Location : USS Oakland, CO Ready Room

“Ensign Tolis Sh’Vrenoth reporting for duty sir.” Tolis called out as he stood at the position of attention.

“Please, sit down.” Byron said with a warm smile. He watched as Tolis sat down and spoke. “Would you like something to drink?”

“I am okay Captain, but thank you for the offer. If I may be so bold sir. I hate seeing USS Oakland in this shape. I hope the corps of engineers can get her back in order real soon.” Tolis said, feeling a little grounded while the Oakland was getting repaired.

“They are working on it.” Byron said with a nod. “Now that our engineer is on board things seem to be moving quickly.” His eyes met Tolis’. Have you been to your quarters yet?”

“I have not sir, I was under the impression I would get a bunk bed.” He said, thinking he was going to get junior officer treatment because of his rank.

“You will.” Byron nodded. “The ship is currently being repaired. It had extensive damage. I wanted to make certain you have a place to sleep tonight.” He was certain the bunks were prepared but it was good to ask.

“I was raised, keep your expectations low, and you will never be disappointed.” Tolis said with a big grin on his face, he meant that to be humorous.

“That is interesting advice.” Byron nodded. He found he liked it, honest and to the point. “Is there anything I can do for you in particular to help you settle in?”

“I don’t believe so sir, I am grateful for this opportunity.” Tolis said, with a big smile on his face. He was speaking the truth, he was grateful for the opportunity.

“If you find something is not to your liking.” Byron continued. “Let me or the first officer know.”

“Understood Captain. I don’t ask a lot. Just a bed to sleep and a course to set.” Tolis said to his captain proudly.

“I won’t keep you unless there is something you would like to ask of me?” Byron continued. “I am certain you want to get settled in.”

“That’s a very loaded question sir, yeah I would like to definitely get settled in. But I also feel like I should be helping out more. Is there anything I could do to get the Oakland out of dry dock?” Tolis was feeling a little restless and helpless because of the fact that he couldn’t fly him out of there because they were still making last-minute additions to the repair schedule.

“Do a diagnosis on your station.” Byron said with a nod. “If you find inconsistencies contact Ensign Davies and she will give you permission to proceed or come fix it.” Normally all repairs were done by engineering but all crew had some basic training.

“I can do that sir.” Tolis said, thinking to himself, a diagnostic will only get him so far. He needed the Oakland out of dry dock and out in deep space. I’ll pilot hated being grounded in right now he was grounded.

“I know it doesn’t sound like much.” Byron said. “You can feel free to volunteer anywhere else you know you can help.” He grinned. “I know you must be anxious to leave dock.”

“So I’ll do whatever I can captain, the sooner we can get out there the sooner we can get on with our mission. I know it sounds like we’re talking in circles so I guess if there’s not anything else maybe I can be excused to go ahead and start by tapping on a Corps of engineer shoulders and seeing what I can do to help out?” Tolis suggested feeling a little dirty for even considering helping them out, but the quicker they got off his ship the faster they can get out there and then let their own chief engineer and chief operations officer solve the real problems of the ship. He just needed them to put the ship back together.

“Of course.” Byron said with a nod. “You’re excused.” He was glad for these interviews he liked Tolis.

Tolis that to the position of attention, and then he did a direct about face and walked out of the room. Even though the ship was still in disarray, he had a good feeling about this ship and about her captain and in the crew. The scene starts to fade away.

Byron turned back to his computer to finish up what he had been working earlier.