As Lieutenant Sirella moved away from the newly assembled command chair, her mind couldn’t help but dwell on the interaction she had just experienced with Commander Korrath. Though she found him physically attractive, a part of her felt slightly uneasy about the response he had displayed. It wasn’t his fault; it was the effect of her Deltan heritage, the unconscious telepathy and pheromones that had generated such a reaction in him.

Deep down, Sirella understood the allure of Korrath’s primal Klingon nature. There was an undeniable magnetism in his strong presence and commanding demeanor. But as a Starfleet officer, she believed in maintaining professionalism and boundaries. The strong physical response she had triggered in him felt unbecoming of their roles and responsibilities aboard the Phaesis.

She nodded absentmindedly to Lieutenant Commander Cassana Brack as they passed each other going through the door leading to the main hallway. Her thoughts were consumed by the encounter with Commander Korrath, and she couldn’t help but replay the conversation in her mind.

The memory of Korrath’s intense reaction to her presence lingered, evoking a mix of concern at herself and a bit hot under the collar. It was a reminder of the potent effect her Deltan heritage could have on others, even those within Starfleet who were trained to maintain composure and professionalism.

Sirella contemplated the implications of their interaction. She knew her telepathic abilities and pheromones had inadvertently influenced Korrath’s behavior, amplifying his attraction beyond what it would have been under normal circumstances. It troubled her to think that her inherent traits could have such an effect on him. She wondered if this was down to his more primal Klingon side or his passionate Bajoran side? She wasn’t sure.

She entered the Upper Computer Core, her focus shifting to the task at hand—restoring the internal communications system. The hum of machinery surrounded her as she worked diligently, her mind still occupied by the need to address the situation with Commander Korrath.

Sirella recognized the importance of acknowledging and taking responsibility for her role in the encounter. While her Deltan nature contributed to the intense response Korrath had experienced, she understood that it was her responsibility to ensure a professional atmosphere aboard the Phaesis.

As lines of code scrolled across the screens, Sirella contemplated how she would approach the conversation with Korrath. She wanted to express her sincere apologies for any discomfort or distraction her presence may have caused, while also emphasizing her commitment to maintaining a harmonious working relationship.

Finally, as the last lines of code fell into place, the internal communications system came back online. Sirella took a moment to appreciate the fruits of her labor. She pressed her comm badge. “=/\= Sirella to Korrath.”

Korrath smiled, as he tapped his badge. Sirella wasn’t lying when she said that the internal communications wouldn’t take long to repair. “=/\= Korrath here. Well done, Lieutenant.” He remarked down the comm line.

Sirella couldn’t help but smile, the pride in her accomplishment mingling with the warmth of Korrath’s praise. It was a small moment of validation, a reminder of her competence and dedication to her duties.

“=/\= Thank you, Commander. Sirella out=/\=” she replied, her voice carrying a tinge of satisfaction. The acknowledgement from Korrath meant more to her than she initially realized, but not in a romantic way.. It was a reassurance that her efforts were recognized and valued.

With each step she took down the familiar hallway, Sirella’s mind was filled with a mix of anticipation and trepidation. As she made her way back to the bridge, her heart beat a little faster, mirroring the uncertainty that lay ahead. She couldn’t help but hope for a moment of privacy, a chance to have an honest and uninterrupted conversation with Commander Korrath.

The passageway gradually widened, revealing the expanse of the bridge before her. As she approached the entrance, Sirella’s eyes scanned the room, her gaze shifting from one corner to another. She couldn’t help but feel a twinge of apprehension, a desire for the area to be devoid of any prying eyes or curious onlookers. It was a conversation that required vulnerability and honesty, and she yearned for the space to freely express herself without the risk of others overhearing.

With cautious steps, she entered the bridge and scanned her surroundings once again. The familiar hum of the ship’s systems filled the air, creating a backdrop for the quiet solitude she sought. Her eyes landed on the commanding officer’s chair where Korrath sat reading from a pad.

The rest of the bridge was empty. With her heart pounding in her chest, Sirella steeled herself for the upcoming conversation. She knew that addressing the discomfort caused by her innate qualities required courage and vulnerability. But she was determined to take responsibility for her actions and discuss the matter with the utmost respect and honesty. The bridge, with its hushed ambiance and empty space, offered a fitting backdrop for the conversation. She cleared her throat, a habit she had picked up after serving for so longer with Humans.

Sirella’s voice cut through the air, crisp and determined, as she addressed Commander Korrath. With each word, her apprehension mingled with a fierce determination, fueling her resolve to broach the delicate topic that had been weighing on her mind. As she rounded the bridge, her gaze fixed on the command chair where the half Klingon, half Bajoran officer sat, she couldn’t help but feel a mix of nerves and anticipation.

The room seemed to hold its breath, the hum of the ship’s systems fading into the background as Sirella mustered the courage to speak her truth. Her heart thudded in her chest, the weight of the impending conversation pressing upon her shoulders. She knew that addressing the discomfort caused by her innate qualities required a delicate touch, one that demanded both empathy and assertiveness.

Korrath, sensing the gravity of the situation, swallowed hard, his mind already guessing the subject that hung in the air between them. Before he could utter a response, his aim to apologise first, Sirella swiftly interjected, her voice steady but laced with urgency. “If I may speak first, Commander,” she asserted, her tone leaving no room for hesitation.

Korrath, respectful of Sirella’s request, nodded in acknowledgment, his eyes softening as he recognized the weight of her words. He understood the significance of giving her the floor, allowing her to express herself fully and honestly. In that moment, he admired her courage and the strength it took to initiate this dialogue, especially to complain about one’s own Commanding Officer. He resolved after this to not only refer this directly to Task Force Command but encourage Sirella to contact them herself.

Sirella’s voice trembled slightly as she addressed Korrath, her nerves palpable in the air. She took a deep breath, willing herself to speak with honesty and humility. The weight of the earlier encounter lingered heavily on her conscience.

“Commander,” she began, her voice laced with a mix of nervousness and sincerity, “I wanted to take a moment to apologize for what transpired earlier. I am truly sorry if my inherent abilities had an unintended effect on you.” Her words carried a genuine sense of remorse, the weight of responsibility evident in her tone.

Her gaze met Korrath’s, searching for understanding and forgiveness. She continued, her voice wavering slightly, “Please believe me when I say that it was unintentional to manipulate or cause discomfort. The truth is, I too am taken aback by the effect my presence can have on others, and it has left me feeling rather embarrassed.”

Sirella’s admission hung in the air, vulnerable and sincere. She wanted Korrath to know that she respected his position as her Commanding Officer.

“I understand if you have concerns or reservations moving forward,” she added, her voice tinged with a touch of regret. “If you feel it would be best to transfer me to another assignment, I will respect your decision. The last thing I want is for my presence to hinder the harmony and professionalism of this crew.” She concluded, her heart raced with a mix of anticipation and trepidation. 

Korrath stood up slowly, his expression a mixture of surprise and understanding as Sirella concluded her heartfelt apology. His initial apprehension melted away as her words resonated with him, reminding him of his own oversight and the need to take responsibility for his actions. He raised a hand, a gesture to silence any further apologies from her.

“Lieutenant, I want to make it absolutely clear you have nothing to apologize for,” Korrath reassured her, his voice calm yet sincere. “It was my own oversight that led to this situation. I should have remembered sooner about the unconscious abilities of Deltans. I want to offer my sincere apologies to you, and I assure you that I won’t forget again.”

Sirella’s brows furrowed slightly, as if about to interject, but Korrath continued, raising his hand once more, this time accompanied by a small, understanding smile. “That being said, I want to make it clear that I don’t want you to transfer. You have already proven yourself to be an exceptionally capable engineer, and I am proud to have someone of your caliber on board the Phaesis. From my perspective, what happened is now water under the bridge.”

The commander’s words carried a genuine sense of appreciation and respect for Sirella’s skills and contributions. Not to mention her impressive resume, he knew he was fortunate to have her on board a ship like the Phaesis. However, he also recognized the importance of considering her own feelings and desires in this matter.

“But the ultimate question, Lieutenant, is how do you feel?” Korrath’s gaze met Sirella’s, his tone earnest and empathetic. “If you feel that transferring from the Phaesis is what you truly want or need, I will completely understand and support your decision. As the Commanding Officer, my crew’s well-being and comfort are of utmost importance.”

With those words, Korrath conveyed his respect for Sirella’s agency and autonomy, allowing her to determine the best course of action for herself. He awaited her response, aware that should she decide to transfer, he had little time to another Engineer.

Sirella couldn’t help but let out a small, nervous laugh, her tension dissipating as she acknowledged her own apprehensions. “To be completely frank with you, Commander, I must admit that I had been dreading this conversation,” she confessed, her voice tinged with a mix of relief and humor. Taking a moment to compose herself, she met Korrath’s gaze with determination.

“But,” she continued, her tone steady, “I want to assure you that I would like to remain aboard the Phaesis.” There was a hint of resolve in her voice, a clear declaration of her commitment to their shared mission and her trust in Korrath’s leadership.

Korrath returned her smile, a sense of relief washing over him. “I’m glad to hear that, Lieutenant,” Korrath replied, a genuine warmth in his voice. “Your skills and dedication are invaluable to our mission, and I have no doubt that you will continue to make significant contributions aboard the Phaesis.”

He paused for a moment, allowing his words to sink in before continuing. “Moving forward, I want you to know that I will always be mindful of the unique dynamics that come with your Deltan heritage.”

“Thank you, Commander,” she replied sincerely, her voice filled with gratitude for his understanding and support. The weight of the conversation lifted from her shoulders, replaced by a renewed sense of confidence and purpose.

With a nod of acknowledgment, Korrath gestured to his left, indicating the Engineering station. “Please feel free to make yourself comfortable, Lieutenant. We’ll be departing shortly, and I have every confidence in your ability to ensure the ship is running at its best.”

Sirella nodded appreciatively, a small smile forming on her lips. She bowed her head respectfully to Korrath, a gesture of gratitude and acknowledgement for his leadership. Taking her place in the Engineering station chair, she focused on organizing the controls to her preferred configuration, a sense of familiarity and purpose settling within her.

As her fingers moved deftly across the console, a sense of readiness enveloped Sirella. She felt a renewed sense of determination to excel in her role and contribute to the success of the Phaesis and its mission. The bridge became a space where competence and camaraderie intertwined, each member fulfilling their duties with dedication and mutual respect.

In the calm before their departure, Sirella took a moment to appreciate the unity and trust that had been established. The conversation with Korrath had not only resolved a potential issue but had also strengthened their bond as colleagues. She knew that they were embarking on a journey that would test their abilities and forge their teamwork, but with a supportive commander like Korrath, she felt confident they could overcome any challenges that lay ahead.

With a final adjustment to the controls, Sirella focused her attention on the imminent departure, eager to apply her skills and contribute to the success of their mission. The Phaesis stood ready, its crew united, as they ventured into the unknown, propelled by a shared commitment to exploration and discovery.