Lt JG Quentin Beck - A Swift Kick in the Pants

[Quentin Beck]

((Main Conference Room, Deck 3, U.S.S. Ronin, Back at High Warp.))

Beck: The Changeling thing also freaked me the hell out. I saw two of them myself on the Borg Cube, and they're… terrifying.

Niac: Believe me Doctor, the impact of a changling infiltration effort is not something I'm taking lightly...but for us it's damage done.  Now we have to deal with what's in front of us as best we can.  I don't intend on letting the Alliance make me look like a fool twice in one day.  How about you, Doctor?  Do you plan to give the Alliance the satisfaction?

Quentin's lips pulled into a thin line, a grim look of annoyance crossing his features as his nose wrinkled. That look shifted to one of grim determination, instead.

Beck: That's gonna be a 'hell no', sir. ::a beat:: I apologize for letting myself crack. I just got this half-pip and I feel like I haven't lived up to it so far. I'm going to prove you were right in deciding to promote me.

Niac chuckled and the black fog that had settled over the pair seemingly dissipated rapidly. 

Niac:  I'll keep that in mind, Doctor.  Until we get ourselves a Counselor I suppose I'm your next best option...if you find the stresses are pressing down on you again, talk to me...before it becomes a problem.  Understood?  

He nodded and raised his right hook in a mock salute, kicking his heels together.

Beck: Yawhol, Lord Helmet. ::more serious, dropping the hook to his side:: It won't happen again. You can count on that.

Niac:  Very well Doctor...return to sickbay and complete your final preparations. 

Beck: Yes, Captain.

He turned to approach the doors, which opened at his presence, but he paused for a moment to look back at Karrod.

Beck: And thank you.

Then he turned to step out onto the Bridge.

[End Scene!]

Lieutenant JG Quentin Beck

Acting Chief Medical Officer

USS Ronin NCC-34523

A238810SA0