Gladiolus: Crafting a Challenge

Posted on Thu Mar 21st, 2024 @ 7:38am by Lieutenant Percival Bálor Ph.D & Lieutenant Zero

2,709 words; about a 14 minute read

"Zero," called out Percy as he exited the turbolift in pursuit of the Ontario's Chief Operations Officer. "Wait up. Lieutenant!" proclaimed Percy as he made it round the corner and tried to catch his breath bracing himself against a bulkhead. He had been trying to catch up to Zero the moment he had caught a glimpse of him several decks ago. The former Borg was always on the move, always doing something, and being as efficient as ever. Percy rested for a moment then scurried up to the man who had clearly stopped upon hearing the request.

Percy looked at Zero and prefaced his request simply. "I need your help" he said. Percy and zero were not two that interacted much outside of the the workplace, ship talk, and briefings. They had been on a shuttle mission together before, but the two officers did not 'socialize' as it were. They were not what Percy would label as friends; however, he did not disklike Zero like he did Amanda. Zero never did anything to him.

Zero stopped in his place and turned around just in time to catch Percy holding onto the bulkhead. With a raised brow Zero asked in his cold tone. "Lieutenant Balor? Clearly you have not been utilizing the gymnasium on board the ship. Perhaps, you must make a scheduled stop to work on your cardio. Should you be on an away team, and we are given the order to flee, I fear for your safety." The Liberated Borg took a few seconds to allow Percy to catch his breath before hearing his plea for help. "How may I assist you, Lieutenant?"

"It's my psychological state you need to worry about, not my physical" teased Percy echoing Amanda's constant badgering. "I'll be fine Zero. I just am a little out of shape. I actually am trying to make some improvements to myself and needs your assistance. Don't get all nanoprobe excited though, I'm not looking to get assimilated"

Percy smiled a little. "I need your mind. I want to start working on myself professionally. I need help preparing for a bridge commanders exam, but I don't want to use one of the standard practice programs. I want to be completely in the dark, not know what I'll face. I need someone like you to design or alter a program."

Zero raised a brow, caught off guard by the request, before replying back in a matter of fact tone. "While I commend you for your decision to take the bridge commanders exam, I believe it is in error." He stood up straight and looked at Percy in a manner that could only be considered firm. "Setting aside my experience in Security and Tactical, as well a the knowledge I have retained from the Borg regarding other species and their tactical strategies, you may want o reconsider your request." He paused slightly, which was uncommon for him, as he couldn't help but be overwhelmed by a feeling. One of discomfort. Discomfort because his words may hurt Percy in some way. "Furthermore, your constant need to prove your theories, as well as your habit of breaking protocol to do so, only point out you may not be ready for such responsibilities. While your skills in the sciences are outstanding, Lieutenant Bálor, you lack the mental disciple to put others over yourself and that may prove dangerous to those under you."

The Borg stood there quietly, staring at Percy without emotion, as if waiting for something or processing things in his mind. Before Percy could respond, Zero raised his hand in front of him and continue. "However, as your crewmate, I believe it is my duty to help you overcome these flaws and develop the necessary mental disciple you may require in order to achieve your goal and pass the requirements to become a bridge commander. Should you still feel my help is required, for this task, I will assist you." He seemed to pause, almost hesitant. "However, I have a condition."

Percy was ready for this. Though he was more prepared to face it from Amanada Rose rather than Zero, but he did not blame Zero for pointing out and highlighting his flaws. "Go ahead, give me your condition, Zero but I have some things to say to you."

The Chief Science Officer gave his uniform a swift tug and straightened his posture. "You may not be here if not for me," Percy delivered without mincing words. "Disabled on a shuttle with everything shutting down and fried, I did everything I could to assess the situation and get you back to the Ontario, not because I was putting myself above others."

He then swallowed what felt like a knot in his throat. "My seeking to prove theories or make advancements on my projects are more than trying to gain recognition in my field. If anyone bothered around here to actually look into my little Science experiments other than Commander Vetur, you would all know several of my projects are to cure illnesses or increase sustainability on dying worlds."

"Lastly," prefaced Percy with breath, "When Haruna had her meltdown and was alluding security, I came up with a strategy, a plan to immobilize her and prevent further damage to this starship or threat to the crew. I had to use a gaseous cocktail to knock out someone I consider a sister to me. So, I would appreciate if people stop pissing on my leg and telling me it's raining."

Zero's eyes never wavered. His expression never changed. He just looked at Percy and waited for him to finish before taking a step to him and standing tow to toe with him. "And that, Lieutenant, is exactly why I feel you are not ready for such a responsibility. Your eagerness to throw your victories, no matter how insignificant they are to the situation, only proves you seek recognition and admiration more than professional responsibility. You lack humility and, the pride which you boldly display, has the potential to make put everyone around you. I do not question your science. I question you ability to others above yourself." The Borg stood there quietly before adding softly. "Now that this exchange of words have concluded... are you prepared to hear my condition, Lieutenant?"

"Yes, Zero, I am" Percy replied with a nod. "And I won't hold it against you for having absolutely no faith in me. I think it's the lack of humanity that prevents you from seeing beyond the equations and numerics."

Zero's eyes remained focused before they broke for a brief moment. It was as if Percy had unknowingly opened a door Zero was about to open himself. "When I came onboard the Ontario I meet a female officer. You may have described her as attractive and easy going. I, being a former Borg and lacking the humanity you speak of, did not take her appearance or attitude into account. I only saw someone who did not treat me like an emotionless being or a stand in for the Borg who took away a loved one. Needless to say I became quite attached to her presence. I believe you would say I was fond of her or I was in love. I cannot explain because I lack the emotional experience and knowledge to determine such a thing. However, our interactions were also based on something else. Dhalia..." He seemed to pause. Perhaps hesitant to refer to her by her first name only and not rank. Perhaps, simply bringing up her name, brought out a feeling that Zero was not prepared for or had yet to understand. A painful one. "First Lieutenant Aker was helping me understand my emotions. Helping me with my individuality. Teaching me to have... humanity as you said."

He took a step back, looking down slightly, before locking his eyes with Percy again as he spoke in a soft tone. "In my observations of you, Lieutenant Bálor, I have discovered that you are a person who does not retract from his emotions. You... what is the phrase? You wear your emotions on your sleeves? Needless to say, you know more about being an individual than I shall ever know." Zero paused again, this time looking down, as he revealed in a subtle way his slight embarrassment to what he was about to propose. When his eyes meet with Percy's again he said. "I wish for you to continue to teach me how to be an individual and about my emotions." A slight smile formed, but it soon went away, as his face returned to the familiar emotionless one. "You need not worry, Lieutenant. A friendship is not required or expected for this request."

"You already have my friendship you sorry sack of nanoprobes," quipped Percy. "Dhalia and I became friends quickly and I can see why you'd become acquainted."

Percy could work with this. "If you are willing to help me with preparing for this examination, I'll be more than willing to help you let your hair down once in a while and embrace humanity."

Zero raised a brow, instinctively placing his hands on his head, feeling it slightly as he asked. "Is my hair not loose and in a down position?"

"It is," Percy replied with a snort. "It's an expression from Earth. It means being comfortable, relaxed, no as... professional. I'll try to adjust my vocabulary to enhance the proficiency of our communication."

Zero nodded his head before replying softly. "And I shall attempt to be less of a... sorry sack of nanoprobes."

Percy smiled. "And I'll try my best to not be such a tender loin, but you aren't as bad as I accused you of being. I am part Tellarite after all. We are argumentative, debating, and hot-headed if the stereotypes fit, and yes, I am full of pride. I kind of learned to be from an early age but when everyone tries to tell you that you aren't good enough... I get defensive."

The Liberated Borg raised a brow in, what could only be described as, confusion. "I meant no disrespect or offense towards you or your species when I gave you my analysis. I was merely stating my own observations to your characteristics and applying them to the criteria set forth by Starfleet Command when determining the pass to fail ratio when it comes to the Bridge Commanders Examination." Zero paused for a moment, before adding. "If it is any comfort, Lieutenant... I did also state that these characteristics could be adjusted and I was willing to help you in achieving your goal in passing said exam. I am... confident are capable of passing. It will only take hard work and your capability of containing your pride. Failing at a task does not mean you are not good enough. The fact you continue too push on and make further attempts only speaks to your determination and good character. A lesser being would have stopped after one attempt and their fear of failing would keep them from trying again."

"I appreciate that, Zero. I need to be able to pass that exam if I'm going to qualify for a command position in the future. I don't want to just be thrown into a command position because of worse case scenarios temporarily. I want the crew...minus Amanda Rose of course to trust me if I'm in command for any reason."

Zero nodded back at his friend. He never thought of Percy as a friend. Their interactions were always few and far between, but he also got the impression, Percy was either intimidated by Zero's retained knowledge or just couldn't help but feel above him because he was always raised to think that way. Or maybe it was just because Percy was a Tellerite and they were known to be difficult by nature. Regardless, a small amount of what could only be described as comfort came over him. Although he still missed Dhalia, Percy was the best person to help Zero learn how to be more of an individual.

"I require an honest answer, Lieuten-" Zero stopped abruptly before dropping the formality and just referring to the by his first name since they were now classified as friends. "Percy? Are you absolutely certain you wish for me to setup the program to help you with the bridge exam and be given no prior knowledge to what this program will entail prior to starting it?"

Percy sighed "Yes," he said quickly. "Because if it's not you, I have to wait to see if Haruna ends up returning to her duties on the Ontario. Even if she does, I prefer you do this. If I ask Haruna to do it then, my program plot will toss me onto the bridge of some old starship with a Japanese name and a very animated crew of holograms, the mission would probably have to do with something cute or furry and I'd have to host a diplomatic tea ceremony during yuletide."

Zero raised a brow again. Perhaps his interpretation of slang was incorrect as Percy seemed to use it commonly. "I do not believe the holodeck can accurately produce character in an animated style, Percy."

"Animated as in full of life or excitement something lively," explained Percy. "Though don't put it past Haruna not to mess around with the holodeck to create a 2-dimensional simulation" added the Chief Science Officer. "And probably centered around some angsty half-Klingon named Mo'cha Latte" he sighed.

"I do not believe Mo'cha is a Klingon name or word, Percy. Perhaps you mean 'Mok'tah' which implies a bad match or unacceptable pair." Zero said, in a surprisingly accurate Klingon accent.

Percy smirked. "Yeah, Haruna is just a bit different than either of us. She thinks differently, acts differently. Again, thank you for helping me with this, Zero. When you have a program crafted for me, just let me know. I'm going to start studying more too when I can."

"I shall relay the accomplishment of the program as soon as it is together, Percy." Zero replied. As he turned around to walk away, he stopped, turning back to the half Tellarite to ask without hesitation. "Lieutenant... what do you fear most?"

"Losing Lieutenant Commander Ra-Gruvloveii," said Percy. That came easier to say than anything because it was true. "He means everything to me. I'd give all of it up for him if I needed to."

Zero seemed to pause, running this thoughts internally, before replying in his usual quick tone. "I will have to remember that for you program. A proper assessment of your ability to command would be to test how you react to something you fear. Whether you take a logical path or an emotional one can determine how you might lead should such a thing occur while you are in command." He tilted his head slightly, the mechanical irises in his eyes rotating slightly, as he began to speak again. "For me, I fear, being brought back into the Collective. Becoming a part of the Borg Hive Mind again and no longer having my individuality. In a moment like that I am capable of anything. Even harming people I care about." He paused slightly, as if speaking about it brought up another interesting conclusion. "You fear losing someone you care about. I fear the same thing, only for me, it is more of being responsible for the lose. Does this make me weak or a bad officer?"

Percy smiled and took a deep breath. "No, Zero. I think what that makes you is human, or whatever it is that you are. It does not make you a bad or a weak officer." Lieutenant Bálor looked at Zero. "You might just be a good friend too" added Percy.

Zero looked at Percy firmly before nodding his head slightly to reply. "Thank you, Lieute-" He did as best he could to smile in return and continued. "Thank you... Percy."

Lieutenant Percival Bálor
Chief Science Officer
USS Ontario

&

Lieutenant Zero
Chief Operations Officer/Resident Liberated Borg
USS Ontario

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