The Phaser Trials - Eager to Pass
Posted on Wed Jun 4th, 2025 @ 12:22am by Lieutenant Endymion Tox & Lieutenant Commander Anahera Chernova
1,143 words; about a 6 minute read
Mission:
Preservation Instinct
Location: Various | USS Ontario
ON:
Tox watched Flyboy go. "Well that was fun. He gets a lot better with the phaser when he's under pressure." Tox smiled. "Hello Commander. I'm Lieutenant Tox, but you already knew that." Tox smiled.
"So, Lieutenant, tell me, how do you function under pressure?" Anahera asked.
He grinned. "Well as a highly skilled Nurse well! But in this area okay." He picked up a phaser. "I dislike these things but as a member of Starfleet I know how to use them." He sighed. "So, tell me about your tests. I kind of like to know about things going into them."
"A phaser is a tool, like any other, nothing more." Anahera said. "As for the test, it consists of two parts, the first is a series of stationary targets, the second is a series of moving targets. To pass you need a score over 60% total."
He sighed. "Well! That should be great. Previous Tact required 85 percent to pass. Okay then." He Picked up a phaser. "Shall we make it interesting and start with the moving ones?"
"Fine." Anahera said. "Computer, Commence part two of the phaser qualification."
Tox grinned. He ran to the left as the light ball burst forth. It moved fast but Tox was faster he rolled left and shot. The ball registered the hit and then disappeared. A few moments later a second shot from the left right at him. He dipped backwards and shot the light. He moved like a panther jumping left, right, he moved like a trained tact/sec officer.
He grinned as the test signaled over. "Well that part was fun!" He laughed. "It's been two life times but I still go it!"
"Good work." Anahera said. "How many hosts has the Tox symbiont had?" She asked.
His smile dropped a little before it came back. "I am the seventh host. Two life times ago, Yanara Tox, now she was a sight to see. She was the equivalent of a Tact Officer, a Trill Enforcer. Loved phasers, crack shot." He sighed. "Hated doing these tests alone. Do the next one with me? We can do the stationary targets at the same time if you are open to it."
"Interesting, I haven't met a Trill Enforcer before." Anahera said. "Okay." she adds. "Computer double the number of targets for part one of the test."
Picking up a type-2 phaser, she said. "Ready when you are, Lieutenant."
Tox smiled. "Commander Chernova You are the best! If I wasn't already spoken for, well in my mind and heart, I'd kiss ya!" He grinned as he lifted his phaser. The targets appeared in random places by stationary. The whizzing of the phasers started. Shot after shot as the two of them took down target after target both well trained although Tox was a little rusty.
"I'm flattered." Anahera said as she shot another target.
He smiled. They worked through the course until both were tired and breathless. "Well! That was fun!"
"It does get the blood pumping." Anahera agreed.
He studied the new security office. "So, we're done with this. How about a coffee? I am dying to find out about this ship an crew. This is my new home and I was re-assigned rather...abruptly."
"I never say 'no' to a coffee." Anahera said with a smile. "I'll lead the way."
Tox smiled. "Okay!" They headed to the mess hall and after getting much needed caffeine filled cups of joy they found a place in the busy mess. "So then, Commander. Tell me about life on the Ontario."
"Its like most ships, we take part in missions such as diplomacy, humanitarian, and exploration." Anahera began. "As Security Chief, I'm responsible for the safety of the crew, while on the ship, or during Away Missions. I'm also a trained and experienced pilot and engineer."
"Those are all great skills to have. Have you been with the ship long?"
"About 4 years, I arrived shortly before the first CO was reassigned and Grace, Commander Vetur was placed in command." Anahera said.
Tox smiled. "Well it seems like an amazing ship." Looking around Tox thought to himself that this was home now. "I must admit I'm still a bit... disorientated here which is not usual for me. I love traveling but I think that my last ship, the Tegan, was home. I was there for almost five years. It started to feel like home and then I was reminded of how temporary things are. I am a bit...nervous about starting over."
"Travelling is part of what signed up for." Anahera said. "We go where we're needed, not always really want to." Smiling she added. "Finding somewhere where you feel at home, is just one of the perks."
He smiled a little. "Perhaps this will be home too, one day." He took a sip of his drink. "So, then. I have heard a few stories of your good Doctor. Is he as...deliciously grumpy as they say?"
"He's definitely straight forward and has a high opinion of himself." She said. "I also think, its not only his leg that makes him grumpy."
"That's alright. I'm used to bringing out the sunshine in the grump so I look forward to the challenge." Tox Grinned. "He may brig me though so...a nice cell would be appreciated." He laughed. "I can be a tad annoying."
"I'll make sure one's decorated just for you." Anahera said with a smile. "Good luck , with the Doc."
He chuckled. "Sounds like I'm going to need it. Also sounds like I've been given a new mission. De-grump the grump! I shall be famous when I succeed." He studied the woman. "So tell me more about you."
"I was born outside Odessa, Ukraine, Earth." Anahera began. "My father, Konstantin, was an engineer who had contracts with the world government, he helped build the lunar settlement that would become Armstrong City." Her voice changed, became dark. "My mother, Roimata is El-Aurian, an exobiologist and con artist. Who left us after my 15th birthday. It took 5 years for my father to drink himself to death."
"El-Aurian, I knew you felt like an old soul." He studied her. "I'm sorry about your father. It's not easy." There was a pause before he said, "Have you ever re-connected with your mother?"
"Yes, she approach my later with some sob story about not wanting to watch me age and die." Anahera said. "I turned her into the local authorities, but she used her cunning and beauty to evade arrest."
He sighed. "I'm really sorry you had to go through that." He was quiet for a moment. "It was her loss."
"Thank you, for that." Anahera said. "Family can be difficult."
He snorted. "Don't I know it!"
OFF:
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Lieutenant Commander Anahera Chernova
Chief Security/Tactical Officer
USS Ontario
&
Lieutenant Xavier
Chief Flight Control Officer
USS Ontario
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