"The romulans can be a nuisance, that's for sure. Never met one myself, though. And with luck, we won't be meeting any on this mission either. I think the captain has things well in hand, though, so have faith!"
Antas sits down at engineering pausing his action and looks up the helmsman positive that the person is male. Antas calls down to McCoy in security on a secure channel McCoy, this is Di Santos on the bridge. I just sent a rather frightened young ensign to the holodeck to train on helm simulations. Do you happen to know the status of our helmsman?"
Well, this is snowballing quickly. He thinks as once again Matthew C. Marco seems to be the subject in the limelight, and the Ensign being unsure, well, that's on him even if Brollo is the one who sent her, he could have stopped it and made sure she was better prepped. "Lt Commander, I was just checking to see if I had time to check on Lt Cavallera who is recovering from a case of Crapulence in the med bay. Security sent the Ensign up in case he was a no show, clearly he was. You may want to take a look at his file, Lt. Commander." In case anyone non officer was listening in, he was trying to respect the 'officers only' restriction on that data, "As he's immediately under me, I thought I would go see what kind of 'encouragement' our star pilot needed."
Thanks, sir. - she says, trying to show confidence, but clearly still worried.
The rest of the staff was still around, waiting to see if anything else would be required of them at this point.
Zeyar calmly, and thoughtfully considers the man's question,
"I have, too, wondered about this -- I assume, based on my previous experience in the diplomatic wing of the Federation Council, that it signals an apprehension of potential danger. Based on our current state of knowledge about the Yinayans' technology, I would say that concern is warranted. This is a highly-developed people with an alien eusocial societal structure, and who are on the border of the territory of one of the Federation's major political opponents -- the Star Empire. I assume the Federation is just being careful -- in fact, I'd be more concerned, based on my experience, if we had all these troubling data points in our reports, but there was no evidence of any preparation for potential complications. I believe you may rest soundly in the knowledge that the organizers and provisioners of our humble expedition took all potential events into account, and have tried to set us out as well prepared as we could be to face any possible danger."
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"Please, go about your normal duties and preparations to set sail. If you need anything, my door is always open."
Entering his office, he sits to look at his pad, reviewing his crew list and scheduled shifts.
Finn notices his new acquaintance enter the medical faculties and gets up to greet him.
"Lt. McCoy, welcome to sick bay. Can we help you?"
"Doc," He says actually happy to see Finn, "I'm actually here to check on one of my security staff who came here. Cavellara. "
** spoiler omitted **
** spoiler omitted **
There are some other questions - the communications team seems to be particularly concerned with dealing with the Yinayans, but Zeyar slowly addresses all of them, and is able to call the meeting off and send the team their way.
As Zeyar moves to the infirmary, he looks his pad searching for some extra details.
After Antas finishes speaking with McCoy, things look calm in the bridge. There are still about 30 minutes before the departure time, and slowly people start filling up the seats - except the Captain, the other senior officers, and the helmsman.
"Ah, yes. Cavellara will be ok... probably just a 24-hour Varusian Virus. Should be right as rain in an hour or so more, perhaps sporting a big of a headache though. Should be back on duty shortly."
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Antas looks at the time remaining until Star Fleet wants them to disembark and know it is too close now and does not wish to have the ship and her crew late for their salute to mission. He asks the computer to locate the Captain, the helmsman, and the secondary helmsmen not worrying about the other senior officers quite yet.
"Ah, yes. Cavellara will be ok... probably just a 24-hour Varusian Virus. Should be right as rain in an hour or so more, perhaps sporting a big of a headache though. Should be back on duty shortly."
Hearing this, Joe lays it on the table, "Doctor, I need to talk to the man about his recurring case of bad judgment when it comes to libation. I'd like to see him now so I can determine if he needs a counselor, or if I need to take firmer steps." he adds, "Apparently he gets the 'Varusian Virus' in one form or another far too often."
The computer shows the captain near the turbolifts, likely on his way to the bridge. The helmsman is on the infirmary, and the secondary helmsman is currently arriving by the holodecks.
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Antas calmly calls down to medical and says Doctor, I presume Security is also there. I can buy you another fifteen minutes while the young ensign practices two runs on the holodeck. In medical opinion can Cavellara be ready for duty in twenty five minutes? If not Security can you meet your ensign at the holodeck and give her the inspiration to arrive with ten minutes prior to our due time to depart on time from Starbase? The Captain is approaching the turbo lift and when he arrives to the bridge I will need to make a report and would prefer it be we are ready to disembark.
Lt. McCoy actually chuckles at something, "Yes, Lt. Commander. I'm here. "
Finn looks over the chart and checks the ensign. "Cavellara, how you feeling? Looks like you've used up your time to get some extra rest here."
Using his programmable hypo, Dr. O'Sullivan sets for a mild stimulant and injects the patient in the neck. "Come on now, up and about."
With Finn's injection, slowly the lieutenant opens his eyes. He shakes his head slowly, putting a hand on the bed to balance and lift himself. Sitting, he faces Joe and Finn.
'Top of the morning, sirs! - he finally speaks.
The man is truly handsome; he's in his late twenties or early thirties, beard well trimmed, hair perfectly sleek and shaggy. His hair is pitch black, but the eyes are light blue, almost white. The smile on top of the thick chin shows very white teeth. At least a couple nurses smile and giggle as he speaks, but they quickly pretend they haven't and go back to their chores.
[ooc]Zeyar should be reaching the sick bay soon. Antas can't really hear the dialog from the comms, unless someone transfers the channel to the room where the three lieutenants are talking.
"Thank you, Doctor." As the injection goes in.
MMm and here I thought I'd be the heart throb of the ship. Alas. A look at the object of all this fuss, "Lieutenant Cavallera, I'm Security Chief McCoy. I was told you were under the weather... and why." a bit of a brow, "I was wondering if you were doing okay, and not just medically. Unfortunately we may not have time for a long chat about it." His tone is not hostile. He honestly has some questions to ask about the man and if he's having mental health challenges. "You missed our first security gather today so I got concerned. Are you up to Helmsman duties?"
** spoiler omitted **
** spoiler omitted **
** spoiler omitted **
Zeyar used his pad to try to assess the background of his second -- where was he educated, how long had he been in Starfleet, what were his previous missions, did he have any significant data in his personnel file (social attachments, family, friends, other such connections)?
Though he is rather full of himself, Zeyar isn't under any illusions that his staff meeting kept completely on the rails -- he didn't think they were as impressed by his demonstration of his abilities in ancient Vulcan as he was hoping they would be, and he became slightly wearied of their incessant hand wringing about the security situation. It did seem all rather cloak and dagger, but was he the security chief? No, he was not. Had he made the arrangements for the armaments on board the vessel? No, he had not. Was he going to be fighting at the front lines if violence broke out between the crew and the yinayans -- no, and the rest of the communications staff weren't likely to be front line combatants either. You have to keep your diplomatic staff alive to negotiate the cease fire, everyone in Starfleet knew that. Zeyar reflected on the wisdom of Guatama Buddha -- there's no reason to worry about death or the future any more than running over the next hill -- you don't know what's on the other side of the hill, or around a corner, but you don't spend the whole day worrying about it. So it is with the rising and falling of all dharmas.
Maybe he'd assign all his staff to real some aphorisms from the Pali suttas and early Vulcan philosophy and try to inculcate a bit of a more balanced perspective on matters.
As soon as Zeyar finishes reading the last of the academic details about Rachent, he arrives at the sick bay.
Cavallera looks at Joe calmly. He shakes his head in agreement with everything the chief of security says, finally then speaking.
Of course, sir. My apologies for missing the security meeting - I updated Lieutenant Brollo before checking in on the infirmary, but mostly from an abundancy of precaution. I feel fine! Plus, Lieutenant Finn's team has truly magic hands.
He crosses his fingers towards Finn and bows his head in thanks. Finally, he stands up, getting back to Joe. He's a shy over six foot tall, and maintains the same smile and calm demeanor.
Your concern is greatly appreciated, sir. Thanks for the warmth. - the helmsman speaks, finally continuing - I should be fine for my duties, and will report to the bridge immediately. I may take you in your offer of talking! Even if not necessarily for mental health, the stories of the more seasoned officers are always a blast to hear.
He crosses his arms as if waiting to be dismissed to go to the bridge. Every word coming out of him feels right; it's like there's an aura around this man, that almost makes it hard to believe he could be a troublemaker. Maybe more notably, there's something about him that makes all his mistakes feel minor, forgivable, good spirited...
He focuses, "I'm sorry you maybe misunderstanding me, Lt. The chat about your situation is not optional, merely postponed. You've hindered the ship's schedule due to a night of drinking. You seem like a nice guy, even likable, but i need reliable men I can count on, how much I like or dislike someone's niceness isn't a factor, and won't be." a look at him, "That clarified, you may report to the bridge. Dismissed."
** spoiler omitted **
** spoiler omitted **...
Before Zeyar enters sick bay, he quickly composes a brief message to Ensign Rachent to have a private meeting. He wants to get greater insight into the security concerns expressed by the Communications staff, and in a more free way than they might have been willing to express in a meeting to their new superior -- do any of them feel like they're being effectively sent of a suicide mission, or that some political objective is being unwisely prioritized over the safety of the crew? Zeyar communicates that he was impressed by Rachent's personnel file, and thus has a number of duties and projects he intends to delegate to his second beyond what would be normal for his rank, and which Zeyar had originally envisaged having to complete entirely on his own. He looks forward to working together closely to ensure the success of the mission. Zeyar expects this meeting to happen that afternoon or early evening, and will be perturbed if somehow his second can't arrange to be available.
Zeyar nods politely at the medical staff as he enters, then addresses Dr. O'Sullivan,
"Hello again, Dr. -- I've made the journey to your department in the hopes of having a quick word with Lieutenant Cavallera."
He turns to the Lieutenant "I've been reading up on the Councilor Troy's work on the Enterprise, and I believe that someone with her same mental abilities would be potentially invaluable in our communications with the yinayans. They seem to be primarily a telepathic species that only uses a verbal language as a crutch to interact with non telepathic races. You are the only crew member with betazoid heritage and, despite your assignment to a different department, I was hoping you might be willing to discuss a collaboration of some sort with the Communications staff."
Then just after McCoy dismissed Cavallera, Zeyar comes in to drop that little bombshell.
Well, I did offer to work with Communications to help with anti Romulan methods. Not quite the same thing... And again that Betazoid connection.
"Interesting notion, Lt. Zeyar" The Security Chief says, "I'll consider a temporary transfer of stations for him if all find it acceptable. He is overdue for the Bridge at this time."
Then just after McCoy dismissed Cavallera, Zeyar comes in to drop that little bombshell.
Well, I did offer to work with Communications to help with anti Romulan methods. Not quite the same thing... And again that Betazoid connection.
"Interesting notion, Lt. Zeyar" The Security Chief says, "I'll consider a temporary transfer of stations for him if all find it acceptable. He is overdue for the Bridge at this time."
Zeyar doesn't even nod as he quickly turns and begins barreling down the corridor to some other destination. He clearly wasn't listening to anything except getting his own message delivered, and is deep in thought about whatever his current priorities in Communications might be -- he also clearly still has a great deal to learn about professional decorum and standard social norms in Starfleet.
Only once Zeyar is gone, does Joe rub at his forehead with two fingers My one consolation is I'm sure he'd have ignored the Captain or Lt. Commander too, so i'm 70% sure it's not personal.
He hits the Comm, "Bridge. This is security Chief McCoy. Helmsman Cavallera believes he is well enough to return to post and has been dismissed." Reporting into the Lt. Commander to keep him in the loop.
Absolutely, sir. At your earliest convenience. - says Cavallera, smiling politely.
Zeyar comes and goes, trying to not even give anyone time to breath. As he leaves, the helmsman looks back at McCoy.
Don’t sweat it, sir. He doesn’t mean badly. Maybe it’s just a bit of insecurity, you know? Some people tend to react like that when they know my ancestry. I find the assumptions a bit naive and prejudicial, to be honest… My better half is Human! - he finishes laughing, gesturing to Finn and the nearby nurses something like "am I right?" - Regardless, sir, I'd rather be a helmsman than a brain machine for communications, so I'll follow on your command unless you tell me different.
He then finally locks his eyes at the doctor. It’s almost as someone who could read a soul, but not in an uncomfortable way; more like a friend who had to live a life of unbearable pressure and toils, but still finds time to focus on us.
May I be discharged to get back to my duties, sir? I’m dying to see what this girl can do with the right hands at her controls.
A chuckle.. one he can't seem to help, "Lt. Zeyar is just very... focused." At the mention of preferring helmsman, "Well, he did ask for your approval so no one will force you into his project. If you can find a way to help him on the side I'm sure he'd appreciate it. Your call on that." Amiably
Antas is just turning off the channel when the captain arrives by the bridge. He has a small glass by his hands, that he immediately discards in a nearby replicator - and it promptly disappears.
Ah, mister Di Santos. - says Jay - How do our preparations go? I trust we're ready to get the Inopia on the move.
He finds the captain chair but doesn't sit, instead just seeing to review something at his pad as he waits for the engineer to speak.
Barely some minutes after Zeyar sends the message, he gets a response from Rachent. The message is a short and polite agreement to meet, but he doesn't develop or asks for more details. He lets both time slots available in his calendar, so the commanding officer can pick and choose the best for his convenience.
** spoiler omitted **
Zeyar is pleased to receive such speedy communication from Rachent, and selects the earlier time. He then heads back to his quarters to being pulling files on species similar to the yinayans, as well as prepare a precis for all the research projects he wants completed before the Inopia reaches their destination.
** spoiler omitted **
Zeyar then recollects that his physical presence is expected on the bridge, and sighs audibly at the deplorable waste of his time. What exactly is he going to accomplish loitering with the other staff there?
He changes course reluctantly. On his way, Zeyar tries to download as many files as he can before reaching the bridge, and intends focus as little as possible on the proceedings that are not relevant to his assignment -- glancing constantly at his pad, and sending messages to his staff throughout the day as he deduces more insights, or finds articles he wants them to read. Depending on how much he gets interrupted, or is discouraged from this approach, he may send out a dozen or more communications to his staff about telepathic species he wants them to research.
At the bridge, the captain smiles at Antas and nods. He turns his back to the front windows, arms crossed on the back. A small probe from the station passes outside, reviewing the last details.
Please take a seat by my side for now, commander. - he says, signing the second in command in chair - I asked for a place to be made on the bridge for our doctor as well, so he has a medical station here.
He points to a station near the communications one, and as he's doing so, Zeyar steps in the bridge.
Ah, welcome, mr. Zeyar. - Jay greets the lieutenant, then turning to an ensign by the side of the helm station - Send the all stations alert that we depart in 15 minutes.
At the bridge, the captain smiles at Antas and nods. He turns his back to the front windows, arms crossed on the back. A small probe from the station passes outside, reviewing the last details.
Please take a seat by my side for now, commander. - he says, signing the second in command in chair - I asked for a place to be made on the bridge for our doctor as well, so he has a medical station here.
He points to a station near the communications one, and as he's doing so, Zeyar steps in the bridge.
Ah, welcome, mr. Zeyar. - Jay greets the lieutenant, then turning to an ensign by the side of the helm station - Send the all stations alert that we depart in 15 minutes.
Zeyar nods politely, takes his seat, and begins furiously scrolling and tapping on his pad.
Finn updates the medical records for Lt. Cavellera and reports back. "Yessire, he is fit for duty." He might not be suitable for StarFleet, but I assume he was vetted same as eeveryone else. Still, I think I will pop by and have a chat with the ship's counceler.
Seeing as the med bay is in good shape, O'Sullivan heads for the bridge. Might as well see what's going on up there.
And with the Doctor's okay dokey given, Joe does the same.
---=== EVERYBODY IS NOW AT THE BRIDGE ===---
The Captain stays standing in front of his chair, arms crossed behind his back, carefully analyzing each person to enter the bridge. Eventually Finn and Joe arrive as well, and he greets them with a smile, pointing their station of work.
Finally, some minutes later, Cavallera arrives at the bridge too. Still before the departing time - maybe by the skin of his teeth - but he arrives with a clean face, uniform well organized and the smell of a shower. Apparently, he went to his quarters before coming to the bridge.
As the captain sees him, he immediately taps his head, then start shaking it with a smile.
Oh man! There goes my bet! - he tells Antas, by his side, then pointing at Cavallera - This kid is something, you know? It was at least three bottles just by himself!
The helmsman approaches them laughing and clapping slowly.
Oh, Captain my captain, you almost got me! But hey, I told you, no matter what, I always make it to the helm when needed. - he crosses his arms behind his back, and looks around the bridge calmly.
Lt. McCoy gives a professional nod to the Captain as he enters, then the Lt. Commander, then to others. "Reporting for Tactical" And takes his position. The configuration of this console is identical to what he was trained on, and that's good. Best not to assume they'll never need it.
Then he waits for Cavallera , and waits, and frowns. Cavallera is a great guy, but his behavior as an officer is off. Maybe the man would be happier as an independent outside of Star Fleet? Likable, but hot shot pilot or not, he seems to assume a lot he shouldn't
Then Cavallera comes in, and McCoy sees the captain tap his head. But the man smiled at him so it's not unusual that he'd smile at Cavallera right? Well, can't blame the guy for getting a shower.
He looks over the bridge himself. Seeing how comfortable or uncomfortable everyone else is.
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Antas waits for McCoy to arrive and then says to McCoy clearly Mr.McCoy I have that ensign you sent to the bridge at the holodeck running simulations for the helm. Please feel free to move her as soon as you see fit. Always good to have back up. Also perhaps have her train up on the shuttles while we are on the way as well at your convenience since we have two shuttles to bring down to planet and good to have back up there as well.
Antas waits for McCoy to arrive and then says to McCoy clearly Mr.McCoy I have that ensign you sent to the bridge at the holodeck running simulations for the helm. Please feel free to move her as soon as you see fit. Always good to have back up. Also perhaps have her train up on the shuttles while we are on the way as well at your convenience since we have two shuttles to bring down to planet and good to have back up there as well.
"I'd like to see how she feels about the task, Lt. Commander. If she's balking then I don't want to force it, but I'll try to arrange a back up of some sort. It's just prudent. Actually you're one up on me in having met said Ensign so you may know her better. Sounds like you consider her promising?"
Zeyar continues to furiously doom scroll on his pad. He calls up dozens of files on eusocial races similar to the yinayans and begins to organize them into separate archives. After he's made 3-4 archives, he begins forwarding them to Ensign Rachent for review, then he continues to make a set of archives for his own review. He sends off half a dozen communications to other members of his staff with smaller, though still substantial, amounts of reading, and schedules another communications meeting the following morning when, he makes it clear, he expects everyone to have read and digested several terabytes of information for review. It is as if the rest of the room barely exists as he gives his undivided attention to the pad.
she showed up, made the best of a hard task, took orders, and followed them. That speaks well to me. She was just nervous on such a task as leaving Starbase and she needed more time for proper training on her secondary skills to be confident. Antas replies fairly.
That does make him smile "Sounds very promising indeed, thank you, Lt. Commander."