Breaking in the Third Officer (who will eventually be XO)

Posted on Mon May 25th, 2026 @ 6:24pm by Commodore Elias McEntyre & Commander Isabella Garcia & Ensign Vesper Wells

1,369 words; about a 7 minute read

Mission: Prologue
Location: Ready Room
Timeline: Search for the Gate, Day 3

Elias leaned back in his chair. A stack of PADDs on his desk for all the new transfers onto Guin for this expedition. Most were stacked by departments. Some like Drevas, who he meet when he was coming aboard just before the ship cast off was stacked in another pile. Vesper was good at her job.

Elias picked up a PADD, one for the new Third Officer. Isabella Garcia. Former Engineer, aced the Command Training Program with ease. Her former COs had stacks of letters for her favor. No nonsense, takes advice and opinions well. Elias liked that, he was the same way. COs adn XOs who never listen to those under their command never go far. Though some end up Admirals, like Edward Jellico.

Elias tapped the Comm Panel on his desk.

"Yeoman, pass the word for Commander Garcia to report to my Ready Room."

"Of course, Sir," Vesper replied, her voice holding its usual soft and breezy tone. She paused tapping on her screen to take a quick sip of cool tea and put the call through. The mention of the new First Officer piqued her interest. "Yeoman Wells to Commander Garcia, please report to the Commodore's Office."

A few minutes later, outside the door stood Commander Isabella Garcia. She stood short at only five foot five, yet it didn't stop the commanding aura that she eminated. Her uniform was pristine and neat, and her bright emerald eyes faced forward. Isabella's black hair which was tied up in two low pigtails over her shoulders was complimented by her slightly darker tanned skin. She she reached forward and pressed the chime, standing straight after her fnger made contact with the doors control panel.

Elias straightened his uniform as he called out. "Come In"

The doors parted with a swish and Isabella walked in. She had been in the ready room before, however everytime she entered she noticed something new or interesting. From the huge bookcase full of books, to the family photographs and finally the painting of a old United Earth Ship hanging on the wall. Such lavish decoration was unheard of where she spent her childhood on the old freighter. "You wanted to see me sir?" she asked as she stepped up to the desk.

"Yes, Commander, stand at ease." Elias nodded as he spoke, gesturing to one of the two big chairs that were in front of his desk.

"I've been going over the files of the new officers that came aboard recently and I wanted to meet, get to know my new Third Officer and Night Watch Commander." Elias began as he picked up the PADD with her file on it.

"Though I am surprised to see a Boomer, don't see many enter the Space Service anymore" Elias commented, referencing her birthplace on a Federation Cargo ship.

"That industry is rather backwards in my opinion." Isabella stated simply. "I enlisted into Starfleet to avoid being forced and expected into commanding an old vessel that quite frankly shakes once we hit warp four, and is held together with duck tape and sheer dumb luck."

"That sounds like my first posting. Old Springfield Class. Held together by hopes and prayers." Elias chuckled a bit.

"Your file was very impressive. Engineering background, aced the CTP in record time. So tell me, what drew you to the Guin? Other than my requesting you?" Elias probed curiously with a tilt of his head in cat like fashion.

"You requested me. I'm a Starfleet officer. I wanted to go into Command and there was an opening here." Isabella said simply. "It made sense."

Elias nodded before he continued. "Direct and to the point. I like that" He said.

"Though it was also noted by Captain Maalsuwda of the Valkyrie that you have a temper that would make a Tellerite blush. Omar Maalsuwda is a friend. So, I am placing you as the Night Watch Commanding Officer. You're also Third Officer of Guin. You think you're up for commanding the graveyard shift?"

"Yes sir." Isabella said. "And also sir, yes I do have a temper. But I am doing my best to improve on that part of myself." she replied.

"That is good to hear and I look forward to seeing your growth as an officer. Do you have any questions for me?" Elias queried.

Isabella pondered for a moment. "Yes sir I do. Do I have a list of personnel that will be on the bridge during the Night Shift? I would like to review their personnel files."

Elias passed over a PADD to Isabella. "Full roster, if you want to make changes, submit your changes before end of Alpha Watch at 1600 Hours."

She took the PADD and quickly skimmed the contents. "I will ensure that I take a proper look at this sir." she said simply. "I do have another question sir. We are looking for this transwarp gate correct? Exactly what are our orders upon finding the gate sir? Those have yet to be shared."

Elias nods with a smile. "Our orders are to activate the gate, send a probe through to determine where the gate leads to and then go through."

"Go through..." Isabella mirrored. "And we believe that this is Borg technology? What if we find it leads to the slap bang middle of a huge unimatrix? I'd rather not be assimilated into the collective sir. I hear that those implants aren't very good for your health."

"That's why we send the Iliad probe through first. Analyze the data before going through ourselves."

Isabella nodded. "And do we know how to activate this gateway?" She asked simply. "I apologise if I am over-stepping. However, I believe that we should all be singing off the same song sheet so to speak. We don't know much about Borg Transwarp technology, even with the records that Captain Janewway brought back from the Delta Quadrant."

"Dr. Ty'ris will be working on the gate problem once we find the thing. Think of it like this, if it goes to the Delta Quadrant somewhere, it's a chance to really explore that part of the galaxy. If it goes no where fast, we close the gate. According to the Reclamation Project this gate is different but they're not even sure why, only that it was buried in deep memory."

"I see," Isabella responded. "So, if this gateway does lead to the Delta Quadrant. We're just to go off and merrily explore?" she asked simply. "According to what I've read, its not exactly the friendliest quadrant to be in. No offense sir, but it doesn't just sounds stupid, it sounds suicidal."

"With what we know now, we can have a better chance than Voyager did. That gate would be a permanent gate to a fixed point, throw up a starbase and it's a beachhead to new frontiers." Elias countered.

"Starfleet wouldn't had assigned me if they knew the mission couldn't be done."

"I see." Isabella said simply. "So we're to scout ahead and see whats there first? This is an awfully well armed ship just for scouting don't you think? Plus, its not the fastest ship we have in the fleet. Wouldn't something smaller and faster have been a better choice sir?"

"Guin is a special lady. Built to chart the Briar Patch, alongside her sister ships. Her sensor suite is some of the most bleeding edge tech Starfleet has mounted to a starship. She's sleek, nimble. Her designer called her "A Thief in the Night"." Elias elaborated as he leaned back in his chair, hands clasped together.

"I see," Isabella said as she pondered on his words. "Well, I have no more questions sir." she added.

"Then I will not keep you, Commander. Welcome aboard, Ms. Garcia." Elias said as he rose, extending one of his massive paws.

Isabella took one of his paws and attempted her best at a handshake with the commodore. She gave him a polite nod. "Thankyou sir." she said simply. After releasing his hand she turned swiftly on a heel and made her way out of the room.

-----
Commodore Elias McEntyre
Commanding Officer
USS Guinevere

Commander Isabella Garcia
Third Officer
USS Guinevere

Ensign Vesper Wells
Yeoman
USS Guinevere

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