Star Trek: Erin

Part 19: Catching Up

     I started studying every book, documentary, and scholarly article on munitions I could find. I listened to, talked with, and debated weapons with all the Enterprise's Weapons Specialists and took courses in my spare time. This was my chance to advance as a leader and source of knowledge, and I was ready to fight for it. It was fascinating stuff, and I realized about a week into my studies that if I'd known more about the classification, I would've specialized in the Academy.

     I got a key to the new Munitions door. Standing before it, I had to remind myself I was a supervisor, not an ensign. Nowak and I had new phasers and should've been discussing recent events, but next to him, I'd never felt farther. It should've felt good, being a junior lieutenant, but I was still figuring out my new place in the rank structure.

     I was unsure and it SUCKED. Junior lieutenant was a hard rank to find—you didn't stay there long if you were any good, and people on the Enterprise were good—and I didn't feel like talking to Sprite.

     So I stared straight ahead instead of smirking at Nowak. Which is probably why I actually noticed Marple coming towards us with a frown.

     "Junior lieutenant, a word?"

     I stayed expressionless as he led me a few paces away.

     "What are you doing, Cobos? You don't need to take guard shifts anymore."

     "With all respect, sir, we're understrength. When we receive the new recruits from Starbase 10, I'll be happy to delegate."

     "Watch your tone, Cobos."

     "But of course, sir." I stamped down my smirk.

     He squinted at me. "I'll take a shift and train the first of the new ones. Not the sharpest but reliable. Kid called Klove. He completed his training yesterday."

     That would've been lovely earlier, but fine. I saluted Marple and returned to Nowak. "Remain here until Ensign Klove arrives." I let my tone soften. "I'll be in the officer's mess if you want to grab a coffee." Maybe we can figure it out together, just not on duty.

     "Understood, ma'am."

     I searched Nowak's face for any sign that we were good. With his mind, he had to know. Maybe he didn't fully understand why I was being so stupid, but if he at least knew...

     The edges of his eyes crinkled, just a little, and I smiled before turning away.

     Maybe I should call home. Tell them I'm moving up. Mom would be happy her little secret was of use, even if several people know about it now. Maybe she can tell me if Marth is okay.

     I nearly shoved Michael as we tried to enter the mess at the same time. She changes direction like a clockwork soldier, but I had to admire her singlemindedness. The bags under her eyes were permanent, but so were the laugh lines.

     I noticed her sleeve stripe. "You're a junior lieutenant too? Congrats."

     She grinned. "Battlefield promotion during the last ion storm. Guess it fit enough to stick."

     "Coffee? I'm waiting for someone."

     "God, yes." Once seated, Michael leaned in. I forced a cough to hide my blush. "Come on, spill. How does it feel being above everyone else? Oof, that sounded bad. I meant being called 'ma'am' by the others in our cohort. It's weird, right?"

     "Very weird." I glanced at the door.

     "I've been meaning to ask, what's your motive?"