09-04-2016, 01:30 PM
The adventures of Madame Cynthia Parker continues now she is going off on her own leaving her close friends and partner behind to face the unknown and hostile stars.
Chapter 4: Foxy Lady: 2634
Fox Tale: Alas finally the orders came and I had to depart Resort 14 and report to my new assignment, the AISS Foxglove. The Foxglove was the number two ship in the squadron, the flagship, another Saturn, was the Firebat. We also had three destroyers, the Hoopskirt; a Hermes class and the Lorington and Lapis-Lazuli both Tyche class destroyers. Our only vessel was a single Oracle class corvette the Sunshine. The mission of the 452nd was the screen and scout force for the ATG.
We normally worked in two separate divisions, with the Hermes and Oracle as independent detachments. At full muster we would have two frigates but they were long since cross leveled to another squadron. Because of the need to disperse the squadron each ship mistress operated her own independent command, even our “close” companion the Lapis-Lazuli (Double L or 2L) was usually just a blip on the extreme range of the sensors. Right now however all of the ships in the squadron were in orbit around Goldstone.
The shuttle to the Foxglove seemed longer than the trip down from the Pacificator, however I used the time to read up on my new home. The Saturn class is about 2/3rds the size of the Neptune class like the Gremlin, and has about 200 fewer souls. This makes for relatively tight quarters. Because the Foxglove was not set up for a squadron command ship, we did not have a full battle staff, which left some space. I reported aboard and was promptly shown to my quarters, a duplex shared by another senior officette named Rhonda Winters, she was not present so I could not see which department nor what rank she was. The steward also informed me that Lady Janice wants to meet with all department heads for dinner, back on Goldstone, the dress is Formal. I inquired where the skipper was, and was given the answer still down planet side, along with most of the senior staff. I then found out that Miss Martin, is the OOD, which is curious because she was not the officette that piped me aboard. I decided to change out of shore dress and take quick stroll to the BDC before getting ready for tonight’s dinner.
Miss Martin or more precisely Mademoiselle Lewtenette Mary Beth Martin, 2nd Watch MCO was located on the BDC, however besides two other enlisted the place was deserted. I looked around, making some mental notes when someone bumped into me. “Excuse me, coming through.”
I moved out of the way for a Majourette wearing the overalls from Engineering she had a tray of food.
“Hey Mary chow time…” The Engineering officette said to Miss Martin.
“About time Gail, where did you go to get it?” She said back
“Well shit you know the galley is nowhere near Engineer country, hey who’s the new girl?” Gail replied not really paying attention.
“Huh?”
“I passed by one of you command types, over by the hatch, not very friendly….”
“Oh well probably a replacement still wet behind the ears, where is she?’ Mary asked.
“Oh there she is standing over there, kinda old looking to be a kaydette…..oh shit on me….” Gail said pointing and finally noticing the 4 pointed emblem on my collar
“What is it Gail, a friend of yours?”
“...no shit for brains I think she is the new Exec…..stand up fool….”
“Oh Soro’t hell, Executive on Deck!” The one named Mary shouted as she leaped out of her chair, the two enlisted folks also responded along with the engineer.
I gave a small smirk then said “As you were, Miss Martin a word please.”
We went to a corner of the BDC and then I established myself within the pecking order. “Ok I know I am new to the 45th and the light cruisers, but unless AIDOF regulations have changed in the last two days, what in Soro’s Name do you think you are doing!”
“Uh….”
“Uh is not an answer young lady, now first off you are the OOD?”
“Yes Ma’am..”
“Good, now why did you not meet me when I boarded?”
“I was not aware that you arrived, all of the seniors are planet side with the skipper..”
“Well I did not get the memo, who is your friend in Orange?”
“Uh Gail, er Miss Benton.”
“Miss Benton, please come here….good are you on duty?” I asked her.
“No Ma’am just got off…”
“Ok why were you bringing Miss Martin food to the BDC?”
“Er we normally do, just a custom aboard the Foxy…”
“Ok, who is senior presently aboard?”
“That would be Majourette Daniels….”
“What division is she?”
“Launch Control, she is the Hanger Deck Officette.”
“Right ok who is the senior present from Command, Engineering and Weapons?”
“Uh Miss Travis, Miss Kingston and myself, Ma’am.”
“Ok good, I have some time before I go back planet side, please summon Miss Daniels, and the others and meet me in the wardroom in ten minutes. They are to come as they are, and don’ you dare tell them the reason, that is all Miss Benton.”
I waited for her to depart before turning back to Miss Marin, “As for you unless we are on alert there will be no more chow on the BDC, especially hot liquids, It seems we have some changes to make, but since I have yet to meet the skipper we will consider the unfortunate affairs of today closed.”
“Yes Ma’am thank you Ma’am…”
“Oh don’t thank me yet, where is the rest of the watch?”
“Er off duty, I got the short straw Ma’am…..”
“Right another change, we have three full watches for a reason, carry on Miss Martin.”
I then left the BDC and headed to the ward room where I could hear the grumblings of the few ladies.
“This better be important Gail, dragging me out of bed like that.”
“Oh it is, believe me Amy.”
“I hope you are right, Trish and I were in the middle of a nice poker game with that sweet babe in Navigation.”
“You mean Sophia, Debby, watch out she is a sharp one…..” She broke mid sentence then went rigid and shouted “Attention on Deck!”
The other three looked at their friend for a moment, one was about to say something then glanced over and noticed me walking in.
“Uh shit girls get up!” At this point the other two likewise saw at first the four points of my insignia and then the sextant of command, on board any ship without a flag staff only one person has those two items, the right arm of the Skipper, the Executive.
“At ease ladies, at my request Miss Benton summoned you all here as she informed me you are the senior representatives present for each of the three main divisions and in the case of Miss Daniels the senior present among the ship’s company. I have not been on board for very long but what I have seen so far leaves me at a loss for words. Ok now since none of you seem to be in proper uniform, besides Miss Benton I need to know who each of you are, but to be fair Miss Benton, please start, first and last name, rank, department, duty station and watch.”
“Er Yes Ma’am, Gail Benton, Majourette, Stellar Drive Officette, uh 1st Watch.”
“You are not sure which watch?”
“Er Ma’am I am the head of the Stellar Drive section, I am formally part of 1st Watch but really all watches whenever we are using the stellar drive.”
“Ah right, ok next, hmm you,” I said while pointing to a dirty blonde wearing light pink, non regulation pajamas.
“Amy Daniels, Majourette, Launch Control, Hanger Deck Officette, like Miss Benton I am also technically 1st Watch.”
“Right ok now, your turn,” I said pointing to a dark skinned brunette wearing it seems her bra and part of her ship board dress.
“Uh Trish er Patrisha Travis, Command, DBDCO…..”
“Say again?” I said with not so feigned disbelief
“Er DBDCO, you know Ma’am Deputy Battle Direction Center…..”
“I know what a DBDCO is Miss Travis, but what I want to know is why the heck you are out of uniform and not on duty during your watch!”
“Uh…”
“Uh is not an answer, the DBDCO is 2nd Watch, I should know having been both the DBDCO and the BDCO myself, and since it is the middle of 2nd Watch, why are you not on duty?”
“Ma’am we are in port so we need minimal staff, Miss Martin is the OOD….”
“I already met her, and correction we are in orbit, not in port big difference, each watch needs to be manned at a minimum of three officettes, one of which needs to be experienced enough to run the entire ship, and have all command functions manned with at least one person both on the BDC and VNB, just in case something or someone decides to head for this ship.” As for you I said turning my gaze to the last person, I take it you are Miss Kingston?”
“Yes Ma’am,” she said and like Miss Travis was wearing only some clothing, however in her case she was just in her panties and bra, not even any socks.
“Deborah Kingston, Majourette, Weapons, Secondary Angel Turret Gun Captain, 2nd Watch.”
“Right same thing, what kind of poker game, oh never mind, were you losing?” I asked with a mischievous grin
“Uh no Ma’am Miss Everson, uh Lewtenette Everson was losing.”
“Right and what division and watch is she?”
“2nd Watch Navigation, we were not sleeping…..” Miss Travis interjected
“But not in a state or position to react in an emergency either, have you seen much action?” I asked the group
“Well we have been in the fight as long as everyone else…” Again Miss Travis, now sticking up for her shipmates and ship, a good sign really
“Yes but the 45th has been on the wings, well let me tell you girls, I have seen my share, and then some, only two years ago was I like you Miss Travis, by the way are you any relation to Mademoiselle Majourette Wendy Travis?” I asked her
“Uh Yes ma’am she is my cousin, why do you know her?” a slight look of concern mixed with puzzlement was on her face.
“Yes I do, we went to the Salon together and served on the same ships until recently.”
“Oh my, uh so you are the one she wrote about….” She turned pale a bit.
“I guess, what did she say, nothing scandalous I hope?” I asked again smirking to show I found the situation at leas in part humerous.
“Er no Ma’am she says you saved her life, and that you have a gold cluster.”
“Ah that I did, and do have, anything else?”
“That you take things very seriously but can party with the best of them…”
“That I do, work hard, play hard, but don’t get confused and play when you should be working. I think that will do ladies, but word of advice I think we should see some changes in the state of affairs when I return with the Skipper later tonight.”
“Yes Ma’am!” they shouted, as I left to change for the shindig down planet-side.
I changed into my formal dress uniform, sans shoes, as I will put on my heels in the shuttle, then went to the BDC and informed Miss Travis that I was on my way down and that she had the con. I noticed that all of the primary stations were manned and everyone was in shipboard duty dress like they were supposed to be. This meant that my black blouse and red skirt stuck out like a sore thumb. After leaving the Foxglove’s BDC I headed down to the shuttle area and took a shuttle down and met with my new commander.
Despite my first impression, I soon warmed to Lady Janice and my counterparts. Ms. Wilson the Engineering Officette knew her trade, Ms. Duquesne, the Weapons Officette likewise ran a tight ship although her division was not nearly as impressive as the weapons on the Pacificator, I knew we could trust her girls to give the enemy a rough time. Ms. Green, the BDCO was slightly jealous that she was not called to be the executive but she has even less time in her present grade than I do, she transferred as DBCO from a battle cruiser as a replacement for the BDCO who went to another ship. It seems the light cruisers are prime targets for personnel raids to beef up the larger ships. Ms. Kemple and Miss Rochester rounded out the other seniors of note, Ms. Kemple insured me that her birds were up and her girls will do their duty. Miss Rochester likewise vouched for her Troop. As for the dinner it was quite good if not wholly remarkable.
Chapter 4: Foxy Lady: 2634
Fox Tale: Alas finally the orders came and I had to depart Resort 14 and report to my new assignment, the AISS Foxglove. The Foxglove was the number two ship in the squadron, the flagship, another Saturn, was the Firebat. We also had three destroyers, the Hoopskirt; a Hermes class and the Lorington and Lapis-Lazuli both Tyche class destroyers. Our only vessel was a single Oracle class corvette the Sunshine. The mission of the 452nd was the screen and scout force for the ATG.
We normally worked in two separate divisions, with the Hermes and Oracle as independent detachments. At full muster we would have two frigates but they were long since cross leveled to another squadron. Because of the need to disperse the squadron each ship mistress operated her own independent command, even our “close” companion the Lapis-Lazuli (Double L or 2L) was usually just a blip on the extreme range of the sensors. Right now however all of the ships in the squadron were in orbit around Goldstone.
The shuttle to the Foxglove seemed longer than the trip down from the Pacificator, however I used the time to read up on my new home. The Saturn class is about 2/3rds the size of the Neptune class like the Gremlin, and has about 200 fewer souls. This makes for relatively tight quarters. Because the Foxglove was not set up for a squadron command ship, we did not have a full battle staff, which left some space. I reported aboard and was promptly shown to my quarters, a duplex shared by another senior officette named Rhonda Winters, she was not present so I could not see which department nor what rank she was. The steward also informed me that Lady Janice wants to meet with all department heads for dinner, back on Goldstone, the dress is Formal. I inquired where the skipper was, and was given the answer still down planet side, along with most of the senior staff. I then found out that Miss Martin, is the OOD, which is curious because she was not the officette that piped me aboard. I decided to change out of shore dress and take quick stroll to the BDC before getting ready for tonight’s dinner.
Miss Martin or more precisely Mademoiselle Lewtenette Mary Beth Martin, 2nd Watch MCO was located on the BDC, however besides two other enlisted the place was deserted. I looked around, making some mental notes when someone bumped into me. “Excuse me, coming through.”
I moved out of the way for a Majourette wearing the overalls from Engineering she had a tray of food.
“Hey Mary chow time…” The Engineering officette said to Miss Martin.
“About time Gail, where did you go to get it?” She said back
“Well shit you know the galley is nowhere near Engineer country, hey who’s the new girl?” Gail replied not really paying attention.
“Huh?”
“I passed by one of you command types, over by the hatch, not very friendly….”
“Oh well probably a replacement still wet behind the ears, where is she?’ Mary asked.
“Oh there she is standing over there, kinda old looking to be a kaydette…..oh shit on me….” Gail said pointing and finally noticing the 4 pointed emblem on my collar
“What is it Gail, a friend of yours?”
“...no shit for brains I think she is the new Exec…..stand up fool….”
“Oh Soro’t hell, Executive on Deck!” The one named Mary shouted as she leaped out of her chair, the two enlisted folks also responded along with the engineer.
I gave a small smirk then said “As you were, Miss Martin a word please.”
We went to a corner of the BDC and then I established myself within the pecking order. “Ok I know I am new to the 45th and the light cruisers, but unless AIDOF regulations have changed in the last two days, what in Soro’s Name do you think you are doing!”
“Uh….”
“Uh is not an answer young lady, now first off you are the OOD?”
“Yes Ma’am..”
“Good, now why did you not meet me when I boarded?”
“I was not aware that you arrived, all of the seniors are planet side with the skipper..”
“Well I did not get the memo, who is your friend in Orange?”
“Uh Gail, er Miss Benton.”
“Miss Benton, please come here….good are you on duty?” I asked her.
“No Ma’am just got off…”
“Ok why were you bringing Miss Martin food to the BDC?”
“Er we normally do, just a custom aboard the Foxy…”
“Ok, who is senior presently aboard?”
“That would be Majourette Daniels….”
“What division is she?”
“Launch Control, she is the Hanger Deck Officette.”
“Right ok who is the senior present from Command, Engineering and Weapons?”
“Uh Miss Travis, Miss Kingston and myself, Ma’am.”
“Ok good, I have some time before I go back planet side, please summon Miss Daniels, and the others and meet me in the wardroom in ten minutes. They are to come as they are, and don’ you dare tell them the reason, that is all Miss Benton.”
I waited for her to depart before turning back to Miss Marin, “As for you unless we are on alert there will be no more chow on the BDC, especially hot liquids, It seems we have some changes to make, but since I have yet to meet the skipper we will consider the unfortunate affairs of today closed.”
“Yes Ma’am thank you Ma’am…”
“Oh don’t thank me yet, where is the rest of the watch?”
“Er off duty, I got the short straw Ma’am…..”
“Right another change, we have three full watches for a reason, carry on Miss Martin.”
I then left the BDC and headed to the ward room where I could hear the grumblings of the few ladies.
“This better be important Gail, dragging me out of bed like that.”
“Oh it is, believe me Amy.”
“I hope you are right, Trish and I were in the middle of a nice poker game with that sweet babe in Navigation.”
“You mean Sophia, Debby, watch out she is a sharp one…..” She broke mid sentence then went rigid and shouted “Attention on Deck!”
The other three looked at their friend for a moment, one was about to say something then glanced over and noticed me walking in.
“Uh shit girls get up!” At this point the other two likewise saw at first the four points of my insignia and then the sextant of command, on board any ship without a flag staff only one person has those two items, the right arm of the Skipper, the Executive.
“At ease ladies, at my request Miss Benton summoned you all here as she informed me you are the senior representatives present for each of the three main divisions and in the case of Miss Daniels the senior present among the ship’s company. I have not been on board for very long but what I have seen so far leaves me at a loss for words. Ok now since none of you seem to be in proper uniform, besides Miss Benton I need to know who each of you are, but to be fair Miss Benton, please start, first and last name, rank, department, duty station and watch.”
“Er Yes Ma’am, Gail Benton, Majourette, Stellar Drive Officette, uh 1st Watch.”
“You are not sure which watch?”
“Er Ma’am I am the head of the Stellar Drive section, I am formally part of 1st Watch but really all watches whenever we are using the stellar drive.”
“Ah right, ok next, hmm you,” I said while pointing to a dirty blonde wearing light pink, non regulation pajamas.
“Amy Daniels, Majourette, Launch Control, Hanger Deck Officette, like Miss Benton I am also technically 1st Watch.”
“Right ok now, your turn,” I said pointing to a dark skinned brunette wearing it seems her bra and part of her ship board dress.
“Uh Trish er Patrisha Travis, Command, DBDCO…..”
“Say again?” I said with not so feigned disbelief
“Er DBDCO, you know Ma’am Deputy Battle Direction Center…..”
“I know what a DBDCO is Miss Travis, but what I want to know is why the heck you are out of uniform and not on duty during your watch!”
“Uh…”
“Uh is not an answer, the DBDCO is 2nd Watch, I should know having been both the DBDCO and the BDCO myself, and since it is the middle of 2nd Watch, why are you not on duty?”
“Ma’am we are in port so we need minimal staff, Miss Martin is the OOD….”
“I already met her, and correction we are in orbit, not in port big difference, each watch needs to be manned at a minimum of three officettes, one of which needs to be experienced enough to run the entire ship, and have all command functions manned with at least one person both on the BDC and VNB, just in case something or someone decides to head for this ship.” As for you I said turning my gaze to the last person, I take it you are Miss Kingston?”
“Yes Ma’am,” she said and like Miss Travis was wearing only some clothing, however in her case she was just in her panties and bra, not even any socks.
“Deborah Kingston, Majourette, Weapons, Secondary Angel Turret Gun Captain, 2nd Watch.”
“Right same thing, what kind of poker game, oh never mind, were you losing?” I asked with a mischievous grin
“Uh no Ma’am Miss Everson, uh Lewtenette Everson was losing.”
“Right and what division and watch is she?”
“2nd Watch Navigation, we were not sleeping…..” Miss Travis interjected
“But not in a state or position to react in an emergency either, have you seen much action?” I asked the group
“Well we have been in the fight as long as everyone else…” Again Miss Travis, now sticking up for her shipmates and ship, a good sign really
“Yes but the 45th has been on the wings, well let me tell you girls, I have seen my share, and then some, only two years ago was I like you Miss Travis, by the way are you any relation to Mademoiselle Majourette Wendy Travis?” I asked her
“Uh Yes ma’am she is my cousin, why do you know her?” a slight look of concern mixed with puzzlement was on her face.
“Yes I do, we went to the Salon together and served on the same ships until recently.”
“Oh my, uh so you are the one she wrote about….” She turned pale a bit.
“I guess, what did she say, nothing scandalous I hope?” I asked again smirking to show I found the situation at leas in part humerous.
“Er no Ma’am she says you saved her life, and that you have a gold cluster.”
“Ah that I did, and do have, anything else?”
“That you take things very seriously but can party with the best of them…”
“That I do, work hard, play hard, but don’t get confused and play when you should be working. I think that will do ladies, but word of advice I think we should see some changes in the state of affairs when I return with the Skipper later tonight.”
“Yes Ma’am!” they shouted, as I left to change for the shindig down planet-side.
I changed into my formal dress uniform, sans shoes, as I will put on my heels in the shuttle, then went to the BDC and informed Miss Travis that I was on my way down and that she had the con. I noticed that all of the primary stations were manned and everyone was in shipboard duty dress like they were supposed to be. This meant that my black blouse and red skirt stuck out like a sore thumb. After leaving the Foxglove’s BDC I headed down to the shuttle area and took a shuttle down and met with my new commander.
Despite my first impression, I soon warmed to Lady Janice and my counterparts. Ms. Wilson the Engineering Officette knew her trade, Ms. Duquesne, the Weapons Officette likewise ran a tight ship although her division was not nearly as impressive as the weapons on the Pacificator, I knew we could trust her girls to give the enemy a rough time. Ms. Green, the BDCO was slightly jealous that she was not called to be the executive but she has even less time in her present grade than I do, she transferred as DBCO from a battle cruiser as a replacement for the BDCO who went to another ship. It seems the light cruisers are prime targets for personnel raids to beef up the larger ships. Ms. Kemple and Miss Rochester rounded out the other seniors of note, Ms. Kemple insured me that her birds were up and her girls will do their duty. Miss Rochester likewise vouched for her Troop. As for the dinner it was quite good if not wholly remarkable.