"So there she blows, bigger than it looked in the brochure" commented newly promoted Lt. Connor Murphy, as the U.S.S. Stallion drifted into view outside Starbase 0001. The newly built "Expedient" class ship, built for deep space exploration buzzed the main promenade before holding position 200 kms from the station. Within seconds, Murphy was sprinting down to the shuttle bay to catch a ride to his new post. Ensigns and Admirals alike made way for the young, dark haired lieutenant, as he rushed to the turbolift, not wanting to waste any more time on the mundane station. Murphy had spent his first year out of the academy as an ensign aboard starbase 0001, learning about duty, prΓ³tacal, and Starfleet decorum. Now was not the time to let such frivolous things stand in his way, and within no time at all, Connor was standing in the vast bay, with an astonished shuttle chief staring at his chest breathing hard.
"Eh, your transport is just docking now sir, and there is an unexpected surprise waiting for you. I'd advise you to straighten your hair before that hatch opens".
"What? What do you mean chief, the hair is fine, im not on duty for another few hours."
"I didn't tell you this, he wanted it to be a surprise, but Captain Riker is shuttling you personally, something about meeting every member of his team, and assessing them on the spot."
Murphy had just enough time to straighten his black uniform, with grey shoulder complements and red under-shirt, when the shuttle door lowered itself to the ground to reveal an enthusiastic Riker standing in the vessel, looking equally inviting and threatening. Lt. Murphy slowly walked to the outstretched hand.
"Lt Connor Murphy. Graduated Starfleet Academy 1 yr ago. Born in Dublin. Interests include football, rugby, and 20th century guitar. 5ft 10. Not married. Previous posts include general shifts on Starbase 0001, and the Kessel Run. Conner, I, Captain William Riker, formally ask you to join my team aboard the U.S.S. Stallion".
"I would be honoured to, Sir."
With that, the 2 powerful men stepped into the cramped shuttlecraft, and the doors were locked.
"Shall I take the controls, Sir?"
"Lt. Murphy, we are not on duty now, this is my chance to get to know you. Call me Will. Though I expect excellence from you, and indeed all my staff at all times, I do wish for the ship to be an efficient, well-oiled one. Therefore in any social situations, when the mood is appropriate, first name basis is accepted"
"Understood, Sir, er Will. That'll take a bit of getting used to. Isn't everyday you meet one of your heroes"
"Complementing your senior officer, I like that in a guy, as long as you can back it up".
"Oh i can back it up, I've graduated top of every class I've ever taken part in, without sounding overly cocky. I will do my best to please you, Will."
"I'm sure you will, Connor, if I may call you Connor. That's why I requested your presence on this mission. You not only do you excel academically, but I hear you're quite the musician, and prone to a few funny incidents!" smirked Riker, as the shuttle slowly exited the starbase on thruster power.
"Ha, most appreciative if you didn't bring those up, don't remember them too fondly, and would like to keep them that way Will!" laughed Murphy, as he turned in his seat to get a better view of his new post. The Stallion twinkled in the sun, and that twinkle was echoed in the young lieutenants eyes.
"She sure is a beaut, ain't she" sighed Murphy. "Too bad we're stuck inside for most of the mission"
"She's a hell of a vessel, very advanced, I'm worried about breakin' her" laughed the cocky Riker.
"With your reputation with ladies, I think she's in safe hands Will!"
"And what about you Murphy? Got a gal? Someone to keep you glued to monitors in your quarters?"
"Nah, what you see is what you get! Deep space should be fun!" irked the now reddening lieutenant.
"Don't worry, we'll look after you" smiled Riker. "Technology has seen to that. Coming up on the Stallion, prepare for docking procedure".
Connor, left clueless about his captain's last statement, deftly manoeuvred the little shuttle into the bay.
"Been a pleasure, Sir, thank you"
"No problem, Lieutenant Murphy. Report to me at 0900 when you are finished unpacking."
Connor strode off down the hallways of the vessel, staring in awe at the smooth, metallic surfaces all around. This ship was definitely built for comfort, for keeping the crew sane on those long, deep space missions. There was only one thing puzzling the young lieutenant; Starfleet hadn't assigned any female crewmembers to the ship. Everywhere Connor walked, another male officer walked before or after him. Always very polite, and extremely adept in their duties, male officers seemed everywhere.
"There are 82 crew members onboard" droned the computer. Apparently, not even the Captain's wife was allowed onboard, to set the standard for the other men. Connor arrived at his quarters, threw his bag in the corner of the room, and hit the bed. This would be his only solitude for the next 6 months, no point delaying the meeting. Slowly Murphy drifted off to sleep, dreaming of being in command against the Borg, or sitting at his desk, the youngest admiral in the fleet.
"Lt. Murphy, it is 08:30 hours" interrupted the computer. Murphy stirred quickly, he had a meeting with the captain in half an hour, and he didn't want to be later. He threw back on his uniform, gave a look at himself in his mirror, and reached for his cologne. He gazed into his own green eyes, straightened his brunette hair again. Padded the uniform around his subtly athletic body again, and gave a motivational "c'mon" before he set out to meet the Captain. En route, he received a message from the captain, to meet him at holodeck 1. Murphy adjusted course, and was there by 0900.
"Ah Lt. Murphy, settling in alright? Any questions so far?" inquired Riker.
"Everything is fine sir, once again I appreciate you selecting me for this post. I do however have one question regarding our mission. Why is it that Starfleet saw fit to assign only male crewmembers to this vessel"?
"I was wondering when you'd ask that lieutenant. On our deep space mission, we shall be meeting a culture called, the Bendi, which are fearful of all humanoid females. Thus for first contact we have opted to only introduce the male side of our species first"
"Ah I see, a logical action sir"
"Anything else lieutenant?" smiled Riker.
"No sir, just eager to be getting on with work sir" replied a hesitant Murphy.
"Well lieutenant, I see you are a man like myself, eager for duty first, and personal luxuries take a back seat. However, I have requested of Starfleet, a very personal allowance, and one, which I have shared with the whole crew. I thus had to handpick carefully my team, and hope that they would take a vow of silence regarding this allowance. Can I ask you to take such a vow Connor?"
"Always sir, please go on," replied a stiff Murphy, not wanting to show his curiosity.
"Into the holodeck Murphy, and I will load programme Riker 002. That is the codename you must use at all times"
The doors opened and Murphy and Riker strode quickly inside.