"Commander Stafford. Sorry to wake you, if you could come to my ready room when you are available I'd appreciate it. I'd like to address the outstanding promotions we discussed. I received permission for advancement from command a few hours ago."
[Quarters - 0213 hours]
A hoary old engineer that Stafford had known from his earliest days had warned him about going officer. As the old petty officer and the new crewman shared a drink of a homemade, noxious clear spirit that the former had brewed inside of an old torpedo tube, he heard the other man say,
Never go officer, you'll have to actually answer to one.The saying was in Stafford's mind as he rolled over, tapped his commbadge, and croaked out a barely intelligible acknowledgement to his captain. "
'm coming, captain. Straightaway, ma'am.
"
He found himself needing another strong drink as he slowly stood and found his uniform. His quarters were squared away to the umpteenth degree, another vestige of his enlisted days. How many times had Recruit and even Petty Officer Stafford been chided for having quarters not up to standard operating procedure?
He dressed quickly, inspected himself in the mirror. His eyes were still puffy from sleep, and a day's worth of stubble flecked his head and the parts of his narrow face not covered by his goatee. Stafford thought it would pass, but then decided better of it. Whatever the captain needed him for, it wasn't so urgent to go rushing headlong to her, so he could shave.
[Passageways]
The night shift was sparse. Probably they didn't like the idea of running into the captain, who would often work late into the night. Constance Lafayette was an intellectual, a woman dedicated to science. Stafford was an old sawbones who needed his sleep.
Eggheads. Never think twice about inconveniencing anyone else. The thought made him smile.
[Bridge]
When he entered the straight arrow ensign who was commanding the night watch on the bridge turned and started to stand. Stafford raised his voice to cut him off.
"At ease," His voice hadn't been used in hours and squeaked a little. He cleared his throat. "Just here to see the captain. Carry on, ensign, I'll check in when I'm through."
The bridge crew resumed activity. Stafford felt his joints creak ominously as he made his way over to the captain's ready room door. He didn't like surprises.
He pressed the thumb pad and entered when she acknowledged him, preparing himself for the worst.