Change of Plans

Posted on Fri Oct 9th, 2009 @ 5:34pm by Lieutenant Commander Mark Anderson

Mission: They Arrive on Tuesday...
Location: Main Engineering, USS Houston
Timeline: MD01, 1245

ON: [[Main Engineering, USS Houston, MD01, 1245]]

"Look, Laura, all I'm asking is that you send someone up there to look at it," Mark was saying as he followed the Houston's chief engineer into the room, "This is the fourth time this week that it's decided to give me something completely opposite of what I ordered."

"I told you, Mark. I'll send someone up as soon as I can," she said, trying to cover her amusement at the first officer's predicament.

"You think this is funny," Mark said accusingly, pointing his finger in her direction, "You find it amusing that my replicator has decided to be a problem. That's why you aren't sending anyone up." Though he knew it wasn't likely the reason, Mark could tell that she was, in fact, amused.

"While your...difficulties...may be amusing, the captain wants us to have these modifications completed by the end of today," Laura clarified, "I just can't spare anyone right now. Maybe later, I promise."

"Aww, come on," Mark pleaded, trying to wheedle it out of her, "You can't possibly need everyone. Just one little technician for a few minutes is all I'm asking."

"I said maybe," Laura repeated, shaking her head in amusement and crossing over to where her assistant chief was waiting. Mark grinned, but did not follow her. No doubt, there would be someone there by lunchtime to have a look.

=^= Bridge to Commander Anderson =^= a voice said through the ship's intercom system =^= There's a message for you from Starfleet Command. =^=

Mark frowned. Why would he be getting a message from Command? He looked over toward Laura and pointed to her office. She nodded and he smiled. "I'll take it down here," Mark replied, heading for the Chief Engineer's office.

Upon entering the room, Mark was not surprised to find PADDs everywhere. There were a few diagnostic kits strewn about as well. Clearing out a small space on the desk, he tapped in a few commands and the terminal came to life. The familiar Starfleet logo was replaced by the face of an unfamiliar admiral. She had snow white hair and seemed somewhat less gruff than your run of the mill admiral.

=^= Lieutenant Commander Anderson, I presume =^= the elderly woman said with an English accent.

"Yes ma'am," Mark replied, sitting up a little straighter and wishing he had taken the message elsewhere. He was suddenly conscious of the messy state of Laura's office.

=^= I have some good news for you, commander =^= she said with a smile =^= You are to report to the USS Endeavour as first officer. Commander Byrne has been selecting his senior staff and, apparently, you caught his eye. =^=

Mark didn't know what to say. He had been on the Houston for some time and he knew the crew really well, but he also knew it wasn't a Starfleet officer's job to sit in one place for two long. Part of him had hoped that he would be getting his own command soon, but it didn't appear that it would be today. His silence must have caught the attention of the Admiral, because she tilted her head slightly.

=^= The Endeavour is a fine ship =^= she said, sensing his hesitation =^= She's undergoing the final stages of construction at San Fransisco Yards. As I said, Commander Byrne was very particular on his selection of an executive officer. =^=

Clearing his thoughts, Mark focused his attention on the small terminal display. "Sorry...yes," he said, "The Houston isn't that far from Earth. I'm sure that a slight pit stop shouldn't be too difficult."

=^= Good to hear, =^= she replied, the smile back again, =^= I will pass the word on to Commander Byrne. He will be, no doubt, pleased by your acceptance. Good luck commander. Starfleet Command out. =^=

The screen went blank again and Mark leaned back in the chair, staring at the ceiling for a moment. He looked over when he heard a small cough from the doorway where he saw Laura standing. In his focus on the admiral, he had not heard Laura come in.

"So, I guess I should probably get that replicator fixed before you leave," she said, moving slowly toward the desk. Mark got to his feet and slid out the other side, making room for her.

"Only if you expect me to have a decent last supper," Mark joked.

"They passed you over again, didn't they," Laura asked, looking Mark in the eye. He didn't say anything, but the look on his face told her everything. "Don't worry," she said brightly, "You've got plenty of time. It won't be long before you're the one sitting in the center chair."

Mark flashed a smile. "I don't mind," he said, "I hear captains have too much paperwork anyway."

"Well, I guess you need to start packing," Laura said after a moment, "See you at game night?"

"Wouldn't miss it," Mark replied, heading out of the office. He had some work to do and it started with tracking down his son. It was time for a change of plans...

OFF

Lieutenant Commander Mark Anderson
Executive Officer
USS Endeavour