Great Expectations

Posted on 11 Nov 2014 @ 11:50pm by Lieutenant Elijah Williams IV, M.Sc. & Commander Scarlet Blake

827 words; about a 4 minute read

Mission: Episode 07 - Sojourn
Location: Starbase 84: Blake's Temporary Office
Timeline: MD 06: 14:30

ON:

Finishing off the now cold coffee, Scarlet stashed her mug away with a glance to the time, knowing that Williams would be there any moment. It was a busy day on the quiet, but it was good work...opposed to zombies, tribbles and cardassians. It wouldn't do any of them to have a bit of calm back for a while, or harmless chaos, whichever came first.

The call to have him report to the XO had surprised him. A million thoughts had ran through his head on why even though the most logical one for whatever reason wasn't his first thought. Elijah had boarded the Galileo right before the small science vessel left for Lyshan Three. He never got a chance to meet with Commander Blake and maybe that was catching up with him. That was the most logical reason.

Asking the station's computer where the temporary officer was, he made his way there at a steady pace. He got to the office and tugged at the jacket of his uniform to straighten out the synth fabric. He cleared his throat and reached for and rang the chime to the office.

"Come in," Blake called out lightly, pushing herself to stand as she nodded to the officer with a small smile. "Thank you for coming, please, take a seat."

"Sure," Elijah said as he managed a smile and took one of the chairs that was offered. He still had wondered why he was summoned to see the XO, but he didn't voice that.

"So, how have you been, Williams?" Blake asked with a smile, leaning forward on the desk, her hands clasped on the surface.

"I'm doing good, thank you for asking," Elijah answered. There was always one thing he prided himself on and that was good manners. Though he was apprehensive at first about meeting Commander Blake, that apprehension began to dissipate rather quickly. "And how have you been, commander?" he asked. He had wondered if many people asked how she was doing.

A smile came to her lips at the response, pleasantly surprised by it as she nodded. "Well, thank you. Looking forward to shoreleave, as I'm sure everyone is," she chuckled, nodding as she held his eyes. "How do you think things have been going with your work?"

"Pretty good, the geology lab is amazing here." Elijah paused as he let the words that just left his lips, sink in. He scrunched up his nose more in disgust of himself. "That probably sounded a bit overzealous," he said sheepishly. "My work is going well. I had to set aside some of my research due to the away mission to Lyshan Three and the Tribble infestation, but with that past us, I will be glad to get back to studying rocks and soil samples."

"We hope so too," Scarlet moved around to his side of the desk, giving a small smile, a glint in her eye as she held out her hand to him, offering a small box across that held a pip. "And you'll be doing so as a Lieutenant. I hereby promote you to the rank of full Lieutenant. Well done..."

Elijah's eyes went slightly wide with surprise when he saw the small jewelry box and took a hold of it. He stared at it for a long moment, opened it to see a solid gold pip, before looking back up at Commander Blake. "I... I don't know what to say, this is unexpected." He smiled. "Thank you commander, this means a lot to me."

"You don't need to thank me," she replied with a surprised chuckle at the comment, shaking her head. "You did it. You earned it. It's just a pleasure for me to be able to hand it over."

"Well still, thank you commander," Elijah said. He felt elated, it felt so good to be recognized for good work. Getting good grades in school was one thing, but a promotion was quite another. He couldn't wait to tell Abbey.

Scarlet nodded with a small smile, understanding all too well. "Well...carry on, Lieutenant, you're free to go and celebrate," she said with just a touch of playfulness to the tone.

Elijah nodded and held the jewelry box tightly as if afraid he was going to lose it. He stood up from the chair and extended his hand to the executive officer. "I will commander, thank you." He couldn't believe he said 'thank you' again, but it was how he was. It was the southern manners that were instilled in him. "I hope you enjoy the rest of your shore leave."

Scarlet nodded to him with a small smile, already taking hold of a PADD. "And you, Lieutenant," she said softly, pleased to have been able to deal with one of her favourite tasks that came under her remit.


OFF:

Lieutenant Elijah Williams, IV
Geologist
USS Galileo

Commander Scarlet Blake
First Officer
USS Galileo

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