[snip]

”..Now though as for your current assignment. I’m happy to report your ‘assignment’ is to kick back, relax and enjoy some R&R for you and your crew! The Merrimack after your return needs a full EPS system overhaul from reports I got, and a ‘large clean up purging of cargo bay 2’. The eggheads from Starfleet Intel are coming in to comb over whatever shenanigans you got up too I’m told to clean up that particular mess. So until the repairs are done and the clean up performed you’re all off duty till further notice. I do hear you’re getting some new crew too!” he said.

“Yes, I heard we were receiving new crew too…” After a slight pause, “Sir?” Glen asked, “Is that really all? …I’m not complaining, we really do need some R&R, only I can’t help feeling that you asked me here for another reason. Maybe, I’ve just got too cynical in my old age, or maybe it’s because the last Commodore who said those same words to me, actually wanted me to secretly investigate his wife’s sexual activity!”

”..That is actually quite all Captain. I just wanted to touch base with you and get a read on your mental health given all you’ve been through. So you’re dimissed to go enjoy your R&R and get to meet your new crew..” Brians said.

Seeming to recall something as the Captain got up, Brians amended his speech, “..Oh Captain, one uh, small detail..” he said ominously.

”..One of the repair members overseeing the refit and repair of the Merrimack is a Caitian by the name of Emi’Ko has been a former worker and designer on the Mariner class. She’s....shall we say quite strongly attached to the well being of ship’s she helped design and build. The Merrimack being one of them. As a result she’s been.....vocal about your shall we say ‘rough care taking’ of ‘her’ engines. So just to make you aware she might come off a bit brash and possessive when you meet her.” he said.

“Right-ho!” replied Glen, “I can assure her that any challenging behaviour was simply a matter of survival, both of ours and the Merrimack herself, but that she has always performed well beyond anything we might have asked her, Sir!”

“Thanks for the heads up!” added Glen. “I’m go back now and organise the Shore Leave, Sir!”

As Glen walked out, he almost walked into someone standing in the hall.

Right outside the Office was a 7’ tall Caitian woman, who was not looking at all happy. Her uniform was slightly modified from standard, being that she wore a skirt instead of pants, and instead of boots had a pair of armored leg guards on that were specifically shaped for her Digitigrade legs. she was like all Caitians covered from head to toebean in fur. Hers was tawny in color, though there were stripes slightly darker shade that blended into the Tawny color, thus making her look somewhat like a mix of an earth Lion and Tiger. on the end of her tail was a tuft of dark brown fur adding to the lion-like looks. The dark brown hair on top of her head, had been styled into a pixie cut her eyes were a bright yellow with slit pupils.

The woman marched up to the captain, “Hello Captain, My name is Lieutenant Emi’ko. My team and I will be Assisting with the Repairs!” she purred politely, as she fell into step with the captain and offering a paw for him to shake.

Glen couldn’t remember having met a Caitian before, though his memory wasn’t great since he had reached 35. He was aware there were many in Starfleet. This must be the ship designer that Brians had just warned him about.

“Hello!” replied Glen. “I guess you already know, but I’m Captain John T Glen of the Starship Merrimack.”

after he replied she continued ,”However, captain may I Speak Freely for a moment?” she asked, though from the look in her eyes, anyone could see she was bearly containing her anger. and whether or not he gave her permission she was probably going to say what she wanted to say anyway.

“Yes, of course,” replied Glen, “though Commodore Brians has already mentioned your concerns, and maybe you’d rather discuss them in my office aboard the Merrimack… or the bar in Deep Space K-5 and I’ll get you a drink?”

-Glen, CO