Rhyan's Transfer

Posted on 27 Oct 2018 @ 12:15pm by Commander Rhyan & Captain Gabriel Barron M.D.

961 words; about a 5 minute read

Mission: Empty Creche
Location: Captain's Ready Room, USS Redemption
Timeline: ED1 1230

Barron sat behind the desk of the captain's ready room looking over the information that was streaming in from the various sensors and subspace communication arrays. The information was unnerving to say the least. Several colonies along the haphazardly created Sixth Fleet - Federation border had gone silent. Starfleet Command had formed a small task group dubbed Task Group Trinity. Among the ships assigned to the group was the Redemption's sister ship, the Atonement; the ship he had been chosen to command before the situation forced him to step into the shoes of Ashcart.

The door chime sounded and broke the relative silence of the ready room. Barron looked up from his desk and announced for his guest to enter. Commander Rhyan stepped through the threshold and waited for the door behind him to close before speaking. "Captain," he said firmly, walking closer to the captain's desk. "I hope I am not intruding."

Barron nodded and stood, extending his hand to the seat across from him. "No, I was expecting you, commander. I had hoped you wouldn't leave without coming to see me first." As he spoke, the captain grabbed a padd and thumbed it on. "Apparently the Redemption is to lose both its commanding and executive officers in the same number of days." The padd contained orders from Starfleet Headquarters reassigning Commander Rhyan to Starfleet Medical in an advisory capacity, effective immediately. From the look on the Vulcan's face, the news was not unexpected.

Of course, Rhyan had heard of no such orders. Had Lieutenant Johnston been busy since their communique?

Barron continued. "The only question I have for you is: who do I promote to executive officer until, or if, you are reassigned to the Redemption? I would also welcome a suggestion as to who think would best replace you as chief science officer."

"I would like to recommend Lieutenant Commander Doyl for the position of executive officer while I am on secondment to Starfleet Medical," Rhyan said without the need for much thought. Commander Doyl had proven herself an excellent officer, thinking quick on her feet and managing emergencies quickly and decisively. She also had the trust of most of the crew.

For chief science officer, Rhyan was not so sure. Lieutenant Tigan would be the obvious choice, but she was joining him on the journey to Earth. The next best choice was Lieutenant Webb, although Rhyan did not know him nearly as well as Aeryn. It seemed, on this issue, the decision was made for him. "For chief science officer, Sir, I would recommend Lieutenant Webb. He has the experience and the seniority to manage the department in my absence."

Barron eyed the commander for a moment. "What about Major Afton? She completed her bridge officers certification several years ago, and also has the trust of the crew."

"I completely agree," Rhyan responded, aware that Keisha had both the skill and temperament to take over as executive officer in his absence. The Vulcan also knew that the Redemption would likely see battle on its mission to locate the missing Starfleet children, and would therefore need its most skilled doctor in sickbay rather than the bridge. Knowing Keisha as well as he did, Rhyan was certain that she would agree with the assessment; besides, she did not speak fondly of her time in command during the Redemption's maiden voyage the previous year.

Rhyan explained this logic to the captain, watching the Klingon for any signs of agreeing or disagreeing with the recommendation. Barron did not give too much away, "So you see," Rhyan finished, "I do think she would be better commanding sickbay."

The captain looked on at Rhyan, not speaking, unnerving the Vulcan.

"I do have another suggestion, Sir," the commander said. Under a different set of circumstances the name Rhyan was about to put forward would have been his first choice. With everything that had happened over the last couple of months, he might end up regretting what he was about to say. "I..." he started, then hesitated slightly.

"Spit it out, commander," Barron barked.

"I would like to recommend Major Cassandra Blackburn for the position of executive officer." Rhyan locked eyes with the Klingon for a few seconds, hoping that he could non-verbally communicate the respect he had for Cass; even after everything that had happened between them. She was in a bitterly dark place at the moment, but she was still an excellent marine officer. If Major Afton was suitable for command, then so was Major Blackburn in Rhyan' eyes.

Barron studied Rhyan for a moment before opening his mouth. "That would be Lieutenant Colonel Blackburn," he said, catching Rhyan off guard.

"Well done Cass," Rhyan muttered, not intending for the captain to hear his words. Her promotion was long overdue, but the timing of it was a bit of a surprise to him; she had not exactly ingratiated herself on the crew since returning to the Redemption. He was happy for her, but also wondered how she took the news. Badly, he suspected. But the step up in grade coupled with a duty promotion might be the push that Blackburn needed to see sense.

Barron nodded. "I'll take it under advisement. If there is nothing else, commander, you are dismissed with permission to leave the ship. The runabout Aoraki has been prepped for your departure."

"Aye, Sir," Rhyan responded, put out slightly that he would not immediately hear the captain's decision. He thought twice about asking Barron for his final decision, but decided that he had better things to be doing with his time. After a quick dip of his head, the Vulcan stepped out of the ready room and started heading to wards the shuttle bay. The Aoraki, and Aeryn Tigan, awaited.

 

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