No Guts, No Glory
Posted on Wed Jan 31st, 2024 @ 9:27pm by Lieutenant Tracey Walker Jr
Mission:
Deep Space Nine
Location: Various
Timeline: Current
Off:
Continuing Walker’s Story Arc
On:
[Deep Space Nine Engineering]
Trace hesitated. “Wait, which one is the thruster capacitor?”
The young Starbase Engineer pointed, and said sarcastically “I’m pointin’ right at it.”
He cursed under his breath. He had passed his officer’s exam but Starbase Engineering was a damn sight different than Starship Engineering. Still, spending time with the DS9 Engineers had not been a waste of time – he’d learned more in three days than he had over twenty years of a rather odd career.
“Got it.” He rerouted power through the LCARS, disconnected the capacitor and replaced it with a new one. “All set.”
“Not bad.” The girl said, still smirking. “I’ve had to stop more than a few new kids from pulling the capacitor before rerouting the power and winding up as a rookie-shaped pile of ash on the floor.”
Trace chuckled. “Glad I could oblige. Thanks for the one on one. Time for me to return to my day job.”
She smiled warmly. “Maybe you and I could…uh, get together later for a drink at Quark’s before you go.” She said, leaning against one of the support struts in a rather becoming manner.
Trace gave her a roughish grin. “Maybe so.” He said, “I’ll call you if I get free.”
“You do that. See you around, Lieutenant.” She said, her voice dripping with sultriness.
Trace took a deep breath and exited Engineering, making a bee line for the Chuck Norris airlock. He had no intention of calling her, she had to be in her twenties, and there were rules about these things. What was it, halve your age minus seven?”
[USS Chuck Norris]
Back on Security Duty, Trace found himself standing next to the Norris airlock, a phaser charged and ready to be used. Problem was, the likelihood that he’d be in a situation where he’d actually need to use it was close to nil.
His comm badge chirped. “Walker here.” He said, rather surprised, and delighted, that anyone was contacting him.
“Lieutenant, please report to the Captain’s Ready Room,” came the response. He was about to object on the grounds that he couldn’t leave his post when a fresh Ensign from the Starbase appeared to relieve him.
Trace headed for the Bridge, curious as to what this could be about.
[Captain’s Ready Room]
Captain Intermeezo was sitting at his desk, finishing up reading about all that had happened over the last few months. He looked haggard, but glanced up at Walker as he entered, thankful for the break.
“Lieutenant Tracey Walker, reporting as ordered, sir.” He said, standing at attention. It was the first time he had been alone with the Captain since he’d come on board the Chuck Norris as a Security Officer.
“At ease, Lieutenant.” Trace assumed Parade Rest. “I understand you’ve passed your Engineering Officer’s exam. Both Engineering teams from the Starbase and DS9 have had nothing but good things to say about your skills.”
“Yes sir, I have.” Said Trace.
“Well, it just so happens I have an opening for a Chief Engineer.” He said. “What do you think?”
Trace tried to hide his shock but failed. “Chief, sir? I don’t know that I’m qualified to…”
Michael cut him off. “Nonsense. The Officer’s Exam for Engineer is no joke, and unless you somehow pulled a Kobayahi Maru on the holo program, you’re qualified. Will you take the job?”
Trace’s mouth opened and closed several times before he finally responded. “Yes, sir. I’d be honored.”
“Good,” Michael said. “That is all, you’re dismissed.”
“Thank you sir.” He said, and left the room.
Off:
Lieutenant Tracey “Trace” Walker
Chief Engineer
USS Chuck Norris
