OOC: This story takes place while Zara has her surgery to be joined with a symbiont.

Reeve headed into the ships lunchroom and got in line. He didn’t know what was for lunch but it sure smelled good. He moved forward, catching the eye of the officer in front of him. It was Ensign Voss, the ships chief engineer.

“Something smells good.” Reeve said with a wide smile.

“I heard we’re having enchiladas today.” Taren said with a grin. “I didn’t realize how hungry I was until I got in line.”

They moved through the line, grabbing something to drink and headed over to a table, sitting together.

“I’m glad I bumped into you.” Reeve said with a smile. “Our departments working so closely together I have been wanting to get to know you.”

“I was thinking the same thing.” Taren nodded. “I have some ideas I wanted to run by you to enhance the engines and possibly make things easier for operations.”

“Oh?” Reeve said with interest, though he was a bit wary. It had been his experience that when engineers came up with ideas, not to get his hopes up. On paper they always sounded like they would work, it was when they put them in to practice that they would know. Engineers were very good at what they did but not all ideas panned out.

“I have it all figured out.” Taren insisted. “But I need someone to look it over, you know how they say two minds are better than one.”

“I’ll take a look at it.” Reeve said with a nod. “But I won’t commit to anything that I do not believe will work.

Taren slid a padd across the table. “Take a look at this when you have some time and then let me know what you think.”

Reeve nodded as he slid it next to him. “What exactly will this enhancement do?” He was curious as to what Taren was attempting to accomplish with this enhancement.

“It will give us some extra speed.” Taren explained. “Temporarily. If we are in a tight situation, I wil be able to give the bridge some extra power than could mean the difference between escaping.”

Reeve thought for a moment. “The way things have been going, we could use something like that.” He admitted. Reeve was hoping that Taren’s idea was doable. They needed every advantage they could get when they were out there.

“It is something I have been working on for a while.” Taren conto he’d. “I’ve done my homework and tested it out and in all the test runs it works.”

“Once I look it over.” Reeve spoke up. “I am going to want to do some tests of my own before I go to the Captain with this.”

“I would be surprised if you didn’t.” Taren said honestly. “You’ll be putting your neck out there. You need to know that it will work “

The two men fell silent as they both ate their lunch. Once Reeve was finished, he sat back and sighed. “All this good food and I am going to need to get some exercise.”

“I know what you are saying.” Taren agreed. “The captains wife is a really good cook.” He grinned. “Have you tried any of her desserts.” He shook his head. “I had a pumpkin empanada that was to die for yesterday.”

“We will have to spend a little more time in the exercise room.” Reeve spoke up. “And burn those calories off.”

“I hate exercising.” Taren admitted. “I would rather play handball or something. “It is competitive and a lot more fun than riding an exercise bike or lifting weights.”

Reeve’s eyes lit up. “Handball?” He could not believe his luck. “I love handball. We should meet up after work for a few sets.”

“Sounds like fun.” Taren nodded with a grin. He stood up and started towards the line. “Stay right three, don’t you go amywhere.”

Reeve watched as he went through the line and then headed back towards their table. This time it with a plate in each hand. “Todays dessert is Cherry Cheesecake,” Taren said with a grin. “I got us each a piece and after shift tonight we can play a few rounds of handball.”

For a moment Reeve almost declined the dessert but it looked too good to resist. He looked at Taren and gave him a grin of his own. “I like the way you think, Voss!” He picked up the fork and took a bite of the sweet treat and his eyes shined. It was amazing! They were so fortunate to have a chef and not rely on replicated food.

“I know, I know!” Taren patted his chest. “I am a genius!” His eyes were lit this humor. In truth he was feeling pretty good. For Taren a good relationship with the Operations Chief was paramount to having things run smoothly on a ship. It helped that he knew they wouldn’t butt heads over every little thing and Taren could tell already that Reeve was someone he would be able to count on.

“We will see if your engineering tactics are as good as your dessert choices.” Reeve teased him. “I have been known to be a stickler for the rules.”

“Ohhhh!” Taren groaned with flair. “You are one of those. Might want to watch yourself you might get yourself banned from the engineering department.

Both men chuckled. “I am glad you were assigned here.” Reeve admitted as he sat back. “So far it seems to be a really good crew and the captain had a stellar reputation.”

“Yours isn’t that bad either.” Taren said with a smile. He saw the look of surprise on Reeves face. “Don’t act so shocked I know you checked me out. It is the right thing to do.

“Indeed.” Reeve nodded. “And we both were right in our assessments.” He stood up then. “I have to get back to work but I’m looking at beating you at handball this evening.”

“I believe you are confused.” Taren said as he stood. “It will be you going home with your tail between your legs. I am in it, to win it.”

The two men continued to banter as they left the lunchroom until they separated and headed in opposite directions.