Enlisted Matters

Posted on Wed Jan 10th, 2024 @ 10:00am by Master Chief Petty Officer Chuck Finley [Reece]

Mission: Season 6: Episode 4: Memory Lane
Location: USS Elysium, CoB's Office
Timeline: MD 4 / 1045 hours
731 words - 1.5 OF Standard Post Measure

"Crewman Fitzpatrick, would you like to say anything in your defense before I pass judgment?" Master Chief Petty Officer Chuck Finley, the Elysium's CoB, or Chief of the Boat, said as he looked at the crewman standing at parade rest in front of his desk. The young crewman was currently in Chuck's office, as the result of getting into a brawl with another crewman, apparently over something as trivial as the other crewman sitting in the seat that Fitzpatrick had claimed was his.

"No, Master Chief!" Fitzpatrick replied crisply.

Nodding slowly, Chuck's eyes bore into the young man. While certainly fights would happen among the lower Enlisted from time to time. It was to get elected, as they lived in such close quarters with one another. However, since the Crossing, things had only gotten worse. Lately, it seemed like he was putting someone either on report, or sending them to a Captain's Mast about once a week! Something had to give, and soon. If the ship and crew continued on, under such constant heavy stress much longer, there could be a riot.

Turning his attention back to the moment, Chuck leaned forward and spoke, his tone was not a happy one. "Very well, Crewman. As this is the third time you've come before me because of disciplinary infractions, I have nochoice but to send you to the Captain's Mast. It'll be up to the Commodore now as to what your punishment will be. Until then, you are confined to your bunkroom, except for your duty shifts. Your holodeck privileges have been revoked, as have your surplus replicator selections. You will only be allowed to order nutritious food until further notice. Now, get out of my sight."

The crewman snapped to attention. "Aye, Master Chief!" Fitzpatrick performed an about face amd marched out of the office.

Sitting back in his chair, Chuck let out an exhausted sigh. This really needed to stop. He didn't want to keep punishing his Enlisted crew. Unfortunately, order had to be maintained. They might hate him now, but it would keep them alive another day.

"What's next?" He asked his aide, a young Orion female, who was currently working towards her Petty Officer Third rank.

"Thankfully, there aren't any more counselings to take care of today, Boss. All you have left on your schedule for today are a few inspections and a phaser qualification range at 1300. After that, you have your weekly briefing with the Commodore."

"That's right," he replied as he nodded. "Thank you, Deltra. That's all for now." His aide nodded, then stepped out of his office and returned to her desk in the outer office.

After she left, he activated his desk interface and checked his messages. As before, there weren't many. If they were back home, his inbox would be full with messages from BUPERS, the SFSNCO Academy, telling him he had courses that were available to study, should he wish to gain further advancement in rank and position. He'd even have several messages from old friends, both ones he went to school with and others that he served with.

Unfortunately, being as they were all the way out here, nearly 13 Million light years from home, the only happy messages he received came from the people on the Elysium. One such message made him smile brightly. It was a message from the woman who had fully claimed his heart, J'airesh Mora-Heath.

The message was short, but full of love and attention.

My Chuck,

I hope you are having a good day, my love. If you want to, let's have dinner at my place tonight. I'm about to change shifts and it will be a little harder to spend time together.

I hope to see you tonight, my handsome man!

Love,

J'airesh

After reading the message, Chuck immediately typed a response.

My Angel,

My day has been going okay, though your message certainly made it tons better.

As far as tonight goes, you never need to ask. I prefer to spend as much of my free time with you as I can. I willsee you tonight, sweetheart.

Eternally Yours,

Love,

Chuck

Once his reply was completed, he hit send. He then tenured his focus back on the task, or tasks, that he had in front of him. Through it all though, he had a soft smile in his face.

~OFF~