Deep Depression
Posted on Tue Nov 3rd, 2020 @ 1:04am by Lieutenant Theodore Winslow & Narv bim Huffill
839 words; about a 4 minute read
Mission:
Equivalent Exchange
Location: Winslow Residence
Narv bim Huffill was in the front yard of the Winslow residence when its sole occupant returned from his duty shift. As always he was wearing his maintenance uniform, which fit him like a glove (the glove of a very fat hand), and the expansive tool belt that spread across his bulging abdomen like an orbital station. Since he was here on official business, he was also wearing his council sash.
"Lieutenant Winslow!" Narv shouted. Even when speaking normally, he seemed to shout everything. "The bags under your eyes get bigger every time I see you. And you'll never attract a mate with that posture. Or that hair. Or that vacant look in your eyes. Are you actively trying not to procreate? It might be the only thing you're actually good at."
Theodore stopped dead as he heard the shouting and then winced as he heard what the man was saying. If it had been yelled at anyone else the man might have turned on it heels and walked away but the man was yelling it at him and he was in fact 100% correct. "I am good at other things Narv. What are you doing here? Or is this just a reminder of how terrible I am?" Theo wondered moving to his door wanting nothing more than to go inside, shower and go to bed. He wanted to ignore the unpacked boxes and others that really would help his mood and brighten the place up in favour of oblivion of sleep right then. But it seemed the universe had other ideas as usual.
"Bringing your shortcomings to your attention is an added benefit of the visit," Narv said, following him. "I'm here to address your slovenly behavior; specifically, I have concerns about the height of the plant growth in the allotted green space in front of your home. We have regulations about that sort of thing. You'd know that if you had the attention span to read the homeowner's manual the council provided you."
"Well, my already fractured ego appreciates it," Theo added back sarcastically as he finally opened his gate and took at the grass that was growing. "Narv we both know I have been living here less than a week. I have been on duty every single one of those days so far pulling doubles to try and catch up after my suspension. This is the first day that I am home at the end of a normal shift." He murmured wondering if he could bribe one of the local kids to keep the grass within regulations.
Narv took note of the unpacked boxes and spartan decor. It was depressing, which of course he verbalized. "This is the most depressing home in the colony. Why haven't you unpacked? You clearly need some assistance. Should I speak to your superior officer about reducing your workload? There can't be that much to secure around here, can there?"
"Because I've been in a week." Theo shrugged feeling like he was going to have to repeat himself to get the point across. Everyone was acting like he had not been suspended from duty for what had felt like months stuck in the emergency housing that had been set up when they had first arrived. "And I have had a lot to catch up on now I am back on duty."
"Like what?" Narv asked, tilting his head slightly.
"Open investigations, crew rosters, changes, you name it and I feel like I have dealt with it this week. Would you like some refreshment?" Theo wondered politely.
"Yes, please. Whatever you have pre-programmed that isn't disgusting," Narv said, then followed him to the replicator. "What open investigations? I don't remember hearing anything about any open investigations in the last council meeting. Is Starfleet hiding crime from us? Criminal activity on this planet is a community concern."
"That is between you and Mahone," Theo said. He knew he was constantly dealing with petty crime and random needs from his department. It did not concern him what Mahone passed on or not. "Here." Theo had replicated a pot of tea and moved over to the dining table that was clear to allow them to sit.
Once seated, Narv lifted the lid of the teapot and practically plunged his snout into it. A few deep breaths satisfied him that it was in fact fit for consumption, and he poured himself a cup. Then, more reluctantly, poured one for Theo.
"I don't like Mahone," Narv said flatly. "I've said as much to his face. He's evasive. The civilian authority of this planet expects clear, direct communication from Starfleet, and he gives a lot of hmm, huh, ehh, uhh."
"Well like I said that is between you two. He is my Commanding Officer. I hope apart from my grass not being quite right we have a better relationship." Theo said simply. "Thank you. I should have done that as host." The man said not sure whos manner were more at fault for that not happening.
TRANCATED
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