1st Bridge Officers Meeting USS Phoenix (part 2)

Hera nodded and started to access her PADD pausing as commander Riker interjected.

"Actually Doctor I have to mobile emitter case for Doctor Gray.  It is about the size of a small dufflebag.  Commander Barclay developed it using the same internal network system perfected to keep the Moriarty program running after all these years."

As Elliago looked at Riker surprised Riker continued.

"Well I mean Doctor Gray is the most advanced holographic coded matrix Starfleet has ever seen did you think he just hopped on a shuttle with me?  If we need to evacuate the ship or crew for any reason then the Doctor Gray code can be transferred and taken.  However if we are to evacuate I hope it is a choice that is made sooner then later the complex coding that is Doctor Gray can't exactly be transferred in a few moments.  The mobile emitter we have for him can only store him for short bursts of time such as away missions it is not intended to be a long solution."

Riker Looked at the Captain and then back to Doctor Elliago.     

"I have known Doctor Gray for a long time however, and I can tell you that he will not let anyone stay behind or put themselves at risk for him unless they had damn good reason."

Nodding to Doctor Elliago Riker gestured for him to continue his thoughts.

The Deltan smiled and nodded.

"Well I wanted to make sure about that; glad this part is covered. But the question now remains; how this nanite enhancement might possibly affect him?"

Hera idly tapped on her PADD wondering if there wasn't a better way to work things or at least simpler for emergencies examining the shuttle computer specs and the surrounding shuttlebay networks.

Looking at both of these officers bridge officers, Riker and the doctor, the captain noted his thoughts on the situation.

"It would seem that the two of you need to coordinate a method that will coincide with the increasing phases of this nanite implementation to ensure that no irreparable damage comes to the holographic doctor. In fact, it seems inevitable that each department would be affected to varying degrees by this procedure, and therefore, each of your teams will need to design a fail-safe course of action to execute before this process would commence."

Then looking back at the enthralled trill, the captain added "These procedures would need to be verified by Lieutenant Decatur as well to ensure that they will not have a negative impact on her testing parameters and thus her results. However Lieutenant, this may also translate to implementing additional stages within in each of your phases to allow these safety factors to be confirmed before moving on to the next phase of implementation to ensure the overall security and safety of the ship and crew."

Syntron could see the subtle look of frustration hidden carefully behind Decatur's expression.

The Captain then added "Through thorough preparation and careful implementation Lieutenant, lies the cornerstone of eventual success. We must not neglect any possibilities of errors or malfunctions in our haste to bring these potential improvements into fruition."      

“Of course, captain,” Stephanie said absorbing all of the information being exchanged while trying to control the emotions running through her. “The Doctor of course would have the same gains in data processing speed as the rest of the ship while tied into the ships data network. As he’s sentient, I would certainly implore you to make all the data regarding the project available to him before we proceed.” She, perhaps better than most, the comparison she was about to make, “Since he would be directly affected, he should have the information and the opportunity to raise any objections before giving his consent. It would be like a doctor operating on a patient without informing them.”

"That is an excellent suggestion, Lieutenant, " Elliago said, "especially that, if I simplify everything you're saying, the answer is that you don't really know."

He didn' t need his empathic abilities to sense her frustration and anger each time someone brought a concern or an objection to her grand design. He spewed out soothing pheromones to help her calm down and gather her wits long enough to step down from her lofty pedestal. She had to learn to work with others to perfect her ideas and work with other concerns than her own; else she would not last a week aboard a starship, let alone survive a crisis.

"As for working on it... well, I'm a doctor, not a nanocyberneticist. This is a job for you and Lieutenant Hera's department along with that of Chief Engineer Rogers, possibly also Doctor Gray as you so correctly propose it. I can only express concern and caution when a lifeform's well being might be affected on board. I would state the same concern if the captain here proposed to raise ship temperature to Vulcan standards. "

She paused and addressed his other concern, the frustration coming through in her voice this time, though only slightly. “I’d be more than happy to work with each of you to find a way to implement this project in a way that makes you all feel safe.”On one side she felt that she shouldn’t have to coddle these officers; on the other hand though, she felt that with the limited amount of time to go over her data, they were making all the obvious objections. Every one of them was addressed in detail in her reports and planning. Give them patience; she reminded herself, they aren’t the ones that worked on this for almost a year.

She seemed to struggle with herself for more than a moment before apparently deciding to speak her mind, or perhaps losing the battle to hold her tongue: “And Captain, I’ve been on this project for ten months and three weeks. If you and your officers would like time to go over my reports in more detail, I’ve covered every conceivable angle that my team could come up with in that time.”

Elliago was now starting to loose patience with it all.

"Doctor Richard Daystrom worked twenty years to conceive the M5 unit. He also claimed that he had covered every angle too... The result was two crippled starships, a destroyed one and nearly a thousand deaths. I'm not saying you are down the same path... but as a technical scientist, you of all people should be aware that a mistake can  happen, unpredicted variables can appear and the best laid plans of mice and men... "

He stopped himself, took a breath and smiled gently again.

"Don't try so hard to prove yourself right; just prove us wrong... but never dismiss us and the possibility that this universe can surprise you... and not always with a present. It's not your reputation or your ego that are at stake here; it might be all of our lives... if not more."

She looked at the Doctor and blushed again, “I’m well aware of the dangers of modifying a ships network, sir. And I wasn’t dismissing your objections; I was merely trying to explain that these same issues have been brought up dozens of times.”

"And they will be brought up again, as you can see, which is the very purpose of such meetings as this one, until the complete testing work is done... with all proper care. And that is why you are here, Lieutenant, no? " Elliago said with a concerned yet friendly tone.

 David continued listening to the your officer's counters to the various objections being introduced into the briefing. He also wondered if the Trill was conjoined or not, as he had not read her records, but that was obviously beside the point. His concern now was with the ship's systems, and as the arguments and counter-arguments flowed between the security, medical and science officer's, David sat back to await developments regarding his systems. Lieutenant Decatur's assurances regarding her fail safes obviously put a new light on the argument.

 Once the data flow initiated by the young Trill entered his PADD, David read through the synopsis, getting the gist of the programming, before continuing into the expansive details provided. He kept an ear tuned on the doctor's concerns toward the EMH, and thought that, like any sentient person might, this living hologram might not want to have any thing to do with a reprogramming of his personality or routine's. 'I know I wouldn't want any one, or any thing, messing with my brain,' David thought objectively.

 However, as David continued reading through the safeties hard wired into the nanite technology, he could see non obvious nor undesired threats to the systems. Grudgingly, David came to realize that, although there would be a severe level of monitoring required if this tech were introduced, the potential for damage or even a change to these nanites had been carefully guarded against. After his brief, but thorough, read through the PADD data, David voiced his collaborative assent.

"Captain. On preliminary reading of Lieutenant Decatur's notes here, I can see that every conceivable contingency has been looked into. While I can agree with the doctor on his concerns toward the unforseen aspect of any new design program, I cannot voice any obvious concerns regarding the implementation of this design. Of course, the final decision is yours Sir, but I can see in these notes that the Lieutenants need for a full install is imperative for the design to have any benefit to the ship."

 Pausing slightly to set down his PADD, David then looked toward Doctor Nasaro-Myth.

"Doctor, if I may suggest, I would encourage Doctor Gray keep himself isolated from this tech while it is being implemented. Call it a vacation if you like, but I can agree with your concerns of any potential modification in his programs ... no, his brain if you will. No one here would want any manipulation of our own personalities or brains. And I suspect that although this technology is only designed for an upgrade in speed transfer, if you forgive the simplification Lieutenant," David glanced at the young Trill officer, "isolation from this would be my recommendation to Doctor Gray."

" Thank you, Commander, " said Elliago with a nod of his bald head. " He will certainly appreciate your sollicitiousness. But that means that he will have to work, like any of us, with medical tricorder in hand... might even feel nostalgic to the brave doctor. "

 Checking the chronometer on his PADD, David turned his attention back to Lieutenant Decatur, continuing along his previous tract.

"Lieutenant, I will have Ensign MacGyver and Lieutenant Nyambi available for you in about six hours. Should Captain Syntron give this a go, you will have full cooperation from them and the engineering staff to get this installed." Gesturing toward his PADD in front of him, David continued. "In the mean time, I will be able to go over your data in depth and will contact you if I run across any further concerns or questions."

By the time David had begun to speak Stephanie felt like she was talking to a wall, and worse yet, that the wall was attacking her despite her best efforts to be thurough. She was frustrated more with herself than with anyone else. Why couldn’t I get across that the system won’t affect the doctor? Why couldn’t I explain that it’s not that I don’t know but the fact that I respect sentience that I wanted the doctor to be able to read my data. And damn him for trying that sick deltan trick on me. Her last thought was as she detected the pheromones he was putting off, she fought the reaction What gives him the right to impose that kind of treatment without consent. That’s no different than if I willfully withheld this any information from his precious EMH. She tought with a scowl in the Doctors direction. She’d been pranked by some deltans at the academy using the pheromones they put off and resented them for it. She didn’t mean to place the resentment on the Deltan present at the table, but it wasn’t something she was good at controlling; she wasn’t Vulcan after all, and was still susceptible to emotions.

Lieutenant Decatur was so flustered and felt so overwhelmed with by what she perceived as ignorant attacks since the staff in the meeting seemed to not have read much of anything that she had given them access to to understand that the nanites were completely incapable of modifying or reprograming anything that she didn’t trust herself to speak.

When Stephanie heard the engineer speak again she gave him a look of gratitude. At least someone can look at the data before attacking me.  At least it will give the rest of them time to go over the data. She thought a little bitterly.

Stephanie sat in silence, trying desperately to control her breathing to calm herself down. At the same time she was still very frustrated with everything, especially the attempts at what she saw as unseen manipulation from the Deltan doctor.

Hera looked up from skimming the information and gave Stephanie a smile.  

"This really does look like some excellent work Lieutenant.  I'm sure everyone is excited to take on the challenges it presents.  Plato said 'The beginning is the most important part of the work.'  this looks to be an ambitious and sound start."

Despite her unease with the nanites there was real enthusiasm in her voice.  Doing new things never before tried was one of the reasons she joined after all.

After a rather intense discussion among all of the officers, the briefing room suddenly became rather quiet.

Captain Syntron looked around briefly before adding a response.

"Are there anymore comments or questions before a decision is rendered regarding the potential implementation of Lieutenant Decatur's nanite proposal?"

Stephanie looked down at her PADD on the table in front of her, seemingly unwilling to allow herself to speak. She’d already been misunderstood more than once in the meeting and wished she hadn’t involved herself in the meeting. She felt like all she’d really managed to do was make a fool of herself, upset the Deltan doctor, the chief of security, and quite possibly the first officer too. She wondered what chance she had of convincing even a Vulcan captain to go against the recommendation of three of his senior officers.

She merely blinked when the captain spoke, not trusting herself to not foul the meeting up worse than it was. She wished she could disappear into nothingness at that moment; though outwardly she’d simply appear to be in contemplation as she stared at her PADD.

 David glanced up from the information contained in his PADD as the Captain asked for more comments. As he had already stated his agreement toward full implementation, he saw no reason to add further. Especially since he had yet to complete a more in depth study of Lieutenant Decatur's information. AS he caught Syntron's eye, David merely shook his head in the negative and then glanced at the other occupants to see if they would have more to contribute, or question.

Hera looked at the other more senior officers for a moment before deciding to speak up.  She wasnt too up to speed on the formality but she hoped that it wouldnt get her in trouble.

"Captain, on a personal level I feel this is a sword..and swords can do many helpful things.  Professionally there is a huge benefit in participating in this test.  It is logical for the Lady Phoenix shouldn't try out some new spectacles."

"Agreed, " said Elliago. "This is a science ship; we of all crews are here to do science, which means hypothesising, creating, experimenting, testing, evaluating and adding to our global knowledge and understanding to be able to go further toward wisdom. I was expressing caution, not objections. That is the purpose of meetings such as this one; to have many heads ponder the question on as many angles as possible and thus help each other best find the answer. Or rather, diminish our ignorance and bring up more questions to ponder, which is all true science can do. Lieutenant Decatur's project is risky of course; that is what makes it exciting. But it is also important; that is what makes it valuable. I' for one will be eagerly waiting for the results. "

As the Elliago finished expressing his final thoughts on this issue, Syntron took a moment and looked carefully at each individual sitting around the briefing table. The doctor had summarized the intent and value of this presentation and the ensuing discussion rather succinctly. The captain then segued these last statements in to an anecdote.

"Back 142 years ago, while commanding the starship Enterprise, Captain James T Kirk and his crew came upon the planet Arret whose surface was obliterated by successions of war. To their astonishment, the crew of the Enterprise discovered Sargon, a survivor composed of energy without substance or matter and without form housed in a glowing spheroid shell for more than half a million years 112.37 miles beneath the surface. According to Kirk's log entries, they too faced rather difficult choices throughout their encounter with these beings. He also pointed out in his discussions with his bridge crew that the possibilities and the potential for knowledge and advancement was equally as great as the risk that they were contemplating. He emphasized that risk was their business and an integral factor of being aboard a starship."

He paused for a moment.

"I would add to this premise that risk however, must be tempered with logical precautions."

Then focusing his attention on the petite trill scientist sitting rather nervously nearby, Syntron continued with his assessment of the proposal.

"Lieutenant Decatur has presented to us a rather intriguing proposition." the captain proclaimed as he gestured to the trill and the PADD grasped within her small hands.

"Are there inherent risks in implementing these nanites into key systems throughout the ship? Yes... In addition to the ones pointed out by each of you, there always exists the possibility that there are also unknown factors that could arise unexpectantly... as the doctor was conveying. However, Lieutenant Decatur has diligently anticipated the foreseeable ones and has developed a plan to prevent similar catastrophes from occurring. It is therefore my intention to approve her plan aboard this ship, but with a few modifications."

Captain Syntron then referred to the PADD that he had been taking notes on throughout this meeting.

"First, once stage two of Lieutenant Decatur's plan to install the nanites is ready to proceed, I want representatives from engineering and science present to oversee the process, along with her team. You can begin by following Commander Roger's recommendation of isolating the secondary computer and linking it to the sensors. Once this is ready, then introduce the nanites into the system and run them through a series of rigorous tests to see how they adapt and comply to specific orders and shifting circumstances. This aspect is purely a security test. We are not concerned with any improvements, but rather compliance. Once all team members are satisfied with the results, then we can proceed onward."

He then moved the display screen on his PADD to his next section of notes.  

"Next is stage-two part-two in which installation is expanded to include other systems: one at a time. This is the phase in which your teams will be physically injecting nanites into the circuitry by means of the access points that run parallel to the EPS relay system at every junction. Continuous monitoring and testing is expected, as is a full report on each step of this process from each department."

Then looking up and around at the bridge crew and their guest, the captain continued.

"If all goes accordingly, this will lead to stage three, which will be full activation and testing positioning of the nanites within the ships network; including  tactical, security, engineering and science. Lieutenant Decatur along with Ensin Hera will be accessing this from the bridge’s science station, while the remainder of you do the same from your respective consoles and stations. You then can coordinate this procedure as you begin to access and finalize the positioning of the nanites within the network for optimal data-flow. However, command and shutdown codes will be issued to department heads, Commander Riker and myself before this is all set to commence... as an additional precaution."

The captain then turned to address his chief medical officer.

"Doctor Nasaro-Myth, your priority will be in regards to Doctor Gray. Since he is a sentient holographic Starfleet officer, perhaps you could use your PADD and the data shared with you here to show him all aspects and phases of this implementation process.  He then could make the decision to be isolated from this tech while it is being implemented, as Commander Rogers suggested, or choose to what degree and point he may want to be involved in this procedure. The decision will be his, but it will be your responsibility to ensure that he is kept safe regardless of his decision."

Looking around again, Syntron proceeded with his orders.

"Once this is all in place and confirmed,  Lieutenant Decatur will give the signal to finalize and activate the nanite programming while she begins setting them up to connect with each other. She estimates the duration of the fine-tuning and self-diagnostic stage to be approximately 30 minutes. However, be prepared if the actual time required exceeds this estimate.”

This then led to the last phase of this process, and perhaps an unexpected twist.

"Stage four is the final phase of this experiment that we are to complete during our shakedown cruise following our launch: the actual full testing of the nanites occurring here on the ship while Lieutenant Decatur monitors the results from her lab back on the station."

The captain then looked intently at the diminutive scientist as he stated stoically "I cannot recommend this phase at it has been presented Lieutenant."

The room suddenly became eerily silent, except for an almost imperceivable gasp. After a brief time the Vulcan CO continued.

"Are you telling me Lieutenant that the most advantageous location for you to be monitoring the outcome during this final phase of this project you have worked on tirelessly is remotely from a starbase lab?" he questioned rhetorically.

"That decision Lieutenant, I dare say, is rather... illogical."

Before any rebuttals or protest could be made, the captain clarified his point and thus his intent.

"Your place Lieutenant, is here on this ship; monitoring and working through all of these tests with us. Making refinements, adjusting calibrations, checking results... doing what it is that you have worked diligently toward throughout this process, and then seeing the results first-hand... not just through data in reports sent to a lab on the starbase."

The captain then concluded.

"I am certain that Fleet Captain Samji will concur with the logic of this recommendation Lieutenant; that is once I speak to him. But first, what are your thoughts to the proposed change in the final phase of your project?"

Stephanie couldn't believe what she was hearing. First the doctor was recommending they go forward with the project, then the captain was explaining that they would go forward. Even if it was at a more cautious pace, progress would be made. She started there, staring at the captain almost dumbfounded until he mentioned his version of the final phase of the project aboard the Phoenix. When he explained that he wanted her aboard for the shakedown cruise her eyes  widened into the classic 'deer in the headlights' look.

Oh no. She thought, I can't tell him....but if I don't...but he just said during the shakedown...after that I would go back to the station...but what if it happens again... I'm not Stephen, There is no way I would survive like he did...but it's just a  shakedown... it's not like the deep space mission that Stephen was on when it happened...but what if they make it permanent...why would they do that...it's not in my personnel file...I couldn't bear the embarrassment if I had to tell everyone like this...no...I can't say anything about it.

"Uh...of course C..Captain..." she stuttered after only a few seconds of pause. "I would request some of my team join us on the shakedown..."she added as she started to formulate what she would need to do her work here for a few weeks during the installation and testing. "And  one of the labs dedicated to my team during testing and analysis."

She was visibly shivering, though to the others in the room it would seem to be a combination of shock, nervous energy and excitement about her project; she hoped none of them would realize that she was literally terrified of being  stationed aboard a starship in deep space...terrified of being stranded again.

"With permission, Captain..." she said as she shakily  rose, obviously wanting to be dismissed. She had to meditate or she was going to have a nervous breakdown. She couldn't bear another lifetime marooned...and Stephens return was sheer luck...she knew that she wasn't strong enough to survive like he had. That was part of why she choose her degree at the academy...she could serve without the likelihood of ever serving on a starship. Until now, there was no reason to have a Nanotechnologist nor cyberneticist aboard a ship. Part of her regretted doing so well at her work in that instant. She was so worried she felt a little ill.

Syntron could see the nervousness in the trill increase even before she stood up. She was clearly eager to be dismissed.

The Vulcan captain attempted first to put her at ease.

"By all means Lieutenant, a lab will be made available at your disposal. You can coordinate the details of this arrangement with Ensign Hera. You can confirm the team members you require through Commander Riker. After he forwards the list to me, I will see that these requests are approved by the Fleet Captain."

Then gazing at her rather frail frame slightly shaking Syntron stated calmly "You are dismissed Lieutenant Decatur."  

Stephanie barely acknowledged him as she felt herself waver. When she heard the word dismissed she walked out of the room as calmly as she could, greeted again by her escorts. She heard the door slide close behind her before she took a few quick steps and leaned against the bulkhead breathing heavily.

“Are you all right, Lieutenant?” One of her escorts asked ready to tap his communicator for a physician.

“I’m fine, crewman.” She said a little too loudly in response. She closed her eyes and took several deep breaths to calm her heart down before she stood up.

“I’m sorry, I’m fine.” She said, “I believe I’ll be heading back to the transporter room for now.” She said, leading the way toward them. She was going to head to her quarters on the station to meditate for a few minutes before heading back to her lab on the starbase to help T’mur with the nanites.

After Lieutenant Decatur's tenuous departure, the captain turned to his chief medical officer.

"Redirecting our attention back to our department reports, Doctor Nasaro-Myth, could you share with us the current status of our medical department; including the medical exams of personnel?"

The Deltan sat very relaxed in his chair, as if he had been doing this his whole life. And indeed, it almost was the case. Born and raised on a Galaxy class starship where his genetic mother commanded and his genetic father was the chief engineer, he was the textbook example of a Starfleet brat. Starfleet was life itself to him. He was seven years old when he saw Delta IV for the first time and had been on fifteen other worlds before that; starship life was therefore more natural to him than for the vast majority of people serving aboard vessels and stations. He had witnessed briefing sessions like this since he had been a toddler and started participating in them as a teen. No wonder he had been chosen as the Sovereign class USS Sapentia's chief medical officer when he had barely graduated from the Academy as a Lieutenant Junior Grade. As Humans said, "he knew all about that stuff."

"Sickbay is ready, Captain. We have at our disposal the most advanced medical facility ever conceived short of Starfleet medical itself, only matched by that on the flagship Horizon out there... Theirs is much larger, yes, but not better. We even have quite an edge with our EMH being an actual Starfleet officer, a genuine photonic lifeform and not a mere photonic system. Commander Riker's availability of a mobile emitter also makes it the only one of two such known lifeforms able to exist outside the confines of a hologrid... which on this ship extend even into the jefferies tubes, by the way. If Commander Rogers and you will agree to link Doctor Gray's holomatrix to the life support system, this will provide the Phoenix with constant medical resources even in case of catastrophic shipwide failure, as we all know that life support on a starship is hardwired as the very last system that can go offline, bar any condition. And of course, the other edge you have with your medical staff on board is the availability of the largest complement of Deltans on any starship."

This he said with a smile and a wink. Then he became more serious despite still keeping his friendly tone and manner.

"The only issue left is the tardiness of the senior staff in reporting for their mandatory medical exam and get certified fit for duty on this ship. As things stand for now; aside from Commander Riker, you and me, all here will be left on the docks when we launch."

The Vulcan acknowledged the words of the Deltan CMO.

"Thank you for your informative assessment Doctor."

The captain then turned his attention back to his chief engineer.

"Commander Rogers before we depart, see to it that the link of Doctor Gray's holomatrix to the life support system has been established and is functioning at optimal capacity. You can coordinate this between your engineering team and a medicinal team of Doctor Nasaro-Myth's choosing."

Syntron then added sternly "First though, you and all other bridge officers and members of your department need to make your mandatory medical exams your immediate priority if this has not been attended to. Our CMO and his team are skilled and efficient in completing this requirement expeditiously. I want a report from the CMO confirming that these exams have been completed by all senior staff within the next 2 hours, and all remaining crew members before 1700 hours tomorrow. From this moment forward, any newly arriving crew members will immediately report to sickbay, once they have been cleared by security."

The captain then leaned back a bit before he concluded.

"We all have our assigned tasks before us and a limited amount of time to complete these to the greatest capacity possible. However, in recognition of the upcoming event tomorrow, each of you has been granted a two-hour time allotment to attend the official USS Horizon ceremony on the Lotus Starbase. Coordinate the prospect of participation with your department teams to ensure that all coverage is maintain throughout any changes in the duty schedule. Attendance is not a requirement by any means, but rather an opportunity for those that wish to participate. Commander Riker, see to it the this schedule is mapped out and confirmed before the start of the next shift."

Then looking around the captain announced "You are all dismissed."

When all officers left the room, Syntron realized that one officer had remained on his chair.

It was the doctor.

"A word with you if you please, Captain Sir."

Syntron focused his attention to the Deltan doctor still sitting in the same spot.

"Affirmative Doctor Nasaro-Myth. Proceed when you are ready."  

"Sir, you are certainly aware that I served under three captains already... not counting my own mother who I watched for almost two decades at work. This is your first command and you have been a captain for what, a few weeks now? So I would like to give you a little piece of advice, if you don't mind. Doctor's privilege as you know... "

He said the last with a friendly smile but then, he became methodical and professional, like a Vulcan would prefer.

"I observed how you reacted to Lieutenant Decatur's proposal. You listened properly, you let your officers discuss freely the problem before you, reflecting wisely  on their own expressed thoughts to better estimate the situation... and then, you did an excellent step by step lay out of her entire job, and that of anyone involved with it, down to the smallest detail. In this particular instance, this is the perfect texbook example of what is called an excellent chief science officer... and of a poor starship commander. "

He waited to see if Syntron would deduce by himself where he was getting at.

With a bit of a raised eyebrow, the Vulcan leaned back and considered the assessment of his chief medical officer. This was was not what he had anticipated from the Deltan.

After a few moments Syntron responded.

"There is a rather fine line that exists between establishing and confirming specifically expected protocols in regards to safely implementing defined procedures in a unique situation such as this... and micromanaging my senior staff."

Gazing at his chief medical officer, he then noted stoically "I also realize Doctor that it is my responsibility to be cognizant of when I have crossed such a line."

Leaning forward as he reflected on this thought, he added "Perhaps it was the nature of this endeavor that triggered the science officer experience and aptitude in me over my command responsibility in delegating these tasks accordingly. Yet I may have also been striving toward resolving this proposal logically and with brevity given our limitation of time until our scheduled launch. Either way Doctor, in all probability, this will unfortunately be one of many transitions that I will need to adjust to as I work my way in this position assigned to me as the commanding officer of this vessel."

Elliago smiled.

"I knew you would get it. Captain, remember that your people know their jobs. They are the ones to give you all the options and protocols and possibilities and consequences; their job is to give you the who, what, where, when, and how. Your job is too demand it of them, listen to them and then choose and decide... and assume the responsibility for you and  them. In short, Sir,  it is not your job anymore to go into the kitchen and prepare the meal, set the table and serve the dishes; your job is only too decide what we should eat on the menu they bring you... and when."

He stood up, showing that he had said all he had wanted to say.

"This is what will be the hardest thing for you to do in this new role of yours. Trusting others fully to find and do what must be done... just as everyone else aboard will have to trust you to make the right decision. And beleive me, I've been there once and I know how hard this is. But you can do it... and we are all here to make sure that you can, Captain Sir. "

Syntron nodded slightly to the Deltan as a gesture of respect.

"I believe Thank You is the appropriate expression. Your advice and words of confidence are appreciated Doctor. It is... reassuring having a familiar person by my side during this transition... and beyond; especially with your unique aptitude."

The Captain then stood up as well as he concluded.

"We have certainly overcome, to a great extent, more lethal circumstances. Perhaps this experience will be less perilous than those that we have endured in the past."    

"Hope for the best... not very Vulcan, eh? " Elliago commented with a smile. "But rest assured we will be ready for the worst, Sir. I will be in sickbay if you need me. Oh, and there is a commissionning ceremony for our former captain's new command. Guess we'll see each other there. "

And with that, the Deltan left the briefing room.

Syntron reached down and picked up his command PADD. He still had obligations to attend to before the upcoming ceremony.

He exited the briefing room and then entered into his Ready Room. He worked steadily and uninterrupted for the next 4.35 hours. After shutting down his terminal, the commanding officer exited the room and stepped into the nearby turbolift and descended one deck.

As he arrived into his Captain's quarters, Syntron walked over and placed the PADD onto the top of the desk and then reached over to open up the case to the Terran violin. He then proceeded to run through several scales as he fine-tuned the instrument.

Afterward, he ran through a series of classical pieces that he had perused while on the starbase and had already memorized them. This added new selections to his growing repertoire on this instrument.

One hour and twenty-five minutes later, he set the instrument back into its case and then proceeded to sit down onto a padded chair. He closed his eyes and within minutes, meditated right into a rather deep sleep.