Getting Settled In

"Okay Cadet, you did very well today. Meet me here tomorrow at 19:00 hours and we'll review your performance. As for now read Chapters 3-5 on basic warp theory."

"Aye Aye Chief and have a good evening." McCaffee said as he stepped out of the holodeck.

Shale yawned as he followed the Cadet out and was rather interested in seeing what time it was.

"Computer time."

<The time is 21:30 hours>

*Just enough time to sit and relax and take it easy for a few minutes.* He said to himself as he stepped into his dark quarters.

"Lights, 75% computer."

The computer complied and the Chief's quarters were illuminated. His quarters were equal to that of a Full Lieutenant and was rather unkempt. Shale knew this was not going to be a temporary home now. The Chief's footlocker was on top of his dinner table and several boxes were on top of the couch. Most of his stuff arrived while at the "handing over" ceremony in Quarks a few days ago. The Chief went to work and unpacked his boxes on the couch.

A few of the items were mementoes from his three and half years in Attack Squadron six. He had thirteen small fighter crafts, that were scale models of the fighter Squadron he served in. He placed them on his desk, along with a picture of the fighter squadron crew together, right after the battle to retake DS9. He also hung an old Naval officer's sword above the wall behind his desk. He placed his DFC on his desk, along with his Unit Citation right next to the group photo.

The Chief then went to his footlocker and pulled out a couple of old uniform tops, one was from around 2366 with Captain's pips and the old style comm badge on it. It was his father's tunic and it always reminded him of the good times he and his dad had together. He then emptied the rest of the footlocker which was a large selection of books that Rick enjoyed and knew very well.

As Rick was seeing if all his books were there, the door chimed, catching him by surprise.

"Enter." Rick called out.

The door opened and the figure of Captain Devore stepped in. Shale was a little shocked but was happy to see the Captain.

"Evening Sir. What can I do for you Captain or is something wrong." Shale asked.

Devore smiled and gave a little chuckle.

"No Chief, nothing is wrong. I just wanted to stop by and check on Cadet McCaffee's progress and to see how you're adjusting to a starship." Captain Devore responded. "This is your first deep space assignment in nine and a half years. And I know it can be a readjustment for a person."

*Thank heavens, I squared away my barracks.* Shale thought. "Sir would you care for some coffee ?"

Devore gave a smile and looked around the room and then said. "I'd like that Chief."

"Very good Sir take a look around while I get the coffee."

Devore walked over to the table and saw a rather large collection of books some appeared to be very old. Devore picked one up and read the title out loud, "To Hell and Back. By Audie Murphy."

"Here you are Captain." Shale said as he hand the mug of coffee over to the Captain.

"Thanks." Devore said as he skimmed through the book.

"That's a very interesting book Captain."

"How so ?"

"Well first of all the man wrote a story about himself who back in the 20th century was the most decorated war hero in the history of the United States. However he never mentioned one medal in the whole book or even mentioned his own heroic actions. He was a modest man and I admire him for that."

Devore put the book down and said, "It's not that common of a thing this day and age Chief."

"Here sir read this book." Shale handed a book over to Captain Devore, it was thick and heavy.

"'The Complete Sharpe' series by Bernard Cornwall."

Devore looked at Shale and was a little puzzled.

"It's 13 stories about a common soldier in early 1800's that rose from Sergeant to Lieutenant Col, in a period of four years. He also was given damn near impossible task."

"Interesting, I'll have to read it then, if you recommend it Chief. Thank you."

"My Pleasure Captain and the boy is progressing fine."

"Thanks Chief, well I must head home before I'm late for dinner again."