Hunsen made his way through Deep Space Nineteen, trying to locate the one person he was sent to find and talk to. His path led him to a section of the station where maintenance was being conducted. Sparks flew from a conduit as a figure in a Starfleet engineering uniform worked diligently, partially obscured by a tangle of cables and tools. Hunsen paused for a moment, observing the scene before him. Being an engineer, Hunsen smirked at the scene before him. He had been here many times as a senior officer. Taking control of maintenance issues had been something Hunsen had done as a chief engineer. It was a matter of pride and a matter of ensuring quality. He looked at the person he was seeking and saw a similar pride in the work she was undertaking.

The figure straightened, revealing herself to be a Bajoran woman with intense, focused eyes and a ridged nose characteristic of her people. Her short, pixie strawberry blonde hair did not move an inch. She worked tirelessly. 

“Dalen Marjo?” Hunsen called out, stepping closer. The woman glanced up, her eyes briefly scanning his face before returning to her work.

“Commander Dalen Marjo,” she corrected, not missing a beat as she continued to manipulate the tools in her hands. “And you are?”

“Commander Tremt Hunsen, U-S-S Them-” He paused as he corrected himself. “Odyssey,” he introduced himself, his voice steady and confident. “I’ve come to see if you’d be interested in joining us as Chief Operations Officer.”

Dalen didn’t stop working, but her eyes flickered with a hint of curiosity. “I’ve heard of the Odyssey. Impressive ship. But as you can see, I’m a bit busy right now.” She punctuated her statement by tightening a hatchet with a hyper-spanner. 

Hunsen smiled, appreciating her dedication. “I’ve read your file: a brilliant mathematician and an exceptional engineer. Your work speaks for itself. We need someone like you on the Odyssey.”

Dalen chuckled and paused her work, looking directly at Hunsen for the first time. “Flattery won’t get you far, Commander. I put my work first, and I’m not in the habit of leaving things unfinished.”

“You should have been made Chief of Operations here on Deep Space Nineteen earlier this year,” Hunsen stated. 

“That’s not for me or you to comment on,” Dalen said, her focus remaining on her work. “That’s for the admiral to decide.”

“Admiral Jaret is a fine leader and chose to have her new chief of operations because she needed her first officer,” Hunsen remarked. 

“Are you implying the admiral picked Commander Horin so she could get Captain Horin?” Dalen asked.

Hunsen shrugged his shoulders. 

“I know who you are, Commander Hunsen,” She replied. “In fact, I know that Captain Horin is your brother-in-law or whatever you Betazoids call the brother of your Imzadi. So why are you trying to convince me to join your crew while using your Imzadi as the bad guy?”

Hunsen paused. Damn, she was good, he thought. “I’m not saying Jaxxon or Anizza are the bad guys here, but I’d like to help you with your career.”

“I’m happy with my career; thank you, commander,” she replied, continuing to focus on her work. 

“You get to be Chief Operations Officer on one of Starfleet’s finest ships,” Hunsen said. “The Odyssey is a ship that demands the best, and we offer challenges that would match your skills. Your determination and expertise would be invaluable.”

Dalen considered this for a moment before returning to her task. “I’ve heard that before. Why should I believe the Odyssey is any different?”

Hunsen stepped closer, lowering his voice slightly to convey sincerity. “Because we need someone who doesn’t just excel but also inspires. Someone who can face the unknown with unwavering resolve. The Odyssey faces a new frontier, and we need someone who can help us navigate through the challenges ahead. We need you.”

Dalen stopped, her eyes locking onto Hunsen’s, weighing his words carefully. After a moment, she set down her tools and extended her hand. “You make a compelling case, Commander Hunsen. I’ll consider it.”

Hunsen smirked and took her hand, a firm and mutual respect passing between them. “From one engineer to another, I hope you will join us.”

Looking at him carefully, Dalen considered his point. “You’re an engineer, aren’t you?”

“Before I was a first officer,” He nodded. “And the Odyssey was the last ship I was responsible for.”

“So I assume she’s in a good state,” Dalen guessed.

“My former deputy took over from me; yes, she is.”

“Which would make my life as chief operations officer easy?” Dalen probed.

“Keeping a floating starbase operational is no easy job,” Hunsen stated. “It needs someone with the experience to manage it.”

“Another good point,” Dalen agreed. “Give me a hand with this replacement, and let’s keep talking.” 

Hunsen agreed to the idea. He started to like this woman and now saw why his Imzadi’s brother suggested he meet with her.