"Never Doubt"
[Previous Post: "High Flying" By Ms. Habib]
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Stardate: 60340.1145
So far the battle drills that Uxtar had thrown at the crew did not tax the
Vulcans flying abilities. Although he was very careful to follow all
standard regs and not go outside approved parameters, Derek was very aware
of the Captain's continuous glances at him during those periods he had to
react. He knew she was judging his performance and his human half was
intimidated but his Vulcan half had control and he swept it aside, allowing
him to simply do his job.
The big Hirogen glanced down at his Vulcan friend and a slight grin graced
his features. "Captain we have a GALOR-class Cardassian on our tail, weapons
range in two minutes."
The Romulan hybrid glanced up from the PADD she was reading. "Very well,
Ensign Stormwind evasion tactics please I do not wish a fight."
"Yes M'am." Replied the Ensign.
Derek began by increasing speed, turning to port or starboard, trying to
increase the ships distance. Yet every move was precisely countered by the
following ship. The SEC/TAC began his battle description. "They are firing,
shields holding. Firing again rear shields down to 60%. They are closing."
His Vulcan veneer began to crack… every move he made was countered almost as
if the other pilot could read his mind.
"Rear shields down to 40%, we may not take another hit."
Derek knew what he was about to do wasn't in the official book, but he also
felt it was the only way to survive.
"Forward weapons prepare to fire," the FCO offered.
The Captain who up till now was only half watching what was happening sat
forward taking in all of the available information, but not before her FCO
reacted.
The Vulcan half-breed reached out and sounded the ships collision alarm,
then without slowing he flat spun the ship 180 degrees using the maneuvering
thrusters. The ship shuddered as it tried to react to a sudden change
direction and velocity.
"FIRE!" Yelled Stormwind.
"Uxtar terminate exercise!" Serenna said as she glared at the FCO.
"Ensign, ready room, now!" She boiled out her chair and went to her Readyroom.
Derek noticed that his station keeping on the ANUBIS had suffered during the simulation, so he placed the ship back in formation on the ANUBIS and placed the controls on auto.
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Stormwind stood at attention as the Captain spoke. "Ensign you and I both
know that your record is not the best. You are known for pushing the limits
and the patience of your superior officers. Your one redeeming quality is
your flying. Please explain that last maneuver."
"Captain I had exhausted all of the standard and approved maneuvers and we
were in danger of serious damage, I felt we needed to hit them and arranged
to do so to the best of my abilities," replied the Vulcan
Before she could answer the door chimed. "Come"
Uxtar entered carrying a PADD , which he handed to the Captain. "Captain,
the results of the last battle sim. The computer scores it as an escape with
minor damage and limited injuries, while the enemy took significant damage
and was unable to follow. I should also tell you that Ensign Stormwind was
up against a highly skilled pilot."
She looked at the PADD and then up at the two Ensigns.
"Really… I suppose it was you Uxtar?" The CO coldly inquired..
Uxtars smile was huge…"No sir... he was up against himself."
Inwardly she smiled, for she knew that pushing yourself against yourself
when you knew it was happening was hard, but to be against yourself and not
know it. Serenna could understand the Ensign's frustration.
"Very well I can see there were a few mitigating circumstances. However
Ensign Stormwind there will be no more untried / unknown maneuvers battle
sim or not.
If I feel we… the ship and crew may need your... special abilities... I will
tell you. Until that time you will fly to standards."
"Yes M'am."
"For now we will be in Cardassian space soon enough... I suggest you leave
the ship on auto and go relax a bit. I do not believe you will be able to do
so once we hit their space. Report back for duty on your next shift.
Dismissed."
As she watched the backs of the Ensigns leave her ready room, she thought
how odd that the big Hirogen had taken to the Vulcan-half-breed. She only
hoped the FCO would settle down and realize he was a part of a larger crew.
---- 2006 post #025
Setting: USS HATHOR, Bridge
Stardate: 60340.1200
Setting: USS HATHOR, Captains Ready Room
Brian Matthews (dragonsslayer@excite.com)
Derek Stormwind
FCO
USS HATHOR
