Don't Screw Up

Posted on Wed Oct 23rd, 2019 @ 3:03pm by Captain Bethsabée Leroux & Ensign Michael Sloan

Mission: Mission 1 - One Step forward
Location: Deck E - Mess Hall
611 words - 1.2 OF Standard Post Measure

Beth was up early. Her shift was not meant to not start for about an hour or, and already she was showered, her hair was semi-plastered up and she had a freshly pressed flight suit on. This was as gussied up as she ever got serving on a ship. Walking into the mess, Beth considered ignoring the cooks bright wave, then thought better of it and gave her a shy little nod. She couldn't believe it was as busy as it was as she collected her porridge and coffee.

“Do you mind me sitting here?” She wondered seeing another senior officer in the mess that was sat alone. They had barely spoken other than acknowledging each other, maybe she could change that.

Already finished with his breakfast, Michael had been nursing his cup of coffee as he thought about their purpose out here. "Sure," Michael replied, his tone was neither welcoming nor was it confrontational as he acknowledged Beth's presence. "The porridge is... warm this morning," he added, trying his best to be friendly.

At least he was allowing her to sit, that was a start to defrosting the man she saw as an ice giant at the moment. Cool and composed, maybe it was the armoury position that he held? "Qui... I prefer warm over the cool from the last few days." The woman mused softly as she sat down putting the food down. It was at all her favourite meal but it would tide her over until lunch time.

It was not a problem with the communications officer that Michael had. It was the fact that he had spent time on the vessel and had earned his place as First Officer, only to be replaced by an officer who could talk to the Xindi. He trusted Leah, but the wound was fresh and deep. "Much better than the old MREs that the MAACOs have," he nodded, remembering having to try some of his father's stockpile of the bagged food. He glanced toward his new table companion as he asked, "Ready to be cramped with half the crew in a small room?"

"As long as they've all showered before we all go in there sure. How about you?" The woman asked back seeing the look in his eyes. He thought he deserved to be something more on this mission and time might prove him right but until then Beth would demand the respect she was deserved.

"Cramped up spaces with lots of soldiers, sounds like home," Michael stated, referencing growing up a military brat. "Better get some rest, we'll have to clean up enough messes once this storm is over with," he added, thinking about the inventory job and the havoc the storm will play on the ship's defensive systems.

"Don't worry about me I am a sleeping bag to take with me." The woman assured as she watched him. It sounded like he was a military kid but he could be hinting to anything. The woman had her own messes to think about cleaning up after the storm but she wasn't going to get to upset now when so much could change before that.

"Well, I will see you on the other side," Michael replied. He stood with his tray, before he left he added, "I want to double and triple check that everything has been accounted for." He almost sounded as though he believed he was the only person outside of the Captain who was that prepared, but he could not have meant it like that. Could he?

OFF::

Commander Bethsabee Leroux
First Officer/Chief Communications Officer
NX Atlantis

Lt. Commander Michael Sloan
Chief Armory Officer
NX Atlantis