The Science of Unpredictability
Friendship cannot be learned.

A Sweet Scotty/OC Fanfiction.
Tahti is all I own, as she is my OC.

Chapter 1: Crude Introductions


Montgomery Scott had taken a few steps in from the large doorway. Placing his hands on his hips, he stopped; inhaling with a smile of satisfaction. The scent was always the same in the engine hull of every ship, that of machinery hard at work.

With a stupefied grin the Scottish man surveyed the beautiful sight of this particular engineering deck deep in the belly of the USS Enterprise. Never in his wildest dreams would he ever have imagined being graced by her lovely presence. Although it had been several earth months since he'd been stationed on this space vessel, he was still continuously awed by the miraculous splendor of her engines.

The man's rounded face titled forward bashfully as he addressed the ship, "Aye lassie. Let's see how ya're a'doin' taday."

He walked ahead briskly, glancing around with satisfaction at the machinery that he held in high esteem. The warp drive's smooth hum in the background served as a constant background noise, while other machinery chimed in at regular intervals with unique sounds. These formed a intricate symphony that warmed his heart. All he needed where his engines and he was a happy man.

Mr. Scott's little world of engine room fantasies was shattered abruptly when he spotted a pair of tall, black boots laying next to a discarded console panel. The boots were worn by a pair of woman's legs sitting beneath the Reverse Thruster Control Console. The upper half of the body, clothed in a woman's engineering uniform, was up inside the console. Not recognizing this being, he stopped his stroll with panic.

The man slapped his hand on top of his thinning hair in dismay while gesturing at the intruder with his other hand. "What in bloody hell are ya doin'? Who da you think ya are messin' around with me engines?" He looked down at the body in near hysteria, waiting for the person's response.

The female ducked forward from under her spot, calmly looking up at the man. Her blue eyes sparkled as she wrinkled her brow in perplexion, "Well . . . I'm merely following orders and doing my job, sir." She spoke softly with a light accent. She had a beautiful face with wide, defined cheek bones. Her skin was pale with a healthy glow. Scotty of course, failed to notice this in his state of abhorrence.

She gained an expression of urgency and popped her head back up into the console, her hands instantly darting to work.

Mr. Scott had by now grown infuriated to have someone tinkering with his lovelies without his permit.

"Alright, lass come on out here and explain ta me why'ya have the authority to get yer grubby little gloves into me engines!"

"Sir, if you don't think I should be doing my job you might want to address it with captain Kirk." Her voice was muffled from inside the console. She let out a big sigh, realizing how rude she was in her previous statement. "I apologize, but I can't leave this unattended. I will gladly give you an explanation when I am finished."

The man let out a flustered sigh and leaned forward, grabbing her ankles and pulling her out from under the console.

"Wha-?" She looked up at him, held aghast by his action.

He pointed with his thumb to his chest as he spoke. "Lookie here lass. I dun' care what'ya do anywhere else. But as long as ya are in me engine rooms, I want ta know what yer a'doin'. I have the right ta know!" He stared down at her with the most serious expression he could muster.

"Well . . . Okay sir." She nodded briskly then stood up, brushing herself off. She was about his height, and a bit muscular for a female.

The woman had not found her previous acts to be that rude, she was merely carrying out her duties. But by this mans reaction, she had clearly been ill-mannered. Getting used to the many different codes of conduct people carried out aboard this vessel had already proven to be very difficult for her, even after just a few days of being a part of the crew.

"I apologize for any insult to you, sir . . ?" She looked at him, questioningly.

"Ah, s'alright lassie. I'm Lieutenant Commander Scott, Chief Engineer aboard the USS Enterprise. And you'd be . . ?"

Cheif Engineer. I know the captain is a bit irresponsible. But I'd assumed he would at least introduce me to the chief of my department. Now I've made a bad impression right away, thinking he was some screwy security officer. She gulped a knot in her throat and nodded, some of her dark curls dangling out of her messily utilized hair clip. "Chief Petty Officer Kinnunen. I specialize in computer circuitry, controls, and electronics. I'm also trained in general engineering." She recited the words, as if reading them. "I was recruited as a replacement just this week, sir."

"Aye! Electronics engineer! Thank heavens! Mr. Gibbons was'a walkin disaster, he wasn't cut out to be our electronics engineer. I cannae imagine the lad'd even be able ta comb his hair on his own." He scoffed and shook his head in disgust.

Chief Technology Specialist Kinnunen titled her head forward with a shy smile, glancing to her side. "Ah . . . Yes, I've noticed that he must've been a bit unprofessional. There have been slight issues with the rear thrusters. I can see already that there have been some . . . eh, rather barbaric repairs to the circuitry in this particular console. The fussy controls on this ship can make a small electrical problem progress to the machinery not functioning. I view my duty as more important to me than anything else, so I assure you that this unit will be repaired properly."

"Aye lass. I trust now that ye're here, we won' hav'ta worry about any'a that now. Anyone'd be better than Gibbons." He smiled sheepishly. "By the way, you can just call me Scotty; if ya'd like. I'm not one fer formalities."

She nodded as she kneeled down in front of her small tool-box. "Alright . . . Scotty. My first name is Tahti." She plucked a tool from it.

"Good meetin'ya Tahti. I'll let'ya get back ta work. We cannae have 'er Reverse Thrusters going out on us at a bad time."

"Nice meeting you too, Scotty." She slid herself back under the console. "And not a worry. I will have it done ASAP." Her voice echoed from inside the electronic cavern.

"Aye lass, no doubt you will. I'll check on it la'er. Goo' luck now." With that, the man turned on his heel and strode away dutifully, enjoying his environment once again.