SNIP

“Of course not, Sir,” Buddy replied, “that’s the job we are trained to do, is it not? We are the watchmen, the protectors. Ready to lay down our lives for ship and captain.” He said this playfully but it was clear he meant every word. “I assure you, Sir, I expected nothing less.”

“Good!”

“Every ship has it’s quirks, along with every commander. My belief is that no-one is infallible - not you, not the captain, not me. We all make mistakes. What matters is that we learn from ‘em. As well, I believe a so called ‘stupid question’ is far preferable than a bad assumption. If at all possible, if you ain’t sure of something, ask. If me or anyone else is actin’ weird or you think a mistakes’ being made, consider it your duty to question it. There’s a time and place for everythin’ of course, and it may be that the best course of action is ta just write a note to yerself. But I’ll do my part and back you and your fellows to the hilt, and listen to any input you got. I can’t be everywhere at once, and I demand that you have more specific knowledge than me. Everyone has a role here.” Issac leaned forwards in his chair, placing his elbows on the desk. “Now, none of that is to be taken as a free license for insubordination, or an opportunity to slack off. Just because I don’t expect perfection, don’t mean it ain’t worth striving for.”

Once more, Issac settled back into his chair. Quietly, he muttered “Bit more of a speech than I intended…” before continuing in a more normal volume. “Now, that’s quite a bit I’ve dropped on ya all at once. You got any questions or concerns ya’d like me to address?”

Issac Forgrave, CoS

“I believe you are entitled to make speeches, Sir. And if I may say so, it was a damned fine one.” Buddy liked this man, his boss, and he wanted to do him proud. “I only have one question, Sir. I have extensive tactical training but no practical experience. Ïs there any chance I could man tactical on the bridge at some point?” He wanted to add, ‘I’m ready for it,’ but he knew that only the COS could make that determination.

-Ens. Cullum, SEC

OOC: Fudgescicle!!! Character choice first. Character choice first. Character choice first. I’m getting annoyed with myself…

-Harley

OOC: Fucgesicles, pancakes.... soon you’ll have a meal fit to put someone in a diabetic coma! :P

IC: “Well, I’ll try not to make a habit of speeches; or at least keep them brief.” Issac shifted in his chair at Cullum’s request; taking a moment to seriously consider it. “That’s a bold request, Ensign Cullum; and right off the bat too.”

Buddy smiled. ‘Bold’ was good.

Realizing how that statement could be taken, Forgrave quickly followed up. “Now, I ain’t opposed to it - but as of this moment, I ain’t willing to commit to a timeline on that neither. I have a… list of ideas; changes and plans I’d like to implement within my role here; those’re gonna take time, and they ain’t all gonna work neither. I expect to make an ass ‘a myself in the process too.” Issac waived his hand in a dismissive gesture. “But that’s starting to get off-topic. For now, lets focus on you. With yer transfer from the Saracen, came reviews and recommendations. Issac gently tapped the PaDDs on his desk “Yer well-regarded; if not exceptional. Now that ain’t a dig at ya in any way; it’s exactly what I’d expect from any good officer. And right now, I need good officers. I’ve a few, but I always need more. And I hope that’s where you can come in.”

After a pause, he continued. “To be blunt, I need a new Science Division officer.” He quickly threw up a hand to forestall any comments. “Don’t answer; least, not yet. Yer new to the Dresden and I’m already thinking of tossing ya into the deep end - I want you to look ‘fore you leap, if ya get my meaning.”

Buddy almost leapt out of his chair screaming, ‘yes!’ but managed to contain himself. Lt. Forgrave already knew what Buddy’s impulsive answer would be. Buddy noticed the hand.

“Unless our orders change, we’ve still got a week before the Dresden is set to leave dry dock. What I want is for you to take at least 72 hours and consider what you are comfortable with. I’d encourage you to spend some time in the science department; see how you feel about it. As well, talk to Ensign Osten - he’s the division officer over Engineering; he can give you some idea of what the job might require. As I said before, everyone makes mistakes.... But I ain’t looking to set you up fer failure.”

There was a reason his chief wanted him to take his time and really consider. That instilled in Buddy an immediate trust for the man. ‘He wants what is best for me,’ Buddy realized. Suddenly not only did he like his new boss, he had an affection for him. Buddy decided right then and there that he was a loyal and proud officer under Lt. Forgrave’s Command. “Thank you, Sir. I really appreciate that.”

“Fer the next three days, I won’t accept any answer from you; be it ‘yes’ or ‘no’. I’ll gladly talk with ya and answer any questions ya got, but I want you to consider it seriously. And you sayin’ ‘no’ won’t be held against ya neither - you have my word on that.” At the last statement, Issac caught Cullum’s gaze and held it - it was clear that Forgrave placed a lot in his word. “As I said, I don’t want ya overwhelmed. You’d be no good to me or the crew in that case.”

“And now I’ve thrown even more on your plate. For right now, I’ll ask you to keep my offer to yourself, and I suppose Osten. I don’t want you to commit yourself inadvertently. I’ve not made this offer to anyone else; though I have a few other names in mind.”

‘No,’ Buddy thought to himself, ‘no one else will be taking this job.’ But he didn’t say anything. The chief wanted him to think it through and to make an informed decision and that, Buddy would definitely do.

Issac rose from his seat; gesturing to Cullum that he needn’t rise. “Take a moment to think if ya got any questions - I’m just brewing some coffee. You’re welcome to some, or the replicator if you’d like. I’ve done nothing but talk at ya as you’ve sat there; I reckon it’s your turn.”

OOC: I keep telling myself that I won’t write a wall ‘o text this time, but here I am again…

Issac Forgrave, CoS

OOC: You don’t have to worry about that with me. I am here to read and be entertained as much as I am to roleplay. Write away!

-Harley

IC: “Thank you, Sir. I believe I would like some coffee. Heavy cream, no sugar, if you have it.” His head was swimming. He was well aware that now was his time to speak. Buddy had a good idea what the job of Science Division officer would entail and if he didn’t take this opportunity, it might be seen as not truly considering. “Sir, I appreciate the offer very much. You will have in answer in three days,” he said not giving away any indication that he was over the moon at the prospect of being one step closer to his dream. “I’ll do my due diligence and consider all the implications. On that you have my word.”

After a few seconds of silence as Forgrave brewed the coffee Ensign Cullum started again. “Sir, there is something that I feel I need to tell you. It’s something of a somewhat personal nature but because there is a potential that it could affect my job I feel I am duty bound to inform you.” He hesitated, waiting for a reaction.

-Ens. Cullum, SEC