Tactically Speaking

Posted on Sun Nov 15th, 2020 @ 5:37pm by Lieutenant Ehal Alom & Commander Ichiko Gail
Edited on on Sat Dec 5th, 2020 @ 3:27pm

Mission: Enforced Intermission
Location: XO’s Office

Ehal left the Captain's ready room and moved through the bridge and back onto the turbolift. The doors opened on Deck 2, where the XO's office was located. He had checked with the computer and that is where the XO was currently. He approached the door and rang the chime.

Ichiko looked up from her PaDD, examining line after line of concern, complaint, and catastrophe waiting to happen. At the chime, her lengthy ears perked, "Hai, hairu." she called, bidding her guest to enter.

The doors swished open, showing a glimpse into her office. The lights were turned down slightly, the walls were decorated with pictures of a world far away, hills and mountains no Federation officer had touched, seas and oceans unclaimed. Among them all was an absolute marvel of imagery. Captured forever, the perfect absolutely likeness of life itself.

A crayon drawing of a box house with a mother, father, and three siblings. All under a smiling star. Because, as science would tell you, of course they smile. It's why they're always beaming.

As Ehal entered, she stood to greet her guest. She made a motion to offer her hand, then those hollow, reflectionless eyes of hers gave Ehal a quick once over, and then the offer was retracted. "You're Bajoran. You don't do handshakes." she offered. "I welcome you. I'd offer you a drink, but the fabricator is in the middle of a revolution." she said, amused, "My name is Ichiko Gail, I'm the Ship Second to the Astraea." she introduced herself first.

"Lieutenant Alom Ehal. Your new Chief Security and Tactical Officer." The Bajoran said snapping to attention, "Pleasure to meet you ma'am."

"At ease." she offered, "And it's excellent to make your company as well. I wish the state of the ship was better to properly greet you, make you feel at ease, but we do our best when under adversity. I have every confidence that you'll do all you can, should things get worse for us."

"In lieu of tea, I can offer idle chatter and questions answered, if I'm allowed." she offered.

Ehal took a more relaxed stance. "It is understandable. There has been a lot going on, from what I gathered from my briefing and meeting with the Captain." He paused, "And of course ma'am. Did you have anything you wanted to know about me?" The Bajoran man asked.

A smirk, "Actually, just one. Ts'usugi custom places a lot of weight on a question. Sometimes, the question you ask is almost as important as the answer." she paused, "In that, my question is... if not Tactical, then what was your secondary? Your minor, if you will."

Ehal smiled, "Well, I actually minored in Flight Control and Transporter Operations. I couldn't decide so I did both." The Bajoran said, "It was a lot of work, but I can now take a part a transporter just as well as a junior engineer."

She gave a soft smile, "That's fascinating. I'm concerned about the devices personally, every child of Ts'usu is. We take tests and measures in academy, and compare them at random to see if, well, if we're still us." she said, amused. "In the early days of our society, a mismatch would usually lead to a funeral, which you were requested not to attend. Now, they simply make a mark in your file and track your movements within Imperial space a little closer." she confided. "Our concern about the long term effects of transporters has loosened over the years, but we still watch them closely." she giggled, amused.

Ehal was intrigued. He knew some people were still skeptical about transporters even after centuries of using them, but a whole society. "That is interesting, Commander. I had no idea that there was a whole planet out there that was scared of the transporter. I know certain sentients have issues with them, but have never heard of a whole society.”

"We're more concerned now, then afraid." she clarified with a smirk, "We've seen some of the things that can happen during a mishap, and we place a lot of value on our people. The future of one's life shouldn't be cut short because you stepped into the wrong box on a Thursday." she joked, but the implication was still there.

"But, they do make life interesting." a pause, "I've asked you all I need to know at the moment. Was there anything you wanted to ask of me?"

“Anything specific you need from me or the security department?” The Bajoran asked the XO.

She gave a smirk, "Do your best, and no excuses, and I think we'll get along nicely."

“Yes ma’am. Now if there is nothing else, I will take my leave to prepare the department.” Ehal said standing and leaving with a nod from the XO.

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Commander Ichiko Gail
USS Astraea

Lieutenant Alom Ehal
USS Astraea