Star Trek: The Next Gamer
Episode 3.1: Code of Honor

Stardat 5
Earth Standard Time: March 27, 2364
U.S.S Enterprise-D: Deck 1 Bridge

Tyson took a moment to appreciate the view from the bridge. He started his journey in this universe here, but he'd only been invited back into the command center one other time. It was an iconic location, but Tyson ranked it 5/10 for Federation bridges. The tactical station didn't even have a chair, treating that officer like a twenty-fourth-century cashier. Maybe it was the strange divider between the tactical console and the lower chairs, the eighty's color scheme, or some combination thereof. This was one of his least favorite bridges along with Kirk's original Enterprise. Despite the low ranking, it was still cool for him to be here.

He left through the left-side door to the deck one observation lounge. This was the first senior staff meeting he was invited to that didn't directly involve him. In fact, Tyson was surprised he was invited. He'd been mostly left alone since he had been assigned to complete the Starfleet courses. He was working through the theoretical testing still. If he had to guess, he was about a full year through the courses, not bad for ten days of work.

Picard, Riker, Troi, Data, LaForge, Yar, Worf, and Crusher were all present. Once Tyson was seated at the crowded conference table, the meeting began.

"I've received a communication from Starbase fourteen. We've been ordered to head to the second planet in the Ligon system to meet with the leader of the planet because of an ongoing situation on Styris Four. Doctor, if you would please."

"Styris Four has suffered an outbreak of Anchilles fever. It is a highly contagious and virulent disease. If nothing is done, casualties could be in the millions. The vaccine for the disease is very rare and not easily produced. It isn't synthesized in large quantities anywhere in the Federation."

Picard continued, "That is why we're heading to Ligon Two. The Ligonians are not Federation members, but they have a supply of the vaccine we need. We're to negotiate with them, acquire a supply and deliver it to Styris. Commander Data, you will be responsible for obtaining and distributing relevant cultural information."

"Yes, sir."

"Commander Riker, you will be in charge of shipboard operations and command during this mission as I will primarily be occupied with diplomacy."

"Understood, sir."

"Lieutenants Yar and Worf, you will coordinate on security escort duties. Doctor Crusher, please prepare whatever facilities and equipment you need to analyze and store the vaccine. I know it's a long shot but also look into replicating the vaccine."

"Yes, sir." "Yes, Captain." "I'll do my best."

"Counselor, as always I'll rely on your guidance throughout these negotiations."

"You'll have it, captain."

"And lastly, our new ensign. I know you've been spending time working on your academics. Commander Data has been updating me on your progress. I'm going to need you to coordinate with Data on the cultural aspects of the negotiations. From what I understand about the Ligonians, they're far removed from Federation culture but may be reminiscent of some cultures from your time period. You seem to have a knack for interacting with the non-humans on the ship from what I've been informed."

"Yes, sir. Thank you, sir."

"If there's nothing else, you have your orders."

"One thing, sir, if I may," Tyson spoke up.

Riker smiled at the boldness of the Ensign. It wasn't often that lower-ranked officers would speak up during their first senior officers' meeting.

"Go ahead."

"If possible, I was hoping to work with Doctor Crusher on the vaccine as well."

"Thoughts, Doctor."

"He was the one who came up with the cure for the Tsiolkovsky Infection. Anchilles fever is a whole different beast, but he may be the best crewman to assist."

"Very well. So long as it doesn't interfere with your diplomatic duties, you may assist the Doctor."

"If there's nothing else?" The captain repeated. Looking around the table with an ambivalent mixture of sternness and amusement on his face. "Dismissed."

Unique Quest Alert!
Unique Quests are one-shot quests that offer unique rewards unobtainable otherwise.
Clear the Episode: Code of Honor
Objective: Obtain the Anchilles Fever vaccine from the Ligonians.

Failure:
Death of Millions on Styris IV
Possible Death

Rewards:
+1 Level Bonus Rewards:
Based on Performance

~~Star Trek: TNG~~

Ligonian Language Skill Increased! 0-4

Tyson spent a few hours studying with Data. For efficiency, the study session was conducted in Ligonian so Tyson could pick up the language. As much as Tyson's Universal Translator seemed like a cheat code, it took Data only minutes to learn the language. For this mission, the android jacked directly into the Enterprise computer. While he could assimilate information extremely quickly, direct transfer was always the fastest route for him to learn.

The cultural briefing reminded Tyson of details he'd forgotten about the Ligonians. Their society was built from customs mimicking those found in Native American and African cultures. One major difference was that the females were the landholders and those titles and wealth were only passed to the men upon death. Ligonians were allowed to have multiple spouses.

In preparation for the likely outcomes, once Tyson was free from Data, he contacted Worf, "Lieutenant, would you be willing to join me for some weapons training?"

"Don't you have diplomatic and medical duties?"

"All under control. I don't want to fall behind in my combat training. Besides, the cultural brief says that the Ligonians specialize in melee combat."

"Very well. Two hours, no more. We can't all go without sleep."

Melee Weapons skill has increased! 12 - 16

~~Star Trek: TNG~~

Lieutenant Yar and a small security team walked out into the mall courtyard. They had gotten some complaints about a few of the children causing a ruckus. It was a slow day in security. All the plans were settled for the Ligonian delegation. Off to the side of a storefront were four kids, to Tasha they didn't look like teens yet, but might have been late bloomers. They didn't seem too disruptive, but as a pack, they looked to be searching for something.

They were so focused, they didn't note her approach until she was right behind them, "Everything okay here guys?"

They turned around to regard her, the oldest speaking up, "Uh, yes" The boy paused to check the officer's rank, "… Lieutenant. We're good. But we can use your help." He exclaimed.

"Okay, what do you need?"

"We can't find the tall guy."

She smiled playing along, "Okay. You're looking for the tall guy, what does he look like?"

"He's really tall. Like taller than anyone on the ship. And, he's got pointed ears, like a Vulcan. He said he'd give us snacks if we could find him. His food is so good, way better than the replicators! But we haven't seen him since he went to hide."

Tall and Vulcan? The only person on board who matched that description was Tyson. Natasha asked, "Was he wearing a grey uniform?"

"Yes!" They all exclaimed.

"Alright. Team, we're looking for Ensign Tyson. Treat this like a live exercise, no weapons. Spread out."

The security team searched and was shadowed by the children for twenty minutes. Every store was checked but Tyson was not found. They regrouped in the center of the courtyard.

Stealth skill has increased! 12 - 15

"Alright everyone, tricorders out."

Tyson had watched the children and security team from the shadows. It was difficult to even find shadows in the bright courtyard, but Tyson managed by climbing a pillar and holding position in the shadow where it met the ceiling. A normal man would have a difficult time doing so without being a trained climber, but Tyson's enhanced strength allowed him to complete nearly impossible feats.

His Vulcan hearing allowed him to know when they were pulling out tricorders. The jig was up. He wouldn't be able to hide from sensors but it might be good practice. Tyson firmed his grip and tried to relax his mind. He tried to enter meditation and make his presence as small as possible.

Stealth Check (DC: 35) = 32 Failure.

The tricorders were able to hone in on his position after a moment of refining the scan criteria. Tyson prepared for action. The security team was steadily approaching his position. All three of them had their focus locked on the tricorder. Just as they reached his location and started to look up, he dropped down and grabbed Lieutenant Yar.

"Always be mindful of your surroundings." Tyson lectured.

The security team reached for their weapons but hearing what he'd said and seeing him quickly release their leader made them pause. Tyson turned to the kids and pulled a tray out of his Inventory.

"You got me this time guys, good job. Snacks as promised. Same time tomorrow."

The youths agreed and took a tray of miniature apple pies. As they left, Tyson pulled out some more and passed them to the security team.

"Thanks for being cool about the whole hide-and-seek in a public place. I'll try to impart to the kids the importance of discretion going forward. It shouldn't be nearly as disruptive."

"That would be good." responded Yar, "Kids will be kids. But why the games? Shouldn't you be working on something?"

"Prep for the negotiations is much less time-consuming than the schedule I was keeping with the academy coursework. Added in that I don't sleep, it gives me some free time. I was just working on my stealth skills. Kids aren't the most observant, but getting several of them looking for me at once is a decent way to practice."

"Okay, but why? What good is stealth when everyone carries tricorders?"

"For one, while you were able to locate me, it is difficult to focus on a tricorder and your surroundings at the same time. As you saw. Your inattention allowed me to get the drop on you. Most species don't have sensors that match the Federation. Additionally, you knew that you were looking for a Vulcan. Without adjusting the tricorder properly, it would've been much harder to find me."

After a small pause, Tyson continued, "The Klingons have a huge advantage in battle thanks to their cloaking device. Going unnoticed allows you to have time to plan, gather information, and execute the first strike."

Tasha nodded while eating her snack, "These are pretty good. I can see the value in what you're saying. Tomorrow we'll come by again to make sure things stay calm. Just make sure you have cookies or something."

~~Star Trek: TNG~~

Tyson was in the Sickbay lab with Crusher. She was instructing him on the process of how vaccines are made. Her lecture made him realize that the issue wasn't in the production of the vaccine, but in the volumes required. The Federation was capable of making the vaccine for Anchilles fever. But the millions of doses needed would take a year to produce. The vaccine had a limited shelf life, so it wasn't stored in large quantities. Anchilles fever was common on Ligon, so they constantly maintained a supply, similar to yearly flu vaccines from Tyson's time.

The vaccine was a live vaccine, which was why it couldn't be replicated. Replicators can't reproduce living cells, it's one of the limitations of the technology. Replicators work at the molecular level. No atomic-level replicator had ever been produced. Tyson knew he wouldn't be able to create the technology to make such a marvel. He tried. The difficulty check was a combined Physical Science and Engineering check set at one-hundred twenty. The best Tyson could do was eighty-five. Critical Success was not an automatic success, it added a value to the roll that Tyson had yet to pin down. He'd still fall way short.

Not being able to create an entirely new replicator technology left Tyson's other option to create a new, faster process of making live vaccines. The check required for that was Medicine, with a whopping seventy difficulty check. The best Tyson could manage was fifty, better, but still not close enough to be worth considering.

Tyson could abuse Apt-Pupil and just spend time under the tutelage of Crusher, Data, or LaForge and level his skills high enough to succeed. They didn't have time for that though. It would take at least a month to get either of those skillsets that high if they worked together a few hours a day. Since neither he nor Data needed sleep, they might be able to get the skills that high if they worked around the clock for a week or so. It might be an alternative worth raising with the captain.

~~Star Trek: TNG~~

Tyson headed to the replimat. It was time to upgrade his uniform. He wanted to make a carbon nanofiber uniform. Carbon nanofiber was developed in the early nineties in Tyson's timeline. It was approximately one hundred times the strength of steel, but it was crazy expensive. Tyson had a glut of energy credits and thought this might be a good way to burn through some of them.

Carbon nanofiber was a miracle material. It was excessively strong and it could carry an electrical charge while being no heavier or less comfortable than cotton. The industrial replicator helpfully informed Tyson that carbon nanofiber had an energy credit cost of one thousand per gram. For Tyson to make a medium-weight uniform, about 600 grams worth of carbon nanofiber was needed. His hopes were dashed realizing that he wasn't even close to being able to afford it.

Energy Credits: 126,885

He pulled out his PADD and looked at the Engineering Daily Quests to see what he could salvage around the ship.

AN: Reviewer made a good point about the Full Character sheet not being needed in every chapter. I agree, I don't follow the sheets hardcore as a reader. As a writer I keep it there for my reference, but once per episode at the end is probably sufficient post-editing.

2x/week posters won out, so these chapters will be shorter allowing me to keep ahead. Sorry, I know it's bite-sized. Expect Monday/Thursday posts until the next Episode.

Said in a previous AN we don't talk about Episode 5, but I'm more than halfway through and having soo much fun writing it, had to share! Tyson is going full power-gamer, which I know some readers have been waiting for.

Question for Reviewers: If you remember this episode, how do you think Tyson will approach it? How would you approach it with his current powers?