=/\=
The day after Icheb's move into Archer Hall, Icheb established his final schedule for the spring and summer sessions. One requirement he had already fulfilled was the sophomore field study tour on a starship or a space station. The letter sent to him placing him with the second year cadets confirmed this. "Your diverse duties on USS Voyager since you were formally accepted as a cadet has provided you with the wide range of practical experiences which fulfills the program criteria." The list of other classes which were to be waived included Stellar Cartography, the freshman classes in Astrophysics and Engineering required of those planning to major in those fields, Basic Warp Theory and Design, and Elementary Temporal Mechanics. Commander Tuvok's physical training was also deemed sufficient for Icheb to move directly into the first level of Basic Hand-to-Hand Combat, rather than needing to take a semester devoted to physical preparation. When Icheb thought about Tom's love for Sandrine's and Marseilles, the city in which he spent that semester, Icheb wouldn't have minded spending time at that campus.
In addition to the two freshman classes he needed to take, Transporter Theory and Biochemistry I, Icheb elected to begin the introductory course in Medicine he needed for certification as a field medic. His choices of classes for the rest of his schedule, however, would depend largely upon the major he would declare. This was an important, yet difficult decision. While he had enjoyed working in Engineering with B'Elanna's staff, the sciences were his true passion. He accepted that his experiences with Seven in Astrometrics, as well as his friendship with Tom Paris, influenced him, but how he came to make this choice was immaterial. Icheb was confident this was the track he was meant to pursue.
After he'd made his decision and officially declared Astrophysics as his major, Professor Chapman, the head of the Engineering Department, passed him in the hallway and shook his head sadly. Icheb assured him that since he was "interested in becoming well-versed in many subjects," he'd take as many electives as he could in Professor Chapman's discipline.
Icheb decided he needed to speak with Admiral Kempton about his decision, too. He'd been eager for Icheb to become a physician, which would have involved an additional year of study at Starfleet Medical Academy after graduation from the undergraduate Starfleet program. Icheb contacted the admiral's secretary and asked for an appointment. The secretary told Icheb to "come over now because the admiral is eager to hear what major you've chosen." Icheb decided he might as well go over because waiting wouldn't make it any easier.
The admiral expressed great disappointment when Icheb told him he'd chosen Astrophysics. After Icheb explained he planned on going for field medic certification, however, the admrial was somewhat mollified. Seeing this, Icheb was encouraged to ask if he could continue doing some genetics research "on the side," as independent study. Admiral Kempton's demeanor brightened immediately. "My boy, we're planning a seminar in the subject for advanced students for the fall semester. From your accomplishments in that field, I'm happy to invite you to join the group. I'm sure many of our students would benefit from your participation, given your vast practical experience in genetic resequencing."
At last, Icheb was able to visit Professor Reagan in his office. "Congratulations on making a very wise choice, young man!" But when the professor saw how many classes Icheb planned to take in the other disciplines, he groused, good-naturedly, "I see I'm going to have to share you with my colleagues, Cadet!"
Icheb shrugged his shoulders, smiling, as he replied, "I have a wide range of interests, Professor. I hope I won't prove to be a disappointment to you in Astrophysics."
Professor Reagan laughed, "I have no concerns about that at all, Cadet. I'm glad I'll have the pleasure of seeing you in my classes. When you're choosing your schedule though, remember, your major field of study is mine!"
=/\=
The same week Icheb began classes, Seven and the newly-minted (finally!) Lieutenant j.g. Harry Kim began to work as co-leaders on the Delta Flyer Project. The admirals who had inspected the Delta Flyer II were greatly impressed by its maneuverability and durability. As one rear admiral noted, "If the prototype held up under Borg bombardment as long as reported, I'd feel a lot safer traveling in one of those than the ones we've been flying."
Seven pointedly noted that "The Delta Flyer's primary creators were Lieutenant Paris and Lieutenant Torres. They should be the ones in charge now."
Since both were still residing on Voyager, waiting for the fate of the Maquis to be announced, the Research and Development people were forced to admit they could not name them to lead the project - yet. When Seven explained her involvement to Icheb during their regular comm chat that evening, she told him she'd accept the position on one condition. :::If the Maquis are cleared of the charges against them, and if Lieutenants Paris and Torres are reinstated, I must be allowed to step down in favor of the two of them leading the project. Lieutenant Kim insisted on the same condition of employment. I don't believe the R&D personnel were truly upset with us. They know who the best-qualified people are to lead the group.:::
"You'll do a great job, Seven, but. . . " Icheb paused, since he wasn't sure how to put the rest.
Seven correctly interpreted the reason for his hesitation and rescued him. :::I trust they will become my superiors on the project very shortly. In the meantime, we will initiate work on the project. I've already nominated Lieutenant Kim to be our liaison with the R&D personnel and to be the one to report on our progress. He's shown the ability to deal diplomatically with such people. I have not. I doubt I ever shall.:::
Icheb smiled but said nothing. He had to agree with her assessment of the situation. Icheb had no trouble visualizing the way she "nominated" Harry to be the liaison, either. Seven was fantastically talented and fiercely dedicated to the efficient completion of all of her assigned tasks. All, that is, except one. Tactfully dealing with authority figures was the one thing she'd never done well. In fact, Seven was terrible at it.
At one time, Icheb had suggested they take Academy courses together so she could become an officer herself. She'd been quite emphatic in her refusal. Icheb had to admit that Seven's current position of civilian consultant was a much better fit.
And good luck, Harry, Icheb thought wryly. You'll need it.
=/\=