“We think he contracted his Viral Infection from Melvaran Mud Fleas while on Shorleave. We got him under quarantine for now, and as long as it remains an isolated incident, we can release him to duty as soon as the swelling in his hands goes back down.” The Klingon Doctor reported.
The entire command staff was in attendance in the conference room aboard the USS Dragon, with Captain Angelus at the head, fielding their reports. “Thank you, Doctor, just keep us informed. Engineering?”
“Warp Core power conversion levels are at 98.237%, which is up .022% from last quarter. We completed a scrub of the ablative shielding generators on the ventral side of the ship, and…Oh, we have had to replace aft port thruster, AGAIN, because someone tries to fly the ship like it’s an Imhotep Racer.” Kiff announced as he stood to deliver his report. The last segment, he shot the Andorian Tactical Officer a cold look.
“What?! Posturing is presence, and a Dragon’s got to make an entrance! Plus, presenting our broadside to a potential target allows for maximum phaser contact points!” Zachary argued back.
“Putting the back half of the ship into a sideways drift every time you drop out of warp puts excess strain on the thrusters! You’re doing it to show off!” Kiff snapped.
“Mr. Brannigan, no more drifting the Starship unless it’s tactically necessary.” Michael expressed himself in a deadpan tone, defusing the brotherly tiff between the two. “Thank you, Mr. Kroller, very good work. Science Department?”
Kiff took his seat as V’era rose to address the table. “The collective science teams have finished their evaluation of the data collected in the alternate universe from a month ago; however, Starfleet Intelligence has classified all files, locking us out of our research data. It is my duty to inform you that there is now a collective unease among the staff.”
“Unease?” Jessica queried.
“Restlessness, Commander. What good is there in developing a gun if not to fire it? What purpose is there to design a ship if not to build it? We scientists, study our data and, in turn, share it with the broader scientific community for peer review and analysis. Without that step, it was as if we wasted our time.” The science officer explained.
“Well, Commander Stern, let’s find our scientist a juicy anomaly to sink their teeth into. I’m sure if we reach out to command, they should have something sitting on the back burner.” Michael addressed, nodding to the half-Vulcan who took her seat once more.
“If nothing else, thank you all and continue with the good work. Dismissed.” Michael addressed. He and Jessica remained in their chairs as the rest of the officers rose from theirs and exited the conference room.
“Another successful day?” Jessica asked, turning to the Commanding Officer.
“Yeah, and one more step closer to another bad day around the corner.” Michael teased.
“Pessimist.” Jessica mocked.
Michael only responded with an acknowledging chuckle.
“Well, there was one MORE thing on the agenda, but it didn’t need the rest of them.” The XO reported, sliding a PADD onto the table next to the captain. “Command is requesting we send a moderator for a Probate Litigation case that is at risk of getting way out of hand.”
Michael glanced over the slim details of the report. “Jesus, Cestus III? I don’t think I could justify turning the ship around just for that, I mean, hell, were almost halfway back to the Thomar Expanse. You’re going to have to take a shuttlecraft if you want to go.” He affirmed.
“Well, that’s the problem. I offered, but I got turned down. Command wants YOU to go.” Jessica remarked firmly.
“Me? There has to be over half a dozen other captains in that region who could handle that situation.” Michael protested.
“Nope, not the rank, that’s the problem. They want you because, and I quote: ‘he has extensive subject matter expertise’ that can help defuse the situation.” She relayed.
“In Probate Litigation?” he spat in disbelief.
Jessica only shrugged her shoulders as Michael re-read the data on the PADD. “Unfortunately, I’ve just been notified that we can’t justify turning the ship around at this point for such a minute issue, so you’re going to have to take a shuttlecraft.”
Michael set the PADD down and pinched the bridge of his nose, “Oh, you think you’re funny, huh?” he shook his head as Jessica erupted into a fit of giggles. Michael gave a slight chuckle as he once again picked up the PADD. “This doesn’t even give me any substantial information! Deceased Federation Officer…personnel effects being contested by the Daystrom Institute and…Rigelian Trade Commission? Who the hell died to put these two at odds?”
“I don’t know. Command said all pertinent information can be collected on location when you arrive. I can send an attaché with you, if you like.” The commander offered.
“No, I’ll deal with it. Probably just want me to sense out internal thoughts behind whatever they’re arguing about, not like there aren’t OTHER telepaths in Starfleet, but whatever. Go ahead and change course to Starbase 11. It’s a good halfway point between there and home. Give us a chance to check in and see how they’re doing since their disappearance and give the Science Team plenty of time to look for something new while I’m out.” Michael ordered.
“I’ll have a shuttle prepped for your departure.” Jessica confirmed as she moved from her seat to the exit. “Oh, and Captain, one more thing…” she paused, waiting for his reaction.
Michael turned to look at her with a perked eyebrow.
“Welcome to around that corner.” She provoked.
“Oh, Ha Hah!” Michael sneered coldly, flipping her the middle finger as she escaped to the bridge.
Left alone in the conference room, Michael turned his chair once more to face the window, watching the stars fly across the void of space. What was waiting for him in the Cestus system, and why was command fixated on HIM specifically, what made him the ‘Subject Matter Expert?’ Only time would tell.
[To be Continued]
