Getting to Know the New Guy

Posted on 12 Jan 2013 @ 8:45pm by Senior Chief Petty Officer Anthony Davis

3,543 words; about a 18 minute read

Mission: Episode 02 - Resupply
Location: USS Galileo - Deck 3 Security Offices, Deck 4 Arboretum
Timeline: MD 16 1730

[ON]
Deck Three - Security Office

Jeremy started to step off the turbolift but had a problem as he ran into the side of the dog. Sidi stared up at him as Jeremy stepped back, holding the lead loosely. So far the go walked well on the lead, and in the time between Sidi's arrival and release with a clean bill of health, he'd had a chance to go over the documents that came with Sidi. It only made him realize how much more he had to learn regarding being a K9 handler. The number of commands, alone, were daunting.

Perhaps it was a good thing the ship was scheduled to launch late tonight, it gave Jeremy more time to study and work with Sidi. The manual said that the early times was crucial for dog and handler bonding. Forming a deep, committed bond between the two was essential - more so for the handler as he needed to learn the dog's subtle shift in behavior that indicated 'alerts'. The launch screwed up his entire schedule for the day, but Jeremy was okay with that. It was his first time on a starship launching from a planet and the experience was said to be unique.

Plus, as a department head, his spot was on the Bridge. Which is where the main action would be. Sidi looked up at him, seeming to smile. Jeremy guessed that Sidi would be on the Bridge as well for his first starship launch.

Tony glanced up as the doors slid open. He saw it was just the boss and went back to the console. "Hey, boss," he said, "We got some sort of strange shipment in a few hours ago. I'm not sure..." he trailed off as he looked up and saw the dog at Jeremy's side. "What is that?"

Jeremy frowned as he looked at Davis. "This is Sidious. He is a security dog also tasked with search and rescue operations. He is the new member of our department. Just arrived earlier today."

Davis came around the console to get a better look. It was a good looking dog. "So, he's come to help us out has he? How's he going to do that?" He took several steps forward and went to pat his head. Sidi, however, had been holding a low growl in the back of his throat but as Davis began to bend over, he let out a loud and definite series of barks.

Tony shot back, grabbing his hand to his waist. "Friendly isn't he?" he said.

"It would appear not," Jeremy said scowling. He had jerked back on the lead when Sidi began the aggressive barking. As Sidi seemed to settle, Jeremy let up on the lead, at least enough to allow him to stand comfortably on all four paws. "It appeared as if he had a violent reaction to you attempting to touch him."

"That was a joke," Tony said trying not to roll his eyes. It had been a long day already with him placed - once again - between Stone and Holliday. It was a position that he'd found himself far too often. "An obviously wrong phrase said with a humorous context."

Jeremy frowned. "I am told I do not have a sense of humor," he said simply.

"Yes, right, I forgot. Sorry. I'll try not to joke anymore."

Puzzled, Jeremy said, "That was another joke?"

"Most likely, but at least you recognized it." Tony said. "But that -" he waved at Sidi, ignoring the whining growl, "explains all of that." He pointed to a large container sitting in the corner. It took up quite a bit of space. Jeremy frowned. It appeared to be a kennel of sorts, a place for Sidi to be stored when put away for the night. Inside it were a variety of objects, to include a mattress for a bed, and a variety of what appeared to be play toys. Jeremy was glad to see those, apparently a prime motivation for Sidi to work was the chance to play with a particular toy which he spied in the kennel. It seemed that Sidi knew it was there too because he began straining on the lead, his eyes focused right on it.

Jeremy walked over, opened the door and allowed Sidi to lunge inside to happily chomp on the ball inside. Jeremy figured he would let Sidi have a few minutes with it while he got an update.

"Are we ready for launch?" he asked, looking at the console.

"As we can be," Tony answered, keeping an awareness of the dog. He could easily imagine his leg bone in the place of that hard rubber ball he was happily chomping on. "Phaser banks charged, torpedoes stocked up and the shield systems are checked out for optimization. We're good."

"Okay," Jeremy said, once again glancing at Sidi. "We still got the loading ramp locked down?"

"Yes, sir," Tony said. "We're locked up. You thinking of leaving the ship now?" Tony was surprised by the idea. As far as he knew, except for two trips to pick up crewmembers, Stone hadn't left the ship for anything. Why would he want to leave now?

"Sidi has been on the ship for several hours and I'm sure he needs to void."

Tony found himself blinking as he tried to process what Stone said. Void? He smiled as he looked away. "Guess you'll have to use the transporter, but that's not going to be much of an option after tonight. Be mighty cold to take your dog outside then."

"We will be in deep space by then," Jeremy said. "It would be ill advised and suicidal to attempt to take the dog off the ship at that time."

"Yes, sir, don't know what I was thinking. Of course, couldn't go outside the ship at that point."

Sidi stood, the ball still in his mouth as Jeremy looked at Davis, his brows furrowed. There was something about his tone that Jeremy couldn't quite figure out. However, Davis didn't strike him as a stupid man so he must have known they would be in deep space by tomorrow morning, headed to their next survey mission. "Another 'joke'?" he asked.

Tony smiled. He might not have a sense of humor but at least he recognized that others did. "Yes, boss." He smiled, finding humor in the situation. Stone, however, merely stared at him. Davis heard a low whine from the dog, coming around the ball he still held clamped in his sharp looking teeth. "Maybe the arboretum can fill the bill? May not be any fire hydrants, but plenty of trees. That's the next best thing I guess."

"Trees?" Jeremy asked, checking to make sure he still had a good hold on the lead. He considered. The arboretum. It would be a good place. Some grass for the dog to run in, maybe roll around on, and it would be wider and more open than just the corridors for the dog to run. He grabbed the second ball from the kennel.

"Yeah, dogs like to hike up a leg, water a hydrant, pole or tree. Arboretum would be a good place for him to take care of his business." Tony held up a hand, forestalling the next question while trying not to laugh. "For him to void as necessary."

"Thank you," Jeremy said as he grabbed a few more items that he considered might be necessary considering the interior and collective nature of the arboretum. He turned to Davis. "Senior, could you have this stuff transported to my quarters?"

Tony looked at the kennel taking up room in the security office. "Sure thing, Boss. You going to be keeping...Officer Friendly in your quarters then?"

Jeremy frowned again. "I thought...didn't I tell you his name was Sidious? Or apparently it can be shortened to 'Sidi'. He seems to respond better to Sidi at any rate. His name is not 'Friendly'."

Davis couldn't hold the laugh this time. "I'm sorry, Boss, I'll try to remember that. He's Sidi, he's not friendly. Not friendly at all."

"Thank you," Jeremy said, blinking, unsure why Davis was laughing this time. It was true, Sidi's name didn't include 'friendly' anywhere that Jeremy had seen. He would make sure to review the materials on him again just to make sure. After the conversations with Commander Holliday today, he didn't want to actively discourage others from using any part of Sidi's name. Though, Sidi didn't respond so well to even 'Sidious' so even if he had a second name of 'Friendly' it might only serve to confuse the dog. He scowled. This was a dilemma that he might need to consult others to help clear up.

"You going off to the Arboretum then?" Tony asked, still smiling. He understood why others were having problems with the new boss, but he wasn't sure any of them could see the vast possibilities for humor.

"Yes," Jeremy said. "Maybe to take a look around and see if it would be suitable. But..." he scowled again. "I may also go off ship for a bit, let Sidi have some time to really stretch out before he's cooped up on the ship for the next few weeks."

Tony stopped to consider if Stone had considered that the humanoids aboard ship would be cooped up for the duration as well. Though, that thought probably never crossed Stone's mind. "I'll work on getting Sidi's things transferred to your quarters, Boss."

Jeremy stopped just short of the door. He figured he should correct Davis regarding the situation. As Sidi outranked him, Jeremy found himself in a bind. Technically, Sidi should be the Security Chief but...he was a dog. As such he couldn't be a -

He left the Security office frowning. He had spent several days railing against the fact that he wasn't a speciesist bigot but here he was thinking that Sidi couldn't be a Security chief merely becausse of his species. He flicked his wrist and made a note on the new PADD: subject to discuss with Meridian: am I a speciesist because of my thoughts regarding Sidi.

Which reminded him. He stopped in the corridor and faced him. "You have exceeded an allowable time for enjoyment with your toy without earning the privilege. Give it to me at this time."

Sidi stared at him, his brown eyes unblinking. Jeremy held out his hand. Sidi cocked his head, as if not understanding. Jeremy frowned. The manual said that Sidi was supposed to relinquish the toy upon command.

"Sidi, with respect, give me the toy this moment."

Sidi continued to stare at him, the ball wedged firmly in his teeth.

Jeremy sighed as he scowled. "Sidi, though you outrank me, you are to obey my commands. Give me the toy."

"Sir?" Davis asked, standing in the door of the Security office and watching, a smile spreading his features and glinting in his eyes. "Problem with the new guy?"

Jeremy straightened. "I understood from my instruction manual that he is supposed to give up the toy upon command. But he is failing to do so. I'm afraid he's being willful, disobedient or his training is somehow faulty."

Davis chuckled, "Sir, have you ever had dogs before?"

Jeremy frowned. "I'm not sure. Does that make a difference? Do they only obey commands of previous dog owners?"

"No," Davis said, still chuckling. "But, you're explaining what you want to him. Dogs respond better to simple commands. Maybe give that a try? Do you have a list of commands he's been trained for?"

"Yes," Jeremy said, looking up the information on his PADD. "Sidi, give."

"With authority, sir," Tony said.

"Sidi, give!"

Sidi dropped the ball onto the deck and looked up at Jeremy expectantly. Jeremy bent over to pick it up and then realized that his pockets were already bulging, causing an unsightly line to his uniform. "Thank you," Jeremy said, still wondering at the source of Davis's obvious humor.

"No, problem, Boss," Davis answered as he went back into the office.

Sidi watched the ball in Jeremy's hand. He whined a little, from the back of his throat and looked up at Jeremy, then back to the ball. Jeremy frowned as he shoved the ball into his pocket and absently wiped his hand on his pants to rid it of the slobber from the ball. This showed him he still had a lot to learn regarding Sidi and being his handler. He should already know how to command dogs. He took the lead and turned down the corridor and headed to the turbolift and the Arboretum.

Deck Four - Arboretum

Jeremy stopped just inside the doors. The lighting was soft to reflect late afternoon and the changing sky. Sidi whined as he strained on his leash. Jeremy noticed, but absently as he looked around the space. It was much larger than he would have expected considering the nature of the ship. Just in front of him were a small copse of trees that he couldn't remember seeing before, with light pink bracts or leaves or blooms. It softened the light around them. Grass seemed to be everywhere with paths wandering through the area. Small tracts of various types of plants, flowering and ornamental, were interspersed around the room.

Sidi jumped several times, pawing at Jeremy's side where his toys were placed. Jeremy turned. Sidi was a security dog, which meant he was trained to attack. Jeremy had to be cautious with him - especially now since he wasn't as attuned to the dog's moods and behaviors as he will become with bonding and training. Training that Jeremy discovered he needed more than Sidi at this point. Not knowing to give simple, authoritative commands was required.

But Holliday thought having a dog would help Jeremy become more flexible? It seemed he needed to be more stern and stiff with a dog.

"Computer, how many people are currently in the Arboretum?"

==^==Currently the crew compliment of the Arboretum contains Lieutenant Jeremy Stone and Lieutenant Sidious M W D Seven Two Two Three==^==

"Computer, seal the door and give an alert if anyone attempts to enter."

==^==Acknowledged==^==

Jeremy knelt down, once again at Sidi's eye level. He remembered what Senior Davis told him but, he wasn't giving a command at the moment. "Sidi, I'm going to let you off the lead so that you can run for a bit. Then I need to work on becoming a good handler. This will require your assistance. You have had this training already. I have not. I will appreciate your assistance in this matter. As I understand it, I am to reward you with praise and to allow you to play with your favored toy when you do well." He looked into Sidi's eyes, unsure if the dog understood him or not. "But first, I'll let you run around for a bit to settle and because I want to look around the Arboretum. They have done a good job with it."

Sidi whined, his eyes going to the pocket where his ball was. "Okay," Jeremy said. The manual also said that playing with him was required for bonding and fitness. Sidi, according to his records, enjoyed playing 'fetch'. Jeremy disengaged the lead and slung it around his shoulder like a bolo as he stood. He pulled up the instruction manual to begin his own training. Removing the ball from his pocket, he noticed Sidi's eyes were focused on the ball. He sat as he licked his lips.

Speak to the MWD in a 'praise' voice [press here for an example]. It is important that the MWD feels praised. It is important also to note this should be considered 'play'. This helps to keep the dog's motivation and drive active through the MWD's career.

Jeremy watched the short video, sighing. He was glad there was a holographic training program because this seemed more complicated than he had first thought. Sidi's patience, however, seemed to run out as he stood in front of Jeremy and began barking.

"You want this ball?" Jeremy asked. "You want the ball?" Sidi barked again, not aggressive but almost playful. He rose onto his back paws and came down again, his front body lowered, his eyes bright and focused on the ball. "Okay, get the ball!" Jeremy said as he threw ball away. Sidi didn't wait as he raced after it, ears flattened and body lithe as he tore through the grass.

Jeremy watched him race to the ball and almost overshoot it. He dug into the grass as he turned, snatching at the ball with his jaws. He came trotting back to Jeremy, seeming to grin. "Give," Jeremy commanded trying to follow the pronunciation in the manual. Sidi dropped the ball into Jeremy's hand and then lowered his front again, ready to chase after it. Jeremy threw the ball again, watching as Sidi tore after it. He started walking for a bit so that he could take in more of the Arboretum. Sidi chased him down, nudging his hand with his snout. Jeremy took the ball and threw it in the opposite direction.

After several minutes of that, Jeremy went to a grassy area. He didn't have objects to begin testing Sidi's detection work, but he would be getting ahead of himself. He needed to get in sync with Sidi for basic commands. He checked the chrono for the time, realizing that it was nearly his established dinner break. However, this was more important. His schedule needed to be adjusted today anyway.

He frowned. He didn't know the last time Sidi ate either. "Computer," he said. "Is there a replicator located in the Arboretum?" He could order up nutritional supplements for Sidi and dinner for himself. When was the last time he actually ate a meal in a more natural setting? The computer gave him directions to a bank of replicators. Jeremy checked Sidi's information for his nutritional needs, ordering up appropriate food for Sidi's needs. He wasn't sure why, but he asked for a package of fried chicken with cole slaw, potato salad and biscuits, as well as a large thermos of ice tea.

Sidi's was delivered in a sealed package in a bowl while Jeremy wasn't sure why his came inside a small basket, complete with dishes and utensils for one. Sidi nudged his leg as he sniffed at the food coming off the replicator tray.

"Okay, dinner break," Jeremy said, "Then down to work." He carried the food to a large tree with spreading branches. Jeremy took the sheet out of the basket and spread it out, preventing him from sitting on the patchy earth underneath the tree. He suddenly noticed the generated sound of birds piped into the room.

"Stop!" Jeremy said as Sidi nosed at the basket. "That is not for you. That's my dinner." He prepared Sidi's dinner and set it at the edge of the blanket. Sidi stared at the basket. "No!" Jeremy commanded, snapping above the bowl of food he prepared for Sidi. Sidi looked at it the bowl, back at the basket, then slowly went to the bowl and sniffed it. He seemed to be upset that he was getting the required nutritional supplement rather than sharing in Jeremy's dinner. However, Sidi's information was very specific regarding his dietary needs, especially as he became acclimated to his new environment.

Jeremy served up his own dinner while watching the shifting light and looking around the Arboretum. He wondered why he hadn't even tried coming here before now. Those responsible for it did a wonderful job, and as it was still just him and Sidi, remained peaceful and calm. He could hear the sound of the pond just a little ways off and wondered how deep it went. Sidi might enjoy using it for a swim or a cool off. So far he hadn't shown an inclination, but Jeremy hadn't really let him off control yet. But for the moment he reattached the lead and unsealed the doors in case anyone wanted to come in. He thought after their departure tonight and for the upcoming mission, the area would be more populous, but at the moment it was nice to have this time alone in and in this setting.

After eating, and repacking, Jeremy leaned against the tree, Sidi lying next to him. Jeremy had removed the PADD from the wrist dock and was going over the manual, trying to learn while Sidi dozed. Absently, Jeremy's other hand ruffled Sidi's fur. Somewhere along the line, he realized he was supposed to be listening to the music Meridian sent him. He played one of the softer selections. Without realizing, he dozed for a short time, waking to find Sidi's head in his lap. He checked his chrono and realized more than two hours had passed and the artificial lighting control was simulating a sunset.

Sidi jumped up immediately, rested and ready to 'play' again. Jeremy took the ball out of his pocket and set about doing some command work before another half hour of fetch.

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