Academy to Eventide

Posted on Tue Aug 25th, 2026 @ 10:55pm by Lieutenant Tyler Hunt & Lieutenant Taras Mikovich

1,057 words; about a 5 minute read

Mission: Escape Velocity
Location: Cochrane Shipyards: USS Eventide

The USS Meridian had arrived at Cochrane Shipyard about an hour before. Prior to exiting the ship, Tyler found himself staring at the Bonaventure class ship that was still undergoing the finishing touches of construction. She was an exploratory cruiser designed for the purpose of deep space exploration. On the way over, he read about every detail of the Eventide. As Chief of Operations, Hunt would be responsible for the logistics and ensuring that everyone who stepped foot on this ship had every piece of equipment before the launch date. This was one reason why he opted to get here before most of the crew. Exiting the Meridian, he stepped aboard Cochrane Shipyard, finding himself among the many workers with the sole goal of getting this ship operational.

Making his way down a corridor leading to the opening of the Eventide, there was a line of individuals trying to board the vessel. One face was familiar to him. Someone Tyler hadn't seen since his days at Starfleet Academy. "Taras Mikovich?"

The calling of his name like a parent would to reprimand him caused Taras to immediately stop in his tracks. He paused. He turned. He had not recognized the voice, but when he caught sight of the source, facial recognition of his mind triggered memories from his few weeks at Starfleet Academy when he went through OTS.

"They let you graduate the Academy," Taras said teasing the other man. "Lieutenant? Impressive. Your presence here must be a sign. You've been assigned to the Eventide, Hunt?"

Moving in closer, Tyler extended his hand. "Yeah, they got me on the Eventide. And they let me graduate scratching and clawing. Didn't expect to see a familiar face."

Taras accepted the hand, a firm shake to greet to man. "I certainly did not expect to bump into anyone I knew out here either. Guess I'll count this as Eventide's first surprise for me. What do they have you aboard doing?"

"Chief Operations Officer," Hunt answered. There was a certain level of pride in his voice. But there was also a sense of excitement for someone who finally got a chance to run his own department. "I was just thinking the same thing. Guess Starfleet is smaller than I thought, getting a chance to see a familiar face. What do they have you doing?"

Taras shrugged. "Languages," he replied simply before explaining further. "Chief Communications Officer. Primarily making sure our translation operating software is doing its job properly, but I'm here for when that thing isn't useful which first contact with an alien species may happen. Mostly I am just along for the ride."

"I wouldn't call that just being along for the ride. Starfleet has plans for us to venture into deep space. Which likely means, several first contacts. You're the difference between things going right or with a simply trying to say hello. Personally, I prefer shaking hands than fighting our way out of a misunderstanding."

"Not everything can be solved by talking. Diplomacy is great, but phasers sometimes are the only way of resolving miscommunication. I will certainly do my best to get us through things without weapons fire, but not everybody out there wants to talk things out."

"But most do," Hunt added. "Its all about either side coming up with a mutual agreement that they can live with. Phasers are the easy way out. Don't get me wrong, I am all about defending ourselves. But we really don't need any more enemies."

Mikovch shrugged. "I'm the communications officer. Of course I am going to try to talk things out, negotiate, and make peace. I've been known to talk myself out of a lot. Heck, I could probably charm the pants off a Vulcan on a good day, but if we find ourselves in a shoving match, I refuse to be the one on the ground."

Tyler couldn't help but smile. "The next couple of years are going to be really interesting. Do you know if the Eventide has a departure date?"

"I've been aboard a short while, Hunt. You have the department color with the answers when it comes to departure dates, inspection dates, and expiration dates. I'm just glad I already know someone aboard. That is one less new person to meet."

Looking down at his uniform, he simply shrugged. The other officer had a point. All his answers would be answered once he got to work. Around them were things piled up just waiting to be brought on board. The disorder was clearly waiting for some order. "Found myself thinking the same about having one less new person to meet. And suppose that I seriously have my work cut out for me. Not eager to see the condition of disarray that is likely happening on the ship."

Mikovich folded his arms and leaned against a bulkhead. "That is the last thing you should be doing, Hunt. Don't judge the ship before you get to know her, or her crew for that matter. Things may not be exactly how you would want them, but you are Chief Operations Officer. Organize it your way, but remember to communicate your expectations to your staff. Otherwise, you'll end up trying to shoulder everything yourself."

"Seeing everything lying around has me putting together a mental checklist," Ty admitted. Looking around at he shipping containers that need to be brought on board. "Fairly certain hasn't even arrived yet."

"I think the same could be said for the crew," stated Taras. "We're still taking on crew, Hunt. Whatever equipment or supplies you are waiting for will get here. Eventually."

"So, when do you plan on meeting the Captain?"

Taras' lip curled slightly. "Oh, the Captain and I have already met. Seems rather composed. He reeked of eau de science. It sounded like he was excited for exploration and encountering new folks."

Hunt sighed a bit. "He was looking for me last night, while I was still on the Meridian. Kind of bad look when trying to make a great first impression."

"I don't think you have much to worry about. The guy seems genuinely understanding" stated Taras. "I wouldn't fuss over it."

"I better not keep him waiting too much longer," said Tyler. "Catch you later?"

=================
Lieutenant Tyler Hunt
Chief Operations Officer
USS Eventide

Lieutenant Tara Mikosvich
Chief Communications Officer
USS Eventide

 

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