"Why Do You Do What You Do?" - Part I

[Garnoopy 0]

Lieutenant Junior Grade Garnoopy

Personal Log Stardate 50303.04

“Why Do You Do What You Do?” – Part I of II

 

The Klingon held the newly acquired painstick in his hand. It had a smooth texture, and just the right weight. Purchased on the space station, Garnoopy carefully set it on its stand, knowing he hoped to use it soon, and that no matter what happened to the ship, that painstick would survive. In theory, the high quality item could survive a warp core breach, though that had not been tested yet.

 

The Ferengi he purchased it from had sold it for quite a low price. Most likely due to that when the Ferengi made a joke about how Klingons smell, Garnoopy lifted him off the ground by his shirt brow and threatened to test the painstick out before completing the transaction if the Ferengi did not take back the joke.

 

Stepping out of his quarters, Garnoopy headed towards the bridge. He did not enjoy shore leave, nothing was accomplished, and Federation starbase's were not known for their large populations of Klingons.

 

The bridge was quiet, and mainly empty. Garnoopy took the tactical station and began reviewing standard security reports.

 

His comm. link chirped, and the voice of Lt. Shamor was heard, “Hey Ensign... sorry.. Lieutenant Garnoopy.  Are you busy at the moment?”

 

He tapped his comm. badge, “No sir, I was just looking over security reports on the bridge.”

 

“Would you mind coming to my office for a moment?” Shamor replied.

 

Already closing files, Garnoopy responded “On my way sir.”

 

Garnoopy quickly headed down to the security office, chiming the room, then stepping in.

 

Shamor looked at Garnoopy, and then said, “Please sit down Lieutenant.”

 

Garnoopy took a seat across from Shamor’s desk, wondering what was going on. “Do you require something sir?”

 

“I know I haven't taken the time to know the officers I work with so I figure this is a better time than any” Shamor replied. “It seems to be easier when we know who we are working with, am I correct?”

 

A grunt came from Garnoopy, and he nodded a yes in agreement.

 

“Feel free to speak Lieutenant” Shamor stated.

 

“I do not see what is required to say sir” Garnoopy replied, still looking at Shamor with a standard Klingon stare.

 

Changing the subject, Shamor moved on. “Okay. Lets start with something simple.  What are your goals here on the Reaent?”

 

“My goals? I am a Starfleet officer. My goal is to serve Starfleet” Garnoopy responded.

 

“I know that but what about personal goals?” Shamor inquired.

 

“How do you mean sir?” Garnoopy responded, not understanding the question.

 

“Everyone has a purpose for being here, mine is to make sure everyone is safe at all times” Shamor said, still looking over at Garnoopy.

 

Understanding, Garnoopy responded, “If that is what you mean, then my purpose is to help to protect this ship.”

 

Shamor let out a sigh, “What if you can't protect the ship?”

 

“If I cannot protect the ship? Do you mean if I am outmatched?” Garnoopy said.

 

“The ship isn't the important thing to protect” Shamor said. “It's the crew.  Without the crew the ship is nothing. I've been working in security for many years and just to let you know, you will have to make some tough decisions.”

 

Garnoopy continued to stare at Shamor. “I am prepared sir.”