A New Operations Officer Part 2

Posted on 09 Nov 2026 @ 1:52pm by Lieutenant Karyn Somers & Ensign Tevik

3,156 words; about a 16 minute read

Mission: Orientation Posts
Location: Starbase 51/Various
Timeline: Current

[ON]

Karyn stood up "Okay, Ensign, let's give you that intro tour. Your kitbag will be okay here; just remember to pick it up after we have finished," she said, heading out of the office as the doors whooshed open. She remained in the doorway, keeping them open, allowing the Ensign to follow.

As the pair left the office, Karyn led them into the nearest lift. When both were in and the doors closed, "Holodeck Prime," she said, and the lift began to move.

"We have two extremely large holodecks: Prime and Holodeck One; all other holodecks are standard size. The Starbase has an arboretum, a very large one, and from what I know, it has a Moose in it. Do not ask; I did not. There are many bars, diners and cafes, and nightclubs; some do retro nights. This would be vintage Human music. There is also a shady area where under-the-table dealings happen. Security knows about it, and we have an agreement: discounted real alcohol, and if they come across any information that could be detrimental to the safety of this station, they are to offer it up freely; in turn, we let them be. It is not an ideal arrangement, but a required one considering where we are stationed, but personal quarters are perfectly safe and secure, as are the facilities," she said and fell silent, allowing any observations or questions from the Ensign.

After Somers gave him a brief intro to the station, Tevik finally spoke up. "The station is most impressive. I will make it a point to stop by the arboretum as well as visit the many diners and cafes. Perhaps even visit the nightclubs to get a feel for their atmosphere and the music they play. As for shady areas, I will strive to avoid them, as I wish nothing to interfere with my posting on the Tomcat, and sometimes one must do what one must to survive. It is also good to know that personal quarters are safe and secure."

Karyn simply smiles as the doors open on the holodeck level; she leads the way, and after a short time they arrive at the holodeck. She taps on the wall interface.

"Program is running; enter when ready," the computer dutifully responded. Karyn stepped forward, and the doors opened to a private disembarkation/Embarkation area.

- Holodeck Prime - SB51 Tomcat Simulcrum -

"As you see, this is the place you come to on the real station when you board or leave; this area is for the ship's crew and maintenance personnel". Karyn paused as they walked into view of the exterior of the Tomcat.

"There she is; the ship is no longer a stock Akira Class. She has upgraded weapons and defences; I believe she now has 7x Type XI Phaser arrays, thanks to the latest fabrication and construction methods, but until there are more advanced methods, those phaser arrays are the maximum for this remodelled ship. The one thing that has remained on her is the 1x Pulse fire Photon torpedo launcher pod with 500 rounds, auto-reloadable (PDS) Point Defence System. She also got 4 forward-firing Quantum torpedoes and two aft launchers" Karyn paused as she inhaled.

"The ship's saucer has also been remodelled to accommodate 74 One-man Combat Drop Pods under the main saucer and around the inside near the Deflector Dish. She also has an Experimental Emergency Holographic Warp Core designed to give a projected 12 hours of extra Emergency Power to Defensive systems and Life Support. I heard that they simulated the core to use for weapons, so picture the power issues the Defiant had when it was taken out of mothballs by Captain Sisko; then you have an idea of the power imbalance, but for those systems I just mentioned, it works fine" Another pause.

"The ship has three Squadrons of Gryphon-class single-seat fighter variants; each squadron has 12 fighters. There is a Fleet Squadron, a 95th Rifle Squadron and a Klingon Squadron, and finally, before we enter the ship, there are 467 Rifles stationed on her, and I think there are four troop transport shuttles they use when needed. Any questions?" Karyn asked.

Tevik was silent as Somers detailed the specifications of the Tomcat. It was most impressive. When she asked whether he had any questions, he nodded. "The ship is singularly impressive and would be without the upgrades to it. The class is well known for its power imbalance along with the offensive weapons it carries. In addition, the three fighter squadrons and marines onboard add to the appearance of a truly formidable starship able to handle any problem it is handed or encounters." He looked at Somers. "Will I be able to look at the Tomcat's power distribution network? I am curious to see how they channel the immense power that they have at their fingertips." he stopped to look around the ship. "Fascinating. Simply fascinating."

He finished his examination and asked, "May we continue our tour? There is still much to hear, to see and to commit to memory."

As the pair walked the walkway and into the ship, he said, "I mention these things to you as an Operations Officer being given the basic capabilities of the ship is a must; should you need any further technical information, you will need to speak to Lieutenant Commander Hawksley; he was one of the officers who was part of the retrofit and upgrade of the ship." Karyn paused as they walked the stark white corridor and stopped at the first intersection.

"All intersections like this have two types of safety features; the first is atmospheric forcefields, which are standard in all ships, but unlike other ships, this one has a physical feature known as transverse bulkheads. They only deploy if the energy barriers fail. She paused long enough for Tevik to study the section before moving on.

"This ship has two holodecks, Officer quarters, ensigns on up get their own quarters, one or two Enlisted also have solo quarters, one of those confirmed is the Chief of the Boat, the other is the Captain's Yeoman, all other Enlisted have bunk quarters, simular to what used to be on the NX Class, but a little bigger as there is 4 to a bunk room not two, there is also holoemitters fitted throughout the ship, think of the Prometheus class holoemitters and you have the idea, any questions before we head to the Flight deck?" She asked.

Tevik listened attentively as Somers spoke of the Tomcat's safety and security features. "A cabin to myself will be a luxury and one I will make full use of. In addition to the holoemitters, does the Tomcat have the Emergency Medical hologram, and can the emitters be used to transport the EMH to all parts of the ship?"

"A Mark Three hologram, the first of a new breed of EMH's, holoemitters being installed throughout the ship would allow the EMH to arrive in an area it could not before. Also, I am told the EMH Mk III is female, but it has never been used," she responded.

They entered the nearest lift, and when the doors closed, "Flight deck," she said, and the lift whisked them to the requested destination.

- Flight Deck -

The lift opened onto the flight deck, and the pair walked into the rear area. "There is one office at the rear for the Chief of the Boat and four cargo bays with spares and supplies for the fighters and other auxillary ships," she said as they walked further into the bay and approached a fighter.

"This is the standard single-seat fighter, Gryphon Class; it replaced the Valkyrie classes this ship once had. The basic flight deck of the Tomcat is that of a standard Akira Class, so no change there; this ship has three fighter squadrons: one is Fleet the 100th, callsign Raiders; the 101st, the 95th Rifle, callsign Rebels; and the 102nd is a Klingon squadron, callsign Reds. Any questions before we move to Engineering?" She asked

Tevik took in the flight deck, especially the new Gryphon-class fighter. "Most impressive. You mentioned that the Tomcat has three fighter squadrons. How many fighters are in a squadron? In addition, is at least one squadron active at all times? I have no other questions. We may proceed to Engineering." Tevik replied evenly.

"Twelve fighters per squadron, so that is thirty-six fighters in total, not including spares and reserve fighters. Yes, there is one squadron active when out on a mission; the other two are on standby," Karyn answered.

As they headed to the lift, your Department Head is Lieutenant Maria McMahon. You will report to her at your first opportunity, basically before the ship goes out on its next mission," She said as they entered the lift. When the doors closed ", Engineering!" She said, and the lift whisked them to the requested destination.

- Engineering Level -

As they stepped out onto the Engineering level, "I am showing you key parts of the ship. There are many other places; those you will be able to look for when you board the ship. When time permits, also please do not ask me too many technical questions beyond what a layperson could answer; I am a former Marine of the 95th Rifles, not an engineer," Karyn added.

Tevik nodded, "Of course, Lieutenant. Any questions I may have will not be technical in nature."

With a nod in response, "This is the new engineering; it is a little different setup from how it originally looked. That is due to more advanced tech; it is the same as the earlier stuff, but a bit more advanced. I read that most of the new systems let the ship's systems run at least 25% over the baseline 100% operational tolerances. I am just reciting what I have read; all I understand of that is that the ship's Warp, Impulse, and other systems work better than they used to," she finished with a little laugh.

"Fascinating. I shall look into this in more detail once I am aboard ship." Tevik replied.

As they walked into main Engineering, they saw the Warp Core "This is the latest Warp Core. I do not know its tech specs, but I do know that it allows all the new systems and warp engines to operate above standard; it is needed to account for the more powerful weapons," she said and walked over to a console. "This is the console that will activate that holographic warp core I mentioned; it has yet to be tested in the field, so it could work, or it could not", she said and led the way to the adjoining room "This is where the Computer Core resides; it is the latest from Starfleet R&D. I am told it is set up to work closely with the security codes you have been given and not just the standard codes which officers are given. Main engineering has four levels. Any questions before we move on?" Karyn asked.

Tevik shook his head from side to side. "No questions, Lieutenant, just an observation. The Tomcat's new engineering technology is truly interesting, and I will indeed be studying it more closely once I am aboard."

"You will need to speak to Lieutenant Commander Leland Hawksley, who was one of the main engineers on the refit", Karyn said. "Now we visit what is commonly known among the ship's crew as Marine Country, home of the 95th Rifles, well, the ones that are stationed on the Tomcat anyways. As I recently understand it, the MCO has been reassigned, and the MXO is on leave; do not ask me for the details. I do not ask, and they do ot tell me beyond the basics of what I need to know," she added.

She led them to the lift, and when both entered and the doors had closed, "Marine Country," she said, and the lift started to move, she looked at him "I am only showing you the main areas; everything else you will need to find out for yourself, so after Marine Country we will visit Medical and finally the bridge. There is a Stellar Cartography section on the ship, but is one of the systems that was not overtly upgraded, the systems were upgraded, but it is a smaller version of what the Galaxy Class had, again you can explore in your own time" she said and paused to see if the Ensign had any comments.

"Understood. I will visit those areas and departments as well as familiarise myself with them at a later date.' Tevik replied in the usual cool Vulcan manner.

- Marine Country -

The lift stopped and opened into a quiet section, a section that was utilitarian in nature as they walked the halls they came to three offices "these three offices belong to the MCO or RCO, the RXO and the Company Sergeant Major, in this current case it is Chief Warrant Officer K'Muss a Caitian officer, the current RXO is Second Lieutenant Elora Rykov currently on leave, the former RCO was First Lieutenant S'earr, the official reason was reassignment, but rumour has it that he could not stand being on a starship as he was limited to what he was allowed to do and he had to muffle his predator instincts" she paused.

"But I do not always go by rumours, as there is no proof, so I accept the official line. Back to business: this level and another two levels are dedicated to the Rifles. They have a weight room, training area, enlisted quarters and a specially adapted holodeck equipped to handle the type of training holos they usually do. Any response or questions so far?" She asked.

"Do the Marines interact with fleet personnel, or is there a rivalry between the two factions?" Tevik questioned as he looked at his surroundings. Oh. You mentioned a Lieutenant S'earr and that there was a rumour about his predatory instincts. What species is S'earr?" Tevik questioned.

"Yes, on both accounts, Rifles and Fleet interact, but there is a friendly rivalry between them, as both have to work closely together," she said. "Lieutenant S'earr is Caitian, a Caitian who likes to hunt and such never does well on a ship or starbase; there is likely more to his reassignment than we will ever know," she added.

"A rivalry is good as long as it maintains its friendly atmosphere; then all can benefit from it. I look forward to learning more and seeing it in action." Tevik answered. "Not that this matters now, as S'earr has been reassigned, but could he not use the holodeck to hunt?"

"Yes, but his senses would be able to tell the difference between the holodeck and the real world", Karyn said, then led the way past the Klingon section and to the next turbolift "Yes, the Klingon section has not changed, and the smell is replicated exactly", she added, wrinkling her nose at the smell. Then they entered the turbolift as the doors closed "Bridge," she said, then looked at Tevik "Security, we will give a miss, as that setup has not changed even with the retrofit, but the bridge now has been updated in layout", Karyn added.

Tevik stiffened at the overwhelming smell coming from the Klingon section. "Most odious. That will take some getting used to." He observed as he entered the lift with Somers. "I must admit I am looking forward to seeing the bridge, especially after it has been refitted. For engineers love to change things."

"Hopefully, as Operations Officer, you may not need to come to this area often, but if you do, remember to use that compound you Vulcans use to dampen the smell of anything non-Vulcan; it will help where the Klingon section is concerned," Karyn said. "Yes, Engineers do love to change things around," she added.

- Bridge -

The lift opened out onto the bridge; as they left the lift, the door closed, then she began, "On the standard Akira Bridge, most bridge stations that are not helm face the rear, but off to our left is the bridge entrance to the CRR, then going round to the right is the helm and Navigation stations. Apparently, when the outgoing Commander got command over eighteen years ago, the helm station was the same as the Intrepid class; now it is more like the Sovereign class. Then there is communications, which is the first of only two stations that face forward; then all other stations face the back wall, like the Engineering and Science Bridge Stations. The Bridge Ops station is in the middle, directly behind the Captain's seat; then, coming around the second station to face forward, is the Security and Tactical Station" She paused.

Then here in the middle is the Captain's seat, on the right is the First Officer and on the left is the Ship's Counsellor; as you see, those three chairs are on an elevated position, much like the Constitution three-class ships," Karyn said, then added ", Anything from observations or questions?" She asked.

Tevik didn't answer immediately. He circled the bridge, studying each station and committing it to memory. He finally stopped his tour of the bridge to face Somers. "A very efficient and logical layout of the bridge stations. My compliments to the designers."

"Yes, I think so too, but unless you have any questions, the tour is complete, and we can return to the Security Office where you can pick up your kitbag and then be released to your own devices until the next mission briefing", she said.

Tevik didn't rush an answer as he looked around the bridge one more time. Finally,y his gaze settled on Somers. "No, no questions. I can do further research as well as get more information should I need or desire it on my own. Let us return to the Security office where I can collect my belongings and, as you stated, be left to my own devices."

She nodded. "Computer arch", she said, and there on the bridge appeared the holdeck arch "Okay, Ensign, head on back to the Security Office, collect your kitbag, and you are released to your own devices until the call for the next mission briefing is done, I have other duties to attend to" Karyn said.

Tevik did the Vulcan salute and left the holodeck

She nodded in response and watched the Ensign leave through the door. She looked around "Computer, End Program!" She said, and the view of the Tomcat's bridge vanished to be replaced by the familiar sight of a black and yellow grid, with which she also left the holodeck.

[OFF]

 

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