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Greetings!

Please post your Academy PERSONAL logs here!

Commodore Trinity Elana da Vinci
Dean of Studies, Starfleet Academy
(USF Sierra)

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Memories in the Day, part 1
Cmdre Trinity da Vinci

Trinity da Vinci glided in long, even strides along the waterfront, each
stroke of her rollerblades sending her further and further down the
boardwalk. Her long, dark hair streamed behind her in the breeze, and the
brisk air felt good on her skin.
Tomorrow was the first day of classes. As Dean of Studies, she was supposed
to give some sort of talk after the Commandant gave his, but she really had
not given it a lot of consideration yet. It was funny… she was known for
being so incredibly organized and detail-orientated, but when it came to
things like speeches, she preferred to just wing it off the seat of her
pants.
She wove through the bustle of crowded Fisherman’s Wharf, past the ancient
Ghiradelli factory, and then gained the path that circled around the
Presidio, just above the beach. Finding a bench, she plopped down onto it,
pulling out her water bottle for a long slug, and stared mindlessly out at
the bay for a while, watching one of the hydroferries crossing the water,
coming back from Tiburon.
Trinity had expected, somehow, to have more sensitive feelings towards San
Francisco. The last time she had been here for any good amount of time had
been very emotional for her....

San Francisco, summer of 2355

She had been a Lieutenant Commander, a month or two off service from the
Stargazer, with some weeks to kill in San Francisco before her next
assignment. Her friend Mark Benz had come to see her.
The two went back a few years; they had become friends at the Academy.
However, due to changes in both their assignments, their friendship, it
seemed, had ended up becoming predominantly conducted via mail and the
occasional calls, but they were extremely close. They had just spent the
entire week together, rare but well-appreciated time together.
And here he was, looking relaxed and content, as they lay tangled in the
sheets on her bed in her temporary quarters. She curled up against him, his
arm around her, no sound except their breathing and the steady dripping of
the rain outside.
It was the first and only time they’d slept together, although they’d been
attracted to one another from the start. His fingers tangled in her long hair
as he gently began to massage her scalp.
“Why did we wait so long to do this, hmm?” he asked, his fingers working
over her neck. “Trin… Why don’t you try for something closer to sector one,
hmm?” Mark worked out at the flight test range near Saturn.
She had rolled over and gazed at him, sliding her hand over his stomach.
"Mark..."
His brown eyes had darkened in intensity as he met her eyes. “What are you
going to say, Trinity? We’re so good together…” He smiled impishly,
remembering the libido marathon they had just finished, “and we’re great
friends. I want to spend more time with you. I want…” His fingers moved
around to trace her cheek, his fingers lightly caressing her skin, and she
sighed softly. “I want you, Trinity. I’m not talking
marriage here, not yet, but we would be good together. You know that.”
She broke his gaze, burying her face against his strong chest, and was
silent, trying to rein in her emotions. Oh, she had wanted it for so long, to
hear that from him… but somewhere in the middle, something had changed….

t b c

Commodore Trinity Elana da Vinci
Dean of Studies, Starfleet Academy
(USF Sierra)

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Memories in the Day, part 2
Cmdre Trinity da Vinci


She broke his gaze, burying her face against his strong chest, and was
silent, trying to rein in her emotions. Oh, she had wanted it for so long, to
hear that from him… but somewhere in the middle, something had changed….

She turned over, hiding a sigh. Mark reached out and touched her hair.
"Trin?"
"I got my assignment yesterday morning," she said finally, feeling as if the
voice doing the speaking was far away from herself.
There was a long pause as Mark digested her words. They'd been together all
day and so far most of the night. The moment seemed to hang in time, the soft
glow of candlelight gleaming in her hair and off her skin, the scent of
vanilla filling the room, the sound of rain on the roof and the windows. All
this time, and she hadn't told him. He would've thought he would've been the
first to know.
"Where..." he finally got out, "what ship?"
"Potemkin," she said softly, her hand tracing over his thigh. She still
didn't look at him. "Chief Tactical Officer."
He nodded to himself and lay back on the pillows. Leave it to him to
actually open his heart in a moment of impudicity, and actually be turned
down. All this time, he had thought...
"Were you going to tell me?"
"Of course."
"When?"
"I don't know." She turned, her soft brunette curls brushing his torso. "I
needed time for it to sink in."
She rested her chin on his chest, looking at him. The moment hung between
them, long, taunt. Her eyes met his, unblinking, glowing in the soft light.
This was a woman who had never hesitated to go after what she desired, even
when sometimes it pained her to do so in the end. He had seen her hurt
before, and had seen her build her emotional walls higher and higher. He knew
her so well, and in that moment knew what she was deciding about her
future...
she would choose the future that did not offer her pain, or remorse, only
gave back what she put in... and she was capable of putting so much in, so
passionately, without restraint.
"When do you leave?" he finally got out, his tone flat, feeling in his gut
the answer even before she spoke it. The looks all day, the little clues in
her words, and finally the kiss, initiated by her, that had drawn them to bed
for hours.
"In less than 24 hours," she whispered, casting her eyes down briefly.
"I'm sorry, Mark. You were always the one who was so ... in the moment. I had
no idea you felt this way." Her eyes met his again.
"That makes two of us." He leaned foreward, and gave a gentle kiss on her
forehead. "I wish you the best, Trinity. I do."

here and now

It was ten years later, and Trinity could still see the expression on his
face in that moment as vividly as the day she'd lived it. She had made her
decision that day, all right; she had married Starfleet, and her crews were
her families. There were moments since that day, certainly, that she
sometimes wondered if she had made the right choice; but it was too late now.
She was almost forty; you didn't begin regretting your life at forty... did
you?
She leaned back in the sunlight, soaking it in a moment before before
getting up and stretching. She had a long skate back to Telegraph Hill, and
she had a sudden urge to look up an old friend.
Pushing off, she headed east, back along the beach, and carrying memories
with her.

Commodore Trinity Elana da Vinci
Dean of Studies, Starfleet Academy
(USF Sierra)

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Cadets personal log sardate 0023.2

Our first attack simulation with the other quad went rather well considering
that Sorik made it a point to give us a throughly intense if at time long
winded brief as to what we should expect.

It has been over a week and I think I have finally gotten used to the noises
northstar makes when he sleeps they are not loud and you have to listen for
them but when lights out and no other sounds can be heard. It is hard not to
hear him. the good part is I can only hear them when he sleeps maximized
which thankfully is not often.

I have been reading the technical brief that goes with this arm and IM
impressed they managed to cram a great deal of technology into this thing and
yet to me it is no heavier them my left arm.
To date I have only found a few of the I guess you can call them toys that
are built in and quite by accident I might add. Last Thursday when I was
brushing my teeth I found that I had a cavity forming on one of my back
molars then the built in tricorder activated apparently it also serves as a
medical tricorder.
During my run Saturday morning I stopped to remove my shoe cause I had a
rock in it. When I put the shoe down I bumped my arm and the next thing I
know there is a hole in my shoe 2 inches across. apparently there is an
energy weapon of some kind built in. The major question now is that would
happen if that thing went off in class. I could actually kill someone.
I have decided to make contact with the people that gave me this thing and
tell them I want to know everything and how to control it so that it never
happens.

Christopher Michael Blair
Starship Operations Cadet
Star Fleet Acadamey

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Cadets personal log Stardate 0028.2
Im still getting used to recording my journal this way heck im still getting
used to having a journal. Although it is not manditory for cadets to keep a
log it is recommended helps keep the facts clear.
For example today i was approached by coach Kirby he wanted me to be on the
track team. as his champion shot put and javilan thrower. I guess he saw me
lift the concret bench the other day. i told him i would have to decline for
personal reasons when in actuality i could do it but i feel it would be
unfair for me a normal human to have a slight advantage even over some of the
stronger aliens. It was good to be asked though.
After i left the coach I literally ran into Boothby fter appologizing
profusly to him. He invited me to join him on his rounds of the grounds I
could not resist. Every Cadet knows Boothby by reputation and if he asks you
to join him for a walk it is always educational.
I spend the entire afternoon helping Boothby keep up the academy grounds for
a day. it is not an easy job but he makes it look easy. I asked him if i
could help him again in the future. He of course said yes but to not wear my
uniform i guess he wants me to get dirty.

Christopher Michael Blair
Starship Operations Cadet
Star Fleet Acadamey

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The Chronometer read 3 hours to hide and seek. Chris Decided to make use of
that time by doing something he had wanted to do sense he was 5. Skydiving
nowadays you can have more fun in a 0 G Chamber but Chris wanted to feel the
real thing.
Chris Gathered his gear and left for the shuttle port. After persuading the
pilot to let him try it and that he would be completely responsible Chris was
on his way. 25 minutes later Chris was jumping out of the shuttle at 10,000
feet. He knew what he was doing may not go over too well with the
administration but it was his free time his life and he is an adult so he
figured the worst they could do was expel him. Granted that was not a
pleasing
idea but it was too late to worry about that now.
The free fall was more then he could have imagined it was almost like a 0 G
chamber but better. Chris Pulled his Chute at the appropriate time and began
his slow controlled descent. At approximately 500 feet off the deck Chris
felt the harness go slack between his legs. Something was defiantly wrong, he
just had to prey it would hold out the rest of the way down.
At 100 Feet the harness broke loose and Chris nearly fell through. He was
able to get a grip on the harness with one hand, leaving the control lines
free. He was now falling to earth out of control. The chute bucked and kicked
even in the slight breeze that was blowing. Chris lost is grip on the harness
and fell to the ground.

TBC

Christopher Michael Blair
Starship Operations Cadet
Star Fleet Acadamey

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Cadet's log Star date 0002.3
I woke up in the academy medical center as which is a joy because i figured
i'd be waking up on the other side of life. The medical team hanging around
looked real familiar when I woke up then i saw him Lt. Slone tha man who gave
me my Bio-Neural replacement arm. Now all i gotta do is figure out why he is
here.

Cadet's log Suplimental
Slone is a...... Well let's just say i could think of a few choise words
from late 20th century television that i could call him. It seems that
due to the nature of my arm he did not want anyone without proper clearance
to exsamin me. Gee Don't i feel special. aparently when i hit the ground I
shattered both legs. i figured simple easy fix few hours on the table to mend
the bones a day to recover and restricted duty for a week or two simple.
NOT
It seems that the _______ Insert choise word there. decided i would be
better off with replacements like the arm. Fortunatly for me he can't do it
without my concent or so i thought. It seems when i signed up for this arm i
signed up for the whole package. I Damn i feel like the Six million dollar
man next thing you know they are going to want to repalce one of my eyes. Oh
i forgot they already did they replaced it for the visual targeting
system. I don't even feel human anymore. I feel more like a weapon or
machine. I feel like a Beta tester for Microsoft. Maybe next time I go sky
diving i'll accidently forget to pull the cord

Christopher Michael Blair
Starship Operations Cadet
Star Fleet Acadamey

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STARFLEET ACADEMY

Personal Log StarDate 60002.16
'First Day'
Cadet Hatch Lars Teg
Science Trainee

Hatch walked around his small quarters, taking great notice of the entire
area of the wall and floor in particular. Thinking for a few moments, he
jotted down a few measurements and then pulled out an electronic space
measurer. After a few seconds of scanning the machine beeped back the rooms
dimensions. Glancing down at this writing pad
he just wrote on, Hatch smiled as he straightened up and looked smugly at the
window. ~Only off by 11mm total. Not bad, not bad at all. Takaran's are
somewhat known for their spatial computing and accurate depth perception.~
Taking a few steps over to the small desk at the foot of his new bed, Hatch
sat at the chair and activated a small computer.

Begin Personal Log for Cadet Hatch Lars Teg...Stardate 60002.16...Science
Trainee.

Well, it has been an interesting first day I must say. We briefly met with
the main faculty and they seemed to be at least interesting. A Doctor
Mannix, who is well reputed to be on of the finest minds in physics in the
Federation, definitely seems quite colorful. Add the typical logic dominated
mind of Commander Sorik and the pleasing quality of Commodore
Trinity and I know there will be much knowledge....and enjoyment coming from
those three. A few other professors talked to us but none of them seemed as
interesting as these three. I shall have to keep an eye on them.
I have briefly talked to my Quadmates and found them all to be quite
interesting themselves. My current roommate has the ability to change his
shape at will into just about anything. His natural form appears to be
liquid, so he sleeps in a nice bucket near the window. My other Quadmates
include a half Klingon and half Human female, a Female Caitin, a half Vulcan
half Human, and a Bolian male. From what little contact I have with already
had with
them, I am pretty sure they shall not cause too many problems for the Quad.
Although the Klingon/Human does seem to have a 'party animal' aspect to her.
No doubt its that Klingon blood in her. All seem fairly smart and courteous
to this point, so disputes and quad disruptions should be at a minimum.
Someone from this grouping will be picked to become the Command Cadet of the
group. I am sure everybody in the quad shall be doing their best to obtain
that spot. Not only does it fast track the Cadet into the 'Command pipeline'
upon graduation, it has the current benefit of a private room. Seeing the
room is about as big as the others, it would be quite a luxury for some young
cadet. I shall make it a goal to be sleeping in that room at the end
of the six week evaluation. Competition shall be tough, but I am up for it.
I am a Teg after all.

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Snaking Away From Home
Part One
By Cadet Hatch Lars Teg

Lars sat at the foot of his giant sleeping bed, watching the sunlight beam
in through his open door from the skylight in the immense, arched hall. The
beautiful stained-glass skylight captured many vibrant colors and projected
quite a light show on the floor and walls of Lars' room. He could remember
ever since he was a small clutching, he was fascinated
by cloud induced swirling colors. Even now, as he got himself ready for the
giant step into adulthood that faced him in just a few short days. Lars
smiled as he reached over and turned off the holo-recorder that was pointed
at the light show.
He thought to himself, "That should be enough for now. I can always get one
of my Clutch brothers to film me more if I get sick of this recording."
Standing up from his bed, he walked over and put the last few clothes into
his leather steamer trunk. The previous two weeks were spent determining
exactly what of his clothing he wanted to take with him. He knew he couldn't
take a fifth of the stuff he wanted to; the Academy put a limit your clothing
and personal effects. Besides, he wouldn't have room there for the 12 trunks
worth of things he had stored in his large quarters.
"This will be quite a change. Going from a room the size of a small cargo
bay to being packed into a small living area with a bunch of other cadets."
Lars smiled at that thought. "I wonder who I get for roommate or mates. I
could get an alien citizen in the Federation or even someone from outside the
Federation! That would be so cool to get some 'mysterious' roommate. But
hopefully its a friendly and courteous 'mysterious' roommate. I know I will
have to accept whatever I get and change with it."
Lars paused again for a moment. Looking over to one of his many crystal
sculptures, he frowned as he knew he could not take any of them with him. He
knew the artificial lighting in the quarters would not do them justice in
bringing out the beauty of the refracted light. Nothing beats the sunlight
and colorful skies of the Takaran when it comes to these statues. He knew
the relatively dull Earth sky and monotone color of the sunlight produced
there would be something he would have to use to. Plus they would be too
tempting a target for someone to take to earn a few bars of latnium.
"Us Takaran's are tough and use to change. Especially the Teg Takarans."
A wave of nostalgia swept over him as he remembered some of the stories of
conflicts won and crisis's solved by his family. Their rich history of
service to the Takarans earned them their station in this culture. Stories
of how his great great grandclutchfather led the Takaran 4th Sky Claws
against the 'invaders from beyond the Veiled Nebula' were taught to all
Takaran school clutchlings. And the stories of his grandclutchfather's
economic plan
that saved millions of Takarans from financial ruin from unscrupulous
galactic corporations filled many business and government texts used by the
academies across the Takaran sector. Lars now hoped he would be able to
expand that legacy in his service in Star Fleet. He closed the steamer and
started buckling it shut when he heard someone walking down the cavernous
hallway. Glancing up as he finished locking the trunk secure, he caught a
glimpse of
his clutch brother Gel'an. They both smiled at each other as Gel'an made his
way into the room.

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Snaking Away From Home
Part Two
By Cadet Hatch Lars Teg

He closed the steamer and started buckling it shut when he heard someone
walking down the cavernous hallway. Glancing up as he finished locking the
trunk secure, he caught a glimpse of his clutch brother Gel'an. They both
smiled at each other as Gel'an made his way into the room.

"So ya just about ready to head on out of here for Earth eh Lars?" Lars
smiled at his brothers sentence. Gel'an went and worked for some private
freighter company while Lars went to the Takaran Honor Academy. Apparently
his first officer was a human from a cold wasteland in the far northern part
of the North American
continent. Since coming back, Gel'an's vocabulary had a few added words and
sayings that amused his brothers and sisters; but annoyed his parents during
diplomatic ceremonies.
"You know I have been ready for several years now Gel'an. I would have been
at the Academy several years ago if it were not for the pestering of our
parents and the fact Star Fleet thinks I still am too young. Guess they
finally figured out we Takarans reach physical and mental maturity by the
time Humans just start learning their alphabet in Preschool."
"Yea, I ran into some of that line of thinking when I told the freighter
crew I was 11. I found human baby rattles and pacifiers laying all over my
quarters for months after that. Interesting how even some of the non-human
Federation civilizations pick up human characteristics due to their close
proximity to the human culture."
"Yea, I know what that's all aboot. Eh hoser?"
Gel'an face turned a little greener. Gel'an knew he set himself up for that
and was more embarrassed he did not see that one coming then embarrassed at
the joke. Pausing for a moment to let Lars quit chuckling, he quickly
shifted the subject to the real reason he was there.
"Are you sure you want to go into Star Fleet? You know I am due for
promotion in the Takaran Navy any time now. That will put me in line for the
post of third officer on one of our star vessels. That would mean I can help
pick a who is on the crew. Father can get you on fast track in the Officer
Training Academy and you would be ready for a commission about the time I
make 3rd officer."
"No thanks Gel'an. Star Fleet is not a defense force like the Takaran Navy.
Its primary goal is exploration of the galaxy. All the latest technology and
theories are there at my fingertips. I can search out what I want and do it;
under the guidance of the finest minds in the alpha quadrant." Lars paused
for a moment.
"Do not take this too hard. But flying around in those refitted Star Fleet
and Klingon throwaway ships is not my idea of 'cutting edge' tech. I am a
scientist and the Takaran Navy is in no need of scientists. I really would
like to serve with you brother, but I really feel that this is my calling
right now."
Gel'an looked at Lars and nodded. Gel'an knew when a Teg put thier mind to
something, there was viturally no deviation from task at hand. Patting his
brother on the shoulder, Gel'an turned and marched on out of the room.
Before exiting into the hall he turned back to Lars.
"See you on the Sydney shuttle in 8 hours brother."


TBC

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Continuing Transitions
by Commander Sorik
Stardate: 0002.11

The Oberth class starship gently glided through the empty, darkness of
space, slowing slightly as it entered the outskirts of Sector 001. The
executive officer, a short Bolian named Drek, tapped the comm button on the
side of the command chair.
"Bridge to Commander Sorik," he called, while making sensor notes on a PADD.
The Vulcan was sitting in his temporary quarters several decks below,
attending to his prized favinit plant when his combadge chirped. Never
taking his eyes off the petals he was trimming, he gently tapped at his
chest. "Sorik here. Go ahead."
"I just wanted to inform you that we're entering the Sol system, and should
be in spacedock within the hour," Drek informed him.
"Thank you, Commander," Sorik replied. "But I am already aware of our
position."
"Oh?" Drek asked, glancing around the bridge. "You did?"
"Yes," Sorik replied.
"Been keeping in contact with the bridge behind my back, I see," Drek
commented with a grin, still making notes on the PADD.
"You are mistaken," Sorik said, pausing from his work on the plant. "I was
able to surmise our location through various other observations."
"Really?" Drek asked, putting down the PADD. "May I ask how?"
"I noted that the vibrations of the petals on the plant I am currently
grooming have subsided, indicating that the ship has slowed in speed," Sorik
explained, returning to his work. "It is a logical assumption that the ship
has dropped out of warp to enter a densely populated system. Sector 001 is
such a system."
The bridge operations officer, who had been listening to the conversation,
glanced up from her console to the executive officer. She noted that Drek
did not appear convinced in the Vulcan's claims.
"How do you know we didn't take a detour?" Drek asked, folding his arms.
"We could be entering any number of densely populated systems."
"That is possible, but unlikely," Sorik continued. "Keeping a constant
track of our course and speed since coming aboard three days ago, I was able
to mentally predict an approximate time when we would reach the Sol system.
I am happy to inform you that we entered the system within the time
parameters that I had predicted. A compliment to your crew."
"Uh huh," Drek said skeptically, noticing several more of the bridge
officers glancing up from their stations at him.
"It involves simple calculations," Sorik told him, sensing the disbelief in
the man's voice.
"Well, be that as it may," Drek began, but paused. He realized this
conversation was going nowhere. "Well, I guess they'll be no need to inform
you before we enter spacedock, then, huh?"
"No, that will not be necessary" Sorik replied. "I will be awaiting
clearance to disembark in the appropriate transporter room."
"Fine," Drek replied. "It's been an...experience...having you aboard,
Commander."
Sorik glanced up from his plant with a raised eyebrow. Before he could
respond-
"Bridge out," Drek said, severing the communication.
Sorik shrugged off the officer's comment and indulged himself back in his
work once again. A thought suddenly occurred to him -- if experienced
officers were so difficult to work with at times, what would it be like to
work among cadets? As he trimmed another petal, the Vulcan almost grinned
inside...Whatever the experience would be like, he was certainly looking
forward to it.

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Getting Unsettled
by Commander Sorik
Stardate: 0002.16

Sorik sat down in the chair, his eyes browsing over the stacks of PADDs
littering his desk and demanding his attention. The logical choice was to
read them in order of importance and timeliness, so he picked up the report
from Commodore da Vinci regarding the procedures for inspecting and
addressing the incoming cadet class later that day.
He had spent the past two days introducing himself to his staff and
familiarizing himself with departmental procedures and protocols. Being in
charge of two very large, very active departments on the campus was a
demanding responsibility, but Sorik felt he had the skills and discipline to
accomplish his work with efficiency -- he was, after all, Vulcan.
From one report to the next, he spent the entire morning reading. Sometime
around noon, his acute hearing detected someone lurking outside his office
door.
"Come in, Cadet," he called.
The doors parted and Jovan Mara, a second-year Bajoran student interning in
the Tactical Department, hesitantly stepped inside. "Um, excuse me, sir,"
she said, too reluctant to ask how he knew she was out there.
Sorik glanced up from the PADD he was reading. "How may I assist you?"
"Oh, this just came for you," she said, handing him yet another PADD.
"Thank you," Sorik said, taking it and placing it atop his unread stack. He
quickly returned to his reading.
Jovan continued to loiter for a moment, drawing the Vulcan's attention once
again.
"Was there something else, Cadet?" he asked.
"Oh, um, no, sir. Sorry, sir," she quickly replied. "It's just that
there's been a lot of talk about you around the department. They say you're
some kind of hero."
"I am sure my exploits have been greatly exaggerated," Sorik said
indifferently. "Now if you'll excuse me..."
"Of course, sir," she said, turning and leaving the office.
He listened for a moment until he was satisfied that she was gone, and then
returned to the report once again. Finishing it, he placed it aside and
reached for the next report -- the one Jovan had just brought in. It was an
update from the Utopia Planitia Shipyards, detailing their latest
developments and starship innovations. As the dean of Tactical Sciences at
the Academy, it was customary to update Sorik and his department on their
work to
keep cadets abreast of the latest starship tactical advances.
Sorik read the report with some interest, having been fascinated with such
things since his own cadet years at the Academy. Having reviewed the report
to his satisfaction, he was about to put it aside when a name caught his
attention.
The name was buried near the bottom of the report, one of several persons to
contact if there were any further questions or comments regarding Utopia
Planitia. The name itself was hardly a significant one, but it was a name
Sorik recognized...and it was a name he would never forget.
An unsettling feeling overcame the Vulcan. Memories flashed across the
mirrors of his mind, taking him back to a time in his youth...a time of
confusion and disarray...a time when his logic may have faltered on him...a
time he would like to forget.
Putting the PADD aside, he realized it was illogical to dwell on the subject
any further. Forcing the memories away, he picked up the next report and
engrossed himself in it. He would, perhaps, deal with the person who owned
that name another time...but not today.

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Before Breakfast
by Commander Sorik
Stardate: 6002.18

Sorik awoke at 0500 hours, as he usually did. He drank a small cup of
Vulcan mocha as he browsed at his personal terminal, going over the morning
agenda and committing it to memory. He then dressed in his Starfleet-isse
workout uniform and made his way out of his on-campus apartment.
The on-campus faculty and Stafleet senior officers housing was located near
where the Academy campus adjoined the Starfleet Headquarters campus, not too
far from the Pacific Heights District of San Francisco. Though not many
faculty live on the campus, Sorik chose to because he saw no reason to be too
far from his work. He would be nearby at all times.
The Vulcan stepped out into the darkness and the cold morning air. Turning,
he began to follow the path he had run countless mornings as a cadet many
years earlier. The quiet and solace of the morning gave him time to exercise
and workout away from the prying eyes or inquisitiveness of the campus. He
believed keeping his entire being in top form, body as well as mind, only
enhanced his capabilities.
He jogged away from the housing facilities, making his way in between the
darkened science buildings such as Surak Astrophysics Hall and the Daystrom
Building. Passing the monstrous campus library, Sorik soon passed underneath
the Golden Gate transit system that crossed over part of the campus.
Moving toward the bay, Sorik could see the Advanced Tactical Training
Facility and Special Operations School standing out against the darkness of
the water behind them. There was also a hint of light over the horizon to
the east. Sorik ingested the view only for a moment, unaffected by the
aesthetic beauty of the sight, and then quickened his pace.
As he was passing the parade grounds, he detected movement in the distance.
His eyes focused in on the lone figure at the center of the field; it was a
female, he could tell, and she appeared to be engaged in some type of aerobic
exercise. As he neared, his presence undoubtedly becoming known to her, she
turned and quickly made her way toward him.
"Commander," she called.
He recognized the voice immediately as a certain Tactical Department intern.
"Cadet Jovan Mara," Sorik replied, slowing his pace a bit as she fell in
beside him.
"You're up early," she said, keeping pace with him.
"So are you," Sorik pointed out.
"I need to stay fit if I'm going to be security chief aboard a starship one
day," she said, smiling. "Um, sir? Do you...?"
"Do I what, Cadet?" he asked.
"Well, do you mind if I run with you?"
Sorik's brow furrowed slightly. "That would be unwise," he said. "I intend
to circle the entire campus. The distance might be too great for you."
She frowned a bit. "Well, how about I just follow you until I give out?"
"That is up to you," Sorik said. "But I would prefer that, if you do
accompany me, you do so in silence. Engaging in dialogue would defeat the
purpose of the exercise."
"I understand, sir," she said, smiling again. "I can do that." She then
realized she wasn't being silent, and quickly stopped talking.
Sorik said nothing, but quickened his pace. He could hear her footsteps
falling just slightly behind him.
As they rounded the point, the sky began to grow a little brighter. Passing
the Academy shuttle port, Sorik's mind focused on his duties for the day.
One by one, he analyzed every moment of his day-to-come, considering possible
choices to make the most of his time and accomplish all the assigned goals in
a proper fashion. He also intended to sit in on as many of the tactical
classes as he could, just to familiarize himself with the teaching
styles of the professors.
He was turning back in the direction of the campus, toward the botanical
gardens, when he realized the footsteps were no longer behind him. Slowing,
he turned to see Jovan staggering slowly several yards behind him. He came
to a halt and waited for her to catch up.
"I...I guess..." she gasped, "I guess I've got...some more training...to
do..."
"So it would seem," he agreed. "Are you able to continue?"
She hesitated for a moment, trying to catch her breath, and then shook her
head. "No...you'd better go on...without me."
"Very well," Sorik replied. He turned and continued on back toward his
apartment.
Jovan placed her hands on her hips, watching him go. Sighing, she collapsed
onto the grass and stared at the brightening sky as he breathing slowly
returned to normal. She was bound and determined to complete the run...if
for no other reason than to prove to Sorik that she could.

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Reviewing
by Commander Sorik
Stardate: 60002.25

Commander Sorik maneuvered his way through the crowd of students in James T.
Kirk Hall and entered the turbolift without ever glancing up. The numerous
simulators and holosuites of the building were now in a state of constant use
as the academic year was finally getting into full swing.
Sorik's attention was focused on the week's various reports and logs from
the first tactical simulations of the year. The one simulation that caught
his attention was the one between Quads 15 and 27, the one in which Commodore
da Vinci and he had personally led their teams against one another.
Sorik had been looking forward to that event since its initial planning
stages. He had not personally observed da Vinci in a tactical situation
since their time together aboard the Stargazer. He found it interesting that
they both had employed tactics from that time period -- he had sent a
verteron pulse through the deflector array, while she had utilized the
now-infamous Picard Maneuver. Sorik found it troubling that he had not
anticipated that particular manuver earlier.
As the turbolift ascended to the second floor, Sorik came across Cadet
Tormek's duty report from the simulation. Despite the inexperience of the
cadet crew, their simulated ship suffered far less damages than Sorik had
anticipated, and had also inflicted far greater damaged upon the commodore's
ship than expected, as well. The Vulcan was, indeed, quite pleased with the
results.
"Commander Sorik?"
Sorik turned to see Doctor David Follen, the Tactical Department's professor
of Military Tactics, approaching him. "How may I assist you, Professor?"
"I have a question for you, actually," the professor said, falling into step
along side of Sorik. "I was wondering how you felt about me moving up my
Fleet Scenario simulation to early next month."
"For what purpose?" Sorik asked. "I was under the impression you were going
to use that simulation as a mid-term examination."
"Well, after this week's introductory attack simulations, I have decided to
restructure my class to focus more on large scale starship deployments,"
Follen explained. "I would like to see some of the upperclassmen taking
command roles in the simulations."
"Putting the students into command situations might help them better learn
quick decision making skills," Sorik said, pausing to face the professor.
"However, from what I understand, your Fleet Scenario is quite difficult.
The students may not be fully prepared for such a simulation."
"Well, I was hoping to spend the next few weeks preparing them for that,"
Follen said. "I think they might be ready."
"As you wish," Sorik said. "I was actually considering asking Commodore da
Vinci about putting the newer students into similar command positions in our
battle simulations, as well."
"Really?" Follen asked. "Don't you think that would be too much too soon?"
"Perhaps," Sorik agreed. "But the experience will also give students
valuable experience. Being in that position will allow students to know what
the responsibilities and burdens of command actually are, and it will either
allow them to rethink their academic career plans and/or encourage them to
purse that direction with more intensity."
"Possibly," Follen said, nodding. "Then again, I remember my Academy days.
Each year, I wanted to pursue a different field and I would change majors.
It's a wonder I graduated at all."
"Indeed," Sorik said. "Was there something else?"
"Nope," Follen replied. "Thank you, Commander."
Sorik nodded and continued on his way. His command situation idea was one
of many he intended to run by the commodore. But first, using the data
collected from the previous simulations, he intended to make some minor
adjustments to the current programs. He wanted to see how quick thinking
some of the students actually were...

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Hide and Seek
by Commander Sorik
Stardate: 60003.01

"Who goes there?" Ensign Bradley shouted, frantically shining his wrist
light at the figure before him.
Bradley had been walking along the darkened footpath near the campus library
toward the Surak Astrophysics Hall when he realized someone was lurking in
the shadows behind the bushes. The sound of a crunching leaves had alerted
the ensign to the stranger's presence.
Now, cautiously stepping forward through the darkness, the security officer
swept the wrist light back and forth along the bushes. His other hand was
reaching for his phaser when his light finally found the culprit standing
near the side of the building. Whoever it was, they seemed to be tampering
with one of the building's auxiliary power supply access panels.
"Do not move!" Bradley shouted. "Identify yourself!"
"Relax, Ensign," the figure replied, raising his hands in the air.
"Turn around slowly," Bradley said, taking another cautious step forward.
Security was purposely tighter around the science buildings due to the
advanced technology and research that was performed in that area. Bradley
had heard the lecture many times about possible intrusions or sabotage to
those facilities, and he would be damned if it was going to happen while on
his watch.
The figure slowly turned, and his face was illuminated by the ensign's
light.
"Co- Commander Sorik?" Bradley asked, the confusion evident in his voice.
"Correct," Sorik replied, lowering his hands. He squinted somewhat from the
light in his eyes.
"Sorry, sir. I didn't know it was you," Bradley said, quickly lowering the
light.
"Obviously not," Sorik said, turning back to the building.
Bradley was silent a moment, trying to figure out what was going on before
him. He then stepped through the bushes and approached Sorik. "May I ask
what you're doing, sir? Is there something wrong with the power supply?"
"There is nothing wrong," Sorik told him. "I am reconfiguring the powerflow
to the holoemitters inside this facility."
"Now?" Bradley asked. "Sir, it's 0100 hours."
"I am quite aware of the time, Ensign," Sorik said, never taking his eyes
off the panel. "I am making the final adjustments for tomorrow's 'Intruder
Scenario,' part of the Starfleet Skills program for new cadets. If you had
paid attention to the briefing before coming on duty, you would have been
aware of the situation."
"I- I did read the briefing, sir," Bradley protested. "I just didn't know
you'd be out here performing the adjustments yourself...not at this hour,
anyway."
"The time is irrelevant," Sorik said, closing the panel and securing it. "I
am finished here. To prevent any further confusion, I will now be heading
over to James T. Kirk Hall to make some more preparations there."
Bradley nodded and followed Sorik back out to the footpath. "Again, I'm
sorry, sir. I didn't mean to startle you like that."
"You were the one who appeared startled, Ensign," Sorik said indifferently.
"And for your information, I had heard you coming down the path long before
you were aware of my presence. Your approach was clumsy and your attention
obviously unfocused."
"Um, yes sir," Bradley muttered.
"I suggest reevaluating your patrol procedures to prevent
being...startled...in the future," Sorik said. The Vulcan then turned and
made his way off into the night.
Bradley watched him go. Clumsy? Unfocused? That's bull, he thought to
himself. Either way, he hoped like heck those students beat his little test
tomorrow. Bradley would personally buy that cadet a drink...

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"Down the Rabbit Hole"
Personal Log - Cadet Alysia Atredes

Flopping down on her bed and kicking off her shoes, Alysia wondered just
what kind of world she had fallen in to. "Curiouser and curiouser," the
words came to her from an old book and she muttered them to the ceiling. She
had seen some things in her time and visited various worlds on her mother's
ship, but this was different. The closest comparison her mind could make was
when visiting a space station where she had met people from a few
different species in one place. But even then, it tended to be groups of old
Vulcan scientists or Antarian merchants or elder diplomats. Now not only
were there so many different species, some she had never heard of much less
seen, but they were young! No old curmudgeon of man telling her his life
story and how when he was younger blah blah blah blah…. These were her peers
and she was excited to be among so many young people at once. She
overheard one of her professors say something about it being wonderful to be
around so many young minds, but it wasn't just the young minds Aly was
interested in.

She laughed to herself as she wondered what Sorik would say if he were to
hear her say something like that out loud. She wasn’t sure, but had a
feeling that Sorik wouldn't know a good time if it came up and bit his butt.
She had a feeling about other staff members too. She imagined that Commodore
Trinity would discourage a party publicly, but had a funny feeling that in
her youth, the Commodore was a bit of a "goer". She was an attractive
woman and was probably the bell of the ball in her youth. As far as Mannix
was concerned…a handsome man, even now for an old guy. Aly thought he had it
going on, but jeeze …one class from him and she already thought she might
have made a big mistake coming to Starfleet. She realized now a little more
what her father had told her about discipline. That is exactly what she
would need to get through these classes, discipline, and large doses of
it.

For now though, she was thinking of large doses of something else. How long
would it be before they got a break and had a chance to cut loose with some
good old fashioned partying. Maybe they should start out with a little
celebration and get the semester started right. Besides, after picking up
the syllabus for only a few classes she could tell that no one would be free
enough to do any partying once they hit the books full speed. Aly decided
right there that perhaps one of her best roles in this school could be as her
class social director. She had already met a few classmates who had good
senses of humor and seemed to like having a good time. She was sure that if
she were to do the leg work and arrange the where and when….she could get a
few people to show for a little gathering.

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"To Study or Not to Study?"
Joint Log - Cadet Chris Blair and Cadet Alysia Atredes

On many nights Chris Blair could be found in the common room of his Quad
studying. Tonight was no exception. He sat on the couch piled with PADD's
and books from all over campus

Trying very hard to study in her room, Aly had trouble concentrating. She
found herself reading and rereading the same passage in the physics manual.
Closing the book she tucked it under her arm and headed down the hall to the
common room. Finding Chris studying in the common room she plopped down on a
couch across from him. "Hi," she greeted him
cheerfully.

"Hey what's up? Besides us." He responded, looking up for a moment.

Watching him deep in thought and material. "I was thinking...."

"Ut-oh, now we're in trouble"

"I know, its a bad sign when I'm thinking," she chuckled at his expression.
"I was thinking either we could maybe form some sort of study group. Or blow
this off for the night and go have a drink."

"It is hard to have a study group with only two people but it can be done."

"What are you working on right now?" She moved over to where he was buried
and bent over to look at his materials over his shoulder.

"A little of everything physics in this pile, history in that pile and basic
star ship
operations in that pile on the table."

Nodding as she looked over his piles "I know, I've been trying to do
physics." She waved the closed book around as if it were some sort of disease
"Relativity... spatial, time, general...its all blending together this time
of night. I wonder if it would be easier to create a holodeck program and
have Newton and
his bunch explain their theories to me personally." She flopped back down on
the couch with a heavy sigh.

"You could try that "

"Any other ideas? What works for you?" She continued to talk, oblivious to
weather or not she was disturbing him.

"Don't know if I should tell you."

She leaned forward and looked at him seriously startled, "Why?"

He leaned forward and spoke in a low voice "I cheated." He looked from side
to side, "I studied most of this stuff in high school"

Falling back into the couch laughing, "Come on Chris, I'd hardly call that
cheating. You were interested and studied ahead is all....good for you,
shows initiative. Something I've been told by my parents I am sadly lacking."

Laughing with her, "Well I could have told you I learned it all from watch
20th century television."

Chuckling, "Yeah, except back then it was all theory and now its history. I
never had any trouble in high school studying, I did all of my lessons and
scored well...
but something about this atmosphere is different from the ships I've spent
most of my life on. I feel so....so..."

"Free?"

She smiled at him, "Yeah, I think that's it. And I think with this new
found freedom of not being told when and what to do by parents and tutors, I
find myself distracted."

"Well, I grew up in the open hills of Montana and this is kind of confining
believe it or not."

"I imagine it is compared to Montana. But compared to any number of ships,
and their inherent rules and regulations....this is freedom." Realizing she
is keeping him from his studying she stopped talking about herself for a
moment and just watched him. He was one of the most handsome men she had ever
met, and
she had seen a few...of various species. She just sat there for a moment and
watched him sort through his various study materials.

Stopping reading for a moment Chris dropped his head back and closed his
eyes.

"Hey Chris?" She tilted her head and resisted the urge to run her fingers
through his hair.

"Hmmm'" he lifted his head half way and opened one eye and looked at her.

"What say we go have a drink and discuss the best way to study." Quickly
adding so as not to seem too forward, "We could invite the rest of the dorm."

"Sure, anything to get away from these books."

Smiling from ear to ear as she jumped to her feet. "Cool, I'll just pass
the word down the hall on my way to put this back in my room." Waving her
closed book, that she knew she would have to get back to eventually.

"Ok" he gathered his books and put them in his room.

Shouting down the hall as she throws her book on her bed, "Anyone up for a
late night study break and libations, meet us at the bar." She thought for a
moment which bar...then remembered one she'd seen just off campus. "We'll be
at the Hangout." Smiling she
caught up with Chris outside his room, "Ready?"

"Yeah let's go."

The two headed out, hearing rustling sounds behind them from the dorms. Aly
wasn't sure if the noise was people upset about being roused from sleep, or
people putting down books to come and join them. She decided not to worry
about it....if they showed, they showed....and if not... She may just have to
find a way to set up some private study sessions with Cadet Blair.

<TBC>

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Outcomes
by Commander Sorik
Stardate: 60003.02

Sorik sat behind the desk in his Internal Affairs office. He had finished
reviewing all the data, sensor and visual logs recorded during the "hide and
seek" training exercise the day before. The Vulcan had carefully inspected
all of the participating cadets' actions during the mock intruder scenario,
and he was quite impressed.
All of the students had exhibited strong reasoning and deduction skills in
attempting to ascertain Sorik's supposed position during the exercise. Each
team went about eliminating the possible coordinates of his location through
clever evaluation of the false intruder alerts and dampening fields.
Two cadets, however, showed impressive investigative skills by remaining at
the starting location to evaluate all the available information before
beginning their search. It was these two cadets, Hatch Lars Teg and
NorthStar, who were responsible for Sorik's physical capture. The Vulcan
wondered if it had simply been what the Humans refer to as "beginner's luck,"
but Sorik finally decided to give them their due credit.
Filing away the reports, Sorik focused his attention on the recent
altercation involving Cadet B'Bahm T'Vigo. The half Vulcan, half Klingon
cadet had caused quite a commotion with the security personnel, eventually
forcing the involvement of Commodore da Vinci to finally resolve the matter.
If it had been up to him, Sorik would have simply followed proper judiciary
procedures in dealing with the cadet but da Vinci had decided otherwise,
chalking
it up to a cultural misunderstanding.
Although Sorik himself felt no emotion on the subject, he entertained the
possibility that the commodore's Human emotions had directed her to reexamine
her faith in the Vulcan's abilities. Whether or not that were so, Sorik was
determined to prevent anything of the sort from happening in the future.
Anything else would be intolerable.
As his eyes glanced over the report, Sorik reminded himself that matters of
Academy security were, like it or not, somewhat different that the security
of a starship or starbase. His colleagues had warned him that there would be
a period of adjustment to the environment and various protocols and
procedures, but Sorik maintained that logic would be his trustful guide.
With the outcome of recent events, Sorik's belief in the philosophy of logic
had only become more grounded. Logic was his being, and that had to remain
strong despite the changing surroundings. He could not falter in his
convictions, his beliefs, for they were his strength. He would need them if
he was to excel in his duties and responsibilities. And he was bound and
determined to do just that.

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Snaking Away From Home
Part Three
By Cadet Hatch Lars Teg

Gel'an looked at Lars and nodded. Gel'an knew when a Teg put their mind to
something, there was vitally no deviation from task at hand. Patting his
brother on the shoulder, Gel'an turned and marched on out of the room.
Before exiting into the hall he turned back to Lars.
"See you on the Sydney shuttle in 8 hours brother."

Lars packed the last of his data padds into his shoulder bag and took one
final look around the room. It was a little disheartening to leave so many
items that contained so many great childhood memories here. The crystalline
statues he and his father went and purchased for various achievements Lars
had met. Each one was special not only because of the achievement it
represented, but the quality time he was
able to spend with his father. That was now going to change drastically.
Before, while Lars was at the Takaran Academy, he could come home to visit
his father anytime he wanted to. Now it would be at least two weeks on even
the fastest Takaran Cruiser to reach his home. Add the fact that his
father's governing duties were increasing as the Empire slowly expands
outward, and he will be lucky to see him more then a few times before he
graduates.
Walking out of his room and into the glowing hallway, he closed the ornate
door to his room. Glancing back at it, he never really remembered looking
closely at it before. But his leaving made him much more observant to little
things around him. Things he was leaving behind for a new life. Setting
down his bag he looked closely at the door. The thick wood door had some
grand carvings all over it. Several recessed panels sported various animals
of his homeworld. The Ga'klan lizard beast was shown tromping through the
light wooded swamplands common to his world. A Winged Sky Amphibian darted
through the branches of a Paqing tree. But what caught his attention the
most was all the serpent carvings.
Almost entangled on every tree or slithering through every bush was some
type of snake. This brought about memories of his peoples history and words
he heard spoken and felt by many of his people. His planet had many snakes in
ancient times, from the tiny Leyan snake to the sixty foot long King Nanuet;
the planet had been ruled by those reptiles for millions of years before the
Takaran race evolved from some form of ancient lizard. An ancient
lizard that struggled to survive with the rest of the animals and nature.
But something happened and they grew into what they are today. With that
evolution, technology of civilization soon followed. The Takaran started
terraforming their planet into more dry and fertile lands more suitable for
themselves. Mining for minerals in the planets crust and the minor climate
changes the Takaran civilization induced greatly reduced these once abundant
animals to small pockets of survivors struggling to keep continuing their
species. As the Takaran expanded so much as their planet could barely hold
them, they turned to the stars for more room.
With the invention of faster then light travel came the Federation and Star
Fleet. What once was a dominating force on their own planet instantly turned
into a microscopic civilization amongst the masses of the Universe. Even as
they quickly expanded to several nearby planets, they could feel other races
closing in on them. Reaching as far and as much space as they could, the
Takaran Empire still could not help but feel like the tiny Leyan did on
their planet. Struggling against every living thing around them as well as
the crush of technology. Lars could not help but feel his people would have
to be careful and not end up like the once abundant snakes of his planet.
The sending of Takarans to Star Fleet would help them figure out their place
in the Universe. Would they continute to be the master of their domain, or
would they be forced to slither into their little pocket of the Universe.
Picking up his bags again, Lars walked down the hall towards the waiting
shuttle that would take him to his transport to the Academy. He wondered how
he would get along with all the different people from different races when he
heard a familiar voice behind him.....

TBC.

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A Worlds K of MisunderstandingE
JL Cmdre. Trinity da Vinci, Cdr Sorik and Cadet B'Bahm T'Vigo

Yeoman Mark Vipin, watching the security men and B'Bahm beam out, tapped his
badge. "Vipin to Commodore DaVinci."
Trinity was just walking out of the lecture hall when her comm unit
chirped, "DaVinci here."
Vipin quickly summed up the situation, giving her a complete report,
"Commodore, I had a stubborn arrival who wouldn't leave your office.
Security has removed him."
Just what I needed. She sighed to herself. "On my way to Security. DaVinci
out."

B'Bahm's response to being beamed to the brig was to rip the bed off the
wall and use it to repeatedly bash against the force field covering the cell.
Though this caused him to be repeatedly stunned by the field, he showed no
ill effects. But then, as he stepped toward the field again, B'Bahm suddenly
stumbled into it, letting out a yell and falling back.
The guard just shook his head, "You know, you really should cut that out."

B'Bahm fell down, landing heavily in a crumpled heap, his chest no longer
moving. The guard, a lieutenant, noticed the collapse and stepped toward the
cell.
Sorik suddenly stalked into the brig area in a Vulcanesque fashion. He
immediately noticed that the main cell had been thrashed. On the floor of
that cell was a large, motionless Klingon. Sorik turned calmly to the brig
officer, "Report."
The lieutenant snapped to his feet, saluting. "Commander! The security
team dispatched to the Commodore's office beamed him directly here. I
haven't received a report yet, sir."
Sorik studied the scene for a moment, considering the options. It appeared
that the prisoner had stopped breathing, but his Vulcan instincts told him to
remain guarded. Moving over to the cell, Sorik lowered the forcefield. To
the lieutenant he said, "Ready your phaser."
"Aye sir." He grabbed his phaser off his waist and moved closer.
Sorik cautiously entered the cell and approached the prisoner, crouching
down to examine him. "He appears to be severely injured," Sorik said.
"However, this may be a-"
B'Bahm's arm snapped up revealing a mini-disrupter. The parts had been
cleverly concealed as part of the clothes he wore. He growled angrily, "Do
NOT move or you will die!" He began breathing and his hearts started beating
again almost as an after-thought.
Sorik's Vulcan reflexes were almost as quick, and he grabbed the prisoner's
wrist of the hand that held the distruptor. "Deception," he said, finishing
his sentence without a hint of emotion.
B'Bahm's solution to being grabbed was to stand quickly. Sorik tried but
could not move the massive wrist, continuing to hold onto it as they both
stood. "Lower your weapon at once," Sorik commanded.
Rising up to his full 6'11" height while keeping his arm outstretched,
B'Bahm lifted Sorik off the ground and shook him like a grishnar kitten.
Sorik could feel his teeth clack as he spoke calmly, "If you harm me, you
will in turn be shot by the guard. This course of action is illogical."
As the nervous lieutenant kept his phaser trained on the big Klingon, ready
to shoot, B'Bahm laughed aloud and roared, "HAH! Today is a good day to
die!"
Sorik, unimpressed by the Klingon rhetoric, tried another track, "Today is
a good day to surrender, and live to fight another day."
B'Bahm began to move out of the cell, taking Sorik with him as he advanced
toward the guard, "Surrender? Surrender!" He nearly choked with laughter
from contempt that the Vulcan should even mention the concept to a Klingon
warrior. To be defeated was possible, to be killed was certainly possible,
but to surrender? That was impossible for a warrior, the concept simply
couldn't be understood by Klingons.
While the Klingon was in motion, Sorik quickly reached over to apply the
Vulcan neck pinch; B'Bahm knocked aside the attempt with his hand not holding
the disrupter.
"Sir?" asked the lieutenant, carefully backing away from the approaching
Klingon.
At that moment, the Commodore stalked through the brig door. "What the
grozit is going on here, gentlemen?" she snapped.

U tbc... W

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A Worlds K of MisunderstandingEpt.2
JL Cadet B'Bahm T'Vigo, Cdr Sorik and Cmdre. Trinity da Vinci

B'Bahm reacted as if he has been zapped with a Klingon-strength cattle prod.
He immediately set Sorik down, dropping his weapon, snapping to attention and
barking out, "Sir, Cadet B'Bahm T'Vigo reports to you as ordered!"
Sorik, back on his feet again, turned to the guard. "Hold your fire,
Lieutenant." He then stooped down and snatched up the Klingon's weapon from
the floor. The lieutenant kept his phaser ready but flicked the safety back
on.
B'Bahm snapped out a salute by pounding his chest to go with the at
attention position.
Sorik glanced to DaVinci and then to B'Bahm. "You are a student?"
B'Bahm ignored him, remaining at attention; he refused to speak until spoken
to by his commanding officer.
Commodore da Vinci walked up to him, and although she was almost a foot and
a half shorter than him, her presence was equally strong. She looked him up
and down. "Cadet, the report I got from my assistant is significantly less
than satisfactory."
Sorik kept B'Bahm's own weapon trained on him while considering the list of
charges to pile against the cadet. Unbeknownst to him, the weapon was
useless in his hands; it has a DNA specific detection chip linked to the
trigger. Unless B'Bahm's own hands are on the weapon, it wouldn't fire at
any setting, except in the case that it's a Kreel in which case it's designed
to explode.
Trinity put her hands on her hips. "You are here as a cadet. You were
forwarded a copy of Starfleet regulations for perusal before your arrival
here. What do you have to say on your own behalf?"
B'Bahm remained at attention, waiting for her to command him to speak, but
then noticed that she was clearly waiting impatiently for him to do just
that. "Sir, that koruts <curse-word>,did everything he could to antagonize
me. All I requested was to report to you as ordered, sir. Then, as I am
waiting, I am taken hostage for no reason and was forced to attempt to
escape."
Sorik raised his eyebrow, "Did that request involve assaulting Starfleet
officers and campus officials?"
B'Bahm didn't even glance at Sorik, speaking to the Commodore instead. "I
assaulted no one. You are the ones who wrongfully imprisoned me. I defended
myself from further injustice."
Trinity's expression remained cool. "Cadet, 'report as ordered' does not
mean walking into my office like you own the place, and then ignoring the
request of my assistant, who outranks you, by the way. After your continued
to ignore Yeoman Vipin, you also proceeded to ignore the requests of the
security officers who arrived at my office and requested that you accompany
them. I also doubt Commander Sorik has been here long enough to
'do everything he could do to antagonize' you."
B'Bahm waved it off as unimportant. "I was not told to report to Vipin. Nor
was I told to report to security officers."
Trinity's gaze remained steady. "Cadet, I did not give you leave to speak
yet. Those officers followed standard campus security procedures and beamed
you here as you were gauged as a hostile threat."
B'Bahm shook his head. She had given him leave to speak the moment she
asked him the first question and assumed he would respond, "I was told to
report to Commodore Trinity IMMEDIATELY upon my arrival."
Sorik interjected, "That does not mean the Commodore must be immediately
available for you, Cadet."
B'Bahm frowned, confused, still not looking at Sorik. He never said
anything like that, so why was this person trying to put words into his mouth
he'd never spoken? Nor had he ever demanded she be brought to him
immediately, as he recalled. He did, however, recall saying he would wait
for her.
Trinity lifted an eyebrow slightly. Sorik recognized her look as a warning
one. "Cadet, did it not occur to you that I might not be immediately
available?"
B'Bahm growled, now glancing at Sorik briefly. The Commodore's words backed
up Sorik's statement. "I did not demand you be. I stated I would wait for
you, sir. I am no fool. I know you have many responsibilities. Thus I
waited. Then was attacked, kidnapped and forced to finally defend myself."
Sorik, sensing the facts were being misrepresented, interjected again, "You
disobeyed superior officers and trespassed on private property, Cadet.
Although I have yet to interview the responding officers, it is highly
unlikely that you were 'attacked'."
B'Bahm tried again to make his new commadore understand, "I followed the
orders I was given!"
"Gentlemen!" Trinity said, her tone indicating clearly that she wanted
silence as she looked at them both.

U tbc... W

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A Worlds K of MisunderstandingEpt.3
JL Cdr Sorik, Cadet B'Bahm T'Vigo and Cmdre. Trinity da Vinci

Sorik, who was about to argue further, paused and turned his attention to
the commodore.
B'Bahm frowned in confusion at all of this; none of it was making any sense
to him. On a Klingon ship it would have been settled promptly with that
ridiculous yeoman being beaten within an inch of his life by B'Bahm, or
simply killed by the commander later. "Is this how you treat all new people
who arrive and follow orders?"
Trinity frowned in return. "B'Bahm, my assistant said that after you stated
you had not eaten nor drank, he gave you water and offered you food. You
drank two large glasses of water and refused food. After thanking him for
that, you simply walked into my office. When he asked you to wait outside my
office, you refused to comply, and then told him you viewed his actions as a
threat. You then proceeded to ignore his further requests, and then pull
out a bat'leth and begin sharpening it."
B'Bahm shook his head in frustration, "Is it a crime to do weapons
maintenance while waiting?"
Trinity continued, "I'm sure the security tapes from my office will back up
somebody's side of the story." Her tone indicated exactly whose side of the
story she felt it would be.
Sorik chimed in, "The Code of Conduct prohibits personal weaponry from
campus grounds."
Ignoring the Vulcan who kept interjecting, B'Bahm continued, "And if you did
not want me to report to ONLY the Commodore, then you should said so in the
orders."
"Orders change, Cadet," Sorik noted. "As a future Starfleet officer, you
will need to realize this and adjust accordingly. And may I point out, you
are several weeks past the date you were due to report. Confusion was
inevitable."
He growled angrily at this Vulcan who keeps interjecting, and speaks to the
Commodore. "May I point out I am late because you sent me two idiots who did
not trust me to fix their engines when the shuttle died?"
"Gentlemen," Trinity snapped again, "I would appreciate it if both of you
could hold your silence for three minutes!"
The two quit their argument immediately. B'Bahm nodded once sharply, "Jiyaj
sir." <I understand.>
Trinity looked between the two. "Squabbling like a pair of...." She shook
her head, then focused on B'Bahm again. Damn, this cadet was bold! "You are
a few weeks past your due arrival date. Here at Starfleet we operate on a
schedule. If you are going to remain here for any amount of time, you need to
acknowledge and follow that. Also understand that in Starfleet, just like
wherever you served before, the ranking
officers do not jump because a cadet is looking for them. Is that
understood?"
B'Bahm growled in frustration, feeling she was just plain not listening to
him. "I did not expect you to, sir, that is why I was waiting for you."
She tried to relate the proper course of action. "In waiting for a superior
officer, you do not walk in and make yourself at home in their office unless
you are invited to, do you understand?"
He nodded slowly, "Yes, sir. I thought only to wait for you, not to
trespass in your quarters. I did not know you slept there. I apologize for
that."
"They're not my quarters, they are my office." To make sure there's no
misunderstanding on her part, she asks, "Did my assistant tell you to wait in
my office?"
He nearly exploded as he replied; finally she's gotten to the meat of the
incident. The whole thing started with her stupid yeoman. "No, the imbecile
told me to 'go outside'! Why do I have to wait outside the building if you
are not there? That is ludicrous!"
She had a sneaking suspicion something was wrong, "Outside of my office,
cadet. There is a very comfortable waiting area there next to his desk. Do
you just walk into your officer's offices on board Klingon ships without
invitation?"
B'Bahm nodded, "Yes." Then attempted to clear up what she apparently didn't
understand, "He did not say outside of your office. He just said outside."
Trinity's frowned, "Did you ask for clarification or did you just presume?"
"What is presume?" He treats her to another of his infamous frowns,
obviously and sincerely not comprehending.
Her suspicions almost confirmed, Trinity zeroed in on what her instincts had
been telling her. "How long have you been wearing your universal translator,
Cadet?"
He didn't see what that had to do with anything, but answered nonetheless,
"I am not wearing one."
Trinity folded her arms, and almost, Sorik noted, looked amused.
Seeing her stifling an almost smile, he thumped chest proudly, "I have
learned your language myself."
"Apparently, not well enough," Sorik said.
"Huh!" He snarled with derision at the statement, not even deigning to
reply to it. Everyone knew only the upper-class warriors and political
Klingons spoke English. He turned back to the commodore. "Why would I ask
him for explanations? I understood him perfectly. He said, 'You will have
to wait outside.' That means in the out of doors, outside the building."
"Well, Cadet, you are going to be interacting with over 200 possible species
and their many varieties of languages just on this campus alone, not to
mention on missions. I suggest you make it a priority to get your butt over
to the medical center and have one inserted, or you will find yourself
getting in many fights, and you cannot blame ignorance."
The large Klingon looked confused, "What is wrong with fights? They are
good for morale. I always encouraged them among my officers." B'Bahm sighed
deeply and almost smiled. He didn't want his commanding officer to kill her
assistant just because he misspoke himself.
Trinity lifted an eyebrow slightly. "Cadet, if you had read your handbook
properly, you would have known that the UT is a standard piece of equipment
that all arriving cadets are expected to already have inserted."
Sorik turned to the commodore. "I believe there is enough evidence now to
safely assume that this was a misunderstanding, and not an intentional
confrontation. However, numerous regulations and protocols have been broken.
How do you wish to proceed with this?"

U tbc... W

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A Worlds K of MisunderstandingEPt 4
JL Cmdre. Trinity da Vinci, Cdr Sorik, Cadet B'Bahm T'Vigo

B'Bahm was now pretty sure he understood the Vulcan's position in all this;
he was the commodore's punishment officer. B'Bahm would settle with her
assistant on his own free time; a good fight between them, who knows they
might even end up friends for it. For now, the Klingon decided to act as if
nothing had happened and thereby showed generosity in front of his new
commander.
"Proceed with what, sir?" B'Bahm interjected. "I have reported as ordered;
may I go to my classes now? Or find my bed? I have a lot of catching up to
do." B'Bahm believed he could see that this disappointed the Vulcan; he must
truly enjoy being the school's disciplinarian.
It was lucky that the commodore's patience was very, very long... for both
of them. She'd never seen Sorik so easily riled. "It is now clear that it
was a linguistic misunderstanding and one that could have easily been
avoided. B'Bahm, I suggest you enroll in further language studies to improve
your skills. However, I'm ordering you to report to the medical quarters
first for an UT. Commander Sorik will direct you as to where you can get
your quarters assignment, your schedule and the mess hall."
She then looked at Sorik pointedly to make sure he got the unspoken message.
He returned her glance, and nodded.
B'Bahm noded with satisfaction; he felt she had understood his gesture of
generosity toward her assistant, "jiyaj. Suvwl'e' JlH, and I will comply
sir." <I understand. I am a warrior and I will comply sir.> Though why she
is making the disciplinarian take him to these places he didn't understand;
he would have thought that was what her assistant was for. Then again, it
wasn't his place to question her actions or how she ran her
staff. He had his methods; she had hers, to each their own method of
command.
She looked him up and down again. "He'll also tell you were to get fitted
for uniforms. Also, make it a top priority on your list to read the student
handbook and protocol manual. Please remember you are a cadet here,
regardless of what you were on Qun'oS, and act accordingly." Her eyebrow
dropped back into place. "I know with your history it must be ... difficult
to follow orders instead of give them, but you
are a part of Starfleet now, and if you cannot follow regulations, you will
not remain a part."
B'Bahm furrowed his brow again. Who said he had problems following orders?
His record was exemplary until this insane incident today, "I have never had
a problem following orders. I followed the ones you sent me."
Before she dismissed him, he wanted to make sure of the Vulcan's true
status. He might have been the one saying he had problems following orders.
"Sir? A question?"
"Go ahead."
B'Bahm pointed at Sorik, "Who is this one, and where is he in our chain of
command?"
Sorik glanced at the commodore, who glanced back. "This is Commander Sorik,
Dean of Internal Affairs and Dean of Tactical Studies. He is second in
command to me."
B'Bahm's eyes went wide as he realized he has, perhaps, made a very bad
enemy. "I apologize, sir!" He snapped even more to attention, hoping the
belated respect will help.
Sorik nodded, "Your apology is noted, Cadet."
Revealing his sharpened teeth, looking as if he was showing them off for a
dentist, B'Bahm had heard this is what they do in the Federation when they
speak amongst fellow warriors, "The nerve pinch was a good move! You are a
good warrior!"
Sorik watched the cadet with some interest. "Thank you, Cadet. You seem
quite cunning, yourself."
Trinity looked to Sorik, "I'm not pressing any charges, Sorik. It was a
misunderstanding, and I leave him in your capable hands."
The Vulcan nodded once more, "Understood, Commodore."
She nodded to B'Bahm in farewell, "I'm sure I will see you around campus.
Good luck and welcome to the Academy, Cadet." She put her hand out.
B'Bahm carefully shook the commodore's hand, taking the danty one in his own
ham sized grasp, "K'adlo sir." <Thank you.>
"You're welcome. Good day, gentlemen." She nodded her head slightly, and
headed out of the brig.
"As I stated earlier, cadets are prevented from having any personal weaponry
on campus," Sorik said, regarding the cadet. He then held up B'Bahm's
weapon. "I will have to confiscate this, and any other weapon you may have
brought with you."
B'Bahm nodded, understanding that Sorik meant any and all large-scale visual
weapons, as well as the mini-disrupter because he threatened to use it on
him...but not the ones he and all warriors conceal on themselves. Then
something else occured to B'Bahm, and his jaw dropped. "Not my bat'leth!"
"Yes, all of your personal weapons must be confiscated. It is protocol."
"But I must have my bat'leth so I may practice my combat skills," he tried
to explain, "Sir, a warrior NEVER gives up his bat'leth unless he is dead."
"You may utilize a holographic bat'leth during reserved holodeck times in
Kirk Hall," Sorik told him. "However, the real weapon is not permitted on
campus grounds at any time, for any reason."
B'Bahm shook his head with obvious regret, "Then I am sorry to say I cannot
attend this academy. I will not… no … cannot give up my bat'leth unless I am
dead." He couldn't help but think Sorik may be the second to their
commander, but he'd volunteer to go to Gre'thor willingly before he gave up
his family's sword of honor to any person, as would any Klingon remotely
worthy of calling himself a warrior. It wasn't necessary it be
specifically a family sword of honor, it could as easily be a special hafleth
or chonnaq or his personal favorite the vl' nlSwl' beH'a!
Sorik raised his eyebrow, "If you prefer, you may store your weapon in an
off-campus storage facility, upon which time you may practice with it off
campus. While on campus,however, you must learn to fight and defend yourself
utilizing Starfleet issue weapons and technology, because that is what you
will be using 99 percent of the time in action in Starfleet."
B'Bahm sighed with obvious relief. "K'adlo sir!" <Thank you.> Perhaps he
hadn't unintentionally made him an enemy after all.
Sorik nodded. "You are welcome." He beckoned toward the door. "Follow me,
Cadet. Let us try to avoid breaking any more regulations this time, shall
we?"
B'Bahm showed his teeth again in that odd Federation gesture, "Sickbay and
then DRINK!" He fervently hoped to make amends for ignoring him earlier, he
didn't want to have to kill the Vulcan in a battle of honor to settle the
issue over a simple mistake of someone else's moronic manservant.
He responded in a typical sarcastic, Vulcan tone, "Of course."
The sarcasm is lost on B'Bahm and he claps Sorik on the shoulder warmly,
"MoVas ah-kee rustak!" <Today was a good day to die!>

THE END

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The Journey is Half the Battle.
by Cadet B'Bahm T'Vigo

B’Bahm looked around the crowded and smoky bar. He had to make his own way
to the Academy on Earth His not immediately following through with the
Hegh’bat ceremony after losing his eyes pretty much branded him an outcast in
normal, civilized Klingon culture. Not that it concerned him overly much;
he’d always been an outcast of sorts already because of his massive size.
The place he was in at the moment was filled with unsavory characters of the
worst stripe, that would have been readily apparent even to a blind man.
Raucous laughter, cries and the occasional scream filled the air, blending
poorly with the techno-pop pouring out of the viddy system. It had seen
better days and the music itself would have sounded off on the best player
system in all the galaxies, it was so low quality.
He moved to the bar and ordered an iced raktajino over the caterwauling din.
The bartender just gave him what he took as a blank stare (he was still
having problems reading facial expressions with the new implants), obviously
never having heard of the Klingon beverage. B’Bahm growled to himself,
~Figures.~, he was tired, had a long way to go yet and was in no mood for
being trifled with. Unfortunately, trifling was just what several large
Nausicaans had on their collective minds.
“Did I hear someone order iced raktajino?” the first one bellowed with
laughter.
“Bowb, when did you start allowing such high classed clientele into this
dump!” this directed at the bartender.
Bowb just winced and looked at him imploringly, hoping the large Klingon
wouldn’t respond to the taunts. Unfortunately, to B’Bahm it looked as if the
bartender were grinning at him. He got up off the stool and turned around
slowly.
The first hint B’Bahm had that he was in trouble was when a stun beam from a
phaser impacted on his back. He whirled with a speed that was more than
surprising, considering his size and hurled the remnants of the booth table
he had just broken over the head of the last Nausicaan at the unseen target
that had dared shoot him in the back. The officer in red that had fired the
shot from his phaser disappeared under the avalanche of hurtling debris.
Fortunately for him, he had several other friends, identically armed and one
that was far more experienced in handling bar brawls in command before B’Bahm
could dig him out. The more experienced officer in question yelled, “FIRE!”
Seven phasers on maximum stun fired almost as one on the only target still
standing beside themselves…
…A hoarse growl/groan came from one of the cells. Chief of Security
McMasters looked at Ensign Shdown with a wry grin; “Your friend is waking
up.”
Shdown didn’t reply, he knew his boss was just needling him for having
jumped the gun and fired first during the bar brawl and not getting out of
the way of that flying table fast enough. Though when both pieces of it had
been physically larger than him, he didn’t know how he was supposed to manage
it.
Lt. Commander McMasters chuckled paternally at the look on the Ensign’s
face, “Don’t worry about it, you’ll learn. Always take a second to size up
the situation before you react next time. It’ll save you a mountain of
paperwork later.” Taking his feet off his desk, he headed over to the cell
where the giant Klingon now sat up and was holding his head. “Feel a little
more sociable?” he inquired with a grin.
B’Bahm shook his head to clear the cobwebs and stood up, shaking off the
stiffness, “Why was I attacked from behind?”
McMasters tapped the panel on the wall and the force field between them
dropped, “That was an accident. A hasty action by a very young and very
junior officer.”
B’Bahm pondered this for a moment, though he was more of a forgiving nature
than most Klingons, his headache wasn’t feeling very understanding at the
moment. Still, he couldn’t help but remember he’d also been young and rash
once in the ways of combat. Nodding slowly, he ignored the throb inside his
skull for the moment, “What are the charges against me?”
“None, providing you are willing to compensate the bartender for the damages
done.” McMasters eyed the large warrior closely, his flat-black, mechanical
eyes betrayed no hint of emotion and his face gave away just about as much.
Though he was pretty sure this behemoth was going to go along with it, more
than just his size was odd about this Klingon.
B’Bahm again nodded slowly and brought out several strips of latinum, “This
should be more than adequate compensation.”
McMasters gave it the squinty-eye while he did a quick mental calculation,
then nodded as well, “Yeah that ought to do it. You’re free to go.” He
stepped aside and waived the mobile mountain towards where his travel bag of
clothing sat on the desk. As the warrior moved out the door, McMasters
called after him, “You be careful, these frontier bars are no place for an
honorable person.”
The warrior stopped and looked back, the briefest flicker of an emotion
crossed his features, far too quickly for McMasters to identify it for the
ambivalence it was.
B’Bahm bowed his head slightly and spoke softly, “Qapla.”
McMasters’ features took on a look of curiosity, the only times he’d heard
that before it had been shouted, yelled or growled between parting Klingon
warriors and accompanied with chest thumping or weapon shaking or some other
action. This one was most definitely NOT your normal Klingon.
B’Bahm had just under fifteen minutes to catch his next shuttle before it
departed. His head was thumping in time with his feet that pounded on the
deck as he ran to catch it in time. An annoyance to be sure, but a reminder
worth far more and far worse pain. He wasn’t in the Empire anymore, there
were different rules and regulations to follow if he wanted to survive and if
there was one thing B’Bahm T’Vigo was, it was a survivor.
TBC...

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The Arrival
b by Cdt. Duras


The unsteady hum of the shuttle quickly halted as its landing thrusters
deactivated and set gracefully on the landing pad. It's doors slowly glided
opened and a young man with a tannish tint to his skin out of the shuttle
with a lightweight suitcase in hand. His defined Klingon ridges creased
upwards and blended with his Jet black hair. He was about 6 foot tall wihy a
decent Klingon build but obvious Betazoid features and seemingly older than
only 18.
The new Cadet turned swiftly to come face to face with a young Lieutenant.
Duras smiled charmingly, " Cadet Duras, reporting as ordered." Duras handed
her the PADD with his orders over to the Lieutenant. She took the PADD from
him and examined over it quickly.
"Well Cadet," she paused and glanced at Duras then smiled briefly, "Welcome
to Starfleet Academy. I'm Lieutenant Nelson, I've been instructed to show
you to your quarters."
Duras nodded , "Yes ma'am."
"Follow me," Instructed Lt. Nelson. Duras took a deep breath as he watched
the lovely Lieutenant proceed to his quarters without him. Reality soon
found its way back to Duras as he began running to catch up with Lt. Nelson.
Duras caught up with her just as she entered the corridor to the living
quarters. The Lieutenant stopped about half way down the corridor and
punched in the key code. The doors parted quietly and the Lieutenant stepped
inside. Duras followed right behind and looked around, admiring his new
quarters.
"Wow," Duras paused shortly still looking around, "much nice than a Bird of
Prey." Lt. Nelson looked oddly at Duras, "You mean you....were on a Klingon
ship before coming here?"
Duras smiled, "Yes ma'am. Past few years I spent serving aboard my father's
ship. Then I thought I might see what I can do here."
Lt. Nelson nodded eargerly, "Really..." she trailed off and smiled slightly
in Duras' direction, "Maybe you could tell me about it sometime...." again
she trailed off still smiling in Duras' general direction. Quickly she left
and Duras remained in his new quarters still admiring it all. He stopped and
looked at the ring on his finger and slowly examined then lightly chuckled to
himself.

It didn't take him long at all to finish unpacking all his belongings and
few weapons from home. He wore a Klingon sash with his family's crest over
his uniform. Duras took the picture of his wife to be out of his suitcase
and set it near his night stand. If everything went as planned, she would be
here before Duras would know it.
Duras had gotten word on the Commodore and looked forward to meeting her
once his classes started. So far things had gone quite smoothly for the
first day, he just hoped this year got off to a good start.

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Just...the Nature of Things
by Duras


The halls seemed unusually empty as Duras made his way to the infirmary.
He'd always disliked the infirmary for many of reasons.....that, or it was
just him being a stubborn Klingon. Never in a million years would he suspect
himself to be majoring in Medicine. After all.........he was a warrior, he
was Klingon! And right when that side began to show, his Betazoid side
butted in and let the charm go on. Funny how things always seemed to work
themselves out. Duras knew people addicted to alcohol, money, and even
drugs, but he'd never met anyone that's been addicted to women. He just
happened to be the first.
As Duras neared the infirmary he could hear the voice of several female
voices. "Jack pot," he smiled and walked quickly to the door of the
infirmary. Peeking his head around the corner he saw a young, not to mention
rather sexy Trill. She had long brown hair and was about 5 and a half feet
tall. Duras had yet to meet her but he was quite eager to get to it. From
what he gathered, her name was Eryn Chase but something nagged at him to find
out
for himself. He straightened up and proceeded to enter but felt a firm grip
at his shoulder. He turned to see a Vulcan security officer standing tall in
front of Duras.
"Excuse me, can I help you Cadet?" Duras gave the Vulcan a puzzled look.
"I...I...uh, I'm....just new here....and uhhhhhh I'll be spending some
time in the infirmary, so I was just........looking around." Duras glanced
at the Vulcan and smiled sheepishly.
The officer nodded, "Very well Cadet, carry on." The young Jr. Lieutenant
turned and proceeded with his rounds. Wiping the sweat from his forehead,
Duras turned his attention back to the infirmary and peeked around the corner
once again. To his dismay, the cadet was no where to be seen.
Duras frowned and began to pout, "Rejected...." Sometimes Duras couldn't
understand himself. He was all ready engaged yet he still had the same
flirtatious attitude since the day he found out what he wanted out of life;
women. It seemed that at one time or another Duras always seemed to have
women on the mind, whether it was another women or just the one he loved,
Ashley. Besides, all he ever did was talk and harmlessly flirt.....a little.
Its
not like he was doing anything wrong, right? Whatever happened to "look but
don't touch"? Duras could respect that, after all, he was still part
Klingon, he had some sense of honor.
Duras began the short trip back to his dorm. "Not all is lost," he thought
silently, "there are still more women I have yet to meet." As Duras walked
on, he realized that he still had yet to meet with the other members of his
team. As much as Duras looked forward to meeting them, he just prayed they
weren't as rowdy as the Klingons he lived with aboard the Hegh`ta and that he
never ended up drunk in the CO's office without his
clothes......again.

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STARFLEET ACADEMY

Personal Log StarDate 60003.01
'Celebration'
Cadet Hatch Lars Teg
Science Trainee

Nothing like a little celebration after a well earned success to take your
mind of your troubles. After the Field Mission of tracking down Sorik,
NorthStar and I went to a local pub for a little celebration drink or two. I
think the place was called the 'Drop Slip Pub' or something like that.
Anyway, we toasted a few drinks to our finding Sorik.
Apparently they did some similar mission with the older classes and we were
the only ones to apprehend the crafty Vulcan. So that meant a few free
rounds of drinks from the other underclassbeings in the pub. I tried not to
gloat too much near the upperclassbeings as some of them looked pretty
unhappy about being shown up by some rookie cadets.
After a couple of hours of chatting and drinking with some of the most
interesting beings I have ever seen, I headed back to my Quad. Upon arrival
I heard about what the other Cadets did in their hunt for Sorik. I had to
admit to them that I was a bit lazy at the start, hence why we stuck around
the hall. But I was always taught to do a through search before running off.
Sometimes the solution is right were you begin, as was the case this time.
Apparently one of the Klingon cadets got into a bit of trouble with security
and Commodore Trinity. Some people close to the incident think more should
have been done about it, but it is the Commodore's call.
Now I have to finish work on my physics lab report early tomorrow so I have
plenty of time to proof it and double check everything before it is due in a
few days. I think I should do better this time and get a better grade as I
have cut my 'social time' down to minimal and focused on my classes a bit
more. The study groups have helped me out a bit in learning how to take
tests better as taking tests here is vastly different then at the Takaran
Science Academy. I think that is what hurt me the most on my physics grade.
All other classes are going well enough that I should do adequate enough this
semester to have a shot at the Command spot. I just have to 'buckle down' as
the humans say and 'get the job done'.

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Tinkering (Part One)
by Commander Sorik
Stardate: 60003.07

"You don't like it, do you?" asked David Follen, the professor of Military
Tactics, as he studied the Vulcan's face.
"I neither like or dislike it," Sorik replied indifferently. "I do believe,
however, that you have failed to accurately capture my mannerisms."
"Your mannerisms?" Follen asked, somewhat amused. "No offense, sir, but
your mannerisms are as easy to distinguish as faded hieroglyphics."
Sorik glanced over at the Human, failing to see the humor or reasoning
behind the professor's statement. The Vulcan then turned his attention back
to the large viewscreen before them.
Sorik and Follen were standing in the darkened control booth of Bridge
Simulator 14 in Kirk Hall. Through the viewscreen, the two men observed the
action taking place in the simulator next door -- the infamous Kobayashi Maru
scenario...but with a few changes.
Using his spare time and holidays over the past few years, Follen had been
tinkering with a copy of the simulation. His goal was to create a new,
hi-tech version of the scenario incorporating the most advanced technology
available to the Academy. He had finally gotten to a point where he wanted a
second opinion on his work, so he had asked Commander Sorik to observe some
seasoned cadets running the new program. If the Tactical Sciences dean liked
it, then the professor intended to present it as a permanent replacement in
the curriculum.
Some of the changes were obvious, such as the new Excelsior-class bridge,
the quicker and more accurate computer responses, and the addition of a few
holographic officers to give the feel of a busy starship. The holograms were
incorporated with the installation of several holo-emitters around the
simulator. The emitters would also allow for holographic explosions,
preventing cadets from actually destroying the simulator time after time.
Follen programmed the holograms to interact with the live cadets as they
underwent the scenario. He intended to include holographic representations
of the cadet's teachers as commanding officers, so the real teachers could
observe the action more accurately from the control room.
One of the holographic officers moving about the bridge was Sorik.
When Follen learned that Sorik had already created holographic versions of
himself for the recent intruder scenario on campus, the professor took it
upon himself to download the program.
And now he was awaiting the real Sorik's reaction to it all. The professor
glanced over at the Vulcan again, who was watching his holographic double
move across the bridge filled with the command-track cadets. Since these
particular cadets had already been through the scenario, they were a little
familiar with the situation but occasionally distracted by the holograms
around them.
Though his expression didn't reveal it, Sorik was indeed impressed with
Follen's upgrades to the scenario thus far. It was conceivable, Sorik
thought, that Follen, who had created an ingenious fleet scenario program for
his class, may had missed his calling as a holo-programmer.
"This is where it gets good," Follen said, turning his attention to the
screen.
The starship was being hailed. The senior cadet in the command chair
responded, and a familiar, static-filled voice blared out of the bridge
speakers.
"This is the Kobayashi Maru, 18 days out of Starbase 3...we have struck a
gravitic mine..."

- TBC -