Give Me A Second (Officer)

Posted on Tue Jun 24th, 2025 @ 5:37pm by Commander Cressida Vale MD & Commodore Elias McEntyre & Captain Niun Standing Bear

1,016 words; about a 5 minute read

Mission: Prologue
Location: Deck 1 - Commodore’s Ready Room
Timeline: Early 2389

The Chief Medical Officer had weekly scheduled meetings with Commodore McEntyre and Captain Standing Bear. Updates on crew health. Suggestions for improving health, safety, and morale.

Every now and then, there were off-cycle meetings, usually related to some upcoming event. The calendar was open though. This was an unusual meeting.

Reaching the bridge, the watch officer gave her a curt nod — unusually terse — and directed her to the ready room.

A chime and invitation to enter later, she was in. “Commodore, Captain.”

The Commodore was sitting in his chair, leaning back. Stern and serious. He nods as the doctor came in, ushered in by the sentry who saluted and returned to his post.

"Doctor, please, sit." Elias offered one of the chairs that were in front of his desk. The Looming form of his first officer behind him. "I know this meeting was off schedule, but the XO and I were speaking of the chain of command," he started.

Niun, who accepted the necessity of 'chairs' in Starfleet somewhat begrudgingly, had chosen to stand behind the Commodore for the meeting. His early training had prepared him for service to the I'mai and that sometimes meant guard duty, where one did not move unless it was to react to a threat. And while it had been a long time since he had been called upon to act in that regard, the habit of standing quietly, without moving, had stayed with him. He stood with his legs slightly apart and his arms folded across his chest. And while his midnight-blue gaze was serious, giving little away, there was also a hint of a twinkle in their depths. Promotions were a Starfleet thing; something his Mri mind had rebelled against for the longest while. Promotions, he reminded himself, were a good thing. A happy thing even if it involved more of the naming thing that Starfleet loved so much.

Cressida’s brow furrowed as she took the offered seat. Their looming was…off putting. A bit nerve-wracking. “Oh?”

"Not a literal chain," Niun said helpfully, a hint of his very dry humor inserting itself into the proceedings. "I made that mistake once."

“Doctor, it has been brought to my attention that this ship lacks a second officer. Normally this wouldn’t be much of an issue, but my…hands on approach to command makes having one more of a necessity. To that end, I want to offer you the position. If you accept, of course” Elias elaborated for the doctor.

"A lot went into the decision," Niun said. "Your record, for the most part, is exemplary and former commanders have been frank in their appraisal of your skills." He held up his hands slightly as though warding off whatever came next. "Mostly good and that's to your credit. Perfection is ... suspicious. At any rate, you are the best candidate for the job though it would add on greatly to your duties."

Cressida's eyes lit up when she heard the offer. Colour came to her cheeks as Captain Standing Bear elaborated on the why her of it. It felt good to be recognized, and even better an opportunity that will help her achieve her dreams.

"I accept," she said, trying to keep her voice level but failing at the last hurdle, letting her excitement leak through. "I can handle the increased workload, sir," she assured the XO. "Which will involve what, exactly? I assume bridge watches, further crew oversight, that sort of thing?"

"More or Less. Some reading of command briefings, possibly having to assume command in certain situations." Elias continues.

"I'll need to further educate myself on the ship then," Cressida said, acknowledging her weakness in having a full, comprehensive view of the ship. She was mistress of her specific domain but now had to become a competent generalist in all of the other fields too. But she had help. She had friends and colleagues. Elen was sure to be a great help, so long as they kept each other from getting distracted. Drevas was an expert on tactical systems and was sure to offer a crash course. She would need to speak with Colonel Llewelyn to get a greater understanding of security and boarding/ground operations. "Shouldn't be a problem."

"If I might offer a suggestion," Niun said from where he stood. "Start with one department and learn its function fully before moving on to another. Branch out in a logical fashion. Operations and from there, Engineering for example. A briefing from each department won't help you truly understand what they do. You've been certified for the Bridge?"

Cressida nodded. "Right before you came aboard, Commander Pheylin certified me as part of my promotion to Commander."

His suggestion was smart, and much better than her original plan of surface level briefings. It would be more intense, but that was the job. If she couldn't do it, then she shouldn't be in the position. "I'm least familiar with Engineering, so I may start there. Then operations flows logically, and from there to tactical and flight control. Chief Jalay runs a tight engine room, and former acting Chief Rell is a close friend."

"Excellent! Do you have anything to add, XO?" Elias looks at Standing Bear for any other comment before he dismisses the new Second Officer.

Cressida looked to the First Officer, knowing he would have a lot to teach her.

"Just congratulations, Commander," Niun said as he turned toward the Commander. "I look forward to working with you."

Elias stood. "Thank you, Doctor, I look forward to working with you as our second officer. If there's nothing else, everyone is dismissed."

“Yes, sir! And thank you again, sir!” As ordered and without further prompting, Cressida stood, turned and left the Ready Room, a spring in her step, almost skipping to the turbolift. As its doors closed, she asked “Computer, locate Petty Officer Tevaris.”

———

Commodore Elias McEntyre
Commanding Officer
U.S.S. Guinevere

Captain Niun Standing Bear
First Officer
USS Guinevere

Commander Cressida Vale, MD
Chief Medical Officer and Second Officer(!)
USS Guinevere

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