Regulating Two Old Men

Commander Devore sat down in his chair. Just as he was getting ready to order a comline opened to Starfleet command, Toran informed the Devore a ship just entered in to sensor range. "On screen." Ordered the Commander. A ship small in scope appeared on the view screen. Immediately, he noticed it to be the Domino under the command of Captain Noir.

"Sir we are being hailed," Toran said.

"On screen."

"Unknown ship, this is Captain Noir of the Starship Domino. Please identify yourself," a husky balding man said distrusting of the response.

"Captain Noir. This is Commander Devore of the USS Leviathan. You have missed the excitement. All is secured here."

"Commander. I don't recognize the ship configuration. Let me speak to your Captain." Noir said edgedly.

This angered Devore slightly. I wonder just how much I am going to have to put up being a Commander in charge. "Captain with all due respect. I am the commanding officer."

"My apologies!" From behind the Captain an Ensign whispered in to Noir's ear. "Commander Devore. You need to leave this sector immediately. We will take it from here."

"But sir.....'

"That is an order Commander Devore!"

"Yes sir, Helm set a course back to Starbase One Warp 21!" Devore said.

"Obviously Commander you haven't been in charge for too long. No ship goes that fast!" Noir said laughing.

"Ensign Shaka. Ensure all is in order! Ensign Goory, enter the stream!" Devore said not even acknowledging the Captain remark.

"Yes sir!" The ship spun upward and away and stretched into the stream to the amazement of the Domino and all her crew. Noir began choking as the ship instantly dissappeared from sight and was rocked by a gentle pulse orginating from the previous location of the Leviathan.

Commander Devore had just recently walked into his ready room and slammed himself down into his chair. "This is ridiculous being in command and only a freakin Commander. Come on Ross, give me what I want!" He said as the door chime rang. "Come."

Toran entered, "Captain, you asked to see me after my shift ended?"

"Yes Ensign," Devore replied, "like I asked before, aren't you a bit old to be an Ensign?"

"Actually sir, I was out cruising the galaxy while your great-grandparents were still in diapers," Toran said with a smile.

Devore gave him a confused look. "Captain, I assume that you haven't read my profile yet. I'm an El Aurian. I served in Starfleet before as a Noncommissioned Officer. I made it to Chief Warrant Officer before I retired. I decided to come back when Admiral Sutek told me about the mission of the Leviathan. Instead of reinstating me as a CWO though, he granted me a commission."

Okay dear Ensign. I understand that and that you didn't go to the academy, he thought. "Interesting," Devore replied.

"Permission to speak freely sir?" Toran asked.

"Granted," Devore replied. Oh boy!

"Is there a reason that you totally disregard protocol on this ship?"

"What do you mean?" Devore began to get a little annoyed. Here is this old man all ready questioning how he runs his ship.

"Well sir, you are the Captain, regardless of grade, and you should be addressed as Captain. Also, I have an issue with you calling me 'old man.'"

Devore looked somewhat amused at this Ensign trying to dress him down respectfully. "Is there anything else Ensign?" Devore asked through a smile..

"Yes sir, I would appreciate it if you would address me as Ensign or Mr. Toran."

"And if I don't," Devore asked.

"Then I'll beat your pompass ass, SIR!" Toran replied. That's gonna get me in the brig, but maybe he won't mess with Sutek.

With that remark, Devore immediately got annoyed. "Listen Ensign, You don't know where exactly I have been since I have been in Starfleet. While you might have been exploring I have been fighting the Dominion and serving with some of the finest officers in Starfleet. Do not presume to tell me how to do my job or run my ship. You ever threaten me like that again, you will be bumped down to crewman. I don't care if God himself gave you that promotion. You are still a Starfleet officer or crewmember. A remark like that will get you in trouble faster
than a tachyon."

Toran just looked at Devore. Maybe there is hope for you Commander.

"Do I make myself clear Ensign?" Devore said.

"Yes sir."

Devore sat back down and took a deep breath. "Maybe you're right. Maybe they should call me Captain but listen, that old man remark is meant as no disrespect. I will call you what you request, but it may slip, I don't mean anything but you are the oldest Ensign here on board. I will rely heavily on your expertise."

"Thank you. Then understand that if I call you Commander instead of Captain, I don't mean no disrespect."

They both smiled and laughed heartily.

"I think I am going to like you old man!"