Engineering Scheme

by Starsinger

A guest suggested I do something about something happening to Chekov. Instead, Chekov has worked so hard for the Engine redesign, that Starfleet's Engineers want him to come explain it, with help from his wheelchair bound Captain. Anything to help his favorite navigator, Jim is quite agreeable. Don't own them.

Captain James Tiberius Kirk was actually a very patient individual. He'd sat through McCoy's drunken rages at bars without drinking a drop. Someone had to drive them back to the campus, evidently, it was his turn. He'd patiently listened to each member of his crew during the Narada incident to formulate the best plan possible. He'd even patiently listened to crew members who felt they had been unfairly passed over for promotion.

Unfortunately, right now, he had little patience for his body. It, unfortunately, let him know at inopportune times that he needed to sit down. Well, that was better than sudden naps, but the wheelchair was on the other side of the office, and he really needed to get down to see McCoy for his next check-up. McCoy was weaning him off the medication and he hoped he could stop another drug today. Jim sighed as he was about to hit the button for his secretary to get the chair when the door to his office burst open with a certain over-excited Ensign babbling in Russian.

"Captain! The Engineers hawe accepted my redesign of the matter/antimatter flux for the varp core! They vant me to come explain it to them!" Chekov announced.

"Congratulations, Ensign!" Jim said, genuinely pleased, "When?"

"Now," he replied. "I need your help, Keptin. Can you go vith me in your chair, kind of an emphasis as to vhy the changes are necessary." Kirk quickly got Chekov to bring over the chair and he slid himself into it. Chekov took the handles at the back and took off like a shot. Jim suddenly wondered if he needed a seat belt as they hurtled through Starfleet's headquarters. People hurriedly got out of the way and Kirk did see an amused Admiral or two, or three.

When they reached the chamber a yeoman showed them in. It was actually fun being in this chamber for a different purpose than to get grilled for something that they'd done. Kirk sat back and watched as several engineers entered through a side door. He looked over to see Scotty sitting in the audience with the smile of a proud papa. "Begin, Mr. Chekov," Commander Shavez told him.

"Yes, sir," he began. Kirk smiled as he realized that Chekov had smoothed out his accent and had become extremely professional. "Eight months ago the Enterprise embarked on a mission to Klingon space. During the course of the journey, the ship was knocked out of warp by an engine malfunction. At least at the time we thought it was, it turned out that someone had sabotaged the warp core. The two parts of the core had misaligned and it took the courageous actions of Captain James Kirk to realign the warp core, nearly killing him in the process." Chekov nodded at his Commanding Officer. Jim shifted in his chair, smiling pleasantly at the board.

Jim watched as Chekov expanded on his theories and ideas of the redesign of the warp core, and future warp engines. He even theorized that it was possible to reach "transwarp" speeds that would make current warp drive technology obsolete with such a redesign. Jim nodded in absent understanding of what Chekov was proposing. He was learning something new from his Ensign and wondered what was really going on. This was oddly formal for a simple engine redesign. After he finished, Chekov smiled. They began asking him questions. Finally, they concluded, "Thank you, Ensign. We'll let you know in a few days our decision." Chekov smiled and nodded, knowing that this was what could be expected on a day like this.

Kirk looked at Scotty as Chekov whistled his way down the hall, "Help me to medical, will you. I'm late for an appointment with Bones." Scotty quickly agreed as he was pushed down toward the hospital, "Scotty, what was that about? It kind of reminded of my masters thesis arguments years ago."

Scotty winked at Kirk, "It should, Jim. That's exactly what was goin' on, even though he dinnae know it yet. Tis easier fer him this way. Not so nervous." Kirk laughed as he was wheeled into Bones' office. Bones grumped at him, until Jim told him why he was late. McCoy let go a genuine smile.

"Do you think he'll get it?" McCoy asked as he ran a tricorder over Jim's body.

"I'd give it to him," Kirk responded. McCoy laughed and so did Scotty. "Unfortunately, it's not up to me, or Scotty." They both nodded in agreement.

Three days later Kirk received an e-mail from the Academy, Chekov passed. He asked Chekov and Scotty to meet him in his office. Admiral Archer joined them. "Mr. Chekov, the engineers were impressed by your report on the engines of the Enterprise, and are implementing many of your ideas into the new engines. They are also incorporating it into a new ship, the USS Excelsior, where they will be experimenting with warp drive." Chekov's smile kept getting bigger. Scotty clapped him on the shoulder.

"Furthermore, your report has been accepted as your thesis for a Master's Degree in Engineering. Congratulations, Chekov, you graduate in two weeks." Chekov's mouth worked, but no words emerged as he took in Kirk's words.

Archer reached forward and shook his hand, "Well, I'm not surprised that Enterprise's crew would be an overachieving bunch." Archer said with a chuckle. "Oh, you're being promoted to Lieutenant. It's nice to have happy events after so much sorrow."

Chekov left the building and went outside. His dreams were coming true. Soon, he would join Scotty in the engine room and other parts that were his responsibility. Dreams really occasionally come true.

Oh, enjoy, Chekov really is too cute!