Posted by Fleet Captain Alexander Cochrane (Commanding Officer) in Arrival - USS Manhattan

Posted by Lieutenant Ben Hudson (Chief Medical Officer) in Arrival - USS Manhattan

Posted by Fleet Captain Alexander Cochrane (Commanding Officer) in Arrival - USS Manhattan

<SNIP>

“Ahh, high praise from a Brit.” Mark replied, clasping Ben’s hand before Ben turned to leave the shuttle. “Say, once you’re done on the holodeck, let me know if you want to grab a beer.”

“Sounds good, although mine will be a gin and tonic!” Ben said, as he stepped on to his new ship. He wondered to himself what was in store for him during this assignment. He missed being close to home, but that paled into insignificance compared to the excitement he had for being back among the stars.

Lt Hudson
CMO

A lone figure strode towards the shuttle. A human male dressed in the red of Command, he was a young-ish man with dark hair and piercing blue eyes. He smiled as he approached, and as he neared the four gold pips with a solid gold bar underneath denoting Fleet Captain could be seen on his collar.

As Ben headed for the exit from the shuttle bay, he noticed the figure walk toward him. The lighting, slightly dimmed as no-one was in the hanger conducting maintenance on the shuttles, made it difficult to distinguish the pips, although the blood red of the uniform could be seen. It was only when Ben was in a couple of paces that he could start to distinguish the four pips and bar.

He held out his hand and said “Lieutenant Hudson, I presume?” His voice was a rich baritone and had a slight British accent. “Fleet Captain Alexander Cochrane. Welcome aboard, Doctor.”

Cochrane, CO

“Fleet Captain,” Ben said in way of greeting, whilst he shook Alex’s hand. “Thank you, it’s a real privilege to be onboard. Although next time, I will probably wait on the station rather than catch a 3 day shuttle.” he said with a grin.

“If at all possible, I would recommend it as well.” Cochrane said with a smile.

“And tell me, do you usually personally welcome your crew aboard when the arrive?” He asked. Whilst Ben had a number of questions, this was the one he was most curious about. It was the first time he had seen that done and it wasn’t something that was expected, but it was a small touch that had immediately made Ben warm to the Fleet Captain.

Lt Hudson
CMO

“Honestly, I do try. That way if I don’t like you, your ride is just right there.” Cochrane said with a grin and a chuckle and a short nod to the shuttle. “Now I know you have been wedged into the shuttle for a few days. Would you like to stretch your legs and see the ship? Or we can meet later in my Ready Room if you’d like to settle in a bit first. Up to you.”

Cochrane, CO

Ben smiled in response to Alex’s grin. “I suppose the downside is that it gives me chance to escape on the shuttle before I’ve even thought about unpacking,” he retorted. “Although it would take something pretty bad to get me back on that shuttle any time soon.” He said with a slight grimace, whilst stretching his back. “So, given that I’m up for staying on board, a good leg stretch would be most welcome; although would you mind if we went via my quarters first?” He asked, nudging his shoulder upwards to give his duffle bag a slight shake.

Lt Hudson
CMO