Nothing Special V (Nothing Special 5)

Tech wasn’t used to the formal Syn, but he knew the guy had that side to him and used it when needed. Tech nodded. “I don’t want to abandon my position. But honestly, I can do both, as far as the software developing and the research. I can teach someone with a low-level computer degree to do the communications aspect. We had another comms specialist for two years until he transferred. Radioing and dispatching aren’t difficult to train another officer to do. There’re several specialists in our precinct with engineering degrees and previous dispatch experience that have approached me about providing me with assistance, but I have someone who I think would be a much better asset. Someone who wouldn’t need an ounce of training and will absolutely blow your mind with his skills.”

Syn nodded like he was agreeing, but he wasn’t saying the actual words. “Let’s talk about the newly acquired skills you mentioned earlier… elaborate on that.”

Tech told Steele about studying and learning under Chen’s tutelage for the last two years, and Syn’s reaction was as expected. Surprised and impressed.

“I looked into that program. It’s extremely expensive. Even for my paygrade. You’re not moonlighting on the side, are you?” Syn teased him.

Tech smiled at his long-time friend and brother. “Whatever. I’ve done some work for Chen, upgrading his systems and so forth. So he gives me a substantial discount.”

“Nice. So you’ve been training with him for two years?”

“Yes, sir. Three days a week. It’s been crazy, but nice, ya know. He feels I’m ready, but most of all, I know I’m ready,” Tech said confidently.

“Alright, then. Let me talk with God and Day and see how they want to approach this. You know we believe in making sure you guys are happy here, and if you’re not feeling satisfied or are even slightly under-challenged or not performing to your full potential, then we need to reevaluate.”

Tech liked what Syn was saying, though he figured he would. His bosses were fair. Always had been. Michaels was the last one to come on to the team before Steele, and once he’d shown his skill and dedication to wanting to join the team, Day had done everything he could to get the beat officer moved through the ranks and promoted to his team. He was positive they’d do the same for him. But, no doubt, there’d be a test first.

“Anything else?” Syn asked him, a sly smile tugging on his lips. “Any confessions or personal matters you’d like to discuss?”

Tech fought to keep a poker face. “Hmm. Nothing comes to mind.”

Syn reclined, linking his hands across his stomach. “Really? Nothing at all? Because I’m all ears.”

“Don’t sell yourself short, Sarge.” Tech winked.

“You little shit. Spit it out. How’s it going with our decorated Marine?” Syn chuckled, throwing a balled-up piece of paper at Tech’s chest.

He swatted it back, no longer able to hide his smile, especially when thinking about Steele. “It’s going to be slow going for a while, Syn, and I’m good with that. Like I said to you already.” Tech lowered his voice, comfortable with confiding in his friend. “I don’t want to start anything he can’t finish.”

“Do you still feel he’s out of your league?”

Tech bit his bottom lip. “I never really thought that. We do have extremely different backgrounds, but we both can bring different things – unique things – to the table. And that’s a good foundation. At this point, I just need to know he’s here for a while and Atlanta isn’t a pit stop on the winding highway of his well-traveled life. I have to weigh the pros and cons and deduce the potential risk.”

Syn grimaced at him. “Where do you get this stuff? Life, relationships can’t always be looked at so analytically, Shawn. Sometimes you have to go with your gut… with your heart.” Syn narrowed his eyes. “Did you read his entire military file?”

“Most of it,” Tech said, looking away.

“Okay then, holding that part of his life against him is not right. What he had to do as a soldier to defend his country, what he had to do to stay alive, or even what he had to do when he came back home to cope with society, shouldn’t be weighed against him. He’s entitled to find happiness. I think, more so than anyone.” Syn stood up, looking down at Tech with compassion and understanding. Typical Syn. “I don’t know him well enough to say give him a shot. But I do know he’s not the type to tuck tail and run, or quit. And that seems to be your primary concern. So… make your own conclusions.”

Tech could only nod.

Syn walked around the table and squeezed both Tech’s shoulders. “I’ll talk with God and Day soon… if they haven’t killed each other today.”