Message #289153

[Flipz]

-==IC: Midori==-
A voice comes over the comm system.  "This is Commander Williams.  All cadets, please report to the bridge."
Midori sighs, closes her sketchbook, and walks to the door.  She nods to her roommate, who says, "In a minute.  I'll take the next turbolift."  Midori nods back, and walks to the turbolift, where she sees several other cadets waiting.  As soon as there is room, she squeezes into the turbolift, and one of the other cadets says, "Bridge."  Moments later, they were on the bridge.

***

The bridge was huge--far larger than any bridge Midori had ever seen.  Commander Williams smiles at her, then addresses the rest of the cadets.  "Welcome to the bridge, cadets!  As you can see, the Nuparu has been refitted with a two-level bridge, allowing for many more monitoring stations.  Since we are a science vessel, we need as much information as possible about what we are studying, and this configuration allows us to monitor all that data as it comes in.  We have a moment before we get underway, so let me show you around the bridge.  This," she said, pointing toward a station at the end of the right-hand upper catwalk, "is the science station.  Mr. T'Sing, who you have already met, normally mans this station.  Its counterpart on the opposite side is the engineering station.  In addition to monitoring and correcting problems with the ship, we also use it to operate any special equipment we have installed, from specialty sensors to experimental weapons and more.  You'll be spending most of your time there."  She pointed to the Constitution-style combined ops and helm console on the lower level, in front of the command chair.  "Those are the ops and helm stations.  When the captain is on the bridge, I usually take ops, though we have other officers aboard trained for the position.  The helm is, as you can see, manned by Lieutenant Hans Sulu."
Sulu spun around in his chair and waved at the cadets.  "Hey, guys!  Hi, Kaze!"  Just then a warning klaxon sounded from the console, and Sulu quickly swiveled back around to man the controls.  Williams sighed.
"The other stations on the lower level operate various scientific and ship control systems that don't require dedicated officers and constant monitoring.  Now, if you'll follow me back up to the upper level, I'll show you the tactical and security consoles, where...Lieutenant-Commander Pavlov...works."  A few cadets raised their eyebrows at the way Williams said Pavlov's name, but before they could say anything about it, the turbolift doors opened.  A ship's whistle sounded, and all crew members on the bridge stood.  "Captain on the bridge!"

-==IC: Flipz==-
Captain Flipz stepped onto the bridge for the first time since the actual change of command ceremony.  it felt strange, and a bit exciting.  My own ship, he thought.  I can only hope I deserve the turst Starfleet has put in me.  He was determined not to fail.
“Commander Williams, report.”
“All systems ready for departure.”
“Status of the crew and supplies?”
“Everyone is aboard, sir, and ready for duty.”
“Excellent.  Mr. Sulu?”
“Course plotted and locked in, sir.”
“Engage, Warp 3.”
“Aye, sir.”

The starfield on the two-story viewscreen at the front of the ship stretched to lines.  They were on their way.

Captain Flipz stood in silence for a few moments, then returned his attention to command.  “Helm, how long until we enter the Badlands?”
“Five days at present speed.”
“Thank you, Mr. Sulu.  Commander Williams, you have the Conn.”
“Aye, sir.”

Captain Flipz turned and re-entered the turbolift, this time electing to move to another deck instead of walking through to his ready room.  The turbolift doors closed, and he was gone.

-==IC: Jennifer Williams==-
"Well, cadets, I think that's enough for this morning.  You will be divided into shifts, either red, green, or blue, depending on the markings on your quarters.  Red Shift will report for duty at 0600 hours, Green Shift at 1400 hours, and Blue Shift at 2200 hours.  You will have a complete tour of the operational areas of the ship tomorrow during your shift; however..." she glanced at Pavlov, a smile on her face.  "Mr. Pavlov, you are most familiar with the...recreational facilities aboard this vessel.  Please show them around.  Cadets, Mr. Pavlov will dismiss you at the conclusion of the tour."
Pavlov smiled, almost painfully formally.  "Aye sir."  He got up, headed for the turbolift, and said, "This way please."

-==IC: Pavlov==-
Once the first group was in the turbolift, Pavlov quickly shut the doors and turned to Kaze.  "Deck 4.  OK, here's the deal.  Holodecks are on Deck 10, Gym's on 8, Lounge is in the Forward section of Deck 12.  That's where all the action is, it's got karaoke.  There's a couple of smaller lounges in the secondary hull, by the sensor pods, but those are mainly just for work lunches."  He made a face.  "Rec rooms on every residential deck in the aft section, and oh, yeah, stay away from the teaching areas on Deck 7.  Bratty kids..." he muttered.  The turbolift stopped on Deck 4 and the doors opened.  Pavlov rushed out, turned around, and spat out a series of instructions to Kaze as fast as he could.  "OKyoutelltherestofthecadetsan donceyourdoneyouralldismissed okyoureonyourownnowgottagetto thetransporterroomnowbye!"  The doors closed again, leaving Kaze alone with a turbolift full of confused cadets.