Malfunctioning Equipment and Vulcan Sopranos (Pt. 2)

Posted on Wed Aug 20th, 2025 @ 11:50am by Lieutenant JG Camryn Shepard

Mission: Season 6: Echoes of the Zynari
Location: Deck 10 - Promenade
Timeline: MD 4 - Midday
678 words - 1.4 OF Standard Post Measure

The turbolift stopped at Deck 10 and opened as Camryn walked a few steps out of the lift and inhaled a breath. Recycled air filtered through her nose and out of her mouth. Before her was a bridge that crossed a small stream. It may seem odd to her that tiny streams run through starships. However, the Elysium class wasn't like most starship classes she had served in the past. Approaching the bridge, she looked over into the stream and spied several Koi fishes.

She walked along several shops and under the trees that were part of the promenade. Tapping her PADD, she looked through the reports and assessments of the repair status. Approaching the wing of the coffee bean bar, she entered the restuant and looked up at the bartender.

"Coffee, Roasted, Black with some sweetness, please," she requested.

It took some doing as she looked around at the patrons, but her coffee cup reached her grasp. Amid the small chatter and laughter of the crew inside the lounge, Camryn took a small sip of her coffee. It tasted fresh and lifted her into the heavens. Walking out of the bar, she sipped her fresh coffee and looked over her PADD. On the headline read repair needed on Holodeck 10 C. Located around the corner, it needed a refresher on the protocols. When people opened the program, the computer started playing an Italian Soprano with a very emotional, passionate Vulcan singing it.

With emphasis on very, it wasn't Vulcan to be singing an Italian Soprano with passion and emotions, but logical and analytical. Very much like Data attempting to sing but very poorly. The volume appeared to be high and ear-aching, which sent the crew to medical due to ear issues and ringing. In short, very loud and harmful to the hearing. As she walked closer, she could hear some very loud screeching from within. Fortunately, the noise seemed muted, so it didn't reverberate. However, this issue needed resolution quickly.

Putting the ear plugs in, Camryn entered the holodeck and watched several Vulcans on stage singing. Just meters from a working console was a Vulcan science crewman. He wore the ear protection and tapped the console. His expression creased into frustration but he maintained. Approaching him, Camryn spoke, "Computer, pause."

The musical program froze, startling the crewman from his duty. He turned, removing his ear protection and spoke, "Who are you?"

Camryn raised her hand, replying, "Camryn Shepard. What's going on?"

He nodded, "Trelok. Crewman third class. I am no engineer, but I tried to fix the program but with zero success."

Cam looked at the frozen Vulcan singers and back to Trelok. She replied, "Have you tried turning it on and off?"

"Huh?" Trelok gave a confused expression.

She shook her head, dismissing her attempt at humor. "Nothing. So, what's the issue? Vulcan singing Soprano?"

"With emotions," Trelok replied, "And passion. Vulcans do not show that much emotions. Also, every time they sing, the pitch is increased by the minute. It becomes loud and ear splitting."

Camryn shrugged, "It is opera. It's supposed to be like that. Have you heard a Klingon sing opera? I wouldn't recommend it to a Vulcan since I know how sensitive your ear drums are."

Trelok nodded, and then added, "Yes. However, Vulcans do not sing with passion and emotions. This program is wrong."

Camryn crossed her arms and questioned him, "Is it? Or maybe it should be?"

"What?" Trelok offered more confusion.

Cam shrugged, opened her arms and responded, "Computer, resume program."

Her mouth synced perfectly with the Vulcan sopranos as she sang, which forced Trelok to place the ear protection over his ears and grumble. After a few minutes of singing with the sopranos, Camryn winced painfully when the they reached their highest pitch, which reacted negatively to her. She shouted, "Computer, freeze program."

Trelok's smirk, barely noticable, lingered for a few seconds before being overshadowed to Camryn removing the panel connecting with the program. Placing his arms behind his back, he inquired, "What are you doing?"

"Fixing it," Cam grumbled.