by Paxton Briggs
90302.12
Concurrent with But Not Today
-=Earth=-
90302.12
Concurrent with But Not Today
-=Earth=-
Commander Paxton Briggs sat quietly reading a book in the busy terminal as he waiting for his shuttle to arrive. He wore dark sunglasses to ward off the bright San Francisco afternoon sun and was dressed in civilian clothing.
The only indication that gave away the fact that he was a Starfleet officer was the markings on the large duffel at his feet. The dark blue canvas bag with the embroidered white Starfleet symbol was well recognized as standard issue.
With a sigh he placed a leather bookmark between the pages and closed the book. He leaned his head back and allowed the bright warm sunlight to wash over his face. He listened to the birds chirping in the trees and sighed again.
He did not get many opportunities to come to Earth and even through it was not his home planet he had spent so much time here that it was at least his second home. His parents had sent him to Earth to get the best education and instead of joining one of the many universities he had enrolled in Starfleet Academy. He then returned here years later to teach before returning to space once again.
He had taken advantage of his unexpected detour with the crew of the Serendipity to return to San Francisco and visit with friends and colleagues he had not seen in some time.
He breathed in deeply. The best thing about going planet side is enjoying the environments. To breath in real air. While Border Station Indigo had the largest arboretum in Starfleet, sporting forests, lakes, amphitheater, several sport fields, its own weather system, even a day and night cycle. Nothing beat the real thing.
But now he was waiting to start the first leg of the long journey home to the station. The shuttle would take him to the Starbase 16 where he would catch a ride on the passenger liner Star of Athena to Starbase 51 and then on the brand spanking new USS Federation that was headed to Indigo to join the fleet there.
It was going to be a long two weeks.
Suddenly the bright, warming sunlight disappeared.
“Commander Briggs?” A shaky voice asked from in front of him.
Paxton opened his eyes looked up into the fresh young face of a Starfleet cadet.
“That’s me, son.” He smiled. “What can I do for ya?”
“Um, sorry to bother you sir.” The young man held out a PADD. “The Academy Operations Officer asked me to find you.”
Paxton reached out and took the PADD from the cadet’s quaking hand. He grinned, remembering what it was like to be a cadet all those years ago. Talking to anyone with more then one pip who was not an instructor was nerve wracking, to say the least.
“Can you tell me what it is, I mean besides a PADD.”
The cadet flushed. “I, I’m sorry sir.”
Paxton smiled. “It’s alright. Take your time.”
“It’s a priority message from Starfleet.” The cadet stammered.
Paxton nodded. “Thank you. You're dismissed.”
He watched as the cadet turned with a sigh and walked away, obviously thankful that his task was complete and he could return to the safe confines of whatever Academy lab he was sent from.
Paxton activated the PADD and pressed his thumb onto the screen to verify his identification. After entering his access code the units small screen began to display the message contain within.
After only reading a few of the lines Paxton let his hands fall into his lap still holding the PADD.
“You’ve got to be kidding me.” He murmured.
-4 Hours later-
TC heard the doors to the Sera’s bridge slide open behind him with their customary hiss but sound did little to attract his attention. The Sera was well into the repairs and the comings and goings of the repair crews had become common place. In fact the bridge looked nothing like it should, panels were open everywhere. Wires and various limbs of those working on them were sticking out at various angles all over the bridge.
With the captain planet-side finishing her honeymoon and Commander Salvek on his own personal trip, TC’s plate was full. He was the man in charge.
Suddenly TC’s found a PADD in front of him. He glanced up, way up, into a familiar face.
“Commander Paxton Briggs, reporting as ordered.”
TC frowned. “Say what?”
“I’m back.” Paxton added with a smile.
TC stood up from the center seat. “Yeah, I can see that much.” He activated the PADD. After reading the first few lines of the script he laughed and then quoted one of the lines contain on the PADD. “Because of your previous service and knowledge of the Serendipity’s crew and system you have been temporarily reassigned to assist with the repairs and everyday functions of the ship because of a reduced bridge and command staff.”
TC shook his head. “Signed by one G. Lassiter.” He looked up at Paxton. “I’ll get you my pretty, and your little dog too.”
Paxton laughed. “No escaping you people, I guess.”
TC held out his hand and Paxton shook it. “Nope. I am sorry you trip home has been delayed but I also have to say in a most selfish way I am happy to see you.” He glanced at the chaos that once was the Sera’s bridge.
Paxton released TC hand and held his own out to his sides. “Well I’m all yours.”
“Good.” He noticed that Paxton was still in his civilian clothes. “Ensign Yates. Please setup commander Briggs in guest quarters so he can get changed and I can put him to work.”
Yates nodded. “Aye sir.” He stepped to the side. “If you’ll follow me commander.”
Paxton hoisted his duffel to his shoulder and followed the ensign. “Ya know, I do know my way around here.” He called out over his should as another ensign handed a PADD to TC.
----------------
Commander Paxton Briggs
Guest Starring Command Level Officer
Temporarily assigned to the USS Serendipity
NRPG: Thanks for hanging around a bit longer, Commander! Much appreciated. ~ZL
Commander Paxton Briggs
Guest Starring Command Level Officer
Temporarily assigned to the USS Serendipity
NRPG: Thanks for hanging around a bit longer, Commander! Much appreciated. ~ZL