“Lieutenant’s log, stardate 🚧, the Expedition is on its course to the fleet museum, where we will be able to see some of the most influential starships in Starfleet history.Though we already know a lot about them in textbooks ,via computer databases and on holodecks, it would be a different experience to really set foot on them.I really look forward to visiting in person the first starship under the name ‘Enterprise’ —— the NX-01.”
In his quarter, Xan ends log recording and puts the PADD back on the table.He carefully lifted a starship model placed on one corner of his table with paws, which is exactly the model of NX-01.For the next 5 minutes, he just sit there, quietly appreciating the beauty of NX-class starship.“Perhaps I could make another one with flying capability when I’m free,” he thought, “but I may need some help with its engines.”
Then Xan put the model and opened the ODN interface on the table.“Computer, resume program 2151.”On the screen appeared the bridge of the Enterprise.A computer simulation though the program is, it’s real enough for recreation.In the simimulation, Archer was negotiating with some Klingons.Suddenly the Klingons burst out laughing, with an embarrassed Tucker trying hard to justify for himself.“I wouldn’t blame Trip,” Xan mumbled, “who could know in advance that a game on holodeck could turned out to be a mating ritual? ”
The room door opened.Xan instinctively shut off the screen with a swipe of his paw but reopened it after recognizing the person.“Watching your history programs again?”Cole asked.Cole’s been his new roommate since his promotion to liteutenant junior grade.He’s easy to get along with.Though he’s more fascinated with scientific research in frontier areas, he does sometimes ask about ENT from him.
“Mum-hum.”
“Why not experience it on the holodeck? That must feel much more real and engaging.”
“Who says I don’t want to? If only I hadn’t spent all my holodeck rations preparing for those stupid exams.”
“Then I’m supposed to feel lucky that I’ve passed them all.”
Xan did not respond and immersed himself in the program again.
“Do you know that Lt.Feller in the Engineering Department is holding a personal competition for knowledge of this period? It’s said that the winner would get a model of NX-01 that can fly?”
“Yeah, I knew that.He’s a big fan of the ENT era.But I do not want to participate in the competition.”
“Why do you guys always refer to the period between NX-01’s first flight and the found of federation as ENT era?”
“Ah, ‘ENT’ is the abbreviation for ‘Enterprise’.That’s because the Enterprise was vital to a series of important historical events that led to the prosperous federation today.Plus, during that period, the Enterprise acted as the representative of the United Earth and pioneer of human’s exploration into the galaxy.”
“I see.Why don’t you join the competition? I remember you said that ENT fans are hard to find.You should be happy to find a person who share the same interest!Talking about ENT history with him must be a delight!”Xan paused the program and froze there.He turned to him, sighed, and with a little hesitation he said,“What if I tell you the anxiety of communication outweighs the joy of sharing opinions on the hobby?”
He paused the program at these words, froze momentarily, then turned to him. After a brief hesitation and a heavy sigh, he finally spoke: “What if I tell you that the stress brought by communicating with him outweighs the joy of bonding with a rare fellow enthusiast?”As he said this, he instinctively tried to interlace his fingers - only to remember his paws made the gesture impossible.
Hearing his reply, Cole remained silent.At this time, a message poped up on both of their PADDs：The Expedition’s approaching the fleet museum, they’re supposed to report to airlock 5.
This was a relief for Xan.He quickly grabbed his PADD and headed for Airlock 5.
Starfleet Fleet Museum Main Hall
Capt.Kaelon Dravenn is giving a speech, with the Expedition crew listening quietly.“Why do all leaders enjoy addressing a speech in any activities?”Xan mumbled to Cole, who stood right next to him.Cole shook his head.
“And that’s why all Starfleet officers should pay a visit to this museum.”Dravenn finally finished his hackneyed platitudes.The whole crew applauded enthusiastically, and he symbolically clapped several times with his paws.
Then they were dismissed and allowed to visit ships in the museum.Xan immediately rushed to the NX-01 but was stopped by an officer at the airlock connecting to the ship.“Lieutenant, I’m sorry, but this ship’s visit has been suspended for maintenance.”he explained,“maintaining this antique is really demanding, not to mention Starfleet wants it open for visiting.”
“Oh, no”, he thought,“how could I be so unlucky?”He left the airlock, unwillingly.
Cole was surprised to find an upset Xan on the bridge of Kirk’s Enterprise.“Why are you here?I thought you would make the best of this visit and spend your whole day the NX-01 till we have to beam you out!”
“That was my plan ”Xan sighed,“but it’s closed due to maintenance.”
“Oh my, how unfortunate,maybe next time,”Cole looked at him with sympathy and tried to change the topic,“Do you know that there’s going to be a competition for repairing Constituion-class deflector array in the engineering?”
“No and I’m not familiar with the design of Constitution-class,”Xan replied .Suddenly something occurred to him, “but I am familiar with the design of NX-class.See you on Expedition tomorrow! ”He left the ship and hurried back to the airlock of NX-01.
“I did not anticipate to see you again this soon, lieutenant,”the officer said,“if you’re asking if you can just take a brief look at the ship, I’m sorry, the answer is no.That would make us fall behind the schedule.”
“No, that’s not why I came back.I’m wondering if you can use some help in the repairing work.I’ve studying the design of NX-class for quite a long time and spent many time on this ship in holodeck.”
His answer was obvuously out of the officer’s expectation.He thought for a moment but still shook his head,“We really appreciate your willingness to help, lieutenant…”
“Lieutenant Xan, U.S.S. Expedition.”
“We really appreciate that, Lt.Xan.But I believe our engineers can handle this.”At this time, an engineer happened to come out from the airlock and noticed Xan.“What’s going on, Fred?”
“Ah, nothing.This lieutenant from the visiting ship wanted to take part in the repairing, I was explaining to him that it was unnecessary.”
“It is not,”the engineer patted Xan’s shoulder,“right now our problem is not the lack of people, but the critical need of some important components.We need power coupler type C5.We filed a request but was told that it wouldn’t be available until 6 days later.”Xan knew that this type of power coupler was critical to the repair.
“If you really want to help, lieutenant, perhaps you could pilot a shuttle to Starbase 176 and bring back some.”Fred said half-jokingly.But Xan took it seriously,“I can.I’ve saved up leave worthy of several weeks.I don’t mind to use some.”After saying that, Xan left for the Exepedition’s shuttle bay, leaving a frozen Fred at the airlock.“I was joking…”“It would appear that you underestimated his passion for this ship.”The engineer commented.
U.S.S. Expedition Suttlebay 1
Xan is starting the shuttle with proficiency while contacting the bridge.“This shuttle 4, request permission to depart.”
“Granted, shuttle 4. Safe journey.”
Shuttle 4’s aft thruster started, moving out of the Expedition steadily. Once out in the safe distance, shuttle 4 went into warp, heading for Starbase 176.
Xan inserted a memory card into the counsole, “computer, play music on this card randomly and adjust the lighting down by 35 lumens.”Then he closed his eyes and leaned back comfortably in the pilot’s seat, his tail dangling, occasionally swaying slightly to the rhythm of the music.
When Xan was at leisure, the shuttle picked up a distress call.The computer paused the music and alerted Xan of tge signal.It was audio-only.
“This is the federaion transport ship…We sustain heavy damage from a ion storm, life support’s failing, we need…”Then the signal was lost. Xan quickly located the source of the ship and was stunned to know that he was the nearest.“Well, Fred has to wait a little longer.”Xan said to himself.He laid in the course for the source and engaged.
3 hours later, 🚧 System
The shuttle 4 dropped out of warp.Xan immediately initiated a sensor scan of the system , only to find that totally unnecessary.Dead ahead, an ugly, huge starship assembled with different component from at least 5 cultures had just charged weapons on detecting the shuttle.
Xan did not need check sensors to confirm its identity. “Pakleds.”He spat out one word.