"I am in need of liquid refreshment -- of the alcoholic kind -- myself," Dr. T'Var says. "In my professional opinion, we are all in need of a 'drink or two or five'." T'Var sighs, then smiles. "And perhaps something substantial to eat."
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"I am in need of liquid refreshment -- of the alcoholic kind -- myself," Dr. T'Var says. "In my professional opinion, we are all in need of a 'drink or two or five'." T'Var sighs, then smiles. "And perhaps something substantial to eat."
Before you pound down too many brewskis, remember it's not quite 1400 hours, or 2pm, yet.
Fujishiro idly checks her comm account for the ship's schedule for the rest of the day:
1430: T'ai chi class - Main Gym, Deck 8.
1600: Violin concert, including works of J.S. Bach, A. Vivaldi, X. S'ilurr and M.L. Ridley - Ship's Auditorium, Deck 8.
1700: Bolian cooking demonstration - Aft Galley, Deck 20.
1730: Showing of Thoroncir and Gilraen, Sam Amato, dir. (Jackson/New Line Pictures, 2027) - Ship's Auditorium.
1800: Book club discussion of Ciudad Verde by Isabel Ramirez (Random House, 2213) - Conference Room 6, Deck 7.
1800: Advanced lifesaving class - Swimming Pool, Deck 8.
1815: Lecture, "Some vexing problems of Algolian metaphysics" - Conference Room 2, Deck 2.
1830: Bocce tournament - Main Gym.
1830: Basics of Shuttlecraft Maintenance class - Shuttle Maintenance, Deck 20.
1900: Intro to Gymnastics class - Main Gym.
2000: Showing of Casablanca, Michael Curtiz, dir. (Warner Bros., 1942) - Ship's Auditorium.
Pourtash will only be having a brief stop for lunch and unwinding. He plans to go the Algolian metaphysics lecture and has no intention of going there drunk. If only it didn't conflict with the showing of Thoroncir and Gilraen...
"I know that wasn't even remotely pleasant, but I would like to thank all of you. I was proud to have you in there with me," Pourtash tells the others. It was bad enough as it was. He can't imagine how much worse it could have been if they hadn't all been working so well together.
"To Pourtash" Collins raises her glass. "Anyone want the last hot wing? I'm off to T'ai chi."
Delaney raises his glass to the toast. Then he says, "I'm off to review a few things."
#1 on his list, is a dozen rides on the lifts he uses most commonly. He is checking for sound and time so he will not be fooled again so easily.
#2 is to review methods of making space mines to strew behind in case of retreat while pursued. We should have such items ready for use.
Dr. T'Var burps as discreetly as possible. "Those hot wings are quite 'hot'," she states in typical Vulcan manner. "I have already consumed far too many."
T'Var will head back to her quarters and meditate for a while. She needs to regain her balance. With perhaps a quick stop to Sickbay first for a heartburn remedy.
Lt. Kendin, an Algolian male, talks at some length (and, to Pourtash, rather interestingly) before a Lyceum audience of eight about his culture's love-hate relationship with metaphysics, and the timeless questions of being, existence, knowledge and uncertainty embodied in the Algolian faith tradition of Straln'aak.
Collins enjoys the vigorous t'ai chi class led by Ens. Mary Three Crows and finds herself bruised, flushed but contented by the end. Cooper enters the gym just as the session is ending, and comes over with a smile.
Delaney rides on the turbolift a dozen times and thinks he has a pretty good grasp of its sound and timing. He then checks the Starfleet database for methods of improvising or manufacturing mines. He learns that it is possible but seldom done. Mines are typically not carried by Constitution-class starships, and Starfleet has only a handful of minelayers and minesweepers. In the vastness of space, the weapons are only rarely needed or even practical, but when they are, photon torpedoes are usually set for proximity or timed detonation.
In Sickbay, Dr. Bucci says merrily, "I think you're the first Vulcan I've ever known with heartburn," but after checking the SPDR pharmacopeia - and with her agreement - gives T'Var a small hypospray dose of masinol, which seems to help. She goes to her quarters to find Lt. JG Bennett, her cabinmate, getting dressed. T'Var cannot help but notice that Bennett has a large bruise on her upper arm that she hurriedly covers.
Delaney thinks that potential enemies would be looking for torps and start thinking up some innocuous designs that would self destruct after a few hours.
"I'm going to hit the sauna for a bit" Jeremi tells Ben, "Do you want to meet up for dinner in about an hour? Then there's a great old 20th Century Earth movie at 2000."
T'Var says nothing directly about the bruise. She and Bennett are still getting to know one another and asking a direct question about something so personal, would be most unVulcanlike.
"I am preparing to meditate for a while," T'Var says. "I find it relaxing and also helps to clear the mind when dealing with troubling thoughts. Would you care to join me?"
Delaney mulls over the possibilities of innocuous mines. Anything in particular?
Cooper grins in response to Collins's invitation. "Dinner and a movie sound good, but what, is it too soon for us to go in the sauna together? I've had a hard day too, you know!"
Bennett says to T'Var, "I've tried meditation before but never really took to it. Maybe I could learn a bit more about it from you. Would we do it right here, or go somewhere else?"
Jeremi smiles, takes Ben's hand, and heads towards the sauna.
Delaney thinks the best shell for the mines are actual ship debris that looks like parts possibly lost in battle.
Pourtash enjoys the lecture immensely. Afterwards, he'll visit the arboretum to give himself some time to relax in relative solitude and deal with the emotions of the day. He's surprised to find he's only mildly nervous about how they did in the test. However they did, it couldn't be any worse than actually having people die and be enslaved. Maybe all he needed was sufficient trauma to find a way to manage his terror of failure or endangering those under his command, he muses.
Collins and Cooper go to the separate women's and men's changing rooms, get towels and enter the sauna. Chief Nguyen is already in there, and judging by how shrunken and sweaty he looks, he's been there for quite awhile already. He wearily raises his hand in greeting.
Using debris to hide mines has definite possibilities, Delaney thinks. He vaguely recalls reading about a similar trick being used by a Romulan warship not long ago.
Pourtash finds the Arboretum in full flower; the air seems particularly fresh and clean. Several crewmembers are tending private plots of flowers or vegetables.
"Vulcan meditation can take a lifetime to master. However, the benefits are worth the effort," T'Var says. "We should probably start with techniques to focus the mind. Breath is an important foundational aspect of these techniques."
T'Var pauses a moment. "Our quarters would be fine -- unless you prefer somewhere else on the ship. We need a peaceful, quiet, private environment."
Bennett looks around and says, "I suppose here would be fine, T'Var. I know some people like the observation lounges for meditation and whatnot."
"Then here will be fine to start," T'Var says. "If you have the time now?"
Collins asks "Are you alright, Chief? Don't you think you're overdoing it a little?"
"Yes," says Bennett. "Let's begin. Should I dim the lights? Light a candle?"
Chief Nguyen smiles weakly and says in Vietnamese-accented Standard, "I do tend to overdo things, ma'am, but I'm fine, thanks." He mops his brow with a spare towel.
"Yes, please dim the lights," T'Var says while setting two small white-colored cushions on the floor. She then places a small wooden table between the cushions.
"Vulcans use what is called a 'meditation lamp', though I prefer the use of a real candle and flame." T'Var places a light blue candle with a flat, metal holder on the table.
"Have a seat," she tells Bennett. "In whatever position you find most comfortable." T'Var sits with her legs under her.
T'Var lights the candle. "We breathe slowly and deeply while focusing on the flame as it dances before us," she says softly. "The flame represents fire -- a destructive force of nature. Our minds are like fire at times."
The doctor breathes evenly as she stares at the candle flame. After a few moments, she says, "Fire can also be a helpful friend, bringing warmth and comfort to our lives. Our minds can also be this way."
Fujishiro is rather flabbergasted at the discovery of the simulation. She's not as concerned about the testing part (she and her crewmates did as well as possible given the circumstances) as the slight breach of trust required to execute the test.
She'll relax with some tea and then get a good night's sleep.
After his stroll in the Arboretum, Pourtash will return to his quarters to get some sleep, feeling much more settled after a nerve-wracking day.
Bennett follows T'Var's instructions, and seems genuinely interested in learning more about Vulcan meditation.
Ens. Rachel Hayes welcomes Fujishiro back to their shared quarters with a smile. She was reading the latest Solar Post news from Earth on her data tablet, but turns in for the night not long after Fujishiro does.
Pourtash's roomie, Ens. Mikhail Trigorin, is not in their quarters, and does not return by the time the helmsman drifts off to sleep.
After the movie, Collins was going to suggest heading to the Mess for some coffee, but she realizes how late it is. She gives Ben a nice long "goodnight" kiss and heads to her quarters. She enters and gets ready for bed as quietly as possible so as not to wake Ens. Terezis
Casablanca is as wonderful as it's ever been, all these centuries after it was filmed. Afterwards, Collins leaves Cooper with a smile and finds Ens. Terezis already in bed. The young Greek woman sleepily murmurs, "Hi, Jeri, whazzup...?" before drifting off again.
T'Var tells Bennett to focus on the flame and clear her mind of all distractions.
"The flame is all that exists right now," the doctor says. "There is nothing but the flame."
Bennett takes a deep breath, closes her eyes for a moment, and then stares intently at the candle.
Collins dreams of the "battle" from earlier in the day, but all her shots are on target, the Orion pirate ships are completely disabled, and the passengers and crew of the Hegar's Pride are all safe.
Collins shifts a little in her bunk, and an ineffably sweet smile crosses her lips. She sleeps on.
Dr. T'Var keeps her attention focused on her meditation partner. Humans can find this activity frustrating and a bit uncomfortable. The Vulcan doctor waits to see if Bennett displays any signs of anxiety or if she is relaxing into the meditation and hopefully clearing the clutter from her mind.
Bennett seems to be following right along with her Vulcan mentor and cabinmate. T'Var gets the impression - without using her innate telepathy - that the young Englishwoman is relaxing and becoming calmer.
Delaney is enjoying his time designing space mines. He ensures his normal duties are well attended too and puts out feelers to see if anyone is interested in working on the mine design with him.
Ens. Euterpe Terezis, Collins's cabinmate, is a Security officer assigned to the Photon Torpedo Launch Bay. She responds to Delaney's shipwide comm (the equivalent of email) invitation and is willing to help. She has a basic engineering background, but knows everything about photon torpedoes specifically, and quite a bit about explosives generally. Engineering Spec/3 Shabana Raza, a metallurgist and shipwright by training, also expresses interest. Although she's from his department, Delaney has not worked directly with the young Pakistani woman before.
Collins awakes feeling refreshed. She dresses for duty, then heads to the Mess for some coffee and a bagel.
T'Var allows herself to focus on the candle flame, relaxing her mind and body. She is still somewhat disturbed by a strong sense that something is wrong aboard the ship.
She attempts to clear her thoughts of this, but cannot do so.
Bennett notices T'Var's expression and says, "Is something wrong?"
anyrose, it's still the night before for What Exit? and WES. Hold off on Collins's new day for the moment, please.
Delaney just fiddles along. Move on as far as I go.
T'Var sighs. She does not know her cabinmate very well, yet feels as if she can share her misgivings with Bennett. Perhaps talking about what is bothering her might help.
"To be honest, I'm disturbed by what happened aboard this ship during your last mission. I cannot 'put a finger on it' -- to use a human phrase -- but I believe something menacing is still endangering the Yorktown and her crew."
Bennett frowns and asks, "What do you mean, 'still'? Since when? I don't have that sense at all."
"With all due respect," T'Var says, "you are not Vulcan." T'Var sighs. "I had a sense of something wrong here from the moment I came aboard. After researching your last mission via the library computer -- and listening to chatter from the crew -- my concern grew."
T'Var blows out the candle, then brings the lights up to full. "Perhaps you could give me your thoughts about the previous mission?"
"Well, it was a First Contact mission, as you know by now," Bennett says. "We met the Banij and learned a lot about them, and helped avert a war. Pourtash led a boarding party that was able to take control of a hidden ship, the crew of which was apparently interfering in Banij affairs. One of the crew, a human, died in the Brig, and the others, aliens, were sent on to Starfleet. Things went pretty well, all in all, I'd say."
"Yes, indeed, certain aspects of the mission did go quite well under the circumstances. Still, an explosive device was planted aboard our vessel and someone died under rather strange conditions," T'Var says.
The doctor shrugs. "I appreciate your input. Perhaps my Vulcan senses are a bit off regarding this."
Bennett says, "No, I see what you mean, there were certainly some strange things about the mission... but nothing that still feels, you know, menacing. Not to me, at least." She smiles. "But then, I've always been optimist at heart."
The two cabinmates talk for awhile longer before turning in. T'Var has the growing sense that she can trust and confide in Bennett.
Shipboard "night" passes uneventfully aboard the Yorktown as she speeds towards Theta Raled.
The next morning, Delaney wakes to the aforementioned comm messages from Terezis and Raza regarding space mines, and you each also have a message from Science Officer Roble, inviting you to join him in the Shuttlebay at 1115 hours to welcome back the Captain and other senior officers.
Collins awakes feeling refreshed. She dresses for duty, then heads to the Mess for some coffee and a bagel. (;)) She checks the chronometer to make sure she has time to savor the coffee before reporting to duty, and eventually the shuttle bay.
It is now just after 0930. Collins has her coffee and bagel just the way she likes them (although the Yorktown bagels are not quite as good as those she still remembers from her long-ago visits to Eli's, a tiny but time-honored ethnic bakery in Brooklyn).
Dr. T'Var does not usually eat breakfast. She checks her uniform carefully to make sure all is as it should be. She will stop in to Sickbay for a bit before heading to the shuttlebay.
Fujishiro smiles at Collins when she sees her in the mess. She's having some rice with pickled vegetables along with a cup of warm water. She's looking forward to the return of the captain.
Collins holds out a chair for Fujishiro.
Delaney prepares for the meeting with the Captain and company. He contacts those that responded by conference call to start making some work on the space mines.
T'Var's blue-and-black uniform is immaculate, as always (is she wearing pants or a dress, BTW, out of idle curiosity?). Things were quiet in Sickbay overnight, Dr. Villa tells her.
Fujishiro takes her chair, and she and Collins have a friendly breakfast together in the Mess.
Delaney learns that all's well in Engineering. Terezis and Raza are ready and willing to help him with his special project.
Since Pourtash had gone to bed early, he'll rise early as well and prepare himself for his day before going to the Mess for a simple breakfast, consisting of flat bread, paneer and fruit.
T'Var prefers to wear pants, but does -- on occasion -- wear a dress.
Pourtash enters the Mess just as Bennett does, and she greets him warmly. They both see Fujishiro and Collins at the same time.
Collins beckons to Pourtash and Bennett to join Fujishiro and her.
Fujishiro is happy to meet her crewmates under less stressful circumstances. "I, for one, am happy that the captain is returning."
Delaney wonders into the mess andsays good morning to the others.
Collins pulls another small table over and motions to Delaney. She asks her crewmates "How did you all sleep last night?"
Dr. T'Var is gratified that all is well in Sickbay. It is still a bit early to head to the Shuttlebay, so she goes to the Mess Hall for a cup of Vulcan spice tea.
The doctor notices the group of officers sitting together and wanders over.
"May I join you?" she asks.
Hearing Collins, Rangin pulls out a chair and sits. "Well enough. I usually do after that much adrenaline. Now I'm going to be second-guessing every last thing that happens."
"I slept well after puzzling over some help for yesterday's problems. I think the space mines may well be useful."
"I could kick myself for not noticing the discrepancy in the panel sooner. Yes, Doctor, please sit. Not that I'd have done anything differently, I think."
"Thank you," T'Var says at she sits, then takes a sip of her tea.
"Are we discussing the 'test'?" she asks. "If so, I believe we all performed to the best of our abilities. Of course, there will always be room for improvement."
There is a pleasant hum of conversation, and the aroma of good food drifts through the Mess. Collins notices Ens. Hayes and Lt. Dahlquist enter, hand in hand, and go to get their breakfast. Hayes says something to Dahlquist, who laughs.
"Aw, how cute," Collins thinks to herself, sarcastically; then wonders if she and Ben will look like that one day.
Dr. T'Var notices the friendly banter between Hayes and Dahlquist. She is not sure whether romantic entanglements aboard a starship is a wise choice. Perhaps she should research this from a medical perspective.
"I wouldn't be too hard on yourself about it, Collins. You were more aware of something being off than any of the rest of us," Pourtash offers,
"Hush", whispers Fujishiro with an impish grin, "we want others to enjoy the surprise test, too."
"That is what Mr. Roble ordered, or so I understand," Bennett says, buttering her toast and spreading it liberally with raspberry jam. "Mum's the word."
"A logical course of action," T'Var says, then takes another sip of her tea.
Collins finishes her coffee and stands. "Shall we?"
Lt. JG Bennett leaves on an errand, and Delaney sees that it's almost time for the Captain's shuttlecraft to arrive. Breakfast complete, you all go to the small reception room adjoining the Shuttlebay on Deck 19. Lt. Cmdr. Roble is already there, and he greets you. After a few minutes the intercom's bosun's whistle sounds, and Ens. Leventhal reports, "Bridge to Science Officer. Shuttlecraft Tesla is on final approach."
Roble hits the com button. "Acknowledged. Standing by."
Delaney does a few checks to verify they are actually in the place they are suppose to be. This is a new little habit of his.
Rangin glances down, flicks a smidgen of toast from breakfast from his uniform, and stands at attention.
What checks does Delaney have in mind?
Rangin satisfies himself that he is eminently presentable.
Dr. T'Var stands calmly in the Shuttlebay with her crewmates, awaiting the captain's return.
Transit time of the lift & A quick engineering survey off the room vs. plans
Collins notices Delaney double checking the room and smiles.
The young engineer is sure this is "the real thing." Roble looks oddly at Delaney but says nothing.
Through the viewports, you see the giant clamshell doors of the Yorktown's Shuttlebay slowly open, revealing the vast expanse of space beyond. The shuttlecraft Tesla is at first indistinguishable from the numberless stars strewn across your field of vision, but you soon perceive its movement, and it grows steadily larger as you watch. It soars through the opening between the doors and gently comes to rest on the rectangular, red-and-yellow landing target painted on the deck. The doors ponderously close again and the Shuttlebay is repressurized. When the lights on the bulkhead's small control console all turn green, you hear the Shuttlebay Control Officer, from her armored command post above, announce the all-clear over the intercom.
The hatch on the Tesla's port side opens, and Capt. Singh, Cmdr. Vargas, Lt. Cheverez and Dr. Villa emerge. Roble opens the reception room door and the senior officers approach. You all snap to attention.
"Permission to come aboard, Mr. Roble?" the Captain asks with a smile.
"Permission granted, ma'am," the Science Officer replies.
"I relieve you, sir."
He nods. "I stand relieved. The ship is yours. Welcome back, Captain."
"Thank you. It's good to be back. At ease, everyone." She shakes each of your hands.
"How did it go with the board of inquiry?" Roble asks.
Before the Captain can answer, Vargas laughs curtly. He says, "We discussed the Prime Directive and the abortive Banij fusion war at some length. I think it's fair to say that Adm. Komack's basic message to us was, 'Well done, but don't ever do it again.'" Delaney notices Cheverez frown slightly.
A maintenance crew emerges from the other side of the Shuttlebay to look over the Tesla, and Chief Graves appears with an antigrav cargo sled to get the officers' bags.
"How were things here while we were gone?" the Captain asks, looking around at you.
Collins briefly glances at her crewmates. She hopes Pourtash will speak up first.
Dr. T'Var looks around, then says, "Bridge Duty was quite interesting and instructive, Captain."
Singh looks around at you all, raises an eyebrow and says, "Well, I thought it might be. Come with me, please, and let's discuss the Hegar's Pride simulation further."
Lt. Cheverez and Dr. Villa excuse themselves to look in on their respective departments. You go with the Captain, First Officer and Science Officer, and are soon settled into comfortable chairs around the Theban marble-topped table of the Yorktown's Conference Room 1. You may help yourselves to coffee, tea or other liquid mild stimulants from the replicator. Singh continues, "I've reviewed the complete recordings of the sim, which Mr. Roble shared with me via subspace radio, and now I'd like to hear each of your honest reactions to it. What went right, and what went wrong? What did you learn, and how can you do better when something like this really happens?"
Delaney offers, "I think we need to act more decisively while worrying more about the safety of the ship then those we are trying to help. We cannot help them if we ourselves are disabled. Other then that I believe things went pretty well considering the situation and lack of any serious experience on the bridge. In the end, we are all fairly junior officers in terms of combat experience."
"it might be helpful," Collins offers, "if we were to have procedures in place as to which ship's functions could be shut down during a battle, in order to channel more power to the shields and weapons."
When Fujishiro turn to speak comes, she looks firmly at the captain and says, "Captain, the first thing that went wrong was the breach of trust that was used to perform the test. I am not certain that planting seeds of doubt in one's ship and superior officers will lead to healthy teaming.
"The next thing that went wrong was the bridge crew's poor assessment of the threat posed by the Orion vessels. We need to better know what we're up against, whether by prior training, or the computer library and its predictions, or by making worst-case assumptions if nothing else.
"I think we that we are collectively over-eager to help those in distress. That is a worthy goal, but our duty must always be to our ship and its crew, especially since we cannot often expect help from Starfleet.
"Finally, I do think we performed adequately given the circumstances. We should have disengaged sooner, but to have avoided conflict altogether would have meant hardly trying to rescue the distressed ship. Which would have meant neglecting our duty to help others in favor of keeping ourselves perfectly safe. None of us joined Starfleet to remain safe."
Fujishiro then sits down and sips her water.
Cmdr. Vargas narrows his eyes and leans forward. "A 'breach of trust'? Tell me, Mr. Fujishiro, are we required to notify you every time we plan a drill? Would you not perform better as an officer, and learn more from the drill, if you didn't know it was a drill at all?"
Dr. T'Var clears her throat, then waits a moment until she has everyone's attention.
"With all due respect, Commander, I believe Mr. Fujishiro has a valid point. While I understand the value of a test such as this, comprehensive training for difficult situations require a great deal of training beforehand so that each member of the crew performs at his or her best. I believe testing once training is complete -- even if the crew was unaware of the test -- would produce better results."
T'Var hesitates a moment, then continues. "It might be a good idea to explore these possible 'trust' issues further."
"We've been trained. At the Acedemy," Collins counters, "we're not so far removed from those days that we've forgotten everything. Or at least, we shouldn't have forgotten." I know I didn't, she thinks. "On the other hand, running unscheduled drills, that we know are drills, could enhance our training."
"I'm not so sure that I agree about the "breach of trust" issue. As Starfleet officers, we may be called on to perform tasks without full knowledge of our situation, possibly because the information we might need is highly classified; it's not so long since we were actually at war, after all. While it's a little extreme to limit that information during a drill, the stakes are also much, much lower during a drill, and it seems clear to me that the risks of any breach of trust are dramatically outweighed by the chance to test ourselves in a situation where we don't know that failure might result in our own deaths. If we know a test to be a test, we can take much greater risks knowing that the consequences of failure are of little lasting value, whereas in our test yesterday, we were forced to act more defensively and carefully than we might have otherwise, which is a great deal more representative of the realities of command in Starfleet. Consider a fencing match with blunted foils compared to an actual duel to the death-- the athletes will attack at greater risk and expose themselves for an advantage because all that's at risk is a single point in a match, while the duelists are more cautious, since their lives are on the line."
Rangin continues, "I also find myself very much in agreement with Lt. Collins that encountering enemy ships of unknown design and capabilities in a test is perfectly reasonable, even desirable. After all, most of Starfleet's information about the capabilities of enemy vessels is derived from experiences little different than the Hegar's Pride simulation. I shudder to think what someone like Captain Kirk or even Captain Archer would think of Starfleet officers who cannot perform without detailed analyses of enemy vessels."
"That said, I don't believe that we performed poorly in this test. Indeed, had it be real, we would have been duty-bound to try to rescue the Hegar's Pride in the manner we did, especially given our best guesses about the likely abilities of our enemies. After it became clear that we were badly outmatched and that we would not meaningfully improve the Hegar's Pride's situation, we retreated successfully, broadcasting a warning back to Starfleet about what we'd encountered and what a rescue ship might expect."
"Excellent points all around," Dr. T'Var says. "And yes, Starfleet Academy provides basic training that serves the newly minted Ensign well, however, perhaps advanced training for situations such as the one we were tested on, might be a more helpful tool than a secret test."
T'Var pauses yet again, a bit upset with herself for allowing a tone of frustration to creep into her voice. She takes a deep breath, then lets it out slowly.
"I would have to check the library computer, but I believe I read something about Earth's military in the 19th and 20th centuries devoting a great deal of time to drills and training in preparation for dangerous missions in times of war."
Pourtash clears his throat. "I was most impressed with the simulation. I hope that drills such as this will be a standard tool of Starfleet, as I think you get far more realistic responses from officers who don't realize that they're only being tested. Being able to face down death and truly believing that it's a possibility, but still having to determine how best to carry out your duties is...an experience everyone should have before it becomes reality.
"While greater preparation and intelligence could have aided us, relying too heavily on intelligence and believing ourselves fully prepared could have actually been a detriment in this situation. Tactics and the capabilities of any given group change. We approached it with some caution--perhaps too much in some ways and not enough in others--but recognizing that we were not fully prepared was an asset in this situation, I felt."
He pauses a moment, weighing his words carefully. "A more aggressive stance immediately upon arrival may have been warranted and an earlier retreat when the impossibility of rescue became apparent. That's where I would have changed things, were I to find myself in that situation again. However, we had to respond to the call, we could not lower our shields, the hostile ships were apparently prepared to bring in reinforcements, and we were too isolated to bring in reinforcements of our own. Rescue was impossible regardless of what we did, yet to not attempt it would be ethically abhorrent."
Fujishiro glances at Rangin, "Of course, while we can never expect to have complete information about an encounter, we need to have a better understanding of our absence of knowledge. We should be more cautious by assuming the worst in the face of adversaries with uncertain capabilities. Especially when that uncertainty is multiplied by several vessels."
And to Vargas, "Commander, the issue of whether a drill is known or not is not my concern. My concern is that your bridge crew will now have a tiny doubt in the reliability of their ship and superior officers. That the situation is not what the sensors and officers say it is. When we are in a truly life-or-death encounter, the crew may not perform as if it is because the back of their minds think 'this is only a test'. That is, we risk wasting the edge gained during a dangerous situation by blunting it with simulations.
"Please note that I am not questioning the decision to enact these simulations. The captain asked for our honest assessment of it, and I have done so."
"It is always a wise course of action to be as prepared as possible for any and all situations we may encounter as members of this crew. Had we been better prepared for an encounter such as this -- test or not -- I believe our actions would have resulted in a more positive outcome."
T'Var sighs.
"In my personal opinion, we were not properly prepared. We must find a way to rectify this. I do not believe future tests such as this one would help. Once again, Mr. Fujishiro makes a valid point -- as do the others."
Delaney looks up and notices a few of the senior officers looking his way, "I don't have a problem with the trust issue. I think we did fairly well as I said considering 0 hours of command time between us. I would like to have done better and I believe this drill will drive all of us to be thinking more about serious scenarios and what we can do in those situations. I believe we made some mistakes but part of that was time lost waiting for a senior officer that was not available. That is a nearly impossible situation for any junior officer. Damned if you do and damned if you don't. I believe history will back me up in that assertion. I probably err on the side of the safety of the ship before the safety of those we hope to rescue. I also believe in all out disabling attacks on a single vessel when facing more then one enemy. Try to take away the advantage of numbers."
Collins had her turn. Anything she said now would only be echoing what has already been stated, and that would be counterproductive. She has no control over what the Captain and Commander Vargas will do with the information, but she has decided to ask Delaney about setting up a simulation she could run on her own time, to see if she could have done better.
Vargas seems somewhat mollified by what he's heard since Fujishiro's remarks.
The Captain, who has calmly listened to everyone, puts down her coffee and says, "Thank you all for sharing your views. I appreciate your candor. I don't expect that we'll run any further such simulation without letting you know that it is a sim - it would be rather hard to unring that particular bell - but of course we want you all to do your best in whatever situation you find yourselves. You've all done well with your BCDO training, and this was no exception. I will tell you, frankly and intending no flattery, that I was impressed by what I saw. All in all, you each acted appropriately and reasonably at each stage of the sim. Mr. Pourtash, you had the toughest job of all, and showed the kind of thoughtful but decisive leadership that the situation demanded. You drew upon the expertise and good advice of your subordinates and did the best you could under the circumstances, which is all that anyone could ask of you."
Roble quietly adds, "I agree, ma'am, and would add that I have a hard time thinking of anything I would have done much differently, given how the sim unfolded. I think you all struck just about the right balance between your duty to help others and your duty to the ship. You were put in a pressure cooker without warning and, all in all, did rather well in it."
Vargas says, "You should also know that you are in fact the seventh set of officers, across the Fleet, to go through the Hegar's Pride simulation, and the Starfleet vessel has been 'destroyed' four out of those seven times. Both luck and skill play their part, of course, but you made it out alive, and for that I commend you."
Singh nods and looks around the table. "Thank you, gentlemen. Any other thoughts or questions?"
"Thank you for letting us express our thoughts on this matter, Captain," Dr. T'Var says.
Collins stands "Permission to return to my station?"
Pourtash's brows raise a bit when he hears the Starfleet vessel was destroyed the majority of the time in the simulation. Now that would have been a stomach turning ending.
"None, Captain. Thank you for this opportunity."
"No further comment but I am working on a few devices that may aid us in a pursued retreat. I will continue to log our progress."
Fujishiro slightly shakes her head when the senior officers look her way.
"Very well, then," says the Captain. "Thank you for your time. Dismissed." She, Vargas and Roble stay behind to talk further.
You report to your duty stations on the Bridge and the rest of the watch passes uneventfully, with Lt. JG Bennett in the big chair. The Yorktown takes on supplies at Theta Raled but breaks orbit after just a little more than four hours. Singh then orders a course set for the neutral planet Cavinre VII to "show the flag" and look after Federation interests; there has been some civil unrest there in recent months. For all but Pourtash and Dr. T'Var, what would you like to focus on in your BCDO training during the weeklong trip? What else would you like to do?
This is the time when Dr. T'Var first plays chess aboard ship: http://www.mellophant.com/forums/sho...ays-some-chess
On their way to the turbolifts, Collins talks to Delaney about the simulation she has in mind. In her off hours, she will work out in the gym, run the sim, and have dinner with Ben and maybe the rest of the evening with him as well.
Delaney is happy to help.
He still needs to concentrate on Nav & Helm for BCDO.
Dr. T'Var, when not playing interesting variations of chess in the Rec Room, will meditate and (of course) spend time working in Sickbay.
Collins works hard but also enjoys some quality time with Ben Cooper. He's a good guy and fun to be around.
Delaney's work on Navigation and Helm functions begins to pay off, and he feels more comfortable at those Bridge posts. Pourtash and Leventhal are able to help him, too.
Dr. T'Var feels like she's found her niche aboard the Yorktown, and is twice complimented by Dr. Villa for her work in Sickbay.
The ship cruises at a steady Warp 5 on its way to Cavinre VII. It passes by and hails several ships along the way: the transport Sweet Anne, carrying settlers and supplies for Morra III; the agricarrier Topgallant Alpha, loaded with quadrotriticale and neorice for Sherman's Planet; and the freighter Antiope, heavily-laden with Telperion lumber and bound for Ardel IV.
As they pass the Topgallant Alpha, Collins thinks about tribbles.
The Yorktown reaches Cavinre VII without incident and enters standard orbit. The Federation ambassador welcomes Capt. Singh with a noticeable sense of relief; riots in the capital were brutally put down by the planetary government just yesterday. So far the protests have been against the government's unpopular austerity measures and the lack of political freedom, and not directed against offworlders, but Amb. Woods is concerned that things could get worse. He does not want to evacuate the 20-person Federation Embassy staff just yet, but it could come to that.
Lt. JG Collins is ordered to lead a Security team of her choosing to the surface to protect the Embassy. It is clear that no shore leave will be granted to the rest of the crew.
"Aye, Sir." Collins taps the Comm panel, "Ensigns Mahmoud and Three Crows and Specialist Nivens: Meet me in Transporter Room 3. We'll be beaming in to the Embassy" She leaves the bridge and goes to meet the landing party.
Collins and her team get phaser-2s from the Armory and beam down to look over security arrangements at the Embassy, a modern thermocrete-and-glass structure in one of the nicer parts of the capital. She meets the head of the local police's diplomatic-protection unit, a stiff-necked officer who makes clear his disdain at dealing with a woman. Nevertheless, he is under orders from his superiors to protect the Embassy from rioters at all costs, and seems efficient and professional.
A week passes and, although there are other riots in the city, the Embassy is never endangered. Two days later, Amb. Woods raises no objection when Starfleet orders the Yorktown to Morra III. Collins and the others return to the ship.
Science Officer Roble asks Ens. Rangin to report to his office.
Upon hearing Science Officer Roble's call, Rangin quickly records his research project in the computer and hurries to Roble's office.
Dr. T'Var continues her daily routine in Sickbay. She is quite impressed with how well the medical department aboard ship runs. She is happy to be a part of it.
The Yorktown breaks orbit and leaves the Cavinre system at Warp 6.
"At ease, Ensign," Roble says to Rangin in his office. He hands the xenobiologist a datapad and says, "Our next assignment should be right up your alley. We're to pick several dozen nonsentient lifeforms at Morra III and take them to the Sakath V research station. They'll all be in travel containers. Prepare a cargo bay with Mr. Delaney and Mr. Fujishiro, and arrange for the animals' care during the trip. Mr. Bennett thinks we'll be about 17 days in transit."
Rangin looks over the pad and sees that the Sakathians have ordered Terran capybaras, Bolian storks and Denebian slime devils - twenty each.
"Certainly, sir." Does the datapad give a reason for this specific choice of animals? Do they serve any well-known scientific purpose? If not, Rangin will ask the SO if he happens to know what they're intended for.
Having determined that there was little Collins could have done differently during the sim, she resumes improving her BCDO skills during her off hours.
Dr. Villa asks T'Var to take an inventory of the Yorktown Medlab's Rigellian invertebrate cell lines, grow cultures of at least 50 of them, and have them ready for delivery to the research station.
The Science Officer's datapad doesn't say why the Sakathians want these particular animals. Roble has no further explanation, but asks, "I'm sure you've noticed one thing about this selection, though, haven't you, Ensign...?"
Collins takes a turn or three in the big chair in the Bridge simulator, fighting off Orion pirates, delivering emergency aid to an earthquake-ravaged world, and evacuating a stricken passenger liner. Cooper serves as her First Officer for the last sim, which makes for a particularly worthwhile experience, she finds. Cmdr. Vargas reviews her performance after each sim and offers blunt but generally helpful advice. He seems satisfied with her progress towards winning her BCDO certification.
Delaney studies the animals he is suppose to prepare holding cells for to ensure the transport cages have a safety margin at least 3 times the required amount. In his reading he finds it humorous that capybaras were once considered a fish by at least part of the Roman Catholic Church, at least in so far as they lived in the water and thus their meat was acceptable on Fridays. The bolian storks appear to be a bit tougher to secure then the capybaras, it appears they have some problem-solving skills. He will try to get more detailed information from Ensign Rangin.
The Denebian slime devils are the real challenge though. They probably need to be isolated completely from each other and secured in a double containment system. They are large predators and very dangerous with a natural protection against phaser fire so armor piercing slug throwers with explosive bullets will probably need to be issued and perhaps a flail. They are mainly a water creature so a series of large tanks made of transparent aluminum would seem to be in order. Ensure chutes too small for the devils to fit in are devised for purposed of feeding.
http://images2.wikia.nocookie.net/__...lime_devil.jpg
"Well, capybaras are fairly benign. I might not pick one as a pet but I can't imagine many sinister uses for them, nor should they be particularly tricky to transport. Bolian storks are a little more fragile but not really threatening, if I'm remembering correctly. Slime Devils, though, will be quite a handful. We'll have to separate them, and the young vary so greatly from the adults in size; they're hatched under five cm and grow to over 3 meters, if I remember correctly." Does the datapad list the approximate size of the devils? We'll need to know to plan properly.
T'Var does as ordered by Dr. Villa in typical Vulcan fashion -- following a logical step by step process to complete the assigned task properly and correctly.
Before going to sleep, Collins reviews Cmdr. Vargas' notes and plans a strategy for working on her weak areas. She says goodnight to her roommate, and dreams of Ben.
Roble tells Rangin, "What I meant was, the Sakathians apparently want examples of each of the major classes of Class-M nonsentient animals: a mammal, the capybara; a bird, the stork; and a reptile, the slime devil. Their young arrive through live birth, eggs and parthenogenesis, respectively. No insects, though, which is interesting in itself." The slime devils are apparently all to be juveniles less than a year old, each about a meter long and weighing about 60 kgs.
Roble and Chief Engineer Cheverez both say Delaney's proposals look good.
Dr. T'Var learns that the ship has over a hundred Rigellian invertebrate cell lines, the great majority of which are of worms, molluscs and beetles. The lines are all in stasis and viable cultures can be grown for most within a week or so. How will she choose which to grow?
Vargas suggests that Collins study more intensively the approved theories of command - especially the writings of Pike, Asato and T'Kumbra - and emergency damage control procedures.
Dr. T'Var will attempt to grow as many cultures as possible -- more than 50 to be on the safe side. She will research the cell lines that have the greatest chance of growing without much difficulty and focus on them first, then continue with the others as time permits. She, of course, will ask Dr. Villa for help from medical department members who would be interested in this task.
T'Var decides to grow 80 cultures, roughly equally distributed among the available Rigellian cell lines of worms, molluscs and beetles, and soon has all but three of them (which immediately failed to grow, for reasons which are not immediately apparent) off to a good start. She checks on the remaining cultures twice daily and is pleased by their progress, by and large.
Delaney oversees the Engineering work detail which constructs all the holding containers in Cargo Bay 5. It takes several days.
"Ugh," thinks Collins as she trudges through the assigned readings, "they had digital video recording two centuries ago. Why didn't these guys make vlogs?"
Dr. T'Var will investigate why those three cultures failed to grow -- when she has the time. The results of this research may prove quite useful, she thinks to herself. She keeps Dr. Villa updated on her progress.
In Pourtash's spare time after his duties, unless anything else should come up to intrude upon it, he'll make a study of tactics used in various "no-win" situations in Starfleet history. Both from simulations at the Academy and actual stand-offs. Aside from simply having greater ideas on how to respond to such situations, it also offers a better viewpoint for evaluating at what moment a situation might pass into hopelessness and how real commanding officers have been able to avoid passing that point.
Collins remembers, of course, that she had to do quite a bit of reading at the Academy, and that human beings typically can assimilate more information through reading than through watching something in the same amount of time.
Try as she might, Dr. T'Var can't figure out why the three cultures failed. There doesn't seem to be any particular reason for it. All were for Rigellian soilworm cells. Soilworms, which typically grow to a length of about 6-10 cms, are useful in agriculture; they both aerate soil and enrich it with their excretions.
Pourtash finds his studies quite engrossing. He focuses on Capt. Farrell's decisions while in command of the USS Exeter eight years ago, Capt. Liu of the Archon's adroit handling of first contact with the Tayerians almost two decades earlier, Lt. Whitcomb's rising to the occasion after the Mombasa was severely damaged in a Romulan attack and all of the other Bridge officers were killed, and Commodore Vandenbroeck's historic dilemma on New Paris.
Dr. T'Var will continue to try and figure out why the three cultures failed and how to make them grow if possible. She will do more research and meditate on the problem -- which to her is more of an intellectual challenge. And T'Var always enjoys a challenge.
T'Var puts in long hours examining the failed soilworm cells and is just stumped. She can't figure out why those particular cultures failed; it seems to have been just a random failure of a minority of cell lines, which sometimes happens. Ens. Rangin looks over her work and has no suggestions of his own.
The Yorktown's trip to Morra III goes smoothly. A Federation colony now almost a century old, it's a beautiful Class-M world with a dozen large, modern cities, as well as extensive agriculture and many unspoiled forests, lakes and parklands. Its mountains are popular with climbers in this sector, its beaches are second to none, and tourism is a big business. The Captain decides to grant shore leave for fifty of the crew at a time. Any takers?
"oh, HELL yeah" thinks Collins. She finds Ben and, checking with Commander Vargas, coordinates her schedule with Cooper's, then suggests they apply together.
Delaney will check with the CHENG and his build team for the space mines to see if he can put in for some Shore Leave.
Dr. T'Var would love to meditate in a natural setting such as a forest or at a lake. She will ask Cecilia Bennett to join her. Perhaps she can get the navigator to open up about anything bothering her.
Vargas approves leave for Collins and Cooper during the same watch. Chief Engineer Cheverez is glad to approve leave for Delaney; he thinks you've been working too hard. T'Var is also approved for leave; Bennett seems hesitant at first to go, but then agrees.
Leaves are for 24 hours. You must take along a communicator and phaser-1. Where would you like to go?
If the description of the planet in post #329 isn't detailed enough, tell me what interests you and I'll tell you if that's available.
Jeremi suggest the beach to Ben, with some snorkeling and parasailing thrown in for fun.
Delaney does a search for the most interesting museums and zoos and landmarks and determines which city would be the best focus. He is as always looking for anything of tech interest. He loves old and exotic tech items.
He inquires if anyone else is interested in joining him and looks to see what others are planning.
Rangin will be off in the tropical hills, collecting samples of the exotic life-forms. This is primarily distinguishable from his work by the large proportion of his pack dedicated to lunch instead of sampling equipment!
T'Var asks Bennett where she would like to go -- forest, lake or park. T'Var would enjoy visiting any of the three.
Ben says to Collins with a friendly leer, "Some time on the beach would be great. I'll pack my suit and snorkel... unless you prefer skinny-dipping?" The Library Computer's records on Morra III list several fine beaches (some of which have very good coral reefs) for you to choose from. Parasailing is widely available.
Delaney learns that the city of Lindy has a large, popular Museum of Science and Technology, with exhibits ranging from the earliest Vulcan history to the present day. The city also has a pretty good zoo with alien as well as native Morranian lifeforms.
Rangin will not have to go off and collect the lifeforms for the Sakathians; they've already been shipped here from other star systems and are being held at the starport, ready for transfer to the Yorktown. Science Officer Roble and you look in on them and see that they're in good shape.
Bennett says, "I'd prefer to go into the forest. There's just something about being out in the woods among tall green trees that makes such a nice change from being cooped up on a ship for months on end." The Morranian National Park system has many good options, and you can rent camping gear, if you wish.
"I have never experienced camping," T'Var says. "I would like to try it."
Jeremi checks to see if any of the beaches near reefs are clothing optional, then decides that she and Ben ought to save that for when they have a longer shore leave. They are in Starfleet after all, and wouldn't want some tourist's imager catching them emerging from the water sans swimsuits. She picks out a beach with a large coral reef, and packs her suit and gear. She tells Ens. Terezis not to miss her too much and goes to meet Ben in the Transporter Room.
You each beam down from the Yorktown.
T'Var and Bennett rent some camping gear, pack up, get a map and directions, and set off into the woods. It's early autumn in Morra III's northern hemisphere and simply a beautiful day. After several hours, having seen no one else, you reach the top of a big hill. You can glimpse the distant horizon, far away over an expanse of green pine and deciduous trees just starting to turn gold, orange and red. There are at least five crystalline lakes scattered below you, too. It's a breathtaking sight. Bennett looks very happy.
Rangin packs a big lunch. You find the hills of the tropical islands to be a bit warm, but not oppressively so. There are some other hikers and tourists around, and they notice your gear. You happily gather a half-dozen small, exotic local lifeforms and are just putting a pair of strange, three-eyed rodents in a collecting case when a ranger comes up to you. "What are you doing, sir?" the ranger asks.
Ben was only half-joking about skinny-dipping, and is perfectly content to wear his swimsuit (he obviously admires you in yours). By asking the locals, you're able to find a beach in a cove that you can enjoy all by yourselves. It's magnificent, with white, fine-grained sand, warm, turquoise waters and huge clouds scudding across the sky. Palm trees grow all around you. Large, red, pelican-like birds fly past overhead now and then as the two of you enjoy the water together.
"Beautiful surroundings," T'Var says as she takes in the view. The doctor grins slightly. "Vulcan, of course, if quite different."
T'Var looks at the camping gear and sighs. "I will need your assitance," she says a bit sheepishly. "I have no idea what to do with these items."
If Delaney is still open to having company on his explorations, Pourtash would be happy to join him, as it's just the sort of thing he'd be interested in as well. The native fauna would be of particular interest as he has no experience with them, but museums and technology are always fascinating to explore.
Delaney is happy to have the company and open to zoos of course.
As evening approaches, Jeremi suggests she and Ben ask the locals for a good place to have dinner. Locals usually know the good spots from the tourist traps.
T'Var and Bennett hike all day and find a good spot to set up for the night in a clearing overlooking a lake. Bennett has been camping before, and shows the Vulcan doctor how to set up the tent and prepare a hot meal over an ingenious little camp stove.
Delaney and Pourtash have a good time and enjoy both the museum and the zoo in Lindy. An exhibit at the museum on how different races developed warp drive intrigues the engineer, while Pourtash finds the zoo's population of three-eyed island treemice (an endangered species) especially interesting.
The ranger narrows his eyes at Rangin.
Several local folk suggest that Jeremi and Ben go to Glynn's, a restaurant that looks a bit ramshackle from the outside but has terrific and cheap local seafood. You feast on deepcrabs, Dixon's oysters and red prawns.
"A most gratifying meal," T'Var says.
"I must admit, I am much too tired after today's activities to meditate. Perhaps a good night's rest will better prepare our minds for some quality meditation tomorrow?"
The shadows are growing long, the day is growing cool, and Bennett has no objection to leaving meditation for tomorrow. She'd like to stay up a bit more to build and tend a campfire, though.
Jeremi suggests a little window shopping before heading back to the ship. She's interested in what the local craftsfolk produce. "Then later, with any luck, one or both of our cabinmates will be on shift and we can end this day properly" Her smile contains just a tiny bit of evil.
"Fire and flame are an important element to the meditation experience," T'Var says. "As I've mentioned before, fire can be a positive or a negative."
T'Var looks over their campsite. "I would like to learn more about a campfire and the 'building and tending' of it."
Ben grins to hear Collins's suggestion for later, and says, "By all means, let's look around a bit... for now." There are some small artsy stores in town, all rather pricey, and one larger store with tourist knickknacks. Nothing really grabs you.
Before the sun drops below the horizon Bennett gathers firewood with T'Var, showing her how to look for dead, dry wood, and teaches her how to build a small teepee-style fire. After futilely trying to start it by rubbing two sticks together over dry leaves, the Englishwoman wryly swears the Vulcan to secrecy and then lights the fire with a single low-power phaser burst. "Mrs. Burger, my Girl Scout leader, would never forgive me if she heard about this," she chuckles.
The ranger looks over Rangin's collection of local animals, takes pictures of them all, asks him to show where they were caught, and releases them in those spots. Then he arrests the xenobiologist for violating the Morranian wildlife protection law. He searches Rangin, and finds and confiscates his phaser-1 and communicator. He scowls and says, "You're charged with carrying a concealed weapon, too, sir." He calls for an aircar and flies with Rangin to the ranger station in the coastal town of Dixon, where the Starfleet ensign is booked and put in a spartan but clean cell.
"Your secret is safe with me," T'Var assures Bennett. "I find that a blending of the ancient and the modern works quite well."
T'Var settles next to the fire. "What do campers usually talk about while sitting by the campfire?" the doctor asks.
It's getting darker. Bennett makes a pile of small logs and twigs next to the fire, sits down and says, "Anything you want to. When I was a little girl we would sing songs and tell stories."
T'Var frowns. "I have no musical ability," she says. "What sort of stories would you tell?"
Bennett says, "Oh, I don't know - ghost stories, stories of previous camping trips, family stories, and so on. There're really no rules about this sort of thing, T'Var. You can do just about anything you want to, sitting around a campfire."
In Lindy, the museum has closed and the zoo is closing soon. It's early evening, local time. What would Pourtash and Delaney like to do next?
Rangin is permitted one call, and the rangers let him to use his communicator. He calls the Yorktown and reaches Thalen on the Bridge. The Communications Officer, fighting to keep from laughing, puts him in touch with the Science Officer, who is a bit less amused. The next day, the xenobiologist is brought before a Morranian district court magistrate and arraigned. With Roble by his side, he enters a guilty plea, is sentenced to one day in jail and given credit for one day time served. He is also fined 500 Federation credits, and released. As the two beam back to the ship, Roble says, "I hope you've learned a useful lesson, Ensign, on the wisdom of getting official permission before collecting lifeforms on settled worlds."
Rangin can only nod meekly as the transporter effect takes them.
Delaney determines he has spent about 20% more then the minimum time for shore leave that the medicos would want to see and is happy to get back up to the Yorktown and his work. He thanks Pourtash for sharing some time.
"I find imagination to be a most interesting part of human life," T'Var says.
"I also find interpersonal relationships of a social or romantic nature interesting."
T'Var smiles. "I have noticed certain potential romantic relationships taking place aboard ship." The doctor's smile becomes a grin. "Have you ever experienced a romance while serving aboard a Federation vessel?" T'Var asks.
Pourtash and Delaney beam back to the ship just as a light rain begins to fall. They liked what they saw of Morra III.
Fujishiro remains aboard, working on various Sciences odds and ends, and does not take shore leave.
Rangin double-checks the arrangements for bringing aboard the alien lifeforms.
Bennett replies to T'Var, "I have, twice. There was a man back aboard the Essex that I was very fond of, a botanist, but he wanted to get married after we'd known each other only about seven or eight months, and that was just too fast for me. I still think about him sometimes. Then more recently... well, I have a boyfriend now, aboard the Yorktown. I'm not sure he's right for me, though. We've had... we've had some problems." She stares into the campfire intently and pokes it with a stick. T'Var can tell she's uncomfortable.
"I am sorry," T'Var replies. "We don not know each other well, but I believe we are becoming friends." The doctor pauses a moment. "And we are shipmates, of course. I would like to help if a can."
Bennett puddles up, looks at T'Var, takes her hand and squeezes it. "Yes, we are friends, T'Var, of course we are, and I... I appreciate you, and your kindness." She chokes back a sob, and then ventures a brave, wry smile. "I have to say, you're not like any Vulcan I've ever known before. But this man... Matthew... I just don't know. I can't figure him out. Something's wrong with... us."
T'Var gives Bennett a hug. "I am a student of human nature," the doctor says with a slight smile. "I hope that I can be a better physician -- and friend -- in this way."
"I am not an expert on romantic relationships. I have never had a 'boyfriend' and Vulcan mating is quite different from that of humans." T'Var sighs. "Perhaps if you tell me more about Matthew and your relationship, we might be able to come up with a solution together."
Before Bennett has a chance to say anything more, T'Var continues, "And, of course, whatever you share with me will remain between us."
Bennett hugs the Vulcan woman back, but then seems to muster her sense of self-control. She wipes her eyes, clears her throat and says, "Thank you, but... not yet. There's a lot I still have to think about, and I don't even know that there is a 'solution,' as such. Maybe I'll - we'll - have to find it for ourselves. But I appreciate your offer, really, T'Var, and the day may come when... I can say more."
The two friends talk about other, inconsequential things before turning in. A strong windstorm comes up during the night, lashing the tent with rain, but it doesn't blow over, and you stay warm and dry. In the morning, you awake to a glorious sunrise. You hike back out by a different route, return your rented gear, and beam back up to the Yorktown.
Rangin confirms that the alien lifeforms are ready for delivery to the ship. He asks Delaney and Fujishiro to be there in the cargo bay for their arrival. What precautions, if any, do you wish to take?
Collins's shore leave time is up, and she realizes that she and Cooper should return to the ship.
"So, your place or mine?" Jeremi asks Ben.
T'Var resolves to keep a close eye on Bennett from now on. She has not forgotten the bruise her friend and shipmate tried to hide earlier. And T'Var is very protective of shipmates -- and friends.
Cooper takes Collins's hand, smiles and says, "Let's try mine. I wouldn't want to bother your cabinmate, and mine is on shore leave right now."
Bennett thanks T'Var for a great time on the planet. The navigator takes a shower, puts on a clean uniform and reports to the Bridge for her next watch.
After two hours spent enjoying Ben's company, Jeremi realizes if she doesn't hurry back to her cabin to shower and change, she'll be late for her watch. "We really must do this again, very soon," she says, and kisses Ben before rushing off.
Delaney would like to ensure the specimens are brought on with extreme caution. We need to do a final test of the holding tanks and the creatures should go through a full decontamination check with Xenobiology scanning for anything out of the norm. We don't want a repeat of the famous Pandex virus leaping from specimen box to human host. I would also like a security team on hand trained to handle those nasty little monsters we're bringing on board.
Finally let us ensure one creature at a time.
T'Var will enjoy a meal in the Mess Hall of Vulcan tea, apple slices and oatmeal before heading to Sickbay. She will ask
Dr. Villa if there is anything pressing for her to do. If not, she will continue to monitor the specimens she's been growing.
Delaney is satisfied with the arrangements for bringing aboard the animals. After a full scan, the transfer from the starport's holding facility to the Yorktown goes surprisingly smoothly. The capybaras and Bolian storks are no problem at all. The Denebian slime devils, on the other hand, are clearly vicious. Hissing fiercely, they strive to escape as they're carefully carted in, one at a time, but are unable to get loose. Collins and her Security team are unneeded after all.
Dr. T'Var checks on her Rigellian cell lines and sees another three have died. The rest seem to be growing well. Dr. Villa also asks her to review the latest medical journals and let her know if there's anything applicable to shipboard medicine.
Collins finds a very nice "Thank you/miss you already" note from Cooper in her comm account. It definitely makes her day.
As the ship prepares to leave orbit, you hear that two of your crewmates are to have disciplinary hearings before the Captain for their conduct on Morra III. The first is Rangin, for his hobby-related encounter with local law enforcement. The other is Engineering Spec/2 Malcolm Travers, one of Delaney's subordinates, who got in a bar fight in First Landing, the capital, and was also arrested. Travers asks the Assistant Chief Engineer to appear as his advocate during the hearing, which is scheduled in three days.
T'Var is mildly irritated at the death of three cell cultures. She wonders if this could be a natural occurrence or perhaps -- however unlikely -- an error on her part. The doctor makes a mental note to seek the assistance of anyone from the Science Department who has expertise with cell biology.
The doctor will research the medical journals thoroughly, then report back to Dr. Villa with her findings.
T'Var speaks with several researchers in the Sciences Department and ultimately decides that the dead cell cultures are simply random failures. She reviews The Lancet, New England Journal of Medicine, Medical and Psychological Digest of Earth, Journal of Astromedical Research, Vulcan Medical Research Journal and Starfleet Quarterly Review of Medicine and Bioethics, and finds an interesting article on treating Tellarite skin diseases that she thinks Dr. Villa might want to read.
Travers asks to meet with Delaney to prepare for the "Captain's Mast."
The Terran capybaras, Bolian storks and Denebian slime devils all seem to be doing well, Fujishiro and Rangin see.
Cooper asks Collins if she'd like to meet for dinner.
The Yorktown breaks orbit and sets course for Sakath V. The Captain then leaves Pourtash in command on the Bridge while she goes belowdecks to discuss a Starfleet communique with Vargas. The Sakathian research station is 17 days away at Warp 6.
Delaney pulls up the crew record for Malcom Travers and spends 30 minutes reviewing his record and the charges and circumstances of the bar fight arrest. Before I talk to him I want to verify his past reviews and efficiencies.
I then check Travers duty schedule and set up a meeting for 30 minutes before his next watch. I also pull his PM* records and plan to do some unannounced spot checking of his work.
I wonder what his records and work will me?
* PM =Preventive Maintenance, Delaney recalls reading an odd entry that back in the days of the steel water Navies of the United States they officially called it PMS.
Jeremi smiles and says "you don't have to ask me twice" and arranges a meeting time with Ben. She smiles through the rest of her watch.
T'Var decides to make a habit of reading medical journals on a regular basis -- something she didn't think she really had the time for. She now realizes this reading is worth the time.
The Yorktown passes smoothly beyond the orbit of Morra XI, outermost world in the system, and enters deep space.
Delaney learns that Spec/2 Travers, with whom he's had some brief dealings since becoming Assistant Chief Engineer, has been in Starfleet for just over ten years. A life support systems specialist, he has a generally good service record and no previous disciplinary proceedings. His immediate supervisor and crewmates seem to think well of him. A spot check of his work indicates no problems. He is ready to meet with Delaney at your convenience.
As to his arrest, Security Ens. Carlos de la Paz, who took Travers off the hands of First Landing police, tells Delaney that the crewman apparently had too much to drink, made a pass at a Sue Galiano, the girlfriend of a local man, Paul Walcott, and did not leave her alone when asked to do so by Walcott. Words were exchanged, and the punches flew. Accounts differ as to who actually started the fight. Both Travers and Walcott had minor bruises and cuts. The police arrested only Travers, who was released without charge into de la Paz's custody a few hours later when Walcott said he did not wish to bother pressing charges. Travers, who is currently confined to quarters except when on duty, said very little to the Security officer.
Ben asks Collins to meet him in one of the observation lounges, which he's reserved for the evening, for dinner. He's arranged for a nice meal from the replicator there, with a bottle of wine from his small private stock. The view of the stars is quite spectacular when he dims the lights.
Dr. Villa thanks T'Var for the medical update. She cautions the Vulcan that her duties will not always permit such extensive reading.
Pourtash enjoys his time in the big chair, and chats from time to time with Bennett, who of course is sitting just ahead of him at her Navigation post.
Delaney meets with Travers and basically asks him for his story, if there are any special circumstances the Captain should be aware of and how Travers thinks this incident should be handle as of course to a small degree all Star Fleet personnel know they represent the Federation even when off duty.
Jeremi places a box on the table between them. It is a small golden cardboard box whose lid is larger than its base. Embossed on the cover of the box is the word Godiva. "For dessert" she says, and sits next to Ben.
T'Var will revise her off-duty schedule to include more journal reading. She will also ask Bennett for her suggestions regarding social activities to try aboard the Yorktown.
The doctor is aware that she is perhaps spending too much time with meditation and other solitary pursuits. She enjoys playing chess, of course, but is sure there are other worthy forms of recreation as well.
Travers seems very embarrassed by the whole situation. He almost stammers, "I was definitely drinking too much that night, sir. I just wanted to have some fun, and this girl was so pretty, but, you know, I didn't realize she was with somebody. And then the guy was really rude to me, and cursed me. He had a really foul mouth, sir. I didn't like that, and I guess I let him know it, and... well, it just went from bad to worse from there. But he threw the first punch. I hope the Captain will just let me off with a warning, sir, but maybe that would be expecting too much...?" He looks at Delaney hopefully.
Cooper's eyes widen as he looks at Collins's treasure. "Godiva chocolates? Out here?" He's clearly amazed. "How did you get these, Jer?"
Bennett tells her cabinmate, "There's plenty to do aboard ship, time permitting, T'Var: Lyceum concerts, plays or lectures; swimming, dancing or working out at the gym; self-improvement classes of all kinds, at least four book clubs that I know of, different other clubs, games, and so on. What do you think you might like to do?"
"Well I'm not sure 'just a warning' is sufficient. What you did does reflect on our crew mates, our Department, the Yorktown herself and of course Starfleet. But I think we can convince the Captain you've learned your lesson and that some extra work and some extra training should be enough to avoid being broken in rank." Delaney responds.
Jeremi smiles slyly "I could tell you, but then I'd have to kill you", she gives Ben a kiss, then says "Back when I was on the Enterprise, one of the space stations we visited had shops. I bought these and had them vacuum sealed. I was saving them for a special occasion. Tonight seems pretty special."
T'Var ponders her options a moment, then says, "I believe the logical choice would be to join a book club. Could you tell me more about each club and its area of interest?"
The doctor loves to read, of course, and a book club would connect her with fellow crew members who feel the same.
Travers seems sobered but not especially surprised by Delaney's advice. He replies, "Whatever you say, sir. I certainly want to avoid a demotion if at all possible."
Ben takes Jeremi into his arms and returns her kiss with interest. Great interest. After a few minutes he pulls away just a little, smiles and says, "Did you want to eat some chocolate now, or do you have other plans?"
Bennett looks up thoughtfully and bites her lip. "Let's see.... There are book clubs aboard for contemporary books, science fiction and fantasy, history, and novels of all periods, if I remember right. Oh, and for technical and engineering books. I may have forgotten one. The Lyceum maintains a schedule and a contact list that you can find on the Library Computer."
"I do not think the engineering books would suit my needs," T'Var says with a slight grin. "Perhaps history or the novels would be a better choice."
Jeremi smiles "Oh, I think we need to work up an appetite first."
and with that, I think we can leave this scene for a while. ;)
Bennett looks up the Lyceum book club entries on the Library Computer. "Let's see... this month, the history book club is discussing Transforming America: The Morra Administration Reexamined, by Melissa D. Atkins, from 2107. Must be a tie-in to our visit to Morra III. The novel folks are talking about Don Quixote by Cervantes, from 1605. Both of them meet in about two weeks, so you still have time to read either of the books."
Ben and Jeremi have a wonderful evening together, and even eat a little chocolate before parting just before 0630 hours.
T'Var thinks a moment, then says, "I would like to learn more of ancient literature. Therefore, I will read Don Quixote. Hopefully, there is still room in that particular club for me."
Bennett puts T'Var in touch with Engineering Ens. Oscar Rico, an impulse drive specialist who runs the novel book club for the Lyceum. "You're more than welcome to come to the next meeting," Rico assures the doctor. "We usually have ten to twelve people at each meeting, and there's always room for more. And despite what you might think from my name, not every novel we pick was originally published in Spanish. In fact, every member of the club sooner or later gets to pick a book before anyone else gets a second pick." He suggests she get a copy of the 2133 translation into Federation Standard by Emilio Uvalde; it's available on the Library Computer. She does not have to finish the book in order to attend the meeting, although of course it's encouraged.
The days pass. Delaney hears that, at his Captain's Mast that morning, Ens. Rangin was confined to quarters for one week when not on duty, and ordered to write a formal apology to the Governor of Morra III. No forfeiture of pay was ordered, given the fine the hapless xenobiologist had already paid. Travers's hearing is this afternoon.
Pourtash is kept busy with Bridge duty, and Fujishiro with helping Roble run the Science Department.
Collins finds herself, day by day, quite taken with Cooper.
The Yorktown continues steadily on course for Sakath V.
T'Var is impressed with Ens. Rico and reads the translation he suggests. She finishes the book quickly, then rereads it again. She wishes to be as prepared as possible for the book club's next meeting.
The doctor, of course, continues with her duties in Sickbay (which she finds most satisfying).
Using the Library Computer, T'Var will research other novels she may wish to read -- and suggest to the book club when her turn to pick arrives.
During her meal break, Collins checks the computer for Starfleet regulations regarding unmarried couples cohabitating.
Bennett is quite impressed by T'Var's reading speed; Don Quixote is easily a thousand-page book in most editions, and Uvalde's translation is no exception. "If you don't mind my asking, can all Vulcans read that fast, or are you... unusual in that respect?" she asks.
Collins learns that Starfleet regs permit unmarried couples to cohabit if (a) neither is in a supervisory or command position over the other, (b) they aren't married to anyone else, and (c) quarters are available. She checks the crew roster and sees that there are at least a half-dozen cohabiting couples aboard the Yorktown.
T'Var smiles. "Vulcans are superior in many ways, of course," the doctor says. "I do tend to read and learn faster than most, however."
T'Var then frowns. "I am sorry if that sounds a bit arrogant on my part. I was merely stating a fact. No offense was meant."
Collins rehearses in her head several ways to present to Ben the idea of living together.
Bennett smiles and says, "Don't worry about it, T'Var. No offense taken. I knew what you meant."
Cooper invites Collins for dinner and a walk in the Arboretum after their watches end.
Delaney and Travers are asked to report to Singh's conference room on Deck 2 for the Captain's Mast. Pourtash and Fujishiro are ordered by the First Officer to attend as observers. Collins and Ens. Mahmoud are to stand guard.
Delaney ensures his dress uniform is in perfect shape and asks his roommate to give him a double check inspection before reporting to Captain's mast.
Collins reports as ordered; She motions to Mahmoud to take position to the left of the door, then takes her position to the right of the conference room door.
"I am afraid my social skills are not what they should be," T'Var says. "Vulcans are generally weak in this area." T'Var grins. "I am working on this, however."
The doctor then asks, "Regarding social interactions, how are things with your boyfriend?"
Pourtash will arrive to observe the Captain's Mast, though he looks a bit uncomfortable about this fact. He doesn't look around very much to begin, holding himself a bit stiffly.
Bennett sighs and says to T'Var, "Well, we have our ups and downs, still. Things have been a little better since Morra III. He just... it's hard to say. I just don't know that he's right for me. There are things I love about him, and things that I hate."
Ens. Sasok assures Delaney that his uniform is in perfect order. Delaney sees that Travers is presentable, too, and they go together to the conference room.
They see Pourtash, Fujishiro, Collins, Mahmoud and several others already waiting there, and take their seats at one end of the big table, as Collins indicates. After a few moments, Singh and Vargas enter the conference room, and everyone stands at attention. "As you were," the Captain says. "Please be seated. The First Officer will read the charges."
Everyone sits but Vargas, Collins and Mahmoud. The First Officer says, "Engineering Specialist Second Class Malcolm Travers, you are charged with violating the following provisions of the Starfleet Code of Justice: Failure to obey orders, violation of the criminal law of a Federation member world or colony, public intoxication, wrongful use or possession of a mind-altering substance, wrongful conduct toward civilians, and conduct unbecoming Starfleet personnel. You are charged with violating these provisions while on shore leave on Morra III approximately five days ago." He sits.
The Captain nods and says, "Thank you, Commander. Do you understand these charges, Mr. Travers?"
Travers stands, clears his throat and nervously says, "Yes, ma'am."
"Do you have any questions about them?"
"No, ma'am.
"Very well. I am required to advise you of the following. Other than answering my preliminary questions, you do not have to make any statement, and your failure to make a statement will not be held against you. If you choose to make a statement, however, it might later be used in evidence against you. Do you understand?"
"Yes, ma'am."
"A Captain's Mast is an informal disciplinary proceeding and is not a court-martial. You have the right to a court-martial, if you wish, instead of a Captain's Mast. Any such court-martial would typically be held when the ship next reaches a Starbase, or meets with another Starfleet vessel which could supply personnel for the court-martial board. In the alternative, if I see fit, a court-martial could be convened using personnel of this ship. You would enjoy your full array of rights as the defendant in any court-martial. If you elect to proceed to a court-martial, you are hereby advised that, if convicted, you may be subject to imprisonment and dishonorable discharge from Starfleet, among other penalties. Do you understand?"
"Yes, ma'am."
"You would be presumed innocent in any court-martial; no such presumption applies here. Unlike in courts-martial, formal rules of evidence do not apply. If you are found to have committed one or more of the offenses with which you are charged, you may be subject to any of the following: A verbal or written reprimand, confinement to quarters, reduction in rank by one grade, forfeiture of pay, extra duty, the writing of an apology or essay, reduced rations, and/or restitution to any wronged party. No such discipline may exceed 60 days. Do you understand?"
"Yes, ma'am."
"With all that in mind, Mr. Travers, do you wish to proceed with a Captain's Mast at this time?"
He gulps. "Yes, please, Captain."
"Very well," she says. "It is so ordered. Please be seated. I see you're here with your advocate, the Assistant Chief Engineer, Lt. JG James Delaney. What would you like to say, Mr. Delaney?"