#25 The time has come

Posted on Thu Mar 24th, 2022 @ 11:27pm by Lieutenant Commander Kristian Long

Mission: Weapon Investigating
Location: lounge
Timeline: current

ON:

After dealing with so many things in a row, and that row currently empty of needs, Liza Kahn found herself auto-piloting to the main lounge. Getting a small two-person table next to the panoramic viewport provided a beautiful sight in the planet Klavor. There it was, spinning in silence below them. A good place to do what she needed to do. Liza tapped her combadge. "Doctor Long, this is Commander Kahn. Please meet me in the main lounge when you can. Kahn, out." The channel closed and her tumbler of Aldeberan whiskey arrived. Sipping her drink and staring off into the stars she waited for the good Doctor to arrive, making sure the place across from her was clear for Kris to sit.

Tapping her com-badge "On the way commander," Kristian responded, taking off her lab coat she hung it on the hook in her office and headed to meet the XO curious as to what this was about. Walking into the main lounge a few minutes later Kristain seeing the XO made her way over to where she was "Commander, is something wrong? Are you okay?"

Liza looked up as Kris got in next to the table, smiling at the query. "Yes, Kris, I'm fine." She then stood to greet her guest as was proper, motioning to the seat across from hers. "Please, join me. I just have a couple of things to go over with you. Shouldn't take long." It was hard not to smile like the Cheshire cat. Liza took her seat again.

Kristian took a seat "What can I do for you commander? If your wondering the commodore is cleared for duty. When she returns to the ship that is."

While waiting Kahn had removed her own rank pin, keeping it in her left hand under the table in her lap. Using her right she sipped her drink occasionally. "She'll be glad to hear that. I met with her earlier and she is doing great. But, we're here to talk about you, Doctor." Liza lightly cleared her throat. "Due to personal issues Doctor Bjorgo has stepped down, and has already left the ship. That leaves a hole in our ranks, and I hate a vacuum. So, if you feel you are ready for the responsibility then I offer you the position of Chief Medical Officer, effective immediately." She waited to gauge the reaction.

Kristian blinked at the question, while the position of Chief Medical Officer had always been what she wanted this had come a lot faster than she expected. Taking a breath to steady her nerves "Yes commander I'm ready, I'm honored, thank you."

"Kris, don't thank me, sister. Thank yourself. Your own hard work brought this to you." Kahn sat up a little straighter, her right hand coming out and taking Long by the wrist, pulling her hand out over the table palm up. Not yanking but casually having an open hand. Kahn's left hand came up and dropped the bit of brass into the Doctor's palm. She folded Long's fingers over the rank pin before she let go and sat back. "Your service record speaks for itself. With that in mind I promote you to the rank of Lt. Commander, with all the hooey that comes with it." She gave a crooked smile. "Starfleet agreed, it was time, Commander Long."

It took a few seconds for the shock to wear off as Kristian opened her hand to find the rank pip, "Two surprises in one day, I'm stunned and honored, I never expected either to come so quickly, thank you commander I'll not let you or the commodore down. I always wanted the CMO position and never dreamed it would come so soon."

Liza couldn't help but smile at Long's exuberance. "Kris, you were the ACMO. It's not like you don't already have experience running the Sickbay. Now, though, any and all changes are yours to make. I'm sure the medical staff will have your back." Kahn finished her drink and set the empty, ice filled glass down. Taking out her PADD Liza made the corrections to the crew manifest. "Well, you're in the spot now. No turning back." She giggled.

"I have no plans on turning back, and yes the staff in sick bay is excellent no complaints there," Kristian replied "There's a good bunch of doctors and nurses in there."

"Tis true," agreed Liza. "Plus, they all have a bonus I rather like. All of them know something about Trill and symbionts. To better take care of my little buddy here." She patted her belly. She didn't care that the crease for her pouch was visible while in a bikini, and no belly button anymore. Most people who saw her in skimpy clothes weren't interested in her belly button anyway. "I'm glad you're happy, Kris, truly. I have a meeting with Commander Green in a few minutes so please don't be offended if I end this chat abruptly."

"No offense commander, I need to tell my family the good news," Kristian said getting to her feet and pinning the rank pip on her collar.

Kahn stood with Long, shaking her hand. "I'm sure they'll be thrilled. You have a good night, Kris." Giving a final nod of goodbye Liza casually left the lounge while Long did the same, both going in their own direction.

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