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Chapter 4
The landing party was beamed directly into decontamination as a precaution. Without wasting any time, everyone quickly went to work, each knowing that discovering the bodies was only the beginning; there were long hours ahead. Unfortunately, they did not have many hours as the captain wanted reports as quickly as possible.
The lab was filled with the sounds of scientists hard at work and a low hum of equipment running. This was soon disturbed by the sound of fluid pouring onto the floor as someone entered, followed by a rather profane comment. One of the technicians remarked "They can make unbreakable glassware but they can't change an incompetent person." Another angered by the spill yelled "We have work to do! Look what you did!" while a third technician exclaimed a few choice words at the young man who entered, Ensign David McKenzie. He came on board just four weeks ago and had already managed to anger anyone who had the pleasure to meet him. Unkempt and incompetent, he was not quite the model Starfleet representative. Rectifying the problem would not be easy as his father was also a member of Starfleet. As long as he did not interfere with anyone's work schedule, he could be tolerated. Unfortunately, his obsession with Ensign Vega has caused him quite a few enemies in the lab.
Especially since he belonged in engineering.
McKenzie, ignoring their comments, folded his wiry arms over his bony chest in an attempt to look authoritative. He cast his glance downwards and started to speak as someone entered the lab. "Where's Vega?" he demanded.
"Working, like you should be, mister!" He looked up and met an uncompromising look from Lieutenant Lorelei Caruso. If his father wasn't who he is, boy, I would stuff him in a flask. Being in a male-dominated field was difficult enough. She was quite attractive – long auburn hair that was neatly braided and twisted, pretty almond eyes and a nice build. The last thing she needed was some snot-nosed punk that constantly disobeyed orders. She debated on bringing up charges or pounding him into the floor. The latter would be much more satisfying.
Behind her was a worried Ensign Vega. The lieutenant continued, calmly but firmly "Get back to Engineering, mister. You have no business here." He held her look. "Is that an order?" he asked, purposely not adding her correct title.
"Yes it is, Ensign." No, I'm stuffing him in a test tube – it'll be much more painful. He sure is a piece of work.
"I don't take orders from no woman." At that line, someone else entered the lab. Someone he would take orders from no matter who his father was.
"Ensign, are you on ship's business?" The lab fell silent as Mr. Spock's deep voice asked. Shamefaced and looking down, he replied "No…sir."
"Report back to Engineering and I will tell Mr. Scott to add more duties to your rooster; apparently you do not have enough. A laboratory is no place for socializing." Still looking down he replied "Yes, sir." And quickly left the lab. As if it never happened, Mr. Spock promptly set the lab back to work.
Chapter 4
The landing party was beamed directly into decontamination as a precaution. Without wasting any time, everyone quickly went to work, each knowing that discovering the bodies was only the beginning; there were long hours ahead. Unfortunately, they did not have many hours as the captain wanted reports as quickly as possible.
The lab was filled with the sounds of scientists hard at work and a low hum of equipment running. This was soon disturbed by the sound of fluid pouring onto the floor as someone entered, followed by a rather profane comment. One of the technicians remarked "They can make unbreakable glassware but they can't change an incompetent person." Another angered by the spill yelled "We have work to do! Look what you did!" while a third technician exclaimed a few choice words at the young man who entered, Ensign David McKenzie. He came on board just four weeks ago and had already managed to anger anyone who had the pleasure to meet him. Unkempt and incompetent, he was not quite the model Starfleet representative. Rectifying the problem would not be easy as his father was also a member of Starfleet. As long as he did not interfere with anyone's work schedule, he could be tolerated. Unfortunately, his obsession with Ensign Vega has caused him quite a few enemies in the lab.
Especially since he belonged in engineering.
McKenzie, ignoring their comments, folded his wiry arms over his bony chest in an attempt to look authoritative. He cast his glance downwards and started to speak as someone entered the lab. "Where's Vega?" he demanded.
"Working, like you should be, mister!" He looked up and met an uncompromising look from Lieutenant Lorelei Caruso. If his father wasn't who he is, boy, I would stuff him in a flask. Being in a male-dominated field was difficult enough. She was quite attractive – long auburn hair that was neatly braided and twisted, pretty almond eyes and a nice build. The last thing she needed was some snot-nosed punk that constantly disobeyed orders. She debated on bringing up charges or pounding him into the floor. The latter would be much more satisfying.
Behind her was a worried Ensign Vega. The lieutenant continued, calmly but firmly "Get back to Engineering, mister. You have no business here." He held her look. "Is that an order?" he asked, purposely not adding her correct title.
"Yes it is, Ensign." No, I'm stuffing him in a test tube – it'll be much more painful. He sure is a piece of work.
"I don't take orders from no woman." At that line, someone else entered the lab. Someone he would take orders from no matter who his father was.
"Ensign, are you on ship's business?" The lab fell silent as Mr. Spock's deep voice asked. Shamefaced and looking down, he replied "No…sir."
"Report back to Engineering and I will tell Mr. Scott to add more duties to your rooster; apparently you do not have enough. A laboratory is no place for socializing." Still looking down he replied "Yes, sir." And quickly left the lab. As if it never happened, Mr. Spock promptly set the lab back to work.
