#61 XO duties

Posted on Mon May 9th, 2022 @ 9:48pm by Captain Sean Silk

Mission: Weapon Investigating
Location: Main Briefing Room
Timeline: current

ON:

Kahn stood by the viewport in the main briefing room. She had her arms crossed as she stared off at the trillions of stars out there. She had received several messages over the past few days that had caused her heart to drop. It was never easy being a leader, to keep your emotions buried so that others could rely on your appearance of strength. People died that was a fact of life. It does not mean it doesn't hurt those left behind any less. The entry coming in from the small corridor opened and in walked Lieutenant Silk.

"You wanted to see me, Commander?" He asked.

Liza dropped her arms to her sides and turned to face him. "I did, Lieutenant. Thank you for being timely."

Sean stepped up to a respectful distance. "No problem, Sir. Is something wrong?"

Kahn gave a weak grin. "I take it you haven't heard?"

"Heard what? You're not giving me a lot to go on here."

She figured he would appreciate being direct so Liza decided to just come out with it. "Major Hurd will be returning to Amandora. I'm afraid you'll have to give up marine CO."

"Glad to hear it, Sir."

"Glad to hear it," asked Liza. "I thought you'd be angry or resentful, not totally...bland." The last word made her give a light chuckle, her grinning and smiling self returning.

Sean noted the sudden light appear in Liza's eyes, the mirthful, playful orbs that one had to constantly read to see where she was emotionally. And, to make sure you weren't the brunt of some prank she had devised. This was the Commander Kahn he had come to know. When he had first stepped into this chamber he could tell that she wasn't herself, and now, she was coming back like a comet. "I'm not bland, as you put it, Commander." That elicited his own grin. "But, that unit is his, Ma'am. Not mine. All I've been doing is keeping them in the marine mentality and running training exercises for physical and mental acuity. Same shit David would do."

"I see," replied Kahn. "Being given something then having it yanked away doesn't upset you?"

"Why should it," he asked. "I'm a grunt one-hundred percent of the time. Being a doctor and playing marine CO are just the bonuses for the life I've chosen. I'm a soldier which means I don't need to be in charge to make our enemies think twice about mucking with the Federation again."

Kahn smiled. "Well put. I needed people like you when I commanded the Sovereign. Glad to have you with me now, as XO of Amandora. After seven lives I've seen and done a lot of things. But, the most treasured memories are the friends and loved ones I have made on this journey called life. I just want to make sure that you are okay with this sudden change."

Silk shrugged. "Nothing to get over. This is the life in Starfleet. Orders and circumstances change frequently. That's to be expected. Improvise-Overcome-Adapt. My philosophy for life and how I live it as a soldier. I'm fine, Sir, really."

"Major Hurd is in mourning, Lieutenant. Has been for weeks now. That is all I will say on the subject." Explained Kahn. "If Hurd wishes to talk about it, that's on him. This period in his life is why he took so long coming home, and why we need you to vacate his slot."

When Kahn mentioned Hurd's emotional pain and stress a part of Sean softened completely, despite the tough exterior. "No issues on my end, Commander. My condolences for his troubles." Sean wanted to get this over with. "I'll get back to Sickbay and the pleasure of Long chewing my ear off about--well--everything." He meant it as a joke, and chuckled, which caused Liza to smile.

"Get out of here, Marine."

"Aye, Sir. I'll be in the lounge for an after-shifter, you should join me."

Kahn gave him a wry expression. "I'll consider it."

"Hey, all I can ask. Take care, Sir." Silk spun on his heel and departed.

Liza watched his back as he left, then took up a PADD and sent Song a message letting her know that Silk has been informed of Hurd's return, and that he is fine with vacating marine CO. Once that was sent Liza stepped back out onto the Bridge.

OFF: