As Lieutenant Commander Catersha stepped out of the turbolift and into the bustling Main Engineering room of the USS Carlsbad, the familiar scent of energized plasma and the hum of machinery enveloped her, instantly making her feel at home. The thrill of excitement coursing through her veins was palpable, her heart racing with anticipation as she gazed out at the sleek, silver consoles and the talented crew busy at work. Her new posting as Chief Engineer, the pinnacle of her career aspirations, was finally a reality, and she couldn’t wait to dive in and make her mark.

The soft glow of the console screens and the gentle whir of the engines created a sense of dynamic energy, drawing her in like a magnet. Catersha’s eyes sparkled with enthusiasm as she took her first steps into the room, her boots echoing off the metal deck plates. She felt a deep sense of pride and responsibility wash over her, knowing that she was now the leader of this talented team, entrusted with the task of keeping the USS Carlsbad running at peak performance.

As she made her way deeper into the room, the crew began to take notice of her arrival, their faces turning toward her with a mix of curiosity and welcome. Catersha’s smile broadened, and she nodded in greeting, eager to get to know each and every one of them. This was just the beginning of an exciting new chapter in her career, and she was ready to hit the ground running. The Assistant Chief Engineer walked up to her.

“Lieutenant John Williams, Assistant Chief Engineer ma’am. Welcome aboard.”

“Lieutenant Commander Catersha. Per orders from Starfleet Command, I am taking command of this Engineering team.”

Catersha shook Williams’s outstretched hand, giving him a good form shake. He was a little surprised at her hand strength.

“Understood ma’am. All ship systems are fully operational. Ship is ready for launch,” Williams reported.

“Very well.” Catersha slowly looked around the big warp reactor room, looking each member in their eyes for a second. “I have heard very good things about this team. I will be expecting that level of perfection and performance everyday. This is the Captain’s first command and I want to make sure he starts his command career to a good start,”

An Ensign, her eyes wide with a mix of curiosity and apprehension, slowly and timidly raised her hand. Her arm hovering uncertainly in the air as if she was still in an Academy classroom, seeking permission to speak.

Catersha noticed the Ensign’s hand up.

“No need to raise your hand Ensign. Go ahead.” She gestured for the Ensign to speak freely.

“I’m sorry ma’am. I heard from an Academy friend of mine that you and the Captain were together once,” the timid Ensign asked, in a soft tone of voice.

Her voice, barely above a whisper, trembled slightly as she ventured her question, her words spilling out in a trickle as she tried to get them out before losing her nerve. The hesitancy was endearing, and Lieutenant Commander Catersha’s expression softened into an encouraging smile, her eyes crinkling at the corners as she nodded for the young Ensign to continue, her demeanor putting the junior officer at ease.

Lieutenant Williams corrected the Ensign, in a slight condescending tone.

“Ensign, that question is highly irregular and out of line.”

Catersha walked to stand next to the scared looking Ensign now. “No, it is alright Lieutenant.” Catersha looked at the Ensign. “Yes, I did date the Captain when we both were in the Academy. That is one reason why I am so passionate about making sure this mission goes perfectly for him.”

She gave the Ensign an encouraging smile. That seemed to boost the Ensign as she looked brighter and more confident.

“I’m sorry Ma’am.” Lieutenant Williams said to Lieutenant Commander Catersha.

Catersha looked at Lieutenant Williams. “It is okay Lieutenant. I encourage my people to connect with crew mates on a personal level. That helps to boost morale and crew efficiency.”

“Understood Ma’am,” Williams replied.

“Good to hear. Okay people, let’s get ready to launch this baby on its first mission. Stations please,” Lieutenant Commander Catersha instructioned her team. “Lieutenant Williams, I’ll need you on the bridge as the engineering officer there. You are the most experienced here.”

Lieutenant Williams nodded his acknowledgement and turned to leave the Engine room. Catersha had to power walk to catch up with him. She caught him in the adjoining corridor.

“Just a second Lieutenant,” Catersha called out to Williams.

Williams stopped and turned sideways as Catersha stopped next to him.

“Lieutenant, I didn’t want to come off sounding offensive or hurt anyone’s feelings, including yours. If I did, I’m sorry,” Catersha said apologetically.

Williams looked her in the eyes. “Permission to speak freely ma’am?” Catersha simply nodded. “I don’t think that Ensign belongs on this ship and in this engine room, sir.” Then Williams proceeded to march off.

“Williams, stop right there,” Catersha almost shouted down the corridor.

Two crewmen peeked around the curve in the corridor. Catersha waved them off. Williams stopped in his tracks, then slowly turned to face her, eyes slightly narrowed. He stood in a ready pose to attack. Catersha saw him tense up and she stopped in her tracks. She gave him a stern look, her eyes locked on his like a photon torpedo lock.

“Lieutenant Williams, stand down now! That is a direct order!”

He continued to stand in his ready to pounce stance for a few seconds, then relaxed a little.

“I’m…I’m sorry Lieutenant Commander. When you were talking to me, it felt like I was getting chewed out and I automatically went into an aggressive mindset.”

Catersha slowly stepped forward, then spoke in a softer tone. “I’m sorry Lieutenant. Do you want to talk about what happened?”

Williams only nodded slightly, then glanced down both ways of the corridor, then gestured for her to follow him into a supply room. The doors whooshed open for them, then closed. He looked at her with an apologic look.

“It is part of my upbringing when I was a kid on Dorvan V. I had to undergo years of Cardassian ruthless occupation. My parents were killed over scarpals of food. So I had to train to be aggressive in a moment’s notice. I’m sorry ma’am.”

Williams looked down and away, feeling ashamed. She considered his words and his facial expression carefully. Her stare felt like she was proving into his soul. She nodded slightly.

“Apology accepted Lieutenant. No harm done. Just be careful in the future please. You are a good officer and the Captain needs every good officer he can get.” She smiled at him and put a hand on his shoulder. “So do I. Are you able to carry out your duties?”

Williams nodded to her. “Yes ma’am. I’m fully capable of carrying out my duties. Thank you for not reporting this incident.”

She smiled back at him. “It is ok Lieutenant. I hate paperwork. Go to the bridge and let the Captain know we are ready to go down here.”

Williams replied, “yes ma’am. On my way.”

Williams turned and walked off to the main turbolift. Catersha saw him walk off, then turned around and headed back to the Main Engine Room.

The doors whooshed open, revealing her team and her baby…the warp core for the USS Carlsbad. She smiled.