.”

Lieutenant Dacascos
(Chief Operations Officer)

Shara’s brows lifted and for the moment she didn’t say anything. Instead, she gestured for Laila to sit with her at the dining table. Shara settled into a chair and folded her arms on the tabletop, her foggy blue eyes searching the younger woman for… something.

“Why me? Surely there are others you know better who would do so?”

~Shara Calloway, CIO

Bump

Eulailia took a deep breath, her determination was firm despite the uncertainty in her eyes. As she sat across from her at the dining table, she couldn’t help but feel a mix of nervousness and anticipation. Shara’s question lingered in the air, and Eulailia knew she needed to choose her words carefully.

“Well, Commander,” Eulailia began, as she coughed slightly, trying to steady her voice “I’ve observed how you lead the crew with a balance of decisiveness and compassion. You understand the importance of each member’s role and the dynamics aboard the Asimov. I believe that your support would carry weight when proposing such a transition to Captain Kiernan. I’ve been studying the ship’s protocols, the past incidents, and emergency response procedures. I want to be an asset in anticipating potential threats and dealing with them effectively.” She hesitated for a moment, then continued, “And besides, you’ve been in my position before, rising through the ranks. Your experience and guidance would be invaluable as I navigate this transition. I’m not looking for an easy path; I’m looking for an opportunity to prove myself and contribute more actively to the ship’s operations.”

There was another pause, then Eulailia pressed on, “I understand the gravity of the responsibility I’m asking for. It’s not just about me; it’s about the entire crew. I want to contribute to the Asimov in a way that makes a real difference. If you vouch for me, I’ll work tirelessly to earn that trust every single day.” She clasped her hands together nervously as she waited for Shara to respond.

Lieutenant Dacascos
(Chief Operations Officer)