Fancy a change?

Posted on Tue Feb 16th, 2021 @ 3:32pm by Captain Jack Solomon & Lieutenant Xalanth

943 words; about a 5 minute read

Mission: Episode 109 - The Dust Settles
Location: USS Ark Royal-A, Starbase 400 dock
Timeline: MD2 1400 hrs

Jack was sat at his desk in the Ready Room aboard the USS Ark Royal-A, where the crew were already preparing the Vesta Class starship for her next voyage out to Earth.

Having cleared the voyage with Admiral Bremer, Jack knew that there were two reasons for this taking place now. With the Alliance now back in control, it meant that things were almost going back to normal and that allowed for exploration as well as guard duty to take place in the ara where SB400 presided.

The Admiral agreed that this was as good a time as ever to shake down the new vessel now that she was in full service as Commander Solomon's support vessel and a voyage to Earth would also give the crew on board a chance to make sure all systems were as they should be.

It also meant as well that both Jack and Deela could finally take the chance to do what they had been planing for so long now: they could finally get married and also have the kids there with them. They'd been trying before War broke out and this has denied them the chance to tie the knot.

Jack was also glad that Lt Xalanth was assigned to the voyage and this meant that he would have an experienced hand on board to make sure that the Tactical and Security systems were working as expected.

Jack was reading several reports as he waited for Lt Xalanth to report on board.

Xalanth had helped Fulvia onboard into their temporary quatres before heading for the bridge. He was rather happy with this operation, the earth had been a good planet to him and he'd be happy to see it again. Stepping up to the captain's ready room he pressed the button and waited for the door to open.

"Come in," Jack said as he heard the door chime. As Lt Xalanth walked in, Jack out down the PADD. "Lieutenant, welcome aboard the Ark Royal-A," Jack said as he stood up from his desk.

"Glad to be here sir," Xalanth said saluting before taking Jacks outstretched hand. "She looks like a fine ship, hopefully, she'll get us to earth smoothly. Haven't been there since I was in the academy."

Jack smiled. "Well, I'm hoping she will as well, that's part of the reason for giving her a shakedown cruise," he began before handing a PADD over to the Security Officer.

"After receiving the reports from the crew after the recent combat action we were in, I noticed that despite this being one of the newer ships in the fleet, there were some issues with the defensive systems on board and I wanted an experienced hand to take a look at the, during shakedown."

"After speaking with Admiral Bremer about my request for a shakedown, he recommended that you come aboard and work through these issues and I have to say, that I'm glad he suggested your services because I was considering asking you anyway," Jack admitted.

"I'm glad you considered me sir," the lizard said feel relieved at the recommendation and the consideration. "I'll make sure her systems get a full workout."

Jack nodded as he agreed with the lizard's work ethic, which is exactly why he wanted Xalanth on board. "Once you've completed your duties as part of the shakedown and checking the Ark Royal-A systems, I do have another role I'd like to talk to you about...of a more personal nature," Jack said before taking a pause.

" What role would that be sir?" The lizard enquired a

"Once we arrive at Spacedock, shore leave will be granted to the crew, Admiral Bremer's way of thanks for the actions they took in recent engagements. Whilst this is taking place, the Ark Royal will be re-tocked and re-supplied meaning that this allows for both Admiral T'Lar and I to take do something we've wanted to do for some time... We can finally get married," Jack explained before standing up straight.

"Lieutenant Xalanth, I would like to ask you to be my best man at the wedding ceremony?" Jack asked.

A smile crept over the lizard's face. " I'd gladly accept the honour, sir. You may need to explain what duties I need to do. My own experiences in that department have been what could be called unusual."

Jack nodded and understood this. Already prepared, he passed Xalanth a PADD. "I had a thought and wondered if that might be the case, so I prepared some reading for you. All the information required about Terran weddings and all the duties of the best man, as well as other members of the bridal party, are all covered," he explained.

"Hopefully that will be of interest and some help to you," Jack offered as he saw Xalanth take the PADD.

"Thank you, sir." He said taking the padd. "I'm sure Terran will be different from Dragonian, Nova Roman, T'vorana and Betazoid."

"Its good to know that you are well versed in various marriage traditions, Lieutenant. I feel like I'm in safe hands already," Jack said, now hearing that Xalanth already had some experience at weddings.

"Very well, if there's nothing else, I'll allow you to attend to your duties. I've got one more meeting today and then we can get underway," Jack said to his friend and fellow colleague.

" Very good sir. " The lizard said calmly. "If there's nothing, else I'll get to my duties."

Jack nodded as he looked up and saw Lt Xalanth leave his office. Happy that he had both a best man and an experienced Tactical officer on board, Jack prepared for his next meeting...

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