Commander's Rounds

Entry 60: Commander's Aide

"They've sent me an assistant?" The commander looked up from his papers. It was the middle of the day, and it was a strange thing to bring up right then. "I thought I was clear that I didn't need another aide- I and the rest of you have been able to handle the military administration just fine."

Enterprise shook her head. "Unfortunately, by the time you told them that, the procedure was already in motion. They sent him on his way already, and there's nothing that can be done about it." She looked through the file that was sent ahead. "Still, it doesn't seem as though they pulled his name out of a hat- his academy record says he excelled at administration and logistics."

He sighed. "Whatever his skills might be, we haven't been able to make arrangements for accommodation and other support either, so we're going to have to scramble to sort all of that out, too. Beats me as to why they'd do this, though. Probably some automatic protocol once a base reaches a certain size, and we certainly have grown since we started." He put down the papers he was holding. "So, when is he expected to arrive?"

Enterprise responded promptly. "His ship pulled in with one of our convoys ten minutes ago."

The commander blinked. "First, that was quick. and second, that would place that convoy well ahead of schedule, which never happens."

The carrier turned a page. "Your new assistant made modifications to the route and managed to convince the convoy officer to adopt his plan." She closed the folder. "I sent Tennessee to retrieve him- it seemed a good way to ease him in, to have him meet with someone rather no-nonsense. I also told her to inform him that things work differently here than what he may be used to or have been taught."

"Glad you're on top of things." The commander quickly made his desk look more organized than it was. "I doubt we'll have to wait long for him to show up here. Tennessee tends to be rather direct."

They did not have to wait long.

Tennesee entered the commander's office, and with her was a young man in a black naval uniform, the national insignia replaced with that of Azur Lane. He was a few years younger than the commander and just about as tall, and he had short brown hair combined with bright, green eyes. The commander guessed from his rank insignia that he was something equivalent to a Junior Lieutenant. He snapped a salute, immediately giving off an air of having an excess of well-disciplined energy. "Sir! Albert Kesler reporting as your aide, service to begin immediately, sir!"

The commander gave a nod. "Well, we can always use the help, but your arrival was a bit sudden. Tennessee, take officer Kesler's belongings to the commissariat- Akashi will keep them safe, but also tell her that if she charges him any "storage fees" I will have Hyuuga turn her over and shake it out of her." Tennessee gave a nod, and took his bags. He turned to the eager new officer. "I trust that Tennessee explained to you that this will be unlike any other assignment you might have trained for?"

A quick nod was his response. "She did inform me about such matters, sir, though she did not go into great detail- she said that seeing you was more important."

"All right." The commander paused. How could he explain his experience over the past years? "...This posting asks you to be much more than a military officer. This is not the sort of command where you can act effectively based only on your legal authority as a commander."

He seemed confused. "...Would you elaborate, sir?"

The commander put on a small smile. "...They have to trust you. Fully and completely. While that's an important part of commanding in general, here it goes beyond the rigors of your rank." The commander needed to pause. "They won't do their best for anyone who keeps them at arm's length, you see. They may want to get close to you, and if they do, you have to let them. Do that, and your trust and effort will be repaid."