Post Number 172 Temporary Position

Posted on Fri Jun 30th, 2023 @ 10:33am by Commodore Cyndi Song & Major David Hurd Senior

Mission: Wedding Blues And Trouble
Location: Cyndi's Office
Timeline: Back Post just after Post Number 3. Just after Commander O'Connell left for LOA

ON:

With Commander O'Connell away Cyndi needed a second officer, since Major Hurd was third officer she couldn't think of anyone better suited to fill in. Tapping her com-badge "Major Hurd can you please report to my office."

Having been near the Bridge inspecting a wall mounted Marine Arms locker, Hurd tapped his Combage and said, "Ill be there in just a moment Commodore. Securing the locker, Hurd made his way to the office. He walked in, Stood at attention, and said, "Major Hurd reporting as ordered Commodore"

"Relax major," Cyndi said "Please have a seat, I have a favor I'd like to as you if your up for it. Before we begin if you'd like something to drink feel free."

Walking over to the replicator, Hurd ordered a Bang energy Drink. Opening it, he took a gulp and sat down. "So Ma'am, what can I do for you?

Cyndi leaned back in her seat "Commander O'Connell is away on a family emergency, that leaves a hole in the command structure. Would you like to step in as acting second officer until he returns?"

Hurd took another drink and arched his eyebrow, deep in thought. After a few moments he replied, "Yes ma'am i would." " What are the duties and responsibilities of the 2nd officer post?"

"Pretty much what you do now. The Second Officer, or 2O is operationally the third-in-command of a Starfleet unit, be it a starship or a space station, and will immediately assume command if anything renders the Commanding Officer and First Officer unfit for duty, with the third officer as acting XO. Not that anything is going to happen to me or Green. Are you up for the challenge?" Cyndi said

Hurd chuckled and said, "Ma'am,I'm a Marine i am up for anything". "And i want to say, personally, thank you deeply for the honor of offering me this opportunity, but if i may ask, what have i done to earn or deserve this opportunity?"

"Your third in command of the ship and I want and need the marines to work together. As for the rest I have my reasons. The marines and the fleet officers don't interact and that needs to change. As I told my students when I taught at the academy there is no I in teamwork," Cyndi said

Hurd nodded and said, "I entirely agree Ma'am, but the reason their is resentment is because, even though I've tried to change it, The Marines at, at least a large chunk, regard Fleeter s as incompetent at best, outright cowards at the worst." Hurd cleared his throat, paused for a moment and continued. "Almost all the resentment stems from the Dominion war, where their was a general feeling that Fleet was using us Marines as cannon fodder and many, many rumors that Fleet left Marines to die and ran in combat". Hurd looked and said, seeing the look on her face said, "I don't agree at all with any of that but that's where the resentment mostly stems from".

"That's a load of crap major. That war ended twenty five years ago. It's time to put that behind people and move forward and stop living in the past. The Amazon's home planet was occupied by the Romulans for a few years and they've gotten past it and are working on a treaty." Cyndi said firmly

"I agree its crap Ma'am" Hurd replied evenly. "Fleeter's are some of the bravest, most loyal people I've ever known, and some of the best friends I've ever made". Hurd took another sip of his drink and pondered his next words for a moment, and then began to speak again. "It may have been 25 years ago, but we, that is to say us Marines, have very, very long memories". "Iver the years i have asked and then told them, the Men and Women under my command, to knock it off, and as a matter of fact a lot of fights have been started over that very issue." Shaking his head he added, " I can ask and tell them all i want but its up to them in their hearts and minds to get over it." "As for interacting, i can order them to do it while they are on duty but while they will comply they, at least most of them, will not like it, and as for their off-duty time i cant order them to socialize with Fleet and most wont, but i will continue to endeavor to change those opinions and try to foster a atmosphere of trust and cooperation", he finished, looking her in the eyes.

"I was nine when that war ended so I have no knowledge of it. I'm also sure a lot of the marines under your command were not even born yet like Captain Rivers. My point is the officers under ones command learn from their commanding officers. I;m in command of this ship and everyone looks to me to make the right calls and to set the example. By holding onto a grudge does not get you or your people anywhere. It's time to put the past where it is in the past and move forward. Don't order your people to mix with the fleet officers instead encourage it. As I told you earlier we're a team and there is no I in team. Lead by example and let go of the past. Move forward," Cyndi said

Hurd nodded and simply said, "Agreed and understood ma'am".

"Okay major," Cyndi said "I'll log you as acting second officer until Commander O'Connell returns. I've taken up enough of your time major and thank you for agreeing to this,"

OFF:


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