Stardate: 60313:2314
Title: Interesting Beginnings
Author: Maxine Jenna
Time: Current
Scene: Starbase 9 / USS Relentless


Maxine stepped off the USS Exeter and onto Starbase 9, eager to begin work on her new commission. The crew of the Exeter had made her feel at home for the few weeks she was 'catching a lift' from Starbase 45 to Starbase 9, and she had even helped out, where possible, with the Science Department's latest tasks and analysis.

The Relentless lay berthed a few docks away, the ablative armour coating visible at this distance. The last few pieces were being applied, a good indication that the ship was ready to commence her journey beyond Federation
borders.

Anticipation clawed at Maxine's stomach. She had worked on the Flagship as a Science Officer, transferred to the Argo Starbase a few years previously, and had transferred to the USS Explorer recently, although the post had been short-lived. Even though she was used to moving around and starting a new commission, the butterflies always pulled at her stomach. What if she didn't get on with the crew? What if she wasn't up to the job? What if...

She knew it was silly - she was sociable, had been awarded a distinction and service award at her last assignment, and had had an entry for bravery entered as well. It was just the scientist in her running through all the possible
scenarios.

~

Boarding the Relentless, Maxine took her small holdall to her quarters and quickly unpacked. She travelled light - always had. A few personal effects and bare essentials were placed around the room - not enough to make it homely, but enough to make it 'her space'. After checking her comm system and the ship's systems for any relevant news, she proceeded to the bridge to meet Captain Khavok and officially begin her stint as the Acting Chief Science Officer.

~

The turbolift doors opened up onto the bridge, and Maxine looked around for either Captain Khavok or Lt. Commander Winters. Having read the Captain's non-classified profile and having served with Abigail Winters previously, she knew what they both looked like, and so realised that neither was present. After standing silently for a few moments, she moved across to the Operations Officer, who it appeared was also the Watch Officer.

"Lieutenant Maxine Jenna, Acting Chief Science Officer. I'm to report to the Commanding Officer..." She stood at a relaxed attention.

The Operations Officer looked a little sheepish, opening his mouth slightly but saying nothing.

"Is there a problem, Lieutenant?" Maxine asked.

Hesitation, again.

Maxine raised her eyebrows in question.

"No, Lieutenant..." He began. "Captain Khavok has been... 'delayed'. The XO is sorting things out with the Starbase personnel."

Maxine thanked the Lieutenant before returning to her quarters. She hadn't thought to check the Starbase 9 computer system for news. As she read the report, she realised that she DEFINITELY hadn't expected him to be under arrest. But she knew Abigail from the Explorer, and knew that she was capable. Debating whether or not to see if she could assist the XO, she decided first to take a shower and remove the air of having travelled before the fun REALLY began...


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Lieutenant Maxine Jenna
Acting Chief Science Officer
USS Relentless
NCC-11966
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