Third Operator's the Charm?

Posted on 29 May 2018 @ 10:31pm by Captain Akio Tachibana & Ensign Arthur Jones, Son of Ruk (Jan 2389 TRNSFR After Second Battle of XFY)

Mission: Ne Me'e Laua Na Paio - Heroes & Villains
Location: CO's Ready Room - Deck 1
Timeline: 0730, 5 Jan 2389

ON:

Akio had made an appointment with Ensign Jones once things had died down aboard the ship, to get to know the latest addition to his senior staff.

Hearing the chime at the door, he beckoned the visitor in.

Arthur stepped into the room and came to attention. He didn't let it show, but he was terrified. Having been requested to speak with the CO, he tried to figure out what he had done. Thankfully his years in Qo'NoS had made him able to hide his fear.

"You asked to see me, sir?"

"Yes, please have a seat, Ensign," Akio gestured. "I like to have a one-on-one meeting with my senior staff to get to know them. I know we have seen each other in passing from time to time, yet we will be working together more closely, now that you are Chief of Operations. At least, until another Chief comes aboard, which could be awhile."

Arthur was rather surprised at the statement as he took a seat. Apparently he was only the Chief of Operations simply out of necessity. "Thank you sir, what is it you'd like to know." His voice, despite his best efforts. Sounded like he was forcing himself to be respectful.

"Well, first of all, what do you prefer to be called? I recall earlier that it doesn't sound like you go by Jones?" Akio asked gently.

"I don't. Arthur Jones died 16 years ago and the son of Ruk was born." Arthur said in that gruff Klingon way. "That being said, either Arthur or Ruk is appropriate."

"Very well, Mr. Ruk. You mention Arthur Jones died 16 years ago... yet in your personnel record, that is listed as your name?" Akio inquired.

"It's a figure of speech I believe the saying goes. My parents died when I was a child and I was adopted by Klingons. Therefore I consider myself having lost my last name that day." Arthur said.

"Ah. I see. I am sorry for your loss. I understand a name can be important, as well as our culture," Akio said reflecting on his own Japanese heritage and what he knew of history. "How are you settling in to Operations?"

"I'm actually settling in great. Lots of paperwork of course."

"Wonderful. I know the ship is largely short staffed, so we will be counting on Operations to fill the gaps. Our next stop is XFY. How familiar are you with Operations?" Akio asked the junior officer. Operations was one of the most important departments on a ship, and this Ensign was in charge. Granted, Ensign Kim was in charge on Voyager, yet an Intrepid was much smaller than a Sovereign.

"It was my minor in the academy. What I don't know I can figure out. I promise not to stab it with my bat'leth." Arthur hoped his joke wouldn't go over the other man's head.

"Well, the terminal would probably win," Akio smirked. "Great. Let me know if you need anything. Do you have any questions?"

"Several gallons of bloodwine and a rabid targ." Arthur chuckled, the saying was an old Klingon joke--though it was more of a response to the question 'do you need anything'

"Unfortunately, I do not think we'll be seeing any bloodwine for a while. We will have to see what sort of shape Xavier is in, if any of the shops are still open," Akio wondered aloud.

"No bloodwine?! How can you operate in these conditions!"

"If we win this war, I am sure there will be plenty of bloodwine to make up for the lack of it now," Akio jested.

"The Gorn need to be put in their place. It'll be my pleasure to help with that." Arthur said, smirking.

"I admire your enthusiasm. I only hope we do not lose too many of our own as the price," Akio concluded before dismissing the Ensign.

OFF:

Akio Tachibana, CDR, SF
CO

Arthur Jones, Son of Ruk, ENS, SF
OPS