XO at the CO’s Wish

Posted on Wed Oct 26th, 2022 @ 9:56am by Captain Gary Taylor

Mission: MISSION 0 - History Speaks
Location: XO’s Office
Timeline: O’Keefe’s first day
1375 words - 2.8 OF Standard Post Measure

After meeting Commander Taylor, CPO Sean Conner O’Keefe found his quarters, cleaned up so he didn’t smell of Irish whiskey, and put on a fresh uniform. If Captain Taylor was in charge of ship’s discipline, O’Keefe wanted to make a good impression. Of course, his brawling on the Sun Tzu most likely had already come to the man’s attention. This didn’t speak well of O’Keefe. As the Master at Arms, he was responsible for ship safety and security.

Fresh and clean, the chief petty officer walked to the turbo lift, taking it to command level. He momentarily stood outside the XO office, taking a deep breath, then activating the chime.

Inside his ready room, Gary heard the chime sound. He didn't have any appointments on his schedule so was surprised to heard the chime. "Enter!" He called out and waited to see who entered the room.

The door swished open and the Chief Petty Officer walked inside the office. He announced himself to the Captain with, “Ah…yer wi…Commander Taylor requested I meet with ye. The name is Sean Conner O’Keefe. I transferred from the Sun Tzu. It be a pleasure to be aboar’.” The CPO saluted the Captain, hoping his first impression upon the XO was better than with his CO.

Gary looked at the man standing in front of him. Raising an eyebrow as the petty officer referenced Lia. "At ease Chief Petty Officer. Have a seat and welcome to the Elysium. Why did Commander Taylor request you to see me?" His eyes on the petty officer.

O’Keefe took a second to think of the conversation. He tilted his head to the side and rubbed his chin. He hoped this didn’t have to do with him showing up with a hangover and his record on the Sun Tzu.

“She said ye were in charge of discipline an’ that ye wan’ed ta meet the newcomers,” the CPO responded.

"She is right. I am in charge of discipline, and I do like to meet the newcomers.
Was there any other reason she wanted you to me?" Gary probed.

Sean rubbed the back of his head, a little nervous reaction. He wasn’t sure if this visit was indeed for the XO to meet a new crew member, or for eyeing his wife upon meeting with her, or rather for disciplinary measures for reporting with a hangover.

“Ta be truthful,”Sean began, “she was disappoin’ed I repor’ed wit’ a ‘angover.”

Gary said nothing and just let the silence grow for several seconds before he replied, "I appreciate your honesty but not your common sense. What were you thinking? Reporting to your department supervisor with a hangover." Gary held up a hand, his voice still deceptively calm. "No don't say anything because you weren't thinking Chief Petty Officer. You are supposed to know better, and this is what you want your first impression to be?"

“I understan’ Cap’ain!” O’Keefe affirmed. “I thought I only ‘ad the ‘eadache, sir. I didn’ realize I reeked o’ the stuff. I’ll make the necessary adjus’ments.”

"You are a good petty officer when you aren't drinking or chasing women. Don't go blowing smoke up my ass on this Chief. Make those adjustments and make them stick." Gary replied. "A word of advice, no more slip ups or the next conversation we have will be with you in the brig."

“Aye Captain!” Sean answered. With that out of the way, O’Keefe wondered if he should bring up the question he had since departing Commander Taylor’s office regard this person named Imik. After freshening up, Liam did a search with the computer’s help. He didn’t find much info on the person, only that she was an Onjas exchange officer. O’Keefe didn’t know much about the Onjas people. It looked like the Federation didn’t know much concerning them. There was a picture. The white hair complimented the coffee complexion and purple eyes. He hadn’t seen anyone quite like her. O’Keefe was mesmerized by the photo.

Gary looked across his desk at Sean. It looked like the man was lost in thought on another topic if the far away kook in his eyes was any indication."Something else have your thoughts Chief?" Gary inquired, wondering just how O'Keefe was going to answer.

“Somethin’ I don’ understan’, Cap’ain,” O’Keefe stammered out, still not certain if he should. “Why’m I ta stay from exchange officers?”

"I'm not sure I know what you mean Chief can you please elaborate on what you mean."

“A cer’ain Imik, Cap’ain?” the Chief Petty Officer answered.

"You are of course referring to Legate Imik S'Niohun is that correct petty officer and what do you mean stay away from? I know Legate Imik as does my wife and we consider a good friend. So, I am confused when you say stay away from her.

“Aye? That be the one!” Sean exclaimed. “Though, I don’ know why. Somethin’ ta do wit’ ‘er bein’ psychic.”

"Ah." Gary replied simply before going on. "Legate Imik is a powerful psychic and getting close to her could lead to permanent brain damage. It is not recommended by both Starfleet and the Onljas Republic. In fact it is downright frowned upon.'"

O’Keefe seemed more confused than ever. “Beggin’ yer par’on, sir,” Sean pressed on in the subject, “bu’ ye jes said that yerself an’ Commander Taylor are ‘er frien’s. Ye ge’ close ta ‘er and are fine.”

Gary nodded, "Yes we are. I should have expanded my statement, I apologize.
"Lia and I are friends with Imik but we don't attempt to form a link with her and she refrains from forming one. I only know one human male who has a permanent link with a Onjas female. It was formed before Stafleet and the Republic took a dim view and basically forbade any links between the species." Gary finished.

“Then…it be safe as lon’ as I don’ psychically link wit’ ‘er?” Sean probed. “Ye can say that wit mos’ ladies.” O’Keefe got a grin upon his face. He couldn’t imagine having a negative rapport with a female.

"As long as you and she don't form a link, yes, it is safe to be with her if she wants that." Gary answered.

One could visibly see CPO O’Keefe’s body relax it’s tension. He was struggling with not being able to approach a female. It was part of his make-up: women, whiskey, and weapons. To Sean, all were worthy of his devotion.

“Aye, Cap’ain!” the Chief responded. “Anythin’ else, Sir?”

Gary shook his head, "I don't believe so Chief. You know how to act and you know what we expect from you. Don't disappoint us. I don't want to have another conversation on your ahem, lack of self-restraint."

“You needn’ worry,” O’Keefe answered, “I keep me drinkin’ ta off du’y and usually freshen up aft a nigh’ out.”

"Actions speak louder than words Mr. O'Keefe." Gary answered. "We'll just see how well you do in the future."

“Un’erstood Cap’ain!” Sean exclaimed. He awkwardly stood there for a moment as if expecting more, before inquiring, “Woul’ that be all, sir?”

Gary nodded, "Yes Chief, that will be all. Get out of here and remember this conversation."

“Aye Cap’ain!” O’Keefe returned as he turned toward the swishing office door. Exiting the office, Sean wore a grin. He didn’t feel like a gobshite because it wasn’t the worse he’d been disciplined. This was nothing compared to the two brawls that got him transferred from the Sun Tzu. Those feckers deserved it! They were badmouthing Megs.

As he walked down the corridor, O’Keefe’s smile broadened. The mysterious Imik he was able to meet. Just no linking, with which Sean had no issues. He didn’t like people prying into his deepest darkest secrets, his fears, his emotional side. That’s why he avoids the counselors. But, this mesmerizing Imik, he’d be certain to meet her as soon as he could.