Introductions

Posted on Sun Jul 12th, 2020 @ 3:45pm by Ensign Lucas Miles

Mission: Shore Leave
Location: Shuttle Bay
Timeline: Current

[Flight Ops – Briefing Room]

Lucas was at the front of a small briefing room that was tightly packed with twenty-five individuals of various races and ranks seated in front of him. There was also a mixture of commissioned and non-commissioned officers; pilots and techs.

He knew this was the full complement of the flight control team on board the Independence. They were seated in four ascending rows that arched in a semi-circle away from the front where he was situated along with Lieutenant Maida. Apparently, the Lieutenant had called a quick meeting to introduce Lucas to the team.

“Ensign Lucas Miles meet everyone,” Lieutenant Junior Grade Rebecca Maida started. “Everyone, say hello to Lucas.”

“Hello to Lucas,” came a series of responses from the gathered personnel before him.

“Why do you guys always have to be dorks?” Maida shot back with feigned exasperation and a slight smile. “Anyway, Lucas is our newest pilot and fresh out of the Academy. Pilots, I’m going to be adjusting the duty rotations shortly so watch out for adjusted shifts within the next twenty-four hours.”

A hand shot up from a female Bolian Ensign.

“This better be a serious question Rika, or so help me god.”

Rika grinned. “Serious question ma’am,” she replied. “Scouts honour.

“Then ask,” the Lieutenant responded.

“A couple of us were wondering if the newbie will be taking the upcoming flight test.”

“Flight test?” Lucas asked surprised by that given that he was no longer at the Academy having to worry about an examination. He was always apprehensive about tests because he was competitive, and his default was to treat each test as a do or die event.

The Lieutenant looked at Lucas. “I knew there was something I forgot to fill you in on.” She paused before continuing, “I like to run a tight ship and believe nothing should simply be given but earned. Chuck it up to my fighter pilot days or maybe,” and she glanced at the personnel assembled, although Lucas noticed her gaze was directed more specifically to the section where the pilots were seated. “Maybe, I just like being a pain in your collective asses.”

“And what a collection of fine asses they are, if I do say so myself,” chimed in Rika to a chorus of laughter and hoots.

“Can it Rika,” the Lieutenant shot back although her face indicated she was trying to stifle a laugh.

She turned to Lucas and continued. “With help from the Crew Chief and Flight Ops Chief, we organize simulations that assess and reinforce the skills of our pilots, keeping them frosty. To keep it interesting and provide enough incentive, the top three pilots get their choice of duty rotation and the rest get bragging rights.”

“Interesting,” Lucas responded, truly intrigued by the idea. As apprehensive as he was about tests, he was immediately looking forward to comparing his skills with his fellow pilots. “How often do these tests happen?” he asked.

“Usually twice a year – the ship’s missions permitting of course. The next one is tomorrow since we are currently on shore leave. Since you are new, you’ll be sitting this one out although I suspect you may want to watch.”

“Maybe learn a few things newbie,” Rika shot in.

“Hopefully not from you Rika after that abysmal performance of yours the last time” the Lieutenant retorted.

This brought a chorus laughter from everyone gathered much to the chagrin of Rika. “You all just wait. I’m going to reclaim the top Ace title.”

“Anyway,” the Lieutenant jumped in before someone else could respond. “Not to worry though Lucas. I’ve got another side job for you in addition to your normal Bridge duties. You’ll be working with Chief ch’Thranne and his techs to test pilot a new shuttlecraft they’ve been working on. The Chief will fill you on the details.”

Lucas looked in the direction of the Chief that the Lieutenant gestured towards. The Andorian Chief Petty Officer nodded at Lucas and he responded in kind.

“Now, with that out of the way, get back to work the lot of you. No more slacking off. I expect you all to make Lucas feel welcome, but make sure you do it on your own time. Dismissed.”

With that, the men and women began leaving the room but not before each of them shook his hand muttering a variation of ‘welcome aboard’.

Lucas smiled politely at all of them. It seemed every hour he spent on this ship increased his love of the ship and crew. He hoped he would be able to fit into this seemingly tight knit group of people. From what he had seen so far, he saw no reason why that would not be the case.

“Ensign,” Chief Petty Officer ch’Thranne called. “If you’ve got some time, I can give you a quick run through of what we’ve been doing and what we need from you.”

“I’m all yours,” Lucas replied.

“That’s what she said,” Rika stated, which was followed by a chorus of laughter from everyone, the Lieutenant included.

“What?” Lucas asked. “Did I miss something?”

“Inside joke,” muttered the Andorian patting Lucas on the back. “You’ll get it soon enough.”


Ensign Lucas Miles
Flight Control Officer
USS Independence.