Posted by Lieutenant Commander Haruka Sato (Chief Engineer) in Main Engineering

Posted by Ensign Jhalae Ynuchausti (Actinging Chief Engineer) in Main Engineering
<SNIP>

“Bonsoir, Commander,” greeted the Klingon officer, “Is there something I may help you with?”

|Lt., j.g. Charles-Louis,
Engineering Officer|

Harri was a little taken back at the Klingon welcoming her in French, but then recalled the personnel files she had briefly skimmed over whilst en route to the Saracen.

“Lieutenant,” she said with a smile as she extended a hand. “I’m Harri Sato, the new Chief Engineer.” she continued, pausing a moment for the Klingon to have a chance to reply and introduce himself.

“I it is pleasure to officially meet you. I am Charles-Louis,” he replied, offering a handshake.

“Have you got some time to give me a quick tour of Main Engineering?” she asked.

“But of course,” Charles responded.

Lt. Cmdr. Sato
Chief Engineer

Jhalae’s morning had been a series of unexpected delays and misplaced tools, leaving her running behind schedule. She hurried towards Engineering, hoping to slip in unnoticed and avoid drawing attention to her tardiness.
However, as she arrived at the entrance to Main Engineering, her heart sank at the sight that greeted her. There, standing in the center of the room, was the new Chief Engineer, engaged in conversation with Charles Louise. Jhalae’s steps faltered as she realized her plan to slip in unnoticed might be foiled.
She hesitated at the threshold, unsure of how to proceed. Should she attempt to blend into the background and hope that neither Harri nor Charles noticed her late arrival? Or should she muster the courage to approach and offer an explanation for her tardiness? Jhalae hurried in and went right to a console and begin typing in commands. Whatever the outcome, she knew she couldn’t avoid the inevitable running into the new Chief Engineer.

Ensign Ynuchausti
(Engineer)

“Ah yes, first,” he continued, “If you would follow me, I would like to introduce you to someone.”

Charles lead Harri over where Jhalae was working, somehow seeming even louder than usual,

Harri followed the rather tall Klingon over to where the other engineering officer was. Harri inwardly smiled. The engineer had only just arrived at the station, given that it was empty when Harri had walked into sickbay, and yet looked engrossed with her work.

“She is a very fine officer, disciplined, dependable. The ship is honored by her presence onboard. Ah yes,” Charles said he as paused in front of Jhalae’s work station,

“Commander, I would like you to meet our former Acting Chief Engineer, Ensign Jhalae Ynuchausti.”

|Lt., j.g. Charles-Louis,
Engineering Officer|

Jhalae’s fingers flew over the console, her mind racing with a mix of frustration and embarrassment. She couldn’t believe she show up late, especially when the new Chief Engineer was there in Engineering. The unexpected introduction from Charles only added to her unease.

Harri studied Jhalae briefly as introductions were being made, sensing that she was slightly flustered.

As Charles spoke, Jhalae’s eyes remained focused on her work, a thin veil of concentration masking her inner turmoil. She could feel the weight of Harri’s presence as she approached, the anticipation of their interaction hanging heavy in the air.
When Charles finally uttered her name, Jhalae couldn’t delay any longer. With a deep breath, she turned towards Harri, offering a polite yet tense smile.
“Lieutenant Commander Sato,” she greeted, her voice steady despite the tumult of emotions within her. “Welcome to Main Engineering. I apologize for not being able to greet you properly earlier.”
Her words were sincere, tinged with a hint of regret for her own shortcomings. Jhalae straightened her posture, willing herself to exude confidence despite the discomfort of the situation.

And there, it all made sense to Harri. Her slightly prompt arrival appeared to have unsettled the Ensign, who clearly wanted to make a good first impression. She was about to speak, however the Ensign continued.

“I’m Ensign Jhalae Ynuchausti, former Chief Engineer,” she continued, her tone professional as she extended a hand towards Harri. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

Ensign Ynuchausti
(Engineer)

“It’s a pleasure to meet you to, Jhalae,” she said, extended her hand. “I appreciate I’m a little early,” she said, trying to calm Jhalae’s embarrassment, “however I just couldn’t sleep last night, and was eager to see engineering. It looks like you’ve kept her in fine shape.” she said with a smile.

Lt. Cmdr. Sato
Chief Engineer

Charles stood back and observed the interaction. It seemed this was one of those rare occasions where he had nothing to say. Charles had noticed Jhalae’s tension and couldn’t help but feel that his impromptu introduction might have been to blame.

“Yes, it is true,” he said, nodding in agreement.

(bumping this to avoid AWOL)

|Lt., j.g. Charles-Louis,
Engineering Officer|