"The Captain"

Posted on Thu Oct 29th, 2020 @ 3:47pm by

Mission: Welcome Aboard
Location: Utopia Planitia Dry-dock Facility 7A

"The Captain"
Captain Matthew Leonard, Commanding Officer USS Resolution
Captain Maxwell Anderson, Commanding Officer USS Kumari
*****
Now, 2372
Observation Lounge 4
Deck 6, Utopia Planitia Dry-dock facility 7A

Leonard stood looking out of the docking port window, marvelling at his ship, moored in place below. The Galaxy class line had begun entering it's first minor refit window, and it hadn't been long before the Resolution's turn was up. The changes were generally light, but were considered much needed. Some of the refit works had been based on operational status of current Galaxy class ships in service. Others had been implemented based on advancements learned during construction phases of other starships in service. Some changes were merely cosmetic. Particularly, Leonard knew that the upgrades to the ships Warp Nacelles were the result of the advancements made during the Intrepid class project, whose engines were specifically designed to mitigate the damage caused to subspace. While the Galaxy class nacelle pylons couldn't be variable, they had at least been able to take on other innovations from the nacelles themselves to see some of the benefits.

Looking at his ship now, after having been her Captain for 8 years, made him think about that first day, coming aboard. Quite hectic, as he recalled...

*****
Then, 2364
Main Lounge
Deck 8, USS Kumari

At such a late hour aboard the Starship Kumari, the Crew Lounge was relatively empty, save for the Excelsior Class starships Commander joined by his guest. Captain's Anderson and Leonard had a storied history, sharing assignments during much of their early careers. Later life had intervened, with Anderson losing his wife in '46, and raising their son at a Starbase, instead of sticking aboard a starship. Matt had never married, his long career always standing in the way.

"So whats the story? How come there's been this sudden change in command?"

"I don't know," Matt replied, "and to be honest, I'm not sure I care. I was starting to get sick of waiting for the Freedom." The Freedom that Leonard refered to was to be the 10th scheduled Galaxy Class starship, which Matt had already been offered Command of. The Ninth Galaxy class was already crewed, but the Freedom wasn't expected to be completed for another 18 weeks. This change in assignment was a blessing, regardless of how it came about. Leonard had never been one to sit on his hands.

"I'm not sure if I should envy you Matt," Max said, looking at his friend. "I'll admit, I've seen one of those new Galaxy class Cruisers, and I should be jealous of you at getting to Command one. But this old boat," at this, he tapped the table in the bar, referring to the Kumari, "has character. It has history. Something I'm not sure I'd trade for the ship you're about to take on."

"You're right Max," the older Captain acknowledged, "Kumari, and all the ships like her, still have a lot to offer. But the Galaxy, thats the future. Its a symbol of what the Federation is supposed to represent. No more Wars. After the Tzenkethi and the Cardassians, its time to get back to what we do best."

"I'll drink to that," Max replied, picked up his glass, toasting with his friend. After a few moments silence, Max asked his next question, "did you ever think that you would be here?"

"How so?"

"Well, your a Mustang. You don't get a lot of former Enlisted men making it to the Captaincy."

"I don't know about that. Most just don't chase it. I didn't. But after 10 years in the hot seat, I wouldn't change a thing." Matt drank some more from his glass. "I'm where I'm supposed to be. Where I should've always been."

Max nodded again, "Indeed you are. So when do you officially take Command?"

"As soon as we make the rendezvous. Admiral Whatley's orders. Apparently, the ship has already gotten underway on its first assignment, so I'll be coming aboard en route."

*****

Next Day...

Matt stood just behind his friends Command Chair, on the Bridge, as the Excelsior class cruiser sped at warp to meet up with his new Command. He observed Max's crew, noting that they all seemed to be a good bunch. He found himself wondering about the crew he was about to meet, and the ship that awaited him. Infact, he wasn't just wondering. He was anxious. Anxious to take Command. Anxious to board the ship. Anxious to do some real work for Starfleet. Anxious to explore. "Helmsman," he asked, forgetting himself for a moment. After all, this wasn't his ship. "whats our ETA?"

The Helmsman, to her credit, wasn't bothered that another Captain had asked her a question. Neither was Captain Anderson, sitting in the Command Chair. "ETA to Resolution in 7 minutes. By now, they will have us on their Sensors."

The Kumari's Captain nodded. "'Commander Solek, transmit our intentions."

"Yes Captain," the Vulcan Operations Officer replied.

Standing from his chair, he added, "And get word down to the Cargo Bay, have Captain Leonards personal effects be prepared for Transport to Resolution."

"Yes Captain," the Vulcan again replied.

Max looked at his friend, "Captain, if you will allow me to accompany you to the Transporter room."

Matt nodded, "of course."

*****

Transporter Room...

"It's been good to see you again Matt," Max said, shaking the other mans hand.

"And you old friend. Send my wishes to Thomas the next time you speak to him. I hear he's doing remarkably well at the Academy," Matt replied, mentioning Andersons son. Matt had no regrets about not having children of his own. It wasn't for him, and the life he led.

Max nodded "I will."

Captain Leonard stepped onto the Transporter platform, ready to leave Kumari, for his new adventure. For the Resolution.

"Resolution reports ready for Transport Captains," the Transporter Chief reported.

Matt nodded, and stood ready, as Anderson said Energise. And just like that, his adventure began...

*****
Now, 2372
Observation Lounge 4
Deck 6, Utopia Planitia Dry-dock facility 7A

And what an adventure it had been. And indeed, still would be. The Resolution was still his Command, and he was looking forward to the new adventure that lay ahead...