Chapter Text
“Jack Ransom. Captain’s log, Stardate 59581.5
“After being delayed for almost a month we’re finally able to set corse for Starbase 80. Or should I say ‘Starbase Infinity.’ Not the official title yet, but it’s an open secret that command will be updating the station with a more fitting name soon.
“I know some of the crew miss our old Captain as much as I do. It’ll be nice for us to see each other again.
“I have a special assignment for Lieutenant Boimler while we’re here. I really had to lobby for him to get this mission, I know he’ll do us proud.”
🖖🏼🖖🏿🤝🛠️🔬
Boimler sat in the Captain’s Ready Room. Taking notes as Jack Ransom rambled about ships business and fitness as was his way.
“One last item for you Mr. Boimler.” Said Jack.
“Yes Captain?” Replied Boimler. He was always paying close attention, but in this moment his thoughts were solely focused on Jack’s voice.
“In an hour you’re heading to the shuttle bay to meet with the Captain of the USS Yi Sun-sin.” Said Jack. “There’s a parallel reality where the Ferengi (of all people) are the backbone of the United Federation of Planets. You’re being sent to investigate and see if you can learn anything that can help further integrate the Ferengi of our universe into our UFP.”
“But sir!” Said Boimler panicking. “An hour?! How am I gonna prepare?!”
“Calm down Mr. Boimler.” Said Jack. “I’ve known you long enough to realize you would have spent the last WEEK getting ready for this and driving yourself crazy the entire time.”
“No I wouldn’t!” Said Boimler defensively. Captain Jack gave him some side eye. Boimler deflated a bit. “No… you’re right… that sounds like me…”
Jack got up and placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. “You’re one of Starfleet’s best officers. But you put way to much pressure on yourself. If your going to climb the ranks and become Captain one day, you’ll need to learn how to balance preparation with spontaneity. Just like all the strength in the world means nothing without also balancing it with flexibility and cardio!”
“Right!” Boimler said getting up and saluting. “I will be a respectable amount of prepared When the Captain arrives!”
“I expect nothing more or less.” Said Jack with a smile.
Elsewhere on the ship, T’Lyn and Mariner were walking down separate hallways and chatting with each other over their badges.
“Hey babe!” Said Mariner. “Probably gonna be out late tonight. My parents invited me to dinner in a way that implied it wasn’t something I could flake on.”
“Fascinating.” Replied T’Lyn. “My parents also made a similar request.”
“They in town too!?” Asked Mariner. “Small universe.”
“The universe is infinite in size.” Corrected T’Lyn.
“That was a” Mariner started to say.
“‘A turn of phrase,’ I know.” Interrupted T’Lyn. “I was attempting a joke.”
“Keep working on your delivery.” Mariner replied. “You’ll figure it out.”
“Will you be dining on Starbase 80?” Asked T’Lyn.
“If only…” Mariner groaned. “It’s actually a formal dinner party.”
“I will also be attending a party tonight.” Said T’Lyn.
“Ha!” Laughed Mariner. “What are the chances we’re-”
They both rounded a corner and almost collided with each other.
T’Lyn was in a custom made dress. A Starfleet regulation Blue on black pattern that matched her uniform, but was sleeveless and had a skirt that went all the way to the floor.
Mariner had a matching dress only with regulation red on black.
They had been gifts from T’Lyn’s twin sister S’Lyn (who had made them herself).
“‘What are the chances we are both going to the same party on the USS Cleopatra?’” Finished T’Lyn. “I think the odds are rather high.”
“This feels weird.” Said Mariner. “Is it gonna be weird?”
“It seems that ‘weird’ follows you around like a newborn Sehlat.” Said T’Lyn as she took Mariner’s arm and continued walking towards the transporter room. “I would never wish for that to change.”
Meanwhile on Starbase 80, Tendi and Rutherford had just finished getting ‘gelled up.’
“That was awkward…” mumbled Tendi.
“Sorry…” said Rutherford blushing.
Ever since Rutherford had his implant removed, his feelings for Tendi had been strong and confusing. Tendi had been trying to help him sort out his emotions, but it was a slow and often uncomfortable process. They both felt nostalgic for the days when things were simpler between them.
“I mean… it’s not like we were totally naked in there…” said Tendi. “And you’ve seen me naked more times than I can count.”
“Stupid lower decks communal shower.” Grumbled Rutherford.
“Lieutenants Tendi and Rutherford I presume?” Said a voice identical to that of T’Lyn.
The Lieutenants looked up and saw a Vulcan in an anachronistic 1900s jungle explorers costume but was otherwise identical to her twin sister.
“You must be S’Lyn!” Said Tendi enthusiastically. “So nice to finally meet you!”
“Same!” Said Rutherford eager to set thoughts of romance aside.
“(I was warned you would be enthusiastic.)” Muttered S’Lyn to no one in particular. “I assume you are both ready for a treasure hunt?”