New Spaces

Posted on Mon Feb 13th, 2023 @ 6:56am by

599 words; about a 3 minute read

Mission: Ethics, Morals & The Prime Directive.
Location: Engineering
Timeline: 32hrs before departure

Holy shit, RJ’s jaw dropped as she caught a glimpse of her new home. It was huge. She knew it would be, but no one could truly prepare for seeing that type of ship in person for the first time. It was almost hard to believe that she, a mere lieutenant, had somehow been selected as the CEO of this thing. Her family was beyond proud, but she’d be lying if she said she didn’t have any reservations about the gig. She was at least glad that Gavin would be joining her. His presence would be a piece of comfort and reassurance in a very large new home.

After dropping off a bag and a note for Gavin in their quarters, RJ headed towards engineering. The whole place was a buzz of excitement and she felt like a kid in a candy store as she walked through the doors. She couldn’t believe that this was somehow hers.

“Hey, watch it,” another engineer bumped into her as he was doing his rounds, completely unphased by the fact that he had just rubbed elbows with the new chief. In fact, no one seemed to notice who she was. Not that she could blame them. Who would expect anyone less than a Commander to lead the department? She couldn’t believe it herself. In fact, sometimes, she wondered if Starfleet had made a mistake and thought she might receive a communication any day now detailing the correction with a transfer notice. RJ shook the thought from her head. Even if it was a mistake, she’d enjoy it while she could.

The CEO’s office was obviously pretty bare. The space itself was much larger than anything she’d had on previous postings. Too large even. There was something to be said about a small but cozy office and she wasn’t entirely sure how to turn something this big into a homey and welcoming space. Then again, it was an office. Maybe it didn’t need to be cozy.

“Oh, sorry,” a small statured ensign entered the room, looking lost. “I was just going to drop these off for the CEO’s first day tomorrow,” he said. “She’s new and some of the guys were saying that she likes to see the engine diagnostics from the previous shift at the beginning of the day.”

RJ did her best to keep a straight face. She was almost sure this poor ensign had been the victim of a classic engineering prank. She shook her head and sighed.

“What was your name again ensign?” She asked.

“Ensign Owens,” the young man replied with an enthusiastic smile.

“Did you happen to open that report?”

“Uh, no, ma’am,” he said with some hesitation.

“Why don’t you check it out?” RJ suggested.

Owens picked up the padd and opened up the report. RJ suppressed the urge to laugh as his face turned bright red.

“Not the engine diagnostics, eh?” RJ chuckled.

“Uh, no ma’am. Thank you, ma’am. You really saved my life there. I might’ve been in a world of trouble if the CEO read this tomorrow.”

“Oh, I have a feeling she’d have understood. Maybe. Anyway, it was nice to meet you, Ensign Owens. Have a good afternoon,” RJ chuckled once more as the very embarrassed man stumbled out of the office. She then moved around the desk, sat in her new chair, and leaned back, still chuckling to herself. Perhaps this new ship wouldn’t be so bad after all.

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