"An Enlisted Conversation"

[Kansas_Jones 0]

02.24.07

USS Agincourt NCC-81762

“An Enlisted Conversation”

 

“What, first we are ordered by Master Chief Keltex to provide an escort detail for whatever is going on in the cargo bay and then all that changes?” Petty Officer Kreval gave a snort of annoyance through his snout.

 

Crewman TSelt offered the classic Vulcan raised eyebrow look at her always excitable Team Jackal squad mate. “Indeed. This is the nature of things. Orders will be changed and adjusted.”

 

The two enlisted officers had resumed their normal watch duties after being informed they were not to report to the cargo bay. Kreval, as usual, was being his usual Tellerite self and complaining about how the situation had worked out. T’Selt, as usual, was being her normal Vulcan self and exploring all sides of the situation.

 

Kreval offered a nod to a shuttle craft tech that passed them before replying. “You mean the orders were countermanded by JoNs.”

 

TSelt quickly glanced around the open, ensuring they were out of ear shot of the technicians and engineers working in the shuttle bay. “Lieutenant JoNs.” She corrected her comrade.

 

The Tellerite had that insufferable glint in his eyes as a smile split his features. “Chief Lieutenant Kitten.”

 

The female Vulcan merely sighed. “That – what is it that the humans say, nickname - is between Master Chief Keltex and the Lieutenant…and I have fifty credits that say you will never have the fortitude to say it to her face.”

 

Kreval grumbled as he ran his tricorder over the locked weapons storage panel located on a nearby bulkhead. “First Commander Robair is mortally injured and she falls into his position as security chief. Then, she promotes the Master Chief to a senior squad leader position. Hell, why not one of our people? Why choose a Gideon transfer?” He clicked off the tricorder, satisfied that the phasers contained in the locker where still at full charge.

 

“It is within the Lieutenant’s,” the Vulcan placed a subtle reminder on the rank, “prerogative to promote whoever she sees fit to squad seniority. And as for “falling” into her current position – you know as well as I do that no being ‘falls into’ anything with regard to starship duty. There are proper channels, and obviously Lieutenant JoNs was cleared by the command staff.

 

Kreval ran his stubby hand over the hull of the Boniventure, pausing a moment to admire the sleek curvature of the shuttlecraft. He offered a wane eye to his Vulcan companion. “Don’t get me started on the whole “marines in command of a naval ship” thing. I may give myself an ulcer if I start to rant.”

 

TSelt placed a finger to her temple, attempting to massage a growing ache there. One conversation crisis at a time. She quickly redirected to the original conversation topic. “I find your animosity to Lieutenant JoNs puzzling.”

 

Kreval led the way to the next stage of their patrol route. “Who said anything about animosity? I just don’t like the fact that she is young and inexperienced.”

 

Eyebrow raise. “From what I have seen administrative wise she seems to be doing quite well.”

 

A pig like snort. “She was stuck in our brig after brawling on shore leave. I rest my case.”

 

A sniff. “Kreval, you are just jealous you were not involved in said brawl.”

 

The stocky Tellerite came to a dead stop, staring at his squad mate as she continued past him into a storage area. TSelt quietly walked past him with a contented raise of her eyebrow as she went by.

 

Kreval followed her into the cargo area and leaned on a crate. “I’m just saying that it isn’t proper behavior for a chief.”

 

The female security officer ran a practiced eye over the area. “Nor is questioning the methods and abilities of said chief.” She turned her attention to Kreval one final time. “Your opinions are your own affair, but if you keep complaining word will reach the Lieutenant. Do not underestimate her.”

 

The Tellerite officer snorted once. “And why would I need to worry about word reaching her? I can handle her.”

 

TSelt raised an eyebrow. Kreval outranked her, but for some reason the Vulcan enlisted officer had more sense then her comrade with regard to this matter. It was not a question of Kreval ‘handling” the security chief, the situation was more so the other way around if his complaints were to spread to the Lieutenant.

 

The Vulcan crewman’s reply was deadpan. “I did not say you need to worry. I said do not underestimate her - do not raise the ire of the quiet one.”