Sulu

       
        Star Date: 7704.03....
       
        “So, where were you when all this happened?” Chekov asked Sulu as the two of them entered deck six and began an inspection.
        “At the infirmary at Alba.”
        “I heard that you had been injured,” Chekov said. He stopped to check the switch settings on the number three disposal unit.
        Then he continued, “You were in action off south Mercedes, at least, that is what I heard.” Chekov's accent was even more pronounced to Sulu's ear since Chekov had returned from leave. He had gone to visit his family, evidently. Sulu continued his observations as he replied.
        “We were hit running colonists to Forthstar. It was pretty bad. We lost most of the passengers and all but six of the crew. We barely made it in to port.”
        Chekov stopped to examine a flooring bolt before he continued, softly, “I was sorry to hear that you lost your command as well.”
        “I didn't have it long enough to miss it.”
        “And now you're grounded to a repair crew.”
        “For now. Between you and me,” Sulu looked around to see if anyone was near enough to hear, he whispered conspiratorially, “The Command Review is a set-up to allow Henrichi to send me anywhere he wants me.”
        “And, of course, he wants you here, back on the Enterprise,” said Chekov as he logged the defective bolt.
        “Must be,” Sulu shrugged, exaggeratedly intent on the bulkhead control panel.
        “And, of course, where you go, I haf to follow.”
        Sulu grinned mischievously, “That's right, pard.”
        “Of course. I should haf known better than to ask who arranged for me to be suddenly so desirable that my leave was cancelled. Just when I had found this very lowely ...” he indicated an hourglass outline.
        As he started to finish, a newly arrived ensign stepped into the corridor, dressed briefly in exercise gear. Chekov eyed her critically, appreciatively. She returned the compliment before continuing down the deckway toward the recreation room.
        Chekov shrugged, “Of course, there are always adwantages to being on a star ship in the middle of nowhere.”
        Sulu laughed, clapped him on the shoulder with a grin, and the two of them moved off to continue the inspection.