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Description
Star Trek Chimera: Phase II
Season Four - Episode Eight:

“Malfunction and Deception”

It has been four months since Admiral Barin Troi left Starbase Chimera to assume his role as the operations manager for the Rigel Sector at Starbase 12. In his absence, Captain Dana Ryan has been diligently searching for a suitable replacement for Barin's former position as first officer.

Dana finds herself facing a difficult decision: should she promote someone from within the base to fill the role or seek an external candidate? Determined to make the best choice, she spends countless hours immersed in records, reviewing the qualifications and achievements of potential candidates. Each day, the weight of responsibility bears down on her as she strives to find the perfect "number one" to support her in leading Starbase Chimera.

Meanwhile, Commander Jade Rollins, Dana's trusted chief science officer and mentor to H'arry Tye, receives distressing news about her brother's health on Earth. Faced with the need to be by her family's side, Jade makes the difficult decision to return home. Before her departure, she promotes Crewman Aaraan Pal to the rank of ensign and assigns him various duties to fill in for her during her absence. It is a testament to Jade's faith in Aaraan's abilities and potential.

Adding to the challenges facing the crew, Doctor Tyler, Commander Tye, and Lieutenant Larallis provide an update on Ash's recovery from his memory wipe. While Ash is deemed ready to return to duty, Counsellor S’Lan raises concerns about his integration of the new memories bestowed upon him by his future self. It is a complex process, and the crew remains attentive to Ash's progress and well-being, ensuring that he receives the support he needs during this transitional period.

Amidst these simultaneous developments, the crew of Starbase Chimera finds themselves navigating uncharted waters. Dana, burdened with the responsibility of selecting a new first officer, strives to maintain stability and unity within the team. She relies on the support and dedication of her crew members, each playing a crucial role in the ongoing success of their mission.

Captain Dana Ryan, concerned about Commander Ash's well-being and fitness for duty, decides to pay him a visit personally. Acknowledging the assessment provided by her crew, she wants to form her own judgment on whether Ash is ready to resume his responsibilities as the android security officer. With this intention, Dana makes her way to Ash's quarters, which he usually shares with Doctor Brandon Tyler.

Upon entering the quarters, Dana immediately notices that all of Brandon's belongings are absent, creating an air of emptiness in the room. Putting her curiosity aside for the moment, she focuses on Ash's condition. She starts the conversation by asking how he is doing, genuinely concerned about his physical and emotional state. She is well aware of the significant events that led to his memory merge with his future self, and she wonders about the possible consequences.

As Ash responds, Dana can't help but notice a noticeable change in his appearance. He seems to have aged considerably, appearing older than before. The merging of memories between his past and future selves appears to have had an unexpected effect on his physical form, further adding to the complexity of his situation.

Listening attentively, Dana understands Ash's assertion that he is capable of fulfilling his duties. However, she recognises that he, too, shares S'Lan's concerns about the reconciliation of his new and existing memories. Ash opens up about his altered relationship with Brandon, expressing the difficulty they both face in navigating the changes that have occurred. He admits that their connection has become strained, leaving him with a sense of unfamiliarity towards the person he thought he knew.

Deeply empathetic, Dana offers her support to Ash, wanting to help him find stability amidst the turbulence. She understands the importance of an individual's emotional well-being in performing their duties effectively. In response to her inquiry about how she can assist him, Ash expresses his desire to return to limited duties at Starbase Chimera. It is a cautious request, suggesting his readiness to ease back into his responsibilities while receiving the support he needs to reconcile his memories and navigate the evolving dynamics in his personal life.

Moved by Ash's candidness and willingness to confront his challenges, Dana assures him that she will do everything in her power to accommodate his request. She acknowledges the importance of his role within the crew and believes in his potential to overcome the hurdles he faces. Determined to create an environment that fosters healing and growth, she promises to work with him to find a suitable arrangement that allows him to reintegrate into the team gradually.

Leaving Ash's quarters, Dana carries with her a renewed determination to support her crew members on their individual journeys. As the captain of starbase Chimera, she recognises that her responsibility extends beyond their professional roles, encompassing their personal well-being as well. With this understanding, she sets out to devise a plan that accommodates Ash's needs while fostering an atmosphere of compassion and understanding within the starbase's dynamic environment.

The next morning, after careful consideration, Captain Dana Ryan makes a decision regarding Commander Ash's request to return to limited duties. Recognising the importance of providing him with a supportive environment, Dana grants Ash permission to resume work. However, with the absence of a first officer to handle crew assignments, she takes it upon herself to assign Ash a specific task.

Knowing Ash's expertise, Dana assigns him the responsibility of conducting a thorough diagnostic of all the starbase's security and tactical systems. This task is well-suited to Ash's capabilities, as it aligns with his previous expertise and allows him to utilise his skills effectively. She trusts that engaging in this familiar and important task will help Ash regain confidence and provide valuable insights into the state of the systems.

Dana instructs Ash to document his findings and report them to Lieutenant Trath, who has been serving as the acting head of both security and tactical during Ash's absence. By involving Lieutenant Trath, Dana ensures that the necessary actions can be taken based on Ash's assessment. This collaborative approach promotes a smooth transition in Ash's reintegration and allows for efficient communication within the security department.

With this assignment, Dana aims to create a structured and meaningful role for Ash, emphasising his value and contribution to the team. She hopes that by focusing on a task that aligns with his expertise, Ash will regain a sense of purpose and reestablish his confidence in his abilities. Simultaneously, this opportunity enables Lieutenant Trath to benefit from Ash's knowledge and experience, fostering a supportive and cooperative atmosphere among the security team.

As Dana finalises the assignment, she feels a sense of optimism. She believes that this step will not only aid Ash's healing process but also contribute to the overall functioning of Chimera. With the crew working together and supporting one another, Dana is confident in their ability to navigate the challenges they face and emerge stronger as a team.

*_*_*_*

Despite Captain Dana Ryan's decision to allow Commander Ash to return to limited duties, Counsellor S'Lan remains skeptical about his readiness for duty. Her concerns deepen when she observes Ash in the command center and notices a series of ticks and outward signs that indicate his positronic brain is not functioning properly. Recognising the importance of addressing these issues, she decides to seek the expertise of Commander Tye.

Counsellor S'Lan makes her way to the engineering section, where Enrica is busy overseeing various operations. S'Lan shares her observations and concerns about Ash's behavior and the noticeable signs of malfunction in his positronic brain. Concerned for Ash's well-being and the potential implications for the starbase's operations, S'Lan seeks Enrica's assistance in understanding the situation.

Enrica takes the matter seriously and begins studying the most recent scans of Ash's positronic brain. Despite her expertise, she is puzzled by the lack of any apparent issues in the scans. The scans show no evidence of physical damage or malfunction that would explain Ash's observed behavior. This perplexes Enrica, as she is typically adept at diagnosing and resolving technical problems.

Together, S'Lan and Enrica engage in a detailed discussion, sharing their respective insights and observations. They explore potential explanations for Ash's condition, considering various factors such as the complex integration of his future memories, the effects of the memory wipe, and the possibility of subtle software glitches that may not be detectable through conventional scans.

Recognising the urgency of the situation and the need for a comprehensive assessment, Enrica suggests consulting with the rest of the crew. She proposes reaching out to Brandon and Larallis to gather additional information and insights.

As they continue their discussion, both S'Lan and Enrica express their commitment to supporting Ash and finding a solution to his predicament.

Together, S'Lan and Enrica form a formidable team, combining their expertise in counseling and engineering to uncover the underlying cause of Ash's abnormal behavior.

*_*_*_*

As S'Lan and Enrica lcontinue their investigation into Commander Ash's condition, they recognise the importance of gathering more information about his emotional well-being and the strain in his relationship with Doctor Brandon Tyler, his partner. S'Lan and Enrica approach Brandon and Lieutenant Larallis to gain insights into Ash's recent behavior.

During their conversation with Brandon, he shares his concerns about the strained nature of his relationship with Ash. He explains that Ash has been quick to anger, displaying emotional volatility that is uncharacteristic of his previous behavior. S'Lan, Larallis m and Enrica listen attentively, realising that these observations align with the outward signs of malfunction in Ash's positronic brain that they had observed earlier.

Both S'Lan and Larallis acknowledge that the absence of these emotional struggles in Ash's medical records is a significant discrepancy. It suggests that the underlying cause of Ash's behavioral changes may not be solely rooted in technical malfunctions or physical abnormalities. This realisation prompts them to consider the possibility of a complex interplay between Ash's emotional state, his memories, and the integration of his future self.

Recognising the need to address Ash's emotional well-being alongside the technical aspects of his condition, S'Lan and Enrica collaborate to develop a holistic approach to his recovery. They understand that the emotional strain and quickness to anger could be contributing factors to his overall condition.

S'Lan proposes working closely with Brandon, utilising her counseling expertise to support both Ash and his partner through this challenging time. She suggests exploring techniques such as individual and couples counseling sessions to provide a safe space for Ash and Brandon to address their concerns and work towards healing their relationship, something that Brandon agrees to and mentions that he will suggest this to Ash tomorrow.

Enrica, on the other hand, focuses on expanding their investigations into the intricacies of Ash's positronic brain. She collaborates with other Ensign Pal and Lazaar, seeking their insights and considering alternative diagnostic methods that could uncover any subtle software glitches or underlying issues that conventional scans might have missed.

Through their joint efforts and the support of the starbase's dedicated medical, science and engineering teams, S'Lan and Enrica aim to bridge the gap between Ash's emotional well-being and his technological condition. Their commitment to understanding the complexities of his situation ensures that no stone is left unturned in their quest for answers.

As the days pass, S'Lan and Enrica continue to gather data, consult with other members of the crew, and work closely with Ash and Brandon. Their dedication and determination serve as a beacon of hope, assuring everyone involved that they are not alone in this journey towards Ash's full recovery. With each step forward, they move closer to unraveling the mysteries surrounding Ash's emotional struggles and finding a path towards healing and restoration.

*_*_*_*

In the quiet hours of the night, Commander Enrica Tye remains immersed in her study of Commander Ash's brain scans. As she delves deeper into the data, her meticulous analysis reveals a startling revelation—an unmistakable temporal discrepancy within Ash's positronic brain. This finding sparks an immediate intrigue in Enrica's mind, as she contemplates the implications of such a discovery.

The presence of a temporal discrepancy in Ash's brain raises the intriguing possibility of time travel, which triggers a wave of questions within Enrica's scientific curiosity. She considers the intricate nature of Ash's experiences, where memories from his future self have been integrated into his younger body. The presence of a temporal discrepancy could provide a plausible explanation for this phenomenon, suggesting that Ash's consciousness has indeed traveled through time.

While the integration of future memories into Ash's younger self initially appeared seamless, Enrica's concern deepens as she realises that the temporal discrepancy could signify potential complications or unintended consequences. She recognises the need for a thorough investigation to understand the full extent of this temporal anomaly within Ash's positronic brain.

Enrica consults existing research on time travel and its effects on cognitive processes. She reviews relevant scientific literature and explores hypothetical scenarios to gain insights into the implications of this discovery.

As Enrica's investigation progresses, she remains focused on two key objectives. Firstly, she aims to unravel the nature of the temporal discrepancy in Ash's positronic brain, meticulously scrutinising the affected areas to identify any irregularities or anomalies that may shed light on the underlying mechanism. Secondly, she endeavors to comprehend the potential consequences of integrating future memories into a younger version of Ash, considering the long-term effects on his cognitive functioning and emotional well-being.

Enrica's dedication to understanding the temporal discrepancy is driven by a profound sense of responsibility towards Ash, his partner Brandon, and the entire crew. She recognises the significance of this discovery and the potential implications it may have on Ash's overall condition and future.

As Enrica continues down this avenue of investigation, she remains acutely aware of the complexity and multifaceted nature of the challenge at hand. Her pursuit of knowledge is not solely driven by scientific curiosity but also by a genuine desire to help Ash and provide him with the best possible care and support.

With each breakthrough and insight gained, Enrica moves closer to unraveling the enigma of Ash's temporal discrepancy. She remains steadfast in her commitment to uncovering the truth and forging a path towards understanding and ultimately resolving the intricate interplay between time travel, memory integration, and the well-being of her esteemed colleague, Ash.

*_*_*_*

As the crew of Starbase Chimera engages in their daily routines, a sense of normalcy fills the command center. Relationships seem to have improved, with Gale and Erit finding harmony despite their past, and Larallis sharing light-hearted moments with Ensign Aaraan Pal during their morning review. Meanwhile, Captain Dana Ryan seeks updates from Enrica about Ash's condition, hoping for positive developments.

The atmosphere takes a sudden turn when Counsellor S'Lan arrives to share heartening news about her father's communication, displaying signs of progress in accepting her grandchild. Amidst this glimmer of hope, an unexpected disturbance rocks the tranquility of the starbase.

Without warning, the proximity alarms sound, indicating the arrival of an alien vessel in orbit. Chaos ensues as the crew attempt to assess the situation and prepare for potential contact. However, before any decisive action can be taken, Commander Ash inexplicably reacts with alarming aggression.

In a shocking twist, Ash abruptly opens fire on the alien ship, unleashing a devastating onslaught that obliterates the vessel. The command center falls into stunned silence as the crew grapples with the gravity of this unforeseen act. Questions fill the air—What triggered Ash's violent response? Is this the result of his unsettled mental state or something more sinister? And most importantly, what are the consequences of this impulsive and destructive action?

The crew of Starbase Chimera now faces a formidable challenge—one that threatens to unravel the delicate balance they have fought so hard to maintain. As the dust settles, they must confront the aftermath of Ash's inexplicable aggression and search for answers that may lead them to the truth behind this disturbing incident.

With uncertainty gripping the starbase, the future hangs in the balance, teetering on the edge of newfound danger and unforeseen consequences. As the crew rallies together to navigate this treacherous path, the fate of Starbase Chimera and its inhabitants hangs in the balance, leaving everyone to wonder what lies ahead…

To be continued.

“Malfunction and Deception,” Part I
by Jonathan Crosby-Bromley

Starring:
Claire Foy as Captain Dana Ryan
Kirstin Kreuk as Commander Jade Rollins
Angelina Jolie as Lieutenant Larallis
Cynthia Nixon as Lt. Commander Enrica Tye
Lukas Gage as Doctor Brandon Tyler
Callum Kerr as Lieutenant Commander Ash
Rafael L. Silva as the voice of Lazaar Trath
Ruby Rose as Counsellor S’Lan
Szabó G. Tailor as H’ogan Marsland
Derek Shaw as Erit Mason
Chandler Flanagan as Lieutenant Gale Zeta-Riker
Noah Petersson as H’olland and H’arry Tye
Dean Young as Crewman Aaraan Pal
& Ryan Bailey as Artkin Sorr

Image Credits:
-Character Photo Manipulations by JonBromLE1
-Planetscape by Lewis Niven
-Nebula by NASA
-Devore Vessel: Star Trek Starships Magazine.
-Image Composite by JonBromLE1

Description
Star Trek Chimera: Phase II
Season Four - Episode Eight:

“Malfunction and Deception”

It has been four months since Admiral Barin Troi left Starbase Chimera to assume his role as the operations manager for the Rigel Sector at Starbase 12. In his absence, Captain Dana Ryan has been diligently searching for a suitable replacement for Barin's former position as first officer.

Dana finds herself facing a difficult decision: should she promote someone from within the base to fill the role or seek an external candidate? Determined to make the best choice, she spends countless hours immersed in records, reviewing the qualifications and achievements of potential candidates. Each day, the weight of responsibility bears down on her as she strives to find the perfect "number one" to support her in leading Starbase Chimera.

Meanwhile, Commander Jade Rollins, Dana's trusted chief science officer and mentor to H'arry Tye, receives distressing news about her brother's health on Earth. Faced with the need to be by her family's side, Jade makes the difficult decision to return home. Before her departure, she promotes Crewman Aaraan Pal to the rank of ensign and assigns him various duties to fill in for her during her absence. It is a testament to Jade's faith in Aaraan's abilities and potential.

Adding to the challenges facing the crew, Doctor Tyler, Commander Tye, and Lieutenant Larallis provide an update on Ash's recovery from his memory wipe. While Ash is deemed ready to return to duty, Counsellor S’Lan raises concerns about his integration of the new memories bestowed upon him by his future self. It is a complex process, and the crew remains attentive to Ash's progress and well-being, ensuring that he receives the support he needs during this transitional period.

Amidst these simultaneous developments, the crew of Starbase Chimera finds themselves navigating uncharted waters. Dana, burdened with the responsibility of selecting a new first officer, strives to maintain stability and unity within the team. She relies on the support and dedication of her crew members, each playing a crucial role in the ongoing success of their mission.

Captain Dana Ryan, concerned about Commander Ash's well-being and fitness for duty, decides to pay him a visit personally. Acknowledging the assessment provided by her crew, she wants to form her own judgment on whether Ash is ready to resume his responsibilities as the android security officer. With this intention, Dana makes her way to Ash's quarters, which he usually shares with Doctor Brandon Tyler.

Upon entering the quarters, Dana immediately notices that all of Brandon's belongings are absent, creating an air of emptiness in the room. Putting her curiosity aside for the moment, she focuses on Ash's condition. She starts the conversation by asking how he is doing, genuinely concerned about his physical and emotional state. She is well aware of the significant events that led to his memory merge with his future self, and she wonders about the possible consequences.

As Ash responds, Dana can't help but notice a noticeable change in his appearance. He seems to have aged considerably, appearing older than before. The merging of memories between his past and future selves appears to have had an unexpected effect on his physical form, further adding to the complexity of his situation.

Listening attentively, Dana understands Ash's assertion that he is capable of fulfilling his duties. However, she recognises that he, too, shares S'Lan's concerns about the reconciliation of his new and existing memories. Ash opens up about his altered relationship with Brandon, expressing the difficulty they both face in navigating the changes that have occurred. He admits that their connection has become strained, leaving him with a sense of unfamiliarity towards the person he thought he knew.

Deeply empathetic, Dana offers her support to Ash, wanting to help him find stability amidst the turbulence. She understands the importance of an individual's emotional well-being in performing their duties effectively. In response to her inquiry about how she can assist him, Ash expresses his desire to return to limited duties at Starbase Chimera. It is a cautious request, suggesting his readiness to ease back into his responsibilities while receiving the support he needs to reconcile his memories and navigate the evolving dynamics in his personal life.

Moved by Ash's candidness and willingness to confront his challenges, Dana assures him that she will do everything in her power to accommodate his request. She acknowledges the importance of his role within the crew and believes in his potential to overcome the hurdles he faces. Determined to create an environment that fosters healing and growth, she promises to work with him to find a suitable arrangement that allows him to reintegrate into the team gradually.

Leaving Ash's quarters, Dana carries with her a renewed determination to support her crew members on their individual journeys. As the captain of starbase Chimera, she recognises that her responsibility extends beyond their professional roles, encompassing their personal well-being as well. With this understanding, she sets out to devise a plan that accommodates Ash's needs while fostering an atmosphere of compassion and understanding within the starbase's dynamic environment.

The next morning, after careful consideration, Captain Dana Ryan makes a decision regarding Commander Ash's request to return to limited duties. Recognising the importance of providing him with a supportive environment, Dana grants Ash permission to resume work. However, with the absence of a first officer to handle crew assignments, she takes it upon herself to assign Ash a specific task.

Knowing Ash's expertise, Dana assigns him the responsibility of conducting a thorough diagnostic of all the starbase's security and tactical systems. This task is well-suited to Ash's capabilities, as it aligns with his previous expertise and allows him to utilise his skills effectively. She trusts that engaging in this familiar and important task will help Ash regain confidence and provide valuable insights into the state of the systems.

Dana instructs Ash to document his findings and report them to Lieutenant Trath, who has been serving as the acting head of both security and tactical during Ash's absence. By involving Lieutenant Trath, Dana ensures that the necessary actions can be taken based on Ash's assessment. This collaborative approach promotes a smooth transition in Ash's reintegration and allows for efficient communication within the security department.

With this assignment, Dana aims to create a structured and meaningful role for Ash, emphasising his value and contribution to the team. She hopes that by focusing on a task that aligns with his expertise, Ash will regain a sense of purpose and reestablish his confidence in his abilities. Simultaneously, this opportunity enables Lieutenant Trath to benefit from Ash's knowledge and experience, fostering a supportive and cooperative atmosphere among the security team.

As Dana finalises the assignment, she feels a sense of optimism. She believes that this step will not only aid Ash's healing process but also contribute to the overall functioning of Chimera. With the crew working together and supporting one another, Dana is confident in their ability to navigate the challenges they face and emerge stronger as a team.

*_*_*_*

Despite Captain Dana Ryan's decision to allow Commander Ash to return to limited duties, Counsellor S'Lan remains skeptical about his readiness for duty. Her concerns deepen when she observes Ash in the command center and notices a series of ticks and outward signs that indicate his positronic brain is not functioning properly. Recognising the importance of addressing these issues, she decides to seek the expertise of Commander Tye.

Counsellor S'Lan makes her way to the engineering section, where Enrica is busy overseeing various operations. S'Lan shares her observations and concerns about Ash's behavior and the noticeable signs of malfunction in his positronic brain. Concerned for Ash's well-being and the potential implications for the starbase's operations, S'Lan seeks Enrica's assistance in understanding the situation.

Enrica takes the matter seriously and begins studying the most recent scans of Ash's positronic brain. Despite her expertise, she is puzzled by the lack of any apparent issues in the scans. The scans show no evidence of physical damage or malfunction that would explain Ash's observed behavior. This perplexes Enrica, as she is typically adept at diagnosing and resolving technical problems.

Together, S'Lan and Enrica engage in a detailed discussion, sharing their respective insights and observations. They explore potential explanations for Ash's condition, considering various factors such as the complex integration of his future memories, the effects of the memory wipe, and the possibility of subtle software glitches that may not be detectable through conventional scans.

Recognising the urgency of the situation and the need for a comprehensive assessment, Enrica suggests consulting with the rest of the crew. She proposes reaching out to Brandon and Larallis to gather additional information and insights.

As they continue their discussion, both S'Lan and Enrica express their commitment to supporting Ash and finding a solution to his predicament.

Together, S'Lan and Enrica form a formidable team, combining their expertise in counseling and engineering to uncover the underlying cause of Ash's abnormal behavior.

*_*_*_*

As S'Lan and Enrica lcontinue their investigation into Commander Ash's condition, they recognise the importance of gathering more information about his emotional well-being and the strain in his relationship with Doctor Brandon Tyler, his partner. S'Lan and Enrica approach Brandon and Lieutenant Larallis to gain insights into Ash's recent behavior.

During their conversation with Brandon, he shares his concerns about the strained nature of his relationship with Ash. He explains that Ash has been quick to anger, displaying emotional volatility that is uncharacteristic of his previous behavior. S'Lan, Larallis m and Enrica listen attentively, realising that these observations align with the outward signs of malfunction in Ash's positronic brain that they had observed earlier.

Both S'Lan and Larallis acknowledge that the absence of these emotional struggles in Ash's medical records is a significant discrepancy. It suggests that the underlying cause of Ash's behavioral changes may not be solely rooted in technical malfunctions or physical abnormalities. This realisation prompts them to consider the possibility of a complex interplay between Ash's emotional state, his memories, and the integration of his future self.

Recognising the need to address Ash's emotional well-being alongside the technical aspects of his condition, S'Lan and Enrica collaborate to develop a holistic approach to his recovery. They understand that the emotional strain and quickness to anger could be contributing factors to his overall condition.

S'Lan proposes working closely with Brandon, utilising her counseling expertise to support both Ash and his partner through this challenging time. She suggests exploring techniques such as individual and couples counseling sessions to provide a safe space for Ash and Brandon to address their concerns and work towards healing their relationship, something that Brandon agrees to and mentions that he will suggest this to Ash tomorrow.

Enrica, on the other hand, focuses on expanding their investigations into the intricacies of Ash's positronic brain. She collaborates with other Ensign Pal and Lazaar, seeking their insights and considering alternative diagnostic methods that could uncover any subtle software glitches or underlying issues that conventional scans might have missed.

Through their joint efforts and the support of the starbase's dedicated medical, science and engineering teams, S'Lan and Enrica aim to bridge the gap between Ash's emotional well-being and his technological condition. Their commitment to understanding the complexities of his situation ensures that no stone is left unturned in their quest for answers.

As the days pass, S'Lan and Enrica continue to gather data, consult with other members of the crew, and work closely with Ash and Brandon. Their dedication and determination serve as a beacon of hope, assuring everyone involved that they are not alone in this journey towards Ash's full recovery. With each step forward, they move closer to unraveling the mysteries surrounding Ash's emotional struggles and finding a path towards healing and restoration.

*_*_*_*

In the quiet hours of the night, Commander Enrica Tye remains immersed in her study of Commander Ash's brain scans. As she delves deeper into the data, her meticulous analysis reveals a startling revelation—an unmistakable temporal discrepancy within Ash's positronic brain. This finding sparks an immediate intrigue in Enrica's mind, as she contemplates the implications of such a discovery.

The presence of a temporal discrepancy in Ash's brain raises the intriguing possibility of time travel, which triggers a wave of questions within Enrica's scientific curiosity. She considers the intricate nature of Ash's experiences, where memories from his future self have been integrated into his younger body. The presence of a temporal discrepancy could provide a plausible explanation for this phenomenon, suggesting that Ash's consciousness has indeed traveled through time.

While the integration of future memories into Ash's younger self initially appeared seamless, Enrica's concern deepens as she realises that the temporal discrepancy could signify potential complications or unintended consequences. She recognises the need for a thorough investigation to understand the full extent of this temporal anomaly within Ash's positronic brain.

Enrica consults existing research on time travel and its effects on cognitive processes. She reviews relevant scientific literature and explores hypothetical scenarios to gain insights into the implications of this discovery.

As Enrica's investigation progresses, she remains focused on two key objectives. Firstly, she aims to unravel the nature of the temporal discrepancy in Ash's positronic brain, meticulously scrutinising the affected areas to identify any irregularities or anomalies that may shed light on the underlying mechanism. Secondly, she endeavors to comprehend the potential consequences of integrating future memories into a younger version of Ash, considering the long-term effects on his cognitive functioning and emotional well-being.

Enrica's dedication to understanding the temporal discrepancy is driven by a profound sense of responsibility towards Ash, his partner Brandon, and the entire crew. She recognises the significance of this discovery and the potential implications it may have on Ash's overall condition and future.

As Enrica continues down this avenue of investigation, she remains acutely aware of the complexity and multifaceted nature of the challenge at hand. Her pursuit of knowledge is not solely driven by scientific curiosity but also by a genuine desire to help Ash and provide him with the best possible care and support.

With each breakthrough and insight gained, Enrica moves closer to unraveling the enigma of Ash's temporal discrepancy. She remains steadfast in her commitment to uncovering the truth and forging a path towards understanding and ultimately resolving the intricate interplay between time travel, memory integration, and the well-being of her esteemed colleague, Ash.

*_*_*_*

As the crew of Starbase Chimera engages in their daily routines, a sense of normalcy fills the command center. Relationships seem to have improved, with Gale and Erit finding harmony despite their past, and Larallis sharing light-hearted moments with Ensign Aaraan Pal during their morning review. Meanwhile, Captain Dana Ryan seeks updates from Enrica about Ash's condition, hoping for positive developments.

The atmosphere takes a sudden turn when Counsellor S'Lan arrives to share heartening news about her father's communication, displaying signs of progress in accepting her grandchild. Amidst this glimmer of hope, an unexpected disturbance rocks the tranquility of the starbase.

Without warning, the proximity alarms sound, indicating the arrival of an alien vessel in orbit. Chaos ensues as the crew attempt to assess the situation and prepare for potential contact. However, before any decisive action can be taken, Commander Ash inexplicably reacts with alarming aggression.

In a shocking twist, Ash abruptly opens fire on the alien ship, unleashing a devastating onslaught that obliterates the vessel. The command center falls into stunned silence as the crew grapples with the gravity of this unforeseen act. Questions fill the air—What triggered Ash's violent response? Is this the result of his unsettled mental state or something more sinister? And most importantly, what are the consequences of this impulsive and destructive action?

The crew of Starbase Chimera now faces a formidable challenge—one that threatens to unravel the delicate balance they have fought so hard to maintain. As the dust settles, they must confront the aftermath of Ash's inexplicable aggression and search for answers that may lead them to the truth behind this disturbing incident.

With uncertainty gripping the starbase, the future hangs in the balance, teetering on the edge of newfound danger and unforeseen consequences. As the crew rallies together to navigate this treacherous path, the fate of Starbase Chimera and its inhabitants hangs in the balance, leaving everyone to wonder what lies ahead…

To be continued.

“Malfunction and Deception,” Part I
by Jonathan Crosby-Bromley

Starring:
Claire Foy as Captain Dana Ryan
Kirstin Kreuk as Commander Jade Rollins
Angelina Jolie as Lieutenant Larallis
Cynthia Nixon as Lt. Commander Enrica Tye
Lukas Gage as Doctor Brandon Tyler
Callum Kerr as Lieutenant Commander Ash
Rafael L. Silva as the voice of Lazaar Trath
Ruby Rose as Counsellor S’Lan
Szabó G. Tailor as H’ogan Marsland
Derek Shaw as Erit Mason
Chandler Flanagan as Lieutenant Gale Zeta-Riker
Noah Petersson as H’olland and H’arry Tye
Dean Young as Crewman Aaraan Pal
& Ryan Bailey as Artkin Sorr

Image Credits:
-Character Photo Manipulations by JonBromLE1
-Planetscape by Lewis Niven
-Nebula by NASA
-Devore Vessel: Star Trek Starships Magazine.
-Image Composite by JonBromLE1