Posted by Captain Willow Taylor (Commanding Officer) in Office: CO

Posted by Lieutenant Commander Amari Brooks (Executive Officer) in Office: CO

Posted by Captain Willow Taylor (Commanding Officer) in Office: CO
Posted by… suppressed (7) by the Post Ghost! 👻
The transition was less than smooth. Commander Brooks had managed to trek herself and a ticked off 15 yo, and all their worldly possessions, halfway across the galaxy. As if a six hour shuttle ride wasn’t bad enough, try doing it with a teenager who feels compelled to sigh heavily every 30 seconds or so. But at least they weren’t fighting… anymore.

The unpacking would have to wait. They had their own family suite on the officer’s deck and it was the nicest place they had lived in awhile. That seemed to soften Sadee a bit. She still said little to her mother as the teen began to quietly unpack her belongings.

“Well, I’m going to the Captain’s office to report in. Wish me luck?” Amari asked, hoping to get at least a modicum of support.

“Ugh,” Sadee sighed. “Mom, you know as well as I do, you don’t need any luck,” she replied while throwing her mini PaDD onto her bed.

Amari supposed that was the best she was going to get, though she was actually somewhat surprised to her that much. “Thank you. I love you, Princess.”

“Don’t call me that,” was the only reply she got.

Amari turned and made a mental note to set up family counseling sessions.

Several minutes later and Commander Brooks found her way to the captain’s office door. She took a moment to look at her dark caramel complexion in the reflection of the bulkhead panel, smooth a few stray baby hairs at her hairline, and was pleased that she had decided to go with a tight bun. It made her look more severe than she really was. She smoothed the front of her uniform down in a well practiced Picard maneuver and activated the chime.

-Lt. Cmdr. Brooks, XO

There were noises of a slightly heated discussion inside the Captain’s office. At the noise of the chime the voices stopped and after a few seconds the door swished open. And Brooks would find herself face to face with tall hooded teen with electric blue hair. The boy stared at her a moment and raised one pierced eyebrow as he chewed the ring in his lip and considered her intently before turning his head and glancing behind him said, “Will, some woman in red to see you.” Turning back to Brooks he smiled charmingly a moment and said. “Excuse me Commander.” Before moving by her and slouching off his hood up and hands in the pockets of his dark jeans. The throb of music emanated from him dulled through the ever present earbuds he wore.

Immediately looking irritated Willow appeared after him in the door way and scowled at his retreating form, she schooled her expression carefully and quickly and smiled somewhat embarrassed at Brooks.

“My apologies, Commander Brooks? I’ve been expecting you. Please come inside.” She moved to let the woman by her.

Willow Taylor
CO

Commander Brooks smiled in understanding. She didn’t know who the young man was, but she could definitely relate to having a skulking teen around. She stepped just inside. She didn’t exactly snap to attention, but stood tall and respectfully. “Lt. Commander Amari Brooks, reporting for duty,” she wasn’t sure here if she should say sir or ma’am, so she settled for, “Captain.” She was a pleasant and friendly looking woman. She had dark caramel skin and large almond shaped eyes. Her jet black hair was pulled neatly into a bun at the crown of her head. Her voice was soft and feminine yet there was no waiver, no doubt. “I am looking forward to serving aboard such a distinguished vessel and with you, Captain.”

-Lt. Cmdr. Brooks, XO

Willow smiled and indicated the chair before her desk. “Please have a seat, can I offer you something to drink?” She replicated some ice tea for herself and waited for the woman’s response.

“A chamomile tea would be lovely, thank you.” She took the offered seat and sat up straight her hands folded on her knees.

Walking back to the desk she sat down and gave Brooks an appraising look. “I feel that I should tell you we haven’t had much luck in keeping our XO for very long on the Ogawa. Personal and family situations and other duties and assignments have been an issue. I am seeking consistency and someone who is medically trained. I must say Commander, you come highly recommended and with a glowing set of references.”

Amari smiled. She had worked hard for that glowing set of references. “Thank you, Captain.”

She sipped the drink. “How was your journey?”

Willow Taylor
CO

“Well, Captain,” she began, wondering exactly how much she should share, “you know how those long transport rides can be. Somewhat boring. Thankfully I had an angry 15 year old to keep me entertained.” She gave a soft chuckle.

-Lt. Cmdr. Brooks, XO

“Mmm!” Willow said around a mouthful of her own drink and held a slender hand up as if to stop the woman while she swallowed the ice tea, “I sympathise wholeheartedly my trip to the Ogawa was exactly the same. I was convinced however that My angry 16 year old would burst his ear drums if he tried to tune me out any longer with the earbuds and mini padd.” She smiled.

Willow Taylor
CO

Amari was pleasantly surprised. “Ugh,” she exclaimed somewhat relaxing now and sipping her tea,” mini padds. Worst invention ever. Sometimes I can’t tell if she is actually listening to something or just ignoring me. I swear those batteries last forever.” She laughed. “Forgive me Captain, I was unaware that you had children. I must say that makes me feel much better. Sadee can be a… handful.”

-Lt. Cmdr. Brooks, XO

The easy nature of the conversation took Willow slightly by surprise and she found herself rpnodding enthusiastically. “I know right? I mean if we could power out ships with that we would never run out, ever.” She sipped and smiled slightly woefully. “Technically. Cai is my brother, our parents were killed when he was young and we have no other family so I have basically raised him. all the parental duties and the sibling angst added in,”

Willow Taylor
CO

Amari stiffened slightly, unwittingly she had maneuvered into very personal territory that usually wasn’t proper when speaking with your commanding officer. Especially when you first meet. But Amari liked this woman, she felt very at ease very quickly. “Oh, I’m so sorry. That must have been very difficult. But I can relate. I lost my husband a little over 13 years ago. Being a single mother, raising two daughters and juggling a career. It hasn’t always been easy. Actually, I don’t think it’s ever been easy.” She smiled warmly. “I’m just thankful for this opportunity. I think the Ogawa will be a great place for Sadee to come into her own. I hope so anyway.”

-Lt. Cmdr. Brooks, XO