A/N: So, I know this has taken a while to be put up, and for that I apologise. Family life must take precedence, after all, but I am trying to get some writing out as and when I can. To that end, here! Have an update!
Rixadi exited the boarding tube to the sound of the traditional 'bosun's whistle', and she was greeted by a blonde-haired woman of average height, wearing Commander's pips and an easy smile. Her blue eyes glittered with genuine warmth, and Rixadi instantly felt the two would get along well.
She marched up to the young officer and saluted, and she responded in kind with casual grace.
"Permission to come aboard?" she asked, since the ship remained under the Commander's authority until Rixadi officially took command.
"Permission granted, ma'am, and welcome," the blonde replied, moving forwards and extending her hand. "I am authorised to relinquish command of the Lightbringer to you at this time."
"Thank you Commander, I accept command," Rixadi answered formally, taking the offered hand and shaking it firmly. The blonde's grip was as firm as it was enthusiastic, a sign that the woman held a measure of strength and confidence. "I don't know if you were told, but I figured I'd introduce myself. I'm Rixadi Seshara," the Tkaathan told her new second-in-command, as the commander gestured for Rixadi to follow her.
"I was, but it's always nice to make the introductions in person," the Commander said with another smile, folding her arms behind her back as she led Rixadi through the ship. "My name's Amelia Cobham. Just Amelia," she emphasised, "only my brother calls me 'Amy' or any other contraction of my name, and even he gets a punch for it."
Amelia chuckled, and Rixadi found herself laughing in unison.
"Well then, Amelia, I'll be sure not to do that," she said, grinning. "Now, how about you show me around this fine vessel?"
"...And in addition to the hangar bays, we have the Radiation Bombardment matrix," Amelia explained, leading Rixadi towards a turbolift. "It's an...unclean weapon, but-"
"-we're at war," Rixadi finished somberly. "A sad, but inescapable fact. Tell me about the hangars, though. What do they carry?"
"At the moment, standard Danube-class runabouts, but the hangar bays are completely modular," Amelia told her. "A bit of time in dock and we can deploy Type 8 shuttles, Delta Flyers, even Peregrine fighters."
Rixadi made a small noise of surprise, and memorised the information. Such tactical flexibility would be immensely useful for the incredible vessel.
"Certainly explains the small craft operations module in my training," Rixadi said, nodding to herself.
"Aye ma'am," Amelia agreed, gesturing for her captain to step into the lift first. "I was Wing Commander on the Titan, before her demise. When she was lost - and after we survivors recovered - we were reassigned. Eventually, Admiral Kassai tapped me for this slot."
"How do you know her?"
"Oh, I don't," Amelia laughed. "We've met once or twice though, mainly because my brother is her helmsman. And he doesn't shut up about her!" She laughed again, shaking her head. "Still, I'm glad she's got him. No-one in Starfleet flies like my kid brother."
Rixadi nodded, quietly assessing her new first officer. So far, she saw no reason for the two of them to disagree, and she liked Amelia's warm, friendly personality. However, Rixadi could tell that Amelia was serious about her work, and clearly very competent too.
She was certain that Admiral Kassai had, indeed, sent her the best.
"Everything alright, ma'am?" Amelia asked, and Rixadi shook herself.
"Absolutely, Amelia, sorry. I was lost in thought."
Amelia smiled, and the turbolift began to slow.
"Well, big girls like this don't sit idle," she said, her smile broadening to a cheeky grin as the doors hissed open. "There'll be plenty to occupy your thoughts soon enough."