Cadet Report

Aya Snow took residence in the main briefing room of the Alsea while her cadets went to their different tasks. She monitored their work through the computer and holodeck use and took note for their upcoming evaluation for their cadet cruise. She was especially intrested in problem-solving skills, seeing how they would deal with the various roadblocks she had implemented in their path. The effort was the thing here, not just the results; and even more, what it revealed of their character.

Any dumb computer could solve a problem. How a sentient being coped with them was the key to the centuries of success Starfleet has experienced and the enduring of the Federation and it's ideals. Those ideals were as hard to live by as they were lofty. Too many people, even brilliant, acclaimed Starfleet officers like Admiral Ross, captain Janeway and Commander Sisko, had fallen prey to the easy way instead of the right way; what she herself called the Confucius Syndrome; when an alleged wise man preaching moral values and obedience to law went to steal food when in dire need then once back into an easier life started professing virtue again.

Hypocrisy was just an individual fault; but if a society, like Starfleet, could not live up to it's own values when faced with adversity, then those values were worthless. So it was not the competence of the cadets she was interested in, but in their worth.

So far, Cadet Gunner showed independent thought by going through a study with a fresh, unbiased mind, without any prior study. Cadet Terix showed discipline and resolve, following all proper procedures then made best use of what little he had to try and work his way. Snow had yet to see what Cadet Shadowhunt and Hansen would do, hoping that this apparent inaction was in fact hiding thoughtfullness and care before committing themselves to the task.

Let's see what they all do next she thought with a little smile. She loved to see students grow into officers like a mother watching her children reach adulthood. This was her calling and she took it very seriously.

After abandoning his holodeck simulation Terix strode back to the turbolift. As he entereied he querried the ship's computer

"Computer, location of Lieutenant Snow?"

"Lieutenant Snow is in the briefing room." 

"Which deck is that on?" 

"Deck one, main bridge." 

"Proceed," Terix directed and the turbolift took him back where he'd come from almost an hour and half previously depositing him again on the bridge. He nodded to the security officer and found the main briefing room. Entering the room he found Lieutenant Snow working alone, and Terix stopped, came to attention and reported.

"Senior Cadet Terix reporting on the results of my assignment Ma'am." 

''Go, '' she simply said.

"My analysis of the Azimuth Horizon data tells me that it had to have taken nothing short of a miracle to both seal that anomaly, and fend of hostile forces. I know the Alsea alone could not have done so. As powerful as this ship is Lieutenant, a large enough hostile force would eventually overwhelm her, but even with all of Lotus Fleet involved I can't imagine it was a simple operation. I assumed a hostile force of multiple Romulan ships, of various classes. I haven't been among them for many years, but I know my people Lieutenant and I find it incredibly unlikely they would stand by during a major Federation deployment this close to the Neutral Zone. They would make their presence known, and with the data available to me I could not discern how the fleet could possibly have completed the operation. Still, you and I are are here today so I know that they did, and frankly ma'am I would love to know how they weren't destroyed. Somehow I doubt that you are allowed to tell me any more than the ship's computer would." 

''I sure can, since I'm the one who put the classified status on the data,'' she answered bluntly. '' I wanted you to first work without insight on the problem. That you did.''

The Academy teacher eased herself in her chair before continuing.

''The anomaly was found to be spreading through subspace fractures. By sealing those fractures and preventing new ones from being made in the immediate vicinity of it, the anomaly's spread was thus contained. You may thank Captain Syntron for that, next time you see him; as chief science officer of the Artemis, he led the analysis and the finding of a solution. You may also thank Captain Kheren for sacrificing his ship to ensure that it would work, Captain Jureth for protecting him from the Romulans with this ship, Captain Crist and Lieutenant Sorripto against the Horizon Children cultists on the McKenzie, Captain Summer's Spectre against the Klingons... and Captain Gould rescuing the Artemis' officers with the Lotus.''

She joined her fingers before her.

''What does that tell you, Cadet?''

"It tells me that Lotus Fleet is either very lucky or very very good." Terix replied "but beyond that it is a testament to the ingenuity of highly trained officers. Something that both the Romulans and Klingons are sorely lacking."

''Very good Cadet. However, I would not discount Klingons and especially not Romulans in that regard; except when, as in this case, personal ambition was the main thrust, instead of duty. And luck IS always a factor. One of our greatest captains, Garth of Isar, the man who wrote our rules of engagement with his own career, once said: '' when you make a command decision, never forget that, as much as preparedness, teamwork, instinct and thought, too often what makes the difference between a medal and a court martial is luck.''

A smirk crossed the Romulan's face "Wise words. Despite being a man of science, I am no stranger to luck. Some have even said it travels with me given my fortunate absence from Romulus when the Hobus disaster happened. That said I will keep in mind your words."

''We should never depend on luck but we can't ignore it either. Just don't take my word on it; look, listen, think, test, learn, apply... and start over again. As in science, that is what makes a good cadet, and a good cadet makes a fine officer. You're on the right track, Terix. Hope your fellow cadets will join you in.''

She paused for a moment.

''Now that you have cleared the way, what about you making a proposal as to how to proceed with this ship when facing a space anomaly while under fire? You might want to enlist Cadet Gunner's help with this one at least, if not also Hansen and Shadowhunt from their own field of expertise. teamwork is what Starfleet is all about. Do you feel up to it?''

Terix contemplated for a moment...voluntarily working with other cadets had not been his forte while he was at Starfleet Academy on Earth. Generally he felt that others tended to slow down his process and had to be told when he was expected to collaborate with others. On the other hand, this was a different setting, and he did not sense the same judgmental eyes upon him as he had in San Francisco. 

"Yes Lieutenant, I will locate the others and see what input they may have." 

Snow nodded with a smile.

''Very good. Carry on, Cadet.''

As the Romulan exited, in came the Half-Klingon cadet, PADD in hand.

"Cadet Gunner reporting". 

''Go,'' Snow again simply said.

Standing before his superior, Gunner reviewed the notes on the PADD dwarfed by his large Klingon hands.

"I ran numerous simulations on the holodeck working through the multi vector attack capabilities."

Grinning slightly Gunner continued.

"It is a most impressive feet of technology. Truly an honor to serve on a ship which could so well turn the tide of a battle."

Swiping through a few slides on the PADD Gunner paused on his findings.

"The only issue of note is there is a minor, but measurable, drop in combat efficiency when communications are delayed. If there is not a planned attack pattern or all commands must go through one section's bridge the combat efficiency decreases by as much as three percent. This increases another third of a percent if a slower attack pattern is used". 

It was not much of a report. Even at its worst, the system still created a huge tactical advantage for the ship in space combat.

Snow listened and nodded.

''Very good Cadet; you're probably the first person to point this out. Now, based on this, and assuming here you would hold the position of chief tactical officer on this class of vessel, what would be your recommendation to your commanding officer?

Gunner thought for a moment.

"The key would be to tactically plan as much as possible".

The obvious statement sounded much better in Gunner's head.

"By that I mean any understanding of possible combat engagements should be preplanned and discussed. Understanding how many, or what types of, ships we could encounter would allow us to plan advanced tactics so that each module is prepared with several possibilities.".

Gunner thought about his trials a bit more and continued.

"Even simple plans such as the anticipation of a larger amount of torpedo usage could eliminate certain attack patterns such as Alpha Two or Epsilon Four That way, if any delay must be endured it can be minimized at all costs.".

The Academy instructor nodded.

''You seem to be on an interesting line of thinking, Cadet. In this regard, I will give you a word: Auftragstaktik . You will find it in the linguistic banks under Earth, German; and in historical files pertaining notably with Earth's Second World War. This should give you food for thought.''

Nodding in acceptance Gunner smiled.

"It would be an honor to contemplate such wisdom. Those are the words of a true warrior.".

Sabrina unobtrusively stepped into the briefing room off of the main bridge as the hybrid Klingon-Betazoid cadet Gunner was conversing with Lieutenant Snow. She listened attentively as their intriguing conversation progressed but was conscientious not to interfere with their discussion. As she processed the information conveyed, additional thoughts traversed with her cognizance. When it appeared that their conversation was concluding, she sauntered closer to the instructor.