"Time To Face The Music"
(Previous Post: Jessica's 'You Can Promote a Shillian...')
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Setting: NEW ALEXANDRIA, Admiral Koniki's Anteroom
David entered the antroom of Admiral Charles Koniki and Allyson as always greeted the ANUBIS' CEO with a beaming smile.
"Good morning Lieutenant Dawson" the flag officer's secertary said.
"Morning Allyson" David replied.
"The Admiral will see you now" she said as David stood before the door leading to the flag officer's office. He thumbed the chime and the doors whooshed open. Koniki was standing by the big window peering into the complex and his gaze was fixed on the ANUBIS.
"Lieutenant... with all the damage done to the ANUBIS and with the combined efforts of both your staff and the base staff, our work is cut out for us."
**Odd** David thought, "Yes sir... it sure is."
Koniki turned and nodded. "But that isn't the reason I wanted to see you" he said sitting at his desk and sliding a PADD in David's direction.
"The question is... what are we going to do about this?"
David picked up the PADD and glanced at its contents. It was his resignation he submitted before going on the mission to SURIAL III. He looked up at Koniki.
"Should I sign off on it?"
"Its your decision Admiral" David replied, "I did say that I wanted out after that mission..."
"So... pack your things and be ready for the next transport at 1200. I have no time for deserters..."
"Odd choice of words sir" David said.
Koniki's eyebrow arced. "And why do you say that?"
"Not less that 4 days ago you wanted to drum me out of Starfleet. You said there wasn't enough evidence to not warrant my court martial..."
"And I still don't believe there was." Koniki snapped.
"But I guess Richard changed your mind didn't he?" David asked.
Koniki's eyes narrowed, "I'm going to level with you Lieutenant, and this is off the record. I still believe that... whatever it was that possessed you was a farce. That you actually *are* unstable and a detriment to your crew and this facility. But I digress. Your recovery has been the talk of the entire starbase and it seems that you've gotten more than your fare share of supporters."
"So what *are* you saying sir?" David asked.
"As I've always said Lieutenant, but I'll say it with even more gusto. I'll be watching you even *more* now. One," and Koniki held up one finger for emphasis, "one more slip up and by the time you blink again, the *only* thing you'll be the chief engineer of is a garbage scowl in the Gamma quadrant. Do I make myself clear Lieutenant?"
David looked at the flag officer, "Before I answer, permission to speak freely sir."
Koniki nodded, "Granted."
"We both know of our sorrid little history. My father believed you to be the best at what it is that we do here. After his move to Intel, he worshipped the ground you walked on..."
"*As* he should. Your father wasn't an idiot Lieutenant." Koniki said.
"*That's* your belief Admiral. But I just have this... strange feeling... that you have it out for me."
Koniki's eyes narrowed as David pressed on.
"One of the things that I've learned from you sir is that *nothing* escape your purview. And my father was right. You are the best at what we do here. But so am I. I'm the best damned engineer you have here..."
"Don't press your luck Lieutenant. If needed I can find a replacement for the ANUBIS' CEO. Just look at Lieutenant Fairborn. *He'd* make an excellent CEO as he has in the past... and he will for the HATHOR's shakedown cruise. I believe that Commander Serenna made a wise decision in electing him to be CEO instead of you."
Inwardly, David felt the harsh slap of reality. But he remembered Susan's words and wasn't going to let Koniki get under his skin.
"I agree. I'm not 100% up to par, but I stick to my word Admiral. Show me one" and David mimiced the flag officer's earlier gesture, "*one* engineer who can pull the numbers that I can. One engineer who has profeciency records like *I* do. Even your own CEO on the SCARAB hasn't hit my marks yet... and he's 30 years older than I am and has been an engineer for 20 of those years. So, hate me or like me sir I *am* needed."
Koniki smirked. "As I said, you can be replaced David. It happens everyday... through promotions, *demotions*, and the like."
"But you need me" David said with a grin and Koniki jumped to his feet.
"A bold statement Lieutenant. I need *no* one."
"Then sign off on the resignation" David said with a nod. He placed the PADD back on Koniki's desk between them.
Koniki looked at the PADD. "That'll be all Lieutenant. Dismissed."
David nodded, "Ays sir" and left. When the doors closed, Koniki pulled a personal phaser from his desk and vaporized the PADD.
"Glad to have you back Lieutenant" he said and returned his gaze to the ANUBIS.
As David exited the anteroom and speaking with Allyson, there was someone else he needed to talk to. Since the morning was still early, he might as well get it over with. He spoke into the air.
"Computer, what's Captain Rikar's location?"
=/\= Captain Rikar is on board the ANUBIS, Deck 7,
Arboretum. =/\=
David headed for the umbiblical leading him to his destination.
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as
Lieutenant David Dawson
and
assistant CEO
"A Starfleet officer... that's all I am and that's all I'll ever be." 2005 post #489
Stardate: 60328.1100
Julian Knight (d_dawson_1@yahoo.com)
Chief Engineer
USS ANUBIS NCC 18501
USS HATHOR
- Avery Brooks as Captain Benjamin Sisko,
Commanding Officer of the Federation Spacestation Deep Space 9
