[snip]

Tia smiled at the banter and nodded to Kord before saying goodbye. “I’ll go start those sims, Captain. I should have preliminary results by mid third shift.” She headed for the lift and back to engineering.

“Thank you,” replied the Captain to Tia. “As for a ‘Big Bad’, I fully admit that I don’t like being this close to the Klingon border or the Briar Patch. That’s not a joking matter. So, scan as much as you like. Scan every centimetre.”

Kord looked over at Glen.

“That looks uncomfortable.” he said simply.

“Infinitely preferable to being stuck in Sickbay having to listen to Grunch’s complaining!” replied Glen.

“‘Tis true that Tellarites are not the friendliest people in the galaxy, don’t think I’ve ever actually met one that became a doctor” Will said with a contemplating tone “I imagine that he makes for entertaining conversation.”

“I’m not certain that his bedside manner positively improves patient outcomes,” replied the Captain, “but then compared to the abrasive Dr. Cross....” At which point, Glen became misty eyed. “How I miss Andromeda du Astra,” mused Glen, “in more ways than the most obvious.” (In case Will doesn’t remember, Dr. du Astra was a previous CMO many years ago, who became pregnant with the Captain’s son and returned back to Earth. Glen was reconciled with his young son and ex-partner last time they visited Earth.)

-Glen, CO

With the Merrimack clear of the Nebula the ship went to warp and was on its way to the edge of clear unclaimed space for their big science experiment. ETA remaining till their arrival would be just about done as the chief engineer would finish up their final simulations.

GM CockRoach