Moving Day

Chapter 29

    The following morning James woke about zero five hundred, showered and dressed in a clean uniform for the day. Walking out to the living area he grabbed a cup of hot black coffee and sat looking around for a few minutes thinking “Well I guess this will be the last time I’ll be in these quarters” then sipping his coffee “I better get a move on my stuff isn’t going to pack itself” as he got up off the couch.

    Grabbing two large duffels James started packing up his belongings. He learned a long time ago not to collect a lot of things which made packing and moving much simpler and easier. Soon he was finished and decided to go and see how Racheal was coming along with her packing.

    Walking across the corridor James palmed her door chime “Come in” came a familiar voice. James walked in with a smile “So how’s the packing coming along; need a hand” he inquired.

    Racheal looked up and smiled “Actually I’m on the last of packing but thanks for the offer” she replied then a few minutes later “There all done” as she stood and walked over to James giving him a kiss. After the kiss Racheal was a little sad “You know I’m going to miss this place” then she paused looking into James’ eyes “This is where we first kissed and realized there was an attraction between us.”

    James smiled placing his hands on her waist then pulling her closer “Yes I know what you mean but we can make new memories together on the Ship, that is if your still ok with us being together when off duty” James commented with a grin.

    “Yes I’m very much ok with that arrangement; like I’ve said our personal time is just that, personal” Racheal replied as her door chime went off. She opened the door to see a Crewman standing at her door “Can I help you.”

    Hi Commander, I’m here to move your belongings to your new Ship” he stated then seeing James “Yours as well Captain.”

    A quite surprised Racheal commented “Please come in. All my things are right there so have at it.” With a head nod the Crewman wheeled in his cart and loaded up her things. Turning to James “So where are your things” he inquired then James pointed to the room across the corridor and walked over with him opening the door. Shortly everything was loaded up “These things will be in your new quarters when you arrive” the Crewman explained then turned going to the next Crew’s quarters.

    Captain Lake took one last look around at a place her had called home for little over a year. Letting out a sigh he exited as the door slid shut then secured the quarters. Turning around James saw Racheal standing with a tear in her eye “Don’t be sad, after all we’re starting a new adventure together” he stated hoping upon hope things would turn out well.

    “I know” she replied pausing a moment then smiled “You’re right and I’m happy to enter the next chapter of our lives together” Racheal replied “Guess we better get going then.” James nodded as the two Officers left the area for the last time and made their way to their new home.

    Walking up the gangway James and Racheal entered the new USS Vigilant-A proceeding to the Lift “Deck 2” James called out as he grabbed Racheal’s hand and gave it a tender squeeze “Ready Commander” he inquired. Racheal squeezed his hand back “Absolutely Captain” then they dropped hands just before the doors opened.

    Exiting the Lift they found their rooms as James keyed in his security code. The doors swooshed open as they walked in. Looking around James commented with a grin “Well, looks like someone has things well under control” as James noticed his belongings were there waiting for him.

    “Looks to be” Racheal replied with a grin of her own “Would you like some help getting things settled, then you can return the favor.”

    “Sure…..that way we can make short work of both our quarters” he stated with a smile. They set to work and about an hour later James’ quarters was finished. “Ok, your turn” as the two left for Racheal’s quarters next door.

    Walking in Racheal turned towards James “I’ll take care of my clothes and bathroom things while you unpack those two boxes; those things can go on the bookcase” she instructed him.

    “As you wish Commander” James replied with a grin as both started getting her new home organized. Little over an hour and a half her new home was all setup.

    Both quarters were the same size and the floor plan were the same. Entering, the bathroom was on the left which was a nice size. Behind that was the bedroom with a large bed, nightstands, dresser, and a ample sized closet. The living area contained a couch, a table in front, two chairs with side tables. On the right hand side of the room was a bookcase in front of the wall along with a terminal, chair, and desk in front. Not large quarters but comfortable and nice and new.

    “That’s finished so now what” Racheal inquired “Maybe we should make ourselves available to the Crew?”

    “Yes definitely” James replied “I’m going to head to the Bridge and see whose there; also inquire how their quarters are. And you?” James commented switching into Captain mode.

    “I want to checkout my Office for a few minutes then I’ll join you on the Bridge” then she paused “Unless you need something else from me.”

    “No, that’s fine” James replied then continued “I’ll give it a couple more hours then I’ll call the Crew together for a brief meeting since we’ll be shoving off tomorrow morning for our shakedown.”

    “Sounds like a plan Captain” she commented with a grin. The two Officers left her quarters for deck 1 both very excited and a little nervous at the same time about this new chapter.

    Walking onto the Bridge James heard “Captain on the Bridge” as everyone snapped to attention. “As you were folks” as he paused a moment “For future reference you don’t have to snap to attention whenever someone from Command enters….although I do appreciate the respect” he commented with a smile. 

    Captain Lake, as was his custom, decided to talk to the Bridge Crew to see how they were doing. Going over to Operation/Communications Officer first “Ensign McDoogle how are your quarters” he inquired with a smile.

    “Good Captain, even though it’s on the small side it’s very comfortable and cozy. I’m all settled in as per your request” Heidi replied returning the smile.

    “Excellent” James commented then moved on to the next Station until he had talked to everyone concerning how they were doing and how they found their quarters. He heard the Lift then turned to see Commander Roan enter the Bridge and walking over to him “Captain greetings” Roan stated.

    “Greetings to you as well Lt. Commander Roan. So how did you find your quarters” James inquired with a smile.

    “My quarters are adequate, not that I’ll be there much more than to sleep” Roan replied “Are we starting our shakedown tomorrow, Sir.”

    “Yes we are…..matter of fact I was about ready to ask the Crew to assemble here on the Bridge for a very brief meeting” James replied then turned to the Ensign “Communications open a ship wide please.” Moments later James received a thumbs from Comms “Attention Crew, this is the Captain, please report to the Bridge for a brief meeting. Lake out.”

    Several minutes later the entire Crew assembled “Thank you all for being so prompt. Just a couple of things…..tomorrow morning Alpha Shift please be at your departments/stations by zero seven hundred for a zero eight hundred departure for our shakedown. Other than that the rest of the day is yours so get some rest; tomorrow will be a big day for us. Any questions or comments.

   Lieutenant Herrick spoke up wanting James to know they would be all set “Captain, Engineering will be ready with all Ship’s systems online for your departure” Daniel informed Command.

    “Excellent Lieutenant. If there isn’t anything else from anyone you are dismissed” James stated with a smile as the Crew departed from the Bridge.