A Few Good "Men"

The door to the Captain's ready room opened and Commander Riker entered.  Sitting at his desk was Captain Syntron who, to Riker's surprise, was not wearing his dress uniform yet.  Syntron was clearly very busy with a PADD he looked up and signaled for Commander Riker to sit down.  As Captain Syntron began to speak he handed the PADD to his first officer.

"I am sorry to pull you from the ceremony Commander but we are receiving new transfers and I need you to meet with them right away."

Believing the crew to be complete Commander Riker inquired?

"New transfers sir?  I was under the impression our crew was complete.  As a matter of fact the alpha roster was submitted to you earlier today."

Nodding the Captain continued.

"We are bringing in a propulsion specialist Lieutenant Riambori.  He will be assistant Chief Engineer and will be implementing a slipstream drive."

Thumbing through more data on the PADD Syntron handed the PADD to Commander Riker.

"The Phoenix is also going to be receiving a new Chief of Security.  The ship received communication about Lieutenant Commander Vincent's mother becoming ill.  The treatments are going to work and I am told she should be fine, but it is a lengthy process and in the meantime he has requested a transfer to be closer to home for her.  I understand that he is close to his mother and I saw no logical reason to deny his request."

"I understand Sir.  If you do not mind me asking this sounds pretty routine why pull me from the ceremony and not Master Chief Eddington?"

"You should keep reading the PADD Commander.  Our new chief of security is hardly a normal transfer."

Reading over the PADD further Commander Riker saw one word jump out at him.

"Borg?  Weapon?"

The look of confusion on Commander Riker's face told the whole story.

"Sir it says here that Lieutenant Argyle has been genetically and technologically modified?  I thought genetic modification was illegal?"

"It is Commander.  The Federation has been faced with a lot of war over the last thirty years and some sections inside felt the need to make super soldiers.  Using borg technology and genetic engineering soldiers like Lieutenant Riambori were created.  If it were not unethical it would be quite fascinating."

Understanding the situation Riker just nodded.

"I take it after the fall of section 31 there was no more room for secret super soldiers?"

"Most of them were, for lack of a better word, cured and their implants removed.  However a few, like Lieutenant Riambori, showed remarkable integration abilities.  They used their new found skills and implant to quickly excel at all levels of security, tactics, and combat."

"Without the senseless bloodlust I take it.?"

"Precisely Commander.  So with minimal resistance from Starfleet command those few officers were integrated into the fleet.  Hopefully his integration here will be just as smooth.  Now I am expecting them to transfer over in a few moments if you will meet them and escort them to their quarters I can continue preparing for the ceremony."

"Aye Captain"

Commander Riker stood and with PADD still in hand exited the ready room heading for the shuttle bay.

* * * * *

Entering the shuttle bay Commander Riker saw two crewman completing post shuttle landing protocols.  Walking to the back of the shuttle as it opened the door the first figure to walk down the ramp was a medium height blue skinned alien with dark spots.  Nodding to the Commander this alien male stood beside him as a second larger man emerged.  Having spent most of his life being taller then everyone around him Commander Riker was taken aback slightly by the larger human standing before him.  Built more like a Klingon then male Riker could not help but notice the very large borg like implants on his face and hands.

Breathing deeply and trying his best to hide the uncomfortable nature the meeting Commander Riker spoke up.

"Welcome gentlemen I am Commander Joshua Riker first officer of the USS Phoenix.  I appreciate your willingness to transfer here on such short notice.  Please if you will follow me I will escort you to your quarters and allow to get acclimated."

Asking the first question Lieutenant Riambori spoke.

"Commander Riker I am to understand there is the commissioning ceremony happening today will our attendance be expected at that event?"

Before Riker could speak Lieutenant Argyle interjected.  Gesturing to the large implants on his face.

"Perhaps it is best for me to wait sir.  The crew might to best to first see me in a less formal setting."

Nodding in slight agreement Riker continued.

"Actually Lieutenant Riambori only the senior staff is required to attend."

Glancing over to Lieutenant Argyle.

"In your case Lieutenant I believe you are correct.  Perhaps you should take some time to get acclimated before meeting anyone who might be... um... unucustomed to working with an android."

"Actually sir, an android is a fully functional synthetic lifeform.  I am very much human just with some implants.  I am technically a cyborg if you have to describe me to anyone."

"Of course Lieutenant.  I meant no offense"

Nodding to each other the two young Lieutenants grabbed their bags and followed the Commander from the shuttlebay.