For Every Closed Door, The Fleet Opens A Window

Posted on 10 May 2024 @ 7:47am by Lieutenant Albert Spangler

1,181 words; about a 6 minute read

Mission: Enigma Variations
Location: USS Cygnus
Timeline: Last Shoreleave

Alright y'all, I apologize for this incredibly backdated post. Pretend I put this out before the current mission. The sheer fact it took me so long to do this is the exact reason I wrote it in the first place. I'll be around around from time to time still, so you ain't gotten rid of me just yet.


ON:

The animated Starfleet logo shifted slightly back and forth, just enough to show that someone had taken the time to make it slightly more than a still image. It’s the thought that counts, Spangler told himself silently as he stared at the view screen. He almost smiled, who ever came up with that probably received a medal for ‘invaluable services to the fleet’ or something similarly fluffy. Albert doubted this call with Rear Admiral Rothenhaus he was now sitting on hold for would be for such fluff. The Chief Science Officer sighed outwardly this time, embracing the cheerfully gyrating logo as the closest thing he could have as a friend while he waited for the Director of Applied Research to answer.

The walls were boring, his office was boring. Albert took in the room as though it were the first and last time; he’d never decorated, assuming it would only be a temporary home. Spangler had been beginning to feel like maybe he could really make a run at this gig, maybe he did have a place in the fleet after all. But now, the honest side of the man made him recollect on the numerous shortcomings in his life and how it’d be imprudent to hold his breath. His mind spiraled as he thought about all the possible outcomes he could be facing, closing his eyes and leaning his head back in an effort to go blank.

“Lieutenant Spangler, I apologize for my tardiness. I was called in last moment by Adm...” The Flag Officer trailed off with raised eyebrows. “…Are you alright, Spangler?” Rothenhaus looked off-screen briefly, wondering if his screen was frozen.

Crap. Albert’s eyes popped open; great timing, Al, way to make an impression. He slowly looked at the screen in the antithesis of anticipation. “Yes, Sir. Fine. Just.. uh. Stretching. No problem at all, Admiral.” Spangler hesitated while he grasped for words, “How.. are you?”

Admiral Rothenhaus recovered quicker than the officer five grades his junior. “I’m well, Lieutenant.” Better than you, he thought. “Take a breath, Al. Your file says you go by Al, if you don’t mind me using the more familiar term.”

“Yes.. that’s right. And.. yes, that’s fine.” My file? He wasn’t sure what was more concerning, the Admiral reading such a document, or that is was detailed enough to include nicknames.

“Al it is then.” Rothenhaus said with a grin, “Speaking of your file, I’ve found it to be an interesting read. Your name has come to my attention on a number of occasions, for a number of reasons. I’ve spoke to your chain of command, your instructors at the Academy, even some of your peers.” The Director of Research’s face stiffened slightly before continuing, “I have an idea about what you are, but I’m still not sure what to make of it.”

Spangler’s heart sank slightly, despite his efforts at anticipating bad news. “Well, Sir. I’m a scientist. Maybe- maybe I’m not always sure what to make of that. But, I’ve always…” Albert couldn’t make himself say ‘done my best’ with a straight face, but he continued anyway, “Made the most of what I had.”

The Admiral nodded. “Sometimes that is all that there is. To be blunt, you are not the proto-typical Starfleet Officer. Some of the things I’ve read and been told, well, would naturally raise eyebrows in our organization. Personally, I think that is part of the problem.” He paused, reading the Lieutenant’s face. “Let me get to the point. I am firmly in the belief that we as on organization have too long focused our training, especially those in the Sciences to match that ideal Starfleet image. I think we have an opportunity to change that. I’m establishing the Office of Research Integrity at Academy. It will be responsible for ensuring that when our Cadets hit the fleet, they understand real-world scientific endeavor, not just how to make a damned paper mache volcano. And I want you to lead it.”

The words swirled in Spangler’s mind. Research Integrity? He made no claims about his skill as an officer, but Albert took pride in his work as a scientist. He was good at that! How dare they question his integrity! Right as Al’s indignance reached a peak, the realization that the statement was a job offer rather than accusation derailed what train of thought existed. “Do what?”

“Lieutenant, I need someone who can think like a lab rat, not some diluted space adventurer.” He held up the PaDD with Spangler’s details. “I’m confident which you are, for better or worse. I’m also confident you’re the right man at the right time, for once in your life.”

Albert’s mind raced. His entire career up until this point had been mired by a menagerie of self-inflicted faults, personality flaws and the occasional disaster. Here was the opportunity to put all that behind him, and now he was beginning to feel some sentimentality for the Cygnus. Albert had been genuinely feeling like he might be able to salvage what he’d started here, but now, maybe the Admiral was right.

The Cygnus’ Science Chief was beginning to notice how often he sighed. It happened again. “When do I start?”

Later..

The brief checklist was complete. Personal effects packed and transferred off the ship. Science staff briefed and prepared for transition. Formalities with the Captain completed and hands shook. He looked down at the rank insignia Captain Plase had given him; he’d wait until he was off the ship to put them on. Spangler looked down the gangway, preparing to disembark the Cygnus one last time. He stood in the corridor, watching his soon the former crewmates pass. In the distance, he made out the smiling face of the only real friend he had made, Lisald Vaat.

The Bajoran waved in recognition, Albert smiled weakly and waved back. Maybe the checklist wasn’t complete. Albert had convinced himself that he could make a clean separation from the Cygnus, that most of the crew wouldn’t even notice he was gone. He knew that wasn’t true, but he didn’t know what to say either. Al’s smile faded, disappointing himself for not being the friend he should have been. He considered taking a detour to say goodbye to his archaeologist colleague, but Albert was never good at these things.

Albert looked away, their paths sure to cross again someday. “Take it sleazy, Vaat.” He whispered to himself before taking the walk.

OFF:
Lieutenant Albert Spangler
Director, Office of Research Integrity
Starfleet Academy

 

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