First Watch

Posted on Thu Sep 18th, 2025 @ 9:56pm by Captain Lorut Vila & Lieutenant Kieran Thale

1,495 words; about a 7 minute read

Mission: Yesterday’s Enterprise
Location: Transporter Room/ Bridge
Timeline: Present

The shimmer of the transporter beam faded, leaving Thale standing squarely on the pad with a small duffel slung over his shoulder. He took in the room with a quick glance, antennae angling forward slightly.

The transporter chief straightened. “Welcome aboard the Intrepid, Commander.”

Thale gave a short nod. “Thank you, Chief.” His voice carried the clipped precision of Andorian cadence softened by Human inflection.

He stepped down from the pad and made his way out into the corridor, the deck plating thrumming faintly underfoot. The Intrepid was already at warp, and he could feel the subtle vibration through the soles of his boots. The ship was alive, purposeful.

A turbolift carried him swiftly upward. When the doors parted onto the bridge, he moved with measured confidence, crossing to stand just inside the rail. The command center bustled with quiet efficiency, stars streaking past on the forward viewscreen.

Thale came to attention. “Lieutenant Commander Thale, reporting for duty as Chief Strategic Operations Officer.”

There was no need for more. His words hung with formality as he awaited acknowledgment.

Vila glanced up from her Console. "Hello!" She said. She stood. "Lieutenant Thale, I presume," she said. She paused a moment, and turned to Lyo. "Rylen, you have the Bridge," she said. "Lt., join me in my Ready Room," she said, stepping towards the office near the far left of the Bridge. "Welcome aboard," she continued, speaking as they walked. She nodded at the assembled crew on the Bridge, working quietly but chatting lightly with each other. There wasn't much to "do" yet, thankfully.

Thale straightened as Captain Vila addressed him, offering a crisp nod. “Yes, Captain. Lieutenant Commander Thale,” he confirmed, tone measured but respectful.

He stepped into stride beside her without hesitation, shifting the strap of his duffel across his shoulder. His eyes lingered briefly on the bridge crew as they worked—efficient, steady, the light murmur of quiet conversation beneath the hum of the ship at warp—before focusing forward once more.

“Thank you for the welcome,” he added, calm and steady as he followed her toward the ready room.

"My pleasure," she said, stepping into the sparse office. Unlike some Captains, Vila still felt like it was Max's office, and she'd put all of his things carefully into storage, so all there was was a desk, computer, and a few chairs. Fraiser had been suggesting, gently, that she furnish it. She was still hesitant-she felt if she did, it meant he was TRULY gone forever. She still wasn't ready.

"Please, have a seat. At ease," she said. "We are very happy to have you onboard," she said. "Ship's damaged but we, the crew, are ok. We had a few casualties but nothing we can't manage. Anyway, our Strat Ops person was one of those..." she trailed off. "We needed the position filled; after repairs and a short R&R, we're headed into deep space. We can't be without Strategic Operations," she said. She got a bit rambly when Lyo wasn't there to temper her.

Thale set his duffel neatly by the chair before taking a seat, posture easing into a professional but relaxed frame at her word. He listened carefully, letting her finish without interruption.

“I understand, Captain,” he said evenly, his voice low but carrying a steady confidence. “Strategic Operations is at its best when it supports the crew, not just the charts and tactical models. If the ship is intact and the people are steady, we can rebuild from there.”

He paused, the faintest flicker of empathy crossing his features. “I’m sorry for the losses. No matter how prepared we are, those are never just numbers.”

A breath, then he shifted slightly forward, tone turning more pragmatic. “You’ll have my full attention. Once I’ve reviewed the ship’s current operational readiness, I’ll put together a framework for long-range planning. When we’re underway again, I’ll be ready to integrate with the department heads.”

She nodded. "Sounds great," she said. "I didn't mean to lay that all out from jump. I am still getting used to Command, and sometimes, I forget that we're not all used to my particular style yet," she said. Her style was "blunt and truthful" but kind. She wasn't mean, she just had a low tolerance for bullshit and was still not quite where she wanted to be with the control of her PTSD mood swings.

Thale inclined his head slightly, his expression calm. “I don’t mind, Captain. I’d rather hear the truth plainly than try to read between the lines. Blunt is easier to work with than silence.”

He leaned back just enough to ease his posture, hands resting loosely on his knees. “Every command style takes time to settle, especially when the crew’s still adjusting to change. I’ve seen that on more than one ship.” His tone carried no judgment, only observation.

His gaze steadied on her, earnest. “You’ll find I value candor, too. If you need me to cut through the noise and give you a clear picture, that’s exactly what I’ll do.”

She nodded. "I do appreciate that," she said. "It is my preference that you don't stand on ceremony. If you need something, come to me, and be clear. None of that regulatory rigamarole. It's how I operate, too. I will contact YOU directly to pass things down to your team, or if I need to do an inspection, or whatever," she said. "You won't hear it from the XO or my Yeoman." She just preferred to do things one on one-in her opinion, it was more respectful of people's time, and they really got to know each other that way, which was necessary for a cohesive crew.

Thale allowed a small nod, the corner of his mouth tightening in acknowledgment.
“Understood, Captain. Direct and clear works best for me as well. I’ll make sure you get the same from me in return.”

He leaned forward slightly, tone steady.
“My team will adapt to whatever channels you prefer. If the orders come straight from you, I’ll see they’re carried out. And if there’s an issue or concern, you’ll hear it from me without the filters.”

He paused, then added with quiet conviction:
“Cohesion starts at the top. I can already see you value that. I’ll do my part to make sure Strategic Operations fits seamlessly into your crew.”

She smiled. "Thank you," she said. She paused a beat. "Anything else you'd like to know?!"

Thale considered for a moment before answering, his posture still easy but attentive.
“Yes, actually. I’d like to know your priorities for Strategic Operations once we’re underway again. Are you looking for a purely tactical focus—threat analysis, readiness drills—or do you want me leaning into the exploratory side as well, plotting for long-term resource planning and mission support?”

He let the question hang a beat, then added:
“Knowing where you want the emphasis will help me shape the department’s workflow and coordinate with Ops and Tactical more effectively.”

Vila nodded. "We're a combat and escort ship, as you know. So I would prefer you to be more of an offensive role," she said. "Make sure that any dangers lurking ahead of us won't get the better of us. AND most of us are due for firearms recertification. Let's address that first. Me, especially. As Captain, it's me who should be the leader, so let me know when you have some time for that," she said."Otherwise, prepare for away teams. For some reason, they always go wrong," she said. They had a rash of bad luck lately.

Thale’s expression tightened into a focused nod.
“Understood, Captain. I’ll start with a full review of crew firearms certifications and schedule the recert sessions as soon as we can make space in the duty roster. I’ll make sure yours is first on the list.”

He leaned forward slightly, already thinking through the logistics.
“I’ll also get with Tactical to run threat projections for our route—if there’s anything waiting for us out there, we’ll know about it before we’re in range.”

A faint, dry edge touched his voice at her last remark.
“And I’ll prep the away team protocols personally. If we can’t avoid bad luck, we’ll at least be ready to meet it head-on.”

Vila nodded once, and closed her eyes partway.

"Excellent," she said, with a small smile. She was pleased.

Thale rose smoothly, retrieving his duffel from beside the chair.
“Then, with your permission, Captain, I’d like to get started.”

His tone was respectful but carried a quiet readiness, already shifting from conversation to action.

She nodded. "Please do!" she said, cheerfully. "You're dismissed. Thanks for coming in." She watched him leave and then stood up herself to head back to the Bridge.

 

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