Something a little, Stronger

Posted on Wed May 17, 2017 @ 3:31pm by Lieutenant Colonel S'er'in'e & Master Chief Petty Officer Thomas Barnes

Mission: Avatar
Location: Operations
Timeline: AOTDF: Backpost

With scans in hand S'er'in'e went to Operations to see if they could fabricate him a new bed. For the last 6 months he'd had nothing but a blanket and a floor to call a bed and his new arrangement would need 'enhancing' if it was to support his large and heavy frame. He hoped that this would prove to be but a minor issue that could be sorted by the end of the day as a good and comfortable nights rest was always welcome and needed.

Walking into Operations he was a hard figure to miss, however now he encountered a new problem. He'd forgotten to check whom was the Chief of Operations and didn't know who to ask for.

Thankfully, for the new arrival, the room was sparely occupied. It wasn't that Thomas preferred operations to be quiet. There was always much to do on Triumphant from computer updates to routine maintenance. The larger the starship or installation, the more work there always seemed to be.

Thomas certainly did not miss the Marine Caitian that entered the room, nor could he ignore the man's size. Given the man's rank, Thomas could only assume that this was the ship's newest Marine CO. Thinking this would be a formal meet and greet, Thomas crossed the room to introduce himself. "Colonel," he said, extending a hand. "Senior Chief Thomas Barnes, the ship's Chief of Operations."

"S'er'in'e. Marine Commander." He gently shook the man's hand being mindful that his claws were away and clear of the mans skin. "Chief, Federation standard beds are not...accommodating to my size and weight. I was hoping that the old bed in my quarters could be removed and a new stronger frame installed and a mattress made to suit these scans taken just now?"

Tom accepted the scans and within a moment, he had them displayed in wireframe mode via the holographic projectors. "I see," Tom said. "Looks like it won't take much to fabricate a new bed with the industrial replicators. Do you want room for another, besides yourself?" he asked, wanting to factor that into the design if he needed to.

"As large as possible, Caitians move around while sleeping and a larger comfortable surface, the better." S'er'in'e replied as he recalled his last proper bed took up considerable room in the Bedroom.

"What about firmness?" Tom asked, using the holoprojectors to appropriately size a bedframe within the available space in the room. "With a custom frame, you'll need a mattress or some sort of cushion to fit. And, do you prefer the bed to be accessible from both sides, or pushed to the corner of the room?"

"Soft, if possible." S'er'in'e replied observing the hologram. "Both sides would be perfect." Having slept in a corner for the last 6 months, it was something he wanted to avoid repeating.

"I'd be happy to do that for you," Tom said, using his PADD to input the settings into the holoprojectors. "If you have a few minutes, how about we relocate this to one of the holodecks? We can use their systems to properly create a couple mattresses and frames to suit your liking before I involve the fabrication bay."

"By all means." S'er'in'e replied as he stepped aside to let the Chief lead the way. He was keen to be sleeping on something that not only wouldn't break under his weight but would also provide him with a comfortable nights rest.

Tom gratefully nodded and let the Marine Colonel out of the Operations Center and into the corridor. It would take them a bit to arrive at the holodeck, and that trip included a turbolift ride, and the last thing Tom preferred was to walk in silence. "I understand," Tom said as they began to traverse the corridors, "that you've only recently returned to active duty. How does it feel to be back in uniform, sir?"

"Indeed." S'er'in'e replied as he followed the Chief, still not fully attuned to the direction and locations of various places on board. "After many months of captivity I was reinstated though understandably the adjustment period is challenging."

Tom could imagine, but he wisely chose not to utter those words. Any imagination could not compare to the reality of what the Marine had experienced. "I'm not sure what medical or counseling has planned for you, but, if it helps, I can prioritize any request you have for the holodecks or recreational facilities around the ship. Give you access when you need it and all."

"That would be appreciated, I am being encouraged to speak about my experiences and programs of my Homeworld would aid in my recovery of self." Killing that Orion was the first Caitian thing he'd done in 6 long tortured months, now he had to rebuild himself to his former self, however distant that appeared currently to be.

They arrived at the turbolift alcove just as the doors opened, depositing a couple of blue-collared crewmen, both of whom nodded at the Colonel and Chief before exiting. Once it was clear, Tom stepped inside. "Holodeck Two," he spoke to the turbolift. "It's my pleasure, Colonel."