Showing the New Guy Around

Posted on Sat Dec 28th, 2024 @ 1:57pm by Ensign Eric Banner & Lieutenant JG Alicia Santos

728 words; about a 4 minute read

Alicia sighed as she led the ensign she had been given to a turbolift and tried to think of some easy way to teach him about settling in on his first assignment. The guy seemed too wound up, and too squeaky new of an officer. The spit and polish of the academy was far too obvious. In fact, he radiated new academy graduate. "Have you had anything to eat?" she asked, realizing that it was close to dinner time.

"No Ma'am," Eric said as he braced to attention stance. He tried to think but he was sure that other than breakfast he hadn't eaten much. The day had been a long one and he was hungry.

"Ok, the lounge it is," Alicia said as she ordered the computer to direct the turbolift to deck two. "First, you don't have to go to attention every time you speak to a superior officer. Save that for formal occasions. Second, I trust you know where your quarters are?"

"Uh, yes ma'am," Eric said as he struggled to obey the advice. It was difficult. He had spent four years jumping to attention every time he was spoken to and it was hard to undo that habit after so long. "And I do know where my quarters and engineering are. I've yet to learn much else about this ship."

"It's not very difficult," Alicia said as the turbolift stopped and the doors opened. She led him out and down the corridor to the ship's mess hall and main lounge. "There are replicators in your quarters and they're a bit more customizable as far as menu items, but the lounge replicators are just as good and the view is better," she finished by waving her hand towards the view ports which displayed an amazing view of the stars.

"My quarters don't have a view port," Eric said as he tried to think of what he wanted to eat.

"Most don't," Alicia said as she tapped the replicator controls and placed an order for a beef roast stew. It was one meal she could count on to fill her stomach and keep her going for a while. "I'll be at a table while you decide," she told the ensign.

Eric stood at the replicator for a few minutes before he finally decided on a bowl of tomato soup. Collecting his tray, he easily found the engineering officer and joined her, sitting down across the table from her. "You asked the lieutenant if I was going to be training in both operations and engineering earlier. Does that mean that engineering and operations work in both on this ship?" he asked.

Alicia shrugged. "Sometimes that happens on smaller ships, such as the Eclipse," she answered as she ate. "It helps to have some cross training in certain departments. I'm sure you'll learn some basic engineering procedures aboard, if for nothing else then because you'll have to fill in some time."

"I see," Eric said as he soaked some of his tomato soup onto some bread and ate a bite. He finally nodded. "I guess we'll find out if it happens," he said with a wink. "Who knows, we may end up working together a lot."

Alicia raised her eyebrows as she finished eating. "We'll find out, I'm sure," she said. "But I hope you'll excuse me, I need to grab a shower and get some sleep. We depart tomorrow and I'll need to be sharp minded when we depart."

"I understand," Eric said. "I guess I'll see you tomorrow sometime then."

Alicia smiled as she stood. "If you get sent down down to engineering you will," she said. "Until then, I suggest you get some rest ensign. It's going to be be a little crazy tomorrow more than likely." With that, she gathered her tray and headed towards the door, pausing to deposit the tray back into the replicator to be recycled.

Eric watched the engineer as she walked out of the lounge. She was very attractive, and while he knew he should be thinking of getting some rest he knew that he most likely wouldn't be getting any rest. It was his first day as a fully commissioned officer in Starfleet, and he was too excited. Finishing his soup, he stood and returned his tray before he headed off on his own to explore the ship.

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