Pending Arrival

Posted on Thu Nov 10th, 2022 @ 3:47am by Commander Jennifer Westlake

Mission: New Horizons
Location: Starbase

Commander Jennifer Westlake looked around the sparse guest quarters she had been assigned until the USS Liberty arrived. She sat quietly in the somewhat uncomfortable armchair, turned to take in as much as the view from the window as she could. In her hand the ice from her drink clinked quietly, adding to her mood. Raising the glass to her lips she took a swig, grimacing slightly at the high alcohol content but it seemed appropriate considering the circumstances. Finally she had been assigned a permanent XO role. After years of chasing the chair to the Captain's left, she had finally got it. The Sunfire was her first taste, several temporary posts in between and the Liberty was in her sights.

Most would celebrate with friends or comrades, but in her single minded vision to get to the top, Jen know in her heart of hearts she didn't have many friends, having always been so focused on getting ahead with her career. People ended up drifting off when she didn't return comm calls or cancelled meet ups in favour of doing extra shifts or making sure that report was as perfect as she could make it before submitting it. Some had likened her to Admiral Shelby in her younger years. Brash, opinionated and pushy. Westlake could see the resemblance and didn't care. Shelby had a stellar career, fast-tracked due to her skill and brilliance in command. Jen wanted nothing more than to do the same, despite the abject loneliness.

The Liberty slide into view and Jen couldn't help but hold her breath a little. Finally it was her time to shine.