Note: This takes place immediately
after the sim.
:ON:
Lukas watched Melody leave. Then he glanced
over to Gwen. "Let's have it, XO."
Gwen sighed and stood. She moved over to the seat next to the one
that Melody had occupied, so that she was facing the Captain.
"I'm worried about her sir.
"She's showing a lack of maturity. More then just the panic
attacks."
Lukas raised an eyebrow. "What else, Gwen?"
"I had a conversation with Melody about how it was inappropriate
and illegal for her to have a . . . relationship with your son, Malachi.
"Since that time I have sensed that instead of trying to control
the feelings, she seems to actually be encouraging them to grow. And
that's what concerns me."
Lukas nodded. "What would your
recommendations be?"
"I'm not sure. I was thinking that since Melody will be seeing
the counselor, it would be a good opportunity to have the counselor
discuss this with Melody."
"Ah totally agree," Lukas said. "Can you
put it all up in a report for a base counselor?"
Gwen nodded, "Yes sir. Also. I was thinking that it might be a
good idea to talk to Malachi. That way he's not encouraging Melody."
Lukas smiled. "Have you ever dealt with a
teenage boy and his first girlfriend?"
Gwen chuckled, "No sir. That's why I was thinking it might be
better if you were the one talking to him. You do know him best after
all sir. And you probably can remember so what how he feels right now."
"Chicken," Lukas said, the smile coming to
his face. "Ah will have a talk with him though."
Gwen laughed, "I'm just thinking about what's best for Mal. He'd
probably be very embarrassed if I were the one who talked to him."
"Or you mahght be," Lukas joked. "But
you're rahght. It s mah place to talk with him."
"There is another issue. Another problem brewing."
"Ah thought there mahght be," Lukas said.
"Tell me about it."
"There seems to be a big problem between our CMO and AMO. You
probably saw a little of it talking to Melody. The strong animosity
Melody had for Ratch. I know that the problems go two way."
"So, in you humble opinion, XO," Lukas asked
with that, you're the personnel officer tone, "Where do you think the
problem lahes?"
"Well, you know Ratch. Her personality is a lot like Tru. She
spaces out doesn't appears to be working, yet she gets her work done.
I think that Melody gets the wrong idea and gets frustrated.
"Then in her frustration, Melody takes shots at Ratch. Which
angers Ratch a lot. She feels threatened and attacked."
"So the two of them need to get to
understand each other better?"
"Yeah. Melody needs to realize that Ratch gets her job done and
does her work. Ratch may need to learn how to better deal with
subordinates better."
Lukas sat back in his chair, pondering the
situation. After a moment he looked back to Gwen. "Well, XO, do you
have any suggestions, short of holding a Ratchet/Melody class in
behaviors?"
"Well, that one's a little harder. There is a lot of built up
frustrations. There is always transfers. But I don't like that idea
at all. It's not really a solution, just a cheap diversion."
"Ah'm not in favor of dumping problems
either, Gwen. Transfers will be a last resort."
"I agree. It would be best if we had a counselor on board. This
would be a perfect job. I know I'm not fond of them being on star
ships. But this time, it would be really nice.
"Is there any way we can get a temporary counselor?"
"Ah will put a request in to Command," Lukas
said. "Ah never thought Ah would see the need for a counselor on
board, but Ah do now."
"Same here."
Gwen hesitated. "There is another question I have for you sir.
If you'll indulge me."
"Ask away, Commander."
"Why did you have this conversation with Melody? What I mean is
that personnel issues fall under my jurisdiction. So, why did you ask
this without at least talking to me first sir?"
"Ah didn't want Melody to get any sense of
improprahety." Lukas said in all seriousness. "Relieving an officer of
duty is never an easy duty."
"I agree it's not an easy duty sir. But, it would have been nice
if you had talked to me first to see what, if anything had been done."
"Duly noted, XO," Lukas said. "Ah'm glad to
se you are taking tot he first officer's jo as you are, and Ah will
trah not to step on your toes in the future."
"Thank you sir. I know I was very hesitant when you first gave me
the position. I've grown more comfortable with it since then."
"And you're doing a fahne job also, Gwen.
Is there anything else?"
"No sir. That's it. Though, I will say that I don't think I'll
ever let you go on an away mission again sir." She grinned at that
last comment.
Lukas let out a hearty laugh. "Going to
keep all the fun for yourself, eh, XO?"
Gwen laughed, "Oh yeah! I don't know how you can sit up on the bridge
with the away team off ship. It was driving me crazy!"
:OFF:
Commodore Lukas Fyrstk
Commanding Officer
USS Eagle
Lt. Cmdr. Gwenivere Marqusa
AXO/CSec/Tac
USS Eagle
