Chapter 7 – Pride
Later in his cabin, he faced the beaming boy and elated exec. "Son, we're mighty proud of you! You saved our hides!"
The kid beamed. "Aye, Commander. T'was a fine moment. We couldn'a let them get away with it!"
"Seems like they'd been raiding out here for a while. Luckily they didn't harm any miners, either. It was just luck to be here at the right time. Son, I think you earned extra credit on this ride."
"Thank you, sir. Glad to be of help, Commander." He was smiling from ear to ear.
Lt. Clarke was ecstatic. "You sure made a miracle, that's for sure!"
"It was just proper application of physics that did the trick." The cadet was grinning, though.
"Fine job; fine job all around." Larson looked at his exec. "Andra, anything else you have to say?"
"Kid, you did great! Do you think we can make those engine changes permanent?" Clarke was excited at the possibilities.
"Yes, Chief. We'll need to do some testing, but I think the Grizzly will be the fastest Ranger in the fleet!"
"Great, that's great!" she said as she turned to Larson. "Nils, seems like we owe our trainee more than a few fine words. Perhaps we should get our cadet a coffee."
The kid smiled. "Coffee, Lieutenant? Nay, nay." He smiled even more. "I was thinking of something a wee bit stronger! I have a bottle in my gear, if you'll let me get it…"
Later, Larson wrote in his report:
In our engagement with the pirate vessel, the cadet used ingenuity and skill to determine the cause of a major warp drive defect and found a method to compensate for it. He then used that method, under my command, to affect the destruction of the hostile vessel. This action saved both the Grizzly and her crew.
The cadet is a credit to both his training and intelligence. He embodies the high standards and calling of Starfleet. I am certain that he will be a credit to any ship he serves. I would proudly have him remain on the Grizzly, but his skills are needed elsewhere.
I whole heartedly recommend a promotion at the earliest opportunity of
SE-197-57T Cadet Montgomery E. Scott, to the rank of Ensign.
Signed,
Lieutenant Commander Nils Larson
USS Grizzly Commanding, NCC-497
A month later when docked at Olympus Station, Larson was reflecting over their cruise. There weren't many cadets like the kid; they'd miss him.
He lifted his mug, holding a fine Scotch whiskey that the kid had left him. "Here's to you, Scotty! May you always serve your ship and captain as well as you served me!" He took a sip, feeling smooth fire as it went down. Fine stuff from a fine engineer.
The kid had an excellent career ahead of him. As Larson stared into the depths of the smoky Scotch, he wondered where Starfleet would send young Scotty next.
- The End -
