Part of the Pack

Posted on Thu Sep 2nd, 2021 @ 12:15pm by Lieutenant Commander Tyrus Acevedo & Lieutenant JG Summer Wyse

1,136 words; about a 6 minute read

Mission: The Silent Scream
Location: USS Wolff | Deck 1 | Ready Room
Timeline: 22nd April 2395- 1820hrs

ON:

The Wolff's new First Officer had stepped away from the Captain's chair with the Ship's Counsellor in tow, heading to the Captain's Ready Room which was vacant for the time being. The Captain was in her quarters with her child, and Ty was left in charge albeit for the next several minutes he had handed bridge responsibility over to the Chief Science Officer.

He had already been sitting in the Captain's chair on the bridge. So, it did not cause him much concern to make himself at home in her Ready Room and allowing himself to be seated behind her desk in her chair. He gestured for Summer to take the seat across from him, a place he usually sat when discussing matters with Taliserra.

"I agree with what you said on the bridge, Summer," he said using the woman's first name. He was getting comfortable with their working relationship, and it was becoming very clear that she was hoping for more than just a working version of a relationship. "Keeping everyone busy and their mind's occupied is probably going to be best for morale. That's one reason I left Edwards in charge while we stepped in here."

Summer nodded. “If you keep people busy they won’t have time to sit around and worry. I’ll admit it’s been pretty hard for me, with all the emotions from the crew it’s been hard to block it out.”

Ty nodded. "I would like to comfort you by saying that I understand or that I can relate, but I could not even begin to fathom being in your shoes," he said to her with a crisp sincerity. "I'm not the least bit empathic or telepathic," he clarified.

"All those minds, their fears...wants...needs, all of it just flowing in and out through your own mind? That is more of a burden than a blessing in my opinion. I do not envy you, but that's also one reason I need you right now. I've had a look over personnel files and with Doctor El-Azar gone you being Ship's Counsellor is the closest we have to an actual moral officer right now."

“Me? Morale Officer?” Summer gave Tyrus a wide eyed look. “I guess as a Counsellor I do try to keep people’s spirits up even when I’m not working. Under these circumstances there’s only so much I can do, while there’s nothing out there to see it’s making people even more conscious of the fact that we’re, more or less lost.”

"We need ways to keep them busy even when off duty," Ty replied. "There is nothing more depressing than sitting around feeling like there's nothing you can do and allowing that to consume you," he added. "This crew could use distractions."

“I would suggest something that the crew could do together, a party in the holodeck or something but I’m not sure now is an appropriate time for that.” Summer sighed.


"If I have done my homework properly, we have several musicians aboard of varying levels of experience" stated Ty. "Would a concert be appropriate? It could serve a similar purpose as a party, gathering crew together, but it could also give some something to plan for and work on during their off duty hours."

“A concert?” Summer nodded. “I think that would be a great idea! People would have to practice beforehand which would keep their minds occupied. Commander you are a genius!”

"Stroking my ego, Counsellor," Ty replied and smirked. "I appreciate it though. I know that I have only been here for relatively no time at this point, just thrown into the deep end, but in your professional opinion, how is the crew handling my presence aboard and as First Officer?"

“From what I’ve sensed when I’ve been on the bridge, the crew seem to be okay with your presence. Like any new First Officer, you need to show that you’ll do whatever it takes, right now they’re looking to you for guidance.”

Ty took a deep breath and exhaled shakily. "I know," he replied. "I was not looking to step into the shoes of a First Officer, especially aboard a Luna class starship. Not now at least, but I guess in Starfleet one has to be prepared for the unexpected and unplanned."

Summer nodded. “That’s true, it must be difficult when you’re not ready at that point in your career. I can only imagine how difficult it must be, up for what it’s worth you’re doing a good job Commander.”

"I wouldn't say 'not ready,'" he countered, not offended albeit a little more defensive. He was First Officer of the Wolff although, under timing and peculiar circumstance, he was qualified for it. He flashed a small apologetic smile at Summer.

He looked at her and sighed a bit. "I think I get a little offended when people point out that I am new to this, but it isn't all that unfamiliar to me" he asserted. "I was Second Officer aboard the Latham and when the Captain was compromised, she relieved the First Officer from duty. That positioned me as Acting First Officer....granted I also ended up killing the Captain, but in theory, I have the training for this. I've taken command courses and I know my way around a bridge."

“That much is obvious, and you wouldn’t have been chosen if they didn’t think you were ready to be First Officer.” Summer smiled warmly. “If it helps I have faith in you.”

Ty nodded. "It helps. I'm still trying to get a feel of the Captain whether or not she actually believes I am ready for all of this, and then there's the crew. I want to make sure that I present myself as a competent and confident First Officer, but I also do not want to come off as being too distant."

“Just keep involving the crew in your decisions, but don’t let them walk all over you” Summer grinned. “I can’t even imagine what it must be like to be in command on the bridge. I’d be a nervous wreck.”

The First Officer chuckled. "Oh, that may be fun to watch sometime" he replied. "I suppose I shouldn't let Lieutenant Edwards out there too long. He might become overly ambitious and make a run for my chair."

Summer laughed. “Well if you fancy it later I’ll cook you a nice dinner? No strings I promise!”

"Sounds like a plan," replied Ty as he stood from the Captain's Ready Room chair and escorted the counsellor back out onto the Bridge.


OFF:

Lieutenant Commander Tyrus Acevedo
Executive Officer

Lieutenant (jg) Summer Wyse
Chief Counsellor

 

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