Passing the Torch...and the Cheese

Posted on Fri Apr 1st, 2011 @ 5:20pm by Vice Admiral Iluvar & Ensign Bok

Mission: Episode 2.1 - "Unanswered Questions"
Location: Promenade, Starbase 386
Timeline: Shoreleave Day 03, 1018

ON: [[Promenade, Starbase 386, Shoreleave Day 03, 1018]]

The one advantage of being on a starbase was the myriad of social opportunities, especially a large base like Starbase 386. Ensign Bok had been very interested when he found there was a cooking class going on. If only one day he could actually wear the chef's hat.

On today's menu was a Terran delicacy, lasagna. Bok was busy grating Parmesan cheese when he noticed that Lt. Warrington (PNPC) had entered the room. "Lieutenant, I didn't know you were a fan of 'la cucina italiana'. Pull up a grater."

"Actually, I was looking for you, Mister Bok," Jake replied, lifting a metal cheese grater from the cutting board as he had been instructed, "I'd like to say I was surprised to find you in a cooking class, but from the stories I've heard about your affinity for food...I can't say that I am. Have you been enjoying most of your shoreleave aboard the station so far?"

"Immensely," the Tellarite responded. "My last tour was aboard a destroyer named the Henneman and we mostly stayed out in deep space watching the frontier. Our chief base was a little Regula type outpost, so this is a welcome change. You said you were looking for me. Obviously I'm not hard to find."

"No, I suppose not," Jake said with a slight chuckle. He knew that Thomas (PNPC) was waiting for him outside, but this wasn't something he wanted to rush. Otherwise, he would have been better off just leaving a message for the Tellarite engineer rather than tracking him down in person. "Ensign Rolands and I have been offered positions at the San Fransisco Fleet Yards," he continued casually, "Our transport is scheduled to depart soon, but the captain wanted me to swing by and let you know that he would like to speak with you at your earliest convenience. I think it may have something to do with that sub-processor diagnostic we ran the other day on his replicator..."

"It would be rude to leave the class early," Bok pointed out. "Can you pass me that mozarella? Besides, I might actually make something good in this class. I won't keep the captain waiting long though. I'm sure our work on that replicator was up to specs."

Bok started to mixed the cheeses together. "So will you be building ships or designing them?"

"They've got me overseeing starship construction," Jake replied with a smile as he watched the Tellarite work, "I had the privilege of overseeing the refit of the Frontier while I was her Chief Engineer, so I don't think it should be too much of a stretch to supervise general construction."

Bok thought about a job with Starfleet Command. Sure, overlooking ship construction would be a great job. His real goal was to design starships. Twenty years down the line he saw himself in that role, perhaps one day being the admiral in charge of designing new ships. A man could become immortal designing the next generation of frontline cruisers.

"I wish you good luck in your new job," Bok noted. "I learned a lot from you."

[[Ready Room, USS Pandora, TBD]]

"Enter," Iluvar called, looking up from the PADD he had been reading as the door opened. He was pleased to see that the individual calling upon him was none other than Ensign Bok, a Tellarite member of the Pandora's engineering staff. "I see Lieutenant Warrington was kind enough to pass along my message," he continued, "Please, come in."

"I understand there's a problem with your replicator sir," Bok said as he came into the office. He presented himself in the position of attention in front of his commanding officer.

"At ease, ensign...before you sprain something," Iluvar said with a hint of faux-sternness in his voice. He appreciated the sign of respect, but sometimes wondered if there was sometimes too much emphasis on formalities and not enough on practicalities. Carefully, he set aside the PADD he had been reading and motioned to one of the chairs opposite him. "Actually, I wanted to thank you for taking care of the matter so quickly," he continued, "It wasn't exactly a priority request, but you got it done and you got it done well. Certainly the sign of a good engineer and a good officer, wouldn't you agree?"

"Actually the position of attention felt like a pretty good stretch. My back feels wonderful now," Bok said as he rolled his shoulders. "and I'd certainly like to feel that I'm a pretty good engineer."

Iluvar gave the Tellarite a small nod, accepting the engineer's decision not to take a seat. "Lieutenant Warrington has spoken very highly of you during his time here," he continued, folding his hands on the desk before him, "and judging by your performance so far, I would be inclined to agree with him. If I may ask, ensign...where do you see yourself in five years?"

"Short term I haven't considered," Bok admitted. "Ultimately I'd like to be on the staff to design future starships."

"An admirable goal," Iluvar said with a warm smile, "I doubt Starfleet will ever escape the need for individuals with the gift for designing and constructing new starships. Take the Pandora for example, one of only a handful of Luna-class starships within the fleet. The things we learn out here will help engineers to improve the design and will ultimately be incorporated into the newer classes being produced."

"The Pandora is certainly a marvel," Bok agreed. "But even now there are new technologies coming out which could make another small explorer vessel needed within, say twenty years."

Always thinking one step ahead, Iluvar thought to himself, certainly a trait to be admired in an engineer...especially one who may be responsible for an entire team or department. Reaching for one of the PADDs on his desk, Iluvar looked down to briefly skim the contents before holding it upright so that the screen was facing toward him. "As I'm sure you are aware by now, Lieutenant Warrington has been transferred to a new assignment and Ensign Rolands along with him," Iluvar said slowly, "which leaves us very much in need of a new chief engineer. You wouldn't happen to know any qualified candidates, would you Mister Bok?"

Bok couldn't believe the way this conversation was going, "Modesty forbids me to answer that question, sir."

"Of course it does," Iluvar said with a small smile, "Which is why you'll be pleased to know that I have already selected an individual who I feel will be an appropriate successor to Lieutenant Warrington." He paused and laid the PADD gently on the surface of his desk. With one hand, he turned it so that it was facing Ensign Bok and pushed it slowly toward the Tellarite.

Bok pulled up the PADD nervously. He was looking at his own service record. Iluvar was either crazy or a genius, or perhaps both. Either way Bok would follow him where ever their travels took them. "I can't argue with that sir. You have yourself a new Chief Engineer."

"I'd welcome you to the team, but...seeing as you're already here..." Iluvar began as he rose from his seat and extended a hand to the Tellarite, "Congratulations ensign. I look forward to seeing what you'll bring to the team."

OFF

A JP by:

Captain Iluvar
Commanding Officer
USS Pandora

and

Ensign Bok
Chief Engineering Officer
USS Pandora