Part Two - Ensign Hoshi Sato
"You have the bridge Ensign."
One sharp nod later and Malcolm Reed is gone, the picture of the perfect officer, walking out the door. Well, when the cats away… Time to have some fun. Not that Malcolm isn't fun, but he only goes so far before he slips back into officer mode. Kind of spoils things a bit. I put on my best 'lets play' voice.
"Aren't you gonna take the chair?"
"What?"
Travis seems a little surprised by my question, but I'm pretty sure it's just an act. A little more encouragement should be all that's needed.
"You're in command."
That should be a big enough hint. Seems to be working, as he looks around at the chair. I can read body language pretty well, and Travis is definitely tempted. Even the laughter surrounding his denial gives him away.
"I'm fine right here."
"Haven't you ever wondered what it's like?"
Actually, I know he's wondered. We've talked about our dreams often enough, and Travis has always dreamed of being a Captain someday.
"I can wait till I'm promoted."
He's trying to sound convinced while at the same time trying to stop himself from jumping straight out of his chair. I think I've almost got him. Time for the final push.
"Okay." I give him my best 'well if you're sure you don't really want to' expression. It's never failed me yet, and it doesn't fail me now. It would be like asking Commander Tucker if he likes Warp engines, and him saying no. Some things are just meant to happen. Travis dissolves into little kid mode, and moves towards the Captain's chair as if he's been given a particularly amazing present.
"Nice fit." I give him a nod and a grin. He does look very captainly up there.
"Bridge looks a lot different from here." He's as awestruck as I thought he would be, and it makes me feel good. I'm half surprised he isn't bouncing up and down in the chair, but he manages to restrain himself, playing with the arm console instead.
"Think anyone would mind if I fired a torpedo?"
Before I can respond I am interrupted by the sound of the bridge doors opening. The sound surprises me, as I had never expected it so soon, and I turn to see Malcolm Reed entering the bridge. What was I saying about Malcolm spoiling the fun? He stops short, and a look of surprise crosses his face as he takes in the scene before him.
I watch, as after a stunned moment Travis closes the chair's arm console and stands. He looks very uncomfortable under Malcolm's scrutiny and a little worried, and I feel a sharp pang of guilt. It was me who persuaded him to sit in the Captains chair in the first place. I would hate for him to get into trouble because of it. I look towards Malcolm but I can't read his expression. His posture hasn't stiffened though. His body language is still relaxed; at least, it's still relaxed for Malcolm, and that's a very good sign. He isn't angry.
"Permission to take my station?"
I can hear from the inflections in his voice that he is trying his hardest not to laugh. He obviously sees the funny side of this situation. I feel relieved for Travis' sake even as I feel bad for him.
"Sorry sir."
I give Travis a sympathetic smile as he crosses the bridge to his station, he's putting a lot of effort into not meeting Malcolm's eyes.
Malcolm's gaze stays with him I notice. By now he looks like he is barely restraining his laughter, and an amused smile is evident on his face. Malcolm shakes his head as he takes his seat, and I return to my own work to avoid attracting his scrutiny.
The bridge falls silent, save for the comfortably reassuring beeps and hums of an efficiently functioning starship. After a while I sneak a glance at my colleagues. Travis is working feverishly, with a slightly worried frown on his face. Malcolm is working at his own station, and the look on his face immediately piques my interest. It is a look that suggests a mixture of contained amusement and silent scheming.
'I wonder what he's up to…'