Engineer to Engineer

Posted on Tuesday, 4 May 2021 - 11:50am by Lieutenant Scarlet Rogers & Lieutenant JG Hayashi Hamura

Mission: Operation: Neu Reich
Location: USS Standing Bear | Engineering
Timeline: 2394 MD 06

ON:

Because of her research, Scarlet knew she needed to introduce herself to the engineer. Especially being that it was her field anyway. It felt like a home away from home walking into the department and looking around. This is where she had done the majority of her training, albeit on an Earth equivalent, not a ship. It did remind her a lot of her father though and her work with him, so the nostalgia was welcomed with open arms.

Scarlet looked around a moment, trying to find the chief's office, but struggled. Apparently most ships were laid out the same, and many people had told her that, but having not been on a ship, it was hardly helpful advice. The redhead turned to her PaDD for some assistance.

Crewman Keller saw an unfamiliar place and walked over to her. "Excuse me ma'am, can I help you?"

Scarlet looked up and timidly replied, "sorry, I'm looking for the chief's office. Can you point me in the right direction, please?"

"Sure. Just FYI the chief is in a snit at the state of Engineering." He pointed to a tall figure by main console. "That's Ensign Hamura."

Scarlet groaned internally at the name. Great, he was here. She nodded, "thank you. I won't be long." The ginger wandered over to the chief, "it's strange to outrank a chief, she teased slightly as a hello.

Hamura, who had been seated on the ground half turned, "What...." Hamura smiled. "Ahhh it's you, the red headed fire goddess." Standing up it was clear that Hamura had opted for another uniform, in fact, one of Starfleet's most controversial ones. The dress that landed somewhere mid thigh. It was obvious, in this uniform that was tighter then the average one, that Hamura had a feminine figure. She dusted off her hands and smiled. "So how can I help you today?"

Scarlet didn't think much of it, having seen doctors the same, but she was surprised at the sudden change of masculinity. Nonetheless, she shook the hand and smiled, "here to introduce myself. You'll need to sign off on a few things as and when. For research only though."

Hamura smiled, surprised at the lack of reaction from Scarlet but delightfully pleased. "Absolutely. Looks like we'll be serving together then." There was a pause and then, "How'd your interview go?"

"I'm here," she replied with a grin, "that means I got it."

Hamura smiled. "Excellent. Let's sit down, the conference room is there." Hamura led her to the room and motioned for her to sit. "Anything to drink?"

Scarlet nodded, "English tea please." She took a seat and placed a PaDD on the table with what her purpose was aboard the ship, for him to have a quick read when he was ready.

Hamura got a mint tea and an English tea. Setting them on the table Hamura took a seat and took the PaDD. "Alright so tell me how your research will flow here. I know it's here but I want to hear it from you."

"So, my main research is on self replicating upgrades or remote upgrades when you're too far from a station to sort anything," she tried to explain, "I'll be spending my time between science and engineering, trying to produce working prototypes. I'll also be around if you need an extra set of hands in engineering-- though mainly programming. I did start out in engineering, but this is my first time on a ship."

"Excellent. It's good to know I have an extra pair of hands if needed. Right now we're good I'm more doing an inventory of what's wrong and what's been fixed." Hamura sighed. "It's mildly frustrating."

"Happy Monday," Scarlet chuckled, "well, I'll try not to interrupt for a little while anyway. I need to write a plan first. Soon as I have first drafts, you'll see me quite a bit."

"Sounds good." Hamura sat back. "Well how goes the settling in?"

"This is my first day," Scarlet sipped her tea, "I've already had a hiccup with the XO, but the chief science officer is lovely."

Hamura's eyebrow raised. "The XO. Soral? Oh do tell."

"I guess from behind, all gingers look the same," Scarlet shrugged.

"And....." Hamura prompted.

"I shouldn't embarrass the XO," Scarlet shook her head, "it's bad form. But I will say that he was very apologetic and I'm sure he'll be eager to forget the whole thing."

"Oh now I have to know. We served together on another ship and I will tease him mercilessly." Hamura grinned. "Come on.....please...."

Scarlet smiled apologetically, "I can't, sorry."

Hamura sighed. "Oh well," Leaning back and sipping tea Hamura studied her. Perhaps her help would be necessary sooner then expected, Hamura thought as an idea formed. "So when do you hit the ground running with your research?"

"I'm making a start tomorrow, but I can't do much practically until we leave the station," she replied. Scarlet felt uncomfortable being studied. Hamura just made her uncomfortable.

"Okay, that's good. You may be needed in sickbay. Something about the EMH deactivating himself and I have not had the time to look into it. Do you think you could do that in the next day or so?"

"Sure," she replied, "I have a back up if there's a bigger glitch. There's no point in reactivating something that may have a glitch, without sorting the glitch first."

Before Hamura could say anything the doors opened and three crewmen entered. Hamura looked up. "Perfect timing." Hamura stood. "Since everyone here is new I thought it best to arrange a tour. Lieutenant would you care to join us?"

"I won't say no," she replied, following his gaze. The woman stood up and smiled.

The tour Hamura gave was thorough and complete. Even though Hamura had only gotten the tour last day it was given as if Hamura had been the guide a thousand times before. At the end all the troops lined up and he gave a welcome speech of sorts. "...and I also expect perfection. Questions are good, I like questions but I do not tolerate stupid ones. Contrary to what you have heard from previous CEOs and your teachers there are stupid questions. If you do not know something I would rather you ask, I can show you once, twice, three times if need be but I will not have anyone touching my systems on a whim."

One of the crewmen put up a hand. "I have a question."

Hamura gave a nod. "Go ahead."

"What do you prefer to be called, Sir? Ma'am?" He blushed as he asked.

Hamura smiled, "That is a good question. I'm rather fluid about it." There were no laughs. "We'll work on chuckles, as chief I love to have my jokes laughed at," Hamura said with dramatic flair. "In all honesty Sir, Ma'am, he, she, they I don't care. Chief is fine. I am happy with all aspects of myself and just so as we are clear, I am only temporarily chief until a more permanent solution can be found so Hamura is fine but as to the pronouns again I'm easy and will answer to both."

Hamura looked around. "Alright, dismissed all except for you Lieutenant. I have something that will help you get orientated better within the department."

Scarlet had followed the conversation. The ensign was certainly trying to be a leader. It would be interesting to see if it panned out, that said, she hoped it did. Scarlet was, after all, a people pleaser. She nodded, "of course."

Hamura walked over to a control panel and then pulled out a drawer of sorts handing her a PaDD. "This was made by the previous engineer. It give you an overview of systems and what needs to be updated and so forth. I took a par of it and put it in that PaDD. Specifically her notations on the EMH and a work up for a Science Hologram that may help when dealing with hazard issues. I was impressed, she was quite intelligent and innovative. It also has some unfinished projects that could be of great help to both science and medical and perhaps engineering. I've downloaded the sci and med for you and I'll look over the engineering for now but should I find something that coincides with your research I'll pass it along."

"Thank you," she replied, "out of interest, with your permission, if the EMH has corrupted or something, am I OK to install the new prototype? Only two hospitals on earth have him. He doesn't do a bad job, but it's a quick fix if fixing the current one takes its time."

"Indeed. We need to have a functional one. Go ahead and do what you need to. I will leave that up to you and the doctor. Just keep me updated as to the technical items." He paused. "Also how are you on Borg technology?"

"It's a main focal point for my research, why?" she asked, looking up from the PaDD he'd handed her.

"We have two ex Borgs on the ship and my predecessor knew more then I about fixing issues. I mean she left me a wealth of information but I haven't had time to review it. If you can get their permissions, Lieutenants Vali and Zilth I can pass long their technically medical records from Chief Eyelaya."

"Of course," Rogers nodded, "I warn you, when it comes to bio stuff, I don't have a strong stomach, so I may still push them back to you."

"That's fine I'm more talking parts wise nano fixes and ocular implant issues." Hamura paused. "Do you have any questions for me?"

Scarlet shook her head, "no, that's fine. Thank you for showing me around. I'll be in touch."

"Sounds good. And one more thing, Lieutenant."

Scarlet looked up, "yes?"

"I am Betazoid. I apologise if I've made you feel uncomfortable. I shall endeavor to be more professional in the future."

Scarlet smiled and blushed, "being Betazoid is not what made me uncomfortable." She paused trying to find the right way to put it, "I guess, it's more-- I don't know... I guess, in my job, I'm not used to being seen. Same with life. So it's an enigma for me to be seen. You saw me, and flirted and now I can just feel you looking at me. And I know there's nothing to it, but you know - - it's weird."

"Yes I understand. I try to limit my contact with people as much as possible." Hamura gave a nod. "Alright I guess that's all for today then."

Scarlet nodded and smiled, "promise I won't hold our first encounter against you." At that she turned to leave. She had two more people to see before her day was over.

OFF: