Christopher Annan was walking down the corridors of the USS Valkyrie with his mind filled with thoughts on the upcoming mission. Annan, being a diplomatic officer, would have to face front and centre with the delegates and the delegation in the event of a diplomatic engagement. “How am I supposed to do this?” He asked himself silently, worried about the mission.

The ship’s Chief Science Officer was also on the move, headed from the labs back to her quarters. Her mind was on the ever joyous process of deciding what she was going to eat for her upcoming meal. The Geneticist mused on how regularly she ate curries and how when her husband had been alive she had had a more varied diet. But she did so love the curries, and why vary things when she was happy?

Senja made a quick side-step to avoid another officer coming around a corner whose head was in a PADD. But the angle of her vision was such that the officer managed to completely mask the presence of Christopher. Senja tried to avoid him too but her correction came too late and her hand brushed his as she stopped abruptly.

Bumping into another officer, Christopher was quick to start apologizing. “Apologies, apologies.” Looking at who he had bumped into, Annan was in disbelief as he bumped into the Chief Science Officer, Senja Solberg. “Apologies, Commander; I wasn’t looking at where I was heading.”

Senja felt a flash of worry from the man, and it wasn’t just about their collision. He had concerns about something else coming up, but the touch was so brief, she couldn’t discern anything more detailed, not that she was trying.

“Oh! I am sorry,” she said quickly, smiling to remove any tension. “But I should mention I’m just a Lieutenant, not a Commander, at least for the moment.”

”You have my apologies then Lieutenant. I was preoccupied with my thoughts you see. I’m sure you are well aware of the upcoming mission with a diplomatic front? The science department is also of vital importance just as any other department on the Valkyrie.“ replied Annan.

“I know…” Senja said slightly hesitantly. “I felt that from you when we touched… I’m part Betazoid. It must be a lot of pressure for a diplomat, such a tense situation.”

“Uhh… Yeah I guess so. Even such that I’m just a diplomatic officer with limited rank privileges it’s a demanding job. Takes a toll on your career and mental health if anything does go wrong which hopefully hasn’t occurred yet.“ said Annan with mumbling a little. ”Anyways, how’s the science department going on this days, even if I’m an operations officer on the side I still do know my science you know.”

“Well enough, thank you,” Senja replied pleasantly. “I am still getting to know the department, reading up on the experiments and projects which are not my own speciality. All very complex as I’m sure you can imagine, but I trust my team to know and understand the minute intricacies and details of these things. If you will permit me an observation, a diplomatic officer you may be, but the captain and the senior staff will also be well versed in the art. We are a team, and you are not unsupported here.”

”I agree, I’m surprised as to even why I’ve been assigned to such a big ship just at the measly rank of Lieutenant Junior Grade but I am grateful for the opportunity that arose.“ commented Annan. “I’m sure the captain and the senior staff are already well versed in the intricate art of diplomacy much more than me but I am a willing learner after all.” 

“As I would hope we all are,” Senja responded cordially. “But I’m sure you have places to be. Good day, Lieutenant.” 

”As to you, Lieutenant.” replied Annan.