Winston Chronicles: Qob/Tranqility Universe

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2415

Orbital Starbase 57, crewman's lounge.

"No, I had nothing to do with the Professor's projection show malfunction our freshman year. I am still amazed I stand accused right now." Cdr Baxter leaned back against his chair savoring his scotch.

Daniel Winston laughed in reply.

"I was never accused even by the faculty."

"That's because Rachel and I erased any evidence you had left behind. What the heck were you thinking 'reinventing' Orion's belt, with those images? The whole class was busting up. Professor Richards wanted to set his image controller to a 'kill setting' once he saw your handiwork." Daniel reminded Sean.

"Richards was the first Professor, but not the last to experience mayhem at the academy while all three of us were there," Baxter chuckled. "There were your repeated modifications to the Dr. Snart's personal vehicle, Mr. Daniel Winston"

"Oh, the thermodynamics Professor," Winston recalled. "That guy was a menace to the campus roadways; he had to be tamed. Funny thing is, it was Rachel who had the meltdown over Snart, remember? She did get sideswiped by the guy. Hell hath no fury like her scorn."

"I was just grateful she was all right. You two were quite the lovebirds sophomore year already," Baxter leaned in. "Admit it Daniel. She made you do those unwanted modifications to Snart's hovercar."

"And I lovingly obliged; it was a simple problem to fix. I just reset the governor on his engine for a top speed of 10 kph. Rachel eagerly hacked into the hovercar lot's security cam to give me plenty of time to do it. What was amazing to me was the guy had a Doctorate and couldn't figure out the 'problem.'

"Have to admit without Rachel we wouldn't have had so much fun at the academy. That science brain of hers could tackle any computer system." Winston slightly sank into his chair with a face of remorse.

"It's alright to still miss her Daniel."

"I know, Sean. I just want to curse at something. Yet all I have is the Acute Xindi Flu to target for killing her."

"Hey, a toast to Rachel and all the wonderful times the three of us had together." Baxter insisted.

The two men toasted their drinks in the near-empty lounge.

"Well it's getting late. I gotta turn in. I hope you and Mark have a great vacation together." The commander stood up from the table. "Two weeks of historical sights to see. Drop me a line would you?"

"I at least owe you that, friend; you take care. Don't get into trouble." Daniel stood and shook Sean's hand. "I gotta go retrieve Mark at the library before they kick him out. I'll send you a communique once we are away in the boonies of space."

"Good Man, Good night, Mr. Winston. Godspeed. And no, I won't get into trouble.... I am a responsible officer now!" Sean Baxter smiled as he exited the lounge.

Daniel was left standing in the lounge leaving a tip as he watched his best friend depart for the night.

It would be the last time he would see his best friend.