[Bridge]
Jettis looked over at Kali, quirking an eyebrow with an almost-invisible smirk. "Noted. I'll keep that in mind." He commented. After they were dismissed, Jettis turned to look over at Kinley - only to be interrupted again. Closing his mouth, he uttered an 'aye, sir', and resolving to talk to her the moment he got a break.
Turning back to Kali, he nodded again with a smile. "Congrats, again, on your promotion. Try not to kill us all." He quipped. "But really, you'll do fine." He added a moment later, softer. Deciding he had nothing else to do on the bridge, he nodded to Mahak, excused himself, and headed to the Turbolift.
"Deck four," He commented to the computer, standing patiently as he arrived at his destination.
[Main Science Lab]
Just as he had almost reached the lab, he got Tekin's message.
He confirmed, rounding the corner to reach the lab. Stepping inside, he rang the bell to the CSO's office, waiting for the go-ahead to enter.
[Outside the CSO office]
Lieutenant James Michaels followed up soon after Kinley, himself also confused as to why he was called. Seeing the other two he nodded.
"You must be the newest members of the science team. Lieutenant Michaels, exochemistry and senior science officer." he said, extending a hand. That's when Nevir called for the three to enter.
[CSO office]
Nevir has the files of each individual he had called. He had to make a decision, not just for the department, but for the science team itself. He waited for the three to enter, and then closed the door.
"I brought the three of you in because this department is in need of order. Michaels can attest that I ran a fair, but strict department. Science is the core of the Federation. Everything around us, and everything we stand far is all in the name of science. The only reason we build long range and deep space ships is for science." he said, standing up.
"Michaels is the senior officer below me. But rank is only secondary to what I look for in science officers. Starfleet regulations has a minimum standard for senior officers, but ask any command officer and they would agree that out here, regulations can be stretched."
"Kinley, you are a non-commissioned officer. By that regard you are not eligible to hold a position of authority under normal circumstances. Kali Reyes is a Chief, that is the only exception to the rule. But here is a little secret about me. I started as a crewman. I worked my way up until my department head saw something and recommended officer training. Now I am the Commander of a Starfleet vessel, and its First Officer. Your career path is not set in stone. In fact, you can always look to your side to prove my point."
"Jettis completed his OTC, and I have the confirmation from Starfleet right here. You are now an Ensign in Starfleet, with all the rights and privileges. Which means this is for you." Nevir said, handing over a box with a single pip inside. He allowed a moment before continuing.
"While technically possible, the First Officer is relieved from his department to focus on the ship's crew as a whole. Which means I can no longer be the Chief Science Officer. For now, I have to select a replacement to act as the CSO in my stead for the time being. The three of you were being vetted for such a role. However, I have concerns that need to be addressed."
"While I respect you both taking the initiative, when the Captain calls for the department heads, that means the department heads. Until Admiral Kirok officially promoted me to First Officer, I was your Chief Science Officer. I sent you both a message with instructions, and unless you want to prove to me that your communicators were not functioning, my orders were ignored. If I give an order that you are already following, then you should at the very least acknowledge the order, or let me know that you are already on it. Kinley, I assigned you to the Science Bridge station for the meeting. You did not take your station. I had selected Jettis to be the one accompanying me, and I would have preferred that Mr. Jyur stayed with his department head. Ignorance is no excuse. If you are unsure how to react to certain orders, you ask."
"You both disappointed me, but as you are new on the ship, I won't hold it against you. Both of you have high marks and good recommendations, otherwise I wouldn't even be considering you two for a leadership role. For now, Lieutenant James Michaels, you are being promoted to Acting Chief Science Officer, with a field commission of Lieutenant Commander. Kinley, I'm assigning you to the Bridge's Alpha shift. I want you to start going through the data on the ion cloud, you'll even have access to my notes. Jettis, you are going to set up and lead the team studying the Wells ship and the ion cloud's effects. James, you have the responsibility of the entire department... but after I move my stuff out of this office." he said, raising an eyebrow to his officer.
"I will leave your selection of Assistant CSO to you. I'd recommend observing the rest of your department to see who would fit the role best, including these two. My office is always open, and I'm willing to hear out anyone with a problem. This of course will start now." he said, going to the front of the desk and leaning on it, crossing his arms.
"I give you all permission to speak freely. Any questions of concerns?" he said, glancing at the three of them.
James merely shook his head.
"None, sir." he said, to which Nevir responded by dismissing him, and letting him leave the office.
"How about you two?"
