Byron asked Lieutenant Robinson to split the staff with him and they would each have part of them for lunch in the captain’s dining room. He chose to meet today, wanting to see his things were going for his crew.

He had spoken to Chef Andrea ahead of time and assured her that whatever she was preparing for the day’s meal would be fine for them. She assured him their meal would be delivered on time.

Byron had gotten there early, he did not want them standing around waiting for him. A few minutes later, Lieutenant Swanson arrived with Ensign Davies right behind him. They both took a seat after greeting their captain and then waited for the others.

Not even a minute later, Lieutenant Martin and Lieutenant Sh’Thanlink came into the room.

“Good morning, Captain.” Joshua said with a smile. He looked at the others. “And all of you too of course.”

“Please have a seat.” Byron said as he waved to the empty seats. “And good morning to you as well.” He paused. “I know Captains traditionally have these fancy dinners and they invite certain crew members to eat with them but I never really cared for them. I always found it a little…” he couldn’t find the word he wanted.

“Intimidating.” Thracia suggested, then thought about her answer. “I apologize if I was out of line, Captain.”

“Not at all.” Byron assured her “That is the word I was looking for.” While they were talking a server went around taking drink orders. “I wanted to have a smaller group in hope that we could have a more relaxed setting and you could all speak freely with me about how you are settling in and each of your departments.” Byron was working at being approachable. He wanted his crew to feel as if they could come to him if they had any issues.

“I like this, Captain.” Joshua spoke up. “It has more of a friendly vibe to it.” He looked around at the others. “You are still our captain but it doesn’t feel as if we are under a microscope.”

“I agree.” Thracia nodded. “You didn’t pull out all the stops, we are eating what the rest of the crew is having and I don’t feel like we are being tested either.”

“The dining room dinners never bothered me.” Lila said with a shrug. “But then I don’t really pay a lot of attention to fan fare. I am more of a down to earth person.”

“I think this was a great idea.” Andrew spoke up. “It will give us a chance to express some concerns or thoughts and have your attention rather than in a larger group. There are times things get missed.”

“I would like to know how your departments are running.”

“Engineering is a little hectic.” Lila said honestly. “We made getting us up to one hundred percent a priority and now I have all these mandatory alarm testing to get through.” She looked around at everyone. “So don’t be alarmed if you come to visit and we look like the engines are about to explode. It is just a test.”

“That is good to know.” Byron nodded. “Is there anything I or my command staff can do to help?”

“Not really.” Lila shook her head. “If it were an actual emergency you would be on the bridge. I like to make it as real as possible.”

“Good thinking.” Byron replied. “How long do you expect this to take before you are done?”

“Another day and we will be moving on to other things.” Lila said with a grin. “Things are good in engineering. I did ask for a couple more fire extinguishers and some supplies we could use. There is no rush just the next time we are picking some up.”

“Sickbay needs more medical supplies.” Joshua spoke up. “And so I would like at least one or two more beds. In an emergency we can stack them side by side and right now we have the minimum that is required.”

Andrew looked towards the captain. “I am writing all this down as we speak, Captain.”

“Thank you, Lieutenant.” Byron replied. “What will you do if we have that kind of emergency in the meantime?”

“We will improvise.” Joshua replied. “Make decisions as we go and make things work.” He smiled at the captain. “That is what we are good at, Captain.”

“I agree.” Byron nodded. “Lieutenant Swanson will see about getting some of the things you require.” He didn’t want to promise everything because he did not know if they could.

“I am at a good spot,” Thracia spoke up next. “I was able to obtain some comfortable furniture for my office and I have it decorated in a pleasing way.” She paused. “That being said, it would be good if we could get some things for Ensign Uzbek that would make her office feel the same. When a person comes to see a counselor they are already a little nervous. We want them to feel like they can talk to us.”

“I will speak with her.” Andrew spoke up again, looking to their captain who nodded in approval.

“On a personal level.” Thracia spoke up next. “I will go first.” She thought for a moment. “I am happy to be here and I feel as if I belong. Joshua and I have developed a good working relationship and we have developed a friendship that will help us work with our patients in the best way possible.”

“What she said.” Joshua nodded. “I think of Thracia like a sister. We ask each other for advice and keep updated on what is going on around us.”

“I am happy to hear that.” Byron replied, looking to Lila who had fallen silent.

“I have a good working relationship with Lieutenant Swanson.” Lila said. “We did not get along well when we both came on here to serve but we have both worked to make
Things are getting better.” Her eyes met Byron’s. “I stop and listen before I protest and I am working on not being so territorial”

“And I am learning that sometimes the rule book doesn’t give us the answer we need for certain situations.” Andrew said with a smile. “I also respect each of your departments and I don’t try and interfere unless I am required to.”

Byron listened as each of them spoke. He liked what he was hearing. They sounded like they were becoming more like a family and less like a crew. He had learned a long time ago that the best run ships had crews like that. “And the others, who aren’t here?”

“There isn’t anyone we don’t like, Captain.” Thracia spoke up for the ground then. It is easier to speak of those who are present. I don’t want them to think we are talking about them but the crew as a whole is…we fit together.”

“She is right.” Lila nodded. “You can tell when it’s time to eat because the senior staff mostly congregate together and if someone needs something we step up for them.

“I think I have found out what I needed to hear.” Byron said with a smile. “I want you to know my office is open if you need to talk or just want to share something with me.” He looked around and saw them nod and from their expressions knew that had pleased them.

“I don’t know about all of you.” Byron continued. “But I am hungry.” He waved to the server who started placing plates in front of each of his guests. Byron started to eat, thinking he had been real lucky with the crew he was given.