11-07-2025, 03:10 AM
(This post was last modified: 11-07-2025, 03:15 AM by Sebastian Cortez.)
== This was a bit more difficult than I expected. I wanted to be as thorough and detailed as possible.==
Sebastian read his orders several times, he was excited that he had been assigned to the USS Zephyr, he had fully expected to be posted to a remote Science Station to observe local phenomena planetside or on a remote Space Station far removed from any major activity, but to get posted to a ship as legendary as the Zephyr was exciting beyond imagination. The truth was the Zephyr, a Steamrunner Class, this class was in service starting in the early 2370s. Quickly becoming popular, it appeared on the front lines of many skirmishes, including with the Borg in 2373, the Battle of Sector 001, and during the Dominion War, with some still in service in 2401, a couple ships were taken control of by the Borg during the Frontier Day battle. So for Sebastian to be assigned to such a legendary class of ship was something, but truth be told, a ship is just a ship, it the crew that makes the ship a legend and it was the captain who makes the crew legendary and the Zephyr was no exception, Captain Morad Ameen, was a legend in the Academy, he was nearly considered mythological , a regular hero from Ancient Greek Mythology, a demigod, like Hercules or Persesus.
Sebastian read his orders again from his Data Padd
[ To : Cadet Sebastian Pedro Cortez
From: Fleet Admiral T'Mana, Commander in Chief
Cc. Captain Morad Ameen.
Subject: Assignment of Cadet Sebastian Pedro Cortez,
Congratulations Cadet Cortez on completing the necessary courses to graduate from Star Fleet Academy. You are hereby promoted to the rank of Midshipman with the duties, responsibilities and perks thereof.
Based on your grades and Professor's recommendations we have assigned you to the USS Zephyr, NCC-92880,under the Command of Captain Morad Ameen. ]
Sebastian was excited; he had no idea that his professors thought so highly of him, as he was always questioning them, especially if he didn’t agree with them about the odd Scientific Theory, or latest research paper. Sebastian recalled one particular heated debate with his Organic Chemistry Professor, Professor Mavass Gaf, a female Tellarite. The argument was over the Valence theory, which describes how atoms bond, and the study of reaction mechanisms, which details how reactions progress through intermediates and are influenced by factors such as bond strength and electron distribution. Sebastian's view point was that all that gets turned on it’s head when in a sub zero environment like space as it slowed down the electrons, but Professor Gaf naturally took the opposite position, but to have her recommendation for his first assignment, she must have respect for him.
The USS Pocahontas, a Obena-class explorer, Sebastian was lucky the Pocahontas had a few of his friends from the Academy who had been posted there, so he was able to catch up with his friend Kolat, a Benzite Engineer. Sebastian was sorry when the Pocahontas caught up with the Zephyr, but he was excited to get started on his first assignment.
Sebastian materialized on the Transporter Pad of the Zephyr the ship had a distinctive new smell, as if everything was new, never used before. The thoughts of working on the ship were beyond exciting.
Wow what an amazing ship.
Sebastian's quarters were located on Deck Two, He departed the transporter room and quickly found his quarters, which wasn’t difficult as the Steamrunner Class only had ten decks. The turbolift quickly deposited him on Deck Two He quickly found his Quarters, he entered his access code, He slowly stepped in.and looked around, as compared to his quarters back at the Academy, this place was a veritable palace, but it was the standard Star Fleet Maroon and Beige color scheme, the main living area consisted of a large open area with a maroon sofa with two throw pillow gray in color and end tables on each end, made of chrome and glass, there were two arm chairs facing each other at opposite ends of the coffee table also made of chrome and glass. Behind the sofa several feet directly under the main window was a table and two chairs to the right of the table was the quarters replicator.
To the right side of the main entrance was a computer terminal. There were several potted plants scattered about the quarters, providing a touch of warmth and coziness. There were several images of space scenes hanging on the wall, which in his opinion didn’t make sense why have images of space hanging on the wall when you had a large window looking out to space itself
On the coffee table was a large floral arrangement consisting of purple Mexican Passion Flowers and Bajoran Iliacs, the two complimented each other very well. The Mexican Passion flowers reminded him of his Abuelos's garden back in Guadalajara, his abuelo had an amazing garden, full of fresh fruits and vegetables.
“Hello, anyone here?” Said Sebastian , his tone warm and friendly.
Sebastian went to the bedroom on the left and saw several books and some clothes folded rather neatly along with some Bajoran Springball equipment. Now the floral arrangement made sense, Mexican Passion flowers in honor of Sebastian and his Mexican heritage and the Bajoran Lliac in honor of his new room mate. Which meant that the bedroom on the right was Sebastian's.
The bedrooms were functional consisting of full-size beds, a desk with a computer terminal, a closet and some display shelves, they weren’t fancy by any scratch of the imagination. On the display shelves Sebastian set up his Alter consisting of a crucifix, two candles and pictures of his family. Sebastian made the sign of the cross and said a prayer for success on his first mission as a Star Fleet Officer.
As he was finishing up his prayers, he heard the doors of his quarters swish open and a deep baritone voice called out. “Hey Cortez, where are you?”
Sebastian was a bit surprised by someone calling him by his name, as he hadn't met anyone yet. Sebastian stepped out into the living area and there was a Bajoran, he was tall, with a medium frame. He had medium brown hair and bright green eyes and the traditional Bajoran ear piece. He seemed confident and friendly enough, he stuck out his hand and said, “Hello I’m Praaso Dat, pleasure to meet you.”
Sebastian smiled and returned Dat’s handshake. He couldn't say why, but he really liked this Praaso Dat, he was friendly and apparently not shy. “Oh, thank you it’s a pleasure to meet you," said Sebastian.
Sebastian noticed that Dat was dressed in Gold, so he was either in Security or Engineering
“So Sebastian, tell me a little bit about yourself.” Said Dat,
Sebastian sat down on their communal sofa, “Sit, relax.” Suggested Sebastian.
As I said, I’m Sebastian Pedro Cortez, I was born and grew up in Guadalajara, Mexico on Earth. I’m the oldest of four kids. My hobbies include Fútbol, Swimming, Hiking and Music.” Chuckled Sebastian. He paused for a moment deciding just how much he wanted to divulge to Dat. Sebastian couldn’t help but think that Dat was somehow interrogating him. “ I like honest, friendly people, being outside. I like Terran food, especially Mexican and Italian foods. I like to read, usually Science stuff but occasionally will indulge in fiction, especially Mysteries. Like Science, they deal with the unknown and, in many cases, can be solved using the Scientific method. I dislike it when people don’t take time to appreciate nature and all its majesty.
“I like mysteries too,” Said Dat, " The thrill of not knowing who the murderer is, who is the thief that stole the priceless jewelry.” Replied Dat, with just a hint of a smile.” I have been to Mexico, a beautiful place, though I didn’t make it to Guadalajara” Confessed Dat.
Dat smiled, “You don’t play Springball by chance?” Said Dat with a sly grin.
“Gee, no I don't," said Sebastian. “But I’m open to learning.” Added Sebastian.
Dat smiled at hearing that Sebastian was willing to learn to play Springball. “Well on that note, I must be off, I have to get my physical done. See you later.” Said Dat as he bound out the door.
Sebastian was excited, he made a new friend, he then went into his bedroom and began recording a message for his family.
Sebastian read his orders several times, he was excited that he had been assigned to the USS Zephyr, he had fully expected to be posted to a remote Science Station to observe local phenomena planetside or on a remote Space Station far removed from any major activity, but to get posted to a ship as legendary as the Zephyr was exciting beyond imagination. The truth was the Zephyr, a Steamrunner Class, this class was in service starting in the early 2370s. Quickly becoming popular, it appeared on the front lines of many skirmishes, including with the Borg in 2373, the Battle of Sector 001, and during the Dominion War, with some still in service in 2401, a couple ships were taken control of by the Borg during the Frontier Day battle. So for Sebastian to be assigned to such a legendary class of ship was something, but truth be told, a ship is just a ship, it the crew that makes the ship a legend and it was the captain who makes the crew legendary and the Zephyr was no exception, Captain Morad Ameen, was a legend in the Academy, he was nearly considered mythological , a regular hero from Ancient Greek Mythology, a demigod, like Hercules or Persesus.
Sebastian read his orders again from his Data Padd
[ To : Cadet Sebastian Pedro Cortez
From: Fleet Admiral T'Mana, Commander in Chief
Cc. Captain Morad Ameen.
Subject: Assignment of Cadet Sebastian Pedro Cortez,
Congratulations Cadet Cortez on completing the necessary courses to graduate from Star Fleet Academy. You are hereby promoted to the rank of Midshipman with the duties, responsibilities and perks thereof.
Based on your grades and Professor's recommendations we have assigned you to the USS Zephyr, NCC-92880,under the Command of Captain Morad Ameen. ]
Sebastian was excited; he had no idea that his professors thought so highly of him, as he was always questioning them, especially if he didn’t agree with them about the odd Scientific Theory, or latest research paper. Sebastian recalled one particular heated debate with his Organic Chemistry Professor, Professor Mavass Gaf, a female Tellarite. The argument was over the Valence theory, which describes how atoms bond, and the study of reaction mechanisms, which details how reactions progress through intermediates and are influenced by factors such as bond strength and electron distribution. Sebastian's view point was that all that gets turned on it’s head when in a sub zero environment like space as it slowed down the electrons, but Professor Gaf naturally took the opposite position, but to have her recommendation for his first assignment, she must have respect for him.
The USS Pocahontas, a Obena-class explorer, Sebastian was lucky the Pocahontas had a few of his friends from the Academy who had been posted there, so he was able to catch up with his friend Kolat, a Benzite Engineer. Sebastian was sorry when the Pocahontas caught up with the Zephyr, but he was excited to get started on his first assignment.
Sebastian materialized on the Transporter Pad of the Zephyr the ship had a distinctive new smell, as if everything was new, never used before. The thoughts of working on the ship were beyond exciting.
Wow what an amazing ship.
Sebastian's quarters were located on Deck Two, He departed the transporter room and quickly found his quarters, which wasn’t difficult as the Steamrunner Class only had ten decks. The turbolift quickly deposited him on Deck Two He quickly found his Quarters, he entered his access code, He slowly stepped in.and looked around, as compared to his quarters back at the Academy, this place was a veritable palace, but it was the standard Star Fleet Maroon and Beige color scheme, the main living area consisted of a large open area with a maroon sofa with two throw pillow gray in color and end tables on each end, made of chrome and glass, there were two arm chairs facing each other at opposite ends of the coffee table also made of chrome and glass. Behind the sofa several feet directly under the main window was a table and two chairs to the right of the table was the quarters replicator.
To the right side of the main entrance was a computer terminal. There were several potted plants scattered about the quarters, providing a touch of warmth and coziness. There were several images of space scenes hanging on the wall, which in his opinion didn’t make sense why have images of space hanging on the wall when you had a large window looking out to space itself
On the coffee table was a large floral arrangement consisting of purple Mexican Passion Flowers and Bajoran Iliacs, the two complimented each other very well. The Mexican Passion flowers reminded him of his Abuelos's garden back in Guadalajara, his abuelo had an amazing garden, full of fresh fruits and vegetables.
“Hello, anyone here?” Said Sebastian , his tone warm and friendly.
Sebastian went to the bedroom on the left and saw several books and some clothes folded rather neatly along with some Bajoran Springball equipment. Now the floral arrangement made sense, Mexican Passion flowers in honor of Sebastian and his Mexican heritage and the Bajoran Lliac in honor of his new room mate. Which meant that the bedroom on the right was Sebastian's.
The bedrooms were functional consisting of full-size beds, a desk with a computer terminal, a closet and some display shelves, they weren’t fancy by any scratch of the imagination. On the display shelves Sebastian set up his Alter consisting of a crucifix, two candles and pictures of his family. Sebastian made the sign of the cross and said a prayer for success on his first mission as a Star Fleet Officer.
As he was finishing up his prayers, he heard the doors of his quarters swish open and a deep baritone voice called out. “Hey Cortez, where are you?”
Sebastian was a bit surprised by someone calling him by his name, as he hadn't met anyone yet. Sebastian stepped out into the living area and there was a Bajoran, he was tall, with a medium frame. He had medium brown hair and bright green eyes and the traditional Bajoran ear piece. He seemed confident and friendly enough, he stuck out his hand and said, “Hello I’m Praaso Dat, pleasure to meet you.”
Sebastian smiled and returned Dat’s handshake. He couldn't say why, but he really liked this Praaso Dat, he was friendly and apparently not shy. “Oh, thank you it’s a pleasure to meet you," said Sebastian.
Sebastian noticed that Dat was dressed in Gold, so he was either in Security or Engineering
“So Sebastian, tell me a little bit about yourself.” Said Dat,
Sebastian sat down on their communal sofa, “Sit, relax.” Suggested Sebastian.
As I said, I’m Sebastian Pedro Cortez, I was born and grew up in Guadalajara, Mexico on Earth. I’m the oldest of four kids. My hobbies include Fútbol, Swimming, Hiking and Music.” Chuckled Sebastian. He paused for a moment deciding just how much he wanted to divulge to Dat. Sebastian couldn’t help but think that Dat was somehow interrogating him. “ I like honest, friendly people, being outside. I like Terran food, especially Mexican and Italian foods. I like to read, usually Science stuff but occasionally will indulge in fiction, especially Mysteries. Like Science, they deal with the unknown and, in many cases, can be solved using the Scientific method. I dislike it when people don’t take time to appreciate nature and all its majesty.
“I like mysteries too,” Said Dat, " The thrill of not knowing who the murderer is, who is the thief that stole the priceless jewelry.” Replied Dat, with just a hint of a smile.” I have been to Mexico, a beautiful place, though I didn’t make it to Guadalajara” Confessed Dat.
Dat smiled, “You don’t play Springball by chance?” Said Dat with a sly grin.
“Gee, no I don't," said Sebastian. “But I’m open to learning.” Added Sebastian.
Dat smiled at hearing that Sebastian was willing to learn to play Springball. “Well on that note, I must be off, I have to get my physical done. See you later.” Said Dat as he bound out the door.
Sebastian was excited, he made a new friend, he then went into his bedroom and began recording a message for his family.