“Come in.” the older man said as he heard the chime on his office door. The door slid open with a barely audible ‘swish’, and in walked a young man. He was of average height, but wide shouldered and broad chested. His dark hair was cut stylishly, and his uniform was carefully maintained. He approached the desk and stood at attention. “Ensign Aatami Myasnikov, reporting as ordered Admiral.” the young man said in a voice thick with the accent of his homeland.

The Admiral nodded and said “Ah, yes. Myasnikov. Have a seat.” and he gestured to one of the empty seats in front of the desk. The young officer sat as directed, and a look of mild apprehension crossed his face. “Thank you, sir. If I may… I was not told the purpose of my being ordered to your office. So I apologize for-“

“You weren’t told by my order, Ensign.” the Admiral said, cutting him off. “I didn’t want anyone else discussing this with you until I had the chance.” The words didnt provide Myasnikov much relief, but he simply responded. “Of course, sir.” and fell silent.

Admiral Blakenship chuckled slightly. “Easy, Ensign. You aren’t in trouble. I just need to talk with you about an assignment I have in mind.” and he pulled up a file on a nearby display. He began reading it out loud, more to himself than to Aatami. “So… Ensign Myasnikov. Graduated the Academy towards the top of your class… advanced degree from Oxford and degree in Linguistics and Sociology… pilot… qualified with ships helm and weapons systems… and a bit of a daredevil.” With the last statement, he glanced at Myasnikov and a slight grin briefly flashed across his features. “And I see your waiting on your dissertation to be reviewed for your Doctorate. So tell me, Ensign… what do you want to do in the fleet? You seem a bit… unfocused.”

Myasnikov furrowed his brow slightly and said “I’m sorry, sir? I dont underst-” and he was cut off again. “I mean on the one hand, you’d be a natural for a Communications Officer. But you didnt focus on that. You’d also make a more than decent Science Officer, but you stayed away from that as well. So what I am asking is why, after so long studying and learning languages and social cues and customs… why did you become a pilot?” Myasnikov looked at the Admiral as he thought for a moment and then said “I just really like to fly, Admiral.”

The Admiral watched him for a few long and uncomfortable moments. He then said “How’d you do in the Navigaton trials?” Aatami smiled slightly and said “Well, Admiral. I finished with the lowest travel time in 87% of scenarios, highest efficiency in routing and celestial body approaches, as well as avoidance of celestial objects both natural and artificial. And I was able to drop the ship out of warp within a thousand kilometers of destination point nine out of ten times on average.” and he chuckled slightly. “It would be ten out of ten, but someone threw an apple at me on the last run and I missed disengaging warp by half a second.”

The Admiral nodded and smiled slightly as the Russian spoke. “Good. Then I think I have found my candidate.” and he pulled a gray PaDD over and wrote something on it. “See my secretary outside when you leave. You’ll pick up your orders there.” and he stood up and slowly began walking around the large desk.

“I am assigning you to the USS Sentinel. Governor class destroyer. You’ll be the Navigator, and back up helm as needed. You may or may not have additional responsibilities from the Captain. Oh, and one other thing. Almost forgot. You are being promoted. Lieutenant Junior Grade. Effective immediately. Make sure you requisition the appropriate uniforms before you depart.”

Myasnikov looked at the Admiral in shock for a few moments, and then shot to his feet. “Thats… that’s fantastic! Thank you, Admiral! Thank you!” and then he managed to compose himself and calm down. “I mean, I really appreciate the opportunity, sir. I wont make you regret your choice.”

The Admiral smiled and shook Aatami’s hand and said “I have no doubt, Lieutenant. Now… you should go pack. You’re due on board in forty-eight hours. Good luck. Dismissed, Mr. Myasnikov.”

Aatami stood up straight and said “Yes sir. Thank you sir.” and he released the Admiral’s hand and turned and walked out the door. Letting it slide closed behind him, the stocky Russian waited a second and then did a little dance and spun around. The Admiral’s secretary smiled and then extended a folder to Aatami. “Your orders.” she said with a laugh.

Myasnikov, Navigator