SNIP

Ryder acknowledged the salute with a nod and whilst smiling, “At ease Crewman.” He waved his hand dismissively, he had forgotten that it had taken him months to train his previous crew not to act so formally around him unless he was with someone of equivalent rank or higher. Looks like he would have to start again. “No need to salute me in future Crewman unless I’m accompanied with the Captain, and by all mean return you cap to its previous position. There’s no need for you to feel uncomfortable both physically and mentally around me.” He waited a moment allowing her the moment to dress herself down if she so desired.

Jessie dropped her salute and swiftly turned her cap backwards once again, tucking the cane rolls back out of her eyes. Giving her coveralls a quick tug, she attempted to make herself for comfortable and presentable. “Aye sir!”

“Whats your name Crewman? How do you prefer to be addressed?” The question was simple enough, Ryder often preferred his given name or Commander if extremely necessary and to other Trill, they likely would call him Raauhl.

• Commander Ryder, XO

“My name sir? Jessie Polizzi. Friends call me Jess,” she responded showing her crooked Klingon teeth. The crewman wondered why the XO of the ship had bothered stopping and talking to a lowly crewman who’s main job was cleaning faeces out of cages. Without thinking, she raised her arm and took a whiff of her arm pit. Not good. Next order of business was a shower. Honestly, Klingon latrines had a better odour.

Polizzi, Crewman

Very few things surprised Ryder these days especially on this shop but seeing the young quarter Klingon snif herself did cause him to stifle a laugh expertly. “Well Jess, if you don’t mind. How are you finding the transition to the RTF? I’m still trying to get to know everyone did you join the ship under its new job role or was you a part of the original crew?” Ryder had urge to check to make sure if he spelled too, but then stopped himself.

• Commander Ryder, XO

“Just recently joined sir. Been on a couple of ships and starbases after finishing training. Wasn’t smart enough for the Academy, sir,” Jess said as she shifted her weight to the other foot. In her 6 years in Starfleet she did not recall ever speaking to the second in command or captain. Crewman were barely noticed by many unless they happened to work directly together. Her dark brown eyes watched him intently wondering where he was going with the questions. Did he know about the secret “E” club the other crewmen were running on the enlisted deck? “Joining the RTF gets me extra credits towards my degree in genetics with ecology and evolution. Seemed a good fit too. Since we are look for the unknown lifeforms and such. Might not be smart enough for the Academy, but not as dumb as I look. Sir.”

Jess, Science