Coming Aboard

Posted on Sun Mar 15th, 2020 @ 8:53am by Lieutenant Commander Doug Rutland

Mission: Mission 98: Building Our New Home
Location: Starbase 84 - Near the Romulan Border.
Timeline: 0900Hrs - May 2nd, 2393

Lt Commander Douglas Rutland smiled as he picked up a half dozen PADD's that he was presently handling, he was sorting out and stocking shelves with PADD's that would be used by Yeomans and clerks all over the base.

His department head didn't care how Rutland got his work done, only that he did which Rutland liked and respected, so he had some music playing and this was something that helped him concentrate on the task before him.

The dusky tones of Rutland's chosen music belted out from the speakers in the com system when the music was suddenly cut off as Rutland had automatically set the system to turn the music off if someone was trying to contact him. It was his department head who clearly wanted his attention. "Marsden to Rutland. Yo, Doug, you got a few minutes?"

Rutland raised an eyebrow. "Go ahead, James.?"

Captain James Marsden smiled softly to himself. "I need ya to step into my office. I got something here with your name all over it."

Rutland frowned, thinking, 'I can't be in trouble. I've not done anything recently. Wait, if I was in trouble when James wouldn't be his normal self.' he thought to himself as he shrugged. "I'm on my way now James. I'll be a minute. Out." and with that, Rutland tapped his combadge a second time. "Computer pause the music playback."

Rutland was confused, the look on his face said as much as he exited his office, before moving across the hall to his bosses office. He tapped the door release rather than knock. "You called me?" Rutland inquired, a jovial look on his face.

"Yeah, it seems that your sins have caught up with you Doug." Marsden smiled at his friend. "You are wanted elsewhere. Did you put in your name for reassignment elsewhere? or something." Marsden inquired.

"Not really. This is a good assignment and you treat your guys well." Rutland paused. "But a lot of the guys here have been around for years and there is very little upward movement." he sighed.

"Never apologize for seeking to advance your career, Doug." Marsden shook his head. "I turned down my own command for this posting, I wanted a little peace and quiet before I felt ready to head back out into the field." Marsden regarded Rutland. "It seems that skilled operations officers are in demand by various units and Starbase Vanguard is one such example."

"Vanguard?" Rutland inquired. "I've heard of her. Wait, a posting is available with her?" He inquired further.

"Assistant Chief Operations Officer." Marsden smiled at his old friend. "It's yours if you wish it."

"I do since it's been offered to me. But I don't wanna be leavin' under bad terms." Rutland explained. "I've greatly enjoyed working here and with you James."

"Hey, it's been a privilege having you around here Doug, you've been an example for others. You'll be missed but go show the crew of Starbase Vanguard
why they were wise to select you." Marsden smiled. "Serving with you has been an honor, Doug."

"The honor was mine. Sir." Rutland responded, a gentle smile on his face.

"Alright, well that's all I wanted you for. You depart tomorrow morning so you go from now until then to get your affairs in order in terms of things you need to do on this assignment. Don't worry about dealing with the PADD's. I'll have someone else deal with it." Marsden paused. "Take care of yourself out there my friend. Space is a lot more dangerous then it used to be."

"Indeed. I'll do that James. Goodbye." Rutland responded as Marsden dismissed him. Rutland turned and departed. "Computer, download all my music selections into my personal database and file. Then when that's finished, clear the selections from the starbase mainframe."

"Acknowledged." the computer responded in its feminine tone of voice.

Rutland made his way home to his quarters, already making the lists for what he was going to take with him and what he would part with. He arrived a few minutes before he went into the bedroom. He opened all of his closets before yanking out all of his clothing, he then recycled everything until all he had left was two uniforms and two changes of clothing. He then proceeded to pack away his dozen or so items since Rutland was a man who never packed much, most of his prized items were sent to his families home on Arcadia.

Rutland smiled as he thought about home and how he missed it, he sighed as he turned his attention back to packing his things away.