Reporting for duty

Posted on Mon Mar 2nd, 2020 @ 10:51pm by Captain Wilkan Targaryen & Captain Ryan Walsh

1,459 words; about a 7 minute read

Mission: Genesis
Location: Targaryens office
Timeline: 2430-01-05, 19:00

Ryan walked towards the Admirals office with a smile on his face. He had arrived the day before and last night meeting Jasmine had made him feel like he had made the right choice.

He had learned that life had its ups and downs. There would be periods of happy times where you felt like you could touch the Heavens and then times where you were certain you were living in the deepest parts of hell. What kept him going every day was knowing he had a purpose and with each day things had gotten better. He stopped outside the Admiral’s office and rang the buzzer.

"Enter," the Admiral approved from inside the Office. The response was no nonsense and quick to the point.

Ryan walked in and into the middle of the room, in front of the Admiral's desk and held out a padd. "Captain Walsh, reporting for duty, Admiral." he said in a clear voice that held confidence.

William stood from his desk and walked over to the replicator terminal. He looked over his shoulder, "Anything I can get you Mister Walsh?" The formality of his voice was palpable.

“Iced tea, thank you Sir,” Ryan replied. He watched as the Admiral got their drinks.

The Admiral motioned for the couch and chairs parallel to his desk and placed the iced tea on the coffee table and next to the 3-D chess set. He looked, briefly, at the model of the ship below the window. A collection of PADDs almost fell against the iced tea.

"You'll have to forgive my ready room. My assignment doesn't give me much free time to file."

“I imagine you are very busy,” Ryan replied as he sat down. “Have you entertained getting a Yeoman?” He blinked at his own words. “I didn’t mean to step out of line, Admiral.”

He actually laughed, "Oh don't apologize. I thought it was funny. The last Yeoman didn't though... I've fired every last one of them since," he paused thinking of Commander Stevens for a moment. He wondered what happened to her for a second before he redirected. "It's been a while."

"What can I do for you today?" The Admiral started maneuvering around the chess pieces realizing he and his wife would probably never finish their last game. "Other than reporting in at least?"

“That is why I came,” Ryan said with a smile. “And to see if you have any concerns I need to address.”

He considered that a second, looking at the game board as he reclined in his chair. "The position aboard this ship is an interesting one. As Security Advisor to the President you have a lot of responsibilities, both to Starfleet and the Government. The challenge for you is ensuring that you are meeting the needs of both. I truly don't envy you that," he chuckled as he said it. He let out a breath, "Even though I've done it. When I first came aboard my position was merged with the Advisor posting. It can be a challenge."

“I will do my very best,” Ryan assured him. “You are right it will be tricky but I am up to the task.”

"That's a good thing because you have to put up with the one adversary who brought me to my knees in your new role," he picked up the Queen piece and tossed it to the Captain, "My wife."

Ryan caught it and smiled. “And you think she isn’t easy to deal with? I am afraid I at a disadvantage here.”

"She's the CinC of Starfleet. None of them are easy to deal with," he explained. "The President isn't as bad as the CinC on most days. He took a drink, "So tell me about yourself, Captain."

“I was born on Earth, pretty much always knew I wanted to work in security or some type of work related,” Ryan replies. “Got married and started a family. Everything was going well for a long time. My wife and child passed away unfortunately and I decided I needed a new start somewhere else.”

William nodded, thinking back to the price he paid for saving the galaxy what felt like ages past, "I understand. It's a tough thing to go through, but you have a good support system here for you. While Starfleet One is the President's transport, we have an amazing group of people here. As the Liaison you'll spend a lot of time with me and the CinC. The President can be an interesting dinner companion."

“I am looking forward to it,” Ryan replied. “They say time heals wounds and I am seeing that that is very true. Each day I seem to feel better.”

He nodded in response, smiling comfortingly. "Time is an old friend of ours especially on this ship. I've been known to dabble in letting it resolve some of my ills. So what do you want to see out of this partnership?"

“A bond between all of us,” Ryan replied. “More of an understanding, things flowing as one.” He paused for a moment. “Security is top notch here which is a plus.”

"Commander Haynes is good at her job," William answered from his chair. "The President is maneuvering for her to be part of his delegation during this mission. Perhaps for a longer stint depending on how things go. I really am curious to see how things go. Commander O'Sullivan is also a good fit with this ship, overseeing our Hazard Team, but I just appointed him as Executive Officer of our support ship Spock."

“You have an excellent crew,” Ryan nodded. “I am sure Commander O’Sullivan will fit in well there and Commander Haynes must be honored to be chosen by the President. I have met her and she impressed me.”

Teagarden said nothing for a long moment, debating how far to take the discussion or what all to reveal. He smirked at the comment, deciding to be diplomatic rather than any alternative. "She certainly makes an impression. It's my hope that we are able to make a lasting partnership with this mission, Captain. In many respects we three are the leaders of Starfleet - every last person who has sat in your chair has been CinC at some point in their career. Don't lose sight of your goals."

“I will not,” Ryan assured him. “I have then mapped out, the hardest part is paying my dues.”

The Captain of the Enterprise smiled, "I see. So do you think babysitting the CinC is paying your dues?"

“There are many ways to pay your dues,” Ryan smiled back at him. “That May be one of them.”

"So a couple of years babysitting Admiral Luzol and you figure that you'll be able to call your own shots? Always remember that half the Captains in Starfleet would kill for the role that you're holding, the other half would kill to be posted to this ship because of its lineage and history. For those who have their career mapped out always remember to keep your eye on the young upstarts with an eye on Fleet Command. They all think that their time of this ship is temporary," he paused realizing he'd become a bit antagonistic rather than helpful, "All I'm saying is remember that there's someone with a different map to the same destination. And there's another person who's already found the way and realized it wasn't all it was cracked up to be."

Ryan listened to what he said and took it to heart. Everything he said was the truth. It was every person for themselves and only one would get the prize in the end.

“I have the tenaciousness and drive to be that one. I am grateful for the advice, I will focus on being the one that stands out,” Ryan’s words held conviction and strength.

"As the person who found the way there and realized it wasn't all it was cracked up to be I only have to say good luck," he let out a long breath. "So, glad I haven't scared you off. I do hope that this appointment goes well for you, Captain. For all our sakes."

“Thank you Sir,” Ryan replied sincerely. “I don’t scare that easily and I will work to make this a good fit for all.”

The CO nodded, "I'd expect nothing less. I need to make preparations for our arrival at Gateway Station. I'd assume you need to do the same," he said somewhat apologetically. "Anything specific you'd like to talk with me about before we wrap up?"

“I am good Sir,” Ryan replied. “Thank you for meeting with me and your candid advice.”

"Anytime and my door is always open," William answered.

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