Today was the day. We were shipping out to our berths, for better or worse. I was going to my new station, aboard the Diligence class Destroyer 'Spiteful Rebuke", which was a cool ass name. Anyhow, my new position aboard was as Executive Officer.

  This honestly surprised me. I don't know what I expected, but being second from the top aboard ship was definitely not it. I was giddy, really. I had no clue what to expect.

  Well, that was a lie. Training killed that bit dead. But how would the officers aboard react? There were 12 fresh faces coming aboard, me included. That had to fuck up the dynamics on ship.

  I sighed. Well, no use in worrying about the reception I'll get. Better then getting shot anyways. Maybe.

  The pelican landed and the all clear sounded. We stood up, and I weaded out first. My first notice of the Rebuke, was that it's hanger bay was small, even compared to other ships of its size.

  But, that wasn't surprising really. The Diligence class was always a more specialized class of ship. It had thick armor and heavy guns.

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  Of the 500 plus meters of hull, around 550 or there abouts, she had 3 meters of armor, numerous coil gun batteries, and two Light Mac's. That plus the point defense made her hull one of the most armed and armored for her size.

  We were met by the captain at the entrance to the bay, and we all approached. We saluted. "Permission to come aboard, captain?" I ask for all of us.

  "Granted. Lady's and gentlemen, I am Captain Wekword, you should have all gotten the deck layout for the ship. Head to your departments, and listen to your seniors. They've been aboard longer and know what their doing. If you have problems, cone to me. XO, with me." He said.

  I began to follow, and as we walked, the others began splitting off, checking their various devices to make sure they were going in the right direction.

  "Commander Nivka, correct?" He asks.

  "Ay, sir."

  "Good. I've read your file. While your new to ship life, and I expect you to learn from my example, you are not some green recruit. That means I will give you my trust to not act as... reliably as green recruits tend to. You get me?" He asked, glancing back at me with a slight smirk.

  "Ay captain, I just might. You'll have no problems from me." I said.

  "Good. Typically, you and I would have a 'One commands, one rests' schedule, but for now, your up when I am, and you sleep when I do. I have enough bridge crew to compensate until your ready."

  "Ay captain."

  "Well, no time like the present. Shakedown is in a day. Enough time for some paperwork, observation, and sleep. Hope you like long nights, Commander." He said in jest.

  "Ay sir. I like beds more." I returned.

  I think I will like it here, if this is the reception I get. Maybe even more then I like my new bed. Maybe.