By Paxton Briggs
100223.2300
Following with Plan of Attack
-=Bridge, USS Alchemy=-
100223.2300
Following with Plan of Attack
-=Bridge, USS Alchemy=-
Paxton sat in the center chair of the USS Alchemy as the stars slipped by the viewscreen in front him in long, bright streaks. In his hand he held a PADD that contained the technical specs for the very ship he was currently entrusted to command as the ships CO was currently off the bridge.
The Alchemy was a relatively small vessel and therefore required a relatively small crew to operate. On this trip however the crew was even smaller then normal. The majority of the crew went with the Alchemy’s mother ship to Earth for some well deserved R&R.
The crew that currently manned the Alchemy were those who either had no time for shore leave, had no desire for shore leave, or had no choice but to be onboard. There was no concern about working with a small staff as they were only headed to Vulcan which sat in Federation space and was basically in the backyard.
Paxton fell into the second choice of those three. Having no family on Earth and no reason in particular to take time off there he opted to go on the trip to Vulcan. If for no other reason than to offer any support and assistance to Commander Salvek and Commander Blakeslee that they might need.
“Commander, we are approaching Vulcan.” Ensign Lassiter announced from the flight control station. Because of the reduced staff she was also pulling duty as the tactical officer.
Pax put down the PADD and nodded. “Excellent, slow to one quarter impulse.”
He reached down and opened a comm. link. “Briggs to Salvek. We are approaching orbit.”
[Acknowledged. Assume standard orbit, and signal the Vulcans that we will be transporting down shortly.]
The channel closed and Pax glanced down at Gira. “You heard the man. Plot us an orbit.”
Gira nodded and started to punch in the coordinates for orbit and Paxton opened a channel.
“USS Alchemy to Vulcan Orbital Control. Requesting permission to assume standard orbit.”
There was a slight pause before a response came. [Permission granted for orbit, Alchemy. Welcome to Vulcan.]
“Thank you, Control. Commander Salvek and Commander Blakeslee are preparing to beam down to whatever location you require.”
[Please inform the Commanders that they are to beam directly to the Ministry of Law at their earliest convenience. Orbital Control out.]
Paxton stood up from his chair and stretched. “I’m going to the transporter room. Inform me when we have entered orbit. You have the bridge.”
=Transporter Room=
When Zander and Salvek entered the small transporter room they found Paxton waiting for them behind the control console.
Zander frowned. “Aren’t you supposed to be driving the boat?”
Pax smiled. “I left the rudder in good hands, besides we are so understaffed you need someone to work this crazy contraption to send you guys downtown.”
“It is unfortunate that we were unable to proceed with more staff.” Salvek admitted, as he and Zander stepped up onto the pads. “Are you confident that you will be capable of commanding the Alchemy in my absence?”
Paxton raised his eyebrows. “Why? Don’t you think I can?”
“My question was not meant to disparage you abilities. I was only implying that with the lack of personnel…”
Paxton laughed. “It is OK, Commander. I knew what you meant. I was just teasing.” He entered in the information for the transport, “and don’t worry, I’ll keep your baby safe and sound. After all we are in orbit above Vulcan. What could go wrong?”
He waved as he hit the transport button and both men faded away into the bright light.
Paxton Briggs smiled as he confirmed that both men had safely arrived at their destination. “That should give them something to laugh about.” He then shrugged. “Well at least Zander anyway.”
=Back on the Bridge=
Paxton sat back down into the Captain’s chair and looked out at the image of Vulcan. He hoped that both men were able to get back to duty with as little damage to Salvek’s reputation and career as possible.
“Now what?” Gira asked as she spun away from the console.
“Now what, what?” Paxton asked.
Gira folded her arms across her chest. “What are we going to do while we're here?”
“Oh, well I was thinking…” he picked up the PADD that he was looking at earlier and tossed it to her. “…that it would be a perfect time for us to study up on the ship that we have just taken command of.”
Gira looked at the PADD and then back to Paxton. “Really?”
Paxton smiled. “Yup and don’t be giving me any lip ya squab because for the time being I am captain of this here little ship. So don’t make me make you walk the plank.”
Gira smiled slightly. “Aye aye sir.”
Paxton closed one eye and let out his best pirate, “Arrgghh!”
Commander Paxton Briggs
Second Officer
USS Alchemy NX 53099
Second Officer
USS Alchemy NX 53099