The Next Step

Posted on Sun Dec 30th, 2018 @ 11:59pm by
Edited on on Tue Jan 1st, 2019 @ 4:02am

1,038 words; about a 5 minute read

Mission: Episode 5 - It Would Be Their Pleasure
Location: COB's Ready Room
Timeline: MD009 1200 hrs

Quinn left the science lab, and made his way to the chief of the boat's office on the USS Pioneer. He really wanted his insight, on how what he was going to do with the Calhoun and Master situation on the ship. Quinn would handle Masters, while he was going to defer the situation of Calhoun to the COB, who in this case was Command Senior Chief Petty Officer Andrew Moore. Quinn tapped on the door intercom. He was announced, so there was no reason for Andrew to expect him.

Quinn had read his file, and knew he had a background in Behavioral Health Technician. So he might be able to assist with the irate tempers that tend to get brought when dealing with crew fraternization. Quinn was still new to the ship, but from an outsider looking in, the crew was mostly made up with married couples living apart or single people. No one really had their other half living on the USS Pioneer. He hoped Andrew would not mind, making him a little late for lunch. He really wanted to address the situation, before he buried it behind doing more interviews that afternoon.

Andrew stretched at his desk and rubbed his face. Since passing the Bridge officers exam he'd been splitting his time between the Counseling offices and the Bridge, both at his post behind the command level and pulling the late shift in command of the ship itself. It was a change, the last place he saw himself was sitting in the command chair, even if it was just one shift. As the buzzer rang Moore looked up, "enter," he called then jumped out of his chair to a loose attention, "welcome, Commander, what can I do for you?"

"You have a minute to talk the new first officer?" He asked in a playful manner. He tried to show kindness and humor, incase the COB was busy. This was an improv visit on his part. He would not take offense if the COB said no, but he was hopeful, that he was not busy. Quinn wanted to get the Masters/Calhoun situation handled as soon as possible.

"Of course, sir," the Senior Chief replied and motioned to a chair near the desk before sitting himself, "just checking up or do you need me to plant my boot in someones arse?" Andrew asked with a grin.

"Not just yet, but how much do you know about Warrant Officer Jennifer Masters, formerly Petty Officer Second Class and Senior Chief Petty Officer Tobias Beckett?" Quinn asked, as he started to sit down.

"I know for two officers that work in a clandestine branch it's the worst kept secrete on the ship," Moore replied with a smirk, "I saw Beckett's complaint logged with you," he added and turned his terminal screen around, "I was just reading it over matter of fact."

"Despite Beckett's questionable etiquette, he did bring up a valid concern. Been reading the file on Jennifer Masters, former Petty Officer Second Class, and she passed up a senior chief's for promotion. And has a reputation of defying authority and attitude. Yet she was chosen for promotion for the Warrant Officer Candidate program." Quinn said in complete look of disbelief on his face. Was Jennifer's attitude in response to Beckett's attitude? It was not an easy thing to read in a file, so he wanted the COB's perspective.

"Have you read my entire file," Moore replied with a smile, "for the Chief's those promotions are handled by myself and the two other ranking NCO's as a board with the officers recommendation. I'll be honest, I'd of not promoted Beckette either," Andrew replied honestly, "promotions are deserved not demanded. As to Masters, anyone in that field has a type A personality and the attitude with it, however, she's good at what she does and what I'm seeing in this complaint doesn't sound much like her."

"Thank you COB, that's all I needed to hear. Her service file suggests strongly, that she is a good candidate for the Warrant Officer Program. Just wanted your feedback, I'll let you handle Chief Beckett, and I will start the OCS training for Warrant Officer Jennifer Masters. You have been a big help." Quinn said, all he wanted was the blessing of the COB. Quinn knew COB's were well respected, and knew their enlisted staff. He had no further reason, to investigate the accusation of insubordination, and the service file suggested that the Jennifer Master and Leslie Calhoun relationship started when they were enlisted personal.

The COB nodded and smiled, "excellent. I do have one request, I'd like to bring both Masters and Calhoun in together, we'll call it a group session so no reports. However, they need to be....guided in keeping a lower profile now and I think that'd be better here than if you or the Captain pulled either aside? Not as official that way," he asked and sat forward, leaning his arms on the desk.

"Alright set up, and I will be there." Quinn said, as he started to feel a little more comfortable. The tough part of the conversation was now over. "I appreciate your help and imput with all of this, this is a good sign of a good partnership between the enlisted and officers." Said Quinn as he reached in to shake Andrew's hand, he had a genuine smile on his face.

Moore stood and shook the offered hand, "not a problem and I agree," he replied honestly and smiled, that had been a good way to start his new job.

"I look forward to our next meeting COB, you're doing a great job. Sorry to leave, but I have a lot of meetings today, and I just wanted to stop by for a few, and get your insights. So for that, thank you." Quinn said, as he continued to shake Andrew's hand.

A Joint Post By

Commander Quinn Ó Flannagáin
Executive Officer, USS Pioneer

Command SeniorChief Petty Officer Andrew Moore
Chief of the Boat/Behavioral Health Specialist, USS Pioneer

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