Careful What You Wish For

Posted on Sat Oct 21st, 2023 @ 2:41pm by Cadet Senior Grade René Rouen & Cadet Senior Grade Riaothren(Ren) ch'Shaorhs

1,430 words; about a 7 minute read

Mission: 1 - Cruising through the galaxy
Location: Bridge
Timeline: TBD

René was one hour into an in port watch and already bored. He looked at the deactivated main viewer with a sigh. Wouldn't have been much to see any way he thought, just the inside of a docking bay inside Spacedock aka Starbase One. He glanced over to the only person who could be more bored than himself. "How are you doing over there Cadet ch'Shaorhs?"

"I am bored out of my ever loving mind. I don't remember doing anything, or at least getting caught doing anything that would get me a punishment detail. But that's what this feels like. Did you do anything?"

René shook his head. He accessed the library database and activated the main viewer with the in port watch requirements for bridge duty.

Bridge watchbill (in port) requirements: One flight controller, one operations specialist, and one tactical systems operator shall be on bridge watch to facilitate ship operations should an emergency situation occur that requires moving the ship away from berth.

René gestured to the regulation now on the main viewer. "That is the why, not that it doesn’t mean we are still not going to be bored as heck."

"As long as we are stuck here, facing no danger whatsoever, we might as well kill the time somehow. Tell me more about yourself."

René took a moment to think. "Well, I was born in Paris, France on Earth. I enjoy fencing and am quite good actually. I love riding motorcycles through the countryside. I am actually a rather good chef of French cuisine, my mother made sure of that. She also inspired me to take up music, mostly guitar. My family owns a chateau in Rouen, France that has an attached vineyard and winery. I like sports such as football, real football, and not what the mid-North Americans call football. I am pretty good in gymnastics and parkour, which comes in handy getting across campus when I am running late for class. My biggest weakness is probably my impulsiveness or the smile of a beautiful woman."

This brought a knowing smile to the Andorian's lips.

René queried his shipmate. "Your turn. What are your interests?"

"I've done some parkour and have liked it, but not a sport I focus much on. I'd rather be doing something like free climbing when it comes to more active things, and I enjoy Shan-dru-shann, it's an Andorian martial arts. Have you heard of it?"

René nodded. "I have heard of it. Though outside of Starfleet Combatives, my unarmed Combative studies have been in savate. It is a French kickboxing style."

"I have hear of it as well, and that does make sense, you're being French and all.

I enjoy strategy games too. But I guess my biggest avocation, is my art. I don't know how good I am, but I enjoy it.

"And, we share a similar weakness, as far as a beautiful face. But we won't be competing for the same women as I'm interested in guys."

René gave a hearty chuckle. "Well, that is good to know." He glanced at his panel as the fire control and targeting system diagnostic finished. "Well damn."

Ren sat up a little straighter, his right antennae tilting forward, then back. "Damn what?" he asked.

"Diagnostic shows a point two seven percent discrepancy in the targeting system. Problem is it's not telling me if the problem is the weapons console or the phaser banks themselves. I am going to have to shut down all the offensive systems and perform independent systems checks on each and every phaser bank, fire control system, and torpedo system."

"I like that you're taking the initiative, I'm pretty sure Franklin would have just passed the buck and waited for someone in the next shift to handle it. Anything I can do to help?"

René gave a sigh as he shook his head. "I appreciate the offer, but I am going to have to have the entire tactical staff begin running maintenance checks and adjustments." He began sending out a mass text message to the tactical staff on watch and gave them instructions to take the systems offline and inspect the hardware and software. "Besides, first I have to identify the specific problem and then fix it."

"You're right, I probably wouldn't be much help then. How serious do you think it is?"

René shrugged. "Won't know until we are able to identify the problem and figure out the best way to fix it." He knelt down and opened the repair hatch on the tactical console. He pulled a diagnostic handheld sensor and began checking the parts for the tactical console.

Ren let the other cadet work, while he kept an eye on the helm.

"Did you always know you wanted to be an engineer?"

René looked over his shoulder. "I am in the security and tactical track, not engineering. Though I have training in preventive maintenance checks and services on those systems I am responsible for operating."

"Ah, my mistake. I should have known. I'll rephrase. Have you always known you wanted to be a security or tactical officer?"

René’s expression took on a wistful smile. "I was 12 I think. I had just finished reading The Three Musketeers by Alexandre Dumas. Having been taking fencing lessons for four years already probably had something to do with it too."

"I have heard of that book, but haven't read it. Tell me more about it."

René glanced at Ren sitting at the helm. "The hot-headed young D'Artagnan along with three former legendary but now down-on-their-luck Musketeers must unite and defeat a beautiful double agent and her villainous employer from seizing the French throne and engulfing Europe in war."

"That sounds like an amazing story. I will have to check it out. I am assuming you're favorite was D'Artagnan. Am I right?"

René nodded as a big smile crossed his face. "Oui. D'Artagnan is my favorite. He is the main protagonist of the story." He looked at the diagnostic tool in his hand and closed the maintenance panel. He got to his feet and sighed. "Problem isn't with the console. It may be a glitch in the Optical Data Network."

Ren kept an eye on the viewscreen and the helms console in front of him. Well, the good thing is, we should have smooth sailing, I believe is the pin...human term." I'm sure you've written a few holodeck programs for the Musketeers. Right?"

René nodded as he gave a hearty laugh. He had indeed acquired numerous holo programs for The Three Musketeers. "You would be correct mon ami."

"That actually sounds quite interesting. Would I be too forward in asking to participate in one of them sometime?"

René pondered the question for a moment before nodding. "Of course. It would be my honor and privilege to have you accompany me on a holodeck adventure. If you know someone else who is into swashbuckling adventure, you should invite them too."

"Dave might be he's my boyfriend. Such a quaint Terran term, but it seems to fit. I appreciate the offer. What Musketeer do you think best fits me?"

René looked at Ren for a moment. "Well, that depends on your personality. I would recommend reading the book and find out which of the characters you identify most with."

"I will read the book. That makes sense and will help get me into character, but if it helps, I'm a bit of a risk-taker and because I'm very, very good at what I do, some people consider me cocky."

Rene let loose with a hearty laugh that lasted a full ten seconds. It was probably another ten seconds before he could find it within himself to respond without giggling. "Well. D'Artagnan is probably the one you would most identify with. However, if you can find it, there's a theatrical production...I believe they called them motion pictures in the 20th century. An actor by the name of Oliver Platt portrayed Porthos."

"I see," Ren said, "I will definitely consider him. Perhaps I will see if I can find a copy of that movie. You don't by chance have it do you?"

"You had your personal PADD handy." René took out his PADD and brought up his movie list.

"Of course," the Andorian answered He reached into the pocket of his jacket and handed it over to the other cadet.


René tapped his PADD to Ren's. "Now you have it. Along with other swashbuckling adventure movies."

"Very cool. I'll start watching these right after I get off shift."

 

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