New To The Game

Posted on Mon Sep 5, 2016 @ 5:37am by Cadet Senior Grade Nathan Matheson

561 words; about a 3 minute read

Mission: Interlude - Day 2
Location: USS Tamerlane - Corridor outside of Ten Forward
Timeline: 1900

Nate was ecstatic! He had been selected for the capstone spot on Deep Space 5. He'd busted his butt to get there, for sure, but he was happy and surprised all the same. He wondered who he'd beaten out for the spot, since by that point, all cadets who had gotten to their final year at the academy were qualified. Whoever showed the most edge was likely who was picked for this assignment. Evidently, Nate was the one.

There was also a bit more luck involved. Nate's home for his entire pre-Starfleet life, the USS Tamerlane, was on assignment near Deep Space 5 for a humanitarian mission. They would of course need to stop at Deep Space 5 to get the lay of the land. No doubt the station's CO would be briefing Captain Wallace onboard the Tamerlane. It was certainly a stroke of luck though that his family was able to see him off on his first adventure. Being so far out in space was a scary thought, but getting a send off, not only from his family, but Captain Wallace and the rest of the crew, was a god-send. He'd made a lot of friends on the ship and the crew was part of his family. It was a great way to end one chapter and begin a new one.

Nate's brother, John, had been granted four days leave from the Edinburgh to also partake in the happy occasion. Having just arrived onboard the Tamerlane, John, who would be able to stay for about twelve hours, walked behind his brother. Nate was in front, walking side by side with his mother.

"You know, I'll keep in touch, Mom," Nate said, reassuringly. His mother certainly knew the rigors of Starfleet would keep him from the regular contact he was promising, but John called home every once in a while, so that was comforting.

"I know, but you still need to go see your father. He doesn't get off for another four hours." She spoke matter-of-factly.

Nate frowned, "That leaves us with eight hours before we get to the sta..." she cut him off.

"We're going. I don't see why you don't want to go to Ten-Forward anyways. It used to be your favorite place!" she said.

"Its that ginger, isn't it?" John quipped from behind.

"Shut it, knuckle-head!" Nate snapped. It was playful, but anything could come to proverbial "blows" with the two brothers. "I don't remember giving you any flak about the blonde with the big..."

John cut him off. "That's because nothing was going on there," he said, wide eyed, indicating Nate should zip his mouth. "I was playing the field anyways."

Their mother rolled her eyes. "Why do I put up with this?" she quickened her pace and was now a full five steps ahead of them.

"Oh now looks what you've done," Nate joked. "You made her run off! Now I'm never gonna hear the end of it from Dad. Thanks!" he said sarcastically.

As they made their way to Ten-Forward, Nate began to consider where he was in life. He was nearing the end of his time at the Academy and about to go on what he expected to be the biggest adventure of his life! Taking a deep breath, he entered Ten-Forward, to a surprise going-away celebration!

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A post by:

Cadet Senior Grade Nate Matheson
DS5

 

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