Cochrane stood between the seats of the Danube-class Runabout as it came towards the station. Cochrane looked at the facility, and then saw the ship that sat docked on the far side… USS Manhattan. Manhattan-class Heavy Research vessel. NCC-88000. His new home. His new ship… his new responsibility. Even though Cochrane had striven for a Command posting since the day he set foot on the Academy grounds, the thought that this was his actual command… the ship… the crew… it was intimidating. But only a little.

A small grin crept over his mouth and he said “Hey. Do me a favor, will you Lieutenant? Give us a fly by. I want to see what I’m working with.” The Lieutenant smiled a bit and said “Yes sir, Captain.” and sent a changed flight path to traffic control. He liked the officer they had picked up a few days ago. He knew that the Captain rank was new to him, but the guy seemed all right. He ate meals with them, talked on their level, didn’t make airs. He even took watch so they could sleep once. All in all, a pretty nice passenger.

As they flew slowly past the Manhattan, Cochrane grinned like a little kid. “She’s gorgeous, wouldn’t you say lads?” he asked rhetorically. “Indeed she is, sir.” said the Ensign at the co-pilot’s chair. “Bet you can’t wait to get aboard, can you Captain?” Cochrane chuckled and looked at the ginger-haired junior officer. “That obvious is it, Ensign?” and the Ensign smiled back and said “Just a bit, sir.”

They came around and the Lieutenant said “Strap in, Captain. We’re about to dock. Don’t want you showing up your first day on crutches, now do we?” and Cochrane nodded and made his way to his seat and strapped in.

The Runabout entered the docking bay of the Event Horizon station and settled to the deck. As the doors opened, Cochrane stepped out and looked around. He turned back to the Runabout and grabbed a brown canvas bag, and the Ensign aboard said “We’ll get the rest of your belongings to the Manhattan, Captain.” and ducked back inside. The Lieutenant came out and said “Perks of the job, sir.” and gave him a friendly smile. Cochrane extended his hand and shook that of the officer and said “Thanks for the ride, gentlemen. Safe travels home.” and waved as he turned and walked to the Docking Bay door. As he approached, a Lieutenant Commander came through and said “Captain Cochrane? This way, Sir. I’ll show you to the Manhattan.”

Cochrane, CO