Changing of the Guard

Posted on Sun Mar 17th, 2024 @ 11:03pm by Captain Zseeq & Lieutenant Jorik & Lieutenant Zhi'rev

3,398 words; about a 17 minute read

Mission: Short Treks
Location: Shuttlebay 2, USS Saratoga
Timeline: 2401-04-30, 18:50

Captain's Log, Supplemental Entry, Captain Zseeq Recording:

Due to a personal emergency our Chief of Security, Lieutenant Commander Shahr ch'Kakros, has been recalled to Andoria. Saratoga will be rendezvousing with the Federation Starship Heart of Gold to transfer the Commander over and take on our new Chief of Security, Lieutenant Jorik.

---

Captain Zseeq watched from the doorway as Lieutenant Commander Shahr ch'Kakros walked away from him toward the shuttle from the Starship Heart of Gold. While he had only known the Andorian Security Chief for a short while, this transfer was hitting him harder than he expected it would and it was probably because of the nature of the reassignment. Commander ch'Kakros wasn't leaving for something good, rather he was leaving because of a family emergency back home. The Deltan hoped that things went well for Shahr.

Glancing up, Zseeq spotted the new Chief of Security exiting the shuttle. The Captain had been able to briefly review the dossier before their intercept and he was glad to have been given a new Chief so quickly. It was still difficult though that Starfleet didn't trust him enough to let him choose his own crew. Tugging on his uniform tunic, the Captain waited for his new Chief to reach him.

A human would be nervous in a situation such as this. Jorik thought to himself as he stepped off the shuttle. The trip here was mostly uneventful and he had taken the time to review the manifest and briefly read about the senior staff of Saratoga, in preparation to serve with them.

It was this that caused him to recognize the Captain standing not far away. Approaching him, Jorik spoke up, "Lieutenant Jorik, reporting for duty."

"Welcome aboard the Saratoga, Lieutenant," Captain Zseeq answered as he had the dawning realization that Lieutenant Jorik was the third Vulcan in the Senior Staff of the Saratoga. He wondered if that was a record for a non Vulcan vessel, but quickly pushed the thought out of his mind. "I hope that your transfer to the Saratoga wasn't too surprising."

"It was as expected. Once I had received word of the Frontier Day Incident, it was only logical for me to expect my new assignment to be the ship at the heart of it." Jorik responded, turning the conversation to the mission of the ship itself.

"I did not receive full details on our mission. Could you provide a summary so I know what to prepare for?"

The Captain was silent for a moment as the events of Frontier Day passed through his head. He glanced at the now closed door to the Shuttlebay, remembering the forcefield that snapped before them that had been set to lethal levels and killed Lieutenant McKinnon.

Snapping out of it, "At the moment we're still on course for DS12. Starfleet informed me that we will get our mission brief when we arrive. I used to serve in the Maelstrom so I'm certain it will be somewhat mundane."

"Mundane is logical, but rarely the reality. I will try to prepare us for a variety of common scenarios," Jorik began, "for you never know when something could go wrong on an otherwise normal mission."

He looked around at the ship, completely unable to tell what had happened just a couple of weeks before. "I also am obligated to offer my services as a mediator. I have extensive experience in conflict mediation and even had a short time where I taught classes on it at the Academy."

"That's good to know, Lieutenant," he realized that the Saratoga was one of the few ships where a Counselor was not among the Senior Staff of the ship. A conflict mediator could come in handy in that respect.

"Would you prefer to see your quarters or your workstation first?"

Jorik thought for a moment, because speaking, "workstation, please. I hear the Sagan-class has a seated security station. Which is a nice change of pace from my last assignment where I was standing."

Zseeq smiled, "Indeed it does, Lieutenant. Your Security workstation is along the port wall of the bridge. Originally it was at a forward workstation, but I thought you may need the room so we swapped you with Science."

Entering the turbolift, "Coincidentally, you'll meet our Science Officer when we reach the Bridge."

"Yes. I have read the personnel files of the rest of the senior staff. The Science Officer is an interesting read. It will be an interesting experience." Jorik said, following Zseeq into the lift.

"Bridge," Zseeq directed as the lift began to travel. "Are there any other questions while we wait?"

"Just one, Captain. I know many of the younger officers are going to likely remember the incident. Is there anyone aboard who may get particularly violent because of those memories? I do not want one of my subordinates to be unaware of the situation and decide that violence brought on by a bad memory is cause to react with their own violence."

Jorik did not want to risk someone getting seriously injured--or worse--because of something they could not have known about or control.

Zseeq didn't answer immediately, rather he stood patiently trying to formulate an answer to the question. It was far from what he'd anticipated, but that was his own mistake for not expecting such a question from their new Security Chief.

"I truly don't know the answer to that," he chose honesty over bravado. "While Starfleet Medical has devised a method of removing the implants, the extent of their influence remains a mystery. There are many who were impacted, both assimilated and unassimilated."

"Understood, Captain. I will inform my subordinates to be mindful of why someone may be acting a certain way. I am hopeful we get no reports of overzealous officers shooting people." Jorik held his tongue on mentioning that humans were prone to jumping to conclusions, as he had found over the years.

The Captain answered positively as the lift doors slid open, "Sounds like a plan to me."

On the bridge, Zhi was finding the quiet of being alone while on watch becoming unsettling. The captain's chair, to him, felt utterly uncomfortable however as he was left in command while both the CO and XO were off bridge he was expected to sit in it.

The Vulcan turned his head at the sound of turbolift doors sliding open and shut. Relief washed briefly across his features when the captain entered the bridge. Instantly, he vacated the cursed seat and moved towards his own station, where he had several tests running and waiting for completion. As he did, he also took note of the newcomer who was close on the captain's heels. Another Vulcan, a very controlled one as he sensed very little coming from the man.

As he stepped onto the bridge, Jorik's eyes immediately snapped to and followed Zhi. He had little experience with the V'tosh K'atur, but the strong emotions flowing off of this one told him everything he needed to know already. Though he knew when to hold his tongue--especially now, around the Captain--he had his own thoughts and feelings on the V'tosh.

"That's alright, Lieutenant Zhi'rev, you still have the Bridge. We're just visiting," he directed to the Science Officer. He motioned toward the Security Chief, "This is Lieutenant Jorik."

Zhi sighed inwardly and moved back to the command chair. "Acknowledged captain," he answered as he studied the newcomer more closely now. He sensed precious little from the man, but didn't fail to get a hint of disapproval. Zhi just smiled, knowingly feeding that disapproval. "Lieutenant," he offered in greeting. "Welcome aboard the Saratoga."

Turning to the security station, but speaking over his shoulder to the Captain, Jorik logged into the station briefly, registering his arrival with the workstation and bringing up his custom configuration. "When was the last series of calibrations on the long range sensors?"

The Captain noticed the interaction between the two Vulcans, internally making a note of the interaction. It could just be Vulcans being Vulcans, but he wondered if there may be more to it. He may speak about it with his XO, perhaps even asking her to keep a closer watch on the two.

"That's a question for our Science Officer," Zseeq answered. "Lieutenant, do you know when the last series of calibrations on the long-range sensors were?" He was curious how this would go.

"I do captain," Zhi smiled, gesturing towards his station, the one he'd been forced to abandon in favour of the captain's chair. "They're running as we speak sir, they should be finished in a few minutes. I had to run a few diagnostics because of a misalignment so I also had to recalibrate."

Jorik nodded, "excellent. Much more recent than I expected." He had to admit, he was mildly impressed, "once they are finished, please just send a confirmation to me, please."

"Out of curiosity," Zhi prompted, not quite sure if he's just been insulted, "what had you expected, if not a recent calibration? Surely, inspection of one's work station and added equipment is standard operating procedure?" He arched a single eyebrow at the man. "I have not made adjustments to the targeting scanners, only the long range sensors."

"Targeting sensors are best adjusted with a recent calibration of the long range sensors. My last assignment it had been several months since they'd been calibrated when I came aboard and I had to take the time to calibrate them myself before readjusting the targeting sensors, which were off by a full three microns." Jorik replied, turning around after logging into his station. "One incident I read about in the Academy was a ship that was nearly destroyed because of a misalignment of the targeting sensors by a full five microns. No one had done any adjustments to their targeting sensors in the 4 years they were active. It was only discovered during repairs to the vessel."

"Then perhaps routine calibrations should be added to a set schedule," Zhi suggested, "as well as an alert when misalignment is more than say, one micron."

A logical statement from a V'tosh. Interesting. Jorik thought to himself, before speaking. "It is logical to do so. Though it may cause more downtime in the future to do so, it very well may save the ship. Captain, is that permissible?" He said, looking to Zseeq.

Zhi looked towards the captain as well. "With the assistance of operations and engineering I think we'll be able to keep the downtime to a minimum," he suggested, "we can include them in the maintenance schedule. Perhaps they'll even have improvements to our proposal?"

Captain Zseeq nodded in approval, "Anything that will help to keep this ship and crew safe is supported and approves. With the Maelstrom Sector being as... complicated as it is when need to ensure that the sensors are at high functionality. The Kessok are a priority concern since they've closed their borders, but the Cardassians are another. While we are at peace with the Union, the True Way had been operating in the area recently. Then there is, of course, the crazy space weather."

"It is logical, then, that we should get this schedule coordinated with Operations and Engineering--that is, of course, if they approve--before we depart, so we all have time to coordinate it within our departments." Jorik said, looking between the Captain and Zhi.

"I don't see the logic," Zhi answered, consciously feeding the proverbial fire, "but yes I agree." He arched a single eyebrow in genuine confusion. "Crazy space weather?" He repeated, "what does that mean?"

The Deltan smiled, "I'll make sure that you get an updated copy of Starfleet's analysis of the Maelstrom, Lieutenant. A cliff's notes version is that the Maelstrom has triple the basic background radiation of the rest of the galaxy. There are subspace rifts, quantum destabilization, temporal anomalies, about a dozen other things that can kill us all." He glanced at the Security Chief, "Maybe do a diagnostic of the shields."

"I see," Zhi answered with a grin, "I'll remember that terminology captain, it's very... accurate to what you describe. As for the ability to kill us, we'll just have to get adept at finding and skirting or neutralizing them before they do." He flashed a grin at the security chief. "Shield diagnostics weren't included in my sensor check "

"Well generally Science doesn't touch the shields for diagnostics without checking with Tactical, Lieutenant. I wouldn't expect them to be included." Jorik said, before turning back to the Captain. "I will be sure to add that to the ever growing list of things I have to complete. You mentioned seeing my quarters a few minutes ago?"

Zseeq nodded, "I did, Lieutenant, and I think now would be a good time." He looked back at the Science Officer and had a thought, "You know quarters for you two aren't that far apart from one another. Lieutenant Zhi'rev why don't you show Mister Jorik to his quarters. I'll remain here on the Bridge until you're complete." The Captain walked toward his center seat, pecking at the interface on the armrest.

With an audible sigh, the younger Vulcan vacated the seat a second time. "Of course captain," he acknowledged, "the bridge is yours." He gestured the other Vulcan towards the turbolift. "If you please follow me..."

Jorik didn't say anything, but the disdain for Zhi'rev spiked when he heard the other Vulcan sigh. He'd definitely have to tell his parents about meeting a V'tosh, and he decided to start keeping a log of their interactions, if nothing else, it would lend itself well for conflict resolution in the future. Resigning himself to being stuck in a lift with Zhi, Jorik followed him.

As the door closed, Zhi gave the man a quick once-over. "Seems we are neighbours, rather than just close to each other," he started, "did you bring a family with you?"

Jorik would have frowned if he wasn't in full control of his emotions. "I'm not bonded, if that is what you are referring to." Jorik responded. "I have had circumstances that kept me away from Vulcan for most of my life and my biological parents died when I was an infant so they were unable to arrange for me to marry." Jorik was not usually very forthcoming with his history, however, he decided he would humor Zhi's apparent need to participate in 'small talk' as the humans called it.

Zhi cast him a curious look. "You have no mate?" An arched eyebrow followed the look of surprise. "How did you manage that?" Even with a lost mate, surely he would need to find a partner every seven years? While he didn't suffer Pon Farr, because of his embraced emotions as well as his choice of partner, he was certain his current companion would suffer it.

"If you must know, Lieutenant, I was raised on Earth. While my adoptive parents never kept me from Vulcan culture, they never forced me to embrace it either, so I was not required to be betrothed to someone at the age of seven." Jorik was wondering just how personal Zhi was trying to get. He would assume the man was himself mated, and therefore would not want to know about his personal matters.

"If you are referring to what is a very personal situation in a Vulcan's life, I handled it through intense meditation and medical intervention every time I've encountered it."

"How....illogical," Zhi muttered. "I have my family with me, and I wouldn't be anywhere without my mate and my children. I know our mission is dangerous, but we won't be without each other."

"You calling me illogical is ignoring your own rejection of logic." Jorik retorted, without missing a beat after Zhi's comment. "If I had a mate I would look into having them here with me. However I would also weigh the fact that we are going into one of the most volatile areas of space in my decision of whether I made the request or not. I would not want them to get hurt because I decided our place as a family was on a Starfleet vessel going into a dangerous area."

He clasped his hands behind him, turning to look pointedly at Zhi. "The only thing more illogical than that is being a family onto a frontline warship."

This time, Zhi grinned broadly, showing his teeth. "It's a good thing then that my mate and I don't follow the path of logic, but rather that of our heart." To make his point, he touched his right side. "I'm a scientist, my mate is a healer, both Starfleet. We know what the risks are, and we are willing to brave them. That too, is part of being Starfleet. Taking risks."

"Risks including that of your entire family sounds much more like you have a death wish. If we had a counselor on board I would report that to them. However, I will leave the matter here, assuming you would be so kind as to stop asking about my personal matters." Jorik said, still maintaining his professional appearance, though Zhi would sense just the faintest air of anger or frustration.

"I was merely indulging in the only emotion you logical folk seem to allow... curiosity." The younger man shrugged. "Sethan would tell you the same as I did. Out children belong with us. We will keep them safe, as parents should do. I have no example to draw on, so I'm doing the best I can."

And this is the problem with the V'tosh. Jorik thought to himself, wisely keeping the words from exiting his mouth, and instead he chose to remain silent, as he would either state his opinion out loud or say something to shift the topic very awkwardly.

"What..no logical retort?" Zhi challenges, leaning back against the wall of the car, not even realizing he never called for a deck so the car was simply stationary at the bridge, with the doors closed. "There's no need to swallow your words, I'm not a tender soul that's easily insulted."

"No, but you are one that is going to make my job three times as hard." Jorik said, referring to his role on away teams as chief of security. He left it, again, at that, as he knew what he would say would be very out of line and inappropriate, even for this setting.

"Your job three times as hard?" Both eyebrows shot up in surprise now. "And how's that, because I don't see it. Unless you mean because I emote...." He shrugged. "Well I don't exactly care how you feel about that, if you feel at all.. though your expression speaks volumes. You ooze disapproval."

Choosing not to give Zhi the satisfaction of a response, Jorik simply called for a deck. "Deck 2." He had at least reviewed the schematics of the ship prior to arrival so he knew what deck his quarters were on, just not where on that deck.

The trip was swift and the doors opened within seconds. "This way," Zhi said, quickly exiting the car, "it's not far. As I said, you're next door." Another quick grin, as if to get a rise out of him. "You'll be seeing quite a bit of me, my husband and our daughters, I guess " he gestured towards a door after a few meters of walking. "There, that's yours."

"Thank you, Lieutenant." Jorik said, entering his quarters and leaving the interaction at that. This would be quite an interesting assignment.

Shrugging indifferently at being left on his own in the corridor, Zhi turned back. "I'm going back to the bridge," he announced, "call the quartermaster if you require anything."

"Naturally. That's generally the person who handles those type of requests." Jorik said to Zhi's departing form as the door closed behind him

Within minutes, Zhi returned to the bridge and quickly beelined for his station.

Zseeq looked over his shoulder and watched as his Vulcan Science Officer entered the Bridge. Smirking a little, the Captain returned his attention to the control console built into the armrest of his chair. Suddenly, having so many Vulcans aboard the Saratoga was proving to be far more interesting than he'd ever imagined it being.

 

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