Gamma Shift

Posted on 11 May 2013 @ 9:00pm by Lieutenant Theron Rhodes & Lieutenant Aria Rice & Chief Warrant Officer 3 Amon Mormont
Edited on on 12 May 2013 @ 12:57pm

1,884 words; about a 9 minute read

Mission: Episode 03 - Frontier
Location: USS Galileo - Security Chief's Office
Timeline: MD 06 1600

ON:

Theron waited until Lt. Orexil left the office of the Security Chief and the door closed, before he turned to Aria and said, "I think this is going to work out quite well."

"I think so too," she said and smiled weakly, looking at him. "You should rely on her. She...has done this before. She'll give you a lot of support that others can't give you."

"You are right there." Theron commented and added, "Speaking of support, with our expected change back to the three shift rotation, we need to discuss who will be the bridge tactical officer." Theron looked at Aria more minutes it seemed as the possibilities ticked through his brain.

Aria sighed as she considered it, frowning. "I suppose a part of me wants to let Orexil take it at some point."

"Well, using Kestra would be too presumptuous. I even said that she would only have a 4 hour shift. So, her involvement will come later. You and I would no doubt cover Alpha and Beta shift." Theron looked over the list of officers and crew in the department.

Aria looked at the list before stopping, pointing at a name. "Staff Warrant Officer Mormont. He's got loads of experience. He's one of the older ones...I like him, he has a good relationship with the enlisted and he is already on gamma."

"All true." Rhodes replied. He leaned back and thought for a moment, then took in a deep breath, "Let us see what he is made of. Shall we?" and tapped his comm badge, =^= Officer Mormont this is Lt. Rhodes, what is your current status? =^=

=^=I am awake, Sir, if that's what you are asking=^= Amon answered, looking at the time. He was in his quarters, showered and dressed in off duty clothes. He usually slept through Alpha shift and got up just before Beta, so he could have a day before going on his normal shift. He worked best towards the end of a day cycle anyway.


With an official tone to his voice, =^= Please report to my office immediately.=^=

Aria arched an eyebrow, watching Rhodes with humor. "We'll be lucky if he shows up dressed..." she said, her eyes warm.


Amon had walked straight from his quarters, wearing black trousers and a comfortable tanned shirt and jacket. Immediately for him meant that he had no time to change to the uniform. He hadn't shaven, as there was no point in doing it before just before he went on shift. His facial hair grew fast after all, so it was easier doing it just before shift to be presentable. He rang the chime, waiting.

Rhodes sounded off, "Come."

Amon entered, watching the Chief and Assistant Chief. Jesus, they were young. But they had proven themselves as well. Rhodes was always serious, a very capable young man. Aria, he was a bit more unsure about. She was babyfaced, she always looked so energetic. He hoped she wouldn't lose that in the more serious role.

Rhodes watched the Warrant Officer in casual cloths enter the office. He could have made a point about that, but would have distracted them from the real purpose of him being there. Rhodes read from his PADD, "Staff Warrant Officer Amon Mormont, Serial Number LV-980-3932, Born London, England." He stopped reading, setting the PADD down, and looked up at the tall man standing before him. "How long have you been with Starfleet Mr. Mormont?" In some ways it was rather lame to ask a question like that, with the data before him, but it did allow junior officer to state for himself his situation, and a way to ease into the more serious question.

Aria hid her smile the best she could, her eyes on the Warrant Officer. Mormont looked rather impressive. The features, strong and handsome...even the nose didn't change that.

"17 years, Sir," he said as he watched him, holding his eyes easily. He wondered how old Rhodes would have been when Amon enlisted. A child. Now that certainly made him feel ancient.

Rhodes glanced to Aria and winked slightly. Looking fully again at Mormont the Chief replied. "In that case, with all your experience, I think you should sit down and have us talk about things eye to eye." Theron looked to Aria for a little insight.

"Yes Sir," Amon said, nodding as he took a seat. He watched them both, remaining silent until they addressed him again.

Aria smiled to herself, moving to sit down as well, watching Mormont closely. She'd let Rhodes lead this meeting. Make the man sweat a bit.

Lt. Rhodes leaned forward with his elbows on the desk, fingers together, steepling the index fingers, "As came out in the Security Briefing, there will be some changes in the security department. One of those being moving back to a three shift rotation." He let that comment hang in the air, continuing to look at the warrant officer. "With Lt. Orexil still in recuperation, we . . " He glanced over to Aria, seeing a spark of a smile on her face. "We are looking for a qualified Officer for Gamma shift." He let that, again, hang in the air for a moment. But then, he decided at the last minute to test Amon. With a serious face he asked, "What are your thoughts on having Mr. Kiwosk as Tactical Officer on Gamma shift?"

Amon took a breath as he watched him, holding his eyes. Kiwosk was a higher rank than him, despite his age. "He would be more than qualified for it," he said easily. "And he has the experience too. Everyone enjoy serving under him."

Rhodes continued with the question, "What about his skill set, compared to your own?"

Amon watched him with surprise before shifting where he sat, feeling awkward. "He's a Marine at heart," he finally said. "He has the benefit of training both as a Marine and as a Security Officer. He is excellent with weapons and martial arts. His skill set are based on that training and experience and he is the best choice you have, Sir." He kept silent for a moment before taking a breath. "In another ten years time, he will either be the most amazing Warrant Officer that ever served, or dead. I have to admit, I was not at the same level when I was his age. Not by far. I was a little bit too much in love with the danger and adrenaline."

Theron then shifted in his chair leaning left on the arm, more relaxed. "We are asking these questions, because ready or not, we think you are the best choice for Tactical on Gamma shift."

Aria watched the man closely, for his reaction. "It just works for a man with your experience to take it," she said softly.


Amon watched them for a long moment before taking a breath. "I am ready," he said, his voice soft. "Although tactical was never my biggest strength. I always leaned more towards old-fashioned Security."

A big smile came across Theron's face, because that definition was oh so much like his own. "In many ways, that is exactly what I am counting on. To be a protector first; defensive and agressive second."

"And..." Aria added, watching Mormont's face closely. "We could all benefit from the experience you have. We think you'd be the best choice for the position, because you have proven yourself over the years."

Amon watched them both before nodding weakly, taking a breath. "I'll do it to the best of my abilities," he said, his face serious.

"I have great confidence that you will." Rhodes said with conviction. "Any questions?"

"No," Amon said and shook his head, holding his eyes for a long moment. "No questions."

Aria watched him closely before frowning. "Do you struggle?" she suddenly asked. "Serving under people ten years your junior? Will you have a problem taking orders from us?" For her, it was a good question. They would be the youngest serving Chief and Assistant Chief that the Galileo had seen.

Amon watched her for a long moment, taking a slow breath before giving a small smile. "I was young once too," he said, as if it explained it all. "I follow orders. And Rhodes has proven himself before as acting Chief..." he met Aria's eyes, holding them. "And that is all that should matter."

Rhodes smiled at his response, "Of course the XO has the final acceptance of this change." He looked to Rice then back to Mormont, then stood bringing his had up, but hesitating. That long time social impediment to touching others cropped up into his mind, but he shoved it away, extending his hand fully toward Warrant Officer Mormont, "Welcome to the leadership team."

Amon smiled as he nodded, standing to take the hand. "Thank you, Sir," he said firmly, holding his eyes.

Aria smiled as she offered her hand to Amon as well, her eyes gentle. "We'll rely a lot on your experience, Mormont."

"I hope so," he said and took her hand, giving it a firm shake as well...but he felt a bit awkward with it.

Rhodes looked to Rice then back to Mormont, "if there is nothing else, you are dismissed."

"Yes Sir," Amon said, giving them both a nod before walking out, a small smile on his lips once he came out of the office.

As Amon left the Office, Theron sat down and took a deep breath looking at Aria. "That went well."

"As well as expected I suppose," Aria said and smiled weakly to him. "I mean, he didn't throw the offer in our face or anything, so I am pleased!" she added quickly, with a soft giggle.

"Anything else we need to cover?" Rhodes asked.

She shook her head, looking around his office as she let out a breath. "Unless you have something you want to talk about?"

"I guess not." Theron replied. "I'll make up a shift schedule and send it your way for review before I take it to the XO."

"Sounds good," Aria said and smiled weakly. Yes, things had changed when their positions had. And Rhodes was a natural Chief. But she wasn't sure how much she could...push, or joke. On impulse, she met his eyes. "When this is done, we should throw a massive party," she suddenly said. "Get absolutely wasted, everyone in the department bonding without any...you know...ranks and uniforms. We have some brilliant characters in the department."

A broad smile came across Theron's face. "That's actually a great idea." The idea of a holodeck party were everyone is equal, with music and food and drink very much appealed to him. He pulled up the survey mission schedule and their work schedule. "When were you thinking we should do this?"

Aria sighed as she considered it, frowning. "As soon as we can, but without interrupting any plans the Captain might have."

Theron smiled uncontrollably, "Yes. It would be in bad taste to have the party the same day as the Memorial Service." He looked at Aria and could do nothing but smile.

OFF:


Lt.(jg) Theron Rhodes
Chief Security/Tactical Officer
USS Galileo

Lt.(jg) Aria Rice
Assistant Chief Security Officer
USS Galileo

Staff Warrant Officer Amon Mormont
Security
USS Galileo

RSS Feed