The Triumvirate

Posted on Fri Sep 30th, 2022 @ 2:33am by Commander Dean House & Lieutenant Commander Thriss Kla'ren & Lieutenant Chester "Duo" Maxwell

Mission: *CD*
Timeline: Current

Since his transfer to Chief Operations Officer had been approved by the Captain, Duo had moved his things into the new office on Deck 3 and was settled in nicely. He hadn't been on the Sunfire long enough to amass a collection of trinkets yet. He had spent every waking minute getting up to speed on his new duties, and now he had more to add into the mix.

He finished downloading the command protocols the Captain had suggested he familiarize himself with onto a PADD. He had a special love of the ubiquitous piece of tech and often could be found toting one around. These last few days he never let his get outside of arms reach. The challenge of a new position, new faces and names to learn, and now being called on the serve as temporary 2XO were not insignificant. But he relished the challenge. He had always done well under stress...it was the boring times that caused him problems. He expected Commander House would want to be speaking with him sooner rather than later to go over his own expectations of the upcoming mission.

Duo had stood a watch, he had commanded me both in and outside of battle. But this would be a totally new experience for him, and he couldn't wait for the chance to rise to the occasion.

Just as he finished the introduction on the first text, the ship intercom rang out...

This really wasn't going to be to much of a difference or change. At least Dean didn't think so. Rhenora had mentioned checking anyway, so why not. Formality and all. It may feel different for the other two, or maybe all three of them once in the moment. Pressing the comm button on his desk as he stood up. "Lieutenant Maxwell, would you happen to be busy at the moment?"

Duo set his PADD down. "No, sir. Not at all. What can I do for you?"

"Would you mind grabbing Thriss and meeting me in the Officers Mess please." Dean was already started out of his office.

"Acknowledged." Duo picked up a PADD and headed out. It was only a short walk from the office to he mess. He gave Thriss a call over his comm badge to let him know what was going on.

---

Thriss had actually been near the mess-hall when he got the call. He had just come from another long engineering shift. After this, he decided he'd get some shut eye, because he knew that sleep would be very limited the next few days.

He managed to grab a meal from the replicator and sit down, before he noticed Dean and Duo entered the mess-hall.

That didn't take long. Dean was going to get something to eat as well, or at least snack on. He'd wait if Duo wanted to also, get his last.

Duo got a cup of tea and joined Thriss at his table. "Just getting off, or going on duty?" he asked politely.

"Just got off, actually. I'm gonna be pretty busy the next few days so I'm going to need all the sleep I can get before hand" he replied just before he took a bite of his sandwich. As the Chief Engineer, he was busy as it was. Tied in with being the Acting XO and being in Cardassian space, he may have limited sleep the next couple of days.

Dean finally decided on something. 'Rice-a-roni' garlic chicken flavor with diced up grilled chicken breast mixed in with it. Taking the bowl and glass of water with him over to the table. Sitting down as well, "Gentlemen. I trust everything is alright?"

"Things are well on my end. I'm getting settled in at Ops. I've been reviewing the crew training schedules. There are some departments that need to be brought up to speed on the latest procedures Starfleet issued last time we were in Starbase." Duo said. He took a sip of his tea and continued. "Commander, I wanted to see if you had any advice for me in this up coming situation. You have been Second Officer for a while now, and this will be my first time filling in that role."

There were a few bites taken first, before Dean set the spoon in the bowl. "That's actually why I wanted to talk to both of you. See if you had any worries or reservations about it. Questions, comments the like. A lot of it, Duo, is situational and in the moment to be honest. Just like any of our roles in any given situation. Sure there's a plan, or we may know all the mission parameters. That doesn't mean everything goes as they should. So best first piece of advice is expect the worst and rejoice if that doesn't end up the outcome."

Duo considered for a moment, and took another sip of tea then said, "Right." He gave a nod in agreement and looked at each of the men in turn. "You can both count on me. Just say the word, and I'll get it done."

Thriss nodded in response to Duo and then turned to look at Dean. "Minus the fact that I haven't exactly been in this position before, if balancing between Command and Engineering becomes too much I may need to find an acting Chief, at least to oversee things from down there. However, I also believe that I can handle both" he replied honestly.

"It's never been unheard of for an Executive Officer having dual roles before after all. You can control most functions for Engineering from the Bridge after all." Dean gave a light smile and went to eating a little more.

"I assume you have a trick or two up your sleeve in case things don't go so well planet side? I have some contacts that could be useful, if we need them" Duo offered.

"There's always something, not necessarily from me either. I mean, any idea from this crew can be a good idea." Dean smiled.

"Agreed" Kla'ren said honestly just before he took a bite of his food.

Duo nodded and flashed a smile. "If I have any, I'll be sure to let you know."

Dean glanced between the two of them a moment, "I suppose that about covers it for the moment. Thank you two for coming."

Thriss simply took a sip of his drink and set it down again. He nodded in response to Dean.