Chain of Command

April 19, 2009 on 9:59 pm | In SS-Elise, Serial Story | No Comments

Captain Tania Fielding faced her Executive Officer across the extruded table. The metallic chill seeped into her warm fingertips, a small discomfort remedied immediately by the ship’s climate control. “We took delivery of the new engines at Kedis. I expected them to be installed immediately. The longer we delay getting them online, the more likely it will impact the mission.”

“Have you spoken with Commander Steesk?”

Despite the slight draft of the air cleaning system, Xu Scholen’s snow-white hair swept back from his narrow face and fell in unnaturally still sheets down his back, the tall points of his ears the only interruption to the smooth flow. It always amazed her that he looked so perfectly put together in the most stressful situations.

Xu joined her crew upon commissioning, nearly three standard years ago, but in many ways he was still a stranger. In her previous postings, the Galactic Service policies encouraging fraternization and physical intimacy among the crew made such a distance unusual. When he’d been presented for the command ceremony, he had asked to join her more intimately, a common enough way to accelerate the command bond. Since he was absolutely gorgeous – high cheekbones, slightly tilted eyes larger than an Earther’s, a tall, lean body that moved with grace and power – she agreed unhesitatingly.

Xu’s performance in bed still fueled fantasies. She knew he held back with her when they occasionally lay together. His naturally sexually dominant personality didn’t suit her own more egalitarian sexual style, and he reined in his preferences when they were together. Even knowing it, she enjoyed their occasional bedroom meetings.  He had very long, very talented fingers.

In any case, given the physical intimacy encouraged by Galactic Service, the distance he maintained seemed even more noticeable. Part of it was his natural reserve. Xu was minor royalty on his home planet.  Graei was notorious for the excesses of the court, and he had grown up amidst the violence and intrigue of the royal court. Comparatively, the challenges of the chain of command must seem restful. Still, that small distance was always there, and she wondered at it.

Xu’s real value to her stemmed from the very court training that likely maintained the distance she disliked. His tact and diplomacy ensured the smooth running of her ship. Though no one finessed difficult situations better than Xu, he wasn’t afraid to twist arms when the situation warranted.  And that’s what she needed from him now.  She shook herself mentally.  “I queried Neve yesterday. The reply was less than satisfactory.”

Xu’s smooth face remained still. “How so?”

“She indicated complications delayed installation. However, when I pressed for more information and for a definitive timeline, she became a bit vague. She’s hiding something.”

Silence stretched for a moment. Tania associated the closed, still silence with Xu’s problem solving mindset.

“Given Commander Steesk’s history and personality, the problem most likely lies in another shop. She tends to be decisive within Engineering, but her ability to coordinate with other areas is less than ideal.”

“True. She’s an excellent Chief Engineer. Her shop runs well, but she lacks the willingness to use the chain of command to overcome roadblocks.”

Xu inclined his head slightly. It was his version of mild amusement. “The same could be said of you, Captain.”

Tania’s lips twitched. “Maybe. But this is my ship, so I need to make sure it runs the way it’s supposed to.”

“If there is a problem, it almost certainly stems from Medical.”

“That’s usually the case. Guess who’s elected to ensure my new engines come on line as soon as possible?”

Another one of those amused head movements. “I will go see Commander Steesk now.”

Smiling slightly, she leaned back in her chair. “You do that.”