Assuming Command

Unofficial Literary Challenge 4, Prompt 2
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The turbolift doors swished open to the bridge of the ship.  Few consoles were active, keeping the bridge dark yet illuminated enough to allow anyone to walk in relative darkness. She touched the rank pips on her collar and quietly stepped into the room as if she were in a library. Once at the Captain's chair she looked into it's leather-like seat and ran a finger from the headrest to the arm controls. Her index finger rested on a button for a few seconds as she closed her eyes. Kathryn imagined the ship from the outside as it rested in the cradle of the shipyards near Earth Space Dock. It was small compared to the more recent designs, and 'ancient' by Starfleet standards, yet had proven itself useful and durable enough to stand the test of time and war.

She pushed a button. Lights activated and more consoles came to life. Kathryn sat down slowly and smiled. She knew the current crew on board the ship were actually refit and repair teams, less than a skeleton compliment. Technically, Kathryn was the only 'official' crew member on board. She requested it be that way and was surprised the request was granted.  Kathryn's other request to hand-pick the entire crew instead of letting a computer algorithm decide the crew for her was relatively easy to accommodate. Or maybe Admiral Felczer's departure had something to do with it.

After the events at the Vega Colony, Kathryn's field-command of a starship was pulled and her Lieutenant rank reinstated. She didn't harbor any ill-will about that as being promoted to Captain in an emergency situation was appropriate. Being bumped down to her natural rank was also acceptable as she also didn't think she earned The Chair at the time. Six months later, after a formal review of her performance during the "Vega Incident", an accelerated course in Starship Leadership, and two more rank bars on her collar, Kathryn Selena Beringer now rightfully sat in the command chair of the Sixth Wave.

The turbolift doors swished open and an Andorian female with Tactical colors stepped through and saluted. "Commander Anthi Ythysi, reporting for duty, sir."

Kathryn stood and smiled widely, then saluted. "Welcome aboard, Commander. At ease, and let's make the rest of this meeting informal, please" The Andorian returned the smile. "It's good to see you again, Kathryn. It's been a long time."

"And you Anthi. Given the chance to make my officer pool, you were first in line."

Andorian antennae moved. "Why?"

"Although we didn't share many points of view, we still teamed well in the Academy, and I never forgot about those tests we took together. Your quick, determined, and methodical. A review of your record since the Academy shows that I'll be the luckiest Captain in Starfleet to have you at my side."

"I'm ... honored."

"Well, I'm glad you accepted." Kathryn motioned to the First officer station and Anthi walked toward the seat. "Now then, I've got a Science Chief transferring from the Axios, but I'm still looking for a Chief Engineer. Your first assignment is to offer a suggestion."

Anthi sat down and raised an eyebrow. "Only one?"

Kathryn nodded. "I need to trust your opinion, so your first suggestion is the one I'm going to follow."

The First officer looked down for a second before looking back with a reply. "My thi, Thel Ythysi."

It was the Captain's turn to raise an eyebrow.

Anthi continued, "I know it's stinks of nepotism, but I can guarantee he is one of the best Engineers in the Fleet."

Kathryn looked into Anthi's eyes. She saw a resolve that was unwavering and it comforted her. "Then I'll make the request and see what happens."

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Cast:
Kathryn Beringer - Rachel Nichols
Anthi Ythysi - Katheryn Winnick
Mentioned but not seen: Thel Ythysi - Kevin Sorbo
Mentioned but not named: Omazei - Gemma Arterton