Disciplinary Action SD 10308.15 pt 3

[MajorZStarDust 0]

"I want to be a Marine," Ziggy replied, his tone sincere.  

 

Hayden kept her eyes focused on the sutures she was repairing.  She didn't look up, didn't nod, just kept sewing.  This entire situation upset her greatly.  She knew that Ziggy was trying to keep the situation light hearted.  He knew how she would be hating the idea of having to have a *coming to Jesus* meeting with him.  And  on the one hand she thought it was sweet of him to try and make this easier for her, and on the other it pissed her off to no end.  First Officer meant dealing with personnel crap, the good and the bad.   Friend or not.  The last thing she could afford is to have the crew thinking she was some kind of creampuff.

 

Hayden stood and began to put away her medical supplies, "You already are a Marine."  

 

"No!  Not up there, I'm not," he exclaimed, pointing up toward the Bridge.  "Up there I'm just a Fleet Officer to the Battalion. Everyone on this ship, including the Marines, sees me as just another Fleet officer.  I need to be with my troops.. I mean Dana's troops. ANY troops."  He sighed and looked at the floor, the time for banter was over, this was serious. Ziggy remained quiet for a few moments and then looked up and over at Hayden, who was still packing away her kit.  "I want to be transferred back to the Battalion." His eyes begged her to understand as his words couldn't.  "Dac, I can't put it into words.  Please tell me you understand."

 

Dac turned and locked her eyes on his. "What I understand is that you left this ship, and in the name of "bonding" got into a bar fight that left you severely wounded, and several other bar patrons dead.  What I understand is that you, and your complete disregard for authority, left sickbay while still under medical attention."  Hayden advanced on Ziggy, "What I understand is that you've been treating me like some cute little piece of horseflesh, under the guise of flirting, trying to make this dressing down easier for me."

 

She saw his expression change and his mouth come open to interrupt.  "It's my turn to talk, Mr. StarDust.  We've served together for years, been friends for almost the entire time, and suddenly to turn on the charm and the witty banter -- for what?  To ease my discomfort in having to reprimand a fellow officer?  In the hopes that any disciplinary action I recommend to the Captain will be lessened?"

 

Ziggy stood, his eyes hard, "I don't want my conduct to be overlooked, Commander.  I will take the punishment that is due.  I had, in error, thought that you would understand my need to be with them."

 

Hayden snapped her medkit shut, missing for a moment her position as CMO.  She handed him a scrub shirt to pull on and he snatched it out of her hands.  "I've recieved a message that the Captain wants to see you and Dana immediately.  Holodeck One."

 

Ziggy turned and walked stiffly to the door.  "Ziggy,"  Hayden said quietly, "I understand the need to do the job that calls to you, the job you love and would do no matter what the pay or conditions."  He turned to look at her, his eyes a mixture of anger and hurt.  "As soon as the Captain is done with you, you are fit to return to duty.  I was your friend, long before I was your First Officer.  I still am.  Report to Lieutentant Colonel Quest.  I've already assigned you as her new XO.  Now get out."

 

He stared at her for a moment, unsure that he heard her correctly and then nodded.  Not a smile, not a smirk, not a comment, but his eyes softened as he turned out of her quarters.

 

Major Ziggy StarDust

Executive Officer

Marine Battallion 355

USS Arcadia, NCC-1742-E

 

Commander Hayden "Dac" Dacotah

First Officer

USS Arcadia, NCC-1742-E