Staff addition

Posted on Friday 12 August 2022 @ 21:31 by Ensign Charlie Cooper & Commander Seklar

Mission: Revelations
Location: Engineering
Timeline: MD4
838 words - 1.7 OF Standard Post Measure

ON:

Engineering was quiet today, especially with most of the staff enjoying leave. Seklar had taken a break from his tinkering with the holographic shuttle, taking a moment to go over staff additions and upgrade progress. Beelining to his office he spotted a young woman in a uniform with yellow trimmings. "Can I help you?" He asked, redirecting his path.

Charlie had decided to go and see Commander Seklar straight away and had been informed he was onboard the Merlin. While her temporary quarters were still on DS21, once she was settled, she beamed over to the Merlin and headed down to main engineering.

As she entered, she spotted the Commander coming over to her.

Well... Here goes nothing.... Keep it civil Charlie.... She thought to herself as she came to attention "Ensign Charlie Cooper reporting for duty Sir!" She handed him a PADD with her assignment orders.

"At ease ensign," the chief engineer ordered as he reviewed her transfer orders. "What is your speciality ensign?" He queried as he beckoned her to follow him to his office.

Charlie followed him towards his office, trying to keep her face and tone neutral, trying to keep things professional. "Theoretical propulsion Sir. That's why I requested the Merlin. I'd heard they were installing a new quantum slipstream drive." She decided not to mention the shuttle at this point, seeing if he brought it up first.

"Quantum slipstream is hardly theoretical though," Seklar pointed out as he took a seat, "however I could use someone with extensive knowledge as I am not yet up to date with such an engine. I have never seen one in use from up close and have never used one before. Are you up to the task of familiarizing yourself and bringing all of us up to speed?"

Charlie tried hard to suppress a grin at the thought of having one up on a superior Vulcan. "While it's not theoretical Sir, it's still relatively new and largely unknown and I did an extensive study on it while at the Acadamy. I'd be happy to assist you and the crew."

Emboldened by this and her ego slightly swelled, she just couldn't keep her mouth shut. "And I'd also heard something about an experimental shuttle?"

"You heard correctly though the number of engineers and pilots working on this is limited. Only two people will he on board during the actual test flight, and those are already assigned." She seemed eager but he didn't really need a very new and green addition working on something so delicate and sensitive. "I need you here in engineering to assist with the quantum drive."

DAMN IT! I've overplayed my hand... she thought to herself. And now this smug, sanctimonious Vulcan is laying down the law like they always do. Doesn't he realise I could be helpful with that too?

"But Sir..." She started to protest, her emotions rising, overpowering her desire to have remain composed. "With my area of expertise, I could be a valuable resource to have on the shuttle team, especially during the construction on testing phase."
She paused, then tried a different tactic, trying to use logic against him which in her past experience of trying to use logic against a Vulcan had never worked. But she tried anyway.
"Would it be logical not to use all the resources at your disposal to ensure the best possible outcome?"

"I gave you your instructions ensign," Seklar answered calmly, sensing the rise in her emotions. "It may be your area of expertise, but you do not have experience. You are fresh from the academy and I need an experienced team on this project. Adding to the fact, you just arrived here, so I do not know you. I have no basis on what you can and cannot do. Therefore, I need you on the team that assists with installing the quantum drive to the ship."
Unfortunately for her, he was no creature of logic, therefore it couldn't be used against him.

Charlie's jaw clenched unconsciously for a moment and her eyes grew cold as she stared at him, a deep burning feeling started in the pit of her stomach as she thought to herself So... This is how it's going to be? FINE! This means War! You'll regret this, I promise you. I'll be working on that shuttle.... one way or another...."

She once again put a neutral expression on her face but her voice had lost all its warmth. "Yes Sir, I understand. Permission to carry on with my duties, Sir?"

"Dismissed," Seklar replied, not quite sure what was going on here. He sensed something, but couldn't quite figure out what it was, except that something felt off.

Charlie turned and walked out of the office, her mind working... already planning the downfall of this smug, pompous Vulcan.

OFF:

● Ensign Charlie Cooper
Engineering Specialist
USS Merlin
npc Jones


Commander Seklar
Chief Engineer