Captain Michael Korvalis and I had been avoiding each other as much as is possible on an Akira class starship since I arrived on board three months ago. The U.S.S. Olympus was a long range science vessel exploring the far reaches of the milky way galaxy. My duties as assistant to the Chief of Engineering kept me very busy and thankfully away from the bridge. Michael and I had a long on again off again romantic history and why he requested me to be a member of his crew was a little confusing to me. Neither of us could move on, not that I really wanted to, but we were married to our careers. I tried to forget that one erotic encounter last month in the turbolift since it was apparent Michael didn't want to make a commitment. He seemed to be avoiding me since then. What we had was over long ago. What happened in that turbolift was a fluke, just two lonely people satisfying a primitive urge. I made a promise to myself to not let that happen again. It was just too hard.
I was lost in my personal reverie doing a repair on a burned out power conduit when Chief O'Malley approached me.
"Lt. Madison.....Lieutenant......T'sonia!" That finally got my attention.
"Sorry Chief, did you say something?" I brushed a strand of red hair out of my eyes and tucked it behind my ear.
"The Captain reported having a problem with the artificial gravity on his yacht when he took it out yesterday. He sent down a request that we do a full diagnostic on it to make sure all systems are running at peak parameters. He specifically requested you. I want you to get to work on that immediately." Chief O'Malley saw the look on my face and cocked his head to the side. "Is there a problem Lt.?"
"Oh no sir, I was just thinking how I'd like to finish this project you gave me first. Couldn't Ens. Alvarez do it, sir?" I preferred to stay far away from anything that would remind me of him.
"Not this time, lieutenant. The Captain has requested your assistance. That's what you get for graduating at the top of your class, my dear, the Captain has faith in your abilities. Don't let me or him down." He walked off.
Sure, I thought, but just which of my abilities did the Captain really have in mind. I got my equipment and headed to the special docking port where the captain's yacht was berthed on the underside of the primary hull. After entering the code the doors opened and I stepped aboard. I was amazed at the luxury of this type of vehicle, the size, the separate sleeping quarters, the rich wood decor. It was obvious that no expense was spared to see to the comforts of the lucky person who achieved captaincy of a starship. I planned to run the diagnostic first, make any necessary repairs, and hoped that would be enough. I didn't want to have to take it out on a test run.