A Young Captain's Trial By Fire

Posted on Fri Nov 24th, 2023 @ 1:17am by Commander Patricia Cooke
Edited on on Fri Nov 24th, 2023 @ 1:19am

755 words; about a 4 minute read

Mission: From the Inside
Location: Patricia's Quarters, Deck 3
Timeline: After 'A New Lead'

Patricia sighed when she finally returned to her quarters. They were now at warp 9.975 and making rapid progress towards System HW-35, as the stars zooming past the large windows of the Captain's quarters now reflected. However, there was more pressing news on the young captain's mind, as after her staff briefing on the Missouri's new orders, Lieutenant Arlidd received orders that she was being reassigned.

Patricia made herself some raspberry iced tea from the replicator before sitting down in the plush chair that faced the windows with a coffee table for her drink in front of it. As Patricia relaxed in the chair, she let out a huge sigh as she literally stared out into space.

"I wonder if Kagami had trouble retaining personnel like this." She muttered aloud. "I heard whisperings before I took command that the Missouri was cursed. Is it really a curse? Or is it just the Cooke luck?"

Sucking in a big lungful of air, Patricia said sternly:

"Computer, begin recording:"

The computer beeped in acknowledgement, indicating Patricia was live.

"Captain's personal log. Earlier today, Lieutenant Arlidd came to me with transfer orders. While I certainly wish Lieutenant Arlidd the best of luck in future endeavors, with her reassignment coming so hot on the heels of that of Lieutenant Ghemora, I can't help but feel like this ship is cursed. I heard the previous Missouri developed a rather bad reputation within Theta Fleet, but this takes the damn cake! It seems like every time I turn around, a new senior officer has found a new opportunity to jump ship. My first officer seems perfectly comfortable with her current rank and has no noticeable driving ambition to further her career. It almost seems like she's acting under an obligation to follow in her older sister's footsteps rather than a genuine desire to. Kind of hard to believe she's related to someone I look up to so much...

We're currently en route to System HW-35. The latest intel suggests an Illegal Ferengi Dilithium mine might be I-400's next target. At our current speed, we should be there tomorrow. If all goes well, tomorrow will be the end of I-400, or at the very least, we'll deal her a crippling blow. I must admit, Starfleet has given me a rather difficult assignment. I knew going in that being a captain would be tough, but I didn't expect to be going through crew like tampons! As it is, I'm going into a dangerous situation dangerously short on senior officers..."

Patricia paused as she took a sip of her raspberry iced tea, letting the beverage's crisp, fruity aroma fill her nostrils as the cold liquid flowed down her throat. She set the beverage down on the coffee table before continuing her log:

"I am worried about the future of this vessel, if I'm being completely honest. I don't see my time as its captain being very long, especially if my crew keep bailing on me like this. I don't know how Kagami managed to run a ship for five years when I can't seem to hold down crewmembers for more than five minutes!

But, I also don't want to fail: The stakes are too high for me, and what kind of look would it be for Francine Cooke's granddaughter to just give up? Not to mention the terrible example it would set for other upcoming captains..."

Patricia sighed in a similar manner to a horse.

"Perhaps, if the Missouri curse is real; I need a way to break it; and maybe the best way to do that is to get on with my job. Heh, since I have no counselor at the moment, I'm giving myself pep talks. Maybe if that's what it takes... I wonder if Kagami ever did this?

Well, that's beside the point: Anyhow, I am going to get the Missouri back on track. I'm severely lacking in a loyal crew at the moment, but all we need is a firm hand on the wheel and a good star to steer by. Great, now I'm turning into those inspirational quotes calendars Ushio gave me every year... Computer, end log!"

When the computer once again beeped in acknowledgement, Patricia let out one final sigh as she leaned back in the chair, watching the stars zoom past.

She certainly wouldn't have gotten a view this good back on the Sandusky...

Posting by

Commander Patricia Cooke
Commanding Officer

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