Good Morning, Commodore

Posted on Wed Jul 16th, 2025 @ 8:13am by Commodore Samantha York & Lieutenant Crisanto Venchi

1,347 words; about a 7 minute read

Mission: Broken Mirror
Location: USS Calypso | Deck 01 | Commodore's Ready Room

The gentle hum of the turbolift came to a stop with a soft shhhk as the doors parted. Lieutenant Crisanto Venchi stepped out onto the bridge of the USS Calypso, the flagship of the 7th Fleet. The alpha shift had not yet begun; lights were at a dimmed setting, and the quiet atmosphere held the serenity of a ship not yet fully awake.

Cradling a PaDD in one hand and smoothing the collar of his uniform with the other, Crisanto allowed himself a moment to take in the view. The Galaxy-II class bridge was larger than any he had previously served on, subtly reconfigured for long-duration exploration and strategic command. Even at rest, it radiated purpose.

He moved with calm purpose toward the Ready Room doors on the port side of the bridge. Commodore Samantha York (his new commanding officer) was just beyond those doors. A half-Betazoid and former science officer, York had a reputation for both precision and empathy, a combination Crisanto deeply respected and was excited though containable about working with.

He paused just outside, straightened, and tapped the door chime with the back of his hand.

Chime He listened to the sounds and took a deep breath.

He exhaled softly and waited, the PaDD steady in his grip, anticipation humming quietly behind his dark eyes.

Sam was trying to get a head start on paperwork. Even though the Calypso was mostly an explorer, it was still a flagship, and that, for some reason, brought more paperwork. When she heard the chime, she turned her PADD over and stood to greet the new arrival.

She could usually tune out surface thoughts, but the anticipation that radiated from the person at her door made her smile. "Come."

Crisanto Venchi proceeded into the Commodore's office and was immediately enamored. He could have been blindfolded and the aura of the woman's Ready Room would have whistled science officer. He felt that the very moment he crossed the threshold.

He gently placed the PaDD on the woman's desk. "Rear Amdmiral Snu'Pi wasn't clear if he got me this assignment or you requested me, ma'am, but either way, it's an honor."

Cris' eyes illuminated. It wasn't as though Samantha York over decorated, but the trinkets and knick-knacks showed a scientist with an appreciation for literature. She was certainly a woman of distinguished taste. "Seventh Fleet has a reputation that precedes itself."

"It does indeed. You can thank Admiral Snu'Pi for your transfer. But from your personnel file and your recommendation, I think you'll be a good fit." She noticed his interest in her bookshelf. "Are you a book lover, too?"

He nodded politely with her assessment. "I dabble in reading at least. I'm not nearly as well read as I'd want to be, but I read when I can. It's mostly nonfiction for me aside from an occasional poem."

"Science," added Crisanto. "That is what really holds my passion."

Sam waved to her bookshelf and her office. "As you can see, I'm a scientist who became a captain. I still try to keep up with the latest archaeological finds, but it can be difficult."

She pointed to the chair opposite her desk. "Please, have a seat and tell me what sort of science you're interested in. Would you like something from the replicator?"

"I was this close" he said making a gesture with his fingers. "To being a science officer. Actually, I started my time at Starfleet Academy on that track. I switched during the second semester of my Sophomore year" he elaborated.

Taking her up on the kindness, he walked over to the replicator. He glanced at her and smiled. "Computer, one glass of calamansi juice, chilled... and one mug of Canela tea, hot with two sugars." He placed the request and waited patiently before retrieving both beverages.

He placed the tea near Samantha and kept the juice nestled in his right hand as he carefully took a seat. "To answer your question, the astrosciences, Commodore. Not really much of a surprise given where I was spat out in this uniform. If I'm not at my bridge station setting a course, I'm likely in Stellar Cartography preparing for the journey. Though I have a deep appreciation for psychology, but consider myself having minored in Zoology."

She raised an eyebrow at the canela tea, but only nodded her thanks. "You're welcome to spend time in astrometrics. Our chief science officer is Aenar Torek. Just let him know." She took a sip of her tea. "What else should I know about you?" Except that he did his homework.

"Yes, I do need to catch Torek," Crisanto replied with a look of uncertainty. "I paid a visit to Cetacean Operations and got into my wetsuit. I would like to spend more time in there." Doing his homework was part of who he was.

"Permission granted. However, we rotate them on a regular basis because a cramped starship is no place for whales. And there are times we don't have them at all."

"Sometimes, you just need to do what's best and free Willy" Crisanto said with a chuckle. "I understand entirely, Captain."

She chuckled and shook her head. "Tell me, what do you like best about flying?"

Crisanto thought about how to answer her question. "It's the feeling, Commodore. Shuttles are a completely different matter, but a starship especially a large one. It's you and the great wide space. Trillions of stars and at the helm...under the right conditions, everything is calm and there's euphoria about it."

She nodded her head. "I've felt the same way about some archaeological sites." And some caves, but that was another matter. "Is there anything else you'd like to know?"


"Yes," replied Crisanto. "My immediate predecessor was a Lieutenant Yui Hirasawa. What can you tell me about her? I have done some light reading and found they spent more time roaming Engineering or on this...Steam locomotive on Deck six than in Stellar Cartography. I take they were not as scientific towards flight control?"

"Not exactly. Yui was more of a...creative flyer. The steam locomotive was her answer when the ship lost power at one point. But, since we have families on the ship, I left it there for entertainment."

"Sounds like ingenuity at its finest" stated Crisanto. He was by far more science inclined. "I hope to live up to her creativity in my own way."

So did Sam. Yui was a great pilot, but she preferred to think of regulations as guidelines. "Each pilot, like each scientist, brings something new to the job." She glanced at Crisanto. "What do you feel are some of your strengths?"

"Science and sensitivity, ma'am. That is what I think sets me apart from other pilots, and where I draw my strength from" prefaced Crisanto. "You have pilots that come up parallel to Engineering and Operations. They can take apart a console or hotwire a shuttle, give you a whole lecture on the propulsion systems."

He shook his head. "I leave that to the guys and gals in gold. I study the stars...the nebulae, the asteroids, the planets...anything and everything ahead. A lot of pilots like to rely on Stellar Cartography to just send them information. I rather work closely with them. They can adjust my course because of a solar storm, but I want to really understand the impact."

"I agree. When seconds count, having a helmsman who knows how to fly around or through stellar phenomena without being told how is worth his--or her--weight in latinum. I look forward to what you will bring to the Calypso."

"I look forward to proving my worth in latinum, Commodore" replied Crisanto. He knew he was a good pilot, a decent scientist, and a fine officer. The Calypso was a new challenge.

"Good." She smiled. From what she'd seen so far, she liked the pilot. "Now, get settled in and meet the rest of the senior staff. You're dismissed."

OFF

Lieutenant Crisanto Venchi
Chief Flight Control Officer

Commodore Samantha York
Commanding Officer

 

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