Though Wenera is not my character, I seem to think see is of the mind set that all the universe is dangerous and no matter how much you may want to shelter your child from it, you can't. She's made peace with that fact and figures the safest place for Coby is right next to her.
I'm not going to label that philosophy good or bad, but that's my take on it.
At any rate, it makes for an interesting added element for the story! 
*****
CHAPTER 10
Stardate: 54293.8 (29 Aug 2377)
USS Kitzingen, Briefing Room
En Route to Arbazan System
The Briefing room on
Norway class ships was on deck one. Unlike
Galaxy class ships, the large, arching room was set forward of the bridge. The stars streaked by as the ship traveled several multiples beyond light-speed.
“Now that we’re underway,” began Captain Musgrave as he rounded the polished oak conference table, “I can tell you our mission and why we’re pushing the engines so hard.” He found his seat, sat, and faced his division heads. “We need to be in the Arbazan system 16 days from now; which means keeping the warp engines steady at 9.5 for the duration.”
A Bynar pair acted as co-chief’s of engineering. More accurately, though, they were something akin to conjoined twins, since individuals didn’t really exist in their society. The Bynars had become a type of cyborg; linked together in pairs in order to function. Physically, they were smaller than humans. Their heads were enlarged with a single exposed implant near their temple. Their skin was a purplish gray. Both displayed the rank of Lieutenant Commander. The one on the right began, in their normal rushed speech, “Maintaining warp 9.5 for such an extended amount of time…” The other cut in, “…is not recommended, sir. The warp plasma coolant…” The right one finished, “…would not have sufficient time to recycle and cool to proper levels.”
Commander J’ro Ewm leaned in with her dark milky eyes, “Could we do something to enhance the cooling process?”
Tang piped up as the Bynars were communicating to each other in a high-frequency sound, “Sir, we could run the coolant through a Bose-Einstein condensate. We could use super-cooled helium. That would help.”
The twins stopped communication, “We agree…the lieutenant’s suggestion is…the best course of action for now.”
“All right, then,” said Musgrave. “Start on that when we’re done here.”
Two simultaneous “Aye sir” came from the pair.
The captain continued the briefing, “As many of you know, Arbazan is one of the most core-ward Federation planets. We are not, by far, the closest ship. They requested me, because I helped their government a few years back.”
Ensign Sabra Okoro, the African Ops officer, asked, “Why sixteen days, sir? What’s the rush?”
“Because Ensign, in sixteen days an unknown vessel will reach their system. They’ve tried hailing it without success. To make matters worse, the Arbazans have little in the way of planetary defenses.”
“With respect, sir,” commented the Coridan, “Why send us? If this unknown is hostile, there are better equipped ships to handle it.” His voice was slightly distorted through his faceplate.
“It goes back to my history with the Arbazans, Lieutenant,” replied the captain without malice. “They want me to make first contact with this unknown and hopefully resolve the situation peacefully.” He added, “If I can’t, there will be two other starships in the area on hot standby.”
Musgrave glanced around the table, “Are there any other questions?” His eyes settled on his two new officers. “Of course, where are my manners?” He gestured to them, “If you haven’t met them already, this is our new CMO, Lieutenant Zwen, and science officer Tang.” Musgrave introduced the rest of the crew. He started with the Evoran, “Cadet Bolar back there is on loan to us from the academy.”
The short statured female nodded her head in greeting.
Then, the captain went to the dark-skinned human woman, “Ensign Okoro had the fortune – or misfortune – of getting her first posting with us.”
She smiled and said, “No comment, sir.”
“Good decision,” he jibed, “These are our chief engineers. Their true names are 010011...” He though a moment, “…and 101100, right?”
“The designations were correct…” started one. “But,” continued the other, “I am 010011 and he is 101100.”
“Ah, I stand corrected,” commented the captain, “Luckily, they tolerate being called ‘Zero’ and ‘One’ or if you want to address both of them, call them ‘Zerone.’”
Musgrave continued, “The man behind the iron mask is Lieutenant Ishok.”
Ishok corrected him light-heartedly, “We’ve been through this, sir. It’s not iron.”
The captain grinned and raised his hands in a mock apology, “Sorry, sorry.” He gestured to the Ariolo, “And this is Commander Ewm. She’ll be keeping you in line from now on.”
The leathery-skinned humanoid said dryly, “Indeed.”
He finished, “Welcome to the team Lieutenants Tang and Zwen.”
They both said, “Thank you, sir.”
The human with long, whitening hair looked around a second time, “I think that takes care of all the official business for now. But before I let you go, I want you all to know my wife will be starting up her tai chi chuan classes again tomorrow morning.” He looked to his new officers, “You’re more than welcome to attend, but don’t feel any pressure.”
Tang spoke up, “I’d like to, sir. My family used to practice tai chi everyday when I was growing up. Though, I haven’t done it in years.”
“Sounds great,” the captain said with genuine pleasure. “We’ll see you there.” He addressed the room one last time, “Ok, I’m done. Dismissed.”
Supplemental
USS Kitzingen, Turbolift One
En Route to Arbazan System
Tang and Zwen entered the aft turbolift together after the briefing.
The Trill spoke first, “Deck eight.”
“Deck Three,” ordered Tang.
As the lift began its decent, Ashana asked, “So what do you know of the Arbazans?”
The Asian searched his memory, “Standard humanoids…I do remember hearing a rumor that they are a very sexually repressed species.”
She laughed softly, “Coming from a human, that’s saying a lot.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
Zwen elaborated, “Well, at least compared to Trill, humans are very…reserved, sexually.”
Tang felt the need to defend his race, “Not necessarily.”
The Trill got a mischievous gleam in her eye, “Oh?” The petite brunette woman glided closer to him. Her voice lowered. It had just a hint of sensuality, “So if I lean in to kiss you…” which she began to do.
Zian instinctively took a step back.
“See?” She said; all pretence in her voice gone. “Sexually reserved.”
The science officer was speechless. Inside he was kicking himself. “But…see…no…I was just…”
“Just what?” she pressed too innocently.
The lift stopped at deck three and the door slid open.
Still not having found a proper defense for himself, he slowly headed to the exit. He did manage, “I’ll…see you later.”
She smiled as the lift door closed again, “Ok.”
