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MISSION LOG 00.9 "Upward and Onward!"
Ensign Johnson checked over the various displays that swept before him. It was his first time using a non-standard LCARS system like the ones he had originally been trained on, but working Ops for new class ship...especially one as advanced as the StarQuest-A was more a pleasure then work. So many experimental systems. Juan ran his hand from the top of the right side control panel down and the entire board changed to Engine status information. He and Chief Engineer Handshaw had worked most of the morning trying to get as much out of the engines as possible. Though it seemed like the chief new more about what he had called his ship then Juan did. Running his hand upward again the panel reverted to "standard" mode which showed all various ships "operations".
A Priority Channel signal beeped at Communications.
"Captain," said the crewman, "Confirmation of official orders has arrived, sir. Your eyes-only. I'll transfer it to your PADD."Captain Dothan made an ugly face even for a Klingon, He could not remember where he had put the damned thing....
Oh yes this new invention Mr. Handshaw had brought him, "Your own personal PADD finder sir"Dothan reached into his pocket and brought out a little device. He pressed the button on top that was now flashing. A slight buzzing was heard off in the distance. "Oh yes crewmen, he said with assurance, I will take it in my Ready Room." He strode confidently in that direction. The doors parted with his approach, when he had entered the room he sat down at his desk and quickly switched on his PADD device. After scanning the information for a brief moment, Dothan stood and reentered the bridge. He could tell everyone was eagerly awaiting their orders. "Take us out Mr. Klemendat."
Klemendat snapped to attention.
"Yes, sir. I would be honored to take the ship out." At last, thought Klemendat, The Chair is mine, even if only for a few minutes. He slipped into the Captain's chair with a quiet sigh of pleasure.Lt. Klemendat leaned forward, eager to get started. This was the launch of the StarQuest-A, her first mission. Not that he was particularly sentimental about the event. It was just the routine exit of another ship from spacedock. So why did Captain Dothan have to stand behind him, grinning like some smug Klingon cat? Why doesn't he just take a rest during such a routine, unchallenging procedure, thought Klemendat, Go have a mug of Raktajino or something? This is MY first mission, my chance to show what a superior Zakdorn can do, given the chance. Even if it is only to guide the ship out. If only the rest of the crew didn't have those foolish looks on their faces. Do they ALL have to be hanging around the bridge for the occasion?
"Mr. Handshaw: engine status--""Sir, engines fully operational, and at your command, sir!
Ensign Johnson and I are closely monitoring all the new systems keeping an eye out for any 'bugs' or 'Gremlins', I don't expect anything that we can't handle"Klemendat nodded to himself and then sat comfortably. "Good. I want the thrusters at no less than 99.8% efficiency before we drop out of warp."
Handshaw responded quickly, his voice betrayed the smile he was holding back. "Sir, thrusters are also fully operational, currently capable of 120% of their standard specs, sir!", Handshaw warned.
Klemendat gave an acknowledging nod then turned toward the Conn, "Ensign Rakh'bar- Release docking clamps and set thrusters at one-quarter impulse. Forward 0-0 till we clear spacedock, then increase slowly to half impulse till we pass the solar system's outer markers. Do you have the course and speed ready to engage once we reach open space?"
Rakh`bar nodded and returned to his flight console, "Yes sir," he replied. "Ready on your command." Rakh'bar had to remind himself that no insult was intended, nor was anyone implying incompetence on his part by asking whether he was ready. It was just the Federation way to ask questions rather than giving commands. Another reason it would be a relief of sorts to work with a Klingon.
Klemendat sprayed his orders to all corners of the bridge getting the proper responses in each crewman's turn, "Check your read-outs. Once we're in open space, make that warp factor eight, instead. I want to see what this vessel can do."
Rakh`bar made the correction, and tilted his head back with a raised eyebrow, "Yes, SIR! Warp eight, on your mark."
He finally noticed the Ship's Counselor was seated to his right.With a cleared throat, the Counselor piped in, "I believe the crew ought to see our current flight path and current surroundings on their personal PADDS. The crew’s morale may get a boost…similar to old time sailors getting a chance to see land for the first time."
Klemendat resolved to forego the usual witty reply he would have normally offered..."Very well, Counselor. If it would amuse the crew to watch this on their view screens, so be it. Crewman Becker: connect main view screen to all departments."
If you can read my mind, thought Klemendat, then you'll know how much it would amuse me to see you jettisoned into space, you witch doctor.
"How do you like the view, Counselor?"Rakh'bar raised an eyebrow at this. Looking back, he noticed man seated next to the captain's chair, then turned back immediately to the view screen. Even after Starfleet Academy, the Romulan was still a little unfamiliar with some of the mundane aspects of life on a Federation ship. To have legal council on board made some sense, but a lawyer as a bridge officer??
Counselor Day stared at the large viewscreen thinking of Klemendat’s pointless question unaware of any other thoughts the current commander may have been thinking…aside from the sarcastic way the question was asked:
"It’s similar to many minds I have explored...empty."Klemendat looked back at Captain Dothan: "Does the ship match your expectations so far?"
Captain Dothan offered, "It's a fine ship Mr. Klemendat, take her out." Dothan replied
Klemendat studied the smooth exit of the StarQuest as it cleared the last of the docking pylons and sailed into the stars. Soon they passed the rings of Saturn, the only real close-up look they would get at any solar bodies other than Mars Planitia Shipyards. Even at low impulse, he knew, their departure from the system would only take a couple of minutes. On the view screen an iridescent arch of orbiting bodies sparkled in the reflection of the sun, then seemed to spread apart as the blackness of space opened around them. A veil of starlight blinked into view, shifting subtly as they headed outward. Everyone listened closely as the computer announced:
=/\= Clearing final markers. You are now authorized to engage Warp.=/\=
Reluctantly, Klemendat stood up and turned to face the Captain.
"Launch successful, sir. I now return command to you."Rakh'bar had a difficult time keeping from smiling at this. Who was in command? The Klingon, the Zakdorn, or the computer? He was glad his position made his face invisible to the others. And where did the witchdoctor fit into all this?
Dothan smiled proudly at his Number One,
"Very nicely done Mr. Klemendat...I have received our first Mission Orders and it is a very important Mission indeed."Originally posted by:
Captain Dothan / Ship's Commanding Officer
Lt. Vorun Klemendat / First Officer
Captain Jeffrey C. Handshaw / Chief "Ships" Engineer
Ensign Juan Johnson / Operations "Ops" Officer
Ensign Rakh`bar / Ship's Flight Control "Conn" Officer
USS StarQuest, NCC-71804-A