Posted by Captain Kelly Bordeaux (Commanding Officer) in [Pre-Sim] CO’s Ready Room: Emerson Reporting In

Posted by Lieutenant Commander Audrey Emerson (Chief Science Officer) in [Pre-Sim] CO’s Ready Room: Emerson Reporting In
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 box 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

“Easy-to-please houseguest my arse. You know you really don’t inspire trust or faith if someone comes in and sees you dead,” Kelly said adjusting a leaf on a succulent that now resembled more of a mushy brown splotch versus a firm green extension of the plant. The truth was Kelly’s thumb was anything but green even with something as sure-fire as a succulent. Hearing the chime she replied, “Come,” adjusting a photo in front of the plant hoping it was hidden enough.

Kelly Bordeaux CO

The word was all it took for Audrey to walk through the sliding doors of the Captain’s Ready Room. Looking around, she was now very aware of her own movements. Why was she so nervous again? She had done this three other times before but somehow it never got easier.

As Audrey’s mind went on a little tour of its own, she finally settled her gaze on the other woman in the room. She smiled. Was it a polite smile? Did she look like an idiot? Emerson tried to control the muscles around her lips but she was sure she was only making it worse. Shaking her head slightly and regaining her composure in such a way that she hoped had gone unnoticed, Audrey stepped towards the Atlantis’s Captain.

“Captain Bordeaux, it’s so nice to finally meet you.” She held out a hand for her to shake if she so wished. “I’m Lieutenant Commander Audrey Emerson, your new Chief Science Officer.” Of course you are. She knows that! Came her brain’s immediate response. Emerson ignored it. “Here are my transfer orders Ma’am.” She said as she offered Bordeaux a PaDD. Trying her best to keep a professional smile on her face, Audrey hoped she looked more like someone with almost a decade of experience on the job and less like an Ensign fresh out of the Academy. The truth was that she had always been a horrible conversation starter, but she also knew that once conversation started flowing, she would ease into it. At the moment, however, her hands were shaky and her palms were getting sweaty, and Audrey hoped it didn’t show.

Lt. Cmdr. Emerson, CSO