A New Galaxy

Posted on 10 Jul 2021 @ 11:33pm by Lieutenant JG Harper Matthews & Captain Jonathan Reynolds

Mission: Patching up the Copernicus
Location: Ready Room, USS Andromeda
1239 words - 2.5 OF Standard Post Measure

ON:

Harper was a little nervous. It was to be expected when starting a new assignment and meeting new people. She had always been a confident girl and not a lot phased her but it was always the first, the initial meeting. Soon after she'd be acting like she had always been there.

Then there was the fact the was a Galaxy class. So much larger than anything she'd served on before. The sheer size of it gave her pause but she knew she'd relish the chance.

It would be interesting to see how those on board would take to taking orders from an ensign, as there were no doubt people of higher rank in a role beneath the chief position. Only time would tell.

Harper had made her way to the bridge and had pressed the door chime before subconsciously fidgeting with her collar. She always felt they made these too tight just to torture them.

"Come," Jon said wondering if this was his new security chief finally here.

"Thank you sir." she said as she approached and stood to attention. "Ensign Harper Matthews sir, reporting for duty."

"At ease Ensign, you look so tight there you might sprain something," Jon told her. "Would you like a seat," he indicated opposite his desk, "and a drink. I was just about to have a cup of tea."

She relaxed a little and took a seat at his desk. "Thank you Captain. Just a water please." she replied.

"Water it is," Jon said ordering a glass and his mug of tea. He passed it to her. "So was it a pleasant trip over?"

"Thank you sir." she said accepting the glass and taking a sip. "As pleasant as being trapped on a tin can transport can be Captain." she smiled a little. "I survived the journey."

"Glad to hear it," Jon nodded. "Well you can get your quarters all set up here now and there's plenty to do outside work. Tell me a bit about yourself Ensign? How did you end up in Starfleet? I was security before I became command."

"No pressure." she muttered to herself as she cleared her throat a little. It was always nice to know the Captain came from a security background, it made her job a little easier having someone who understood what she did. On the other hand, sometimes they were harder to impress.

"I come from a normal family, mum, dad, two younger twin brothers. Grew up by the beach, Gold Coast in Australia and I love the water. Ehm... I have a degree in fine arts, play the piano and guitar, sing a bit. Played volleyball and field hockey, so super competitive." she continued. "Joined Starfleet quite late, well I was older than most in my class, think it was about 22 when I entered the Academy. Guess I was looking for a challenge that took me out of my back garden and into someone else's. Is there anything specific you'd like to know?" She asked. "I'm not very good at opening up, well apart from what I've just said..." she trailed off.

"Do you think that's a reason why you chose security? I found that not giving much away made the job easier." Jon pondered.

"Kind of fell into that group. Scored better in most of the security classes, then when it came time to specialise it made sense. There is a part of me that likes being looked to for protection, my brothers always did even though they now dwarf me. Though I think my competitive streak helps, I don't give much away because it can be a weakness. Information can be used against you as much as gaining it can be used for you." Harper replied.

"Isn't that the first lesson they teach us at the academy?" Jon chuckled. "I remember that case study about Ferengi and how Oomax was a very useful tool to for getting information out of that race. I'm so glad however I have not had to in my career to date have to use that one."

A shiver went up Harpers spine at the very thought. She found that she attracted Ferengi, or had done when on leave just before her transfer. "Yes, they can be quite interesting people, the Ferengi. Thankfully I've not had to do that either, not for a lack of tryin from the males of the species I have met." she said casting her mind back a little. "I much prefer my men like you sir." She said without thinking. "Well... I mean not you... you are handsome... I like tall men... Oh I'm just goin to take my foot outta my mouth now." she said as her eyes dropped.

"Well ..." Jon cleared his throat. "Thank you Ensign. I am very flattered. That I qualify as a handsome man," he said awkwardly. In honesty she was very attractive and if there was no True in the picture, she was just the type of girl he found mesmerising.

He pushed that thought to one side and decided a change in subject was in order least his mind decide to subconsciously go in a naughty direction.

"And yes those Ferengi do tend to be trying," he commented on her statement. "I assume you do some sort of martial arts? I got into boxing myself."

Harper was quite happy the conversation did not hang on her comments made beforehand, she had always been attracted to the older man but she certainly didn't mean to make a fool off herself in front of her new Captain. "Boxing was a little too violent for me." Harper admitted. She saw herself as a little bit of an old soul in some ways and as such her chosen martial art reflected on her. "I have studied Aikido since I was 9 years of age. It's a little more defensive than most but I find it quite graceful."

"I am not familiar with that one. You will have to tell me more. And yes Boxing can be a little violent but its great exercise. Gives you healthy and strong arms," he chuckled. "Perhaps I could show you."

"It's Japanese and if you want to know then I'm more than happy to tell you about it." Harper smiled. "Are you saying I have small arms sir?" she asked with a smirk.

Jon almost said, "Wear a tank top and we will find out" but he caught himself. That was slipping back into bad ways.

"Lets find out. I can evaluate your right hook," he said instead trying to get back into a professional keel. "And perhaps I could learn something new. You could show me some Aikido. Its always good to learn new ways to take out an enemy or increase your defensive abilities."

Harper did not need to be a Betazoid to see the Captains eyes light up before he spoke. Instinctively she felt herself soften a little before she spoke back. "I do like a good evaluation." she smiled. "And it is never too late to learn something new, I am quite talented."

Jons mind was right back to tank top again. "We will see Ensign."

"Yes sir. Just let me know when you want to do it." Harper replied waiting to be dismissed.

"Oh I will," Jon said despite himself. He was certainly curious.

OFF:

Captain Jonathan Reynolds
CO, USS Andromeda

Ensign Harper Matthews
CSTO, USS Andromeda