Nerilka panted as she leaned on her arm, which was itself against the wall of the turbo lift. She knew there was a set of ladders in her stocking that showed her spots through above her boots but that was the least of her worries. According to her watch, she was almost an hour late for the ship.

She had run down the hall and into the lift just before and was still trying to catch her breath when it came to a stop at the bridge. She quickly stepped out and tried to compose herself.

"Sorry I'm late Sir, But my watch went off late," she said apologetically as she drew the stare of the man she had met earlier again. She hoped that he wouldn't think she would constantly be late.

"It's quite all-right Ensign. In fact, you're on time. We have only just put out the last boarding call." Stuart smiled as he glanced across at the Trill woman. He still couldn't get over those spots!"You can take your station Ensign." He continued as he pointed to the station behind the Ensign labeled "Science I"

Nerilka smiled sweetly, still panting slightly as she quickly hastened across the bridge to sit at the station, looking over the familiar controls. The atmosphere outside the ship seemed dirty by all means, emissions from various engines clogging the sensors somewhat. She still marveled at how advanced Federation technology was compared to that of her own home. Mind you, the Trill medical facilities left those on Earth in the stone ages.

Stuart couldn't help but grin as he watched the young woman take her station. He always liked to see the child like expressions on new officers, especially those fresh from the Academy. It was a sign of satisfaction, at least in his eyes.

"Ensign... locate me a Sector, no more than 12 light-years away that has an Asteroid Belt within it. I plan to give these Cadets a ride they wont forget in a hurry." The Commander smirked.

She gave a cheeky smile as she moved the sensors to the limits of their range, searching for traces of metals and ores that would be asteroids generally.

A few minutes later, she looked up again and smiled. "Port 18 degrees and down 10 degrees Sir. We should find a field there, and a large one by the readings."

"Distance?" The Commander queried as he excitedly sat forward in his chair.

"10.3 light-years Sir."

"Then that's our destination!" Stuart exclaimed with a smile, looking casually over at Nerilka with an approving nod.