#82 Unexpected Result

Posted on Thu May 4th, 2023 @ 11:02am by Major Jackson "JJ" Barnes {Meji} & Commodore Cyndi Song

Mission: Vanished
Location: Ready Room
Timeline: current

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Having been to the marine berth, Barnes noted that Hurd was off the ship again. Apparently, once again, he needed to go and do something elsewhere. Giving an irritated sigh Jackson spun on his heel and left the berth and heading to the closest lift. Once inside he said one word, "Bridge." The lift began to move and within a minute he was exiting the car, seeing the Commodore standing in the middle of the command area of the Bridge, seemingly deep in thought. After going down the ramp to that section he took a wide turn at the bottom so that the Commodore could see him moving out of the corner of her eye and not get caught off-guard. "Evening, Commodore."

"Evening, what can I do for you?" Cyndi asked "Let''s head to my office where we can talk as I have something I'd like to discuss with you."

"Sounds fine by me, Ma'am." JJ allowed the CO to lead the way, following her closely as they entered her private sanctum. He stood between the two desk chairs and faced the desk as she went around.

"Please have a seat," Cyndi said once she was seated. Opening the bottom drawer on her desk she removed a bottle of whisky and poured two glasses and slid one over to him "Tell me what's on your mind and I'll tell you what I need to discuss with you."

Barnes took up the tumbler of whiskey and then sat down, leaning back casually but with the straight back of someone addressing a superior. "Well, Commodore, it's about Major Hurd, if you don't mind me putting too fine a point on it. I saw the marines that had been with him, but not the Major. Checking his office I found he was not there. So, my conclusion is that he has once again been sent off to wherever to undergo whatever. The marine berth is now operating in a vacuum, and that is going to be detrimental to morale." He finished his piece and took a swig from the glass.

"He's been on Earth to do some more training, Captain West was handling the marines just fine until he had to leave for reasons unknown to me. The marines do lack direction and discipline with both Hurd and West gone. Which brings me to a matter I wanted to speak to you about," Cyndi responded taking a drink "The marines need a strong command structure."

"As with all departments, yes Ma'am," Jack responded. "Maybe we can talk Captain Silk into becoming the acting XO for the jarheads. I know Sickbay can get busy but right now we're sitting idle when it comes to injuries."

"I actually have someone else in mind, the marines know you. They know Silk. I think your better suited to take over as XO. It comes with a promotion to captain," Cyndi commented.

It did not happen often, but what the Commodore just said stopped Jackson in his tracks, so to speak. So, to get his brain clicking again he downed what whiskey he had left and then sat forward to place the glass on her desk. "Could I get more of that sauce, Commodore? I'll need it to see if I heard you right. You're offering me XO, and promoting me to captain if I accept?"

Cyndi handed him the bottle "Help yourself and yes you heard me right. I'm offering you the position of Marine XO with a promotion to captain, if you accept."

Barnes reached out and took up the bottle, pouring half a tumbler as he spoke. "Pfft, yeah! Only a fool would say no to that. I accept, Commodore." He set the bottle down and sipped from his whiskey, leaning back again. As a flag officer, single ship command or not, she could promote people readily. Damn, his Pops would be proud.

"I was hoping you'd say yes," Cyndi handed him the box containing the rank insignia "I'll let General Long know that I've promoted you just to keep her in the loop. Your dad would be so proud of you. I thought the world of him."

"And he, you, Cyndi." Barnes addressed her common since they were discussing ship's business, but with a casual drink. "He is my mentor and my idol." Jackson took up the rank pins and changed them out, placing the Staff Warrant pins in the box, to keep for himself as he had with his stripes. "Damn, it feels nice, but there is weight there too. The marine berth will now undergo a change, one which West would also be proud of. As for Hurd, well, that remains to be seen."

"That's why Narla has him on Earth. She felt he needed more command training. Do what you need to do with the marines, I gave Rivers the same speech when she was promoted to captain," Cyndi commented "Should you need or want the fighter jocks to cross train with the marines feel free to do so."

Barnes drank down his whiskey, knowing that was quite enough for the next few days since drinking alcohol was never a favorite past time. He set the glass next to the bottle. "A marine is a marine. If they want in on some of the training I am fine with that. I'll also get with O'Connell and see if he would be receptive to some marines cross-training for Security. Our MP's are solid but knowing Security protocols better is never a bad thing."

"Good to hear it, Rivers approached Hurd about her people training with them and he didn't seem interested. Cross training is a good thing as we can never be too careful," Cyndi said finishing her drink and put the bottle back in her desk drawer "Looks like I've made the right call putting you in as Marine XO your already planning things."

JJ got to his feet and straightened his tunic. "The change in position has stirred my soul, Commodore. And, with that said, I better get back downstairs and inform the grunts. Thank you for your trust in me, it means a lot."

Cyndi stood as well "I can't think of anyone more deserving of it. Your welcome on the bridge at anytime too. I know they're in good hands."

Giving a final nod of farewell, Captain Barnes scooped up his rank pin box and slid it into his left thigh pocket as he spun and walked away. Exiting the Ready Room he headed for the aft Bridge lift, receiving nods of congratulations from those who noted the railroad tracks on his collar. Without a word said he entered the lift.

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