"Relieving The Pressures of Command"
(Previous Post: Loes' 'New Ship...')
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Stardate: 60339.1845
David stood at the warp core making a final diagnostic
before submitting his report to Serenna. Ken and Karen
were discussing shift work and Ensign Brian Garrity
was standing near by.
"Amazing how they let a murderer become a executive
officer." Garrity said to them both.
"What did you say?!" Ensign Karen Watkins, the HATHOR's power specialist snapped.
"A murderer... becoming a first officer. What is Starfleet coming to."
"If I were you I'd watch your mouth *Ensign*," Ken Yates replied curtly.
"Listen, I know you two have served a long time with..." and he paused looking at David, "illustrious first officer but come on! Where's the logic in that?"
"Listen you," Karen barked which got David's attention.
The HATHOR's XO crossed the deck.
"Hey" David said, "what's with the yelling?"
"Ensign Garrity's lopsided opinions sir" Karen said.
"Listen, *I'm* entitled to think whatever the hell I want!" Garrity hissed.
"Apologize," Karen warned and David stepped in.
"That's enough Ensign..." and Karen cut him off.
"But Lieutenant..."
"I said *enough*," David replied, "now... what did he say to set you off?"
"He thinks you're a murderer sir" Ken said.
"Really?" David replied, "and how am I a murderer Mr. Garrity?"
"You killed Lieutenant Commander Enaii. Now they make you first officer..."
"Ken... Karen, excuse us for a moment," David said and when they were out of earshot he looked at the warp specalist, "now... let's get something straight Ensign. You are entitled to you opinion but *not* while you're on duty. It causes disruptions and that's something we don't need..."
"Why?" Garrity asked, "scared of the truth?"
David felt his blood boiling, but kept his composure. "The truth is I was charged with her murder, but exhonerated. With that said, *keep* your opinions to yourself. You may not like me Ensign but you *will* adhere to *any* order I give you. In either of my positions. Are we clear?"
Garrity eyed the CEO/XO but never answered.
"Good. Dismissed" David said and as Garrity walked away he sighed and shook his head. With his temporary promotion David was finding it hard doing both. As a chief engineer which he was used to he only had a department to run. A department of people to deal with. Problems that stemed from that department. But as the HATHOR's XO, he had the entire ship under his belt. Engineering, Science, Medical, even the Mess Hall staff, officers, techs, and specialists reported to him. As the XO left the engineering deck his thoughts drifted to others he knew who served in the role of executive officer. His father, his friend and Academy classmate who was his commanding officer. His former lover who was also his commanding officer...
"Are you planning on standing there forever number one?" Serenna asked her XO with an arced eyebrow.
David blinked and he was standing in the doorway of the bridge.
"Captain" the HATHOR's XO said sheepishly, "I um..." and he stepped through the doorway, "I've completed my diagnostic of the warp core. When we depart you'll have every availible speed."
Serenna nodded, "How has the crew reacted to our mission orders?"
"They're... as they always are. Anxious. Some reserved in returning to the SURIAL system for what happened in the past."
"Any of those crew members on my senior staff?"
David was about to respond to her question when Serenna's eyes narrowed. David had seen that look before. The your-answer-better-be-the-truth looks.
"Its me Serenna." David sighed, "I'm not afraid if that's what your getting at..."
"I'm not getting at anything David. Its natural to have... some reservations in returning to a area that has... the memories that you have."
"I asked Sabrina this question, and I'm gonna ask you. And level with me here. What chance do we have in rescuing her."
"That sounded more like a statement," Serenna replied as David rolled his eyes.
"Don't be so analytical Serenna." David said.
"David... I don't know. But look where we are. Look at this crew. Haven't we faced more difficult times than this?"
"We've never brought anyone back to life like this either." David replied.
"There are some who believe that *you* should still be dead," Serenna replied looking at her Academy classmate and XO.
"Touche' Captain." David said.
"Get some rest Lieutenant. We have a big day tomorrow and I'll need you focused. I mean it David. If you're having reservations about performing your duties..."
"I *hate* it when you do that," David growled, "its like you can read my mind."
"Its easy... when it comes to you." Serenna replied with a wry grin.
"Good night Captain." David said as he turned to leave.
"Good night number one," Serenna replied.
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David sat in a chair in his quarters. He laughed inwardy at its size for now it looked a little bigger since he didn't have to share with Elan. He removed a holo projector and activated it. It was a image of his father and himself when the senior Dawson was promoted to full commander and appointed then Commodore Koneki's executive officer.
"How did *you* do it Pop?" David said to himself, "how did you deal with people's problems? People not liking you for whatever reason?" and the CEO/XO sighed. "It looked easy for you."
David turned the projector off and stood. He looked in the mirror at himself still dressed in his duty uniform. It still made him squirm especially around the neck area. Command red was a helluva lot different from the mustard of engineering. But David was determined to enjoy his new position to the fullest. Problems or not, if the mission succeeded or failed... and hoping more of the fore and not latter. Then he thought of Sabrina... and little Talia. And even Enaii and his promise to her.
"We'll get you back Enaii... for Sabrina's and Talia's sake." And he looked at his right eye and touched his cheek under it.
"And for mine."
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as
Lieutenant David Dawson
"A Starfleet officer... that's all I am and that's all I'll ever be." 2006 post #011
Setting: USS HATHOR, Deck 3, Main Engineering
Setting: USS HATHOR, David's Quarters
Stardate: 60399.2030
Julian Knight (d_dawson_1@yahoo.com)
Executive Officer/Chief Engineer
USS HATHOR NCC 74211
- Avery Brooks as Captain Benjamin Sisko,
Commanding Officer of the Federation Spacestation Deep Space 9
