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Viewing the new ship (anybody else?)

Posted March 10, 2021, 11:07 a.m. by Ensign Randal 'Randy' Kabil (Yeoman Second Rate) (Brian Richards)

Posted by Captain Elijah ‘Eli’ Carmichael III (Captain) in Viewing the new ship (anybody else?)

Posted by Ensign Rand Kabil (Yeoman) in Viewing the new ship (anybody else?)

Posted by Captain Elijah ‘Eli’ Carmichael III (Captain) in Viewing the new ship (anybody else?)
Posted by… suppressed (14) by the Post Ghost! 👻
(snip)
Ford watched Alden sit, then looked at Doc, T’Pria, and the Cap, all standing, then back to Alden, arching an eyebrow. A little ways beyond the seated man, he spotted two younger officers watching them; he recognized the young woman as the captain’s yeoman from the crew profiles he’d reviewed, but couldn’t place the other. Though the two did bear a similar resemblance to each other…

He shifted his attention back to the Sentinel tethered to the outer docking arm. “So when do we get to board?” he asked.

COS Ford

Paul threw his hands up. “Who knows but I’m going to go ask one of the goons at the docking port. I want to make sure the quartermaster didn’t sneak that rubbish back into my sickbay.” He said with another frown.

Doc Hudson
CMO

“No need Doctor, I’ve already spoken to the quartermaster and the stations commander. Department heads will be granted access tomorrow morning followed by the main bulk off the crew over the next few days once the Starbases engineering division have deemed it ready for embarking for now however should we perhaps consider a drink, a toast even?” He asked considering his senior staff.

  • Captain Elijah Carmichael

“I trust that my team will be allowed sufficient time to verify all of the primary systems and the general quality of construction before setting out?” T’Pria asked Carmichael, before adding in somewhat more clipped tones, “Unlike our last voyage?”

“That’s the Plan but like all best-laid plans, they never make it past the first test. If there are any changes to our schedule You’ll be the first to know.” Elijah smiled at their Vulcan companion, he’d never worked alongside one before and was looking forward to the challenge.

Outside, the shuttle made a few more trips around the Sentinel, before finally heading to the aft. With a smooth, sharp u-turn the shuttle made its’ way to the opening shuttle bay doors. With the bay doors barely opened to the width of the shuttle, the pilot squeezed her through the doors and gently set her down on the deck.

When the bay had re-pressurized, the shuttle door popped open and the gangway descended. Chief Kohana Black Wolf exited, with his duffel bag thrown over his shoulder. He made his way to the doors leading out into the corridor when he was stopped by a security ensign blocking his way.

“Can I see your boarding orders, Chief?’ the NE inquired. Kohana handed the man a yellow computer chip which was slid into the console. A moment later, the computer replied, “Senior Chief Petty Officer Kohana Black Wolf, Chief Flight Officer, USS Sentinel. Identity confirmed.”

Returning the chip, the NE said, “Welcome aboard, Chief Black Wolf, though next time, you may want to wait until the hangar bay doors are fully open.”

Looking at the NE with a smirk, Kohana replied, “Ensign, I’ve been flying shuttles since before you were even an itch in your daddy’s pants. Next thing you’ll be telling me is that I’m not allowed to buzz the bridge. You worry about security, I’ll worry about flying, okay?”

Without waiting for a reply, the helmsman headed foe his new quarters. . . .

SCPO Black Wolf (Helm)

For a brief moment, at the sight of Helmsman Black Wolf’s arrival, the Vulcan engineering chief appeared almost distracted. Although surely the flushing of her cheeks was merely an effect of the harsh overhead lighting and in no way indicative of her emotions at seeing the man again…

“A toast! That is a fantastic idea, Captain,” he said, in response to Eli. From his seat, Roman had a clear view both of the room and outside the observation windows. And the Sentinel was a wonderful looking ship to be sure. What better way to bring together the senior staff, both old and new, than with a toast and a drink?

~ Lt Cmdr Roman Alden, XO

“Ah yes, the seemingly irresistible conflation of alcohol and advanced technology,” T’Pria remarked dryly to the new XO. “Let us hope, Commander, that you offer a higher quality liquor than the random, replicated concoctions of your predecessor.”

  • Lt Cmdr T’Pria (CE)

“Yeomans, please find the best bottle of port you can find,” He said directing the order to the two Yeoman who had seemingly entered a while ago but remained on the fringes. “And be quick, something tells me were in for a busy day.” Elijah always expected the worst and though at this moment he couldn’t know he felt that something was coming around the corner.

  • Captain Elijah Carmichael

Rand did a quick about face to face the captain, man she’s was off duty too! Oh well, “Aye, Sir.” She poked Randy in the side and they disappeared behind the counter. She grabbed a tray and 6 glasses. “Randy, down there left cabinet bottom self, is the real stuff, top notch too.” Randy was a master at being a bar tender. Rand slid one glass at a time over to him to pour the drinks.
En Rand

The yeoman second class gulped as he exhaled while waking to the back of the bar and looking down to the bottles. He had convinced his sister and their friends back home that he was a master and practiced how to make a few drinks well but was clueless if someone just gave him an order. I t was a bottle of Port, oh thank heavens! Randy could make it look like he knew how to pour wine! He bent over and rummaged through the bottles and implements. He grabbed the bottle, a cork puller, and a decanter. He pulled the cork and poured the entire bottle in the decanter, swirling it around carefully before he took a linen cloth and grabbed each glass so as to not get fingerprints on them and poured the decanted wine into the bottles. Do you need to decant Port? Randy had no idea but it looked very professional all the same. He set the glasses expertly on the tray and handed it to his sister with a mock sense of formality “Here you go madam”

En Randy

Rand took the cloth, draping it over an arm and lifted the tray and balanced it on one hand and making her way through the crowd she lifted the tray over her head and back down as she weaved and turned making her way back to the senior staff. She returned the tray to two hands and held it out to the captain first. “Your port, captain.”

Elijah took the small glass of port, he hoped it was one of the under-counter types he knew the station’s commander stashed away. “Thankyou Yeoman.”

Then she moved to the XO, “Cmdr.”

“Thank you, yeoman,” Roman said, taking the glass.

And then among the rest of the senior staff. Then turning back to the captain, “Would you like anything else sir?” in an attempt to be professional while in her civilian dress rather than her uniform.
En Rand, Yeoman

Looking to the crew who had all similar glasses then back to both the Yeomans he frowned, “Are you not part of this crew Miss Rand?” The question was more than the words and he wasn’t looking for an answer it meant ‘Go get yourself a glass and join us’ without the Captain actually needed to say the words out loud, despite believing in the rank structure also believed in equality.

  • Captain Elijah Carmichael

Rand turned, hurrying away and back to the bar where Randy was ‘straightening’ up. She grabbed two more glasses, fumbling both in hands that were suddenly shaking. She whispered, strained, “Two more glasses Randy. Captain expects us to join them.” She careful pushed the glasses towards him, ducking behind the bar to return the tray. “I don’t want to drink with them, you know what happens when I drink. I don’t drink, I learned that a long time ago. One sip and I’m loopy. I don’t want to drink with the senior staff. I don’t want to drink at all.” The whole little speech was said in just barely more than a whisper where only Randy could hear. But to his trained ear, her rushed words, shaking hands, and was that the sound of her beginning to hyperventilate? It was quite one thing to have to talk to the captain one-to-one, it was another to have to socialize in a group, and a group of the senior staff at that. She stood back up, back to the room waiting for Randy to finish pouring the two glasses, the color drained out of her face.
En Rand, Yeoman (with social anxiety)

Ford accepted the glass from the young yeoman, knowing he would not drink it. It would be impolite to refuse, however. He gave a wry smile as the captain included the young woman, which seemed to surprise her. He sniffed the wine, hiding a grimace as the alcohol smell hit his nose, but savoring the sweet scents that wafted afterward. “Candy in a glass,” he muttered, quickly pulling the glass away.

Five years, two months, and eighteen days. Some days it seemed longer. As recently as two years ago he would never have even held the glass - he couldn’t, without breaking. Now the scent was enough to put him off, thankfully. That made it much easier in situations like this.

He watched the rest of the crew as they awaited the return of the yeoman and the captain’s toast.

COS Ford

Randy was done as quick as he started. The concoction in Rand’s glass looked just like port… or maybe motor oil… but would keep her sober as a church mouse. He handed it to her and was in the middle of explaining that the flavor was probably somewhere between day old coffee and lukewarm prune juice when he noticed the speed at which the COS pulled it away. He didn’t drink. Randy had 2 more glasses and decided he’d take the concoction for himself and made sure they were clean and ready. He rummaged as fast as he could to find a bottle of sparkling grape and poured 2 glasses. He knew the CO was waiting and although it had taken perhaps a minute he felt like it took 30. He pointed to the COS and said “Take one to him and tell him that this should be more to his liking. If I’m right he’ll be thankful. If I’m wrong blame me. You keep the other glass and only you and I will know”

She took one glass, it would look like champaign unless you got close enough to smell it. Over the years Rand’s friends had learned she simply didn’t drink, but there were often those who were offended that she didn’t partake, and she was greatful for Randy’s quick thinking, since they had no way of knowing how the captain or senior staff would react.

Seeing his sister shaking still he said “Forget it, you take this one and I’ll get you over to where you can sit down and I’ll deliver the new stuff to the chief”. Randy stood astutely and guided his sister carefully to a spot somewhat out of the way but close enough the crew wouldn’t think it was awkward. He took the other glass over and handed it to the COS discreetly saying, “I believe this will be more to your liking sir? May I take the other glass for you?”

En Randy, Yeoman (without social anxiety)

The wonderful thing about Randy was the fact that everything he did seemed natural. He had perfected this move years ago. To even the most trained eye Randy appeared to simply be a gentleman. To escort his sister to a chair and hold it out for her. He was either simply being a gentleman or establishing the standard he expected of those around his sister.

Ford glanced at the yeoman pair as they returned, and frowned as the male half seated the other. He eyed the glass she was holding - the liquid level showed she was definitely shaking. Something clicked in his head, and his eyes roved her.

Pale. Eyes unfocused. Hyperventilating, but hiding it. Full body shakes.

Rand looked at her glass, the sparkling grape sloshing shallowly in the glass and deliberately put it down, going for a casual movement rather than exaggerated. She watched Randy, focusing on that, and calming her breathing. She hated this, it was so rediculous, but it happened none-the-less.
En Rand

He took a step toward her when Randy offered the glass. He arched an eyebrow as he took it, glancing down. He sniffed the new glass and now both eyebrows rose. “Thank you, Ensign,” he murmured, handing over the other glass.

He gestured slightly with his chin. “Is she okay?” he asked softly. “Should I take her somewhere else?”

COS Ford

Paul was frowning at the Yeoman watching her closely. He stepped forward “Are you well?” He asked Rand.

Doc Hudson
CMO

Rand looked up at…the doctor. Dr Hudson, or Doc as he liked to be called. 50 years old, human, born on Earth. Specializes in Thoracic Surgery and Exobiology. He’s served on the Sentinel since 2250 and as well as CMO on the Paladin. He served at the Academy as a teacher and with the Federation Frontier Medic Program. The facts rolled out easily into her thoughts. The rapid recall of information diverting. She seemed surprised by the question. “Oh yes Doctor, I’m fine. My brother is a bit of an old soul, insists on being a gentleman.” And it was true, when it came to her Randy was very much a gentleman. “I suppose we will be reporting to you soon for our physicals.” There! Protocol they had to report for their physicals. Doctor patient relationship. Health concerns couldn’t be discussed in public. She was fine now.

Sipping his drink, Roman watched what was unfolding in front of him. He felt little need to intervene. If something was wrong, the doctor was already here. Otherwise, there were more than enough people asking her if she were okay. So, he enjoyed his drink, keeping a close eye on the activity.

~ Lt Cmdr Roman, XO

Oh dear now the XO was looking at her. Wonderful. Why did she come out tonight? Lt Cmdr Roman Alden Chief Science Officer and Executive Officer. 28 years old, Human, born on Earth. Salisbury England. Speaks Englsih, French, Spanish, and German. Specializes in biology, with a PhD, and life sciences. He enjoys Fencing, Jiu Jitsu, horseback riding, animal raising specifically horses and dogs, and plays the violin. He is described as confident and assertive. Oh let’s not forget that power move from just minutes before. Often misunderstood as condescending or cold. However his actions belie that statement. And is an excellent team player. This was who Randy would be working for, and she was training Randy. This was not going to get the better of her.

The Captain was concerned for the Yeoman and he was a little out of his depth. Perhaps some sort of social anxiety? “Yeoman if you’d prefer you can sit down?” He offered thinking that a Yeoman passing out or worst bolting it wasn’t good for any ones image. Perhaps this was the reason senior staff tried to separate themselves from thier Junior officer in case they imploded.

  • Captain Elijah Carmichael

The question caught her off guard. She was sitting. Oh was he upset? Should she stand up? This was why she preferred to only be around others when on duty. Protocol made it very clear what the rules were and how one should act. She wouldn’t even be here if Randy hadn’t come with her, and then the captain had put her back on duty by ordering her, and not the bar tender, to get their drinks. That was fine, she didn’t mind that. But then he tells her to get a drink and join them. Yeomen do not socialize with the senior staff while on duty. There were no rules about off duty. So now which was it? Was she on duty or off? And if it was a mixture of both that just left her confused as to which rules from which scenario applied there. She stood up, speaking politely, “Did someone else need a drink, Sir?” Obviously no one did, but it was a silent prompt to bring the captain to focus. Everyone had a drink, he could give his toast.

Elijah shook his head, “No no you’ve done quite an alright job I think everyone has a drink now.” The captain had to wonder if this would be a problem for the Yeoman in the future but for now put it at the back of his mind. “Well, I’ll keep this thankfully short since I am neither good at speeches and this meeting was rather by chance but.” He Raised his glass in the air and waited for everyone else to join him.

She glanced at Randy. That was Chief of Security, Lt. Fordham, Charles. Nickname ‘Ford.’ 32 years old, Human born on Earth. He is described as having a no-nonsense attitude and his junior officers respect him because, a quote, ‘If he can’t or won’t do it, he won’t ask it of us.’ She took her drink and strode towards Randy and the CoS. And she managed to do it without making a fool of herself. “Tha gràin agam air seo, Randal,” she whispered. Her crew files said no one else but Randy spoke Gaelic.
En Rand, Yeoman

“In a time of much uncertainty about the universe, it is down to us, the willing few to make sense of the chaos and defend against the darkness. I hope than in the many years to come that we will look back on our journey and when we recall it to our grandchildren we can do so with Pride. “Steadfast against the darkness; for we are the sentinels of light To the Sentinel and our many voyages” Elija raised his glass a little higher and then drank the port.

  • Captain Elijah Carmichael

Randy hadn’t seen the speed at which everyone responded to his sister and went a paler version of himself than usual. Hearing his sister’s words he said back quickly, “Tha an Rand seo agam”. He waited till the Captain’s speech was done and smiled while walking over towards the senior officers and broke, as he’s sure his sister would tell, as many rules and regulations as possible as he arrived at a more center position and said, “Everyone I’m sure this is against a protocol or some common decorum but I was hoping to say just something a little at this occasion.” He cleared his throat and was really hoping that he wouldn’t get in trouble but if it was to get the spotlight off of Rand he’d take that risk. “Take my sister for example” He waved towards her and winked, knowing she’d be pissed that he was making everyone look at her. “And then take myself” He said as he hoped all eyes would be back on him. “We’re but Ensigns fresh out of the Academy and have been welcomed to this occasion for something so momentous. We trained on ratty old ships beaten and left out to dry and so seeing sparkling, shining example this with all of you can really take one off of their feet.” He said, hoping to convey that Rand’s reaction was totally normal and, perhaps, invoke those memories in the senior staff. He wasn’t going to explain her aversion to alcohol or discuss anything personal. “Thank you all for sharing this experience with two humble yeoman.” He moved back to the side of the room opposite his sister, making sure if any eyes followed they’d be on him rather than her.

En Randy


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