Actions and Reactions - Part 1 - MD 06

Posted on Sun Mar 16th, 2025 @ 1:39pm by Captain Daegan Baas & Lieutenant Commander Ridge Maguire & Lieutenant Liam O'Riley & Lieutenant JG Stevie Thomas [O'Riley]

985 words; about a 5 minute read

Mission: Below Decks
Location: Various
Timeline: MD 6 - 1530

[Engineering]

Lieutenant O'Riley was checking on things around the department with his people making sure things were running smoothly. Satisfied with how things were going, Liam walked to his office to look over any reports that might have come in.

After signing off on a few reports he then forward a couple to the XO. Sitting back in his chair Liam was still quite impressed with what Ensign Thomas had done a short time ago catching what could have been a major issue. Thinking for a moment Liam decided such dedication should be brought to the attention of command. Tapping his comm "Captain Baas, O'Riley here, I would like to talk to you concerning a member of my team; it's something I thought should be brought to your attention at your convenience of course" he explained.


[Ready Room]

Daegan was looking over the record of one of the Chief Engineer's people as the call came in. "No problem at all. This wouldn't be about Ensign Thomas would it?"

Liam was a little surprised at the Captain's question "Well yes actually it is" he replied wondering if Star Fleet had contacted him already.

Setting a padd aside. "Well she has definately caught the attention of some important people. Seems her observation and quick action not only protected this ship but every ship docked at Utopia Planitia. Several had to be isolated, but her actions are certainly worthy of recognition. I was just about to call Commander Maguire over to discuss just what type of recognition...if you'd care to join us?"


[Engineering]

"Yes, most definitely; I'm on my way Captain" Liam replied as he looked around main engineering "Lieutenant Sovak, I have a meeting with the command; the department is yours until I return."

"Understood Chief" as Sovak started his walk around the department. O'Riley left and entered the nearest lift "Deck 1". Exiting the lift Liam made his way to the Captain's Ready Room.


[Bridge]

Daegan stepped out of his ready room and flagged down his XO. "Ridge, care to join me. Lieutenant O'Riley is on his way up."

"Of course, Captain," Ridge said as he closed the report he had been reviewing and rose smoothly to his feet. He followed the Captain back into his Ready Room and immediately crossed over to the replicator to make himself a cup of coffee. With that done, he found himself a spot at one of the two seats in front of the Captain's desk and waited for the Lieutenant to arrive.

[Ready Room]

Walking up to the open door Liam knocked then waited to be recognized by his superior.

Seeing the man in his doorway, "Come in. Close the door behind you please."

O'Riley closed the door behind him as requested then walked up to the desk in front of him "Thank you Captain for seeing me on such short notice" he commented eager to share his news.

Daegan indicated the open seat at his desk. "So what do you have in mind for Ensign Thomas?"

Having already given some thought to the situation Liam began " Considering the Ensign's experience, intelligence, and willingness to go above and beyond , at the very least a commendation should be placed in her personal file" then he paused "Ms. Thomas has been an Ensign since she graduated from the Academy. Her actions enabled the SFCSC to determine the last computer update was counterfeit by nature. Had she said nothing and allowed the computer to actually install said update who knows what the outcome could have been possibly endangering this ship and it's crew" then Liam paused once again "My recommendation is a promotion to the rank of Lieutenant Junior Grade which I think is long overdue after reviewing her past assignments. Of course Captain that would be your decision to make."

Daegan had glanced from officer to officer as O'Riley had spoken. "Commander Cartwright, sent me his report on the incident and he put her in for an award and I agree a promotion is also in order. Ridge?"

"I've no objection, Captain," Ridge answered. "The ensign has been doing good work and her actions basically saved the ship. A counterfeit update would no doubt be malicious in nature. It's a well deserved promotion."

Hearing the Captain and XO agreeing on a well deserved promotion put a smile on Liam's face; clearly command recognized hard work and forethought "Thank you gentleman I'm sure the Ensign will appreciate the advancement in rank and I agree with you Commander, who knows what the outcome might have been either now or in the future" he concluded.

Leaning back in his chair drumming his fingers on his desk. "The first promotion and commendation aboard the Valkyrie...Hmmmm." A playful grin grew on his face as he thought. "Anyone object to messing with an Ensign...just a little bit?"

O'Riley couldn't help but grin at the idea "Ensign Thomas should take it well; I've noticed she likes to mess with others on occasion" he commented drawing from personal experience.

"What did you have in mind," Ridge asked turning his attention to the Captain. He'd never had brothers and sisters, had grown up with his grandparents, but had made up for it his first year at the Academy. "Maybe it turns into a tradition of our own?"

Daegan grinned, "Ohhh nothing too bad. Maybe just a little command intimidation. An Ensign getting called front and center by the Captain, XO and Department head, all with stern expressions, and in front of a bunch of people...should be more than enough to do the trick."

"Sounds good," Ridge said. "And who knows. Maybe her response will surprise you."

Listening to the conversation between the Captain and XO Liam couldn't help to think "You gentleman may very well be in for a big surprise."

Daegan grinned. "Only one way to find out... Computer, locate Ensign Stevie Thomas."


TBC

 

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