248 Engineers and a Funeral

Posted on 06 Apr 2026 @ 2:48pm by Lieutenant Ryan Collingway
Edited on on 06 Apr 2026 @ 3:13pm

501 words; about a 3 minute read

Mission: Arawyn’s Itchy Trigger Finger

///Engineering///

The days passed. Besides showering and changing uniforms, most of Ryan's time was spent in Engineering. He ate meals in the office and slept little. When he did sleep his dreams were nightmares.

Commander Harlan seemed to be recovering steadily and wanted updates more frequently. Ryan sent him the repair schedule everyday. He figured, probably correctly, that the Commander was getting bored in medical.

Harlan had also ordered Sorensen and Torres to cover him off. That part Ryan 'forgot' to tell them. Neither of them had ACEO codes. He did. And if something happened...if they ran into another defense field...Ryan shook his head. The talk with Emerson helped and he knew he was being silly. But he wouldn't hand over the keys until the Arawyn was safely back at Starbase 369.

Even if he had to be here non-stop for an entire week.

Two events were quickly coming up. The first was some kind of rave. The event made him raise his eyebrows, especially at who the DJ was. Raves weren't really his thing, and someone needed to be in Engineering. But he did pass along the note to the rest of engineering and would make sure there would be enough power allocated for the event.

But before that was the memorial. He had really hoped Commander Harlan would be here for that. Instead it seemed like any speeches about it would fall to him. Ryan sighed. This would actually be his first one. By the time he had gotten out of medical from the USS Thysia, everyone had moved on. They certainly hadn't gathered for any type of ceremony.

This time would be different.

When the day came, Ryan made sure that his uniform was clean and that he looked as professional as he could. Not easy for someone living on caffeine for days. He glanced at the gathered engineers, appraising them, and not seeing any flaws. He kept the speech short. "We all know this won't be easy," he began. "This is a day for us to grieve, to say goodbye to three of our own. It's okay for us to make that time to do so. If anyone on rotation today needs time off afterwards, see me after the memorial service and I can make arrangements."

Everyone nodded, and they made a quiet formation in the shuttlebay. Listened to what the Captain said. Ryan's eyes lowered as she discussed Willeman, Avagard, and Bar'lack.

A dozen conversations he had with the engineers. A thousand more he wished he had.

And in Willeman's case, a promise of coffee he didn't have time to make. A conversation he would have given anything to have made the time for.

The torpedoes launched. Ryan watched them go, and mentally said goodbye.

And prayed that this would be the last funeral on this ship he ever attended. If not forever, then at least a good long time.

He turned, and left with the others.

Lieutenant (JG) Ryan Collingway
Engineering Officer
USS Arawyn

 

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