An unexpected visit from Command

Posted on 16 Jan 2026 @ 10:48am by Lieutenant JG Ryan Collingway

382 words; about a 2 minute read

OOC: Takes place prior to the Captain's shore leave

//Engineering////

Ryan slinked off to engineering, happy to be lost in the usual grind of work as he fixed a micron torque sensor issue. But he couldn't avoid the feelings of guilt for long.

He had blown it in therapy. He should have just kept his mouth shut, but the counsellor had challenged him into expressing his feelings, and his fears, and he responded to the bait. To his credit, he had *almost* been fully honest with Mira. The only thing he had carefully hidden away was that he murdered his friend, and wouldn't wish that feeling on anyone else. That fear also shaped his arguments, and reactions. Ryan sighed. But then he would have to explain-

"Ensign Collingway, Front and center!"

It seemed impossible to look calm and jump out of his own skin in fright at the same time, yet somehow Ryan managed it. Academy training set in automatically, and he stood front and center as ordered.

The Commander and Captain were here. He had only seen the Captain a handful of times, but only briefly. Why was she here? Had Ensign Quinn reported his conduct? That seemed unlikely. No, a worse possibility came to mind.

Benzar had contacted the Captain, and they were going to kick him off the ship. But why then the loud announcement? Why not deal with this quietly?

Sabrina studied Collingway for a moment, noting the tension in his posture. She did not prolong it.

“Ensign,” she said, “you are now out of uniform.”

Now he was really confused. An uniform issue? Was he still hallucinating? Was she? Should he call medical?

The Captain removed the half-pip from the box and secured it to his collar.

“That’s better.”

She smiled and shook his hand.

“Keep up the great work, Lieutenant. We are glad to have you here.”

"Congratulations, Lieutenant Collingway. You have earned it." Suzanna added.

"Thank you, Captain. Commander," Ryan said numbly. He watched as they both left, and noticed Lelina watching him. "What just happened?"

She laughed. "You got promoted, silly! Congratulations!"

"Thanks," Ryan said. He touched the new pip on his collar, still in shock.

What had he done to earn a promotion?

Lieutenant Jr Grade Ryan Collingway
Engineering Officer
USS Arawyn

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