Elusive Grump

Posted on Thursday 13 May 2021 @ 17:05 by Ensign Roger Bumble & Major David Scarlet

Mission: A Cry from the Darkness
Location: Ten forward
Timeline: after captain is rescued
976 words - 2 OF Standard Post Measure

ON:

Roger really didn't have much of a clue why the Chief counsellor was suddenly gone and felt really bad that in him getting to this boat, the ship bringing him had been part of all that. He didn't know her apart from the subspace interview she had conducted with him when he was on 308 looking for a new post. She was pretty too.

Dam and now he was trying to pick up her workload. One of the first things he had noticed was she had reminders to check in with someone called David Scarlet. It seemed that she had in the notes decided to meet him for lunch rather than order the man to her office. Then he spotted marine. "Well that makes sense. Well your in for a shock when I show up I guess," Roger mutted as he set off to keep that appointment.

Ten forward

It wasn't hard to spot a marine. Roger walked over. "Lieutenant Scarlet. Ensign Roger Bumble. Im your ... Im guessing temporary new counsellor. Commander Miller had this appointment down in the computer and as I'm trying to take over everything until we sort out a new chief or she returns, Im afraid you have me for a little while."

Scarlet didn't even look up from his plate. Instead he put his fork down on his tray, finished chewing, and then stood up with his tray before moving to a different table. He sat with his back to the Ensign and continued eating his lunch.

"I'm just going to follow you round all day until you talk to me," Roger said not fussed. "Commander Millers designated you DNTAE. DO NOT TAKE ANY EXCUSES.

Do you think your the first marine to try give me the cold shoulder or has wanted to play musical chairs with me instead of talking?" He plonked himself down opposite him in his new location.

"Worth a shot." Scarlet muttered as he continued eating. He still didn't bother to look at the Ensign. "Besides, as much as I dislike councillors I respected Miller. You... I don't know you, I don't trust you, and I don't like you."

"Millers a lot nicer to look at I will give you that but I have the same problem with you," Roger said simply. "Except I'm willing to make that leap of faith to learn to trust you, to get to know you and give you a fair shot on if I like you. Surely a big brave marine like yourself can do the same too. You can't just take first impressions as everything in your line of work. Or how would you bond with any of your platoon if you decide right off the bat I don't like this person?"

Scarlet put down his fork and slowly finished chewing and swallowing before he finally looked up toward the Ensign. "It is inappropriate to comment on the looks of anyone, especially a superior officer and I will expect you to remember that Ensign. The difference between the trust I place in my squad and the trust you want is that they have earned my trust through their actions and discipline. You on the other hand want blind trust based on your words. It doesn't work that way. Not with me."

"I do not believe that Commander Miller would be offended that I have said she is nicer to look at than myself but as I report to her and not yourself sir then by all means raise it with her. If she is offended when she gets back to deal with your perceived offence and inappropriateness there I shall apologise. Most heartily to her.

What you deem inappropriate is not necessarily what everyone else on this ship deems inappropriate. But if your going to go by what's appropriate and what's not then as you are required to report for counselling treatment that Commander Miller had put in place, when she is not available you need to speak with another counsellor. I am your only option. Refuse to continue your counselling with me I am forced to report you and it will go against you and on your record. So you have to go out a ledge and trust me. Whether you like that or not," Roger told him firmly.

"Also I am not some green ensign intimidated by a marine. Nor am I one of your platoon who has to do what you say. So understand me when I tell you that I will not hesitate to file that report. In fact I will take it personally to the Captain."

Scarlet smiled. There it was. That higher than thou, shit doesn't stink, all mighty star fleet officer attitude. He sat there in silence for a moment, content in the fact that with just a bit of defiance he'd gotten this welp to threaten to go crying to the captain.

"Want me to sign it first?" He asked calmly, still smiling.

Roger plastered a big fat smile on his face. "Okay have it your way Lieutenant," he stood up.

"There's hundreds of other people need treatment on this ship and if your too proud to speak to a new counselor and would like to jeopardise your career because of it. That's no skin off my nose. If you of course decide to see sense and actually act like a sane person you know where my door is but the clock is ticking."

"Have a nice day Ensign." Scarlet said before picking up his fork and digging into his meal once more. He hoped this time to finish it in peace.

OFF?

| 1st Lieutenant David Scarlet
Marine Company Commander
USS Merlin


● Ensign Roger Bumble
Counselor
USS Merlin