Who Does the Pat Down?

Posted on Sat May 16th, 2020 @ 10:39pm by Lieutenant Farizah Alani & Lieutenant Colonel Johnathon Hayter

Mission: Around The World in 8 Days
Location: Security Office - U.S.S. Astraea

First official day on the ship and all Hayter had truly been able to do was transfer all the supplies on the ship he had requested. But even more, he was able to get his personally chosen marines on the ship and their quarters set up. He was quite surprised but impressed at the fact that the crew, even with a lack of crew on the ship, it was quick and easy. So that he was able to release them for the day for their shore leave, he and his canine were both able to make their way through the ship without many people starring at him or his pup. So when he made his way to the security office, he smirked knowing that the Lieutenant was on board for a short bit.

Lieutenant Alani had returned to the starship Astraea to retrieve some of her belongings and to grab some items from her office before heading back down to the planet's surface. She was wearing a gray tank with a cream-colored button-up blouse and charcoal gray slacks. Her office was always tidy and orderly. So, quickly getting what she wanted and leaving was the plan; however, when she heard the footfalls of someone approaching her office, she straightened her blouse and was met with the gaze and smirk of a man she was unfamiliar with. "May I help you with something?" she inquired as she sat the PaDD that she had been holding down upon her desk.

Taking a moment to check the young woman out real quick, a slight grin raised before he waved as his dog, stayed outside the room, but wagged her tail in excitement but self control. The marine in civilian clothes quickly spoke up. "You aren't the chief of security and tactical of this boat... are ya?"

"Why?" she replied crossing her arms. "Do women in positions of authority bother you? If so, you are in for a surprise when you meet the Captain" Farizah said with a small giggle. "Yes, I am the head of that department...not a common crook nor yeoman" she added gesturing to the office around her.

"Why no, my lovely smurf," he countered with a slight grin as he stepped in a little more. "As a matter of fact, who doesn't enjoy a beautiful woman on top of the command structure, taking charge?"

The Security Chief looked at him with an expression that showed her agitation. She was not fond of the first impression said individual was making. "Probably the same kind of asshole person who sees a Bolian and thinks it is reinventing the wheel to use a dated pop culture reference from Earth and call them a smur" she countered, "Also, it is Lieutenant Alani, or Smurfette if you want metaphorically emasculated further."

"I thought we were talking about Captain Laurens. I already shared a drink with her. I'm going to need more buzz for being on this boat," He stepped forward and reached out his hand respectfully. "My apologizes, Smurfette... Lieutenant Alani, I am Lieutenant Colonel John Hayter, the new marine commander."

Farizah was not surprised nor amused. It made sense that the man was a marine, and disappointingly so, the new Marine Commanding Officer. Nevertheless, she took his hand as was custom with humans. She shook his hand and then retracted and stiffened her posture. "Welcome to the USS Astraea, Colonel" she said greeting the man. "Is there something in particular that you need from myself or my department?" she asked inclining her head and cocking it slightly. It was not everyday the Marine CO stopped by her office.

"Thank you ma'am," he replied as he nodded before continuing on. "I wanted to get your take on marines and how you try to handle the work that the security department and the marines handle things. Don't take it personally, but usually I have seen and heard a lot of times that most marines have a lot of butting heads with security detachments on starships. Its only fitting for me to come and nip it in the butt."

"There will be no heads to bump, feelings to hurt, nor hearts to ache if you keep your leathernecks clear of my way," she replied with stern directness. "You handle your personnel and I'll handle my personnel, separate but equal cohabitant solution," she added. "I will likewise keep my security personnel clear of your domain."

"Yeah..." John nodded before he took a deep breath before continuing. "I don't believe that is fair at all, don't ya think?"

Farizah was not one to be outwardly confrontational. "You asked for my take. That's my take whether or not you agree with my take is something entirely different. I'll respect difference of opinion, and if you would like to make a formal request to change that dynamic, please feel free to do so."

"All I'd like to ad is, I want to offer up some of my marines to assist your department. They would be yours to use when they aren't getting to do specialized marine training," He paused and patted his dog's head and before looking over at the woman. "I know I can be a pain in the ass. But I don't believe in the separation and conflict of the marines and security personal in Starfleet. The seasoned marines I brought with me are the same like me when it comes to that thought process. The marines that we are getting fresh from the academy and trade schools will be ready for mold into great additions. So instead of people seeing the marines as a ground pounding brainless soldiers, I want them to be helpful in all departments. So, what do you say, Lieutenant?"

Farizah nodded as she inched closer to the doorway and handed him a PaDD. "I'm on Shore Leave and have a date with the Captain" she explained. "Fill out a formal proposal and have it on my desk when I return from shore leave and I will give it some thought before turning it over to the First Officer with my recommendations or amendments."

"Oh..." John raised one hand while he dug out of his cargo pocket and pulled out a small padd. "Already have the documents in question. Share as you would like. Just let me know how many you would like to help with, if that is something you are interested in. Otherwise, I'll respectfully keep out of your way." He paused for a moment but then walked over and sat the Padd on her desk, and turned. "But you are on leave. Sorry to bother you during this time."

Farziah was pleasant enough with the man. "If we are going to do this, then let's do it on a trial basis. Let's star out with your ten best and brightest" she stated. "If it goes well, I'll consider additional marines."

Meeka started to wag her tall harder but kept her distance from the young woman before finally sitting down. It was obvious that it was awkward. But it was his fault to say the least. Still, this was nothing that bothered the canine at all. Hayter stepped to the door, and closer to the blue skinned woman. "Hope we can work well together."

"Ideally yes," she replied. "Though you'll have to forgive my cautiousness. I am still getting acquainted with my own personnel and they were not fond of my predecessors, but that is a story for another time" Farizah said as she squeezed her way out of her office. "Tootles leatherneck" she said as she scurried off down a corridor.