An Invitation: Kiernan Gallagher

Posted on 11/28/2020 @ 4:40pm by Lieutenant Commander Kiernan Gallagher VII
Edited on on 03/02/2021 @ 6:21pm

Mission: S3E1: Time of Change
Location: Exploratory Corps Offices, Federation Headquarters Earth
Timeline: Day 92 at 0830

If ever there was a plum spot for a science officer, it would be the Sitting Bull and if ever there was a good fit for Chief Science Officer, it would be Kiernan Gallagher. As he worked his way down his list of candidates for department heads for the Sitting Bull, Gallagher was at the top. So, dressed in a navy blue sweater and loose-fitting gray slacks, he sat with one hand wrapped around a cup of coffee, for the first time without the Crazy Horse's logo, and made the connection.

Kiernan had gotten out of the sonic shower of his and Oskar's temporary quarters on Earth when the desktop workstation came to life, beeping with a message coming in. He yelled for Oskar to get it, but he didn't see Oskar or Otis. He found a note on the desk that he took the pug for a walk. Sighing, he pulled on a robe and tied the sash around his waist. He went to the desk, sat and entered in his access number to receive the call. The screen came to life with Captain D'Anvers staring at him. Kiernan pulled the top of his robe tighter around.

"Captain?" Kiernan said, a bit of surprise in his voice, he then quickly composed himself. "What do I owe the pleasure?"

"Sorry to interrupt your shore leave," Cian said. "There's been a development and I wanted to speak to you about it. Is now a good time or ... would later be better?"

Kiernan's curiosity was now piqued, it wasn't everyday a commanding officer contacted anyone out of the blue. "This is a good time, sir," he said, following that with a nod.

"Good, good," Cian said. He had one hand looped around his coffee mug, one finger idly rubbing the side now devoid of the Crazy Horse logo. "So, the Federation Council has offered me command of an EC vessel, the Sitting Bull, that's going to be headed into a previously unmapped region of space. I've already wrestled with this, since it means transferring out of Starfleet, but I've decided to take the position. And, I'd like you to come with me, as Chief Science Officer." He listed his hand from the mug, spreading both in front of him for a moment. "Now, its strictly your decision. If you choose to remain aboard the Crazy Horse, I'll let Captain Channe know what a fine officer he's getting but I hope you'll at least consider the Sitting Bull."

This was not what Kiernan had expected to hear, in fact all the scenarios that he was thinking of, this one had not even came to mind. The idea of going into uncharted areas had appealed to him... "I'm assuming all of the crew that man the Sitting Bull would need to transfer out of Starfleet as well?" He didn't know how he felt about that, all those years of dedication and experience had earned him the rank and position, he felt like he owed something back to Starfleet for even allowing him to be there. Then there was Oskar to think about...

"Will my partner, Doctor Oskar Ruseka, be able to join me on the Sitting Bull?"

"Yes and Yes. We will all have to transfer into the Pathfinders, with rank commensurate with experience, and there will be a test. Of course," Cian said. "Unlike the Crazy Horse, the Sitting Bull is actually designed to foster family and community. So as a family member, he has a spot. Now, if Doctor Ruseka is interested in becoming a member of the crew himself, he can apply to the EC directly."

Kiernan had been relieved to hear that Oskar would be able to join him, but he didn't know how the older man would have felt about leaving Starfleet. They would need to have a chat about this. But he didn't want to give up this change either, he didn't know much about the ship or the EC, but to get out into unknown space had tugged at his scientific curiosity. He found himself nodding before he spoke. "Yes, I'll accept." He thought for sure he would have regretted saying 'yes' the moment the word left his lips, but instead he felt excited by this new prospect.

Cian smiled, warm and welcoming, as he leaned forward. "Wait to you see her," he said. "Science is well represented and with an Academy branch on board, you'll have cadets to help with the grunt work. Anyway, I digress. We'll get your transfer orders started and you can report aboard once them come through. Any questions?"

The smile from the captain was welcomed and it set Kiernan at even more ease. D'Anvers also tickled his science funny bone by talking about how well represented the sciences would be on aboard the Sitting Bull. "Thank you, sir, for this opportunity. I look forward to serving with you once again." Now, all that would be left would be to have a conversation with Oskar about this newest development.

"I'm glad we'll have you on board, Lieutenant." He paused long enough to shift the direction of his thoughts and added, "you should be receiving an invitation before long for a party I'm throwing. I hope that you and Oscar will both attend."

Kiernan had wished he could say that he loved a good party, but for the most part all those people gathered would make him nervous and anxious. However, Oskar would no doubt want to go. Besides, he figured it might be fun to get to be with people in an off-duty capacity. Pomp, circumstance and rank went out the window when parties tended to happen. Of course this hinged on Oskar and what he would want to do. "Great, I'll let Oskar know," he replied.

"No dress uniforms," Cian said, his hand up, palm forward, for a moment as though warding off something unpleasant. "But I'll send you the details. So, I think that's it. Wait for transfer orders and my invitation but other than that, enjoy your shore leave."

At the mention of a dress uniform, Kiernan almost made a face, but held it in check. His dress uniform hung on a hanger in the closet, barely ever used. "Alright, will do... and, once again, thank you, captain."

"My pleasure, Lieutenant, my pleasure." Cian closed the connection, smiling as he did so.

A Post by:

Captain Cian D'Anvers
Commanding Officer
USS Crazy Horse (for now)

and

Lieutenant Kiernan M. Gallagher VII, PhD
Chief Science Officer
Formerly of the USS Crazy Horse