Lieutenant Commander Kelly was escorting Lieutenant Nugent to the Bridge and was speaking of the latest things that were going on. Actually, it was nothing really, just something to talk about. She stepped onto the bridge and saw only a few people working on what looked like some of the station's computers.
She pressed the door chime to Commander Jeffreys' office.
[Enter]
She walked in and Commander Kelly didn't, he went over to the OPS station and started to do some work. Le'Chell walked in and snapped to attention and did the usual.
"Sir, Lieutenant Nugent reporting for duty, sir."
Commander Jeffreys sat at his desk and gave a warm smile.
"At ease Lieutenant. You and I are the same, we don't need all that protocol. I'm not a real officer and you, however, are but aren't ever going to need to use your rank."
She knew that Commander Jeffreys was right, but she knew in some way he was wrong. Out of politeness she didn't say anything.
"So this job is not going to be easy for the both of us," he added.
A little puzzled she asked, "Excuse me sir, what do you mean?"
"Well, we are isolated and many of these crew members will come to you when they feel home sick. We are very isolated with hardly any kind of contact with the other side of the Patch. And it's my first time in charge of men and I'm not a leader or even a soldier."
My goodness, didn't they give him the Commander's test before giving him his job? She asked herself.
"I am sure we will manage it fine sir, but it will be a challenge. Like engineering, Sir"
Jeffreys gave a chuckle and stood up and patted her shoulder and said, "I've never looked at it that way. I'll speak with you later . Why don't you go and settle yourself into your office and quarters. We both have jobs to do, so lets get at it."
She walked out of his office and smiled.
I like him, he's going to be fine. Just needs to be more sure of his command abilities.