Fortune favours the bold

Posted on Wed Jan 3rd, 2024 @ 9:40pm by Commander Jennifer Baldric

Mission: Halloween
Location: Earth
Timeline: Current.

Commander Jennifer Baldric was bored. She was currently on Earth, in between assignments and itching for her first shot at the big chair. For years she'd been first officer on half a dozen odd ships, and no matter how she played her cards, when the big chair came up, she was passed over. It was frustrating, and she was starting to feel as though she were flawed in some way.

Her last assignment had ended a week ago, and assignments for both XO and CO positions were seemingly thin on the ground at the present. She was on ‘standby’, Admiralty talk for ‘we’ve got nothing for you but hang tight anyway’.

In the day she lectured at the Academy on whatever topic needed covering, and in the evenings she caught up on where the fleet was at. Every day ships submitted reports back to the Admiralty on whatever was going on out there. Most of the time it was the same mundane day to day operations, the occasional interesting mission or discovery, but things were mostly settled lately.

The daily report from the USS Sunfire was usually fairly interesting reading. She recalled the last time she had served on that vessel, well one of its predecessors anyway. It had been a hectic introduction to a ship that tended to find trouble whenever it went. The ship was currently in the Bazza system investigating a random energy signature. It was the small daily report from the CMO, a Dr Wilson. ‘2 injuries, one minor, one moderate. Reduced Captain Kaylen to light duties and reduced work hours for the remaining 8 weeks of her pregnancy.’

That caught Baldric’s attention. The Captain was pregnant and was under enough stress to have the CMO step in and officially report her on reduced workload for her own health. It was unlikely that anyone in the Admiralty would pick up on the small note in the daily log. Unless they were looking…

It sparked an idea, it was ballsy, but Baldric was known for being ballsy. She would pen a persuasive letter to the Admiralty for her to take command of the Sunfire, to ensure the health and wellbeing of Captain Kaylen. The ship already had a well entrenched XO so there would be no point in pushing for that role. Go hard or go home. Captaincy, temporary or not, or bust.

Attn - Admiral J Clarkson, director of fleet personal.
RE - Concern for Welfare.

Dear Admiral Clarkson…


Two days later she was standing in Admiral Clarkson's office, impeccably presented as she always way, internally preparing for battle.

“You've got a hide Baldric.” Clarkson started without bothering with the pleasantries.

“I am expressing my concern for the well-being of a well known and respected commanding officer.” Baldric returned, straight faced and looking straight ahead.

“You're after her chair” Clarkson retorted with a huff. “This is ballsy, even for you. We didn't even know she was expecting”

“It was in the logs Sir, her CMO has been concerned with her workload of late. I am merely requesting to be able to keep said chair warm so she can focus on her health” Baldric brushed over the major implication that once a Captain was established in a ship, they very rarely left.

“Kaylen has made no request for leave as of yet, nor has she tendered any form of resignation” Clarkson drew the words out carefully. “You would be walking into a lion's den. Waltz in there and take her ship away from her without her having even asked for leave.”

“I call it pre-emptive planning Sir. She WILL go on leave when her child is due. No-one can deliver a child and Captain a starship at the same time. Nor should they feel they have to. Assign me as Acting Captain until Kaylen feels ready to return, then I will most gladly step aside. Give me the time to get in there, now before her health deteriorates further. Learn her ways on her ship, then she can relax knowing that her ship is in good hands. Work with her Admiral, not against her.” Baldric was impassioned, her voice carrying an edge that was imploring them to see her side.

“Temporary you say?” Clarkson said dubiously. “And what of Commander Savar?”

“I give you my word I will work closely with him to ensure a seamless transition. He knows the crew well” Baldric countered without hesitation.

Clarkson was quiet, considering his options. It would be beneficial to have someone in place early in case Kaylen did have to take leave early, whether she wanted to or not. Was Baldric the right fit though?

“You will rendezvous with the Sunfire at DS9, they're supposed to put in there for resupply at the end of this mission. You step over the line in any way, you’ll never get near the bridge of a starship again.” His tone was matter of fact. “This is ‘temporary’ Baldric.”

“Yes Sir” The young Commander replied with a crisp smart salute. Finally things were starting to move favourably.

As they say, fortune favours the bold.