FROM THE BRIDGE

by Commander Becky Norris

It's hard to believe that summer is here already. But it seems that the older I get, the faster time goes by--guess that's just a weird anomaly. Anyway, I apologize for missing the picnic last month--In know it would have been a really great time. But I would like to thank Sandy for including her best wishes for my Dad in the newsletter. He is doing a lot better. It turns out he didn't have an actual heart attack, but an angiogram showed some blockage in his arteries, so now he's on medication that hopefully will prevent anything worse from ever happening. He certainly scared us though.

Our commissioning is approaching--right now I'm waiting on the results of my OCC. I ended up resubmitting my test for grading after more than two months went by without my hearing anything. Hopefully, I'll hear something soon, and we can get on with our plans for a commissioning party. This crew has been very patient, and been through a lot while waiting for this, and I personally will be very proud when the Fearless is finally commissioned a full-fledged starship. That will be a day we can all take pride in, because we have all worked very hard to make it happen.

I guess everyone saw the season finale of STAR TREK: VOYAGER. In typical Trek fashion, they went with the cliffhanger ending. Well, just a few more months, and we'll see how everything turns out. I'm curious to see how the writing evolves through the next season. UPN has expressed some disappointment in the ratings decline of the show, but they also say they have faith in the show and will give it their total support. I hope that's true--after all, Paramount is trying to grow their network, and any show that they consider dead weight will probably get dumped at the first opportunity. Let's all cross our fingers that the storylines continue to get better in the third season.

I would like to offer my heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to Mike and Sandy on the upcoming addition to their family, and to our family as well. There can never be too many Trekkers, and I am grateful that they are doing their part to increase the ranks. Guess they'll be needing that family membership in Starfleet pretty soon, huh? Hey guys, have you considered the name Mariel? Or perhaps Rebecca? That has a really nice ring to it!!

I checked out the movie MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE a couple of weeks ago. Terrific movie, by the way. Lots of action, and great special effects. And I couldn't help but notice that Tom Cruise has been working out lately--looking good, Tom! I've been a MI fan since way back when, and I was worried that the movie would be a disappointment, but I was very pleasantly surprised. If you haven't seen it yet, you should give it a try--and call me if you need someone to see it with. It's definitely worth a second look. In fact, maybe that would be something fun, and cool (as in out of the heat!) we could do this summer--see some movies. Think about it, and anyone with ideas just say the word.

We probably should make plans to get together for the season premier of VOYAGER. As soon as I find out when it is, I'll let everyone know, and we can decide what to do. Before then, let's try this. Everyone write your own ending to the season finale, and let's see who comes the closest to the actual OFFICIAL ending. That might be fun.

Well, until the meeting then--live long and prosper.

- Becky