"Decisions, Decisions"
[Previous Post: The Harsh Sting Of Reality]
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Setting: USS ANUBIS, Corridor
Stardate: 60326.1330
While on his way to the ANUBIS’s CO’s office, Nico could not fathom the reason for the request of his presence. He guessed it was his confrontation with ANUBIS security in the lounge. In hindsight, he wished he had handled that security officer with a little more tact. However, he found it hard to believe the CO had summoned him to dress him down for his bad manners. Nico, who had heard of the CO’s recent loss and also rumors of an impending court martial, refused to believe the CO was taking precious time to deal with a surly Nausicaan, especially one not under her command.
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Setting: USS ANUBIS, Rikar's office
Stardate: 60326.1332
Nico took one last moment to inspect his uniform before requesting entrance to the CO’s office.
"Enter." Rikar said as the doors slid open.
Nico had to duck slightly as he entered the office. He half expected the CO to recoil slightly at his appearance. Since joining Starfleet, that is the reaction he has grown accustom to upon meeting someone for the first time. He was impressed when the young woman before him showed no outward reaction at all. He was also surprised at her appearance. He expected a much older, harder woman than the one seated before him. The CO looked Nico over for a few seconds without speaking. He considered expressing his condolences for her recent loss, but decided, after seeing the sternness of her _expression, to keep this meeting strictly professional.
"Ensign Rostov reporting as requested, sir." Nico stated, while standing at full attention.
"At ease, Ensign Rostov", the CO countered. "I haven’t much time Ensign, so I will get straight to the point. Captain Arlington has expressed his wish that I take you on as a member of my crew."
Nico's mouth opened as if to speak, he realized he had no idea what to say, so he closed it again.
"Your Captain seems to feel the ANUBIS would be the ideal commission for you. I assume, you being a Nausicaan, you have had somewhat of a difficult time fitting in. I can assure you, you would have no such difficulties aboard my ship. I have just gone over your service record and have also read the reports of your actions on SURIAL III, and have no doubt you would be an asset to this ship."
Nico couldn’t believe what he was hearing. He was stunned at the CO’s offer, and searched for the words to respond.
"Thank you, Captain," was all Nico was able to manage.
Rikar smiled slightly at this huge man's obvious bewilderment. "Of course, as a member of my crew, you would be held to the highest expectation of excellence. I have heard that the Nausicaan temper is legendary. I will not stand for any of that nonsense aboard this ship. I do not tolerate insubordination or… hot headedness," Sabrina said thinking of another hot tempered giant who served on the ANUBIS. "You will be expected to act like a professional Starfleet officer in every respect."
"Yes, Captain, thank you." Nico found his tongue, "May I ask to what position I would be assigned?"
"The position of Chief of Security will be opening up soon due to the request of our current head of department to be transferred to a starbase. The request was made because of a personal family matter leaving us with a void to fill. I apologize for not giving you any time to ponder your decision, but we are very close to NEW ALEXANDRIA and I'll need you to begin your assignment immediately following our arrival, should you accept, that is."
A thousand questions ran through Nico's mind. How could she expect him to make such a decision on the spot like this? Yet, that is exactly what she expected. He looked at her, waiting for his response, evaluating him. Really, what choice did he have? Decline, and wait for Starfleet to stick him on any vessel with an opening? Here was the Captain of one of Starfleet’s most advance ships personally requesting his service. There was only one answer.
"I accept, Captain." Nico said, returning to full attention.
"Very well." Sabrina returned, obviously pleased with his decision. "Your first assignment will be my personal protection upon arrival of NEW ALEXANDRIA, and throughout the court martial of Lt. Dawson."
Nico's jaw dropped yet once again.
The CO continued as she made entries on her COM panel. "I am upgrading your security clearance. I would like you to report to the armory and outfit yourself as you see fit for my protection. I'll expect you at my side on the bridge when we reach NEW ALEXANDRIA."
"Yes, Captain, and thank you. I am honored to serve you, and will not disappoint." Nico said.
"Don't you think you should get moving, Ensign?"
"Yes Sir." Nico snapped and made his way out of her office.
Once back in the corridor outside Rikar’s office, he had to take a moment to catch his breath. What just happend? After taking a full minute to compose himself, he began to make his way to the armory, all of his thoughts now turning to his assigned task.
### 2005 post #404
Jammie Thouin {lone-gunman@att.net}
Ensign Nicodemus Rostov
Chief of Security
USS ANUBIS
