Notes

USS Mabel Pines, 2407

Four months into the voyage and there was already so much happening aboard the Mabel Pines. The ship and crew had already gone to half a dozen planets as well as investigate a similar number of investigations of unforward events. Several deaths and abandon ships were discovered along the way. No casualties so far for the crew fortunately.

Still, it was an interesting ride for the Mabel Pines for a assignment that had only reached about the halfway point.

For all the excitement that was buzzing around the ship, Fludicus was not taken in. In fact, he was focused on his work. It was routine, standard and monotonous.

It was the only things he knew to do best.

He would report to the officer in charge at 0830 hours. He would then help out the chef, clean the decks or check the inner workings of the ship for any unusual abnormalities within the ship - or fix them if need be. The tasks changed from day to day but he knew what to expect and what was needed for the job.

Today was mopping deck 5.

These tasks and duties were not looked on kindly among Starfleet personnel. Many dread those assignments. Most were dragged down by the boredom and monotony that they would bring. It’s not a surprise that many would be aiming for the more glamorous assignments the ship. Engineering, Sick bay, even the science facilities were preferable compared to what Fludicus was assigned to do. Most coveted was a station on the bridge. Unfortunately, most would end up doing the inevitable menial tasks needed for the ship.

That was nothing to him. For Fludicus, it was all in a day’s work. An honest day’s work for him.

As he was wrapping up his shift for the day, his ears twitched as he picked up some buzzing coming from the bulkheads. He left behind his mop and bucket, slowly approaching the source of the buzzing. He then opened up a panel on the bulkhead, revealing a conduit sparking, arching and emitting what could be light puffs of smoke.

Fludicus tapped his combadge, “Ensign Lud, Fludicus here. I have located conduit damage at section C, deck 5.”

“Acknowledged crewman,” a chirp female voice replied, “I am sending a repair team to investigate.”

Fludicus then returned to his mop and bucket. As he was about to clean his mop, a hand fell on his shoulder.

Fludicus turned around and found himself looking at his Captain. The Betazoid smiled as Fludicus’ face showed uncertainty.

“Thought I check you out having got some time off the bridge,” Captain Tanzar said, “How are things going here?

“All is well sir,” replied Fludicus, “I did not expect you to come around sir.”

“I have been reading on your performance crewman,” Tanzar said, “It happens after reading them that I want to ask something.”

“What would it be Captain?”

“If you were given a choice of being offered a cushy post on a space station or being promoted but staying aboard the ship, which would you choose?”

“I would need to understand the positions I am offered before I make my decision,” Fludicus replied, “I am fully aware my duties must not suffer where I am about to be posted.”

“What if to take up your new position, you would need to learn new skills?”

“I am willing to learn the ropes sir. I am fully aware I would need a little guidance and some hands-on training to take up any new tasks that I may be assigned.”

“What if I say that those skills would need four years to learn?” asked Captain Tanzar, “Would you instead opt to take up an enlisted promotion?”

Fludicus by then sensed where the conversation was going, “Sir, even if I wanted to, I do not have the qualifications to enter Starfleet Academy.”

“Perhaps not now,” Captain Tanzar conceded, “But you do have what it takes to be a Starfleet officer.”

“How so sir? I don’t have a high school diploma, much less top grades.”

“I think you more than it needs to qualify into the Academy. Do you still hold onto that silver coin of yours?”

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Fludicus and Captain Tanzar sat at the former’s bunk bed as Fludicus showed his captain his silver. For the first time, the Betazoid was able to see and discern whatever was stamped onto the coin. On its field was a bull standing proud. Words surround it following the coin’s rim: LEGIO VII FIDELIS

“Legio Septimus Fidelis,” Fludicus explained, “The Loyal Seventh Legion.”

“This is an interesting item,” Captain Tanzar remarked, “Tell me, do you know the significance of these words?”

Fludicus took a few moments to come up with the answer, “I was told it was the name of an ancient Earth army.”

“Not just any ordinary army,” Captain Tanzar said, “The legions were one of ancient Earth’s most powerful militaries ever created. Two thousand years ago, they helped forge an empire that spanned half of their known world. Betazed never saw such feats in its history.”

“Betazoids never had conflicts?”

“Our warfare was telepathic in nature,” explained Captain Tanzar, “We never really needed to engage in physical violence... perhaps except during the Dominion War.”

“I still remember the orders given in the ancient language, “Fludicus continued, “Carpe diem - Seize the day. Forma, Ad sigma - Fall in, troops. Silentium - Silence...”

“Quo Usque Pro Roma Ibis?” Fludicus was shocked by his captain speaking the ancient language that he thought only his old crew knew. Captain Tanzar was able to discern that his charge was unable to decipher what he spoke, “It means: how far would you go for Rome.”

“How did you know the Secret Speech?” Asked Fludicus, showing a clear expression of awe and fear.

“The Secret Speech? Curious that you called it so. It’s known to Earth as Latin, or the Dead Language. I spent a semester learning it,” replied Captain Tanzar, “It’s an elective in Starfleet Academy.”

“Nobody would use it such carelessly among my crew...” Fludicus said.

“Latin is the foundation which much of Earth’s linguistic and cultural features today,” Captain Tanzar explained, “I took it up as part of my studies on Earth History, just so I can understand other cultures from other planets better.”

“Roma...” Fludicus said softly, “That’s one name I haven’t heard in a while. It’s supposed to be very scared...”

“It’s the Latin name for Rome, the city that brought us the Legions, the Legions that built the empire...”

Fludicus took in the revelation quietly before replying, “More the reason to hold it sacred...”

“Perhaps, but their time as an empire is long gone. All they have as their claims to fame are ruins, the memories that they committed to stone or written word... or the ideas and features that have survived to this day.”

Fludicus was able to break the long pause, “During my time aboard my old ship, I was told that the
Sacred Speech - what you called Latin - was only to be spoken among our crew and those they deem worthy by our captain. It was passed down through the generations, ancient knowledge...”

“I read a lot of such things,” Captain Tanzar seemed to know of societies and cultures with such practices, “Were they willing to share that knowledge with you?”

“ I was told I would learn the language and rituals sas I got older, but...” Fludicus looked at his captain with some sad honesty, “I never got the chance to prove I was worthy...”

“What if I told you,” Captain Tanzar said, “that you need not to prove that you are old enough - or worthy enough for the matter - to learn the things that your crew would have wanted to teach you?”

“How?” asked Fludicus, though he suspected what was the answer.

“Starfleet Academy...” was Captain Tanzar’s reply, “More than giving you opportunities to study Latin or ancient Earth culture, Starfleet Academy also gives you the chance to become a Starfleet officer.”

“Don’t I need to have any credentials to get admitted into the Academy?” Asked Fluicus again.

“If you can read and write like the ensigns,” Captain Tanzar replied, “you got what it takes to become a Starfleet officer. I am proposing that you join a part-time study programme within Starfleet Academy. In fact, I drafted the recommendation letter to Starfleet this morning.”

“Wouldn’t it interfere with my duties as a crewman aboard the ship?” Fludicus asked, “I reckon it may take longer to attain my officer rank that way.”

“Not necessary,” replied Captain Tanzar, “While you will still be performing your duties aboard the ship, you may use your time off-duty to pursue your studies. In fact, wherever you go on shore leave between your tours of duty, you would be allowed the opportunities to advance your qualifications towards becoming a Starfleet officer. It may take the cadets four years to become Starfleet officers, but for you and those joining the programme, it may take half the time to do the same.”

It seemed quite a lot for Fludicus to take in. He turned back to his silver coin that he held onto long ago. Captain Tanzar assured Fludicus that all the opportunities and openings were available to him, “All you need to do is to have the will to take up the challenge: How far will you go for your future? For Starfleet? How far will you go for Rome?”

How far will you go for Rome. Those words echo through Fludicus’ ears and mind as he stopped flipping his coin. He turned to see his captain in the eye.

Fludicus did not have a chance to reply, “Report to the Ready Room. 0800 hours.”

Captain Tanzar patted Fludicus’ shoulder, got up and left for the door.