Elsbeth O’Reilly headed to the engineering department. She had not really had a chance to speak with their Chief Engineer, Lieutenant Sh’zhthranth yet. With all she had been doing since coming on, they had spoken in passing but not much in person. She decided today was a good day to fix that.

She had been torn when she found out she was assigned to a station. Elsbeth always thought her first love was a starship but being here had grown on her. There was so much more going on and you got to meet new people as well.

Elsbeth walked into engineering and she heard the sound of music, it was rather loud. She was surprised the chief allowed this.

“Excuse me, Ensign.” She said to an engineer working on a component. “Do you know where I might find Lieutenant Sh’Zhthranth?”

“Just follow the music, ma’am.” The ensign replied as he pointed towards the back. “He is right down there working.

“Thank you.” Elsbeth said and headed off. The closer she got the louder it got. Whoever was listening to it was either deaf or soon would be. As she came around the corner she saw Thyhl working on a section of the components that led to the engine. He was hard at work and singing at the same time. Elsbeth admitted to herself that the Anodrian had a nice voice. She stood for a moment not quite certain whether to yell over the music or tap him on the shoulder. She was saved from a decision when he looked up and saw her

Thyhl smiled at her as he quit singing and spoke in a raised voice. Computer end music selection.” Setting his tool down he headed over to where she stood. “Lieutenant O’Rielly.” He paused. “Did we have a meeting that I missed?” Thyhl was not one for impromptu visits. He kept his things orderly and he wanted to get this adjustment finished today.

“No.” Elsbeth replied quietly. “I have been attempting to meet with you but I have been unable to find a time where we could connect on our schedules. I can come back another time.”

Thyhl almost suggested that she do just that but he was reminded of his last conversation with his younger sister Sharna, who told him he was a stick in the mud and out way too much importance on structure. “No.” Thyhl shook his head and rolled his shoulders, shrugging off his slight irritation. “Let’s head to my office where we can be more comfortable.”

“Thank you.” Elsbeth said with a warm smile. For a moment she thought he might ask her to leave. But he extended an olive branch and she was going to take it. “That was quite interesting music you were listening to.”

Thyhl smiled widely. “It is from Earth history. They called it the rock and roll era. I had a roommate at the academy who listened to it and I found I really like it.” They entered his office and he offered her a seat. Thyhl sat down in his chair. “It may be unusual but I do my best work when I listen to music.”

“That doesn’t sound strange at all.” Elsbeth replied. “We all know what helps us do our best work.” Her eyes met his. “I just had this thought that it would be nice for us to kind of get a feeling for how the other one works so we respect each other’s departments.”

“I agree.” Thyhl said with a nod. “You were right to come down here, my schedule has been a little crazy. I am doing some upgrades and I have my people helping but the major part I am doing myself.”

“Yes.” Elsbeth nodded. “Those upgrades will make things much more efficient.” She paused. “Did you hear they want to upgrade transportation as well?”

“Yes.” Thyhl nodded. “I am opposed to their suggestion and equipment improvements. I already sent my opinions to the captain.” He leaned over and grabbed a padd, sliding it to her. “Feel free to read up on them when you have some time. Just get that back to me.”

“I am surprised.” Elsbeth admitted. “Most engineers are in favor of upgrades.” She waited to hear what he had to say next.

“Their testing isn’t conclusive.” Thyhl informed her. “They haven’t fully proved it will work smoothly and yet they want to dump it on us and see what happens. They will be here if it fails and we have a crisis and as it always happens they will try to put the blame on us.”

Elsbeth liked how Thyhl spoke his mind, even if it was not popular. “I felt the same way when I first saw it. I have a meeting with command about it and I will pass on my concerns as well.”

“Good!” Thyhl nodded. “If we stand together then we have a better chance of them not going through with this. I really believe that it will not work.”

“I agree so we are on the same page.” Elsbeth said with a nod.

Thyhl looked over at her. “So tell me about yourself?” He smiled. ‘You go first and I will go second.

“I’m not a territorial person.” Elsbeth spoke plainly to the chief engineer. “I run my department and expect respect for my position but I also see the necessity of us working together.” She took a deep breath. “That being said you won’t ever see me come into your department and start nosing around but I might ask you if you need help or for advice.”

Thyhl sat for so long Elsbeth thought he did not like what she had to say. “We are like people.” He said with a smile. “I welcome you to come to engineering, I just like a little notice is all. We have lots of work here, I do not mind an assist from you. I am not like engineers who throw tantrums when someone suggests something. I will listen and consider others’ ideas.”

Elsbeth sighed in relief and smiled at Thyhl’s raised eyebrow. “When I first came in you looked a little mad. I was a little concerned that meant I had encroached on your department.”

“Oh that!” Thyhl smiled warmly. “I was concentrating and I don’t always react well when I get interrupted. Don’t give it a second thought.” He paused. “That and you caught me in my music mode.”

“The volume you play your music at I am surprised the whole station cannot hear it.” Elsbeth said with a laugh.

Thyhl just grinned. “I like it at a loud enough volume so I may sing along and the crew does not hear my voice.”

“Why?” Elsbeth said with a raised eyebrow. “You have a good voice, it carries well.” She couldn’t believe he did not realize that.

“I just sing for myself.” Thyhl explained. “Not for others. It’s like my private zen, if you will. Something I enjoy in solitude and not for an audience.”

“I get it actually.” Elsbeth nodded in return. “I won’t say a word, I am good at keeping things quiet.”

“I appreciate it.” Thyhl said with a smile. He glanced at his computer and then looked at her. “I didn’t realize I almost missed lunch. Have you eaten yet.”

“No.” Elsbeth shook her head. “I planned to head to the promenade after I finished meeting with you.”

“Would you mind some company?” Thyhl murmured. “I could stand to get some exercise and suddenly I am hungry.”

“That sounds like a great idea.” Elsbeth nodded as she stood up. “You sure you want to leave your job unfinished though?” He had been set earlier on getting it done.

“I can finish after lunch.” Thyhl assured her. “I work better on a full stomach anyway.” He stood up and the two of them headed out the door of his office and on their way to get something to eat as the scene fades away.