A Night On the Holodeck (Part IX)

Posted on Sat Dec 31st, 2022 @ 9:13pm by Cadet Senior Grade Meghan Stefani & Cadet Senior Grade Daniel Weaver & Commodore Peter Murphy

1,414 words; about a 7 minute read

Mission: The Cadet Cruise
Location: Holodeck

[PREVIOUSLY]

"At ease, Cadets." Commodore Murphy said firmly as he walked up to them. His tone was soft and calm. If he was upset, he was hiding it well. "You two, as well as a few others, were absent at the festivities. Is there a reason why you two disappeared so quickly?"

[CONTINUED]


Daniel eased up, relaxing a bit, but not completely. "It is my fault, Sir. Cadet Stefani was encouraged to leave because of me." He turned to the Commodore and locked his eyes on him as he added. "I was not feeling up to the gathering and did not want to leave alone. One would say I had the sudden feeling of déjà vu, Sir. Like I've heard it all before." His head went back to looking straight ahead. "Sir." He immediately added.

Meghan couldn't let Daniel take all the blame. She was a willing participant in playing hooky. "Sir, I was also to blame. I wasn't feeling well and didn't want to disgrace myself. I think it's nerves because this is the first time I've been on an actual starship and I'm slated to work the science station on the bridge. Cadet Weaver was helping me."

The Commodore stood there silently. Obviously, they had two different stories, but clearly they were covering for each other. He would smile if it wouldn't led to them figuring out how sweet he thought it was to see them like this. Finally, he nodded his head and returned to his calm, but stern tone. "That's commendable, Cadet. I can understand how overwhelming some things could be. Your first assignment. Your first command. Your first kiss. And so on. My first assignment was onboard an Excelsior. It was certainly overwhelming to me as a young Cadet." He paused for a moment before clearing his throat again. "However, Cadet, you will learn that sometimes, while boring, a gathering like this is a necessary evil for a Starfleet Officer. What if this were for a visiting Alien species who were seeking entry into the Federation."

"But it wasn't." Daniel snapped back.

"But what if it was, Cadet?" Commodore countered quickly. A hint of annoyance in his tone. "The disappearance of an officer, especially on a species that may find it an insult, could lead to a bunch of trouble. Trouble that would begin on a Starfleet ship and may reflect on the entire Federation. You two will not only be representing yourselves but Starfleet as well."

Daniel was growing frustrated, but he kept it quiet. He knew this was turning into a lesson from his father on being a responsible officer. "I believe, Cadet Stefani vomiting her lunch in front of a visiting species would be much less flattering than us leaving mid reception, Sir."

"I thought you left because you were bored, Cadet Weaver?" The Commodore replied before smiling. "Yes. I imagine that would be a far worse mess than simply leaving, but you two know understand my point. There are some gatherings you may want to leave, but shouldn't."

"Yes, sir," Meghan said. She wanted to squeeze Daniel's hand and let him know she was here for him, but this was not the time. "With all due respect, if this were such a gathering, we would have behaved accordingly. However, as Cadet Weaver pointed out, sir, sometimes it is prudent to make a discrete exit rather than cause a diplomatic incident. I can assure you that the nerves will not be an issue in the morning as I will be able to focus on my duties." She hoped that helped deflect some of the attention.

Commodore Murphy looked over to her before letting out a slight smile. "Nerves are fine Cadet." He replied before continuing, Daniel mouthing the next sentence to himself just as his father spoke them. "It's what you do with them that matters most."

Daniel eyes slightly shifted, catching Meghan from out the corner, before focusing them forward again. "Sir, since the reception has concluded, and Cadet Stefani and myself have places to be in the morning, would it be safe to conclude that this is a lesson learned situation?"

The Officer looked at them both, his smile faded quickly, as his gaze shifted from one Cadet to the other. He knew Daniel was trying to get things moving and they really didn't do anything wrong. He was in his right to reprimand them; it wasn't a serious offense. "You feel this is a lesson learned situation, Cadet?"

"Yes sir." Daniel replied, his eyes looking over to the Commodore slightly, before looking forward again. "Since the reception is just a formality, and its primary use is to get to know the other cadets on the cruise, it is safe to conclude we weren't missed. Both Cadet Stefani and I will have plenty of time to get to know the cadets in our chosen departments. Our focus, in the upcoming days of the cruise, should be on our studies so we can come out as model officers. While the Commodore is within his rights to reprimand us, and even punish us, if need be, one would think throwing us in the brig would be a bit overkill." He looked over to the Commodore before adding. "Sir."

"So, what you're saying is, I should throw you in the brig?"

"What?! No..." Daniel raised a brow, looking from his father, then to Meghan. He surely wasn't implying that, but if he did, they would have to obey. "What I am saying, Sir, is that we learned our lesson when it comes to knowing when it’s okay to walk out of a gathering. At the end of the day... we're still young adults. We're bound to make mistakes, using the reasoning that we just wanted to spend some time together, to get to know each other." He looked back to the Commodore and added softly. "Sir?"

"With all due respect, sir, you know the reception was not mandatory as long as we met with our department heads. We have both done so. We will endeavor not to skip out on any more of your speeches during the remainder of the cadet cruise." She hoped Daniel wouldn't mind her making that promise, but she really didn't think that throwing them both in the brig would be a good way for the commodore to instill confidence in his crew. In spite of the very brief softening, she saw in his eyes, he seemed a hard person to please.

In addition, she now had a very clear understanding as to why Daniel had such a hard time with his father. "We would appreciate it if you would let us off with a warning, sir."

The Commodore looked between the two of them, holding onto his stern look and calming tone, before responding softly. "At ease, Cadets. I am simply pointing out the importance of the two. You're right, Cadet Stefani, that the reception wasn't mandatory. However, when you two become Starfleet Officers, I hope you make it a point to exit with permission or fair warning to your commanding officer. If anything, to make sure, your presence won't be needed." He stopped again, looking at the two firmly before a slight smile emerged, as he waved them off. "Dismissed, Cadets. Oh and, Cadet Weaver? I hope you plan on walking this young lady to her room before heading to your own." He said before walking off with his hands behind his back.

Daniel let out a deep sigh, frustrated with what had transpired, and how the Commodore felt it necessary to make it a much bigger thing than it should have. He remembered hearing plenty of stories of his mother and father leaving official receptions in order to spend time together. This whole thing felt like it was just his father pushing his buttons. "What a hypocrite." He said softly under his breath.

Meghan wrapped her arms around his neck and hugged him. She wondered if the commodore would have been so strict if it was anyone but Daniel.

"Come on. In spite of it being your father's suggestion, I would still like you to walk me back to my quarters." She slipped her hand into his. Hopefully, they could recapture some of the magic of the evening as well.

____
OFF

Commodore Peter Murphy
Commanding Officer

Cadet Senior Grade Daniel Weaver
Command

Cadet Senior Grade Meghan Stefani
Science

 

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