Posted by Gamemaster Robert Archer (GM) in Side Sim - Commander Keali’s Arrival

Posted by Commander Taiya Keali (XO (Incoming)) in Side Sim - Commander Keali’s Arrival

Posted by Captain Chris Taggart (Captain) in Side Sim - Commander Keali’s Arrival
Posted by… suppressed (3) by the Post Ghost! 👻
A single tear rolled down the little girl’s cheek and her grandmother pulled her in close and gave her one final hug. Taiya watched fondly as her parents handed her daughter Laelia an armful of presents. The decision to take this position had not been an easy one for the family and she couldn’t help but feel a pang of guilt and remorse as she watched her little girl wrapped tightly in her mother’s arms.

She peered across at her husband Alex as he loaded the final cases onto the shuttlecraft and gave her a quick nod. As she hoisted her bag up onto her shoulder, she felt a familiar hand rest gently on her shoulder. “It’s not too late to back out…” her father Kaato said with a hopeful smile as Alex came over to join them.

Taiya smiled warmly at her father but firmly shook her head. “Come on father, we’ve had this discussion, it’s a wonderful opportunity and you know I have to take it…” she replied quietly as Alex came and put his arm around here. Kaato nodded in resolution as he gently kissed his daughter on the forehead. “I know button,” he added quietly as he gave her one last hug. He knelt down and beckoned Laelia across with open arms. The little girl ran across and buried her face in his chest with a faint whimper. It had been 8 years since they had moved ships and it was a lot harder to say goodbye than Taiya thought it would be.

The shuttle pilot gave a quick wave to Alex to let him know they were ready to department. Taiya kissed both her parents tenderly on the cheek and picked up her 10 year old daughter, again feeling that guilt as the little girl sobbed. “It’s ok muffin, you’ll be seeing Grandma and Grandad soon…” she reassured Laelia as Alex took Taiya’s bag off her shoulder and slung it over his. They took a moment to have a group hug before heading to the shuttle. As they took off, Laelia frantically waved at the out of the window then came and sat on Taiya’s lap in silence. The little girl was fast asleep before they even left the atmosphere. Holding her tightly with one hand, Taiya reached out for Alex with her other hand and squeezed it, finally allowing herself to shed a tear. They were all exhausted from the bustle of the last few days and quietly nodded off as they headed off on their new adventure.

Several hours later, Taiya felt the unmistakable warm hand of her husband on her shoulder. As her eyes fluttered open, she caught her first glipse of the mighty ship in front of them. “We’re here love,” he said softly as Taiya smiled at her daughter still fast asleep and snuggled up. As they approached the pilot opened a comm channel.

=/\= Shuttlecraft Tigon to USS Chernov, I have Commander Keali and her family on board, permission to dock? =/\= he requested as he prepared the shuttle for docking.

Taiya gently rubbed Laelia’s arm to wake her up. “Wake up muffin, look at our new home,” she whispered as the little girl opened her eyes and then stared in amazement at the Chernov.

Commander Keali (Incoming XO)

[O] Shuttlecraft Tigon, this is the Chernov. Head to shuttle bay one and land. You are free to proceed. Do you need anything upon arrival?[O]

NE Ted Basinger, Comms

The pilot turned to Taiya for a response. She smiled as she watched Laelia jump up and down with excitement as they approached the shuttle bay and leaned in to the comm panel.

[O] A couple of coffees wouldn’t go amiss…and perhaps a sedative for a very excited little girl? [O] she chuckled to herself. [O] Failing that, an orange slusho would suffice if you have one? [O]

Taiya pulled Laelia back onto her lap as they came in to land. “Don’t worry muffin, I know you’re excited but you’ll have plenty of time to explore later!” she grinned as she swept Lia’s hair back and kissed her on the forehead. “Remember what we said though Lia, this is a very busy ship and there won’t be any other children here, you have to behave and listen to what Daddy and I tell you or you’ll get into trouble with Captain Taggart,” she said a little more sternly, keenly aware that it was highly unorthodox for an officer to be permitted to bring their family aboard a battleship. Had it not been for Admiral Armer putting in an impassioned plea on her behalf she would have had to leave them on Betazed.

Lia nodded solemnly with a slight look of sadness that she wouldn’t have any friends her own age but her feelings soon gave way to curiosity. “What’s he like?” she asked as she wriggled around, not overly fond of sitting still. Taiya shrugged her shoulders as the shuttle came to a stop in the shuttlebay. “Who? Captain Taggart? I don’t know sweetheart, I’ve not met him yet, but I expect we’ll find out soon,” she smiled as she stood and grabbed her bag.

As the little family of 3 made their way out of the shuttle and took their first steps on the new ship, Alex took his daughter by the hand as Taiya gave her a quick peck on the cheek. “Stay with daddy,” she said softly as she gave Alex a quick kiss as well and went on ahead to meet her new crew mates.

Commander Keali (Incoming XO)

A team of people were there to help with the luggage and standing in the middle of them was a raven haired white Male with a eye patch over his right eye and a long scar emanating from it.
He was holding a cup tray with coffees and an orange ice drink. He was around 39 years old and very handsome with the scar the only flaw on his skin. He smiled and bent down to the little girls level and held out the drink tray. She would be able to see that he had a cybernetic arm, almost looking robotic.

“I believe you ordered an orange slushy little one?” His smile widened. ” You must be Lia? Pleased to meet you. I am Christopher Taggart. You can call me Chris. Welcome aboard dear one. “

Captain Chris Taggart CO

Lia’s eyes lit up as he held the tray out to her and she carefully picked up the drink and took a grateful sip. Her father gave her a gentle nudge and mouthed the word ‘thank you’ at her. Lia gasped and nodded as she turned back to Chris. “Thank you Captain Chris…” she replied quietly as she held onto Alex’s leg for comfort. As she caught sight of his arm her jaw dropped in amazement as she slowly unclenched her hand from Alex’s trousers and took a cautious step nearer to get a closer look.

Chris kept his smile. “Just Chris will be fine. You don’t have to call me captain. ” He said as he tufted her hair a little and stood up.

Taiya breathed a sigh of relief that the Captain didn’t seem too phased by having a child on board and was delighted that he had greeted her first. She saw her little girl’s curious nature taking over and quickly stepped in and grasped her hand before she got too close and led her back to Alex who promptly picked her up, being careful not to get a freezing cold slushy down his back. Still a little sleepy, Lia didn’t seem to mind the restraint and snuggled in, slurping her slushy as she keep her eyes fixed on the Captain, her eyes flitting between his arm and eye patch. Taiya took the tray from Chris, handed a coffee to her husband and took the other one for herself, setting the tray down on a nearby storage crate as Alex took Lia off to the side to give them a bit of space.

“Thank you Captain, that was most kind of you,” she replied gratefully as she took a quick sip of coffee. “And thank you for letting my family join me on the ship, I know it isn’t really protocol,” she added as she gave a fond glance back to Alex & Lia. “I’ll make sure they keep out of trouble and out of the way,” she added as she popped her coffee back on the tray and stood to attention. “Commander Taiya Keali, reporting for duty sir, permission to come aboard?” she announced in a more formal fashion.

Commander Keali (Incoming XO)

Chris went to attention as well. “Granted. Welcome aboard Commander. We will talk more about you and your family later when you report to my ready room for your initial briefing.....” He was going to continue then stopped when he heard the comm.

No sooner had the words exited from the XO’s mouth then NE Commsie chirped over the ship comms =O= Captain, we just received an urgent message from Deep Space K-7 we’re to report their at best speed for resupply and a mission briefing…=O= the NE said.

GM CockRoach

Chris went to the comm on the wall and flicked the switch. [O] Understood. Set a course there at maximum warp and tell me the time to arrival when I get to the bridge. I’m on my way. [O]

He turned to his XO. “Well, nothing like the military adage of “being thrown to the wolves” learning style. These great people will see you and your family to your new quarters. Once you’re settled in, then report to me on the bridge. ” His stunning bright single blue eye piercing her eyes.

He smiled to her family and walked up to her husband and daughter. “Sorry to have to cut this short dear one but I’ll give you and your family a personal tour of the ship complete with ice cream as soon as I get the time. Ok?”

He tufted her hair again and stood to meet her husband and put out his hand to shake. “Pleased to meet you Alex. I’m Chris. I’d live to stay and chat but duty calls. ”

After the exchange Chris turned and left waving to the family again.

Captain Chris Taggart CO