The first night on board had been uneventful, but a good night’s rest made all the difference after the long journey of the previous day. Skimming through the day’s tasks on her PaDD while drinking her morning coffee, Audrey got ready for the busy day ahead.

Honestly, all she wanted was to check the science labs and her office, but there were more pressing matters than that at the moment. First things first, and the first things were reporting everywhere she was due before starting anything else.

“Meow.” The high pitched complaint came from near the replicator where she had set her new companion’s space for now.

“I know, I know!” Audrey hadn’t decided on a name for him yet, so she referred to him as Kitty whenever necessary, and for now that worked out just fine. She refilled his water bowl and filled his food bowl with the best cat food replicators could make. It smelled better than she had expected. With a soft pat on his head and a little chin rub, Audrey continued. “I’m going to be out for a little bit, but I’ll be back later. You know where the litter is.”

“Meow.” Was the reply.

“I know, Kitty… I know. I’m sorry…”

With a last glance at her quarters and a soft smile at her cat, Audrey was off.

First stop, deck 1, Captain’s Ready Room.

No matter how many times she had done it before, it never got easier. Although, the view to the Bridge as the turbolift’s doors open made it a little better.

With a few confident strides, she walked to the Ready Room’s door, and with a final glance at her uniform and a last check on her braid, Audrey pressed the chime and waited.

Lt. Cmdr. Emerson, CSO