Request Denied

[VADM pRett]

"Captain's Log Stardate 2412.05.17..."

"Pause recording."

[Recording paused]

"Don't think I'll ever get used to saying that. By any normal progression, I should very likely be dead already."

The Rigelian female stood and walked around the desk in her ready room. Yet another aspect of her new reality that she wasn't used to yet. They didn't have "Ready Rooms" in the original Constitution-class vessels.

"Computer, resume recording."

[Log recording resumed.]

At least the computer's voice was more personable.

"Have arrived Earth Starbase, as directed by Admiral Quinn. Ship's crew are to resupply, then stand down for some well-deserved shore leave. There are also some crew transfers, both on and off, to be handled. I'm hopeful the Admiral is calling me in to approve my request - command of an Excelsior-class hull. Compared to other heavy cruisers, they're outdated - but a beautiful and capable ship, nonetheless. End report."

The computer chirruped to acknowledge the command. Brennthuriol Messeguwe, known as "Brynn" to friends and close associates, took a look over her uniform, then made her way to the transporter room. Once there, she signaled the chief she was ready to beam over.

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Standing at attention in front of the Trill Admiral, Brynn felt her face flush a little as Quinn deliver the news.

"Sorry, Captain Messeguwe, but there simply isn't another Excelsior hull available for you, nor is there likely to be one for at leas a month or two. If we weren't so hard pressed, I'd have suggested you and your crew take some extended shore leave, maybe even attend a refresher course at the Academy, or audit a course. Unfortunately, we have a shortage of capable ships and captains and too many fronts we're busy on. You've done well in your Excalibur-class, but it's really time you moved on."

Brynn sighed. "Very well, sir. I just feel a lot more comfortable in hulls that are more familiar."

"I know, Captain, but we all have our duties to perform. Besides, consider it a vote of confidence you're being cleared for the command of one of our newer Stargazer-class vessels. The quad nacelles may take a bit to get used to, but I think you'll like the way she handles."

"Hope the crew has had their shore leave already, because I'm going to need their help getting up to speed on this beast. Permission to designate her the Rigel-B, sir?"

"Already been done." He smiled.

"Need to watch that gambling habit, sir." She smiled in return.