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In the Starfleet Headquarters Transporter Centroplex, Chief Nelson knew something was up. In the last thirty-six hours, he had transported more senior officers than ever before. Most of his team had already guessed what the special occasion was. Several of those being transported were former Enterprise crewmembers. Speculation was, they had been recalled for the upcoming launch of the '01-B, or maybe they were part of the Betazed admission celebrations.
Nelson had bought those explanations initially, but he had noticed two very important things that shot holes in the obvious theories. First, Starfleet had not yet announced the formal launch date or even a shakedown cruise. Normally there would be parties, dinners, speeches and other activities. All of these events would be announced in advance of a launch. Not a single one had been mentioned. Usually the various news nets, and even Starfleet itself, would be making the events public. The last time anything had been announced was the tentative launch date, which was still almost a month away. Usually the shakedown took place after the official launching and generally required a much larger crew. As for the Betazed admission, that would be reserved for V.I.P.'s, not ship's crewmembers.
All of that was enough to question the unusual comings and goings, but it was the other thing that bothered him even more, the expressions of the people. Normally, when personnel, whether civilian or Starfleet, transported to special occasions, they reflected the moment. Often they would be pleasant or even enthusiastic. Most of these people were somber, quiet and preoccupied.
The comm panel of the transporter chirped once, noting a request for an incoming transit. The chief punched in 'all clear,' indicating that the unit was not currently in use and all circuits were active, functioning at one hundred percent efficiency.
In response to his 'all clear' signal, the small viewer in front of him flashed a series of encoded I.D.'s and orders of transit. As before, the final destination was Enterprise and all of the orders were authorized by Special Operations. Not unusual as Spec Ops handled all launchings and special events as part of their usual work, even the Betazed festivities.
Nelson spoke aloud to no one in particular, "Here comes another group of happy campers."
After the orders cleared his computer, he signaled back to confirm the authorized transport. Check and double check, that was the proper procedure, even if it was a bit tedious at times.
The familiar hum of the transporter effect began almost immediately. As it did, four figures began to form. With the process completed, the transporter chief motioned the small group to step down off the platform, while he prepared the next step. You never knew if there might be another group coming in right behind the current one. He ran his hands over the console and reset the comm circuit for an outgoing signal. "Centroplex Transport to Enterprise, four to beam up, signal readiness."
"Centroplex, this is Enterprise, aye; standby to transmit orders of transit."
While waiting for the Enterprise to call back, Nelson studied this latest group of people. It was the same thing, small talk in hushed voices, no outward signs of excitement. More like people trying to resolve an issue or technical problem.
Studying the orders of transit, Nelson noticed that these four had come from other ships as well as Earth-bound posts. Two were in uniform the other two were in civilian clothes. One even looked as if he had just fallen out of bed within the last few minutes. All four were carrying the Fleet standard over-the-shoulder mini-duffle. Obviously not going to the Betazed induction, but where ever they were going, it would be a short trip. A chirp on the comm board indicated the Enterprise was ready to receive the transit orders. He transmitted them and waited, again. 'They must be real busy over there,' he thought to himself. Usually shipboard transporter chiefs were quick and efficient and insisted on completing all transporter operations themselves. The new starship was probably running power checks of all types, therefore wreaking havoc with the ship's transporters.
Once again, the comm board buzzed, no verbal communications this time, just authorized transport orders with four names listed. This confirmed his prior transmission. He checked the names and nodded to the security team nearby, that all was fine.
Receiving an 'all clear' from the security team, the four officers resumed their places on the platform and awaited their final transport.
Nelson noted their readiness and began the process. Manipulating the controls, as he had done countless times before, the small group began to fade from view.
After a confirmation of successful transport was received, the chief checked the list of names again: David Bailey, Andrew Stiles, Elizabeth Palmer and Robert Garrovick. None were familiar to him. 'Oh well,' he thought. He logged the names, service numbers and destination orders, then, relaxed. Soon the Enterprise would be done with their tests and all of these transfers would be their problem!
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© 2024 Brad McDonald / U.S.S. Kitty Hawk
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