“Cadet Unit Lead Training Officer’s Log, stardate seven-eight-five-one-zero point five-six. The Telemachus has returned to the Odyssey after a successful training excursion. The entire operation was a success. I am happy to hear from Captain Banfield that our efforts have greatly assisted the Odyssey with its mapping mission of the Verkian system. I have given the entire cadet unit the next three days off before they resume their duties. In the meantime, I have had a datastream from Starfleet Academy informing us of possible upcoming changes to Starfleet’s approach to training.”

Leaning forward with a warm expression etched on her face, Reyes cast her keen gaze across the table, her eyes scanning each person in the room. Now that they were back home, she had gathered everyone who had helped with their first excursion on the Telemachus. Using the staffroom next to the briefing hall, she had put out a few pastries and pots of coffee for them all. 

“I want to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude for the commitment you all have shown during the recent training exercise aboard the Telemachus,” she began, her voice ringing with a mix of sincerity and admiration. “The contribution each and every one of you made was instrumental in setting a great tone for future training excursions.”

Jirani, a seasoned officer known for her sharp wit, nodded in agreement. “Indeed, your efforts have not gone unnoticed,” she affirmed. “Thanks to your time, the cadets appear closer as a unit. This was something we really wanted to achieve, especially since the impact Frontier Day had on so many of them.”

Everyone showed their appreciation with a round of acknowledgements and nods of their heads at the words from the two senior officers who led the cadets. 

“I didn’t want to keep you all for too long,” Reyas remarked, her voice echoing in the spacious briefing room. “I know you’ve all got reports to finish, but I wanted to share with you an update I got from Starfleet Academy.” She pressed a few buttons on the PADD resting on the table before her. The holographic projectors in the table came to life with a soft hum to show what appeared to be a training program. “Starfleet is considering fast-tracking the training process.”

Jonarom furrowed his brow in thought, his usually calm and composed expression replaced with one of concern. “Are they serious?” he asked, seeking clarification, his voice tinged with disbelief. Being the one in the room who had left the Academy recently, he was taken aback by this. 

Reyas nodded. “Yes, it seems they are contemplating implementing advanced fast-track courses, similar to what was done during the Dominion War,” she confirmed, her expression grave. “It’s in response to the losses we suffered during the Frontier Day massacre.”

Rosle then voiced her concerns. “While I get it that the need for skilled officers is undeniable, we must proceed carefully,” she cautioned, her voice filled with a mix of determination and worry. “We cannot afford to sacrifice quality for speed. Our cadets deserve the best training we can provide, especially with what happened during Frontier Day. Those left are going to be scarred for some time. Surely, Starfleet has learnt that lesson from the Dominion War?”

Doctor Corben interjected softly. “Indeed, rushing through training could lead to oversights and gaps in knowledge,” she added. “We must ensure our officers are thoroughly prepared for the challenges they may face.”

“And what about the toll this intensive training may take on our officers’ mental and emotional well-being?” Jisaraa questioned, her concern evident. “I’m not sure how confident I would feel about having someone on our Hazard Teams if they fall apart the moment they hear a phaser go off!” 

Jayshon, the Tamarian, spoke in his characteristic metaphorical language. “The river Temac may rush, but the stone remains steadfast,” he offered, his words cryptic yet thought-provoking. The engineer was picking apart a piece of fruit as he spoke. 

“All of these are valid concerns, but in your after-action reports, I would appreciate suggestions of what future learning points we should consider with our current cadets. Also, any cadets who stood out that you believe could benefit from further advanced training. My gut tells me that Starfleet may consider rushing experienced cadets through graduation, and if so, they may start asking us who we should have on our radar. I know we can’t change policy, but I’d prefer to have those we have to put forward be as ready as we can make them.” 

Reyas knew that getting more hands out in the field was important for Starfleet to remain effective, but she had experienced that pushing inexperienced people into difficult situations always resulted in something going wrong. If she could ensure those she was responsible for had something to help them in their back pocket, then at least she knew she had done something to help—even if it was a little something. 

As the discussion wound down, Reyas offered her officers a final word of gratitude. “Again, thank you all for your time and dedication during the training excursion,” she said, her voice tinged with sincerity. “Your efforts have not gone unnoticed, and I am grateful for each and every one of you. Perhaps we should make this a monthly event?”

They all chuckled at her sense of humour before they began to file out of the room; Lieutenant Jonarom lingered behind, his expression thoughtful. Approaching Reyas, he hesitated for a moment before speaking. “Captain, may I have a word?” he asked, his tone respectful.

Reyas nodded, giving him her full attention as she picked up a mug of raktajino from the table in front of her. “Of course, Lieutenant. What’s on your mind?” she asked as she sipped her Klingon coffee.

Jonarom shifted awkwardly, his gaze flickering briefly. “I couldn’t help but notice… is everything okay between Alfie and Jordan?” he asked tentatively, referring to Reyas’s son and his friend, both cadets in their training unit.

Reyas sighed softly, a hint of uncertainty in her expression. She and the others had noticed a palpable tension between Alfie and Jordan during the entire trip. “I’m not entirely sure,” she admitted, her voice tinged with concern. “But they do seem happier since returning from their survival hike. Whatever happened between them… I hope it’s resolved now. They were always inseparable before.”

She paused, considering Jonarom’s question further. “Alfie has been keeping things to himself lately,” she continued, her tone troubled. “I thought it was down to his brother’s leaving, but maybe not. I plan to check in with him. Whatever happened between him and Jordan during their trek… I hope it’s resolved now. They were always attached to the hip before.”

Jonarom nodded, understanding evident in his eyes. “If you ever need someone to talk to, Alfie, I’m here. As his friend… and as a fellow officer.”

Reyas smiled gratefully, touched by his offer of support. “Thank you, Lieutenant. That means a great deal to me,” she said sincerely.

Before Jonarom left the room, Reyas stopped him with a gentle hand on his arm. “I’m  “Can I ask you something, Lieutenant?” she inquired, her tone curious.

Jonarom turned back to face her, his expression attentive. “Of course, Captain. What is it?” he asked, curious.

Reyas studied him for a moment before speaking. “Jonarom, why did you take the position as my husband’s chief communications officer here on the Odyssey?” she asked, her tone gentle yet probing. “You were the chief science officer on board the Bellerophon.”

Jonarom’s expression softened, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his lips. “Fleet Captain McCallister was… very persuasive,” he admitted with a chuckle.

Reyas nodded in understanding, though her expression turned thoughtful. “I understand, but I can’t help but feel that your talents and gifts as a scientist are being underutilised in your current position,” she observed, her tone gentle but firm.

She continued, her voice earnest. “As a former chief science officer, I know how important it is to stay connected to your training and background,” she advised. “Don’t lose touch with your scientific community, Lieutenant. Your insights and expertise are invaluable.”

Jonarom nodded, gratitude shining in his eyes. “Thank you for your counsel, Captain,” he said sincerely before offering her a respectful nod and leaving the room.

Within the sterile confines of sickbay, Slyvexs meticulously conducted a routine medical check-up on Cadet Jordan Duncan-Court. The soft hum of medical equipment filled the air as Slyvexs, with her slender fingers, deftly manoeuvred the tricorder over Jordan’s form, her keen eyes scanning the readings for any anomalies. He was sitting on the edge of a biobed, and she could tell something was off with him. Jordan, usually exuding confidence, appeared visibly unsettled, his features etched with a subtle tension. 

“So, are you going to tell me what this is all about?” Slyvexs asked as she finished her scan. “Is there something troubling you, Cadet?” she inquired, her voice a soothing melody amidst the clinical surroundings.

Jordan hesitated, his gaze momentarily faltering before meeting Slyvexs’ compassionate gaze. “I… I’m not sure, Doctor. I just… I feel off somehow.”

Slyvexs nodded understandingly, adjusting the settings on her tricorder as she focused on Jordan’s vital signs. Surprisingly, the readings appeared normal, without any indication of distress. “Well, I’m not detecting anything, Jordan.”

He sighed heavily. “Are you sure?”

“Take a look for yourself,” Slyvexs pointed at the wall console. ”Your human DNA resequencing we did last year is stable, and your Rylsanti heritage is sitting quietly. There’s nothing wrong here, Cadet.”

Rubbing his face with both palms, he thanked the doctor before sighing again. 

Curiosity piqued, Slyvexs gently closed the tricorder. “Jordan, why don’t you join me for a mug of tea? I didn’t get one with breakfast this morning.” She gestured for Jordan to follow her to a more private area within sickbay—her office. 

Once settled, Slyvexs replicated two steaming mugs of herbal tea, the fragrant aroma wafting through the air as she settled back into her chair, her gaze fixed upon Jordan with unwavering concern.

“Tell me, Jordan, what transpired during your recent training excursion?” she prompted, her tone gentle yet probing.

Jordan hesitated, his gaze drifting to the steaming mug clasped tightly in his hands before he finally spoke, his voice tinged with a hint of vulnerability. “It’s about Alfie.”

Slyvexs nodded encouragingly, inviting Jordan to share his thoughts and feelings without judgment. She wondered what the issue could have been about the captain’s son. 

“I… I think I may have developed feelings for him,” Jordan confessed, his voice barely above a whisper. “We… we shared a few… intimate moments.”

Slyvexs listened attentively as Jordan recounted the romantic encounters he had shared with Cadet Alfie McCallister-Reyas, her expression a portrait of empathy as she absorbed his words. If this had been any other patient, she would have suggested they speak to one of the counsellors, but as Jordan was one of her patients they rescued over a year ago from the Rylsanti ark, she felt the need to be someone he could talk to about this. 

Jordan’s voice trembled slightly as he described the stolen kisses, tender embraces, and overwhelming rush of emotions that had swept over him in those fleeting moments. “It felt right, Doctor,” Jordan continued, his eyes misting with unshed tears. It was like we were meant to be together, if only for those brief moments.”

Slyvexs nodded, her expression one of understanding. Her heart felt for the young man. She had been in love several times herself, and she knew how special it was, especially when you were young. “Such experiences can be powerful, Jordan, especially when shared with someone you’re already close with.”

“Exactly!” Jordan almost exclaimed. “Alfie has this theory that the reason I kept kissing him and the two of us wanting to be close was down to Frontier Day.”

“Frontier Day?” Slyvexs questioned. “Because you were all made into drones?”

Jordan nodded. “Yeah, he thinks perhaps we have some sort of lost Borg connection.”

Slyvexs offered reassurance, her voice a gentle anchor amidst the storm of uncertainty. “There’s no evidence of Borg alterations in your DNA, Jordan.” She paused as she placed her mug down. “That said, what you, Alfie and the others endured during Frontier Day was undoubtedly traumatic, but it’s not uncommon for individuals to seek comfort in one another following such events.” 

Jordan wiped away a stray tear, his features wrought with uncertainty. “But why do I feel this way whenever I’m with Alfie? Why does my heart feel like it stops when he is standing next to me?”

Slyvexs smiled sympathetically, her gaze brimming with understanding. “It sounds as though you’re navigating complex emotions, Jordan. It’s natural to develop feelings for someone with whom you’ve shared such intimate experiences.”

Jordan sighed, torn between his burgeoning emotions and his cherished friendship with Alfie. “But what if Alfie doesn’t reciprocate? He already said we should stop crossing that line with each other.”

Slyvexs nodded thoughtfully, her expression one of profound contemplation. “You could attempt subtle gestures or expressions of affection, observing how Alfie responds. Alternatively, if that’s not feasible, it may be prudent to explore avenues of emotional closure and acceptance.”

Jordan’s shoulders sagged with resignation, the weight of uncertainty bearing heavily upon him. “I don’t wish to jeopardise our friendship, Doctor. Alfie means a lot to me.”

Slyvexs got up from her chair and moved to sit on the edge of her desk close to Jordan. She placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder, her touch a gentle reassurance amidst the tempest of his emotions. “Then you must honour Alfie’s boundaries, Cadet. Friendship is a precious gift, and sometimes, it’s enough.”

As Jordan contemplated her words, Slyvexs offered one final piece of counsel. “Should you seek clarity regarding Alfie’s sentiments, then open and honest communication is paramount. Approach him with sincerity, yet remain prepared for any eventuality. Who knows what the future holds?”

Jordan thanked her for listening. “I really was hoping you were going to say there was something wrong with me,” he said.

“I’m afraid, Jordan, I cannot treat heartache for a lost love,” Slyvexs said. “All I can offer are words of wisdom.”

He sighed heavily. “I know. Alfie said he didn’t want to cross that line with us, but what we had was so real.”

“I’m sure it was,” Slyvexs assured him. “I’m sure if you spoke to anyone about their own romantic relationships, you always remember your first true love.”

“True love?” Jordan repeated.

“The one you fall madly for,” Slyvexs chuckled as she sipped her tea. “I’m glad to say I’ve had three true loves.”

“Your husbands?” 

She nodded. “All of them lit up my world like no one else, and what we have is precious.”

“I don’t want to lose Alfie,” Jordan admitted. “Since me and William joined the Odyssey, he has been the best friend I never had.”

“So don’t lose that, but perhaps give it time. If he feels the same, then he may eventually share it.” Slyvexs advised.

Jordan agreed with that. “Perhaps,” He stood up. “Thank you, ma’am, for your time.”

“Any time, Cadet,” Slyvexs said with a smirk, noticing the change in formality between them. 

Jordan thanked her again as he finished the tea and approached the door. She called after him before leaving. “Jordan, one thing!”

“Yes?” He asked, stopping in the doorway to look at her.

“Alfie is a good guy, so if it happens or doesn’t, you’ll be lucky to have him in your life.”

Grinning at that, Jordan nodded in agreement before leaving sickbay altogether. 

Slyvexs finished her own tea, smiling at what she had accomplished so early in the morning.