"You're gonna have to roll those sleeves down," the African American Chief told Alex.
"Yes Chief," she replied as she stood up and rolled her coverall sleeves down.
"Can't have visible tattoos," he said as he walked away.
Alex had come back from leave and was back in the grind. She was only gone for about a week. She decided to cut her time at home short. Her brother and father wanted her more and more. They had even begun fighting over her. She decided it was best for her to go back to San Diego. She spent New Year's Eve downtown, sober. She was able to get a few kisses, but didn't succeed in getting laid. And while she was out it seemed like the work kept piling up. The holiday season only delayed the inevitable work that had to be done. Ironically working hours were not extended and this came as a relief to everybody. But an out to sea period loomed on the horizon and Alex wasn't happy.
Alex was able to go to the vending machines in the galley during a break when Chief Mayes from earlier confronted her.
"Lundz," he asked as he walked up to her.
"Yes Chief," she replied.
"You did a good job with the painting today," he said.
"Thank you Chief," she replied as she took a sip of her soda.
Part of her tattoo protruded from her uniform as she lowered her soda.
"Just got to do something about the tattoos," he smiled as he walked off.
Alex stood there for a few minutes finishing her soda. She went back to the Forecastle the moment she finished it. She noticed a large bag of trash by the Division office. She walked into the office and picked up the bag. She noticed Chief Mayes sitting in the office.
"Get that out of here," he smiled.
She didn't say anything. She just took the bag to the dumpster and walked back to the Forecastle. Muster came quickly and she soon changed into her civilian clothes. She left the ship and began to walk towards the gate when she saw Chief Mayes again. He was in uniform and carrying two boxes. He was having a problem carrying them and looked like he would drop one.
"Do you need help Chief," she asked.
"Lundz," he said, "yeah, my car is on the far side of the lot."
She grabbed the top box and began to follow him. He didn't say much and she kept up with him as they made it to his SUV.
"Here we go," he said as he put the box down.
He opened the back door and Alex loaded one of the boxes in the cargo area. She looked around and noticed that he was far away from the ship and the other cars. She didn't want to ask why. As she turned away he noticed her tattoos.
"Nice tattoos," he smiled.
"Wish I could display them," she said in a low tone.
"New Commanding Officer's bullshit," he remarked.
"Nothing I can do, or whatever," she said.
"Do you need a ride anywhere," he asked.
"I don't know, I don't think so," she replied as she ran her hand down her left arm.
"Did you need to go anywhere," he asked as he put his arm up against the SUV blocking her way.