Greeting the Boss

Posted on 10 Jul 2021 @ 12:12am by Ensign Gwen Leighton & Lieutenant JG Harper Matthews

Mission: Mission 5 - Season of the Witch?
Location: Security
1060 words - 2.1 OF Standard Post Measure

::Random Corridor::

Gwen rubbed her head and attempted to remove the fuzzy feeling with a shake. The movement only caused her greater inner angst and nausea. The night prior she'd been out with some friends, which had been going rather well, till the new Chief of Sec was brought up. The general consensus seemed to be that Gwen should be nervous to meet her replacement. Well, half replacement. She'd only been an Acting Chief and even then she hadn't been much of one. It hadn't been a huge step down to return to simple duty and in many ways she was grateful for it. Yet hearing the others comments suddenly made her wonder what her new Chief may have heard. It hadn't occurred to her that it could start things off wrong.

The logic made no sense to Gwen and so, despite her body physically tearing itself apart, she chose to do her best to ignore it. This was a first meeting and if she wanted to make a good impression than she required no rain clouds or pre-meditated self destruction. Tugging at the bottom of her security uniform she straightened her shoulders and continued her walk down the corridor to Security.

::Security::

"Hey," Gwen said with a nod as she entered before asking the on duty cremate, "Chief in?" The cheery, "Yup" that came her way didn't settle her nerves at all. With a roll of her eyes, as she was now convinced she was being utterly ridiculous, Gwen went and rang the Security Office chimes.

The roster for security was massive and wrapping your head around it was challenging to say the least. The Andromeda was a galaxy class and therefore encompassed many decks and security needs. The ship itself was a safe place, mostly, but sometimes as with Human nature, or the nature of many cultures living together, the need arose for intervention.

Harper had threw up a few pictures in her office, family, friends and a larger picture of the Coral Sea so she would always feel at home no matter how far away she was away from the water. As she submitted the duty roster to the XO her concentration was broken by the sound of her doorbell.

"Come in." she said as the doors parted.

Gwen entered, waiting for the door to closer before speaking. Her eyes danced around the new additions to the room before stopping on the sea image, "When signing up for a life in space, one often doesn't think of the little things that are missed. The holodeck can almost get it right, but nothing beats the smell of the sea." She smiled at Harper, "Ensign Leighton, just thought I'd see how you were settling in. I was Acting Chief prior so I can offer tiny bits of knowledge but I wouldn't quote me on the usefulness of it."

"Nice to meet you Ensign. Guess it goes without sayin you know I am Ensign Matthews." she said offering a smile and gesturing to the seat in front of them. The woman looked a little tired, Harper had heard of the night out the evening before. "You're right about home comforts... I do miss the water, God and real sun! This place does nothing for my skin." she exclaimed before moving towards the replicator. "Would you like something, water?" she asked.

Gwen laughed at the skin comment. Harper looked flawless and she couldn't imagine how the sun could improve, "Water would be great." She then added, "There are some pretty sunny spots we've been allowed leave in our travels. Makes up for lost time."

There was a whirring as the replicator brought the requests to reality.

"Are you settling in alright?" Gwen asked.

Harper placed down the water and smiled. "Yeah, slowly but I'm gettin there. A Galaxy class is a big ship with a lot of people to keep safe but definitely up to the challenge. How are you taking the step back to regular duties?" she asked.

"It's a little weird when some of the crew forget, but it's welcome. I learned pretty quickly that I am better suited to following orders. Giving them just didn't sit well with me." Gwen quickly amended her statement as she realized how that could be perceived, her face dropped and she stammered through the next bit "That is, when in any situation- I can improvise and take charge. I can manage what's given to me." A nervous sip of the water was had, "I promise, I'm not entirely without imagination and capabilities."

Harper laughed softly. "I know what you meant." she said taking a sip of her own. "I don't think they would have put you in the position if you didn't have some skill. Although never say never, I am very lucky to have someone like you on my team... even if they do at times over indulge in their 'extracurricular' activities." she said with a small smirk. A light nod to the fact she had heard of the night out. "Personally I am the same... can never stop at one beer."

Gwen flushed, "Yeaaah....I have a soft spot for friends and tasty liquids. Life in the fleet can get so overwhelming at times. I think we need to prioritize making memories." She stood up, having finished half the glass of water, "Speaking of priorities, I am sure you have quite a lot to get to. Should I return my glass to the replicator and see you when I'm on shift later?"

"Life in general can have that effect on anyone and I totally get the need for making memories. Connections count." she said as she watched Gwen rise to her feet. "Oh yeah that sounds good Ensign, thank you. I'll catch up with you later." Harper replied with a smile.

"I look forward to it," Gwen responded as she made her way to the replicator. Her glass disappeared in a swirl and she made her way to the doors, "And if you need anything, just ask. I make a fantastic wingman, accessory to all things and have even been a doorstop." She chuckled, "Someday that story will be told." She took a step to the doors and they whooshed open, allowing her to wave and exit.

Ensign Harper Matthews
Chief Security/Tactical Officer

Ensign Gwen Leighton
Security Officer