“Engaged!”

Captain Helena Dread’s usually severe look faded, and her face exuded unusual joy. She jumped from her chair in her ready room and knelt beside her XO and chief science officer, a broad smile splitting her lips. “It is quite pretty. Congratulations, Sadie!” She stood and listened to the story of how William Prentice had proposed. It had been a traditional moment, and Sadie had felt the joy erupting from every corner of her soul as he asked her the question.

Soon, she would no longer be an orphan. She would be married. She would have her person. The bubbling up of all that would follow had bounced around in her head. Having kids, creating a family, and growing something from nothing seemed so far out of reach for her before she had struck up a conversation with one William Prentice. Before her eyes could not stay away from him. Before her heart felt something when he sat and listened to her, and accepted her.

Now, they needed to set a date. They needed to tell friends, family, and beyond.

She was getting married!

She returned to the present, “Thank you, Captain. I’m more hopeful than I’ve been in a long time.”

Dread chuckled, “Well, I’ll probably dash that hope. Your presence has been missed and noted.” She handed a PADD over. “We’re working with the Cushing in a support and science role – they could use your eyes and ears. We picked up two special investigators on the way.”

Sadie slid into the seat, focusing on the display, “Solas and Drayton. I heard. Drayton’s got a rebel streak in her, and Solas is the logical one.” She scrolled further down. “I know her by reputation. Him – not so much.” She looked up. Dread was looking at her curiously. “Ma’am?”

“You switched modes pretty quickly there, Fowler.”

Sadie pursed her lips, understanding dawning on her as to why her captain gave her the look she did. “I…I’ve always been a scientist, Captain. It’s my instinct, my second nature. You give me something new and mysterious; my attention dives right into it. I love science.”

“And William Prentice?”

She smiled wide and goofy, “I really love him.” Her face flared in embarrassment at the confession. She’d told him she loved him, but she would be saying it out loud now.

To others.

Dread chuckled, “Ah, young love.” Her smile faded as she picked up her PADD. “Meet with our two new investigators. See what they know and coordinate with the Cushing crew—Starfleet and civilian.”