Adjusting to the role

Posted on 22 May 2026 @ 5:48pm by Lieutenant Ryan Collingway & Commander Suzanna Batenburg

842 words; about a 4 minute read

Mission: Time After Time
Location: USS Arawyn

///Engineering////

Ryan sipped his coffee, studying the readings in front of him. Commander Mckenzie had done an impressive job repairing the ship while they were dry-docked, but there were still minor things they came up. The replacement EPS power regulation was 98.8% consistent, well above requirements, but Ryan was still determined to figure out what was causing the small error.

At the time, Mckenzie had eyed his temporary promotion but had said little. The veteran engineer was probably used to seeing transfers and promotions happen more quickly after a ship survives an attack. A handshake and a few well-wishes, and the Commander had left with his crew.

Leaving him with very large shoes to fill.

The doors opened, and Ryan turned around in surprise to see Commander Batenburg. "Commander," he said. "Is there something you need?"

"Lieutenant," Suzanna said with a measured nod of greeting. "I wished to assess how Engineering is faring." She had little doubt that Collingway would perform effectively in his role as acting Chief. Circumstances had forced him into demanding situations on several occasions, and each time he had responded with competence and resolve. Even so, Engineering remained one of the ship's largest and most demanding departments.

Ryan gestured with his head slightly, inviting her into the CEO's private office. He didn't sit in the leather chair, however. He placed his coffee on the desk and leaned against it. "Engineering is completely ready for the ship to disembark," he said formally. "No issues with the repair work the station personnel did. They did an impressive job." If Ryan had any uncertainty in his new role, he was keeping it well-hidden. "As long as we don't run into another asteroid field that shoots back at us, I don't anticipate any problems," he added lightly.

A faint smirk touched Suzanna’s features at Collingway’s remark regarding the weaponized asteroid field as she followed him into the office. “Well, Lieutenant, we serve in Starfleet. Weird is part of the job, so I cannot offer assurances otherwise.” A slight pause followed. “At minimum, it will not be the same asteroid field. We did deploy a warning buoy.”

Her expression settled back into composed seriousness. “How is the team itself managing?” She held little concern regarding the technical demands of the position. Collingway had already demonstrated, on multiple occasions, that he possessed the capability to handle those responsibilities. Commanding an Engineering department of more than two hundred personnel, however, required a different set of skills entirely.

"I think it's easier for them since I've worked with them over the past few months," Ryan said honestly. "Better than having someone brand new arrive on board. The constant has been...difficult. But they are managing well."

Suzanna nodded in agreement. “That corresponds with the conclusions reached by both the Captain and myself. There have already been enough changes, particularly within Engineering. Commander Harlan remains aboard, which indicates his recovery will, at most, be of medium duration.” She paused briefly before continuing.

“Given the abrupt nature of your promotion, I would advise undertaking additional leadership training. Completion will be required prior to advancement to Lieutenant Commander in any case. It should prove beneficial regarding the personnel management aspects of directing a department.”

"Yes ma'am. I can make time for that," Ryan said, although the prospect of Commander Harlan returning meant that he would more than likely be back to junior grade. A Lieutenant Commander would seem very far away in that case. "There was something else I wanted to ask you. A bit more personal," Ryan said.

"Of course," Suzanna replied.

"The meditations we have been doing. Lieutenant Emerson believes that they have been unlocking some suppressed memories I've had. I can't afford to have that distract me with my new role, but at some point in the future I would like to explore them more fully. Emerson suggested that further meditation would be the way."

Again, Suzanna nodded in understanding. “A prudent decision,” she said evenly. “Would you prefer to continue with the same meditation technique, or attempt a different approach? Did Lieutenant Emerson provide any further guidance on the matter?”

"She said hypnotic meditation, but that was it," Ryan strategically did not tell her that the memories might come out anyway. That would be all he needed-his XO doubting his ability due to some stupid suppressed memories. If they came out anyway, he would deal with it on his own terms. "I don't know how that would translate in our current sessions."

Suzanna nodded thoughtfully. “I am familiar with hypnotic meditation techniques, although I have not personally required their use.” She considered the matter briefly before continuing. “We can proceed with it nonetheless. It would be preferable to attempt the initial session on your next day off, as the effects may be more pronounced than those produced by standard meditation practices.”

"Sounds good," Ryan said. "When I'm ready, I'll let you know. Thank you."

Lieutenant Ryan Collingway
Acting CEO
USS Arawyn

Cmdr Suzanna Batenburg
XO USS Arawyn
Everything fits, otherwise we'll make it fit!

 

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