Njessa dismissed the holographic display of her new flight control officer’s file. She seemed competent but she would have to prove herself exceptional to equal the ship’s previous pilots. However, anyone who was good enough to make it through the Academy had that potential.

She walked over to the window and gazed out to the stars beyond. Soon she would be able to judge the new officer first hand, reports only tell you so much.

Jeanne hated being late. She also hated not having the opportunity to settle in at her own pace.  She preferred to explore and discover things for herself about a new ship, but both opportunities had been denied her at this new posting. Stumbling in front of the Captain’s ready room she twisted her ankle slightly, “Dammit,” she grimaced as she pressed the chime and waited for someone to reply.

She bent over to rub the ankle just as the doors opened.  “Oh. Hello.  Sorry,” She snapped to attention. “Lieutenant Taylor reporting for duty, Ma’am.  Sir?  Captain.”

Njessa turned to face the new arrival, her uniform precise, “Ma’am will do, Lieutenant. I hope your journey here was not too stressful, but we are on a tight schedule.”

“Oh no ma’am.” Jeanne lied. It didn’t matter, it would soon be forgotten, both the journey and the lie.

Njessa walked over to her desk. “May I get you something to drink?”

She hadn’t realized how thirsty she was. “Just ice water if you don’t mind.” Jeanne replied thinking of the time her family had traveled through Canada the traditional way, by land instead of transporter, and how she could never find ice anywhere to put in her drinks. She supposed ice was old fashioned, but she liked how it kept her drink cold for a longer amount of time.

Njessa nodded and went to the replicator and produced a glass of ice water. She handed it to the Lieutenant. ”Welcome aboard the Tanjura, Lieutenant Taylor. I hope you will do well in your post.”

“Do you have any questions for me or about the Tanjura?”

“Well, I’ve never been on an Inquiry-class ship before, nor flown one.  But how hard can it be?  I’m teasing, I have done it in theory, in training, on the holodeck.”  She cleared her throat.  “I have been hearing however that there are some . . . issues that need to be worked out?  Is that true?  If so, I don’t mind pitching in to help.”

“We remain short on living crew, so many of the routine tasks remain overseen by hologram. They are adaptive and can learn to a limited extend but lack the ability to creatively respond,” said Njessa. “It has not been a problem but it is something we need to be aware of.”

“The ship is still only six months out of the Andorian yards, so it is possible there are other problems to be discover but none so far. I would recommend reading the logs of our two previous FCOs for information on handling characteristics,” she finished.

“Will do, ma’am.” Jeanne replied. She was looking forward to seeing the new and improved holograms. She took several sips of ice water, not wanting to seem like she was chugging it down, though she wanted to. “I have some experience in operations, if that would help anyone.”

Njessa smiled. “I started in Operations. Our Chief of Ops is V’rea, excellent at her job, and we just added a new crew member there. But I encourage interdepartment cooperation and cross-training.”

“Well then,” Jeanne replied, putting down the glass.  She could get another as soon as she found her quarters.  “When shall I report to my post, ma’am?”  After thinking for a moment she added, “I assume we are departing on our mission shortly?”

“Yes, we are, but you can take time to get settled, Lieutenant,” said Njessa. “I am sure the Doctor would appreciate the chance to check you in as well. So, find your quarters, meet your team and, again, welcome aboard.”

Jeanne nodded, understanding herself to be dismissed. “Thank you, ma’am,” she said as she headed for the exit. Another first day of a new adventure.