"Challenges to Authority"

[LtGeorgeMcLean 0]

McLean's Logs (Log 4)

Lieutenant (Jg) McLean

Chief Engineer

USS Reaent

0303.04

"Challenges to authority"

 

“This is just unacceptable,” George said in disgust as he examined Ensign Meece’s recent reports.  George sat at his desk impatiently, waiting for his subordinate to report to a meeting he had arranged.  He looked down at his chronometer, then focused his glance out the window of his office where he saw a disheveled Ensign sauntering toward his office.  George’s face narrowed to a glare as he observed the lethargic movements of the tardy Ensign.  After some time George heard the familiar chime of his office door.  With annoyance, George barked, “Come!”

The young Ensign shuffled in quickly, pretending that he had run to the meeting.  He breathed heavily and said, “’Sorry I was late sir, I was doing random tests on the plasma manifold systems and one of them tied me down for awhile.”

George blinked several times before passing off his comments.  “Sit down,” he replied.  Blonde Haired Douglas Meece, took the chair in front of him and sat down.  George waited for a moment, and looked over the lanky officer whose attention seemed to be elsewhere.

“Are you with me Ensign?” George inquired.  Meece smiled and nodded his head.  George frowned at the officer’s response.  Nevertheless, George held his composure and began to speak.  

“Ensign,” George stated forcibly, “your recent performance in this department of late has been unacceptable.  You–“

Meece cut off his Chief and lashed back, “I give nothing less than one hundred and ten percent to this department!”  

George snapped back, “Ensign you will have your time to speak, in the mean time keep your mouth shut.”  Meece sat back in his chair and on his face appeared a condescending smirk. George gathered his thoughts once again and spoke, “For the past two weeks you have shown up late for duty everyday.  Your reports arrive in my office even later.  Just today did I receive your maintenance report from the second week of February.  Your attitude has been unacceptable.  You have become a negative influence over this department.”

Meece replied sharply, “Bologna! I have had a valid excuse for my tardiness, and regarding my reports, you know as well as I do the stress this ship has been under of late.”

George answered after picking up one of the reports, “Sonic shower experienced malfunction is hardly a valid excuse in my department.  For goodness sakes this is not the medical department!  As far as stress is concerned, we’ve been at shore leave!” Meece pursed his lips as George continued saying, “My biggest concern from you is your lack of respect for this department and the authority that has been placed on this vessel.  Since when did it become OK to backtalk to your superior? Since when did this become a gosh darn democracy? This is—“

Meece shot back, “Since when did you become a role model for other officers to follow?”

George stood to his feet, and Meece did the same.  George walked around his desk and stood nose to nose with the young Ensign.

“My past actions are none of your business,” George proclaimed, “not now, not ever! If you think you can manipulate me because of my issues with Star Fleet, you have another thing coming!”

Meece laughed forcibly then answered, “I don’t have to manipulate you, you’re bound to mess up.  You’re a failure, you’re nothing.  You’re the Chief Engineer of an Ambassador Class refit! Oh what prestige!”

George raised his hand then stopped short of striking the officer.  “Hear me now and hear me clear,” George said through clenched teeth, “I own you.  I can make your career, or I can break your career.  And if you ever want to make it higher than the rank of Ensign, I suggest, you respect me and heed my orders, or I will make your life miserable.  That’s a promise!”

Meece began to formulate a reply, but before he was able to, George cut back in, “You are dismissed Ensign!”

Meece swallowed hard then sneered.  After a few seconds of a staring standoff between the two officers, Meece clicked his heals and did an about-hace.  George watched him exit, and after he was gone, let out his frustration by planting his foot with full force into the side of the chair Meece had sat in.