“Today is the day, Captain,” the terse voice of the USS Pulsar’s Emergency Command Hologram pulled Ensign Corwin Adler from his thoughts as he sat on the bridge reading over the mission specifics that he’d been sent after he’d been officially designated as the provisional commanding officer.

“Already?” Adler asked in surprise, “I thought it would take a few more days for them to select suitable cadets for the ship.”

“It would appear that the Academy branch on Vulcan had no shortage of willing participants. Though many more cadets will be assigned to the larger starships to bolster their numbers and speed up repairs,” the ECH remarked.

Corwin nodded, “That’s probably the right move. We aren’t nearly as bad off as some of the ships. It’s enough that they’re sending us anyone at all.”

“While I feel your compassion is commendable, our spectacular lack of personnel really is something that should have been rectified much sooner. But I suppose your willingness to look at things from a more top-down perspective is a sign of growth on your part,” the hologram grumbled in a low tone.

“Right…” Adler shifted a bit in his chair, “How many cadets did they send us?”

“Seven.”

“Really? I thought there’d be more…” Corwin said, his disappointment evident in his tone.

“A seven hundred percent increase in crew is rather generous, under the circumstances,” the hologram said teasingly.

Adler gave the hologram a side-eyed glare, “Just because it sounds impressive mathematically doesn’t mean it isn’t underwhelming when you look at the ship as a whole…”

“We’re only rated for twenty standard crew. Even at half-strength, we’re doing remarkably well. Let’s not quibble over such petty details and instead focus on the task laid out before us. Namely, preparing to meet our new crew of eager yet woefully inexperienced young people,” the ECH suggested.

“I guess we should…” Corwin said with a small sigh, “When will they be coming aboard?”

“Likely, they are already arriving,” the hologram mentioned casually, as if it were some trivial matter to be dismissed out of hand.

“Then why didn’t we go meet them?” Corwin asked, pushing himself out of the center chair after deactivating the holographic display.

The ECH shrugged, “It wasn’t necessary. The Counselor is taking care of greeting them at the transporter, our Engineer has already seen to it that the berthing compartments have all of the pertinent daily necessities in place and ready for use, and our capable mess hall manager will see to it they get in a quick meal before you and I put in our appearance.”

“Oh…” Adler murmured as his momentum was derailed abruptly.

The hologram smirked just slightly at the falter in the Ensign’s stride, taking a moment to approach a nearby console to check something before announcing, “It seems they’re all gathered in the mess hall, Captain. If you’d like, we can make our introductions.”

Corwin tugged at the bottom of his uniform jacket, “Yes, let’s head down there.”

“After you,” the hologram said, gesturing theatrically toward the large bulkhead door that separated the bridge from the rest of the ship.

As the two made their way to the mess hall, they were joined by the Engineer and the Doctor, who somehow seemed to know that they were going to be stepping off the turbolift. Corwin kept his surprise mostly to himself, even if his face did contort a bit when the doors slid open and the two holograms were standing on the other side of the corridor from them. Each hologram fell into step behind Ensign Adler and they made their way to the mess hall in affable silence.

The silence of the corridor was swiftly replaced with the lively chatter of excited conversation within the mess hall. Several of the cadets were energetically conversing with their peers, throwing around wild theories about their assignment while enjoying a freshly replicated meal. The Vulcan female of the group, who hadn’t been engaging in the banter, noticed that Ensign Adler walking in with a trio of identical holograms bringing up the rear. The cadet rose to her feet in accordance with Academy etiquette when any officer entered the room and called out, “Attention on deck,” in an even but authoritative voice.

All of the gathered cadets shot to their feet at the sudden command, the ones who’d had their backs to the door turning to face the group that had just arrived. The various faces of the cadets that were now standing at attention before Ensign Adler reflected their individual assessments of what they were seeing. Some of the cadets looked at Adler skeptically, while others seemed excited. The less expressive cadets in the group just stared in his direction impassively as they waited for him to address them.

“Hello everyone,” Corwin said as he took a few more steps into the mess hall, “I’m Ensign Corwin Adler, your… new commanding officer. I want to welcome you to the USS Pulsar.”

Several of the cadets shifted in place as the Ensign introduced himself. None of them appeared to have predicted that he, an Ensign, would be designated their commander. Even the stoic Vulcan couldn’t stifle the rising of her eyebrow at the statement. For his part, Corwin couldn’t blame any of them for their reactions, but chose to continue his hastily prepared remarks rather than dwell on things.

“I was given this assignment by Admiral T’Reln in light of recent events as well as in consideration of the Pulsar’s original mission and purpose. Even though this was supposed to be a training vessel, we were called upon to participate in the recent battle here around Vulcan… a battle that saw ships come under attack not just by ships but by… the Vaadwaur themselves beaming aboard. Thankfully…” Corwin looked around to the holograms around him, “I had the support of the holograms you’ve both met and the ones I’ve brought with me. Their ingenuity and bravery stopped what could have been the end of this ship if… if I’d been alone. And now they will serve as your mentors during your stay aboard the ship. They… um… they have strong personalities… but each of them is more than capable of providing the mentorship and… and guidance we all need to… become the kind of officers that can… can make a difference.”

One of the cadets, a Trill female, seemed to brighten up visibly, “So you saw actual combat already?! That’s amazing! What was it like? Did you have to fight them off with your bare hands?”

Corwin winced at the barrage of sudden questions from the enthusiastic young woman, “I… uh… we did have to fight Vaadwaur ships… but I didn’t actually see any of the intruders… I had to… remain on the bridge after an injury… from a very hard hit we took that allowed… um… they were able to get aboard after our shields dropped.”

“Rixx…” the Vulcan called the cadet by name, “You are being extremely rude to our Captain.”

The mention of the Ensign’s title drew a snort from one of the cadets, though Corwin couldn’t tell which one. His face grew a bit pensive, while he understood the reason why the cadets before him didn’t have a great deal of confidence in his role as a leader, it still stung to hear that dissent verbalized so blatantly.

“I’m not being rude, T’Ven, I’m just asking a question!” the younger girl countered with a frown.

“I believe you meant questions… plural…” the female Human cadet pointed out with a layer of sarcasm.

The ECH stepped forward, his domineering mannerisms drawing focus as he said, “Enthusiasm aside, Cadets, our Captain did not open the floor to discussion. Please save your inquiries for after Ensign Adler finishes.” The edge in the hologram’s voice sent a noticeable ripple through the cluster of young people. The finality that earmarked his words stood in stark contrast to the awkward pacing that accompanied Adler’s speech.

The assembled cadets straightened up after the admonishment, their playful attitudes evaporating under the scathing scrutiny of the photonic command officer. The ECH allowed the silence to linger for a while before stepping back to a position behind Ens. Adler, “Please continue, Captain.”

“Thank you…” Corwin said over his shoulder before returning his attention to his new crew, “The holograms you see around you, with the exception of our hospitality manager, have been designated the senior staff aboard this vessel, who are also in charge of mentoring each of you during your assignment here. The Command Hologram, whom you just met, is serving as our Executive Officer. Next to him is our Chief Engineer, and to my left is our Chief Medical Officer. Some of you might… um… might have more than one of them as your mentors depending on your area of study, and others may only have one of them as your instructor. Please follow their orders as if they came from me.”

“Then why don’t they wear ranks?” the Tellarite cadet grumbled.

“Formalize ranking of holographic crew is not standard procedure,” the ECH explained with a frown, “However, if you wish, I’m sure the Rear Admiral who gave us explicit authority to operate as senior staff aboard this vessel would love to explain in detail how non-traditional hierarchies implemented during crisis situations have both a precedence and a place aboard Starfleet vessels. Shall I let her know that you have questions about her orders?”

“Shut it, Graal,” the Andorian female standing on the opposite side of the table from the Tellarite hissed. Graal looked visibily rankled at having his Andorian classmate call him out, but it had the desired effect of keeping him from making any further comments.

“They are an inquisitive bunch, aren’t they, Captain,” the Counseling Hologram said with a warm smile from his position near the bar, “I’m sure once they get used to life aboard the ship, they’ll blend right in and think nothing of this awkwardness their feeling right now.”

“Awkwardness… right,” Corwin couldn’t help but chuckle as he recalled how difficult his own journey of adjustment had been.

“If I may, Captain,” the ECH interrupted, “Perhaps we should explain to our new crew where they will be assigned, and to whom they’ll report.”

“Yes,” Adler nodded appreciatively, “Please do.”

“With pleasure,” the hologram smiled before turning his attention to the assembled cadre of cadets, “I’ll start with Cadet T’Ven. You have been assigned as our Acting Science Officer, in recognition for your impending graduation from the Academy later in the year. This means you will also serve as a member of the senior staff.”

“Understood,” the Vulcan nodded.

“Cadet Rixx,” the ECH continued, “You will be serving as our Flight Control officer and will report to me on the bridge. I will be evaluating your aptitude for starship handling and your knowledge of both offensive and defensive maneuvering.”

“Aye aye, sir!” the Trill chirped with renewed enthusiasm.

“Cadets Graal and Zh’Ranni,” the hologram continued without acknowledging Rixx’s outburst, “You will report to me as well, and each of you will be evaluated on the various aspects of the security and tactical disciplines during your tenure aboard. Each of you will each have bridge rotations as part of your assigned duties.” Both cadets simply nodded at the directives given, opting for silent acceptance rather than vocal agreement.

“Cadet Dex will be assigned to our Doctor as a medical student and Cadet Tovaan will be reporting to our Counselor who will oversee your continuation training,” the ECH relayed, again prompting silent nods of acceptance from the pair of medical cadets.

“Finally, Cadet Solan will be reporting to our Engineer, who will be assisting you in learning practical engineering skills while you are aboard,” the hologram finished off with the last cadet in the group. He paused for a moment to allow the group to absorb the information before explaining, “You will all be staying in the ship’s berthing area. You should all be used to having roommates thanks to your Academy living arrangements, and the births will be designated for male and female occupants. Cross-contamination is not authorized.”

The ECH turned to Adler, “Do you have anything else, Captain? Or shall we open the floor for any constructive questions from the crew?”

“I think that covers it,” Corwin responded, “We can take a few questions now.”

“Very well,” the hologram turned back toward the Cadets, “Any questions, Cadets?”

“Ooo!” Rixx threw her hand up and waved it excitedly, “Do I get to actually pilot the ship, or will I just be shuttles or a simulator?”

The ECH quirked an eyebrow at the Trill’s question, “I didn’t expect you to ask something so grounded, Cadet.” His comment inspired more than one of the cadets to laugh, including the girl in question. “You will be given a bridge shift in which you will be expected to actually pilot the ship. We may use the holodeck for scenario training at some point, but you will be given practical, hands-on experience at the helm during your time aboard.”

“Nice!” Jaya said, pumping her fist happily.

“Are we expecting to see any combat while we’re aboard?” Cadet Graal asked after the Trill had expressed her elation.

The holographic XO looked to both him and the Andorian behind him, “You should assume that we will eventually be given an assignment that will involve some manner of conflict, whether it be strictly a ship-to-ship engagement or another scenario in which the ship encounters intruders. Your training will reflect this at it is a practical concern.”

“Will you be sharing with us the tactics you employed to repel your last intruders?” Cadet Zh’Ranni followed up with a question of her own.

Ensign Adler shot an inquisitive look toward the ECH. He’d been given scant details about the holograms’ efforts to halt the invasion and sabotage of the ship and was keenly interested in what the hologram might say on the matter.

“Unfortunately, Cadet, the tactics employed were only possible because of our unique properties as photonic beings. They aren’t something that could be repeated effectively by anyone with more… permanent body compositions. As such, I will not be divulging any details to curtail any reckless behavior from the crew in the event that such a scenario presents itself again,” the ECH flatly dodged the question.

“When will we be expected to report for our first duty shift?” Cadet Soran asked, pulling the conversation away from what felt like a volatile subject.

“The Captain and I have not discussed that yet,” the ECH remarked, looking over to Ensign Adler as if to prompt a response from him.

“Right,” Corwin said with a bit of a jump in his shoulders at suddenly being addressed, “As much as I’d like to give everyone a little more time to adjust, we are in the middle of regrouping from an attack… So, I think everyone will need to report for their first shifts tomorrow morning.”

Ens. Adler was about to hand things back over to the ECH when an alert chime echoed through the room, followed by the main computer droning, “Incoming Priority One Transmission.” Corwin gave his holographic XO a meaningful look, which was answered be the hologram jerking his head toward the door behind them. Adler gave the hologram a curt nod before offering the cadets a curt, “Please excuse me,” before hurrying out of the mess hall.

The group of cadets looked to one another anxiously at their Captain’s sudden departure, questions buzzing through their minds as to what the contents of the message might be.

“With our Captain’s departure, we will need to postpone any other inquiries for the time being. Feel free to finish your meal and get settled in your berths. You will all be expected to report to your duty locations promptly tomorrow at 0700. Until then,” the ECH said before turning around himself and departing the mess hall, the other two holograms that had joined him following closely behind. With the room now devoid of the more authoritative holograms, the cadets relaxed and sank back down in their chairs, though their conversations afterward were anything but relaxed.