Decisions, Decisions

Chapter 2

    The next day the Hermes arrived at DS5 about mid morning. After receiving the location for the meeting James put his Number One in command and beamed down to the station; little did he know this would be the last time he would be on his Ship.

    Walking into a large Office, James headed for the reception desk “Excuse me I’m Captain James Lake here to see Commodore Chi” he stated with a smile. An Ensign looked up from his work “Captain Lake the Commodore has been expecting you, please right this way.” James followed the Ensign into the Commodore’s meeting room.

    “Commodore Chi, Captain Lake is here to see you” the Ensign acknowledged. Chi turned from the Viewport “Welcome Captain, please have a seat” then she instructed her subordinate “Please close the door on your way out and hold all my calls.” “Yes Ma’am” he replied as he left the room closing the door as ordered. 

    “James would you like something to drink before we get started” she queried. “Yes I’ll take a water, thank you.” Grabbing a water from the replicator Chi also grabbed the coffee off her desk and sat at the table handing James his water. 

    “I’m sure you’re well aware of Section 42’s role in Star fleet as the ones who can deal with things in the Quadrants that regular Star Fleet can not. That being said we have been developing, over the last few years, a redesigned Wave-Rider Shuttle, now more of a Ship really, capable of warp nine plus and can cruise at warp seven utilizing a new type warp reactor. It also has four phaser arrays, two forward and two aft, and four mini quantum torpedo launchers set up the same way. It boasts an eight person Crew including the Commanding Officer” Chi explained in detail “So what’s your take Captain.”

    “Sounds like a beast of a craft; fast and fully armed” James commented but had to ask “What departments are represented on the craft.”

    “Fair question Captain…..the Crew consists of the C.O., First/Science Officer, Helm/Nav Officer, Tactical/Comms Officer, a Chief Engineer, a Computer Specialist/Engineer and two Infiltration/ Intelligence Specialists. There is a small Medical area using an EMH thanks to the Ship utilizing LCARS 6.3; this is the newest version of Computer software ” the Commodore explained “Any questions Captain?”

    “What type of Missions would Section 42 expect us to complete” James queried wanting to know what he was getting himself into.

    “A variety of Missions really. Anything from extractions to infiltrations, and the usual types one would expect” Chi commented.

    “What about assassinations, are they part of what Section 42 does” James queried with some concern.

    “I won’t lie to you Captain; yes we have done that sort of work but rarely, we’re not monsters you know” Chi replied hoping the topic didn’t have a negative impact on his decision..

    “So how long before you need an answer if I’m willing to take Command or not” James asked having already made up mind.

    “I need to know as soon as possible; today preferably” she answered “You are our first choice for this new project. If you say no then I’ll reluctantly move onto our second choice.”

    “One last question before I give you my answer; who will take command of the Hermes if I agree to your proposal” James queried.

    “We had planned on making your Number One Captain” Chi replied with a glint of hope.

    James grinned “Yes I will command your new Ship Commodore Chi; it sounds like a great adventure to stay the least” he answered still grinning.

    “Excellent Captain Lake” as the Commodore stood, followed by James “ You are hereby given the Command of the USS Vigilant; NCC-71214 on this date. Congratulations, we’ll beam to my my Ship momentarily” Chi stated then offered her hand.

    James smiled shaking Chi’s hand “Thank you Commodore Chi, you’ve made the right choice.”

    Tapping her Comm “Divergent this is Chi, two to beam aboard” and soon the two officers were off the Base.