Meeting The Chief

Posted on Fri May 22nd, 2026 @ 9:59pm by Lieutenant Commander Christopher Evans & Lieutenant JG Riaothren (Ren) ch'Shaorhs

1,132 words; about a 6 minute read

Mission: Prologue: To Boldly Go
Location: Operations Officer
Timeline: MD 9

ON

It had been a busy day for the newly minted assistant operations officer. He'd had multiple meetings and still had more to go. That was always the way of things on any new ship, so it was not unexpected. Nor was it especially difficult. In many ways, it was a good thing; Ren enjoyed meeting new people.

He did at times have difficulty putting names and faces together, so he'd been taking mental notes to himself throughout the day.

He entered the outer office, found what he assumed to be his desk, put his personal PADD down on top of it, and took a seat.

Chris had been running slightly late, he wanted to beat his new assistant to the operations office. However, one of the Lieutenants from the science department wanted to run some power allocation requests by him, and he figured it would just be easier to hear the Lieutenant out. He approved the request and made his way to the operations department as quickly as he could.

Entering the outer office, Evans smiled and introduced himself, "Hello! I'm Lieutenant Christopher Evans."

The Andorian turned toward his chief, his antennae tracking the other's movement along with his eyes. "Good morning sir," he replied. "I'll not trouble you with my full Andorian name, most pinkskins find it difficult to pronounce. You can call me Ren, um Lt.(j.g.) Ren ch'Sharohs."

“Well, it’s nice to meet you, Lieutenant (j.g) Ren,” Christopher said with a nod, keeping eye contact with the Andorian man. “Anything to report?” Evan’s asked checking to see if he needed to be made aware of anything. He even thought it was a good conversation starter.

Ren's left antanne curled forward, and the corners of his mouth lifted. "I ran a Level Two diagnostic," he said. We are green across the board, but I did notice the power output coming from the left narcel is fluctuating. Nothing out of parameters, but potentially concerning if it continues."

“I agree, we'd better get a team on it.” Evan had looked into his assistant's record, and he didn’t see a reason to check behind him, “and I’d say it should be a top priority.”

"I will get right on that, sir," the Andorian said.

Chris gave a nod and a half smile, “Tell me about yourself, Lieutenant.” Evans thought it would be a good idea to learn a little about the people in his department.

The Andorian managed a small smile. "This is not, as pinkskins are fond of saying, my first rodeo. I've been doing this for a few years now, so I have some experience. I'm fortunate that I haven't become jaded. Each assignment, each new ship, brings fresh challenges and perspectives."

"I have finally come to grips with...a few things, accepted them for what they are. That I am truly single now. A single father. It is taking a lot of getting used to."

"What about you?"

“Although I am not a father,” Chris paused for just a second, “I can imagine… the… the amount of patience.” Shifting into the chair he was sitting in, “I’ve always kind of dedicated my life to Star Fleet, and as far as a love life and children, well, I guess I haven’t found the right person.”

The Andorian's left anteanned quirked forward. "Sometimes, " he said, " you find something when you're not even looking. On the other hand, some people prefer the single life. It does give one more time to focus on their career, their duty. Do you want to stay single?"

“Well,” Chris paused for a few seconds, “I mean, eventually I can see myself settling down, a kid or two, maybe a dog or a cat.” he had a smile on his face, “No, it’s for sure gotta be a dog.”

"I always wondered the fascination that pinkskins have with dogs until Elie, a classmate at the Academy, got one. A tiny little thing. You're right. Dogs are superior. But if I were going to do this over again, the whole relationship it would be with a person."

“I’m honestly not sure myself. They just seem to make good companions.” Chris smiled, “well people are much more complicated, but any kind of relationship requires give and take.”

"Complications," his companion mused, "keep things interesting. But you're right, they do require give and take, which means work. But it is often worth it. What do you think?"

“I agree,” Evans smiled as he spoke.

"Well, if you ever decide you're looking for someone, whoever it might be, I hope the complications are worth it."

“Me too,” Chris said and then shrugged, “but I’m in no hurry. What about you? Is there someone special?”

The Andorian shook his head. "I'm just getting accustomed to being single again. So, I'm not ready. I'm thinking of asking someone to check out a holodeck program I've created, but just as a friend. Nothing romantic."

“You should do it. I always say you can never have too many friends.” Evans shrugged, “Besides, what ya got to lose?”

"You have a point, Commander. I don't have anything to lose. I'll ask him. But perhaps you should take your own advice and ask someone out, for you know whatever."

Chris blushed a little, “perhaps.” Chris hadn’t had the time to think about having a social life in quite some time. He had just always buried himself in Starfleet Sure, he thought there had been a few relationships here and there, but he always had to say goodbye for his duties. “Who knows what the future holds?” There was a smile on his face.

"Don't take this the wrong way," the Andorain said, a smile playing at his own lips, because you're not my type, and I'm pretty sure you just date women, but you've got a cute smile. You should use it more."

Chris blushed, and the smile stayed on his face. He wasn’t offended by the compliment whatsoever. “Well, I appreciate that,” he glanced down and then smiled at the Andorian again, “but you are correct, I only date the ladies.

"I assumed that," Ren replied, one anteanne curling forward. "Anyway, unless there is anything else. I should be getting back to running some diagnostics."

“And I should get back to the bridge, but maybe we can grab a drink and chat some more.” Chris smiled one last time before he started back toward the bridge, leaving the room and reflecting on meeting the Andorian.

"That sounds like a plan," Ren replied as he turned to go.

OFF

Lieutenant Ren ch"Shaorhs
Asst. Chief OperationsOfficer
USS Fenrir

Lieutenant Commander Christopher Evans
Chief Operations Officer
USS Fenrir

 

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