Post Number 17 First Officer

Posted on Thu Oct 21st, 2021 @ 10:18pm by Commodore Cyndi Song

Mission: Repairs, Upgrades And Shore Leave
Location: Ready Room
Timeline: Right After I Want Answers

ON:

"Lieutenant I'd like to speak to you," Cyndi said once Major Hurd left.

"Of course, Sir." ~this was it~ thought Liza ~my first demerit as Liza~ She waited patiently for the hammer to fall.

"As you know Commander Bird has left us. That leaves a big hole in the command structure of the ship. I need a first officer, one who is not afraid to challenge me, someone who understands that a retired rear admiral is just that, retired," Cyndi said "Who would you suggest or recommend I promote into the position of first officer?"

Kahn hadn't expected that kind of query, more leaning towards discipline. It took her brain a moment to switch lanes. "Uhh, that's not an easy one. There are many seasoned officers aboard who could do well there. But, you're right, it can't be someone who will crumble to your every whim." Liza stood casually and waited, her expression light and friendly.

"Do you think you have what it takes?" Cyndi asked "You know I'm not one who likes to sit on her arse, I didn't get where I am for taking it easy and not getting my hands dirty."

Kahn nearly knocked on Liza's brain, asking internally (which was rare, but does happen) ~did she just say ask you about XO?~

Once Liza pulled herself together, a mere few seconds, she answered. "Cyndi, I have all that it takes. The last host was a starship captain, a Sovereign class. If you want to run around like Kirk, then I only ask you take me with you as your Spock." She couldn't help but smile. "I will always caution you, for the record, but I will always do as you ask of me. On your personal authority as captain of the Amandora, of course."

"Should I chose to go you'll need to be here to take care of the ship," Cyndi replied "So I take it that's a yes to the promotion to Executive Officer? It comes with a promotion to Lieutenant Commander to begin with. Commander will come later."

"The position is all that truly matters, Commodore." Liza was gracious in her appreciation. "Despite doing as you ask, I will also council you harshly should you stray from what it means to be Starfleet."

"Like I said I didn't get here by sitting on my arse. I've busted my butt to get this far. There are those who think marrying a rear admiral had something to do with it. If anything it made it a lot harder," Cyndi commented "I'm the commanding officer of this ship and a scientist at heart. I'm a Starfleet Commodore as you pointed out and that carries a lot of weight."

"Sic semper tyrannis is a Latin phrase meaning "thus always to tyrants". It suggests that bad, but justified outcomes should, or eventually will befall tyrants. Not being Human, I find that philosophy sound." Liza looked at Song. "I am yours, Cyndi, if you'll have me. Anything else is just verification. Let's not drag this on, Skipper."

"Your hired," Cyndi replied "Congratulations Commander, you've more than earned this." Cyndi opened a drawer on her desk, removed the pips, walked over to her and pinned them to Kahn's collar. "I'll make it official in a few minutes."

Kahn watched as Cyndi went to her desk and gathered the appropriate pip set for Lt. Commander. Once applied she then grinned. "Thank you, Commodore."

"Your welcome commander," Cyndi replied.

Liza went immediately into her casually professional self. "Well, I have things to adjust. So, if you'll excuse me, Skipper, I'll get to it." Another grin.

"Of course commander, I have a husband who is probably wondering what I look like by now," Cyndi said with a smile.

A grin formed on Liza's face too. "By the way, Cyndi, should you decide to go out as the CO and take part, I will be with you. I never said I would drop Security Chief to take XO. In time, yes. But, right now, it would create a power vacuum." Kahn gave a knowing look. "I can't sit back idle while my CO risks their life. Not how Kelliza Kahn operates." Another smile.

"You forget Liza, I carry a phaser at all times and know how to use it and I don't miss," Cyndi said pulling her weapon from a pocket on her uniform pant-leg and laid it on her desk. A Type, 45 phaser.

Liza made it very clear with both a serious expression balanced with a serious tone. "Despite your proficiency, that was not the point, Commodore. On away missions; where you go I go, PERIOD! That is what I meant. You will never, ever, go alone. End of discussion, Sir." Kahn would not lose another CO to arrogant behavior. It was long ago but it still lingered in Kahn's memory. She had stopped moving toward the door.

Cyndi picked up her phaser and pocketed it, "It will give Major Hurd a ship to take care of if we're both off at the same time," Cyndi grinned "We're going to work well together."

Liza got herself under control, and culled Kahn a moment. "Apologies, Commodore. I tend to be very--outspoken, given my experiences among various hosts. I will work to not be so--blunt." Kahn came back around, causing Liza to smile at Song. "We will turn this ship around, Cyndi. Too many variables and unanswered questions means we need to tighten security when we're way out here far from help."

"I agree, and I'd like security and the marines to work together," Cyndi commented "The major can be a hot head but he's a damned fine officer."

Liza gave a nod. "He is impulsive, and that is the worst thing one can be out here exploring. When he can prove to me that he can calm the hell down and act like an adult, not a spoiled teen, then I will give him Security Chief, Ma'am. Then, it's on him to meld them together, and make sure that the Starfleet personnel are treated as such, not marines. It is a tightrope of personal arrogance, or true leadership."

"I agree, but he's a seasoned marine I don't think he'll fit in as chief of security," Cyndi commented.

Giving a light chuckle Liza smiled at Song. "Cyndi, I have no intention of actually doing it. I have other ideas just as equal. Anyway, thank you for your faith in me and I will now, actually, get out of your hair. Jolan Tru," said Liza as she spun on her heel and walked out, the Romulan saying done with complete respect. She needed to get her poop in a group now that she would be XO. Her office would be her quarters for the next few days. She crossed the Bridge and took the lift to decks below.

Cyndi watched her go and turned to her computer to make Liza's promotion official.

OFF: