=/\= Turbolift 1 =/\=
Gustav was standing in the Turbolift on his way to the bridge for a meeting with the Captain, he didn't know what the Captain wanted and it didn't matter, if the Captain calls you go, he didn't think it would be anything bad after the awards ceremony.
Once the lift stopped Gustav left and headed for Rojac's ready room, as he got to the door he tapped the panel next to it to notify that someone was waiting outside the door.
Rojac beckoned at the sound of the chime and motioned to the seat across from the wooden desk. "Have a seat, Lieutenant. Thank you for replying to my request so expediently."
"Any time sir" Gustav replied
"How is your arm performing?"
Gustav thought about his answer a little then said, "very well sir… after some slight mods that is".
"Yes." Rojac brought a hand to his beard and rubbed at it slightly. "I thought it odd that you ordered such an outdated prosthetic design, Lieutenant. Especially when I heard from the counsellors that you were making improvements to it. Why didn't you go for the newer nanite based models?" He asked. He knew the answer, but he wanted to see how easily Kroitzer would divulge the information to him.
"It wouldn't have worked sir, my body and nanites don't mix," he explained knowing that his CO probably already knew about his medical history after Rangi had made him reveal it.
Rojac nodded. "It's an interesting and horrible thing what that damned company did to you, Kroitzer. I'm glad you have risen above it. You have remarkable abilities as an officer and Engineer, Lieutenant. However, that is not the purpose of this meeting." Rojac leaned forward and crossed his arms atop the desk. "Lieutenant, you papers for promotion came across this desk earlier in the week, and I did not sign them. I thought it only fair to explain to you why."
With a look of concern on his face Gustav asked "Why?"
"I still don't quite get it sir, I sent in a report that stated that the accident was completely unforeseeable and that all safety protocols had been followed which computer logs back up, so with all due respect sir am I getting this 'black mark,'" Gustav said while trying to keep his emotions in check.
Rojac leaned back in his chair, quite surprised at the sudden rant from the deputy engineer. "Because I don't think you are ready for it, Mr. Kroitzer. The computer controller that you designed couldn't take the amount of power that you were feeding into the launcher and it overloaded. You designed it, Mr. Kroitzer. Besides, you've been part time for much of the last few months while first your domestic partner was injured, and then while you were recovering. As Deputy Chief Engineer, other Assistant Engineers had to step in and fill your place." Rojac paused for a moment, sensing the tension in the room. "You need more time, Lieutenant, and that's my decision."
Gustav knew that the Captains decision was final and most of his points were valid although he was misinformed about the controller, it could take the power plus some more if need be, it was the main processor was faulty and that's what caused the accident.
Knowing he wouldn't win the argument Gustav backed down "Very well sir, I apologise for my outburst, it's just been… tough over the past few weeks" adding with a renewed drive "but I guarantee you that you won't hesitate to sign the promotion papers next time."
