Voyagers: SS Pegasus

by Zarek Dragon

Assisted by Douglas DD

Thursday, 3 April 2127

Medical Bay ~ 1150

Dr. Landon Carey began the meeting ten minutes early, or by Sooloo standards, on time. "I was expecting our captain to be here, but…"

Jordan walked in at that time, "Sorry for the delay. I was talking with one of the parents on board."

"Only ten seconds late by your standard," Dr. Carey grinned, "and we just began." Landon turned back toward his staff. "I am Dr. Landon Carey. I have been practicing medicine for over five years, starting in the Explorer Program. After completing my medical training, I was transferred and became the SS Galileo's Chief Medical Officer when her Chief Medical Officer transferred to the SS Heinlein.

"When I transitioned out, I worked on the SS Abraham Lincoln. Then I was recruited, with permission from my captain, to be the Chief Medical Officer aboard the Pegasus."

Dr. Carey nodded to Dr. Tanner Fagg. He stood up and introduced himself, "I am Dr. Fagg, and no, I am not gay. I come from Riverside, Iowa, hometown of the fictional character James T. Kirk.

"I had been practicing medicine for four years, also starting in the Explorer Program. I just recently transitioned out, and this is my first ship in the regular fleet. Dr. Carey asked me to be his Ass't Medical Officer."

"I am Dr. Finn Rolen, and before anyone asks, yes, I am the great-great grandson of the famous ball player, Scott Rolen. I had a private practice in St. Louis before my son's mother died. We were planning our wedding when she fell asleep at the wheel and drove into the Missouri River.

"Then I joined Space Fleet for a new start. I had been at Space Fleet Medical in Vegas for the last two years. When the Pegasus was built, I requested a transfer."

The person beside Rolen wasn't sure if he should stand up and introduce himself until Landon gave him a nod. "I am Lieutenant JG Quinton McCoy. I am the Head Nurse. Though Dr. McCoy was a fictional character, he is why I got started into medicine."

The next two stood up together, "I am Phoenix, and this is my younger brother Quinn. Our last name is Niarhanin. We are both nurses. Anything I should add, Quinn?"

"Just that we joined Space Fleet under the Buddy Program so that we can always serve together," Quinn answered. They sat down.

The next officer stood up. "My name is Mackenzie Roberts, but most people call me Mack. I am also a nurse. I don't have much to tell about myself, except I have a son, and his name is Kevin. I have the same last name as the Barbie doll and come from the same town as she supposedly came from."

"I am Jim Taylor…" the young man began.

Jordon interrupted him, "I'm guessing Jamie Taylor in the Science Department is your sister."

"Twin sister," Jim replied, "to be precise. I am a medical technician, so I will be one of the officers managing all the blood work and other lab work."

"Before you ask, Captain, Damion is my older brother. We also joined under Space Fleet's Buddy Program. My name is Connor Patrick, and I am also a medical technician."

"Thank you all for introducing yourselves, I am Captain Jordan Rivers. My husband is my First Officer, Jason Blackwell, but I call him Jace. You may come to me if you ever need to talk but keep the formalities to when needed. As I told another department, we are a family. I will leave you so Dr. Carey can discuss the plans for crew physicals as they board."

"Thank you, Captain," Landon responded. "Quinton, would you like to take your nurses for their own meeting, or do you want to sit in on this one, and have it after?"

"After this works for me," Nurse McCoy agreed.

Mess Conference Room ~ 1220

Since it was lunch time, Kash decided to have the Operations' meeting in the Mess Conference Room. He and Mason decided to have Swedish meatballs with fettuccini. Jordan ate lasagna. Other than he couldn't taste any shimmy, it tasted almost as good as what he remembered of Randy's.

The other officers ordered their food and then introduced themselves while waiting for it to be delivered. "I am Mason Rivers-Brooks, and yes, Kash is my husband. That doesn't mean I get any special privileges, except when we are in our quarters." Mason wiggled his eyebrows, causing the other officers to laugh.

"I am James Ryker. Mason and I are of the same rank, so I was surprised when I was offered the Ass't Chief of Operations over him. Kash, Mason and I discussed it, and we agreed that it would be better for me to be the Assistant. I was planning to get married in a few days, but Cody and I decided to put off the wedding. I didn't think it would be fair to marry him and then leave for space."

Jordon felt a need to interject, "You are aware that the Pegasus was built with families in mind? If you and he want to get married, he can come with you."

James smiled, "I did not know that. What if we didn't marry right away, but got married in space? Cody has a dream of getting married in space."

"Space Fleet Regulations state that only immediate family members may stay on board, however, at the discretion of your captain, exceptions can be made for fiancés. I would suggest talking with your captain." Jordan then pointed at himself.

"I'll be sure to do that," James smiled.

"Just talk to Cody," Jordan averred. "If he wants to come onboard and get married, I'll approve it."

"I am a Jinzo model android," Zack Kohl informed everyone. "I was given the opportunity to select my appearance, name, and what I wanted to be. Admiral Crusoe informed me, that was some of the conditions he offered when given my schematics."

"I am pleased that he's keeping his promise," Jordan declared. "Although I was sure he would, it's nice knowing that he followed through."

"I chose Kohl, as that is the last name of Jinzo, and his creator," Zack continued. "Zack was a random choice, but I like it. I am programmed to fill any position on the ship and thus chose to be in Operations. I was offered a Chief Operations position, but I heard so many good things about the Sooloo crew, that I wanted to be an officer aboard Captain Rivers' ship."

Jordan laughed, "If I thought you were capable of it, I would think you were sucking up."

Kevin Massey stood up, "I am Ensign Kevin Massey, a recent graduate of the Academy. I'm hoping to learn a lot that they don't teach in the Academy."

"I graduated from the Academy in the previous class, but this will be my first ship to serve on. My name is Troy Ewing."

"Since my last name is Cooper, my parents decided to name me after the boy who played Sheldon Cooper in the old video Young Sheldon. Though it is pronounced the same as Ian, I do have an extra 'i' in my name, just like Iain Armitage did. I graduated with Kevin Massey and am also hoping to learn a lot."

Iain Cooper no sooner finished, and everyone's food started to be served. Everyone chatted and got to know each other. Jordan and Kash thought this was a great way to utilize the mealtime.

Holodeck Four ~ 1300

Tactical and Security were the last departments to hold their meeting. Aiden had requested this, and that they meet in one of the holodecks so they could train as part of the meeting. The Pegasus will have six holodecks, once the other five are finished. Only Holodeck Four was completed and functional. At 1300, one officer had not arrived yet. Jordan scowled at Aiden and wondered if maybe the officer needed replaced. Aiden kind of shrugged his shoulders, not sure what to think.

At 1301, Kaiden Fisher entered the Holodeck. He looked distraught as he apologized. "I'm sorry I am late, it's not normal for me."

"We'll discuss it after the meeting," Aiden ordered.

"I really need to explain, Sir," Kaiden declared. "My ex-wife was in a fatal car accident. She had custody of our son, and…"

"Your ex was in the accident, was your son with her?" Aiden questioned in a calmer, more caring voice.

"Fortunately, no. Her car was totally destroyed. No one walked away from that."

"Where is your son?" Jordan asked.

"He's waiting in the corridor."

"You can either bring him in, or skip this meeting," Aiden offered. Jordan nodded his head to show agreement.

Kaiden went to the door and talked with his son for a few minutes. The boy grabbed his hand and walked into the meeting, sitting in one of the seats. "This is Jaiden. Jenny and I had him when we were sixteen."

"I'm sorry about your loss," Jordan offered.

"I'm not," Jaiden laughed. "I'll be thirteen in August, so I asked Dad to file for a custody hearing. I wanted to live with him. Mom was a horrible person, and the hearing was supposed to be tomorrow, but as usual, she went and got drunk, then plowed her car into a redwood at 241.31 kph (140 mph). Don't get me wrong, I'm not happy that she's gone, but I don't feel a loss either. She made my life miserable, and she died by her own stupidity. I'm just glad she didn't take anyone else with her."

Jordan didn't know what else to say, so he just replied, "I see."

"When he asked me to file for custody," Kaiden added, "he told me that she strip-searched him every night before bed. Now that he's going through puberty and turning into a teenager, he didn't like it."

Jordan nodded, "I can understand that, and welcome aboard."

"Thank you, Captain," Jaiden responded.

One of the other officers stood up, "I'm Paris Rome, my parents thought having two cities for my name was cute. I don't know what they were smoking." He laughed, then looked at Jaiden, "I'm sorry to hear what you've been through. No child should have to go through that, especially by their mother."

"Thanks, but I think my life has drastically improved."

"Because it has. When I was an ensign," Lieutenant JG Kim Jung-Li explained, "I served under your father in Base Security. He is a good man, and shared everything he could about you. He truly loves you."

With a look of recognition, Kaiden stated, "Kim, I thought I recognized you."

"I never met your father until now, but I heard stories. I'm Ensign Austin Carter, a recent Academy Grad."

"Matai Esupii, though it's Japanese, it has been westernized, so my surname is Esupii. Welcome to the Pegasus, Jaiden." Chad Stenhouse also welcomed Jaiden, making him feel happy to be on the ship with his dad.

Jordan sat back and watched while Aiden continued the meeting. He watched Jaiden listening with earnest. He thought That boy will make a fine officer someday, probably in Tactical and Security. He decided to talk more with him after the meeting, while the officers were training.

Jaiden ~ 1400

After the meeting, Jordan asked if Jaiden's belongings were taken to his quarters. "No, we were rushing to get to the meeting," Kaiden replied.

"Then, would you mind if I took him to get them? I'd like to have a chat with him, with your permission, of course."

"A Captain asking a Junior Officer for permission," Kaiden smiled. "Don't get me wrong, I clearly understand it is because he is MY son, but it just seems funny. Of course, you may. Do you mind if I ask what you wish to chat about?"

"I noticed him paying close attention when Aiden was speaking, and if he has an interest in Space Fleet, I'd like to help him achieve his goal."

"Ahhh, he's been debating about joining Space Fleet ever since Jennifer and I divorced. She didn't want to be married to a guy going away all the time, especially if he might serve aboard a ship, which was always my goal."

"I guess that would make things difficult for him."

Kaiden remarked, "It's his decision, and I support him no matter what he decides. All I want is for him to be happy."

Jaiden and Jordan walked to the Shuttle Bay and talked. Jaiden claimed that part of him really wanted to join Space Fleet, seeing how happy his dad is, but it also scared him. "Your dad told me why you're not sure. I can tell you; Space Fleet is where I met my husband. You may or may not find someone in Space Fleet, but you will find someone, eventually, if you want to. And ships are being made more family friendly, which is why you're able to be here with your dad."

"I'll have to think about it, but I am leaning toward going to the Academy after I finish school. I know I can go now, but I need the time with my dad."

Jordan clasped his hand on Jaiden's shoulder and remarked, "That is totally understandable. So, did your mom really strip search you every night?"

"She claimed she was making sure I wasn't taking drugs to my room. It didn't bother me much as a kid, but once I hit ten, I didn't like it. I felt embarrassed and violated."

Jordan looked confused, "She was checking you for drugs as a kid?"

"That was her claim, but I think she was making sure I didn't take a comm to bed so I could talk with Dad."

"That makes more sense," Jordan concurred.

Shuttle Bay ~ 1430

Jaiden and Jordan walked into the Shuttle Bay, but what Jordan saw startled him. The huge Shuttle Bay door going into space were open. "How are the doors open and we are able to breathe?" he asked.

"Do you see that blue glow around the door, Sir?" Petty Officer James asked. Jordan nodded, and he proceeded, "That is a force field. The Pegasus is the first ship to have one installed. It is attuned to the harmonics of the shuttles' shields so they can pass through, but nothing else can."

Jaiden asked "So, you no longer have to compress and decompress the Bay for a shuttle to fly in or out?"

"That is correct, young man," the petty officer replied.

"Cool," Jordan smiled. Then, Jaiden grabbed his stuff and Jordan led him to Kaiden's quarters.

Sunday, 6 April 2127

Vegas Base Grounds ~ 0930

It was the Sunday after Easter. The sun was shining, and Space Fleet decided to have a cook off between several of the cooking staff officers aboard ships and the infamous civilian chef at the base. There would be five rounds of five distinct cultures: American, French, Italian, Chinese and Sweden. There were nine ships involved, including the SS Pegasus, and then Randy Jenkins. Through each of the first four rounds, four judges graded each contestant with a one to ten and couldn't give the same score to two people. So, while one chef must get a score of one, it doesn't mean he's a bad cook. For the last round, it was just the two with the highest score, and they were graded by the judges and the other eight contestants.

For the first round, which was American, many of the chefs prepared a cheeseburger and French fries. Those that did received the lowest scores. Randy prepared barbeque chicken with watermelon and apple pie. He was given a ten by three of the judges and a nine by the fourth. Gianin Sallenbach prepared ribs with American potato salad and peach pie. He received three nines and a ten.

The second round was French. Randy prepared boeuf bourguignon. This time, he received two tens and two nines. Everyone was cheering him on as he was the favorite to win. Gianin prepared escargots de Bourgogne. Two of the judges were surprised that he incorporated snail into his dish. They gave him tens for that as well as making a delicious meal with them. The other two gave him nines.

The third round was Italian. Randy made his lasagna, but was not allowed to use shimmy, as that could be seen as an unfair advantage. He was shocked and upset when he only received one ten and the rest were nines. Gian prepared Cacio e Pepe, considered one of the hardest Italian dishes to properly make. His turned out perfect, yet only received three tens and an eight.

After the first three rounds, Randy had a total score of 114 while Gian had a total score of 113. The other chefs would need all four tens to even be close to those two, so they bowed out, cancelling the fourth round.

The fifth round was Swedish. Since Gianin was born and raised in Sweden, he thought he would have an unfair advantage over Randy. Rather than take that advantage, he gracefully conceded, allowing Randy to be the winner. Randy walked over to him, "You know, you probably would have beaten me, but I think what you did was honorable."

"I can make some killer Swedish dishes, so yeah, I might have, but I didn't want to win unfairly. From what I have heard, you may still have won."

"I was planning gravlax and meatballs," Randy declared. "How about you?"

"Gravlax and meatballs are really good, but I would have made Kroppkakor."

Randy pondered, "Never heard of it. How do you make it?"

Since they had the ingredients, Gianin showed Randy how to make it. After it had completed cooking, Randy tried a bite. "Oh wow! Oh Wow!!! You definitely would have beaten me with this."

"And you had never heard of it, so I would have won unfairly in my book."

"Either way, whenever you are on Earth, I hope you feel welcome to join me in the base kitchen."

"I will definitely take you up on that offer," Gianin smiled, and they shook hands. With an evil glint in his eyes, he added, "And I hope to try YOUR Kroppkakor."

Next Chapter

Chapter Four: Finalization

End Notes:

This is currently incomplete and as the remaining Bios are written, they will be added.

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