Joint Duty Log|Cdt Jones & Lt Cmdr Dhej|"Some Good News?"

Posted on 241411.13 @ 2:46am by Ensign Gordon Jones

Mission: Suicidal Running Title
Location: XO's Office

Gordon was unsure as to why he was being summoned to the XO's office, he was sure he hadn't done anything wrong, and was sure he was following the Dame's orders correctly. As he neared the door to the XO's office he cast his mind back to his last encounter with the Dame, they had been checking through the systems from the bridge of Aquarius. He had followed the Dame's orders to a T. He pressed the buzzer next to the door and awaited his fate.

Karim was caught up in the reports he was sifting through that he didn't notice the chime for a moment. Looking up, he said "Come in. The doors open." Seeing Jones enter, he said "Is there something I can help you with Cadet?"

Gordon looked at the XO slightly confused, he had, after all been asked to go to the XO's office. "You asked me to come here sir!"

Shaking his head, and sighing, he said "Yes I did. I'm sorry about that. I've been a bit distracted and I forgot I had sent you the message. Please, take a seat." Pausing as the young man did so, he added "Before we get started, I wanted to ask how you are doing in Engineering. I've read reports from Lieutenant Dame that speak highly of you."

"The Lieutenant has been a great teacher, I have thoroughly enjoyed my time in the department, and hope to continue my training until she sees that my skills are of a high enough standard!" Gordon said as he moved about a little in his seat, realizing, now that he saw the XO's desk why he may have forgotten about calling him.

Catching the man's gaze at his desk, he sighed and said "I'm sorry for the mess. I guess you haven't heard the news yet?"

"I have heard rumors, but i'm sure you can clarify the true from the false." Gordon said, having heard the rumors dashing around the mess hall and the engineering department.

Sighing, he said "I'm sure the news has traveled fast. All I can confirm is that Captain Rhodes is no longer aboard. He left the ship earlier this morning, unannounced, as per orders from Starfleet Command."

Gordon was sightly shocked by this news, as none of the rumors had actually been true. "And will you be stepping up to Acting Captain till someone is found sir?" Gordon inquired.

Shaking his head, he replied "I'm not sure about that yet. I've sent messages to Command for clarification of my orders, but haven't heard anything yet." Pausing, he took a breath and said "But this time is about you. As I was looking through the reports before this all happened, I noticed you had completed your final projects for your 4th year equivalency requirements?"

"With all the work I've been doing I haven't really had time to think about it to be honest!" Gordon said, looking slightly shocked that he had forgotten.

Smiling slightly, he replied "Please try to relax. I brought that up, because as I said when you came aboard, I would be working with you to complete your studies for the Academy." Pausing, he calmly rose to his feet, and said "Cadet, to for your feet immediately!"

Gordon swiftly stood up, before looking at the XO, he was slightly nervous about what was happening!

Switching his posture to stiff and formal, Karim said "Gordon Jones. I am highly disappointed in you. You came aboard as a cadet, and after being mentored by our chief engineer still continue to surprise me. The fact that I still have to read reports about a cadet is nothing short of disgraceful. For that reason I have no choice but to advise you that you have completed your Starfleet Academy requirements and have been officially promoted to Ensign. What do you have to say for yourself Mr. Jones?"

"Only that I'd like to thank the officers above me for their continued support with my progression, and that I hope to remain with this crew for better or for worse!" Gordon replied, pleased with his promotion. "And I'd also like to say how glad I am that I'm an Ensign. Thank you sir!"

Not being able to keep the facade any longer, Karim smiled slightly, and reached under a stack of padds to bring out a small box. Coming around the desk, he carefully removed the 4 cadet pips and replaced them with the solid round one. Placing the cadet pips in the box, he handed it to Jones and extended his hand "Congratulations Ensign! I expect you to be in a proper Ensign's uniform the next time I see you."

"Thank you sir!" Gordon said, taking the Commander's hand, and taking the pips.

Nodding, he said "Now get back to your quarters and change. I'm sure Lieutenant Dame will be happy to see you." As the young man left, Karim felt his smile fade slightly, knowing he had a lot more work to be done. Looking at the chrono, he sighed, and returned to his desk to continue reading reports.

=/\=End Log=/\=
Lieutenant Commander Karim Dhej
Executive Officer
USS Enterprise, NCC 1701-F

Ensign Gordon Jones
Engineering Officer
USS Enterprise, NCC 1701-F