Chief Engineer Reporting

Posted on Mon Mar 12, 2018 @ 10:39pm by Lieutenant Venus Quinnell & Captain Madelina Weisz

Mission: Falling Star
Location: XO's Office
Timeline: MD 33 II 1315 hrs

Five days, three ships and countless light years, Venus finally arrived at her destination. After a year in purgatory on Starbase 137, she had received new orders. Even as she awaited the Triumphant aboard Deep Space Ten - felt like an eternity- she had to read and reread her orders in order to believe it was in fact true and not some nefarious trick.

It was no trick as she stood just outside the Executive Officer's office. She remained there momentarily, clenching and unclenching her fists as if easing the anxiety that momentarily bubbled to the surface. "Own the space." She whispered to herself as if admonishing her lack of control. Her whole life had been leading to this moment when she took the reins of her own department. A stepping stone to much much more.

Her emerald eyes gazed at the polish finish just beside the door, offering her a reflection. She took advantage by adjusting her collar, and made sure her regulation hairstyle did not have a strand out of place. The engineer then smoothed out her tunic as if on parade ground before an inspection. This was to be her new home and much depended on this very interaction she was about to have.

After taking a deep breath and exhaling slowly, her finger touched the door chime.

Maddy stepped away from the replicator with her tea in hand and began to make her way back to her desk when the chime sounded. It had been an incredibly busy day, and it didn't seem like things would be letting up any time soon. She set the cup down and looked toward the door. "Come in," she called.

Venus entered the inner sanctum, having composed herself just before the doors swooshed open. She took the few steps to stand before the desk, her gaze remaining on the seated XO. Her stance remained formal and regid, hands laced behind her back. However she was feeling, deep down she knew she deserved this promotion...She earned it.

“Ma’am..” Venus started, not entirely sure how the captain preferred to be addressed. “I am Lieutenant Venus Quinnell, Serial number SE24908V. I have been assigned as your new Chief Engineering Officer, as per orders of Admiral Benson, Starbase 157.” As not to be outdone, finished by stating the stardate of said order.

"A pleasure, Lieutenant," the redhead said, gesturing for Venus to take a seat. "Do you have any questions you'd like to ask?"

"Not at this time, Ma'am. I have familiarized myself with the tricore system of propulsion and believe my knowledge is more than sufficient. " Venus paused, still standing regidly as she addressed her superior. "With your consent, I would like to do an analysis of the Department, find any inconsistencies that need to be addressed. No disrespect to my predecessor, Lieutenant Tupou, but I run a very tight department and hold my staff to higher standard. "

"At ease, Lieutenant," the Captain said. She had to admit that hearing what she had so far was quite impressive, but Maddy wanted to see it in action. "If you're expecting me to disagree with your request to analyze your department, you won't be getting that. In fact, I encourage it. The Commodore and I trust our Department Heads to handle their departments the way they see fit, as well as handle any problems that might arise. However, we do wish to be kept in the loop."

Venus, with some reluctance, finally took the offered seat. Her posture was still more reserved than casual. "Of course, Ma'am. I only mean to streamline the Engineering Department which will, I am certain, be very beneficial for both yourself and the Commodore. I will keep you abreast of any changes I will undertake which I will feel is necessary." She kept eye contact, not wavering though not meant as adversarial. "I will have a preliminary report on your desk in twelve hours."

Efficient, Maddy thought. "What can you tell me about yourself, Lieutenant? Perhaps something that isn't in your file?"

Venus was taken back so was quiet a moment. "I was injured, before my time in Starfleet, which has made me appreciate life and made me all to aware that incompetence can't be tolerated when it comes to machines that have the potential to kill you." She paused again as if, not being intoxicated at the moment, expressing personal interests was somehow awkward before her superior. She could say the redhead was beautiful but that would be inappropriate and against protocol.

"I enjoy challenges and have no concerns facing difficult problems head on. Growing up on a frontier colony, I learned difficulties as a matter of course. You swim or sink and I'm a good swimmer." Venus adjusted her position in the chair.

"That's good to hear. I think you're going to make a nice addition to our crew," the Captain said. "Are you sure you don't have any questions?"

The Engineer shook her head. "None at the moment, Ma'am. I may in the near future need you to clarify some concerns but I won't get into any of that now. There will be plenty of time for that over the coming days." She began to relax, leaning back in her chair as if a boost of confidence exploded within her. "I read that you have been aboard nearly two years. I hope to have your success." She subconsciously touched her two solid pips on her collar, her inner mind betraying her ambition.

Maddy nodded her head. "My door is always open as the saying goes, so if you do need something in the future, you can come to me with it," she said, taking note that the Lieutenant relaxed a bit. "I have been with the ship for two years, yes. I was assigned her when the former Executive Officer had to retire due to a medical emergency. I have no plans of leaving any time soon, either. Hard work and dedication will give you all the success you could ever hope for."

Venus nodded. "With your senior rank and experience aboard this vessel, I will be honored to have your counsel should it it be needed. " She knew they were close in age though the XO had risen through the ranks to the point that a starship command was now not out of the question. Venus' desire was still unfulfilled and for a moment her expression was as void of emotion as a Vulcan. In truth, jealousy existed just below the surface and she had to intertwine her fingers together quite tightly just to contain it.

"I know you must be very busy Ma'am and I don't want to keep you longer than I should. I will say I am grateful for this opportunity and know that there had been several such officers that held my position before me and..failed." She said as if disappointed in her predecessors. "I on the other hand, like yourself, have no plans leaving anytime soon." She stood up. "Pardon me Ma'am, but if there is nothing further, I should attend to Engineering and as they say, make it my own." Her stance was as before, hands laced behind her back, shoulders straight.

Maddy was busy, but she always had time for the crew, even if that meant putting things off for a bit. "Remember that you can seek me out should you need to," she said, rising to her feet. "Welcome aboard, and if you haven't already gotten your quarters assigned, do that before you get to Engineering. You're dismissed."