Reality Check

Posted on Sun Jan 29th, 2017 @ 4:11pm by Lieutenant Commander Vincent Holt

Episode: Out of Sequence
Location: USS Kukri Berth, Utopia Planitia Shipyards, Mars
Timeline: 1400 - 20/04/2392

Having had all Shifts assemble in the main embarkation bay, Vincent stood before over 80 engineering division personnel. The large bay was devoid of almost any gear, and the forcefield looked upon the USS Kukri. Vincent cleared his throat, and Chief Davis piped up.

"Form ranks," Davis boomed in a controlled yet loud voice.

Personnel in their Duty black uniforms formed up, not as disciplined or quickly as Marines, much to Vincent's annoyance. These were mainly engineers, there wasn't much point for them to be practiced at drill.

Vincent had his hands behind his back as he addressed the group, "I have got you all here to congratulate and commend your efforts over the last 8 months. I could be cliche and say it hasn't been easy, but we know that already. I also want you to know that I appreciate the work that each and everyone of you has put in. I have requested some transfers for some of you to join me on the Kukri, you have the chance to turn it down or accept. Transfers will be sent promptly. Those of you I haven't requested will be awarded an additional point toward your next promotion. As an additional token of my gratitude there is an event in the Utopia Station mess hall at 1700 hours, drink, be merry and celebrate a job well done," he finished his speech by starting a round of applause.

Looking at each other smiling, they continued their applause. Dismissing them, he returned to his quarters on Utopia Station One, more exhausted than he cared to admit. He was in an almost euphoric state, he had pulled the inconceivable off and actually finished the construction on schedule. The ship was due to start shakedown cruise in 2 days time, with 2 other vessels, and thankfully that could now go ahead.

Being off duty now, he had a chance to catch up on some sleep. He didn't plan on going to the celebrations, and left the running of the show for Chief Davis. He was fully intending on bringing Davis across, he wasn't sure as an Engineer, or as Chief of the Boat. Lounging in his quarters for some time, he decided he'd rather be productive, switching on his LCARs terminal, he checked his communications.

One in the list caught his eye, and not for a good reason. He clicked open the message, and the image of the Captain in charge of Personnel appeared.

"Lieutenant Commander Vincent Holt, with the position of Caretaker Commander: USS Kukri NCC-90433 now concluded, you are hereby to report to Captain Timothy Williams of USS Highlander NCC-74692, as First Officer, USS Highlander. Rank will remain constant at Lieutenant Commander. You are to hand over command of USS Kukri NCC-90433, to Commander Andreas Shackleton.

He sat in stunned silence for what felt like an eternity, before replaying the message. It wasn't any different the second viewing.

"Should have just gone to bed," he mused to himself, before cracking open a bottle of Aldebran whiskey. He still was commanding officer of the Kukri for a few more hours yet, so he made sure to send off the promotion point requests, hoping they would slip past Utopia command. He was damned if he was going to let his people down, even if they weren't his people anymore.

"Better rescind those transfers," Vincent admitted, and started the long process to undoing his own command.

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Lieutenant Commander Vincent Holt
Former Caretaker Commanding Officer
USS Kukri