From: "Melvin Pollack" <pollack@enews1.nrl.navy.mil>
Date: Wed, 18 Jun 1997 09:33:48 -0400
Subject: USS CHESAPEAKE: Small Talk
Scene: Sereh's office, Science Center
MD 9.0800
Sereh was almost finished unpacking when she heard her door chime.
Placing the box down, she sat behind her desk. "Come in."
Murray walked through. "Sereh, it's good to see you again," she said.
She didn't feel that way in the slightest, but it was probably a good idea to
bury the hatchet. "I just wanted to talk to you about whether everything was
set up. And maybe get an idea about what changes you were planning on."
"It was not necessary to come down here, Murray. I had intended to
come to your office this afternoon."
"I know, but I thought that I'd just come down."
Sereh nodded, and waited for Murray to sit down. "Things are going
well. There are some logistical problems, nothing too major. Thank you for
the promotion, by the way.
"I had planned to make quite a few changes. I'm developing a more
rational organization chart, making some changes to the management style, and I
believe that you've studied the new teaching system. I will require your
support as these changes are made."
"Yes, that's fine. When do you think things will improve?"
"The first signs of improvement should occur in three weeks. Until
that time, productivity will most likely decrease."
Murray suddenly thought of a good place to bury that hatchet. "You
mean things are going to get WORSE?"
"Any change usually produces a slight decrease in the way things are
going. The staff will have to adjust to the new situation. However, I believe
these new measures will solve the root problems that we have been facing.
<Pause.> I must warn you that it will not be easy. When I request your
support, you must understand that it may require major changes that are
difficult to implement. You may have to make some changes in your own
behavior. I believe that you can understand the situation."
Murray bit back the comment she wanted to make. "I'll be sure to keep
an open mind about your suggested changes."
"Thank you. <Pause.> Was there anything else?"
Murray leaned over. "Sereh, I know we haven't had the best
relationship. As long as we're going to be working together, I'd prefer not to
be enemies. So, I was wondering if...."
"Murray, I believe as long as we keep things on a professional basis,
the relationship is irrelevant."
"Please, call me Anne. What I mean is that I think we'd work together
better if we weren't at each others throats. I mean, I assume that you had a
close relationship with th'Tellan. <Pause.> Maybe you even called him by his
first name once in a while."
"I did do so on rare occasions, Murray."
"Maybe some day, we could be as close as you two were."
Sereh's eyebrows shot up. "I seriously doubt it, Murray."
"You see, that's what I'm talking about. How can you already assume
that? We hardly know each other."
"That is becoming more and more apparent."
Murray decided that this wasn't going to plan. Still, she decided to
press on. "Why don't we have lunch today? You know, to talk about this new
system. <Pause.> I'm guessing that you and th'Tellan have had lunch together
on more than one occasion."
"That is correct. Would you care to guess that th'Tellan and I have
had sex on more than one occasion?"
Silence.
Wierd, pulsating silence.
Murray sat back, wishing she could move further back in her chair.
Possibly to Cleaveland. "Uh.... Um, Sereh. When you say that you and
th'Tellan had a close relation, do you mean.... I mean, were you.... Oh,
boy."
"Since it is apparent that you will not leave without learning some
details of my personal life, I will point out that th'Tellan and I did have a
personal relationship that I do not believe we can have. However, we did break
up recently, and it would be quite acceptable for me to treat you as an
ex-boyfriend if you so desire."
"No, that's all right. I'm sure that we'll.... Um.... Oh, gee. Look
at the time. Maybe.... Maybe we'll talk later."
Murray turned and left the room. After the door closed, she thought
that she heard Sereh laughing. But it was probably her imagination.
NRPG:
All: Work conditions are going to be disrupting my posting schedule, but
things should work out. Also, could someone post this to the newsgroup?
Thanks.
Masako: I'm assuming Murray isn't always up on the latest gossip. Just a
little fun post.
Keyrin: I'll have Sereh's bio done some year. Honest.
James, Takako: Seperate NRPG tomorrow.
Submitted by....
Melvin Pollack
Lt Cmdr Avikar th'Tellan Lt jg Sereh
OPS USS CHESAPEAKE Bio Resourses USS CHESAPEAKE
mpollack@wam.umd.edu
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