Science Officer's Log Stardate 97231.2 - Starbase Genesis1

We're working on some finishing touches for our Uranium Depot today so that we can bring it up to Phase 14. Mr. Steel has been great in his observations and suggestions, as well as his ability to get down and dirty with the manual work needed to complete these enhancements. He seems much more tranquil in these days, and he mentioned yesterday that he was ready to go speak with Lieutenant Maxwell at the end of today's work day. The aggressions continue despite all of our efforts. I am intentionally using the word aggression because pirate raid denotes the spiriting off of our resources. Our attackers, however, send ships even when our Shield Generator is activated. One would ask, what is the purpose of attacking when you have nothing to gain? My answer would be that this is an intentional show of aggression which sends the message, "You have no hope of getting out of this situation! Give up!" Case in point being the recent strikes on Starbase Genesis2 with fleets containing large numbers of Frigates and Destroyers which took away zero spoils, and no ships to destroy. In any case, time to get on with the day; Mr. Steel awaits!

End Science Officer's Log

Looks like she's ready, Chief!

• I'd say so, Mr. Steel. The extra storage areas should allow us to raise the capacity as soon as the Operations Officer gives the go ahead to Phase Up.

Would you like me to head over to Operations and inform the Officer that we're ready?

• No need Mr. Steel; I'll handle that. You go ahead and have that talk with the Lieutenant.

Sounds good to me, Chief. I'll catch up with you tomorrow. Oh, remind the Operations Officer that the Shield Generator is ready. This will be the first time we activate her at Phase 20; it'll be great to see if she can really hold out for 2 days!

• I agree! See you tomorrow, son!

As Jack Steel made his way across the long corridors of the Base, he sought to clear his mind of any negative thoughts. "It's not like I'm on trail," Jack joked to himself, "So only good can come out of this visit with Lieutenant Maxwell." Much to his surprise, Jack actually had a good night's rest, knowing that his commitment would be honored this time.No more procrastination!

In his quarters, the Lieutenant prepared a drink to finish off a busy day. View screens all over the walls showed data coming in from the galactic blockchain. Just as he took his first sip, the door sounded. Come in! The entrance flashed open with lightening speed. In walked Jack Steel, immediately extending his hand as he approached the Lieutenant, who quickly put down his drink and tapped the console on his desk, causing all of the screens in the room to go black. Jack, however, was in time to catch a glimpse of one of the monitors showing two incoming Attack Missions; one per Starbase. Hiding his disappointment, he greeted his host.

Pleasure to meet you, Lieutenant Maxwell!

• It's a pleasure to meet you as well, Mr. Steel!

Please, call me Jack.

• Very well, Jack. I've been expecting you.

Really? Let me guess, you spoke to the Chief?

• The Chief?

Oh right, sorry; that's my nickname for the Chief Science Officer. Didn't mean to be so nonchalant with you, Sir!

• No, I like it! My crewmen used to call me "First Class" when I was still the only Cadet to have that rank. Speaking of which, what do you think about becoming an Officer yourself?

I don't know Lieutenant, for now I just want to talk about the options, and what would be expected of me.

• Well, you can take as much time as you need, and ask as many questions as you like.

I saw the 2 incoming Attack Missions on the screen. Hope you don't mind?

• Of course not; it shows that you're a good observer.

Still the same enemy?

• Yes.

Still no strategy to regain control?

• I'm afraid not. But try not to worry about that too much. Let's focus on you. Have you considered piloting?

I have! I'd like to study that option.

• Chief, as you call him, tells me you're an Investigator?

A what?

• Has he not spoken to you about the Science of Differentiation?

No, never heard of it.

• Doesn't matter, we'll save that for some other day. Or maybe you can pry it out of him. He doesn't talk much about it, but I find it to be a very fascinating subject. In any case, I'd like to ask you to take on an assignment, if you're interested?

What kind of assignment?

• Spend some time in the Shipyard. Talk to the crew there and get a sense of what the mood is like.

You want me to spy for you?

• Very blunt! I like that. I'm also not one who likes to beat around the bush and waste time with superficiality. No, I don't need spies; my men respect me, and I respect them. I'm curious to see what ideas, insights or opinions you may have once you study the situation. Let's just say, I'm intrigued by the Science Officer's assessment of your talents as an Investigator.

But I'm already committed to helping the Chief with the Depot enhancements.

• No problem. You can head over to the Shipyard whenever you want, day or night. I will authorize your access. Consider it as something to pass the time. As for piloting, ask Officer Brady to let you test the flight simulator over at the Research Center. Again, in your spare time. I understand the importance of keeping one's word and honoring one's obligations.

Do I have to give you an answer now, Lieutenant?

• Of course not. Take whatever time you need. I'll send the authorization now; that way, when you're ready, you won't need to come find me. Just present yourself at the Shipyard, and your assignment begins.

Thank you, Sir. I'll have a good think about it.

• Good! If you don't mind, I need to get back to my monitors.

Jack extended his hand again to the Lieutenant to give him a firm grip. As he heard the door close behind him, that same warm feeling that he experienced with the Commodore rushed through his body. It was a sign that Jack was on the right track. No more sleepless nights; it was time for Jack Steel to spring into action!

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