Questions

Month 7 Day 30

1619 Hours

Lt Ragamuffin Oakhurst

Lt ‘Rags’ Oakhurst glanced around the rec room, gave a more intense look at the female using a computer in a corner. Yikes. Della was right about MacDowell’s hair color. That has got to be her. Looks like she’s busy, but Smythe wants this done.

When he approached, the redhead actually had 2 computer screens facing her. One held a schematic diagram that didn’t look complete, and which he couldn’t identify. The other screen showed what appeared to be random groups of words and symbols connected by lines. Sitting next to MacDowell was a dusky-skinned yeoman. “Mind if I join you?” Oakhurst asked.

The yeoman turned her head to look him over, muttered, “Lit.”

MacDowell glanced at his sleeve. “Comp spec.” Sounds like they have a private language. The redhead sighed. “I’m busy, Negron. Go away.”

“I’m not Negron.” Oakhurst waited, but she seemed absorbed in her 2 screens.

A man paused to look at the 2 screens over the redhead’s shoulder. “Working on your projects?”

“One of them.”

“Isn’t this movie night?”

“Give me a minute to see if this makes sense.”

The dark man sat opposite her, gave Rags a look-over. “Oakhurst, isn’t it?” As Rags nodded, the other man offered his hand. “Bugalu,” he identified himself. “Sit down. Otherwise, she’ll refuse to acknowledge you.”

Rags hesitated, but pulled out the final chair and sat as the redhead absently stated, “No, I won’t.”

“You already are,” Bugalu told her. “It’s rude.”

She briefly stuck out her tongue at Bugalu and inched closer to the screens. “Are you here to test me, Lt... ah, not Negron?”

“Not exactly.”

“Then what do you want?”

This isn’t going the way I expected. But when Smythe wants something done, a smart person does it. “I’m trying to figure out what Lt Negron’s report means.”

Red placed a finger on one screen and turned green eyes his way. “So he turned it in. How did you get it?”

“Mr Smythe kicked it to me. I’m the senior ‘comp spec’.”

Her mouth thinned, and her eyes flashed. Both hands balled on the tabletop as she turned to Bugalu. “He could have asked me himself! Why didn’t he-“

Bugalu shushed her. “Think about how well you answer questions for him.”

The anger drained from her face. She realized her finger no longer pointed to either computer screen. She spouted unintelligible whispers.

“Watch your language!” Bugalu told her. She broke off her tirade and gave him a quizzical look. “I listened to Gaelunde cursing for 2 years before you got to the academy.”

She smiled. “Of course. All my brothers are cursers. I sure didn’t learn it from ma!” She looked at her computer screens again and gave a sad sigh. “Guess I’m done; I don’t remember where I was. But it looked logical. I think.” Now she turned her attention to Rags. “Well, Oak, what do you want to know?”

Nobody shortens my last name. They find my first name too comical, and I can’t blame them. “How much computer training did you get at the academy?”

“The usual for communications.”

“You didn’t take any computer courses as electives?”

“No.”

Rags frowned. That confirms her record. Negron thinks she cheated somehow. But cheating isn’t easy. “What about high school?”

The yeoman yawned. “Dog’s right,” Bugalu stated. “You’re not asking the right questions. Let me. Mac, what did you study on your own at the academy?”

“Languages,” she answered.

“Sure. But as Matt and I neared graduation, you said human languages were too much alike.”

“Of course. They all get used by humans.”

“So, after that, what did you study?”

The redhead shot a glance toward Rags, and her face went pink. “Computer languages.”

Now it gets interesting. “Which ones?” Rags asked. The redhead rattled off several translation programs, a number of decoding programs and a few general purpose programs. “You seem to have programs confused with languages, but you studied all that in 2 years? Um, 18 months?”

“I didn’t go home after my freshman/sophomore summer, so it was 26 months.”

“24,” Bugalu corrected. “The academy uses Earth years.”

“Right. Short on gravity, short years.”

“Were the programs harder than human languages?”

The question surprised her. “No. They were created by humans for machines that can’t actually think. Well, compared to humans. They got boring pretty quickly.”

“Then what did you study?” Bugalu asked.

Startled green eyes flashed at the dark man as Red’s tongue nervously moistened her lips. For a moment, she seemed unable to speak, then her eyes darted all around them, she leaned far over the desk and as her face went red, she whispered, “Engineering!”

Rags sat back in surprise, though he wasn’t sure if his surprise was at her admission or at her obvious nervousness in making that admission.

Bugalu shook his head. “Should have changed your field your first semester.”

“You know I couldn’t!” she declared.

“He was light-years away. He couldn’t have kept you from doing it.”

“Except he did!” she hissed.

“Brain-washed,” Bugalu stated.

MacDowell seemed ready to give another hot retort, but hesitated a long moment. “Maybe.”

“Don’t let him win.”

“That’s not as easy as you make it sound!”

“You’ll be cross-trained. Just... let it happen. I bet he never wanted you to be a bad employee.”

“Pa never expected me to be an employee! And when I did enlist, he expected me home as soon as my first tour was over!”

“You’re still here.”

She took a deep breath and let it out slowly, gave her dark friend a tremulous smile. “I’m not going anywhere.”

“Good,” the yeoman grunted, and touched the redhead’s shoulder.

Red turned back to Rags. “What else, Oak?”

Rags hesitated before offering, “I do answer to ‘lieutenant’.”

“So do I. So does Bugs and others in this room,” MacDowell returned. “Think how confusing that could get. The truth is, I was concentrating when you arrived, and I didn’t catch your name. Thought it started with ‘Oak’ or ‘Oats’. ‘Oak’ seemed more likely.”

“Watch out,” Bugalu warned. “She shortens everybody’s name.”

“I’m used to being called ‘Rags’. One more won’t make a difference.”

“I’m not ‘everybody’,” she told him. “To me, you’re ‘Oak’. Unless the situation is formal. Any more questions?”

“Sounds like all you did at the academy was study. First, languages, then computers-“

“Computer languages,” she corrected. “Yes, I did study. A lot.”

“Did you test out of any courses?”

She nodded. “Several languages.”

“Computer languages?”

Now she frowned. “No. Professor Ingalls thought communications people only needed to use a keyboard. When I asked to test for a computer language, he refused. I never asked again.”

“Negron gave you 3 tests. Did those tests cover all you know about computers and their languages?”

She crossed her arms and leaned on the desk, deep in thought. “I don’t think my knowledge is that organized. Plus, each time I answered a question, he got more upset. No idea why.” She paused, her lower lip caught between her teeth, and lowered her gaze to the desk. “As far as I know, I flunked.”

Flunked? She did better than Negron when he came aboard. And he’s a comp spec. Names isn’t all she shortens, I guess. “You revealed a lot of knowledge. Negron... was supposed to figure out how much you have, and I’m not sure he did. Do you mind if I finish the job?”

She searched his face for a moment. “Are you going to get irritated as I answer questions?”

Rags shook his head. “I like meeting people whose eyes don’t glaze over as soon as I open my mouth.”

Bugalu snorted. “Mac’s are more likely to glow with interest and she’ll dig for more details.”

She turned to the helmsman. “That’s a strange thing to say.”

“No, it’s not. Matt said you were always watching your brothers, pestering them with questions.”

“Well, yeah. I hated being the baby. They could all do things that - supposedly - I couldn’t do.”

“And every time Kevin... Keith? tore into a broken instrument -“

“Karl,” she corrected. “Karl was always cracking open something electrical. And when he wasn’t looking, I’d put it back together.”

Self taught. Some say that’s the best way. “Look, Mr Smythe wants this report back, finished, so would it be possible for you to come to my office now?”

“Well...” She looked to her 2 friends. The yeoman waved her away.

“We can see the movie tomorrow,” Bugalu told her. “I haven’t even ordered the pizza yet.”

“Okay.” She stood up. Rags stood also. She turned one computer to face the yeoman and the other one off. “Engineering?”

Did she just break a date? He realized she was asking about his office location. “Yes.”

She started off, and he adjusted his stride to her pace. She gave him a quick glance. “You’re the senior, but you work C shift?”

“D,” he corrected. “Lets me keep an eye on the others. If I’m handed a problem that the shift specialist has already worked on 3 times, someone’s irritated and won’t be shy about giving me an earful.”

“That’s an interesting way to do it.”

Rags chuckled. “Some say it’s devious. Now, would you prefer I open a test and ask you the questions, or do you just want to talk about computers and programs for a while?”

She looked at him in surprise. “I prefer the latter, but would that be sufficient?”

“Let’s give it a try. Sometimes it works better than questions and answers.”

Wrong Place

Wrong Place

Month 4, Day 20

Capt Burke

0807 Hours

"Don't fret," Jane told her pre-occupied chief engineer as they walked down the corridor. "I don't plan on taking your head off, if that's what you're worried about."

Smitty seemed startled. "What? What have I done?"

Finally, something caught his attention. "Nothing too bad, so far. But you have been... absent-minded of late. Is there something you need to talk about?"

"No," he answered shortly.

A very quick and final negative. That's always a bad sign. They turned the corner together, headed for the lift. "That's good. But I do seem to be missing some engineering reports." She signaled for the lift.

"You'll have them in the morning," he muttered.

"Good." He hasn't missed a report in years, so I know something is bothering him. I wish he'd talk to me about it. I hate turning my imagination loose without any information. The lift arrived, and they stepped aboard, to find it already occupied. She looks familiar, but civilian clothes tend to throw me, unless I've known them for years. She took another look at the redhead leaning in the corner and realized the woman's eyes were closed. She's asleep! I don't recognize her, so she's not anybody on the bridge. Probably hasn't been aboard long, either. What's her name? What color uniform does she wear? What's her rank?

"Lieutenant," came a croaked whisper from the opposite corner of the lift.

Jane looked around to find Smitty pressed against the lift wall, his gaze glued to the sleeping figure, his face white. She must be one of his, one he recognizes. Doesn't help me, much. "Lieutenant," she greeted the redhead, and reached out to wake her.

"Captain!" Smitty jumped forward and stopped her. "It's not safe to touch her when she's asleep, Captain! Last time, she gave Tall Bear a black eye!"

This tiny package gave Bear that shiner? I wouldn't think she could reach that high, let alone with enough force... "Halt," she told the lift, for she didn't want to arrive at the bridge and leave the girl sleeping here. One never knew when Winthrop would make an appearance.

The lift gave an almost imperceptible shudder as it stopped, and the redhead began sliding out of the corner, would have landed on the floor if Smitty had not instinctively stepped forward, stopping her fall with his body. His arms, quite naturally, wrapped around her to keep her steady.

No sign of giving him a black eye. That would be striking a superior officer, but if she's asleep, she wouldn't know that. "Anyone that tired should be in bed," Jane stated.

"Bed," the redhead mumbled, and snuggled against the man's chest. Smitty's hands slowly curled into fists and his back stiffened, but his face glistened with sweat and his eyes were glazed.

That's a blasted strong come-on, even if she's awake. Especially in front of me. And he's fighting his inclination to respond, something I've never seen him have to do before. Because I'm here? Or because- "Is she one of yours? An engineer?"

"Communications," he answered.

Same thing; she's under his command. Come on, Jane; check your crew roster. Communications lieutenant. Obviously not Abdulla. That leaves Clines and Chun, who are male, and the new girl. Oh, blast, this is his troublemaker! The one who can't pass probation, and who couldn't take her eyes off him when she first came aboard! Jane noticed one of his hands uncurling to rest on the girl's rear. "Smythe!"

The engineer jerked at the angry bark, which shoved the girl away. The redhead staggered to retain her footing, blinked at her two companions in confusion.

"Take her to bed," Jane instructed.

"What?" Smitty's mouth dropped open in shock, while the girl backed against the wall, her face as red as her hair.

That didn't come out the way I meant it. "Take her to her room-" Dangerous suggestion, from the looks of it. She turned her attention to the girl. "Lieutenant, go get some sleep."

The younger woman tried to stifle a yawn. "I'm meeting Ivy to study."

"I didn't ask where you were headed. I told you to get some sleep!"

"But-"

Jane glared at the girl. "Do I need to make it an order?"

The redhead finally seemed to get her thoughts pulled together. "No, sir. I'll... do my best."

"See that you do," Jane growled, and let most of her anger go. "What deck are your quarters?"

"Deck 4. East," the redhead responded, and the lift started for this new destination.

The small confines were silent, with neither the redhead nor the engineer sending a single glance toward the other. But when the lift door opened and the girl exited, Smitty couldn't keep his eyes off her until the door closed again.

"Bridge," Jane instructed, and considered her chief engineer's pensive expression. I'm standing right here, and obviously, the only thing on his mind is her. If I wasn't here, would he have been right behind her? And it doesn't seem she would turn him away. I can't approve of that, but like Duck said, I wouldn't necessarily know about it, not until it became an issue. Would it be so awful, if that's what they both want? But if I look the other way because their situation is different, it wouldn't be long before everybody's situation was 'special'. Then how could I keep Winthrop in line? Not that I manage it now. "She's a subordinate," she stated flatly.

Startled, Smitty's face went red. "I know."

He's fighting it, he's just not winning. Is she trying to use sex to get past her probation? Didn't I ask Takor to investigate her abilities? I haven't gotten that report yet. "It might be best if you avoid her. As much as possible."

He sighed. "I've been trying."

For all the good it's done him so far. No wonder he never comes to the bridge first thing in the morning any more. And then to find her asleep on the lift! What if he'd been alone? Worse, what if he had been Winthrop? If she thought my bark was a rude awakening- Didn't I tell Duck to fix her sleeping problem? Obviously, he hasn't. That's something I can check into this morning.

Interrupted Studies

Interrupted Studies

Month 2, Day 10

Smitty

0945 Hours

Smitty scowled at the floor as he walked down the corridor. It wasn’t often his mind was completely preoccupied, and the thoughts were not of engineering. He found the experience... unsettling. It is not my fault! Everybody flunks the first probationary! Almost everybody. I told her to study, when she first came aboard! He sighed, glanced around to get his bearings, since he hadn’t been paying any attention to his surroundings, and changed his direction. Abdulla hardly talks to me. Wilson’s been cold. That might be because of the blasted rumors I unthinkingly got started about us. I’m not sure. Jane keeps saying Coleen looks tired, and that I should check with MacGreg whether she needs that extra day off! He’d like that, I’m sure. Time it so he has the day alone with her, without Bugalu being around. Making out with her in a rec room! Thought he had more discretion than that! And Jane never disciplined him for it! How does he get away with these things?

He stopped once again to check his surroundings and turned into the deck 11 rec room. It was the same size as any other rec room, but felt small, with half the floor space taken by wells opening to the arboretum below, allowing several trees to display their upper branches. It also felt more private, with branches and leaves doing what they could to hide each table from the others. He was always surprised to find it usually empty, but those who wanted a taste of greenery frequently opted to visit the arboretum itself. Not likely I’ll be found here. He got a cup of coffee from the dispenser and sat down heavily at a corner table beside a well. I need a moment of peace and quiet, just to settle my nerves. This place is empty, and this morning’s night cycle in the arboretum should be peaceful, I would think. He took a deep breath to enjoy the earthy smell rising from below. There seemed to be a faint sweetness to the air, as if flowers were blooming heavily in the ground located so far below. His deep breath ended with a huge yawn. Hope I can keep from falling asleep. The dreams haven’t let up a bit. Don’t think I’ve slept in a month.

Smitty gazed at the closest treetop and let his eyes unfocus. He tried to imagine happily chirping birds and busily buzzing insects as the overhead lights began to dim. I swear I can almost feel a breeze stirring.

“Blast!” Smitty’s eyes jerked open wide when he heard the tree’s profanity, followed by a string of syllables in a language he was glad he didn’t understand. Leaning forward, he managed to see past the leaves, saw vivid red curls bounce as the girl jumped to her feet. Still swearing in her native tongue, she glared at the dimming lights, then angrily removed a disk from the reader and shut it down. Gathering a handful of disks - trying not to drop any - she turned for the doorway, then stopped short to stare at the clock. “It can’t be that late!”

The hallway door opened, and Lt Adams, his midnight engineering supervisor, entered. “Here you are!” Adams declared when he saw the redhead, and leered. “It’s past our bedtime, Mac. If you don’t like sleeping alone-” He started toward her.

“Stuff yourself,” she muttered, added a few choice words in her own language, and headed for the door. Adams reached out to stop her.

“Adams!” Smitty barked without thinking.

Both of them jumped and turned to stare, aware of his presence for the first time. Colleen went absolutely white, as if she’d been caught doing something wrong. “I am studying!” she declared defensively, then whirled and ran out.

I never said a word to her! I certainly never accused her of- While Smitty’s mind had spun with incomprehension, Adams had turned to follow her, which made the spinning stop. “Stand still,” Smitty told his underling.

Adams turned back, looking thoughtful. “Mr Smythe, you don’t date your subordinates, but surely you don’t object to my dating my peers.”

“No, I don’t,” Smitty agreed. “Unless-“ he added as the younger man started to turn again, “-they aren’t interested. And that one isn’t.”

“Let me be the judge of that,” Adams suggested.

Idiot knows his engineering, but not people. “Fair warning. If you’re wrong, and she lodges a complaint, I’ll remember this conversation.”

“She won’t complain. They never complain.” Adams grinned in utter confidence in himself, and left.

Smitty frowned at his cup, suddenly uncertain when Adams had been so confident. Maybe she won’t. I told her to walk away from such problems, and she seems to have been doing that. I would have heard if she’d been put in the brig, or brought up on assault charges. She was so shocked to see me here, apparently thought I’d been watching to make sure she’s been studying. Does that mean that I should be watching, or- Well, I won’t. I don’t get involved when others have needed to refresh their memories, and it would be... favoritism to treat her any differently. Still- He stared through the leaves at the reader she’d been using. -She wasn’t on duty last night, was shocked by the time on the clock. She seems to be taking everything I’ve told her to heart, if she’s been studying all night.

Still frowning, he sat back, tried desperately to regain a sense of peace in the dimness. But his mind kept reviewing the encounter with his two subordinates, kept wondering how he could have reassured Colleen, or if he even should have, and how he might have more firmly warned Adams away from her, if he should have tried. Or would that have started more rumors? That would be all she would need. No, it’s no good. Might as well get back to work.

First Impression

Captain Burke Day 1 1300 Hours Captain Jane Burke and her Scissan Science Officer, Lt. Cmdr. Takor, entered the transpod room to welcome the SS Fireball's new crewmembers. Lt. Cmdr. Smythe was - as usual in these instances - behind the controls, and seemed a bit flushed as he fussed with the equipment. His assistant, Kagan, looked dazed. A glance at the open transport pods explained Kagan's reaction, as all the new crewmembers were beautiful and female. But that wouldn't cause Smitty to blush. He doesn't notice female crewmembers. Not as women, anyway. "Mr. Smythe," Jane greeted. The engineer jerked, stammered and finally got out, "Captain." What a strange reaction. I don't have time to investigate just now. Perhaps he'll tell me what's bothering him over dinner, if I can keep MacGregor from pestering him. "Are the arrivals ready?" The man's brown eyes veered toward the pods, then suddenly returned to the controls, which seemed inordinately fascinating today. But there’s nothing for him to do with them, until time to send the pods back to the station. "Where's Dr. MacGregor?" Jane asked. "I believe he's sending Nurse Temple," the engineer stated hoarsely. Is Smitty sick? Space, I hope not. I can already hear him and Drake arguing over his reading technical magazines while in Sick Bay. "Fine. Let's get started." She stepped in front of the first open pod. "Welcome to the SS Fireball." The shapely blond nurse stepped out of the capsule and saluted smartly, her blue eyes veering toward the control console. "Request permission to come aboard, sir," she purred, every movement of her body a sexual invitation. "I mean ... ma'am?" It's always amusing when newcomers forget what to call me. "'Sir' will be fine." Jane glanced at the electronic file the blond handed over. "Elizabeth Monroe, Medic I. Nurse Temple will arrive shortly to collect you." "Thank you, sir," Monroe purred, but her gaze was aimed at the console. Accepting the return of her electronic orders, Monroe slunk over to flirt with the two men. Smitty ignored her. Kagan nearly melted where he stood. Burke moved to the next pod. This woman looked AmerInd, long-legged and tall, with softly chiseled features and gold skin. "Welcome to the Fireball." She stepped outside the pod to salute. "Permission?" she asked softly and offered her file. Capt. Burke gave her a quick look, wondered if she was surly, a troublemaker or what, for that was not the standard phrase. Perhaps the woman had anticipated that her unorthodox phrase would cause concern, for she stood at stiff attention, to all appearances conforming to the regulations in every other way. Burke turned her attention to the file. "Yeoman Tabi-- Tabin--" "Tabinistanu Yellow Dog," Takor pronounced. Burke glanced at the lizard-like officer, but was pleased that it had pronounced the impossible name. With any luck, I need never use her first name again. What a mouthful! "You'll be assigned to Cmdr. Takor, Yeoman," she told the dark-haired woman, with a hand wave in the Scisson's direction. "He has a strong interest in NonLifeSciences, so I hope your Physics and Chemistry are up to the challenge." Stone-faced, the yeoman nodded and stepped aside. The blond was still flirting with Kagan. Burke moved to the last pod. "Welcome to the Fireball." The redhead remained standing inside the pod, staring at the men at the console. Jane calculated the aim of the girl's gaze, and decided she was staring at Smitty. No wonder he's embarrassed, if she's been doing that since her arrival. Well, any infatuation she might have won't last long. Smitty’s her superior. Even if he wasn’t, he’d manage to ignore her a little too long, and she'll move on to more eager men. Regrettable, but that's life. In the meantime, she needs to be reminded of her station. "Lieutenant?" Still no response. Burke shifted her position, placed herself directly between the redhead and the Chief Engineer. The redhead shifted also, just enough to peer over the captain's shoulder to continue staring. Her pale face clearly shows her emotions. Fascinating mixture, mostly panic and interest. Strange. Burke turned to glance at Smitty, who was even ruddier by now. "Mr. Smythe, what's her name?" Smitty turned a shade darker. "Lt Colleen MacDowell," he answered without looking up. "Yes?" the girl breathed, though the engineer hadn't spoken to her. Smitty looked up angrily. "The Captain's talking to you!" The redhead jerked her head to look at Burke, her white face flushing a deep red. "Well, I blew that first impression," she muttered to herself, then stepped out of the pod and saluted. "Request permission to come aboard, sir." She fumbled a bit as she handed over her file. The hazards of being young. Burke smiled as she lowered her head to read the information, and whispered back, "Relax, Lieutenant. It happens to everyone once." Actually, she doesn't seem overly upset by her lapse. Is she used to this happening? "You don't make a habit of lusting superiors, do you?" "Definitely not!" She looked aghast. Then she swallowed and lowered her voice again. "It's just that he ... I ... Well, we are traditionally enemies." Enemies? Do they know each other? No, I bet this is it. Her file says she's from Gaelund, colonized by the Irish generations ago. I can't have them continuing that ancient conflict here. "Because he's?" How could she know that? MacDowell looked confused. "Because he's a man." Now, what does she mean by that? "The men outnumber the women on this ship 3 to 1. If that's a problem for you--" "Oh, I'm not afraid of them," the redhead stated calmly, then nodded in Smythe's direction. "Now him--" She shivered. "I think he scares the pants off me." Burke raised her eyebrows. Interesting way to put it. She glanced again at the engineer, who was still fully occupied by the controls. "He's a pussycat. He wouldn't hurt a fly." Hope he never hears I said that. Especially not to one of his subordinates! MacDowell took a deep breath. "That makes it even worse." She’s not making sense. And I shouldn't be conversing with her so ... intimately, nor tell her a superior officer is harmless! She cleared her throat. "Lieutenant, you'll find life on the Fireball considerably different than on a tug." MacDowell threw another glance at the engineer and - a little too flippantly - responded with, "It's bound to be. Sir." Burke handed back the file, turned and started for the doorway. "I leave her in your capable hands, Smitty." His head jerked up, his eyes round and face suddenly white. "My hands?!" Burke turned to face him, surprised by his reaction. "She's your new communications lieutenant." He looked panicked, then managed to get himself under some semblance of control. "Oh. Yes. Communications." He flipped an intercom switch. "Lt Abdulla, report to Transport Room A." Looking relieved, he turned to address the redhead. Surprised by how close she was - now on the opposite side of the console - his comment died before it was uttered. His face flushed, and he returned his attention to the controls. MacDowell, looking determined, leaned closer. "It isn't necessarily true, that your kind and mine don't get along." Jane watched. Didn't she just dismiss that idea? Smythe stopped pretending to be engrossed in his controls and regarded her for a long moment. "We don't tolerate bigotry aboard this ship, lieutenant." MacDowell sighed - seemingly in relief - then shook her head and turned to the AmerInd yeoman to quietly complain, "Aboard only ten minutes, and I'm in trouble. Really bad trouble." "Yes." The yeoman reached over the console and flipped the switch that opened the door of the luggage transport pod, which everybody else seemed to have forgotten. The AmerInd started across the deck toward the now-open pod. MacDowell followed her. "I can see you're going to be just as much help as another brother!" The yeoman flashed her a smile. "You think it's funny? Wait until I cause you as much trouble as I cause them!" "Doesn't she ever shut up?" the blond – Monroe - muttered. She leaned on the console and sweetly asked, "Cmdr. Smythe?" "Lt. Cmdr.," he corrected. She continued undaunted. "Could somebody please help me with my luggage? I - Be careful with that!" she shrieked. All eyes turned to the luggage pod in time to see MacDowell catch a black case that had been tossed to her by Yellow Dog. MacDowell put the case down, glanced into the pod. "Come get your things, Blondie. Our stuff is under yours." "I will get it," the nurse hissed, "when I'm good and ready!" The short redhead and tall AmerInd looked at each other. MacDowell sighed. "I’ll do it. I'm used to this kind of thing." The yeoman obligingly yielded the pod opening. MacDowell leaned over to grab the lowest black piece of luggage be. With her hand flat under that case, she bent her elbow, then used her other hand to drag out two well-stuffed duffel bags. After lowering the pile of black bags to the pod floor, MacDowell shifted one duffel bag to her shoulder, turned and offered the other to the yeoman at arm's length. The AmerInd took her duffel, but obviously used more effort than her shorter friend. "See you around, YD," the redhead stated. "It's been fun. As much as it could be, I guess." The hallway door opened. Nurse Temple and Lt. Abdulla entered together. Temple greeted the new nurse and they started for the luggage pod. "I'm sorry, Mr Smythe," Abdulla stated. "I thought you said --" "I changed my mind," he growled, and regained his fascination in the control board as the redhead approached. Capt Burke left the Transpod Room. Why do I get unsettled whenever someone new comes on board? They usually settle in comfortably in a couple days. Hardly any of them are any trouble. But try as she might, she couldn't help feeling that the addition of three totally beautiful and totally different women meant that it would take a little more than a couple of days to become comfortable again.