Announcement Time

Posted on Sat Apr 27th, 2024 @ 4:09pm by Lieutenant Jesse Leon

1,145 words; about a 6 minute read

Mission: Starship Graveyard
Location: Deck 11 - Security Complex
Timeline: After "An Unexpected Choice"

ON:

Jesse found himself practically floating down the corridor from the turbo-lift, heading towards the Security department. The Captain had chosen him to be the new Chief of Security and Tactical. A dream come true. A wish granted. A reward for hard work. Whatever the reason, it was actually happening. After a long period of Jesse sharing the leadership with two others, the role was now solely his to shape and lead the department.

Only the sound of his PADD chirping broke through Jesse's delirium and he stopped midway down the corridor to look down at it in his hand. The ship's computer had just updated and recognized his new status as Chief, providing him with access to senior staff communications and functions, and boy was there a lot of new alerts to respond to. So, so many alerts.

Jesse was scrolling through the notifications when an officer quickly approached.

"Is this true?" Ghak Thel asked - more like demanded - holding up his own PADD as he approached.

The mildly fuming Tellarite was one of the Assistant Chiefs who had previously shared the role with Jesse, and the one who so deeply contrasted Jesse's own style of leadership. Thel preferred to be blunt and hard on his team, so he and Jesse had a chasm of professional difference in their approach. A difference Thel had not been shy in voicing his opinion about on multiple occasions.

Jesse crossed his arms in front of him, giving a nod. "Yes, I just came from a meeting with the Captain. Aisaka has chosen myself as the new Chief."

Thel frowned, "You?"

"Ghak, before you begin, I know you were considered an equal candidate as well." Jesse said earnestly, "But the reason I was chosen - "

"Height!" Thel interrupted.

"Was... what?"

"Height!" He repeated.

Jesse smiled, "It was not because of my height. You prove every day that height is not a true measure of a warrior, Ghak."

The Tellarite was befuddled by the compliment. "The hair then?" He asked with disdain.

Unable to help himself, Jesse tossed his head back a little, allowing his black fringe to wave in the air proudly. "I mean, it could've been."

"Discrimination!" Thel grumbled. "My beard is longer than your hair!"

"Again, it's not a matter of si..." Jesse frowned before allowing himself to finish the sentence. "Look, I've been leading the Delta Shift for months now and my teams have produced higher results than all the others. Training scores, response times, drill prep, safety compliance, squad engagement, and job satisfaction."

Jesse quickly tapped a few buttons on his PADD, pulling up the department's performance results. He hesitantly showed it to Thel, "The metrics speak for themselves."

"That proves nothing!" Thel argued, "I have been here longer and I have more experience."

"And I shall need that experience as my Assistant Chief." Jesse said warmly, "If you'll take the role?"

"Take it? I already have it!" Thel retorted. "You cannot offer me something I already have!"

"It's my department now, Ghak," Jesse replied, his tone now softer but still firm, "The roster included. I need your honesty and experience by my side. But I also need your respect. If you cannot give me that, I shall look for a new AC."

Ghak opened his mouth to speak then closed it again. He chewed on his lip for a moment, a slight grunting sound repeating as he considered the request.

"Very well." He finally replied, "I will speak my mind. But... respectfully."

"That's all I ask." Jesse beamed, raising up his arms in an exaggerated shrug, "Come, let's tell the team."

"Yes. Let's tell the joyous news." Ghak grumbled as he followed Jesse into the department.

[Security Complex - Meeting Hall]

No sooner had Jesse strolled into the main meeting room than a crowd of waiting officers burst into a boisterous round of applause. It seemed all of the officers not currently on patrol had gathered and they gave their new Chief the warmest welcome. Jesse's personal squad were near the front, cheering the loudest.

With a big smile, Jesse couldn't help but laugh, "I guess the announcement isn't needed then?"

Thel entered the room just behind Jesse and he was applauding too. "I had to delay you a few minutes so everyone could gather."

"Ghak you big softy!" Jesse exclaimed, throwing his arm around the Tellarite. Thel waited a few moments before bluntly moving away from Jesse's friendly embrace, but they were a long few moments nonetheless.

"Speech!" An officer cried out, and others quickly agreed with a cheer.

"Alright, alright," Jesse nodded, moving more to the center of the room, "You all know my values, my routines, my approach to our job. This position changes none of that. Lieutenant Zakrin was building a damn fine team here. My goal is to help everyone to reach their full potential, to build upon your skills, and to protect this ship and the people on it."

The crowd cheered again.

"Of course, the Tokyo is in a dangerous position right now," Jesse said, with a sigh, "We don't know when we'll get off this planet, but the Captain has a solid plan and we will make it work. Because our purpose remains the same. Protect the ship, protect the crew. We all get home safely. Are you with me?"

"Yes sir!" The team shouted in unison.

"There will be squad assignment changes, and shift changes to come, but for now we will be performing business as usual. Is that clear?" Jesse asked the room and got an approving response. "Good. Chow is in ten minutes for Beta Shift, Alpha is on Training, and Gamma should be on rest. If you need me, I'll be in our tent."

There was a short laugh as the crowd dispersed. The crew quarters had been turned into a makeshift campsite as a bonding exercise initiated by Jesse, with a tightly contested competition for the squad with the best tent set-up. It was meant to break the monotony of the desolate environment and keep the team together during their long stay on this graveyard of a planet.

"Are you actually staying in the tent?" Came L'era, Jesse's squad 2IC. She was his closest friend in the department and despite being happy for him, she knew his promotion would mean their friendship would change. "Wha... What about your fancy new quarters?"

"Heck yes!" Jesse said firmly, flashing that big smile of his, "I'm not abandoning our tent when we're so close to winning."

"Good." L'era replied with a relieved laugh, "Just checking." She sauntered off to start her training time.

Jesse stood back and watched as the officers mingled around the room, that feeling of delirium returning to his head. He was going to hang onto this high for as long as he could.

OFF

RSS Feed