Scott woke with a sadness he was unused to feeling. He wasn’t sure where it was coming from but he strongly suspected it had something to do with his experience on the strange planet which was now lightyears behind them. He showered and dressed quickly, putting g on his best looking uniform. After a small but decent breakfast he made his way to the bridge. During the encounter with the hostile alien ships he realized how little he really knew about ship board operations and this spaceship in particular. He planned on correcting that shortcoming as soon as possible.<br/><br/>Scott spent the first part of his day on the bridge getting more familiar with the operations of the ship and most specifically its layout and defensive systems. He found that most of the civilian bridge crew were very helpful, especially Dr. Rahimi. Although at times the doctor seemed to be slightly condescending, he seemed to actually take pleasure in teaching Scott about the ships systems and was more than helpful. Scott realized that his distrust of civilians was probably getting the better of him; that was something he would have to work on.<br/><br/>Before he could head to the cafeteria and get some lunch he was informed that he was to attend a meeting with Dr. Heath and several other personnel. Scott arrived in the newly converted conference room to see Dr. Heath, Dr. Rahimi, Dr. Pike and two other doctors whose names escaped him. A smile spread across his face when he saw Dr. Randall sitting in a chair up front, and fortunately there was an empty chair next to her which he promptly sat in. He was only a little surprised to see that he was the only military person invited to this particular meeting.<br/><br/>“Captain Hunter, I’m glad you could make it.” Dr. Heath said as he sat down. “I thought it would be helpful if we could review our first few days on the ship and see where we stand and where we need to improve.” Dr. Heath spoke from the head of the table, obviously using every psychological advantage she could find.<br/><br/>“First I would like to commend the captain and his team, including our own Dr. Randall.” Scott didn’t miss the reference to “our own” as if separating his soldiers from her civilians. Or was he being influenced by the colonel’s words… “They did an excellent job on our first investigation of another world and I’m glad they all made it back safely. Also, I would like to thank Dr. Rahimi and his bridge crew for their perfect handling of our first combat encounter. Job well done to all of you.”<br/><br/>“And now on to less pleasant things: Captain Hunter, I have received a few complaints about some of your troops not following instructions or being rude to civilian personnel. I don’t think I need to tell you that this type of behavior will not be tolerated and I expect you will put a stop to it immediately.”<br/><br/>Scott was floored. She was talking to him as if she was a general! She could have told him in private, mentioned the specific incident and allowed him to address it. But instead she chose to chew his ass in front of her fellow doctors! What the fuck was she trying to accomplish. Scott’s face reddened in anger and he wanted to stand up and confront her, but his military discipline quickly gained control and he took a deep breath before speaking calmly, his voice barely betraying his anger.<br/><br/>“I understand Dr. Heath and I will address it with my troops. However, I would like to also add that I too have received a few complaints. The soldiers aboard this ship may not be well read doctors or engineers but they are highly trained and highly skilled professionals who have more than earned the right to be here. They are not children who can be ordered around on a whim. I agree that all military personnel should follow all reasonable instructions from any civilians who ask. However you must understand that we in the military have a definite chain of command and my people will follow MY orders first and foremost.”<br/><br/>Scott realized his voice had grown louder in anger and he leaned back in his chair to calm himself. “I will make sure my people are more respectful in the future but please understand this is a two way street.” Scott turned to look at the doctor seated next to him and smiled tightly. “Wouldn’t you agree, Dr. Randall?” He felt bad about putting her on the spot but he felt that she would agree with him…and besides, she was one of the civilians his team had complained about.<br/>