STARBASE 259 – 2364.12.25
Ensign Claire McGregor had been stationed at Starbase 259 for seven months now.Theborder incidentwith the Cardassian Empire had been concluded. On the bright side, the vast majority of her classmates had survived. Claire would only sigh when news reports came in detailing the conflict. I've missed it all and I'm still counting stembolts in cargo bays.
With her shift over, Claire sat in the base lounge and drank a glass of red wine. She thought to herself that even if this assignment was uninteresting, it was still important and she would do it right. To date, she had never made an error and had improved efficiency 40. Still, she had not smiled in some time and began to think about Josh. He had been in the thick of things and was awarded for valor. Shar too, had distinguished herself. Both classmates had sent brief messages encouraging Claire to 'hang in there'. She had even heard from the ever-optimistic Ensign Chubb. Occasionally, she caught herself thinking dark thoughts about her ex, Andrew. On a positive note, this assignment allowed her to hone her physical skills. She was considered deadly on the mat and could challenge any in Starfleet in phaser marksmanship. She had also devoted herself to piloting, another skill she excelled in.
As she inhaled the heady aroma of the Shiraz, Commander Torac Asiz sat next to her. He was her senior rater and supervised her boss, Lieutenant S'kler. Asiz had not spoken very often to Claire, so she was surprised to see him. As she set her glass down and stood up he raised his hand. "At ease, Ensign. Please sit down." Claire developed a knot in her stomach known as a 'cold prickly', as opposed to a warm fuzzy. He smiled gently. "Ensign, I wanted to express my appreciation for your work. You have been diligent and have never complained. I've seen your face when you get messages from your friends. I know you want to be out there."
Claire's eyes widened. How did he know?
CDR Asiz continued, "You have tremendous potential and your attention to detail is astounding. I just wanted to say that you won't be here forever. By the way, Happy Holidays." With that, he gave her a fatherly pat on the back and departed. Claire gulped down her wine and took a deep breath to stop her heart from pounding. She thought she was going to get chewed out.
Claire left the lounge and went for her obligatory workout. Feeling somehow energized, she ran eight miles and smeared Lieutenant Bentley all over the mat. The poor guy still had seam imprints on his face when they bowed, ending the match. Then, dropping her sweat-soaked gi, she hit the sonic shower. Claire felt the tension of the past flow out as the sonic vibrations pulsed. When she was finished, she hopped into fresh clothes and returned to her quarters. It was time to make a call. Claire verbally cued the comm system and a beautiful woman's face appeared on the screen. "Hi, mom…." she called out and the woman's expression instantly brightened.
THE MCGREGOR HOME, HAMAMATSU, EARTH - 2359.12.25
"Hi, Mom." Claire beamed as she hopped through the front door of the pagoda-like McGregor home. Sixteen-year-old Claire had just returned home from visiting Grandma McGregor in Virginia in the former United States. The McGregors had resided at that location in Fredericksburg for nearly five and a half centuries. Grandma had always lavished her attention on her grandchildren, Claire and Joseph, whenever they visited. During her stay, Claire was shown ancient photographs and paintings of long-dead relatives. Some were heroes, some were traitors, some were scientists, and others were statesmen.
The late Grandpa Owen Roger McGregor gave significant assistance to the development of matter-antimatter transport. He was considered to be a leading engineer in his day. Mitchell Douglas McGregor helped negotiate with the Centaurans to bring them into the Federation. There was a pilot who had been a war hero and tested many new aircraft. Matthew John McGregor graduated from the West Point Class of 1859. He chose to defend his native state when war broke out and was killed in a small town called Gettysburg in the summer of 1863. Andrew Kevin McGregor fought against his state and fledgling country and was captured fighting for General Cornwallis at Yorktown in 1781. He was later released and repatriated to England. Shamus Josiah McGregor died fighting for Bonnie Prince Charlie against the English. Grandma said the Clan McGregor could trace its roots back to the McGregors who helped bring Robert the Bruce to the Throne of Scotland.
Claire had never heard these stories before and was fascinated with her Grandma's tales. Grandma McGregor showed Claire an ancient Claymore that had been in the family for generations. There was also a stiff black sack belonging to Andrew McGregor and an old gray cavalry uniform with a hole where a sabre blade had passed through. Finally, she saw an sage flight suit and helmet. The helmet had the name 'Raven', printed on it: her ancestor's callsign. Claire had flown for some time, but this gave her something to dream about. Grandma McGregor was fiercely proud of their heritage and loved sharing it with Claire.
At the door, Claire's mother, Heather Anne, gave a smile to her daughter. She was usually quite reserved, given her half Vulcan blood. Born to Robert Stevens, a human warp field theorist, and T'fal, a Vulcan chemist, Heather had chosen the path of emotions. Although she kept in contact with her father, she had not spoken to her mother in over fifteen years. Her raven hair, slightly pointed ears, and arching eyebrows gave away her ancestry, but her quiet laughter and demure smile demonstrated her human half. Having no regrets, her belief in her decision was reinforced every time she saw her children. Her daughter had inherited her grace, strength, and character, but not her love of science. That went to her younger child, Joseph Alan.
Claire's father, Kevin Angus, greeted his daughter, too. Taking after his own father, Kevin was a brilliant engineer, having developed a number of tracking and targeting systems. Kevin was an avid golfer and highly encouraged Claire and Joseph to participate in sports. Kevin was always glad Claire inherited her mother's looks as he was sometimes embarrassed by his shocking red hair and freckles.
Thirteen-year old Joseph ran out with a PADD and gave it to Claire. "Hey, sis, you got a letter."
Mom and Dad smiled. "Go ahead, Claire, open it." Claire took the PADD and saw "UNITED FEDERATION OF PLANETS: STARFLEET ACADEMY." Claire's heart froze. She had been waiting for this. She had taken her examination this past summer: Dad had grilled her on the academics.
Claire activated the PADD. "GREETINGS, CLAIRE MCGREGOR. CONGRATULATIONS…" That was all she read before the hooting, hollering, and hugging began. It was a joyous Christmas.
STARBASE 259 - 2365.02.03Commander Asiz handed young Ensign McGregor her performance evaluation on a PADD. As she read it he spoke, "As I said before, you are doing exceptional work. This came to the attention of a friend of mine back at the Academy. We call him the Jarl." Claire looked up with wide eyes. Asiz anticipated her question. "Yes, Olaf and I served on the Nelson. Tough SOB. Well, anyway, he seems to think highly of you and we've seen your pilot simulation scores. You're going to get a crack at flying. Your check ride is in two months. You think you'll be ready?"
Claire's jaw dropped. "Ummm, sure. I mean yes sir!" Claire stammered as she fumbled with her chair.
The Commander had been so kind. He stood and reached across the table and shook her hand. "Good luck."
Claire was an excellent pilot, but now she trained even harder. She had flown attack craft in the Academy and achieved the top score. She studied the flight manuals and regulations daily until she knew them by heart. Commander Asiz spent an hour a day, quizzing her on all manner of trivia. Two months later, she was finely honed.
STARBASE 259 – 2365.04.10The day had come. Three pilots comprising the board awaited Claire in the conference room. A queasy feeling ran throughout her stomach. As she waited to be summoned by the board, Commander Asiz came by. "Claire, you're ready. Go knock 'em dead." She gave a weak smile in response. She twirled her bangs with a finger for a few minutes until the red light by the door blinked, signaling the board's readiness. Summoning her entire focus, Claire stood and strode confidently to the door. It opened at her approach with a whoosh and she entered. A silver-haired commander motioned for her to step in.
Claire took two steps and announced, "Ensign McGregor reporting as ordered, Sir."
The Commander motioned for her to sit. "I am Commander Petrov and this is Lieutenant Harris and Lieutenant Jae." Claire sat and nodded greetings to all.
Commander Petrov began, "Ensign, why do you wish to fly and what makes you think you will be good at it?" Claire knew this one inside and out and she let it out. She told them of her dream of flying and exploration. All three nodded and the two lieutenants smiled. Claire's confidence grew.
The technical questions followed and Claire's preparations had paid off. She answered every one knowledgeably and to the satisfaction of the board. She was on a roll.
Commander Petrov stood and nodded. "Ensign, your Q and A exceeded expectations. Now let us go to the simulator." The four stood and walked to the shuttle bay. The simulator was activated and set to level one. The fatherly Asiz stood nearby observing the examination. Claire entered the simulator and strapped in. Level One posed no problems. Commander Petrov declared, "Let's go to level five." The command was entered and Claire's simulated shuttle was confronted with an ion storm. Claire breathed deeply. She knew the checklist by heart. With sweaty palms and a determined look, she brought the shuttle into the hangar bay and shut down.
Petrov pulled Claire out of the simulator. "Welcome aboard. I will notify Command of your results and your transfer request will be approved."
Claire stood rigidly at attention and blurted, "Thank you sir!" The board members smartly turned and departed.
Asiz strode up and extended his hand. Claire shook it, but then gave him a hug. He returned a fatherly embrace.
Claire stepped back. "I won't forget you."
He grinned. "I know."
Several days later, the young ensign received a call in her quarters. Activating the console, Josh's face appeared. "Hey, Claire, I hear you made it in the big leagues now. I always had faith in you," he said proudly.
The pilot hopeful replied humbly, "News gets around fast. I haven't heard for sure yet. You know how these things are."
The blond young man came back. "No, this one's for sure."
Claire changed the subject. "So, what is the famous brain up to?"
Josh fidgeted a bit before answering telling Claire about a hostile alien they encountered and how they were lucky to survive.
Claire expressed horror at Josh's words. "Really? Well, thankfully you're all right. It seems like you've done some growing. Hopefully I'll be able to tell you some stories next time."
"I Look forward to it. I gotta go Claire. You take care."
Claire waved at the screen. "You too." Then the screen went blank.
STARBASE 259 - 2365.05.17 – SHUTTLEBAYClaire's bags were packed once again. Her shuttle sat in the bay awaiting the rest of its passengers. On cue, Commander Asiz arrived to say farewell. With a phony frown he quipped, "You mean I haven't gotten rid of you yet?"
Claire stood up. "No sir, you're going to have to kick me off," she retorted.
Asiz continued the banter. "Well, then that's the way it will be. Pilot!" he called to the shuttle pilot.
The harried pilot looked over from the shuttle hatch. "Sir?"
"I'm going to need you to take this upstart ensign with you," Asiz commanded.
The pilot looked through the manifest. "Uhh, she's on the list sir."
Asiz turned back toward Claire. "You stay safe out there, Ensign. You owe me a tall cool one back at the Academy one day."
Claire shook his hand firmly. "It would be my pleasure, sir."
As the two stood on the deck, the pilot called out, "Departure in five minutes. All aboard."
Claire's eyes began to mist up. She wiped her nose with her sleeve and turned to go. At the hatch, she turned back. "Take care, sir," she said and then stepped into the shuttle. After stowing her gear, she sat down next to another passenger. A few minutes later, the shuttle flew out of the bay and on into another chapter of Claire's life.