Choosing a 2nd Officer

Posted on Wed Oct 14th, 2020 @ 1:54pm by Captain Maia Sterling & Lieutenant Commander Sheena Toran-Blake & Lieutenant Commander Ryan Blake

Mission: The Thorion Conundrum Mission Brief
Location: Captain's Ready Room
Timeline: Mission day 6

[ON]

Commander Sterling had welcomed several members to her crew and a few stood out in excellence and she thought maybe it was time to choose her number two.

=/\= Lt Commander Toran and Lieutenant Blake please report to the Captains ready room." =/\=

Maia sat behind her desk and readied herself for the discussion.

Ryan was on the bridge as the watch Officer of the Deck. He couldn't help but be curious as to what the summons was for. He stood up and crossed to the store ready room door as he called out to the on duty flight control officer. "Ensign Mitchell, you have the conn."

Mitchell, sitting at the operations manager's station, nodded. "I have the Conn, aye."

"Ah Mr. Blake do come in. Where is Commander Toran?" Maia asked.

Ryan pulled out the PADD he kept inside his tunic jacket. "Watchbill says she is conducting an inspection of diplomatic facilities." He tucked the PADD back in his tunic.

Sheena hurried to the captain ready room, crossing the bridge at a slow jog. Entering, slightly out of breath, "My apologies captain. I was inspecting the diplomatic quarters and making sure they were in order. Mr. Blake, good to see you again," she said smiling.

Ryan returned Sheena's smile. "Likewise sir." He then turned to Maia, curious as to what the nature of the summons was for.

"Thanks for your promptness. I have been going over personnel files trying to find a suitable second officer. I have come to the conclusion that there are no suitable candidates on the star base. Those candidates are either too young or too old to withstand the rigors of the upcoming mission."

Maia smiled.

"I have been forced to look within to this crew, looking for someone who has demonstrated leadership, intelligence and drive. I have a candidate in mind but don't know if that individual might be interested in the command track. So I called you two in here to discuss it. That candidate is Lieutenant Ryan Blake. I also considered Captain Thrix and while he would also be fine for the job, between the diplomatic dog and pony shows and keeping the 95th Rifles combat ready he has more than enough on his plate. I would like to hear your thoughts on the matter, both of you." Maia said.

Ryan stood there speechless. He was not accustomed to such praise. His former first Department Head was one of the most narcissistic persons he had ever had the misfortune to work for. He would take all the accolades for the work done by his subordinates and would throw anyone under the bus if things weren't perfect. "I...." Ryan blinked several times in astonishment.

"I agree with you captain. Captain Thrix is a good choice but, as you say he has enough on his plate as is. However, Lt. Ryan, I believe would be the better choice in this case. He is a dedicated career officer who has shown leadership qualities, and can be depended upon in a pinch," Sheena said smiling.

The Second Officer, or 2O is operationally the third-in-command of a Starfleet unit, be it a starship or a space station, and will immediately assume command if anything renders the Commanding Officer and First Officer unfit for duty, with the third officer as acting XO.

A Second Officer's chief duty is to carry out the CO's and XO's orders. The 2XO is often the closest officer to the XO and the CO due to the three generally being the most senior officers aboard. As such, the 2XO also often acts as the CO's second conscience and confidante. It is another primary duty of the Second Officer to spearhead secondary away teams, with the XO leading the primary away team, should situations merit two away teams at one time. This is so that the CO can remain safe in the confines of the bridge. The 2XO is the assistant chief administrative officer on the ship and frequently helps the XO act as liaison between department heads.

Ryan finally found his voice after the initial astonishment subsided. "Captain, I am grateful and honored by your consideration of me for the position. I shall do my best to prove your confidence in me."

"You've already gone a long way to proving that to me Mr. Blake you are the logical choice for the job." Maia replied.

Ryan glanced at Sheena. for a moment before returning his gaze to Maia. A small smile formed on his face. "Just doing my job Captain." He was grateful for the trust she had in his ability. It was certainly turning out to be an extraordinary week for him.

Sheena smiled widely with his new position. "Mr. Blake, I am proud to have you as 2XO and I do know that you will do your best in this position. And as always, may God have mercy on your soul," she finished chuckling. She could feel his emotions and sense the trust that Maia had for him. What better way to start out a new mission on a new ship.

"So I take it then that you are both in full agreement with me"? Maia asked.

"Yes Captain." Ryan hoped to be able to live up to the new expectations now put upon him. He had a lot on his plate and lot more just got dropped on him.

"Yes Captain, in full agreement. He will do fine," Sheena said smiling widely. She wanted to hug him and plant a kiss on his cheek but, now was not the time or the place.

"Excellent I know you both have a lot to do, so I wont keep you. Congratulations Mr Blake, welcome to command." Maia said.

[OFF]

----------------------------------------------
A post by:

Commander Maia A. Sterling
USS Leto NCC-80916
Commanding Officer

Lieutenant Commander Sheena Toran
USS Leto NCC-80916
Executive Officer

Lieutenant Ryan Blake
USS Leto NCC-80916
2O/Chief of Strategic Operations