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From the moment Scotty first met Kef, there was a very special relationship between the two engineers. When Rand had beamed the night stalker aboard Enterprise, the ship's engineer became as excited as a kid with a new toy. He was in the process of examining the device when Kef entered the room.
The young Klingon moved with a cocky swagger. Smaller than most Klingons, Kef wore the rank of Lieutenant and his sash was adorned with several medals and commendations. It was very impressive for someone so young, as the awards were a mix of achievement awards and combat achievements. Scotty was sure there would be many more over time.
Scotty greeted him and decided to reserve judgement on the officer until they had a chance to talk. He introduced himself and immediately began questioning Kef about various aspects of the device. After an hour's worth of conversation, Scotty knew he was working with a genuine genius. He also knew that Kef's future would be filled with many engineering triumphs.
Now working side-by-side with Kef, he was enjoying it immensely. "Kef, will ye' be needin' anymore assistance wi' th' power couplers?"
"Yes, Admiral, there will be some settling problems to begin with, as my unit was designed for Klingon power sources." Kef was grinning as he spoke, "You're not going to damage my cloak with your alien power, are you?"
The Scotsman never blinked. "More than likely, it'll be your 'watcha-ma callit' that'll blow my power array ta atoms."
The two engineers shared a hearty laugh as they finished making the power connections.
"And, laddie, call me Scotty; I feel old enough just standing next ta ye." He finished on a grin.
Kef nodded, "Are you ready to try the simulators, Skot-tay?"
"Who needs simulators, lad? I'll bet ye she's ready right now."
Kef looked surprised, and took the bait. "What is the bet?"
Scotty grinned, he had him. "You'll hae ta buy all o' the drinks when we get back home."
"The wager is accepted, now let's find out who wins." Kef strolled over to the control panel and engaged the transformer circuits and the warp drive power filter. Satisfied that all was ready, he turned up the input levels, slowly, until indicators read one hundred percent.
"Nay burn outs, nay overloads and nay imbalances," Scotty said with a certain smugness. "Now, for the real test."
Kef walked back to the cloaking unit and gave it an affectionate pat. Muttering something quietly, in his native language, the young officer gave a sign he was ready to try the unit.
Leaning over the control panel, Scotty thumbed the intercom. "Engineering to bridge, ready ta engage cloaking unit, standing by."
Sulu responded with a surprise in his voice, "Already? Are you sure?"
"Aye, Admiral, I told ye' this ship is one hundred percent, even wi' these alien contraptions." Scotty looked at Kef who winced at the words 'alien contraption.'
"Very well, it's your show; we're ready."
Scotty gave Kef a nod, then secretly crossed his fingers behind his back.
The Klingon engineer engaged the unit and stood back in admiration of his work, another triumph for the youngster.
Two of the recent Academy graduates applauded and Kevin Riley came in just in time to hear Savvik announce that the unit was working.
"Luck of the Irish," Riley declared, "plus the fact that my engines and power systems are performing perfectly."
Admiral Scott and Lieutenant Kef ignored the Irishman and Scott put his arm around the Klingon's shoulder. "C'mon, lad, I'll treat ye ta some five hundred year old scotch whisky. It'll be a preview o' what ye'll be buyin' back on Earth!"
The two filed out of engineering, laughing and joking as the others watched in amazement.
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© 2024 Brad McDonald / U.S.S. Kitty Hawk
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