Joint Log - FADM Malone & Lt Waterhouse - "The Greater Good"

Posted on Sat Aug 9th, 2014 @ 3:59pm by Commander Amelia Waterhouse & Fleet Admiral Kerry Malone

1,365 words; about a 7 minute read

Mission: In the Dark

Amelia Waterhouse was a woman on a mission today. The fleet had needs, and these needs were having to be met in creative ways. Inspired by some dinner table chatter with her parents, and the mention of her mother's Ferengi managed bank account being something that might have to be donated to the cause, had inspired an idea in Amelia, so she pursued it like she pursued anything: quickly, ruthlessly, and efficiently.

There was a long history on earth of people putting silly things on the auction block to raise donations to a cause, and one that Amelia had always taken a fancy to was when a high ranking person within a military group would offer themselves as a target for a pie. This did two things: it encouraged people to part with goods and services for the cause, and it caused a noticeable boost in morale at getting to watch those in charge look silly with pie in the face.

Amelia had contacted Admiral Malone's staff to arrange an appointment, then tried to not think too hard about it while she waited for the appointment to arrive. She'd gone out of her way to make sure her appearance was 200%: her uniform perfectly pressed, her rank insignia and combadge brought to a perfect shine, her boots so well polished you could see your reflection in them. She'd elected for a softer French twist in her hair, instead of the all business combination of French braids and buns she often favored on duty.

She arrived 15 minutes early, and waited patiently after checking in.

The pleasant aide who sat outside Malone's office on the Ticonderoga had offered the young Lieutenant a beverage, and having done so - notified the Fleet Admiral that his next appointment was here, albeit early. For his part, Malone's previous engagement had ended some time previously, and he was enjoying a rare few minutes of solitude and reflection that could only be acquired during peace and quiet. When this was shattered, he found himself unable to return to that state.

Instead, he made himself a pot of tea from his own personal stock of real tea-leaves from Earth. He brewed it in his white ceramic tea-pot with the Starfleet crest embossed in blue, with gold trim. This was part of his tea-service that had matching cups and saucers. Once the tea was brewed, he poured himself a cup, added milk and a little sugar and stirred it gently. After a brief pause, he indicated that his aide could send in Lieutenant Waterhouse.

Amelia politely thanked the aide, and headed into Malone's office as directed. She opened her mouth to start with a polite greeting and the other fluffy formalities that usually prefaced a visit up the ranks when the smell of the fresh brewed tea hit her. So instead she grinned at the smell of it.

"Good Afternoon Lieutenant." Malone said, gesturing for the young woman to have a seat before his desk. "Would you care for some tea?"

"Afternoon, sir," Amelia returned, finally drawing her attention from the tea. "It smells amazing, yes please." She sat down, folding her hands in her lap.

Kerry poured her a cup, and passed it over indicating with his other hand the cream and sugar should she want them. "To what do I owe the pleasure?"

Amelia smiled again as she collected the teacup, holding it under her nose a moment to enjoy it. "I had an interesting idea, in regards to the resources issue that is currently looming for the fleet," she explained, and took a sip of the tea. "A lot of people in the fleet have interesting resources available to them, and most of them don't think about them day to day. We need to give them a reason to consider these things, and motivation beyond just loyalty to offer them for our use."

"Could activate a war clause, impound their possessions for the good of the Federation." Malone said, leaning back in his chair, sipping his tea. "Militarize their assets."

"And you'd be alienating all the good men and women in the fleet in one fell swoop," Amelia returned, half hiding in the tea cup. She elected not to point out how her mother could react to having to hand over her Ferengi bank account. It wouldn't be pretty, that's for certain. "You could, instead, let people feel like they have a choice, convince them to offer these things up willingly. Build up loyalty, and boost morale."

"And how do you suppose I do that, Lieutenant? Hold a bake sale? Sell cookies ship to ship?" Malone asked, frowning at her.

"You could take a pie to the face, for the greater good," she offered up with a smirk.

"I beg your pardon, Lieutenant." Malone said, calmly, putting his tea-cup down on his saucer gently - then placing it on the desk as he leaned forward.

"Have you seen the old earth films, turn of the 20th century stuff, with the slapstick? That's where the idea comes from, but it's an old earth tradition in some military outfits, to run charities auctions where the winners get to pie their commanding officers," she explained, holding eye contact with Malone, and punctuating the end of her sentence with a sip of tea. "This is delicious."

"It's an old Earth blend from England." Malone said. "You want me to allow people to throw pies in my face - for giggles?"

"Only one pie, sir," she demurred. "You'd be far from the only target up for auction, but you'd likely get the best bids, considering you're probably going to be the highest rank on the auction block. My father, a rear Admiral and lead on the Fighter development team at Utopia Planitia until recent circumstances forced his relocation here, has already volunteered himself as a target. I suspect my mother'll clear out her bank account to get to throw that pie." Amelia grinned widely.

Kerry frowned. "I'm not sure I like the precedent for allowing people to assault senior flag officers - for cash." He said.

Amelia chewed her lip as she considered the man across the desk from her. Her parents had absolutely loved the idea, but Amelia had to remember that her parents were a little unusual, particularly within the fleet, and especially within the upper ranks of it. "It's not necessarily going to be cash," she quibbled, buying time as she tried to decide how to convince him. "They may have family in key areas that are willing to shelter officers, or know people within the government of certain planets with resources we need."

"But even if that's true, and I do allow the highest bidder to pie me, it'll only be one thing we get from it. For your idea to work, we'd need several officers to do it." He explained. "We're fighting for our survival here, we need everything we can get."

"As I said, my father has already volunteered. I suspect we could probably get a few more of the higher ups to do so too. Then perhaps even captains or other senior staff from various ships?" Amelia shrugged. "It certainly wouldn't be out of line to also allow people to donate to the cause without a reward. They're more likely to do it as part of a morale boosting event."

"I will consider your offer, Lieutenant." Malone said, after a moment's pause.

Amelia opened her mouth, ready to continue arguing, but she was pretty sure she recognized that tone. Any further arguing was more likely to harm her cause, and at this point she was at the mercy of Admiral Malone. She had to hope there was a sense of humor inside him, and trust she'd argued her case well enough. After one last sip, she set the tea cup down on his desk with a smile.

"Thank you for your time, and sharing you tea, sir," she said, standing. "I look forward to hearing your answer."

"Have a good afternoon Lieutenant." Malone said, dismissing the erstwhile female officer.

Amelia nodded politely, and made her retreat.

=/\= End =/\=

Fleet Admiral Kerry Malone
Starfleet CinC

Lieutenant Amelia Waterhouse
Infiltration Specialist
USS Vindicator

 

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