The turbolift doors closed with a hissing sound “Deck eleven.” Richard had a relaxed but strong posture with his hands at his sides. He noticed that there was no response from the turbolift and broke the lone silence speaking with a tone of irritation, “Um, hello? Deck ele....” He was interrupted by the ship computer’s voice, “Hello. How can I assist you Commander Marsh?” He sighed and replied, “Have this turbolift perform it’s duties and take me to deck eleven. Please and thank you.” The computer responded, “The turbolift was designed to transport members of the crew to all levels, however, it is not a member of the crew and has no assigned duties.” Richard rolled his eyes and now was getting aggravated, “Computer, open a channel to engineering.” The computer stated, “Channel open sir.” He announced calmly knowing it was not completely their fault, “Engineering team, this is Commander Marsh. Please have someone come to deck twenty one to fix the turbolift, it is being tempermental today.” A woman’s voice came across the comm, “Right away sir.”

He looked up at the ceiling of the turbolift, “Now lets see if you can do this effectively. Computer initiate site to site transport to the Counselor’s office on deck eleven.” His body instantaneously de-materialized and after a few seconds re-materialized directly in the in Counselor’s office. He placed both of his hands together shaping them take the form of a phaser pistol and bend his knees comfortably appearing like he was holding up the counselor. He wanted to break the ice with her via a practical joke, “Boarding party! Hands up!” He laughed for a moment and then realized that the computer probably transported him to the tactical or security office because he found himself standing toe to toe with a Klingon Lieutenant. Not that it was unheard of, but he had never met or saw a Klingon as a counselor throughout the duration of his Starfleet career. He would have to get the Engineering team to run a diagnostic immediately.

He tilted his head slightly, grinned widely, shrugged his shoulders casually, and made a simple hand gesture as he communicated, “I apologize Lieutenant. The ship’s computer system seems to be having multiple struggles in functioning properly today. The turbolift was down on deck twenty one and I attempted to complete a site to site transport to the Counselor. We all love the mandated boarding mental health check ins right?” He smirked and extended his hand to the Klingon woman, “I am Commander Marsh, It is a pleasure to meet you. What is your name and department?” He was clearly brand new to the ship and had beamed directly into the office. Therefore, he did not see the entrance that confirmed that the computer had in fact transported him to the requested location correctly and he was the one with the issues in this case.

• Lieutenant Commander Marsh, XO