Posted by Captain Iphigenia Henao (Commanding Officer) in Story Conclusion - Debrief with the Admiral [Tag Iphigenia]

Posted by Commander Oliver Loughty (Executive Officer) in Story Conclusion - Debrief with the Admiral [Tag Iphigenia]

Posted by Captain Iphigenia Henao (Commanding Officer) in Story Conclusion - Debrief with the Admiral [Tag Iphigenia]
Posted by… suppressed (1) by the Post Ghost! 👻
“Captain, Commander, the RTF is tasked with a highly important and sophisticated role, and I can’t have my officers going off half-cocked, or captains disregarding their duties by leading away missions. We’re not Kirks,” the admiral declared firmly. He sighed, addressing Iphigenia and Oliver directly.

“Iphigenia, Oliver, I am pleased that you were able to recover most of your crew alive and well, but please, I don’t want to make this a regular occurrence. You’re both brilliant officers, and I can, for now, let this one slide. However, I expect full reports from both of you. Additionally, the Leviathan is to return to Hades. You’re long overdue for a dry dock maintenance overhaul.”

Oliver listened intently to Admiral Dacascos’s stern words, feeling a mixture of relief and apprehension. He exchanged a quick glance with Captain Henao, recognizing the gravity of the situation. He mentally noted the admiral’s directive regarding the dry dock maintenance overhaul. It was a necessary step, albeit an inconvenient one given their current circumstances. Nonetheless, Oliver knew the importance of keeping their ship in top condition, especially after the recent ordeal.

The mention of the Leviathan returning to Hades for maintenance triggered a barely concealed scowl. The idea of her ship being confined to a dry dock felt like a personal affront, a restriction on her ability to plunge headfirst into the unknown.

Iphigenia absorbed Admiral Dacascos’s words with a nod, her jaw set in a firm line. She respected the chain of command, but her rebel spirit stirred within her against the constraints imposed by protocol. She resisted the urge to bristle at the comparison to Kirk, knowing all too well the reputation of the legendary captain as a maverick who defied convention. As the admiral concluded his remarks, she couldn’t help but feel the weight of frustration settling on her shoulders. “Understood, Admiral. I just want it to be on record that Commander Loughty advised against me leading the away team, as did Lieutenant Commander Magnusson. However, I felt the mission was simple enough, and that we would be able to land, gather our data, and return to the ship within a matter of days,” she replied, her tone clipped but respectful. “Obviously, that didn’t happen, sir.” Iphigenia ran a hand through her hair in a gesture of frustration. The adrenaline from their recent mission still pulsed through her veins, and the prospect of bureaucratic hurdles and routine maintenance grated against her instincts.

The Admiral nodded, his expression stern. “Captain, you have fine officers serving with you. You should learn to heed their advice. I know this is your first command, Iphigenia, and I want you to succeed at it. Your crew will operate best when you learn not to be so defiant and to use your position to override the advice of your most senior officers. Thankfully, Commander Oliver stayed behind and led the crew admirably, thus able to get you and the away team back on the ship. Our protocols are defined for a reason.”

Iphigenia simply nodded, her frustration evident in her demeanor. “Understood, Admiral.”

Dacascos looked at her for a moment, then said, “Very well. When you reach Hades, you should consider taking some downtime. The next mission is never that far off.”

Iphigenia turned her head to Oliver and said, “Commander, would you inform the crew we will be heading to Hades?”

Oliver nodded and quickly exited the room to enact the Captains orders moments later his voice came across the ships internal communication network. After their brief discussion with Admiral Dacascos, Oliver emerged from the captain’s ready room and entered the Command Information Center (CIC). “Open a ship-wide communication,” he directed the communications officer on duty. Stepping up to the holographic display table, he rested his hands lightly upon it.

=^= Attention all crew members, Prepare all stations for dry dock. We are returning to Hades, where the Leviathan will undergo routine maintenance. Please ensure your duty logs and personal logs are completed and ready for transmission to the Hades central database. Additionally, all department heads are to implement reduced working hours to allow the crew extra downtime. Once docked, the crew will be granted five days of shore leave. Department heads should gather volunteers to remain on board to assist the starbase engineers. Loughty out. =^=

The ship-wide announcement from Oliver regarding the return to Hades and the subsequent orders did little to soothe her restlessness. She leaned against the holographic display table in the ready room, contemplating her plans for the shore leave. The prospect of reviewing reports and conducting system checks clashed with her desire for freedom and spontaneity.

After a short Pause Oliver returned. “We should be back at Hades in four days at warp 6, what do you plan on doing in your time off?” He asked.

Commander Oliver Loughty
Executive Officer
USS Leviathan

Iphigenia considered her options. She had been longing for some time to unwind and recharge, especially after the intensity of their recent mission. However, duty still called, and she knew there were tasks she couldn’t afford to delay. “I’ll likely spend some time reviewing the ship’s systems and catching up on personal correspondence,” Iphigenia replied thoughtfully, her mind already organizing her priorities. “But I’ll make sure to carve out some time for relaxation as well. What about you? What are you and Hazel going to do once we reach Hades?”

Captain Henao
(Commanding Officer)

Oliver considered Iphigenia’s question for a moment, tapping his fingers lightly against the edge of the holographic display table. “Well, I’m sure Hazel will have a few ideas,” he began with a smile.

“As for me,” he continued, “I’ll probably catch up on some reading, maybe spend some time in the holodeck. And, of course, I’ll make sure to check in with the engineering team and see how they’re faring with the maintenance work.”

“I’m sure Hazel wouldn’t mind you joining us for a holodeck session or a meal, Hades has a few lovely dining areas and an arcade of all things.” He explained.

Commander Oliver Loughty
Executive Officer
USS Leviathan

Iphigenia smiled as she listened to Oliver’s plans for his and Hazel’s downtime upon reaching Hades. While the idea of relaxation was welcome and appealing she knew her responsibilities extended to various administrative tasks and some meetings.
“Thank you for the invitation, Oliver,” she replied, her tone measured. “I do have some pressing matters to attend to, however, I believe I can carve out a short break to join you and Hazel for a meal or a holodeck session.”
She considered the workload that awaited her upon their arrival at Hades. There were reports to review, crew evaluations to conduct, and strategic discussions to be had with her senior officers. Every moment of downtime was precious.
“Let’s plan to meet once we’ve settled in at Hades,” she said, a faint smile tugging at the corners of her lips. “I am looking forward to hanging out with you both.”

Captain Henao
(Commanding Officer)

“I don’t think I need to remind you that you should rest as much as work, work hard and play hard” he said with a smile. “I’ll put something in your diary then.” Oliver let out a long heavy sigh. “We really dodged a bullet there.”

Commander Oliver Loughty
Executive Officer
USS Leviathan