“… and we should be able to catch the smuggler. Make that happen, Number One,” Captain Hawsley-Plusham, of the Battlecruiser Dedication ordered.

"Aye, sir," First Officer O'Malley responded as he turned toward his console.

I hate the captain's euphemisms, O'Malley thought. He called me urination again. The first time he used the term number one, I wasn't sure if he was talking to me or announcing he was hitting the head. It took me a couple of seconds to figure it out. The captain told me to be more decisive. Everyone else on the bridge snickered up their sleeves.

The First Officer checked some readings. He keyed his microphone. “First Officer to Weapons Section. Energize fore batteries one and three. Wait for targeting information.”

“Aye, sir,” a gunnery officer responded.

I warned our Second Officer, Indira Khan when she joined the ship. The captain's euphemism for her means defecation. She dodged my humiliation. Khan hates being called Number Two. We exchange knowing glances, O'Malley mused.

O’Malley reviewed the settings on his console. He opened his microphone. “First Officer to Engineering. Increase thrust to three-quarters of the maximum. Stand by for full thrust.”

"Aye, sir," an engineering officer answered.

I wonder if the captain realizes his senior officers serve a single hitch with him because of his mannerisms. With his temper, I won't be the one who tells him. O’Malley considered.

The First Officer studied his readouts and keyed his microphone again. “First Officer to the galley. Bring a cup of tea and a chicken salad sandwich to the bridge for the captain.”

“Aye, sir,” a mess steward replied.

I have six months left on my assignment to this ship, and then I'm gone. The captain may be the reason for the crew's saying. ‘It takes dedication to serve on the Dedication’. O'Malley smirked.

Regaining his composure, O’Malley turned to the captain and reported, “All sections responding affirmatively, sir. We should be able to nail that smuggler.”

“Carry on, Number One,” the captain answered.