Reviewing the review.

Posted on Sat May 16th, 2020 @ 10:49pm by Captain Abigail Laurens & Lieutenant Commander T'Vek

Mission: Around The World in 8 Days
Location: Captain's Ready Room

Abigail watched in silence as Bianca left the ready room before turning her attention to T'Vek. "The reports weren't exactly terrible," Abigail said quietly. "Honestly, I'm surprised, but I'd like to hear direct from you about how you think she handled things."

"Strictly speaking, the Lieutenant failed the evaluation the moment she failed to notice that I was on the bridge. The fact that I was able to plant a device on the command chair and then return to my previous position without so much as a glance from her in my direction is indicative of someone who is far to focused on the task at hand, and not the larger picture. It is something that can be corrected, however, as she is still rather early in her career," T'Vek said in the stuffy Vulcan manner before his lips curled up into a strange grin.

"But from a practical standpoint, she danced marvelously. Most of her tactics were sound, had I been of the mind not to tamper with the results. Her reaction to the threat, from the start, was methodical and is worthy of mention, but as things continued to slip further and further from her expectations, she became frustrated. At one point she even called me an 'asshole'. Forgivable under the circumstances, it was rather amusing to hear someone go to such trouble to backpedal once the words left her mouth," T'Vek started to chuckle.

Abigail found herself thoroughly taken aback at his demeanor. The grin was enough to disarm her but the laugh completely caught her off guard. She blinked and shook her head momentarily, looking back to the console. He was Vulcan, wasn't he? Wasn't that what his transfer records stated? Vulcan? When the hell did Vulcans start laughing?

"I'll be honest, I'm not impressed that the evaluation was done without my knowledge. Especially given I was planetside at the time. It's one thing to test my crew, but it's something completely else to damage my ship in the process. I was in the middle of something important when I started receiving alarmist messages telling me that the ship was under attack, there had been explosions and the ship was attempting to break orbit." She shook her head, her eyes glinting with annoyance. "That said, clearly there are areas that need improvement, so I'd like you to work with Lieutenant Lee and Lieutenant Alani and schedule some training with those that need it."

"I understand your position regarding it, however, I was directed to do so by a much higher authority than either of us. Between us, Captain, there have been some disturbing activity from various outside agencies of late, and readiness has been a top priority for both Starfleet Security and Intelligence. The fact that you were away from the ship should have been reason enough for your crew to be on guard for strange visitors. I will speak with your Security Chief when they return, and see what I can't do to make sure that this is not a reoccurring event in future," T'Vek remarked with a casual lilt to his voice that wasn't at all in keeping with the Vulcan attitude.

Abigail nodded slowly. "So you've come aboard as intelligence," she mused quietly. "You'll have to forgive my surprise at your posting. After our last Intelligence officer had been recalled unexpectedly I had actually been informed that we wouldn't be getting another, so your assignment comes as a surprise. I can't help but question why, but, regardless." She leaned back in her seat. "Tell me, Lieutenant Commander T'Vek, I'm sure you've already taken time to start vetting the crew, what concerns do you have so far?"

"My concern is their lack of vigilance. A great many of the crew whom I encountered during my drill were either extremely inexperienced or far too trusting simply because of my advanced rank. I do not expect that people would know each and every member of the crew as I do, or you perhaps, but the fact that you yourself have said that Intelligence officers are not present on a regular basis should have at least garnered questions from at least one person. It is disheartening to know that this was not the case," T'Vek frowned a full on frown.

"And how do you suggest we improve that situation?" Abigail asked quietly. "After recent events I would prefer to not have a repeat performance of this incident, least of all one that wasn't staged."

"Security drills, personnel familiarizations, inter-departmental trainings. All of these are viable options. However, you will be somewhat less vulnerable with my arrival, as I make it a habit of sweeping the vessel for bodies that aren't accounted for, and trace elements of some of the lesser known explosive materials..." T'Vek said before smirking, "That's one of the reasons it took so long to find the bombs in the first place, normal internal sensors don't look for the materials I used on a regular scan."

"That is both reassuring and oddly disconcerting," Abigail said quietly. "I am not really sure how I should actually respond to that." She sighed, rubbing her temples with her fingertips. "Work with Lieutenant Alani to make whatever you need happen. I don't want this happening again."

"I can assure you that the only way it could happen, Captain, is if you request a repeat of this particular evaluation," the Vulcan stated with a slightly smug look on his face.

"Now I just need to work out how to deal with Lieutenant Lee," Abigail sighed. "That one I suspect is going to be trouble." She paused for a moment. "Is there anything else you need to raise with me Commander?"

"Nothing comes immediately to mind, save to warn you that I have not been given my primary mission orders from Starfleet Intelligence. Unlike your prior Intelligence Officer, I am a member of a field unit as well as a standard Intelligence Officer. As such, from time to time I will be given overriding orders by my superiors here on Earth. They may end up taking me away from the ship at time, but I will at least advise you before my departure. Beyond that information... I have nothing additional. Shall I send the Lieutenant back in when I depart?" T'Vek pushed himself out of the chair in anticipation of leaving.

"Please do," Abigail said quietly leaning back in her seat. "Thank you Commander." She paused for a moment, before offering him a smile. "Welcome aboard." She offered a genuine, albeit weary smile. "I'm actually very glad to have you here."

"Thank you, Captain," T'Vek said with a smile, "I'll send the Lieutenant back to you."

The Vulcan headed to the door, stopping just outside to motion the Lieutenant back inside before disappearing into the Bridge proper.