First space depolyment

Posted on Fri Sep 16th, 2016 @ 5:24am by
Edited on Fri Sep 16th, 2016 @ 5:29am

1,255 words; about a 6 minute read

[ON]

Location: Quarters Star Fleet Security – Investigations Section
Times: 06:00 hrs
Personnel: Lt JG. Mike Stonebridge

There was this buzzing noise in his head. He really wished it would stop. But it was consistent. So much so that he opened his eyes. The noise was coming from something that was right about head level and to his right. It didn’t take him long to realize the alarm had been buzzing for some time. How long? He had no Idea, but he wanted it to stop. “STOP.” He yelled in his early morning voice and then made a hocking sound, as if to clear something from his throat. The room cleared quickly and he could see the glass of water he had placed there last night.

He reached out grabbed the water and quickly pulled it over to his lips whilst simultaneously sitting up and swinging his legs out from under the cover and placing his feet on the floor with a quick swivel of his well-trained body. He turned the glass up and downed the full contents.

A quant smile came to his face. This was a day he had waited for. No more runaway children cases. No more mundane and run of the mill investigations. Mike had orders. He was heading out to space, and he was looking forward to it. A real investigator should be out plying his skills at the trade and profession he was good at. And he was good, so he kept telling himself. A regular legend in his own mind. And he chuckled lightly. So that being said, it was time for him to start his day.

“Computer, give me a word of day.” Requested the young gumshoe. A term used in olden times for an investigator.

[METICULOUS] replied the computer. [This word means, Showing great attention to detail. Very careful and precise.

“He meticulously gathered the evidence, as not to leave anything out. Like that?” he asked

[Affirmative] replied the computer. [HE WAS VERY METICULOUS ABOUT HOW HE DID HIS JOB] the computer added.

“Thanks computer. I think I get it.” And he stood up and headed for the shower.

Ten minutes later:

As he sat eating his toast with baked beans and sipping his coffee, while reading the nightly blotter report from Star Fleet security. A knock at his door startled him. He began to reason. There is a bell, why would someone knock? Maybe they don’t want to leave a finger print? Maybe they are wearing gloves and don’t want to leave epithelial trace evidence? Or maybe it’s just star fleet supply coming to get my junk to go on the transport? I won’t know until I go see will I?” and he got up and went to the door.

As the door schwooshed open, a young Ensign wearing fleet operations colors looked up at him.

“Morning sir. Are you Mike Stonebridge?” he asked

“Yes. How can I help you?” asked Mike not willing to assume anything, as if you assume, well you know the rest he thought to himself.

“I’m from Fleet supply. I’m here to tag your things for transport. You are deploying today correct?” asked the young Ensign

“Yes, I am.” Replied Mike, thinking this kid could be an investigator. Asking open ended questions like that and all. Yet he landed in supply. What a shame thought Mike. His family must be so proud of him.

“Come this way my friend. And only the things packed in bags on the floor. Everything else stays.” Ordered Mike

“Yes sir, gotcha, only the stuff packed in bags. Ready to travel. That was a pretty good clue there Kojak.” Said the Ensign sarcastically.

“Kojak….ahhhhh, now that was a good investigator. When he would remove the lollipop from his mouth, you listened cause you knew he had something to say that was gonna be worth hearing.” Mike revelled in the moment. Sarcasm completely lost on him. But that’s how he rolled. Nothing got under his skin. Not even a smart ass little supply clerk.

As the young man began tagging away on the bags, Mike took this opportunity to investigate.

“So Ensign, how long you been in Star Fleet?” asked Mike

“2 years.” Replied the young man

“Have you always been a supply clerk?” asked Mike

“No, I was a cadet once.” Said the clerk again being sarcastic and laughing at his own stab at wit.

“I see. You’re the confrontational type.” Said Mike out loud, not meaning for the young ensign to hear him.

“Look Lt. I do this almost every day. And without fail, one of you Investigators will start in on me like you’re trying to break the crime of the century, so forgive me if I’ve answered these questions a million times. And to be honest, I’m full up to here.” Placing his hand on his forehead. “Can’t we just forget all the questions and get this done already? No disrespect.” Said the clerk

“None taken young man. You are right. Let’s get on with it.” And Mike stepped over to the table, grabbed his cup, downed his coffee and grabbed his go bag and headed out of the door.

The Ensign just watched and shook his head. These Sherlock Holmes types never ceased to amaze him.

Transporter Location:

It looked like Fleet week. Star Fleet Security personnel coming and going from the busy transport docking location. As he stepped up to the security officer checking the movement orders, Mike gathered himself.

“My orders.” And he handed them to the security officer.

As the officer looked at Mike’s orders, he noticed something was wrong. “You sure you are Mike Stonebridge?” asked the Security Officer

“I was when I woke up this morning. Yes, I’m pretty sure.” Said Mike

“Then you’re going to need this.” And the Officer handed him a small box.

“And what may I ask is this?” requested Mike

“It’s a pip. It goes on your uniform Lieutenant. You were promoted yesterday.”

Said the security officer handing him his promotion orders as well.

“Did you know that over a period of time, the word “Locum” evolved into the French word Leiu, which is pronounced in French as it is spelled? It is surmised that when the English heard the French pronounce the compound word Lieutenant, they perceived a slurring which they heard as a “V” or an “F” sound between the first and second syllable. Thus the British pronunciation Lef-tenant. Did you know that?” He asked with a straight face.

The security officer just looked him straight into his eyes. “Step up on the transporter pad, Lef-tenant. Before I get myself in trouble.” And he glared at him.

Mike not being one to tempt fate, did as he was instructed. “If you’re ever on SB 400. Don’t look me up.” Said Mike Tah. And the security officer gave the signal to beam him up. “Wierdo.” He said in a very low voice.

The Transport:

The trip to SB 400 would take a few days. Mike found his quarters, and broke out his padd and made himself comfortable. His new life was afoot, as Holmes would say. Now to read some Shakespeare and get some rest. But in the back of his mind was forever the thought. But are your parents proud of you? He thought to himself. Indeed! As he started reading Othello for the fifteenth time.

[OFF]

Lt. Mike Stonebridge
Investigator
Star Base 400

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