Lieutenant Tom Bradley looked comfortable in the captain’s chair. He was in command of the ship, since the captain or the first officer has officially reported for duty yet, plus with the operations officer officially missing now, he was next in the chain of command. He spotted an Ensign approaching him with a PADD.

“New crew roster Lieutenant. These new members just arrived from Starbase and have been berthed in crew quarters. Engineering reports the warp and impulse engines are warming up and all power levels are rising. The Chief Medical Officer, Doctor Zorvath T’Koren, has reported the new Sickbay module meets his approval and is ready to depart.”

The Ensign hands the PADD to the Lieutenant. Tom accepted it and scanned it over, nodding slightly. He looked up at the Ensign.

“Thank you Ensign. You are dismissed.”

The Ensign turned and walked to the turbolift. The doors whooshed open just as the Ensign approached. She stepped aside and allowed the previous riders out. The pair of command officers, still holding hands, walked around the bridge slowly, stopping in front of the command chair. Tom was busy looking at the PADD, specifically the list of new crew members…the new security personnel exactly, that he didn’t notice the pair of captains in front of him. He glanced up and nearly jumped out of the command chair as he vacated the captain’s chair.

“I’m sorry sir. I did not see you there,” Tom said apologetically.

Kirok and Sophia both giggled and took their seats. Tom handed Kirok the PADD that the Ensign handed him and gave a full report.

“Ship status report, sir. New crew members just arrived. Engineering reports that warp and impulse engines are warming up and all systems are coming up to full power. Doctor Zorvath T’Koren reported that he approved the new Sickbay. All shields and weapons systems are upgraded and ready.”

Kirok took the PADD, quickly scanned it, then looked up at Tom.

“Well done Tom. I’m sorry you didn’t get to enjoy your Shore Leave, that you chose to stay onboard and on duty to oversee the refit of the ship. I noted that on your record. Inform senior staff to assemble in the shuttlebay in thirty minutes for orders,” Kirok said, offering a hand.

Tom shook Kirok’s outstretched hand, replying, “yes sir.”

Then Kirok tapped his comm badge.

“Attention crew of the USS Carlsbad, this is the captain. All crew members will assemble in the shuttlebay in thirty minutes for official orders. Captain out.”

Sophia stood up, walking towards the turbolift.

“I’m going to check out the new Sickbay. See you in the shuttlebay.”

Captain Skyrunner watched her leave the Bridge, then looked forward, imagining the blackness of space with stars streaking past from warp acceleration.

***

First Officer Sophia Rodriguez, once the Captain of the Akira class cruiser, USS Thunderdragon, was in the turbolift, heading to the new Sickbay. As she rode the turbolift, she thought back to what she has been through, which has landed her here as the USS Carlsbad Executive Officer. Now that they will be able to resume the primary mission that is Starfleet’s mandate…peaceful exploration and contacting new alien species.

“Halt turbolift,” Sophia said to the computer. The turbolift stopped as commanded. Sophia thought about something. “Deck 5, captain’s quarters.”

The turbolift resumed and took her close to the Captain’s quarters, which were hers too. She stepped inside and stopped. She looked around and saw the pictures of her and Kirok on a table in a corner of the living area. She sat down and grabbed a picture from their wedding they had recently. She started to reminisce about her relationship with her husband and what he must have gone through since he got his first command, the USS Carlsbad.

First Officer’s Personal Log, Stardate 08.17.2402

First Officer Sophia Rodriguez recording…

As I sit here in our quarters now, reminiscing about things we, my husband and I, have been through personally since he was promoted to Captain and given his first command, the USS Carlsbad. I find myself…as I recall recent memories from our wedding on Earth after the Vaadwaur invasion…thinking about what my husband must have been through during his first command. I wonder if I had not pulled strings to get him promoted, he most likely would have died with the rest of my crew from the USS Thunderdragon.

We will embark on a new mission very soon, to a region previously not explored well. Naturally, these kinds of missions are packed with surprises and dangers. I am hopefully grateful for this opportunity at some peaceful exploration that doesn’t warrant weapons fire.

End Log Entry.

“All crew members are to assemble in the Shuttlebay immediately for orders,” the ship’s intercom blurted out.

“Here we go,” Sophia said to herself.

She sat the picture back on the table and headed out of their quarters. She walked down the corridor to the turbolift. She greeted the ship’s Chief Medical Officer, Doctor Zorvath T’Koren.

“Good morning Doctor. How do you like the new Sickbay module? I have not had a chance to look it over yet.”

Doctor T’Koren smiled. “I am loving it so far. It is equipped with both a holographic doctor and nurse. More improved versions then that Bashir version,” the doctor replied.

Sophia smiled back, replying, “that’s good to hear, Doctor. I hear that you will be getting some new personnel in Sickbay.”

The turbolift stopped and opened up. Sophia and Zorvath stepped out and walked to the Shuttlebay. They filed in with the rest of the crew. There was a small podium to one side, where Flummex, Kirok, and Tom stood. They walked over to join the rest of the senior officers. The rest of the crew were in small groups, holding casual conversation. Captain Skyrunner waited for a minute to ensure all crew had arrived. He tapped his comm badge.

“Computer, confirm all crew members locations?”

“All crew members are currently located in Shuttlebay.”

Captain Skyrunner smiled and stepped to the podium. A Yeoman blew her attention whistle.

“Attention on deck!”

The crew immediately snapped to attention in rank and file position. They all looked forward to their Captain. Captain Skyrunner nodded to his crew, and then addressed the crew to his senior officers.

“Good morning to the brave crew of the USS Carlsbad. For those new crew members, welcome. I am Captain Kirok Skyrunner. Next to me are Captain Sophia Rodriguez, our Executive Officer. Next to her is our Assistant Chief Engineer Flummex Vael. Next to him is Lieutenant Tom Bradly, our Bridge Tactical Officer and Security Chief. Finally, our Chief Medical Officer, Doctor Zorvath T’Koren. Missing is my Operations Officer Commander Aramis Lionel and my Chief Engineer Catersha.”

Captain Skyrunner looked from his senior officers to his crew, then continued his speech.

“My first order of business is crew promotions and new assignments. Captain Sophia Rodriguez, Assistant Chief Engineer Flummex Vael, and Doctor Zorvath T’Koren…you three have officially been assigned to this ship by order of Starfleet Command.”

Everyone started clapping their hands loudly. Kirok gave them a few seconds, then he quieted them down again, so he could continue.

“The USS Carlsbad is also proud to have our Kyrennei friends to officially join our proud crew as non-commissioned officers.”

Kirok waved his fellow Kyrennei friends forward. Kaelara led her group forward. Herself, Aximo, Naomi, Sorvath, and Vora stood in front of Captain Kirok Skyrunner. Kirok looked at them.

“My friends…by the authority of Starfleet Command, I hereby state that you five…Kaelara, Aximo, Naomi, Sorvath, and Vora…are now officially members of this crew and have the rank of an enlisted crew member.”

The whole ship clapped and complimented loudly in congratulations for the Kyrennei. Kirok led the applause for a minute, then he stopped clapping. The crew followed suit seconds later.

“Next order of ship’s business is crew promotions. First…Lieutenant Tom Bradly, please step forward,” Kirok said. Tom stepped up behind the podium and in front of Captain Skyrunner.

First Officer Sophia Rodriguez stepped up with a small box. She opened it and Kirok took out a shiny new black pip. Kirok then pinned it on Tom’s collar as he spoke.

“Lieutenant Tom Bradly…for exceptional bravery during the final battle with the Vaadwaur and for outstanding ability you have for carrying out your duties, I hereby promote you to the rank of Lieutenant Commander, with all the rights and responsibilities thereto.”

The crew erupted into applause.

“Next up is Ensign Lisa Nguyen,” Captain Skyrunner said.

Lisa walked up and stood in front of her commanding officer.

“Ensign Lisa Nguyen, for exceptional bravery during the Vaadwaur invasion, I hereby promote you to the rank of Lieutenant Junior Grade,” Kirok said as he pinned a shiny black pip on her collar.

The crew applauded again.

“The next part of the ship’s business is new crew members and their assignments,” Kirok said as he looked at his PADD, then looked at the new crew members. “The following are new additions to our newly built security department…Ensign K’tharon from Qo’noS. Ensign Tiffany Evans from Earth. Lieutenant Junior Grade Ethan Smith from Sigma Minor. Lieutenant Eric Smith from Earth. Kaelara and Vora will also be assigned to Security. For our newly rebuilt Sickbay, we have Lieutenant Evelyn Pierce as our new Head Nurse for our new Sickbay. Naomi is also going to be a Medical Nurse. Lieutenant Junior Grade Alexandra “Alex” Rodgers is a new addition to our Engineering Department. Lastly, Aximo and Sorvath will be added to our Science Department.”

Captain Skyrunner led his crew in applause and welcoming the new crew members. After a few minutes more of cheering, Kirok held up his hands to silence his crew.

“Now to the best part…we have been given new orders from Starfleet Command. A new region has recently been opened up on the far side of the Klingon Empire. This region was basically closed up due to extremely high subspace disturbances that prevented the use of warp drive over warp 2. Now that the Blackout Event is over, the removal of the Blackout also removed those subspace disturbances, therefore allowing full use of warp drive. Our orders are to leave Starbase 72 and head for the transwarp conduit in the Vadia system and use it to go to Framheim Station, at the edge of the Shackleton Expanse. Once there, we will start our mission…peaceful exploration of this new region, but we must first find and rescue two of our missing officers, Commander Aramis Lionel and Chief Engineer Catersha. All crew, report to departure stations. We will depart Starbase 72 in ten minutes. Dismissed.”

Captain Skyrunner stood behind the podium, as his senior officers filed out first, leading the new members to their duty stations. Sophia stepped up next to him, waiting for everyone to leave. As the Shuttlebay doors closed, she kissed him on the cheek.

“That was a great speech babe,” Sophia said to her husband, taking his hand.

“Thanks love. That was the easy part, and I don’t like public speaking much. The harder part is finding Aramis and Catersha. The hardest part is the exploration of that new region. Not knowing what is there makes me uneasy.”

Sophia reassured him, saying, “I know this crew has all their faith and trust in your leadership. I know you can, babe.”

Kirok started to lead them to the door, replying, “thanks for your support and confidence in me, love. Let’s get to the Bridge and start this mission.”