Posted by Lieutenant Harry Archer (Chief Engineer) in Six Forward

Posted by Ensign Mwezi (Security) in Six Forward

Posted by Lieutenant Harry Archer (Chief Engineer) in Six Forward
Posted by… suppressed (2) by the Post Ghost! 👻
<SNIP>

Noticing Archer in the seating area, he made note of his location, but went to the bar first to get a drink. “Something aromatic, low alcohol, please,” he requested, and was given a fruity cider of some sort - he didn’t pay much attention to its exact composition. Mwezi walked over to join the engineering chief. “This seat taken?”

Ensign Mwezi
Security USS Asimov

Harry looked up from the PaDD he had been intensely focused on, his brow knitted into a frown, fixing his gaze on the tall Laleri. His eyebrows raised slightly in surprise, before he broke up into a smile. He hadn’t really expected the XO to have taken him up on an offer of a drink; people just tend to say yes out of politeness.

“Commander, please.” Harry said, gesturing to empty seat.

Lt. Archer
Chief Engineer

“Ah, no longer commander,” Mwezi said with a slightly awkward smile, although he still sat down. “For ‘security reasons’, I am no longer the executive officer of the Asimov. My promotion was somewhat of a… field promotion during a tumultuous time, and was not approved of by Command. I am back to being a simple Junior Officer.” Glancing away for a moment, he took a sip of his drink.

Ensign Mwezi
Security USS Asimov

Harry watched the Laleri as he drank his drink, sensing a slight tinge of sadness from Mwezi about the entire situation.

“I’m sorry to hear that,” he started, placing his drink down on the table. “For what it’s worth, you made a good first impression when you came down to Engineering, so regardless of what Command think, I’m sure you’ve earnt the respect of the crew”.

Lt. Archer
Chief Engineer

“Thank you. Despite Starfleet Command’s poor opinions of me, I plan to continue to serve the Federation and all its people to the best of my ability,” Mwezi stated, letting out a small sigh. “Regardless, how is Engineering treating you? Have the crew adjusted to their new Chief?”

Ensign Mwezi
Security USS Asimov

Harry quietly nodded, still feeling sorry for Mwezi. “Well, I for one am glad that you’re sticking around,” he replied. “Despite it being a small ship, I’m still to get acquainted with much of the crew. The exception being the engineering crew, but then I’ve probably spent most of my time there or sleeping in my quarters.” he said with a grin.

“They’re a fine bunch, and seem to be adapting well, although I’m not one to come in all guns blazing.” he replied. “I’d rather get to know the team, and encourage them to make their own changes.”

Lt. Archer
Chief Engineer

Mwezi nodded. “A fine approach to leading a team. I did similarly when I was Security Chief on the–” he cut off, then sighed, “On a previous vessel I served on. Remind me some time when we’re not in a public space, maybe I’ll explain.” He took another sip of his drink. “Oh, my partners are coming to join me on the Asimov. I’d love to introduce you.”

Ensign Mwezi
Security USS Asimov

Harry chuckled softly as Mwezi caught himself in mid-flow. Even though Six Forward was fairly quiet, he knew that the ‘walls have ears’… or at least that is how the saying went.

“Oh that’s fantastic that they’re joining you,” he replied, referring to Mwezi’s family. “And thank you, I’d be delighted to meet them. You must be looking forward to seeing them again?” he asked.

Lt. Archer
Chief Engineer

“I am. I’ve spoken with them on video-call, but we have not actually seen one another since the return to regular operations,” Mwezi replied with a small smile. “It has been so long, I am looking forward to being able to spend time with them again after so long apart.” A world where civilians could live on a Starfleet vessel was such a joy.

Ensign Mwezi
Security USS Asimov