Joint DL | XO and ACSO | LtCmdr Dhej and Cdt Guerrero | "Meeting the XO"

Posted on 241407.01 @ 10:09pm by
Edited on on 241407.01 @ 10:09pm

Mission: Where no man has gone before.
Location: XO's Office

=/\=XO's Office=/\=

Ernesto Guerrero was full of mixed emotions when he first stepped onto the Enterprise. It was the ship he had requested to put his knowledge to practical use and he was surprised when his request was granted. The Academy had been a different experience then his previous educational experiences. He had spent nine years getting a bachelors degree and a doctorate and those still didn't seem as hard as the Academy. But, he was on the homestretch, he was almost done and it was a good feeling... no a GREAT feeling.

Now that he was settled and had a schedule in hand, he was instructed to go and meet with the executive officer. Making sure his boots were shined, his uniform was pressed and the commbadge was affixed to wear it should be, he made his way to the office which the XO occupied. Once at the door, he ran a hand down his chest to smooth out his uniform jacket and then reached out and rang the chime.

Karim looked up as he heard the chime. He wondered who was coming to see him. He hadn't booked any meetings, so he was a bit confused. Calmly he said "Enter", and then when the young man entered he stood and said "Can I help you Cadet?"

What he wanted to say was, 'I don't know you wanted me to report to you.' But, he held his tongue, this was not the moment for that kind of retort. "Cadet Ernesto Guerrero, reporting as ordered, sir." His hands were firmly placed behind his back and he stood ramrod still, which to him anyway, was an uncomfortable position to stand in. It caused his lower back to start aching.

Thinking for a moment, Karim smiled and said "Of course Cadet, my mistake. I've been a bit ... overwhelmed catching up with everything. Please, relax and take a seat. I'm Lieutenant Commander Karim Dhej, its nice to meet you." Crossing around behind his desk, he said "Again, forgive me. I'm still sort of new to this job."

Going at ease relieved the pressure in his lower back and Ernesto found himself smiling. "Thank you sir," he said as he eased himself into the chair that was offered. He didn't even hesitate, maybe he should have. What was the protocol in a situation like this? Well, it didn't matter since he already sat. "No need to apologize sir, I completely understand."

Smiling slightly, Karim replied "I understand that you've finished the 'classroom' part of your education, reviewing ships systems and reports, etc, and that you will be moving on to the more practical application aspect. I've been advised that your performance in that practical will be a significant part of the decision regarding how you graduate from the Academy?" Pausing, he added "Before we go further, was there anything you needed to clarify in terms of ships policies or procedures?"

Ernesto shook his head. "Not that I can think of," he said. Truth was, it wasn't hard for him to learn that stuff, it was easy to memorize. But, putting them into practice was definitely different. He would manage, simply because he had to. "I will do my best sir, I know it will be tough, there is a lot to remember but I have confidence in my abilities."

Nodding, Karim replied "That's good to hear Cadet. So now on to your practical training. I've assigned you to work with Lieutenant JG Tobias Aurille, our Chief Science Officer, as Assistant Chief Science Officer. He will be working closely with you, showing the ropes as it were. I however have been asked by your instructors at the Academy to watch over your training. My recommendation on your progress will influence your final grade. I am also here for advice if you need it, my door is typically always open."

He nodded. He was glad to have this type of support, it was something he wasn't used to. "I promise not to let you down sir," Ernesto said and he meant it. "I want to do the Enterprise proud." Which again, he meant, he truly did. The Enterprise had such a long, honored history, he felt obligated to hold up that honor.

Smiling, Karim replied "I know you will Cadet. If there are no further questions, I will let you report to your duties. I look forward to hearing from you about your progress." Standing, he extended a hand and said "Good luck Cadet. I will see you soon."

He paused before he turned on his heel to leave. He couldn't believe how simple this meeting was, he expected to be, well... he wasn't sure what to expect. "Thank you sir, see you soon," he said then headed out of the office. He would now head down to the labs and have his meeting with Lieutenant Aurille.

=/\= End Log =/\=

Cadet Ernesto Guerrero, Ph.D.
Assistant Chief Science Officer
USS Enterprise NCC 1701-F

Lieutenant Commander Karim Dhej
Executive Officer
USS Enterprise NCC 1701-F