The following post is a complete work of fiction and should not be taken seriously by anyone.
Captains Hardway and Michaels participated in a virtual advertisement to Federation channels declaring themselves to be inspirations to younger generations, not sex objects. The ad was largely seen as uninspired tripe, falling back on the usual preachings of antiquated feminist dogma that has long since been considered outdated in the 25th century.
“We need to inspire hope in the next generation,” Hardway explained in a brief statement to the Federation News Service. “We need to dispel this belief that captains such as ourselves are to be seen as sex objects to be desired.”
“Yeah!” Michaels hollered, “We inspire young women to be better! We need to show them that women can also be part of the world of starship captains!”
When asked why Michaels is wearing a different uniform from what is standard issue, she tried to explain that she was part of a special ops. When the reporter didn’t buy her answer, Michaels simply blurted out, “Er… Classified.”
The reporter raised an eyebrow. “You traveled through time, didn’t you?”
Michaels shifted nervously and raised her voice ever so slightly. “I don’t know what you mean. And quite frankly, I don’t like the way you’re looking at me, Mister.”
“Excuse me, Captain,” the reporter huffed, unphased by Michaels’ accusing tone. “But I consider myself non-binary and would prefer you address me as such. After all, aren’t you supposed to be an inspiration? Shouldn’t your actions be cause for inspiration, not your empty platitudes?”
“Um… er…” Michaels stammered before she tapped her communicator and shouted, “ENERGIZE!”
Before the reporter could say anything, Michaels was enveloped in a flash of light before vanishing for good. The reporter glanced at Captain Hardway, who shot back a shrug and slowly stood from her seat before heading for the exit posthaste. The reporter then checked their notes and shook their head. They knew they should have taken the day off.
dtm666 