EXETERRPG: (1 - 0901) Tactical Ensign jg Jori

[Renee Bishop]

 Mission: A New Day Dawns
Day: 1
Stardate: 2446.01.28

(Exeter - Ready Room - Tactical Officer Ensign jg Jori - 0901)

"Have a seat, Ensign," said Captain Williams.

"Yes, sir."

Jori sat in the chair opposite the captain, who was seated at his desk. Her posture was straight, her hands rested in her lap, and her legs were crossed at the ankles.

"The reason why I called you in here is twofold," said Williams. "First, you've impressed me greatly in the very short time I've known you."

"Thank you, sir."

"Because of that, I am promoting you to ensign senior grade."

It took a few seconds for those words to sink into her. Though quick promotions were known to happen, Jori never thought she would be one of the people getting one.

Williams handed her a gold pip. Accepting it, she folded her fingers around it, holding the insignia like something precious she never wanted to let go.

"Thank you, Captain. I appreciate this very much." She allowed herself a quick smile.

"The second, well, as you know, our tactical department has taken a huge hit."

Jori's stomach soured as though she just ate something spoiled.

"Ravok has gone AWOL. The next in line, Lieutenant Blackwell, was murdered by Ravok."

Jori couldn't help frowning. She knew all this, of course, but she had yet to get past the sting of the betrayal. Talking with Lieutenant Commander Shara in sickbay after what she thought was the beginning of his recovering from the empress, her suspicions eased, believing he was going to heal. She was still angry at herself for missing that he was corrupted. Hearing it again from the captain, who Shara almost killed, was making her want to run out and hunt down the traitor.

"As for Lieutenant Smith, her recovery still has a long road ahead. So, after careful consideration, I am naming you acting chief tactical officer until a suitable replacement has been found."

Jori's expression became neutral as she considered the captain's words. She was excited to be trusted to run the department, but the way he said he was choosing her, sounded like he had no other options, that everyone else was eliminated for some reason and she was the only one left. If that was true, instead of giving Williams the opportunity to name an officer with more experience, she resolved to be the suitable replacement.

"Thank you, sir. I'll do my best."

"Now then. How have you been holding up, Chief?"

A few seconds passed before Jori replied. There was so much she could say.

"Well, sir, being in quarantine wasn't pleasant, but some of us started a Dungeons & Dragons group to help pass the time, which was a lot of fun." It was the first time she played the game and she hoped it could be a regular activity once the Exeter was back in space.

The smile on her face disappeared and her cheeks grew warm as she realized that probably wasn't what the captain meant. Clearing her throat, she shifted gears.

"I'm holding up, sir. I still partially blame myself for not discerning Lieutenant Commander Shara's condition. I spoke with him in sickbay and I thought he was going to be all right." She paused, biting her lower lip. "I wish I could have stopped him from attacking you."

(reply Captain Williams)
(Posted by Renee)  
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