From the USS Meridian... "Life By Eyes Flashing" Part Three - Golden Ethics by Lieutenant Ethan Chastain Special Guest Writer: Lyryn Cate as Commander Sylvia Warren The transport had landed and Ethan had stepped out with his bag tossed on his shoulder. His short hair was already blowing in the desert-like wind. It was warm and thick, but it didn't bother him. He missed the cool spray from the ocean, but he would manage. The institute rose up like a citadel to the smaller compounds around him. "Aegena Neurological Research Center," Ethan said aloud to no one in particular, "Start of the rest of your life, Chastain." He had taken too steps when he stopped. For the first time Tyler wasn't the center of his thoughts when he was thinking of the rest of his life. It scared him a little, but knew that Tyler understood and would be there in six months when his internship was up. New challenges come with sacrifices, he thought to himself as he stared up at the amazing fountain on the walkway to the entrance of the center. "Yes, that's true," a young woman walked up to him. "Don't worry, whatever sacrifices you made will be worth the time spent here. Ensign Chastain? I'm Lieutenant Miniri Duvall. I'm your escort to see Commander Warren. She's a nice old lady and she'll get you started. Please, follow me." Ethan didn't have time to say much of anything as he was led across the compound's courtyard. "So, you read my mind because you thought you had to?" It was a joke, really, Ethan just felt like lightening the mood after having his thoughts probed by a complete stranger. However, he had to admit that he was taken aback by her beauty. Sex was sex, but it was one's personality that cinched the deal. The doors swooshed open and the lobby area was just as impressive as he had imagined from the outside. Miniri led him to a gray-haired lady behind the main counter fiddling with one of the consoles there. "Commander Warren, this is Ensign Chastain, your newest recruit." "Ah! Welcome!" Her smile was warm and kind. "So, where do you want me to start?" Ethan asked, eager to get going. "My speciality is neurological functions." "That's all well and good," she smiled, "but it's a non-issue, really. I'm Dr. Sylvia Warren and we're going to get to know each other really well, I'd say, Mr. Chastain." Ethan was bewildered for a moment. He was in the right place, wasn't he? He looked around and checked signs to make sure. "I'm Ensign Ethan Chastain, the neurologist out of the academy here for the neurological research internship. I figured that I'd be working with patients and what not." Sylvia looked slightly perplexed a moment. "No... the project was for volunteers from the Academy. We're doing some research testing and needed volunteers who could communicate with us easier than the average person off the street. I had assumed you were briefed on all this, Mr. Chastain." "Just this," he replied as he handed her a PADD across the counter. He realized that it was just a piece of twisted propaganda in order to get unsuspecting people to give six months of their livelihoods away. "If it is a researchee position you need filled, I guess that I'll just get myself reassigned." Tyler and he could be together on a ship now. He was overjoyed that fate had placed this in front of him. Granted he was already missing the idea of being a researcher, but as he said, sacrifies must be made. "Now, now, Ethan," her grin widened just a bit, "I can call you Ethan, can't I?" "I guess." "Alright, Ethan, you're already here. The position is open, it will give you valuable insight into how research is performed, it looks wonderful on your record, and, not to mention, the vast importance of this project to benefit Starfleet." She made a terribly good point. And, most researchers - at some point or another - submitted to tests to 'pay their dues' so to speak. He would rather just blow it off and return to Tyler. "I don't know, I don't like the idea of being poked and prodded knowing that I was lied to so someone could have another lab rat. That's not ethical, now is it?" "I'm not sure where the mix up was, Ethan. I don't write those contract postings. What I do know is how important this project is and how important it is to have bright young minds like yours who can express to us exactly what is happening, changes that have occurred, in order to perfect what we're doing and benefit all of the Federation. Surely you want to take part in something such as this! We need you." Thoughts of Tyler surfaced again. He had already submitted to the fact that he would be gone for six months; why would it be any different now other than being on the other side of the forcefield? Ethan shrugged it off, "All right. Six months. And, then I'm out of here just like everyone else." One thing Ethan was damn sure of: he wouldn't tell Tyler he had been goaded into being a guinea pig. "Well made choice," the older woman's eyes twinkled as she spoke, reaching out to squeeze Ethan's shoulder. "I'm really excited to have you here and you'll get to see and learn so much! And I'm going to be available for any questions you have day or night. Now! Let's get you all settled in." Someone took his bag and he was ushered toward two large durasteel doors. They parted, revealing a two rows of 'cells'. People smiled at him and others were laying on their bunks. Maybe this wouldn't be so bad after all. He nodded at the Commander who led and Miniri who walked besides her. "Uh, thanks..." --------------------------------- Everyone is raving about the all-new Yahoo! Mail beta.