No Longer Strangers
Posted on Fri Sep 18th, 2026 @ 11:11pm by Lieutenant Tyler Hunt & Dr. Rita Mehta
Edited on on Mon Sep 21st, 2026 @ 10:43am
1,201 words; about a 6 minute read
Mission:
Escape Velocity
Location: Deck 3: Anthropology Lab
Timeline: 9 Days to Launch
Rita had been aboard the USS Eventide for about six days now. No issues had come with her personal items making it on board. But as far as the equipment that was shipped over, it was nowhere to be found. This led to her getting a bit upset with the operations staff a few days ago. Pissing off a couple of the Crewman likely didn't work in her favor. The doctor had to admit that it was more than just missing equipment. A combination of the equipment, sadness of leaving friends, and then finding out that she would be sharing quarters with a complete stranger played a role as well.
Anthropology was a mess when she arrived, but over the last few days things had straightened up, and everything was exactly where Mehta needed them to be. She had been focused when the sound of the lab door opened. Turning around, the doctor found herself assessing the Lieutenant who had entered carrying a crate. "Can I help you, Lieutenant?"
Tyler found himself staring down at the doctor who had caused a bit of commotion among his Crewman a few days ago. Due to everything being rushed, he never got a chance to address the incident. But with her things being located, Hunt found that now was as good a time as any to handle business. Placing the crate on the floor. "Lieutenant Tyler Hunt, Chief Operations Officer. I have some things that were temporarily misplaced."
Moving forward, she opened the crate, inspecting the inventory. "This is all things I had shipped over. When will I be receiving the orders I requested?"
"They'll be arriving sometime this afternoon," he answered. "But to avoid any issues later, I've come personally to let you know that I have only secured sixty five percent of the items required."
"And why is that?"
Taking a breath, he braced himself for the news he was about to give. "Not sure if you have noticed, but the science department is the largest department on the ship. And everyone has a bunch of requests, and this ship is only so large. That's the best we I can do for now. Hopefully this doesn't lead to having another fit."
Rita was about to counter, then caught herself. Taking a moment to remain silent, she couldn't but to smile slightly. "For the record, I never had a fit. Just addressing my concerns and expressing how much of an idiot your Crewman was."
"I know that this is a stressful time. But let's remember everyone is going through the stress of getting settled in. Next time, I would appreciate less attitude towards my people."
"You're absolutely right," she conceded. "I could have handled things in a more professional manner. So, my apologies to your people. In the future, any grievances I have will be addressed in a more productive manner."
Hunt smiled. This conversation was easier than he thought it would be. "Thank you. In all honesty, I figured this conversation would not go so smoothly."
"That's because you caught me on a good day, Lieutenant. Most days, I am very reasonable. Your Crewman just caught me on a very bad day when my emotions were all over the place."
"Had a couple of days like that myself in the past," Ty admitted. "Care to talk about it?"
"No offense, Lieutenant Hunt," Rita spoke. "But I am typically not in the business of telling strangers my personal business."
Chuckling a bit at the stranger comment, he nodded in agreement. "Please call me Tyler. I see your point, doctor, and yes, we are strangers like most of us boarding this vessel. But this assignment will be a long one. Friends and family will be far away. Making contact with them regularly might be difficult at times. Thus, making associations, or even friends on the Eventide is likely a possibility."
"So, you're trying to become friends?"
"I mentioned associations, or even friends," he repeated. "Honestly, I would personally like to be seen more than just the guy people call when they need something. We're all human beings, and I encourage my people to remember that. Being alone on starship isn't easy. So, even if it's not me. Be sure to meet someone for lunch, gym, or any other activity you might be into."
The Anthropologist thought carefully about his words. Because of her own studies, she knew many societies depended on socializing in order to maintain their sanity. Earth was no different, along with the various Earth colonies throughout the Federation. Yet, the most educated individuals, like herself, often found themselves alone with their head in a book or spending every moment researching and avoiding interactions with other people. "Tyler, you make an excellent. Sounds like you might also serve as ships counselor as well."
"Doctor Mehta, I just have a bit of experience in trying to anticipate people's needs ahead of time. It tends to help with the flow of things on a starship."
"I admit that I don't have much experience long-term on starships," she admitted. "Done a lot of research on the social patterns of Starfleet crews. But it tends to vary based on the environment created by leadership."
Tyler raised an eyebrow. "Sounds as if you're about to start a study on us. That was a joke by the way."
Rita thought about it. "As a scientist, I'm definitely writing a paper on this crew. Starting with yourself."
"Damn."
"I'm just joking," Rita responded as she laughed. "Don't worry, whatever weird rituals you have will stay on the Eventide."
Holding onto his chest as he pretended to clutch an imaginary strand of pearls. "My appreciation to you for allowing me to keep my weird rituals to myself.
"Just doing my part to maintain the structure. So, Tyler what does your friends and family think about you being in Starfleet?"
Thinking about the question, he couldn't help but smile. "My mother can't stand me being in Starfleet and is probably somewhere worried sick about me. Regarding my father, he's a Commodore, in command of his own ship. So, he loves me being in Starfleet. My stepmother and stepfather love it. My baby sister misses me and wishes that I was home more often to visit."
"You're a Starfleet brat," Rita teased. "And with a Flag Officer for a father. Must have been an interesting childhood."
"You could say that, but there is only so much that I am willing to share with a stranger."
Rita squinched her eyes. The conversation had gotten interesting, and the Lieutenant had piqued her interest. In all honesty, they both needed to get back to work. "Well then, I will allow you to return to work Tyler. Perhaps, I will see you around the messhall at some point."
"Perhaps you will Doctor, Mehta." Hunt turned, making his way towards the door.
"Please. Rita will do just fine."
Lieutenant Tyler Hunt
Chief Operations Officer
USS Eventide
Doctor Rita Mehta
Anthropologist
USS Eventide
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