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The group of first-year cadets stood nervously in their brand new dress uniforms. Several of them tugged at the stiff collars or tight waistbands, each determined that the ill-fitting uniforms were part of an endurance test or even some form of ancient torture. However, every one of the cadets felt honored at being present for the upcoming ceremony. Thus, they endured the unique 'uniform torture' with little or no complaining.
The cadets stood in a double line of twenty-five; counting the upper classman in charge, they totaled fifty-one. Each had been selected by the Academy Commandant, and although they were somewhat uncomfortable, they were in the company of most of the senior officers from Starfleet Headquarters. It was a collection of V.I.P.'s and top brass that left the fledgling cadets awestruck. That fact also added greatly to the various conditions of nervous stomachs and accelerated perspiration rates.
The occasion for such an overwhelming and auspicious gathering was the retirement of the starship Enterprise NCC-1701-B. After over eighteen years of service, including seven as a cadet trainer, they were finally retiring her. The illustrious and admirable career of the '01-B was being ended to make room for the newest ship in the fleet to bear the name of Enterprise. The next incarnation of the long line of ships would be officially known as Enterprise 1701-C, and would enter service next year.
As the large group of officers were called to honors, Captain Demora Sulu stepped up to the speakers platform to deliver a short, but fairly interesting, speech. As the last Captain of the '01-B, she turned over the official, and final, logbook of the ship to the recently retired Admiral of the Fleet Hikaru Sulu. This particular act was a thoughtful gesture, since Admiral Sulu had been the ship's captain many years before and was, of course, Demora's father.
After receiving the logbook, the eighty-seven year old admiral stepped up to the podium. He spoke for only a few minutes. Still it was emotionally charged and the elderly flag officer kept the assembled V.I.P.'s totally engrossed until the last moment of his speech.
Once finished, the commissioning plaque from the original Enterprise was then given to the Yard Master for installation on the new ship.
A few more speeches followed and, within an hour, the ceremony was over. The crowd dissipated slowly as many former crewmates and comrades renewed old friendships. Eventually, though, everyone began to make their way out of the large room. That's when the real work began.
As part of their assignment, the Academy plebes began the very unceremonious task of post-party duties. A quick change from dress uniform to duty overalls was followed by the process of clean-up. When they started, the job looked insurmountable. At that particular moment, the 'honor' of attending the decommissioning lost some of its glamour. Still, the work went quickly. After all, the sooner they finished, the sooner they would receive some time off, or at least some personal time.
Finally, with the last few details complete and all the temporary seating neatly stowed, the cadets stood back to check their work. Academy senior Suret nodded his approval and officially logged a regulation credit for special duty into his tricorder for each cadet.
The detail of underclassmen then broke into smaller groups of friends and roommates. One of the last to leave was an ordinary looking cadet of average size and build. His eyes were fixed on the far wall of the over-sized room. There, in a nearly perfect likeness, was a rendering of the newest ship that would bear the name of Enterprise, the 1701-C. He made a promise to himself to command such a ship one day.
His thoughts were interrupted by one of his fellow classmates, "C'mon, we're going to miss the shuttle back to the Academy. Hurry up!"
The cadet with the determined look on his face tore his eyes away from the large piece of artwork and grinned at his friend. "On my way, Charles!"
Charles Anson Douglas III stared at his friend as he approached. "What were you doing? Dreaming about your own command?"
The student was obviously embarrassed by his friend's astute observation. "Well actually, uh, I was --"
"Never mind, let's get going. I'd hate to receive a full credit for special duty and a demerit all in the same day."
"What?"
"A demerit, for missing the shuttle. Honestly, Jean-Luc, sometimes I wonder if you'll ever graduate, far less command." Charles looked at his friend with a disapproving expression and shook his head. He provided a small bit of motivation with an elbow to the ribs and the two ran off in the direction of the shuttle.
The End
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© 2024 Brad McDonald / U.S.S. Kitty Hawk
Star Trek and all related marks, logos, and characters are solely owned by CBS Studios, Inc. This fan organization
is not endorsed by, sponsored by, nor affiliated with CBS, Paramount Pictures, or any other Star Trek franchise.
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