Fredalia

Posted on 20 May 2023 @ 8:26am by Lieutenant Zayna Ryler & Lieutenant JG Kemm

857 words; about a 4 minute read

Mission: Milk Run
Location: Science Chief Office
Timeline: Mission Day 1 at 1530

To say that Kemm had been busy was a gross understatement. He was one of five engineers that had been carried over from the last Black Hawk, and to make matters worse, Captain Geisler had refused to promote a Chief Engineer from within. Not that Kemm was gunning for a promotion, but if he was going to be the senior engineer in charge of a shift, it'd be nice for the extra work to be balanced somehow.

He definitely enjoyed the fact that he would get to rub elbows with the senior staff. There were plenty of new faces, and those new faces were already flexing their elbows sending request after request to engineering to modify several systems. But what had impressed him the most was that he already was well acquainted with one member of the senior staff in particular. Now that he was aware of her promotion, Kemm decided it was time to congratulate the new Chief Science Officer.

Kemm selected a fredalia from his personal hydoponics collection, and set off for Ryler's office, hoping that she would be in there. Upon arrival, he tapped the chime with his free hand and waited.

Ryler was indeed in her office. As much as she wanted to organize it to a layout she enjoyed, she was doing what department chiefs do: work. Eventually she'd have some time for other things. But when the chime on her door went off, she was glad for the distraction. Tossing the PADD she had in her hand to the desk and sitting, as she'd been pacing and reading, she looked towards the door.

"Come in."

The door panels parted, revealing the tall and lanky engineer as they disappeared into the wall. "Good afternoon, Lieutenant," Kemm greeted, taking only one step inside the doorway. "Did I catch you at an inopportune moment?"

Zayna smiled and shook her head, "No, not at all, Kemm. Please come on in." Her eyes moved towards the flower. "That is beautiful. Not sure I've seen that one before."

"It is called a Fredalia," Kemm identified, carrying the potted plant over to Ryler's desk. "It is native to my homeworld, and its leaves make the most delicious tea. It is often used in celebrations or commemorations. I believe congratulations are in order for you, Chief Science Officer."

"I did wonder when that would make it around the ship," Zay smiled again, motioning to the chair across from her. "Yes, and with it all the paperwork." She let out a small laugh. "Thank you, Kemm, seriously. I didn't expect anyone to bring me any flowers though, that part is surprising, even if that is what the particular flower is meant for."

Kemm placed the plant on Ryler's desk before taking a seat. "You are welcome indeed, Lieutenant. I know for many of us, this transition has not been easy. I'm not certain how you feel, but I have... an unusual walking around this ship, as we are the two who uncovered the reason for why our prior assignment had to be decommissioned. I'm grateful Starfleet has allowed us to remain on board. Especially in your case as it came with a promotion."

Sitting back in thought for a brief moment, Zayna realized she hadn't thought of things that way before. "We...we are the two who did that, aren't we? I didn't put the pieces completely together until you said something just now. Crazy how that works honestly. But, I wasn't expecting any promotions to the chief position, so it caught me completely by surprise."

"Still, it is well deserved." Kemm offered a smile and a courteous nod. "Promotions like that aren't handed out arbitrarily. Your career has likely seen many notable actions which paved the road to here."

"I suppose that is possible. Some days, it all seems like a blur. How I got here and all that. But, I don't think I'd change it for anything. Change some of my past, maybe, tiny bits, not all of it though, obviously." Her eyes moved to the flowers again. "These are going to make this office feel more welcoming. It felt a bit... plain."

"I'm sure in time you will make it much less plain." Keeping his smile, Kemm rose to his feet. "I don't mean to take any more of your time, Lieutenant. Congratulations once more. If there is anything I can do for you from an Engineering standpoint, please let me know."

Ryler grinned and stood as well, "Maybe eventually. I'm not much of a decorator. And thank you again, Kemm. My door is always open though, if you need anything from a science standpoint as well."

Kemm nodded. "I will keep that in mind. I look forward to our future collaborations." With that, he turned to leave.

Sitting back down, Zayna watched as Kemm left then looked back to the flower with a smile. She still wasn't used to this whole chief thing, but at least others did feel like she deserved it. Especially those who were there when there had been some rough times.

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