The Prodigal Scientist Returns

Posted on 05 Nov 2025 @ 3:36pm by Lieutenant Albert Spangler

1,198 words; about a 6 minute read

Mission: Shakedown
Timeline: Prior to Departing SB 375

The shuttle began to slow as it neared it's final destination at Starbase 375. Senior Cadet Samuel Hooper moved forward as the station came into view his eyes wide as he stared out from the cockpit. The view was truly incredible; Starbase 375 managing to dwarf the massive ships docked around her, framed by the beauty of deep space. The young man's reaction was in stark contrast to Lieutenant Commander Albert Spangler, who let out a strained sigh as his eyes locked on the Cygnus. Despite the massive overhaul, he instantly recognized his former vessel. The wave of emotion that spread over Albert caught him by surprise. He wasn't exactly thrilled for this assignment to begin with, but the reality of his return was finally sinking in. 

"Look at that, Professor.." Cadet Hooper turned back, a child-like wonder in his eyes that made Albert feel old. "Have you ever seen anything so amazing?"

Albert's gaze shifted to his assistant, eyebrow razed as a number of responses fluttered through his mind. The blank, somewhat dreary expression was replaced with something adjacent to kindness. "Yea, Sam.. I have. It.. uh, can't say you get used to it." Spangler took in the cadet, who had returned his attention to the view. I hope you never lose that spirit, Spangler thought. 

The shuttle went through the typical docking procedures, and the two were promptly escorted through the starbase to the awaiting Cygnus. They had arrived just prior to the ship's scheduled departure, leaving no time to lose. The academic and his eager companion both took their places on the transporter pads. Hooper beamed (no pun intended) with excitement at the prospect of being via transporter for the first time, while Spangler inwardly dreaded the unnatural process; he hated that weird tingly feeling after. He nodded reluctantly to the crewman at the controls, sending them to their awaiting task.

The familiar hum of the transporter pad filled the room as the shimmering blue light began to coalesce into two distinct figures. Captain Bane stood tall, his hands clasped behind his back, the crisp lines of his uniform immaculate as ever. His sharp eyes softened slightly as the forms of Lieutenant Commander Albert Spangler and Senior Cadet Samuel Hooper solidified before him.

The transporter effect faded, leaving Spangler and Hooper blinking under the bright lights of the room. Spangler instinctively brushed his uniform, as if to shake off the residual tingling sensation he loathed. Hooper, meanwhile, looked around in awe, his excitement barely contained.

Captain Bane stepped forward, a rare smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.

"Albert Spangler," he said, his voice deep and steady, "I never thought I'd see the day you'd set foot on the Cygnus again." Bane extended a hand, and Spangler took it. The handshake lingered a moment longer than protocol required, an unspoken acknowledgment of shared history.

"It's good to have you back," Bane said, his tone warm. "The old girl’s been through a lot since you left, but she’s still got a lot of life left in her.  

"Captain Bane.. It's good to see you again, Sir. I hadn't expected to be back here either, but uh.. well. You know me, always eager to follow orders." Spangler replied with a smirk, gesturing to Hooper. 

Before he could introduce the man, the Senior Cadet snapped to attention with a sharp salute. "Senior Cadet Hooper, reporting as ordered, Sir!" 

Spangler's mouth hung slightly as he stared at his travel companion with a raised eyebrow and slightly tilted head. The shred of comfort Albert had begun to let in quickly was replaced with a mix of embarrassment and mild annoyance. Locking eyes with Hooper, Al raised his hand slightly, mouthing the words, "Dude.. chill."

Albert turned back to the Captain, his smirk returning. "That's Hooper. He's my Teacher's Aide. He uh.. makes a decent cup of coffee. And.. that thing he just did."

Bane was amused; he couldn’t help it. “Yeah, that thing…” Bane said, trailing off, ignoring the Cadet completely. The Captain then noticed the rank on Spanglers collar. “Oh, and you are a Lieutenant Commander now! Congratulations, Commander!” Plase meant it, too. Spangler wasn’t a conventional officer, more like one that would slide under the sensor sweep every chance he got. Whatever he was doing now must have agreed with him. “Tell me how that happened, and don’t spare the details.

"I suppose the Academy has been good for me. Something about 'Those who can't..' or however the saying goes." Albert couldn't help but grin, thinking about all that had transpired since the last time he stood aboard the Cygnus. "But.. Thank you. Teaching Plebes basic chemistry showed me how little the practical aspect of the science is focused on, rather than just the academic. I suggested a few changes to the curriculum, which led to a couple advisory roles, and now.. Head of the newly formed Office of Applied Research Integration." Spangler shrugged, before continuing. "I completed my PhD somewhere in the process as well. A couple promotions. It's all a bit of blur. Rather dull in comparison to my former job.. but at least at the Academy I've only almost died once.." Albert turned slightly, just enough to direct a look towards the cadet out of the corner of his eye. 

Hooper hung his head slightly, mumbling softly. "Sorry, Professor.."

Spangler turned his attention back to the Captain. "Well, anyway. I, uh, we, have made some significant strides in the short time our little research group has been stood up. That's why we are here, more or less. See a bit of our work in action, besides seeing what the most recently rebuilt ship in the entire fleet can do." Albert looked around with raised eyebrows. "I like what you did with the place. I noticed on the way in the new paint job; the change from ocean grey to military grey is quite nice. Something they should have done a long time ago."

“Glad you approve, Commander,” Bane said, though secretly, he preferred he ocean grey color. Starfleet was not a military organization, and hated that events in the last 25 years dictated Starfleet took that stance more than exploration nowadays. “I tell you, I am incredibly proud of you.” Bane looked to the Cadet for the first time. “Did you know I have known Commander…er, Professor Spangler since he was an Ensign?” Without waiting for a response, he turned back to Spangler. “Come on, I have a lot to show you. And I want to introduce you to Lieutenant Lagnas.” 

"Lead the way, Captain.." Spangler replied with a weak smile. The Captain's praise was kind, but in Albert's mind it only added to the unbalanced mix of emotions to his return. Standing onboard the mighty Cygnus again, it was hard to properly reconcile the mix of regret, pride and unforgiving hindsight that filled him. He wondered how many people still remembered him, and how many fewer remembered him fondly. Oh well. "..Glad to be back."

OFF

Bane Plase, Captain
USS Cygnus, Commanding

And

Lieutenant Commander Albert Spangler, PhD
Deparment Head, Office of Applied Research Integration
Starfleet Academy

 

 

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