Rose was beyond nervous about her first day. She sucked up her thoughts and entered the DSV , her eyes needing a moment to adjust to the artificial light. There were stange noises all over. The sounds of tools banging on metal. Air hoses, hydraulics were in motion everywhere. Rose noticed the water tubes and wondered if it had to do with the water systems of the Sub. Finally she noticed a table set up that said new employees were to report for their bunking assignments and receive maps of the ship in the form of a flash drive that plugged into intermittent speakers all over the sub. ID badges were also being given out. They were digital cards that gave the person's name and rank and department. They had pictures taken right against the wall that showed up on the badge, she was thankful she had done her hair and make-up before hand.
After waiting for a few people ahead of her , Rose was finally up.
" Good morning! I'm Commander Ortiz! Welcome to the SeaQuest. What is your name and rank?"
" Hi I'm Rose Harker, your new Oceanographer and Marine Biologist."
" Welcome, hey, wait, the Captain mentioned you! You're Dr.Westphalen's Niece right?"
She smiled." Yes I am."
" Oh! That's great news! She was one of the best crew we ever had here. Welcome, because you're an officer you bunk alone, infact, her old quarters were available, so that's where you're bunking, you'll have no room mate."
" All right. Great. Commander, please tell me there's a map for me as well? This place is way bigger than I head anticipated!"
Ortiz chuckled." You got it. It's on this flash drive, you'll see ports all v over the place, you just plug in and it'll tell you where you are but you can also all how to get where you need, there is a microphone receiver. You'll get the hang eventually I promise. Your labs are ready to go. Your crew hasn't arrived yet, but I left a file for you in your vquarters to familiarize yourself with them. If you need supplies you'll need to speak with Commander Krieg, he'll help order anything you may need."
" Would you like me to arrange a tour guide? Some one that can show you around today?"
Suddenly a booming voice rang out. " Oh holy shit! Little Red?! What're you doing here?!!!" It was Mitch and he was grinning from ear to ear!
Rose looked up and grinned." Seriously? This is where you guys work? You have to be joking!" She returned his grin with one of her own.
" This is the new job?!! Oh!!! My GOD!! We have to surprise Lucas!"
Derrick came around the corner and saw her and Mitch talking.
" Unreal! This is your new job?" Derrick came and entered the group.
Commander Ortiz was shocked at the exchange." You guys know each other?"
Mitch turned to him, " Yeah, well, sort of, we met at a bar the night before we came back! Commander, can we arrange for Lucas to be her tour guide? He's going to flip his lid!"
" Please sir? You're going to see him,Sooo happy! "
Ortiz grinned and agreed." Only if that's all right with Rose."
She was beaming," Yes please! We really hit it off the other night. I'd love to see his face. "
" All right. How long do you think you need took get settled, I can have him meet you at the lab if you like. Or your quarters?"
" The Lab I think would be a good idea." She responded.
" All right."
" Um , could I have an hour or two? I just woukd line to get familiar with my quarters and if I can unpack that'd be great, then I'll feel more settled."
" Deal. I'm going to get a hold of him and tell him to meet the new Oceanographer at the lab. That work for you?"
" Yes sir!"
" Can we escort her to her quarters? " Derrick asked.
" That all right with you?" Ortiz asked.
" Yes sir, if it's all right with you of course."
" All right, here's your identification, there are uniforms in there all ready, if the sizes aren't correct get in touch with Commander Krieg, he'll get you to what you need. There's a bunch of paperwork for you on policies and procedures. Today we are still receiving crew back from shore leave, so things are a bit crazy. Tomorrow though at 09:00 there's an officer's meeting to introduce the few new crew we've aquired. All officers will be back tonight by midnight. The meeting will be held in Captain's conference room. Might want to learn where that is."
" Wow. This is all hitting home, this is really real!" She looked wide eyed at the commander.
" No worries Harker, you'll do fine. I'm sure Lucas will really help you out." He teased. " All right, you have everything you need from me. I'll see you around I'm sure. And again, it's great to have Dr. Westphalen's niece on board. Welcome." He shook her hand firmly.
" Thank you very much Commander." She clipped on her ID badge.
He nodded and then another new crew member needed him. Rose looked up to Mitch and Derrick.
" Well gentlemen? Where to?"
" This way, here, let me take that." Derrick took her suitcase. Mitch put his heavy arm around her shoulders as they walked toward her quarters.
" I can't believe none of us discussed the job thing! Wolenczak is going to lose his mind when he sees you girl!"
" We didn't get into specifics!" She grinned.
" Well, they were a little preoccupied..." Derrick teased.
" True. Oh my God, I want to be there when he comes in!" Mitch said.
" Well. You heard what time the commander said he'll have Lucas meet me at the lab. So, show up." She shrugged.
" This is going to be great. I'm excited for you guys." Derrick said." Wolenczak is a great guy, he just hasn't had great luck with the ladies. He was really bummed when we left yesterday morning."
" He was?" Rose asked.
" For sure. You were his first successful female interaction the whole two weeks that we were off." Mitch said.
" Oh, wow. Well, little does he know there's a big surprise waiting for him." She grinned.
Finally the group arrived at her new quarters." Guys, thank you for the escort."
They both smiled at her.
" Anytime." Mitch said.
" You get settled in. We'll see you in a couple hours, maybe we can all eat dinner together at the mess hall tonight." Derrick suggested.
" That would be great. I'll see you later." She took her suitcase avid v walked inside. The lights were all ready turned on. The room wasn't bad, bigger than she expected. Her bunk equaled a full sized bed. There was a locker bolted to the wall that would be where she'd store her clothing. She opened it to prep it for her clothes, finding the uniforms inside that Commander Ortiz told her about. Checking the size, she held them in front of herself inspecting them. The size seemed adequate. There were a couple full, jumpsuits, but then there were a couple long sleeved navy button up shirts, as well as a couple polo shirts. The pants were all black. She'd have to check to see the dress code requirements for her job. It was in need of a few personal touches to make it feel less clinical, but at least her quarters weren't claustrophobic. There was a small writing desk on the wall across from the bed. At one end of the room was a door, upon opening it, she discovers a tiny, barhroom complete with a sink, small shower stall and toilet. The only thing she wished she had remembered was her music. She loved listening to music in her down time. It helped her collect her thoughts and unwind. She'd have to see if Commander Krieg could help her out. Rose set about unpacking and getting settled. She was glad she had brought her light throw blanket, it was one small piece of home. Rose sat a moment in the bed after she finished unpacking. Yep, a lot had changed in the past 48 hours, but this seemed like a change for the better.