Cam’s footsteps echoed through the hangar, a heavy weight settling in his chest as he approached his designated berth. He felt a knot forming in his stomach, the sense of dread growing with each step. As he rounded the corner, his eyes widened in disbelief. There it was, his beloved Apsara-class fighter, ‘Sunshine,’ but not where it belonged. It stood in the far reaches of the hangar, tucked away in sector ‘Golf-One,’ away from its usual spot. The frustration burned within him, his jaw clenched tight.

Amidst the flurry of activity, Cam’s gaze swept over the bustling scene, searching for any sign of his craft’s caretakers. He didn’t need long; his eyes locked onto the figure of an engineer, their back hunched over a panel near the port wing of his ship. Anger flared within him, his chest tightening with indignation.

Without a second thought, Cam charged forward, weaving through the maze of personnel and equipment. With each step, his frustration mounted, boiling beneath the surface. Finally reaching his ship, he stood before it, hands clenched at his sides. His eyes narrowed as he watched the engineer’s fingers dance across the panel, a surge of irritation coursing through him.

“Hey! You there!” Cam’s voice rang out, sharp and commanding, cutting through the din of the hangar. “Hands off! Don’t touch that!”

As the figure slowly turned, Cam’s brows furrowed, his eyes squinting to discern the identity. A jolt of recognition shot through him as he made out the features. “Dauul?” The name escaped his lips in a breathy whisper, disbelief coloring his tone.

“Dauul!” His voice echoed across the hangar, carrying a mix of emotions. He approached with measured steps, his eyes fixed on the familiar face. “What… what are you doing to my babe?” Each word was laced with a blend of curiosity and concern, his gaze shifting between Dauul and the intricate workings of his beloved ship.

Dauul, caught slightly off guard by Cam’s sudden outburst, turned to face the pilot with an expression of calm professionalism mixed with a hint of surprise. “Cam,” he said, his tone steady and reassuring, designed to ease the palpable tension in the air. “I was just performing a minor enhancement on Sunshine’s shield generators. The diagnostics showed a fluctuation that needed addressing. Something that could be crucial in a tight situation.”

He stepped back from the panel inviting Cam to view the open schematics on his datapad. “Look here,” Dauul continued pointing to the specific readings on the screen. “These were outside the normal operating parameters. It’s a small tweak, but in combat, it could make all the difference. I meant no overstep. My intention was solely to ensure Sunshine is in peak condition for you.”

Dauul’s gaze then returned to Cam, searching for signs of comprehension, hoping his explanation would convey the good intent behind his actions. “Your ship is in good hands, Cam. I know how much she means to you.” he added, with a slight reassuring smile, hoping to bridge the gap his unsanctioned tinkering might have caused.

Cam’s voice carried an edge as he spoke, his stance exuding authority. “It’s Lieutenant Solari, and Sunshine isn’t my babe’s name,” he asserted, his eyes locking onto Ensign Dauul’s. The lines of his brow tightened as he continued, gesturing towards the screen displaying data. “And these parameters might seem off-kilter to you, but they’ve proven effective in the field. I’m tired of engineers like you performing unscheduled maintenance without consultation. Collaboration is key, Ensign.”

Upon receiving Lieutenant Solari’s pointed critique Dauul instinctively straightened his stance, coming to a position more closely resembling attention, though not entirely formal given the hangar’s working environment. “Understood, Lieutenant Solari,” he affirmed, his voice carrying a clear note of apology and respect for the chain of command and Solari’s experience. He took a brief glance at the data Solari had indicated, acknowledging the lieutenant’s field adjustments.

“My apologies for any overstep, Lieutenant. I assure you, it won’t happen again without prior consultation,” Dauul promised. “Your field experience with these configurations is invaluable and I respect that.”

He paused for a moment, considering his next words carefully. “I’m here to learn and support, Lieutenant. My aim is to enhance the capabilities of our ships ensuring they’re as effective as possible, without compromising the pilots’ preferences and proven tactics.”

Cam’s eyes bore into the Ensign’s, a silent assurance passing between them. With a slow, deliberate nod, Cam allowed a small smile to play at the corners of his lips. “Alright, now that we’ve ironed out those details,” he said, his voice carrying a hint of excitement, “how about we take her for a spin?” 

Dauul’s eyes briefly scanned the fighter, a sense of pride mingling with curiosity. This was an opportunity not just to mend fences but to learn and possibly to contribute from an engineering standpoint. “Absolutely, Lieutenant,” Dauul responded, “I’d be honored to assist and observe her performance firsthand.”

“Secure that panel and make your way over,” Call instructed, his voice echoing in the metallic confines of the hangar as he smoothly entered the Starfighter, his gaze fixed on the controls awaiting his touch.