Note from the Author: I am sorry for the extended delay for posting this chapter. I had it written over twelve years ago, but couldn't post while my 30 Worlds series was in progress due to spoiler concerns. Thanks in advance for your understanding.
Z-X, Episode 1: "Into the Breach"
Chapter Two
Elsewhere on the station, Greg Andrews walked into the station's schoolroom. Nebula Wade and Marjorie Hammond smiled as Greg entered. "Mornin', Greg," Nebula said. "Good morning to you too, Nebula, Margie," Greg said.
A soft chime sounded on the station's communications system. Then, a holographic projector in the center of the room activated, revealing a black-haired woman. "Good morning, class," the woman said. "I am Ms. Russo, and I will be substituting for Mr. Sanchez today."
"Good morning, Ms. Russo," the class said as one. "Before we begin today's lesson, I have been asked by Mr. Sanchez to make an announcement regarding your most famous classmate," Ms. Russo said. Some students in the room rolled their eyes and groaned, while Greg, Nebula and Margie smiled.
"Due to Zenon Kar's new status as Liberty station's Juvenile Liaison Officer, her time here in the classroom will become limited," Russo began. "As a result, even though she will continue to take lessons with you, Ms. Kar may be summoned away at any moment to perform her official duties. However, Mr. Sanchez and I both expect you to treat Zenon as you would usually treat her unless directed otherwise by station staff. Am I understood?"
"Yes, Ms. Russo," the class chorused. "Good," Ms. Russo said. "Now, activate your terminals and access the Social Studies database. Then, access the program marked 'Cultural Exportation-Japan,' and we shall begin today's lesson."
Meanwhile, Commander Plank and Zenon were walking down the corridor outside Civilian Dock 3. "Zenon, I have a confession to make," Plank said. "During my honeymoon with Judy, I came to realize that I want to live my life with her as uncomplicated as possible."
"Therefore, I have decided that as soon as the Zoan refit is complete and systems are deemed safe, I am going to move Judy up here and possibly start a family," Plank said. "Cetus-Lupeedus, that's wonderful!" Zenon said. "I wish you much success."
"Thank you for saying so, Zenon," Plank said as the two approached a military officer standing outside the waiting lounge for the Civilian Dock. The officer saluted Plank and Zenon, then stepped aside to allow them access.
The airlock doors opened, revealing the new crew and family members. "Welcome to Liberty station. I am Edward Plank, commander of the civilian crew compliment. All adults, please follow me for your tour. Juveniles, please follow Ensign Zenon Kar, our Juvenile Liaison Officer. If you have any questions, please ask us. Ensign Kar, treat them well," Plank said.
"Yes, Commander," Zenon said. The two groups separated for their own tours. Zenon turned to the children. "Our first stop will be the station classroom, where those of you of school age will receive your education," she said. "Before we proceed further, I must inform you that due to an ongoing refit following the recent first contact with the aliens colloquially known as the Zoans, certain areas of the station are off-limits to all except authorized personnel. For that reason, you can call upon a virtual tour of these locations on your zap-pads or on any computer terminal available to you."
In the classroom, the students were hard at work on a pop quiz when the doors opened, admitting Zenon and the children she was escorting. The holographic projection of Ms. Russo turned to face the incoming party. "Ensign Kar, I am Ms. Russo, the teacher substituting for Mr. Sanchez today. He asked me to inform you that upon the completion of your current duties, you may return here and take the same quiz your fellow students are currently taking," she said. "Or, if your duties do not conclude before the end of the school day, today's study program and quiz based on it will be uploaded to your zap-pad."
"I understand, Ms. Russo," Zenon said. Turning her attention back to her charges, Zenon gestured to the computer terminal where she would normally be sitting. "This is the type of terminal from which you will study while here in the classroom. Each grade has a different classroom, with a different teacher assigned to it, who teaches via a holographic transmission while back down on Earth."
"Each period lasts one standard hour, with a lunch period at 1200 hours—that's 12:00 noon on civilian time," Zenon continued. "Those in grades 1-5 will also have 15 minutes per hour in recess time, where you can use your terminals for personal reasons. Be advised, however, that blocking systems will be in place, preventing access to sites and functions deemed inappropriate for a school setting."
A hand was raised. "Ensign, how can we find the classrooms belonging to our respective grades?" a girl asked.
"Well, you can either ask your parents to look it up on the computer terminal in your family's quarters or, if you have a zap-pad, you can ask it directly. The same goes for any facility you may need to go to," Zenon said. "The station's computer system can recognize you based on your voice or other biological factors and locate the appropriate classroom."
"Our next stop will be the Mess Module, where meals are served and special events are held," Zenon said as she led her charges out of the classroom.
::TBC::