The conference room aboard the USS Vallejo was alive with quiet conversation among the assembled senior staff as they waited for Captain Day Renora to join them with their new orders. Their murmurs ended as the door swished open and she entered from the rear starboard of the ship’s bridge, PADD in hand. Lieutenant Loran, the ship’s Orion OPS officer remained on the Bridge assuming command for the duration of the briefing.

“Thank you all for being prompt,” she began, setting her PADD down on the glossy black plaz conference table and taking her seat at its head. “Orders from Command have just come through from DS47. Our mission is to deploy a communications buoy in the Kavaria System, enhancing our long-range operations near the Cardassian border. Communication channels have been choppy in the area for a long time, and Starfleet wants to ensure our pathfinding operations and monitoring of the area can continue without incident. The last communications buoy was destroyed sometime during the Dominion War, so after almost thirty years it’s time we get it replaced.”

Commander Arjun Mehta placed his tea back on the conference table and leaned forward, his brow furrowed slightly. “The Kavaria System isn’t just remote, it’s strategically significant. Border tensions have eased, but there’s still plenty of gray area out there. This deployment is about more than clear channels. It’s about maintaining Starfleet’s presence in the region.”

Captain Day gave him a knowing look. “Exactly. We’re not expecting trouble, but this region has a history. Let’s not take anything for granted.”

Lieutenant Ilias Amir chimed in with his usual easy confidence. Even after a horrific injury that cost him an arm, Amir still acted a bit impulsively. He had recovered well and his new biosynthetic limb was just as effective as the one he was born with.

“Captain, while the buoy itself isn’t exactly a thrill ride, we could use this mission for some hands-on training. Cadet Ryan still needs practical hours for his Academy requirements. We could take a shuttle and hang back for a day or two while the Vallejo proceeds to Kavaria. We’d catch up once his drills are complete.”

Mehta nodded in agreement. “It’s a controlled setting but still far enough from home to feel real. He can work on his piloting, navigation, and some operational protocols we haven’t gotten to yet. If we don’t take these opportunities now, we’ll be cramming them into his schedule later.”

Day considered the suggestion, her gaze sharp and thoughtful. “Ryan’s grades are solid, but I agree fieldwork is where it really counts.”

Amir’s grin widened. “Let’s just say it’s better he makes his mistakes under my watch than in an active mission. Besides, he’s come a long way. It’ll give us a chance to polish the edges.”

Lieutenant Commander Bolik Rax leaned forward, his blue-skinned Bolian features stoic. “Cadet Ryan has been an exemplary trainee. His work ethic is admirable, and he’s shown adaptability under pressure. I have no doubt he’ll be a strong addition to the Vallejo as an ensign.”

Renn’s face lit up with a mischievous grin. “Yeah, if he doesn’t get himself locked in another holodeck malfunction. Last week, he triggered the wrong subroutine during a tactical scenario, and we spent fifteen minutes dodging holographic Klingon disruptor fire. He’s lucky I’ve got quick reflexes.”

The room chuckled, with even Captain Day allowing herself a small smile.

“Ensign Renn,” Mehta said suppressing a grin, “I hope you’re not exaggerating for effect.”

“Not at all, sir,” Renn replied with mock seriousness. “If anything, I’m underselling it. But don’t worry, he’s my best friend. I’m just here to make sure he stays humble. Somebody has to.”

Asha Kellan, sitting across from Amir, crossed her arms and looked pointedly at him.

“I’d be careful, Commander,” Asha said, her voice calm but carrying a hint of steel. “We don’t need Cadet Ryan learning hands-on the hard way, especially when Lieutenant Amir’s idea of training tends to be… reckless.”

There was a brief pause, the air thick with unspoken tension. Amir shot a sidelong glance at her, but the look was tempered with his usual confidence.

“Reckless?” Amir raised an eyebrow. “You make it sound like I’m putting him in danger. He’s got to experience the risks of this job before he’s put in charge of tactical decisions. You know that, Asha.”

Asha’s eyes narrowed slightly, but she kept her voice steady. “Please address me as Lieutenant… And I know that, but pushing a cadet beyond his current limits isn’t the same as pushing him to learn. Sometimes experience doesn’t come with a lesson, just consequences.”

Mehta, noticing the tension, cleared his throat. “Let’s focus on the matter at hand. We all agree that Ryan needs experience. It’s just a matter of how we get him there without any unnecessary bumps along the way.”

Valis, the stoic Vulcan Chief Engineer, spoke up, her voice neutral but firm. “I do not believe putting Cadet Ryan in a high-risk environment is wise, Lieutenant Amir. While I understand the value of experience, safety is paramount. Ensuring the proper protocols are followed is the only way to avoid catastrophic failure, whether in a tactical scenario or on a shuttlecraft.”

Dr. Pell, sitting across from Valis, shook her head, her voice a bit gruff. “I’ll second that, Lieutenant Valis. I’ve patched up enough people from Amir’s training sessions. I don’t want the Cadet in my sickbay more than necessary.”

Amir’s grin faltered, but only for a second. “Look, I’m not talking about reckless missions, but we’re dealing with a cadet here. If Ryan can’t handle the challenge, then maybe he’s not ready to be an ensign yet.”

Asha’s gaze softened, but there was still a cool edge to her tone. “That’s the difference between you and me, Lieutenant. You’re more than willing to risk it all for the lesson, but there’s a point where it’s just about damage control. We want Cadet Ryan to be ready, not just survive.”

Day’s voice cut through the growing tension. “All right, enough. Let’s put our trust in Commander Mehta and Lieutenant Amir to structure the drills appropriately, with a focus on both realistic scenarios and safety. Cadet Ryan needs to feel prepared, but he doesn’t need to be broken down to learn.”

The rest of the room nodded, some exchanging wary glances, others clearly still harboring reservations.

“Let’s finalize the shuttle training plan and ensure we’re fully prepared for the buoy deployment,” Day continued. “Commander, coordinate with engineering to make sure the Sequoia is in top shape and equipped as needed. We’ll review Ryan’s progress when you catch up with us at the Kavaria System.”