My Husband informed me that the Starfleet Academy indoctrination would proceed as if it were occurring on Earth. He explained there should be as real as an experience as possible. I had patiently replied that I am aware of the process and that the Pomp and Circumstance ceremony was unnecessary. It was illogical. He laughed, kissed me on the forehead and said I was no longer a civilian. He then proceeded to log my new status as a Starfleet Academy cadet into the ship's secondary computer. The computer acknowledged my new status and referred to me as Cadet T'Irs Scar'an. My Husband had informed me that I would no longer have any large blocks of free time from this moment forward. In his words I "now belonged to Starfleet, lock stock and barrel." Later I queried the computer as to the meaning of the phrase. It said, “’Lock, Stock, and Barrel’ means the whole thing. On the once then island continent known as Great Britain it was sometimes said ‘Stock, Lock, and Barrel.’ The phrase referred to the old style firearms during the early 19 th century. Lock meant the trigger, Stock meant the handle and Barrel meant the metal tube which guided the projectile as it was expelled from the weapon.” I was still uncertain, but following a logical train of thought I would deduct that that I, as a person, now belonged to Starfleet.

My Husband, often times, is unconventional in speech and at other times, almost incomprehensible. He has a curious manner about him. There are times I wonder if his unconventional behavior and thinking are on purpose. He did relate to me, at an earlier time, that he likes to keep individuals off balance. I asked if I was one such individual. He smiled and replied that I was no longer on that list. I, however, am not convinced I had been "removed." He has on occasion tried to "shock" me. As of yet, I am unsure if those utterances were an automatic response or if he was conscious of those remarks. In any event, I am acclimated to them. Interestingly, I find myself trying to anticipate what he is likely to say.

 

The ceremony itself was uneventful. The Johnson had docked with Starbase 412 the day before. My Husband informed me that the ship would be taking on five more cadets. The Academy realized it had an opportunity to train cadets who would otherwise have to wait several months to receive transportation to Earth. The Commanding Officer of Starbase 412 once had been a director of the Intelligences Department at the Academy. My Husband said, "The man was ‘giddy as a school girl’ when he found out that he would make the opening speech during the ceremony.”

I queried the computer on the meaning of 'giddy as a school girl' and found it difficult to imagine the Commodore acting in such a manner. Upon careful thought I realized My Husband was using one of his "colorful" phrases to describe the Commodore's willingness to partake in the ceremony.

It was twenty-four hours thirty-five minutes after the Johnson docked that the ceremony began. My husband had acquisitioned an appropriately sized auditorium on board the station. He said that nearly all personnel would attend. He also informed me that he had to give a speech. I found that most intriguing as I had never witnessed My Husband speaking in a public forum.

 

After everyone found his or her assigned seats the ceremony began. The computer played the Federation Anthem. After the Anthem finished a collage of scenes and events where shown on the main viewer screen. Then the Commodore approached a podium that was placed off-center on top of a raised platform. My Husband, Commander Lant, Dr. Foster, Commander Pok, Commander Kar’nl and Lieutenant Commander Cranston were seated in chairs on this platform. The Commodore cleared his throat and began.

 

"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome. Out of all the many years of being a fateful and subservient member of Starfleet my most fond years were those at the academy." He paused and surveyed all the faces. "The Academy is important in not just teaching cadets all the rules and regulations within Starfleet. It is not just about teaching our cadets how to conduct themselves in the inevitable situations they will face. It's also not just about giving each of the cadets valuable skills during their stay onboard the Reginald L. Johnson to become productive members at their duty stations. All of those things are important, yes, but not the ultimate reason for attending the Academy. It is true that without proper training you, as the representative of Starfleet and the Federation, would have an impossible and insurmountable journey before you. Training is important in fact it is paramount. However, the true all encompassing reason for the academy is to instill esprit de corps." He paused for a moment surveying the room again. "As you journey from one duty location to another, or for the more fortunate ones, from ship mission to the next, you will encounter brethren: A comrade, friend, fellow soldier, fellow explorer, and fellow academy graduate. You will share adventures together and square off against sometimes seemingly impossible and unbeatable odds. But through all this, you can rest assured that no matter what the outcome happens to be, you belong to an elite and prestigious group that ensures the perpetuity and integrity of the Federation. For every one Academy graduate there are approximately one hundred thousand Federation citizens. Our task to protect and expand the Federation is difficult, but with fellow brethren at your side, not impossible. I thank you."

The Commodore allowed the attendees to applaud for seven seconds. He indicated he wanted the auditorium silenced. "Now, cadets and everyone in here, I would like to introduce our last speaker. This individual has a very long and distinguished career. This individual has served not one, but two military branches of the Federation. He started out in the Mobile Infantry and after a highly successful career moved over to Starfleet. He's an Academy graduate, top of his class. He's served Security, Intelligence, Engineering, and Command. As the Captain of the Deep Space Explorer vessel Reginald L. Johnson, and a recently appointed Instructor to the Deep Range Remote continued Instructions Program, he is not only responsible for insuring the cadets are trained properly, as the commander of their travel school, but he has to insure their safety as well. I give you Captain Chiita Scar'an, commander of the Johnson and head Instructor to the Johnson Der-sip."

My Husband blushed amidst the seemingly enthusiastic applauds. I had made a mental note to inquiry as to whether or not he would like to control his blush response. After five seconds of applauds he reached the podium and the applauding subsided. At that moment he looked more Vulcan than I had seen him in recent times. He surveyed the area stoically. "Greetings everyone, I don't normally make speeches in front of such an esteem group as this. Usually, the groups I give speeches to I follow it up with 'Fire phasers.'"

 

The audience laughed.

My Husband smiled and visibly relaxed. "To tell you the truth I was shocked when I found out I was volunteered to be an Instructor. Then the other shoe dropped and I learned that my beloved wife was going to be my student. Now, imagine my surprise to learn that I have five more students. But that is the par for the course when you're a Starfleet member. You really never know when life, aka Starfleet, hands you surprises. But that's why we all joined. We wanted to do things, which no one else alive would ever do. We meet new life forms from new civilizations. We boldly go where few, if any, have gone before. We are faced with decisions that need to be made in several seconds where any other citizen would be allowed to take all day. We don't have that luxury. We are not fortunate in that way. What we are fortunate in is that we, as Commodore Lector pointed out, are part of a larger picture. We are not alone -- ever. During the next --" He paused and turned to us. “-- you know, I have no idea how long you'll be with us, maybe forever."

The audience laughed lightly as My Husband continued. "-- but what I do know is that you'll learn the meaning of esprit de corp. Not just in definition to recite when asked, but down to its deepest core. And you'll feel it at your very core. It'll be apart of your waking life from this moment forward. Truly, the average citizen never learns that and they walk around in a fog of uncertainty when standing besides another citizen - who is this person, where did they come from. But we know better, we know where our fellow shipmates and Starfleet members come from. They come from a place that only the brave, smart, and willing live. They come from a place that meets danger and uncertainty with a keen eye, with their shoulders squared and their chest out. You will be part of the place, this place that builds character and integrity and honor. And if you don't learn the true meaning of esprit de corp then you will be lost and afraid, and only your fellow members can look at you and offer a hand of help. But if you don't understand it, feel it, become it, then that hand will only help you to the surface. You have to reach deep down inside yourself and pull up ever gram of your core to be helped to the stars. This program will give you that opportunity to reach deep inside and discover all the potential you have locked inside. You will see fantastically wondrous things around you and do things you never dreamt you could do. Not only will you be graduates from an institution that is nearly as old as dirt, but you will carry on that tradition of true and time honored beliefs: You will become Starfleet officers, which serves in the exploratory and armed services to expand the Federation’s knowledge and existence, and you will be prepared to give up your life for both." Then he yelled "Cadets, on your feet!"

We all stood up. He smiled and said, "We'll have plenty of time to work on that." He stepped away from the podium and faced the audience. "Ladies and Gentlemen, I present to you. Starfleet’s newest cadets."

Everyone applauded.

 

"Well, T'Irs," My Husband began, "How was that?"

I am fortunate that My Husband often asks for my opinion. He knows I will be frank and objective with my answer. "It was inspirational." I answered.

He looked at me surprised. "Really?"

"If I were Human I would have been."

He thought for a moment and then laughed. Curiously, I wondered how he learned to laugh so freely. It is a very human characteristic. "T'Irs, you told a joke."

"I am learning the mechanics of being sarcastic, My Husband. For me to be successful in my new career choice I will have to re-evaluate how I interact with my fellow shipmates. Sarcasm is the easiest to learn and utilize. I will get maximum benefit from it."

Chiita stared at me. I sensed he was deciding a proper response. After 3.6 seconds he nodded, deciding that was appropriate enough.

 

My Husband stayed in the auditorium. He said he had to "mingle and network with the station personnel." I informed him that I wanted to pursue a curiosity and that I would be in the Holodeck. He nodded and told me to "enjoy myself." From years of association I knew he meant for me to satisfy my curiosity. I was nearly out the auditorium door when a lieutenant approached me.

"Excuse me, cadet," he said.

I stopped. "Yes, how may I assist you Lieutenant?"

He had a concentrated expression on his face. After 2.3 seconds his expression changed to surprise. He said, "My name is Lieutenant Bert Russell. I was interested in your decision to join Starfleet. Not many Vulcans do."

"I am called T'Irs, however, in this situation Cadet T'Irs may be more appropriate.

He nodded and kept his face expressionless. "I have found that the Vulcans that do join Starfleet are motivated by un-orthodox and sometimes unconventional thinking." He waited exactly two seconds. "I do not mean to offend."

"You have not offended in the least. I am now curious as to your inquiry. Most Humans are usually not interested in what motives a Vulcan has for joining Starfleet. They are just intrigued that a Vulcan would do so."

He nodded. "I am stopping you from a destination? May we continue this to that destination?"

I have read that Vulcan females fascinate Human males. It has been said that we are mysterious and demure. I have never been either of these things. It was interesting that this lieutenant had been intrigued by my decision. It was also interesting to note that he changed his speech pattern. "Lieutenant, have you interacted with Vulcans on more than a professional level?"

An Expression flashed on his face for an indeterminate amount of time. He was considering his answer. "Yes, I have. I find it stimulating to interact with Vulcans."

I raised an eyebrow. How very interesting. I thought. He chose the word 'stimulating.' "You find it pleasing to be around Vulcans? What about other species?"

He raised an eyebrow. "Other species rarely seem to be as intellectually satisfying as a Vulcan."

I nodded. He was flirting with me. "Lieutenant, do you often flirt with female Vulcan cadets?"

His face flashed an expression of surprise for almost point five seconds. "Is it that obvious? Please don't be offended. I am sincere in what I say."

"I think my Husband may not appreciate another male openly showing affection toward me."

His left eyebrow rose, "Indeed. I was not aware that you were married. I ask you for your forgiveness. I would ask that you only allow me to accompany you to your destination so that we may get to know one another. I respect your husband’s position and therefore shall not do anything inappropriate. You will, of course, tell me if I do or say anything inappropriate?"

I thought it fascinating that he persisted in pursuing my interest. I nodded, "Very well. I can not promise you that you will find my company -- stimulating, but it is your own time."

We walked in silence. I was quite aware that he was trying to mentally project himself upon the outer fringes of my senses. That in it self was not entirely inappropriate. He kept his projections just at bay. I considered his actions experimental and he was testing me. 8.35 minutes later we reached the docking bay hatch. The Johnson lay just on the other side. He briefly showed surprised when I stopped at the hatch door. "Cadet T'Irs, this is your destination?"

I nodded, "This is. I will be receiving my Academy training onboard the Johnson."

His right eyebrow lifted. "This is also my new duty assignment."

I answered, "Indeed?"

He nodded, "I am the new EMT and security officer. What will be your primary studies?"

"Security."

"Interesting. Maybe I will have the chance to assist in your training."

I tapped in the code to open the hatch door. The door opened and we both stepped through. "That is a possibility as My Husband has informed me that I will learn all aspects to planet side, station, and ship security."

His brows furrowed. This was the first time that he made his expressions so obvious. "May I inquiry as to who your husband is?"

"Yes you may. My Husband is your Captain. Captain Chiita Scar'an."

His faced paled and I found myself uneasy, realizing I found some satisfaction in his dilemma.

"My name is Cadet T'Irs Scar'an. Welcome aboard the DSE Reginald L. Johnson, Lieutenant."