[V-ME] LtJG Greyson & LtCmdr Walker: Of Chiefing & Conversations​ Part I

[Chythar Skyfire]

​(( Main Engineering, USS Veritas ))

:: Carter had been given the green light to resume working after his surgery. He felt fine, though the telltale indicators of his argument with the deck plate were gradually fading away. His hearing, now back to normal, was able to pick up foot falls from behind him. ::

:: Luna was feeling pretty good about the repair progress being made to her ship.  The Maelstrom’s damage had fried a number of systems with the strikes that had gotten through, but the main damage to the warp core had thankfully not been fried again when they’d done their warp jump out.  So when she saw Carter at work, and no longer seemingly under the effects of the concussion.. she was pretty happy as she walked up. ::

Walker: Carter!  Nice to see you up and about.  And if things continue going well, maybe we won’t be getting out and pushing the Veritas.

Greyson: Hey, boss. Wanted to talk to you, if you can spare a few minutes.

:: She shrugged and nodded, curious as to what he wanted to speak about. ::

Walker: Of course.  What do you need?

:: Carter nodded and looked up, turning his back to the console as the computer continued to compile the damage report of all the missing pieces. ::

Greyson: Just curious, why don't you ever go on away missions?

:: She blinked in confusion at the question.  He could just as easily asked her why she didn’t like the color orange.. which come to think of it she did. ::

Walker: Umm, because one of the two of us should be on the ship.. and you have less time off ship than I do.  Why do you ask?

Greyson: Some time ago aboard the Invicta, Dr. Rahman placed me as acting chief engineer to temporarily replace LtCmdr Core. Promoted to provisional lieutenant JG since ensigns aren't allowed to be department chiefs. Shortly thereafter, Dr. Skyfire and I got transferred to the Columbia, so I never really got a taste of it. :: He paused thoughtfully. :: Being assistant chief isn't all about paperwork and things, right? 

:: She heard a wistfulness to his question that cut into her like a knife. ::

Walker: Let’s go talk privately, ok? 

:: She headed toward the Chief’s office, an office she was sharing with him.  When they got into the room, she closed the door and turned the windows opaque.  She paused for a moment, trying to get her thoughts somewhat in order before speaking.  ::

Walker: So.. in answer to your question… yes and no. 

:: As far as answers went, that one was pretty lame. He recalled hearing similar from Dr. Skyfire on more than one occasion, and he thought he heard the same from Her Majesty at least once. None of his former superiors were like this, except maybe Cadfael. ::

Greyson: Vague and non-intuitive at all.

Walker: Yeah, it’s a stupid answer.  But here’s the thing.  The Assistant Chief is supposed to be learning all the details of being the Chief. And the safest and easiest piece of that?  Paperwork, process.  All the items that keep things running day to day.  :: She shook her head and snorted softly:: ​​And one of the more irritating parts of the job.

Greyson: I figured as much, but safest place I'll disagree with. I had my share of unsafe engineering shifts long before I started working for you. :: He allowed himself to miss a beat or two as he processed her answer. :: 

Walker: Away teams are another part of that.  It’s where you see what’s needed away from the ship, working with others and I’m sure at times leading those away teams.  

Greyson: Right. I've never actually led one. :: He gave a moment's pause to the conversation before turning the question back on her, even for just a moment. :: You were never in my position, were you?

Walker: Me?  I’ve never been an Assistant Chief.  I was either a loud mouthed engineer, or a loud mouthed Chief.  Nowhere in between.  Which admittedly, isn’t making this wildly more straightforward for me.  So, in the spirit of openness… what would you want out of being the Assistant Chief?

:: He didn't have a detailed answer in mind, but he had given it enough thought to determine what experience he was lacking since he never got to do any real chiefing during his stint as the acting chief engineer. ::

Greyson: Field practice in commanding the minions so I can learn what my style is. Tagging along with you the next time you go barter for parts at Esperance. More involvement in major engineering projects, like the SAR shuttle which I've only heard about through the grapevine.

:: Luna chewed on the inside of her cheek as she considered what he was asking. ::

Walker: Seems like you already have given this a lot of thought.  What are you hoping to get out of this?

Greyson: Mostly curious, and recalling a previous conversation. The last time I spoke to the captain on the subject, she mentioned that practice was different than textbook learning. That's not saying you're a bad teacher, mind you -- scheduling and routine maintenance are different than actually being in charge, if that makes sense. I'm lacking that experience, and I've been an assistant chief for... :: He paused again to do some math in his head. :: Held the title of acting chief for less than a month, and been acting chief since we launched. Seems like forever.

Walker: Well, as far as being a chief is concerned.  The SAR shuttle is likely to be a single engineer doing the initial feedback.  Then someone will run with it to get it finished.  And from my experience, that’s akin to handling repairs.  It’s more interesting, but no more at that point than routine maintenance.

​​

TBC

​

===
Lieutenant 

​JG Carter Greyson

Assistant Chief Engineer

USS Veritas

O239002CS0​

&

Lieutenant Commander Luna Walker

Chief Engineer, USS Veritas

I238010BW