Exploring

Chapter 28

     Once back on the Bridge, James posted the quarters assignments as promised on the back wall then he and the Commander entered the Lift “Deck 2” James called out then looking at Racheal “May as well start from the top and work our way down.”

    Exiting the Lift they turned right and started walking the corridor. The first area they came to had a heavy jacketed door. Looking through the glass James commented “This must be Upper Engineering; I can see the top of the warp core” which looked massive for a ship of this size.

      The next area they came to was the Transporter Room with eight pads to transport multiple personnel. Proceeding they then came upon the Shuttle Bay; walking inside sat the old Vigilant already rebranded Shuttle Atlantis along with four Type 9 shuttles and two work pods. James looked around “this is one very packed Shuttle Bay if I ever saw one” James stated. “That’s for sure” Racheal commented seeing her Shuttle at the fore front for quick access.

    As they rounded the Corridor they came to all of the Crew Quarters. James smiled “Since were here we may as well take a peek at our new accommodations “as he walked up to his new home. Tapping in his security code the door swooshed open and they entered. Looking around it was about what you would expect; not very large but large enough to be comfortable. “Looks like they are all about the same size and configuration, which is fine. I don’t think I could get used to huge quarters anyway” James stated with a grin. “Between the old Vigilant and our quarters on the Base I think we’re pretty well used to living in a smaller space which I do prefer” Racheal replied. The last area on this deck was a large door with a warning label “Forward torpedo launcher and magazines; authorized personnel only. James chuckled “I guess that about says it all” then they found another lift and entered “Deck 3” Racheal requested.

    Walking to the first area the officers found a combination Mess Hall/ Lounge which was more than adequate for a Crew compliment of twenty four persons. Next were Holo Decks 1 and 2, Medical Department, Main Engineering along with the CEO’s Office, and the Aft Torpedo Launcher with magazines.

    On Deck 4 they found the Science Department complete with state of the art Labs, Operations Department, Tactical/Security Department, A fully stocked Armory, a Brig with a few cells, an area housing the Impulse Engines, and the Computer Core with a Control Room. Looking at the Computer area Racheal couldn’t help but comment  “That looks like one beast of a Computer,  Katlyn going to love getting her hands on that.” 

    Dropping down to Deck 5 the Officers found the Cargo Bay, Cargo Transporter, Aux. Weapon Controls, Storage (Ship’s Stores, Extra Quantum Torpedos, Extra Replicator Product).

    The last deck was Deck 6 which housed the non personnel related areas such as Waste Processing/Recycling Center, Navigation Deflector Control Room, LRS Control room, Navigational Deflector, Deuterium Storage, Anti-Matter Storage Pods.

    Grabbing the nearest lift James requested “Deck 1” and they were off back to the Bridge.

    Once back on the Bridge James stepped over to the communication station opening a ship wide “Attention Crew, the is the Captain, please report to the Bridge for a short meeting. Thank you” he commented then closed the channel. Looking at his Number One “So what do you think of the new Vigilant-A” he inquired.

    “It’s a very impressive ship that’s for sure and I think I’ll feel a lot safer compared to the shuttle” Racheal replied “And you; what’s your take on our new home.”

    “I agree, it’s very impressive. Now if it performs half as good as it looks then I won’t have any complaints” James replied as everyone arrived on the Bridge. “Thank you all for being so prompt. Tomorrow is moving in day and getting settled in your new home day as well, then the following day we take the Vigilant-A on her maiden voyage so please report to your departments or stations no later than zero seven thirty for a departure time at zero eight hundred. That being said the rest of today is yours but might I suggest starting to pack up your things tonight or at least some of them. Any questions” James explained then looked around the room “Good. Once Commander Reese, Lieutenant Commander Roan, and myself get settled tomorrow we will be around various decks of the ship to answer any questions or concerns you may have; you’re dismissed.”     

    Roan walked over to James “Captain if I may request to be on deck 4 tomorrow to answer any questions that come up; Tactical/ Security is on that deck as well as the Brig and Armory” he requested.

    “Sure no problem, matter of fact Commander Reese why don’t you take deck 2 and I’ll take deck 3 while Mr. Roan is on deck 4 that way all of the personnel decks will be covered” James ordered with a smile. All agreed so anything that happened to come would be covered by one person on the command staff.

    “Thank you Captain, now I should return to the Divergent and pack up my belongings for tomorrow” with a head nod “Captain, Commander have a good night” then he turned and left the Bridge.

    James looked over at Racheal “So what’s your take on our new Second Officer” he inquired.

    “I think he’s all business when on duty, seems to know his duties, and isn’t afraid to speak up with an idea or suggestion” Racheal replied.

    “Those were my thoughts as well. I think he’ll be a good Second Officer but he is a little rough around the edges so a little polishing may be in order” James answered “Although he is Klingon after all.

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Note: This will give you some idea where different departments and Crew amenities are located on the new Ship.

A New Day

Chapter 27

    At zero nine hundred Captain Lake was shaved, showered, and dressed for the day when his door chime went off “Come in” he stated then Commander Reese walked in with a smile on her face.

    Racheal walked through the door and right up to James “Good morning my Captain’ she commented before laying a nice kiss on his lips for a few minutes.

    “Well good morning to you too my Commander” then returned her kiss rather enjoying her lips “So what would you like for breakfast this morning.”

    “Eggs and toast sounds good and I could really use a cup of coffee first” Racheal replied with a smile.

    “One cup of hot black coffee coming right up” he stated. Moments later “Here you go sweetheart and I’ll get the rest of breakfast.”

    Taking a long sip of her favorite morning beverage “Oh, that’s just what I needed…..thank you” she replied still enjoying her coffee, then paused a moment realizing what James had just said “So I’m at sweetheart status then” as she grinned pleased for the gesture.

    Grabbing two plates from the replicator “Yes, you are most definitely at the sweetheart status. Ok, western omelet and toast; dig in” James commented as he sat beside Racheal and they started to enjoy breakfast together.

    After consuming part of their breakfast “I’m willing to bet we’ll be loosing our quarters here on the Base and be aboard the Ship full time” as he paused “So…..how do you see us on the ship….off duty that is” James inquired thinking they may as well discuss this.

    Racheal thought for a moment “I would hope things would continue between us regardless of where we are living; that is if you’re ok with that arrangement” she commented being a little concerned of what his answer might be.

    A big smile came across his face “That’s what I was thinking as well. When we’re off duty our personnel lives are our own” then he paused thinking “Although we may have to use a little discretion popping in and out of each other’s quarters.”

    “You’re probably right” she replied “It would make things easier if our quarters were next to each other and not across the corridor from the other” Racheal commented with a grin.

    “Considering I am the Captain I think that could be arranged quite easily” he grinned as well. After breakfast they sat and talked about the new ship, the crew, and a variety of other things until it was getting close to thirteen hundred then they left for their new home.

    Walking up to the gangway James presented his identification to Security “Lieutenant, I’m Captain James Lake, Commanding Officer.” “Yes Sir” as he handed back the I.D. “Welcome. There’s a lift just inside across the corridor to take you to the Bridge on Deck 1” he stated with a smile. James walked in and waited for Rachel by the Lift.

    A few minutes later Racheal walked up to James “You ready for this Captain?” “As ready as I’ll ever will be” as he gave a hand gesture for her to enter the Lift first. The door swooshed shut as James called out “Computer, Deck 1, Bridge please” and moments later they were off to start another new adventure.

    The Lift doors opened with James and Racheal stepping off. Seeing Rebecca a short distance away James walked over “Good afternoon Commodore” he stated noticing someone else standing next to her.

    “You as well Captain. Please allow me to introduce you to my Chief of Engineering on the Divergent. Captain James Lake this is Commander Jefferson, one of the finest Chiefs in Star Fleet” Rebecca stated with some pride in her voice.

    James extended his hand “Very nice to meet you Commander” he replied but his eyes were wandering around the Bridge trying not to be too obvious about it as Chi walked to another part of the Bridge.

    Jefferson grinned seeing the Captain’s reaction to his new surroundings “She’s a beauty isn’t she” he stated.

    Hearing the Commanders voice brought James’ attention back to their conversation “Sorry Commander, I didn’t mean to appear rude. Yes this ship is certainly something, that’s for sure.

    Jefferson gave a light chuckle “That’s quite alright Captain; I’d be having the same reaction myself if I was in your position” he replied happy the Captain was liking what he was seeing “This ship has the greatest and latest stable tech Section 42 has to offer.”

    “If she operates as good as she looks, then I won’t be disappointed” James replied with a grin.

    “And that’s what shakedowns are for; to make sure all functions are working properly” Jefferson replied then continued “If you haven’t any objections, the Commodore would like me to accompany you and your Crew this first time out; although most of my time will be spent in Engineering helping your Chief Engineer.”

    A smile came across James’ face “No not at all, it’ll make things go much smoother” he replied  as he motioned to Daniel to come over “Commander Jefferson may I introduce my Chief Engineer, Lieutenant Daniel Herek.”

    Jefferson extended his hand “Lieutenant nice to meet a fellow Chief. I’ll be along for the shakedown specifically to help you and your people and/or answer any of your questions.”

    Daniel was smiling so hard you would think his face would break as he shook hands “Commander, nice to meet you as well and thank you for coming along; I’ll take all the assistance I can get.” James saw the two Chiefs getting along famously so he turned and greeted the other members of their Crew.

    Captain Lake made his way around the Bridge greeting each and every member of his much larger Crew; which he still planned on doing as much as possible. Walking over to his Operations Officer “Ensign McTavish, you ready for a new adventure” he inquired with a grin.

    “Yes I am and I can hardly wait until when we can get underway” Heidi replied with a smile “Although I do have a question Captain.”

    “Please by all means ask away” James commented eager to hear what was on the Ensign’s mind.

    “Well Sir, do you want me to serve in operations, communications or both” she inquired with some concern.

    “Probably both at least for the duration of the shakedown until I get the chance to go over the entire Crew roster and see who’s proficient in what departments. Is that going to be a problem Ensign” James stated.

    “No, none whatsoever it’s just” then Heidi paused before continuing “Well Captain the Ops console is at the front of the Bridge and the Communications is in the back of the Bridge so I’ll have to go back and forth that’s all.”

    Captain Lake grinned “I have a better solution” he stated “Computer, Captain, Lake, James, transfer the Ops Station to Auxiliary Station number two.”

    “Ops Station functions are now available at Auxiliary Station number two” the Computer replied.

    Looking at Heidi “There you go Ensign; there is no reason to run in between Stations….that’s what the spare consoles are for. This should make your life much easier” James commented with a grin.

    “That it will Captain and thank you for doing that for me” Heidi replied with a smile then sat at her Stations looking things over.

    “Anytime Ensign, that’s what I’m here for” James stated.

    Commodore Chi walked over to James after he finished his conversation with one of his Crew “Captain, I have a meeting to get to so I’ll let you take it from here and assign quarters to your Crew. Tomorrow will be moving day for your Crew as they come aboard and get settled before the shakedown commences the next morning. Have the Crew explore the Ship the rest of the day so they can get their bearings. Also I’ll have Security ay the gangway until you depart” she explained with a smile.

    “Sounds good Commodore. Quarters assignments is the first thing on my to do list and I can go over the Crew roster while I’m at it” James commented returning the smile. Rebecca gave a nod and exited the Bridge; now it was his show. In a loud voice “If I could have everyone’s attention please” then the Crew quieted down and focused on their Captain “Commander Reese and Lieutenant Commander Roan, if you both would assemble in my Ready Room we have some things to discuss. As for the rest of you take the next few hours and explore your new home. Tomorrow please move all your belongings into your newly assigned Quarters, which you will have shortly, and get settled. The next day we head out on our shakedown and see what this Ship can do. Any Questions.”

    Lieutenant SanChez spoke up “Captain where will we be able to find our new quarters assignments” Maria inquired.

    “Give us about a couple of hours then we’ll post the assignments on the wall at the back of the Bridge just for simplicity’s sake” James replied glad  Maria had asked. “If there’s no other questions you are dismissed to explore the Ship.”

       The Command Staff sat for the next couple of hours looking over the Crew roster and made the quarters assignments for the Crew. James made sure Racheal’s quarters were next to his since James was the first room on deck 2 at the end of the corridor; the entire Crew had their quarters on the same deck due to the small size of the Ship.

    Once everything was set James dismissed his Team “Ok, feel free to explore the Ship” Lake stated placing his padd, with the Crew Roster added, in his right thigh pocket. Being Roan had already left James looked at his Commander “Racheal you want to see what this place is like” he inquired.

    “Absolutely, since this will be our new home we may as well start getting used to this place” Racheal replied with a smile as the two Officers left the Ready Room.

Coming Together

Chapter 26

    By eighteen hundred the new Crew additions, as well as the present Crew, were gathered in the Officer’s Lounge on DS7. James noticed both groups were segregated with the Commodore talking with the new group; he hoped by the end of the evening the two groups would be coming together.

    Approaching Chi “Commodore, everyone, why don’t we get the evening started” James suggested with a smile.

    “Yes, by all means” Rebecca stated then glancing towards James then back to the new group “Everyone please allow me to introduce your Commanding Officer…..Captain James Lake. I’ll let him take over from here; James.”

    With a smile “Thank you Rebecca” then he paused “Hi everyone, let me first introduce all of you new folks to your Senior Officers then we’ll walk around and meet all of you and for the duration of the evening, and please, let’s go by first names only” James suggested with a smile 

    “This is Commander Racheal Reese…First Officer and Shuttle Commander.” “I look forward to serving with each of you” she replied. Next Lieutenant Maria SanChez….Chief Tactical/Security and Shuttle First Officer” as Maria waved. “Lieutenant T’Sol….Chief Flight Officer and Shuttle Pilot” he gave a nod “Lieutenant Daniel Herek…..Chief Engineer for both….Lieutenant Katlyn Zebot….Computer Specialist for both. Moving along, Lieutenant Nox….Intelligence Chief for both Ships and lastly Ensign Mark Benna….Lead Infiltration Specialist for both Ships. This is your Senior Staff” James concluded with a smile.

    Walking up to the first person of the new additions “Hi, and you are” as he extended his hand.

    “I am Lieutenant Commander Roan, House of Draylon, your Second Officer and Tactical/Security as well. I look forward to fighting by your side in glorious battles” as he shook James’ hand “And I with you” James replied thinking “Yup, he’s a Klingon alright.”

    Moving to the next Officer  “Hello, and who might you be” as he extended his hand once again.

     “Hi James, I’m Ensign Heidi McTavish…trained in Operations and Communications, I look forward to serving under your Command” as she shook hands with James. “Good that’s a gap we need filled and the feeling is mutual.”

    James continued meeting the rest of his new Crew with his Senior Officers following behind meeting each person. When finished “Ok, everyone please grab a drink and lets all get to know one another until dinner is served then we can sit down and enjoy our first meal together” he stated finally seeing the two groups starting to mesh.

    After several minutes Racheal walked over and whispered “James it looks like the magic is starting to happen once again and that was a great move the way you introduced all of us to all of them” she commented with a smile.

    Shortly four large rolling carts came into the Lounge “If everyone would please take a seat dinner will be served momentarily “ Rebecca stated as everyone did as requested.

    James purposely watched as everyone sat and to his pleasure pretty much both groups were mingled together as James sat next to his Second Officer trying to set the example while getting to know his second in command a little better “Roan, I take it this is your first assignment as Second Officer” he inquired with a smile.

    Being that Klingons really aren’t in the habit of smiling much he replied “Yes James, I am new at being a Second Officer but I can assure you I will do my best as I would in battle.”

    “I’m sure you will but don’t try to be perfect; we all make mistakes….that’s how we learn” James assured Roan “And I assume you have plenty of experience in Tactical /Security as well.”

    “Yes, that is where I started in Star Fleet as any honorable Klingon would” then he paused “May I speak freely Sir” he inquired.

    “Yes, please by all means since you are now part of the Command Team” James replied wondering what was on his mind to say something at this time.

    “Sir, with the greatest respect…..how is it Lieutenant Maria SanChez is the Chief of Tactical/Security when you have a Klingon aboard your Ship; or soon to be” Roan inquired being quite serious about the matter.

    James switched into Captain mode “I can assure you Roan that Maria is very capable at her duties; otherwise we would not have made her Chief” then he paused a moment figuring he may as well get to the bottom of this “Why do you have a problem with our decision.”

    Roan was a little surprised at James’ directness but at least his new Captain wasn’t someone to side-step an issue “No not at all, as a warrior I respect the chain of command. It’s just” as he paused a moment “she’s so little and I am not.”

    James was somewhat amused by Roans logic, or lack of, but decided to go with it “May I give you a word of advice, don’t let Maria hear you say that; you may be surprised at the outcome” he replied not knowing how it would be perceived.

    “So you’re saying Maria is a warrior then….even better. Perhaps we should have a sparring match in the holo-deck after we get underway and see who prevails” Roan replied rather amused by their conversation.

    “Since Maria hasn’t been privy to our conversation, I will let you pose the question concerning a sparring match” he replied “But don’t say I didn’t warn you Roan.”

    Everyone had pretty much finished their dinner when Rebecca stood “Can I have everyone’s attention for a moment please. Just to let you all know what to expect the next few days; tomorrow morning is your time then at thirteen hundred we’ll all meet aboard Vigilant-A on the Bridge. The Ship is located at L-2 docking arm and as you board some of my Security will be checking I.D.’s beforehand. Once assembled I do have a couple of things to go over with you then you’ll be free to explore your new home the rest of the day. I have a few more drinks coming in shortly so please continue to get to know one another and have a pleasant evening” She finally concluded.

    James stood “Rebecca on behalf of the Crew we would like to thank you for this time together and for a delicious dinner; we’ll all see you tomorrow” he stated as the Crew all stood and applauded the Commodore.

    Shortly the Staff came in and cleared the long table as another cart rolled in with various drinks on them. Commodore Chi looked around the room and grinned; her work was done…now it was up to the Crew to make this work, which she knew they would.

    Racheal walked over to James “Well Captain, it looks like everyone is mingling quite well both old and new; so I guess we have just one Crew now” she commented with a smile.

    “Looks that way Commander and I couldn’t be more pleased; it’ll make what’s to come the next few days that much easier” then he paused “Of course that’s not to say a few minor issues may pop up but I don’t fore see anything too significant” James replied “So breakfast in my quarters at zero nine hundred if you like; I think we may have a couple of things to address as far as ‘us’ is concerned.”

    “Breakfast sounds nice so yes zero nine hundred it is” then Racheal paused “Yes I think you’re right about the ‘us’ factor.”