Restructuring

Posted on 18 Jan 2013 @ 1:15am by Lieutenant Kiri Cho

3,048 words; about a 15 minute read

Mission: Episode 03 - Frontier
Location: USS Galileo: Deck 2, Science Office
Timeline: MD -2 1100

[ON]

Kiri was still rather shaky, even with a day to try to deal with what had happened it hadn't helped much. It was also impacting her work. She knew most of the department but when she entered a room with strangers in she found herself wanting to leave at once. So much so she almost burst into tears earlier and had to excuse herself. It wasn't easy but she wouldn't let it beat her. There was something else though, ever since Maenad had shouted her Kiri had been avoiding her. Doing her best not to share an office or even make eye contact, keeping herself to herself. That wasn't an option any more though, there was something she had to ask her that only Maenad could answer.

Entering the office Kiri gingerly walked up to the desk, waiting to be noticed. Trying to look less like a scared girl and more like and officer, it somewhat worked, she didn't look too scared.

Maenad was going over some astronomical data that Petrov had delivered about a half hour ago. He had asked her to request a course correction to analyse a K-class nebula, but she had refused on account that nebula was already thoroughly studied. He insisted, saying that the new recruits from the Academy could have benefited from some easy fieldwork, but Maenad still had to decline. She was trying to reconstruct the nebula based on the most current data, the recruits could study and analyse it that way - but she hadn't yet told Petrov that she was doing this, hoping to surprise him.

The sound of her doors opening brought her eyes up from the screen of data and her work. It was Kiri, she saw. "Good morning, Miss Cho," she said, both her voice and expression were neutral.

Kiri wasn't sure what their social relationship was right now. Given the shouting and Maenad not being around when she was recovering from the night before, did she really not like her like she feared? Quietly Kiri answered, "Good morning Sir," At least she could fall back on their professional relationship.

"It's a good thing you're here, actually," Maenad said, shifting in her chair. She wanted to explain to her the role of the new chief research officer, if she could. "Have a seat." She smiled, realising that Kiri likely came for something else and had her own reasons for being here. "But that can wait," she told her thoughts aloud. "What is it that brought you here?"

"Okay," Kiri carefully took a seat, her knees still hurting a little, "I was going to ask about the changes to the department." She noticed the smile and that relaxed her slightly but nothing would really fix her worries other than a direct reassurance.

Good timing, thought Maenad. "Yes, we have a new position in the department," she said after a moment. "Rather, a new department with only one man who will be able to use our materials and resources independent of us," she corrected. Her words were pointed. "The chief research officer does not have discretion over you. You report to me, lieutenant. Your duties are unaffected by this change."

"Okay," Kiri was fairly sure of that part but what she wasn't sure of was, "So I am still second in command of the department if something happens to you?" That struck a raw nerve, yesterday Kiri really thought that if she made a wrong step that Maenad would die. With a jagged breath she added, "If that happened would he report to me?" It wasn't something she wanted to think about but she felt she had to ask.

"Yes," Maenad said, taken aback by the sudden assertiveness in Kiri's voice. "Your duties are unaffected; you are still second in command. And if I drop dead right now, you would be in charge until the captain found someone else more suitable for the job and, yes, Mister Pendleton would report to you," she frowned.

A haunted look shot across Kiri's face, now Maenad was talking about dying too. The life started to seep out of her face, "I, sorry, thank you sir." She didn't want Maenad to die, that was the last thing she wanted, she shouldn't ask questions like that, stupid.

Maenad glanced back to her computer screen, thinking her business with Kiri had finished. But then, she realised, she was dealing with Kiri, who considered her to be a friend. She looked back at the young woman, seeing that she looked uncomfortable; she had heard about her experience the other night, but no one had given her the proper details. Was it something she should ask about? "How are you holding up?" she decided on, her expression some combination of neutrality and sympathy.

Kiri was somewhat comforted by the question but she still seemed rather unsure of how to speak to Maenad, "I am getting better." Sure there were a ton of problems she had right now from sleeping to strangers but it could be worse. At least she was able to mover under her own steam, "Are you okay?" Despite what everyone had told her Kiri wasn't quite convinced that Maenad was fine.

"Yes," she smiled, not sure what prompted the question. It seemed like everybody was always asking her if she were okay. "Why do you ask?"

Kiri felt she had to answer, even though she still would rather forget about it, "They said," She paused and took a deep breath, "They said they were going to kill you."

Maenad blinked. Stone? "Who?" she snapped. "Who said that?"

The forcefulness made Kiri retreat back into the chair,"The men that," Took me, "Took the rod." Kiri looked very uncomfortable now, her eyes were starting to redden despite her officer persona.

"Oh," Maenad let out a long breath through her nose, raising her jaw a little. "Well," she said, "I'm sorry to hear that. I was sound asleep." She didn't add that she had had probably too much to drink and that she had spent the evening playing music with and talking to Liyar.

That was good right? Kiri didn't feel like it was good though, she had needed her friends afterwards. Cyrus had been with her a while (Pending Theron?) but Maenad hadn't, she'd been so upset, so scared, "Okay, that's good," But Kiri was already starting to get shaken up again.

Watching Kiri, she reminded her of the way she had been when they had first met; jumpy, reserved, hesitant. She felt something was really wrong with her. "Are you all right?" she asked, seriously.

Kiri by her nature didn't want to tell the truth, she didn't want to make Maenad worry but it was too late for that. Reluctantly she took a breath, "I, was really scared, I didn't do very well."

"You're still here, aren't you?" Maenad reminded her. "Your captor is dead because you stalled him from reaching the shuttle. The one who got away failed because of false information that you helped design. I think you did fine."

It could have been worse, she'd told herself that. It had come too close to ending very badly though, her life had been in danger, someone had been hurt and someone had died. She would have helped them, she did to save herself, to save Maenad. "I couldn't do anything, I, I'm sorry," If she hadn't had gone into the lab then maybe it wouldn't have been such a mess.

Maenad shook her head. "Sorry for what?" she asked her. "Kiri, your performance was exemplary." Her mind flickered its way through memories of being in that Cardassian cell; she understood what it meant to be helpless and entirely at someone else's mercy, but she didn't want to undermine Kiri's problems or diminish herself in front of her. There were parts of her past that would be forever private. "I am quite proud of you."

It was so counter to her line of thinking Kiri blurted out, "You are?" She looked confused for several seconds as her mind started to realign things, maybe what people had been telling her was true.

Leaning forward, Maenad smiled. "Yes," she insisted. "You didn't panic, you didn't do anything stupid, you kept your mind clear. A lot of people as fresh out of the Academy as you, barely two weeks, would have gotten themselves severely injured or killed. You're not even bruised. And, if it ever happens to you again, you'll be more prepared than most of us." She nodded. "Now, stop beating yourself up about it and be glad that you're a better person than you were before, and that you've learned something from all of this."

There were bruises, but Kiri started to feel better. Sitting up she took a few deep breaths, still she could have done more. What had she learned, that she was weak, that she was scared. Good things, she couldn't think of any. Trying to force herself back into her officer persona with a crowbar she answered, "Yes sir."

She watched Kiri for a moment, feeling rather irritated with how she was always feeling sorry for herself and what others thought of her. How often did she need to be complimented in order for her to function? She felt like every time they met, she was always having to remind Kiri of who she really was: an upstanding, intelligent, kind, and respectful young woman. She only wanted her to be happy with herself.

It began to sink in, what Kiri had said about wondering if she were alright. Was she being insensitive of Kiri's feelings? She didn't know, she just couldn't tell anymore. She chewed her lip. "That you were so worried about me, Kiri," she said quietly, looking at the desktop, then met her eyes, "It means a lot to me. Thank you. I'm really sorry that it had to be you, but I am proud of your performance, and I do think that in the long-run has taught you a great deal."

"Thank you," Kiri smiled properly though her eyes still looked rather sad, "Thank you very much." Maenad was the person on the ship Kiri most wanted to impress. Even though she was still troubled by everything that had happened she was actually happy, "Can we have another talk soon?"

Maenad smiled too, but it was different from Kiri's. She had told Kiri many times that they could talk whenever she wanted; whether it was here, her quarters, the labs, it made no difference. "Certainly," she replied. "You know that my door is always open to you."

"Maybe tomorrow evening?" Kiri was thinking she must have been very wrong about the way Maenad had last talked to her? If she had really been angry it didn't seem to show now, it didn't matter. maybe? There were a few other things Kiri wanted to bring up but first she wanted the social ones to be covered. That was a new feeling for her, pushing them to the middle rather than the end of a discussion.

"It's a date," she smiled with a single nod. "What time?"

Kiri blushed, "Nineteen hundred hours?" She would try harder this time, do something interesting, make sure that she didn't talk about Cyrus, however nice to her he had been.

"Nineteen hundred," Maenad confirmed. "Very well, I will see you tomorrow at seventeen hundred. You let me know where and when," she said with a smile.

"Okay," Kiri nodded, making a note in her head to do so as soon as possible, "I also have the updated inventory for the department for your review."

"Thank you, just set it there on my desk," she nodded, "And I'll have a look at it." Maenad smiled. "Is there anything else?"

"Have you thought about a time for the next departmental meeting?"

"I'm not going to give one until I have my orders from Captain Saalm," Maenad said. "Have you met the new additions to our department? How do you feel about them?" she asked.

"I encountered Ms Saalm this morning, she is loud." That was the first impression anyway then came the questions. Kiri thought she was sort of like Tiffany, neither of them felt very comfortable to her though.

A wide grin spread across Maenad's thin lips. "Yes," she nodded. "As of about three hours ago she was assigned to be, more or less, a personal aide of mine." She shook her head, finding this all to be rather amusing. "Think of Nesh as an intern; she is only fifteen and is a civilian, but you're right that she is a little overbearing. I think she's just excited, but if she doesn't ease down over the next few days I will have a chat with her."

"I see," Kiri nodded. She didn't really know how to deal with "normal" teenagers let alone this one. However at fifteen there was also the matter of the girl's education. Would that still be ongoing? Kiri didn't consider herself a teacher but that hadn't stopped some people. "I also met Ensign Nicholas, he was different but seemed interested in his work. He wanted me to teach him Mandarin," Pausing she felt slightly neglectful, "I haven't seen any others yet." Which was part of her interest in having the meeting soon.

"Yes, Ensign Nicholas is entirely his own person," Maenad agreed, remembering the lewd comments he'd made during both times they had met. "But he seems competent at what he does. And, I suggest you acquaint yourself with Lieutenant Pendleton before I call a department meeting." Maenad raised her eyebrows thoughtfully, "As for teaching Nicholas Mandarin, learning a new language is not something done effectively in your spare time. It demands dedicated time and work. I'm not telling you not to do it, Kiri, but I think you should be mindful of how much of a commitment you might be considering."

"I told him that it wasn't a good idea, he seemed quite adamant though," Kiri didn't really know what to make of that but she didn't think she was the best way for him to learn. She hadn't really agreed to it, just sort said maybe. As for meeting the new Chief Research Officer it was on her list of things to do. It would require her to get over her new found fear of strangers though.

Maenad nodded once, impatiently. "If you told Nicholas that it wasn't a good idea and he pressed you, then he was out of line. Do not forget that you are an extension of my hand, Kiri, and that you are a junior officer. You have authority, and you must assert yourself no matter how uncomfortable that makes you. When you say no, you mean no. Otherwise, your subordinates will learn that it is acceptable to disrespect Lieutenant Cho." She looked at her seriously and spoke sternly to her assistant. Kiri had to learn that she was an officer now, and that she carried more authority in the department than anyone but herself. "Anything but obedience is unacceptable, and if anyone gives you any problems tell me about it immediately."

"I considered it a social discussion, but yes I will make sure that all regulations are followed to the letter. I will make myself clearer with him next time," She had made good progress on giving orders during her time as Acting Department Head, taking away knives and keeping everyone in check. Yet was she have any major conflict though, or truly put her foot down on a matter. It was hard for her to say no to people though, she wanted them to like her and respect her. Saying no didn't get her that did it?

"Very well," came Maenad's reply after considering her response. She reactivated the screen displaying the astrometric data from Mister Petrov. "You will get back to me about where you want to get together tomorrow?"

"Well, at nineteen hundred hours?" Kiri didn't have anything planned other than a counsellors appointment just before lunch, "If that is okay? At my quarters?" The Messhall was somewhere she was wary of and wasn't as private.

"That sounds fine," Maenad said with a tight smile. "Your quarters at nineteen-hundred. I look forward to it."

Taking that as a final hint Kiri stood up, "Thank you, I do too." Brushing her uniform she placed a pad on the desk and bowed her head slightly before heading to the door.

Then, suddenly and with terrible timing, Maenad was reminded of the bad news. "Oh," she said. "Kiri, I'm afraid I have something to tell you." She looked saddened by what she was about to say, and her tone dripped with regret. "Your office is being relinquished to Lieutenant Pendleton. There is a shortage at the moment for space and, because he's a chief, your office is being reassigned to him. In the meantime, I will try my very hardest to get you a new space as soon as possible."

"Oh, okay." It wasn't like her office was any more personalised that her home but it was still her own little space. Though disappointed Kiri tried to take it in her stride, "I'll be working in Multipurpose Laboratory One then." The decision was already made and made sense at that, no need to dwell on it. Her earlier question was made more poignant though, she wasn't being replaced but she was losing her office. Change brought uncertainty and she was starting to feel that a little more now.

"I'm sorry, but there was nothing I could do about it." Maenad said, almost hoping to see Kiri get angry. "I will see you later, then," was all there was left to say.

"It's okay," There wasn't a choice, "Goodbye." Turning again she left and headed to check everything in her old office was cleaned away. Maenad had made it clear that she wasn't being replaced, yet at home had she been? Just when she needed things to be stable, she just had to try harder.

[OFF]
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Lieutenant (JG) Kiri Cho
Assistant Chief Science Officer
USS Galileo

Lieutenant (JG) Maenad Panne
Chief Science Officer
USS Galileo

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