"Acting" No More

Posted on Thu Sep 29th, 2011 @ 9:58pm by Admiral Ricky Wegener & http://starbase900.info/index.php/personnel/character/23

Mission: In Our Time of Need
Location: Admiral's Office
Timeline: current

It was a busy time on Starbase 900. The XO was still dealing with the mess on Divitia Prime, the Divitian Speaker was still on the base, the Chief Diplomatic Officer was missing and Ricky had a feeling that it was all going to get worse before it got better. However, he couldn't stop taking care of business and he had something that he'd been putting off but needed to be dealt with--the vacant Chief Medical Officer position.

The obvious choice was Lieutenant McKinney, the current acting CMO. His work ethic and abilites were amazing and Rick thought he'd be a great choice for the position, but McKinney had asked for some time to think about his answer. It seemed he'd come up with some sort of answer, however, since he had an appointment with the Admiral in less than five minutes.

With his resolve stronger than ever, Connor walked through the command center, and into the offices were there was a waiting area, and an aide watching him approach. With a small smile, he was waved in by her to go ahead and enter the large doors of the Admiral's office. Giving a nod in return, he opened one of the doors and walked in.


** Admiral's Office -- The Head **

It never fails! "Dammit," he said as he zipped his trousers and washed his hands. "Always, always, always! You expect someone, you have to go to the bathroom."

He stepped out of the head, through the small hallway and into his office where he found the doctor waiting patiently, standing between the two chairs in front of his desk.

"Doctor," he said, "my apologies. Nature always calls at the most inconvenient times."

He took his place behind the desk and offered a seat to Connor as well. "So, have you made a final decision?"

"I have", Connor answered as he sat. "Thank you for giving me the time, Admiral. I have thought it over carefully 'n' I accept the position of Chief Medical Officer."

"Well, thank goodness!" Ricky said with a smile. "I figured you'd come around, I was just waiting for you to actually say the words." He stood and congratulated the man with a handshake. "I must say, you're gonna' do great. Hell, what you've done as acting CMO was exemplary. Seems you've already set the bar mighty high."

Connor was sort of blown away by the praise, speechless for a moment. "Well uh..thank you... Sir" he said, raising his eyebrows as he tried to think of what else to say. "That's high praise..I was just doing what needed to be done..."

"And, because of that, I have no other choice..." he handed a brand new set of rank pips to the man. "For your service in standing in as acting CMO, and doing such a great job, and because I can't have the CMO of a station this size as a Lieutenant, you are promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Commander."

After the day Connor had this was almost too much. Gratitude mixed with feeling unworthy, Connor closed his hands around them. Lines formed between his brows. "Thank you, Sir. I understand", he said quietly, and regaining his bearings he cleared his throat, "If you'll accept my recommendation, I've made a decision as to my replacement as Chief Surgeon."

"Commander, it's your department. Promote whomever you see fit and see to it that they do as good as you did in that position."

"Aye, Sir, that I will", Connor said, revealing a little determination, inside battling some regret, reminding himself this was what he needed to do. "If I may be dismissed, Admiral, I must see to some changes, some rotations needed in personnel."

"You are dismissed, Commander." He smiled again. "Good luck."

"Thank you, Sir", and lifting his closed hand that held the pips up to the Admiral, again in appreciation, he forced a smile, before heading out of the office.

***************

Rear Admiral Ricky Wegener
&
Lt. Commander Connor McKinney