Chapter Seven: Setting Sails Among the Stars

 Chapter Seven: Setting Sails Among the Stars

Captain's Log

Stardate  87586.986

 

With merely six hours remaining until our scheduled launch from the Starbase, the crew of the Phoenix has been working virtually around-the-clock since the conclusion of the Starbase celebration a week ago... in preparation for this moment.

At this point, it is only a matter of tying up all of the loose ends; as the Terran expression conveys. First officer Joshua Riker will be checking-in with all departments to ensure their status and level of readiness, while COO B'Zinga Decatur will confirm that all required materials are obtained and in-place, along with verifying that all active crew members are accounted for and present on the ship.

At present, all aspects of this launch seem to be in place. However, it is the unseen aspects of such an endeavor that have the potential to wreak havoc unexpectantly. My intent is to ensure that this is not the case during this launch or our subsequent shake-down cruise.    

 

 

Rogers sat back in his office seat with his second cup of coffee and thought a minute. Alpha shift was starting to enter, early he might add, and all of Gamma shift had volunteered to stay an extra hour to help speed the start up process preceding the Phoenix' launch in 6 hours. Conversely, Beta shift were also starting early so as to be on hand at launch, and would start filing in around an hour before launch. David was glad to have his assistant chief engineer, Lieutenant Sean Andrews, on hand for the ships maiden launch.

Currently, as David sipped his coffee, the Gamma shift team lead, Lieutenant(j.g.) Leland Hudson and his team were double checking their stations for the shift change at zero six thirty hours. Their matter of fact efficiency made Rogers grin in appreciation and, yes, a little pride. Warrant Officer Perry Wilson, propulsion specialist, was comparing notes with engineering officer Ensign Jordan Brady. And across the room past the 'pool table', senior chief petty officer Tim Moore, a damage control specialist, was talking with the shuttle repair specialist, Warrant officer  Perry Wilson.

'No doubt about their last poker game,' David thought amusingly.

As his own alpha shift walked into engineering past his office, David noted them with a nod or slight wave of his free hand. Or, in Jennifer Brady's case, he raised his coffee mug in acknowledgement. Lieutenant(j.g.) Brady, alpha's matter/energy systems specialist, had a profound liking for her coffee. Scuttle butt around the Phoenix said that only the famous Admiral Janeway liked her coffee more than Jennifer Brady.

Turning his attention back to the small screens in front of him, David finished reading the gamma shift reports as they came in, then composed a short message for Lieutenant Decatur to report to main engineering with her status reports on the nanotech upgrades. These upgrades, from what Rogers could ascertain, were functioning above standard prognosis, but he obviously wanted Decatur to precede him in this analysis. Her expertise far exceeded his in this technology.

Stephanie walked across her quarters a little refreshed from the sonic shower she had been enjoying several minutes before. She was still a bit groggy from as she finished adjusting her uniform in front of her replicator slot.

“Tea, green, Earth-variety northeast-Asian, ninety-nine degrees, twelve ounces, unsweetened” She said just before the soft hum of the replicator told her that energy was being converted into molecules to form the handled insulated metallic cup, then the boiling-hot liquid inside. She had developed a fondness in her time among terrans for the soothing yet energizing drink.

Retrieving the cup from the replicator she inhaled it’s contents deeply and smiled to herself before happily slurping a sip of the delicious green tea. Before the cup left her lips she heard a soft beep from the console in front of her. She looked up to see Commander Rodgers’s message and sighed to herself with a frown. She wasn’t early enough this morning. She swore he was the only Starfleet officer who showed up to work before she did on a regular basis and it irked her for some reason. After years of always being the early-bird, to have someone else have to ask her to report to her job, even if it was almost a half hour early, made her feel a bit useless.

Having sent that off to be read by Lieutenant Decatur upon her waking, David drained his coffee then rose and went to get another, before proceeding out into main engineering and starting his routine ship's walk. Barring any problems here of course. Glancing over the master systems display and not seeing anything amiss, Rogers nodded again at the engineering crewman, chief petty officer Lucy Kennedy and nodded again at Lieutenant(j.g.) Taylor Nyambi, alpha's communications specialist, as she entered past him as he returned to his office.

Lieutenant Junior Grade Stephanie Decatur entered main engineering less than three minutes after Commander Rodgers had sent the message to her quarters, green tea still in hand. She stole another sip of her morning beverage as she made her way quickly to the chief engineer’s office. Having spent the past few weeks working with him, she had gotten used to bypassing the formality of reporting at attention. She stepped into his office and spoke up, “Looks like everyone else was earlier than me this morning….Sorry about that, you wanted to see me, sir?”

Standing at the door to the turbolift Lieutenant Argyle looked over at Commander Riker and sighed.

"I hope this goes as well as you say sir."

Laughing and patting Lieutenant Argyle on the shoulder Commander Riker just smiled.

"You will do fine Lieutenant.  Before we finish our first day no one will look at you as anything other then a fellow officer.  You have Starfleet in your blood and when the time comes you will remember that.  Hell there are members of our crew who served with a Cardassian and we are still having military conflicts with some of their sects.  Besides in these uneasy times there are some who might rest easy knowing we have a walking weapon watching our backs."

As they entered the turbolift Commander Riker watched the doors close.

"Bridge."

The door to the turbolift opened with a woosh and with a slow and deliberate step Lieutenant Argyle stepped onto the bridge.  The confused eyes were not hidden very well as several members of the crew glanced confusingly towards the half machine that stood on the bridge.   Looking back at the first officer Riker nodded to the Lieutenant with a slow nod of approval.  Commander Riker was at first uneasy but knowing his own past he would do what he could to give Argyle a fair chance.

Walking over to the tactical stations Argyle began to enter commands and running the final security launch checks.  As Commander Riker walked behind him he patted him on the back and walked over to the Captain's chair handing Captain Syntron a PADD.

The captain accepted the PADD from his executive officer and perused its contact as Riker spoke.

"The final crew roster is in Sir and all senior officers have been assigned.  We are waiting on the final checks and we will be ready to head out."  

"Affirmative Commander Riker. Check back with me when all stations have confirmed readiness status."   

At that moment, the turbolift doors wooshed open again in came the smiling Deltan doctor.

"Well I've got sickbay ready. Only one late arrival to... "

He stopped talking and walking the very moment he spotted the singular silhouette of the new chief tactical officer. 

"Ah, there you are Mister Argyle. Would you please step over here a moment? Starfleet regs and all that you know... "

He took in the cyborg just as if was used to look upon such oddities everyday. Yet, with centuries of bioregenerative medical treatment that could fully restore virtually every body part or organ except maybe the brain, artificial replacement had been literally unheard of in the Federation until the coming of the Borg. But Elliago was not only a veteran of the last Borg War, he had been born and raised on a Galaxy class medical and research vessel; he had indeed seen several instances of organic and inorganic fusions and even had some practical experience in their proprer care.

And so, it was with a smile that he guided Argyle near his Medical Command Chair and activated a few controls to bring it to full status and have it fully scan and record the health status of the new bridge officer through internal ship sensors. Thanks to the cross-circuiting of all departments through his Medical chair, a device now standard on all Lotus Fleet vessels he himself had pioneered on the USS Artemis, the man's biometrics data was instantly sent to the biocomputer in sickbay while his technical schematics were transmitted to the engineering computer core, both then correlating their data with Starfleet records and with themselves to ascertain both identity and status of this rather unique individual.

And because of the nanite enhancement provided to the Phoenix, it took even less time than it would have taken for him to use a standard medical tricorder.

"Thank you, Mister Argyle... and welcome aboard. "

Elliago then sat in his high tech seat at the right of the command chair and finished opening the communications channels he would also be responsible for. he then turned to the Exec.

"All crew certified fit for duty, Commander. All medical personnel on board and all medical and emergency equipement and material stocked in cargo bay two which can be converted into a large hospital ward at a moment's notice. Constant health monitoring through combadges of all crewmembers now implemented via this command chair. Doctor Gray is standing by in sickbay for the first shift. "

Syntron nodded slightly as the Deltan spoke in his soothing yet professional Deltan manner.

"Excellent work Doctor" the Vulcan responded assuredly, but without emotion.  "It would appear that we are now medically fit to proceed."

Elliago winked at the bearded man.

"Nevertheless, please avoid unnecessary scrapes and bruises."

The Captain responded with a sly expression in return as he noted "That is always our intension Doctor Nasaro-Myth, but unfortunately, not always our outcome."

---

David had barely resumed his seat and was shuffling through the myriad PADD's on his desk looking for his main personal on, when Lieutenant Decaturs' greeting pulled his attention to her entrance. With a slight chuckle, David brushed aside her apology.

"Not to worry Lieutenant, you're not late. I'm early!. But thank you for responding none the less."

Rising again Rogers finished his remaining coffee and set the cup back on his desk while holstering his PADD that had turned up under three others on his desk. Walking around the table, he gestured the young Trill officer to follow him out into main engineering while he continued to speak with her.

The much smaller Trill Lieutenant nodded in response to the chief engineer’s gesture. She smiled as she took another sip of her boiling hot beverage and was again grateful for the simple things--like a well-insulated cup for her tea. She turned to follow what she considered her first friend among the crew out into main engineering. 

"I just wanted your diagnosis on your upgrade before I report to the bridge Lieutenant."

Stopping by the center main console table, or 'Pool Table', as most engineer's called the display table, David swept his free hand toward the master system display on the opposite wall, he tapped a series of icons before him to display the Phoenix's Optical Data Network. Indicating the glowing green status of all the ship's ODN lines, David turned slightly toward Decatur and continued with the subject at hand.

"I saw this morning, and Gamma shift's morning report concurred, that the ODN network is running around twenty six percent faster. But before I give the Captain the green light from engineering, I wanted your opinion on the upgrade and it's efficiency. We've got a few hours yet until launch, so take your time and fill me in when your satisfied."

Stepping back, David left her too get started and proceeded to exit the main room, but stopped momentarily to direct Lieutenant Decatur's attention to the aid available within main engineering.

“Of course, sir.” She responded automatically at his words.  “I don’t foresee any issues with the system…though I’m going to keep trying to squeeze more efficiency out of it…in all of my tests the gain scaled,” She cocked her head to the side as she spoke, staring at the display and mentally cross-referencing the reports from the past few days’ shifts. “I can’t understand why the gain is so low on this ship, according to all estimates we’re still missing out on about fifty percent worth of speed increases.” She paused and tapped a few of the consoles buttons to focus on particular systems and areas of the ODN and BNDN.

“In any case, there’s no reason that I can see that the upgrade isn’t already a success….I guess I’m just irritated that it’s such a small success.” She paused when he started to step away, looking more closely at a system and barely heard him as he left. Several minutes later she said softly “That still bugs me…” but as she looked up she realized she was talking to herself and blushed, hiding her embarrassment at not realizing he’d already left by taking another sip of her tea.

Immediately she had to cover her mouth and force the burning liquid down her throat. She had taken too much of a sip in her haste and had burned her tongue.

When she looked back at the console, whatever it was that had bothered her, was already gone, apparently the error had fixed itself. She quietly put it out of her mind and continued scanning over the entirety of the computer cores and data networks throughout the ship.

"If you need any assistance Lieutenant, specialist Nyambi and crewman Kennedy are here to help as well."

Looking at each of the mentioned personnel to make sure they understood their role in providing assistance to the nanotechnologist, if needed, Rogers turned on his heel and walked to the turbo lift to start his tour of the ship. Once inside and letting the doors swoosh shut behind him, David stated his desired destination casually as he retrieved his PADD from his holster and tapped commands into it.

"Deck three."

Meanwhile on the bridge, Syntron turned his attention briefly to the new chief operations officer who appeared focused on her console in front of his center seat.

"What is the current status of operations Lieutenant Decatur? the captain inquired to the recently acquired Klingon woman.   

B’Zinga looked at her PADD. She really loved the new program that she installed on it. It gave her instant updates on everything such as work orders, inventory updates, and transporter usage. She also typed out a list of all the things that she had to have done before the launch. The only way she could remember all this was to have it right there - staring her in the face.

“Everything is doing … okay, sir,” replied B’Zinga. She didn’t want to say that things were bad - after all, things could be much worse - but things weren’t perfect either. As much as she wanted a legendary first assignment, she knew it wasn’t going to happen.

“The Ops department crew already have their complete schedules and have a good handle on their job descriptions,” said B’Zinga. Whether they liked their scheduling - that was a different story. Some people in her department had to grow up, thought B’Zinga - not everyone can have the same shift.

“We’ve run complete tests on the sensors and communications equipment, and we passed with flying colors. We are still working on some work orders - mostly repairs in crewmembers’ quarters and shuttle upgrades. We are also a bit behind on cataloging all the inventory, but we should get it done before launch.”

"Acknowledged" the Vulcan captain responded stoically. "If those are the only issues remaining by launch time then we will indeed be ready to proceed."

Then in an afterthought Syntron added "Also Lieutenant prior to launch, obtain confirmation from each department head on system resources and power allocation status. We have made numerous system modifications since this vessel arrived and there were some distribution issues earlier on. In addition, check with our nanotechnologist Lieutenant Stephanie Decatur on how her nanite project is helping to balance out these issues... and to what degree." 

A little more than an hour after Stephanie was left alone at the pool table to run her analysis of how her experimental project was functioning on the ship she was finished. Her now empty mug of tea sat beside the console she had been so intently focused on for the past hour. Had she been average height she would have had to straighten up but being so short, all she did was roll her neck back and forth, stretching it after looking down for so long.

She tapped the console transferring her report to her PADD and logging herself off and scooped her cup and her PADD silently from the table. On her way to the turbo-lift she stopped by the replicator and put her cup into the slot and tapped a button above the console. She waited and watched as the cup was dematerialized and the matter returned to an energy state at almost perfect efficiency. She once again smirked, grateful for the little things technology brought them that most people overlooked.

Stephanie continued to the turbolift and waited for the doors to swoosh closed behind her before she spoke softly, “Bridge.” She glanced down at her PADD, giving her report a last glance as the lift hummed softly telling he she would soon be at her location. She had a nagging feeling that she missed something. She hated that feeling, and wished against hope that it was just a feeling this time. Something was nagging at her, and she couldn’t remember what it was that looked odd when she first looked at the system, but on second glance everything looked alright. She knew the safeguards were still in place and that there was no danger, but she still wished she could figure out what wasn’t working perfectly, or why her instincts were telling her that it wasn’t working perfectly.

Her thoughts were interrupted by the doors of the lift opening to reveal the bridge in front of her. She stepped onto the bridge and was delayed a step as she saw the one crewman that looked out of place – a feat that took some doing on a Starfleet vessel.  In that short hesitating moment she took in the sight of the cybernetically enhanced man standing at the security console. She felt the right corner of her mouth go up as she continued toward the center chair with her report. She broke her glance at the cyborg wondering if he knew just how badly she wanted to talk to him, and she was almost ashamed to admit, examine him. It wasn’t that she didn’t understand he was an individual; it was just that she was a nanotechnologist - it was like an engineer finding a self-aware ship…any engineer would still want to peek around and study it.

She made her way to the front of the captain’s chair and looked only slightly down at the Vulcan captain who was sitting. She was reminded again of her own small physical stature as she glanced the First Officer at almost eye level though he too was sitting. “Sir, the report on the nanite project.” She said offering her PADD to the Captain, “All systems are experiencing a significant increase in reaction times and efficiency, the ODN and BNDN are operating at an average of twenty-six-point-three-five percent faster than normal.” Her tone sounded like she was simply unable to accept the data she was giving him, as if she was severely disappointed in her own numbers. “I’ll be working throughout the shakedown to see if I can’t get more out of the system, Sir.”

Syntron briefly glanced at the diminutive Trill at almost eye level as he accepted her PADD before intently inspecting the contents of her report. After mere moments, he ascertained that the information and presentation was thorough, precise and essentially logical.  From the tone of her voice and her barely disguised facial expression however, he could detect that despite the significant improvement in the ship's systems, she was not yet satisfied.

The Captain then stood up from the center seat as he returned the PADD back to her. She appeared almost child-like in size by comparison to the much taller Vulcan; a circumstance that would not add to the ease of the trill standing before him.

With a reserved and emotionless voice, Syntron stated "Thank you Lieutenant. If you have an available moment, I would like to speak to you" as he gestured toward his Ready Room. Being the captain of the ship, the statement was more of an order than a request, but he phrased this in a manner and tone to give the young Lieutenant the option to decide how to respond.   

Stephanie took a half-step back as the Captain stood in front of her. Against his full height she stood mid-torso looking up at the stoic Vulcan with a slight expression of inquisitiveness at him. Her curiosity soon was overridden by a bit of shock when he spoke. “Of…of course, sir,” Was all she could stammer, stepping to the side and following his lead into his ready room. She turned her head as she left the bridge to look at the cyborg standing over tactical again and barely concealed a smirk. She so badly wanted to know more about him…and his technological improvements. But that would have to wait as the doors swooshed closed behind her.

Quickly going into ‘official’ mode as her previous host Dezerol had termed it, she stoically made her way to the front of the captains desk and assumed the standing position of attention. Normally, in this position, she would be staring well over the top of the head of a seated superior, but in this case, she found herself just barely clearing his hair and was once again reminded how diminutive she was compared to her previous hosts. She may not be the Starfleet Marine Dezerol was, but she certainly wasn’t going to let anyone else know that, especially a senior officer.

She would remain silent until he addressed her. She may only be here on temporary assignment, but there was a way to present yourself to superiors and a way not to…she preferred the former.

Syntron gazed at the Trill's formally rigid posture and sensed that tinge of nervousness that often seemed to shroud her at moments like this.   

"At ease, Lieutenant Deacatur" the captain began in an attempt to allow this young officer to relax.

"May I offer you a beverage, Lieutenant?"

Stephanie shifted slightly as she was ordered at ease. She certainly didn’t feel that way. She placed her arms behind her, one hand over the other behind the small of her back. She was still ridged and stammered when he offered her a beverage.

“N-no, but thank you, sir.” She replied to him.

Syntron noted that her change in position didn't alter her discomfort by any means.

"Very well." the captain acknowledged to her declining the offer of a drink. "What are your thoughts regarding conducting science duties aboard a starship, such as the Phoenix compared to that of operating aboard the starbase? 

The small trill couldn’t hide the ‘dear in the headlights’ look. Her pupils visibly dilated, and her mouth opened slightly as if she was trying to formulate a response. “I…sir…I mean…um…” She stammered a few almost incoherent words for a moment before she finally got hold of herself. She took a deep breath to calm herself down.

“I…would think sir,” she began, speaking slower, “That the Starbase is better equipped to handle any unexpected reactions my experiments may have.” She paused again, taking another breath and focusing on exhaling. It was subtle, but the Vulcan would realize that she was using Vulcan techniques to keep her emotions from overwhelming her. Depending on his experience with emotions, he may or may not pick up that the emotions she was fighting weren’t the positive kind. “I…Also don’t believe that any ship, even one as large as the Phoenix, would be able to dedicate a science lab to my projects as the Starbase has” The pause following that sentence was short, as if she was cutting herself off because she found what seemed to her a reasonable excuse, “-And my team, sir. I couldn’t just leave them.” She left out that ‘them’ was only one other junior officer: The Vulcan Ensign T’mur that had helped with the project aboard the Phoenix.

With what could almost be perceived as a smirk, the Vulcan captain could not help but sense the uneasiness mounting as she earnestly attempted to respond to his inquiry.

"Understood Lieutenant. But perhaps you were reading more into my question than I was intending at this point. Nevertheless, please have a seat Lieutenant while I address your response and concerns."

Syntron did not want to have this trill faint or worse before their conversation was fully engaged.

"Am I to understand that the overall intention of your work is to improve the operation and efficiency of a given starship?" 

The trill’s movements could only be described as awkward as she rigidly fumbled with the back of the chair she was standing beside and sat herself down. She sat as close to attention as she could, still controlling her breathing very carefully like T’mur had taught her. She wished that her friend was with her, so she could help her out. But, she realized, her friend would probably be on his side. At his next words she confirmed that she was about to do the most foolish thing anyone can possibly do….she was about to try to win a logical argument defending the illogical position…and her debate partner was -of course- a Vulcan.

“Yes sir.” She said nervously. It wasn’t that she didn’t understand the logic in what she was sure he was suggesting…quite the contrary. The issue was that her own psychological trauma and fear were preventing her from accepting it.

"Then logic would dictate that the optimal location to move forward with your project and perhaps your career would be aboard a starship itself. You have already completed all of the ground work aboard the Starbase Lieutenant. Hence, it is why you are here aboard the Phoenix as we speak, is it not?" he asked rhetorically.

“Y-Yes, Sir.” She started, attempting to calm herself to interject an objection, but he was too quick in continuing for her to be able to make any coherent words from her thoughts and emotions.

"Now to the question of the capabilities of this starship to dedicate a science lab to your projects compared to the starbase. As you are most likely aware Lieutenant... this is currently the most advance science vessel in Starfleet. Logically, there is no other facility capable of offering you a better opportunity to proceed and progress with your work. In addition, there are supplementary labs available throughout the ship to expand your work, along with a department full of scientists with a range of varying specialties to assist you in any conceivable capacity. In addition, you have the option to suggest and request anyone else that you may require... such as Ensign T’mur, whom you have already brought aboard this vessel to assist you."

Syntron paused for a moment as he studied the subtle reactions of Lieutenant JG Decatur before shifting the direction of their conversation.

“Of course, Sir…but…” She paused, not sure how to argue her own emotional argument with a Vulcan, especially one that she looked up to like Syntron. She simply lowered her head to look at her hands resting on her knees as she sat in front of his desk.

"I also noticed that you appeared somewhat dissatisfied with the results you presented moments ago. Am I misreading this Lieutenant?"

The mention of her work brought her back out of it, “No, Sir. I know I can get better results, double, maybe even triple the improvement so far.” It was obvious that given a complex problem, her mind was able to ignore the emotionally garbled thoughts running through her mind as she worked on it. She was speaking much quicker, and much more like a Vulcan than a trill, except that her voice was slightly excited. “I know that it’s just a matter of calibration…so to speak. See, it’s an issue of the right programming sequence balanced with the correct power allocation and the correct number of nanites saturating the system. Too much power can damage systems, too little makes them not effective. “The trill was indeed rambling techno-babble now, much too fast to be interrupted, “Incorrect programming causes them to be bogged down with too much computation for their power. The three variables are different for each system, and with the short time I’ve had, Captain, I know that there are definitely improvements to be made…it’s all a matter of…” She hesitated finally at the last word, “Experimentation.” She seemed at the last word to realize she had just joined in his argument and started to clam up again.

Great job at talking your way out of that one, Stephanie…. She thought to herself bitterly staring at her own hands.

The captain listened attentively to each word spoken by the nanotechnolgist. Having trained for the majority of his professional career in science and having been a former chief science officer himself, Syntron had no difficulties in comprehending what she was striving to convey.

He then looked at her with a calm intensity as he carefully spoke his next words.

"Precisely Lieutenant" the Vulcan noted in agreement. "You are exactly where you need to be...aboard a ship like the Phoenix, where your aspirations may advance from theoretical possibilities to practical application."

Stephanie sat silently mentally kicking herself as Syntron spoke. She was so angry at herself for completely failing to get herself out of the situation she saw coming. 

The captain then activated his PADD sitting atop his desk. His attention then shifted between the files that he pulled up and the Trill that sat nervously before him.

"I have examined your scores and records throughout your time in the Academy... and overall they were rather impressive Lieutenant. Even your entrance exam to Starfleet Academy sited you within the top 2% of intelligent quotient parameters... placing you among the level of Vulcans tested in terms of mathematical calculation speed and accuracy."

This last statement coming from anyone but a Vulcan would certainly appear relatively arrogant. To Syntron, this was merely stating substantiated empirical data. He then brought his focus back to the trill as he continued.

She remained sitting, staring at her hands resting on her knees. She had no idea how to tell him why she was reluctant to accept the post. No, reluctant wasn’t the right word….terrified was much more correct.

"As you may be aware Lieutenant" Syntron continued without a pause "the chief science officer that was to be assigned aboard our ship was unable to fulfill this obligation due to extenuating circumstances. Ensign Hera was temporarily filling-in some of these duties while she was assisting with repairs, but has since returned to her post aboard the starbase. My thought lieutenant is that this situation could present a unique opportunity for you to embrace; even though I would speculate that this would place you in a position quite distant from your usual comfort zone."

When he finished speaking the room was eerily silent for more than a minute. The only sound was her steady controlled meditative breathing as she tried to suppress her panic. She closed her eyes for one last breath, exhaling slowly. When she opened her eyes a second later she looked up over the desk at the Captain of the vessel and had come the the conclusion that she had to come clean with her past and her fears. It was the only logical thing to do…and as she was talking to a Vulcan, she had no other hope but logic.

“Captain,” She said much more calmly, but her hands were shaking slightly. “My first host was stranded on an alien world for the majority of his life. To make it worse, the spatial rift that caused the incident was a rip in space-time…” She paused letting the Vulcan understand the implications. “He wasn’t a member of Starfleet…but had he been he would have knowingly broken the temporal prime directive.” That was a point she really, really didn’t want to elaborate on. Taking another breath she continued, “He only survived because he was male…and much stronger than I am.” She paused again, still shaking a bit, “I know that Vulcans have emotions…even if you do control them, Sir. And that means that you can understand the fear I have of enduring the same fate. Losing a Symbiote would be the largest failure a Trill can possibly accomplish. It’s already almost happened once to the Decatur Symbiote.” She knew that she had done a very poor job of explaining, but at this point was fighting to remain this side of breaking down. She hoped he would understand the emotions she was trying to convey, albeit inefficiently. 

Syntron leaned back in his chair as he listened to the responsive yet trembling plea from the young Trill. He then spoke decisively to her.

"Lieutenant, I will not claim to be an expert on the nuances of a joined trill, the symbiont, and their previous hosts. However, any infractions initiated or enacted by a preceding host are not the responsibility of a current host.  You, Stephanie Decatur have not transgressed on any temporal prime directive and therefore bear no liability in whatever occurred in the past; although you are clearly bearing an enormous burden of guilt and fear as a result from these previous transgressions along with the consequences experienced by a prior host. You cannot continue to live your life successfully in the shadow and fear from the experience of a previous host."

As the Vulcan reflected on this situation further, he recalled several details that he previously read regarding the Trill society.

"From what I understand of the joining process," he began reflectively "the telepathic ceremony of zhian'tara allows a current host such as yourself, to divest the symbiont of the personality and all the memories of a previous host, which were temporarily hosted in volunteers. Similarly, the Rite of Emergence can focus the voice of a single previous host among the memories of the other, allowing for a more direct converse; perhaps an opportunity to confront any transgressions with the prior host himself in an attempt to reach some level of resolution.  Although I realize that these are not options available for you at the moment, at some point Lieutenant, one of these alternatives may be something for you to consider in rectifying your dilemma."

He then glanced down briefly at the PADD, literally illuminating her qualifications within range of his acute Vulcan eyes.

"Meanwhile, we have an excellent ship's counselor, Lieutenant Celestine Bijoŭ, that can work with you to at least address some of these... difficulties that you are facing. You have the potential for a fulfilling career standing before you Lieutenant, it would be illogical to allow these fears and ghosts of a previous host to subjugate your advancement along with your future."

Syntron then paused for a moment as he looked directly into her eyes.

"In addition, strength and resiliency are not measured in the size, height or gender of an individual. It is something that emanates from within. You have demonstrated your tenacity and conviction in your nanite project, as you have previously in your work in the Academy and while serving on the Starbase. But recognize that change does not roll in on the wheels of inevitability Lieutenant, but comes through continuous struggle. It is these struggles that you face and endure that will continue to develop your strengths. It is consciously deciding not to surrender at moments when your fear is strongest. Anyone can hide from their fears. It is facing up to these fears, working through them, is what will allow you to overcome them."

As Syntron leaned back in his chair again, he stated simply "This decision however... is yours Lieutenant."

Stephanie listened quietly as the Vulcan as he confirmed what she already knew. She was still breathing slowly; using the techniques T’mur had taught her to contain her emotions despite herself. She barely met his eyes when he had finished speaking. Again, silence hung heavily in the room as she weighed her options, and she knew, unequivocally that he was right. She had to find a way to make it work. Somehow she found herself nod quietly before she spoke. Not for herself, but somehow in memory of Dezerol. She knew she would have to put the needs of the Federation first, the same way he had.

“Captain,” She said finally, “I have to concede the logic of your argument. If you believe that I am the best candidate for the position, I’ll strive to do the best job I can as I always have, sir.” Her hands were still trembling, but he was attempting to be as confidant as she could. “And, sir…I would prefer Dr. Gray as my counselor.”

Reaching over to grab his command PADD, Syntron began executing a series of entries as he responded to the Trill's decision with part of an old Terran quote.

"A ship in harbor is safe, but that is not what ships are for...

We cannot discover new oceans unless we have the courage to lose sight of the shore"

Looking intently at the still somewhat nervous officer, Syntron continued with his thought.

"I am confident in your abilities, dedication and tenacity Lieutenant. You have accepted the next essential step toward your future, and in doing so, must keep your focus fixed on moving forward rather than looking back."

The captain then activated several key commands on his PADD which in turn instantaneously sent a series of key documents and security clearance confirmations to the PADD of the officer sitting before him.

"Your quarters are now reassigned to deck six: Senior Officer's Quarters, next to the VIP Overflow Quarters and among the other senior officers of the ship. I have just assigned a team to move you in there as we speak. In addition, I've included your key code to the CSO office located on deck eight. As now acting CSO, this will be your main office from which to conduct meetings and other interactions with your science team. You have approximately four-point-three-seven hours to get situated with your science team and be ready to report on the bridge prior to launch."

Looking up again the captain stated "In regard to your request, Doctor Gray will indeed suffice as your counselor." He then inquired "Do you have any questions or other requests Lieutenant Decatur?"   

Stephanie quietly pondered the old expression as he continued speaking. She remembered the first part of the quote…spoken by another captain on the deck of a tall wooden sailing ship as they sailed across the Atlantic. She could still smell the salty-air as the wind carried her squadron away from shore, and remembered looking back to the American harbor the ships were sailing from and hoping, like the rest of the crew, that she would see a safe return to her family.

She shook herself out of the memory  and absorbed his response. “I’d like to request the permanent transfer of Ensign T’mur to the Phoenix, sir. She’s an invaluable officer.” She paused to let him respond and finished by unsteadily rising to her feet.

Interacting with his PADD again, Syntron immediately sent a brief request to the Starbase Personnel Director regarding the recommendation for transfer of Ensign T’mur to the USS Phoenix.

"Request for transfer complete Lieutenant. If there is nothing else. you are free to carry on with your new duties."

She stood at attention, “Thank you, sir.” She said in a bit of a wavering voice, “I’ll report to the bridge in four hours.” After he dismissed her she would do a formal about-face and make her way out of the ready room with as much dignity as possible considering she couldn’t stop her hands from shaking.

 *             *             *

As Syntron was completing some remaining requirements prior to their launch,  a melodic chime indicated that someone was waiting outside of his door.               

"Enter" he stated decisively as he continued working at his terminal.

As the door whooshed open, a young woman with an Ensign's insignia came charging in... full of zest, brimming with anticipation and clutching a PADD closely to her body.

"Yeoman Jessica Albera, reporting for duty...Sir" she blurted out as if she couldn't contain those words in her mouth for another second.

Syntron glanced up and looked carefully at this bundle of exuberance that just burst into his room.

"And you are here because...?" he began to query until she unintentionally cut him off.

"I have been assigned as your yeoman Captain" she stated with a bit of a blush and a dash of disappointment that he didn't even know who she was and why she was there.  

"Fleet Captain Samji assigned me to assist you Sir. Since this is your first command, and you have a very large crew here on the Phoenix, and you..."

Syntron stood up and held up his hand to signal to stop, which she complied rather reluctantly.

The captain did not even notice her overall appearance. She was an exceptionally attractive, twenty-four year old woman from Earth, with long golden-brown hair, standing at five-foot, seven-inches tall, extremely fit, and weighing in at approximately one hundred and twelve pounds. What the captain saw instead was a prospective nuisance.

"Excuse me Ensign, but there must be some type of error. I have a first officer and a staff of senior officers already present aboard this ship to fulfill that function..."

Before he could continue, she interjected again.

"I'm sorry Sir... but there has been no mistake. Here are my orders." She gracefully handed him her PADD then continued.

As he began to verify the authorization, she continued to assert herself.

"I am your personal assistant Captain... here to help you with administrative and clerical duties as well as to see to your overall well-being. For example Captain, you'll note that according to my records, you haven't slept for the past three days and have not eaten anything over the previous four. It's summarized right there on my PADD... Sir."

Maintaining his composure, Syntron responded "As you are obviously aware Ensign, I am Vulcan... and therefore do not require..."

"The same nourishment and sleep requirements as humans... yes I know Captain. However, I am also aware that consecutive days without both does impair the level of functionality of even Vulcans." she stated matter-of-factly, as she accepted her PADD back from him.

"In fact, Ensign I just consumed some tea approximately twelve point three..."

"Excuse me Sir, but that does not qualify as a meal.  And you may call me Yeoman Alberta...Sir."

"Is it your intention Yeoman, to interrupt me every time I attempt..."

"To respond Sir? Not at all captain. I am just trying to get you to yield to the inevitable, Sir... so that I can begin assisting you as soon as possible.  It would be the logical thing to do... Sir" she stated with a charming smile and a little wink that was completely lost on this Vulcan commander.

Before he could respond she continued.

"Otherwise Captain, I would just have to go down to deck 13 and meet up again with that charming Deltan Doctor.... now what was his name? Oh yes... Doctor Nasaro-Myth. What a nice Doctor he is... although he may not be in such a good mood if I were to share my legitimate concerns about our sleep and nutritionally deprived captain" she stated with a feigned look of disappointment.

"Yeoman, we are only two point three five hours..."

"From Launch?" Jessica interrupted again. "I am certainly aware of that Sir, and would not expect you to miss this for a meal or a nap. However, after we are safely out in space Captain and things are established as normal... well then Sir, I am sure that would be the time when you would see to your needs... in regards to both nutritional and rest."

Like a stalemate in a game of chess, Syntron eventually yielded to the persistent tenacity of this Ensign.

"Acknowledged Yeoman. Now if you could make yourself useful elsewhere while I finish up what I was working on before..."

"Certainly Sir... but I will be near your side at launch."

With that, she whisked away like a swift ocean breeze as the captain stood there almost perplexed. 

As he sat back down, Syntron thought almost subconsciously.

What a contrast she was to Lieutenant Stephanie Decatur that was here only a while ago. Now if he could just scoop out some of the bravado of this yeoman and apply it to the diminutive trill... 

-------

Deck 15:

As Rogers completed his rounds, he measured each and all statistic’s against the star fleet standards set out some years ago, and then compared them to his own personal standards for his ship. As he had progressed through the many decks of the Phoenix, his careful examination of systems and personnel within his department revealed a prideful, successful completion of most, if not all, systems within his pervue as Chief Engineer of a star ship. This, in hindsight, practically included the entire vessel anyway.

As he entered the turbolift on deck fifteen, David entered the last entry on his PADD as he stepped inside … and stumbled into the rear wall of the lift. Cursing his inattention under his breath, David straightened himself and ordered the lift to main engineering. Three seconds before it arrived there, the lift seemed to drag a bit, like a land vehicle encountering boggy terrain for a second. Looking about him as the lift halted and the doors swooshed open, David stepped out and made his way to the main display table and started punching icons to check the status of that lift. As he looked over the green status of the lift parameters, he motioned his assistant Sean over.

“Did you notice anything just now Sean? Is everything normal?”

 Lieutenant Andrews gave Rogers a quizzical look then looked over the panels about main engineering as he answered.

“No sir. Everything is good here.”

Thinking abstractly, David went over the ride he had just took, then sighed whimsically.

“Ok Sean.”

Jokingly, he added a jibe to write off the obviously over tired experience.

“Perhaps I’ve been working too hard.”

With a slight grin, David checked his holstered PADD and turned to leave, casting a parting comment over his shoulder.

“You have engineering down here lieutenant, I am off to the bridge.”

Rounding the curve out of main engineering toward the lift again, David again stumbled; As if his toe had caught the edge of a carpet or rug. Cursing his tiredness, he entered the lift and ordered it to the bridge.

On the bridge, Commander Riker watched as the final reports came in from all over the ship.  Tapping the comms panel he spoke.

"This is Commander Joshua Riker first officer.  All hands report to your final watch stations and prepare for underway.  All senior officers report to your command stations.  I say again, all  hands report to your final watch stations and all senior officers report to your command stations in preparation for underway launch."

The lift doors opened to reveal the large expanse of the Phoenix bridge, and Rogers exited the through the opening doors and made directly toward Commander Riker and Captain Syntron near the center of the brightly lit room. Passing the empty chair to Syntron's left David stopped between the two senior officers and, with a curt nod toward the Vulcan captain, handed his PADD to the Phoenix executive officer, stating its contents for transfer to his own PADD.

"Engineering report Commander; Captain. All systems ready for departure."

While David awaited the return of his PADD after download, he glanced casually around the bridge, noting the bustling activity common to a star ship during launch protocols. He noticed master warrant officer Bradley Carroll, gamma shift propulsion specialist, over at the bridge engineering station, and nodded toward him as their eye's met. The bridge engineering station was his next and final stop prior to launch.

But before he made even one step, he was stopped by the soft, musical voice of the chief medical officer.

"Chief, I will have to get your authorization, as well as that of our commanding officer, to link transporter buffers and internal ship sensors to the medical systems. Here is the intended programs and modifications I worked out with your department and mine from here over the last four hours. "

From the right armrest of his medical command chair, he detached a PADD to give it to Rogers, just as the small, specialized, integrated replicator of the chair produced a new one in it's place within the socket, ready for use.

"With our dear captain here having every crewmember come aboard one at a time every hour or so, I need a better method to complete mandatory physicals than running around this monster of a vessel trying to catch up with you all, doctor-allergic Starfleet officers. I'm starting to get space sick."

 Taking the proffered PADD, David enabled the appropriate info within it and read it over casually before responding to the XO.

"Intra-ship beaming Commander? Normally, I would frown upon it sir, but if the captain warrants it's necessity, then I'll go along with it."

 As David signed off on the request, he added a codicile, somewhat humorously, smiling slightly while he spoke.

"I assume that the chief of Ops is also aware of the potential power usage of tying up two pattern buffers every time you snatch onto some malcreant doc-doger!"

"Nononono, my dear chief engineer, nothing so drastic! " protested Elliago with wide eyes. " I'm talking about what we did on the Artemis as a security protocol, but this time as a medical one; connecting data streams so that whenever someone goes through the transporter, all biometrics are recorded, analysed and compared with medical files to ascertain identity and health status of the subject. I'm a good doctor but even I can't sow back dispersed atoms from possible transporter abuse! Besides... snatching someone up without warning or consent is not very... considerate." 

 Still smiling, David handed the PADD back to commander Riker and with a glance at captain Syntron, nodded his readiness to assume his station at the rear of the bridge.

Minutes before the launch sequence the Captain’s command PADD by his chair chirped softly with a new message: The report from newly acting CSO Decatur. She apparently had just finished compiling her report and sending it to him…almost twenty minutes late.

Looking back at the Captain, Commander Riker smiled.

"Final reports are in sir, when hands are on station the call is yours.  She's ready."

Sterling now positioned in the center seat turned slightly in his seat.

"Acknowledged Number One. Contact the docking master on the Starbase and request launch clearance."

The Captain's eyes then focused on the large display screen in front of them all.

Engaging his ship-wide com on his control panel imbedded surreptitiously within his seat, he addressed the crew.

"Attention crew of the USS Phoenix..." Syntron paused for a moment to allow his crew to be receptive to his message.

As the captain paused his announcement, the turbolift doors on the fore-starboard section of the bridge swooshed open softly and the tiny trill Science Officer rushed from the small cylinder to her station on the starboard side of the bridge along the wall. She took her seat at her station and activated it, logging in with her command code before sneaking a peak over her shoulder to the Captain and First Officer, hoping her tardiness would be forgiven given the extenuating circumstance of having to get an entire ship’s department settled and a readiness report completed and delivered in under four hours…a feat most Vulcans couldn’t even pull off.

Syntron noted her arrival with a slight nod before proceeding with his announcement.

"With the methodical efforts exhibited by this fine crew and select members of the starbase since the arrival of this vessel twenty-nine point four-three days ago, we are currently on schedule to our initiate our departure sequence in a matter of minutes. All hands report to your stations, batten down the hatches, and be prepared for launching protocols to commence."

With a bit of poetic license, the Vulcan commanding officer concluded with a nautical theme.

"May the winds be favorable and our sails full. Captain Syntron out. "     

"Very well said, Sir. Captain Kheren would be proud."

The Chief medical officer of the Phoenix was not just recalling their Andorian friend and former commanding officer's peculiar habit of using nautical terms for nostalgia's sake, but more to the point to convey him the confidence he himself and the rest of the crew felt as he finally assumed his first real moment of command. Vulcans were excellent at controlling their emotions, but Deltans were just as good at reading those same suppressed feelings despite the cool exterior. And as he felt the inner trepidation of his captain, he also knew him well; his was the kind of intellectual, scientifically bent mind that could lose itself in details, overanalyzing, multi-theorizing and branching speculations that could have him miss the "feel of the moment;" something Elliago knew was as vital, if not more, to a starship commander as all the facts and regulations in the universe.

And part of the job of a CMO, and more importantly that of a friend, was to help him live the moment and grow from there. So, helped he did, even if but with a few seemingly casual words.

Syntron faintly whispered back "I have learned from the best Doctor" as he disengaged the comm and then shifted his gaze over to the chief flight control officer manning the helm station.

Addressing the Bolian man, the captain commanded authoritatively "Lieutenant Aulder, be prepared to ready thrusters... on Commander Riker's order, and be sure that we clear the bay doors without scuffing any surface on this new vessel."

"Aye Captain" the Bolian replied as he swiftly rechecked his codes, coordinates, and bearings in preparation for the launch.

In response to the captain’s orders and in anticipation of the First Officer ordering external sensors online, Stephanie quickly ran the power-up sequence, and the main viewscreen flashed with a view forward inside the starbase, showing the other ships berthed there as well as a section of the grand hall where the launch ceremony had taken place. Dead ahead the screen was showing the clear shot to the space doors almost directly behind the ship. “All internal and external sensors are operating within parameters, sir.” She reported, “Science station stands ready.”

Signals sent from the helm initiated the dropping of all the external umbilical’s supplying the Phoenix while at dock. As these supply cables disconnected from the ship, internal ship systems took over their supply chains and the massive starship came under internal power. Mooring clamps disengaged and the Phoenix’s reaction control system held the ship at station keeping in the exact relative position before the umbilical’s had held her.

The RCS system gradually drew more power from the ES system as the millions of tonnes of ship tried to drift from the now adjacent space frame of the star base. Power distribution within the ship supplied the step-up plasma compression generators in the thruster ignition reaction chambers, fueling the thruster nozzle’s through magnetohydrodynamic field traps. These in turn bled off un-used plasma back to the power net while simultaneously controlling, in concert with flow regulators, the exhaust products as they entered the thrust nozzles.

The pale blue, barely visible plasma exhaust from the eight RCS thruster's held the Phoenix at the ready.

Lieutenant Aulder then added "Thrusters stand ready, Sir."

Syntron acknowledged the helmsman and then turned to his exec. "Number One,  request clearance to undock the ship and release the mooring clamps."

Entering information on the comms panel in front of him Commander Riker looked to see the flashing blue words in front of him.  "Permission granted for underway".   For the first time the Phoenix was truly on her own.  Looking over at Stephanie Decatur Riker gave his order.

"Lieutenant activate external sensors we want this to be smooth."

Looking back at the captain.

"Captain, permission to release mooring clamps granted. We are full ready for underway."

Keeping his eyes focused primarily on the main viewscreen, the Vulcan commanding officer simply stated "Proceed Commander Riker."

Yet within his peripheral vision Syntron could sense this new yeoman lurking within his proximity; careful to stay out of everyone's way, but still within range to allow her presence to be rather obvious to the commanding officer. Logically, he knew that she was merely eager in striving to fulfill her new role on the ship, yet there was something vexing in her constant vigilance of virtually every move he made. He then consciously put this notion out of his mind and refocused his attention on their departure procedures. 

Ensconced within each RCS assembly were precision mooring tractor beam emitters. Used for close quarter’s maneuvers or docking control, they were relatively redundant within the confines of the star base, whose own beam emitters had held the ship while docking and un-docking. AS the station no longer supplied power to the ship, these tractor beams compensated for the release of the ship from the docking clamps by pulling against the natural drift of the released starship relative to the now moving and independent mass of the base. Eight sets of beams reached out and momentarily fought against the much larger base tractor emitters as the ship regained its vector velocity relative to the star base.

Stephanie felt an unusual jolt as the ship started running on it’s own power instead of the station’s and for an instant she felt nauseous. Not just from the nervousness of what that meant for her, but also from knowing that the feeling she just experienced was much more intense than normal. She paused and turned to look over her shoulder, “Anyone else feel that?” She asked quietly, as if not to really be heard.

"I can give you something until you get your spacelegs under you, Lieutenant," offered Elliago with a friendly smile on his handsome face.

His hand had already popped open a side panel of his chair where could be seen an extensive medkit. Just as he had done on the late USS Artemis where the medical command chair had first been successfully tested, he had adapted it himself for every species bound to serve on the bridge, down to a small specialized replicator linked to the medical computer for instant species-aprropriate medecines and all necessary tools, even the hard needles needed for hypos to pierce the chitinous skin of Andorians and the scales of Saurians.

The trill simply turned back to look at her station, completely avoiding eye contact with the CMO. “I’m fine….thanks.” She muttered embarrassedly. She didn’t have the confidence to explain that she wasn’t simply being a sissy…the fluctuation wasn’t normal…she had endured space flight throughout her four lifetimes and what she felt just now wasn’t the usual power t