On:

[Ready room, some other ship]

Captain Viscount Lyran von Thune stared blankly at the PADD in his hand. Still unsure if he had read the orders correctly, he read them again for the 300th time. Or something like that.

Starfleet Academy? Of all the things they could have asked him to do during the downtime required to do the latest batch of refits, updates and upgrades, he would have to run around with a crew of green cadets.

“You are hereby requested and required, immediately upon receipt of these orders” he said, reading the words again… “to take upon yourself, by the authority of these orders, the command of the Starfleet Academy training vessel USS Corax and it’s crew as listed below… Cadet 1st class T’han’in, Cadet 1st class Josephine Baker, Cadet 1st class Bonvar, Cadet 1st class T’Saris, Cadet 1st class Yud, Cadet 1st class Gronn…”

“Well, here we go I guess…” he said, as he grabbed a data chip emblazoned with a golden dragon from a drawer in his desk and inserted it into the slot in his computer access. “Computer, download single-instance program HL-dash-00069 into the Dragon’s Hoard”

The computer chirped, then took some time to complete the task. “Operation complete” the computer said in a pleasant feminine voice.

Lyran nodded, then took the device and placed it in a small pocket inside his vest variant uniform. Rising to his feet, he took a few steps towards the observation bay. Looking out to the upper docks, he could barely make out the shape of the raven-class USS Corax. The raven-class ships were remarkable little things. It would still be a step down from his current command, but it was only a temporary assignment…

With an air of resignation, he walked to his desk and removed the sword that laid there on an deceptively ornate small wooden display. He then sheathed it in an elegant, if slightly dramatic and perhaps showy gesture, to a scabbard on his belt.

Tugging at the laces on his shirt, he made his way towards the door. The door swooshed open to reveal a bridge that would have seemed out of sorts even without the stardock crews tearing it apart. It sported assorted features owed to 70 years of a storied history.

Among the chaos, Lyran singled out the officer in charge of the refits, a Commander Donelly, wearing a short sleeved operations yellow uniform. As Lyran made his way towards Donelly, the man nodded in his direction acknowledging his presence and met him halfway. “I have received new orders, commander. I leave her in your capable hands” he said, trying his best to hide his mixed feelings at leaving the old girl behind, even momentarily.

“Aye sir, ye can rest easy,” Donelly said confidently… before his grew wide in horror as he watched a young crewman starting to remove the antique command chair. “Crewman” he said running towards the centre of the room. “This one stays where it is—”

Perhaps the ship is in good hands after all, Lyran mused as a smile formed on his face, revealing his razor sharp incisives. He made his way to the turbo lift and spoke the command that would take him to deck 3, where the transporter room was located.

It was only a short distance from the turbolift door to transporter room one, and he was greeted there by a young bolian ensign in operations gold. She nodded in acknowledgement, and he nodded back.

“Captain von Thune to the bridge” he said, tapping his combadge. “Raise the Corax and inform them I am ready to beam over”.

“Aye sir” came the voice over the comms.

Lyran turned to the bolian woman, who seemed tired after a long shift of beaming engineering and operations crew back and forth all day. He sympathized with her not so much that it was hard work per se, but the monotony of it all would probably drive him insane far quicker than it did her.

“USS Corax indicated they are ready to receive you, sir” she said in a matter-of-fact tone.

“Thank you ensign Mega” he responded, climbing the three steps towards the transporter. “Energize.”

As her blue fingers danced across the console’s surface, the form of Captain von Thune disappeared into the ether.

[Transporter room, USS Corax]

The first thing he realized after he materialized and took in the transporter room, was that it was not much of a room. He expected everything on board the USS Corax to be smaller, but he didn’t envision it to be this cramped. Perhaps it was the fact that there were two more people there that just sucked out the air in the room.

The two people were dressed in cadet greys. The first, an andorian male, was behind the transporter console, and another, a vulcan female, stood beside it playing a boatswain’s whistle. “Welcome aboard Captain. I am Cadet 1st class T’Saris, and this is is Cadet first class T’han’in” said, indicating to the andorian behind the console. He saluted the Captain, who responded in kind.

“Thank you, cadets” he said, grinning inwardly at how formal they were. That would subside… but not today.

“If you would follow me, sir, I will take you to the bridge” T’saris said.

Lyran simply nodded approvingly and followed her out of the room and into a narrow corridor. Half a minute later, they appeared at the back of the bridge, where a single cadet was sitting at the navigation console.

“Captain on the bridge” T’Saris said, announcing their presence.

Upon hearing this, the cadet rose from her seat and faced the commanding officer, offering a salute. “I’m Cadet 1st class Josephine Baker, sir. Pleasure to meet you, sir.” she said.

“Pleasure is mutual”, he said, returning her salute. “ As you were”. He then turned his attention back to T’Saris. ”You may return to your duties. I will make an announcement shortly” he told her. “Yes, sir” she replied, before making her way to the science console to the right on the command chair.

Sitting down in the command chair, his eyes scanned the bridge for a moment before reaching for ship-wide communications. “This is Captain Lyran von Thune speaking. As of present, I am taking command of the USS Corax and her crew. I am looking forward to meeting you all shortly. There will be an all-hands briefing in the aft observation lounge in one hour, I expect to see you all there. Captain out”.

He then rose to his feet again. “Carry on” he said as he exited the bridge and walked the corridor to the ready room. The place was vacant except for a desk with computer access and two chairs. That would do for now, he said to himself as he walked to the chair behind the desk. He then produced the data chip from his vest pocket and placed it in the computer. “Computer, download and execute single-instance program HL-dash-00069 from the Dragon’s Hoard”.

The computer gave it’s usual chirp, and moments later, a slender asian woman materialized.

“Welcome to our temporary home, Hallie” he said.

‘Hallie’ is not exactly the model upon which the appearance regulations rule book was drafted. She had striking jet black hair with burgundy streaks running through her medium-length angular hairstyle. She used black highlights and black lipstick, and had a few discrete piercings, including on her tongue in a pretty face that manages to project fierceness and confidence. She is wearing an early 24th century leather vest variant uniform, replacing the turtleneck with a low cut tank top and skirt.

She looked at the configuration of the room and instantly knew where she was. “Raven-class, only one unassigned command currently at the yards. USS Corax. Not exactly a promotion, is it?” she said in a playful snark.

“You don’t know half of it yet” he said with a smirk.

She sat on the desk next to him, crossing her legs. “This is going to be good”.

“It’s a crew of cadets” he said, trying not to laugh.

‘Hallie’ had no such reservations and exploded in laughter. “So they turned you into a nanny? Who’s shitllist did you have to land on to get that kind of assignment?” she asked in friendly mockery.

“Oooh, shots fired…” he replied sarcastically. “I wish I knew, but we’re off to get Captain of Engineering Zelensky, retired, of the Starfleet Corps of Engineers and his crew to get the old girl ship shape.

“I met Zelensky 47 years ago” she said, pensively. “What a handsome man he was…”

“Somehow I doubt he would meet your exacting standards today” Lyran joked. “In any case, I know you’re used by now to your position as a Command Support Hologram, but for the time being, what I need is a Training Advisor Hologram. Think you can handle that?” he asked.

“I never disappoint” she said with a wicked smile full of both ominousness and innuendo.

“I know” he simply replied, as they went over the parameters of this first assignment before the crew briefing.

OFF

A post by..

Captain Viscount Lyran von ThuneCommanding officer, USS Corax

Featuring

Hallie Leung as the holographic representation of a long deceased Starfleet captainCommander Donelly as an overworked engineerA bunch of cadets with a bright future in Starfleet

While there was no proper briefing room on board the diminutive USS Corax, the aft observation lounge afforded the crew enough space for an informal style all-hands meeting to take place. The captain rather enjoyed the idea. Meetings and briefings tend to be stuffy, overly formal affairs. Of course informal doesn’t mean that it doesn’t need to be taken seriously. He would have to make sure of that.

Lyran and Hallie were the first to arrive, as was expected. While Hallie prepared the displays that would accompany the briefing, the captain studied a PADD on which was displayed the crew manifest, with brief profiles of each cadet. Each seemed more promising and winsome than the next, but then they weren’t assigned to Nova Squad by lottery.

While reading the profiles, he walked to the replicator to grab a drink. “Protein complex LVT-dash-69” he said, and an ornate crystal carafe containing a crimson liquid materialised, a port glass along with it. Putting down the PADDon a table, he reached for the carafe and placed it on one of the tables.

With about five minutes to the meeting, the crew started arriving one by one and took places at the available tables. Among them he recognized Cadets T’Saris, T’han’in and Baker, whom he had met an hour earlier.

All eyes were fixed on Captain Lyran von Thune, who cut an unusual figure with his puffy Hysperian shirt worn with the Captain’s vest uniform, and the sword dangling from his belt. They were not at the end of their surprises, however. When he was satisfied that he had everyone’s attention, he grinned a toothy grin that revealed unusual fanged canines.

Few people had ever seen Hysperians, but it was well known that Hysperia was a quirky human colony with a colourful culture based on ancient human mythology, but this was highly unusual in humans. Some of them were clearly concerned, but none gave voice to these concerns.

If anyone had noticed the young asian woman in the early 24th century leather vest uniform standing only a few paces behind him and to the side, they did not say anything about it either, though she was not to be found anywhere on the ship’s manifest.

“Good day everyone” he said, making eye contact with each cadet at least once. “The most perceptive of you will have by now realised that I am your new captain. My name is Viscount Lyran von Thune, of Hysperia. You are to refer to me as sir, captain or Captain von Thune” he said, taking a short pause. “My Lord will also be accepted, but be aware that it is not a form of address formally recognised by Starfleet” he added jokingly to try to lighten the atmosphere.

In the background, the stranger produced an antique metal lighter and a cigarette, which she proceeded to light. This attracted the attention of the cadets, who looked on, wide-eyed.

The captain was well-aware of what was going on, but decided to ignore their gawking reaction. “Starfleet, in its infinite wisdom, has seen fit to assign us on a milk run” he began. “We are headed to Starbase 72, where we are required to take on board Captain of Engineering Zelensky and his team and bring him back to Devron Fleetyards to act as an advisor in the refits of that classy lady you see out there.” He pointed to an intriguing ship, looming out there.

“This beauty is the only remaining example of the ‘Probert-type’ Ambassador-class prototypes. These babies never made it into full scale production. Starfleet wouldn’t scrap a ship in good working order however, and she was commissioned for duty. Ironically, this rejected prototype is one, if not the last of it’s line and generation.” he explained. “Turns out Captain Zelensky is a bit more than just an engineering genius, but also a bit of a starship historian.”

“Considering the nature of this mission I will be more of an observer, getting involved as little as possible with the running of the ship. I will be on duty throughout the shifts making reports and writing observations for your professors. Your training will be ongoing throughout your time on the USS Corax, but it will be handled by Captain Hallie Leung” he said, before gesturing for the mystery woman to take over.

While she took a moment to prepare, Lyran walked over to the table where he had left the carafe and poured some of the crimson liquid into the elegant port glass. When the light hit the glass in just the right way, its contents took on the colour of blood, something that did not escape the notice of some of the cadets.

“Greetings cadets. I am Captain Hallie Leung, and I will be your instructor during this cruise. You may refer to me as ‘Instructor Hallie Leung’. Pressing a few keys on a holo-display device, a representation of the USS Corax and detailed specifications appeared out of thin air. “The Raven-class are possibly the best-suited ships for Academy training. Designed to be operated by as few as a single person, this will allow us to divide our crew of nine into three shifts, with three crew members and either the Captain or myself on duty at any time” she explained, puffing nonchalantly on her cigarette, which she held in a fashion not too dissimilar to the femme fatales from old 1940’s movies. “When not on active duty, you will be expected to study, familiarise yourselves with shipboard systems. This ship is equipped with a holodeck, but the only programs that will be available will be combat drill simulators, physical training and target practice programs”.

She took a pause for a moment to inhale the smoke from her cigarette. “Because we will be getting guests on board, you will be expected to double bunk from here on to make sure that Captain Zelensky’s team will have sufficient accommodations space. Once we arrive at Starbase 72, you will be expected to assist in loading up their equipment to the cargo bay, otherwise, this is, as the captain said, a milk run”. Pausing for a moment to read the expressions on their faces, she then asked “Any questions?”.

For a moment, there was complete silence, and then Cadet T’Saris spoke up. “I believe I speak in the name of this crew when I say that it is an honour to have been selected for this assignment and that we can be counted on to accomplish the set of objectives laid before us.” The rest of the cadets nodded in agreement. “That said, I feel I am duty-bound to remind everyone of Starfleet’s policy regarding the use of tobacco products in crew areas”.

The crew was already silent before she uttered these words, but now the silence seemed to hang somehow heavier still.

“I would also like to point out that it is highly unlikely that you are who you claim to be, considering Captain Hallie Leung died in combat in the battle of Tyra system 26 years ago” she carried on.

A smile formed on Hallie’s lips, the black lipstick contrasting vividly against her porcelain complexion. This smile was echoed by the captain’s fanged grin as he took a sip of the crimson liquid. He did not however intervene.

“Cadet T’Saris, if you would please stand and join me…” Hallie asked. T’Saris glanced to the captain, who, cup in hand, motionned for her to comply.

T’Saris rose from her chair and squeezed herself between the chairs occupied by the other cadets until she stood perhaps two steps away from Instructor Hallie Leung, and placed herself at attention.

“At ease cadet” Hallie said, her smile turning slightly mischievous.

T’Saris then stood at ease, her arms behind her back.

“Cadet T’Saris, it seems, is the bravest soul among you lot”, she then said with a playfully wicked smile. “I like her spirit” she continued, as she turned to her. “As it turns out, Cadet T’saris was absolutely correct on both counts”.

Hallie closed the gap between them with a confident, feminine gait. She then gave a charged gaze directly into her eyes.

T’Saris, was receiving conflicting signals that she was unsure how to react to. Holding on to her self-control became incredibly difficult, even for her highly disciplined mind.

Hallie raised her right hand, still holding the cigarette, slowly and deliberately and brought it towards T’Saris’ face. The cadet remained completely still, her eyes locked into Hallie’s, which only prompted her smile to widen. As Hallie’s hand motioned to lighty stroke the cadet’s cheek with her thumb (keeping the cigarette well clear of her face), her finger went right through her face, in full view of everyone.

“You better start believing in ghost stories, guys” she then said, turning her face to the cadets. “You’re in one!”

With his glass in hand, Captain von Thune joined Hallie and T’Saris. “A -photonic- ghost story, anyway” he said, taking a sip from his drink. “Captain Leung died before my eyes 26 years ago. Her presence here is explained in AI research journals if you are really interested in reading about it, but the short of it is, an AI somehow evolved on the ship’s computer, and when shipwide holographics were installed as part of the last major refit, it became able to manifest itself using that system. To make sure it was understood properly by the crew, it grafted upon it’s own program a transporter pattern from when Captain Leung was first assigned to the ship as an ensign, her service record, medical records, psychological evaluations, correspondences and so on as available in the ship’s libraries… in all things, short of a true physical form, this is indeed Captain Leung, if only as a true to life replica. She does however have full rights as a sentient being under the Federation Charter, separate from the original Hallie Leung. She cannot, however, hold a Starfleet rank and operates as a provisional officer with the full authority the position she occupies carries. In all things regarding this mission, she is acting under my authority and should be accorded every courtesy due to her position as your training instructor” he explained, moving the glass to his left hand and putting his right hand on Hallie’s fully physically materialised shoulder. “Understood?” he asked the mass of slack jawed cadets.

“Understood, Sir” they said as one.

“For the purpose of this mission, and because of her inquisitive nature and initiative, Cadet T’Saris is promoted in the field to acting ensign, with all of the rights, privileges and responsibilities attached. Understood, acting ensign T’Saris?” he asked, half to make sure she was up to the task, but also to see if he would manage to rattle the vulcan cadet where Hallie had seemingly failed.

For only a fraction of a second, he could swear that he had seen her eye widen upon hearing of her new responsibilities. For a fraction of a second only.

“Understood, sir. Thank you sir” she said in an even tone.

Lyran smiled as he approached T’Saris and removed the cadet’s pips from her uniform, and produced a provisional officer’s pip from the inside pocket of his vest and pinned it to her chest, in the fashion of the new duty uniforms.

He then turned to face everyone. “You’ve heard the orders, you know what to do. Acting ensign T’Saris will draft the shift assignments and quarters arrangements and inform you of you all as soon as possible” he said, taking a look at his new provisional officer. “Until then, carry on as before” he instructed before dismissing everybody.

As the last of the cadets left the observation lounge, Lyran walked up to Hallie. “What do you think of her?” he asked, taking another sip of his drink.

“I’m not usually all-in for the stoic types, but she’s kind of cute, in her vulcan sort of way”, she replied with an impish smile.

Lyran smiled, facepalmed… and finished his drink.

Off

A post featuring:

Captain Lyran von Thune
Commanding officer, USS Corax

Instructor Hallie Leung
USS Corax

Acting ensign T’Saris
USS Corax

A bunch of gobsmacked cadets