Backpost: Gente's Excitement

Posted on Tue Feb 26th, 2019 @ 7:27pm by Lieutenant Gente López-Fonsi & Lieutenant Commander Charlotte Hudson

1,571 words; about a 8 minute read

Mission: Mission 0 - Christening of Legacy and Crew Arrival
Location: XO Ready Room
Timeline: 2261.183 1100

Gente was excited to be serving on a constitution class starship. The ship was a beautiful. What an impressive design, he thought to himself. He started to walk the corridors, that lead to the ready room of the first officer. He did not know a lot about Commander Hudson. He assumed because she was first officer. She must be good at her job. He had a big smile on his face, he felt like a kid walking into the candy store, and his mom telling get what ever you want. He tapped on the button intercom, outside of ready room.

Bec looked up when the door chime went off and set down the report she was reading, grateful for an interruption. "Come in," she called, though remained seated. She wasn't expecting anyone, so she didn't feel the need to stand up.

Gente walked into the room. The Commander was a little younger than he anticipated. But he tried not pass judgement. He just smiled as he walked up to her desk, and snapped to the position of attention. "Lieutenant Gente Lopez, reporting for duty Ma'am. My orders." He said, as he handed her a pad, and then went back to the position of attention.

Taking the orders, she looked them over briefly then set it down on her desk closest to him. "Welcome aboard Lieutenant," she smirked as he stood at attention. The man was almost a foot taller than she was at the very least, which didn't surprise her any, being as short as she was. He was handsome too. "Oh, sit down before you get stuck in that position," she teased.

"Yes Ma'am." Gente said, as he pulled the seat back a little before taking the seat. He smiled as he waited for her to review his file, and probably ask a couple of question. He had no doubt, her first question would probably be why a ten year veteran, was not seeking the ceo position? In all honesty, he wanted to serve on the constitution class starship, and this was his opportunity.

"So," Bec started, watching him take a seat. "These things," she gestured to the orders, "Never give the interesting information. Just the standard boring things like how long you've been an officer, where you've served. What I want to know is what brings you to Legacy?"

"The chance to work on a constitution class starship. It's been a dream of mine Commander. One that I plan on taking full advantage of. I hope to be chief engineer some day." Gente said with a big grin on his face. This was a dream come true for him. He was on cloud nine. Getting to serve on a premiere cruiser.

Bec smiled. "I hear you there, the history of Legacy also aided in my choice," she said gesturing to the walls in general. "I mean, the ship is built with parts of those that were destroyed by Nero. It's a beautiful tribute to those lost, but at the same time, daunting. I hope we do their memory justice," she smiled and leaned forward.

"This ships is literally a legacy, that is good to know Commander, as one of your engineers. I take good care of her. Treat her as if she is my own baby!" Gente said, as he looked at the walls like Bec was. He did not know that she was put together in that fashion. The ship was truly a legacy, and he was even more proud to serve on her, and help keep her together. She represented so much.

"So... other than patching up ships, what do you like to do?" Bec asked, changing the subject now that the 'formalities' were out of the way. "Any hobbies?"

"Typically anything outdoors, on the ship. I go down to the lounge area. And a lot of time playing in the outdoors when we get some liberty." He said, thinking to himself. He needed a better social life experience. In truth he was a work-a-holic that only left work to work out in the gym or the pool. His lounge time experience, was marginal at best. He only stays long enough to be seen.

"Sounds fun," Bec chuckled. "I prefer contact sports, sparring, and some outdoorsy stuff, like hiking or rock climbing, but I've not done that in many a year," she said with a shrug. "I've been spending most of my time in the gym, lounge, or quarters." She didn't specify her quarters because there had been many incidents in which she hadn't been in her own.

Gente knew through protocol not to ask to many questions. Especially if she was not sure, she really wanted to know what the first officer meant by the comment of 'Quarters.' He smiled as he sat in his chair for the moment. "Where is the gym located on the Legacy?" He asked, trying to keep the conversation going, and venturing away from the quarters comment.

"Deck eight, smartly placed near medical," Bec chuckled. "Keeping in shape with a good workout is always recommended," she added, wondering why he was smiling so, but she would see how this played out.

"I'll have to check it out sometime then." He said, still continuing to smile. He was a little nervous, the first officer was attractive and his boss, had mention a sly comment that made him feel a little awkward. He kept telling himself, this is good to be out of your comfort zone.

"It's a neat little space, very well equipped," she said with a nod. "Explore the ship, though, I'm sure you'll find many surprises. Exploration is what we're all about, isn't it?" She leaned back again, giving him an amused smirk.

"Yes it is Commander, big reason why I wanted to be on a constitution class starship. More likely to get exploration missions. Most of my time on the Arlington, was spent on border patrols, there was some exploration. Mainly just keeping the peace." Gente said, really loving the idea of being on this ship. Deep down part of him missed being on the Arlington.

"Well, we'll see how much exploration we can get up to," Bec said, raising an eyebrow at him. She wondered if this man was always so by the book, or if he would be open to some fun too. "Much more fun to be had exploring than patrolling."

"I totally agree, first contact is always a fun." He said, leaving out the fact that it also can be a little nerve wrecking as well. But for the most part, he enjoyed the few times the Arlington, got to make first contact.

"Fun and scary," she agreed. "Though, the scary part just makes it all the more fun," she laughed. "Meeting and getting to know new people or races is usually a good thing. Sometimes, not so much, but those are far and few between incidents." Bec knew just how bad first contact could go, but she wasn't about to tell him about it. "So, you enjoy contact missions?"

"Yes Commander, I wished I could have done more, but I am only the assistant chief, the chief went on most. Being the assistant, most of my time was covering him in engineering. Not that I regret it. But it would be nice to attend more contact meetings." Gente said, with a tone of sincerity in his voice. He loved engineering, but it did hold him back a little, passing over promotions, waiting for a chance to serve on a constitution class cruiser.

"Please, call me Bec," she said nonchalantly. "Contact missions can be good, but they can also go very, very wrong. There's a fine balance, a line you have to try to keep without knowing where it is. Though, I have to say I thoroughly enjoy contact."

"Yes Comm... Bec. I hope to do more of them, I understand that not all first contact mission go according to expectations. But it's the thrill of reaching out for the first time, and making contact. And making that new friend, that I am looking most forward too." Gente said, hoping he was explaining why he liked the idea of first contact.

Bec nodded. "Always good reasons for wanting to do first contact," she said with a smile. "Some want to for all the wrong reasons. I hope we get to do at least one of them," she nodded as though agreeing with the sentiment. "Well, I think I've run the gamut of things to talk about, is there anything else you'd like to discuss?"

"Just eager to get started." Gente said with a big grin on his face. He did not want to be rude, but he really did not have any questions for her. As far as Gente was concerned, he was happy to be on the ship, and to be her new chief engineer.

"Alright, well, don't let me stop you!" Bec laughed and stood. She held her hand out to shake his. "Again, welcome Lieutenant, I look forward to working with you!"

"As do I commander." He said with a big grin on his face. He left the room, as quickly as he entered. He thought to himself, if she was not his superior, he would have totally tried to hit on her. But some lines should never be crossed he told himself.

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