The Commander's Lieutenant

Part 27

Up walked up to the control panel and pressed a few buttons for the inter-com. 'Sirrah, Kitt- Control room in ten minutes.'

He let out a sigh and dropped into his chair. 'Seven hours left, Taz. What's on the schedule for the rest of this fine space day?'

Taz grabbed a clip-board from her chair, flicking through a few pages. She grinned when she saw "weapons training" next to her name. Before she told Up, but she could see that he already knew. In his hands was her zapper, and on his face was a subtle mischievous look.

'What are you doing with my zapper?'

'Lockin' it to pew, Taz. We both know you'd kill those ensigns before they even picked up a zapper.' Up replied, looking up at Taz.

She shrugged. 'Can't argue with dat, Up.'

Taz shoved her hands into her pockets and walked over to Up, grabbing the zapper from his hands. She walked out the control room doors, staring down at the zapper like it was made of gold. She continued down past the kitchen, calling to Ruth and Kitt. With no Alex in sight, now was the perfect time to talk to them.

'You two don't have any chores for de rest of de mission. Alex has "offered" his own time for dat.' Taz explained as they entered the gym, turning to the two.

Ruth was smiling, but Kitt looked concerned. He had to room with Alex for the past week or so, and considering the state Alex's bed was in, he was not the kind of guy who would offer to do anything relating to cleaning. Although suspicious and 100% positive that Taz had something to do with it, he shrugged and sat down beside Ruth.

'Introduction first, den you two have to go meet Up in about five minutes. Got it?' Taz ordered, loosely pointing her gun at Ruth and Kitt.

They nodded quickly, shying away from the zapper. 'Now, Weapons Training. Both of you have used zappers before, correct?'

Kitt squeezed his eyes shut, remembering the horrible memory. 'Only in training back at the academy.'

Ruth remembered back to the simulator, and tried to recall actually shooting anything. 'Nope.' She answered simply.

Taz looked at them disgustedly. She reached down into the bag at her feet and pulled out two silver zappers, the kind the academy uses for demonstrations to kids. Taz hadn't seen the zappers yet, but clearly the academy knew how bad Ruth and Kitt were at aiming. Ruth eagerly snatched hers up, staring at her disfigured reflection.

'But... I'm just the science officer! I shouldn't have a zapper!' She replied, repulsed and horrified.

'You brought it on de ship, it's your responsibility!' Taz reminded her.

Ruth was confused, but sure enough, her name was engraved on the handle. 'Oh right!'

Dey gave dem demo zappers? How am I supposed to teach dem anything? Taz's forehead slammed into the palm of her hand, and she let out a deep sigh.

'Uh, Lieutenant? We're gonna go meet the commander, but we'll be right back.' Kitt's voice slipped into her thoughts.

She waved them off, dropping to the ground and trying to think of a plan. In the hallway, Kitt practically dragged Ruth to the control room to meet Up.

'Commander? It's Kitt and Ruth!' He called.

Up turned with his arms crossed- he meant business. 'Good. Now I've been hearin' some rumours about the two of you.' Ruth and Kitt exchanged worried glances, but Up continued without noticing. 'From the Tech boy- Alex.'

Ruth's face turned bright red, and she turned on her heels to run out into the hallway. Up coughed as she reached the doors, and she reluctantly turned.