Donovan headed over to the SAR station after having spoken with the Commodore. Commodore Hunter struck Donovan as a very efficient commander and seemingly good to work for. Donovan just hoped that his immediate officer, Lt Stone was as good as Hunter believed he was.
Getting back to the landing site where he left the runabout, Donovan looked down at the PADD he was carrying and orientated himself in the proper direction. Having found the appropriate office, Donovan headed inside. Looking around, Donovan saw several desks and upright lockers, but not much in the way of people hanging around.
Heading further inside, Donovan ran across a male and female wearing the rank of 3rd Class Petty Officers. Clearing his throat, Donovan got their attention. Snapping up, the two look at Donovan, noting his rank, and the female was the first to speak.
"Yes, Chief, how can we help you?"
"I'm Chief Donovan, looking for Lt Stone. Is he around?"
"No, Chief. Lt Stone is not here right now, but he should be back soon." She walked over to Donovan and held out her hand. "I'm Petty Officer Fisher, the Sensor Specialist, and this is Petty Officer Hedley. He's the Engineering specialist for the team. I'm assuming that you are one of the replacements?"
Donovan took Fisher's hand and shook it back. "The only replacement that I am aware of. Starfleet didn't send anyone with me, so there might be others coming that I am not aware of." The three chatted for a few minutes, until a man wearing civilian clothes came into the shop. Fisher and Hedley both turned towards him. "Afternoon, Lieutenant." Fisher motioned towards Donovan. "This is Chief Donovan."
Donovan turned around and moved closer to the Lieutenant. Striking a attention stance, Donovan spoke. "Sir! Chief Petty Officer Nicholas Donovan reporting as ordered for duty."
"At ease, Chief," Stone replied and smiled. "That'll probably be the last time you do that without annoying me. I prefer a relaxed team." Stone gestured towards a set of stairs which led up to the three offices of the Unit CO, XO and previously Warrant Officer, but which would now be Donovan's workspace.
The pair entered Stone's office and Stone indicated to a seat. He dropped the rucksack he was carrying beside the door and sat down behind his desk.
"I've not had a chance to read your files yet, Chief," Stone began. "So what can you tell me about yourself?"
Following Stone's lead, Donovan sat down in the chair across from the desk, not quite sitting at attention. "Sir. I was forwarded to Starfleet from the Corps and have served as a SAR and recovery specialist in several tours. I was active as a specialist during the end of the Dominion conflict and my last duty posting was with a Corps First Responder unit. Before that, my duty postings included DS-5, the USS Bonin, and Blackhorse in SAR roles." Pausing slightly, Donovan continued. "Sir, you will see that my last duty assignment ended in 2385 after I was forwarded to Starfleet San Diego. I was sent to Diego for observation under Starfleet Medical. After my discharge from observation, I was forwarded to Starfleet and having been medically retired from the Corps. I maintain a current rating on all Corps SAR equipment and have received field medical training as well."
Shifting slightly in his seat, Donovan continued. "Speaking on a personal note, sir. I can respect the desire for a relaxed team, but I came up in the Corps as an NCO. While this shop strikes me as being very tight and well-run, I intend to conduct myself in a manner consistent with my training. If this will cause a conflict with the team and command, then that will have to be addressed. With that being said, Lieutenant, I am looking forward to working with you and the team, if you'll have me."
Stone looked straight towards Donovan and began to speak.
"I wouldn't have you traveling all the way here if I was going to say no, Chief," he grinned. "Of course we'll have you, and of course I don't have a problem with your manner, I just don't want you being surprised by the relaxation of etiquette as it were."
Donovan nodded back at Stone and smiled. "Lieutenant, if I really had a problem with the way things were going to be run, I wouldn't have accepted being sent over to the Fleet and would have fought like hell to get back into the Corps. But, I'm here and intend to enjoy this post, this assignment, and this team. Besides, I went and reported in with the Commodore and he spoke very highly of you. I figure if the Commodore likes what he is hearing, then this team must have its act together."
The edges of Stone's mouth curled up into a slight smile once again. "Then I'm sure we'll have no problems."
He rose from the chair and Donovan followed. Stone headed for the door. "Let's go and introduce the team to you, and have a look at this new runabout you've brought."
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