Strongarmed

Posted on Mon May 25th, 2026 @ 5:20pm by Captain Marc Steyn

524 words; about a 3 minute read

Mission: Prologue: Joy is in the journey

ON

Engineering seemed to be a hive of activity, red shirts flitting too and frow all with the same dire expression. She assumed that it was due to the pressure she had placed on them to ensure Oberth was ready to depart on schedule, even if Command had given an additional eight hour window, something she was neglecting to inform the engineering team on the off chance the ship still launched on schedule, it would look far better for the crew if they did.
To that end, she had been moderately impressed by the young Andorian women that had been leading the charge in engineering. Commander Vero had made her aware that this young women seemed less than enthusiastic about remaining on the ship so she had pulled some strings with the Starbase Commander.

"Lieutenant could you spare yourself for a few moments?"

K'Ari glanced up to see that Captain. "Of course, Captain." She replied as she made a note of the sensor relay diagnostic results. She then used her hand to direct the Captain towards a quiet corner of the small main engineering area.

The Captain followed the young Andorian women, noting her ease around the engineering staff. The Commander had his reservations about the Lieutenant but Sakara had to admit, she knew her way around an engine room.
"I felt it only right to inform you that I have spoken to the Station Commander and they have agreed to release you to Oberth simply due to the need for a Chief Engineer... This can be a temporary assignment if you prefer and when we dock for resupply you will be relieved of duty to return to Starbase if you so choose".

"I understand, Captain. Thank you for letting me know." K'Ari replied, her tone respectful as always. "As for it being permanent, I'd like time to consider it. I'd always hoped to have time to think about the next step on the career ladder rather than it being made for me."

"Indeed" Sakara acknowledged the sudden leap in position for the young women. "Circumstance being what they are, I was not able to allow the luxury of time. You may consider the position until we put in for resupply in approximately one month".

"Thank you, Captain. It's an honour to be thought highly enough to be made a Chief so quickly in my career." The Engineer replied, trying to not let too much emotion show.

In truth, Command had only considered a more junior officer appropriate for the position rather than pulling one of their more seasons engineers away from the larger assignments such as the Constitution Class compliment or the more robust Miranda Class that has started to roll out twelve months ago. The Oberth Class was intended to be a science ship so a lesser priority had been placed on the staffing requirements. Not something Sakara would be divulging to the young woman because it was still very much a leap ahead for her career.
"Do you need anything of me Lieutenant?"

With the shake of her head Sakara nodded her farewells and proceeded on with her daily tasks.

END

RSS Feed