Switching Of The Guard

Posted on Sun Oct 22nd, 2023 @ 6:23pm by Commodore Keiben Haistro & Lieutenant Rohan Read

713 words; about a 4 minute read

Mission: Episode 6 - Point Of Enlightenment
Location: Security Office - Promenade

ON

The Promenade was silent, eerily so after the declaration of quarantine. Only key Officers were permitted to traverse the station freely or those heading to or from their duty shifts. It had all but destroyed the ambiance of the shopping district which had been so alive and colourful. Now it was quiet, like a ghost town.
The only lights came from the Security Office, which was his destination, slipping on his face mask as he approached, one of the primitive yet effective ways of limiting the chance of infection.

He entered the office, Lieutenant Read facing away from him as he entered. He did not proceed into the room but remained close to the door, leaving ample space between them both.
"Lieutenant" his voice slightly muffled by the fabric mask. "I'm sorry to interrupt, I know you must be very busy at the moment!"

"Commodore." Read replied respectfully as he stood up after looking in the direction from where were the voice came from. He'd been expecting a visit from him after his unfortunately handling of the Niska situation.

"I have something of a delicate situation to discuss with you in regards to Lieutenant Commander Tobru... If you have a moment?"
Keiben asked gently, trying not to give to much away.

"Of course, Commodore." He replied clearing his throat which had instantly dried up. "If I may speak first, sir, I would like to apologise about my behaviour regarding the Ms O'Trei incident. It seemed I had a bee in my bonnet about getting a job done, which in turn blinded me to certain facts within that investigation. I'm sorry if this caused you any problems."

"Already forgotten Lieutenant... May we?" he waved a hand at the chairs, wanting to be sat down when he started to relay his new role.

"By all means, sir." He said gesturing to the seat the Commodore was waving too.

"You may not be aware but since the situation surrounding the station has now been resolved we find that several of our key personnel are being reassigned" he started gingerly, trying to gauge the mans reaction. He was still very much an unknown to Keiben as he had been in his company only a handful of times since he had arrived.

"Commander Tobru among them. This means that I am in need of a new Chief Of Security on the station". The Betzoid left the comment hanging to see if Reed would put two and two together.

"Of course, sir." Rohan replied, he had taken up temporarily command of the security chiefs reassignment. A job he had actually enjoyed doing but he knew a replacement would be coming in at some point. "I'll do my best to settle the new security chief into the position as quickly and effectively as possible."

"You misunderstand me Lieutenant. You are my new Chief of Security" Keiben couldn't hold back the slight smile as he corrected the younger man. "We need stability at the moment. We've had a huge shake up of personnel in the last few days and what we need is familiarity. You are next in line, as was Commander Horn for first officer and you are both known to the starfleet and civilian population alike".

Read's eyebrows shot up in surprise. He wasn't expecting this and was actually expecting to be on the next list of crew rotated off the station. "I'm not sure what to say, sir." He paused for a moment. "Perhaps because starfleet and civilian population know me it might be best if someone else is given that task. I feel my overacting with the Dilithium fragments will just hinder the security team as a whole if I lead the department."

"We learn from our mistakes Lieutenant. I would suggest speaking the Niska though. She's a good women and doesn't tend to hold a grudge... Or at least not for long!"
He went to stand but stopped just short of the door. "The change is effective immediately as well Lieutenant. Congratulations and welcome to the family".

Rohan took in the Commodores words and let them digest before nodding. "I'll make speak to Ms O'Trei a priority. I owe her an apology." He thought outloud. "Thank you, sir. Its a pleasure to be here."

END

 

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