"Absolute Power"

[Jamie Kroells 0]

“Absolute Power”

 

 

“Begin Chief Science Officer’s Log: Condacin once again proves to be more and more difficult by the day. I can’t help but think that at this point she only shows up to her shifts to aggravate me. She is insubordinate, arrogant, and at times violent.”

 

Jamie took a brief moment to run his fingers along his repaired nose.

 

“The matter of her assault against me is still a matter of great frustration to me. Even more so are the disciplinary records Colonel Harper has decided to take against her. Little more then a writing in her file, and she was on her merry way. While I won’t deny personal bias in the situation, learning that both she and the Colonel have served together in the past gives me little comfort. I cant deny bias, but I wonder if the Colonel can say the same in this matter. I do intend to confront her soon on this matter, however...a certain...delicacy must be used.”

 

He paused again, pondering his words for a moment. “Computer, delete last sentence and begin recording.”

 

“I intend to meet with her to discuss this, and I hope to find that we still have similar views on...ship policy. However, on a better note, I’ve just received confirmation on Helm reorganization. Lt. Pilot will now be reporting to me, as part of the joint Sciops department. Upon learning this, I plan to meet with 1st Lt. Prell soon to discuss the possibility of creating a streamlined method for slaving all three groups together.”

 

“However, after learning this information, I can’t help but feel...strange. When I was promoted to Operations Manager, I was honored, perhaps even a bit arrogant in my new position. But now, I can’t help but feel as if I’m simply gaining ‘power’. The thought of so many ships systems and departments falling to my command is an...interesting feeling. While it carries a great responsibility...it also boasts a nuance of...respect, power...authority. Also, as I think of it, I cant help but notice I’m stealing the Colonels jobs. As executive officer, Pilot and Tethra would have reported to her. Now I hold power over the Minervan’s position, and Pilot reports to me. Its an odd feeling, knowing that as my power and responsibility grow, she becomes less...vital, powerful...useful.”

 

He quickly paused. “Computer, delete last paragraph and end log.”

 

He quickly sat down, holding the new orders in his hand. What was he thinking? Talk of power in this way could be construed as mutinous. The idea of it almost sickened him...almost. However, the more Jamie thought of it, the more it seemed appealing. The more it seemed appealing, the more it seemed doable. He already had Sciops and now Helm under his command. He pondered it for a moment, he was a rather powerful man. Only four people on the ship out ranked him by either rank of position. Prell was too busy down in engineering all the time to understand what was going on. At the same time, Robair may outrank him, but he has little say in what Jamie does in his departments. Besides, the young CSCI felt they had a slight understanding, after the handling of Odile. In the simplest terms, only Davies and Harper had any real control over him. And the more responsibility he assumed, the less she had.

 

He stopped for a moment, trying to think rationally. Was he seriously thinking this, or was it just some moment of frustration over Odile and Harper’s handling of the situation? He couldn’t help but feel that, even if it was he was already far beyond it. Thoughts of power and grandeur filled his mind. While he still reported to her, a large portion of the ship reported to him first. Although he knew such a combination would not evolve past this, the thought still past his mind. What if Prell and Levy had to report to him first? What power that could be.

 

He wasn’t speaking in literal terms. To be the stop man between the departments and command carry a...very heavy power indeed. Most people see power and think of Davies, sitting in his chair, ordering people around. “Do this, do that. Go here, go there.” That kind of authority was power in its rawest. But to be the man between the departments and Davies, that was true power. The ability to get people to say and do things you want them to for your own goals. Manipulation and intimidation are effective tools, especially for one without four pips and a nice chair like Jamie.

 

The more he thought about it, the more it intrigued him. It was not the king who ruled the kingdom. It was the man off the side who whispers in his ear.

 

...Corrupts Absolutely