Birds of a Feather

Posted on Sun Sep 27th, 2020 @ 7:28pm by Commander Ryan Blake & Lieutenant Commander Havri Belbre

Mission: The Thorion Conundrum Mission Brief
Location: Security Deck
Timeline: SD 39409.12 / 1345 hours

Ryan strode purposely down the corridor leading to the security offices. He was a bit excited to be preparing for his first deep space assignment aboard a starship. He entered the complex and approached the duty desk and spoke with the Security Petty Officer of the Watch. "Lieutenant Blake to see Lieutenant Brannon."

I heard the bell sound on my office hatch. I had been sleeping in my office to allow me to set it up and get ready for the first mission. I answered, "Come in, Grab whatever you like from the replicator and have a seat."

Ryan crossed the security area and entered the office. He struck out his right hand. "Lieutenant Brannon, I'm Lieutenant Blake Chief Strategic Operations Officer. Pleasure to meet you."

Lt Brannon stood and extended her hand, "It is a pleasure to meet you LT Blake. Have a seat and we can talk. How can I help you today?"

Ryan shook hands with Angelina. He crossed to the offered chair and sat down. "I was just assigned to the USS Leto this morning. Thought I would meet the other Department Heads as I worked on my in-processing and sort of do a walkabout of the ship." He gave a light chuckle. "I see you have found your office at least. There's still some question as to where mine will be located."

"You will find it soon Ryan, I let people know this. I was raised by an earth family. Where I was an orphan while extremely young. And that is the reason I have an earth name even though I am Betazoid. And I am telepathic too. Some don't realize I am Betazoid if I don't tell them."

Ryan gave a slow nod of his head. He inhaled deeply. He was actually quite familiar with Betazoids. "You have me at a disadvantage. You know my first name, but I don't know yours.

"It is Angelina, in private I like to relax and use first names. And as Security I have access to all crew records to determine which departments they have access to and deny them from areas they have no reason to be in."

"Understandable." He was impressed by Angelina's attention to detail on matters pertaining to access to ship's systems. "Not much call for a biologist to have access to the photon torpedo magazine."

"I bet you pay attention to the details in your Job too. And make sure everything is done right in it also. I personally check the weapons station twice a day to be sure weapons are ready if needed. I know my subordinates do it but it makes me feel better if I do it too. Also I do security rounds not only in the daytime but late at night too."

Ryan shrugged his shoulders. "A lot of my work involves reading mission reports of ships operating in the area, diplomatic dispatches, intelligence reports and then writing up summaries." He paused as he gave his duties a second thought. "I do a lot of analysis and threat assessments regarding current military and diplomatic situations in the area of operation too."

"So you do a lot of things that look like you are looking over ones shoulders to and that is a good thing as well."

Ryan sort of did a half twist of his head. "I never really thought about it like that. I always approached my job as a means of putting a puzzle picture together. Often with very complicated and sometimes conflicting pieces."

"And me following up behind my crew subordinates makes sure everything is done and ready when we need it. And it also allows me to ensure the security of the ship by following up with what others are doing as well. Sometimes people make mistakes and do things they are not suppose to do without realizing it. Other times they do it deliberately."

"My staff will probably be the smallest of all the departments probably fewer personnel than is in any given Division in any of the other Departments." He thought only a few analysts, a cryptographer or two and perhaps a few signal intercept specialists. He may have a Leading Petty Officer or Chief Petty Officer. "I really don't see my having more than 10 to 12 in the whole Strategic Operations Department.

"Wish I had it that easy, I got at least 200 to be on my staff. And it can be a big headache being responsible for the ship security and also if in a fight the weapons to defend it with." Said Brannon.

Ryan gave Angelina a reassuring nod. She was, in his opinion, a straight forward officer. "I am pretty sure there's little that will you will not be able to handle." He glanced at his watch. "Pleasure to meet you Lieutenant. I have a few other decks to check out before the inevitable medical in-processing. Hope to see you again soon."

"Take it easy Ryan, "

"You as well Lieutenant Brannon." Ryan then took his leave to continue his exploration of the ship.