Here We Go Again

Posted on Tue Jan 31st, 2023 @ 5:01pm by Lieutenant Commander Diane Doctrine & Captain Xavier Carey

Mission: Evacuation
Location: Captain's Ready Room

Xavier paused as he hit his combadge. "Commander Doctrine, report to the ready room please." He broke it off quickly.

After replying, she headed for the bridge. Once there, Diane tapped the chime and waited to be admitted while idly wondering if this had something to do with what she'd told Commander Stoffels in the turbo-lift.

"Enter." Xavier replied as he remained focused on the computer. Reaching over, he grabbed the coffee he had replicated himself just before calling. Coffee itself was something that was out of the norm, usually opting for something cold.

As she usually did when being called to the ready room, Diane stood a few paces from the captain's desk with her hands folded behind her back. "Reporting as ordered Captain," she said punctually.

"I have just had the unwanted task of relieving Commander Stoffels from First Officers position. For the time being, at least temporarily, the duties of the first officer falls onto you." He responded flatly. Never taking his eyes off the computer screen. Something didn't seem right.

Diane had a feeling this would happen. At least, not like the last time it happened, she had somewhat of a staff to help her out in the intelligence department. That would make doing both jobs immensely easier. "I'm ready," she replied evenly, "Admittedly, I had a suspicion this would happen. Curious, did she put up much of a fuss?"

"She will be overseeing the colonists settling down. Once this has settled, we will find a permanent solution." He leaned back. "I've known her for years... you ask me five years ago... if she was one to doubt herself... I would tell you, your a fucking liar. Now seeing it... even just seeing it happen... I am not believing it."

Diane said nothing for the time being but merely listened.

"I've gone through her whole record, from her time on the Resolution, to the time on the previous posting. Nothing shows any signs of confidence or doubt issue... even the recommendation for first officer position came with outstanding remarks. They don't just bring on any officer for first officers to ships of this stature."

Diane tilted her head a degree, "Considering all she's been through... I suspect she just might be grieving over the loss of so many family members. I'm no psychologist, but I've had enough training to know grief can change people at the very least, on temporary basis. I experienced it when Toby's father was killed. She needs time to process it... more importantly, she needs to recognize that she needs time to process it."

"Last time I checked, Captain Drex was in battle against the house that was responsible. Haven't heard anything more since then." He sighed. "I think having your family hunted will mess with anyone. As long as she's here, I feel that we are all targets."

"I'm currently waiting for an update from our Klingon friend," Diane seemed to relax a measure, "Captain," she started anew, "I think something is wrong with Tony. At the very least she's not acting like herself based on my previous interactions with her. Have you noticed any changes in her behavior?"

Xavier nodded. "Her distrust of herself is uncharacteristic. Second guessing... is not in her nature, not from what I remember, nd not from her files."

“It’s not just me then,” Diane commented, “At least now I know I’m not imagining things.”

"Nope. Taking her off of first officers duty, will relieve her of some responsibility. Once things slow down, I'll have Doc RJ do a full work up."

“She’s not going to be happy,” Diane spoke the obvious, “If she decides to talk to me I’ll try to steer her towards sickbay although I have a feeling she’s not going to want to be hear me. We had a short discussion in the turbolift earlier and I pretty much told her I’d relieve her myself if she started to flake out again. It might not have been the smartest thing I’ve done.” She left out the part about relieving the Captain if necessary.

Then after a second thought decided full disclosure was needed. “I even told her I’d relieve you if you were to disagree with me… but her reaction proved something to me… she’s being uncharacteristically paranoid.”

"Relieve me eh?" Xavier replied. "Bold of you. But then again, not unheard of. If it ever comes to the point where its necessary. Then by all means."

Diane gave a understanding nod, "I know."

"So, that's it, I am heading down to the surface to see what's going on. I have Chief Ops on bridge right now. I am hoping he could assist with the new influx of people."

"Very well, I'll do my best to keep things calm up here," Diane replied, "Please consider taking a security detail with you even if you don't think you need one," she advised sagely.

"There will be plenty in the area where I will be beaming to. I do appreciate the concern though."

"We don't want a repeat of what happened on Mentar," Diane folded her arms across her chest not satisfied with his answer. "AND as acting first officer I'm suppose to keep you out of trouble. Take some extra security."

"Fine," Xavier relented.

"Thank you Captain," Diane relaxed a little knowing Xavier was taking her advice.

She was nervous being the acting first officer. Starship command was not her forte, but she knew it could happen at any time while serving aboard one, especially being the second officer. This was the second time she'd been called on to act as the XO since being aboard the Resolution and that eased her mind somewhat. At least she had a little experience to fall back on now.