Posted by Lieutenant Robert Mason (Incoming Chief Engineer) in USS Calypso- Transitions

Posted by Gamemaster Mischief Maker (Gamemaster/Fate bringer) in USS Calypso- Transitions

(snp)

The bag just wouldn’t close, no matter how much he forced it to. He knew why. He had used this luggage to move onto Calypso nearly four years ago, and since then, there was one new item he had acquired that took up significant volume. Perhaps he could fit it in if he repacked everything, but the chime told him there wasn’t going to be time.

“Come,” he said in response to the chime.

Dira slipped in and said nothing at first, choosing to assess where he was at first.

His back was to the door, but he knew who it was without looking. He knew it was safe to pull this particular item out with her present. Even if he was wrong about the visitor, it was still safe, because there was absolutely nothing that anyone on this ship could possibly do to prevent Lieutenant Robert Mason’s recent appointment as the USS Ogawa’s Chief Engineer. Not when his transport was waiting.

Bob finally put the bag back down on the sofa, and pulled out the dartboard. Standing perfectly upright, he turned to face Dira at the door while holding it against his chest, the face of Commander Franks looking straight at her, vaguely confused, jaw hanging agape, pockmarked by heavy use as the target over the past year. It was quite the contrast to the smirk the engineer gave her in greeting.

“Should I let it go?”

– Robert Mason, CE

It took all of her willpower not to bust out laughing, though she wanted to. After all, she was an executive officer now and it wouldn’t do to be seen encouraging conflict amongst crew members. Then again, this was no longer her ship and she and Mason were no longer its crew. She let out a small snort and shook her head before giving him an amused look.

“In my professional opinion? Yes. We’re moving on. Let’s leave that particular bit behind us, shall we?”

He gave her an exaggerated pout. “You’re no fun anymore, Commander.” He placed the dartboard on the coffee table, the only item left in the room that was not standard issue. Pay it forward, he thought.

“It’s that heavy, heavy weight of a third full pip,” she deadpanned. “Why do you think I’m bringing you along? Someone has to keep me on my toes.”

“You ready Bob?” Dira asked, eager to get underway. It was going to be a few days before they reached Starbase 157 and while she could use that time to finish reading up, she was simply eager to start her new assignment- such as it was. After all, they technically had no ship for the next while.

Commander Myqian, XO

The bag now closed with ease. Bob slung it over his shoulder.

“Yep. Let’s go.”

With a brisk nod, Myqian pivoted on the ball of her foot and moved to the door.

He allowed her to exit first, and then in the hallway he walked with her side by side, with her on his right.

“Red suits you,” he said as they were on their way down the corridor. Nobody else was in sight on this deck at this time, which struck him as a little odd but not that surprising. Then it occurred to him: would there be a send off? He hoped not.

— Robert Mason, CE

She meandered, despite her eagerness to disembark because Dira realized that this would be her last impression of the ship and she wanted to soak it all in. It was sad, to a point, but much like she knew Bob was ready for more, so was she.

Reaching the transporter room, Dira couldn’t help but grin as she realized there was more than one person in there. At least it was a crowd though. Her mind sensed the very familiar presence of her close friend and their commanding officer.

The door slid open and Captain Siterra was there waiting. “Elise,” she said, still grinning. “I thought we did all the farewell stuff earlier.

Siterra shrugged. “Hey, call me sentimental, but it feels like the end of an era. We’re going to miss you,” she said, embracing the psychiatrist turned XO.

“Stay strong,” Dira said with a waggle of her brow. “And know if I could have stayed, I would have,” she added rather cryptically.

The captain snorted. “Don’t I know it.” She offered her hand to Robert. “Mason… good luck. The Ogawa is lucky to have you.”

“Or what remains of it anyway,” Myqian said, managing a straight face.

Commander Myqian, XO