A Rude Awakening

Posted on Sun Oct 3rd, 2010 @ 8:34pm by Captain Elsie Halliwell & Lieutenant Alessandro Reynaldi

838 words; about a 4 minute read

Mission: Structured Shoreleave - Marchwiel
Location: Halliwell's Ready Room
Timeline: Backpost: During the Promotion Post

ON:

Halliwell, dress uniform still donned, marched silently in front of Lieutenant Alessandro Reynaldi from the Mess down the snaking corridor in a rage of quashed anger. Despite his calls for reasoning, she fixed her eyes on the turbolift, ushered him in and ascending to the bridge in complete silence. Stepping out, she veered for her ready room and strode through the door, allowing it to seal behind them both as she took her seat.

“Lieutenant,� she barked, her face steely and menacing, “when I tell you to desist with a conversation, you will do so.�

She didn’t want the continued disagreeable nature of this relationship to persist, however, detailing the reasons why Starfleet had negated his transfer request was difficult and she knew that her now permanent Chief Engineer would not appreciate playing it out to a celebratory audience.

“Command have denied your transfer, Lieutenant,� she then added, a little more softly. “You’re to remain on the Ranger for the time being.�

"Why....?" He said simply, rather annoyed by the whole business.

Elsie raised a searching brow to him, feeling that he perhaps already knew the answer. “Command feels as though your... previous indiscretion as the Executive Officer of the USS Grant, and consequent disciplinary, removes the right of choice in this matter.� She inhaled a little, and then looked down at the floor. Returning her look to him, she shook her head and narrowed her eyes. “Naturally, I have pleaded the case beyond my own duty for your sake, but they won’t hear of it.�

If truth be told, she levied for the transfer for her own sake. Another unmanageable officer was not what the strained captain needed at this point in her career.

Alex was instantly enraged, so much so that he leaped from his seat and let out a resounding yelp. "GAH!!!"

He then took his seat again in frustration. "Indiscretion? I did nothing but save lives that day. I suppose Starfleet needed someone to blame."

Halliwell resigned herself to silence, nodding, surprisingly, in agreement. Her face softened a little, as did her tone. “I’ve read the file extensively – as you would expect I have. And, I am inclined to agree with you, Lieutenant, as it happens. But the only thing we can do now is somehow resolve that blight on your record by you serving the Federation extemporary... But, here, I’m afraid.�

Alex arched an eyebrow. He was surprised to say the least that she was actually understanding and acting reasonably. "My issue, Captain, is not with the ship and its crew.....the issue is between you and I. Seeing as I don't seem to be going anywhere any time soon, I think it best we settle our differences."

“And since you have been so candid with me, Lieutenant, allow me to be just as blunt.� Halliwell wasn’t accustomed to being spoken to with such open disdain, and she didn’t much care for the attitude either.

“Your ‘issue’, Mr Reynaldi, is not my primary concern. You are a member of my crew, under my command and authority, and as such, you will act like it. That being said, I do not wish to continue this… debate, or hostility, any further. It’s counter-productive, and not in either of our best interests. For whatever reason, Command have seen fit to install you here and with me. But I will not tolerate such open disrespect again. Am I clear?�

She paused for a brief moment before continuing. “I will allow you to run Engineering your way.� She leant in over the desk, both hands placed firmly and flatly on its surface, “But I will not have any more members of your team requesting transfers.�

Alex sighed. "It wasn't my intention to be disrespectful, Captain... but how do you suggest I stop said crew from requesting transfers?"

It wasn’t lost on Halliwell that his own transfer request was borne out of an identical situation as his staff’s; an over-bearing, aggressive personality as their superior. And, as the turn of situation dawned on the captain, she did her best to conceal that thought. “Charm, Mr. Reynaldi,� she suggested. “It appears that your native race should, as I am led to believe, harbour an abundance of the stuff.�

She raised both eyebrows in an expression that was laced with a hint of whist.

He'd never tried charm while on the job...it had never occurred to him, but he would never admit that to his Captain. Instead, he put on a smile that had every bit of the charm she spoke of and nodded. "Of course."

“That is all, then,� she replied, a smile tugging at the corners of her mouth.

OFF:

---

Elsie Halliwell
Commanding Officer
USS Ranger

AND



Alessandro Reynaldi
Chief Engineering Officer
USS Ranger

 

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