USS Erigone – Quarters/Ready Room – 1500

“…we are left to wonder what forces were at play with the SS Pentax and her crew.  We’ve done our research in Presa.  He was who he says he was.  Records indicate he had some engagement with the Federation and Starfleet over the years.  The woman who sold them out,” he glanced at his notes, “Kalia Parast.  Her file is much more interesting.  She was an identified operative within the Romulan government early in her career.  There was suspicion she was responsible for several dissident assassinations in recent years. She fell off the radar six months ago.  I suspect she joined Presa’s group to infiltrate their operations…which she succeeded.”  He tapped the PADD to the next page, “Whoever her handler or supervisor is remains unknown.  Doctor Reid is working through the data we pulled from the Pentax in hopes we can track, trace, and possibly even save more lives from whatever this rogue operating group is…or even if they are rogue.  Reports continue to flood with conflicting information on who controls what and where – Romulan politics and machinations were challenging on a good day.  We’re trying to interpret smoke signals in the middle of space – it’s never an easy thing.”  He signed the report on his PADD, “There is some good news.  One of the engineering officers that we were assigned is not actually an engineer.  He’s a security and tactical officer and was confused as to why he was assigned to us as we are – given how fast things are moving around the galaxy I’m not surprised.  I’ve received permission from Starfleet to offer him a position onboard the Erigone.”  Another pause, “I’m still not sure this is where I belong.  I’ve handled what’s come our way…yet I’m still not convinced command is my place.  Time will tell, I guess.  End log.”  The computer beeped and Harris returned to the couch and refilled his cider.

“Commander Harris to Ensign Allen, report to my quarters.” The former chief engineer sat on one couch and waited for the arrival of his guest.

Roger was walking rounds before heading to the bridge when he was summoned to see the CO. Already on that deck, he acknowledged the call and quickened his pace.

The door to the quarters opened after the security officer tapped the door chime.  “You wanted to see me, sir?”

Harris stood and welcomed him in, gesturing to the couch opposite him.  As the officer sat, Harris did the same.  “You’re the odd man out in your grouping, Mr. Allen.  I don’t know how it happened, but you got lumped with the engineering crew we were assigned.”  He sat forward, “What can you tell me about your experience as a security officer?  I’m looking at filling a chief role here in the Erigone – it’s a dual security and tactical role.”

Roger chuckled about the personnel snafu that listed him as an engineer instead of security; they happened from time to time.

“To be honest, sir, I was on SB Bravo only a few months, so I don’t have much experience, but in that time, I learned a lot. I also got favorable reviews from my section leader. I appreciate you bringing me on board, so I’ll continue learning and working hard.” Roger was sincere, so he hoped he didn’t sound over-the-top.

Ambrose gave a nod, “We all have to start somewhere, Ensign.”  He handed the security office a PADD, “Here’s the current roster for you to review.  We’ve managed to modify this Raven class so each senior officer has small quarters like this and then whoever we pick up or get assigned to support are in bunks.  Your quarters are identified there,” he nodded to the PADD, “…and your station on the bridge is the left front station next to our helm officer.”  He glanced at his chrono, “Your general shift will run 0900 to 1900 – parallel to the helm officer, Ensign Prentice.  Given how things on this class of ship seem to go, our shift hours won’t be standard much of the time, but it’s nice to have some order in the chaos.”  He stood and extended his hand, “Welcome aboard the USS Erigone, Chief Allen.  I’ll update Starfleet on your assignment…any questions for me before I dismiss you?”

Roger shook hands. “Thank you, sir. I’m glad to be here. No questions right now, but I will certainly ask if anything comes up.”

Harris gave him a nod, “I’ll leave you to find your quarters and study up on the Raven Class.  We should have orders by tomorrow on where we’re headed next.  Dismissed, Ensign.”

“Yes, sir, and thank you,” said Roger.  Harris returned to his PADD as the new addition to the crew departed.