Post 490: Tour Guide

Stardate:71011.1813
Title: Tour Guide
Author: TC Blane
Scene: Independence, Various
Time: Following "Home Field Advantage”
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"Give them just enough rope, Mr. Blane."

Then the captain was gone. TC shook his head and silently cursed. He hung his head and scratched his chin in thought and frustration.

*How to go about this? *

He thought he heard a beep from the transporter console behind him just before the voice of the ensign manning the transporter pulled him from his thoughts.

“Sir, they are signaling again.” The young man announced. “Again.”

Lt. Blane turned and smiled. “Of course they are.” His voice tinged with sarcasm.

“OK.” He straightened his uniform top. “Bring them up.”

A few short moments later the Yensul contingent appeared. The three men glanced around at their new surroundings taking in the sights and sounds of the Federation ship.

TC stood at the base of the transporter in perfect posture, hands laced behind his back and stone faced. One might had suspected that it was a well rehearsed “mean” pose, unless of course you happened to know Lt. TC Blane.

He glanced back to the transporter operator who after a moment nodded. “They check out Lieutenant, no weapons or hazardous materials."

TC nodded and turned back to the waiting trio. “Gentlemen, welcome to the Federation Starship Independence.” He offered.

Proconsul Tegget led the entourage down the three small steps of the transporter pad to stand in front of TC. He looked around the small room to confirm that only TC and the Ensign manning the transporter were in the room before he spoke.

“Thank you for welcoming us aboard you starship, Lieutenant.” He smiled, seemingly relaxed by the fact the Zanh was not in the room.

“If I may ask, I thought the Captain would have greeted us. Not that I am unhappy to be greeted by the Chief of, operations, was it?” He asked. TC could have sworn that it was a veiled insult of his position, serving under a woman.

TC’s eyes bore into the Proconsul and he took a deep breath before responding.

“The Captain apologizes that she is not able to greet you but she had more pressing matters to attend to on the bridge.” The statement quickly established to the proconsul that Zanh would not be putting his needs before matters of her command thus putting the man in a unusual position. He would have to wait for a woman.

The smile on Tegget's face was now a strained one as the words sank in and TC cracked a smile, ever so slightly.

“In the meantime, I have been directed to give you and your Attenders a tour of the Independence. Afterwards I will take you to your rooms so that you may prepare for this evenings talks.”

He stepped aside and motioned towards the door. “Please step this way.”

Proconsul Tegget and Attenders Maffe and Sarl walked through the doors and into the hallway beyond as Blane followed close behind, pausing only slightly to roll his eyes at the transporter operator as he left.

- Sickbay-

TC stood with the Indy’s three guests just inside the entrance to sickbay which was the first stop on the tour. It was not overly busy at this time and allowed a good view of one of the ships most important locations. That was just one of the many reasons he chose this location, but it was not the most important one.

“Starfleet Medical is one of the most visible benefits of being a member of the United Federation of Planets. The collaboration of so many worlds’ top medical researchers and physicians has allowed great strides in medical technology and practices.” TC explained, sounding like a well seasoned tour guide.

The Yensul Trio, as TC was now mentally referring to them, looked around sickbay with interest. Attender Maffe seemed to shift uneasily at the sight of so many women performing important tasks. Sarl stood silently, taking it all in.

“I noticed that there are numerous races here as well on your ship. Are they all from Federation worlds?” Tegget asked.

TC nodded. “Yes. Plus we often have visiting researchers from non-member planets who have asked for our help.”

“And you provide the aid they seek, without asking for anything in return.?” Attender Maffe asked.

TC shook his head. “Sometimes, sometimes not. Every situation is different and considered carefully before we commit to anything.”

“Ah. Here comes a very important member of our medical staff now,” He stepped aside to expose the very female form of Dr. Ashlyn Trind, who was conducting rounds this afternoon.

“Dr. Trind, may I present the...” He almost described them as the Yensul trio but caught himself. “…delegation from Yensul. Proconsul Tegget and Attenders Maffe and Sarl. Gentlemen, Dr. Trind. The good doctor is a well-known researcher, physician and psychologist.”

“Very nice to meet all of you and welcome to our ship.” Ashlyn extended her hand in greeting to the Proconsul, who practically jumped back, staring down at it. She glanced back at Blane and slowly lowered her hand. “Umm, if you have any questions I would be happy to answer them.”

TC raised his eyebrows and resumed his posture silently watching the event unfold. The Proconsul regained his composure surprisingly fast. “That will not be necessary doctor.” He coughed uncomfortably.

TC took the cue. “Well I guess we should be moving on. Thanks doc.” He directed the three visitors out of the door.

“Well that was awkward.” Ashlyn commented as the door closed behind the departing group.

TC led his guests down the hallway and into one of the nearest turbo lifts. “I’ll take you down to see main engineering next.” He told them as the doors slid shut.

Tegget turned to Blane. “You seem to hold Dr. Trind in high regard.”

TC nodded. “I do. Her record speaks for herself. She is a valuable member of the crew.”

“Her husband must be quite accommodating.” Sarl added.

TC frowned and turned.

“Ashlyn is not married.” He folded his arms across his chest. “What do you mean by accommodating?” He pressed.

“She is not now married? Was she previously married? If so, why. . .” Maffe asked puzzled.

“Maffe!” Tegget practically yelled silencing the Attender. He quickly calmed. “These are questions better asked later.”

He turned to TC. “You must understand we are suffering from a sort of, culture shock. We have not dealt with so many things that are so new to us.”

TC squinted his eyes. The man was skilled at cover up. He forced a smile. “That is understandable. We all have been there. Please feel free to ask questions I will answer them the best I can.”

There was a moment of silence before Sarl spoke again. “I was wondering about the crew. Can anyone join Starfleet?”

“Starfleet personnel consists primarily of UFP members.” He explained.

“So anyone from those worlds can join?” Maffe asked.

TC shook his head. “They can apply to attend the academy. A very small fraction are accepted. We only want the best. Those who are accepted will attend at least four years in the Academy before being assigned to a post.”

“How do you determine the best?” Maffe asked. TC knew what he was looking for.

“A series of tests and placement exams as well as interviews are the primary tools and the ONLY basis for disqualification. No species can be denied for any other reason.” TC stared at the door. “This removes any bias based on archaic beliefs or prejudices towards race, religion or sex. Thankfully, we have evolved beyond the belief that one is better then another just based on those factors.” TC knew he shouldn’t have said it in that way, but he just could not help himself.

All three of the men behind him shared glances with each other as the doors opened up revealing main engineering.

“Welcome to main engineering, please step this way.” TC said cheerily suddenly feeling much better.

Lt. TC Blane
Operations Chief
USS Independence NCC-90791