Assemble the Troops

Posted on Sunday May 24th, 2026 @ 8:35pm by Lieutenant Commander Deezell Vox

473 words; about a 2 minute read

Mission: VFY S9, E1: We Have A Home
Location: R&D Station
Timeline: Current

Deezell sat in her office, the soft glow of the desk lamp reflecting off the sleek surface of her large workstation. In her hands rested the padd containing the speech she would deliver in just a few minutes, her first as the newly appointed Director of Research and Development.

She read it again, making small, precise adjustments, the kind that calmed her nerves more than they changed the content. As the time drew near, she exhaled, straightened, and rose from behind her desk. The weight of the new title settled on her shoulders, but so did a quiet determination.

Outside the doors of the mess hall, she paused. The hum of voices filtered through, the familiar sound of the station’s beating heart. This was Jeremy’s Bar, the social hub where crew gathered for ceremonies, meals, celebrations, and the occasional much‑needed drink. Jeremy himself, a civilian with a reputation for knowing everything before it became official, ran the place with an easy charm.

She stepped forward. The doors parted, and the lively chatter softened as heads turned. Jeremy looked up from polishing a glass, offering her a respectful nod as she passed. She climbed to the upper level by the wide observation windows, where a podium had been set for the occasion.

Placing her padd on the stand, she tapped the screen and looked out at the assembled team.

“Can I have your attention please,” she began, her voice steady.

“I am Lieutenant Commander Deezell Vox, the new Director of Research and Development for Valhalla Fleet Yards. I know many of us haven’t had the chance to work together yet, this Directorate is new, and so are some of our roles. I won’t pretend I’m not a little daunted, and I imagine some of you feel the same. That’s normal. But it won’t define how we move forward.

“I want us to build an open‑door culture. One where ideas are shared freely, support is offered readily, and collaboration is our foundation. My door is always open. My goals are simple: to strengthen Valhalla Fleet Yards, and to serve the Federation through innovation and engineering excellence.

“Thank you for your attention. Now, let’s enjoy a drink, mingle, and talk.”

Applause rose around her. Dee smiled, stepped down from the podium, and made her way to the bar.

“Excellent speech, Director. What can I get for you?” Jeremy asked as she leaned on the counter.

“Thank you, Jeremy. A large glass of Pinot Grigio, Earth vintage, New Zealand.”

“Absolutely.” He poured the wine and slid the glass toward her. “Enjoy, and welcome to Jeremy’s Bar.”

“Thank you,” she replied, taking the glass before moving into the crowd, greeting her new team and beginning the first of many conversations that would shape the Directorate’s future.

 

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