Major Chee had been called early by Commander Lataro to the Conference Room. Lataro had his back to the door looking at a view monitor when Chee entered. It was early in the morning and the mission of the previous day left some things unanswered. However, that was not the reason why Lataro wanted to see Chee. Lataro felt that his toes are being stepped on and he wanted to know why.
"Major Johnny Chee reporting as ordered," Chee said sternly snapping to attention.
"At ease, Major. Please relax. I have some concerns and question that I wanted to talk to you about but first I would like for you to tell me what happened," Lataro said, sitting at the head seat where the Captain would normally sit.
Slightly perplexed, Major Chee looked at the first officer. "Sir?"
"Major. I would like to know what happened."
"Commander, shouldn't I have some time to prepare a formal report?" Major Chee asked suspiciously.
"Possibly. Fine. But, I have some questions for you. Number one: why wasn't I informed of the away mission? Isn't it protocol that the first officer accompany all away missions?"
"Yes, sir, but in missions such as this, and I quote, '...when there is a possibility of hostile activity in any landing or away party involved missions, Starfleet Marines, if available, are to clear and secure the area and its vicinity,' Regulation 451 B, paragraph three, section..."
"Okay, Major. You made your point." Lataro sat back and stared quietly at the window. He missed the times that he led the away teams. Ever since K'Lara had had T'Lan, Lataro has felt that Captain Maruu, and even the rest of the crew, was keeping him from doing what he used to do, like lead dangerous away missions. "It is just hard for me to sit back and watch these things considering that I was once involved with EVERYTHING the away teams did. It seems that ever since that you and your marines came onboard, my role in the away teams have diminished."
"I am sorry that you feel that way, sir, but understand I am just doing my job."
"You are doing a fine job at that. Listen, keep me informed as best as possible and try to remember that I still command the away teams."
"Commander Lataro, I haven't nor do I want to take that command from you, but my job is to rock and roll. I cannot have you interfering and possibly jeopardizing the mission."
"Major. Do not forget. I used to be Chief of Security on this ship and I was a damn good one at that. I have had some of the training that you and your marines have been through, so I can hold my own in a fire fight. Do you understand what I am trying to say?"
"Yes, sir, Commander," Major Chee answered.
"Good. Now I would like to see a full report on the incidents of yesterday on my desk by 1300 before the captain gets it. Please include the casualty list. Dismissed."
"Yes, sir." Chee said, disappearing through the doors.
Lataro left the conference room and went straight to the bridge. He took the chair and continued the rest of the morning waiting for Alpha Shift to take the duty stations. However, this time, Lataro was not tired. He was anxious to see what was in the report and why the T'rais attacked the marines.