Posted by Captain Marceau Renault (Commanding Officer) in 0700 Boarding and Supply - Kelleher Arrives

Posted by Lieutenant Logan Kelleher (Chief Engineer) in 0700 Boarding and Supply - Kelleher Arrives

Posted by Captain Marceau Renault (Commanding Officer) in 0700 Boarding and Supply - Kelleher Arrives
Posted by… suppressed (17) by the Post Ghost! 👻
0630 - Starfleet Tarmac San Francisco

“It’s from this very spot that the last of the crew and supplies for Starfleets latest ship, the Starship Sojourner, will depart to rendezvous in space dock before the ship departs on a mission of adventure and exploration.”

The camera was squarely focused on the reporter who was lit by the bright morning sun with San Francisco bay behind him, visible past the expanse of tarmac on which lay a number of shuttles that were being loaded for departure to the Sojourner with the last of the supplies for the months ahead of the crew.

“Fitted with the latest technology and systems ands with the best of Starfleet on her Crew, the Sojourner will range further and farther into the space beyond our solar system. Making her mark on history and the future of her species.”

Behind him, a large man with broad shoulders came into the shot wheeling what looked to be a sack trolley towards one of the shuttles. On it, was a large device that was painted in bright colours with a glass lid, and looked much like an old fashioned juke box. One of the men by the shuttle turned and looked at the large fellow, then at a clipboard he was holding, then back up at the man.

“The crew have been meticulously selected, hand picked and rigorously screened and are the very best that Starfleet has. The creme of the crop.”

Gently placing the sack trolley down, the large man lifted his hands in a clear expression of innocence and wonder as the clipboard man walked towards him, holding up his hand and waving the clipboard at him while shaking his head.

“All of them are the ultimate professionals and have worked hard to get Starfleet to where it is today. Guided by our Vulcan friends and paving the way into the stars for humankind to spread our wings and be the very best, that we can be.”

The large man seemed to laugh a moment, then pause and point his finger at himself as the clipboard man reached him. Violently shaking his head, the large man turned and pointed at another man maybe a hundred yards away, motioning to him as if that man was important. Folding his arms, the large man nodded as the clipboard man pointed at the one he had been shown, then held up his hand and pointed to the ground. The large man nodded and pointed to the ground as well, turning slightly as if he was going to stay put.

“The sacrifices they will be making, friends, family, small comforts cannot be underestimated as they soar through space, cannot be underestimated. But sacrifice they have and shall, as they know what is ahead of them and have trained for this moment their entire lives.”

As the clipboard man walked away, the large man watched him. For a few moments nothing else happened, and then the large man exploded into action. He turned and tilted the sack trolley towards him, and then ran with it all the way to the shuttle, looking back once or twice to see if the clipboard man had noticed. He had not. As the large man reached the shuttle, he paused and lifted the device in his arms. As impressive as it was with such a bulky item, it was more impressive when he somehow managed to fit through the doorway with a twist of his torso and backed in, still carrying the device. Sticking his head back out, he waved at the clipboard man who had only just turned around as he walked, then paused as he realized that the large man had disappeared.

“So the crew of the Sojourner, the very best we have, is sent into space. Into the unknown. All of her crew working together as one team, one species after so long we have been divided.”

A large hand raised up and gripped the handhold of the Shuttles door as the clipboard man was now running back towards the ship, and the big hand swung the door closed. Seconds later, the thrusters fired into life and she began to raise gently, slowly from the tarmac.

“They will all be in our hearts and minds, these brave men and women of the SS Sojourner. Best of Starfleet, and pride of Earth.”

With a small woosh the thrusters kicked in, and the shuttle nosed upwards and streaked towards the sky as the reporter turned and watched it fly for a moment. Further back in the distance, the clipboard man came to a stop, looking upwards. Then he threw his clipboard on the ground and rubbed his face with his hands.

“This is Solomon Spinks, reporting for the the Federation News Network. If you would like to know more, click the link below.”

The Federation News Network

Logan stood in the shuttle bay of the Sojourner, adjusting his uniform after stepping out of the shuttle and looking around while the Operations crew rushed to unload the shuttle behind him, to clear it of supplies and then fly it back to Earth to make room for the next few shuttles.

With a contented sigh, he looked up and surveyed the walls of his new ship. Then spread his arms and spoke, not to anyone, but to the ship. “Honey, I’m home! Did you miss me?”

Lt Logan Kelleher, CE

Helena was laying on the deck legs barely visible where she was running a diagnostic on the helm system for Shuttle Pod 1. There was a lot of work going on all over the ship. At the sound of a familiar voice, she grabbed the plating and pulled herself out and sat up. “Nope not at all. Do I even know you?” The serious tone to her voice didn’t even make it past the first word.

The voice made logan drop his arms to his side and turn. Initially, his brow furrowed as he saw no one that matched that voice, at least not the person that he expected to see. Then, he looked down. “Huh,” he grunted and placed his hands on his waist. “You kind of look like a girl I met last night at a bar, and wow did she have moves.” His face was serious, but as he finished the line, he couldn’t help but break into a grin. “You look a little different now though, you got a little, um,” he ran a finger down one cheek, indicating where the grease was on more than just her tank.

Helena reached up with the back of her hand and rubbed at the spot and looked at the dirt and then shrugged with a grin. “Eh, that’s what showers are for.” She grabbed the diagnostic tool and closed the access panel. “If you think I had moves last night, wait till you see what I can do with a ship.”

The top half of her jump suit was tied around her waist, her black tank smudged with dirt and what passed for engine grease. Her blonde hair probably had been in a neat bun, fallen out to a messy one, and now was a haphazard pony tail. She looked up and up at him. “Oh…hey… Kelleher, right? About time you got here.”

Lt Laursen, pilot

“I had to pack a few things,” now the grin got wider and he looked behind him as some techs struggled to carry the juke box out of the shuttle. “I hear you and the Captain came on hours ago. Whereabouts’ is he? Knee deep in procedure and policy?”

“Sure did. He couldn’t wait. Promised him years ago if I was around, I’d fly him up to his first command. As for where he is,” she gave him a look of how am I supposed to know, “I would guess bridge or his ready room.”

“Hmmm,” Logan looked at her and his eyebrow rose ever so slightly. “Probably a good place to check. I should catch up with him before I head to Engineering.”

Holding out a hand, he offered to help Laursen to her feet. “Yeah it’s Kelleher, you wound me that you had to ask.” The smile on his face betrayed any feeling of being wounded he may have had, it just wasn’t his way.

Lt Kelleher, CE

Helena took the offered hand and came to her feet. She grinned, “Just messing, I remember you quite clearly, Logan. You got moves and like to have fun. Looks like we’ll be working together.” She glanced over his shoulder at the techs. “Is that..a juke box?” Her eyes lit up. This assignment was getting better and better.

Lt Laursen, pilot

“What that?” His head tilted towards his shoulder on the side that she had looked, showing that he knew exactly what she was looking at. “Yes, and no. It’s a multi-frequency pattern re-sequencer, and works with rapid audio patterns to produce a wide and varied range of music like patterns. Purely Scientific. At least, that’s what’s on the shipping manifest. The guy controlling the loading thought it was a Juke Box as well, but luckily, we got it on-board without an argument.”

Turning to look at it, he looked back at Laursen and shrugged. “Yeah okay, it’s a Juke Box. The Captain wouldn’t let me bring my bike. The Lounge here is lacking a little, feeling of home. This is my contribution to our new home.”

Lt Kelleher

Helena laughed, “No, I can’t see Captain,” she dropped a little emphasis on the rank, “Renault allowing a bike on board. Too bad though, would be a lot fun.” She bounced on the balls of her feet a couple times looking back at the magical music machine. “Oh, Logan, you do know how to make a girl’s day. I am sure your contribution will be well received.” There were several flirty comments that came to mind, but she at least was on duty. “I’m sure you have plenty to do, and I have to take our two pods out for test flights before we leave space dock. Catch you around later, Logan.” She turned to grab the check list and opened the hatch for the Pod and then stuck her head back out. “Oh if you don’t find Renault in either of those places, try the med bay. He was gushing over it for an hour last night.”

Lt Laursen, pilot

“Yeah that makes sense, all that shiny new medical gear in there would be a private surgeons dream. If he ever goes missing, just check there first and he will probably be waving a light around making sure it all works.” Logan paused and watched Laursen for a moment grinning, then turned and began to make his way to the exit to go find the Captain.

Marceau would rather be ‘gushing over the med bay’ than where he was, which was preparing for the official briefing and, of course to leave, in the ready room. He was sitting over a PaDD, checking off checklists and re-reading his orders from command and the general info about their mission. He would be lying if he said he wasn’t nervous. But he had to try not to show it to the crew.

~ Captain Renault

It didn’t take Logan long to make his way to the CO’s Ready Room, he already knew the layout of the ship and where was what, so he was able to take the quickest route instead of being side tracked. Stepping onto the Bridge to make his way to the Ready Room Logan stopped and noted the activity. Normally when he had been here previously it was a skeleton staff busy programming or running cables. Now, it was uniformed Starfleet ship crew instead of station engineers. Turning to the side, he reached the door to the CO’s office and pressed the chime to announce that the CO had a visitor.

Lt Kelleher

Marceau went to the door and pressed the button to open it. Seeing Logan, he smiled and stepped aside to let his friend enter. “You made it aboard.” He sat back down with his notes and then looked up at Kelleher. “Are you just being sure I know you’re here? Officially reporting in? Or something else?” He asked. “I have four hours before everyone is expected to be aboard and I am to hold a mission brief.”

~ Captain Renault

“Oh that sounds fun,” Logan smiled as he stepped through the door. “Especially with everyone doing their best to try and remember which door leads where and what,” he stopped at the desk but didn’t sit down, instead, he glanced around the room seeing how much Marc had been able to ‘customize’ it in the short time he had been aboard.

He hadn’t, at all, had any time to customize anything. Too busy with… Captainly stuff. And preparing for the briefing. Everything, really.

“I’m just making an appearance and letting you know I made it, officially.” Logan turned back to look at Marc at the desk, “Before I head to Engineering and take stock of what I have to work with. How’s the medical bay on this tin can? Your girlfriend tells me you’ve been gushing over it all morning. Sir.” He added in the last word almost as an afterthought, but grinned all the same.

Lt Kelleher, CE

“Formal check in it is then.” Marceau said, smiling just a bit. Then his smile faded and his faced turned deeply red. “Lieutenant Laursen is not my girlfriend.” Then he sighed slightly, “You know I haven’t dated anyone since Carmen last year.” That breakup hadn’t been pleasant, at all, and Marceau had told Logan about it. “The medical bay is state of the art. I would love to work there, if I weren’t Captain.”

~ Captain Renault

“It’s cool isn’t it?” Logan gushed slightly over the medical bay himself. “Did you see that new imaging machine they installed? When R&D tried to tie it into the main power relay we found it drew too much power to run side by side with the main systems and had to run a whole new relay for it. I can say that the Medical Bay probably has the best power redundancy on the whole ship, thanks to having multiple power lines coming in so if we get any damage, the Medical Bay at least can keep going. Which is great, come to think of it.” He grinned as he shrugged slightly.

Marceau nodded excitedly. “I was once on a ship when we were attacked and sickbay lost power. It’s bad for the patients.” He smiled at Logan, “That ‘new imaging machine’ can take whatever kind of scans we need. CT, MRI, contrast, no contrast, PED scans… Anything we need to scan for we can do with that.”

Skipping to an earlier point Marceau had mentioned, Logan finally sat down. “Have you thought that maybe it’s time you did? Take Laursen on a date I mean,” he explained. “Hear me out before you do the whole bUt i’M A cAptAIn shitck on me. It’s not healthy to be alone, especially after a break up, and at least we got the whole rebound thing out of the way.” He grinned, remembering the whole hooker incident that he had set Marc up on after the break up. “She likes you, she’s fun, and she can dance. What could hurt? Ask her in for dinner in the Captains Quarters, pretend it’s a ‘thing’ you plan to do with the crew to get to know them now and then, and set up some candles and music. Want my “Make it a Great Date playlist?”

Kelleher, CE

Marceau turned bright red at the suggestion of taking Helena on a date. “L-lieutenant Laursen? On a date? What do you mean?” He shook his head at the reminder of the hooker incident. Marceau had definitely not been ready to date again, and it had been quite embarrassing to find out his date was… Well, paid. He looked up at Logan with a blushed, nervous look, “She likes me?” Then he furrowed his brow, “When did you and she dance?”

~ Captain Renault

“Look boss, the dancing’s not important ok, she’s interested, believe me, I have it on good authority from a bartender I know that I’m only, never mind that either, eyes on the prize Cap.” Logan grinned.

“Marc, what happened with your ex is terrible, but it’s time you moved on with your life and not just professionally but with the people around you. You’re a good guy and one of my best friends, and you deserve to be with someone who not only likes you, but loves you and respects you. The two of you have been together for a long damn time, friends, and it’s clear to me she likes you more than you think. Trust me okay, she might be your pilot but I’m your wingman and on this, I’m the Ace here.” To emphasize, he even made a show of one hand chasing another and shooting it down, the aforementioned actions of an ‘Ace’ pilot.

“I have moved on.” Marceau said with a shrug. He grinned and shook his head, “but as much as you’re going to hate heading it, I am a captain now, I have to focus on other things. Duties. The ship.”

“Anything can happen in Starfleet, you and I both know that better than most, it’s life. Don’t let an opportunity to be with someone that truly cares slip by you. Don’t let this be a ‘what if’ scenario where you look back when she’s gone one day and say damn, I should have at least have asked her out. You and Helena are friends first, and you are both adults so, what’s the worst that can happen? She says no and I find you a hooker on the next inhabited planet we visit. That’s it. She’s not going to hold a grudge that you asked her out, I mean if you don’t, someone else here is going to. Trust me.”

Marceau shook his head again. “I made you promise after the last time. No. More. Hookers.” He sighed nervously and looked back at Logan. “It could make things… awkward between us. Ruin our friendship. What would you say then?”

“I had my fingers crossed when you made me promise so it doesn’t count.” Logan winked at Marc and then leaned forward in the chair, placing his elbows on the desk and looking at his friend intently. “I trust you, and even though I’ve known Helena for a day, you call her friend and I trust her because you do. You would never call someone a friend if you didn’t mean it and they weren’t good people. All I’m asking, is that you ask her to dinner, a quiet one, just the two of you. Not to marry her, yet. To be honest if just asking that broke your friendship, neither of you would be the people I know you are, and that’s on me, but it also means that neither of you would deserve each other, would it, to lose a friendship over such a simple question as dinner.”

“Oh, and don’t worry about the dancing, after you left we just danced a little to that Shut Up And Dance With Me song. She’s got some moves by the way and loves her music, but you know her better than me. Ask her out, see what happens. It’s only dinner.”

Logan Kelleher, CE

Marceau nodded. For some reason, he didn’t like the idea of Helena and Logan dancing. “Looking at the calculations, it’ll be thirty days in between now and Wo-our destination. Plenty of time for you to try and match me up.” He said, hoping Logan would drop it, at least for now.

~ Captain Renault

Now Logan smiled. He must have hit something for Marceau to fluster his words like that. Woour wasn’t exactly normal speak even with his accent. “Thirty days the Cap, I’m glad you are considering it, I mean you didn’t say ‘no’ did you.” Then he smirked self satisfied and sat back in his chair.

Marceau probably shouldn’t go telling him the destination before the briefing. Wolf 359, a mining planet. But it was his flusteredness that nearly caused him to give it away. “You aren’t married either, you could focus on your own love life.” Marceau commented.

“Why? Do you know something I don’t?” Logan smirked. “My love life is just fine thanks, there is no rust on this bucket, trust me.”

Marceau decided to drop it. This would be an interesting thirty days if Logan kept trying to talk him into asking Helena to dinner.

“She’s quite a ship, is there anything you need me to know before the briefing Captain?” Logans tone and voice had snapped straight back to that of the Chief Engineer addressing the Captain, a tone that Marc would be familiar with from their time together a few years earlier.

Logan Kelleher, CE

Marceau seemed more comfortable when Logan went back to being official and formal. “Nothing special. The ship is new, there should be no issues. But I know the importance of pre-flight checks, so I’ll expect that done before we leave.” Helena had told him all about preflight checks, both on antique planes and space ships.

~ Captain Renault

“It’ll be done, Cap. There’s a bit to do but most of it is double checking what the yard has already checked. Mostly it’s running up the systems and looking for unexpected readings, but everyone will be on point. We got this.” With that, Logan pushed himself to his feet and adjusted his sleeves. “Anything else you need before I get acquainted with my better half?” He reached out and tapped the wall of the Sojourner for effect.

Logan Kelleher, CE

Marceau smiled. “Non, merci. If you need anything, you’ll be able to find me.” He said, using the French for ‘no, thank you.’ Then his smile turned a little more playful, “And no more comments about what I do or don’t do with my free time.”

~ Captain Renault

“Oh there will be no comments, I promise. Just pure, factual observation like any good scientist should provide. And we are a ship of science and exploration, are we not?”

Logan pushed himself to his feet and adjusted his uniform. “Besides. You said what, not who. Take care Cap! See you around.” Logan turned and quickly made his way to the door, trusting that behind him, Marc would take a second to clock exactly what Logan had just said.

Kelleher, CE