Ensign Lera Michaels - Study Plan

[steve...@yahoo.com]

((Deck 14, Room 148, Michaels’ Quarters, USS Khitomer))

Professor Thomas Wiggins, a professor at the Academy, is a specialist in the Federation species. He was always a favorite of Lera's, and she was one of his best-remembered students. As Dr. Wiggins has said, few students have asked as many questions about Vulcans as Lera did. Very few Vulcans have taken his classes. Lera was relieved by what had been discussed over the subspace system about the issues of Vulcan/Trill intimate relationships

Michaels: Thank you, professor. You have been a great comfort to me.

Wiggins: :: suppressing a mischievous grin:: And there is a price you will have to pay.

Michaels: ::puzzled:: A price?

Wiggins: Yes. :: leaning toward the camera, he glanced off to the side as he whispered, his eyes full of merriment :: Normally, I charge an outlandishly high fee for a consultation like this. My time is valuable.

Lera leaned back and did her best to look shocked and just a touch appalled. She failed miserably.

Michaels: And the price is?

Wiggins: Next time you are in the Solar System, you must let me know. And... and you must meet with me and tell me all about everything that has happened since you graduated from the Academy. Deal?

Michaels: Deal.

There was a brief pause as Lera debated whether to bring up her other topic. Dr. Wiggins stepped in once again.

Wiggins: You mentioned a second matter of a lower urgency level.

Michaels: Well... I do not know if I can withstand what is certain to be an exorbitant price.

Wiggins: I am willing to handle it as an infinitely deferred zero-interest loan.

Lera parsed the words, trying to decide what Professor Wiggins had said. It only took a moment. Then she smiled. This was classic Professor Wiggins.

Michaels: In other words, as a gift.

Wiggins: I don't believe that is what I said, but let us continue. What else can I do for you, Miss Michaels?

Lera hesitated for a moment before concluding that she was being stupid again. They had just spent several minutes discussing what, for many humans, was a very sensitive subject. Why hesitate with this request? Other than the fact that she saw it as cutting closer to the heart of what she was. She shook her head.

Michaels: If it is not an inconvenience for you, I would like you to prepare a doctoral-level study plan.

Wiggins: ::sitting back his usual jovial face abruptly serious. :: That isn't a trivial ask. If you are looking for an advanced degree, then I suggest you enroll in the appropriate program. :: long pause :: Dare I ask what your field of study would be although I suspect that I know the answer to that?

Michaels: Some individuals who are not Vulcans know infinitely more about Vulcan and Vulcans than I do. A certain Starfleet Academy professor who shall remain unnamed but whose last name starts with a 'W' comes to mind. I want to know as much about Vulcans as he does.

Both the professor and Lera smiled at that.

Wiggins: Infinitely more? I have no idea who you could be referring to, but do go on. Flattery will get you everywhere.

Michaels: I do not have time at the moment for full-time study. With a typical Vulcan life span, I have plenty of time. Perhaps I should be more specific. If you could recommend some readings, references, or articles... a preferred language course I could take while off somewhere halfway across the Federation, that sort of thing, I would appreciate it.

Wiggins: That I can do. I may still have a syllabus for a course I did a few years back. I will see if I can find that and send it along to you.

Michaels: Thank you, professor. I owe you a great deal.

Wiggins: Yes. I know.

Ensign Lera Michaels

Engineering Officer
USS Khitomer
K240106LM2