Operational Honor

Posted on Sat Sep 28th, 2024 @ 4:46pm by Commodore Tyler Malbrooke & Lieutenant Kolok
Edited on on Sat Sep 28th, 2024 @ 5:51pm

0 words; about a 1 minute read

Mission: Episode 16 - Silent Cries
Location: Ready Room - Deck 1 - USS Pioneer
Timeline: MD001 1000 hrs

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The Pioneer had been docked at Empok Nor for a day already and Tyler had yet to be able to make himself available for some time with his beloved Kat. Between counseling sessions, debriefing, and new crew rotations his days have been taken up with work. Thankfully the final crew rotation was about to begin. In fact he sat behind his desk waiting for the arrival of their new Operations Chief. Since Dana Wakefield had died in the line of duty that position has been something of a revolving door. As he read over the Klingon officer's record Tyler seemed hopeful that this Kolok could get things in order. Operations was always close to Tyler's heart as that is where he rose through the ranks to Captain.

Kolok strode through the bridge, nodding at the officers on duty in a professional way. He drew up short of the door to the Captain's Ready Room and triggered the chime. He heard a voice call and took it as an invitation. Entering the room, he quickly scanned it for threats and, seeing none, made his way to stand in front of the Commodore's desk. He came to attention.

"Sir! Lieutenant Kolok reporting for duty. I previously was assigned to the USS Iowa," he said and waited for a reply.

There was a hesitation before Tyler bade the officer in. He had become used to Sofia greeting people and now was a reminder that he had to mend that fence. Tyler had given the Yeoman time off after all that had happened. He looked up at the rather tall Klingon and smiled. "At ease Lieutenant, and welcome aboard the Pioneer. Take a seat if you wish. I will start by saying that I hope you can get my Operations Department in order. We have had quite a few Chiefs there and I am looking for some stability."

"As your Chief of Operations, it will be my priority to deliver what you need. I would be interested to know if the turnover with my predecessors is due to a specific issue in the department or simply the natural course of things, sir. I also wouldn't want to discount those who died on the field of battle with honor as that is a fine way to end a tenure," Kolok said. He liked that the Commodore was youthful and appeared strong. He'd worked with too many Starfleet Officers who failed to adhere to minimum physical standards.

"One of your predecessors did indeed die with honor protecting this ship. She made the ultimate sacrifice. However, ever since then it has been hard to keep someone in that position. I believe it would be as you said the way of things. Before I came to command I was an Operations Chief, so Ops is always something that is near and dear to my heart. Your record shows that you serve with honor on all your assignments. But, if you do not mind me saying so Operations is not something a Klingon is typically involved in. Can I ask why you chose Operations?" Tyler sipped his coffee. He did not want to offend the new arrival however, curiosity did get the better of him.

Kolok frowned. This was a conversation that he had had many times in the past, on both Federation and Klingon ships. His own brother had once belittled him about his branch, forgetting their own origin.

"I was born on a science vessel, sir. My parents are both scientists and trained me to think in scientific terms. Of course, my battle training was never ignored, that would have dishonored my house. But I participated in science projects and found that I had a knack for understanding computers and power systems. When I joined Starfleet, my choice of career was easy, even if it confused other Klingons I ran into. My path is my own. I've enjoyed working on a lot of different types of ships and the Pioneer is a new class for me. I hope to bring stability to the role and also see how I can use my recent experience on an Akira class to find improvements here," Kolok said.

Tyler nodded in agreement as the Klingon spoke. He liked what he heard. Kolok did not seem to be the typical Klingon and Tyler knew that Klingons have aptitudes outside of battle. A former Chief Engineer of the Pioneer was just such a Klingon. "I meant no offense. In fact I rather enjoy having crew members who go against the grain, or what is expected of them. What improvements do you think you can bring to the Pioneer?"

"First, I need to evaluate the team to understand if they are being put into the right situations. Not all Ops personnel are as adept in all areas. Once that is done, I have some ideas that I have written up that I could share with you but basically, I believe that the current power production on the Pioneer is 5% or more below where it could be. Part of that is some deferred maintenance but I also think there are some new computer upgrades I could do that would increase output for shields, transporters, weapons, many things. The Iowa had just been upgraded when I left and I was able to see all of the newest ideas coming out of Starfleet Research and Design," Kolok said, his excitement growing as he spoke.

"Now, that is what I wanted to hear. Just make sure you clue Commander Diari in on what you do. She is the Chief Engineer and knows this ship like the back of her hand." Tyler was impressed with what Kolok had laid out, and believed that this excitement may be just what the ship and Ops needed. "Lieutenant, can I ask where you see your career with Starfleet going?"

Kolok paused for a moment and then spoke. "Sir, I hope to work on every type of starship, whether it is a temporary assignment or a change of station. I want to learn everything I can. And then I want to die in a glorious battle, with honor," Kolok said and then smiled fiercely. "That would be a life well lived!"

Tyler's smile broadened ear to ear. "Lieutenant indeed it would be. But, let's make sure that glorious battle is a long way off. I will let you go get settled in. I will see you on the bridge." There had not been a Klingon aboard the Pioneer in some time. Tyler forgot how robust their personalities were. Kolok would definitely lighten the mood.

"I will try not to die when it is inconvenient, sir," Kolok said and then saluted and walked out of the room.

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A Joint Post By

Commodore Tyler Malbrooke
Commanding Officer, USS Pioneer


Lieutenant Kolok
Chief Operations Officer, USS Pioneer

 

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