Slipstream Saga : Analysis

Sierra sat in her quarters, dictating to the computer notes about the conversation she had with Shaka.

"Lieutenant Shaka seems to be overworking herself. She is having the same nightmares she reported to the counsellor on New Zealand when she was younger, but these have a different twist... Instead of wandering the streets with hands for feet, she..." Devore said, recounting the dream as best she could. "...for humans, this dream would symbolise Shaka and a new idea of some sort, which could possibly be her subconscious manifesting a product of all her research. Shaka, although she's spent a great deal of her life around humans, is still Andorian, meaning her dreams could have a combination of the two. In Andorian psychology, she would be..." Sierra began, trying to remember that particular chapter from school.

The door opened. Mark had just walked in.

"Am I interrupting ?" He asked.

"Computer, save and close Shaka's profile." Sierra said. "No, not at all. You picked a good place to break in, actually." She smiled, kissing her husband playfully.

"Working on Shaka ? Has she finally snapped from all the pressure she's putting on herself ?" Mark asked.

"You know I can't say." Sierra smiled, laying back on the bed. "But what do you mean ?"

"I don't know... lately, she seems pretty hell-bent on making some major breakthrough." Mark said, sitting near his wife.

The words 'major breakthrough' clicked something in Sierra's mind. "I need a copy of all the slipstream technology journals." She said.

"I'll have them sent over first thing in the morning." Mark smiled. "But work aside, what do you think of Shaka ?"

"She seems pretty friendly. A little temperamental, from what I've seen in her personnel report, but she seems kind enough."

Mark smiled slightly. "She's made a lot of change. Take a look at this." He said, picking up a PADD and handing it to Sierra. Punching in some commands, he called up a video clip dated Stardate 2460101.

Captain's Ready room - Stardate 2360101 (February 6, 2383)

"You know your responsibilities on this ship, I assume ?" Devore asked.

"Yes, sir. I have been assigned to research, maintain, and ultimately perfect the slipstream drive."

"Excellent." The Commander said.

Shaka continued her explanation. "Although my uniform is gold, I am not an engineer. Maintenance and repairs not related to the slipstream drive are not my responsibilities."

"You will follow the orders you are given by your superiors," Devore said sternly

"I understand the chain of command." Shaka responded, straining to maintain a level tone. "I just thought I should make it clear that I cannot guarantee the quality of any work that I am not qualified to handle."

Devores Quarters : Present

Marcus stopped the clip.

"She was a handful, to say the least. Look at what three years can do to a person."