ON: [[San Fransisco, Earth, Late 2375]]

Simon Anderson (NPC) emerged from the Exobiology building on the campus of Starfleet Academy. Even though he had dropped out of the Academy nearly ten years ago, he still knew a few of the faculty. His current work with the Cetacean Institute brought him to the Academy in search of information on frequent occasion. The meeting with Dr. Richard Harding had been rather informative, if not as productive as Simon had hoped.

As he made his way slowly across the expansive grounds of the Academy, Simon took in the beautiful landscaping. The old groundskeeper, Boothby, was still going strong and it was evident in the matriculate care taken to ensure the health and vitality of the ground displays. When the Dominion War had begun, the thought of returning to Starfleet, even just enlisting, had crossed Simon’s mind. Conversations with Mark were difficult, at best, due to efforts to prevent ships and personnel from being compromised. Eventually, Simon had decided to stay right where he was. There were plenty of people eager to go off to war; someone had to stay behind and try to maintain a normal life.

So far, from what Simon was able to gather, the war was not going as well as the Federation News Service and Starfleet would have the people believe. There had been that admiral from Starfleet who had attempted to convince everyone that they were being invaded by Changelings three years prior. Less than a year ago, Betazed had fallen to the Dominion. Even then, the people of Earth seemed to feel that the war was in some distant part of the quadrant…that it could never reach them here.

The gravel under Simon’s feet crunched as he passed a beautiful display of orchids. He paused to admire them, wondering at the intricacy of each design. Suddenly, Simon heard a whistling sound followed immediately by a large explosion. Ducking his head, Simon turned amidst shouts of alarm to see two blue-white orbs descend from the sky. One hissed as it hit the water of San Fransisco Bay, the other exploded, sending debris and dust flying everywhere as it impacted one of the outer Academy buildings.

Sirens began to sound as cadets around him began looking around in fear. Simon saw two freshmen standing a few yards away, out in the open. Remembering the basic training he had received at the Academy, Simon started toward them. “Move,” he shouted as two more torpedoes descended from orbit toward various targets. The cadets didn’t need to be told twice. They took off toward whatever designated point they had learned in their drills.

“Keep moving,” Simon told the cadets as he passed among them, heading in the opposite direction. Even though he wasn’t a Starfleet officer, he was going to be of some use to someone. The explosions continued, some close and some distant. Every once in awhile, there would be one so close it caused Simon to instinctively duck his head.

“Where are you going,” a voice demanded. Simon turned to see an ensign in gold, phaser in hand. No doubt, he was a security officer overseeing evacuations or perhaps carrying out some other order. Simon paused to reply as cadets and officers continued to rush past.

Without warning, a torpedo impacted closer than any previous one had been. Simon felt himself thrown to the ground. He raised his arms to protect his head and neck as debris descended around him. Moments later, Simon lifted his head to see the security officer lying on the ground. The young man wasn’t moving. Simon crawled over to him and placed his fingers on the man’s neck, searching for a sign of life. Feeling no pulse, Simon lowered his head. He had been too young…just in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Simon wasted no time. He closed the ensign’s eyes and grabbed his phaser before getting to his feet. Looking around, he saw debris everywhere and the sound of torpedoes and energy beams continued to fill the air. Turning, Simon took off across the grounds at a brisk pace; ignoring the odd looks and occasional calls from officers he passed.

Then, as suddenly as it had all began, the thundering bombardment stopped. Silence descended on the grounds, causing Simon to slow his pace and look around him at the destruction that had been wrought in those few moments. Smoke rose from damaged structures around campus and beyond, in the city.

Simon heard the sound of someone crying and turned, trying to find the source. He saw a leg sticking out from behind the base of a monument and slowly approached. When he peered around the corner, he saw a young cadet, another freshman. The young man was startled by Simon’s sudden appearance and tried to back away, but he didn’t get very far.

“It’s alright,” Simon said, kneeling down next to the young man, “My name’s Simon. What’s yours?”

“Cadet Webb,” the young man replied, using the back of his sleeve to wipe his face.

“Do you have a first name, cadet,” Simon asked.

“Jordan,” the cadet replied.

“It’s all over, Jordan,” Simon continued, slipping the phaser into his belt, “Where are you supposed to be?”

“I was going to my evac point,” Jordan replied, “We were supposed to beam out and await orders. Where are the others?”

“I don’t know,” Simon answered, looking around to see if there was anyone close by, “I don’t see anyone. It’s possible they made it to the evac point. Come on, let’s get you on your feet.” He reached under the cadet’s arm and lifted him from the ground. As soon as Jordan put weight on his left leg, he winced in pain.

“I can’t walk,” he said, trying to drop back to the ground. Simon held him up and supported his left side.

“Keep the weight off your left leg,” Simon instructed, moving to stand next to Jordan. Despite the difference in size, he took the young man’s arm and put it around his shoulder. Slowly, Jordan rested his weight on his right foot and tried to use Simon as support. “Okay,” Simon said, “Ready?” Jordan nodded.

“Let’s see if we can’t find the rest of your group,” Simon said as the two started down the path, “Nice and easy.”

OFF

Simon Anderson (NPC)
Civilian
San Fransisco, Earth

And

Cadet Jordan Webb (NPC)
Starfleet Cadet, Freshman
Starfleet Academy

Played by

ON: [[Emergency Medical Unit 1, Earth, Late 2375]]

Simon (NPC) stood over the desk in the lobby of the building that served as the center for one of many emergency medical centers established to treat the victims of the recent attack on San Fransisco. The woman opposite him looked up with a firm glance, refusing to budge from her position.

“Mr. Anderson,” she said slowly, “Are you the cadet’s commanding officer?”

“No,” Simon answered, “but…”

“Are you his father,” she demanded, “or some other relative?”

“No,” Simon answered again, “but I…”

“Then I am afraid I cannot permit you to see the cadet,” she surmised, “Visitation is only permitted to commanding officers and family members.”

“Oh for heaven’s sake,” Simon exclaimed, “I just rescued that young man and brought him in here. You’d think that would give me some right to…”

“We have just suffered a major catastrophe, Mr. Anderson,” the woman said condescendingly, “Your continued agitation is only complicating an already serious matter. Now, if you will not desist, I will be forced to call security.”

Simon was livid. It was taking all his restraint to keep from knocking the self-righteous clerk into the next room. He could not understand what was so difficult to understand. It was he who had found Jordan (NPC) and brought him to the medical facility for treatment. Should he not be able to see that the young man was doing well?

“That will not be necessary,” Simon said, knowing the battle was lost for now. He turned away from the desk and crossed over to a few chairs opposite the front desk. Taking a seat, he glanced once again at the clerk. Receiving a cool stare in return, he turned his gaze to the ceiling before settling for staring at the floor in front of him.

As he sat, waiting for some word of the young man’s condition, Simon watched officers and personnel go in and out. Many of them were discussing patients; some were discussing the attack itself. From what he could gather, it had been a total surprise for everyone.

The Breen had appeared out of nowhere. They somehow managed to slip past the defenses and reach Earth to begin their bombardment of San Fransisco. It sounded like Starfleet Command had been the target. If it hadn’t been for the <i>Enterprise</i> and the defense she rallied, the attack may have been far worse.

Earth had been attacked, despite assurances to the contrary, the capital of the Federation was not impervious. This war was not so distant as many had believed. Simon didn’t even want to think about what his apartment might look like when he got home. Thankfully, the Cetacean Institute was far enough outside the city that it likely escaped the attack unscathed. He had heard nothing from his co-workers. No doubt they and his parents were worried about his own survival.

He was just about to go in search of a communications terminal when an older gentleman in medical teal emerged from the ward and paused at the desk. Noticing Simon out of the corner of his eye, he asked, “Is there something I can help you with?”

“No,” the desk clerk replied.

“Yes,” Simon answered at the same exact time. The woman gave him an angry glare but he ignored her. “I brought a cadet in earlier, Cadet Jordan Webb,” Simon explained, “I was hoping to see how he was doing.”

“I already told Mr. Anderson that visitations are restricted to commanding officers and family only,” the clerk began, “I can call…”

“That will be all,” the doctor said, holding up his hand to silence her, “It just so happens, Mr. Anderson, that Cadet Webb has been asking for you.” Simon could not resist giving the clerk a smug look that said, <i>Told you so…</i>

“He has,” Simon said aloud, “Would it be possible for me to see him?”

“I don’t see why not,” the doctor replied, “Seeing has he did request to see you. If you’ll follow me right this way.” The doctor started off back into the ward and Simon followed him. He smiled when he saw the clerk throw up her hands out of the corner of his eye.

As the two men made their way down a long corridor with numerous doors to intensive care units on either side, Simon wondered just how many facilities like this one were in operation and currently treating survivors. They passed through a set of double doors that hissed open when they approached. Beyond was a large room filled with cots, each one containing a patient with a varying degree of what would be classified as minor injuries.

The doctor pointed to a cot against the far wall and Simon began weaving his way amongst others towards it. “Simon,” Jordan exclaimed, sitting up in his cot as Simon kneeled down next to him, “They told me they didn’t know if they could find you.”

“I was in the lobby the whole time,” Simon said, “The clerk didn’t seem to think that I was permitted to visit. Something about not being your uncle’s cousin twice removed or something…” This earned a laugh from the young man and Simon smiled. It was good to know that even amidst all the darkness that was associated with the attack, one could still find humor in the smallest of things.

“Thanks for saving my life back there,” Jordan said, “I know I probably didn’t look like a very good Starfleet cadet. We’re supposed to be brave in the face of danger.”

“Stupidity isn’t the same thing as bravery,” Simon told him, “You were just being human. Anyone could have done the same.” He thought back to another young man who had given up on Starfleet because he felt it didn’t have what it took to be officer material. “Whatever you do,” he added, “don’t give up. You seem like a smart young man, Jordan. Don’t turn your back on Starfleet. You might regret it…”

OFF

Simon Anderson (NPC)
Civilian
San Fransisco, Earth

And

Cadet Jordan Webb (NPC)
Starfleet Cadet, Freshman
Starfleet Academy

Played by