Sometimes it's good to be the boss

Posted on Mon Jan 24th, 2011 @ 1:16pm by Commodore Samantha York & Colonel Damon Raine

1,128 words; about a 6 minute read

Mission: The Forests of Mythraeli
Location: CO's Ready Room
Timeline: Current

ON

Samantha had been expecting the notification from Starfleet. In fact, she'd been expecting it ever since they left Turkana IV. Finally, it arrived and she could hardly wait to share the news.

Sam tapped her combadge. "York to Raine. Can you come to my ready room, please?"

"On my way." He answered immediately. He left the Marine deck and headed to the bridge.

A couple of minutes passed before he arrived. He didn't bother ringing the chime; instead he just walked into the cozy room. "What can I do for you, love?" He asked as he walked forward.

Sam's face lit up when she saw him. She got up from her desk and met him in the middle of the room. "I could give you a list, but it's not appropriate for work, querido," she teased as she gave him a hug. It didn't matter how rough her day had been, seeing Damon always brightened her day.

He chuckled and returned the embrace. "Well I guess there is no such thing as the perfect job. We have it pretty close, though."

"Yes, we do. And I'm afraid I'm taking shameless advantage." She hugged him again and led him over to the couch and chairs in the corner of her ready room. "But that's not why I asked you here." She sat down on the sofa and patted the cushion next to her.

"I just received confirmation of a request I made to Starfleet Command."

"Equipment requisitions?" He asked, taking the proffered seat.

Sam shook her head, grinning. "Better." She handed him a small box. "I can't think of anyone more deserving."

Damon took the box and opened it slowly to reveal a new silver pin. His eyes widened slightly and he let out a soft whistle.

"Lieutenant Colonel?" He seemed as though he was asking if his eyes were deceiving him.

She took the rank insignia off his collar and replaced it with the new one. "Lieutenant Colonel Damon Raine. And, as far as I'm concerned, long overdue, my love."

"That may be a matter of opinion." He chuckled softly. "But I appreciate the vote of confidence." He sighed for a moment after she finished pinning the new insignia. "Well I suppose it came just in time. I have a feeling that once the generals get the full action report of the last away mission, it will be many, many years before I'm approved for promotion again."

"THAT was not your fault. They disobeyed direct orders from you and from Commander Tovan. You were on the Calypso covering for me. I was very impressed with the way you took over." She kissed him on the cheek. "Once again, you proved that I can trust you with anything." She sat back and sighed. "Now, if I could only find someone to replace Karma..." She looked at Damon for a second. "Too bad you're not a regular Fleetie," she teased.

"I know you're not interested," she amended. "Once a Marine, always a Marine. But there are a few things I need to discuss with you." She went to her desk to get another PADD and came back. "Well, people, actually. Shintaku, Guntold and Kyt. Let's start with Kyt. She's put in a request to switch to Starfleet and serve as Chief of Security. She passed the academy exam and has a recommendation from Jaxara."

"Huh, is that so." Damon looked over the transfer information. "Well I have no problem releasing her to you. As for giving her the position of chief security officer, well that's up to you. I think she needs her attitude adjusted slightly, but she may have potential."

"I agree about the attitude. She was recommended by Jaxara. He had issues, too. But I'm willing to give her a chance."

"What of Chi?" He asked

"From what I've read in the reports she's insubordinate and not afraid to speak her mind. She also beamed Guntold to the brig when she shot the guards." She glanced at Damon. "While I'm not sure I agree with her methods, she did stop the shooting."

"True. I'm just worried what this is going to do for the other Marines when they hear about what she did. It's certainly not for building trust. The insubordination and back talk concerns me as well. I'll see if I can't get Leo to straighten her out quietly, try to keep it out if the ranks as much as possible."

"Maybe put her on restriction for a few weeks. I think the worst thing we can do to her is keep her from a piano," she said.

"Good idea. I'll put her platoon on training maneouvers for the next little while." He agreed.

Sam nodded in agreement. "And that brings us to Guntold. She definitely shot the guards without provocation. At the time they were thought to be civilians. Tovan found evidence to show that they were actually mercenaries." She showed him the PADD. "Guntold was also mistaken when she claimed Kyt was with them. I'm not quite sure what to do with her."

"That I'll leave with the First Sergeant. We will put her up for disciplinary actions and keep a close eye on her. I may take her off missions until she can prove to be trustworthy." Damon leaned back on the couch and put his hands to his face. "This was one hell of a botch. I know it wasn't 'my fault' but, by extension of the fact that this is my unit, it was. The Marines who serve on this ship are my responsibility and their actions reflect my leadership."

Sam put a hand on his arm. "I feel the same way. I'm responsible for Jaxara's death and the mess with the peace talks." She sighed. "All in all, it's been... interesting. I'll leave Guntold and Shintaku to you. I'll make the arrangements for Kyt's transfer." She laid her had back against the back of the couch. "I want to find a nice, safe uninhabited planet to explore next."

Damon laughed. "Preferably with a secluded pool of water and a nice dark cave to poke around in?"

Sam's laughter joined Damon's. "Well, there's always that..." She grinned mischievously. "As long as you're there beside me. It's not nearly as much fun otherwise." She remembered the last time they were in a secluded pool... and the fish bite... "I still owe you a swim. Maybe I'll have to come up with a nice, fish-free holodeck program."

She glanced at the chronometer and saw that it was lunchtime. "Come on," she said. "I'll buy you lunch. We might even have time for dessert."

OFF

Captain Samantha York
Commanding Officer
USS Calypso

Lieutenant Colonel Damon Raine
Marine CO/Acting XO
USS Calypso

 

RSS Feed