"Sometimes You Can Worry Too Much"
[Precious Post: "Unexpected Interview, Exciting New Position" by Craig]
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Stardate: 61016.2117
For 5 hours 17 minutes and 23 hundredths of a second he had walked on egg shells. Every move, adjustment in course, or communication was carefully analyzed before it was made. The Vulcan half of his mind had come to terms with the possibility that he was wrong about the Captain but not his human half, and unfortunately his and his Hirogen friends little drinking party made it easier for his human side to manifest its self.
Derek had brought the ANUBIS in to NEW ALEXANDRIA within seconds of its official arrival time.
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Once the Captain had accepted hard dock and officially "finished with main engines" the FCO like the rest of the crew went through the hand over procedure to the in port crew. This crew filled all roles of the ship, which allowed each vessel in port the ability to go from alarm to flight in under three minutes, with or without the primary crew aboard. Once he had handed over his duties to his opposite number, he had screwed up his courage and approached Captain Rikar.
"Excuse me Captain..." he had said in his best Vulcan manner.
"Yes Ensign…" Sabrina answered her green eyes making a deep appraisal of the FCO.
"Captain I would like your permission to use minimum ships resources, and supplies to refurbish the DRAGONSEYE, in case she is needed at short notice. I will of course do it on my own time, though I may need engineering assistance at some point."
Eying the tall Vulcan she considered his request. She could sense his nervousness and yet he stood his ground and met her gaze, at one time she might have thought it was a challenge, now she was not so sure what it was.
"Very well Ensign…" She took the PADD from his hand and wrote out the authorization. "However any engineering assistance you may need, you must take up with Lieutenant Fairborn."
"Understood… Thank you Captain." Derek answered with a small but tight bow.
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So here he was with most of the flight controls in pieces all around him. The Vulcan had used his authorization sparingly yet still he had managed to procure a number of upgrade parts. Since he was working with the flight controls he had the DRAGONSEYE powered up, so he was not really surprised when the communications panel chimed with an incoming message. The surprise was who the caller was… taken by surprise he faltered…
"Starek… father! … Live long and prosper," Derek stuttered out.
[/\]Live long and prosper… Derek my son,[/\] The Vulcan Lieutenant Commander answered. [/\]Your sister passed your letter to me; she is as your mother… worried about you.[/\]
"Sir my human side betrayed me, I made statements I may one day regret as my Starfleet career continues. I assure you that all is well at this point." Stated the younger Vulcan.
Derek's father appraised his son carefully before he answered. [/\]Are you than saying the charges you stated are false in nature?[/\]
"I am stating that I made no charges, as you are aware I am not always in control of my human half or it's emotions. Comments I may have made to T'Prien were purely emotionally based and of no use." Derek answered wondering where his father was going with this.
[/\]Starfleet is not the only place for you. The Vulcan High Command is willing to assign you to any vessel of your choice; even as we speak they are preparing a complaint on your behalf… against Captain Rikar.[/\] The Vulcan Operations Officer answered in all seriousness.
The shock was completely obvious on the ANUBIS's FCO's face. He could feel the human emotion of anger welling up inside but he carefully channeled it so his Vulcan self showed through.
"Sir, I will take it as an insult to my family name if you or the High Command proceeds with the actions that you have specified. I will also stand with my Captain should any attempt be made at any time now or in the future to cast unfounded aspersions upon her. You sir are well aware of my history in and out of Starfleet, so you of all people should understand that what was said in an emotional state is not a basis for action. T'Prien acted in haste in giving you my letter."
The elder Vulcan looked at his son… [/\]Realization is understanding… Perhaps one day you will be able to see through my eyes. Live long and prosper my son.[/\]
"Live long and prosper… father," Derek nodded his head in respect as the image of his father faded out. Leaning back in the pilot's chair he spun slowly to the left, that's when he became aware of the large shadow. Turning towards the open hatch he came face to face with the Oltharian engineer Lieutenant Fairborn.
"I understand Ensign Stormwind you wish to discuss some modifications to your flight control systems," Elan stated with the quiet dignity he always showed.
The FCO quickly snatched the plans he had made earlier and spreading them began to explain his modifications. As they spoke Derek could only wonder how much the big Robotics Engineer had heard of his conversation with his father.
##### 2006 post #228
Setting: ANUBIS Hanger deck, Aboard VPT DRAGONSEYE
Stardate: 61016.2130
Setting: USS ANUBIS, Bridge
Stardate: 61016.2135
Setting: USS ANUBIS, Hanger deck, Aboard the VPT DRAGONSEYE
Brian Matthews (dragonsslayer@excite.com)
Ensign Derek Stormwind
FCO
USS ANUBIS NCC 18501
