Two Birds, One Stone
Posted on Sun Jan 12th, 2020 @ 7:58am by
Mission:
Promenade
Location: USS Majestic, Deck 5, Security Offices
Timeline: Shoreleave
1206 words - 2.4 OF Standard Post Measure
As the new face on the Majestic, Hanover made slow but steady progress down the corridor as he made the rounds introducing himself to the personnel aboard the ship. During his first day, Jared had purposefully worn an unmarked jacket with a standard commbadge pinned to the outside, informing those he met that he was a fellow member of the crew, but leaving the rank and position out of the conversation unless it came up organically. This small dishonesty, he found, was the best way to to get an honest look at morale and if the crew's needs were being met without his status as a senior officer muddling the replies.
A day had passed, and he had gotten his snapshot of the crew. It was now time for him to begin his job in earnest. Dressed in a freshly pressed and tailored uniform, he made his way towards a meeting with Lieutenant Commander Sommers to have his access codes updated. Jared exchanged a few smiles and winks towards those he recognized from the day prior, chuckling to himself at the looks of surprise cast in his direction upon their second meeting.
"Hello again Ensign Travers, good to see you," one such meeting occurred just outside of the main entrance into the security offices.
"Commander! Sir, I had no idea. I apologize if our conversation was a bit, uh, frank yesterday."
"No apology required, ensign. In fact, I should apologize for not being forthcoming. I thank you for your honesty, and I implore you to bring that same energy and candor to our conversations in the future. I thrive on it, keep it coming. My office door is always open, and I'm happy to come to you if needed."
"Understood, Commander. Thanks. You seem to mean it."
"It's unearned for now, but I promise you I will earn your respect and trust. Have a wonderful day, ensign."
They split and went their own way, which for Hanover meant a trip through the sliding double doors leading into security. A friendly staffer gave him the necessary directions to Commander Sommers' office, and soon enough he found himself entering through the open door.
"Commander Sommers, good morning," Jared greeted warmly. "I hope shoreleave is finding you well. I have brought my eyeballs and voice to you in hopes that you will verify that I am who I say I am. Commander Jared Hanover, at your service."
The Romulan frowned slightly. "Eyeballs and voice?" He queried curiously, not quite sure what the man was getting at. "I know you are the new XO," he added slowly, sizing the man up before sliding a PADD forward. "If you would please press your thumb to the screen, it will update your codes on the ship." Having a background in intelligence did have its advantages.
"Ah, apologies for the confusion commander. You see, I'm used to a retinal scan and voice recognition, but I suppose a thumbprint will also suffice," the ship's newest officer laughed off his own gaff as he complied with the instruction. The computer went to work, leaving the moment open for conversation.
"Tell me a little bit about yourself, Commander Sommers. I promise to answer any questions in turn."
"That depends on what you want to know," the Romulan smiled. "I can give you the basics... Romulan born on Betazed, adopted by Betazoids. Majored in intelligence and minored in medical. Long career in intelligence, especially undercover operations. What about you?"
Jared took a seat, his eyes darting across the back of an old fashioned picture frame that sat perched on the security chief's desk. There were a few other hints strewn about the office that the Romulan might be a family man, but Hanover had made a habit out of not asking too many personal questions before getting to know his charges a little better.
"My humble, uninteresting story begins on Luna, too many decades ago now. I've lost count if I'm honest," Hanover replied with a twinkle in his eye. "I've taken what some might call an indirect path to get here. I began my career as an engineer - an average officer if I'm being honest with you. Slow but steady progression through the ranks until life happened to me. I needed to take a break from active duty, so I was allowed to teach at the Academy for many years. This is my second tour back in deep space. I've missed it greatly."
The computer continued working as Jared scratched his beard, considering for a moment the great depth of character that the man before him undoubtedly contained.
"There must be more, commander, I'll be frank - what you told me about yourself I have already read in your personnel file. In the spirit of camaraderie, tell me something about yourself that isn't listed therein while we wait for the computer to complete its business."
"I'm a single father of three," Lhaes answered, "and I'm juggling duty with family time as best as I can. I'm also very afraid my son's mother, who abandoned us all, will come back and take my child from me." He paused. "And I'm engaged to the Captain's mother."
Rendered speechless by the revelation, Jared steepled his fingers and chuckled softly to himself. Here he was, a man of almost four decades' worth of service in Starfleet, and yet the machinations of circumstance still managed to find a way to surprise him when he least expected it.
"I admire a family man," Hanover began after the pause. "Even more so when one raises his child alone. A moment ago when I referred to 'life happening to me,' I was referring to my divorce and subsequent sabbatical from Starfleet to focus on raising my daughters," he stopped again, debating on whether to address the last part of the security chief's divulgance or not. He took a breath and let the memories pass over him in a wash of a emotion.
"Hopefully, commander," Jared began again, "you will come to understand the authenticity of my words as we continue to work together. If there is something I can do to help you, I will certainly do my best."
"I will let you know when I do," Lhaes answered. "For now me and my family will need to get used to a new family situation."
Before Hanover could respond, the computer emitted a two-toned chime that indicated that the necessary transfer of security clearance had been completed. The Majestic's newest officer took a deep breath, pensive in mood as he began to realize that the position that he had been in preparations for was finally beginning.
"Well I suppose that's that," Jared raised his eyebrows. "I will leave you to your work sir. I look forward to working with you and the rest of the crew as we move forward into our next mission. My door is always open commander."
"Thank you sir. If ever you need to bounce some ideas or thoughts, my door is always open too."
"You are too kind, commander. Thank you and have yourself a fabulous day, see you around."
LtC Lhaes Sommers
CTSO
Commander Jared Hanover
Executive Officer
