Rapid Replacement

Posted on Fri Jun 17th, 2011 @ 8:33pm by Captain Benjamin Byrne & Provisional Lieutenant Commander Narayn Ballard & Lieutenant JG Dylan Tyler

Mission: Kingdom Come
Location: USS Endeavour - Captain's Ready Room
Timeline: MD07 1643hrs

Benjamin's voice came calmly through the comm system, as Lieutenant Vanders exited the ready room and headed straight for the turbolift. "Ensign Tyler, please report to my ready room."

Benjamin and Narayn were both already in the ready room as the younger officer entered, Ben sitting at his desk and his number one sitting on the sofa, drinking from a cup with a wide grin on his face. "Good afternoon, Ensign. I trust things on the bridge are going smoothly?" Benjamin said, wanting to make sure to dispel any feelings of nervousness the man may have upon being called into the room.

When Ensign Tyler was called into see the Captain, he had a slightly bad feeling. Especially since Lieutenant Vanders seemed in quite a hurry to make her way to the turbo lift. Granted, the two of them had never really spoken and the slightest nods of recognition had only occurred around other people, but there was something different about her exit. A part of Dylan thought this might be good news, however, past experience told him that if his department head was leaving the captain's office without so much as a word to anyone and then immediately after he is called in, it could go either way.

Ensign Tyler waited to be relieved at his post, acknowledged the senior bridge officer, and made his way to Captain Byrne's ready room. The casual tone of the captain and the slight non-chalant attitude mellowed Dylan a little bit, but never too much. Dylan was a man who was always on his guard. That's why he chose tactical, after all.

"Yes sir, I am just about finished with our tactical layout for the conference as well as the away missions you asked for..." Dylan had actually finished them, but he was waiting for Lieutenant Vanders to approve them before he sent them to the captain. They have been on her desk for almost 48 hours now. "I was simply waiting for Lieutenant Vanders to review them."

Ballard inhaled through his teeth, a habit that he had picked up when he was with the Vinarians. Don't say much but communicate your thoughts through metered breathing. It was stupid, of course, but it had stopped him speaking his mind on many occasions that could have left him as a small pile of ash in a maintenance locker.

"No need," Benjamin stated, his tone becoming much more down to business. "Lieutenant Vanders has some pressing personal issues on Betazed, and has requested a leave of absence from Starfleet to attend to them; she is disembarking today, and has relinquished her role as this ship's chief of security."

Dylan looked at the two men for a moment and prepared for what would be coming. "So, does that mean I will be acting as Head of Security Interim until you find a replacement?" Dylan was not thrilled with this idea at all, however, he was just an ensign and rarely did an ensign become a department head so quickly once aboard a ship. Even if the current Chief was having personal issues.

"No, you won't be acting as the interim chief, Ensign," Benjamin answered, pouncing on the unexpected opportunity to torment the man slightly. He couldn't help but share a quick glance with his Number One at the situation, however discreet. Ben leaned back in his seat, crossed one ankle over his other knee, and touched the tips of his fingers together in front of him. "As you are likely very well aware, it is rare for an Ensign to be given command over an entire department, especially on a ship of this size, with this many security personnel. Frankly, you were quite lucky to receive the assistant posting with your rank as it stands." He paused, wishing to allow himself time to watch the man's reactions and his expressions changing.

Dylan looked astounded at what the captain said. It was true, his duties hardly fit his rank but his record spoke for itself. How could the captain say these things. Had he not agreed to Dylan's transfer to the post of Assistant Tactical Officer in the first place? Had he not proven himself a worthy officer despite the fact that his department head was taking a personal leave of her duties? Dylan's mind was racing, deciding whether to bite his tongue or unleash its fury upon the captain and the first officer. It was for this reason that he failed to notice the subtle hint of mischief exchanged between the captain and his first officer.

"That is why Lieutenant Junior Grade Dylan Tyler will be assuming the post of this ship's Chief of Security."

"And what, may I ask, does Lieutenant Junior Grade Dylan Tyl..." Dylan stopped as he realized he was giving the captain his name instead of that of his would be replacement, "excuse me, sir?"

Ballard managed to stifle a laugh as he watched the realisation cross Tyler's face.

Benjamin struggled to do the same. "Congratulations, Lieutenant," he said, standing and reaching over to shake the man's hand. "Make sure that my faith in you hasn't been mis-placed."

Dylan takes the captain's hand and shakes it proudly. "I assure you, sir, it won't be. Thank you, sir," Dylan extends his hand to the first officer, "Thank you, sir."

Dylan looked from the Captain to the first officer as if waiting for one of them to say something before finally asking, "Might I have a relief take my bridge duty so that I can look over the duty rosters of the other shifts? Unless there was something else?"

"Of course Lieutenant. Make sure to have your department reports sent to Commander Ballard promptly."

-------------------
Captain Benjamin J. Byrne
Commanding Officer

Lt. Commander Narayn Ballard
First Officer

&

Lieutenant JG Dylan Tyler
Chief of Security
USS Endeavour NCC-86105