Posted by Lieutenant Jahok (Chief of Security / RTF Commander) in Arriving at Starbase 243 - The New COS Reporting for Duty (Tag XO)

Posted by Commander Nivor Rhansi (Executive Officer) in Arriving at Starbase 243 - The New COS Reporting for Duty (Tag XO)

Posted by Lieutenant Jahok (Chief of Security / RTF Commander) in Arriving at Starbase 243 - The New COS Reporting for Duty (Tag XO)
Posted by… suppressed (2) by the Post Ghost! 👻
ooc: Sorry, this got away from me.

ic:
The shuttle ride to starbase 243 was uneventful, and painfully tense. For the duration of the trip, Jahok found himself imagining various attacks and emergencies and how he would respond to each. Battle strategies for shuttlecraft, unfortunately, were dreadfully limited and most of Jahok’s fantasies ended with the destruction of the craft. Imagined depressing outcomes were no relief for the unsettling silence between the crafts two occupants. It would take a very brave man to break the silence, and a wise man to say the right words. Jahok was neither, and his shame compelled him to image even more depressing battle scenarios.

When starbase 243 came into view on the shuttle screen, the tension shifted. Whether good or bad, Jahok couldn’t say, but his gut said that it was relief. Their long and uneventful journey had come to an end. Jahok turned to Savoh who clutched his single bag of luggage to his chest as though it were a life-line. Jahok had his mother’s belongings packed and placed with the rest of the luggage. Perhaps one day, when time has eased the pain of loss, those possessions will inspire happier memories.

Jahok hailed the station, “Shuttlecraft Explorer to Starbase 243, requesting permission to dock,” The words felt sticky and wrong in his mouth. He had not spoken since he requested permission to leave the Zanzibar dockingbay. A cheerful voice came over the intercom and directed them of their landing pad before wishing them a good day. The docking and check in procedures were a welcome distraction. Jahok moved on autopilot through all the required checks-ins and security points until they were free of the space dock and in the station proper.

“Would you prefer to settle into our temporary living arrangements aboard the starbase or-” Savoh cut him off with a curt nod of his head. Jahok nodded his head in return, even as unease settled into his gut. “This way, then.” Their temporary living arrangements were not far, and close to where the Leviathan was docked. Nothing they were not used to, only two rooms a bathroom and small communal gathering place. Once let inside, Savoh darted into the closest room and shut the door behind himself. Worry and concern warred against each other but Jahok had a duty to perform. It wouldn’t be wise to push Savoh. If they boy needed space then Jahok shall give it to him.

Still, Jahok spoke through the door before he left, “Savoh, I must go report to my commanding officer. Please do not hesitate to contact me, I shall not be gone for long.”

Jahok sent a quick message to XO Rhanzi about his arrival and made his request for a meeting. While waiting for a response Jahok attempted to find his composure at the bottom of a decorative koi pond. The colorful fish darting about in the shallow but serene waters eased some of nerves. Unfortunately it could not do much more.

Lt Jahok, CoS/RTF Commander

Nivor scanned through an inventory of food products for delivery to the mess hall, double checking for accuracy. He compared the list on the display to one on his PADD and finally nodded, then pressed the button to accept the supplies. He rubbed the inside of his cheek with his tongue, feeling the hardness of the breather on the outside of it through the layers of skin. It was always strangely comforting feeling it there; what had started as a somewhat nervous tic now settled him.

The terminal beeped and he swiped to pull up the incoming message. Ah, our new security chief, he thought, eyes sweeping the brief message. The man was not due to board until tomorrow, but today would be good for a meeting. Nivor noted the message was sent from one of the common areas on the station - a decent meeting place, actually. He sent a response that he would meet the Klingon there shortly.

He stood and stretched - he needed to get out anyway. Too many reports. He hated starbase time - it always meant so much desk time. He ran through lists in his head ashe left.

A few minutes later he entered the common area and looked about for the new officer. He knew both of them would stand out - probably the only Klingon and the only Barzan on the station. The ridged forehead and Nivor’s prominent brow and breathers made both of them unique. He finally spotted the man near the koi pond and approached, straightening his red-clad top.

“Lieutenant Jahok?” he greeted, before extending his hand. “I’m Commander Rhansi.” He gestured to a table. “Join me for a drink?”

XO Rhansi

Jahok straightened at the sound of name. He was dressed in in a crisp Starfleet uniform, but lacked the warrior’s sash that serving Klingons often elected to wear. Though, there was no mistaking him as Klingon with his dark skin, prominent forehead crest and thick black hair. “Commander, it his an honor to meet you.” Jahok returned the handshake with a firm grip. “A drink would be great.” A cup of warm tea would be more than welcome. Klingon teas replicated well. Jahok followed Nivor to a near-by lounge and took a seat to the commander’s right.

“Bahgol, extra hot” Jahork said to the waiter that steeped forward and nodded his thanks. Once their orders were made and the waiter goneJahok turned towards Nivor, “As I understand. . . your ship suffered heavy losses. You have my condolences.” Jahok was unable to receive any details prior to his arrival, but he knew how to read between the lines of what little information he was given.

Lt Jahok, CoS/RTF Commander

“I’ll have an Andorian punch, please,” Nivor requested from the waiter.

“I was just assigned to Leviathan,” he said, turning back to the Klingon. “But yes, the ship lost several crew members on her last mission, including her captain and first officer.”

He paused, taking a deep breath across his breathers, the familiar metallic taste of the altered air calming him as he let the information settle before continuing. “You will be the new Recovery Task Force Commander - I assume you’ve been briefed on the RTF?”

XO Rhansi

To lose so many crew members, of any rank, was tragic, and the Leviathan had his sympathy. Jahok will allow his officers time to mourn as they need. Hopefully difficult times will strengthen their wills and their resolve for the missions to come. “As much as I could be briefed over subspace.” Jahok answered, “I was told the remainder of the briefing is to be accessed from my office aboard the Leviathan.” Given what Jahok knows about the Leviathan. . . he understood why security was so tight. “I have familiarized myself with containment procedures and your weapon arsenals. Once I am settled aboard and have my access codes I will review all important files.” Jahok was, if not obvious by now, an efficient man who prepared for the worst and planned for the best.

Lt Jahok, CoS/RTF Commander

Rhansi nodded. “Then you probably have the lay of things,” he said as the server returned with their drinks. He sipped the bright punch, letting the coolness and tang wash over his mouth.

His mind suddenly returned to the previous topic and he shifted in his seat. “And my apologies - you have had a loss of your own crewmembers recently as well, I read in your file. My sincerest condolences. I understand you have adopted one of your fellow officer’s children?” This tugged at a part of his soul in a way he hadn’t felt in many years. He missed many things about Barzan culture, and that thread of duty above all he could feel in this gesture from one officer to another now parted.

XO Rhansi