Reporting In

Posted on Friday 14 August 2020 @ 08:17 by Lieutenant Commander Hayley Godding & Major David Scarlet

Mission: A Whale of a problem (We're going to need a bigger boat)
Location: CSO Office
Timeline: MD 1400
903 words - 1.8 OF Standard Post Measure

ON:

Scarlet walked through the familiar coridors toward the office. It was different than the last time he'd been there. The office, and responsibility, had been his. And he'd been wearing those damn pips.

He stopped suddenly and stood stiff as a board in front of the door. He quickly pressed the chime and stood ready and waiting to be admitted.

Looking up from her report, Hayley hadn't been expecting anyone to come knocking at her door. If anyone from her staff wanted her, they usually summoned her via the comm. It was the CO's Ready Room that usually had more door traffic than Picadilly Circus, not the Security Chief's Office. Most people tended to avoid the security department for some reason.

"Come in!" She called out in her harmoneous voice.

Scarlet took two steps inside the door and remained standing at attention. "Petty Officer First Class Scarlet reporting for duty as Master-at-Arms sir."

Hayley was a bit taken aback by the military precision of this new arrival. She'd been told by the XO to expect a new MAA after Chief Donovan retired in the lull of their last mission. He'd been one heck of an old-salt type who was more of a grandfather to the security personnel - enlisted and commissioned alike, so he was going to be a tough act to follow.

"Ah yes, Petty Officer Scarlet, I heard something about you coming out to join us." She said. "Please, take a seat whilst I find your file." She picked up a few different PADDs having had his personnel file open but only skim-read. "From what I recall, you used to have my job, is that right?"

Scarlet sat down quickly and maintained his stiff composure. "That is correct sir. I was asked to take over and given an officer rank. The position and rank weren't a good fit for me and during my time back at the academy I requested to be restored to my NCO rank."

He watched as she moved, gauging her and looking for any sign of disappointment or disbelief. While he didn't really care what most people thought of his request, it could make working with someone difficult if they couldn't understand or at least accept it as it was.

"I had originally applied for the Master-at-Arms position years ago as I felt it would be a good fit. That is the same reason I reapplied now." Scarlet's voice was firm and did little to show any emotion through his stoic demeanor.

Hayley could admire someone's dedication to serve in their own way. Who was she to judge someone for their decision to exchange their commission for a non-commissioned rank. It just gave him a more rounded experience so he would be able to understand things from an officers and an enlisted perspective. "Well, Chief Donovan ran a pretty loose outfit whilst he was here. Although things got done, it was somewhat haphazard and not as organised as I would prefer. The younger enlisted personnel, as you know, look up to the MAA as the 'top kick' in the department, being the senior most enlisted position in security. Given that you should be familiar with the role and responsibilities of the MAA, I would be interested in hearing your take on how you'd do things as my effective #2 in security."

Scarlet leaned forward in his chair as if he was about to tell her a secret. "Unfortunately for those who enjoyed the freedom under Chief Donovan, I prefer things to regulation. It creates a good foundation for people to grow and work together." He sat back a little. "There are also some tactics and new technology that are coming down through the academy now that I think could be adapted to easily work on a starship this size."

He had recognized some of the names on the duty roster he'd been forwarded, but for the people new to his style of command, it could be a bit jarring if they were used to having free reign over things. This could end up taking longer than he'd hoped to get things into shape.

"If possible, I'd like to begin putting together a revised refresher for all security personnel so we know what we have to work with and where we have to improve." Scarlet stated, it was unclear if he was asking permission or stating his intentions. He'd leave that up to Godding to determine.

Hayley nodded. "I've already asked the Chief Engineer to help me by designing some truly unique training scenarios for our guys on the holodeck." She said. "I'm really hoping to see what they've got, as we need to be ready for anything with this mission we're undertaking. So anything you want to do, as long as you let me know in advance what you're up to, you have almost a free hand to do what's needed. Just... don't hospitalise them..."

Scarlet nodded and held back a sly smile. "Understood. I'll get you a training routine and schedule for your review as soon as possible." He quickly stood up from his seat and stood crisply at attention once again. "Permission to return to duties sir."

"Granted." Hayley said.

Scarlet abruptly turned, stepping around the chair and left the office. He was somewhat impressed by Lt. Godding. For someone so young to be placed in a command position she had wisdom beyond her years.