I Look Forward To Your Death

Posted on Mon Apr 13th, 2020 @ 9:40pm by Captain Bethsabée Leroux & Lieutenant Sovar

Mission: Mission 2 - Fallout
Location: Deck 1 - Captain Ready Room
Timeline: Day 3, Month 1, Year 0 15:30
1061 words - 2.1 OF Standard Post Measure

Sovar reported to the captain's ready room at exactly 1400 hours, the time he'd set for the appointment with the ship's acting commanding officer. Punctuality was not only efficient, but it was also polite, too. Once he'd been admitted to the room, he nodded to Commander Leroux.

"Thank you for agreeing to see me, commander. I appreciate you making the accommodation in your schedule."

"Come in Lieutenant." Beth rose from the chair and offered the one in front of her before she sitting back down. It was a polite relationship between them that had grown after the last six month. "Normally I would offer tea or something but that is in short supply."

"I appreciate the offer and your thoughtfulness," Sovar said, inclining his head before taking a seat. "May I inquire after your health, commander? I have observed some deleterious effects on the crew from lack of sustenance and sleep."

Beth hid a smile at his question about her health. It would be kind if it was not for the fact he looked his usual self as if the lack of sustenance and sleep were not affecting him. "I am sure you will see some effects compared to yourself. I have been better Lieutenant but I am surviving still on my feet." It was the only way to see it.

"Surviving is not flourishing, commander," Sovar said in a tone that suggested it might have been some Vulcan adage. "Have you given any thought to what you would like Lieutenant Darru and myself to do with your remains and those of the crew should you all perish?"

Beth smiled a little at him and opened her mouth to say something before she burst into a small pearl of laughter at his suggestion of what the human crew wanted him and Darru to do if they all starved to death. She settled back in her chair and shook her head at the mere thought. "Unlike yourself, I am feeling pessimistic that we have a few more days before that is even an option." The Commander offered in Vulcan.

"Then we will discuss those matters at a more appropriate time. I know there are very many considerations before you, including solidifying the chain of command," Sovar replied. It was an obviously leading statement, and he stared at the commanding officer in anticipation of her speaking on the matter.

At his words, the penny dropped in the air and the subject he really wanted to discuss was evident. "Ah, the real reason you are here Mister Sovar." Beth got comfortable in her chair and crossed her legs. "I believe the chain of command is solidified unless you know something different?" She questioned having learnt in the last seven days to be a lot more forceful and forward.

"Aside from the incidents I've already reported, I have no definitive information related to the chain of command. However, I have observed there has been tension with Commander Sloan. Further, I believe he finds you unfit for command, particularly in light of his own qualifications."

It was a solid observation, one that she could agree with if she was inclined to take him into her confidence but she was pretty sure he was the one sent to observe them over Darru or the other scientist and Engineers. "There have been tensions but I believe with the stresses and strains of the moment they are over." She did not want to add for now as she hoped it was over.

Sovar arched a single eyebrow. "If the mitigating factors are temporary, there is reason to believe the underlying tension will resume when our situation is more secure. After speaking with him, I do believe survival is at the forefront of Commander Sloan's mind, as one would expect from all officers at this time. Survival will take a concerted effort. However, once the situation improves, I believe you may find that the commander has not had a permanent change of heart regarding your leadership capabilities."

"Then as I have told him I have no qualms about making him live out his life in the Brig for mutiny," Beth said simply. She was not even half-joking, she had told the Executive Officer twice that she would put him there if he tried to pretty much mutiny himself or lead other members of her crew into mutiny.

Sovar remained silent, though he did have an opinion on the matter. Throwing Sloan into the brig may have been a solution, but it seemed so... Inhumane. The irony wasn't lost on him.

"I have bigger issues about not having a chief Scientist. You and Darru are the only people on board capable of running it and you from your personnel file have two years more experience." She mused putting her PADD down looking at him again.

"That is correct, commander. I have seniority," Sovar replied. He tilted his head to the side. "Are you offering the position to me?"

"Yes but if you do not want it I have already been assured that Lieutenant Darru is more than willing." She was playing on the Vulcan pride that the man would want to be more senior than a younger colleague. It would be too much for the man or at the very least for his ego when and if they got back with the Vulcan Science Council.

Something about that wrinkled Sovar's otherwise stoic countenance. "Lieutenant Darru is ambitious, but, as you stated, he is my junior. It would be illogical for him to assume the position over a better qualified candidate. I accept. And I am grateful for your confidence in me, commander."

"Then I am relieved the better qualified candidate is accepting this unique opportunity." In Beth's eyes in was unique, to say the least. It gave the Vulcan's and Humans a chance to do what the NX project should have been doing since the beginning working together. He would have to work with the humans around him as there were only three Vulcan's onboard. He would either adapt or drive everyone insane, she truly hoped he become more amenable like Darru.

"I look forward to working with you until you die, commander. And with any of your descendants thereafter."

OFF::

Lieutenant Sovar
Science Officer
NX Atlantis

Commander Bethsabee Leroux
Officer In Charge/Chief Communications Officer
NX Atlantis