“Cadet’s Log – Stardate [June 2402]. We have now entered exam season – After two years of classes and simulations, we are finally being allowed to show what we have learned, and put it all into practice on a three-week vocational cruise. Cadets get the opportunity to apply for a position on one of the Academy’s training vessels – Cadets Murphy, Tang and I are travelling aboard the USS Nightingale, heading towards the Mellstoxx System. It’s not often I call Dad for a taxi service, but thankfully he was in the area.”

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The USS Nightingale is travelling at a steady warp seven, carrying passengers throughout Federation Space. Aboard this Olympic-class medical transport, we find our three cadets, sitting around a table, eating some replicated pizza and talking about starships – because they are always talking about starships.

Sally – the shuttle-head that she is, talks about the smaller, faster, more nimble ships that pack a punch for those hit-and-run attacks, while Victor – the more tech-savvy gadget-man thinks more for the bigger cruisers and battleships, which can take a few hits and deal a few more back.

Thomas, on the other hand, is all about strategy – adapting to the situation, saving people, rather than just using a ship to destroy – Thomas is also very much about trolling his friends with ships that would be completely useless in whatever scenario the others think of. In this case, he suggests using an old Oberth-class to get close enough to the ship to beam over some explosives to a vulnerable area of the ship to disable it. Suffice to say he was laughed at intensely by the other Victor and Sally.

[Comm Chime]

Thomas presses the comm-badge on his chest – it is his father and the ship’s captain, Nickolas Hunter, informing him that they will be entering the Mellstoxx System within the hour. Thomas thanks his father and tells him that the team will assemble in the shuttle bay and prepare for departure.

The cadets travel through the turbolift to the Nightingale’s shuttle bay, where Captain Hunter and Thomas‘ mother, Dr Abigail Hunter are there to give their son and the other cadets some moral support, with a proper send off.

[Comm Chime]

The Captain answers the comm – it is the ship’s helmsman, informing him that the Nightingale has entered the Mellstoxx System and they have been given permission to approach Starbase Bravo. The Captain replies, telling his crewman that he will personally fly the shuttle to the station himself.

Thomas gives a grateful smile – a symbol of acceptance and approval – and returns it with a knowing nod. Nickolas places his hand upon his son’s shoulder, while his mother gives him a giant hug and a kiss on the cheek, before saying her goodbyes.

The Captain directs the cadets towards the shuttle, who also give a knowing nod, as they board the craft – closely followed by Cadet and Captain Hunter, who takes his seat at the pilot station. Nickolas informs the shuttle coordinator that he is preparing for launch, as the shuttle gently lifts from the bay floor and flies through the doors, heading towards Starbase Bravo.

To Be Continued…