Late Breakfast

Posted on Thu Jan 26th, 2023 @ 1:00am by Captain Charlotte Rhodes & Lieutenant Commander Kenna Wolff & Lieutenant Commander Ryan Knight

1,058 words; about a 5 minute read

Mission: Episode 0: New Sheriff in Town
Location: Mess Hall, USS Defiant
Timeline: 0930 hrs

"Waffles. Mixed fruit. And a coffee, mocha, hot."

As the whirring of the food synthesizer began, Captain Rhodes closed her eyes for a moment. She liked to ground herself every once in a while. Feel the subtle vibrations and hums of her vessel. She thought of it as keeping tabs on the health of a friend. During her years on the Maui, she'd learned the many sounds, shakes, and whirs like the back of her hand. By the time she left the old Walker-Class, she was sometimes able to know there was an issue in Engineering even before the Chief called up to her. It'd become second nature.

She'd been aboard Defiant for several months now, but she was still struggling to wrap her mind around its unique tells. The vessel was bigger, newer, and much quieter. 'So, she's got a good poker face,' Charlotte thought to herself. But after a moment, even in the busy mess hall, she was able to sense that very subtle vibration of the vessels warp core. It was much less obvious while in dock, but it was still there, humming away healthily.

A ding brought her back to reality and the glorious scent of arabica and chocolate quickly pulled her mind to other topics. "Keep the coffee coming and we'll get along just fine," she teased at Defiant, under her breath, only briefly wondering if someone would think her crazy for talking to the ship as often as she did. Retrieving her breakfast, the Captain made her way over to one of the tables near the towering forward windows.

Ryan stepped into the mess and spotted Charlotte across the room. He gave her a quick nod before heading to the food processor and selecting several items for breakfast. He crossed to Charlotte's table and took the seat across from her. "Greetings again, Captain."

"Hello again, Lieutenant. Please, grab a seat," Charlotte replied with a welcoming grin. "Pleased with you quarters, I hope?"

Ryan shrugged, though a wry grin adorned his face. "Bigger and less crowded than what I had on the Concord, Smaller than my apartment on Arcadia." He adopted a more serious expression before nodding. "Honestly, the quarters are fine sir. My belongings should be delivered by the end of Alpha Shift." He took up his knife and fork and set upon his biscuits and gravy. He paused for a moment. "I don't suppose I could get a tour of the bridge after we eat. Only time I got to see the bridge of a Constitution-class was during a visit to the USS Hood back in my Academy days."

"I imagine we could make that happen. Especially given how much time you'll be spending up there," the Captain replied as she set her slightly emptier mug back on the table. She sat back in her chair adopting a more relaxed posture. "So, tell me a little bit about yourself. And I mean beyond what's on the resume. I prefer to get to know my crew as people, not just officers. So..." She spread her hands, inviting reply.

Ryan held a thoughtful expression as he took a sip of coffee before answering the Captain's question. "Well, something not specifically in my official record would probably be my affinity for outdoor activities. I love to backpack and camp. I am also an accomplished equestrian." He held a wistful smile as he thought of summers growing up. "My paternal grandparents own a horse ranch in Wyoming. I'm also an avid reader, historical works and classical literature mostly. Oh and I love to play guitar."

While Ryan was speaking the door chime rang softly.

"I think you'll fit in nicely here then, Mr. Knight. I try to run a fairly casual ship. I prefer it if my officers get along. Friendship is encouraged, though not required. Honestly, I want people to be themselves. People are at their best when they don't spend all their time putting on a mask," Charlotte said. There was a momentary pause, where she contemplated if she truly allowed herself to live the words she was saying. But she brushed past it as the door opened across the mess from them. She waved a hand. "Ah, and there's Kenna now."

Ryan rose to his feet as Kenna approached the table. His action notably of old fashioned gentlemanliness as he did not appear to be leaving the table. He nodded at Kenna. "Good morning sir."

"Captain, Lieutenant. " Kenna said in her normal unruffled manner. "Apologies for being late, I was reviewing reports."

Charlotte waved the apology away with a fork in her hand. "No need to apologize for doing your job. That said, don't work yourself too hard. Once we pull out of port, things are likely to heat up a bit."

"I am fine Sir, do not worry my department will be more than ready."

Ryan took his seat as Kenna sat down. "Chief Helmsman Ryan Knight at your service."

"Kenna Wolff, Security." She replied with a polite nod.

Charlotte leaned back in her chair for a moment and turned to the helmsman. "Oh, so just a general rule for you. If you're on duty, ranks and all are important to proper starship function. Off duty, I prefer names just names. We're all people behind the uniform. Some Captain's prefer formality around the clock. I'm not one of those."

Ryan nodded carefully at Charlotte's statement. Most superior officers didn't go for the familiar approach with their subordinates. He could understand the desire for camaraderie amongst peers. "I’ll do my best Captain. Father is a Starfleet Captain. Serves as Chief of Staff for Rear Admiral Allister at Starfleet Command."

“I get it. Your best is more than enough on the topic,” Charlotte said before turning to the other woman. “Kenna, anything you think the new guy here needs to know?”

Kenna considered the question. "No nothing beyond normal procedures. If you have security concerns let me know."

Ryan glanced at Kenna and nodded. He finished his last bite before taking one last sip of coffee. He grabbed his tray and stood up. "Ladies, if you will excuse me. I am going to knock out my boarding physical. Meet you both on the bridge in an hour?"

Charlotte raised her coffee mug in agreement. "Sounds like a plan. See you then."

 

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