The Bigger the Shoes, the Harder to Fill

Posted on 04 Nov 2012 @ 5:23am by Lieutenant Scott Parker & Lieutenant Theron Rhodes

842 words; about a 4 minute read

Mission: Episode 02 - Resupply
Location: USS Galileo - various decks/corridors/turbolift
Timeline: MD03 - 10:25 hours

[ON]

"You know I never thought I'd hear myself say this, but I will be pretty damned glad to get into a uniform."

Scott slowed the pace and stretched as Theron led him through the decks of the Galileo. The duffle bag strap slipped from his shoulder and he struggled momentarily to grab it and hoist it back to a comfortable position. Shaking the embarassment, he caught up with his new colleague's rather brisk stride and fell into step again beside him. He offered a glance through the corner of his eye and smiled.

"Sorry to drag you from your post," he offered with some sympathy. "I just thought that a conversation away from the other two might be beneficial. Especially since we're going to be working so closely together."

"I expected that to be your reason." Theron replied then glanced at the non-uniformed lieutenant and said with a straight face. "That, or you are so egotistical that you needed to put everyone in their place."

A flash of anger breached Parker's temperament, but he realised that he would be playing into Rhodes' perception of him when it was actually something he'd rather change. A cough suppressed the temptation to lash out. He laughed lightly. "No, nothing like that. I don't want to put anyone anywhere if I can help it, buddy. What I would like to do is get to know my staff. I'm not stepping on your toes by taking this assignment, am I?"

"No." Theron calmly replied, "I do not have a . . . preverbial chip on my shoulder." After a second he added, "The department is yours. I just need you to understand that I see that a false or misleading attitude is not necessary. I feel we need to be as honest for better understanding."

"Wait."

Parker stopped walking, essentially forcing Theron to do the same. As the younger officer turned, he was met by a perplexed gaze from wide brown eyes. Scott wondered if the Ensign was accustomed to people looking up at him just to make eye-contact. He was so strikingly tall. Pushing the thought aside, he placed his hands on his hips. "You think I'm attempting to be dishonest with my staff? Because I've drawn you into a private conversation?"

Theron tried not to smile. As he had hoped, the conversation had produced defensive nature in the new Lieutenant. This was good. Theron was glad that he was just trying to be friendly. "Actually...NO," Ensign Rhodes responded, "I was uncertain if you had been arrogant, condesending, or just trying to be overtly friendly." Not letting him answer Theron continued, "Forgive me. You have been the victom of distracted verbalization to determine your intent." Theron knew at the moment he could be repremanded for being disrespectful to a superior officer, but his security technique was sound and felt justified in using it.

The Lieutenant sighed and shook his head, briefly glancing at the floor before meeting his colleague's eyes again. He gestured for the younger officer to keep walking and joined him before responding. "So what you're trying to do is take measure of me; size me up, so to speak. Sounds wonderful."

"I am glad you accept my...intervention." Rhodes had struggled with finding the right word. They continued down the passageway, "I truely meant no disrespect." The Ensign stopped and turned to the new officer to the Galileo, "Welcome aboard Lieutenant Parker." And with just a slight hesitation, extended his hand of friendship. This handshaking was getting easier for him, yet still a struggle.

Parker reciprocated but seemed distant. His attitude, at first, seemed strikingly immature but as they broke contact he sighed. "Mister Rhodes, it's been a tough, long and drawn out two years for me. Read the report and you'll understand. But after three weeks of travelling through the quadrant from post-to-post, I'm - uh, I'm hesitant. They gave me nothing. No status report, no crew manifest, no vessel schematics and no mission outline. I'm probably one of the few senior officers to take a starship billet without any preperation. So if I seem detached or unsure; or even overly confident, it's because I'm striving to make a good impression here - uh - okay?"

"I understand." Theron said with a sympathetic voice. He tried to be even more sincere and with respect, "Lieutenant, I will do my best to bring you up to speed. The department is strong, united, and ready for your leadership." he ended with a very confident tone.

Scott seemed somewhat bothered by that assessment, perhaps unused to such a direct and formal manner. Considering that, he wondered if it was simply the way that Rhodes had delivered those lines. He offered a firm nod. "Thank you, Ensign. No doubt I'll be seeing you soon."

"Yes Sir." Rhodes replied, "Your quarters are right around the corner."

Parker smiled. "Thanks, I'll find them."

[OFF]


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Lieutenant Scott Parker
Chief Sec/Tac Officer
USS Galileo

&

Ens. Theron Rhodes
Security/Tactical
USS Galileo

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