Fiction: Seems Like Only Yesterday

Article by R. K. Wigal

      The captain sat in his ready room, staring at the delicately wrapped package on his lap. It was his birthday and he reflected on his life; a life that began as a 17 year-old enlistee and progressed to the captaincy. He remembered that first assignment aboard tbe USS Eclipse. He couldn't help smiling as he did so.

 

      Crewman Sam Draco, aced his preenlistment exams, both mental and physical, and he finished first in both Basic and Advanced Specialty Training. So he was given the posting of his choice. Starfleet ordinarily places enlistees where Starfleet feels they are needed. Sam chose assignment as science tech aboard the Eclipse, and he took to the labs like a Kirk takes to a Galaxy class star ship. He decided to enlist rather than to enter Starfleet Academy simply because he wanted to "get out there and explore now!"

 

      He didn't have long to wait. Eclipse was ordered to the planet Brax in the Gamma Quadrant, via the worm hole at Deep space 9. Brax had been visited earlier by a free lance archeologist named Vash. This piqued the interest of Starfleet Science. Sam Draco's interest was piqued as well.

 

      Soon, Eclipse was orbiting Brax over a suitable survey location. Captain Artemio Bonafacio appointed an away team, among whom were First Officer, Commander Viktor Lentz; Science Officer, Lieutenant Murak (Draco's immediate superior, a Vulcan); Sam Draco; several other science techs, including an attractive young Crewman named Ruth Bonner; and two Security personnel.

 

      The survey site where the away team beamed down was a veritable treasure trove, despite being overgrown with foliage. In front of them stood ruins of buildings built thousands of years in the past by a civilization quite advanced even then. There were myriad artifacts within the ruins. Outside were mineral specimens of every sort.

 

      Commander Lentz spoke, "This is far better than Starfleet anticipated. Our primary task will be to gather artifacts. That should just about fill the three days we've been allotted. I'd like to bring back some minerals as well. Any formal archeological digging will have to wait for the next mission. So, let's get to it!"

 

      Crewman Bonner spoke next, "Sir, if you'll allow me to concentrate on mineral gathering, the rest can concentrate on artifacts."

 

      "Good idea, Crewman," Lentz replied, "But be careful. We don't know what's out there."

 

      For three days, everyone gathered and catalogued everything they could. Sam Draco had a keen eye for what to collect. Early on the third day, he approached Lieutenant Murak. He held up a small crystal-like skull made of what appeared to be transparent gold. He said, "Sir, I think this will be of intrest to the Bajorans."

 

      "Indeed, Crewman. That artifact is the primary reason this mission was undertaken. I believe you will go far in Starfleet."

 

      Just then, a shrill scream shattered the calm. Sam Draco looked around to see Ruth Bonner lying on the ground nearby, struggling against a plant that had tentacled her left leg just above the ankle. He ran to her side and said, "Stay calm. I'll get you out of this." Then, shouting "Security!" A security man's phaser severed the tendril. Still, Sam couldn't remove the thing from her leg and there was raw flesh under the coil. So he cut a length of cord and applied a tourniquet above her knee. He next took two small, garnet-like spheres from Ruth's collection kit and enclosed her fingers around them. "For luck," he said.

 

      Ruth Bonner was beamed directly to Sick Bay.

 

      Sam visited Sick Bay as soon as he possibly could. "How is she, Doctor," Sam asked, worried.

 

      "Son, your tourniquet saved that girl's life!" Then, looking at he floor, Doctor Lazarou continued, "Unfortulately, I had to take her leg just below the knee. Damned poisonous devil plant!"

 

      Sam looked in on the sleeping girl. His eyes welled with tears.

 

      Later, Sam was given the unique honor of presenting the Golden Skull in person to none other than Colonel Kira Narys, Bajoran commander of Deep Space Nine; An honor he would cherish for a lifetime.

 

      His thoughts returning to the present, Captain Draco gingerly opened the package. Inside was a ring made of transparent gold and set with Bajoran Garnet. The ring fit perfectly. The accompanying note said simply, You are my life! Happy Birthday! I love you! Ruth.  P.S.  And don't call me Peg!  *grin*