Transfer Orders

Posted on Sun Mar 12th, 2023 @ 5:03pm by

937 words; about a 5 minute read

Mission: Episode 115 - Planting for the Future
Location: Officers Quarters

Alexander unpacked the last bag of possessions in his new quarters aboard Starbase 400. The last thing that came out was a small ship, a miniature version of an Inquiry class, his previous posting was on the USS Magellan and he kept a keepsake of the vessel. It even had a little registry and name of the vessel along its nacelles and forward saucer section. He smiled at the tiny details even finding his previous quarters on deck 10, port side just above the deflector dish.

The small figure tradition came from his cadet cruise on the USS Carolina, the heavily detailed Centaur class sat at the head of the line of ships along the shelf behind his desk. His Cadet Cruise CO, Captain th'Ventaur, started the tradition by giving each of his senior staff a tiny model of the vessel at the end of the six month cruise which started Alexander's Starfleet career. He treasured the model vessel, apart from the fact that he loved starship design, because it reminded him of how much he overcame as a Cadet. But it also reminded him that life is a journey, and that things don't go as planned.

Alexander analyzed the Inquiry class, after mentioning the tradition to his old XO Commander Mizar, she provided him with the model just before leaving the ship. Usually he just replicated the vessel himself but she went out of her way to get an official painted model that wasn't made from a replicator.

He was dazed in thought, remembering fond memories with former crewmates and thinking of his time part of the Strategic Operations department on the vessel. He thought of the Borg Incident of 2399 shortly before leaving the vessel to the one time they face down rogue Romulan vessels in Federation space, coincidentally the same day he got his JG pip.

Alex started flying the ship around with his hand, making little engine noises as he flew it around his quarters. A spare torpedo or phaser emitter would spew out of the vessel from his imagination.

At a moments notice, his door chimed. This immediately broke his concentration and he came back to the moment, he stood alone in his quarters, in uniform, flying a make believe ship around the room. Alex smiled to himself before setting down the ship onto the counter to open the door.

Outside, a Human woman just five inches shorter than him stood with a PADD in hand. Alex smiled, not expecting a visitor. "Hello...can I help you?"

The woman smiled before extending out a free hand, "Hi! We haven't met yet, I'm Crewman Arielle Tangara. I'm your Quartermaster for this section of the officer's quarters!"

Alex shook her hand, Arielle seemed full of passion. She must be fresh from Enlisted Training, not many officers kept that demeaner through their careers.

Arielle continued taking back her hand, "I came by to see if there's anything you may need for your quarters? Just think of me as your go-to for any heavy duty requisitions or orders."

"Nice to meet you Crewman." Alex motioned inside and she walked into the quarters, analyzing the room. Alex responded, "I was actually just finishing with unpacking. I can't think of anything I need right now, the whole thing came freshly stocked." He laughed shyly, stopping quickly after realizing Arielle stood just smiling politely as she probably had heard that plenty of times. Maybe she had been around this position longer than he thought.

Arielle's smile faded, Alex noted her mood changed to business, "Mind if I check off what's here? I've got to do this then I'll be out of your hair." She grinned.

Alex gestured to the quarters, "Of course. Go ahead and check off what you need." He got back to his desk, taking the Inquiry class in his hands and putting it on the shelf with the rest of his tiny fleet. He adjusted each into the perfect position, barely noticing Arielle check off her PADD behind him.

"Hm," Alexander turned to Arielle, she finished tapping on her PADD. "I like your little fleet up there, any reason?"

Alex pointed back at the ships, "Yea they're from my previous postings. Just thought I'd keep them around to remember what I've done. My first CO started the tradition so I just kept it going."

Arielle smiled, "Well, I hope you're gonna like it here, we'll have to find a little Starbase 400 sometime while you're here."

"Definitely!" Alex paused a moment, bringing himself closer to Arielle, "Do y'all have gift shops on Starbases?" Alex was dead serious on this question and he hoped he didn't come off as naïve for not knowing the answer.

Arielle laughed hard, almost doubling over in front of Alex. She stopped a moment, "Oh goodness that's good!"

Alex felt embarrassed but decided to play it cool. He did not want a reputation, "Haha yea, it's next to memorabilia of the senior staff." He giggled back, hoping for the intended result.

"Good one!" Arielle laughed lighter then wiped a tear from her eye and stood straighter in front of Alex. "I haven't laughed that good in awhile. If you ever want to hang out some time, give me a call. I wouldn't mind laughing like that again."

Arielle left Alex's quarters still laughing to herself before turning to wave as the door closed shut behind her. Alex waved back to the door, he was always awkward around people especially people new people. But, at least he made a friend! Or at least someone who could tell him his right from his left on the Starbase.

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