Posted by Lieutenant Junior Grade Aili McMorran (Chief Science Officer) in CSO’s Office: Cadet Matthew Riley Reporting for Duty

Posted by Cadet Matthew Riley (Scientist) in CSO’s Office: Cadet Matthew Riley Reporting for Duty

Posted by Lieutenant Junior Grade Aili McMorran (Chief Science Officer) in CSO’s Office: Cadet Matthew Riley Reporting for Duty

<ssssnip>

“Quite… and some people make fitting in look so easy.” It took a moment for Aili to silence her echoing smile.

Riley quietly reassessed his impression of the lieutenant. She put on a good face, but could she really be as nervous as he was?

“Well”, she shrugged lightly, “unless there’s anything you’d like to ask me…”

Riley broke from that train of thought at her question. This was another part of interviews he disliked. What was he supposed to ask? What would she think if he didn’t ask any questions. He chewed on his lip and rocked his head from side to side, considering.

“Nothing I can think of at this moment,” he admitted, standing, and extended his hand. “I look forward to serving under you, Lieutenant McMorran.”

• Cadet Riley, Science

Aili’s eyes shot up at what felt to her like a hasty response. In truth, she found navigating the wrapping up these kinds of meetings mightily difficult. Riley’s straightforward response was quite a relief. She stood and met his handshake.

“And I look forward to serving with you. If you need me for anything at all, I’ll usually be found here.”

Lt. J.G. Aili McMorran - CSO

Riley mentally kicked himself as the lieutenant’s face changed. Yep, not what she wanted, he lamented. Should he ask a question now? No, then it would be awkward. Like it already is, he thought, releasing her hand. He nodded, smiled, and turned to go.

He crossed the lab and paused at the table with the holographic star, slowly spinning in place, the occasional prominence rising from its surface. He admired the fidelity of the display, and reached out toward it, slowly. As he reached the surface of the star, he felt a solidness beneath his fingers, and he raised his eyebrows. He pushed to the right, and the star began spinning more quickly. He laughed, then blushed and strode quickly from the room.

He got about ten meters down the hall before he leaned his back against the wall and finally relaxed. You get yourself all riled up for nothing, he chided. That went well, and you know it.

Actually, no I don’t.

For crying out loud, it was an introductory meeting. What else did you expect?

The mental back-and-forth would do nothing but make him more anxious. He shook his head, noticing a couple of passers-by eyeing him leaning against the wall, and stood, tugging down his uniform top. You’ll have your chance to show what you can do. You’re Dr. Matthew Riley, even if that title is meaningless here. He pulled his shoulders back as he continued down the hall. You’ve already proven you can.

He fingered the collar of his uniform where the rank pips would go. Proving this will mean a lot more.

Now, let’s go look out a window and stare at some stars. Or, he frowned, if we’re at warp, some Cerenkov radiation.

• Cadet Riley, Science