Trend-Setter

Pretty cool?  She sounded like a 21st century human instead of an Acaran.  And – a name pool?  Starfleet was not a democracy – though April had the option of leaving it to others.  It could be interesting to see what names his crew offered, and would speak volumes about the sort of people they were.  But the final decision would, of course, be his.  "I'll think about it.  Oh, and one more thing."  April stood up.  "Don't ask to put it in a cargo bay."

"Captain, she'll be larger than any normal shuttle.  Unless you want to keep using transporters to launch her, she may need a special launcher.  Cargo Bay Three is the closest to the underside of the ship and least used, unless you wish to get rid of some of the other shuttles?"

"Excuse me?"  He frowned.  "Get rid of shuttles?"  If she was trying to make a good impression, she was treading on ever-thinner ice.  "Lieutenant, I don't know what you think this is, but I can't just get rid of shuttles."  He thought again of her words, pretty cool, so reminiscent of an earlier age.  "Imagine if this were an aircraft carrier from a few centuries ago.  Do you seriously think the ship's CO could just get rid of planes on a whim?  How long have you been in Starfleet?  You know it doesn't work like that.  Negative on the cargo bay.  We can't just get rid of inventory, either."  He couldn't believe he had to explain this to her.  It was like dealing with a first-year cadet.  "It either fits in the shuttle bay or it doesn't get built.  Work with what you have."  His dour attitude didn't seem to phase her, as she was all smiles and beaming with pride: Almost childish enthusiasm.  "Get to work on it," he said.  "I'd like to have it ready as soon as possible."

"Thank you Captain; I'll get on it," Iyika said, smiling.

April didn't think he was getting through to her.  "A word of warning, Lieutenant.  This is not for your personal enjoyment – and its use will not be restricted solely to you.  If that's going to be a problem..."