Boarding (Part III)

Posted on Mon Feb 28th, 2022 @ 6:41am by Commodore Peter Murphy & Cadet Senior Grade Daniel Weaver & Archibald 'Archie' Dorrian & Cadet Senior Grade Meghan Stefani & Cadet Junior Grade Shafin Todenhöfer

1,296 words; about a 6 minute read

Mission: The Cadet Cruise
Location: Bridge

{PREVIOUSLY]

"Why not? She hears all of you. Not much else to do when you don't sleep, is there?" Archie looked at him sternly, before pulling back with a smile. "Of course... what do I know? I'm just an old man who served on this ship before you three were old enough to crawl, spitting up on your Starfleet Academy bibs and soiling your official Starfleet Academy diapers."

[CONTINUED]

"I've heard a number of officers say that each ship has its own personality," Meg said. "Especially older ships like this one." She looked forward to seeing if she could feel the ship's personality over the next three months.

"It's true, young lady." Archie said as he looked around the bridge, his eyes focusing on the consoles and monitors instead of the crew themselves. "And if they don't like you... you'll know it." He seemed to chuckled again, as if remembering something, before adding. "Next time you're at a replicator, order your food as usual, treating it like an ordinary machine. Then, order the same thing, this time using please and thank you. Sometimes, you can taste, a difference."

Meghan didn't always say please, but she usually said thank you. She'd try to do so more often.

Daniel laughed slightly.

"Illogical," Shafin commented raising a brown. "Though you should do so nonetheless," he added. Shafin was studying everything closely and silently. He was curious.

"Illogical." Archie replied, in a mocking sort of time, laughing softly. "Spoken like a true, green blooded, automaton." The old officer shook his head before looking over to Commodore Murphy. "Sounds just like Old Turk before the Cavalier showed him who's boss, eh, Murphy?" He let out a laugh, looking back to Shafin, before smiling at him. "The moment you look in the mirror, beanpole, and you see what looks oddly enough like a smile on a head with those pointed ears of yours. You'll know... this ship and her crew... has got you."

Commodore Murphy immediately cleared his throat. "I assure you, Cadet, Former Chief Dorrian means no disrespect."

"After three months, see if your attitude changes," Meghan said to the Vulcan. "Then you'll be in a better place to prove or disprove the hypothesis."

Shafin fixed his hair when being called out for his ears, bringing the growth of hair over them to mask his ears. Of course, they see my ears and they think Vulcan he thought to himself. "Perhaps," he replied simply.

Daniel looked over, noticing Shafin's attempt to cover his ears, before speaking up in an attempt to draw attention away. "I am sure, the Commodore, is aware we are eager to begin. Just like the rest of the Cadets on board." He said in a bit of a firm tone, before clearing his throat to add. "However, in order to ensure we are prepared for the festivities and well rested for when our assignments begin, we should conclude this side trip and proceed to our quarters to unpack... Sir."

Archie looked to Daniel before walking slowly over to the Commodore's position.

"You're correct, Cadet. If you three feel you have seen enough of the bridge then you are free to leave." Commodore Murphy said, as Archie approached.

"I think, your boy, tried to cover for the Stringbean." The old man whispered before chuckling slightly.

"Thank you, sir," Meghan said, saluting the Commodore.

She turned to Archie. "Thank you. I look forward to learning from you over the next few weeks." Even though she was science, she wanted to spend more time listening to him tell stories and give advice.

"Yes... Thank you, Sir." Daniel nodded his head to Archie, before looking over to the Commodore and saying. "Permission to Leave, Commodore?"

"Stringbean," Shafin said looking at them and not looking thrilled about the nickname. "Has a name," he added and let out a bit of a sigh. "It is Shafin."

The Commodore, almost reluctantly, nodded his head at the Cadets. Prompting him to return to the ready room with Archie following slowly behind.

Daniel nodded his head before turning to Shafin. "Shafin... do you think you can logic you're way to the turbolift, please?"

"Though it is not statistically likely, turbolift incidents have been known to happen," Shafin replied to Daniel. "May the odds be in our favor as I use my logic to find the turbolift."

"Good. We trust you not to get us killed in the couple of feet it is to the turbolift." Daniel replied, slightly rolling his eyes to Meghan.

"Who said anything about us," The shaggy haired stringbean of a cadet said. "I always check to make sure the lift is there when the doors open because logic dictates one to look before leaping, but others prefer to trust that the lift will just be there...one day, it may not." Shafin waited for the lift, and when the doors opened, sure enough there was a lift. "Ladies first," he added.

"I'm not sure if you're being gallant or aggressive," she said, smiling at the Vulcan. Even so, she made sure there was a turbolift before stepping on. She turned to face the other two. "So far, so good."

"Is he going to be like this the whole trip?" Daniel asked Meghan before walking into the turbolift, suddenly finding himself looking down to make sure it was there, now that the idea was placed in his head to do so.

"Probably." She grinned at Daniel. "But it won't be dull." Not with these two around, anyway. She'd been looking forward to this cruise for a while, and now, even more so.

Shafin stood in the lift and eyed Daniel. "I was going to ask the same about you" commented Shafin. "Though I look forward to analyzing your behavior and questioning the perplexities you cause."

Daniel rolled his eyes a bit, letting out a deep sigh, before saying outload. "I look forward to not hearing all about it, Shafin. Believe me." He shook his head as he faced Meghan.

"Maybe we can request to be roommates," Shafin said to Daniel. "Since you seem to be very fond of me. I am sure that will be a wonderful social experiment" he added.

"I would rather you both survive this cruise," Meghan interjected. "Besides, wouldn't it be better for you to observe everyone? Sleeping alone will give you more flexibility."

Shafin nodded. "Yes, I will be observing everyone; however, this one is particularly....fascinating" he said looking at Daniel. "I have not yet been assigned nor acquired a roommate. I am hoping that it someone that can respect my personal space, let me have my privacy, and not pop out from random hatches around the ship. I have heard the seventh fleet has a reputation for some very animated individuals."

"The Quartermaster has the crew assignments," Meghan said. "You just have to check with them. Most of us have our own quarters on the lower decks."

Shafin nodded. "I will check with the Quartermaster then."

Daniel shook his head slightly before crossing his arms over his chest. "Computer: Deck 4." He looked down for a moment, still a bit uncomfortable with having gone to the bridge, but seeing how the two seemed to enjoy the trip, it was worth it. He had only hoped he wouldn't have to use his connection to the Commodore again.

____
OFF

Cadet Senior Grade Meghan Stefani
Science
USS Cavalier

Cadet Junior Grade Shafin Todenhöfer
Counseling
USS Cavalier

Archibald 'Archie' Dorrian
Cavalier Maintenance Expert
USS Cavalier

Cadet Senior Grade Daniel Weaver
Command
USS Cavalier

Commodore Peter Murphy
Commanding Officer
USS Cavalier

 

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