"Duties

<The time is 04:30 hrs>

The infernal buzzing of his clock caused a wonderful dream to end as Harris awoke to its annoying buzzing. He had received plenty of rest but didn't like the idea of getting up this early. However, he wanted to do some things before he went on duty so the most opportune time was now.

Harris threw the covers of him and swung his legs over the side and stretched. *God I hate this!* He thought as he went over to the replicator and ordered some coffee. The steam rose from the hot coffee as he put his lips to it and sipped it After the morning breaking cup of java, Harris walked over to the bathroom and took a sonic shower. He relished the hot shower that almost caused him to relax too much, but he knew that he couldn't waste his time in such "meaningless" endeavors. As he stepped out he grabbed his uniform all ready to go with the new addition to it- a black pip which he took tremendous pride in. After he put it on and stared at himself in the mirror, Harris walked in to his living room and sat down only after grabbing his duty roster for the day. He grabbed the now lukewarm cup of coffee and began reading it. It read:

07:30 : Check ship board operation status.
08:00 : Morning rounds with Lieutenant Toran.
09:15 : Go over engineering with Lieutenant Hansen.
10:00 : Morning report to Captain Devore.
11:30 : Give out notifications of awards to Junior officers.
13:30 : Staff Meeting.
16:00 : Daily report.
17:30 : Off duty.

Harris placed the PADD down and took a moment to think on how busy the first officer is, but the rumbling in his stomach reminded him of the fact he hadn't eaten for a while so he decided to go and eat at the mess hall. For 06:00, the mess hall was some what busy. Looking around he saw a lone table which two crew members had just left and took advantage of the situation. .Grant went over to the replicator and ordered hot oatmeal and a cup of Vulcan tea then sat down at the empty table just before another group of officer tried to commandeer it. With a smile he sat down with his back towards the view port. He took a heart bite of his cereal not paying attention to his surroundings.

"Sir ? There doesn't seem to be an empty table and you were alone, I was wondering if I may sit down." A female voice asked.

Grant didn't bother to look up and replied. "Sure take a seat."

She sat down and that was when Grant noticed her and a single gold pip on her gold uniform that seemed to emphasize her light brown hair and emerald green eyes. Grant smiled and tried to be nice, friendly but not too nice. "So, how are you Ensign ?" As he dabbed his mouth with a napkin to insure no unsightly oatmeal hanging from his mouth.

"I'm fine Commander. And you ?'

Grant sat back and picked up his tea, laughing to himself. He had to keep reminding himself he was not a Lieutenant, Lieutenant Commander maybe, but not a Lieutenant anymore. " I'm doing all right ensign. Excuse me but your new aren't you ?"

"Yes .I came aboard at Starbase 114, Computer Tech 3rd Class, Ensign Rea Nex." It was at that moment Grant noticed her spots and it hit him that she was a Trill.

"You're a Trill ?" Grant asked as if he didn't know.

"Yes sir, but I am joined."

Grant seemed interested. He had known Dax and found the whole thing interesting. "So, what do you like Ensign ?" Grant couldn't believe what he was doing he had not even been involved in a relationship for three years but he couldn't help himself. This young creature sitting before him was almost mesmerizing.

"Sir ?" "Yes.. What would you like to do later ?"

"Commander you are awfully forward aren't you ?"

"No time like the present."

Nex smiled. "Oh well presently, I've got some repairs to do. But in the near future I may be free. How about later this evening?" She asked.

"Sure. How about 2000 hrs in the officers lounge." Grant couldn't believe what just he said.

"Sure." Rea said then got up. She turned to leave, "2000 hrs.. don't be late." She left.

*What in the world am I doing* Harris thought as he finished his oatmeal. Grant took the last sip of his tea and got up, walking out of the mess hall. As he did he ran into Ensign Ambrose .

"I was looking for you sir." The newly promoted ensign said.

"Walk with me to the bridge Ensign."

The two stood in the turbo lift quite for a minute. "Commander would you like to accompany me to holodeck later this evening ? I've found a great program."

Harris chuckled a little. "You look good as an ensign, Kirk."

"Thanks but you didn't answer me sir."

Harris smiled and replied, "Sorry Ensign but I've got a date of sorts."

"That's great Sir, maybe tomorrow."

The turbo lift stopped and the door opened. As the two officers stepped onto the Bridge, a yeoman walked up to Commander Harris and handed him a report. Taking it, Grant headed straight to his chair and began reading it As he did, his mind began to wander focusing on his late wife- something he rarely did. He remembered the younger days, happier time when they both were junior officers on the *Hood*.

As his thoughts started to get nice, a voice brought him out of the dream world. "Sir time for our rounds." Toran said looking at Commander Harris. Reality came crashing down upon him, and realized his duties and responsibilities.

" Yes Lieutenant. Let's get on to our duties."