“Sorry for the delay on the barge loaded with hull plates for the Kilimanjaro earlier sir.” The dependable and overly modest LtJG Horvath said as he locked out his console before handing off to his relief from Beta shift in the large dockyard control centre.
“Don’t worry about it Bobby, it only set us back a few minutes. I’d rather deal with a short delay so that you could double check that the transit lanes were clear, over having to deal with a collision or near miss with a fully loaded freighter near the main airlock.” Traan waited near main bulkhead doors leading out of Shipyard Central as Horvath walk up the steps out of his console pit and joined him.
“Like you and the Director always say, ‘think safe, feel safe, be safe’ sir. Gotta admit it was cool seeing a D’Kora maneuvering up close, in the flesh before lunch there.” Horvath smiled as Traan gave him a light pat on the shoulder.
Traan chuckled “Tell me about it eh, most people don’t give the Ferengi enough credit for their ship building skills. And even fewer people seem to realize that thirty years ago their workhorse merchant vessels were comparable in size and armaments to our Flagship (Galaxy Class) at the time. Anyway, I’ve got some errands to run before signing out for the day. I’ll see ya tomorrow Lt.”
“Roger that sir.” Horvath replied as he turned to head down the corridor towards the shipyard staff locker rooms.
Traan continued towards the nearby bank of turbos and patiently waited for one to arrive. When one came to a halt and its doors slid open the tall Andorian was surprised to see two familiar faces.
“Talk about timing hehehe. I was just on my way to come see you Mr. Renak. Your ships refit is complete and resupplied with everything you asked for.” Traan boarded the lift and added, “Promenade section India.”
“Excellent commander, give my compliments to your people on their skill and efficiency. So let’s discuss the invoice for all that.” Renak replied.
“I recommended we wave the usual fee for the ultra refined deuterium the D’Kora class requires and I didn’t see any need in applying the standard surcharge for the keel blocks we had to fabricate since we’ll need the same size stands for a Korvalan freighter that’s due to dock tomorrow. You’ll still have to pay full price for the parts and labour though, even I can’t give away plasma inverters and injector assemblies for less than retail.” Traan chuckled.
“Of course, most gracious of you, Commander, I’ll have the invoice paid within a few hours.” Renak replied
“Excellent. Nice to see you again Ensign. I trust Commander Paskalis isn’t making your life too miserable.” Traan shifted his gaze and nodded at Ensign Carson who had provided the Shipyard with some much needed administrative assistance a month and a half prior.
Carson gave the Andorian Deputy Director of Shipyard Operations a smile. “It’s good to see you again, Commander. Director Paskalis has been merciful. It’s my senior chief that’s trying to kill me.” The two Starfleet officers shared a chuckle at the reality of life as a very junior officer.
“But overall, they both have been very good to me.”
“Glad to hear it. Well, I’ve got make one stop at the civil affairs office and then I was thinking I’d maybe buy-in to one of your Casino’s poker tables Renak. Feel free to join me if you’d like Mr. Carson.”
The ensign perked up. “I’m heading to CA as well, to talk with Lieutenant Gray. I’m helping mediate some details between CA and Mr. Renak. And I’d be honored to join you, Commander.” Carson turned to Renak. “That would give me an excuse to visit your establishment.”
“Sounds like a plan.” Traan leaned against the wall of the turbo.
When the lift arrived at the Promenade and everyone disembarked Traan and Carson made for the Civil Affairs office. The Andorian spoke with Lt. Gray first, relaying information about the D’Kora being finished and a civilian freighter that had been impounded and seized as evidence in the course of criminal investigation. Some of Traans crews had already been working on repairs and refits to the vessel when the Captain and several members of its crew had been arrested and the ship was seized and locked down. Traan needed the Lt’s permission to board the vessel and retrieve their tools and equipment.
After finishing up Traan lingered and listened to Carsons exchange with the Mr. Gray.
Carson explained the arrangement he had made with Renak and showed him the PADD with the list of Renak’s requests. LT(jg) Gray was obviously displeased with the results. “We already have all that in place….” He glanced at the PADD again. “…except for the customs. I told you to get rid of him, not cave into every outrageous demand.”
“They’re legitimate concerns, and an honest review of the communications between Starfleet and civilians couldn’t hurt.”
“He’s a damn Ferengi.”
Carson was taken aback and he quickly looked around the room. His eyes locked with LCDR Traan’s. The Andorian had heard Gray’s outburst. ‘Not good,’ Carson thought to himself.
To Gray, he whispered, “Keep your voice down.” In the 25th century, tolerance and acceptance were expected of all Starfleet personnel. Demonstrating xenophobic behavior was one of the quickest ways to torpedo a career. In a normal voice, loud enough to ensure Traan heard, Carson added, “Mr. Renak is a merchant in good standing on Bravo. His grievances should be handled with respect. That’s really all he’s asking for.”
Caught in his faux pas, Gray’s answer was subdued. “It still feels like caving to me.”
A hint of irritation at Gray’s pigheadedness crept into Carson’s thoughts. “Lieutenant, you are absolutely right. I caved. But I got him out of your hair, and that’s what you asked for. Your DivO will probably handle the memo with Renak’s requests and I’m doing the legwork, not you. So it’s all gravy, right?”
“Yea, gravy,” admitted Gray.
“Great. Gotta go; the commander’s waiting for me.” Carson quickly retreated and headed for the exit before Gray could say something else incriminating.
“Keep that kind of stuff up and you might just find yourself promoted Ensign.” Traan said as they exited the office and headed for Renak’s Casino. He was impressed with the young man’s diligence and professionalism.
“Thank you, Sir,” Carson replied automatically. His mind was racing. How should he address Gray’s remark with LCDR Traan. Or should he? Indecision won, and Carson remained mute, hoping the commander did feel the need to discuss the outburst.
“The Lt was out of line back there, you did right thing by not calling out his bigotry though, it’s not your responsibility to put him in his place.” Traan would file the proper report with one of his pals in the JAG department and have the xenophobic Lt handled properly.
