@davidgerard

I found, with another vendor, that we way you get good support is not to talk to their customer support, it's to send a draft article to their press contact and ask for comment.

Six hours after meeting the Captain:

The ship's intercom beeped and Engel's voice announced "All hands to the mess, all hands to the mess. All crew meeting in five minutes."

Just under five minutes later everyone was in the mess. The Captain cleared her throat loudly, and everyone shut up.

"Right. As you all know, we are being required to take on an extra crew member. This is Seeker of Hidden Truths. Or simply Seeker. She will be working with the trade section mostly, and studying to get certified. She is also going to be gathering information for this world's council, in much the same way that the Scouts do for the Confederation. In return, the Council have agreed to provide annual servicing of the ship and clearance for shore leave when we visit."

Engel stepped up "Seeker has her secrets, as we all do. If she chooses to share them with someone, that is her business, and I expect you all to keep her confidences as you would for any other crew member. Seeker? Do you have anything to add?"

"Thank-you. I am not fully familiar with your customs, but I am a quick study, as my great-grand parents taught me much about being a Scout. I am not a very technical person by nature, so I expect to be studying a lot over the next few months. I look forward to being a productive member of the crew."

Engel looked around "OK. The work crews say they will be finished in two days. They are pulling out all stops to get us moving. With luck, we will still make it to the trade fair. Dismissed. " He looked over to Seeker, "Kid? You're with me."
"Yes sir!"
"Good. You understand."
"Alaine warned me."
"Don't be angry when he calls you 'Kid' as well."
Seeker nodded "Until I prove myself. Yessir."

He guided Seeker to a storeroom, and got out a PDU, and handed it to her after making a note on his own. "This is yours. You will have a bunch of coursework options listed shortly. For now, there is a bunch of administration for you to deal with. Grab a seat in the galley and get it completed."
"OK, Sir. And then?"
"Then find me in the hold. Get to it."
"Yessir!"

---- End Part 2 ----

#SFF #SF #SciFi #microfic #tootfic #microfiction #IAmWriting #ShamanSpace