Mission 0 - Pre-Launch

Sitting at the bar in Quark's aboard Deep Space Nine, Azeri was going over the black colored Security PADD. It's contents were focused on the Security Codes of the California Class vessel that was currently docked at Upper Pylon 3. 21 decks tall, 535 meters bow to stern... Her purply-pink hair trifled slightly at why Starfleet Intelligence wanted such an old refit of a Science vessel. That being said, she was looking forward to this new Command, for too long she had sat behind a console and wished to be out there, in the wild black beyond...

The Ferengi behind the bar inquired if she wished for a refill of the Earth delicacy Root Beer™, to which she politely declined. She didn't have the time but perhaps she would return before Eureka departed. She stood, pushed the large tumbler glass towards the Ferengi barman and turned to leave.

The transfer of command of the USS Eureka was scheduled to commence within the hour, she had just enough time to visit the Viewing port on the upper Promenade, from which the next scheduled eruptment would happen shortly. After this, she would head for Upper Pylon 3 and be transferred command of Eureka.

After she had watched the opening of the wormhole, she first returned to her guest quarters, it just wouldn't do to leave her life assistance partner behind for such an important mission, whatever that mission would end up being... She had been waiting patiently, so as Azeri entered the room, she called out to her.

Capt Sull: Oh, Patience. Are you ready? We have a big day ahead of us!

Azeri replicated a piece of chicken flesh and handed it over to the canine who was now sat bolt upright, her tail wagging in response to the smell of meat.

Capt Sull: Well, I guess it's time, let's go...

The two left the guest quarters and headed for the Turbolift and called out for Upper Pylon 3's Docking Port.
_________________
Captain Azeri Sull
Mission Specialist, USS Eureka

Going over the psychological evaluations on his PADD for the crew of vessel Lt. Benz had been recently assigned to, Nick thanked the Chief Medical Officer of DS9 for allowing him the use of his office since the Counselor hadn't boarded the USS Eureka yet. Stepping out of the office of Dr. Julian Bashir, Counselor Benz shook the Doctor's hand as he spoke.

Lt. Benz: Thank you for the use of your office, Dr. Bashir. It was very kind of you to lend it to me while I went over the psych evaluations in privacy. Somehow I didn't think Quark's would be the appropriate place for such a task!

The Counselor laughed at the thought of trying to read the psych records on the crew of Eureka while sitting in Quark's as he smiled at Dr. Bashir and proceeded to depart the Infirmary and entered the Promenade. Smiling at people as they passed by, the Counselor made is way to a Turbolift and took it to Upper Pylon 3 where Nick saw a fellow Starfleet Officer about to board Eureka! From the color of her hair and the pips on her collar, Nick immediately knew he was in the presence of Capt Azeri Sull, his new Commanding Officer!

Lt. Benz: Hello Captain Sull, I'm Lieutenant Nicholas Marshall Benz, your newly assigned Ship's Counselor! I see you have yourself a companion! What a lovely animal! What's the dog's name, if I may ask?

While the Counselor allowed the dog to sniff his hand, showing that Nick meant no danger to it, the Lieutenant waited on a response from Capt Sull. The canine animal was truly an exquisite creature that Lt. Benz had hopes he would be able to become friends with. Perhaps even to be able to have the dog sit in on therapy sessions with members of the crew, like a support animal used for people in crisis. Nick was sure the crew would enjoy talking more openly with a friendly dog beside them. The Counselor decided on waiting until a later time to ask the Captain about borrowing her canine companion for therapy sessions. Right now it didn't seem proper to ask such a thing having not even gotten to know each other first.
_________________
Lieutenant Nicholas M. Benz
Counselor, USS Eureka

Upper Pylon 3 Airlock - Deep Space Nine

Azeri turned towards the teal-colored uniformed officer that had addressed her. The newly-appointed ship's Counselor obviously had no inkling about the dog.

Capt Sull: Lieutenant... Patience is her name and apparently she seems to like you... She's no normal dog, she was a gift from Starfleet Research and Development when they scrapped the Sentient Android Modification Program... Apparently they couldn't get either the funding or the data to continue the project, and well, I couldn't see her dissassembled.

The Captain nuzzled the dog's white fur as she spoke.

Capt Sull: I am sure you'll both become good friends and become an assest to the crew.

Azeri smiled back at Lt. Benz as she spoke, hpefully ensuing a sense of calm towards the fellow officer.
_________________
Captain Azeri Sull
Mission Specialist, USS Eureka

Nick smiled back at the Captain as he bent over to pet the dog. She seemed very friendly and since she was an android, the Lieutenant knew he was in no danger of getting bit by the synthetic animal. Just as long as Nick wasn't a threat to Capt Sull, the canine android would remain docile and friendly.

Lt. Benz: Look at you! Yes, you're so friendly! Yes, you are Patience! You're the puppy! Such a baby woof-woof!

The Counselor suddenly realized he probably looked like a fool in front of his new Commanding Officer and stood up straight with an apologetic expression on his face. Nick felt quite foolish and embarrassed as he spoke to Capt Sull.

Lt. Benz: I'm sorry for the foolish behavior, Captain. I love animals, especially dogs. Even though Patience is an android, I couldn't help myself because she is just so cute!

Nick reached down and booped the nose of Patience and smiled. The Lieutenant just couldn't help himself! The synthetic animal was too adorable to the eye and the Counselor looked forward to the possible chance of running around and playing on the Holodeck with the android dog. All Lt. Benz could do now was wait to hear what Capt Sull had to say about his immature behavior in her presence.
_________________
Lieutenant Nicholas M. Benz
Counselor, USS Eureka

The Captain smirked at Lt. Benz as he seemed to almost devolve into a child momentarily.

Capt Sull : Quite alright, Lieutenant... But technically she's no puppy. She wasn't even born, she just embodies the natural instincts of most canines and perhaps a smidgen of sentience.

Azeri gave Patience a small look and the dog turned a circle around Nicholas and lay beside the two officers, as if she had just been sent to her bed.
_________________
Captain Azeri Sull
Mission Specialist, USS Eureka

Docking Port - Deck 6 - USS Eureka

As the Commander looked through the portal in the Docking Hatch, she could see Capt Sull and Lt. Benz on the other side. While they were talking amongst themselves, Claire opened the hatch the welcome them both aboard Eureka! Everyone else was already aboard and at their stations, only the new CO and Counselor needed to arrive.

Cmdr Bennet: Captain! It's good to finally meet you, I'm Commander Claire Lesley Bennet, Executive Officer of this fine vessel. I wasn't aware you had an animal with you. I believe you'll want to put your dog in your Quarters before going to the Bridge where Admiral Boday is waiting so he can transfer command of Eureka to you.

The XO looked over towards Lt. Benz and continued speaking towards the Counselor...

Cmdr Bennet: It's a pleasure to meet you, Counselor. Your Quarters and your Office is all ready for you to check in, Lieutenant. If you both will kindly come aboard, we'll be able to get underway to Starbase 34 in the Gamma Quadrant.

The Commander waited on both Capt Sull and Lt. Benz to come through the Airlock from DS9 and cross over to board Eureka. Once they were inside the California Class vessel and stowed their carry-on luggage in their cabins, the Captain, Commander and Counselor could report to the Bridge and meet with Adm Boday for the transfer of command.
_________________
Captain Claire L. Bennet
Commanding Officer, USS Eureka

The Captain heard the unmistakable hiss of the Docking Port Hatch opening as she spoke with her Counselor and turned towards the sound while keeping Lt. Benz in front of her to not appear rude.

Capt Sull: Ah, you're my new "Number One", Commander. No, I didn't bring an animal.

Azeri bent towards the dog as she spoke and handed the rucksack to Patience, who immediately stood and took the bag in her mouth.

Capt Sull: Patience is a Canine, yes, but beast she is not... Take that to our Quarters, Patience...

Patience: Woof!

Capt Sull: She's a sentient Android, but I'll explain more once we're on our way and have a moment to ourselves after the transfer, Commander.

Azeri put her right hand up slightly towards the Counselor indicating the hatch and stepped forwards with him as Patience lead the way towards the opening where the Executive Officer was waiting for them to enter Eureka.

Capt Sull: We mustn't keep the Admiral, especially if the CMO of the Station's tales are to be believed.

As Azeri spoke, the dog disappeared off, down the corridor behind Cmdr Bennet, her tail swishing across her leg as she ran. The two officers only now just reaching about three feet away from the XO.
_________________
Captain Azeri Sull
Mission Specialist, USS Eureka

Nick smiled at Cmdr Bennet as he took a few steps forward and stopped before crossing the threshold into Eureka. It was customary to always ask permission to board a vessel from the senior officer at the scene, which is exactly what the Counselor did as he was amazed at seeing Patience take the Captain's bag in her mouth and prance away towards the Captain's Quarters.

Lt. Benz: Permission to come aboard, Commander?

The Counselor waited for permission to be given before entering Eureka so he could bring his bag to his cabin and then go to the Bridge to be present for Capt Sull's transfer of command. It wouldn't take Nick long since his Quarters was on this deck and not far from this location. All the Lieutenant needed was Cmdr Bennet's permission and he'd be on his way!
_________________
Lieutenant Nicholas M. Benz
Counselor, USS Eureka

Claire took a step to the side when she felt the tail of the dog brush across her leg as it passed by on the way to the Captain's Quarters on Deck 1. As the Capt Sull's animal scurried off, the Commander turned and smiled to Lt. Benz as she granted him permission to come aboard Eureka.

Cmdr Bennet: Permission granted, Counselor! I'm sure you know your way to your cabin, if not...you can use the Computer to find your way.

The XO stood aside to allow Lt. Benz to pass and make his way down the corridor to his Quarters where he could stow his belongings and report to the Bridge to witness the transfer of command from Adm Boday. Then she turned to the Captain and smiled as she waited for the CO to board Eureka for her first time.
_________________
Captain Claire L. Bennet
Commanding Officer, USS Eureka

The Captain smiled over at Cmdr Bennet.

Capt Sull: So, do I have your permission to board, or is it going to cost me holodeck rations?

Azeri also wondered how the crew was taking to the shake up of the layout of the vessel, so she inquired of this to her XO.

Capt Sull: How are you finding the Bridge being on Deck Two, Commander? It's definatly going to take some getting used to, for everyone.

The CO waited on Cmdr Bennet to allow her to board the ship and respond to her inquiry.
_________________
Captain Azeri Sull
Mission Specialist, USS Eureka