OPENING DOORS ^{© 2003-2007 DataLoreFiction}

By Lessa and Takara Soong

Chapter 1

Raygan Silver was having a difficult time containing her excitement. Having just left the ready room of Gregory Hollison, captain of the USS Goddard, Raygan made her way to transporter room two. She still could not believe that today was the day she was being transferred to the USS Enterprise, the flagship of the Federation, as head of the Stellar Sciences Department. Even a week after receiving the news of her promotion, she was still convinced she would wake up and discover all of this had been a dream. She kept fingering the new pip on her collar in an attempt to convince herself this was all real.

When the green eyed redhead arrived at the transporter room carrying her things, the transporter chief turned to her.

"Sir, we have the coordinates set. We're ready."

"Thank you, Lieutenant," she smiled as she placed her belongings on the pad. "Energize."

 When she re-energized on the Enterprise, there was a small welcoming committee waiting to greet her. She had known someone would be there but she was not expecting this. She stepped off the pad to be greeted by a tall, handsome man with a beard.

"Welcome aboard, Commander Silver. I'm Commander William Riker, the ship's first officer and this is Lieutenant Commander Data, our second officer and head of Operations." Extending his hand to her, Raygan accepted his firm handshake.

"Thank you, sir. It’s a pleasure to meet you both. I am very happy and excited to be here," she said as she now shook Data's hand.

"Now you'll have to excuse me as I have to meet with Captain Picard. Commander Data will show you to your quarters and take you to Stellar Sciences for a quick tour. There is a briefing in the observation lounge at 1500 that you need to attend."

Commander Data turned to Raygan. "Please accept my congratulations not only for your transfer but your promotion as well. I am familiar with your personnel file and they were well deserved."

"Thank you, Commander. That is very kind of you to say."

"My statement is not motivated by kindness, it is a factual observation. However, I suppose it could be considered a compliment. But I assure you, it was not baseless flattery," Data said, half talking to himself.

Raygan could not stop a smile but held back a giggle. She did not want her first act to be offending a superior officer. Data, raising a hand towards the door, inclined his head, "Shall we?" Raygan nodded, leading the way out.

"Your personal belongings will be taken to your quarters which are located on deck two, section G."

"And Stellar Sciences is on decks sixteen through eighteen, correct?" she asked, knowing she was but wanting to make conversation. He had a nice voice, this Commander Data. She had read about the android second officer, but had not expected him to be this...she could not think of a word to describe him. Not yet anyway.

"Correct. The department encompasses three levels now, due to the recent upgrade. It is considered by most of the crew to be the most aesthetically pleasing area of the ship.”

“I can’t wait to see it. You sound like you don’t like it yourself, Commander. May I ask why?”

Data regarded her. “I neither like nor dislike it. I have no emotions, so it does not affect me as it does others. It is a superior design to what we previously used,” he offered, seemingly apologetic.

They entered the turbolift and proceeded to deck two. When they reached room 3661, she could see her name was already there.

"I hope you do not mind that your quarters are not in the same area as the other senior officers however there were no suitable quarters available for a department head."

They entered the room and Raygan was surprised at the size of her assigned living space. They were much larger than she had expected and contained an unexpected addition. She went over to the couch and stroked the head of an orange tabby that was making itself at home.

"Do all quarters come with their own pets?" she asked with a laugh.

Data saw his pet sitting next to Raygan.

"Spot! I must apologize for Spot's invasion of your quarters." He picked up the cat. "She has escaped my quarters on a number of occasions. Please excuse me for a moment while I return her to my quarters." Data stepped out of the room with Spot in his arms.

Raygan took this time to look around her new home which consisted of a large sitting/dining area, a larger than expected bedroom and the standard design bathroom facilities. She was surprised to see Data return so quickly.

"You're back. That was quick. I thought you said the officers’ quarters are located in another area?" she asked, peeking out of the bedroom.

"My quarters are located four doors down from yours. I needed quarters closer to the computer core so my computer console could be installed.” Coming across to her, he inquired, “May I ask for your assistance in restraining Spot?"

"Sure, how?"

"If you see her in the corridor or she invades your privacy again, please inform me at once."

"Of course. I take it she has been giving you some trouble?"

"I have tried attaching a locator device on her collar, but she removed it in hours. I have considered a sub-dermal locator, but I am reluctant to have it surgically implanted," he admitted, almost frowning.

“So it’s wayward cat versus determined science officer," she grinned as Data nodded in agreement. 

“Do you have any questions regarding your room assignment? Are they acceptable to you?"

"No questions. They're much bigger than I was expecting but it has a comfortable feel to it. They are very acceptable."

"Shall we proceed to Stellar Sciences?" he asked.

"Yes, sir. I’m looking forward to seeing the equipment as well as being very interested in hearing about the upgrades that were done."

As they headed for the lift, Data told her how Stellar Sciences used to be in another section but, with the new design, the department now required three decks. One could enter on deck eighteen at ‘ground level’ or on deck sixteen for the elevated platform. The latter accessed the main controls of the huge view screen that dominated the decks and provided the best view.

Data brought her into her new section on deck sixteen. He believed she would enjoy this as her first impression, if his past experience was to be believed.

It was correct. Raygan gasped as soon as she stepped into Stellar Sciences.

"This is amazing," she exclaimed. "I've never seen a design like this. And it's as impressive in function as in design?" she asked.

"Yes. Please follow me to the platform and I will demonstrate the design features."

Data sat down in the chair at the controls and proceeded to give Raygan a quick explanation and demonstration of what the station could do. She was very impressed.

"I'm definitely going to love it here," she said with great awe in her voice.

"It would seem to be a contributing factor to the success in acclimation to a new posting. If you are already pleased, you should have little trouble assimilating to your new position. However, should you have any difficulties, do not hesitate to inform me or Commander Riker."

"I will. Thank you, sir."

"The briefing in the observation lounge will be starting in eleven minutes. If you are ready, I will escort you there."

"Thank you, Commander, I am indeed ready." Raygan followed Data from the room, but could not help but give it a parting glance before the door closed. It was just so beautiful.

In the observation lounge, Data seated Raygan before taking his usual place at the table. After Data introduced them, Geordi welcomed Raygan aboard the Enterprise and wished her luck with her new assignment. He asked her about her previous assignment, her ship and who her captain had been. Just some basic small talk. Over the next few minutes the other members of the senior staff filed into the room. The last to arrive was Captain Jean-Luc Picard. Although she was familiar with his career and had been an admirer of his, Raygan was surprised to find he was even more impressive up close.

Picard did not take his seat as he would normally, but came over to Raygan, welcoming her warmly, but professionally. After all, a senior officer was not officially here until welcomed by the captain, or at least that was something Raygan had once read. The captain then took his seat, introduced her to the full senior staff and told them a little about her. He then informed her that her services were going to be needed at once. The Enterprise’s orders were to survey and chart an area of space that, until recently, had been unsafe due to radiation caused by the after effects of a star that had gone super nova.

"An area that hasn’t been visited, we assume, by anyone in a thousand years. Very exciting,” Raygan mused.

“I agree, but there still may be lingering pockets of higher levels of radiation, so Engineering will be monitoring the levels constantly to make sure everything runs smoothly,” La Forge told her.

"Sir, if the radiation levels are up, we will have to make some modifications to our equipment which may slow down the process. Once we know the exact conditions, I will let you know how long it should take to chart the area," she informed the captain. She continued by saying a recent paper circulating in the stellar sciences field outlined some suspected stellar phenomena in that system which she briefly outlined. After ordering her to prepare a more detailed report summarizing what they may find, the captain ended the briefing. 

As she raced out of the room to get her job done, Data and Geordi watched her go. "Jumps right in with both feet, doesn't she?" Geordi commented. Data nodded, absently. "Will you help me with the increase to the shielding that we talked about before, Data? I have a feeling this woman is going to push the envelope of safety limits and I don't like the after effects of that inoculation we have to get for radiation poisoning.” Geordi made a face, but Data just nodded again. The two men were on their way to Engineering a second later. 

After making her way to the Stellar Sciences Department on deck eighteen, Raygan found an office with her name on the door. This was all so exciting to her - a new assignment on the most sought after ship in the fleet, charting an area of space not visited in a millennia and her own office.

She sat down at her desk and began to prepare her report. She accessed the computer for any new information on the Katura System but finding none, she began her report. She went into detail on what the possible effects could be on the ship and crew as well as ways to remedy each situation. She went over the report with a fine tooth comb, looking for any errors, before seeking out the captain.

Picard was in his ready room when she rang the door chime.

"Enter," Picard called out.

"Sir, I have the report on the Katura System for you." She handed him a PADD.

"Excellent," he said as he looked over the report. "Please distribute copies to Commander Riker as well to Mr. Data and Mr. La Forge."

"Yes, sir."

“One other thing, Commander. I’ve been contacted by Starfleet regarding our next assignment. We have to leave this system in four days so the scans must be finished by then.”

After he dismissed her, Raygan went back to her office to forward her report as ordered. Then, sitting back in her chair, she looked out at her department and smiled. 

The mapping was proceeding on schedule, for the most part and while Raygan was already pulling double shifts, she loved every minute. She was getting to know her staff and they were learning what to expect from their new supervisor. It was a time of adjustment, but so far, so good.

“Raygan, I think you need a rest,” said Lieutenant Matt Palmer, coming up from behind her. He was an amiable young man who seemed to have a knack for putting everyone at ease. He also tended towards familiarity, but Raygan had liked him the moment she had laid eyes on him, so she had decided to just get used to it.

“I think you may be right. I guess it’s time to give you the reins, huh? I’ll be back after some food and shuteye. See you later, Matt,” Raygan said, stifling a yawn.

Entering her quarters minutes later, Raygan knew instantly she was not alone.

"Meow?" came a small voice from her bedroom door. 

 "Computer, raise lighting level to 75%." The lights came up and, sure enough, she had been paid another visit by the orange tabby.

"Spot, you've come to visit me again," Raygan said as she picked Spot up in her arms. As she stroked Spot's fur, the cat started to purr. "You're such a pretty cat but I bet someone is looking for you."

She carried Spot down to Data's quarters and rang the chime.

"Come in." The doors slid open revealing Data, on his knees, looking under his couch.

"I have something you may be looking for," Raygan joked.

Data looked up to see Raygan stroking Spot in her arms. He took Spot from her and admonished his pet for once again straying. After setting Spot down, he turned to Raygan.

"Thank you, Commander, for returning Spot. I apologize for her invading your quarters again however it would appear she likes you."

"You don't need to apologize. I don't mind. She’s such a friendly cat, how could anyone not like her visiting?"

"I am afraid Spot has injured a number of the crew who have attempted to care for her in my absence. In fact, you seem to be one of the few people she likes."

"Is that so?" Raygan asked, surprised by this piece of information. She kneeled down to cat level and was rewarded by feline attention. "I'm flattered, Spot. I like you too. Feel free to visit me anytime, but you should probably get your owner’s permission first.” She gave Spot a final scratch behind the ear before standing back up. She noticed the commander still looked apologetic.

 “Really, sir. I’m not bothered by her sneaking into my quarters. I was even tempted to let her nap with me, but I knew you’d be looking for her.” Raygan gave Data a reassuring smile, but just then her fatigue decided to reassert itself and she could not stifle her yawn.

“You were about to rest, I gather. You would appear to require it. I will keep a closer eye on Spot and see that she does not escape me this evening. While I cannot guarantee nothing else will disturb your rest, I can guarantee it will not be her,” Data said, with such seriousness Raygan could not help but grin.

“Thank you, Commander, and good night,” she replied, the grin still in her voice. “Good night to you too, Spot.”

“Sleep well, Commander Silver,” Data answered as she headed for his door.

Raygan decided food could wait. She was too tired to even think about eating. She quickly removed her uniform and crawled into bed, not caring that she still had not found her pajamas.

"Computer, lights out." By the time the lights had finished dimming, she was fast asleep.

"Palmer to Commander Silver."

The voice over the Comm woke Raygan with a start.

"Silver here. What can I do for you, Matt?"

"We need you in Stellar Sciences right away. We’re getting some strange readings and I can't make head nor tails of them."

"I'll be there in a few minutes."

Feeling very refreshed, she noted she had slept for seven hours. This surprised her, as she usually did not require that much sleep. Then again, she had been getting by on only three hours a night since she had arrived so this did make up for the previous two nights.  After getting dressed, Raygan ordered an apple from the replicator and headed out.

The scans were indeed strange. There seemed to be pockets of higher levels of radiation about 500 kilometers from the ship, but they seemed to be playing hide and seek. One minute the readings would be there, the next they were gone. When they would reappear, the radiation readings would be in the same place the scanners had verified they were not.

“Did you check the area for any stellar activities that could cause readings like this?” Matt nodded so she continued. “Check the readings again. Is there anything that indicates something could be acting as a masking force?”

"Some kind of dampening field?" Matt asked her, trying to work out her theory.

“Perhaps.” Raygan sat at a station, inputting commands.

"The sensors are detecting the presence of magnetic fields. The intensity seems to indicate they are being generated by..." The station’s monitor flashed and the location it was showing had changed. The view was now of a very small object. "...an asteroid. It’s radiating an intense magnetic field. It must have passed by this location recently. Judging from its trajectory, within the past two hours."

“I’m sorry, Raygan, I must have just missed it as it passed,” Matt noted from over her shoulder.

“We can compensate for the magnetic fields which should eliminate the anomalous readings.” Raygan inputted a number of commands into the computer. The readings of increased radiation were back again and it looked like this time for good. Raygan turned to Matt, smiling gently, “Don’t worry about it, Matt.  I’ll inform the bridge of the locations of these pockets and then I'm going to start going over the information we've collected so far. If you need me, I'll be in my office," Raygan informed her second. She had been studying the readings for an hour when Matt called for her.

"It’s back. I've tried to make adjustments to eliminate the magnetic field but it hasn't worked. Raygan studied the new readings. She made a few more adjustments to the sensors and then she found something. Her eyes went wide. Matt saw her face draining of color.

"What is it?" he asked.

“Silver to the bridge,” Raygan called as she rushed to her office.

“Bridge here,” Data, who was in command, responded.

"Commander, there’s a magnetic field which is masking more than radiation located directly in front of the ship. I believe it may be a plazreon field,” she informed Data. “I’ve transferred the information to Science Station One.”

Keeping the comm channel open, Data rushed to the station and began entering commands so the ship’s computer would scan the area for plazreon particles. As it existed mostly in sub-space and coming across it was very rare, plazreon was not among the particles the computer would ordinarily scan for. The computer immediately found a field of widely dispersed plazreon particles hiding just in front of the ship’s flight path. If the Enterprise had moved into this area, maintaining a warp field would have been impossible, however, the biggest threat these particles posed was to the life support systems. The cleansing agents, used to clean the air so it could be recycled, would have reacted to plazreon, leaving every oxygen-breathing life form dead in just hours.

At the first mention of plazreon, Raygan had heard Data order an all-stop. Now she could hear him ordering a course change to a position far enough away from the plazreon field so it would not affect the Enterprise.

"Well done, Commander,” Data commended on the still open comm channel. “A field of plazreon particles is quite rare and I believe many of your peers are unfamiliar with the phenomenon.” Data paused before continuing. “If you do not have any plans later, I would be most interested in discussing this matter further and in hearing how you came to your conclusion."

"Thank you, sir. This evening would be fine. The only thing I have planned is reading a research paper by Dr. Depar Radu that I haven’t had a chance to get to yet. I think it can wait a few hours longer."

"Excellent. Then we can meet in Ten Forward at 1700."

"I'll see you then."