Star Date 371259.0
“ALPHA shift commencing” the computer blared over the PA system. I had just got off my early morning GAMMA shift when this address was made, however instead of going to my quarters, I headed to the mess hall.
“Good morning Ensign,” Neelix cheered as I walked to the counter where he was serving something spicy smelling.
“Hey Neelix, I was wondering -,” I was cut off by a large table of people, including Lieutenant Torres, laughing hysterically at something Ensign Hogan had said.
“Sorry,” I apologised, before continuing, “I was wondering if I could take the coffee to the bridge this morning for ALPHA shift?” I looked at him pleadingly and I hoped I didn’t look desperate.
“I’m sure the Captain wouldn’t mind at all, so long as it gets there in time,” he chuckled as he disappeared into the galley, reappearing with the two flasks of hot drink.
“This is my new blend, Enaran cholata bean, try it,” I was cautious as I took a sip however the taste was surprisingly like that of coffee. I sculled the drink in a few scalding gulps.
“Neelix, that’s your best yet,” I exclaimed sincerely, “the Captain, well all the bridge crew will love it,” I grabbed the flasks off the counter and started to walk toward the door.
“And where do you think your going without breakfast?” Neelix called.
“I’ll grab some later, thanks Neelix,” I shouted over my shoulder as the doors swished closed behind me.
I jogged toward the turbo-lift and balanced the two flasks in one hand as I pressed some buttons on the access panel, summoning the lift. I stepped in and as the doors closed I called out “deck one.” All of a sudden I had butterflies in my stomach as the nerves crept up on me. The reason I had wanted to do this job all along was to see my all time crush, Tom Paris. Of course he had no idea that I liked him at all, and I also doubted that he knew of my existence however we had been in the Delta Quadrant almost two years so he had probably seen me more than once. As the doors opened into the spacious bridge the butterflies erupted into my throat as I tried to address the Captain.
“G-good morning C-Captain, I-I-I brought your coffee,” Captain Janeway rose from her seat and turned to greet me.
“Good morning Ensign Henderson, thank-you,” she smiled warmly, taking no notice of my stuttering as I poured the lovely smelling beverage into her stainless-steel mug. She took a sip and her eyebrows lifted in approval.
“Neelix’s new blend, Enaran cholata bean,” I told her, regaining my confidence as I temporarily forgot about Tom.
“Well, you can tell him to keep making this for a while to come, it’s great!” the Captain was in a good mood, and didn’t seem to mind at all that it was an Ensign delivering her coffee.
I then poured Commander Chakotay’s drink, then Lieutenant Tuvok’s and then Ensign Kim’s, purposely leaving Tom ‘till last.
“Captain, I have ships on long-range sensors,” Harry said.
“Identify,” she called back confused.
“I’m sorry Captain, they’re still to far out,”
“Go to yellow alert and…”
“Good morning, Ensign...?” Tom looked up from the conn and smiled.
My smile faulted slightly when he asked my name, proof that he knew little of my existence. I smiled again when I thought ‘well, at least he knows I’m an ensign.”
