Getting to know you

Posted on 09 Nov 2025 @ 9:06pm by Commander Suzanna Batenburg & Ensign Ryan Collingway & Lieutenant Lelina Evans

644 words; about a 3 minute read

---Engineering----

Ryan was working when he noticed a new face enter Engineering-a Vulcan in a Commander's uniform. He didn't have any opportunity to meet with the since-departed Commander Holt, and he had only briefly seen the Captain during the last mission. Seeing the command chain was unusual, to say the least. "Commander," he said respectfully. "If you're looking for Lieutenant Avans, she'll be here in a few minutes."

Suzanna walked into engineering, she had decided to start at the bottom of the ship, and work her way up. She'd read about what had happened to LtCmdr Boren and that the Captain had assigned a new one from within outside. It was a shame that she could not have promoted from within, but given how new the entire crew was. Promoting from within encouraged better teamwork within a department and improved morale. "Yes, I am looking for her. I'm the new XO, what is your name?"

"Ensign Ryan Collingway," Ryan said. "A recent transfer myself, though I've been here for the past few weeks."

"Given that the Arawyn was recently commissioned, not surprising." Suzanna commented, "how has the department fared in these first few weeks?"

Ryan tried not to cringe Inwardly at the Vulcan's dry remark. "Engineering is fully functional, ma'am. No damage from the last two mission whatsoever. Spec-wise, it probably is very similar to the last ship you transferred from, Commander, so everything should be familiar," he said, not aware of the Commander's personal history. "The last two missions were...difficult, especially losing Commander Boren so soon. But we pulled through them."

Suzanna nodded, "I understand. That is good to hear, Ensign. And yes, I heard about Commander Boren, she is in good hands on the station and has family there too."

"Welcome to engineering, Commander," Lelina said cheerfully as she entered. "We might have passed by each other on Starbase 369. I just transferred over as well. Lieutenant Lelina Avans."

"Lieutenant," Suzanna nodded in greeting. "It is well possible. I came down to see how engineering is doing."

"We're in top form here, Commander," Lelina said. "How was your time on the Starbase? I understand you've been there for quite some time. Must be quite an adjustment compared to a ship."

"I can see that, Lieutenant. It is agreeable to see." Suzanna replied. "It has indeed been a while. I've been working for Admiral Blokpoel in Fleet Science for quite some time, and where ever she went, I followed. We have been here a few weeks, before that she was on LOA for a few months, and I served at HQ on Earth for that time." She paused a moment, "Is there any support or supplies you need in Engineering at this time?"

Ryan said nothing, watching the conversation between the two of them. Lelina smiled. "No thanks, Commander. We managed to get everything we need from the Starbase beforehand. I'm sure going back to a Starship can be an adjustment period for you as well. If you need help with anything, or even just a sounding board, my door is always open."

Suzanna nodded, "I can always learn more about engineering. So I may take you up on that."

They watched her leave. "She hasn't been on a Starship for a while?" Ryan queried.

"No. Her last posting was on the Erasmus," Lelina said, knowing full well the rumor mill would catch onto that detail sooner rather than later. "But I expect you to leave it at that, Ensign."

"Understood, ma'am," Ryan said. As Lelina left, he gripped his datapadd in thought. He had heard about that ship. "I guess we both came from broken homes," he remarked to no one in particular.

Lieutenant Lelina Avans
Chief Engineering Officer
USS Arawyn

Ensign Ryan Collingway
Engineering Officer
USS Arawyn

Cmdr Suzanna Batenburg
Executive Officer
USS Arawyn
Everything fits, otherwise we'll make it fit!

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