</\> USS Chimera NCC 96899-C - Deck 1, Main Bridge </\>
Mike Levison stepped out of the turbolift that had brought him from
the bowels of the Chimera to its nerve centre, the main bridge, his
eyes roaming across the space and taking in as many details at once as
he could. He had taken the liberty of taking the scenic route around
the vessel on his way to meeting with his new CO, doing his best to
familiarise himself with the vessel in reality as much as in his mind
from the specifications and reports he had read. The Century Class was
a particularly interesting and impressive design from his point of
view and as a vessel designer himself he could appreciate the majesty
of the ship.
Sparing a moment to check the master systems display and tactical
station on his way past, Levison approached the Captain's sanctum,
knowing that he would be inside, courtesy of the ship's computer. Many
of the duty officers gave him quizzical looks as he meandered almost
aimlessly across their work space with a heavy duffel bag slung over
one shoulder, but others realised who he was: the new Tactical
officer.
Pausing for a moment but only a moment to straighten his uniform, Mike
hit the chime to alert the occupant of the room to his presence and
waited.
Cropa looked up from his desk as the door's parted and the Commander
walked into his domain. He cleared the screen that
served as his desktop with the press of a button - he could return to
the reports in a moment - and stood to greet his guest.
"Welcome aboard the Chimera, Commander." Rojac said, offering a hand.
"I must say that I envy you."
"Thank you sir," Levison smiled, taking the man's extended hand and
shaking it firmly, "You do, sir?"
"I do, Mr. Levison. Please have a seat." Rojac took his own opposite
the new CTac and continued on his explanation. "You see, my first
assignment out of the academy was as an ATac aboard the Chimera-A. I
guess you can say I 'grew up' on this ship." Rojac smirked, "It's
where I cut my teeth."
Mike smiled at that and sat across from the Captain before responding,
"I know it well sir. Well, not the ship, but going straight to a
tactical posting out of the Academy. I was stationed aboard the
starship Dirae before making the shift to Operations and then Command.
It's been quite some time since I've stood behind the Tactical station
and fired phasers, but just like riding a bike, I'm sure it'll come
back as soon as I see the console."
"I hope it does, Commander." Rojac replied. I'm sorry to pull you from
the command track for this mission - but this leg of Operation Magna
was too important to leave my tactical department in the hands of an
unexperienced Tactical Officer. You are one of the best, Commander,
and I truly am glad to have you aboard."
"Well, thank you sir, that's quite a compliment. I hope I can live up
to your expectations and my... reputation," Mike chuckled, "and think
nothing of it, as you said, it is a very important mission."
Rojac pulled a padd from one of his desk drawers and handed it to
Levison. "Here are my comments from the tactical simulation I ran with
the department this morning. Your torpedo rooms teams performed
admirably - just a little lag time with the Ensign serving as bridge
officer. Otherwise, the department did well - though I'm sure you can
squeeze a little more out of them."
"I certainly intend to," Levison nodded, glancing over the padd
briefly before speaking again, "I have a number of requests I would
like to make of you sir in that regard. There is an officer I've
served with in the past both on the Dirae and at Eden Fleet Yards whom
I feel would be an asset to the department. I'm willing to put through
all of the paperwork and save you that particular headache. I would
also like to schedule drilling with the Security department. I know
it's not regulation, or required, but I feel physical fitness amongst
my men aids with their performance. I could have gone over your head
with it, but I wanted to ask your permission."
"Permission granted, Commander." Rojac replied. "Who is this officer
you wish to transfer?"
"Lieutenant Commander Gregory Kilbain. He's a distinguished officer
and was Acting Captain of one of the picket ships around Eden for
three years, saving our bacon numerous times. He's as close to a right
hand man as I've ever had, so believe me when I say he'll be of great
use," Levison replied, "Last I heard, he was still knocking around in
that sector of the Galaxy."
"Then you need to hurry, Commander." Rojac said. "We're scheduled to
depart once the tests finish on the stealth plating. I'll give you 48
hours at the most. Alpha and Charlie groups are leaving this
afternoon."
"Aye sir, I'll have him here within twenty-four. In the mean time,
I'll go find my quarters and see if I can kick my sorry bunch into
shape!" Levison nodded smartly, with a sly smile.
"Then I won't hold you up any longer, Commander." Rojac grinned. "I'll
keep in touch. You're dismissed."
"Aye sir," Mike said in parting, standing once more and offering a
snap salute before picking up his duffel and leaving the Ready Room.
'A new posting, a new ship and new challenges. Time to get stuck in,'
he thought to himself as the door closed behind him.
</\> End Log </\>
Captain Cropa Rojac
Commanding Officer
USS Chimera NCC 96899-C
Commander Mike Levison
Chief Tactical Officer
USS Chimera NCC 96899-C