Transitioning

Posted on Wed May 7th, 2025 @ 7:36pm by Captain Daegan Baas & Petty Officer 2nd Class Sizia Sh'velihr [Baas] & Commander Jerome Hunt Jr.
Edited on on Wed May 7th, 2025 @ 7:39pm

1,363 words; about a 7 minute read

Mission: Sole Survivor
Timeline: MD 12

[USS Valkyrie]

The murder of his XO had shocked and troubled him. He had lost people under his command before but never had anyone murdered.

At this point he didn't care that they were now behind schedule...the schedule be damned. He had hailed Starbase 152 to set up a rendezvous to have the Commander's body returned to his family and had requested a replacement officer. Prior to their departure from Utopia he had been able to interview candidates for his staff but now that wasn't an option.

The operations staff had only been able to let him know they would see who they could find, so now he waited. But first things first. He needed to see that the body was sent home and he had the unfortunate duty to contacting his grandparent of the loss of their grandson.

Commander Hunt had boarded the ship a little over an hour prior. Before seeing the Captain, Jerome had to get his wife and three children situated. The Valkyrie wasn't just a fine ship but definitely had some teeth and claws to along with it. Moving his way down the corridor, he was curious about the Captain. He heard good things prior to arrival and simply hoped what was told just happened to be true. Making it to the CO's office, he gave himself a quick look over, he pressed the chime to the office.

Sizia had basically been standing guard at the door to the ready room while the Captain spoke with Commander Maguire's family but had had to step away, as she returned to the bridge she wanted to shout but it too late as she saw the person press the panel. Hurrying to his side, "Excuse me sir but the Captain asked not to be disturbed."

Giving the Petty Officer a quick look over, Jerome stepped away from the door. "I'm assuming that you are the Yeoman for the Captain?"

Even with the situation she managed a warm smile, "Yes sir, Sizia Sh'velihr." With a nod towards the door, "He's talking to Commander Maguire's family."

"Oh, I see." Hunt did know much about the death of the previous XO. But he could only image what the Captain and crew were currently going through. "How close were you with Commander Maguire?"

Sizia shrugged a bit, "He was easy to work with, never really interacted with him after hours...seemed to keep to himself which only make the whole situation even more bizarre."

Jerome found the whole thing to be weird. Starfleet Officer's being murdered on starships of all places was extremely rare. Killing each other was something that Starfleet personnel didn't do, unless there was a domestic violence situation or a serious conflict of some sort.


[Ready Room]

Ignoring the chime he continued to speak to Ridge's grandparents. They had lost their son and now their grandson; whoever it was could wait. "...do not worry about us Mrs. Maguire. The person that did this will be found and will be brought to justice. In the short time Ridge and I served together he was without a doubt a dedicated officer. We owe him nothing less than the same dedication. I only wish I could bring him home myself but our orders won't permit that I'm afraid."

We've have rendezvoused with the Endeavor and they will be bringing Ridge home."

"Thank you Captain."

Daegan nodded, forcing a small small at the mans short reply, He could see that he was hold back his grief and anger, those three word were probably all he was able to manage. "Again, my deepest condolences. Ridge will be missed by all who and the pleasure of serving with him. If there is ever anything I can do, please feel free to call"

This time all he got was an appreciative series of nods. He knew he need to let them grieve so he returned the nod and after a quiet pause and goodbye he closed the channel. Sitting back he took a deep breath letting out slowly.

There hadn't been a second chime so he assumed whoever had been there had been intercepted so he took an extra moment, turning to his replicator. "Jamaican coffee hot, cream and sugar." Taking a sip he let warmth relax him before tapping the pad on his deck to open the door. "Whoever is there, come on in."

The door opened as Commander Hunt entered. Some CO's were strict when new members of the senior, others were more lenient. Better to err with caution. Standing at attention, in front of the desk. "Commander Jerome Hunt reporting for duty Sir."

Daegan stood at his approach, extending his hand. "At ease Commander, please have a seat." After returning to his own chair he continued. "I would have called you in sooner but....burdens of command."

Relaxing a bit, Jerome quickly took a seat. "I can only imagine the burden of a murder would have on any Captain."

Pausing as he lowered his coffee he then set it down. "Losing people you serve with is nothing new. The longer you serve, the more people you will eventually have to say goodbye to. But a murder...never. And Ridge would have been an easy target. He was skilled and had half Vulcan strength on top of that. Whoever did this was able to get close without raising any suspicion.

"And that is only going to make our jobs more difficult. Everyone that was aboard during that damned feast is a suspect and the initial report list everyone with an alibi. Of course those are being looked into put that adds to the speculation because the culprit knows how to cover their tracks."

Hunt thought about the dilemma. He was never an investigator, though he did have the mind for one. Vulcan were not easy to take down, even a half Vulcan. "Or there's the possibility that we have someone on board who shouldn't be. And there might be more than one threat."

"All distinct possibilities. Whoever is aboard I don't want them getting off the ship. I have quietly enabled command authority for the launch of any shuttle or use of any transporter were our list of suspects are concerned. We need to make progress on this investigation so I want you to keep tabs on it's progress. Let the Chief run the investigation, I don't want him to be distracted by feeling he is being micromanaged. We will both of course have to also keep everyone reassured that things are well in hand."

"Aye sir," Hunt replied while nodding in agreement. "Anything you need from me in the meantime?"

Welcoming the opportunity to change the subject he nodded with a slight grin. "I noticed that your assignment came over as a joint transfer."

"Yes, my wife Talon. Decided that she wanted to come as Tactical Officer."

An eyebrow lifted as Daegan nodded slowly and smirked, men being men after all. Not knowing the sense of humor of the man infront of his he stopped himself from commenting and kept things professional. "I think we can find a place for her. Although having her in your chain of command could cause a few issues; but not anything we can't work around."

Jerome returned a smirk of his own. "She would be reporting directly to the Chief of Security, and then yourself. Assuming that's what you have in mind?"

Daegan grinned, "That is exactly what I had in mind." Picking up a random padd and acting as if he were scrutinizing it's contents, "You're not betazoid are you..."

"Far from it, but as the Vulcans say. Just seems like the most logical point of action."

Chuckling a bit. "Well, before we go any further I might has well make this official. Computer, senior officer appointment. Commander Jerome Hunt is hereby designated as Executive Officer of the USS Valkyrie. Authorization Baas, Gamma-91735-Echo."

"Acknowledged. All secondary command authorization are assigned to Commander Jerome Hunt."

"Thank you," Hunt. "Feels good to return to ship duty. I just don't like the circumstances that brought me here. But nonetheless, I'm ready to get started."

Grinning, "Alright then...let's get to work."

 

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