Reporting In to Captain Stewart

Posted on Thu Jul 30th, 2026 @ 8:38pm by Lieutenant Benjamin “Ben” Ashford & Captain James Stewart

653 words; about a 3 minute read

Mission: Mission 01 Shakedown Cruise
Location: Captain's Ready Room
Timeline: Current

On

Lieutenant Ben Ashford arrived at the Captain's Ready Room precisely on time, his standard fleet uniform crisp and regulation perfect, every detail reflecting the respect he felt for this moment. He had been looking forward to this first meeting with the commanding officer of the USS Churchill, and he intended to begin it the right way... prompt, professional, and with the proper deference to rank. The doors parted at his approach. Ben stepped inside, came to crisp attention in front of the desk, and spoke in a clear, steady voice.

“Captain Stewart, Sir! Lieutenant Ben Ashford reporting as ordered. It's an honor to meet you finally, Captain.”

"Welcome aboard, Lieutenant," Replied James. He continued, Have you checked out Engineering yet? asking the question as he wanted everything checked and double-checked before they left this time, and not get caught out like last time.

"No, Captain Stewart, Sir." Ben acknowledged. "I have not yet checked out Engineering, but I will head there immediately and conduct a full inspection with a double-check of all systems before we depart."

"Don't forget to visit Medical," replied James. He knew that he, too, had to visit Medical himself, and he would make time for it. Still, with his new command team now coming together, he hoped that this time the ship would pass its trials. He continued," So, Lieutenant, please tell me about yourself?"

“Sir. I grew up in New Berlin on Mars... My grandfather helped terraform the southern hemisphere, so starships were always in the family. I focused on warp theory and damage control at the Academy, served on the Sovereign during the Dominion War, then did a tour on the Akira during border ops. Most recently, I was Assistant Chief Engineer on the experimental Prometheus. When I saw you were taking the Churchill, I requested the transfer. I’ve heard good things about how you run a ship, Captain. Glad to be here.”

"I see," replied James, looking back at his new Chief Engineer. "So, you know every system of this class of ship then?" he asked him, putting the weight of the department on him even more, and a standard to live up to. He wondered how this ship would behave.

"Sir," Ben stated. "I have recently become familiar with the Luna Class systems. I have not served on a Luna Class vessel; however, I have extensive knowledge of her systems. I won't let you down, Captain." Ashford didn't want to lie; he had never been in a Luna-class engineering room. However, he studied up a lot once he had learned the potential to serve on her was available.

"We have now been changed to a Sovie-class after what happened with the Former vessel that bore this name," replied James, looking back at his CEO, leaning back in his chair. He hoped that the engines would not fail this time and he would have a chief who would keep them in top shape.

Ben nodded once, respectful and steady. He was nervous and stated Luna Class by accident. Oyi! He shifted slightly in his seat and gave the edge of his PADD a light fidget before meeting Captain Stewart’s eyes without flinching.

“Understood, Captain… Sovereign-class. I’ve studied her systems thoroughly, and I’ve been hands-on with every major component since coming aboard. I won’t let you or this ship down.” Ben wanted to prove to Captain Stewart he had chosen him well.

"Very well, dismissed," replied James, leaning back in his chair. He finished, " I want a full report in 2 days, Lieutenant," as he needed to send it to the Admiral before she gave the green light for them to move out

"Understood, Sir." Ashford gave an acknowledgement to the Captain and a quick salute as he turned to leave. He was happy. The Captain had sounded like a good Man.

Off

Captain James Stewart
CO

&

Lieutenant Benjamin “Ben” Ashford
CEO

 

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