USS Diligent Arrives

Posted on Sat Oct 17th, 2026 @ 8:24pm by Captain Sheyla {MD} & Lieutenant Commander Ken Kudo {Meji} & Lieutenant Griffon Resch & Lieutenant Luthor Volt M.D. & 2nd Lieutenant Jyrranaz "Jaz" Rindo & Yui Kudo {Mejilorean} {Scientist}

Mission: CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT 09/26
Location: M-69
Timeline: current

ON:

Standing side by side, Captain Sheyla and Lt. Commander Kudo were at a large viewport looking out to space. The general direction they faced was the direction from which the USS Diligent was now proceeding towards M-69 from. They had received word that the ship had dropped from warp at the outer markers and was now en route to the station. Ken glanced over at his CO, seeing her remaining as stoic as possible, but after all the time he had been around her, she had certain tells that he recognized when she was in a particular mood. The current mood was excitement if his perception was correct.

Grinning as he put his face forward once more, Kudo spoke up quietly even as the rest of those assigned to the ship stood, or sat, behind them to await the order to board once Diligent docked. "Feeling a bit excited, Captain," Ken asked.

Sheyla avoided looking over at Ken as she responded. "What makes you think that?"

"Your antennae, Sheyla. They're wiggling all over the place." Said Kudo, looking over again. "I've known you long enough to tell when you're in a certain mood."

Grinning and casting her eyes his way, Sheyla broke into an innocent smile. "Hush, Number One. Don't give away my secrets." She gave a quiet giggle, her tone playful.

Kudo gave a slight chuckle. "Aye, aye, Captain. Your secret is safe with me."

Sheyla's expression went a bit more serious. "I'm glad you're by my side, Ken. We've always had a good friendship and working relationship and, you understand that my Andorian blood tends bring about angst when I am frustrated or miffed about something. You are the perfect barometer."

"That goes both ways, Sheyla," Ken replied. "Diligent is far smaller than Capernaum, so it will be tighter living for all. Something for them to get used to. Griffon has already come up with new Security protocols for Diligent. As XO, I'll need to be a bit more harsh in dealing with any in-fighting that may occur. Not a lot of places to escape to if one has an issue with a dorm-mate or fellow personnel. Thankfully, we do have two small holodecks, so that should stave off some of it."

Considering what was just said for a few moments, Captain Sheyla responded. "I'll address that in the opening shipwide intercom message to the crew. There are only a few who were not on Capernaum previously, so I would hope they would be the only ones to find issue with someone else due to closer living conditions."

Kudo gave a few slight nods at that, then turned the conversation in another direction. "The Chief Medical Officer is aboard already, having taken the ride to get here. Cadets and officers packed on board so they could transfer to the Capernaum. We have a standard crew of seventy, and they came here with one-hundred aboard. Talk about pushing the limits of elbow room." Another chuckle escaped his lips. "Anyway, Luthor Volt is a Lieutenant, and the good Doctor has been in service for a number of years..."

"Did you say Luthor Volt?" Sheyla interrupted. "May I?" She held a hand up to ask through action if she could hold his palm PADD. Ken handed it over, eyebrows slightly raised at his Captain's response to the name of their ship's Doctor. He noted that Sheyla speed read what was in the file, but kept scrolling back to the profile picture. "Wow. He hasn't aged a day since last I saw him."

"I take it you know Doctor Volt, then?" Kudo need not ask since it was obvious, but it was a conversation piece. And, as her Exec, it would provide him with a piece of personal information he did not know about Sheyla.

"I do," said Sheyla with a smile even as she handed the PADD back. Her eyes were showing that there was a story there but, she chose to keep it brief at this time. "I had graduated the Academy by the time he showed up, and we met at a nightclub in San Francisco. One of those instant friendship moments. While I awaited an assignment, and with him in the Academy despite him being a physician for years before that, we hung out every day. He's half El-Aurian, so his age is a bit higher than most."

Ken had to go with that tidbit of information. "Does Captain Sheyla have a thing for older men?" He gave a wide smile at her pseudo-perturbed expression. He raised his hands defensively. "Just a tease, Sir."

"Don't hand me that 'sir' crap, Mister Kudo," said Sheyla, still giving a moderately embarrassed smile. "And, stop fishing for juicy topics."

Ken gave a light laugh. "Okay, okay. No teasing the Captain in regards to her amorous life. Got it."

Out in space, a small object appeared in their sight, growing larger the closer it got to M-69. Both officers went quiet as they watched their mobile home approach. The rest of the crew stepped up near to them without crowding, everyone wanting get a look at the ship's exterior. Ken was impressed as an engineer. He had heard stories about how tough the Berlin-class was, and that Starfleet had, at one point, considered a MKII version that would be a light cruiser, not a frigate. However, the USS Diligent just got more beautiful the closer she got. "Looks like you'll be commanding a hot rod, Captain."

Sheyla gave a nod at that, but kept her eyes on the approaching ship. "I am more than impressed. I didn't expect the Diligent to be that sleek in appearance. Starfleet tends to go frumpy with most designs, but...damn. She's a beauty."

They were at Docking Arm Four, on the upper level for docking port One, where the gangway would be extended and the airlock secured. Kudo turned and got everyone's attention. "Alright, folks. We let the delivery crew exit, then we all board. All quarters assignments are in your PADDs, so familiarize yourself with the internal makeup by finding those first. Our CMO is aboard, so any questions about where certain areas are, he may be able to help. Knowing Mister Resch, I'm sure he has already memorized the entire layout," said Ken with a grin, getting an affirmative nod and grin from Griffon. He noted that his daughter Yui was standing next to Resch. Ken needed to nip that in the bud by telling Griffon it was fine for him to court Yui. "Captain, do you have anything to add?"

The bow of the USS Diligent could be seen sliding passed, and in front of the panoramic viewport, coming to a stop as the ship had achieved station keeping for the docking arm procedures.

Sheyla lightly cleared her throat before speaking. "As you can all see, Diligent is far smaller than Capernaum. This means tighter living spaces for all of us. Please, mind your manners with one another. If Peel found their niche with limited spaces, we can to. I am proud, as always, to serve with each of you and I am thankful that so many of you have chosen to remain with us. I welcome the new faces just as much as I am happy to see so many familiar ones. Diligent should remain docked for about a week, then we head out for our first patrol. Until that time, carry on, people." The crew all shook each other's hands and some even gave half hugs. A new ship and new beginning for all of them.

Ken left the Captain's side, making his way through the crew bodies to Resch and Yui, who were facing each other and holding their hands together. Out of the corner of his eye, Griffon caught him approaching and pulled his hands back quickly which made Ken smile inwardly. That action alone showed he was a good man and had his daughter's interests at heart. So, upon arriving to make a triangle of faces facing each other, Ken took up Griffon's right hand, and then Yui's, both by the wrist, and put them back together. They clasped and Ken gave a nod to each in turn, his gaze meeting that of Resch. "You both have my blessing. Honor me by treating each other well is all I ask."

Yui's smile beamed, a royal smile that normally was found only in expensive tapestries and paintings. "Thank you, Papa." She gave him a hug and kissed his cheek. "I love you and will never dishonor you or mother."

Releasing Yui's hand, Griffon then shook hands with his friend and senior officer. "I appreciate the trust, ken. Surely. It means a lot."

The gangway airlock door spilt apart and opened, showing the long bridge-tunnel passageway to get to the USS Diligent. A gaggle of bodies came forth, almost half and half with cadet uniforms and veteran officers. Ken and Griffon were still making small talk when Yui's eyes went wide, her tail swishing with more energy as she stepped between them and passed them without asking their pardon to do so. Both men looked at each other, both recognizing an unorthodox breach of manners from the woman they both cared for. Yui came to stop, with bodies passing by in front of her this way and that, her ears perked up and forward.

"I wonder what that's abou...oh!" Said Resch.

Kudo's eyes followed his line of sight and saw what had attracted his daughter's attention. It was another Catfolk, a female, with amber orange hair and the ears and tail that matched the color of her hair and ear fur. She had black tips to her ears, and she was walking off the gangway with a man in Science blue. He recognized the man from his file; Doctor Luthor Volt. The Catfolk, however, he had not seen yet within the files. Her outfit/uniform was not Starfleet, yet she wore a Starfleet badge and a rank pin on her upper left breast.

"Papa?" Yui asked, still looking at the unfamiliar cat girl. "Who's that?"

Resch got on Yui's right, Ken on her left even as he answered. "I have no idea, Yui. Give me a moment." Kudo began to access his PADD for personnel.

As Yui and Griffon watched, with Yui taking his hand, the unknown Catfolk walked up to Captain Sheyla along with Doctor Volt. With a warm hug and smiles, it was apparent that Sheyla and Volt knew each other, with the cat girl standing by and waiting to be introduced. Which happened within moments as Volt introduced Captain and friend to one another. They were a few meters away so what was being said was hard to distinguish over all the other conversations around them.

"Here we go," said Ken, getting up next to his daughter again, angling his PADD so she could see. "Warrant Officer Jyrranaz Rindo, who goes by Jaz. Oh, this is interesting. Says here that she is an exchange officer from the Concordium Starforce. You told us there had been no formal diplomacy between the UFP and the Quazi."

"As far as I knew, there had not been. The Chancellor must have kept it very hush, hush." Yui gave sheepish look. "She looked familiar is why I asked who she was. After searching my memory I do know her face. She served as one of the medical staff that accompanied the Chancellor wherever he went, and she is also a trained combatant to defend him should the need arise."

Jaz Rindo stood next to the Captain and Doctor, half listening to them both as they began to talk about old times and what they were up to now. Her hands were clasped behind her back as she let her eyes wander around this waiting lounge area, taking in all the faces. Her head turned to the left, Jaz's gaze landed on another Catfolk, with black hair and fur, and the typical ears of their species, though they were shaped slightly differently. They knew they were looking at each other, their ears forward and twitchy being the first sign that there was a silent acknowledgement of such. Stepping away from Volt and the Captain, Jaz let her hands fall to her sides as she approached the other Catfolk. Once within polite distance she stopped and gave a bow. "Konnichiwa. I am Jaz Rindo. Would you do me the honor of knowing your name?"

"Konnichiwa," Yui responded, returning the bow. "I am Yui Kudo. It is a pleasure to meet you, Jaz Rindo."

"And, I you." Jaz went forward with a traditional saying between Catfolk; a philosophy of sorts. "No meeting without parting."

Yui recognized the saying and chose to respond as would be expected. It was to tie them together as associates but, to also put forth the possibility of friendship. "No joy that doesn't fade." The two men watched, fascinated by the Catfolk etiquette, with the two women stepping in for a polite hug, rubbing a cheek together and purring with contentment for a moment as they locked in each other's scent before stepping back. "There are two more Catfolk here on M-69, Jaz. Cait and Sally. They have even gone so far as to obtain a medium sized business slot and converted it to a Celestial Grove."

"Cait and Sally?!" Jaz knew them both fairly well. When one was a personal physician for the Chancellor it was to be expected that they would meet his immediate family. Cait was Barney's daughter, after all. "So this is where she ran off to?" Jaz laughed. "Barney never answered my question of curiosity. Always the sly one, our beloved Chancellor." Another giggle. "So, are they fulfilling the goals set forth by Lady Qeritas?"

Yui was giggling and smiling. "Of course. As Sacred harlots they have been charged with missionary work to bring passion, comfort, and love to the rest of the galaxy."

"Ugh...excuse me," said Ken, stepping up with Griffon. "Sacred Harlots, Yui? This is the first you've spoken of it..."

"Mother knows, Papa." Yui stated. "I figured she would have told you by now. It's not as lewd as your mind perceives it. We are not anything like Orions if that's your worry."

Jaz had straightened herself up properly when both Resch and Kudo came forth. She looked at Ken when she spoke, though. "Commander Kudo, I am Warrant Officer Jaz, an exchange officer from the Quazi Concordium. Several of Starfleet's Caitian officers went to Quaza to learn our culture. I serve in Sickbay and Operations, with Sickbay being my Primary, Sir."

Ken gave the orange cat girl a bow. "A pleasure to meet you, Warrant Jaz. Did you serve in the Concordium forces?"

"Yes, Commander." Jaz answered. "I was a 2nd Lieutenant in the Quazi Starforce. However, not knowing Starfleet protocols, they reduced my rank to warrant officer until I was well-versed."

"Typical," grumbled Resch.

Kudo gave a knowing nod to Resch on that one word statement, then returned his attention to the cat girl. "What is your post in Sickbay?"

"Assistant Chief Medical Officer," came from behind Jaz, and when all looked up at who had spoken, Luthor Volt and Captain Sheyla approached. It was Volt who had offered the answer to the query.

"Really?" Ken gave a positive quirk to his expression on that. "I'm just put back a bit by them taking away what is essentially an ensign rank from an experienced officer, no matter where she comes from. I'm sure our officers who went over there didn't have to give up their ranks."

Sheyla stepped around to be better seen by the orange Catfolk. "So, you are considered a Starfleet Marine, yes?"

"Yes, Captain," Jaz responded. "I am content with my station so long as I get to fulfill my duties." Yui noted the 'tail language' from Jaz, even if the others knew not what every swish and sashay really meant to a Catfolk's state of mind. She may be content but she was not happy with being reduced several places in rank, having earned what she had through hard work, honor, and duty.

"Luthor, you said you gave her ACMO." Sheyla went on, picking up where she had left off. "I take it you trust her enough to have done so?"

"I do." Volt said, his face showing he meant it. "Our first meet was both pleasant and direct. I asked, Jaz told, and we formed an immediate bond. If her lack of Starfleet knowledge is a problem then I will be her mentor in that as much as medicine. Plus, not many marines serve with fleeters, so her presence would be quite a boon, especially for away teams. I can't always go so, Jaz would be the perfect choice what with her combat experience."

"Amen to that," Resch said.

Sheyla looked Jaz in the eye. "As your Commanding Officer, I hereby reinstate your rank of 2nd Lieutenant, Miss Jaz. Please, adjust your pins to reflect that when you have the chance. I trust that you will learn our ways here in Starfleet with due diligence?"

Jaz stood taller before this honorable woman. "You have my word, Captain. Were you to test me now, I'm sure I could answer most questions with assurance."

"Sounds good enough to me, Captain." Kudo stated. "Not like she won't have all of us to learn from as she goes." Ken then looked at Jaz, giving her a bow. "Welcome aboard, Lieutenant. Earn this."

Jaz returned the bow. "I will, Sir. I gave my word and that is binding."

"Thank you, Lieutenant," said Sheyla, grasping and giving a friendly squeeze to the cat girl's shoulder before turning to face the gangway entrance. "Now, if you'll excuse me I have a ship to meet." She trudged off in that direction.

Ken gave Jaz a gentle slap on the shoulder as he too began to walk towards the gangway.

Yui asked for Jaz's PADD, took it and tapped on it for a few moments, then handed it back. "My quarters on base. That's the address. I'll keep quiet about meeting you, but tonight is spice night. If you can take a night off we would love to have you join us. I'm sure Cait and Sally will be excited to see someone else they know. Please, try." She then gave Resch a lingering kiss and a big smile as she backed away. "I'll see you later, beloved. Go get yourself squared away and then tomorrow we'll dine together." Spinning on her heel, Yui departed.

Volt chuckled. "Cat gals sure know how to leave a lasting impression, eh Mister Resch?"

Griffon, not familiar with the man but already liking him, gave a grin. "You have no idea, Doctor." He then looked to the Catfolk still with them, using his head to motion towards the gangway. "Come on. Jaz. let's get that pin changed out. Y'all can chat me up as we go."

The three of them turned as a unit and began to head for the USS Diligent.

OFF: