"Imagine spending Christmas on New Talax, and being home in time for New Years." Miles O'Brien led a meeting of young engineers in a large meeting room aboard Starbase 40Eridani-A. "Christmas?" a Bolian interrupted. O'Brien smirked, "An old Earth holiday." he explained. "The graviton catapult is going to revolutionize the way we explore space; and you're all going to be a part of it. Each of you has been selected to take part in this ambitious project." "Captain Deet," O'Brien turned his attention to the officer, "Thank you for joining us." "Does that go for me too?" the Chief joked. --- ---