The next day, Cain had gone over with Janeway, Chakotay, and Tuvok with her training lesson one final time. When they approved it, they had decided to go ahead with the training exercise at 0600. The whole crew was buzzing about the upcoming exercise and they could hardly wait to start. The Doctor was even going to participate nominally; he would be setting mobile triage for the injured.
Cain was both excited and nervous. The crewmembers showed their eagerness when Cain passed by. To the crew, it was something new and exciting compared to their mundane tasks.
Cain had never used a holodeck environment for a training exercise but she kept telling herself it was no different than war-games she participated and conducted in the past back at the 12 Colonies. Still, using Cylon technology in a Federation Starship made her uneasy, even though this holodeck program had its own dedicated network. However, she had assurances that Tuvok and his security team they were going to monitor the training exercise.
Cain tried to get some sleep but finally gave up. It was 0345 when she got up and began to get ready. She donned her Colonial Fleet field uniform and went over some notes. Cain went to the mess hall and it was already open, rather early for this time of morning. Neelix was also geared up for the exercise. Janeway had insisted breakfast to be a plain and simple meal nothing exotic to the disappointment of Neelix. He was busily preparing a hearty breakfast when he noticed Cain entered the mess hall.
"Morning Admiral, you're my first customer," announced the chipper Talaxian.
"I won't make a habit of then," smiled wrly Cain.
"You know you're setting a good example for the crew. It shows initiative. I must say, I can't wait to participate later; it sounds so thrilling," said Neelix as he poured thick, syrupy morning brew in a coffee mug for Cain. He set the mug next Cain's breakfast tray.
"Enjoy your breakfast."
* * *
"Computer initialize Cylon Alpha program," said Cain, as she launched the simulation.
When Cain entered the warzone of a make believe Colonial world she was unprepared for how she felt. The realism of the landscape, buildings, and the sights, sounds, smells was amazing. It made her tingle all over. She took a deep breath to relax and kept in mind that this was a fake world. Cain was leading this training exercise as a training officer.
Small groups from the crew would be rotated in and out, allowing Voyager's full complement to participate without interfering with the ship's operations. Officers would be in leadership roles leading the enlisted in platoons. Cain would accompany them and act as a field guide to the officers and enlisted. She would not tell the officers how to lead, she wanted them to make decisions for themselves and learn.
Cain motioned the fresh-eyed, eager recruits to come forward to play.
"Computer start Cylon Alpha program."
* * *
--- after the training exercise ---
Cain was sitting at 10-Forward with Chakotay and Janeway. They were discussing the exercise while playing poker. Cain was engrossed in the game that she didn't notice someone standing by her.
"Admiral, I want to thank you for the training exercise," said a familiar voice. It was Harry when she looked up. "I hope you conduct another training exercise."
"Thank you, Mr. Kim. It will be considered. By the way you did good in the last exercise."
"That's the first public compliment, I've heard for the exercise," exclaimed Janeway as she smiled at Cain when Harry left.
"It turns out about a third of the crew enjoyed it, another third complained; the rest were ambivalent," said Chakotay
"Then we should plan for other exercises," said Janeway. "What do you think, Helena?"
"Yes, but let's use different enemies next time."
* * *