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Montgomery Scott's office was a beehive of activity. The scheduling and status boards for NCC-1701-B were blinking with 'incomplete', 'notice of reschedule' and 'equipment in transit.'
Turning to the large expanse of transparent aluminum directly opposite of the status boards, Scotty looked at the Enterprise and heaved a great sigh. So much work to do and less than a month to do it all.
In addition, he had to make peace with the captain and crew of the Pompey. That ship was scheduled to take the place of Enterprise in the space dock. Now, with the additional work needed, Pompey would have to be rescheduled. Still, a month wasn't so bad and Scotty had worked out a compromise. The ship would be placed outside the dock and several crews had started work already. Once Enterprise vacated the dock, the Pompey could enter and work would be completed on schedule.
The assistants rushing about were arranging for a variety of deliveries, specialists and inspections. His 'helpers,' as he called them, were good lads and lassies, all. Every member of the dockyard staff was an outstanding engineer in their own right. Foremost amongst the crew was his latest assistant and good friend, Kevin Riley. Starfleet's brand new captain and dock chief had received his promotion and position based on glowing recommendations from Scotty and Sulu.
Kensington had discovered, after some research, that Kevin had resigned at the rank of commander and therefore, should have been reinstated as such. Once that was resolved, his permanent reinstatement was coupled with a much deserved promotion.
With the Irishman's prior experience, Scotty could have him trained as a yard master in no time. By the time Scotty retired, Kevin could move into the Master-of-Yards position with ease.
That was why Montgomery had summoned Uhura. He would explain the whole plan to her and cap it off with an age old tradition, a renewal of marriage vows.
Uhura was on a tight schedule. Due to her father's poor health, she had requested, and had received, an extended leave following the rescue mission. Her time was well spent and greatly welcomed by her father. No matter how much he complained, Uhura knew it was just his way. He refused to become a burden, as he put it. Also, he wanted Uhura to continue with her own life and he would be just fine, thank you.
Uhura's own ship had returned to its normal routine of spot inspections and resupply as soon as her leave had been granted. After her leave was up, Starfleet arranged for transport on the first available ship.
She called Scotty to give him the news and was about to surprise him with her decision about their future when he had become serious and asked if she could stop by for a visit before leaving.
Using the dockyard's transporters, Uhura appeared in Scotty's office, just as the duty shifts were changing. She stood by quietly as Montgomery explained the work to be completed during the next eight hours.
As the yard workers filed out, Kevin Riley stopped by to say hello. "Well, look who's here, Mister Scott. See what happens when you leave the door unlocked, anybody can get in here." Kevin gave Uhura a big wink as he left.
That worried her. Kevin knew something she didn't.
As the last worker was leaving, Scotty reminded him of the schedule and the quality of work which was expected.
Uhura smiled, "Well, have you finished? I was beginning to wonder if you'd ever call it a day."
"Aye, Lassie, for now... but if one o' them fails tomorrow's inspection --" He left the sentence unfinished at the implied threat. His mood and expression softened considerably, "Please sit, Nyota, ye dinna hae a lot o' time and I've got a lot ta say."
Scotty was visibly uncomfortable. While never a great one for words, he seemed to be having a doubly difficult time finding the right ones now.
As she sat in front of the duty desk, Scotty opted to sit on the desk top. Now the two were scant inches from each other. "Lass, th' last few weeks hae been very hectic but it's opened my eyes ta what's really important. Th' new dock workers can get th' '01-B out on time. Riley is perfect as a yardmaster and gi'en time --" Scotty paused for effect "-- will be my replacement when I retire."
"Scotty!" Uhura tried to say something, but the engineer got the first words in.
"It's okay, I've thought it out. As soon as th' Enterprise is declared fit for duty, I'm done. 'Tis my last job, then I'm out for good. I'll pack up my duffel and join you on --"
"-- my father's farm!" Uhura finished quickly with a big grin.
"What?"
"I said, you can join me on my father's farm. I don't suppose you know anything about farm equipment, do you?"
"Are ye kiddin'? I grew up on a farm and teethed on farm equipment!"
Uhura broke out in laughter. "Poor Scotty, don't you realize what I'm trying to tell you?"
The engineer was totally bewildered. "I'm afraid I dinnae understand completely, lass."
Standing up, she cupped Montgomery's face gently in her hands. "You dear, sweet man, I've given Starfleet my notice, too. I'm heading to Epsilon One to clean out my desk and turn over the helm to Harrington. Boy, is he in for a surprise! I decided I needed to be closer to my two favorite men. In two weeks, you and father will have to put up with me hanging around and getting in the way."
The two embraced and Scott produced a small box from one of his work vest pouches. "Here, Nyota, I think it's time we renewed our vows and made a genuine effort to make our relationship work."
Uhura opened the small box and removed a ring. "Oh, Scotty, it's gorgeous! You're a real romantic after all."
Scotty beamed, "Aye, I guess so. Care ta celebrate?"
She shrugged and apologized, pointing to the chrono. "Not in seven minutes; not properly anyway.
The two kissed and Uhura promised, "We will continue this later. But, for now, I must run for the last time, right, Mister?"
"Right, Lassie, for th' last time."
She hurried off and Scotty flopped into the chair recently vacated by Uhura. "Maybe I can shave a wee bit o' time off the completion schedule," he said to himself. He reached over the desk to activate the intercom call. "Mister Riley, report ta th' Master-of-Yards, A.S.A.P.!"
"Now we'll find out just how good ye really are, Kevin!"
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© 2024 Brad McDonald / U.S.S. Kitty Hawk
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