EXETERRPG: (1, 1017) ACEO Lieutenant Janice Hammerfield and SO Ensign Chris West

[Will Banowsky]

Mission: Auld Lang Syne

Day: 01

Stardate: 2445.12.28



(USS Exeter – Bridge – ACEO Lieutenant Janice Hammerfield and SO Ensign
Chris West– 1017)

“Excuse me – do you mind if I nip in to give this the once over please,”

 “Sure,” Chris replied looking up. “Not like we’re going anywhere. I’m just
here because they need a body or two on the bridge. What are you doing
anyways?”

“Just some routine checks,” she said kneeling down and prying off a panel
to reveal the inner circuitry. Holding out her tricorder she slowly started
to scan the insides for any parts that might be coming close to be
replaced. “One of those things best to do when its quiet.” Pulling some of
her hair back from her face she looked up at the man for a second before
returning to her scans, “Ensign West? Isn’t it?”

“Yes, West, Chris West. I’m sorry, but I’m drawing a blank, I don’t think
we’ve actually met, ummm…”

“Janice Hammerfield,” She said sticking her head into the open panel to
take a good look about inside. “You’d be surprised how dirty things can get
in here.” With one hand she reached back to her dangling engineering kit,
flicked it open and removed a small device to start cleaning some of the
parts, “Mostly dust.”

“Ah thats it, Janice, for some reason I was thinking Janet.”

“I get that alot,”

“So Janet, why’d you decide to stay on ship working instead of being down
there in paradise?”

Pulling her head back out for a quick gasp of air she looked up, “Janice -
There’s a lot to do and most of the things I need to get on with are a lot
easier when people aren’t on the ship - saves time - less intrusive.”
Ducking back into the gap she began finishing cleaning it up. “I presume
you will be heading down at some point?”

“Honestly….” he paused. “Probably not.”

“No?” she replied back a bit confused as to why he wouldn't take the
opportunity.

“The science department is crowded, and it seems like the only way to get
noticed around here is to do something either incredibly dumb or almost
die.” He paused. “No offense meant. I know the stuff with, well her, was
harrowing. But I’m not talking about you anyways.”

Janice paused for a moment from the work she was doing then continued
cleaning up the last bit of residue on the circuitry, “Its ok - I
understand. I assure you that neither is the type of attention you really
want.”

“I don’t want to get lost in the shufflem you know. I’ve always been
noticed, and here, I’m in the background. So I’m just gonna work my tail
off and get a reputation as a hard worker. Then when the next Exeter Class
ships launch, whenever that is, maybe, maybe I’ll get a chance on one of
them, to break out from the crowd here.”

“With an attitude like that then I would expect nothing less,” she said
supportively closing the hatch on the control panel then sealing it,
“Sometimes i find that it’s less about the person and rather who that
person knows. If you were looking for that maybe make sure that whoever is
going to be putting the next one together knows of you. Then let the pieces
fall into place.”

“Yeah, thats never been my style. I guess. I’m just used to being the
alpha, the top dog. And turns out I’m just one of the pack.”

“I’m sure things will work themselves out,” she gave him a friendly tap on
the shoulder as she slid her tools back into her engineering kit before
making a further enquiry, “I was told that you are quite the boxer?”

“Yeah, I am. Honestly, could have made a career of it. Maybe not been the
best, but I could have made a dent, no pun intended. But I wanted to be in
Starfleet. I wanted to have a larger purpose in my life.”

“Thats quite a talent,” she nodded dusting her uniform off slightly in the
process.

“I still box though. It focuses me, gives me clarity.”

“I’ve been meaning to ask you about that actually but things have been a
bit busy,” she said a bit shyly.

“Wait really?” Chris asked. He was curious as to the why.

“The counselor suggested that something like that might help me work out
some frustration and recommended that i ask you about maybe helping with
that - if you have time - I understand if you don’t want to.”

“Teach someone to box. Yeah, no, that I will definitely make time for. Just
give me a when and where.”

“I get off about 1800 and if you're not heading planetside I'm good
anytime,” she smiled back hearing that he was willing to take the time out
of his day for it.

“Tell you what, meet me in the gym at 1830, ready to work out. I’ll see
what I’m working with, get a good session in. See what you can do. How does
that sound?”

“That sounds great,” she said excitedly, “Ill see you then. Thank you
Ensign,” Nodding she tucked her engineering kit under her arm and moved
onto the next station.

“Yeah. See you then.” Chris said to himself as he looked at his console.
“Something to look forward to.”

(reply none)
(posted by Will and Adam)
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