Shock stepped into the conference lounge ten minutes before the hour. The room was still, the hum of the ship’s systems, and the quiet low-frequency whoosh of the fans, the only sounds. He placed the big ceramic teapot he had carried with care onto the side counter, then poured the steeped breakfast tea blend into serving pots. He set them beside the pots of coffee and the water carafes already in place. He thought these small things – rituals if you will – made the table less austere and more welcoming. Even for a Vulcan, this had had logic – it would be beneficial for good discussion and team alliance.

He walked the perimeter once, noting the terminals and screen, then returned to the head of the table. He folded his hands behind his back and allowed himself one long breath.

Two chairs at his left and right sat empty in his mind’s eye: that of the chief engineer and the chief of security. Two key posts had become vacant. In truth, he knew too little of the crew’s lived capabilities to simply assign acting officers. He was still too new. Knowledge would built from observation and record alike. But there had not been enough time for him to do so.

He felt the weariness at the edges. A ship of this class could not run without those posts. The Leviathan’s record showed anomalies could occur at any moment. They would need people who could take the difficult and quick decisions necessary for the security and engineering operations of the ship.

The meeting would begin soon. He wanted to hear what the others thought on solutions. Perhaps someone might step forward; perhaps others might suggest names. Either way, he would listen.

He waited for his senior officers to come.

(OOC: if you’re tagged, I want you in!)

Shock, Captain
Commanding Officer