Post 10 - An Operational Accident

Posted on Sat Feb 6th, 2021 @ 10:01pm by Rogue Agent & Captain Björn Kodak

Mission: The Waiting Game
Location: Risa
Timeline: Shoreleave Day 37

[Risa: Moko'lo'lo Beach]
[Shore Leave: Day 37 - 1221 Hours]

"Captain Kodak, formerly of the Federation starship Adelphi?" Looking miserably hot and sweaty in the noonday Risian suns, three figures in tan and white uniforms approached Björn Kodak at once. The waves crashed against the cliffside, while the waft of an early serving of Lunch sent savory waves of briny seafood sensations along the sweet Endaba Tree-perfumed wind. All three of the figures cast a shadow over the Chameloid. All three were Benzite. Of the three, the lead was the only one with noticeable breathing tubes trailing from her nose. The two others had chest-based apparatuses.

Having been -- until only moments prior -- enjoying the peaceful waves of a mostly-private beach, Björn wasn't exactly dressed for company. He wore a slight swimsuit that lent well to tanning ones legs, though one might wonder if Chameloids were even capable of tanning? After all, the clothing they "wore" was really only an affectation -- manipulations of skin, pigment, and cellular tissue to approximate protective vestments. Clad around his shoulders and down his arms was a gauzy blue robe, though it disappeared underneath him as Kodak laid back in his beach lounger. As the Benzites approached -- sounding all-business-like, apparently -- the Chameloid looked up through actual sunglasses at the trio, curiosity furrowing his brow.

"Yes, I'm Captain Kodak," he nodded, reaching up a hand to shade his eyes from the sun in an effort to get a better view of the Benzites. "Can I help you with something?" he asked, sitting up in the lounger in preparation of standing.

The lead Benzite breathed in through the foggy tubes in her nose. "I am afraid there has been an accident. Lieutenant Mioora, from our Geostructure was assigned to you pending your next crew rotation. As your Operations Officer. Of course, we could not report on this until a full investigation was concluded and we had a cause of death to provide you. We have worked in conjunction with Starfleet but naturally, because it happened in our space, Benzar had primary jurisdiction. I personally undertook the case on to expedite these matters."

The Benzite looked almost pleased with her thoroughness- but then that was a Benzite trait. And her aides did look on with appreciative blinks to their fish-like faces.

The mental mathematics blurred through Kodak's head, the Chameloid attempting to make sense out of what was now happening. His new Ops officer -- on whatever his next ship would be -- had apparently passed away? The Captain had signed off on Mioora's assignment from Starfleet -- the woman having come exceptionally recommended -- but he'd yet to meet her. He'd been looking forward to doing so on Risa before shipping out...whenever that would end up being. "I'm...I'm really sorry to hear that," Kodak replied somberly, rising. The rest of his robe unfurled beneath him as he stood, falling to shroud his legs in blue. "What was the cause of death?" The question's answer probably mattered little beyond his own curiosity but Kodak couldn't help but wonder.

"A transporter accident sir," the female Benzite returned, this time more somberly. "She was beaming from her shuttlecraft she'd taken to Benzar, to Starbase 314. She was supposed to meet her daughter and husband in Miir Geostructure for shoreleave and then proceed to Risa by transport."

"That's awful," Kodak lamented. "My heart grieves for her family. And for your people," he inclined his head in a nod to the gathered Benzites. "From what I know, Mioora was an excellent officer and was exceptionally well thought of in Starfleet. Is there anything I can do for the family? Or anything I need to do for you?"

Having yet to meet Mioora, Kodak doubted contact with her family would bring them much comfort. There were, however, certain logistical pieces that likely needed completion. He'd also now need to find another Ops chief and in a hurry, too. Who knew when they'd be leaving Risa, after all. Though he and his crew had been on the pleasure planet for well over a month now, new orders could conceivably come as soon as tomorrow. Though if things went the way they'd been going, Kodak anticipated at least a few days to prep for shipping out. it was impossible to say how long they had, so Kodak needed to ensure his crew was locked down and ready to go whenever that call came.

The Captain felt slightly guilty that a certain cerulean face -- framed by a Cleopatra-esque wig -- was already swimming its way into his mind as a replacement for Mioora. He'd talked to Chaali a few days prior via subspace -- she was enjoying time with her family on Bolarus -- and Kodak now found himself wondering if she'd be open to leaving her co-husbands again so soon. As a Second Stringer, she'd proven herself more than capable on the Adelphi, even if she didn't have the seniority other candidates out there might.

The Benzite officer shook her head, the small tendrils that descended to frame her philtrum swaying. "If you can thumb my report, Sir, so I can confirm that you are you, and I have reported this news, my superiors will appreciate your efforts. If you need assistance from Benzar in finding a new officer candidate we have many excellent officers in the fleet. But I will deliver your condolences to Mioora's family personally."

"I appreciate your thoroughness and assistance in this matter," Kodak nodded slowly, reaching forward to gently press his thumb against the glass of the woman's display device. A confirming tone sounded and, with that, the business at hand was done, it seemed. "Thank you for conveying my condolences. I'll partner with Starfleet to pursue other candidates that may be currently available." Despite wearing crimped swim trunks and a flowy robe, the Chameloid was all Starfleet in his remarks, it seemed. "I wish you a safe journey home. Thank you again," he nodded.

The Benzites too nodded and took their leave with another rounded of appreciation and condolences. Under the diffuse warm golden glow of the Risian sun, the ceruylean ones took their leave.

A Post By:

Captain Björn Kodak
USS Adelphi

&

Rogue Agent