“And this,” Commander Vaughn said, strolling onto the bridge of the Explorer, “is what they consider that brain of the ship.” At a console near Lieutenant Talaj, Lieutenant Commander Fleury snorted  “Don’t know who thought that one up.” Commander Vaughn had given the entourage of peoples an executive tour of the Excelsior class ship.  They’d been to Engineering, the O-Lounge, Security, Stellarcartography, and now, the bridge. Scientist Hanz Waltz stepped forward, motioning to Captain Mansel, who was standing beside his chair.  “Captain I have one request of you.” Leaning against his chair, he asked, “what’s that, Mr. Waltz?” “We have one more person we need to pick up,” he said with an apologetic look on his face.  “At Starbase 8.  A fellow scientist.” “Of course,” said Mansel with forced cheer.  “No problem.”  To his helmsman, he said, “Broadaway, course correction, Starbase 8.” “Starbase 8, aye.” “In the meantime,” said Commander Vaughn, we can get you situated in your quarters.” Waltz nodded.  “Thank you, Commander.  We have work to do.”  He looked over at Mansel.  “Captain.” “Mr. Waltz.” With that, the Executive Officer and group left the bridge. Starbase 8 21:15 SET 2185 “Well, well, look who’s here,” Captain Matthew Cain commented as the Explorer neared Starbase 8.  “It the other Mansel and the Explorer.” The U.S.S. Stealthlon, one of the UNSF’s most famous ships, was also currently docked at Starbase 8, undergoing routine maintenance repairs.  The crew enjoyed three says of down time before heading back out to fight the good fight. Admiral Beckerd Benson, known to most as “Blackbird,” looked up from the infopad he’d been reading.  “What brings them here, I wonder?” he mumbled. From a nearby console, Lieutenant Commander Ordese smirked behind Blackbird’s back.  “Heard they’ve already gotten into some crazy stuff in their first year,” he said.  “Stuff we run into on a daily basis." “Lieutenant Hayes,” said Blackbird, “hail the Explorer.  Perhaps they’d like to entertain the idea of a social gathering.” Soon, Lieutenant Hayes had Mansel on the screen. “Wow…” breathed Captain Cain, stunned.  “A carbon copy of the first one.” “Captain,” Admiral Blackbird started, “how are you today?” From his command chair, Captain Mansel put up a hand in greeting.  “Admiral,” he said.  “Nice to see you.” “You as well, Captain.  Perhaps you’d like to join us aboard our ship here for a social gathering.” Mansel’s smile faded somewhat.  “Sorry, Admiral, I’ll have to decline that invitation.  We’re only here to pick up a person and drop them off that Earth.” “Pity,” said Captain Cain from his chair.  “Another time, perhaps?” The commander of the Explorer nodded.  “Perhaps, Captain.  Good day, gentlemen.”  Mansel’s image winked off. For a few seconds, Captain Cain stared at the viewscreen where Mansel had just been.  “Is it me, or is he hiding something?” he asked aloud. Blackbird nodded.  “It does seem that way, doesn’t it?” he agreed, then shrugged.  “Probably nothing.  He’s most likely in a hurry.” “There’s a conference going on soon,” Ordese called from his station.  “Maybe that’s where they’re headed.” “Blackbird stared at Ordese.  “How do you know all this stuff before us?” he asked. Ordese smiled and shrugged.  “I know people,” was all he said. USS Explorer 21:25 SET 2185 In Engineering, Lietuenant Comander Fleury's first home, he was content with going about doing his daily checklist procedures.  Check sublight engines, translight engines, deflector dish, ship's pitch and tone...it had been the same routine for the last year.

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