Training & Triumph }{ [Vangard/Tyler]

[Sibil Tucker]

[September 29th, 2522 - Mid Day]

The last two weeks had been a blur to the Lieutenant. Sibil was confident in her partner, Ensign Adamala Secore. The pair had been asked to meet with Admiral Vangard, they both knew why. He'd given Sibil the task of teaching the young ensign everything she knew about the Esteem. The girls had gotten together that same night and came up with a plan of action.

Over the following three days before, during, and after their shifts Sibil went over tons of information. She could tell it was overwhelming Adamala but she didn't let up, they had to complete the goal set by the Admiral. Sibil refused to put up with any doubts. The days after Sibil had filled Adamala's head with her knowledge she randomly quizzed her. The first three days had been the worst, Sibil had to remind Secore of almost all of the answers, but slowly she was able to answer the questions Sibil presented. By the end Ensign Secore demonstrated that she had learned everything, her knowledge about the Esteem now rivaled Sibil's.

The Esteem's crew had been filling up nicely, a little over half of those assigned had already checked-in. The security team had kept five transports running during the mid-day. Sibil was still the highest ranking security officer and no head of security had been named yet. So she brought up the idea that they all rotate the overnight shifts, it had become a popular idea thankfully.

The two women stood now before the Admiral holding their salutes, Sibil was proud of her partner. Adamala had became a bit more confident in herself as well. She couldn't help it, a slight smile had slid across her face.

[tigh]

Tigh was in his office off his private quarters on the Esteem. With Pen in hand and the log book on the desk he had been carefully writing the days events in to the ship log. He had thought it important to keep a written copy of the ships logs along with the digital copy. Not only did it provide a back up of it but it also held with older more traditional methods of how the military was run.

He had been keeping a close eye on the clock as he knew Sibil and Adamala would be showing up for the Ensigns knowledge test. Tigh had little doubt that Sibil would have pulled off the training in an effective and efficient manner. Over the last two weeks Tigh had taken the time to read over their service records. In fact he had gone a little further then that as well. He had gotten records of basic training scores and talked to prior commanding officers about both of them.

Adamala's record was quite short as to be expected but she had proven to be an capable and energetic recruit. Sibil on the other hand had a bit more experience, she was six years in to her service and had remarkable test and weapons scores. She had quite the potential but it seemed an incident in her past had managed to halt her career for a while. Though it seems she might have taken the wrong approach to dealing with a situation she was justified in doing so.

As far as Tigh was concerned that blemish is wiped clean for her here on the Esteem. Had he not been given an opportunity to pass certain mistakes in his past he wouldn't be sitting in this chair today. He had caught his logs up at this point in time leaving it open at 1930 hours, the time of the meeting. Tigh waited a few minutes longer and at just a minute before the expected time Adamala and Sibil walked in presenting a salute to him.

TIgh stood up to greet them and returned their salute. "At ease." He told them before he himself sat back down. There were two chairs in front of his desk in case they wanted to sit, though he didn't expect they would. "Let's get right to it, I expect the training has gone well Lieutenant?" He questioned, the simple question at the beginning would help him gauge their confidence. The smile that was on their faces as they walked in was a good sign already.

Tigh closed the log book and pulled out another notebook, serveral service manuals, an engineering manual on the ship, a stack of ship layouts and about half dozen other books. 'study material' that was made to make them a little worried. It was for show but he was after the reactions they would have. Tapping his hand on the stack of books he said. "Alright I'll shot the questions at you two at a time. What is the max tour duration of the Esteem and what weapons is she equipped with?" Tigh asked with a calm voice, he wanted to make them worry a bit with all the books but he didn't see the need in having a stern voice that might make her second guess herself, for now at least he needed to take it one step at a time.

[Sibil Tucker]

Sibil and Adamala shifted their stance once the Admiral gave them the order to be at ease. The Lieutenant noticed the chairs that sat in front of his desk, she knew better than to take a seat, she also knew that the Ensign wouldn't take one if Sibil didn't. She'd been learning alot over the last two weeks, not just about the Esteem but Sibil noticed she had been paying attention closely to how she acted as well. Secore was still her energetic, happy-go-lucky self, but she kept herself more under control now, she took her job more seriously. Sibil was very glad for that change, she felt she had become a good influence on the young woman.

"Very well Admiral, I'm very pleased with Ensign Secore's progress and dedication. I expect she will continue to improve." Sibil replied promptly and confidently to the Admiral's inquiry. She watched him as he closed one book and pulled out another, and another...he continued until he had quite a few more books on his desk. From where they stood Sibil couldn't tell exactly what books they were but she saw the detail of a Crete class ship on the front of the top one. She began to wonder if she'd provided Adamala with enough information, what if Sibil had forgotten to teach her something. There was alot of material, she hoped he also didn't add in anything about other ship classes, they hadn't touched the other ships. Not yet at least. Sibil didn't dare look over at Adamala, hopefully the Ensign's face didn't give way to any nervousness.

Sibil listened as Admiral Vangard spoke to Adamala, her first two questions were basic, she wasn't worried about her partner getting them wrong. Adamala's posture changed, she stood straighter as he began with the quiz, "The Esteem will be able to remain on it's assigned tour for one year before having to resupply and restock. She's equipped with two-hundred .2 pound auto cannons, each having two-thousand round magazines, Sir." Ensign Secore answered the questions confidently, her voice gave nothing away, if her face showed otherwise Sibil couldn't tell. Her gaze remained focused on the Admiral.

[tigh]

Tigh watched over the pair as they readied themselves for the teat ahead of them. He could see a small level of nervousness come from Adamala as he pulled the stack of books out but it seemed it wasn't enough to phase her after the first round of questions. The basics had apparently been covered well enough. He wasn't looking to make it to hard, just wanted to make sure they had put in the effort.

"Very good Ensign, your off to a good start." He told them as he stood up from his desk. Pausing for a brief moment to look over the pair he walked around them as they stood still. He came to a stop behind them and took a deep breath his hands clasp behind him. Your next questions is What is the crew capacity of our fine ship? And the one you seemed to have trouble with a few weeks ago. What caliber of weapon is needed to penetrate the standard buckhead on the ship? He asked them, this time a little more sternly then last time. This he felt was important for her to know in her line of work and he expected her to know this after the last attempt and failure on the subject.

As he waited for an answer he walked back around to the front of them and stood just in front of the desk on the same side they were standing on. There was a part of Tigh that got a bit of pleasure out of seeing his soldiers sweat. He wouldn't ask but a few more questions and this pair was only a warm up to the following set.

[Sibil Tucker]

The Admiral stood up, Sibil watched as he walked out of her view. She could feel her nerves rising as she heard him take a deep breath behind them. The Lieutenant had no idea how many questions Vangard would ask her partner, technically they could be here for hours. The next two questions were asked, one was the question that prompted the two week teaching, Sibil knew that he'd ask that of her again. Knowing that she was able to make that one of her first priorities to teach Adamala. His voice was more harsh this time than the last, however as he finished his walk around the room Sibil saw no notion of anger in his face. He was probably trying to rattle the young Ensign, throw her off her game. She'd been putting up with Sibil the last two weeks non-stop though, while she was a kind person she was a stern teacher. Even during the times they had meals she hadn't let up on the quizzes.

Sibil watched as Tigh settled on standing in front of them rather than going back to his chair."Crew capacity on the Esteem is twelve hundred, though she can be run with a minimum of forty. The standard bulkhead can be penetrated by anything above a .45 ACP handgun or .243 rifle round, Sir." Adamala hesitated just a moment before she went on as though she was unsure if she should speak further, "Though if I may, the primary bulkheads are able to withstand anything up to a .44 magnum handgun or .270 rifle round." Sibil could hear the girl take in a breath as if waiting to be yelled at for speaking further than just the answers to what she'd been asked.

[tigh]

Tigh was quite impressed with the young Ensigns knowledge. It was a dramatic improvement over last time. Not only did she know the answer to the question that had stumped her before she was able to add detail to it he hadn't asked for. This was exactly what he had expected from his crew.

It was good enough to just meet standards, you had to excel to be part of his crew and that is exactly what both of them were proving here. The Ensign though her ability to learn the material and the Lieutenant by teaching it. "Very good Ensign, it seems I am not giving you hard enough questions." He said as he walked in a bit closer.

Taking a minute to pause and think of what to ask her next he walked up right in front of her stand with only a foot of space between them. He stood up straight tipping his head down just a bit to look her straight in the eyes. "I guess it is time for the final two questions then. As an Ensign in security under what circumstance do you have authority over your commanding officer?" He asked then paused for a second to hold back a smile. He knew his last question would though her off

"And finally who is your direct line supervisor and chief of security?" He again asked then waited for a response. His eyes closely scanning her face for any emotions or expressions that might cross it. The question wasn't answerable as he had not assigned a Chief of Security yet. "Come on now Ensign we don't have all day you know." He tease though there was not sign that it was a joke of any kind, in fact the pair could most likely assume it was a demand.

[Sibil Tucker]

'So far so good,' Sibil thought to herself after Adamala answered the Admiral's last question. He moved towards the Ensign speaking about the questions not being hard enough, Sibil knew that was true, there was alot about the Esteem that he could ask that would be much harder. She didn't have a good view of what was going on exactly since they were both facing forward. Vangard began to speak again; final two questions? That was surprising to the Lieutenant, she expected to be here for quite awhile, but then he was the Admiral. He was a busy man with a new ship to still break in, still new crew coming aboard so more faces to learn.

The first question was good, but definitely something every officer should know in case the need for it arrived. The second question was more tricky, it even made Sibil pause a moment to ponder it. Tricky was exactly this question, there was no answer, at least not yet. The person Vangard wanted to be his chief of security apparently hadn't arrived yet, though the full one hundred security team was on board. She assumed that number was just for the officers and didn't count the chief.

[From the view of Adamala Secore, Ensign]
If Sibil could see Adamala's face she could see the nerves seeping in, her eyes had widened just a bit after both questions had been asked. The first question she was sure of, but the second was making her question herself. His speaking to her about not having all day rattled her even a bit more-so. Adamala hoped that by the time she answered his first question she would be more sure of the second answer. "When assigned personal safety and security of the commanding officer on an away mission and the commanding officer's life is threatened. Though it also applies when the commanding officer is derelict of duty and is being relieved of said duty." Adamala's voice lost some of it's confident sound as she began her answer for the second question. She wasn't one hundred percent sure of this one. "Uhm...as of right now one has either not arrived or one has not been appointed as the chief of security..Sir"

[Back to the view of Sibil Tucker, Lieutenant]
Sibil could hear the nervousness in her voice, but her answer was correct. She didn't sound very sure of the answer, but it was correct. The Lieutenant was sure the Admiral would mention the fact that she sounded unsure of herself, but Sibil was sure he threw it in there to get her off of her game. Despite the rocky end she was proud of the young Ensign.

[tigh]

The Admiral could see the nerve of Secore frying after he asked the two questions. She still had he conference about her for the first question and with her first answer, and with it the Admiral gave a light grunt "Huh." She was spot on with the answer. He had though for sure she would miss the second half of that first question.

When he was a Sub-Lieutenant himself he watched his CAG get relieved of duty for conduct unbecoming of an officer but a par of Sergent's and an Ensign. Rank didn't matter when you were under orders for one assignment or another you had authority over those that the orders applied to.

With his second question came the best answer he had heard all night. He didn't even realize there was an answer that would work so well. It hadn't crossed his mind. He knew he had her for sure, and though her answer was so good she in fact was wrong. Not by much, but it was still wrong. The admiral had signed the papers less then half an hour ago. "Very good on the first one Ensign, but I have to inform you that you got the second one wrong." He said with a long pause afterward expecting both of them to be in a state of shock.

The pause drug on with a stern look on his face. He know this would be the moment both would lose their nerve. "It looks like you both didn't get the new orders yet I would suspect." Another pause followed for a few seconds. " Lieutenant Commander Sibil Tucker has been assigned as the Chief of Security for the Esteem."

Tigh walked to his deck and grabe a small box, the type that jewelry would be pound in and walked over to the now Lieutenant Commander "It seems you are out of Uniform Lieutenant Commander, I suggest you do something about it." He stated as he opened the box and that contained the proper rank insignia. "Congratulations."

[Sibil Tucker]

Sibil almost spoke out when the Admiral said that Adamala's second answer was incorrect. She held her tongue though, she hadn't heard any word of the appointment of a chief of security nor had anyone arrived in such position. Sibil kept close tabs on those who checked-in and their positions. She had heard the Ensign gasp slightly when he said her answer was wrong. The moments seemed like hours while the pair waited for Admiral Vangard to speak again. They were hopeful he'd reveal the correct answer to them.

'New orders? What new orders?' She hadn't heard any new orders, not today at least. The two girls had been walking the halls for a good hour before their meeting; going over last minute information, making sure their uniforms were in perfect condition and generally trying to walk the last bit of nerves out of Adamala.

What came next made Sibil lose herself, her eyes widened and she turned to the Admiral. She had no words but her mouth moved slowly like there was a plan there for talking. She moved her head, following Vangards movement, then he walked back to stand in front of her. Her mouth had stopped moving but her eyes were still wide with shock. He had a box in his hands, he said she was out of uniform. She hadn't been this surprised in her entire career.

Sibil looked down at the open box in front of her, it was a shiny new insignia, for a Lieutenant Commander rank...this was hers? Her hands shook just a bit as she reached up and took the box from Vangard. Words, she had to say something. "I uhh..err.. Thank you Sir! It's a great honor Admiral Vangard." She gave the man a solid salute, she was beginning to pull herself back together. Sibil glanced over at Adamala who was grinning like crazy, though when she saw her new chief of security looking in her direction she let the grin slip a little. Her mind was going in all different directions, so much to do, so much to learn.

[tigh]

Tigh though Sibil and Adamala's reactions were priceless. He was aiming to shock them a bit with the last question and the following promotion. Though he hadn't expected such a strong reaction from Sibil. She had shown herself as a stone faced soldier and he had broken that. It wasn't a bad thing in fact he considered it a good thing. It proved she hadn't blocked out all emotion or reasoning. Instead she was still able to think things through and not just accept thing but also react to them.

He needed people on his crew that were strong forces of leadership, not just the kind of leadership that followed his orders to the tee but also had the ability to judge his choices and offer better ones along the way. Sibil has so far proven she can fit that mold. "you've earned it Lieutenant Commander. You've worked hard, in fact I noticed you havent had time off since your arrivel on the Esteem, you as well Ensign. As such I have taken the liberty to give both of you tomorrow off. Be ready to report as the Chief of security after that Lieutenant Commander." He told them.

Thay had been pulling full shifts along with preparing themselves for the exam and hadn't shown any signs of lag from all their efforts. Tigh walked around back to his desk and took a seat it had been a long two weeks for him as well and he himself was begining to feel it. He wasn't as young as he used to be and at least internally it was noticable. "Unless you two have anything you need to discuss with me you are dismissed." He let them know as he leaned back against the back of the chair. The Esteem had been filling up nicely and hopefully soon would be ready to go underway with it's missions.

[Sibil Tucker]

((OOC: After this will want to create a new topic to fast forward to the day after tomorow where I plan on Sibil meeting with Vangard about her plans for the rest of the time the Esteem is docked. If you'd like to start it feel free Sid, otherwise I will ))
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Sibil had prided herself on how serious she held her job, she was feeling a little embarrassed now. How could she have faltered like that? Granted the surprise was very shocking and unexpected, she gave herself a little slack.

The Admiral was giving them the next day off, Sibil knew Adamala needed the free-time, she hadn't had much time to herself other than sleep and other personal time. The Lieutenant...Commander had kept on her about learning everything, making sure the knowledge was solid in her mind. Sibil had other plans for her day off, it would serve as some free-time for her to decide what her first course of action would be with the security team. Security was one of the few positions where everyone assigned had checked-in by now, which was expected.

Sibil watched as the Admiral walked back to his desk, taking a seat; she noticed he seemed a little tired. Though she said nothing about it, then they were dismissed. The pair gave him a salute in farewell and headed out of the office.

As they walked down the hall towards the elevator that would take them to the lower deck for duty Adamala nor Sibil said anything. Though Ensign Secore wanted to, Sibil could tell when she glanced her way. The girl was smiling so big you'd think she just became prom queen. Once they were on the elevator Tucker gave Adamala the go-ahead on whatever she wanted to say. Sibil smiled as well while she fixed her new insignia to her uniform, listening to the congratulations and general happiness her partner was expressing.

They departed the elevator in silence and ready for duty, it was them and another pair assigned to the check-in docks for the day. This had been their assigned duty since after the Admiral had arrived. The other officers stood and saluted their new chief of security. Sibil gave them a nod and motioned for them to get back to work, she wasn't very fond of being constantly saluted; she made a mental note to address that to the entire security staff.