The Enlisted Chief

Posted on Fri Dec 11th, 2020 @ 9:56pm by Lieutenant Commander Tony Johnson

Mission: The Mentarin Effect
Location: Security Chief Office
Timeline: Current

Commander Johnson sat at his desk across from Chief Petty Officer Bhalet. From what he read in his file, Bhalet was the senior enlisted person on his staff. The previous Chief Security Officer had nothing but positive things written throughout the mans file. "Its good to finally meet you Chief. From reading your files Reeves thought very highly of you."

"Captain Reeves and myself served aboard this ship together for 4 years," Goda replied. "I thought quite highly of the man myself along with the rest of the Enlisted personnel."

"I've been hearing that quite a bit since arriving on board," Johnson responded. "Apparently I have some big shoes to fill. You pretty much run things with the enlisted in this department, so I will always come to you in that regards. I'm sure there are concerns in regards to how this department will be run under new leadership."

The Regilian simply nodded. "That's always a concern when someone new comes along, whether officer or enlisted. Regardless I can assure that the people here will adjust to whatever changes you decide."

"I'm sure they will Chief. But I plan on keeping the shifts and crew rotations the same for now. Captain Reeves clearly had a system that worked well for a ship this size. Now I noticed, while going through your file that you completed your degree a few months back and requested to become a Warrant Officer."

"That is correct Sir," Bhalet answered. "I believe that Captain Reeves gave me a recommendation before leaving."

"It was one hell of a recommendation," said Tony. "From what I've read in your file, it is well deserved. My question is why leave the enlisted ranks? At this rate, I can foresee you reaching Master Chief Petty Officer in another 6 years tops."

The Chief Petty Officer thought about the question carefully. "To be honest when I joined Starfleet it was to do something different than my family or friends. I wasn't even sure this would become a career until I decided to reenlist the first time around. Last thing I wanted or considered was to be an officer, no offense Sir."

Tony couldn't help but to laugh as stood from his seat. "No offensive taken at all. You want anything from the replicator?"

"Lemonade please."

Walking over to the replicator, Tony requested a lemonade along with green tea for himself. Returning back to his seat, he handed the lemonade over to Goda. "There you go, please continue."

"Thank you Commander." Goda said accepting the beverage. "My goal was to make Master Chief Petty Officer. But Captain Reeves mentioned that I should consider becoming Warrant Officer and made a great argument why I should consider applying for the rank."

"Interesting," Johnson replied while sipping his tea. "There are advantages to becoming a Warrant Officer. But it sounds as if you haven't agreed to through with the program."

"Your right Sir. The opportunity is great, I'm just not too sure about separating myself from the enlisted personnel in such a matter. It would place me in a position between NCO and Commission Officer. A place leaving me alone."

Tony rubbed his chin. "I see. You make a point. But have you ever tried looking at the position of Warrant Officer from another view point"

"Not sure what you mean."

"Being a Warrant Officer puts you right in the middle between both sides," the Commander brought up. "Gives you a seat at both tables to represent both interest."

The Chief rubbed his chin taking in what was being said. "Excellent point Sir."

"Not pushing you in any particular direction," Tony spoke. "But you should explore all options and decide on what's best for yourself. So have you had the opportunity to meet Lieutenant Talsi Greyson?"

"I have yet to meet her, but word about her has spread throughout the ship," Goda laughed. "My question is whether her size has been exaggerated?"

"Trust me its far from being exaggerated," the Commander assured him. "But at some point the three of us need to meet to get on the same page about running this Department. I want you think of all the issues or concerns you have and preparing for the meeting that I will schedule."

"Yes Sir."

 

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