Astray Among The Stars

Chapter 5: Designations

Personal log. Day 1520.
Solar date: Monday, December 4, 2197.

Captain Drevwood assigned me to Ensign Holloway in engineering. But my duties are not what I am excited about.

Today, there will be an admission party in the mess hall, a small gathering of everyone for promotions due to the loss this ship has suffered. Because my new mentor is the most skilled in engineering, he will be promoted to chief engineer. As for myself, I don't know, probably chief petty officer, which I held on my previous ship. We didn't have any crew-based parties or gatherings back then, so this will be my first official celebration event. We did have a prom for the school, but that was different. I hope it will be fun.

The learning progress is well with Tevra, and I've gotten to know Dean and Helen and the rest of the crew. However, due to my new shift, I won't have much free time. I will spend whatever I can with Tevra. She is having a hard time adjusting to her new life, unlike Prill. I just wish—

The door chimed.

Roger sighed, staring out the small port hole on his right. "Pause log."

The door chimed once more. The boy rolled his eyes, hopping off the left side of his bed.

"Enter."

Prill popped his head in the entrance, smiling. "Hello, Roger!"

The teen met him at the doorway. "What's up?"

Confusion swept across the feline's face. "The ceiling is up. . . ."

Roger chuckled.

"Is this another one of your Terran greetings?"

"Yes. It means hello."

"Oh, I see. Anyways, I am curious. What should I wear to this human social gathering?"

"Nothing fancy, dress as you please. But, I recommend you wear your uniform. Most of the crew will do that."

"But it is uncomfortable."

"So is mine. Deal with it. You'll get a tailored one sometime this week."

"I understand."

The Nevran returned to his room, the door closing behind him. Roger fiddled with his uniform, adjusting the long sleeves to better fit his arms.

"Computer, resume—"

The door chimed again.

Roger rolled his eyes, turning around. "Not again."

He pushed the button, opening the door. Behind it, stood Tevra, wearing a raven one-piece dress uniform, the outfit tight against her slim figure. The skirt of her dress hovered four centimeters above her knee-high obsidian boots that accentuating her attire. Her dark outfit contrasted greatly with her long alabaster gloves, covering her scarred arms. Roger scanned the Valmirian, shocked by her beauty. Clearly, she paid attention to him this morning.

Her sparkling cyan eyes looked up at him, her cheeks turning a pale mmarigold upon catching his gaze. She smiled, her long eyelashes fluttering. "Good for tonight?"

Roger glanced at her outfit. "Woah."

"Roger."

"What?"

She smiled. "Look good, yes?"

"Yeah." He turned from her, his smile fading. Indeed she was beautiful, but to glance on her reminded him of someone he lost.

The Valmirian noticed his sudden swing in mood. Her expression changed, her cyan eyes brushed with concern. "Upset?"

"It's nothing."