"Advice"
(Previous Post: Tiffany's 'And For Our Next Trick')
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Setting: NEW ALEXANDRIA, Liftpod
As the lift took the HATHOR's CO and aCEO to the level where the umbiblical was located, Serenna from time to time glanced in David's direction. He hadn't said much after they departed the ANUBIS. The Romulan/Terran hybrid didn't know if she should say anything or address David's lack of conversation. Normally, she'd found it rather droll as to how David would ramble on about something in the field of engineering, but 99% of the time he was submitting his departmental report to her or a report to be submitted to the captain. After a while, David finally broke the silence.
"Serenna, I need to ask you something" he said facing the ANUBIS' executive officer now HATHOR commander, "and I want you to level with me."
"I'll do what I can" Serenna replied.
"Do you trust me?"
Serenna didn't anticipate that question although she
knew that one day he would ask the question.
"I'll answer your question with a question. Do you
want my opinion as your superior, your commanding
officer, or friend?"
"All three" David replied, "and be honest Serenna."
"When have you known me *not* to be?" Serenna asked
with an arced eyebrow.
"Well... there was that time on CYPHLESIS IX..." David
went on to say and she cut him off.
"The question was do I trust you? The answers are somewhat, I don't know, and we'll see."
That threw David. "It was a simple yes or no question
Serenna."
"And when have *you* done simplicity David?" the
HATHOR captain replied.
"Touche'" David said smirking.
"Don't take that negatively Lieutenant" Serenna
replied, "As your superior officer, I'm still a little
reluctant to say yes completely because of your
actions of the past. I can see that you want to
change, but you have made that statement in the past
as well and look where it got you."
David nodded as she continued.
"As your commanding officer, I don't know if I trust
you. Again, your actions of the past speak for
themselves. I have learned to deal with it as an
executive officer, but we haven't served together in
the capacity as me as your CO."
David went to speak and Serenna cut him off.
"That was a training exercise. Yes I was the commander
and you were my XO..."
"Well... in order for a commanding officer to have a
worthy exec, there *has* to be some level of trust
wouldn't you agree?" David asked as the lift came to a
stop and they both stepped off headed for the HATHOR.
Serenna nodded.
"Yes, you're right. But ask yourself this question
David. Was that an *actual* situation like it will be
on the HATHOR? Or the ANUBIS for that matter?"
"Real or not, it tested our wits while using the
SPHNIX... and aided me in my duty officer training."
David said.
"True, but you didn't answer my question."
"OK... OK... it wasn't a real situation" David agreed,
"but my previous statement is true. Even though James
and Sabrina assigned us to the SPHINX you as the CO
and me as XO, you *trusted* me."
"And that's where it brings me to my third answer. In
the past, as a friend I trusted you..."
"Past tense" David groaned as Serenna took him by the
elbow to stop him.
"Don't speculate David." and the HATHOR CO sighed, "as
your friend and as the person who has known you the
longest on this crew I know you are a valued officer.
That's why I fought so hard during the prelims to your
court-martial. But I know you heard that trust is
something that is gained and *not* easily given..."
"When half of you is Romulan" David added, then added,
"no offense Captain."
"Even when half of you is Romulan and none taken"
Serenna replied, "but where do you draw the line
David? Even though we know that you were heavily
influenced by Richard, you tried to kill me... along
with Captain Rikar, Commander Wellington, Major
Simpson, and the rest of the MERCURY's crew when you
stole the SPHNIX and defied Sabrina's orders."
David winced inwardly. Even when he thought back to
what had happened it sends a chill down his spine.
"So... when you said we'll see... you're keeping me at
bay like everyone else" David said.
"Let's just say... a high orbit with station keeping thrusters to full" the HATHOR's CO said with a wry grin as David chuckled.
"I guess that's better than on the outskirts of the system."
"Like I said before David, give it time. Give everyone else time. It'll be difficult, but between you and me" and the CO looked around, "I am here if you need me."
"Thanks Captain..." as the ANUBIS' CEOs voice trailed off, "what in the hell?!" as Serenna turned and witnessed the same thing as David. The HATHOR was bobbing and weaving in her berth.
"What the hell indeed" Serenna growled, "come on Lieutenant."
"Yes ma'am" David replied as they both headed for the umbiblical.
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as
Lieutenant David Dawson
and
assistant Chief Engineer
"A Starfleet officer... that's all I am and that's all I'll ever be." 2005 post #509
Stardate: 60329.1030
Julian Knight (d_dawson_1@yahoo.com)
Chief Engineer
USS ANUBIS NCC 18501
USS HATHOR NCC 74211
- Avery Brooks as Captain Benjamin Sisko,
Commanding Officer of the Federation Spacestation Deep Space 9
