Meeting the Boss

Posted on Fri Jan 3rd, 2020 @ 1:18am by Major John Kayhill & Commodore Samantha York

1,413 words; about a 7 minute read

Mission: Food for the Gods
Location: USS Calypso Bridge

John tried to make up time and minimize how late he was meeting the Commodore. He would have been fine except for a very crowded turbolift that made a number of stops.

When the turbolift opened to the bridge, he straightened his tunic and went and rang the chime to the Commodore's office.

Sam stood to greet her new arrival. "Come in."

John stepped into the office far enough to let the door close behind him and then came to attention.

"Major John Kayhill, reporting for duty Commodore", he said, extending the padd with his transfer orders.

"At ease, major," she said, taking the PADD and quickly looking through it. She nodded and set it on her desk. "Have a seat. Can I get you something to drink?"

"Water would be fine Commodore", he replied. He really didn't need anything to drink, but it would be rude to not accept.

He sat down and said, "I apologize for my tardiness Commodore. I will endeavor not to allow it to happen again. I imagine you are very busy."

Sam got two waters from the replicator and set one in front of him. "As long as you're only a little late, I'm generally okay with it," she said. "So, tell me why you chose the Calypso."

John chuckled a little bit, having just had this discussion with Lieutenant Torek.

"To be completely honest Commodore", John responded. "I only partially chose the Calypso, for lack of better words. I was stuck being an Ambassador's bodyguard on Earth for the last three years. I used a lot of favors to get an assignment that was anywhere but there. Colonel Billings suggested that I join your crew. So, it was either here or continuing to follow a rather flighty Denobulan Ambassador around to various meetings and functions on one of the safest places in the galaxy. I would have rather been gnawed on by rabid Targs than to stay there one more day. So, the choice was a no brainer so to speak."

"I don't blame you. This is not exactly a dangerous assignment, but I would hardly call it safe. We explore the edge of known space, so we often encounter the unusual." She considered him for a long moment. "I started out as a scientist, so I'm not overly strict with rules, but I do expect decorum. The Marines I know are hard working and disciplined. I expect no less from them under your command."

"No worries there ma'am", John said, inwardly chuckling about the scene in the gym earlier. If the Commodore only knew. "I will make sure the unit exceeds your expectations."

He took a sip of water and then continued, "A little bird told me that we have missing crew. I took the liberty of having an S&R team start to be prepped in case it is needed."

She smiled. "Yes, we do. The problem is that we're working with a pre-warp civilization, so we have to be careful. Right now, I have security and intel looking, but I may send you down, depending on what they find."

"We can get things done in an old fashion way if it is needed", John said. "I'll make sure the pre-warp part is well laid out to my Marines."

"Thank you. I don't know what we'll find, so I want you ready for anything." Sam took a sip of her water. "Now, so that I can better understand what sort of Marine--and person--you are, tell me something about yourself."

"Well, I'm not much of a story-teller and well, don't take this personally"", he replied. "I don't know you well enough to give you my life story. What I will tell you is that I take my job very seriously. Unless I can't move anymore or they try to stick me behind a desk permanently, I plan on staying in the Corps for quite a while. I'll protect this ship and her crew with my life. You won't have to worry about volunteers to meet and danger or any duty as me and the Marines will be there to meet it."

The commodore nodded. "I hope it won't come to that, but I appreciate the offer." A smile crossed her face. "I think Damon will like you. He's not here at the moment, but I expect him back before long. Colonel Raine helped set up the Marine company on the Calypso. While his duties often take him elsewhere, he still likes to be involved when he can. I'm sure he'll come see you when he's back."

"With respect", John said. "I hope the Colonel doesn't like to be too involved. I run my unit a certain way and well a unit can't have two commanding officers."

"No, he doesn't," she assured him. "But he does like meeting the new Marine on deck. He may give you advice, but once he knows that you know your job, he'll have your back."

"Well, if he comes in doubting whether or not I know my job then that's rather like assuming someone is guilty and them having to prove innocence, rather than the other way around", John replied, then stopping himself from completing the sentence the way he was going. "The only ones I seek to prove I know my job to are you and those I am in command of, because you and those in my company are the ones who dictate my future."

Sam raised an eyebrow. "You misunderstand me. I've been the captain of this ship for nearly ten years. Damon has been by my side from the beginning. I occasionally ask his opinion on many things, but he does not tell me what to do any more than he will tell you. He set up the Marine deck and ran it for several years. He wants the Marines here to have and be the best. And so, he is curious, and he is willing to help when he's here, if you want it. But be assured that he is not your superior. I am." She watched him coolly for a moment, gauging his response. "That you assume he is going to judge you to see if you're fit for this position is also in error. I did that before you ever set foot on my ship."

"I just needed to clarify that, Commodore", John said. "I'm here to be a Marine, not to play politics. I've watched the game of politics on the sidelines for the last three years. It is a wonder the Federation and Starfleet still function."

With that explanation, Sam relaxed. "I understand. The red tape archaeologists have to go through sometimes makes me wonder if they really want us there or not. I don't play politics. I can be a little too blunt at times, and I can bend the rules a little if I think it's for the greater good. I also don't like being protected. I had an executive officer who thought her job was to keep me safe. She drove me nuts. So, if you can work with my foibles, I can work with yours."

"Well Commodore", John said. "Everyone has foibles. As far as protecting you, well if the situation warrants it, I will have to make you feel a bit uncomfortable. Flag officers and Starfleet regulations and all that. That said, I have spent the last three years as a body guard, so I know how to be un-obtrusive and discrete."

"Discrete would be appreciated." She had her fill of people thinking she couldn't defend herself against a kitten. "So, what can I do to help you settle in?"

"I think I am good Commodore", John replied. "I am conducting my first inspection of the Company tomorrow at 0600, depending on the situation on the planet of course. You are welcome to join if you wish."

"Thank you for the invitation, but I think my presence would be too much of a distraction. I'll leave the Marines to you, but do let me know if I can be of any assistance." She stood and walked around her desk. "Welcome aboard, major. I hope you enjoy your time on the Calypso."

John stood up, smiled, and extended his hand.

"Thank you Commodore", he said. "It is a pleasure to be aboard."

Sam shook his hand and smiled. "The pleasure is ours."

____
OFF

Commodore Samantha York
Commanding Officer
USS Calypso

Major John Kayhill
Marine Company CO
USS Calypso

 

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