[snip}

With her medical evaluation done, Elyss headed for the science department expecting to meet the Chief. However, upon arrival she was told Lt Malone was unavailable and that she should report to the Captain in his absence. Zavey took a deep breath. She hadn’t planned on meeting Captain Glen that day or even for several weeks, depending on the activities of the ship. Stilling the sudden rush of adrenaline that coursed through her veins, Elyss headed for the bridge. She had to admit her heart was beating rather fast when the lift doors opened onto the heart of the ship.

“Permission to enter, Sir?” The one in the center command chair didn’t look like the picture she’d seen of Glen, but he did turn and look over his shoulder at her. “Permission granted.”

The young Lt walked directly to the one who had spoken. “I’m Elyss Zavey, newly assigned. I tried to report to my department head but was told he is unavailable and that I should come up here and report to the Captain.”

The OIC gave her a nod and spoke. “Captain Glen is in the Ready Room.” Zavey looked where he indicated. With a nod of her own, Elyss walked over to the closed doors and palmed the chime for entrance.

“Please enter,” Glen replied. She was lucky to catch him as he had just returned from the surface of the planet.

“Yes, how can I help you?” the Captain asked.

• Glen, CO