Darrin headed through the station, to get something to eat. He had been busy all morning with little time for even a cup of coffee.

As he entered the promenade he saw a small cafe style restaurant and headed over to make a selection. Once he had gotten his food, he looked around looking for an empty table. His eyes landed on a familiar uniform.

“Excuse me.” Darrin said politely. “Do you mind if I join you?”

Nicorrina had been deep into reading the book in her hand and almost did not catch that he was talking to her. She looked up, about to come up with an excuse when she recognized the stations first officer.

“Lieutenant Commander.” Nicorrina exclaimed, putting her book down.

“Please, have a seat.” She watched as he placed his food down and took the seat across from her.

“It is a little busy here today.” Darrin said with a smile. He glanced at her book. “I apologize for interrupting you.”

Nicorrina smiled. “It’s okay. It’s a mystery by an author I really like, I can finish it up later.” She didn’t know what to say, he was the first officer and that made her a little nervous. “Do you read?” She asked him.

“Mostly reports and manuals.” Darrin confessed. “I’ve never tried reading for entertainment.”

Nicorrina paused for a moment and then spoke. “I was thinking of waiting a little while and then suggesting it would be good to start a book club on the station.” Her eyes met his.

“It doesn’t always have to be a mystery or a work of fiction but I have to say if it’s a good author you can really get caught up in it.”

Darwin found he liked how open and honest she was. “I think that you have a good idea there.” He admitted. “We need some things for crew to do when off duty and if it brings them together it makes for a stronger unit.” He paused. “I may even sign up.” He had surprised himself but he was tempted to give it a try.

Nicorrina smiled widely as she took a drink of her water. “I may hold you to that.”

Darrin sat and ate for a few minutes and then spoke once more. “How are things going in flight operations?” He asked as he took a drink.

Nicorrina took a deep breath. “I’m glad you asked that.” She glanced at the padd beside her and made a decision. Sliding it over to him.

She continued. “Things are going well, I run a tight department, flight operations have to have a very detailed pattern or we would have a mess.” Nicorrina gestured to the padd.

“There are two lists on there. One is supplies and things that are a necessity for my department to continue to run as it is.” She paused and grinned. “The other is a wish list of things we would like but can live without if we need to.”

Darrin liked her candor and took a few moments to peruse the list. The first list I am certain will be approved. I will take it to the commodore for our next meeting.” He grinned then. “The second list, I can see a need possibly for several things but mostly be a no I am certain of.” His eyes met hers. “It is gutsy to ask and I admire your departments tenacity.”

“I believe that my crew works better when they believe they have a say.” Nicorrina explained. “As well as a voice. Asking for these things is more about being heard and less about obtaining them.”

Darrin nodded, in a strange way he understood what she meant. “Things are going to get busier.” He said seriously. “Your position is going to become more demanding as we add more traffic. There may be times when it will seem quite hectic.”

“That is why you pay me the big bucks.” Nicorrina said with a laugh and then after a moment she became serious. “I am good at what I do, if I wasn’t neither you or the Commodore would ever have accepted me as your Director of Flight Operations.”

“Still.” Darrin said, a note of authority in his voice. “As one of your command officers it is my duty to inform you that what you are experiencing will soon no longer be the normal for your department.

Nicorrina listened as he spoke and she respected what he had to say. “I appreciate the heads up. I will make allowances and prepare for our operations to increase.” As soon as they were finished here, she planned to head to her office and start implementing some strategies.

Darrin felt like he had achieved two objectives. He got to know a little bit about Ensign Santana and he let her know that future operations would pick up as they gained more ships at the station. He noticed she hadn’t picked her book back up but concentrated on the salad in front of her.”What is the book about?” He asked, curious.

Nicorrina glanced at the book and then her eyes met his. “The USS Conveyor left dock one week ago and so far there have been two murders. Both officers were stabbed to death and both department heads. The ship’s security officer has several leads and is close to catching the killer.” She paused. “I can loan it to you when I am done if you would like to give it a read.”

Darrin thought for a moment and almost turned her down but he thought about.”I will take you up on that, Ensign,” he said, From what she had told him it sounded quite interesting. He pushed his chair back and stood up. “Thank you for your time, Ensign, I will let you get back to your reading. “

“Thank you, Sir,” Nicorrina said honestly. “For informing me of changes coming and the conversation.” She watched as he headed off and thought that she was relieved to be serving under him. He wasn’t one of those pompass stuffed shirt command officers who kept themselves away from the crew. He seemed to want to get to know them,