Erik Grey

Lieutenant Commander Erik Grey is the chief engineer of the USS Enterprise (NCC-1701-F) and a Starfleet officer of the 25th century. (Star Trek: New Frontier)

USS Enterprise-F
Grey started his career in the Starfleet Marines, spending most of his time as an executive officer. He was awarded medals on many occasions, but his technical skills in engineering led him to Starfleet. He quickly was made chief engineer of the USS Enterprise (NCC-1701-F), where he currently serves. The ship’s delicate systems would sometimes prove problematic, but Grey soon found that greater challenges lay in the liberal structure of Starfleet and the political currents not present in the marines. On one occasion, his shuttlecraft was attacked and he was forced to rely on his wits rather than the manual. Later, on stardate 78783.6, he found himself opposing the effort to put marines on the Enterprise.

The constant struggles of the Enterprise crew often affect the ship itself, and that is when Grey’s job is most important. He has found, however, that the guide book is not much help in this regard. Unfortunately, Grey has never been known for his creativity, and it has often been the imaginative solutions of those around him that he must implement. For example, during the Enterprise’s maiden voyage, Captain Martin came up with a way to jumpstart the Enterprise’s frazzled engines. Nevertheless, Lieutenant Grey is ever expanding his horizons, and in this respect he is a model officer.

Grey’s by-the-book attitude has affected his social life negatively, but he is working around that. Grey is cultivating a relationship with Lieutenant Boyle, although they argue from time to time. In addition, ever since they were stranded in a shuttle together, Grey has been fast friends with Chief Ozran, the senior transporter technician. The idealistic engineer has also found a mentor in Captain Cross, and the two often share views. Finally, Grey is casual friends with Lieutenant Dojar, the tactical officer.