Job Offer

Posted on Tue Aug 24th, 2021 @ 8:22pm by Captain Aviram Drell & Commander Frank Kamar jr.

Mission: Episode 05: "Deep Water"
Location: Cestus III
Timeline: Day 1 at 1620

ON: [[Landing Pad, Cestus III, Day 01, 1620 Hours]]

Frank wandered around Cestus III until he found a secluded landing pad, he set up his folding chair facing the setting sun. A glance at his watch showed 1620, with a slight chuckle he lit his cigar. The events of the past few years had been a roller coaster, sent from a ship to a colony, then rapidly promoted several times given command of a starship, then subsequently removed from command before being demoted. If it wasn't for the retirement program Starfleet offered he would have retired already. He was only a few years away, then he would settle down and grow his own tobacco for his cigars. He picked up a cold beer from the small cooler he carried and enjoyed the quiet while contemplating his next career move. The officer in HR told him earlier that day no one wanted a washed up CO as their engineer. The words made him angry he was an engineer but qualified in other areas too. He just hoped someone would be willing to take a chance on old dog like him.

Elsewhere, Drell had just emerged from yet another series of meetings with fleet command staff. There was so much for them to be doing even as they tried to wrap their minds around what they were all about to attempt. One thing was certain, they were going to need every able-bodied person they could find.

…and that was where the El-Aurian had immediately started to think outside the proverbial box. Already, he’d come up with a few names that he knew he wanted, individuals with skills and experience to make this mission a success. Most had been an easy sell, especially with how much leeway they were willing to give on account of the mission. Others, however, had taken a little more…finesse.

As he ascended the final steps onto the landing pad, he paused, taking in the view. It was not something easily replicated aboard a starship (or a station-based facility, either). His gaze moved slowly until it settled upon a lone figure seated apart from those attending to the duties of their shifts.

“Captain Kamar…”

"I ain't a Captain no more," he replied slightly slurred from the stogie he had in his mouth. "I'd offer you a chair but I only have the one, pull up some launchpad," he said mischievously, " have a beer with me, whoever you are. I'm just here to see the sunset, you never know how badly you miss them until you're among the stars."

The tone and brusqueness of Kamar's opening statement told Drell a great deal about the man's current state, namely that he had been through a lot. However, it was within his remarks about the sunset that the El-Aurian saw an opportunity to make a connection. "You're right," he said, turning his attention toward the brilliant display of colors off to the west, "It is quite beautiful..."

Kamar turned to the man and saw pips on uniform, "So what brings you out to this quiet corner, Captain?"

“A job,” Drell said, “More specifically, an assignment…for you." Others may have paused there, waited for Kamar to ask for more information or to offer up some sort of response. Drell chose not to do that. Although he was paying attention to how Kamar reacted, he wasn't interested in making the man sing and dance for his supper. "I have read up on your service record, captain," he continued, "You may be a bit unorthodox at times, perhaps a little too much for some members of the admiralty, but that isn’t a bad thing in my book. You also have experience, which is something we need right now.”

Frank was intrigued, and stood to face the El-Aurian, "The last time I was needed some things went sideways. This better not be a ploy to put Ole Frank out to pasture by sending me back to Earth."

"Not at all," Drell assured him, "In just under two weeks, we will be leaving on a mission to re-establish connection with the exploratory group in the Delta Quadrant. I'd like you to come along."

"I've been there, which is why I'm assuming you're here. As long as I don't have to deal with my ex aboard the Pennsylvania I'll join your crew. What role will I be filling?" He asked as he took a puff on his cigar.

Of all the reactions Drell had been anticipating, this had not been the one he'd expected to be the most likely, though he did not let that show. "Chief operations officer," he replied, "It will require a temporary reduction in rank to commander."

Frank laughed and removed his cigar, "I've already been reduced to Commander, you're a bit late on that one Captain, but Chief Ops?" He paused and thought a moment, "If it gets me off this rock I'll do it. I'll be honest I'm just trying to get to my retirement in one piece so don't expect any heroics from me, Skipper."

“Ah,” Drell said, nodding with understanding. It made sense that, in the chaos of everything else going on, some of the details of Kamar’s situation might have been lost in the shuffle. “Well, I appreciate your willingness to join us.”

"I'm just looking for something to do, I've worked on Starships all of my life and sitting here on this rock has been nice but I need to stand on deck plates again and see stars. It's almost time to go to pasture but not yet, if you know what I mean," Frank responded.

“I do,” Drell replied, “and while I do not wish to rush you, we are on a bit of a schedule.” Two weeks may have seemed like a lot to some. And indeed, it might have been had they been running scans or cataloguing gaseous anomalies or some other routine thing. But with all that needed doing, including the personnel and supply transfers, those fourteen days were going to pass a lot more quickly than expected.

“There will be a lot to prepare between now and our departure,” he continued, “for your department, especially. I can give you the rest of today to get your affairs in order, but I expect you to be aboard by tomorrow morning at oh-seven-thirty.”

"I'll be there, Captain, I'm gonna finish this beer then get my stuff together," he stood and reached to shake the Captain's hand. "I'm looking forward to getting aboard ughh ya know, I don't think you gave me the name of your ship Skipper. I'd hate to board the wrong vessel."

Drell accepted the offered hand and gave it a firm shake. "The name is Vesta," he said, "and you'll find us in the primary docking bay, Starbase 48."

OFF

Captain Aviram Drell
Commanding Officer
USS Vesta (NX-94200)

Commander Frank Kamar, Jr.
Chief Operations Officer
USS Vesta (NX-94200)