The Changeover

Posted on 08 Sep 2026 @ 12:03pm by Captain Jasmine Somers FCapt & Lieutenant Commander Leland Hawksley & Lieutenant Commander Remington Dodd

1,637 words; about a 8 minute read

Mission: S04 Episode 02 The Hackers Backdoor (Incidentals)
Location: CRR Tomcat
Timeline: Shortly before docking procedures

[ON]

Pressing the communications button =/\= Somers said to Dodd and Hawksley, "Please report to my Ready Room ASAP." =/\= Somers said, then pulled up their files.

=/\= Dodd here. On my way. =/\= Dodd had just stepped out of the shower and felt that the timing was spot on. He dressed and headed to the CRR.

Leland was mid-masterpiece, carefully swirling whipped cream into a lopsided smiley face across Cass’s bare stomach while she tried not to laugh and ruin the art.

His fingertip had just added two imperfect dots for eyes when the intercom crackled to life.

He froze, cream-covered finger still hovering, and sighed...

=/\= Hawksley here. On my way, Captain. =/\=

Eventually the pair arrived outside her Ready Room, and the buzzer sounded.

"They were quick!" Somers said, "ENTER," and the doors opened, and in walked Dodd and Hawksley.

"Ah, gentlemen, please have a seat," she said, indicating the two chairs in front of her desk "I suppose you are wondering as to why I have called both my Senior Officers," She said.

"Ma'am, I have learned over the years to never count on my senses when it comes to why you do what you do. I have just come to trust that you do what you do for the best of all involved, which is likely why we are here." Dodd said, trying to compliment in a twist of humour.

Leland smiled at Dodd. He enjoyed it when they had the chance to be around each other. Always feeling that he had something to learn from his true friend and mentor.

"Uh... What the Commander just said. Ditto!" Hawksley then sat down after Dodd, both in front of Captain Jasmine's desk. The Tomcat regimental flags behind her...

"I guess we are both in the same frame of opinion on this meeting." Dodd then replied and took his seat next to Hawksley and shifted his focus to Captain Somers.

After her First Officer was seated, she continued, "The course Lieutenant Commander Hawksley has done netted him a Pass, so there is the good news. Now for the news that may not be so joyous", she began without preamble.

"A possible bit of good news for you, Remy, and a possible bit of bad news for Leland *she looked at each in turn* I will be swapping you both around, so Remy you will not have to wear your Crossbelt on duty all the time and you Leland will have to, as scuttlebutt has probably spread by now about my reassignment, it is true, I am getting a promotion to Commodore and taking Command of SB51, while a new CO will be taking Command of the Tomcat" she paused, give the start of what she said to sink in.

"Well, that is a wonderful bit of news and yet a sad bit as well," Dodd replied with a hint of wonder to his voice. His thoughts of Jasmine in something more revealing flashed in his mind before he refocused on the meeting. "Well, I can finally get my hands dirty once again, but I will have to do some new bonding with this refit ship."

Captain Somers was correct. She had her usual finger on the pulse of the crew, and there was some talk regarding a possible reassignment. Of course, Leland didn’t spread the gossip, but he couldn’t help listening when it came up. The confirmation, however, was a bit hard for him to hear. Jasmine had been in the position since he was at the Helm of the Tomcat and had fond memories.

After Dodd had spoken, Leland commented. “Captain.” He turned to Dodd, and then back to Jasmine. “I am sure we speak for the crew that we are saddened to hear this. But not surprised that you would be rising to Commodore.” He smiled. “Congratulations.”

His mind was still a bit confused. Leland didn’t want to drop attention from the major news at hand... oO Why is Remy concerned about… Engineering… I don’t... The sash? Oo

Sensing Leland's confusion, Remy knew the more positive he was about this transition, the better Leland would be. "I am certain this will be a smooth transition, and I know Hawksley will be a good XO. I have done my best and have longed to be back in the engine room. I feel the new CO will appreciate this swap of positions, as the crew will adjust in time. You will be a great XO, Hawksley." Dodd was a little surprised, but deep down he was as giddy as a schoolboy to be back in his favourite section of the ship.

Looks at Dodd, then to Leland "Yes, Leland, you will become the new First Officer under Captain Alexandria Somers, and Remy will return to his old position; you could say out with the old and in with the new, if I am honest. Commanding a Starbase will be a refreshing change; also, you will both need to brief each other," she paused.

"Remy, Leland was part of the Retrofit and upgrade of this ship, so he will explain the Transverse Bulkheads and all new upgrades to the ship," she said.

"I would greatly appreciate the updates from the current Chief Engineer as I get to become reacquainted with engineering and learn the new systems that have made our li'l ole ship all shiny and new," Dodd replied. "Also, I would be happy to talk about being XO but feel that the New Captain Somers and Commander Hawksley would make a great team."

Leland swallowed, his Adam's apple visibly showing. “I understand.” He replied in a solid, understanding tone. His brain exploded. Every neuron fired in surprise. He had known there was, at some point, to be a shake-up, but not like this…

“I will brief the incoming Chief of… Of Engineering.” Leland felt almost sad, but at the same time it was as Somers had said: out with the old, in with the new. And if Leland was to advance in the near future, he would at least need to take up positions as they became available, or vice versa. He would have to begin immediately researching every type of command resource available. Hawksley turned to Remy, screaming in his mind, so Remy’s Betazoid self could hear... oO I am about to have a meltdown… Oo

“Captain. The change will occur once the new Captain has boarded.” Leland’s mind exploded. oO Oh dear Lord… What… What if it is another Somers?! Alex has been on board many times before… Very stringent… she was… Oo

The Captain looked at Leland "Relax, Commander, these new appointments start at the next mission. The new Commanding Officer will be introduced, and your change around will also be mentioned before the mission briefing starts," she answered Leland's question "I hope both of you will give the new CO the best you have to offer!" Somers said.

"So between the time we dock and shore leave begins, you will both be able to brief each other on your positions. Any questions?" She asked.

Hawksley looked to Dodd and then back to Somers. “No, Ma’am. Thank you, Captain.” He lent a small, relaxed smile now.

"We should have no issues with that request, ma'am," Dodd stated very firmly as he had visions of a different kind of docking with Jasmine involved. But he shuffled his thoughts to avoid embarrassment in front of her and Hawksley. "In fact, I think Hawksley will have more to brief than I will. After all, the XO is always a fluid role as to what is happening. But we can be sure to cover all I know needs to be passed along." Dodd added.

"I think we'll be spending an afternoon on the fairways... A friendly game of golf between two XO's. A chance to talk." Leland chuckled, glancing at Dodd.

Dodd heard the word 'fairways', and he had thoughts of Jasmine standing in a field wearing a silk dress that fell away to the ground as she then offered herself to him. Quickly, he realised his mind was wandering. "Yes, yes, we can go swinging at some dimpled orbs and chew the fat and guzzle some brewskis. I am game for that." He then shifted his hands to his lap.

Jasmine studied Dodd and noted his lapses where his mind's eye was seeing something that was not present; she supposed he would deal with whatever was currently running through his mind.

*Smiling* "Great to debrief each other over booze and golf, should be a fun day for you both, but Remy just for you to know Leland had more than just a passing hand in rebuilding the Tomcat, so she is a little different than when you were the original CEO" JAsmine said.

Leland huffed a quiet laugh… glanced at Dodd, then back to Somers.

“Yes, Ma’am. She’s… a little different now. I’ll walk Commander Dodd through the bits that’ll bite if he treats her like the old girl.” He winked.

“And I’ll try not to hustle him too bad on the fairway!..”

*Smiling* "Excellent now both of you are dismissed, you know what you have to do" she said and watched the pair leave her room and for a moment she was alone, she sighed and stood up tugging her tunic down "well time to dock this ship" she said and returned to the bridge.

[OFF]

 

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