Senior kids on the block

Posted on Mon Oct 9th, 2023 @ 6:59pm by Captain Grace Stark & Cadet Senior Grade Donto Ros & Cadet Senior Grade Riaothren(Ren) ch'Shaorhs & Cadet Senior Grade David "Dave" Holloway & Cadet Senior Grade Naltar Jerane & Cadet Senior Grade Felix & Cadet Senior Grade Toareth Darqa & Cadet Junior Grade Noxi Harrison & Commander Kelly Miller

3,765 words; about a 19 minute read

Mission: **ARCHIVED** 1 - Cruising through the galaxy
Location: Deck 1 - Bridge

Grace Stark, commanding officer of the Starship Stardancer sat in the centre seat on the centre stage of her bridge, sipping synthehol Champagne, she'd prefer if it were actually Champagne but she had to set an example for the cadets. A typical day in a senior officer's day was the daily briefing sometimes hosted by the First Officer and rarely the Captain but she wanted to do it first, get a feel of the brushing ideas off against one another.

The bridge had come to life, cadets buzzing with excitement around the room, instructors rolling their eyes at apparent mistakes taken at the push of a button. Grace always preferred hosting on the bridge, a room with a long table just made the meeting boring.

Sipping the Champagne glass, she awaited for her yearly intake of senior cadets to present themselves.

Senior Cadet Riaothren ch'Shaorhs in a freshly replicated uniform entered the bridge. He hadn't come from his own assigned quarters, but there was only one other person who knew that and he was using the shower about that time. Ren was early, which for him meant that he was right on time.

As the doors slid closed behind him, he noticed the Captain drinking something bubbly. "Good morning Captain Stark. I didn't expect to see you here. I mean not that I'm complaining. It's just unexpected."

Toareth did not want to keep the command team, the real command team waiting. Given her age, Toareth's actual age, and not her 20's 20-year-old appearance, she knew a higher degree of discipline and officer fortitude was expected. Still, she was technically new to all this. New to all this...officially. Unofficially, this felt more like a step-down.

After ensuring the discreet teleport of a stash of Saurian Brandy, Romulan Ale, and a few other adult beverages of choice was secured, Toareth found she had second thoughts about her handler, Lynch. Of course, she always had second thoughts about him. She wondered again at just what section he worked for and how he was able to get away with so much without anyone being the wiser. As long as there was some real alcohol on board, she did not let her mind wonder about that too much. The supply was limited, but was a supply at least.

She made her way to the bridge as per the order broadcast earlier, but first paid a visit to the Sick Bay to check on its order. All was satisfactory and Toareth took a turbolift toward the Bridge. The doors opened and she saw there was already plenty there, including Ren. She nodded to him then, "Good morning Captain Stark. Sick Bay is sorted and ready to go." Toareth then made her way to her Medical station and signed into the computer terminal.

Naltar had been up early, really early. Taking his usual time to work out every day as he did, this morning he paid some special attention to the initial, informal review of the other cadets he'd assigned to each of the shifts and operations teams. While he would've preferred something a bit more structured, time didn't permit for it today so the best option he had was to get them to work evaluating the status of the ship's systems right away. He didn't want to be caught off guard in the event engineering, or more importantly, the Captain had questions.

His uniform was freshly replicated a bit heavier material than the standard uniform specifications on account of them being in space. Star Fleet kept their ships just a bit too cool for his liking, so he made it up with heavier clothes. In addition, his shoes had an extra layer of polish on them, his goal was to stand out just a bit more than everyone else with a better looking uniform. His parents had always taught him to show up looking better than anyone else if he could help it. Great first appearances were vital.

Upon making his way onto the Bridge, he took note of the woman in the center chair and gave her the greeting of the day and a quick status report before greeting his peers who were present. "Good Morning Captain. Operations is currently conducting a full systems evaluation and currently, it appears everything is nominal." As nominal as they could be for a ship this age anyway.

"Mister Ren, Miss Darqa. A pleasure to see you both this morning." He took his place alongside the others and while he'd found the glass of whatever the Captain was drinking to be a bit unprofessional, especially for a first briefing such as this, the Cardassian kept his mouth shut.

"A pleasure to see you again as well Naltar. You're looking refreshed," Ren said.

"I am sure there is pleasure abound," said Toareth turning away from her computer terminal. She regarded Naltar and Ren, everyone present for that matter, with nods of approval. "Captain I am confident you will see that this cruise will be handled expertly."

Felix made his entrance onto the Bridge quietly. He felt somewhat awkward approaching the Captain to report for duty as if he would be a bother. He took tentative steps toward where she was seated. "Captain Stark, Cadet Felix reporting for duty as requested," he said deferentially.

Noxi didn't really understand why she was required to be on the Bridge. She was a counselor, what was she going to do? Ask the consoles how being touched made them feel?! Ridiculous. Her father had said that sometimes the Chief Counselor also served as a mission advisor and diplomatic attaché, though, so she supposed it kind of made sense. She stood near the Science console. It made the most sense, after all. "Cadet Noxi Harrison reporting for duty, Ma'am," she said, saluting Captain Stark. Maybe a little overeager.

Kelly was already on the Bridge, brown eyes working the room from the back. She liked to watch first, and step in later. They were well trained, and while they needed supervision, they also needed room to learn from mistakes. She remembered being a Cadet herself so long ago, but it was much the same, though her assignment had been to a large Starbase. Still, the Chief JAG there had given her free rein to work and mess up. She had. No one was perfect, after all. She sipped coffee and took stock. The helmspeople and Engineers seemed confident. The Counselor seemed a little overexcited but polite enough. Yes, they'd do.

While waiting for the meeting to get started, Toareth sat at the medical station going through records, sometimes having quick looks at some of her own running programs and simulations. Augmentation may have been illegal but the study and simulation of it was certainly not, however frowned upon it was. Toareth did not stay on those programs long; just a quick glance, then she switched to something else. Seeing no medical emergencies and no other reason for her presence to be needed elsewhere, Toareth finished up doing nothing at her terminal and turned to take inventory of the personnel spread about the Bridge. A few newcomers. Hopefully, the meeting would get started soon.

For a change, Dave was actually running a tad bit late, there were still some minutes to the assigned time, but he always liked to be early. But he had taken extra care to look fresh today, his clothes and uniform neatly pressed and shining as if sparkly new, why wouldn't they be, he had splurged to get a new uniform just for this day. With a quick glance at the other cadets, he quickly shifted himself and moved next to Ren.

Ren caught Dave's approach out of the corner of his eye. He'd already been smiling in anticipation of his first time in space as an official member of Starfleet, and to a lesser extent, the meeting that he knew was imminent. That smile widened in remembrance and recognition.

"Good morning Cadet Holloway. Did you sleep well?" he asked with a mischievous tone.

Dave looked at him with a sideway glance before clearing his throat, "Yes Cadet Ch'Shaorhs, it was quite the pleasant night. I hope you had a pleasant yourself." Very professional indeed.

"Well, I have to confess, I was up for most of the night. So I didn't get much sleep. But it was worth it. I'm really looking forward to the rest of the cruise," Ren replied doing his best to keep a straight face.

Ros arrived on time, the admin work had already begun to overwhelm the former freedom fighter. He greeted people with a smile and nodded as he made his way across the bridge. Still unsure if front-line duty was for him.

Grace couldn't help herself but smile at the cadets, for an assignment she was stuck with, she unofficially enjoyed her work. "Good Morning everyone," She said standing up from her seat, taking a quick sip of the yellow liquid before setting it down on her seat, down the side of her chair was a PADD she quickled up as she put her drink down.

"You're all looking mighty smart," She remarked, "Firstly welcome aboard my ship. And good luck. Now daily briefs won't be done by me daily, it'll be done by the XO" who she mentioned too, like Naltar, Ross also stood out like a sore thumb. "Follow my orders, remember your training, and do not make your instructor take over."

Tapping on her PADD the main view screen flickered on a strategic star chart of the Vulcan sector. "We are scheduled to depart at 1400 hours. Each department head will be called at random to discuss the running of their department." She let the cadets get a look at the view screen before she started. "Once we depart Starbase 1. We will travel to the Sakinth asteroid belt on the edge of the Sakinth system, here." A press on the PADD and a blinking amber circle appeared, locating the system among many balls of gas. "We are to investigate reports of piracy on request from the Vulcan government. The belt has a former Vulcan mining outpost. Perfect place to pirate and store the treasure."

"Questions?" She asked, facing towards the Cadets.

Ren's rather coy smile, he hadn't been able to keep a straight face despite his efforts, slowly faded as his hands hovered over his console. His expression turned serious. "Do we know how credible the threat is?" he asked.

"It's a known trade route shortcut but the inexperienced take a wrong turn in the belt along the way," Grace said, the PADD brushing up against her thigh. "Distress calls have been recorded, the Vulcan government has provided last months but the density of the rocks distorts the feeds. The quicker we find a black box, the better the credit is."

Noxi listened carefully, taking notes. It seemed dangerous. She wasn't ready for possible loss of lives and resources meant she'd have to be prepared always. She hadn't gotten much sleep the night before she was anxious. She was also aware that she'd have to step in in a medical capacity if enough people were hurt. Fun times.

"Former mining outpost," Toareth spoke up. "Former is the key word here because," she approached the viewscreen to point out that, "stray asteroids from the belt will sometimes collide inside these balls of gas thus resulting in quick, and by that I mean microsecond, pulses of thelon radiation. Not thalaron radiation mind you, but thelon. It is a form of gamma in the higher frequency range that can affect the occipital lobe. In short, you can see things that are not there. Almost like dreaming while wide awake. Again, these are random micropulses. They are not constant nor are they frequent but random and unpredictable. Each micropulse may account for a quarter-second exposure. So, do the math. Too much exposure," Toareth counted on her fingers, "to a cumulative total of 30 seconds, give or take, might result in lasting effects of hallucinations. Symptoms can be treated and may even go away entirely in time. Any exposure of more than a cumulative minute...lobotomy is recommended. Considering the density of the asteroid belt and the frequency of reported collisions, it may take up to six hours of unprotected exposure to produce lasting effects. I would not recommend an Away Team out there unprotected for more than five hours. Ship shielding and hull will protect us from exposure. I will develop a hypospray for anyone heading out in an Away Team via shuttle, teleport, etc. I also cannot guarantee the hull protectiveness of the former outpost without giving it a good scan first."

Toareth was done but then thought maybe she should have raised a hand or asked permission to approach the view screen. Regardless, her two cents, as the humans liked to say, was given. She quieted and started back toward her station.

The more he listened, the more Naltar heard that their power needs were going to likely be above the standard, especially if they encountered pirates. But in the meantime, a boost to sensors and shields would mean they'd be prepared defensively at least and give them more advanced warning should the need arise. "I'll be able to give a more exact number of how much additional power I'll have available later once my teams have completed their checks, however, I would recommend that operations bring the auxiliary power generators online so we have the additional power at will to feed our defensive systems should the need arise. We should presumably be able to maintain a power boost to the sensors to detect anything we may need to, including the black box, sooner, without interruption. I'll work with engineering and flight control to ensure they have their power needs met as closely as possible."

Kelly was still at the back, watching. She listened to each cadet's input. "As well, you will need to figure out how to handle things with diplomacy if we come across other beings," she said. She didn't bother to introduce herself yet-that would be later. "I'd suggest planning your Away Teams with that in mind, as well. Just because something is a "former" thing doesn't mean it's uninhabited," she said, sipping the coffee, poker-faced.

A smile had crept across Grace's face, the unknown Commander at the back of the bridge to the Cadets was right and they were best to heed her advice. "Can anyone quote that Starfleet Directive to me?" She asked pondering the room, after all this was a training ship, she had to teach them something.

The Cardassian stepped forward and spoke the first one that came to mind "Directive 010: "Before engaging alien species in battle, any and all attempts to make first contact and achieve nonmilitary resolution must be made." His father had certainly made him take the time to study regulations before his first time on board a Federation starship.

"I know I'm just a cadet," Ren said, "and I'm not an engineer, but I wouldn't recommend trying a transporter. A shuttle is a lot more efficient than a transporter in those types of situations. I'd love to go on an Away Mission, but you're going to need the best pilot on board here. And that's me. I suggest V'lal She is highly capable and can handle a shuttle if it comes to that."

"Going back to what Nal..." started Toareth before stopping and correcting herself, "Cadet Jerane has said, an attempt at First Contact and a non-military resolution must be made. These pirates are exactly that; pirates. It is a foregone conclusion that they know about the thelon radiation and the means to treat slash protect against its effects. It should, therefore, be also theorized that they have and completely control the flow of treatment, medication, what have you, thus cementing their hold over whatever population there is. A Starfleet vessel of this magnitude," she motioned about the Bridge, "just showing up will automatically be construed as a threat." Toareth had dealt with such people in her past. Those dealings never ended well for the men in charge. "In the interest of diplomacy, I think we need to have something they want before we even arrive."

Ren cut his eyes from the view screen to the doctor, then vigorously shook his head. "I'd say that being considered a threat is exactly what the intent of our showing up is supposed to be. And why should we even be discussing the idea of negotiating with these pirates?"

"Giving them something that they want is cr... a bad idea. What we should be offering them is a chance to survive and what we should be showing them is a show of force."

"I've had...some experience with pirates in my past," Toareth responded, "and they likely have innocent civilians working for them," she hated the word but, "slaves even. I think the captain would agree that these pirates may not hesitate to use innocent lives as shields, bargaining chips, as leverage."

"I'm not saying we shouldn't exercise some caution, but you don't negotiate with terrorists and that's what these pirates are. If you give in to their demands, they'll just keep doing what they're doing. It would just give them a greater license."

Toareth remained silent. Of course, she agreed. And that was how she worked in her past experiences; give them what they wanted, make nice with them, then poison them or otherwise cause a sickness. There were always perks to working as a medical professional; ways to undermine their trust. She, of course, would not vocalize that as an option. She bit her tongue and let the rest put in their opinions, put forth their views and options.

Hearing the back and forth, and what looked to be no moderation of the discussion, Naltar simply remained quiet and began to plan his team's next moves in his head. As operations, his job was to worry about power and what was available, not to debate what he considered to be personal opinion. The fact of the matter was that Starfleet regulations were very specific, and to him that meant if they had to bargain or trade to rescue the civilians then he would support Toareth's proposal. While he appreciated Ren's energy and focus on safety for the ship, he was concerned for those who would be going in without what seemed like any semblance of a plan to him other than showing up. While he agreed a shuttle was their best option, showing up empty-handed would likely get them blasted out of the sky if the pirates were anywhere near as froggy as they seemed to be.

One thing was clear to the Cardassian however if they all wanted to be Starfleet officers one day they were going to have to get comfortable with the fact that they were to never place the importance of their own lives over that of those that were noncombatants, ever. He was a little curious why he'd yet to hear any recommendations from the Chief Engineer or why Donto hadn't stepped in to start guiding things in the discussion forward, both things he'd note for future reference.

Noxi piped up. "I think that the regulations are clear, but I also understand that nuances matter. I can work with the team to arrange some kind of diplomatic plan," she said. "And then, if that's unsuccessful, we go in with phasers," she said. The young Bajoran-human hybrid was always tactful, and that included bringing in each of her classmates' concerns. "Also, I think that it's important to include a team member from each department. We all have strengths and weaknesses that can contribute to make the strongest impact possible.

"A general announcement to the crew will be held in Club Whisper at 1200 hours. Dismissed." Grace called out. "Mr. Donto, I'll see you first in my ready room." Grace walked towards the rear turbolift, the view screen powered down, Stardancer had the highest millage in the fleet but a refit could only last for so long before the ship's age showed.

Once the Captain gave the dismissal order, Naltar walked over to Toareth and gave a nod "Care to take part of the discussion for this somewhere else?" He wanted to chat with her further about his agreement and better understand her stance as well.

That depended on a few things. Personally, the better half of Toareth wanted to say 'No.' From a medical standpoint, she also wanted to say 'No.' Professionally, though, she felt there was an obligation to further detail her stance. Of course the captain's decision was always final but no decision was made yet. Thinking a bit long on Naltar's question, Toareth was calculating that, 2 to 1, a big hard 'No' was in order. But she could feel her heart rate going about 15 percent faster, a bit of barely noticeable sweat on her brow, and the nails of her right hand digging into her palm nearly drawing blood. She did not she could even form a fist that tight With all that, she decided to give Naltar and nod and a "Yes."

In response, he simply placed his hand on the woman's shoulder and motioned "Follow me then." A moment later they made their way from the bridge.

Noxi, for her part, crossed to the strange Lieutenant Commander who stood in the back of the Bridge area. She smiled. "Hello. I am Cadet Counselor Noxi Harrison," she said. "Thank you for your time working with us."

Kelly raised an eyebrow - this was the first time she'd been thanked for doing her job, outside of grateful defendants when she'd won, or something like that. Still, she nodded. "Lt. Commander Kelly Miller, JAG corps, and unofficial staff Executive Officer, until the actual one arrives," she said. "Good luck out there, Miss Harrison," she said.

Dave was quiet throughout the event, silently watching as the many interacted with each other, the more the people the more anxious he became, he was silent for it all watching with rapt attention but not interacting with anyone, he knew a few people here, his eyes drifted towards them every now and then, Ren who he was getting quite close, Mila the one he was helping with some stuff, and then there was also Noxi, the one that taught him to calm the nerves. Alas, even with all that he couldn't muster enough nerves to talk, he gave a salute to all and he went on his way.

 

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