The Awkward Report
Posted on Wed Jan 30th, 2019 @ 12:59pm by Captain Luka Mahone & Lieutenant Theodore Winslow & Lieutenant JG Shurlok & Diane Kent & Oliver Stone
Edited on on Thu Jan 31st, 2019 @ 12:07am
1,483 words; about a 7 minute read
Mission:
Groundwork
Location: USS Io, Ready Room
Timeline: MD 19 - 0823 Hrs
Luka sat at the head of the Captain's long table, looking rather proper about the idea of leading this little meeting. Captain Matthews had called an emergency meeting with Admiralty over a finding involving who knew what, but it left the Executive Officer to call the typical department head meeting, which he had invited the Civilian Director to as well, partially as a show of good faith, but there were matters involving the colony to attend as well.
It would have all been much more serious if the orange-furred tabby, Noodle, hadn't weaseled his way into the proceedings somehow, insisting upon sitting in Luka's lap and demanding attentions.
“So.” Luka began, gesturing toward the gathered department heads. “Any further reports or issues from the last mission? I know Operations and Engineering had quite the time trying to unstick our resident pests from the system, but I wanted to make sure we had it all taken care of before I send Logos Colony the permanent solution to their issue.”
“Damage control teams report some of the data we retrieved from the nebula before sensors were disabled may yet be recoverable. Otherwise I believe you are up to date with all current Engineering related matters, sir.” Shurlok explained, the good news having appeared only a moment earlier on his duty pad.
Oliver didn’t miss these types of meetings at all. He had sat in Lt. Shurlok’s position many times as a Chief Engineer and he had always felt that the engineers got the raw deal of most things on board a starship. You had to fix this in a miracle amount of time, no exceptions, and have all the answers to questions you didn’t even know existed until you entered that room but those days were over. Now he was asked different questions but still had a little more freedom and authority to act in his own manner. He listened as they went round the table talking about ship’s business.
Theodore wasn’t one for small talk in the slightest, wasn’t something he had ever fathomed how to do but he did give the report over. Everyone safe, no issues apart from a Cadet who kept setting off a fire alarm and a crewman who was in the Brig for streaking… again. “So as you can see usual security issues but nothing big,” He prided himself in running a tight department which in turn led to a running of a tight ship.
In her job as a freelance reporter, Dianne’s job was not to make too much of her own impact on the meeting. She was there to simply report what was going on with an occasional question to help inform the public of what was taking place. She simply sat to herself, typing the events of the meeting into her trusty PADD.
Luka made a pleasant nod to each of the gathered staff chiefs in turn, before turning himself to the PaDD that… had been dominated by large, orange feline. “Once we’re finished here, I’ll make sure Logos has received the appropriate documents and programs to execute a permanent solution and restore their colony’s power.” He set a hand on the top of the feline’s head, absently scratching at the back of the creature’s ears as he continued. “It will also be passed down to Haumea as well, as I’d rather equip the colony with the ability to fend off any nebulous anomalies before they become issues. This being said, we should also anticipate an accelerated timetable on Haumea’s construction.” Luka was a bit proud of this one, shoulders squaring as he presented the information. “Somehow, between myself and Captain Matthews, we’ve managed to receive approvals for just about every requisition and rearrangement asked for. This means we’ll have to move forward with the plans to construct a database packet with Haumea, and ready the module within our docking bay for immediate landfall within the next week. Lieutenant Shurlok, between yourself and Director Stone, I expect you’ll be able to make certain this occurs with little issue.”
“With the current schedule predicted by damage control teams for outstanding repairs, I believe a timeline of six days would be realistic for module launch readiness. If Director Stone can apply his additional resources to the task, I would predict a timeline of as few as four days being realistic. Though obviously, I do not wish to speak on behalf of the Director.” Shurlok said, clarifying clumsily, unsure exactly of what sort of respect and hierarchy he was supposed to show the man. Perhaps he had already spoken out of order. He would watch and study the reactions of others for cues.
Oliver smiled as the Vulcan spoke noting a little apprehension in his voice. “Don’t worry my green blooded friend. Many people like to speak on my behalf and none take the time to realise that’s not wise. They may meet Lucille and she doesn’t like people…” he half joked.
“I’m sure I can get some of my engineering and operations teams to prep for the database packets arrival so it can just be installed efficiently and with little strain on resources. In fact a few of my old engineering buddies are eager to get stuck into a new project and this’ll keep them at bay for a couple of days. As for on board here I don’t have anything other than my own pair of hands, my engineering teams were dropped off months ago to assist with colony construction.” he finished.
“Lieutenant Winslow, you’ll be working closely with the Director as well as myself, readying the secure transport of colony staff. Starfleet reports no hostile activity in the area, but I refuse to take chances with everything moving as smoothly as it has been.”
The man in question looked over at Stone and nodded once. “Secure transport has been organised already and drills are planned for this afternoon for emergency situations on the way down and then once we are in the colony.” The man told them looking at his PaDD. He was prepared to the best of his abilities.
With all that satisfied, Luka turned to the young reporter who had followed along with the meeting. “Miss Kent, if there’s any information I’m allowed to divulge in order to help your story along, please let me know.”
While most of what was said focused on the initial Starfleet preparations for landing on the colony, that would hold little interest for the people on board awaiting their new lives. Diane sat up a bit straighter and spoke in her press conference voice, clearly, loud enough so the room could hear, and as concise as possible. “Sir, is there a timetable set for when the colonists are going to be allowed to begin landfall preparations as well? Also, are any extra measures being put in place to guarantee the health and safety of the crew and colonists until such time as the colony is deemed to be self sustaining?”
“I, uh… Miss Kent, how about we take this to a more one on one forum at a later time? Then I can answer all of your questions if you'd like.” With that, Luka turned his PaDD back over, pleased with the developments and the lack of mud slinging, but he did not expect any during the short meeting. “Good, I believe that should conclude most of-”
“Commander Mahone.” From over Luka’s commbadge came the voice of the Captain, who sounded much more serious than he had in the past. “I need you in my office. Bring along Oliver. ASAP.”
With mild disdain, Luka looked between the congregated staff before tapping his badge, summoning his patience before answering. “Once I dismiss everyone from this meeting, I will bring myself and Director Stone as soon as I can.”
“Good, good. I’ll see you then.”
As the commbadge crackled off, Luka paused, waiting for any potential commentary before deciding to truck onward. “... If anyone has any extra concerns, I think it may have to wait until after we sort out what the Captain is after.” He looked to the Director. “.... Shall we?”
Shurlok’s head swiveled like a searchlight, only a few degrees left and right as his eyes darted about the table, watching the others impatiently, though only the most familiar with the minutiae of Vulcan expressions could discern its significance as a tell.
Oliver chuckled, “I wonder if he likes being called Jimmy…” he thought at being called Oliver instead of Director Stone. He’d barely dealt with the Captain and for him to go straight to forename was a slight to Oliver. “Sure Mahone, let’s go see what Jimmy wants. Sounds like he need a hug.” he mused.
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