Posted by Ensign Rika Nishizumi (Doctor) in Step Into The Light - Out and bout (OPEN side sim)

Posted by Lieutenant Maria Beckett (Chief of Security) in Step Into The Light - Out and bout (OPEN side sim)
The U.S.S. Memorial, a dedication, a reminder. Built out of the fires the first encounters with the Flea’tans in 2390. A proud, noble ship, dedicated to standing up, and pushing back. Lieutenant Beckett looked on, studying the Federation battlecruiser, her new assignment. Dressed in a solid black uniform she sighed, shaking her head. Reaching up she tapped the shoulder section of the uniform which quickly shifted to Operations Gold.

Years of Intel training and work, a couple turns as Strategic Operations Officer for the Pioneer Fleet. It wasn’t the career track she’d imagined when setting out. Getting into the shadow work, the tradecraft. But it proved to be as challenging and exhilarating as anything she’d ever done. While the post had only given her status officially as a lieutenant, and on paper she might have been an ‘analyst’ or ‘liaison’ … it was her recommendation and directives that moved ships, altered defenses, and moved manpower and supplies.

This, of course, was a completely different kind of posting. Closer to what she’d dreamed of when first joining. It had its own kind of prestige, and while the influence wielded was lessened, it afforded it’s own opportunities, both timely and unique. Oh, she still worked for a certain portion of Starfleet. Officially , she was taking on the Chief of Security position there. But it was an advanced, combined role, taking on that of Chief Tactical Officer, and Chief Intelligence Officer, rolled into one burrito. Many ships doubled up, or even put all three together. Depending on their crew count. But this wasn’t a matter of necessity. The Memorial was different, as the position was reserved for more seasoned officers. It was a good fit for her career track, and a side-step back into the light.

Making her way to the turbolifts from the observation deck, she slipped in. =^=U.S.S. Memorial gangway.=^= The turbolift gave an acknowledging beep and dropped several decks, then began rushing toward the ship.

The Memorial had been docked for a few days, but most of the crew had rotated off. New crew rotations were set to start soon. Maria wanted to get aboard, get settled, and up to speed before that happened. Thankfully, there were only about two hundred fifty new faces to look after, rather than a few thousand. A double-beep caught her attention as the lift slowed. The doors opened, spilling her out into a general space designed for moving passengers and physical cargo.

Ahead she spotted a female officer in Operations Gold with a PADD, overseeing the loading of several large crates. Maria made her way closer, then fished a thin, narrow PADD out of her pocket, nestled next to the pocket phaser she carried out of habit.

“Good morning, Lieutenant,” NE Donnely said brightly.
“Morning. Lieutenant Beckett reporting in for the first time.” She presented the PADD. “My transfer orders, Quartermaster.”
Donnely took the device and scanned it’s contents, then nodded. Swiping a stylus, she copied the transfer orders to her larger PADD and then sent that onto the ship’s central computer. “Arrival noted and logged. Welcome to the Memorial, ma’am. Looking forward to working with you.”
“You too.”

Maria brushed past the younger officer and made her way into the airlock and then deeper in. As soon as she could she stopped to take in the scents and sounds of the ship, feeling it’s warp core, practically asleep for now, vibrating the decking.

What new adventures, challenges, and crises awaited? Only time would tell. Moving deeper in, she headed for the ship’s dedicated turbolifts.

((OOC: This is intended to be an open thread for anybody that wants to ‘bump into’ the new COS in the halls and spaces of the ship for a less formal meet and greet.))

Rika had only just returned from the business meeting her grandfather had asked her to attend as a representative of the Nishizumi Company. Being asked to represent the family company wasn’t anything new, but it was always intimidating. Just because she was heir to one of the biggest companies in the quadrants. didn’t mean she was always going to do well. However it had proved most profitable for the young ensign. Several thousand tons of goods shifted and an exclusive contract achieved. She had surpassed what she had been asked to do, and was happy that her Grandfather found her efforts impressive.

All she wanted to do was get some sleep and ready herself for her new missions. She walked along the empty corridors, her head buried in the PaDD she held. Her black heels clicked every now and then. She couldn’t wait to get out of her form fitting black dress and into something a bit more comfortable. She was so buried in her Padd that she didn’t see the new COS until she literally crashed into her.

Rika picked herself up and bowed to the COS. “I’m so sorry. I wasn’t looking where I was going. Are you Ok Ma’am,” she asked, shame clear in her voice.

Ensign Nishizumi (Doctor)

The Lieutenant offered Rika a hand and helped her to her feet. The Ensign was half her age almost, an inch taller, and weighed almost nothing as she was skinny as a rail. Was she even old enough to be out of the Academy? She had the pips and wore Sciences blues. Smart girl. Fitting, she supposed. “Oh, I’m fine, Ensign. I’ve had far worse for the wear.” A warm smile blossomed across her face. Lieutenant Maria Beckett,” she supplied, offering her right hand for a shake. If taken, it would be with a firm grip, quick shake. The Lieutenant had the weight of muscle and the physique of a female human who engaged in frequent vigorous physical training, with just enough softness to power those muscles, filling her out well. She had thirty-five to forty pounds on the girl. “I’ll be your Chief of Security for this cruise if all things line up right. I apologize. I haven’t familiarized myself with everyone on the roster yet. And you would be…”

Lt Beckett, COS