planning

Posted on Sun Mar 8th, 2026 @ 1:14am by Captain Antonia 'Tony" Stoffels & Commander Rutherford (RJ) Milton

Mission: Those who are left behind

"Come in, come in." Toni said to her first officer as he entered her office. Now that she was officially the captain and Xavier had gone off on his mission she had to get her new house in order.

She pointed to a chair along the conference table. "I wanted to get the organization of the ship in order today. It is alarming how many green people we have on board, or green in the role.' To be honest it had meant she had lost a few hours of sleep over it the night before.

Milton went to the Replicator first and ordered Toni's favorite drink and himself a double strong tea that would be more than he needed to keep alert , brought them over and placed Tonl's drink in front of her before taking his seat and a swing of hios own drink first.

"Breathe Toni." Milton urged. "Galaxy is a big ship and needs numbers; a lot of those will be 'Green Horns' and the like. "Milton chuckled. "Now what we need is priorities for the mission and who will be most called upon for that operation."

HE eased back a little.

"Helm might not be as wild as making sure OPS has the logistics, Medical has good hands and you have a trusted people on your shift to help get that Center chair and you comfortable."

He winked.

"Pix will be here in a moment, I can feel her getting closer."

"Oh good." Toni mumbled. "I never knew how much of a puzzle this is. Some people have been shifting around departments and some of the chiefs seem green. We have nobody with second officer experience and that is an important task as you know. Hell math was never my strongest subject in the academy and this seems like one huge puzzle. Worst. I can't ask Xavier how he did it anymore and I will be damned if I ask my family."

"You are the Captain now, it is yours to make these decisions." He winked. "And I am here to support you as best I can. Milton replied. "I think the Hot Question is do you have someone in mind to do my Old job, or do we have to do some checking? "I seem to remember doing the job as 'Acting 2XO' for a stint before you and Xavier were comfortable I would not destroy the ship while on watch. " He took a sip on his drink. "Which was a bit of trust considering Counselor and Doctors are not often Flag Officers outside Medical Ships normally."

Pix's light came from the vents and then across the room to stand on the table between them, hands raised and a slight bow as to say 'Ta-Da, here I am.'

Toni smiled at Pix. The little woman always made her feel better. "We will be frowned upon severely, as I came up through counselling. I think the pair of us may be a first in command. So we will have to do our very best. And do you have someone in mind who is ready to take over from you? As far as I know those with medical degrees are junior or even serving in other capacities."

"If you have a thought, I am open. Right now I have my Deputy Chief looking out for the Medical Department." Milton said. "We have good Triage teams so that will help already to deploy. SO I thing giving a try to a likely Candidate for 2XO on this mission might be the best start?"

"I have two people in mind." Toni said. "And I would like to try them both out if you don't mind. I think Johnson and Tar-Lexros both have the makings of a good second officer and right now I find it hard to chose between them."

"Maybe adjust the ship's watches to alternate the Gamma Watch between them.' Milton suggested. Give one three days and the other four day then rotate so they get an even split on the bridge while in transit between missions and on station we can figure who is needed planet side and the other 'Minds the Store you might say?"

"Yup that sounds about right." Toni said. "Oh and making those duty rosters is now your job. One I don't mind handing over." She grinned.

"Just like medical only really expanded with assigning people." Milton said. "I'll take care of it. Do it alphabetical with Johnson as first Gamma watch?"

She thought for a few seconds then nodded. "I see no reason not to. Oh but make sure they both know they can lean on us. I plan to speak to both of them as well of course."

"Gamma goes to First shift, usually the Executive Officer has that shift, but since you are used to that shift you could remain on it for the first Bridge cycles of each potential candidate to better observe and have the pass-down directly from their first Bridge duties respectfully?" Milton asked. "Pass along any wisdom or assurances directly?"

"Perfect and the same goes for you of course. Dave was a very good teacher, I am not sure I can do as well as he did but I want you to know I will be behind you every step of the way." Toni smiled at her friend.

"Just like you always do." Milton winked.

Toni smiled back. It felt good to work together with RJ. "Anything else we need to handle right now?"

"If you want a girl's night with the little one here?" Milton gesture to Pix.

"I would love that." Toni said and she and Pix both smiled.