“You have a diplomatic officer still to go, sir.”  The Yeoman stood in his ready room, her PADD full of crossed-off names, details, to-dos, and reports still needed from some of the senior staff.

Captain Fontana glanced over his list.  He’d somehow missed him in the rapid-fire meet-and-greets.  “I’m supposing you’ve got him on his way already?”  Sera Flushing had proven to be an excellent choice for the posting in the opening hours of his assignment to the Valkyrie.

“You would be correct, sir.”

He gave her a nod of thanks, “Thank you for your help today, Yeoman Flushing.”  She stood at attention and returned to the bridge and her work.  Moments later, the door chime rang.

Christopher Annan was on his way to the commanding officer’s ready room. Thinking about it, he thought, “Indeed, I am lucky in a certain way. I was assigned to a sovereign-class starship on my very second posting with Starfleet after being promoted to Lieutenant Junior Grade at Starbase 10 with orders to be reassigned to USS Valkyrie.” 

He was both excited and nervous about meeting the commanding officer so early, just after he stepped off the transporter pad. Arriving at the door, Christopher inhaled a deep breath, and the door to the ready room chimed. He walked in.

Fontana glanced up, “Enter.”  The door flew open and the young officer entered.  He gestured to the chair before him, “Have a seat.  Welcome aboard the Valkyrie.”  He picked up a PADD, “You’re my last assignment of the day, Lieutenant Annan.  You will be front and center when we arrive at our destination.  How are you feeling about it?:

”I’ll be honest, sir. I am both excited and nervous at the same time, but with all the diplomatic work that needs to be done meticulously, or else relations could fall apart, it’s tricky. But I am confident that I was properly trained for this type of situation from the academy and from my last posting,” said Annan, with a worried smile.

The CO made some notes on his PADD, “Considering we’re jumping into this situation rather quickly, I share the excitement and nerves.  I’ll be working with you closely – having spent some time in Task Force Command with 72, we were heavy on the diplomatic front.”  He had one last question, “Anything you need before we arrive at the system?”

”No, sir. Just need a clear state of consciousness and mind that’s all. I hope everything does go according to plan.” replied Annan.

Fontana chuckled wryly, “From your lips to both sides, Lieutenant. I’ll let you get back to your work.”  He stood and headed for the door. He stopped as the door slid open, turning back to face his newest staff member. “I’m glad to have you aboard,” he said.

”Glad to be here, Captain. I sure do hope everything does go according to plan with all the diplomatic intricacies happening all through out.” responded Annan with a slight worrisome look.

The captain left the office and headed back to the bridge.