Cmdr. Rayek tr'Lhoell[Katra Station - Deck One - Operational Command Center]At being called 'Number One' for the second time that day, Rayek had to refrain himself from reacting poorly to what he knew was supposed to be a positive nickname. Many Captains referred to their First Officer as 'Number One'. While he appreciated the Captain's attempt at easy familiarity by use of the nickname, he really would rather the Captain call him by name or even just rank.
During his time as an inmate of the Romulan prison system, Rayek like every other prisoner had his identity stripped from him. He was not called on by his family name as was standard in typical social convention. Nor was he called on by his personal name - in fact if any were caught using their names they were punished with a harder work schedule. In all interactions he and the others were referred to by their alpha-numeric designations. For nearly year his sole identity was 'Prisoner 3J4S735GL'. Freed of that place now, he found himself rather adverse to being called by a number rather than his name. Any name was better than being a number or alpha-numeric designation.
Despite his distaste for the appellation given him moments before, Rayek paid close attention to what the Captain spoke.
Solluk's interest in reading engineering reports wasn't all that unexpected given that Rayek was aware of the man's history as Chief Engineer of the Tempest. Yet Rayek doubted that a review of the very same engineering reports by him would have noted any of the issues that he was claiming. It took someone far more 'in tune' with the engines and 'feel' of the ship or station to read between the lines.
Rayek could understand now somewhat the Captain's explanation but what he failed to see was the sudden urgency that necessitated leaving the Healy one engineer short at a time when every creative idea could be important, to secure the release of the vessel trapped within.
No, it certainly wasn't what Rayek would have done... but the decision wasn't his.
"I see. Shall I send another engineer back to the Healy in her place?"Just as he'd asked that of the Captain, a call came in to the OCC.
[Bridge, USS Healy]
'Sir.' Jada acknowledged quickly, turning back to her station. She first sent the message, appropriately general and non-alarmist, just in case: 'Healy Tactical to Katra OCC: just curious, how are our ambassadors taking the space whale drama?'
Rayek seemed surprised by the question. Did Jada think that perhaps the Numati, Dord or Dosi might be involved. Captain Rixx hadn't mentioned the Ambassador's reaction to the creature 'parked' outside the station... Rayek had assumed that was because there had been none ... but then assumptions were dangerous.
The Romulan First Officer opened the channel to respond.
"No disturbance by them have been reported to security. But I will check in on them personally. tr'Lhoell out."