[Deck 2: Mess Hall]

Michael had spent the last two weeks in transit to their new posting, poring over all records he could find regarding the Task Force and the region of space they would be operating out of. Finally, he felt comfortable enough to call together the crew to catch them all up to speed. He called a meeting in the Mess Hall, as it was one of the few multi-purpose areas on the ship that resembled a conference room.

Romen and Yeager sat opposite each other at one of the tables, while Trixie and Doc sat at the other across from them. Archie stood between the two, resting his back against the wall as they waited for the Commander to appear. “So, all that time he’s been in his quarters the last week, he’s been studying this stuff? I figured he was just being lazy and sleeping a lot…” Romen commented, taking a sip of water before him.

“Yeah, XO, he does know that’s usually YOUR job, right?” Yeager teased.

Archie rolled his eyes, “It’s a learning curve, he’s still coming to terms with his new position. And if the captain wishes to research on his own time, that’s well within his prerogative to do so.” The yeoman snapped back.

“Translation: he didn’t know until Michael told him about it yesterday.” Doc chimed in, blowing steam off his tea before raising the cup to the standing British officer. Trixie stifled a chuckle as Archie rolled his eyes at Doc.

The doors to the Mess Hall were left open, at the behest of the Commander, as he felt that, being an open common area, it didn’t need to be secured unless a situation dictated so. Michael was able to slip in nearly unnoticed as the crew mingled. It was Archie who snapped to attention and alerted them to the Commander’s presence.

“Relax, as you were,” Michael ordered, preventing the rest of them from fully rising in their seats. Michael had an armful of data PADDs, and he began to pass them to each table. “Summaries and bullet points.” He explained, as he settled at another vacant table, taking a seat on the tabletop itself and flipping his PADD to life. “So, the basics. We have been assigned to Task Force 47, which primarily operates the Fourth Fleet’s Pathfinding Operations. Forward Operating Base is Deep Space 47, Narendra-class station, just on the other side of the Badlands, under the command of Commodore Ch’Thobar. That’s who we will report to when we arrive.”

“Sounds Andorian.” Trixie let slip in a low tone. Yeager snickered, “Good thing I’m wearing this jacket then, they like to keep their postings cold.” Archie cleared his throat, glaring at the two before motioning for the commander to continue.

“The Task Force has a contingency of ships at its disposal, divided among various Task Groups. HQ has a Galaxy, Luna, Parliament, Akira, Saber, and even a Nova Class on deck we can call upon for support if needed, so we’re not totally out here on our own.” Michael continued.

“Wow. Look at this, Canopus Exploratory Division putting their best foot forward,” Romen interjected. “Odyssey, Connie 3, Sagen, Lamarr…” he began to read off the list before him.

“Yes, there are various Divisions assigned to the task force: Canopus and the Ascension Division that operate in this region of space with their own missions and are managed by Fleet Captains. We will be thrown in the mix with the unincorporated starships, USS Archer, Century, Cardenas, Thunderchild, and Riverside. Each of these, and us, will operate independently as needs arise. I hope to, at some point, collaborate with the crew of these ships, since they will probably be our immediate backup, or vice versa.” Michael resumed.

“Starfleet’s initial interest in the area is the defense of Bajoran colony worlds Free Haven and Dreon, since their induction into the Federation. Three years ago, the Breen also began a strong-arm campaign along the border, which spooked the Cardassians into a cooperation agreement with us. I guess they hoped our presence out here would give the Breen pause from taking over.” Michael explained.

“In any event, there are several inhabited worlds, rich in minerals and resources that are contestable by the neighboring powers that need to have an eye and ear kept on them. The Rolar Nebula is a well-known region for smuggling as well, not to mention the presence of the New Maquis. But the true bread and butter that has us out here in force is what lies beyond. At the edge of the expanse is a planet called Ultima Thule, that’s the diving board into the unknown reaches of the Alpha Quadrant Starfleet wishes to explore, and it’s going to be our job to support those efforts.” Michael finished.

Doc raised his hand, “Given our size and capabilities, what do you think our primary functions out here will be? I mean, the Fox isn’t a deep-space explorer.”

“Ultimately, that will be up to the Commodore, but if I had to take a guess, reconnaissance, patrolling, and escorting ships through hot zones, such as along the borders, the badlands, or Rolar. That or as operational support for another vessel.” Michael answered.

“While we’re docked at DS47 installing the new Holodeck, I’d like to consider some sensor upgrades to deal with nebula interference. The Badlands has its own communication nodes sewn all throughout it for direct data-processing, but if we’re going to be rooting around in the Rolar Nebula, I’d like to be able to see more than our hand in front of our face.” Trixie added.

Michael nodded in agreement. “Any suggestions you can come up with, send them to my terminal, and I’ll process them through with command.” He finished, the weight of his labor finally off his chest. “Get some rest, Sir, you look like you’ve been burning the candle on both ends. Should have taken this trip to rest and recuperate, not stress yourself out.” Doc replied. Michael chuckled, “Right, right.” He waved, “Thank you all, dismissed.” He commanded, but it was only he who headed out. The holograms sat for a moment, waiting for the telltale sound of the Turbolift doors opening and closing before speaking freely.

“I mean, his heart is spot on, but do you want to remind him we’re all computer programs, and already knew all of this from the data-feed? Not that I’m complaining about the break or anything.” Romen joked to Archie.

“I think it’s good for him, in a sense. I mean, he’s not seeing us as programs, but as actual people.” Doc began to explain.

“Yea…that thought process didn’t go over so well for Barclay…” Yeager sneered.

Doc rolled his eyes, “The difference is, most people who undergo Holo-addiction do so as an escape mechanism. For him, it’s an anchor for his own sanity to see us as proper crewmen; otherwise, he’d be faced with crippling isolationism. We can do with a little more interactivity, say sharing meal-times.”

“I thought this was just for show…” Romen held up his glass of water. “You want us to actually eat with him. Eat What? Food, or Holographic Food?”

“If we eat holographic food, does that make us cannibals?” Yeager teased.

Trixie lightly threw out her hand, smacking Yeager on the shoulder for his remark. Archie cleared his throat once more, “It’s our job to support the commander. This is his first command, and he is acting accordingly to ensure his crew is well informed and armed with the necessary information, as any good officer should for their subordinates. Albeit, I will speak with him not to overexert himself, and utilize our skillsets instead of taking on the brunt of it. But I agree with the doctor, for his well-being, we need to make this as hospitable for him as possible, because I have yet to see any transfer orders come through. It looks like it’s just going to be us. Remember the golden directive.”

There was a solemn understanding in the room at the XO’s words.

“When the holodeck gets up and running, I can run workout programs with him to keep him in shape.” Romen offered.

“I mean, he has a good sense of humor, I can keep his spirits up with well-timed jokes,” Yeager added.

Trixie was silent for a moment, looking down as she pondered, “I mean, I can…” she began, but was swiftly cut off by a resounding “NO!” from both Doc and Archie.

“We don’t need to go THAT far…” Doc implied.

“Right…Well, let’s get on with it then. Mr. Yeager, report back to the bridge and prepare for our approach. Everyone else, to your stations.” Archie commanded.

With an echoing ‘Bzzzt’ sound, all 5 programs fizzled out of the Mess Hall.

[To be Continued]