Posted by Lieutenant Commander Alita Claire (Executive Officer) in Pre-Sim - The More Things Change (Tag Claire)

Posted by Commander David Morris (Commanding Officer) in Pre-Sim - The More Things Change (Tag Claire)

Posted by Lieutenant Commander Alita Claire (Executive Officer) in Pre-Sim - The More Things Change (Tag Claire)
Posted by… suppressed (3) by the Post Ghost! 👻
David busied himself with clearing his desk, having at last almost cleared all the paperwork that had built up and set aside one particular PADD. He had about an hour previously sent Lt. Cmdr. Claire a request to meet him in the ready room at 0900, and it was rapidly approaching that time. The cleaning acceptable, he brushed imaginary specks of dust off the surface of the desk and replicated a plate of scones, which he set on the desk’s corner and then sat in his chair, waiting for Alita to arrive.

Commander David Morris
Commanding Officer

Alita had been running a bit late, not her usual style at all, finally approaching the door she rang the time and wondered what David had in mind. Glancing down she brushed imaginary crumbs of beignet off of her collar and shook her head once again. The dreams were coming and she didn’t like it. When that happened she always knew Olivia was up to something even if they were separated by who knew how many light years at this point.

• Alita, XO/MO
  “Enter,” David called out, the door opening to admit her. He smiled as his soon-to-be former COS stepped into the room, motioning to the plate of scones. “Feel free to take whatever you’d like.” He picked up the PADD. “And sit down.”

“When I was assigned as XO,” he began, “you told me that the Wolverine is a family. That stayed with me, and it was on my mind when Command saw fit to hand the center seat to me.” He paused, biting into a scone. “I’ve looked back through your record - you’ve been on the ship a while, and have some fairly exceptional credits throughout your career. I wasn’t aware of the concept of a mission officer until I looked through, now I’m surprised they aren’t more widespread.” He smiled again. “Which brings me back to the reason you’re here. I was thinking about what you said about family, and called in a favor - I asked them to let me pick my XO internally, and they agreed to my choice.” He turned the PADD around, the screen displaying her transfer orders to Executive Officer, USS Wolverine. “You have the skillset you need, plus a broad understanding of all the departments, and you already hold the rank of Lieutenant Commander. You are, of course, free to decline the position, in which case you’ll stay as COS, but I hope you’ll accept.” Setting the PADD back down on the desk, David sat back, waiting as she processed.

Commander David Morris
Commanding Officer

Alita sat there for a few seconds processing what he had just said. She reached out for the pad, then a scone, and still processed. She had explained that the Wolverine was like a family and what a family it was. Still she hadn’t seen this coming even though she probably should have.

“Yes, this ship is definitely like a family. Like any family it will mold shape and change your life. I can’t tell you the number of times the ship has changed my life. Like now, right now, it is changing my life again by making me it’s first officer. No way in Hell will I walk out of this room declining this offer. I accept gladly sir. Thank you for giving me this chance.”

Perhaps that had been why Olivia had come to her in dreams this morning. For once maybe it was something good.

• Alita, XO/MO

“Glad to give it,” David said. “Be in red by tomorrow.” He tapped at his console for a minute. “Now, while you’re here, we need to replace you as COS. I have a choice, but I wanted your input before I made it official.” He pressed a button to transfer the data to a second PADD, and handed it over - the file that of one Lieutenant Celador Theinna. “I know the restrictions Command put on his promotion, that they were supposed to approve anything above Ensign, but he was already promoted by Capt. Boudreaux, and he has the experience for the position. There was that one incident that lead to the restriction in the first place, but that was decades ago, and the Wolverine’s been a home for second chances for more than one officer.” He sat back. “You know him better than most. What do you think, should we offer the post?”

Commander David Morris
Commanding Officer

Alita’s green eyes were probably sparkling even more vividly at that moment. First, to be promoted to first officer then, to have a chance to help promote Cel. This was indeed a red letter day. She knew Kel better than most and would jump at the chance to help him along his path. They had shared very vulnerable moments and she considered him a dear friend and an excellent officer.

“If he hadn’t been your first choice I would have lobbied hard for it sir. He definitely deserves it. His performance on The Wolverine has been exemplary.”

• Alita, XO/MO

David caught the sparkle and returned it with a grin, for a moment looking more like the bright-eyed Lt. JG he had started as than the rather more exhausted appearance he’d typically had of late. “Well then, considering the recommendation of my XO, who happens to be his outgoing department head, and my own review of his record, I think it’s time we let Celador know. Would you like to do the honors?”

Commander David Morris
Commanding Officer