Posted by Captain Kastarak (Outgoing Commanding Officer) in Change of Command – Bridge
Kastarak stepped from the turbolift with Captain Thaddus Charles Francis O’Neil at his side.

“Captain on the bridge,” Kastarak heard a voice, followed by a whistle blowing. It would be the last time that Kastarak would hear this call for attention in his honour. For a minute or so more, he would remain the commanding officer. Then he wouldn’t.

The bridge crew rose. He looked around them one final time, each of them in the eye. There was little to say. But he wanted to regard them all, each and everyone for this final time.

Kastarak moved to the centre of the bridge and turned to face the assembled officers.

“Attention to orders!” It was his last order to his crew.

The activity on the Bridge came to a halt. Kastarak activated the padd he had been carrying since leaving the shuttlebay with O’Neil.

He read out loud: “To Captain Kastarak, Commanding Officer, USS Chernov.” He paused, looking up once again. The crew still stood at attention, quiet, waiting. They knew what was coming. Rumours spread fast. “By order of Starfleet Command, you are hereby directed to relinquish command of USS Chernov to Captain Thaddus Charles Francis O’Neil, effective immediately. Signed, Fleet Admiral Krystelle Knight, Starfleet.”

The words had been written by another. He had never met this Fleet Admiral Krystelle Knight, but he knew of her. Yet, she had made the order, after he applied to her to do so. He wondered, would his path ever cross Knight’s?

He lowered the padd.

“Computer. Transfer all command authorizations to Captain Thaddus Charles Francis O’Neil. Voice authorization: Kastarak Gamma Four Seven Nine Nine Theta.”

There was a brief pause.

“Voice authorization confirmed.”

Another pause.

“Transfer complete. USS Chernov now under the command of Captain Thaddus Charles Francis O’Neil.”

Again, Kastarak looked around. The bridge had not changed. Everything was still the same. Except, the computer now recognized the man Kastarak met only minutes ago as the captain of this ship.

He waited for his formal relieving of command by the new commanding officer.

Then, finally, he might experience relief.

Kastarak, Cpt
Commanding Officer

“I relieve you, sir.” O’Neil replied

THADDUS CHARLES FRANCIS O’NEIL
Captain, Starfleet
Commanding Officer, USS Chernov NCC-1790