Slings and Arrows 01_ Sea of Troubles - J. Steven York [6]
Picard frowned. He stood and studied the gold-plated models of the various starships named Enterprise that lined one wall. The Enterprise-E was a magnificent vessel, but he was not entirely comfortable with the idea that, unlike the previous Enterprise, this ship had been designed as a warship first, and its capabilities as a scientific, diplomatic, and humanitarian vessel had been given a diminished priority.
War, to Picard’s mind, was the failure of diplomacy, and thus, it seemed that Starfleet Command was planning for failure. “The complaint is valid, Number One. The more we know about unusual stellar phenomena like this one, the greater the chances that we can use them to our tactical advantage. However, all our departments will need to learn to adapt to the new realities of our situation. It may be some time before astrophysics, or any other science department, will have first priority on the ship’s resources.”
Riker nodded. “I’ll discuss that with them at the next departmental briefing. Meanwhile, Mr. Data can give you a status report on the ship’s systems.” Riker glanced over at Data, who still seemed distracted by the windows. “Mr. Data?”
Data blinked, then looked at them like a sleeper awakening. “I am sorry. I believe I am having an emotional response to my observations of the nebula outside. Subjectively, of course, I realize that it is merely the planetary nebula surrounding a class-IV Mira variable star, a short-period variable red giant late in its stellar evolution, and a rare natural source of coherent microwave radiation. But emotionally I find it to be…beautiful. Should I put that in my report?”
Riker grinned slightly. “I’d save that for your personal logs, Data.”
Picard, however, was not so amused. “Mr. Data, I understand that this emotion chip is new and overwhelming to you. However, I caution you not to allow it to divert you from your duties. Even the most benign emotional reaction could be a distraction in a critical situation. I require your complete focus on the task at hand.”
Data looked hurt, and, Picard reflected, it was possible he actually was.
“Of course, Captain. I will endeavor to keep my emotions in check.”
Picard quietly sighed. “Don’t misunderstand, Data. Your emotions are not an impediment to your duties as a Starfleet officer. They are a tool, one that any good officer learns to use. This is still, in essence, a shakedown cruise, not just for the ship, but for its officers as well. Use this time to understand your emotions and how they affect you, and to make yourself ready for the challenges that lie ahead.
“Now, your report.”
Turning his chair away from the distraction of the window, Data composed himself. “The nebula environment continues to be a challenge for the ship. The extreme magnetic and radiation flux is taxing our shields, but they are holding well now that we have applied some regenerative tuning techniques adapted from the Maquis operations in the Badlands.”
“The high particle density,” added Riker, “is preventing us from going to warp in many parts of the nebula and has even limited our impulse velocities. However, Lieutenant Hawk has suggested some modifications to the main deflector that might mitigate the problem.”
Picard nodded. Mr. Hawk was having a busy day. It was about to get busier. “That sounds promising, Number One. Mr. Hawk will be occupied with other duties until about 1530 hours, but let’s put him in charge of those modifications.”
Riker tilted his head curiously. “That’s a challenging assignment, especially given his regular duties.”
“I’m seeing command potential in our young officer. Such potential is rarely developed in a realm of comfort and safety. Challenged he shall be.”
“Yes, sir,” said Riker.
“So it does seem we’ve learned something from this exercise.”
Riker replied, “I’ve been studying every log and historical record I can find on battles taking place in nebulae and other cloud phenomena, from the