Posted by Lieutenant Logan Kelleher (Chief Engineer) in 0700 Boarding and Supply - Kelleher Arrives
0630 - Starfleet Tarmac San Francisco

“It’s from this very spot that the last of the crew and supplies for Starfleets latest ship, the Starship Sojourner, will depart to rendezvous in space dock before the ship departs on a mission of adventure and exploration.”

The camera was squarely focused on the reporter who was lit by the bright morning sun with San Francisco bay behind him, visible past the expanse of tarmac on which lay a number of shuttles that were being loaded for departure to the Sojourner with the last of the supplies for the months ahead of the crew.

“Fitted with the latest technology and systems ands with the best of Starfleet on her Crew, the Sojourner will range further and farther into the space beyond our solar system. Making her mark on history and the future of her species.”

Behind him, a large man with broad shoulders came into the shot wheeling what looked to be a sack trolley towards one of the shuttles. On it, was a large device that was painted in bright colours with a glass lid, and looked much like an old fashioned juke box. One of the men by the shuttle turned and looked at the large fellow, then at a clipboard he was holding, then back up at the man.

“The crew have been meticulously selected, hand picked and rigorously screened and are the very best that Starfleet has. The creme of the crop.”

Gently placing the sack trolley down, the large man lifted his hands in a clear expression of innocence and wonder as the clipboard man walked towards him, holding up his hand and waving the clipboard at him while shaking his head.

“All of them are the ultimate professionals and have worked hard to get Starfleet to where it is today. Guided by our Vulcan friends and paving the way into the stars for humankind to spread our wings and be the very best, that we can be.”

The large man seemed to laugh a moment, then pause and point his finger at himself as the clipboard man reached him. Violently shaking his head, the large man turned and pointed at another man maybe a hundred yards away, motioning to him as if that man was important. Folding his arms, the large man nodded as the clipboard man pointed at the one he had been shown, then held up his hand and pointed to the ground. The large man nodded and pointed to the ground as well, turning slightly as if he was going to stay put.

“The sacrifices they will be making, friends, family, small comforts cannot be underestimated as they soar through space, cannot be underestimated. But sacrifice they have and shall, as they know what is ahead of them and have trained for this moment their entire lives.”

As the clipboard man walked away, the large man watched him. For a few moments nothing else happened, and then the large man exploded into action. He turned and tilted the sack trolley towards him, and then ran with it all the way to the shuttle, looking back once or twice to see if the clipboard man had noticed. He had not. As the large man reached the shuttle, he paused and lifted the device in his arms. As impressive as it was with such a bulky item, it was more impressive when he somehow managed to fit through the doorway with a twist of his torso and backed in, still carrying the device. Sticking his head back out, he waved at the clipboard man who had only just turned around as he walked, then paused as he realized that the large man had disappeared.

“So the crew of the Sojourner, the very best we have, is sent into space. Into the unknown. All of her crew working together as one team, one species after so long we have been divided.”

A large hand raised up and gripped the handhold of the Shuttles door as the clipboard man was now running back towards the ship, and the big hand swung the door closed. Seconds later, the thrusters fired into life and she began to raise gently, slowly from the tarmac.

“They will all be in our hearts and minds, these brave men and women of the SS Sojourner. Best of Starfleet, and pride of Earth.”

With a small woosh the thrusters kicked in, and the shuttle nosed upwards and streaked towards the sky as the reporter turned and watched it fly for a moment. Further back in the distance, the clipboard man came to a stop, looking upwards. Then he threw his clipboard on the ground and rubbed his face with his hands.

“This is Solomon Spinks, reporting for the the Federation News Network. If you would like to know more, click the link below.”

The Federation News Network

Logan stood in the shuttle bay of the Sojourner, adjusting his uniform after stepping out of the shuttle and looking around while the Operations crew rushed to unload the shuttle behind him, to clear it of supplies and then fly it back to Earth to make room for the next few shuttles.

With a contented sigh, he looked up and surveyed the walls of his new ship. Then spread his arms and spoke, not to anyone, but to the ship. “Honey, I’m home! Did you miss me?”

Lt Logan Kelleher, CE