NAZGUL #17: One Step At a Time

Posted on Sun Jan 12th, 2025 @ 1:36am by Lieutenant Commander Sean Loewen (acting CO) & Lieutenant Sheyla {MD} (Acting XO)

Mission: NAZGUL: {CD&MISSION} Return to Basics
Location: USS NAZGUL
Timeline: current/somewhere in between

ON:

After beaming over to the USS Nazgul, Commander Loewen--that would take some getting used to--left transporter room two and headed for the command deck. Arriving on Deck One, Sean immediately made his way to the Ready Room. Going around the CO's desk, he plopped his hind end into the seat and leaned forward to access the computer, the holographic screen lighting up above the desktop. "Computer, access command directives, Acting Captain, Lt. Commander Sean Loewen."

The screen before him began to stream data, all his access codes and command overrides in place. Captain Ro Green was efficient and had seen to the transfer of command before he had even arrived back aboard. She , herself, was still listed as CO, with Loewen himself in the position of acting CO when she was either not aboard, or not able to take command for whatever reason. This whole affair reminded Sean of historical texts, with the United States Navy having Lt. Commanders in command of ASW frigates and fast frigates, leaving larger vessels to be commanded by higher ranking officers. Even the old nuclear submarines had had lt. commanders as CO's. It would seem that Green had pulled a few strings on the tapestry of favors to allow him this chance. Sean knew himself all too well. If this panned out, and he began to like it, handing the ship back to Tore could be an issue for him, even for the crew who would, over time, get used to his way of doing things and his command style.

However, now was not the time to dive into that mentally. Green had said there was a mission she would want them to see to once he was settled and Loewen wanted to get out there and get used to being the one in charge. Something nice and casual sounded good for an opener. Every department head was sent a message that he was now acting captain, with Billi, Ainkara, and Tore off to see Starfleet Command on Earth, with Penni joining them. It was an issue that was between Bjorgo and HQ and he would not discuss it further unless ordered to do so by superiors. With that completed, Sean reached up and asked Sheyla to join him in the Ready Room after she read the report and could break away from duty. While he waited for the Andorian to arrive, Loewen went through the department reports, reading as much as he could to better understand where the Nazgul was for readiness. Sheyla entered the ready Room since he had not locked it. By the look in her eyes Sean could tell she was unhappy with the latest news.

Sheyla came into the Ready Room and went straight to standing before the CO's desk. "Tore is gone off to Starfleet again?"

"I'm afraid so," answered Loewen, motioning to a guest chair, which she sat down in. "It's in regards to Penni and Kara, mainly. Tore and Billi went along with how she filed her reports on the matter and that seems to have ruffled some HQ feathers."

"I kept telling Tore he needed to be more assertive. His being an Augment kept him from being too harsh in case someone used that as an excuse to blame him for being unfair." Sheyla leaned back in her chair, sighing in frustration with the motion.

"Can you blame him, Sheyla?" Loewen asked. "After what Khan did to the Enterprise, Augments weren't seen in a very good light for a long time. It took time for those hard feelings and fears to fade from the minds of Starfleet personnel." He saw her nod along with that. "His departure was quick because Admiral Stone demanded he get to Earth ASAP. So, that left gaps in the command structure. A Lieutenant T'Pri will fill in for Kara. But, that leaves XO. As the mission advisor aboard would you be willing to fill in as Number One?"

Sheyla gave a kurt nod and responded without hesitation. "I'd be honored."

"Great," Sean said, grinning as he tapped a command PADD. "Duty logs now note you as acting Number One. I have no idea when T'Pri will arrive, she'll be sent over by Captain Green. Until then, just make sure that the departments keep running smoothly. The ship seems in good order and we will be sent out to see to a few minor things so I can get used to being in the center seat. If the Admiral finds them at fault, there is the possibility that I will remain in command. Will that be an issue for you personally?"

"Not at all," said Sheyla. "I'm Andorian. I can love a man and still do my duty, whether we are on the same ship or facility, or not. Duty comes first with my people."

Loewen gave a friendly grin. "I have no doubts. Just needed to hear you say it for my own peace of mind. This ship can't run right unless you and I are on the same wavelength."

"Got it, Captain." Sheyla found it odd to call him that since just a few hours ago she had seen him as a lieutenant on the Bridge. But, it was the position he now held. "If nothing else I'll do a walkabout and try to explain what I can to the supervisors."

"Sounds good," Loewen replied. "Dismissed, Number One." He watched her get up and leave. One step at a time, Sean. One step at a time.

OFF: