Week 12 Journal 1 : What do you want?

"Sir," Vic peeped meekly from behind him as he began to get up from his chair.

"What’s up, Vicky?" Alan replied.

"I was wondering... Commander Novikova mentioned that you used to be stationed at the shipyards."

"Vic, I really need to get some bunk time," Alan replied, rubbing at the migraine threatening to grab hold of him. Walk with me."

Vic quickly fell into step alongside the Captain as they walked off the command deck, down the hall towards the Captain’s quarters.

"Yes, Vicky. I worked in the yard itself for a few years when I first got there. My specialty was artificial gravity equipment. I worked on grav plating and hover systems in probably half of the ships in the reserve fleet right now, including the Powell."

"Oh," Vic replied, a little disappointed.

"What? Grav plating isn't exciting enough for you, Vicky?"

"N-no, sir!" Vic stammered, turning beet red. "I mean…"

Alan laughed. "Oh… Thanks Vic, I needed that. That’s the first time I've laughed all week. Novikova told me you were going to ask me about the shipyards sooner or later, once you'd plucked up the courage. You want to know about hyperdrive, right?"

"I have to know. Everyone just tells me to stop poking around. It's classified. The only people with the answers work in the shipyards. I don't think I can ever let it go."

"Even if that means a court martial, Vic? Hyperdrive is a major military secret..."

"That every space-faring nation out here already has!" Vic cried, exasperated. "What's the point in protecting a military secret that's not a secret anymore??... Sir."

Alan stopped walking, and turned to face Vic. "That is a good question, Vic. The answer is classified."

Vic tried to hide his incredulity, but was less than successful. "The reason why hyperdrive is classified... is classified. Great."

"It's even more confusing than that, Vic, I promise. Most military secrets are. Look, I've got to get some sleep. Tell you what; meet me tomorrow at 1900 on the hangar deck. I need an extra pair of hands to help me with a couple things on the Isis. I'll tell you what little I can then without clearances."

"Yes sir, Thank-you sir! G-goodnight Sir!" Vic said as he hurried down the hall to the junior officer's quarters.

Alan chuckled to himself as he walked into his quarters. Vic reminded him of himself. Many, many years ago.