<USS Avalon> Promising Opportunity

Promising Opportunity

by Captain Keith Ketchum and Lieutenant Commander Anthony Manson

Captain's Ketchum call came in and then quickly cut off. Anthony was normally 
used to be able to respond, but it aired urgency- or so he thought. Looking at 
his lunch, he hadn't felt much for eating, and looking back at Alder. "Gotta 
go."

"Okay, see after... you want that?" Alder thumbed at Anthony's plate. 

Chuckling, Anthony pushed his plate to Alder and walked out of the lounge. 
Quickly making way to Keith's office, he pressed the chime.

Looking up from one of the numerous PADDs on his desk, Keith spoke quickly and 
almost with disdain, "Enter". The doors parted.

Anthony walked in. He pondered for the split second if he should relax a 
little, but then thought against it, "you wanted to see me Captain."

Laying the PADD down, "Yes, Commander, I did. Please sit down." Keith stood and 
walked around the desk and leaned on the front while he waited for Anthony to 
get comfortable.

Anthony took his seat, "What's.. happened?"

"I talked to Commodore Crusher, she was given the issues that occurred with the 
Avalon... the Rydyns and with Lol... sees command has been very busy as of late 
that they gave it to the Academy Head." He paused to let this part sink in. 
"But I just talked to her, and the Rydyn's are under control. Unfortunately, 
Lol is still on the loose."

"There hasn't been an update from Commander Sierra's and his team?" Anthony 
leaned forward on his seat. He was grateful that Command had the Rydyns under 
control, but it that explanation seemed to distract them from their real main 
focus.

Keith shook his head, "No update, unfortunately, but they are under covert 
means, so comm traffic with them is minimal", taking a breath, "which brings me 
to actually why I called you here."

Continuing, "I need someone that can assist while he is off ship, so I am going 
to ask you, and you have every right to turn me down. I would like you to 
assume the duties of Second Officer in Mr. Sierra's absence."

Blinking, and Anthony managed to keep his jaw from gaping. "I.. I accept, I 
mean, yes. I mean," Anthony bobbed his head, "I'll give it my best."

"I'm sure you will, Mr. Manson. This will be only temporary, as I do hope that 
Mr. Sierra returns to us in one piece." Keith walked back around the desk, "If 
you do well on this, it will look very good on your record, and half the fleet 
will be trying to take you from me. But do good anyway." Keith smiled.

Anthony smiled nodding his head, "I will. Thank you, Captain, for the 
opportunity."

"You are still quite welcome. Now, I have informed the bridge that the crew is 
recalled within three hours. And I have a meeting with Commodore Crusher in the 
morning about our next mission, something about Romulans and Ferengi. Once that 
is complete, we'll be underway." Keith finally sat down.

"Nodding, I'll make sure the crew are accounted for. Command has transferred a 
few new people. Their quarters will be ready when they get here. The rest of 
the ships current status and everything else I sent to you." Anthony shrugged, 
"not much to report on."

"Yes, it is on one of these PADDs", motioning to the pile on his desk, "And to 
update you, this evening, I will be attending a dinner at the Alpha Centauri 
Embassy with my father and daughter. Since it may be a while before we are back 
this way again." Sighing, "Anything else, Commander, if not, dismissed."

Shaking his head, "No, nothing else."

"Then go, enjoy the rest of your shoreleave. I'll see you on the bridge in the 
morning."


                
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