JDL-aCO & aXO|Cmdr. Dhej & Ltcmdr. Hunter-"The New"

Posted on 241501.09 @ 5:13am by

Mission: Holy Cow

Adrianna Hunter had arrived on board. Her bag had been put into her quarters and the woman had donned her uniform for the first time in a few weeks and had tied her brunette hair back. Taking a deep breath she reported to the captain, "Sir?"

Karim had finished up the final planning stages for the away team, and was about to call everyone to the shuttlebay. He was a bit startled when someone stopped him as he left the ready room. Clearing his throat, he said "Can I help you with something Lieutenant Commander...?"

"Adrianna Hunter, sir," she smiled offering her hand. Her broad British accent stemming through, "I'm your new XO."

Momentarily stunned, he accepted the hand, and gestured for her to follow him back to the ready room. Taking a seat on the edge of the desk he said "Please take a seat. I assume you have orders for me? Forgive me for being confused, but I wasn't informed I had been assigned an Acting XO yet. Did you just get dropped off by a passing ship once we made orbit?"

"Yeah, it was a little bit of a shock for me too, I'm sorry," she sat down politely handing him a PaDD.

Taking the padd, he reviewed it, and said "Ok, I guess this new position is going to be full of surprises. I'm sorry if I seem a bit harried, but I was just about to depart to the planet to respond to a distress call. I can brief you regarding the basics of the mission, and then perhaps leave you in command while I go down?"

"That's fine with me, I have plenty of time if you are free now, sir," she replied openly.

Nodding, he said "Perhaps it would be easier for you to view the distress call itself, then we can discuss it. We've already been in brief contact with these people, and they know we are on our way." Pressing a control on the console behind him, he swiveled the screen, and after a moment, the message played

Moments later the screen behind him showed a being who appeared to bear a strong resemblance to a bovine species. The being took a breath and said "This distress call is being sent after much discussion with our government, and against some members recommendations, but it is necessary. I am appealing to anyone who receives it to help us. Please. I am First Mother Barula of the Nirua. Before we sent this message we were a isolationist people, content to focus on raising our calves, tending to our fields, and exploring our talents. This has all changed very suddenly. Over the past year , we have seen birthrates for our calves fall rapidly, our fields turn against us, a number of our people succumb to sudden illness, and some .... more aggressive elements of our people increase their activities. Our best scientists and healers have been unable to find a reason for all these changes to happen so quickly. We need help, or I fear we will not be able to survive. There are many who are hungry, and who are unwell. Please, if the Creator wills it, help us."

The woman nodded, "I assume that the science and medical staff are on it already. So all we have to do is arrive?"

Frowning slightly, he replied "Not really. The information the Nirua have shared with us isn't overly detailed. Those departments have begun preparing for what we may find in general, but we won't know exactly what we are facing until we arrive. What makes this mission a bit complicated is that it will essentially be a first contact as well. We've determined that they are at least warp capable, but we've been unable to find out how much they know about the universe at large."

"So how are we going to proceed?" she asked.

"We're going to take down a small away team by runabout, since we're not sure they know about transporter technology. I will be leading the away team. I know it is slightly against regulations, but you'll learn I'm often willing to bend the rules when I need to." he replied.

"With all due respect, sir," she began shifting a little uncomfortable, "I think I should go. I come from a security background."

Nodding, he replied "I understand your concerns, and will make note of them. I have however decided for at least the initial meeting with the First Mother, that I need to be there. From our brief conversation, I believe she trusts me, and I don't want to cause any waves with our initial contact. Once we do however complete the initial aspects of the meeting, I will be counting on you to help me organize the crew into their tasks, and take charge in some aspects of the mission."

"I will accept with hesitation," she grimaced, "What do you need me to do?"

Sighing, he said "I'm sorry if our first meeting has caused any discomfort for you Commander, I promise I will discuss away team leadership going forward. In terms of duties for now, I'd like you to take command of the bridge and check in with Engineering to confirm they are ready for what could be a bit of a strain on our systems in terms of power. We will probably be using replicators and medical facilities a lot heavier then normal." Pausing, he said "I'd also like you to do a bit of ...subtle research for me if you could."

"It's a new position for me," she smiled, "It's fine really." Sitting straight up in her chair Adrianna continued on topic, "And by subtle research, you mean?"

Thinking how to phrase it, he replied "As the distress call indicated, there seems to be a strong aggressive minority to the Nirua. While Barula was a bit less then forthcoming about the details of this group, I don't want to put the away team or the crew at risk. If you could run some passive scans, and try to find out a bit more about this group, even if its just their normal travelling areas, it may help."

"I'll see what I can do," the woman nodded, "Crew comes first."

"Exactly" he replied "I don't want to fly down into the middle of a raid by these people."

"I'm sure that it will be fine, but I will check. War zones are not pretty at all," she stated, "So, engineering, research and as normal the medical check up."

Chuckling, he said "Yes, I forgot about that. A visit to Sickbay to do your initial physical will probably be a good idea when you have the time. And yes, checking in to make sure Sickbay is ready for the influx of possible patients would be great too." Pausing, he added "Do you have anything you'd like to go over before I call the away team together ?"

"No, sir," Adrianna smiled, "If there is anything else?"

"Not for now Commander." he said, returning the smile. Pushing himself off the desk he said "Welcome aboard. I look forward to working with you and getting to know you better. For now, you have the bridge. Dismissed."

"Thank you, sir," she smiled, "I hope that I'll be ok as your XO."


Lieutenant Commander Adrianna Hunter
Acting Executive Officer
USS Enterprise NCC 1701-F

Commander Karim Dhej
Acting Commanding Officer
USS Enterprise NCC 1701-F