Location : USS Oakland, CO Ready Room

“Ensign Erica Jones reporting for duty, Captain Coleman.” Erica said, feeling very anxious standing so close to him in the ready room.

”Grab yourself a refreshment.” Byron said with a warm smile. “And have a seat.”

“Are you sure, in the academy they said never mess with a captain’s replicator.” Erica said with a big grin on her face. She started to head over to his replicator.

“I think that was a fear tactic.” Byron smiled. “If it breaks then I will have the engineer fix it.”

“I dont want to be the ensign that breaks the Captain’s replicator. I think I will just take a seat.” Erica said, as she walked over to his desk.

Byron grinned. “What exactly do you think I will do if it breaks?” He asked with interest.

“I don’t want to find out sir.” Erica said, as she stood by his desk. She was not going anywhere near that replicator.

“Have a seat,” Byron offered a chair. “I will get you something. What would you like?”

“Water sir.” She said, already filling like a small burden. She did not mean too, but this first impression was not going as she would have hoped it would have.

Byron handed her a glass of water.” Have you had a chance to settle in?” He asked her.

“Just arrived, my transport was delayed. This darn blackout has navigation messed up.” Erica Jones said to him. She wanted to arrive earlier, but the Vaadwaur’s little gift was still giving Starfleet grief.

“It has made a lot of things delayed.” Byron said with a nod. “I am just glad you got here safely.”

“They’re saying the blackout to totally dissipate, sooner the better if you ask me.” Erica insisted, thinking to herself that she was lucky that she survived that.

“I couldn’t agree more.” Byron nodded. One thing I want you to do is assess your department, the equipment. We have had our work cut out for us and Chief Davies has her hands full. Anything you can add to the list for repairs helps her immensely.”

“If we want to get out of here on a timely manner, I have a feeling a lot of us are going to be having a lot of work. I don’t know about you sir but I don’t like being cooped up on a station, not when we’re supposed to be out there exploring.” Erica said with the big grin on her face, thinking about the opportunities of exploration. But then realizing she was on a California class, and probably their idea of exploration would be second contact at best which is still pretty cool because there’s only so much you learn in the first encounter but you don’t really get to know a species until like the second or third encounters which is what their type of ship was known for.

“We all feel that way.” Byron nodded. “We all signed up to be out there, exploring or defending whatever we are called to do.” It was true, home was out in the universe.

“A famous Captain once said home is where your Starship is, I truly believe that sir. I can’t promise you I will always serve on the Oakland but I can promise you while I’m here this will be my home.” Erica suggested to her Captain with the big smile on her face.

“That is the best we can ask for.” Byron nodded. “I really like that, that is the way you feel.”

“I try to be honest to myself into those who I served with sir. I feel like I can’t be the best officer I can be if I’m keeping secrets.” Erica suggested to him, and she looked him straight in the eyes to make sure she was getting her message across.

“You have impressed me.” Byron admitted. “I don’t impress eay.” He felt she was meant for great things.”

“I’m happy to hear that captain, you always have 100% of my effort. I’d like to get started right away, try to get these quarter Engineers off our shift so we can get out there and start our mission. So what’s your permission so I’d like to get out there.” Erica said hoping she be dismissed soon.

“I want you helping them.” Byron said with a nod. “You’re dismissed.” He was getting a really good feeling about his crew.

Erica had a big smile, and she left his ready room. She had a good feeling that she was going to like serving on this ship and serving with her captain.