Safely Home

Chapter 10

   

    The rest of the trip home was, thankfully, uneventful and routine. Shortly thereafter Helm called out “Captain we should be arriving at the Base within the hour” T’Sol commented. Opening a channel “DS7 this is the Vigilant we’ll be arriving within the hour. Please be advised the cloaking generator has failed to work and Engineering was unable to effect repairs” James explained. “Welcome home Vigilant, I’ll notify the Commodore right away and will have a repair Crew waiting for your arrival” the Dock Master replied.

    The arrival and docking was becoming quite routine now as Helm brought the Engines to idle. Opening a ship wide channel “Attention, Crew everyone can disembark except for Lieutenant Herek and Intelligence. Job well done everyone” James commented as he left his seat and opened the hatch for the repair Crew. “Captain Lake I’m Commander Zen: I’ll be heading up the repairs for you” he commented as the two Officers shook hands “Commander Main Engineering is located on Deck 2” James replied. After the repair Crew left the Bridge a Security Team boarded “Captain we are here to escort Doctor Chen to the Commodore’s Ship” the Lieutenant stated. “ Good if you’ll follow me I’ll show you where he’s being held” James replied as they all went to Deck 2. Walking over to the Intelligence Section “Lieutenant Nox these men are here for Doctor Chen” James explained. Giving a nod Nox went to the Brig and brought the Doctor to the Security team “He’s all yours” Nox commented with a smile. Security nodded and smiled as the three left the Ship to go see the Commodore. Turning to his Intelligence Team “Job well done with the Op; you are free to leave” James commented “Thank you Captain, we‘re pleased to have been successful on out first time under your command, Sir” Ensign Benna replied with a grin being sincere as he and Nox grabbed their duffels and left the Ship.  

Entering Main Engineering the Captain walked over to Herek “How’s it going Lieutenant” he asked. “Good Sir, they should be finished in a couple of hours. I would like to stay until they’re finished that way I can secure the Ship before leaving and make sure the testing is successful” Daniel explained being aware of protocols. “Thank you that sounds like a good idea; I’ll make it up to you for staying past your shift” James replied being grateful for Daniels commitment; Herek nodded. As James turned to leave the Ship, with his duffel in hand, Katlyn approached him speaking in a soft tone “James I was wondering if you might have dinner with me early this evening; we could catch up” she inquired being as nervous as a schoolgirl. James smiled “I think that is a great idea; what time did you have in mind” he replied happy she asked first. “Maybe seventeen hundred and maybe civilian attire, if that’s good for you” “That’s fine. Let me walk with you to our quarters and we can discuss it further” James replied with a smile. The two friends left the Ship and started for home with Katlyn being quite pleased with herself.