[ USS Chimera - Captain's Ready Room ]
On her way back from Earth to Unity, Natalia had gotten a message that she needed to see Captain Rojac urgently upon her return. It was the first time in a while she'd taken an extended leave, or even had the chance to, and wasn't surprised that some urgent matter had come up that he needed to discuss with. She'd be almost concerned if there was nothing urgent that had happened while she was gone.
After the transport had deposited her on Unity, she left immediately for Chimera, only stopping by her quarters to store her hand luggage but not bothering to change into a uniform.
Pressing the chime on Cropa's ready room door, she waited for the familiar voice of her CO to call for her to enter.
"Come."
The door slid aside. Captain Cropa Rojac looked up from the plethora of reports and battle plans before him to see Natalia approach his desk. "Ah, Commander. How was your trip to Earth?"
"Very relaxing, thank you sir," Natalia replied as she stood in front of his desk. "So relaxing that, in fact, I almost thought twice about coming back. Did you manage to take some leave this R&R?"
Cropa laughed at that. "Not this go around, Natalia." He smirked. "Maybe next time." He gestured to the empty seat in front of him. "Please sit down, Natalia."
"Thank you," she said as she sat down. "You said it was urgent, sir?"
"Natalia, you are one hell of an executive officer, and I don't tell you that enough. But I feel that this position is holding you back." Rojac said. "We need capable officers like you in command of ships, not in support roles. Which is why I recommended you to command the Rapier."
Natalia didn't know what to say. Of course the thought of having her own command one day definitely crossed her mind, but the past few months had kept her mind occupied that she had just focused on her duties and little else. The Rapier was a great ship and one she'd served on before, so it made sense that she would be considered to replace the late Commander Telson. It wasn't the ideal way to get promoted, but unfortunately during times of war it was a reality.
"I'm honoured, thank you sir." she replied eventually. "I'd gladly accept. Has Task Force Command responded to your recommendation?"
"They have." Rojac replied. "You are to contact Captain Rodger's office as soon as you can to set up a meeting. The Rapier is in drydock in Tarangor for repairs. He'd like to negotiate handing over the keys."
"Aye, sir," Natalia replied, trying to repress the urge to smile too broadly. "Have you thought about anyone to succeed me as XO?"
"No." Rojac replied. "I have been told to postpone my search." He leaned back in his chair and smiled, sarcastically. "I think they're going to make the decision for me."
Natalia just smiled. "Then I wish you the best of luck. I think you're going to need it. Is there anything else you need me to do before I clear out my desk?" The conversation had gone so quickly that the realisation that she was leaving Chimera hadn't sunk in yet, and probably would take a while to.
"Just take care of yourself, Natalia." Rojac said. "And keep in touch."
"Yes, sir," she said as she stood up, then saluted her CO. "It's been an honour serving with you, Cropa."
[ End Log ]
Captain Cropa Rojac
Commanding Officer
USS Chimera NCC 96899-C
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Commander Natalia Trzetrzelewska
Commanding Officer
USS Rapier NCC 61582