" A Second Impression"

Posted on Thu Jul 31st, 2025 @ 1:16am by Captain Terry Kingston & Captain Shauna Vehn

Mission: Stellar Problems
Location: Starbase M-69
Timeline: Concurrent

On

< Next Day >

Captain Terry Kingston had just visited the engineering department and left with an unfavourable taste. He was a career officer and had done so by demanding himself to be perfect. Slackers didn’t work long under him.

But he was not going to fester over such things as he had his own department to run. He would leave the mundane stations duties to the Lieutenant Commander.

Tapping his com badge Terry hoped to be mending a fence.

" Captain Kingston to Captain Vehn?”

“Vehn here Captain” Shauna’s voice came sharply over the comms. “What can I do for you?”

" Are you at OPS? I would like to apologize for our meeting earlier." Kingston asked.

“There’s no need Captain, but we could meet in my office if you like?” Shauna responded.

" On my way." Kingston replied. In a few minutes he arrived to her office sporting a gold tin. " Be aware of terrans bearing gifts. Home made chocolate chip cookies. I am told that Trill symbionts love chocolate. I hand made these, not replicated. I came on a bit strong Captain. I was made aware that you recently received your symbiont. I apologize."

“As I said not necessary Captain” Shauna motioned Kingston to sit down. “Thank you for the cookies, I’ll admit I do love cookies! As for my symbiont I’m lucky the joining worked as it is, I’m only half Trill. I was pretty sharp with you, so if you want me to be a part of your plan then I’ll give it a go.”

" In due time. I have known full Trills that have not had the glow you have. Captain I read your record here and all you have accomplished. You started out as an operations officer and now you run the station. Very impressive. I have been an engineer since I was 18. Fought in 2 major wars and survived. Seen numerous worlds but I would trade it all for a normal life like this one. The Quantum Slipstream Drive project will be my last big thing I guess." Kingston replied.

“I doubt that Captain” Shauna grinned. “This maybe your latest big thing, but I’m sure there will be other opportunities as well.”

" Ouch, you sure know how to ruin a man's game. You are right I do always have something up my sleeve. What does your day look like?" Kingston asked.

“Just the usual routine, for me anyway. “I generally start by checking in with Ops, spend some time there. When I have the chance I catch up on reports, take a tour of the station getting to know people, and check in on various departments as I go. I’d go stir crazy if I was in Ops all day.”

" Engineering has always been my home. Which reminds me I did a walk through of this stations Engineering department. I was not so impressed with it or your chief." Kingston reported.

“Ohh?” Shauna looked surprised. “We’ve never had any problems, or previous complaints. May I ask what you didn’t like?”

" You know what I spoke out of school... sounds like you all have everything going your way. I would like to ask you another question though. The ships that are assigned to this station, only the Peel has had the new slipstream system installed?" Kingston replied.

Shauna nodded. “That’s right, they’re testing it out for us.”

" This is going to be huge for this station Captain. I hope you are ready to be the central port for this sector?" Terry teased.

Shauna grinned. “We’re ready for anything Captain!”

As she replied Terry clinched his right eye really tight as it appeared that he was in pain. His hand to his right temple added to the moment.

“Are you alright Captain? Do you need a doctor?” Shauna gave him a concerned look.

" I have a visual implant that often acts up. I haven't slept and need to rest. May I call upon you tomorrow Captain? Professionally of course?"

Shauna nodded. “By all means Captain, you know where to find me. If you’re caught on need anything just call.”

" Captain I will take you up on that. Enjoy the cookies." Terry smiled.

“Ohh I will” Shauna grinned as she picked one up ready to nibble. “Thank you.”

Terry left Vehn and headed into the turbo lift and closed his eyes. The implants was clearly having issue but it would have to wait until his work was done.

OFF

Captain Shauna Vehn
CO

and

Captain Terry Kingston
Chief Engineer