"Miss Samantha Swan." I read from the PADD before glancing down on the human female standing almost at attention while looking up at me.
I had the computer filter all applications and then show them to me without displaying names, species, or genders. I want the best people I could get and I don't want morrigi instincts getting in the way of getting it.
It just so happen that the strongest applicant by far for the second in command position was a female human, age 26. One that my human side insist that she reach a 'wow' rating on the good looking scale with her rather slender body and shoulder-length red hair.
My morrigi ones insist that she is male though as she is a space traveler. Things were confused for a few minutes until I decided that it doesn't apply to dustlings.
"That's correct sir." she answers with a nod and I check the PADD again
"You were a Commander in the Republic Navy. You were on the fast track...you had your own corvette command. Everything I have been able to find out indicates you would reach Captain's rank and your own frigate in just a year or two. Even if you decided military life wasn't for you, you could write your own paycheck for one of the major shipping companies. What happened? And why would you possibly want to serve on a ship like mine? I can't pay you as much as them."
She looks distinctly unhappy "It...was a personal thing." and I nod
"So it may be, but if you wish to become my second in command, I need to know I can trust you."
She sighs but nods "I...can understand that. I would likely ask for the same thing." she frowns before swallowing "You understand I can't actually 'prove' anything of this, right? Or I would have gone to the courts."
I nod "Understood." before she continues
"A Senior Captain became a bit to...friendly with me while my ship was being resupplied at his station. I objected...violently. I was going to press charges but he has influential friends and family. They convinced me that if I did I would get all shit postings for the rest of my career...and some of them were high enough up the chain to make it stick."
Frowning slightly down at her I nod "So what did you do?"
Commander Swan sigh "I had the option of keeping quiet and keep my career or go forward and watch my career crash and burn. I took the third option..."
Tilting my head I nod "You quit." and she nods.
"Yeah...but I didn't consider the pull they had. They dragged my name through the dirt with all the major companies just so I wouldn't come back to bite them later."
I tighten slightly around the pillar "So you are stuck with smaller ships like mine."
Swan looks uncomfortable for a moment "I wouldn't say stuck...but basically, yes. The other companies that would hire me are either far from Coruscant or not exactly...legal. I still want to serve on a ship, Sir, but not at the cost of my conscience."
I put the PADD away in the harness I made for my upper body before climbing down from the pillar "If you want the job, Commander Swan, you got it."
She actually smiles slightly as she nods "Thank you, Captain. I accept."
Pulling out a second PADD I hand it over "Sign the contract on here and then start looking over the applicants. Find us the best people...to be honest, this is my first command. I will be relying on your opinions, Commander. It also contains the current schematics for the ship after a refit. The yard estimate's two more months."
Commander Samantha Swan nods slowly while reading through the contract before putting her electronic signature on it before looking up at me again "I will do my very best, Sir."
I watch her as she turns and walks over to the empty desk in the room. Well, that one is certainly of limits for courtship.
Her story 'felt' honest thought. Just...an instinct.
And to be honest, someone with her experience will help a ton.