An Intelligent Discussion
Posted on Thu Jul 12th, 2012 @ 10:48am by Captain T'mpest Michaels & Lieutenant JG Marcus Augusta PHD
739 words; about a 4 minute read
Mission: Absence Makes the Heart Grow Fonder
On:
Marc had arrived only an hour earlier but had accustomed himself with the layout of the intrepid class ranger. His standing orders from Admiral Deveraux had been clear, to make himself known both to the chief of security and executive officer. Marc found himself stood before the Xo's office door awaiting permission to enter, his uniform immaculately pressed and his gloved hands clasped firmly behind his back.
"Come in," T'mpest said, standing to greet whomever was at her door.
Marc entered the Xo's office and stood to attention.
"Lieutenant Marcus Augusta, reporting for duty sir."
She bowed at him. "Please, have a seat."
Marc did as instructed. The nature of two intelligence, or in this case two former intelligence officers, meeting for the first time was always tenuous. Both knew more about each other than anyone beyond the intelligence community but at the same time what they did know could be completely false. Regardless of the slight awkwardness, Marc had a duty to report on why certain aspects of his service record.
"Thank you for seeing me on such sort notice Commander."
"T'mpest, please," she said. "Welcome aboard. Would you like something to drink?" She indicated the replicator in the corner.
"Water, thank you ma'am." Marc was uncomfortable addressing a superior officer by their first name and so he skirted the comment.
T'mpest nodded and replicated two glasses of water. She set one in front of him and carried the other to her seat behind her desk. "How may I help you?" she asked, taking a sip of her water and setting it down. She knew who the officer was, having read over his report, but she would let him bring up his past, if he wished.
Marc didnt really know how to broch the subject to he simply spoke candidly.
"ma'am, According to Starfleet intelligence regulation 78-A I am duty bound to inform you that i have been invested with Alpha 1 clearance. I don't believe it is required in my current post however i would respectfully requested that you allow me to retain it in the event that i should need to use it in the course of my duties.
T'mpest watched him for a moment. She'd read over his files -- both public and private. As former Chief of Intelligence aboard the Ranger she still retained her clearance. There was always the potential as Executive Officer for her to need it either as XO or as an Adjunct Intelligence officer. "No. I won't take your clearance away from you, but you will not be authorized to use it. If you were the only person on board with such clearance, there might be a need. But as Rami and I have both the clearance and the authority to use it, I don't foresee that eventuality." She paused for a moment to gauge his reaction. "If you disagree with me, you are welcome to take it up with the Captain. Or Lieutenant Shepherd, who can then come to me and we'll discuss the matter."
Marc nodded his approval, Delta two clearance gave him access to everything he needed inorder to perform his duties. "I understand ma'am." Marc pondered for a moment, his first impression of the Xo was largely positive and he hadn't taken the time to get to know anyone onboard yet.
"Do you have any questions for me?"
"Why did you choose to transfer from Intel to Security?" she asked. Then she grinned. "Not that I mind. I went from Diplomacy to Science to Intel, so I am not in a position to pass judgment. I'm merely curious."
Marc had no choice but to lie. You simply didn't transfer out of his division. The question was valid however and Marc took greatcare to give nothing away through his body language.
"An honest job Ma'am. I specialized in infiltration and extraction missions. Wasn't always easy going."
T'mpest raised an eyebrow. She'd worked with enough people as a diplomat and Intelligence officer to recognize a lie when she heard one. He was a good liar, though, as liars went. Still, she wasn't going to press the issue. "All right. Is there anything specific you need from me?"
"That was all ma'am, I apologies for taking up your time."
"Not at all," T'mpest assured him. "I look forward to working with you, Lieutenant."
OFF
Commander T'mpest Michaels
Executive Officer
Lieutenant JG Marcus Augusta, Dr
Assistant Chief Security/Tactical Officer
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