First Officer

Posted on Mon Feb 15th, 2021 @ 2:08pm by Captain Mystery Ellis & Commander Jamie O'Connell

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With the last of the PADDS signed and sent to headquarters Mystery headed for her ready room, she needed to talk to Lieutenant O'Connell, tapping her com-badge "Lieutenant O'Connell this is the captain please report to my ready room there is something I need to discuss with you."

O'Connell was sitting at his desk finishing the last of his Engineering reports when the call came in "On my way Captain" was his reply. He got up from his desk and took about three steps then froze "Wait a minute....I thought Mystery...." then proceeded post haste to the Captains ready room. When the Lift doors opened he made his way straight to the ready room. Sounding the door chime, the door slid open and Jamie made his way inside. Approaching the Captain's desk he snapped to attention "Captain you wanted to see me?"

"I did," Mystery said "Relax I don't bite and your in no trouble. Have a seat, there is a matter I need to discuss with you and I hope your up for the challenge."

As Jamie relaxed and took a seat, but still sitting up straight "And what challenge is that Captain" he asked not sure what was even going on.

"Since my promotion to captain it's left the ship without an executive officer. I've pretty much run it since. I'm in need of an executive officer. Are you up for the challenge? It comes with a promotion to commander," Mystery asked "I know this must come as a shock but I've reviewed your service record and I can think of no one better to be my right hand than you."

Jamie sat for a few moments looking at the Captain rather shocked and his mind was racing "Captain, with respect, before I give you my answer there is something that you should know...it's of a personal nature" Jamie said, then continued " You may or may not know, but Ensign Devroe and I have been seeing each other on our down time for quite awhile. It has gone well past casual dating and we are now in a relationship. Knowing the Protocols concerning those in command in relation to those under their command, would you be ok with our continuing relationship?" he asked hoping for the answer that he wanted to hear.

Mystery nodded "As long as it doesn't interfere with your duties as first officer I'm fine with it. I once was involved with someone on another ship several years ago and it worked out well, until he was killed in action."

Jamie looked at Mystery "I'm sorry to hear that....that must have been awful for you. The answer is yes...it would be my honor to be your First Officer and no our relationship won't interfere with my duties." Jamie replied still thinking that he should pinch himself to make sure this was really happening.

"No it wasn't easy, it took time," Mystery said getting to her feet "I'm glad your accepting the position. It gives me great pleasure to promote you to the position of Executive Officer of the Independence and to the rank of Commander with all rites and privileges that comes with it. Congratulations Commander O'Connell"

"Thank you Captain for your trust in me...I won't disappoint you" Jamie replied as he stood up and shook hands with the Captain.

Mystery walked over to where he stood after shaking hands and pinned the new rank pip on his collar "I know you won't. Go ahead and celebrate, you've earned it. Unless you have any questions for me?"

"No I don't have any questions, just a recommendation for Engineering. While we wait for a new Chief Engineer I would suggest having Ensign T'Sol take over my responsibilities; he's an excellent Engineering Officer and very knowledgeable" Jamie commented "He would do a fine job."

"I agree," Mystery said "Would you like to tell him?"

Jamie thought a few moments "Actually I would like to be the one to tell him. I might as well get my feet wet, sort-to-speak, in my new role as First Officer."

"Then I'll let you tell him and again congratulations commander," Mystery said

"Thank you Captain....now it looks like I have a couple of people to give the news to" Jamie replied.

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