Boats to Build (Baldwin)

Summary

The USS Baldwin investigates the cause of a the subspace disturbance. Meanwhile, Bridget has news for Patrick.

Memorable quotes

"Hi. How are things up on the bridge?"

"Things are going well. We're still trying to figure out what caused that subspace wave."

"It would probably help if we were able to head over to the source of the wave."

"We may get our chance. We're doing all right in regard to our Cardassian cargo runs. Since we have the best astrometric lab of the ships in the area,"

"We're the one that gets to investigate."

- Bridget and Patrick Ingrum

"You feeling all right, ma'am?"

"I'm fine. I've been feeling a little queasy lately."

- Dorian Collins and Bridget

"Because, doctor, now is not the right time. I don't want him feeling guilty about asking me to work with him on or hazardous mission."

- Bridget, on why she is waiting to tell her boyfriend her news.

"No doubt about it. That object is a giant warp coil. Put enough plasma in that thing and you'll generate a subspace field big enough to rock anything within a couple hundred light years."

- Bridget, on the object they found in the badlands.

"She's been feeling a little under the weather lately. She looks like she's about to get space sick or something."

"I'm sure she'll be fine, but if I were to speculate, It's probably a cause for celebration."

- Dorian Collins and Donna Belding, regarding Bridget

"We've known each other for what, maybe three years now? These past three months, I think we've gotten to know each other a little more intimately. Right now I feel that our paths in life are meant for us to walk together. I guess what I'm saying is quite simple. Bridget, will you many me?"

"I was wondering when you were going to ask me that question. I'm thinking the same way. I accept."

- Patrick Ingrum proposes to Bridget

"We heard that Bridget hasn't been feeling too well. Sarah and I were thinking that it may be a sign of change."

"Our relationship appears to have made it into scuttlebutt."

"I suppose it has. You know what they say about scuttlebutt."

"I do - it's usually true. I guess we should say, on a personal note, that we are now engaged and hopefully, in about seven and a half months, will become proud parents."

"Congratulations."

- Donna Belding, Patrick Ingrum, and Bridget, confirming rumors.

Notes

• The relationship story between Bridget and Patrick, begun in Blue Clear Sky, continues. Bridget finds out that she is expecting.
• Donna Belding is established as the Second officer
• The title refers to the song which Patrick and Bridget sang together aboard the Neosho.
• The report on space weather Patrick recorded is based upon the Hazardous Weather Outlook the National Weather Service uses to predict severe weather.
• Dorian Collins is given a commission and invited to stay aboard Baldwin. She officially graduates from Starfleet Academy at the beginning of "Reaction to Action, Part 1"

References

"9 to 5"; Badlands; "Boats to Build; Belding, Donna; Collins, Dorian; Ingrum, Anna; Bridget; USS Neosho

External links

• Boats to Build Full text of the story, at the USS Baldwin series home.