Meeting Tachibana
Posted on 15 Nov 2017 @ 6:14pm by Captain Akio Tachibana & Lieutenant Nimh Ahressa (Dec-Jan 2389 - TRNSFR, Bre'el Dip. Msn.)
Edited on on 15 Nov 2017 @ 6:17pm
Mission:
He ho'omaka hou 'ana - A New Beginning
Location: Corridor
Timeline: 22 Dec 2388
Ahressa had to admit to herself that she hadn't expected the gorn physician to be the way he was. Sure his file painted a pretty picture of a man borne of a species that was yet again considered an enemy. But he was still of the species that was considered the enemy. So she felt a distinct duality of feeling within her.
The Venture had had a similar thing not months ago, with the pureblood romulan Executive officer deep in the Raeyan Transit corridor, a sector of space formerly in possession of the ravaged Romulan Star Empire, now ceded to the Federation. Had that crew had similar feelings?
Would she feel this way too if there was a Cardassian crewmember aboard the Hawaii now? She wasn't sure. Much as she was in control of herself, when it came to Cardassians...still to this day it was an open wound for her.
"Computer, locate Commander Tachibana." She said finally, deciding to focus on what needed to be done before she delved into self analysis again.
"Commander Tachibana is in his quarters," the computer replied.
Akio's Quarters - Deck 3
Akio was unpacking. While usually, a yeoman or personal aide would have already done this, Akio felt comfort in touching and placing his own things. He never understood how COs could allow their possessions to be handled by complete strangers.
Akio pulled out a samurai sword. He had several in his collection in addition to other bladed weapons.
This one was forged just outside his hometown in Japan and carried special meaning for him: It was gifted to him by his Kenjutsu sensei. Akio pulled the sword partially out of its sheath and studied the kanji on the blade.
The translation was: You can prevent your opponent from defeating you through defense, but you cannot defeat him without taking the offensive.
Koide, Japan 2366
"AGAIN!" Boomed the voice of the elder Japanese at a much younger Akio.
"Sensei, if the point of war is peace, what is the point in attacking if the threat may be neutralized? I don't want to commit murder, especially in sparring, unless a true enemy presents itself," Akio questioned.
The Japanese elder quickly stomped just inches before Akio's face and scolded him in Japanese.
"We train for a thousand days, whether we win or lose is decided in an instant. You will fight just as you trained," the elder explained, "AGAIN!" he commanded.
Akio brought the sword up and the pair sparred. This time, Akio tried to take the offensive more, yet he still was not a match for the elder.
Akio had a hard time fully committing to an offensive that seemed pointless.
Present Day
Ahressa stepped into the first available Turbolift and ordered it to Deck 3, the Senior Officer's quarters. It took moments to arrive, enough for the bajoran to smooth out her uniform, make sure her tightly braided hair was pulled back and presentable and for the fake Nimh Ahressa to channel through.
The trip from Deck 11 to Deck 3 was all too short but it was all she had before she found herself standing in front of her 'new CO's' quarters and pressing the buzzer.
The chime brought Akio out of his reverie. He went to the door, still holding the samurai sword at his side. Only after it opened and realizing it was the Hawaii's new Chief Operations Officer did he feel a pang that his stateroom was such a mess.
"Lieutenant Nimh, I presume?" Akio greeted the bajoran.
Ahressa nodded slowly, "yes, sir. Sorry to barge in like this. I wanted to get the formality out of the way so I could sink my teeth into the ship as it were."
"I apologize for the mess; please, come in if you'd like." Akio welcomed.
As a former Chief Operations Officer, Akio knew the bond between OPS and Command had to be strong for an effective crew.
Her keen eyes took a quick state of his room as she stepped inside, commiting to memory what it said about the man while she shook her head.
"It's alright, sir. Mine's bound to look worse tonight," the bajoran grinned. "Is that...what do they call it...a katana?" She asked, her eyes falling to the blade.
Akio pulled the sword up and put it on the table, giving it the due deference as the two took a seat in what would be the living area. Despite the largely bare ship elsewhere, at least the CO's suite had been completed.
"Yes, that is very good you know of this weapon. Swordfighting is a bit of my hobby. Do you spar?" Akio asked.
"I do, but without weapons. My roommate when I was doing alignment courses was an avid practicioner of the Asian arts, let's just say he...didn't shut up about his collection." Ahressa chuckled softly.
Akio smiled, noting the sweet-song accent of Britain, back on Earth. He had been familiar with the accent at times and it was evident the bajoran had learned from a Brit or someone similar.
"I welcome you to the ship, Lieutenant. We have a green crew and there are still many absent due to a personnel shortage. It will be nice to have some experience in a crucial department such as Operations. Do you have any questions?" Akio asked, getting down to business.
The dark haired woman nodded, "I understand the Hawaii has been outfitted with a CIC facility instead of the standard Operations division?" She looked over at Tachibana.
"Correct. We are going to war and there will be many moving pieces. The Combat Information Center will be better equipped to handle those pieces than just you on the bridge with a series of offices below,"Akio smirked.
Akio realized most officers were not familiar with a CIC as usually, the bridge just doubled as a CIC since conflicts were largely small. Additionally, war was usually managed from a Starbase Ops Center, yet the Hawaii was heading to the front alone, not part of some battle group.
"Of course, CIC largely reports to you and the Chief Tactical & Security Officer. I expect you to plan and coordinate our operations, keeping our ship on task for mission execution, while Tactical & Security handles the actual warfighting. In a way, CIC is akin to our version of a starbase ops center, basically the mission execution center, and common operating picture. It's where the rubber hits the pavement as my old Captain used to say," Akio smiled.
So they've essentially re-jigged the Ronin type war-room for a Sovereign.
I'm actually liking this. Ahressa gave a subconscious smirk that seeped through at his words. "Similar to what they have at Starfleet Operations HQ back on Earth, just smaller, I'd imagine and more focused. I am keen to have a look at it, I must admit."
"Well, you could say it is your proverbial kingdom," Akio smirked. "It is just located one deck above. I figured I would give you some time to settle in and requisition any last minute items before I conducted a formal inspection. Where we are going, we probably won't be seeing a base for some time, or there will be very spartan conditions," Akio warned.
And dangerous seas.... Ahressa sighed softly to herself. Born and bred in war...it seemed as if the only thing for her and many others like her was to live more war.
However, to Tachibana, she said as she nodded, "I'll get the stock take done asap and make sure we are equipped for emergency situations properly."
"I think our ship will do well under your tenure, LT Nimh," Akio said approvingly.
For all intents and purposes, this was Nimh's interview and she passed.
Akio Tachibana, LCDR, SF
Commanding Officer, USS Hawaii
Nimh Ahressa, LT, SF
Chief Operations Officer, USS Hawaii
