Nathanial sat down at his desk, the meeting with the Captain was, well, unexpected, but great none the less. He knew that alot would be expected of him and his department, and he welcomed the challenge.He tapped his comm badge "Doyle to Cadet Clipper, please report to my office immediately"
Thomas was working away on a program algorithm to help him with the upcoming nebula survey when he received the order. Tapping his comm badge he responded "Right away Sir." Saving off his work on the console he made his way over to the Chief science officers door and pressed the chime.
Nathanial was standing when heard the door chime, he put down the PADD he was working on and turned towards the door. "Come in". He noted that it was Cadet Clipper so he gestured towards his desk and headed to his chair and sat down.
Entering the room he replied "Thank you sir." As he made his way to a respectable distance in front of the desk standing he took to standing at ease with his hands clasped behind his back, his impressions of his superior over his time here had been a very official and to the point, as far as he could tell Nathaniel liked procedure and had a real passion for effective work, he could share his enthusiasm regarding the second point, the first he would just have to live with.
As Nathaniel Sat down Thomas noticed the extra gold pip on what would now be the lieutenant's neckline. "It looks like congratulations are in order Lieutenant." Thomas exclaimed, happy for his chief's promotion.
Nathanial smiled, "Thank you" he started. "It seem's only yesterday you were in my office for the first time, freshoff the Quantum Fury. How are you finding the Charon Thomas?"
It had indeed been a whirlwind. In general the orientation of a new vessel and crew, in addition too the preparations for the upcoming Nebula were both very entertaining and rewarding for Thomas. "It has been very engaging Sir; working towards the upcoming Survey has been gratifying. I would be lying if I said I didn't know where the time had gone." He answered with a gratified smile, Thomas enjoyed being occupied, preparations to scan an area of the magnitude that was this nebula had left him with no shortage of things to do.
Nathanial maintained his smile. "Indeed time does disappear on us, do know that your hard work has not gone un-noticed, and as such" He paused reaching into his desk and pulling out a small open display box. containing a single golden pip."You are now promoted to the rank of Ensign due to your hard work and diligence. Congratulations...Ensign" He finished leaving a small pause for effect before saying the word Ensign.
He looked at the pip which symbolised to him both a positive recognition by his superiors and also reminded him to the commitments he made by joining Starfleet and the responsibilities he was charged with, fortunately for an Ensign, that didn't exactly mean the weight of worlds issues were yet on his shoulders.
Smiling at the suspenseful performance Thomas replied "Thank you Lieutenant, I'm looking forward to working together and the challenges ahead." Thomas replied, feeling genuinely proud of this recognition. While he had struggled to develop any personal link with Nathaniel, he had admired his Chiefs work processes and ethic, he was happy that the feeling appeared mutual.
Nathanial wished he could congratulate his officer further, after all, his first sub-premotion was a big thing as well for Nathanial, but the work was piled a mile high. "If I catch you in the mess hall tonight, make sure you hold me to getting you a drink."
The red haired Cadet, no, Ensign had already made an impression on the captain and on Nathanial, he was definitely someone to watch.
"Oh and please report to my office tomorrow morning at 0900 hours, I have an assignment for you."
"I'll be sure too and by rights I think I'll owe you two." Thomas responded to the light hearted remark and then continued back on task "Tomorrow morning 0900 I look forward to it sir." Feeling the meeting had reached its natural conclusion Thomas moved his feet together to attention and offered a nod to further acknowledge the lieutenants order and his expected dismissal.
Nathanial stood up and issued the dismissal. He watched the Ensign go, part of him wanted to extend a greater hand of friendship, but the other part of him reminded him of the haunted events in his past, of trust and letting people get too close. No, the decorum of rank served its underlying purpose, and allowed him to keep people at a safe distance.
=/\=
Lieutenant Nathanial Doyle
Chief Science Officer
USS Charon
&
=/\=
Ensign Thomas Clipper
Assistant Science Officer
USS Charon
