Back in the Saddle Again

Posted on 01 Nov 2015 @ 11:43am by Commander Terry Walsh

796 words; about a 4 minute read

Mission: Rude Awakening
Location: USS Black Hawk, Flight Deck & Squadron CO’s Office
Timeline: MD-6, 1005

Terry was on the Flight Deck performing a general walk-through. He wanted to stay along the walls of the hangar so as not to attract too much attention. His official introduction to everyone would be made later after he had met with a few of the squadron staff first. The Valkyries were still coming in by two-ship and the place was noisy with all the sounds associated with a full squadron being brought back aboard.

He paused next to a shipping container and thought back for a moment. The last time he was in here, it was to fly the Tigris on a mission. The time before that, it was to check out the support craft on the flight deck, which led to a beach-side meal and an exchange of...pleasantries. But all of that was as the Assistant Flight Control Chief and Chief Support Craft Pilot. Now, he was Lieutenant Commander Terry Walsh, Squadron Commander in charge of twenty versatile, multi-role Valkyrie starfighters. I’ve got to get a message to sis later, he thought, she and the rest of the family will be ecstatic. In the meantime, I’ve got just a few minutes left to get something prepared for the staff briefing. Just in case..

There really wasn’t much to put in the report for the staff briefing that the Captain didn’t already know. The Valkyries were still arriving, personal belongings for squadron personnel was being transported to the cargo bay, and room assignments were beginning to go out. The starfighters were already primed and mission ready. Fact is, they probably had been for quite some time. The transfer of an entire squadron from a starbase to starship was a logistical feat. Orders had to be cut well in advance to allow all support personnel to prepare their personal affairs as well as fighters and equipment.

Terry exited the flight deck and took the nearest lift to Deck 13, where he expected he might find his office. It was just down the hall from Flight Deck Operations, which had a large window opening out to the flight deck. Upon entering the office, Terry saw how spartan it was. He made a mental note to bring in a few of his things to spruce it up a bit and personalize it.

He sat down behind the desk and took a deep breath. Interlacing his hands behind his head, Terry leaned back and swiveled the chair to his right. He then propped his feet up on the edge of the desk and closed his eyes to let it all sink in. The whole thing seemed surreal, especially in such a short amount of time. While he sat there, eyes closed and relaxed, the doors to his office slid open.

“Yeah, just put it on the requisition request for Engineering, that will...oh, uh.” The individual paused for a second and noticed that the man had his feet propped on the desk. He cleared his throat, “There’s not supposed to be anyone in here. Can I help you?”

Terry opened his eyes and noticed a Petty Officer standing in his office. “Just checking out the chair. It’s really comfortable.” He smiled, guessing that the Petty Officer didn’t know who he was. “Is there anything I can do you for you?”

The young man was taken aback by the apparent pilot’s arrogant attitude. “All do respect, sir, I was just getting ready to use this office to brief the Flight Boss. I’m sure he wouldn’t appreciate scuff marks on the desk.”

“Then I suppose I’ll hang around for your brief, Petty Officer...what was it again? I didn’t catch your name,” said Terry.

“Dahlberg, Petty Officer Dahlberg. And I’ll have you know that this briefing was requested by the Flight Boss, sir. And he is heading this way...” Dahlberg was cut off by the swishing sound of the doors as they opened. The Flight Boss had arrived. Petty Officer Dahlberg turned around and said, “I’m sorry, but this pilot has commandeered the office.”

Terry took his feet off the desk stood as the Flight Boss walked over. He extended his hand, “Lieutenant Commander Walsh, the brand-spanking-new squadron commander of the ‘Black Knights.’ Shall we make this briefing quick? I’ve got to get to a senior staff briefing soon.” He sat back down and pulled a PADD out of the desk drawer.

Oh hell no, Dahlberg thought. No way that’s him. Why didn’t he say something instead of letting me go on like that. His shoulders slumped as he realized that his was not the way to introduce himself to his new Department Head.

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