School Days Episode II
By James C Jones II

 

My Husband had programmed a classroom into the Holodeck. Six chairs were arranged three across and two deep in the center of the room. At the head of the room was positioned an old worn looking desk and a very large screen off centered to the right. I sat first row middle seat. My classmates were diversified: One Gorn, two Humans, one male, one female, and an Aquarian, and a Ferengi. The Gorn’s sex was indeterminate, as that of the Aquarian. I have yet to learn what the obvious determining features were. The Ferengi was male.

 

My Husband entered the room and snapped “On your feet!”

We slowly responded.

He shook his head. “Sit down, we’ll try this again.” He walked out.

We looked at one another. I had nothing to say, as I had never been in this situation with My Husband before. I did not know if this was precedent or his typical style.

 

“On your feet,” He snapped upon re-entering. Most of us responded faster, the Gorn and the Human male the slowest to stand.

My Husband approached the Gorn. “Gr’eel, we’ll work on your reaction, so for now, respond as quickly as you can. I can see you tried.”

The Gorn nodded once and hissed out, “Sir, I do not want special treatment. I will try harder.”

My Husband smiled and gave the Gorn a nod. “You’ll do well.” Then he moved to the Human male. “You on the other hand are quite capable of moving faster, Cadet Litchen.”

Cadet Litchen attempted to stare My Husband down. It seemed to me like a contest of will and bravado. The Cadet lost, of course, and his failure only added to his embarrassment.

My Husband calmly said, “Cadet Litchen, statistically, two of you will not make it through the program.”

The Cadet looked down, “Sorry Sir, I will do better.”

My Husband said, “Everyone please sit down. I’ll be back.”

We all sat down as he turned and walked to the entrance. He stopped and said, “On your -“

We didn’t allow him to finish. Gr’eel was the first to stand. The rest followed.

My Husband smiled, “Outstanding People! We can begin. Please have a seat.”

We did so.

“Computer,” he said, “play mission Vid, stardate 47153, Lexington, five minutes from frame 115,687.”

The computer acknowledged the request and played what looked like an away team mission. We witnessed carnage. The entire away team was ambushed. In twenty-eight seconds they were dead. My Husband got up. “Computer, end Vid.” He surveyed our small group. “Can anyone tell me why the ambush was devastatingly successful?”

Gr’eel hissed out, “They were too arrogant.”

My Husband smiled broadly, “Absolutely correct.”

Litchen seemed not to have liked the answer. His Terran body language suggested so.

“Cadet Litchen, you don’t agree?”

“It’s not that I don’t disagree, it’s that we are the Federation. We are not supposed to lose. Ever.”

My Husband presented a blank and grim façade. “I wished that were true. I stand before you as a living witness that the Federation doesn’t always get it right and we aren’t always the victors. We do lose, sometimes in a big way. But you do bring up an interesting point. Before we get further into this I want to make sure of something.”

My Husband said, "Each of you has already gone through the orientation. I'm hoping it explained away all your questions. Does anyone have any lingering or nagging concerns?"

Cadet Litchen spoke up. "Yes, Sir, I do."

My Husband nodded.

Cadet Litchen stood up. "This is in no way saying, Sir, that you are not a good Instructor --"

My Husband nodded.

"But, are we really going to get the best of education and experience?"

My Husband stood up. "Litchen, that actually is a very good question."

The Human female and male Ferengi nodded. The Ferengi said, "Yes, Sir, I too was concerned, but wanted to assess the situation first."

My Husband nodded. "Computer, run School Days."

The computer acknowledged the request and our classroom disappeared and was replaced by an outdoor verisimilitude of Starfleet Academy, San Francisco. Our chairs were on one of the many sidewalks leading up to the main academia hall. Holographic students walked passed us. Several teachers stopped, looked us up and down and continued on to their destination. An elder looking humanoid slowly shuffled toward us. He stopped and said, "Chiita, new cadets?"

My Husband nodded. He said, "Cadets, this is Boothby. He was here when I went to the Academy. It is said that he was here before the academy opened --"

"Hogwash, I've only been here, let's see." He seemed to be counting using his thumb and fingers. He mumbled some years and touched his thumb and index finger together. Then he mumbled another set of dates and touched the thumb to the middle finger. He did this until he reached the fifth digit. "It doesn't matter. I'm not that old."

My Husband smiled. "Computer pause program."

The entire scene froze, except for Boothby.

The Gorn hissed loudly and the Ferengi stepped behind me.

Boothby said, "Gotcha didn't I? Well, I am a special part of the program. Ask me anything and I will give you the best answer possible. I, personally, may not know what the Dean of Social Interaction is doing at this moment, but I can tell you what he did at the last Annual Christmas party.” Some of the cadets chuckled. “Well, I suppose, your Instructor would like to continue with your tour. If you need me, just ask for Boothby." Then the image froze. ‘Interesting,’ I thought. A program that is independent of the main program. ‘Intriguing actually.’ I made a mental note to query for the Programs code.

"Computer, resume, program," My Husband said.

The scene started moving again.

"Cadets, this may not be the real thing, but you are getting the second best thing. We will spend most of our time here. On your desk is a PADD with your classes and schedules,” The PADDS appeared. “In a way, you are getting a better education and quite possibly a better experience on board the Johnson."

The Human female spoke up. "Sir how is that?"

My Husband smiled broadly, "Cadet Rodder, you have an unheard of ratio of one instructor to one student. Each Instructor has been highly recommended and is an expert in multiple fields. The Academy has given us your entire curriculum. You also get the added benefit on being on board a Deep Space Explorer. No one at the Academy will ever get that. You'll get first hand experience in first contact and, I'm hoping not very many, life and death situations. People, you're getting as good as it gets. Everyone on board is basically your Instructor. You may ask anything at virtually anytime. You also have unlimited Holodeck access to enhance your Academy experience." My Husband slowly walked around our group. “Class, you are on a fast track to graduating. You will finish in a fourth the time as the other students on Terran soil and your education will be better and first hand. By the time we return to known space you’ll have served a good year as ensigns.” He made his way back to the front of the chairs. “I’m giving everyone the rest of the day off. The Johnson will be leaving port in another six hours. You are more than welcomed to watch our departure from the bridge. Class will begin exactly at 0600 tomorrow. We will be here six days out of the week. Along the course of your instructions some of you may share classes together, some of you won’t. It is highly recommended that you form study groups, spend all your time together, eat together, play together, learn everything you can about one another. In the end you will be an extended family.” He walked over and checked the PADD on his desk. “All your gear has been stored and your quarters are waiting. Female cadets will bunk in one room male cadets will bunk in another. Any questions?”

No one asked any.

“Okay, class. On your feet!”

We responded quickly.

“Class is dismissed until 0600 tomorrow morning. Computer end program, exit please.”

Everything disappeared except for the chairs and desk. They were real.

 

Later in the afternoon, I moved my personal belongings into my new surroundings. My Husband informed me that as an Academy student he was obligated to place me with my fellow students. I considered the situation carefully and agreed. It is highly logical that I co-habitant with my cohorts. It clearly states in Academy Regulations that there shall be no open fraternization between cadets and instructors. The exception of course is that we have been married for a number of years. I stated to him that I agreed with him decision. It was very prudent that we maintain an outwardly platonic relationship. He sighed heavily and said he was going to miss me. I concurred that it would be an adjustment for me as well, but pointed out that even with a heavy study load I would be able to allocate a sufficient amount of time to satisfy both our needs for companionship. At that he smiled, kissed me on the forehead, and stated that my “logic was impeccable.”

 

I found my two other classmates already settled into the room. I surveyed the area and confirmed my earlier hypothesis. The furnishing was sparse: Three desks, three storage trunks and three beds. Two of the beds had been arranged in a vertical fashion - one on top of the other. The Human Female, Cadet Rodder, called it a bunk bed. Wisely, they concluded that Gr’eel would sleep in the lower bunk. I indicated that I did not have a preference as to my sleeping arrangement. They both looked at each other, laughed, then back to me. I was told that I would be “bunking” on the top bed. I nodded.

 

Rodder said, “Call me Stephanie, you are T’Irs?”

I nodded, “Yes, Stephanie.” I looked at the Gorn and back to Stephanie. Logic would indicate that Gr’eel was female. I endeavored to study Gorn physiology to better understand the differences between the male and female species. “You are Gr’eel. It is nice to meet the two of you.”

Gr’eel’s mouth opened slightly and she dipped her head right to left. I was not sure but it could have been a grin. I made a mental to note to query the computer. I walked over to one of the trunks. It was empty. I started putting my things in a logically arranged fashion that optimized easy retrieval in order of likely use. Stephanie walked over and sat in one of the chairs closest to me.

“T’Irs,” she began, “How is he?”

I had just finished putting away the last of my items when Stephanie asked me that question. “How is who?”

“The Captain, Silly.” She said, “You are married to him, aren’t you?”

I assumed that Stephanie called me “silly” as a sign of familiarity and I was not supposed to take it personally. I decided to reply in kind. “Yes, Silly, I am married to him.”

Her face went blank and a frown appeared. I assumed I made a mistake in my response, but after several seconds she began to laugh. “T’Irs, you aren’t like other Vulcans?”

I answered, “Actually, I am very much like a typical Vulcan, but because of my long association with the Captain I am better able to interact with Non-Vulcans. It does not disturb me when you laugh or show overly enthusiasm or behave in a very human way when I believe that a more sensible logically quieter approach would be better.”

Gr’eel, in a voice that would be considered male by other species, said, “Stephanie, she is a typical Vulcan,” and a laugh slowly resonated out. Stephanie joined in. However, I refrained from attempting to laugh as it had near disastrous effects on My Husband when last I tried. I decided to ask Lant to demonstrate a suitable laugh for me to emulate. I had considered visiting the Holodeck when there was a chime. Stephanie said, “Enter” and the doors opened. The Aquarian, Cadet Litchen and the Ferengi male entered. They looked around.

Litchen said, “You girls still unpacking?”

Stephanie replied, “And? We have more stuff then a comb and undies.”

The Ferengi male replied, “Hey, that’s undergarment.”

They bantered back and forth for a while. I turned my attention to the Aquarian. He was nearly 183 centimeters tall. I had a hard time accurately judging his true height because he slouched. His skin was smooth and seemed moist. His skin shimmered different colors when he moved.

He walked over to me. “Hello, T’Irs of Vulcan. I am called Se’eee. I am from the system See'ee'ee”

I was unable to discern any gender identifying features. “Greetings Se’eee of See'ee'ee,” I said and bowed my head.

He did likewise. “You honor me in pronouncing my name and my origin precisely. Thank you.”

"It is nice to make your acquaintance. As a fellow citizen of the Federation, I give you welcome.”

Litchen stepped in, “Touching, really. See, here is from one of those water planets.”

I stared at Litchen. The alternative would be to address him as an adolescent and explain to him the faux pas he just committed. I did not think it would help. "Thank you Cadet for pointing that out. And I am from a desert planet if you feel inclined to mention it."

He looked at me with an uninterpretable look. I memorized it to later ask My Husband. He stepped away quietly and sat on Gr'eel bed. "Well, since we are all classmates and are stuck on this ship forever maybe we should get to know one another a little better."

All the others agreed. Se'eee sat on the floor, as did the Ferengi. Stephanie and I sat on the bed. Gr'eel sat on her bed. Her large frame sank the mattress in and Litchen tilted into her. I found it interesting that he did not immediately move. In fact, he seemed to want to lean into her. I decided to re-evaluate him, as he did not seem to be a xenophobe.

"Okay, I'll start," Litchen, said. "Human, male, 21, from the Outbound colonies. My Father is a Cargonaught Captain, of the SS Beast-of-Burden; my Mother is one of the command officers. I am on the Command Track and have a high aptitude for Engineering. I like 3d chess and Holodeck programming."

The Ferengi male cleared his throat, “Hi. I’m – they call me Cot. Ferengi, male, 19 standard years, big lobes. My Father is a failed businessman who works for an Aunt. I’m the first in our family to join Starfleet. Lieutenant Nog, the first Ferengi to join Starfleet, is my hero. I, too, am on the Command Track, with a high aptitude for Engineering AND math. I like many things.”

We all turned to Se’eee. His skin shimmered pale blue. “I am Se’eee. My people are new to the Federation. I am on the Security Track. My aptitude is high in Science, particularly Medicine. I am 162 standard years. –“

Litchen interrupted, “162?!? Damn! Sorry, continue please.”

Se’eee bowed his head once and continued, “I am married with 468 offspring.”

Cot whistled loudly.

Stephanie spoke next, “Stephanie, Human woman, 23, I like sciences, on the Science Track. Aptitude in Science, of course, and languages.”

Gr’eel spoke, “I am Gr’eel, Gorn. I am 92 standard years old –“

Litchen slapped his head with the palm of his hand. “An older woman.”

Gr’eel rocked her head side to side. “I am on the Security Track with a high aptitude in Engineering. I am not married.” She briefly turned to Litchen and then looked at the rest of us.

Then it was my turn. “I am called T’Irs, the Captain’s wife. I am – older than most of you here. We are originally from the year 2269, but because of several unintentional time shifts through several years we found ourselves in the 24th Century. I have a high aptitude in a dozen disciplines. I am on the Security Track as well. I find 3d chess interesting but have not found a worthy opponent yet. I am also interested in Holodeck mystery and adventure programs. Recently, My Husband and myself completed several adventures of a program called Gaslight Hunter.”

Litchen blurted out, “Really? I love that program. Maybe we could run an adventure together.”

I gave the request some thought. I did not find Litchen to be overly irrational or irritating so I replied, “That is a possibility.”

 

We spend most of the day talking about our experiences and why we chose Starfleet. I gave the explanation, “I want to be able to protect my Husband from harm.”

Stephanie replied, “How sweet!”

Gr’eel rocked her head left to right.

The males all nodded.

The start of our “friendship” began.

 

Personal Log:

 

My Husband informed the class, via text communiqué, that we would be in space for approximately three months before we reached our next destination. He decided that we would be placed on a thirty-six hour day shift for three weeks. He wrote that by guidelines from the TRADOMC there should be at least one type of stress applied to us during our training. Later that evening, I informed him that Starfleet did not follow the guidelines from a different branch of the Federation. He replied, “D’oh!” I queried the computer on his exclamation. It informed me it was a popular expression during the turn of the 21st century. I confronted My Husband of purposely using outdated expressions to deflect from the important issue at hand. “He replied, “Et tu,” smiled and walked away. I am convinced that I have not been removed from his “list.”

 

End personal entry.