********
Saturday night. Hansen residence.
********
The Victoria mansion was bustling with activity, brightly colored lights were flashing and loud music was playing. Annika was having a time of her life. Her parents and Aunt Irene had gone out for a quiet dinner to 'catch up' and had left her to her own devices. She was grateful for Aunt Irene for her suggestion of the theme. It was perfectly unexpected and pleasant. Annika and her classmates were dancing to the beat of the music and were dressed in garments that were colorful and quite glaring to the untrained eye. Annika thought that her 'bell-bottoms' were extremely 'cool'. And so did her friends. She was thankful because all of them had replicated the recommended party attire, colorful garments, bell-bottoms and all. They too had fashioned their hair for the theme. The men had wild looking hair while the women had hairdos that were some curly and some straight. Oh, how sporting of them she thought.
"Hey Anni! Cool Party! How on Earth did you come up with it?!" One of her classmates shouted.
"Thanks! I got it from ancient Earth records." Annika shouted back over the din. Perhaps the music was a bit too loud she thought. No matter, it's a party..my party. She danced over to a couple of her classmates. She was very happy to see them having a great time. If she had decided on that Victorian theme, god, she didn't want to imagine.
"Yo Anni. This party is fantastic." Said a whole bunch of her classmates. They were nodding their heads hard to the music. Then one her friends came over and greeted Annika,
"Annika, interesting party. I didn't know Earth was quite a ..how shall I put it?..havoc? in it's heyday." Said a female Trill who was moving in step to the beat..
"Yeah Lekall. Thanks. Make sure you feed your host well." She gestured to Lekall's body. "There's refreshments on the table over there, all replicated as part of the theme."
"Hey yeah, don't worry. If he dares over-indulge, I'll whip 'em." Lekall responded haughtily, pointing to her head.
Annika just smiled. The complexities of two minds she thought. She could hardly grasp the complexities of Trills and their conjoint symbionts. She only knew it was part of their survival or something. Joan and Tina came over. She was amused. Joan's hair was curly and she wore a loose fitting colorful garment that showed her cleavage with high heels and bell-bottoms. Tina's hair was long and straight. She too wore almost the same thing as Joan.
"Hey Anni! How did you conjure up this theme for the party? It..how did they say it back then?..owns!" Tina recalled and laughed.
Joan smiled. "Yeah Anni! I had no idea until you transmitted the rest of us your theme and attire designs. I was extremely surprised when I checked my messages."
"Now now ladies. I'll have to thank my Aunt Irene for that, you can thank her when she comes home from dinner with mum and dad." Annika said and patted her curly hair.
"Hey look over there, a party pooper." Joan and Tina pointed to a Vulcan who was standing and watching the rest of her classmates dancing. He was in his Starfleet uniform. Annika walked towards him.
"Hey P'Tol, join the party will you? Dance a bit. Let go of your logic for once!" Annika exclaimed and started to move her shoulders and hips to the beat. Two days ago, she had spent half a day learning various dance moves in the holo-room with a hologram called 'Danny Zuka'. The hologram had been teaching her rather provocative moves. She took the Vulcan's hands and tried to make him dance along.
But the Vulcan just stared at her before answering. "Vulcans do not dance. I fail to see the relevance of such an activity. Logic suggests that after a week of intensive studies at the Academy, one would require rest."
"Oh come on now P'Tol, don't Vulcans ever have fun?" Annika asked, she continued dancing while holding his hands. The Vulcan simply stood there, letting his hands dance with her. Then she proceeded to place his hands on her neck, and she rubbed down P'Tol's sides, all the while moving her body to the beat. Annika was trying to entice him with her movements. But the Vulcan was unimpressed.
"Your optimism is illogical. Perhaps a mind meld would help to alleviate your concern." P'Tol offered.
"Was that a joke P'Tol?" Annika was amazed. It was the closest thing to a Vulcan joke if she ever heard one.
"I don't believe so. My offer was sincere." P'Tol continued and placed his right hand on Annika's face. "My mind to your mind.."
Forget it. Never invite Vulcans to parties ever again she thought. Annika stopped dancing. She wanted to get as far away from P'Tol as possible,
"Fine, oh look, my friends are calling to me." She said and pretended to wave at Tina and Joan. "I have to go, see ya later P'Tol. Don't be a stranger now you hear?!"
"Naturally." And lowered his hand.
Annika quickly approached her friends. They were laughing.
"You tried to make P'Tol dance? With the way you moved, I thought he would have succumbed. I think any guy would. Apparently Vulcans are more disciplined than I thought." Joan said giggling.
Tina interjected. "Yeah well, you know Vulcans. Always playing hard to get. Perhaps I should give him a try." And Tina turned and walked over to P'Tol. Annika and Joan looked at Tina amazed. The things she'd do to get a guy.
"Eh Joan. Let's go somewhere quiet. I need to talk to you. You're my closest friend." Annika said sounding a little desperate. "Ok sure, Anni. How about upstairs? Your room."
Both of them went upstairs leaving the party behind. Annika hoped that they didn't break anything. And she sat on her bed.
Joan took a chair and sat down, bending over, hands between her legs. "So what's up Anni?"
"Joan. I don't know how to tell you this. Please don't laugh." Annika pleaded.
Joan interrupted her. "Don't tell me. You're getting back together with Tomas." she sniggered and clasped her hands together.
"NO Joan! Please be serious. I think there's something wrong with me." Annika said and looked at herself in the mirror.
Joan looked dubious. "Now what's wrong with you?"
"Remember three weeks ago when I knocked you down after you showed me your wedding dress designs?" Annika asked regretful because of the memory of her pushing her friend down.
"Well yes Anni. Why?"
"Well, I was having a bad dream when you woke me up." Annika continued.
"About what? I remembered you telling someone to go away." Joan asked carefully.
"It was the Borg." Annika blurted out. She was frightened. "And then I ran to my dad's office. And I woke up after having fallen asleep on his lap. I don't remember what happened before that. Ever since then, I haven't had a single nightmare. In fact, I haven't dreamt at all since then. I just sleep and wake up, sleep and wake up. It feels so strange not to dream."
"You haven't been dreaming? The Borg? I thought maybe you'd like not dreaming since they were giving you nightmares. Have you seen a doctor yet?" Joan asked concerned. She understood why Annika was acting the way she was. She had been told that the Hansen's had escaped the clutches of the Borg, but only barely. She didn't want to think about it any further and brushed the thought away.
"Yes and he didn't find anything wrong with me. Dr. Anderson checked me pretty thoroughly. He said that perhaps it was because graduation was nearing and I was pretty exhausted. Too exhausted to dream." Annika continued. She continued looking at herself in the mirror, looking down at her chest and the tight fitting garment. Well, if this what they wore back then, then I think I'd rather skip it. Annika fell back into her bed and kicked off her shoes. She closed her eyes and soon snored. Joan smiled and sighed. Oh poor Anni. What's wrong? Annika was like a little sister to her. And she hated to see her suffer from anything or with anyone. Joan got up, walked over and pulled a blanket over Annika, tucking her in. Sleep well Anni and pleasant dreams, Joan kissed Annika's forehead.
Joan silently exited and then proceeded back down to the party. She had to take over for Annika while she was asleep. And for a long time, nobody noticed Annika's absence. Joan searched for Tina amongst the crowd. And she was shocked. She had gotten P'Tol to dance. Well, if you can call it a dance. Tina was moving her body seductively and dancing to the beat. But P'Tol was just moving his left foot from side to side. Well, it's a first she thought. One small step for a Vulcan, one giant leap for Vulcan illogical-ness.
The party was a rousing success. Everyone was having loads of fun, well except for the Vulcan, P'Tol. They were pleased at a change of pace of their daily activities. And they danced the night away.
********
"'First Crush'? They named it 'First Crush'?" Irene asked doubtful. Magnus pulled a seat and motioned for his sister-in-law to sit.
"Yes, it's the restaurant Magnus and I went for our first date." Erin said.
Magnus was almost blushing. "Of course Erin, I didn't know that you'd reciprocate my feelings for you. I just took a chance."
"And a chance it was. Oh thank you." Magnus pulled a seat for Erin. He took his seat and summoned the waiter for the menu.
"Irene, it sure has been a long time. 5... 6 years?" Magnus said. He sounded unsure as how to start a conversion with someone he hadn't seen for so long.
"Yes, not since the funeral. I'm sure Father would've been proud of how me and Irene turned out." Irene said tersely. Magnus felt a boil. He didn't want this dinner to become a gathering of tributes for his late father-in- law. He cleared his throat and tried to change the topic.
"So Irene, how's..em..life?" Magnus almost smacked himself for asking a stupid question. Luckily for him, Erin saved him.
"What my husband.." Erin glared at Magnus who was hiding behind the menu. She gave him a kick in the shin. He fidgeted. "..meant to ask was how are you and what have you been doing the last five years."
"Well, if you must know, I have been traveling a lot lately. I didn't know it was so fulfilling. I'd recommend a visit to India. The Taj Mahal is especially tranquil at night."
"Lovely, I'd think Annika would've like it there." Erin sipped her water. "You know, I would have insisted that she come along. But the party.."
Her sis knew where she was going with this, "It's ok Erin. I'll have a dinner with her another time. Her party is important to her."
"And how in heavens did you come up with the theme for her party?" Magnus asked.
"Well, like I said, I've been traveling a lot." Irene continued. "And if you've been to where I've been, you'll be more appreciative of what old Earth used to have."
The waiter approached, head high and looking ever so important. Magnus was probably famished Erin thought.
"Good evening. So has everyone decided yet?" He asked with a hint of importance in his voice.
Magnus was the first to start. "Yes waiter, I'd like this. It looks interesting." And he pointed it out to the waiter.
"Yes, yes. Our specialty. The Cherry-Orange Glazed Duck Breast. And what would the ladies have?" As he eyed the women.
"Oh dear, Erin. I was never good at this. Order for me something. I'd appreciate it." Irene looked at the dishes doubtfully.
"Very well sis. You know mum always had had to order for you whenever we went out for dinner." Erin pointed out.
Magnus made a sound. It kinda sounded lika a stomach growl. "Ladies, please. The kind waiter is waiting." He sounded almost desperate.
"Oh be patient." Erin burst and looked over the menu carefully. "It has been a long time since we've been here. I don't know what to order. Here Magnus. Order for us."
Magnus quickly returned the menu with haste. "Make that three and make it quick. Thank you Waiter."
"Very well then. A wine sir?" The waiter handed him a wine list. Magnus took it and was dumbfounded at the long list. He closed his eyes and touched a spot on the list. He opened his eyes,
"Give me this. Ca' del Solo Pinot Grigio Monterey 2360." And he smiled back with no idea what he just ordered. Well, all wines are the same or so he thought. And so for an entire evening, Irene, Erin and Magnus ate and talked about what had come to pass for the last five years.
********
Finally, it was the last week they would all ever have in the Academy.
"So how do you think you did in last week's test simulation?" Tina asked anxiously. Annika barely had time to answer when Tomas replied.
"I believe I have done pretty well myself. I'm sure I'll be Captain in no time." Was the boastful reply. Just then, Lt. Commander McConnell entered. The class hushed in anticipation.
"Good Morning class. I'm sure all of you are anticipating the results of last week's test. Needless to say, all of you have done very well. You performed what was required of your various posts. Beyond my expectations to say the least." McConnell said proudly. Annika looked at him, isn't there something else?
"But even so, some of you performed below Starfleet standards. Now, let's learn some of these lessons today." McConnell entered a few commands and brought up a replay of the exercise. It was nothing she had expected.
"Now I will show you some of the actions that are deemed totally un- Starfleet like." And he pressed a few commands. On it, one of classmates showed up. It was Cadet Varley.
"Here we see Cadet Varley, tending to one of the injured." And he turned to Varley, "Cadet Varley, now tell me, what is your position here in the simulation?"
"I'm an engineer sir." Annika saw him bit his lip.
"And why is it you are tending to his injuries. Good thing he's just a hologram" He pointed out. He continued without giving Varley a chance to answer.
"So you see class, if you are not trained as a medical officer, please do not try to treat any of the injured, your duty is to bring him to sickbay. The Chief Medical Officer will.." Annika stood up and cut him off.
"What if the Chief Medical Officer was injured? Or dead?" The Commander had been prepared for this.
"Stand down Cadet Hansen. I've been asked this question many times. I haven't been able to answer it until now. Starfleet has come up with a breakthrough in the medical field with Dr. Zimmerman's ingenius creation." McConnell explained.
"So what has Dr. Zimmerman got to do with the CMO being injured or dead sir?" Annika asked heatedly.
With a smile, McConnell announced,
"Computer, activate Emergency Medical Hologram Alpha one."
A balding..if it was even capable, hologram appeared in medical corp uniform. Everyone gasped. Annika thought, Dr. Zimmerman?
"Please state the nature.." The hologram frowned and looked around. Annika was surprised. Is that a look of annoyance? She thought. "Now Commander, do we have a real medical emergency or.." And he hinted towards the cadets with his head. ".. am I simply going to be a subject of intense study."
The Commander ignored him. "Cadet Hansen, in case the CMO is incapacitated, the EMH can be brought online to replace him. Temporarily until the ship returns to a nearby Starbase of course."
The rest of the class was awed at this marvelous Starfleet creation. Wow they thought, a holographic doctor? But Annika was too smart for the Commander. "What if the EMH malfunctioned in the attack? Or he cannot be activated?"
McConnell replied with another smile. "Then I'd guess you have to pray wouldn't you?" Annika frowned. She was expecting a better reply, especially from the Commander. And he continued explaining as if nothing had happened.
"The EMH is adequate enough to.." The EMH immediately cut him off.
"Adequate? I believe I'm more than that Commander!" The EMH protested indignantly and continued. "Why, I have been programmed with over five million medical procedures and the medical knowledge of three thousand cultures. I am *more* than adequate to perform the duties of the Chief Medical Officer. In fact, I am *more* than adequate.." the EMH droned.
"Computer, deactivate EMH." For a moment, the EMH looked back at the Commander, mouth-wide and shocked. And then dematerialized.
"Well, I believe he's explained himself. The EMH program is still in the Alpha stages of development, we're still tweaking his personality subroutines. But nevertheless it is ready to be deployed to the entire fleet. Now where were we? Ah yes." McConnell punched up another screen. This time it showed Cadet's Tomas image.
"Now let's recap what happened." And McConnell played a holo-recording.
**
"Now see what has happened Cadet Hansen? Even if engineering managed to shutdown the Warp Core, the Verteron particles would be almost impossible to flush. It would require weeks of work in a dry dock." Captain Janeway said strictly, her arms folded.
"Captain, we have to abandon ship." Cadet Tomas said. Captain Janeway looked at her First Officer, her arms still folded.
"No Cadet Tomas, let's just sit here and wait. I've never experienced a warp core breach.. in person." Captain Janeway said and then turned to look at the view screen.
**
And the Commander paused the replay.
"Now class, can anybody tell me Cadet Tomas's mistake?" McConnell asked. Nobody answered. Tomas was shocked. He thought his performance was admirable. But the Commander was about to show otherwise.
Annika was trying to think of something to say and an idea popped in head, of course! And she answered. "Sir, I believe that as First Officer, Cadet Tomas should have disciplined me instead of the Captain." She hoped she was right. But the Commander's reply left her even more dumbfounded.
"No Cadet Hansen. Good try though. Although you were partly to blame, the incident should not have happened if Cadet Tomas has been vigilant in his duties as the vessel's First Officer." Commander McConnell explained. He looked at everyone and their expressions told him that they didn't quite comprehend. Might as well he thought.
"As First Officer, he or she must keep tabs on all essential systems and assist the Commanding Officer in all tactical situations. A FO is also required to update the Captain on the status and morale of the crew. It is the responsibility that one must uphold and adhere to. In this case, Cadet Hansen had been working on the sensors and deep space imaging system but the First Officer was totally unaware. It is a clear dereliction of duty which warrants a court martial. It is his duty.. one of many.. to make sure the ship is in proper operational order." McConnell finished. He glanced over at Tomas who was flushed with embarrassment. But he was not quite finished yet.
"Now let's take a look at Cadet Tomas's second mistake. In fact, it is the gravest mistake the Academy has ever witnessed in history. Can anyone spot it?" McConnell replayed the scene again and paused. Many of the Cadets fell into hush whispers, discussing the possibilities.
Then to his amazement, all hands shot up, well except Cadet Tomas of course.. Everyone knew what to look out for now. He randomly picked out one Cadet. She was a Trill.
"Commander, Cadet Tomas was correct by informing the Captain that the ship had to be abandoned. But he failed to act when the Captain refused. As a responsibility of First Officer, he should have relieved the Captain of duty due to grounds that her command decistion would injure or kill the crew. But instead he did not and just stood there like a dumb ass." The Trill Cadet said smartly, sniggering at her clever use of the last two words.
Everyone laughed. Tomas wanted to shoot himself with a phaser and he just groaned. There goes my chances for command he thought.
"Well put Cadet. In any case, we are lucky it is just a simulation. Well class, that is all, very minor, or let's just say major in the case of Cadet Tomas, mistakes to point out to all of you. I hope all of you have learnt valuable lessons here. I wish all of you the best and hopefully, you all get posted where you want to. Class dismissed." Commander McConnell smiled and exited. The class jumped in excitement at the thought of graduation day coming in a few days.
The three friends met outside.
"Hahaha!!! I never thought you did so badly Tomas." Tina laughed.
"Yeah Tomas, I almost felt sorry for you. But I haven't forgiven you yet. Seeing how you were so humiliated, it was the best medicine one could ask for." Annika laughed. Serves him right for being so boastful she thought.
Tomas made a face showing hurt, "Hey, I'm hurting you know. Well, to hell with you all!" And he stomped away in anger. Annika and Tina were unmoved. They felt that he had deserved every bit of it. Annika was glad she never invited him to the party. He would have tried to make his moves again.
"Tina, let's go see how Joan fared. I heard she saved somebody's life in her test." Annika said excitedly.
"Yeah, something about err... damn if I know, I'm no medical aide." She said and led Annika by her hands to the mess hall.
********
Saturday night. Hansen residence.
********
The Victoria mansion was bustling with activity, brightly colored lights were flashing and loud music was playing. Annika was having a time of her life. Her parents and Aunt Irene had gone out for a quiet dinner to 'catch up' and had left her to her own devices. She was grateful for Aunt Irene for her suggestion of the theme. It was perfectly unexpected and pleasant. Annika and her classmates were dancing to the beat of the music and were dressed in garments that were colorful and quite glaring to the untrained eye. Annika thought that her 'bell-bottoms' were extremely 'cool'. And so did her friends. She was thankful because all of them had replicated the recommended party attire, colorful garments, bell-bottoms and all. They too had fashioned their hair for the theme. The men had wild looking hair while the women had hairdos that were some curly and some straight. Oh, how sporting of them she thought.
"Hey Anni! Cool Party! How on Earth did you come up with it?!" One of her classmates shouted.
"Thanks! I got it from ancient Earth records." Annika shouted back over the din. Perhaps the music was a bit too loud she thought. No matter, it's a party..my party. She danced over to a couple of her classmates. She was very happy to see them having a great time. If she had decided on that Victorian theme, god, she didn't want to imagine.
"Yo Anni. This party is fantastic." Said a whole bunch of her classmates. They were nodding their heads hard to the music. Then one her friends came over and greeted Annika,
"Annika, interesting party. I didn't know Earth was quite a ..how shall I put it?..havoc? in it's heyday." Said a female Trill who was moving in step to the beat..
"Yeah Lekall. Thanks. Make sure you feed your host well." She gestured to Lekall's body. "There's refreshments on the table over there, all replicated as part of the theme."
"Hey yeah, don't worry. If he dares over-indulge, I'll whip 'em." Lekall responded haughtily, pointing to her head.
Annika just smiled. The complexities of two minds she thought. She could hardly grasp the complexities of Trills and their conjoint symbionts. She only knew it was part of their survival or something. Joan and Tina came over. She was amused. Joan's hair was curly and she wore a loose fitting colorful garment that showed her cleavage with high heels and bell-bottoms. Tina's hair was long and straight. She too wore almost the same thing as Joan.
"Hey Anni! How did you conjure up this theme for the party? It..how did they say it back then?..owns!" Tina recalled and laughed.
Joan smiled. "Yeah Anni! I had no idea until you transmitted the rest of us your theme and attire designs. I was extremely surprised when I checked my messages."
"Now now ladies. I'll have to thank my Aunt Irene for that, you can thank her when she comes home from dinner with mum and dad." Annika said and patted her curly hair.
"Hey look over there, a party pooper." Joan and Tina pointed to a Vulcan who was standing and watching the rest of her classmates dancing. He was in his Starfleet uniform. Annika walked towards him.
"Hey P'Tol, join the party will you? Dance a bit. Let go of your logic for once!" Annika exclaimed and started to move her shoulders and hips to the beat. Two days ago, she had spent half a day learning various dance moves in the holo-room with a hologram called 'Danny Zuka'. The hologram had been teaching her rather provocative moves. She took the Vulcan's hands and tried to make him dance along.
But the Vulcan just stared at her before answering. "Vulcans do not dance. I fail to see the relevance of such an activity. Logic suggests that after a week of intensive studies at the Academy, one would require rest."
"Oh come on now P'Tol, don't Vulcans ever have fun?" Annika asked, she continued dancing while holding his hands. The Vulcan simply stood there, letting his hands dance with her. Then she proceeded to place his hands on her neck, and she rubbed down P'Tol's sides, all the while moving her body to the beat. Annika was trying to entice him with her movements. But the Vulcan was unimpressed.
"Your optimism is illogical. Perhaps a mind meld would help to alleviate your concern." P'Tol offered.
"Was that a joke P'Tol?" Annika was amazed. It was the closest thing to a Vulcan joke if she ever heard one.
"I don't believe so. My offer was sincere." P'Tol continued and placed his right hand on Annika's face. "My mind to your mind.."
Forget it. Never invite Vulcans to parties ever again she thought. Annika stopped dancing. She wanted to get as far away from P'Tol as possible,
"Fine, oh look, my friends are calling to me." She said and pretended to wave at Tina and Joan. "I have to go, see ya later P'Tol. Don't be a stranger now you hear?!"
"Naturally." And lowered his hand.
Annika quickly approached her friends. They were laughing.
"You tried to make P'Tol dance? With the way you moved, I thought he would have succumbed. I think any guy would. Apparently Vulcans are more disciplined than I thought." Joan said giggling.
Tina interjected. "Yeah well, you know Vulcans. Always playing hard to get. Perhaps I should give him a try." And Tina turned and walked over to P'Tol. Annika and Joan looked at Tina amazed. The things she'd do to get a guy.
"Eh Joan. Let's go somewhere quiet. I need to talk to you. You're my closest friend." Annika said sounding a little desperate. "Ok sure, Anni. How about upstairs? Your room."
Both of them went upstairs leaving the party behind. Annika hoped that they didn't break anything. And she sat on her bed.
Joan took a chair and sat down, bending over, hands between her legs. "So what's up Anni?"
"Joan. I don't know how to tell you this. Please don't laugh." Annika pleaded.
Joan interrupted her. "Don't tell me. You're getting back together with Tomas." she sniggered and clasped her hands together.
"NO Joan! Please be serious. I think there's something wrong with me." Annika said and looked at herself in the mirror.
Joan looked dubious. "Now what's wrong with you?"
"Remember three weeks ago when I knocked you down after you showed me your wedding dress designs?" Annika asked regretful because of the memory of her pushing her friend down.
"Well yes Anni. Why?"
"Well, I was having a bad dream when you woke me up." Annika continued.
"About what? I remembered you telling someone to go away." Joan asked carefully.
"It was the Borg." Annika blurted out. She was frightened. "And then I ran to my dad's office. And I woke up after having fallen asleep on his lap. I don't remember what happened before that. Ever since then, I haven't had a single nightmare. In fact, I haven't dreamt at all since then. I just sleep and wake up, sleep and wake up. It feels so strange not to dream."
"You haven't been dreaming? The Borg? I thought maybe you'd like not dreaming since they were giving you nightmares. Have you seen a doctor yet?" Joan asked concerned. She understood why Annika was acting the way she was. She had been told that the Hansen's had escaped the clutches of the Borg, but only barely. She didn't want to think about it any further and brushed the thought away.
"Yes and he didn't find anything wrong with me. Dr. Anderson checked me pretty thoroughly. He said that perhaps it was because graduation was nearing and I was pretty exhausted. Too exhausted to dream." Annika continued. She continued looking at herself in the mirror, looking down at her chest and the tight fitting garment. Well, if this what they wore back then, then I think I'd rather skip it. Annika fell back into her bed and kicked off her shoes. She closed her eyes and soon snored. Joan smiled and sighed. Oh poor Anni. What's wrong? Annika was like a little sister to her. And she hated to see her suffer from anything or with anyone. Joan got up, walked over and pulled a blanket over Annika, tucking her in. Sleep well Anni and pleasant dreams, Joan kissed Annika's forehead.
Joan silently exited and then proceeded back down to the party. She had to take over for Annika while she was asleep. And for a long time, nobody noticed Annika's absence. Joan searched for Tina amongst the crowd. And she was shocked. She had gotten P'Tol to dance. Well, if you can call it a dance. Tina was moving her body seductively and dancing to the beat. But P'Tol was just moving his left foot from side to side. Well, it's a first she thought. One small step for a Vulcan, one giant leap for Vulcan illogical-ness.
The party was a rousing success. Everyone was having loads of fun, well except for the Vulcan, P'Tol. They were pleased at a change of pace of their daily activities. And they danced the night away.
********
"'First Crush'? They named it 'First Crush'?" Irene asked doubtful. Magnus pulled a seat and motioned for his sister-in-law to sit.
"Yes, it's the restaurant Magnus and I went for our first date." Erin said.
Magnus was almost blushing. "Of course Erin, I didn't know that you'd reciprocate my feelings for you. I just took a chance."
"And a chance it was. Oh thank you." Magnus pulled a seat for Erin. He took his seat and summoned the waiter for the menu.
"Irene, it sure has been a long time. 5... 6 years?" Magnus said. He sounded unsure as how to start a conversion with someone he hadn't seen for so long.
"Yes, not since the funeral. I'm sure Father would've been proud of how me and Irene turned out." Irene said tersely. Magnus felt a boil. He didn't want this dinner to become a gathering of tributes for his late father-in- law. He cleared his throat and tried to change the topic.
"So Irene, how's..em..life?" Magnus almost smacked himself for asking a stupid question. Luckily for him, Erin saved him.
"What my husband.." Erin glared at Magnus who was hiding behind the menu. She gave him a kick in the shin. He fidgeted. "..meant to ask was how are you and what have you been doing the last five years."
"Well, if you must know, I have been traveling a lot lately. I didn't know it was so fulfilling. I'd recommend a visit to India. The Taj Mahal is especially tranquil at night."
"Lovely, I'd think Annika would've like it there." Erin sipped her water. "You know, I would have insisted that she come along. But the party.."
Her sis knew where she was going with this, "It's ok Erin. I'll have a dinner with her another time. Her party is important to her."
"And how in heavens did you come up with the theme for her party?" Magnus asked.
"Well, like I said, I've been traveling a lot." Irene continued. "And if you've been to where I've been, you'll be more appreciative of what old Earth used to have."
The waiter approached, head high and looking ever so important. Magnus was probably famished Erin thought.
"Good evening. So has everyone decided yet?" He asked with a hint of importance in his voice.
Magnus was the first to start. "Yes waiter, I'd like this. It looks interesting." And he pointed it out to the waiter.
"Yes, yes. Our specialty. The Cherry-Orange Glazed Duck Breast. And what would the ladies have?" As he eyed the women.
"Oh dear, Erin. I was never good at this. Order for me something. I'd appreciate it." Irene looked at the dishes doubtfully.
"Very well sis. You know mum always had had to order for you whenever we went out for dinner." Erin pointed out.
Magnus made a sound. It kinda sounded lika a stomach growl. "Ladies, please. The kind waiter is waiting." He sounded almost desperate.
"Oh be patient." Erin burst and looked over the menu carefully. "It has been a long time since we've been here. I don't know what to order. Here Magnus. Order for us."
Magnus quickly returned the menu with haste. "Make that three and make it quick. Thank you Waiter."
"Very well then. A wine sir?" The waiter handed him a wine list. Magnus took it and was dumbfounded at the long list. He closed his eyes and touched a spot on the list. He opened his eyes,
"Give me this. Ca' del Solo Pinot Grigio Monterey 2360." And he smiled back with no idea what he just ordered. Well, all wines are the same or so he thought. And so for an entire evening, Irene, Erin and Magnus ate and talked about what had come to pass for the last five years.
********
Finally, it was the last week they would all ever have in the Academy.
"So how do you think you did in last week's test simulation?" Tina asked anxiously. Annika barely had time to answer when Tomas replied.
"I believe I have done pretty well myself. I'm sure I'll be Captain in no time." Was the boastful reply. Just then, Lt. Commander McConnell entered. The class hushed in anticipation.
"Good Morning class. I'm sure all of you are anticipating the results of last week's test. Needless to say, all of you have done very well. You performed what was required of your various posts. Beyond my expectations to say the least." McConnell said proudly. Annika looked at him, isn't there something else?
"But even so, some of you performed below Starfleet standards. Now, let's learn some of these lessons today." McConnell entered a few commands and brought up a replay of the exercise. It was nothing she had expected.
"Now I will show you some of the actions that are deemed totally un- Starfleet like." And he pressed a few commands. On it, one of classmates showed up. It was Cadet Varley.
"Here we see Cadet Varley, tending to one of the injured." And he turned to Varley, "Cadet Varley, now tell me, what is your position here in the simulation?"
"I'm an engineer sir." Annika saw him bit his lip.
"And why is it you are tending to his injuries. Good thing he's just a hologram" He pointed out. He continued without giving Varley a chance to answer.
"So you see class, if you are not trained as a medical officer, please do not try to treat any of the injured, your duty is to bring him to sickbay. The Chief Medical Officer will.." Annika stood up and cut him off.
"What if the Chief Medical Officer was injured? Or dead?" The Commander had been prepared for this.
"Stand down Cadet Hansen. I've been asked this question many times. I haven't been able to answer it until now. Starfleet has come up with a breakthrough in the medical field with Dr. Zimmerman's ingenius creation." McConnell explained.
"So what has Dr. Zimmerman got to do with the CMO being injured or dead sir?" Annika asked heatedly.
With a smile, McConnell announced,
"Computer, activate Emergency Medical Hologram Alpha one."
A balding..if it was even capable, hologram appeared in medical corp uniform. Everyone gasped. Annika thought, Dr. Zimmerman?
"Please state the nature.." The hologram frowned and looked around. Annika was surprised. Is that a look of annoyance? She thought. "Now Commander, do we have a real medical emergency or.." And he hinted towards the cadets with his head. ".. am I simply going to be a subject of intense study."
The Commander ignored him. "Cadet Hansen, in case the CMO is incapacitated, the EMH can be brought online to replace him. Temporarily until the ship returns to a nearby Starbase of course."
The rest of the class was awed at this marvelous Starfleet creation. Wow they thought, a holographic doctor? But Annika was too smart for the Commander. "What if the EMH malfunctioned in the attack? Or he cannot be activated?"
McConnell replied with another smile. "Then I'd guess you have to pray wouldn't you?" Annika frowned. She was expecting a better reply, especially from the Commander. And he continued explaining as if nothing had happened.
"The EMH is adequate enough to.." The EMH immediately cut him off.
"Adequate? I believe I'm more than that Commander!" The EMH protested indignantly and continued. "Why, I have been programmed with over five million medical procedures and the medical knowledge of three thousand cultures. I am *more* than adequate to perform the duties of the Chief Medical Officer. In fact, I am *more* than adequate.." the EMH droned.
"Computer, deactivate EMH." For a moment, the EMH looked back at the Commander, mouth-wide and shocked. And then dematerialized.
"Well, I believe he's explained himself. The EMH program is still in the Alpha stages of development, we're still tweaking his personality subroutines. But nevertheless it is ready to be deployed to the entire fleet. Now where were we? Ah yes." McConnell punched up another screen. This time it showed Cadet's Tomas image.
"Now let's recap what happened." And McConnell played a holo-recording.
**
"Now see what has happened Cadet Hansen? Even if engineering managed to shutdown the Warp Core, the Verteron particles would be almost impossible to flush. It would require weeks of work in a dry dock." Captain Janeway said strictly, her arms folded.
"Captain, we have to abandon ship." Cadet Tomas said. Captain Janeway looked at her First Officer, her arms still folded.
"No Cadet Tomas, let's just sit here and wait. I've never experienced a warp core breach.. in person." Captain Janeway said and then turned to look at the view screen.
**
And the Commander paused the replay.
"Now class, can anybody tell me Cadet Tomas's mistake?" McConnell asked. Nobody answered. Tomas was shocked. He thought his performance was admirable. But the Commander was about to show otherwise.
Annika was trying to think of something to say and an idea popped in head, of course! And she answered. "Sir, I believe that as First Officer, Cadet Tomas should have disciplined me instead of the Captain." She hoped she was right. But the Commander's reply left her even more dumbfounded.
"No Cadet Hansen. Good try though. Although you were partly to blame, the incident should not have happened if Cadet Tomas has been vigilant in his duties as the vessel's First Officer." Commander McConnell explained. He looked at everyone and their expressions told him that they didn't quite comprehend. Might as well he thought.
"As First Officer, he or she must keep tabs on all essential systems and assist the Commanding Officer in all tactical situations. A FO is also required to update the Captain on the status and morale of the crew. It is the responsibility that one must uphold and adhere to. In this case, Cadet Hansen had been working on the sensors and deep space imaging system but the First Officer was totally unaware. It is a clear dereliction of duty which warrants a court martial. It is his duty.. one of many.. to make sure the ship is in proper operational order." McConnell finished. He glanced over at Tomas who was flushed with embarrassment. But he was not quite finished yet.
"Now let's take a look at Cadet Tomas's second mistake. In fact, it is the gravest mistake the Academy has ever witnessed in history. Can anyone spot it?" McConnell replayed the scene again and paused. Many of the Cadets fell into hush whispers, discussing the possibilities.
Then to his amazement, all hands shot up, well except Cadet Tomas of course.. Everyone knew what to look out for now. He randomly picked out one Cadet. She was a Trill.
"Commander, Cadet Tomas was correct by informing the Captain that the ship had to be abandoned. But he failed to act when the Captain refused. As a responsibility of First Officer, he should have relieved the Captain of duty due to grounds that her command decistion would injure or kill the crew. But instead he did not and just stood there like a dumb ass." The Trill Cadet said smartly, sniggering at her clever use of the last two words.
Everyone laughed. Tomas wanted to shoot himself with a phaser and he just groaned. There goes my chances for command he thought.
"Well put Cadet. In any case, we are lucky it is just a simulation. Well class, that is all, very minor, or let's just say major in the case of Cadet Tomas, mistakes to point out to all of you. I hope all of you have learnt valuable lessons here. I wish all of you the best and hopefully, you all get posted where you want to. Class dismissed." Commander McConnell smiled and exited. The class jumped in excitement at the thought of graduation day coming in a few days.
The three friends met outside.
"Hahaha!!! I never thought you did so badly Tomas." Tina laughed.
"Yeah Tomas, I almost felt sorry for you. But I haven't forgiven you yet. Seeing how you were so humiliated, it was the best medicine one could ask for." Annika laughed. Serves him right for being so boastful she thought.
Tomas made a face showing hurt, "Hey, I'm hurting you know. Well, to hell with you all!" And he stomped away in anger. Annika and Tina were unmoved. They felt that he had deserved every bit of it. Annika was glad she never invited him to the party. He would have tried to make his moves again.
"Tina, let's go see how Joan fared. I heard she saved somebody's life in her test." Annika said excitedly.
"Yeah, something about err... damn if I know, I'm no medical aide." She said and led Annika by her hands to the mess hall.
********