Handing over

Posted on Thu Dec 31st, 2020 @ 6:49pm by Commander Savar cha'Salik hei-Surak Talek-sen-deen & Captain Rhenora Kaylen

Mission: Healing of Minds
Location: Ready Room

As the Liberty warped towards Bajor, Captain Kaylen starting to put a few things in order for while she was off the ship. She envisioned Commander Savar getting some time in the big chair but first she had to broach the subject to him. He'd be a damned fine first officer over the last few months and Rhenora knew he was more than capable of taking over the reins.

"Captain to Commander Savar, please report to my ready room when you have a moment" she pressed the ships comm system.

Savar was in his now seldom used counselor's office. There were times he preferred it to the Executive Officer's Ready Room as it was out of the way and allowed him to concentrate and focus on a variety of issues. When his com came alive with a summons from Captain Kaylen, he replied immediately. "Savar to Captain, I am on my way."

A few moments later, he stood outside the Captain's Ready Room and pressed the chime to alert her she had a visitor.

"Come in" Rhenora called from inside, still curled up on the lounge under the large viewport. She rose as the doors opened to reveal her first officer.

"Commander, thank you for coming, please take a seat" she gestured to the couch next to her.

Savar nodded as he took the offered seat. "It seemed the logical thing to do Captain as you did request my appearance." He replied evenly.

"Indeed I did" she mused, her eyes drifted back to the stars slowly streaking by. "I plan on returning to Bajor for a week, maybe two depending on how things go. You'll be in command for that time" she glanced back at the Vulcan to gauge his reaction - not that there would be one.

'Understood." He replied simply, waiting to see if any further instructions would follow.

" I've planned a few scenarios and exercises to keep you and the crew busy for that time without being hectic. Run a reduced schedule to keep the crew fresh until Starfleet issues us new orders. I'll have my communicator with me if anything urgent comes up" Kaylen explained, leaning against the back of the couch.

"Of course Captain. A most logical course of action. I am sure the crew will be able to cope with whatever it is you have in store for them to ensure they stay busy." Savar replied stoically.

"And for you to spend some time in the chair. You're more than ready for it" Rhenora encouraged, regarding her XO with a contemplative expression.
"And of course should something happen on the planet, I have already placed a recommendation in your file for your promotion."

Savar regarded his Commanding Officer and friend for several seconds before speaking. " My place is at your side Captain. I do not pursue command." He paused for a moment before continuing his tone changing slightly to be more personal. " I appreciate your recommendation Rhenora but you are the Captain of the Liberty and nothing is going to change that."

Rhenora blushed at the high praise from her First Officer. She tempered it with the realisation that she'd read him wrong thinking he was wanted to eventually command his own ship.
"I may be Captain now, but if anything should happen, she's yours if you want her. The crew respect you, they know you, you're the man for the job"

"Captain, I prefer to deal in certainties not what ifs. You are the Liberty's Captain. If the time ever comes that changes, then and only then would I think of being Captain. For now I am First Officer."

She couldn't help but smile at his response. Ever so Savar.
"Yes, yes you are. And a damned fine one at that. Anna has given both myself and Remal a subcutaneous emergency transmitter in case there is any issues, the range should be sufficient to the exercises planned for the crew. For the next week or so - she's yours. Take her for a spin and stretch her legs" she patted the bulkhead as someone would pat a beloved pet or a loved member of the family.

"Your praise honors me Captain. I learn from the best. A subcutaneous transmitter is most ingenious and logical. I am embarrassed I did not think of it." He arched and eyebrow, "Stretch her legs? Ah an idiom meaning to unwind, relax or relieve stress. Really Captain just where to do suggest I spin and stretch her?"

"It's also an idiom for pushing the limits and finding out what someone or something is capable of. To run with legs out stretched." Rhenora explained the other meaning of the phrase. "You have clearance To operate at your discretion within the next 3 systems."

"Ah. I see." Savar answered. "A spin around the block?" Savar questioned, "That is a good idea as I may not get another chance with the hearing and possible court martial coming up." He noted.

"I have full confidence that we have a strong case and you will be acquitted. " Rhenora said with confidence. "The evidence will speak for itself and the Cardassians will let the matter drop rather than embarrass themselves further."

"I have found that in cases like this, sometimes evidence is not enough if the dye is already cast. Nonetheless, like you I am confident the hearing will see the merit of our case." Savar replied


"Computer, transfer all command codes to Commander Savar, authorization Kaylen Gamma 80" Rhenora said formally, effectively removing herself from command and handing control of the ship over to Savar. "Go see what she can do, I'll let you know when we're ready to come home"

Savar nodded, "I shall take good care of the Liberty in your absence Captain and I promise not to scratch the paint. I hope you and Remal find the answers you both seek. We will be waiting for your call."




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