Something Gained, Something Lost

Posted on 05 Jun 2019 @ 2:11am by Captain Jonathan Reynolds & Lieutenant Commander Aidan Datari

Mission: Shakedown
Location: Captains ready room
Timeline: MD4 13:00
766 words - 1.5 OF Standard Post Measure

ON:

Jon's day was turning out to be an odd one. Lots of ignoring the press repeatedly trying to get him to have an interview with them, and seemingly on the other hand. The nicer hand, welcoming new crew. He smiled as the bridge sent through his new Science officer.

"Shh..." Aidan soothed his ever present pet. "I don't want you to be scaring anyone so off you go, find a high perch and we'll introduce you later." Sherlock hooted at him, but flew off to find the designated high perch anyway.

Straightening his jacket, the Trill's hand unconsciously went to his collar, where the hollow pip he'd been wearing the last months, was now missing. He sighed to himself as he crossed the bridge down to the captain's chair. "Captain Reynolds?" he queried, fully aware that the man didn't hold said rank just yet. Except in his experience, regardless of rank, a commanding officer was called captain.

Jon did a quick once over and noticed a pip missing. Hadn't this chap been a LT Commander when he had applied for transfer he mussed. "Lieutenant Datari," he said confused. "I was under the impression you had a higher rank."

"I did," the Trill answered, his keen hearing detecting an accent and automatically switching to the commanding officer's native language. It was more of a habit than attempting to make an impression, really. "I was demoted due to an away mission gone wrong." He pointed at the PADD he now held out. "It's all in here sir, and I'd really rather leave it behind me and move on."

Jon nodded. "Yes, lets just say clean slate and move forward. So did you have a good trip over to 308?"

"Yes sir. I'm sure my wife will report in shortly too." He smiled. "I hope you're not opposed to unusual pets?"

Jon hadn't been expecting that question. "Staff are allowed pets Lieutenant. What do you mean unusual?"

Aidan whistled softly and suddenly Jon's hair was ruffled by a wave of wind. Smiling innocently, Aidan pointed for the man to look up. "That unusual," he said as he pointed to the mini dragon hovering above their heads. The blue's eyes were whirling a mix of blue and green, while he warbled in amusement.

"It doesn't shoot fire out its mouth does it?" he asked nervously.

The Trill laughed as Sherlock landed on his shoulder. "No sir, Sherlock doesn't breathe fire, at all. He never has and he probably never will." Sherlock whistled in agreement, flicking his wings to settle them across his back. "He's very friendly though."

"Well nice to meet you Sherlock. Named after Holmes?" He asked. "You stay out of trouble though," he looked at Datari. "Guy had a hamster on my last ship. It used to turn up in the most random places. How it got out his quarters so many times I'll never know."

"I've heard hamsters are the masters of escape," the Trill chuckled, "but have no fear, I'm sure Sherlock can hunt them down if needed." The blue warbled at the warning, which caused his master to laugh. "He says he always stays out of trouble but trouble won't stay away from him."

"Sadly a sentiment I fear we have in common," Jon commented. "So married ehh, how long?" he asked.

"Uhm.. not that long, a few weeks at best?" Aidan continued to smile. "It was the logical next step, and it was a spur of the moment call." He seemed to blush, making his spots stand out more as his skin darkened. "We just had a holodeck adventure go wrong, some chemical was released and it also took out the safeties.... and while we were recovering in sickbay I realized I just couldn't be without her." He looked up. "Are you married sir?"

"I guess congratulations are in order," Jon nodded at him. "And I was until recently." He didn't say anything further there.

His monitor went off signaling another request from the press to speak to him. They were bombarding him every 15 minutes now. He glared at it for a moment then turned his attention back to the Trill. "Well welcome aboard Lieutenant. I am happy to have you here and look forward to exploring out there with you as my science chief."

"Happy to be here and ready to serve sir. Permission to get settled?"

"Permission granted and dismissed."

OFF:

●●● Commander Jonathan Reynolds
Commanding Officer
USS Andromeda


●● Lieutenant Aidan Datari
Chief Science Officer
USS Andromeda