Making New friends

Chapter 3

    Moments later Commodore Chi and Captain Lake stepped off the Pads as she walked over to the Operator and said something in a low voice then received a nod of acknowledgment. Turning to James “Captain follow me” she ordered as the two left for a nearby Lift “Bridge” came the request.

    Walking off the Lift Chi turned “Welcome to the USS Divergent Captain” she stated with some pride in her voice “You may not want to touch anything” as she grinned. James looked around trying to take everything in at once as he commented “This place is massive.” Looking around he saw more Stations than he’d ever seen before; there were multiple Stations for every Department.

    The Commodore explained “We have the latest Tech that Star Fleet R&D has come up with. Some of it is cutting edge and is in the testing phase; that’s why we have so many Stations for each Department.”   

 “How in the world do you keep all this stuff straight in your head” James queried being in utter amazement.

   Chi gave a light chuckle “It’s not so bad once you get used to it” she replied then stepped over to Helm “Lieutenant plot in a course for Deep Space Seven, warp nine please.” “Aye Ma’am” came the reply and moments later the Ship was on its way. Turning to James “We’ll arrive at DS7 early tomorrow; that’s where you’ll be based out of and resupply when necessary” Chi explained “So you ready to meet your new Crew; I took the liberty of having everyone assemble here to meet. That way you can use this time to get to know them somewhat before you actually are aboard your Ship.”

    Everything was happening so fast James’ head was spinning as he followed Chi back onto the Lift “Deck 20” she requested “I know things are moving along quickly but we want to get your Ship up and running as soon as possible giving you and your Crew time to get used to the Vigilant and each other before you get to work on your first Mission.”

    “That makes sense” then he paused for a moment before continuing “If I may ask, what about the Hermes” being concerned over his quick exit.

    “Not to worry Captain; it’s a done deal. The First Officer is now the Captain and she has already has her First Officer in place. Your personal effects are being packed up as we speak and will arrive at DS7 in a few days; in the meantime anything you may need for your person can be acquired once we get to the Base. Unfortunately, however, I’m afraid you won’t be able to say any good byes.” James grinned “Maybe that’s just as well; I hate goodbyes anyway” he replied.

    A few minutes later the Lift halted as the doors swooshed open “Ready to meet your new Crew James” she queried as he nodded in agreement. Walking into a large room with tables and chairs, James could see seven other people standing and chatting when one called out “Officers on Deck’ as everyone became quiet and snapped to attention “As you were people” Chi ordered as everyone relaxed “Everyone may I present Captain James Lake, your new Commanding Officer.” James smiled “Hello everyone, I guess we’ll be getting to know each other rather quickly given the circumstances” he commented as he heard a light chuckle from around the room. 

    Turning to James “Captain let me take you around and introduce you to your Crew” Chi said with a smile. Walking over to a rather nice looking lady “ This is Commander Rachael Reese your First Officer and also Science Officer” being polite James shook her hand. “Commander it’s very nice to meet you” as she gave him a nod. “Next is Lieutenant T’Sol, Helm/Navigation Officer” James gave the same greeting. “ Lieutenant Maria SanChez, Tactical/Comms Officer, Lieutenant Nox, Intelligence/Infiltration Officer and her partner in crime is Ensign Mark Benna. Next is Lieutenant Daniel Herek,  Engineering Officer and I believe you know this lady, Lieutenant Katlyn Zebot; Computer Specialist/Engineering” the Commodore commented being finished with all the introductions “I’ll have a nice dinner and beverages sent in shortly, in the meantime please take this opportunity to get to know your Commanding officer and each other as well” then the Commodore turned and left the area.

     The first person James wanted to talk to was his long time friend as he walked over to her “Katlyn its been awhile and you look as lovely as ever” James stated with a grin. “ Yes it has” she replied with a light chuckle “And you are as charming as ever.” “I guess some things never change. I thought you left  Star Fleet a few years ago” he inquired. “I did, but four months ago they talked me into coming back with a substantial increase in pay, full security clearance, and the possibility I might serve with you again.” “They seemed pretty sure of themselves to say the least” he commented “It’ll be nice working with you again Katlyn. I should get around to everyone else before there’s talk; you know how that goes” as he grinned then turned to talk to the others.

    James walked over to Lieutenant Herek next “Hi Daniel; so you’re my Chief Engineer. Have you had much experience with the new warp core” he asked. “Hello James and yes I have been training for the past six months intensively with the new type core.” “Excellent; and by the way if you ever need an extra pair of hands I was a Chief Engineer years ago and I think I do remember the basics” he commented with a grin. “Good, I’ll remember that for future use and may I say James I’m looking forward to working with you” Daniel replied. “Thank you and I with you. Excuse me.”

    Next James spoke to Lieutenants T’Sol and SanChez. Walking up to the two “T’Sol and Maria how are you weathering all the changes happening” James inquired with a smile. “Logically James, changes in appointment are to be expected serving in Star Fleet but I am becoming familiar with the new surroundings. I will endeavor to perform my duties as Helm/Navigational Officer to the best of my abilities” T’Sol stated in his Vulcan manner. James smiled “Yes I suppose you are correct and I look forward to working with you” James replied, then looking at Maria “And you’re my Tactical/ Communications officer. Have you been in Tactical long?” “Yes Sir, I have been in Tactical since my Academy days and have been working in Comms for the past two years. Like T’Sol, I look forward serving with you as well” Maria concluded with a nervous smile. “Good I like a seasoned person in Tactical and I am delighted to be working with you also” James gave a nod then moved on to other members of his Crew.

    “Mark and Nox, are you ready to be starting this new adventure together in Intelligence” James asked with a smile. “Yes James we’re ready and are looking forward to serving with you ” Nox commented as Mark nodded in agreement. “Good, I look forward to working with the both of you” James replied “So have you two worked together before?” Mark spoke up next “We have been working and training together for the past eight months. Matter of fact we pretty much know what the other is thinking when on an Op.”  “Excellent, I was a little concerned knowing how dangerous Intelligence can be; now I can relax a little” James concluded “If you’ll excuse me I have one more person to talk to before dinner is served.”

    

    Lastly he went over to his First Officer “Rachael I guess we’ll be working closely together” he commented with a smile. “Yes looks that way” she replied with a smile of her own “So I guess we should get to know one another very quickly.” James smiled “You seemed a little preoccupied a few minutes ago” he commented. “I guess all of the changes happening so quickly has caught up to me” Racheal replied, not wanting to give him the real reason just yet; the two Officers stood and chatted for awhile until they were interrupted.

    Dinner came rolling into the room on a large dolly with Servers and the Commodore following behind as she stood for a few minutes surveying the room “Its nice to see everyone’s getting to know each other; looks like we have a good match with this Crew” Chi stated with a grin “Please take your seats and we’ll serve dinner directly.” Everyone did as asked and soon they had a delicious meal sitting in front of them along with a beverage. The Crew ate, chatted, and there was the occasional laughter.

    After dinner was finished the Commodore stood to make an announcement “Everyone in about an hour some of my Crew will show up and escort you to your Quarters. Get a good nights sleep because tomorrow will be a busy day. We’ll reassemble in this room at zero eight hundred for breakfast. We should arrive at Deep Space Seven at about zero nine hundred. After we dock you’ll be escorted onto the base to meet the Commanding Officer; then you’ll be given your permanent Quarters for when you‘re on the Base. After that’s all taken care of I will take you on a tour of your new Ship and go over more specifics at that time. Thank you for a lovely evening and sleep well” Chi stated with a smile. Captain Lake spoke up “Thank you Rebecca for your hospitality and a great meal” as he could hear the rest of the Crew thanking her as well.

    The following morning everyone showed up on time and asked each other how well they slept. A few minutes later a dolly of breakfast foods rolled in along with a generous amount of coffee; which seemed to be the beverage of choice. Breakfast was a big hit as everyone continued to chat getting to know each other even better. Commodore Chi entered the room as things were winding down “Good morning, we have arrived at DS7 and are in the process of docking. In a few minutes we’ll go onto the Base where you’ll be met by the Commanding Officer and will be escorted to your Quarters; then we’ll tour your new Ship” she explained with a smile.Several minutes later Chi received a call from her Captain.