Meeting the Engineering Staff

Posted on Tue Feb 3rd, 2026 @ 3:37am by Lieutenant Varkl Brukh
Edited on on Wed Feb 4th, 2026 @ 12:48am

707 words; about a 4 minute read

Mission: Echos on the Deck
Location: Main Engineering
Timeline: Immedately following Adventures in Breakfast

Brukh waddled into main engineering somewhat regretting his breakfast choices. Although his people had a tendency towards overeating, he had tried to avoid it; however at times genetics got the better of him. The area was already somewhat cramped from equipment, but with personnel added it had come to resemble a 20th century mosh pit.

He entered on the 2nd level doors to be on the balcony above the majority of the crowd, and made his way to roughly the center where he hoped everyone could see and hear. "Engineering crew of Sentinel Station, for those who haven't heard already - the rumors are true. A Tellarite is your new Chief, and I have claim to that title."

Some murmurs rippled around the throng as he continued, "And whatever stories you may have heard about my culture is also accurate. By human standards we are rude, crass, argumentative, belligerent, abusive, blunt, insulting, surly complainers; and that is just to our friends and family!" Many in the crowd tried to stifle laughter, but Brukh pressed on. "One thing we are not is lazy, and we are also very good engineers having been a spacefaring culture for many generations before humans."

Before any perceived insult could land at the last remark, he explained "Although humans have not long been in the interstellar community, you have the audacity to be adept at forging alliances, as well as masterful at reverse-engineering technology and adapting it to your use. That is a very powerful skill for an engineer, and one that will serve this station well as it seems quite possible that we shall encounter many new cultures."

"In the coming weeks I will be reviewing your personnel files to ensure that your talents are being utilized. If however you wish the opportunity to branch out, please see me - I encourage you to expand your knowledge and skill base as it makes you far more valuable to the station and to Starfleet. I will add, that for those who want to get away from such a brutish lout such as myself, it will also greatly improve your promotion chances if you desire to become chief engineers on a ship or station of your own someday."

The stifled laughter from the earlier remark became low chuckles and many of the crew wore grins as they looked at their fellows. "However, for the near future we have some tasks that need to be completed. Although this station was declared ready for use by Starfleet, there are likely some areas that could be improved. In the course of your duties I challenge you to be alert to anything that can be improved, upgraded or one that could be a weak point in an emergency. I identified one immediately after my arrival and will be making a visual inspection of the hull in the coming days."

Looks of concern replaced many of the grins, and understanding nods in agreement also spread. "I will be paying attention to recommendations, and excuse my perceived abuse if I respond bluntly; as I explained earlier that is the nature of my people. Feel free to return the offense and I shall think more highly of you."

Brukh took a deep breath before adding the next challenge, "Two of you will have a great honor, or perhaps a terrible burden. That will be to work much more closely with me than anyone should desire. For the officers present the position of Assistant Chief will selected, and the enlisted rabble are not forgotten; among you there is a Engineer's Mate in the making. These roles will be vital in the operation of our new home, if you have questions as to what it would entail, or other concerns see me privately. Dismissed!"

Brukh waited until the crowd thinned out before sauntering to the office and collapsing into the padded chair. It was a few minutes later that he noticed a message waiting on the computer terminal, opening it he read that he was expected at a senior staff meeting at 0900 - shortly more than 10 minutes. He perused the details of the meeting topic, grabbed some tablets and started transferring information the computer had on Nausicaans, then trotted along to the meeting.

 

RSS Feed