Stars Beyond Reach

CH 6- PROMOTION

"You wanted to see me, Captain?"

It was midday and Krodos should have been getting ready for the lunch rush in the kitchen, but had instead been flummoxed by the buzzing of his callbox until Shi'a explained to him that he was being summoned to the control deck. Following the glowing lines, he had made his way there slowly, unease settling deep in his stomach. The only path he knew by heart was that from his quarters to the kitchen and back. Twice he almost ran into things because he was staring so hard at the screen gripped in his hand.

Captain Greeson swiveled in his chair to face him. He had just finished speaking to Arula and now seemed distracted. Arula's face was impassive as she walked away, but the captain's eyes lingered on her long, waving hair. "Yes, Krodos. I understand you've been learning English."

Sweat broke out on the Denalgian's palms. Was he in trouble for that? "Yes, sir."

The captain lightly rested his fingers on his temple, staring at Krodos in thought. "I want you moved to morning shift only in the kitchen." He rose from his chair. "George!"

George Rhiner appeared at the captain's elbow in an instant. It seemed he was never more than a few feet away. "Sir?"

"Make note of this," Captain Greeson instructed. George whipped out his snapboard and began tapping things in as the captain spoke. "Krodos will no longer be assigned only to the kitchen. Put him on security detail. He'll shadow Eandor." Captain Greeson studied Krodos's mostly bare form. His lips curved into a small smile. "You'll of course need to wear a uniform now."

Stunned, Krodos just nodded. He was being promoted? Security was the next rung in the ladder above kitchen and janitorial duties. Another task which required little training yet was vital to the ship's function. He could hardly believe it. The captain had already been so accommodating when he'd allowed Krodos a place on the crew, the Denalgian hadn't expected anything further.

George blew out a little puff of air as he finished entering the captain's notes. He avoided looking at Krodos. "Will that be all, sir?"

Captain Greeson returned to his seat. "Take him to get his uniform, Georgie."

Krodos half-expected steam to come out of the First Assistant's nostrils. Without waiting for him, George stalked down the corridor, the snapboard mashed against his side in fury. Krodos had to take long strides to keep up, yet he still made sure to keep his distance. Turning the corner, they ran into Sebastian, literally.

"Watch it, mate!" Sebastian protested, rubbing his jaw. Once he pushed the jet-black lank of hair from his eyes, he realized who he was talking to and his usually happy expression turned sour.

George wasn't the most popular crewmen on board because it was believed he had pull with the captain and could make your life miserable. It didn't help matters that his personality was very brusque as well. If he was completely unethical, he could change ranks and job assignments using his access to the system. Most people couldn't decipher if he was or not, so it was best not to get on his bad side if you could help it. Which apparently, Krodos couldn't.

"Watch it yourself," George snarled.

Sebastian regained his composure, not one to enjoy being told off. "Hey, Rhiner, heard you asked out a sheila on the research deck." He smirked. "That go well, did it?"

"Shove off, Echo."

Sebastian glanced over the human's shoulder. "Whatcha doing with my roomie?"

George opened his mouth to no doubt tell Sebastian to get lost again, when an idea came to him. He jerked his head back toward Krodos. "Take him to the lower deck and get him outfitted with a security uniform. Captain's orders." Having pawned his unappealing job off on someone else, George returned back the way he'd come, never once looking at Krodos.