This Old Freighter

Posted on Sat Jun 7th, 2025 @ 3:52pm by Commander Rhupert Tyree & Lieutenant Amy Gordon

1,281 words; about a 6 minute read

Mission: On the Trail
Location: SS Adelaide, Deck 2
Timeline: Twelve hours after Update and What's Next.

Rhu felt sweat running down his back as he shut off the laser welder and his face shield lightened automatically as the retina damaging glare from the laser was cut off. He had to wait nearly a minute for the air quality indicator to turn green so he could remove the helmet and run fingers through his sweaty hair, eyeing his handiwork.

Even though the freighter had space, Rhu had decided they needed a SCIF. Since they couldn’t take the Adelaide to a normal ship yard or get engineers in from Fleet to construct it, they would have to do it themselves. Richard had approved the changes to the freighters architecture and Katya had helped with the power allocation scheme Rhu had worked up.

He checked his chrono and decided it was time to pack it in. He had some stores that needed checking in and the industrial upgraded fresher units he’d ordered for the officer’s quarters and the communal station off the galley should be ready. They’d get loaded into the cargo bay, along with the consignment of freight Federation Intelligence had picked for them based on their vague heading of Xepolite space. He felt a presence and saw a shadow move and grinned as a familiar figure touched is peripheral.

"You've been working hard." Amy commented stopping right next to Rhu." her red hair even though it was put in a french braid to keep her hair under control, wisps had escaped their bonds. "I got the notification of the arrival of the supplies. Need a hand or two?" giving a chuckle. She pulled out a handkerchief out from her pants pocket to wipe away the perspiration upon her brow. There was grime upon the back of one arm, and a white coating of dust upon her faded black pants, which looked more grey.

"Lots to do and I need something at the moment to pour myself into, rather than desk work." Rhu acknowledged, glancing her over appreciatively. "Looks like you've been busy yourself."

"Yes, been working on cleaning the grime off the walls of the sleeping quarters. And they are needing it. Besides, can't expect to keep my girlish figure with just sitting around and eating bon bons all day." giving Rhu a wink. She liked how he looked, there was just something about knowing that a man wasn't afraid of working hard.

Stretching, Rhu eyed his work and said, "Check the bulkhead's material. If's mostly composites like a a lot of things, try a phaser on setting three. Wide dispersal. As long as you're not burning holes, you might be able to get any crud off and just wipe off the singe marks. Used to use a setting of two on on questionable bedding. Took care of most of the critters." Chuckling, he settled to the floor, using the bulkhead as a backrest and reached for a bottle of water. "Can always use a hand. We should have everyone's quarters up to speed in the next days. They're usable now of course, but the comforts will take longer.. The SCIF will take a more time of course as we wire it all in."

A bit tiredly he asked, "Shouldn't you be out lighting your hair on fire for a last bit of shore leave, Amy?"

"I wish I had thought of your method of cleaning, I'll be sure do that." Amy got herself a water and sat down next to Rhu, her knees up and supporting her forearms upon them. She moved her hands to open up the bottle of water, taking a sip from it."I plan on possibly going to the spa just to get a soak in a hot tub and get a massage. I sure could use it." She leaned her head back against the bulkhead. "What about you, Rhu?" turning her face towards him.

Knocking on the bulkhead, he smiled "More dates with old Alice. And a mound of data files, intel reports, Valiants dock schedule, some other things that need to get done before we shake loose. I think a deep, meaningful relationship with my hammock is the most exciting part of my next few days."

Amy twisted herself around and was on her knees looking at Rhu closely, "I can help you out with the paper work but-" she reached out and placed a hand upon his trapezus, running her fingers along the muscle there. "Rhu you are rather tight there and from the look of things you need to get yourself a rub down as well. And a soak in a tub. The paperwork can wait just for a little bit. If you don't allow yourself some down time for that, you'll regret it later on. We would regret it if you're not up to par." She could see the weariness in his features.

Chuckling, he said "My da always said I could rest when I'm dead." He ghosted a wink and said, "Next port of call I may get a monumental drunk on. But we'll see."

"Just make sure you've got a wing someone depending on where you go for that." Amy giving a shrug and moved back to the bulkhead."Now though, I may need to figure out if I keep this current hair color or go back to my normal hair color. Your take on this?"

"Be true to your NOC," Rhu suggested as he shifted against the bulkhead. "I like the red, but I'm also partial to brunettes. I have a cousin who basically falls in love with every redhead he runs across." Smiling he said, "So a spa. Sounds good. You deserve it. You've been working hard and had to deal with a handsy klingon."

Amy laughed. "He sure was able to hold his liquor." shaking her head. "Glad Katya was able to take care of uh... what was his partner's name? Franks." An echo of that event crossed Amy's mind. Amy ruefully smiling. "Tally ho, I was a bit blitzed during that. Sorry to have left you and Kat in the lurch. I had to go sleep."

Smiling, Rhu said, "Yeah. Franks. And it's fine. Sometimes you just have to get some sleep and the heavy lifting was mostly done by then. Getting those two off the ship and making our survival questionable. We might have to try a round of cart races if things get too boring around here.

"Cart races, that will be fun to do.." Amy stretched a little bit, then moved to get to her feet. "I think I am going to go spoil myself a little bit, get that hot tub and massage." she got an impish grin. "You know Rhu, you could come with me and get that same treatment." She thought she'd extend the offer to Rhu, couldn't hurt to ask, though, there was that strong possibility he'd say no. Besides, he and Kat seemed to have a thing between them. And Amy wasn't going to poach on someone else's territory.

Glancing towards Amy, he weighed things. He could feel her attraction brushing at his senses. But he could read that even without his telepathy. He'd had to push back some against Katya.

But he was also human and if he drew lines...

"Well. I could use some down time," he conceded. "We do have some work we should talk about, so two birds..."

"That is very practical and I am for that." Amy surprised that Rhu would accept her invitation, and also glad he was. Rhu needed to take care of himself. The place she booked the spa treatment was upon a Risan Spa ship, its name the Evania.

 

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