Destination Horizon

As the ship jumped to warp Gould stood up and walked around to the security station "Secure from yellow alert and begin the security checks Mr. Vincent. Lt. Commander Tomah, a word if I might?" Tomah gave a surprised nod and the captain turned to walk into his ready room. Tomah started to follow him but whispered to Vincent as he passed "I might need a sealed file after all.." and gave him a wide eyed expression.

No sooner than the door to the ready room closed Gould started talking. "You've been on this ship for over 4 years now and almost all of it at the security station, either during second shift or as a fill in for the CSO, is that not correct?"

Tomah looked a little nervous "Aye sir, thats as it is sir."

"And yet.." Gould went on "You've never shown any interest in taking the lead position, why is that?"

"Well sir.. uh.. it's just that I'm one for knowing a mans place in life.. if you get my meaning Captain."

Gould shook his head "Not really Commander, do tell."

Looking extremely uncomfortable Tomah went on "Yes sir, It's just that.. well, I like where I am and what I do sir. The men that they send to me to be trained.. as I see that is.. all leave better men than when they arrived and I can't help but feel it's the reason I'm here sir, and there's no finer moment in a mans life then the one where he feels his found his place sir."

Gould seemed satisfied with his answer "I need an XO for this coming mission, and the standard is to bump up the CSO to the position, as you well know."

Tomah smiled broadly "Aye, this was the case with Kheren and Jureth as well, seems to be the way of it aboard the Lotus.. so far its worked vary well sir.. If I may say so sir."

"So it would seem" Gould agreed "But I'm asking you to fill the roll of first officer Lt. Commander, none the less."

Tomah's smile dropped hard. "Me sir? the XO? but I.. well that is.." but couldn't seem to find the words.

"Your by far the most experienced man aboard the Lotus, Ive no doubt you know every nook and cranny, every system and emergency system, you've held critical stations in times of crisis time and again and never failed in your duties. Of the original crew that is left all know you and respect you while Mr, Vincent and myself are relative unknowns to them." Gould walked up to him.

"The only question that remains is, Do you want the job?" Gould's look was vary neutral, vary Vulcan like.

Tomah looked away for a second and bit his lip, then straighted up and looked more serious. "Yes Captain Gould, I would vary much appreciate this opportunity sir."

Gould turned away and retrieved his PADD from the desk. "Good, as soon as we sear you in I want you to take command of the bridge while I undergo my examination for Dr. Bindo.." and handed him the PADD "Here is what expect to be accomplished in my absence."

Looking vary serious Tomah took the PADD. "Of course sir, I'll get right to it"

They then went to the computer and granted him full privileges and rights as the Lotus's first officer.

Afterwords as Gould was leaving Tomah spoke up. "Captain?" Gould stopped and looked at him. "Yes number one?"

Almost against his will Tomah smiled at the designation. "I wont let you down sir, thats a fact."

Gould gave a slight nod "See that it stays a fact Commander." and went out to the bridge to inform them of their new XO.