A Problem Following Orders
Posted on Thu Mar 16th, 2023 @ 1:20pm by Fleet Captain Maxwell Culver & Lieutenant JG Aurora House of Kor
691 words; about a 3 minute read
Mission:
Good Will Tour: Mountain Home [Part Two]
Location: Triton Seabase: Lookout Post
Timeline: MD14: 1130 hours
Max had been standing quietly next to Lieutenant as the tube shifted them all the way to the top access of the ship. A brilliant, light colored wood didn’t hold the sun’s heat. A nice breeze brought cool, damp and the smell of seal salt. Max had called ahead and had the furniture arranged like Rena. After the morning of salty water, his body craved sweet. “Jumja juice, cold with ice. Half a sour string candy along the side,” he ordered.
Of course there was the sound of the turbolift which was no match for the sound one couldn’t miss hearing - at least this high - on this quiet morning. The winds, the waves against the bow and the pneumatic hiss of doors closing. It meant he and Aurora had arrived. That meant two more things for Max, a dressing down for not following orders and a thank you for not following orders.
"Lt. JG Aurora of the House of Kor reporting as ordered, sir," Aurora stood at attention...not really sure why the Captain was mad at her.
[Did I screw up again? Did he want me to get on the ship first? This is so FRUSTRATING!] Aurora thought.
“At ease, Lieutenant.” Max motioned to the less formal chairs than were meant for this type of conversation. Lieutenant, I assumed, since it’s written all over your face, that you know why I’ve asked you to come with me?”
"Aye, sir. I messed up. Despite taking what I thought was proper action in letting the rest of the crew get aboard first, I apparently was supposed to get aboard first. I was trying to calm Bubbles and his Mother after that water for brains got everyone freaked out!" Aurora couldn't hide her anger at the landlubber that had caused the mass water exodus.
“That was my initial intention, lieutenant. Having you on the tips of your toes for a few days for not following orders,” Max paused before sipping the jumja juice, clearly thinned with water, otherwise even the Bajorans wouldn’t drink it. It was sweet, thick and took the taste of ocean and sea salt out of his mouth. “But I also have to point out that you were right for your actions.”
"I'm sorry...what?" Aurora blinked in confussion.
“If you hadn’t stayed with the mother and calf, the mother may have become more upset. She might have hit us with her fluke and done major damage to the base, or worse, she could have killed those people that didn’t belong out there without knowing there are more ways to get aboard than just the stairs.
“You did me a big favor today, Lieutenant. You proved that you’re smarter than just following orders and you probably saved me a lot of paperwork. Possibly even some death certificates.”
Aurora relaxed. "That's my job, Captain...bridging the gap between sentient beings and their water counterparts!" Aurora grinned happily.
“I don’t want just anyone in your position, Lieutenant. I need someone who can think quickly and make the right decisions for the crew, the base, and most importantly, the life forms we’re working with. Sometimes orders given aren’t right for the moment and while a captain wants an officer to follow his orders, he needs the people around him to be able to think for themselves. Today, thinking for yourself was the better choice. I’ll be leaving a commendation on your record today for dedication to base and crew under stressful circumstances,” Max finished.
"Yyou...you...tthank you, sir!" Aurora sputtered...trying...and failing, to have some composure. Aurora could only stand and salute her heart was too full to do otherwise.
Max smiled and shook his head. Opening his arms, he said, “Bring it in, kid.” Obviously indicating she was due for a hug.
Aurora froze for a second...not realizing that the Captain was a hugger, but gladly took the offered hug!
"You're just full of surprises, Captain!" Aurora giggled.
“This whole base is, Aurora, this whole base is,” he agreed.
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