Cadet Roll Call - continued

She was about to address them all when her combadge chirped.

''Snow here.''

''Lieutenant, this is Ops; the Discovery is about to arrive and has another cadet to send to you. Please stand by for the cadet's arrival.''

''Understood Starbase Lotus; Snow out.''

She then looked at each one of the three last arrivals in turn.

''Seems we will all have to wait. Unexpected to be sure; but if unexpected is something you can't handle, then you should reconsider your career choice.''

Gunner chuckled louder than he intended. Quickly composed himself and returned to his stoic stance.

It was as if she expected one or all of them to turn around and climb back onto the transporter pad. But after four years of Academy, and the most demanding Academy branch at that, the Lotus Fleet Academy, they certainly were already well versed in the unexpected department. This very summon to this ship was but yet another such occurrence. And it was a certainty that this was not going to be the last.

Cadet Hansen was already assessing the situation from his own perspective in the confines of his mind.

We already have ''Cadet Hurry Up, '' who arrived first and '' Cadet Jump Through Flaming Phaser Fire,'' so I guess I'm ''Cadet Waiting;'' just trying to figure out how this all works.

Unknowingly, his head shook ever so slightly as he subconsciously acknowledged a nagging feeling inside.

Although we are all cadets, somehow everyone else seems so much more experienced.

*     *     *

In the operations heart of Starbase Lotus, the station's on duty tactical officer picked up the sensor signature from the incoming vessel the moment it was registered by the computer.

"Sir, incoming starship, looks like the Discovery is home."

"Note Captain Oseno's arrival time," the officer of the watch replied, "and report it to Fleet Captain Samji."

"Aye Sir."

Aboard the Discovery, the ship's tactical officer spoke up.

"Captain, incoming transmission from Starbase Lotus."

Captain Oseno nodded

"On screen."

"Discovery, this is Starbase Lotus docking control. You are clear to dock immediately and all traffic has been instructed to hold pending your arrival."

"Understood," Oseno replied, "Discovery out."

The viewer went dark and Captain Oseno again spoke to his helmsman.

"Mister Hunter, take us in, steady as she goes."

Terix observed the helmsman's expert docking maneuvers as the human's fingers moved defly over the starship's controls. It didn't take long before he guided the Discovery to Starbase Lotus and secured the ship in the assigned docking bay. Terix thanked Captain Oseno for the trip and the conversation they had engaged in during. Terix genuinely enjoyed speaking wtih the Bajoran who he felt didn't pass any judgement on him simply because of his species. As he stepped through the airlock and into the station proper he heard an announcement.

"To all fourth year cadets; this is Academy Instructor Snow; report yourself to transporter room One of the USS Alsea in fifteen minutes."

Terix stopped dead in his tracks and went over to an information display along the bulkhead. He located the docking bay for the USS Alsea and stepped quickly toward it, still carrying his duffel bag over his shoulder. As Terix approached the transporter pad, he could see several other cadets already lined up. He joined the back of the line and waited for his turn to beam to the ship.

*     *     *

A signal alerted instructor Snow that new data was being sent to her and she accepted the authorization code to have it downloaded into her PADD. When she saw the personal file attached to the transmission, her eyebrow rose slightly.

Interesting; an unexpected test for these three cadets... and maybe a few others as well...

She tapped her combadge.

''USS Alsea to Starbase Lotus; this is Lieutenant Snow. I have a  Senior Cadet Terix already overdue for his assignment. Please do not hamper him any further and send him aboard in priority. Alsea out.''

She was glad no one could see her smile as her stern voice echoed through the communication grid.

That should rattle a few...

Herself one of the last remaining descendants of an already sparse Human people, Snow was aware that, even in this day and age, many species, Humans like her to name one, were still susceptible to prejudice. This was something so insidious and destructive that it was as vital to oppose as any alien threat one could imagine; if not more. 

A few personnel back on the station could even jeopardize their assignment if they reacted the wrong way to this cadet being given precedence, even if with good reason. This was a lesson worth giving.  And after all, she was a teacher; it was her duty to open minds to what is... and what should be.

Let's start right here and now.

*     *     *

As he waited in the transporter line Terix studied the unusual shaped Starfleet vessel moored in front of them. Everything about it was different from every Federation vessel he'd ever seen, but from his earliest academy courses he recognized it as a Prometheus Class starship. One of Starfleet's first true warships everything about the Prometheus had been designed for combat. From it's formidable offensive weaponry to it's unique separation and ability to launch a three pronged assault on a target; this ship was meant for war. Terix seemed to recall a story that the Tal Shiar had even attempted to steal the prototype of the class, but he had no idea if it was true or not. As he pondered the boldness of such a move, even for the Tal Shiar, he heard his name being called above the din of cadet conversations. 

"Is there a Senior Cadet Terix present?" 

Terix immediately spoke up "Present Sir." 

"Front and center Cadet, and don't call me Sir, I work for a living." 

As he stepped forward Terix was acutely aware that every eye of the remaining cadets was now on him. It was something he was used to however, a Romulan was not a common sight much of anywhere these days, let alone in the Federation, and so Terix elicited stares just about everywhere he went. As he stepped in front of the man calling his name Terix realized the man was not an officer but was wearing a Chief Petty Officer rank insignia. The human looked him up and down once before speaking

"On to the pad Cadet, Instructor Snow wants you aboard yesterday and I'm not inclined to disagree with her." 

"Yes Chief." 

Terix stepped on to the transporter pad as the cadets still waiting once again engaged in conversation though he was not so naive as to think that those conversations had nothing to do with him. The Chief stepped behind the control panel and tapped his combage.

"Docking bay to Alsea. Your Cadet Terix is ready." 

"Stand by docking bay....energizing." 

Terix straightened his posture as the transporter beam took hold and when he was released he stood in the Alsea's transporter room facing a room full of other cadets and one lone officer, a human woman with copper skin and black hair who stood at their head. All eyes turned toward the new arrival, and even the normally collected Romulan shifted slightly as he reported to his new home.

"Cadet Terix reporting as ordered. Permission to come aboard?" 

Snow checked something on her Padd not even raising her eyes.

''Granted.''

Then she looked at them all and offered them the thinniest of smiles.

''So here we are; Cadet Hansen, Cadet, Holland, Cadet Shadowhunt and Cadet Terix; best of the Academy's 4th year in the same room; not such a rare occurrence since three of you are from the same Science track. The department must be so proud, especially in these interesting times of ours. So don't you worry, Cadet Holland; despite appearances, you are far from obsolete yet. Plenty of danger still with only inches of metal between us and outer space,,, and still a few people out there eager to poke a hole in it. We are not refitting this vessel for your graduation parade.''

Gunner cracked his knuckles and smiled slightly. He was not a man of science, but with a simple gesture made it very clear these science types better leave the fighting up to him.

Cadet Hansen never thought of himself as in the same class as Holland, Shadowhunt and certainly not Terix, let alone as ''the best of the Academy's fourth year.'' Hansen's life has been difficult, but easy and boring in comparison to others. Perhaps that ''boredom'' is why Hansen was known to get into trouble on occasion. hansen was  always seen as a broody and introspective anticipator of trouble.

But he was ecstatic to be aboard a Prometheus class combat vessel. If space was anything like his childhood in New Orleans, he knew that if something bad had not happened yet, it was about to. That was probably why he had retreated into the area of science versus the more daring careers Starfleet offered and that he had, secretly, dreamed worthy of achieving.

The instructor stood ramrod straight before them, crossing her arms behind her back with her PADD in them, at perfunctory attention.

''I am Lieutenant Aya Snow, one of those dreadful Academy examiners you were warned about all those years. And no, I'm not as punctilious as they say we are; I'm far worse.''

She looked at each one in turn before continuing.

''Please notice my uniform. It is not the same as yours. My uniform is a Starfleet uniform. Yours is not. Such a uniform is not a privilege and it is never given; it is a responsibility and it must be earned. And it must be earned every day onward from the moment you put it on until the day you put it off; hopefully voluntarily. Believe me, it is not so often the case.''

She waited to see if any one of them would inadvertently ease off. It was quite rare when cadets made it this far, especially in Lotus Fleet; but part of why it was so was because she and others like her made sure of it. She nodded with satisfaction.

''So, if you have second thoughts, just step back on the transporter pad, get back to Starbase Lotus and fill out your resignation form. If you are still intent on earning that responsibility, follow me. If you have questions, remember that you are still in the Academy; now is the time.''

She smartly turned on her heels and headed out of the transporter room.

There was a brief pause as the four cadets looked at each other. Clearly none of them were going to walk back to the transporter pad, but the first move had to be made. Gunner walked towards the transporter controls and, instead of activating the transporter, powered it down. These four were in for the long haul.

Sabrina could feel her heart-rate surge as she assiduously processed and heeded the formidable words spoken by Lieutenant Aya Snow. She had prepared her entire life for this opportunity so there would be no way she would simply turn away from challenges that awaited her out of fear or insecurity. She was committed and was ready to begin her duties.

As the lieutenant exited the transporter room, Sabrina fell in step right behind her.

“I am honored to be part of this team Lieutenant,” Sabrina announced proudly. “I am curious about the selection of the USS Alsea. With all of the ships in the fleet, was there a specific reason why this ship was chosen?”

''Yes; it's the only one still docked.''

Aya then proceeded to explain a bit more.

''All Lotus Fleet vessels are on assignment. The Alsea is completing her refitting after her ordeal during Operation Horizon. She is a most complex design and, so you know, this ship started her maiden voyage by crash-landing on a planet. That we can still have her, not only space worthy but still the most powerful fighting vessel in the Fleet, is worth many studies. As you will soon find out.''

Terix fell into step behind the two women. He had overcome prejudice, ridicule, and at times outright harassment to get this far so going back was not an option for him. There was nothing on Earth and he had no other home so Starfleet is where he would cast his lot. He could practically feel his father's disapproving stare and could only imagine what he would say about his son joining such an enemy of the Romulan Empire. His mind shifted when he heard Cadet Shadowhunt's question and right or wrong, he offered his opinion.

"This vessel, while still quite impressive, is not as versatile as newer designs" He said coolly. "Should a war break out, there are few better combat vessels, but with no such conflict at the moment it makes sense to use it for training. The vessel stays operational and we get valuable, real time, Starfleet shipboard training." 

''Very well-reasoned out, Cadet, '' the instructor answered with a glance in his direction. '' And the problem with conflicts is that they tend to come about suddenly. Readiness is therefore paramount. In the meantime, I will let you, science kids, imagine the challenges awaiting you on a warship. As for you, Cadet Holland, the uniqueness of this design will provide ample opportunities to challenge you as well.''

“I look forward to having a run at her tactical systems”. Gunner responded.

They entered a turbolift. Snow stated their destination to the shipboard computer.

''Main engineering.''

As the turbolift began to move Terix posed a question to Instructor Snow

"Lieutenant, will we be cold starting the ship's warp core?"

Snow looked at him with a side glance.

''Why, do you have something in your past you want to change, Cadet? Recall your lessons in temporal mechanics and the report on the incident of the NCC-1701 on Psi 2000 a century ago; a cold start has only two outcomes; a warp core breach or a regression back in time. Rest assured we are not going to explore those two options outside of a simulator.''

She paused as she understood his question had probably been a humorous attempt to inquire for the reason of their destination. That she answered as the doors of the turbolift slid open.

''The current acting commanding officer of the Alsea is in engineering. I think he even sleeps there. It would be improper to not report to him for your assignments on board. Always do this first when coming aboard a ship. Some commanders can be... testy. And he is particularly testy.''

As soon as the doors to main engineering opened, a low, graveling voice struck them like a torpedo blast.

''What are you doing on my ship?''

Facing them was the darkest Tellarite they probably have all ever seen; so black, he looked like a large lump of coal with luminous eyes and teeth. With a rolling gate, he came up to Snow and, hands on hips, lifted his bearded chin barely over her chest.

''Lieutenant Snow reporting with the requested personnel, Commander. Cadets, meet Commander Marksus Sangliar, chief engineer and acting commanding officer of the USS Alsea. Commander, this is...''

''Yeah yeah yeah; One, Two, Three and Four,'' he said pointing in turn to Shadowhunt, Holland, Hansen and Terix. ''Good enough for me. But... Cadets, really? Couldn't find any good monkeys?''

''Monkeys don't belong in a pigstall, Commander.''

Monkeys would probably be a better shot than some of who I trained with. Gunner thought to himself.

Sangliar was so dark it was impossible to see him turn red with outrage; but it could be felt like a warp core heating up.

''Pigstall? My ship?''

''I'm sorry; do you prefer mudpool?''

The Tellarite suddenly exploded; into a raucous belly laugh.

''Yeah, I do prefer a good mudbath. Ah Snow; you're almost as good as your brother!''

Now she was clearly turning red.

''What do you mean, almost as good? Just because he flies for Captain Kheren...''

She stopped then smiled.

''Point to you, Commander.''

The chief engineer of the Alsea nodded with a grunt then went past her to stand in front of the cadets. He went first to Shadowhunt and lifted his bushy face to look her straight in the eye.

''You, Number One; and I don't mean this as a rank you will certainly never deserve; can you do anything besides being pretty? And no it's not a compliment either.''

Sabrina could feel her cheeks redden as she was being reproached, but she knew how to give as easily as she could take. She kept her eyes focused squarely on the cantankerous Tellarite as she responded.

“Well sir, I could turn this antiquated hovel of a ship into something that utilizes up-to-date fully functional science components, that is if you have sense enough to stay out of my way.”

Sangliar's face looked like he was about to eat her. Yet, his town was exactly the opposite as he glanced at Snow.

''Well, well, some spunk from a Human female. We'll soon see if you can stack petri dishes without breaking one. If not, you can always scrub them I suppose.''

He went next to the imposing Gunner Holland. He stepped back to have a chance to look the Half-Klingon in the eye without breaking his short neck.

''And what is this? You two smashed into each other on your way here?''

Gunner looked down slightly, as looking in any direction except straight down he could not see the dark bearded man standing in front of him.

“Gunner sir. Holland might be my surname by birth, but it is not really used by my people.”

Gunner had no real connection to his Betazoid empath abilities, but he could sense judgement in front of him. Fear was not an emotion Gunner came by easily, and he showed none of it to the man in front of him.