Lt Cmdr Malkin walked towards the Captain’s office, already recognised as the new XO. Some people carried themselves like career officers, Cmdr Malkin was one of them. He stopped an engineering Ensign. “The Captain’s office; it’s on this deck, correct?” He was quizzing the young Officer. “Yes. Sir. Six doors that way.”
“Very good Ensign.”
“Thank you sir!” It took a few moments to register that all this had been a test.

As he came to the door and pressed the chime, David stood to attention.

-Lt Cmdr David Malkin, XO