A Tale Of Two Engineers

Posted on Sat Jan 23rd, 2021 @ 3:29am by Lieutenant JG James Campbell & Lieutenant Commander E'Lor Tabor Daughter House Krug

603 words; about a 3 minute read

Mission: State of the Union
Location: E’Lor’s Office

James was excited to meet his supervisor. This was his first posting as an Assistant Chief Engineer, and he wanted to make a great impression.

James pushed the door chime for E’Lor’s office, and waited.

Startled, dropping her PADD by the chime, "Come!" she said. Picking up the PADD, she looked to see an engineering officer standing in front of her. "How can I help you Lt. ...." she smiled.

“James Campbell, ma’am,” James said, saluting. “I’m your new Assistant Chief Engineer.” James noticed E’Lor was very pretty, but he hoped his face gave no indication of that. He was determined to make a good impression.

"Relax before you snap in two! I only growl, don't bite," E'Lor said laughing. "Please sit and relax, I don't stand on ceremony here and please for Kahless's sake call me E'Lor or Chief, and I'll call you James," she added smiling at the young man. "Glad to have you here, tell me about a little of your engineering background," chuckling.

James allowed himself to relax, and smiled. “It’s not much to tell. I majored in Engineering, with a minor in Helm and Navigation, at the Academy. My first assignment was the Cochrane. It was a small ship, and a good first assignment, but I wanted to serve on a larger starship. I was approved to transfer to the Fredrickson, which I was happier with. Then I saw the opportunity to be an Assistant Chief on a Titan-class starship, and couldn’t pass up the chance at that!”

"Well then, I assume you know the difference between an impulse drive and warp drive....," she said laughing. "Engineering joke Mr. Cambell, you'll get it sooner than later. Anyhow, you sure of yourself and you have the right attitude. If it ain't broke, don't fix it. Chances are if you go to fix it, you'll probably break it for real!" E'Lor added smiling. "Your quarter's are ok?" she added.

James decided not to tell her that he liked to tinker with things to attempt to improve their efficiency. Instead he answered, “I have no complaints. I do have a question, what do you all do for fun on this ship once the shift is over?”

"We have our holodecks and gym, and most of the crew do take full advantage of it. We also have an arboretum to walk in. I like the fresh smell of growth and life in the arboretum, " E'Lor said.

“I love a good holonovel,” James said. “Especially ones with a twist ending. Is there anything I should know about any of the rest of your staff?”

"Tell you what, I was going to have a small get together of the people in the department, join us and introduce yourself that way. I still need to know all my people as well," E'Lor said smiling at her assistant.

“That sounds great!” James answered, not bothering to hide his excitement. “I do love social gatherings. Drinks and chit chat, or karaoke and party games?”

"Party games? No just drinks conversation and have a good time relaxing and getting to know each other" E'Lor said smiling at her new addition. She was glad to finally have a second in her engine room.

“Those are fun, too,” John said. “If there’s nothing else, I’m excited to get to work.”

Stepping sideways, "Of course, be my guest. The engines are thata way," she said pointing to the far side of the engine room.


Lt. Cmdr. E'Lor Tabor
Chief Engineering Officer
USS Ganymede

Lt. jg James Campbell
Assistant Chief Engineering Officer
USS Ganymede

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