Chapter 37
[ Six Months Later ]
Sitting at the Conn, Captain Lake was looking over some reports on his PaDD when Tactical called out “Captain I have the Divergent on long range scanners” SanChez informed command.
But before James could answer Communications spoke up “Captain the Divergent is hailing us Sir” Ensign Mc Doogle stated.
“On screen” Lake ordered as he stood out of respect. Moments later a familiar face appeared “Commodore Chi, what do we owe the pleasure.”
“Captain Lake always a pleasure. We’ll be to your position in a few minutes; we need to talk if I may come aboard’” Rebecca commented.
“Absolutely, I’ll meet you in Transporter Room Two then” James replied wondering what was going on.
“See you soon, Chi out.” Turning to his Number One “Commander you have the Conn” Lake stated then headed for the Transporter Room.
James no more than arrived when Chi materialized then he called out “Commodore on deck” as everyone present snapped to attention out of respect.
“As you were people” Chi ordered before stepping off the pad and extending her hand “Captain it’s nice to see you in person” Rebecca commented with a smile “Could we meet in your Ready Room.”
Shaking her hand “Yes, of course…..right this way” James replied with his interest being peaked as to why Chi was here.
[ Ready Room ]
As the doors swooshed open James gestured for Rebecca to enter first as he followed “Can I offer you something to drink and please have a seat.”
Sitting at the round table “No thank you James, I’m fine. As for the purpose of my visit; the higher ups feel your talents, as well as your Crew's are being wasted on this Ship and I have to agree. Let’s face it any number of Ships could handle the missions you and your Crew have been on lately that’s why I am offering you a new command on a brand new-state-of-the-art Ship.
James let out a brief sigh “I certainly didn’t see that coming” he replied with a smirk “So fill me in on the details.”
Rebecca pulled out a disk from her pocket and loaded it into the table hologram device showing the specs and ship configuration “This is something we’ve been working on for little over two years now. We’ve taken the X11 Shuttle design, enhanced it, and used that to create a small and very fast Ship. We’ve in effect created a new class of ship…..we’ve designated it the ‘Crimson Class’” she explained seeing James’ curiosity had been more than a little peaked “ It has three decks with the latest Warp Core, also a Quantum Slipstream Drive, and is heavily armed with phasers and quantum torpedos.”
“Wow! That sounds like quite the Ship. So what’s the Crew compliment” he inquired.
“Yes it’s really something, to say the least. Let me be frank, I’ve had you in mind for this Command for quite some time. To answer your question it utilizes a Crew of ten. That being said I want you and your original Crew from the Wave Rider to man this Ship; also I’ll be adding another Engineer for the QSD and also one more Infiltration Specialist to your Team” Rebecca concluded with a smile.
Thinking a moment “Well I can only speak for myself but yes I’d be happy to take Command of this new wonder” then he paused “With your permission I’d like to gather my original Crew now and see who would be interested to come along; hopefully they all will agree to the move.”
With a smile “James you must be reading my mind, I’d really like to know now who’s interested” Chi answered.
Tapping his Comm “Would the following Officers please report to the Ready Room immediately. Commander Reese, Lieutenants T’Sol, SanChez, Herek, Zebot, Nox, and Ensign Benna.”
Minutes later all we assembled as Chi began “I’ll keep this brief and let your Captain fill you in on the details but here’s the condensed version. We’ve created a new class of ship which is very fast and heavily armed. Captain lake has consented to taking Command and I would like his original Crew to come along. So what say you” the Commodore inquired.
Everyone looked around at the other when Racheal spoke up “ Commodore you can count me in; this sounds interesting. After a few minutes everyone in the room agreed with Racheal.
James was over joyed “Thank you all so much for coming along and for your continued support; this should be fun.”
Rebecca grinned “I thought you all might be interested in this new adventure, so thank you” then turning to James “Meet me at DS 7 and we’ll let you gather your things then we can make the switch. As far as this Ship is concerned I already have Crew on standby to fill in the gaps. One more thing, your new Ship will still be the USS Vigilant and this one will be rebranded as the USS Victory. So I’ll see you all on DS 7 soon” tapping her Comm “Divergent, this is Chi, I’m ready to come home” as she disappeared from sight.
After the Commodore left James dismissed those assemble. Racheal walked over “Looks like we’re in for yet another new adventure and I’m glad it’s with you” she whispered with a smile.
“Ditto. I guess we better get back to the Bridge before the Crew starts thinking something’s going on in here” James responded with a chuckle.
Walking back to command “Lieutenant T’Sol lay in a course for DS7…..warp nine if you please” the Captain ordered just before sitting.
“Aye Captain….course laid in…..initiating warp nine” T’Sol replied as the Ship went smoothly to warp.
Once arrived to the Station James tapped his comm “Commodore Chi this is Captain Lake we have just arrived and awaiting your orders.”
“Excellent. Have your original Crew take the next couple of hours to pack up their belongings. Also my Executive Officer will beam over momentarily to relief you of command; he will also take care of breaking the news to the remainder of your Crew. Let me know when you and your Crew are on the Station and I’ll escort you to your new Ship which is at one of the Docking Arms” Chi concluded.
“As you wish Commodore, we’ll see you shortly” James replied before addressing the Bridge Crew “Those of you who are leaving with me, you’re relived from duty so please gather your belongings then meet me in Transporter One in two hours.”
Everyone proceeded as ordered when Lieutenant Commander Roan walked over “Excuse me Captain, but what I’ve heard is true…..you’re leaving this Ship to take a new command.”
“Yes it is. The XO from the Divergent will be here soon to relieve me of command so at that time he’ll explain everything to the rest of the Crew that is remaining” James explained a little concerned about their sudden departure.
Snapping to attention “Sir it has been an honor to serve with you even though it was for a short time” Roan stated before extending his hand.
Shaking hands “At ease Lieutenant Commander and it has been my pleasure. You have a bright future in Star Fleet so keep doing the same great job you have been doing” James answered with sincerity.
Just then a beam of light appeared on the Bridge “Commander nice to see you again” James commented with a smile.
“You as well Captain” the XO replied “Computer this is Commander T’Spree, Captain Lake, James is hereby relieved of command. All command codes transfer to myself this date and time forward” came the ordered.
“Duly noted. Captain Lake, James is hereby relieved of command and all command codes transferred to Commander T’Spree” the Computer confirmed.
Turning to James “Captain you are relived of command. Good luck on your new Ship; I hear it’s a beauty.”T’Spree commented.
“I stand relieved and thank you Commander; the Ship’s all yours” James replied then turned to get his things in order.
Two hours later everyone gathered in the Transporter Room One and each stepped onto a pad with everyone carrying two duffels “Operator beam us directly to the Station” came the order.
“Captain it’s been an honor serving with you Sir…..initiating transport” as all eight disappeared from sight.
