Posted by Gamemaster Alias Smith N. Jones, Esq. (GMT) in Main Sim - Engineering - Poparazzi Please! (Tag Engineering)

Posted by Ensign James Mason (Engineer) in Main Sim - Engineering - Poparazzi Please! (Tag Engineering)

Posted by Lieutenant Ellie Kleinhoffer (Chief Engineer) in Main Sim - Engineering - Poparazzi Please! (Tag Engineering)

SNIP

Memory crawled back to James with all the speed of particularly thick engine unguent as the woman continued to speak. His initial assessment of her stubbornly fought back, but after a long moment he began to remember the pretty face on the screen from another time and place, when it was younger and had a more disciplined bent. Ra, a particularly quiet but motivated individual who was reliable when it came down to team exercises. She had more of a cerebral bent that he’d ever had, and had been bound for the Science side of training. Rumor mill had been talking up a storm right after she left, but nothing solid had come of it and the memory of the determined individual had been put aside as the Academy had demanded more and more from him.

Seeing her here, smiling and looking fantastic threw the short engineer for a loop. His earlier suspicion faded and he nodded slowly. “It took me a bit for the rusty gears up here to get turning, but I remember now. It hasn’t been so long that my ugly mug has completely forgotten you,” he said with a chuckle before continuing. “Renever was a blow hard who needed a good fist or two, but he straightened out some what in the end.”

“What happened on you end? Heard scuttlebutt that something nasty went down just after everyone split to their schools,” he finished, slightly cocking his head to the side.

Ensign Mason, Engineering

Ellie was busy handling a different issue and let Mason continue to handle this situation. He would let her know if there was something she needed to do.

CE

Ra’s face flushed a deep crimson and she looked away from the screen. “It was… I had… I… I really don’t like talking about that, if you don’t mind. In fact -” and she composed herself and said “- I do want to know 8f you or someone from your department could answer some questions for the network? That’s actually why I called.”

GMT

James paused and tried not to wince as he realized that he’d seriously misstepped. The issue was still raw with Ra, and going any further down the path of questioning her would only serve to make things awkward, strained, or both. He also took a chance to compose himself, before focusing on the issue at hand. A former fellow cadet wanted to ask questions for her network, and that was a situation that simply screamed of OPSEC and Public Affairs landmines for parsecs. However, Ra was a solid person and answering a few questions could be simple if he watched himself.

“I might have to no comment or refer you to Public Affairs depending on the question, but I’m willing to take a shot at it,” He answered. The worst that could happen is that Starfleet would get egg on its face, and he wouldn’t lose any sleep over that.

Ensign Mason, Engineering

Ra smiled, although it was a bit forced. “Thanks, James. I appreciate that. Okay…” She paused for a moment and looked down and said “So my sources tell me that the Dresden has been transferred from the Main Fleet. What section of Star Fleet is she with now? I mean, the Dresden is one of the largest war-ships in the fleet. Why take it from its placement?”

GMT

“To be honest Ra I haven’t the slightest clue at the moment,” James said apologetically. “I’ve been stuck down in Engineering getting used to have the Dresden runs and what the Chief Engineer wants done to keep her ship shape.”

He paused for a moment before continuing. “However, what I can do for you is ask around and see what people say. Catch some of that prime galley scuttlebutt to figure out what’s going on. Would that be alright?”

Ensign Mason, Engineering

(OOC: Honestly don’t know what Mason would know as an new Engineering ensign, but he’s definitely not averse to helping Ra out by looking around even if it might break a few regulations)

OOC: You played that perfectly. Well done.

IC: Ra smiled and said “Yeah… yeah, that’d be great. Thanks, James. My editor is really on me to get this. You’d be doing a huge favor.” and she looked around and then leaned in to the screen slightly and half-whispered “I’ll owe you a dinner or something.” and she winked and the acreen went dark.

Once Mason had closed the comm link with Ra, she would call him over “Ensign, why is she wanting to know what division we’ve been moved to?” Ellie asked as she turned to face him.

CE

Mason took a moment to formulate his answer before answering. “It sounds like a slow news cycle boss. If they’re trying to fish what the Dresden is moving to the newsies have nothing better going on,” he said with a wry grin. “The next thing they’re going to want to know is what the crew is replicating for breakfast.”

Ensign Mason, Engineering

GMT

(crossed in from Science)

A moment later, the doors to engineering opened and Priscilla walked in with the guest, Dr. Drillek. She was looking around for the Chief and at all the bustle going on. “I’m sure she’s around here somewhere. She’s rarely not here.” Priscilla laughed lightly realizing that when it came to it, most of the Department Heads were always in the same places.

Lt Priscilla Simms
CSO