TRIBUTE
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Captain Jean-Luc Picard stood with the members of his crew and waited for the ceremony to begin. They were here today to commission the Enterprise-E and pay tribute to ships and crews that had gone before.
The official party stepped up on the dais in front of the covered memorial. Among the group on the platform stood Captain Montgomery Scott and Ambassador Spock. Both dressed in the old style maroon uniform they wore when last on active duty. They were the last members of one of the most famous crews in Starfleet history. Here in Memorial Park, many heroes of the Federation were honored; today a ship would be added to the list. A ship, that had come to symbolize the very spirit of Starfleet. A ship whose emblem had been adopted as the badge of the fleet; the USS Enterprise.
"There is, perhaps, no name as synonymous with adventure, duty, and Starfleet as that of Enterprise," the Federation President said, as the applause died down.
"Since the first N-C-C-One-Seven-Oh-One, Enterprise was commissioned over one hundred years ago and placed under the command of Captain Robert April, Starfleet has maintained a tradition of carrying on that proud name and designation. It is no accident, that whatever her class, Enterprise has served as the fleet flagship.
"For centuries, going back to the days of the ancient sailing vessels of Earth's Naval forces, the name Enterprise has stood apart from others as belonging to the finest ship in the fleet. History has shown us countless times that the saying 'God protects, little children, fools and ships named Enterprise,' is true.
"From her gallant captains and brave crews come some of the most recognized names in Starfleet, even Federation history. Names like April, Pike, Kirk, Garrett, Picard."
The audience cheered the name of the current captain of the Enterprise. Picard nodded his thanks, turned to face his crew and bowed slightly to them.
"Today, we pay tribute to the Enterprise and honor those who have served onboard her with such distinction," the President said when the cheering died down. He paused and gestured to the covered monument. A few seconds later, the brilliant blue cloth fell to the ground. There was another burst of applause as the delta shield shaped stone was revealed. The black stone inscribed in gold with the names of the senior staffs and command crews going back to Captain Robert April.
Picard stared at the surface of the stone, reading each name. Under Enterprise–D was listed only a few names. One in particular caught his eye: Lt. Natasha Yar – Security Chief. He hoped it would be a long time before any more of his crew's names were added to the monument.
"If Captain Picard will join us on the platform, we have one more duty to perform," the President said.
Picard glanced around at his crew and saw their smiles and nods. He tugged at his uniform tunic, straightening it and stepped up onto the platform. Captain Montgomery Scott stepped forward to meet him, a padd in his hand.
"Captain Jean-Luc Picard, you are this day requested and required to take command of N-C-C-One-Seven-Oh-One-E, USS Enterprise," Scott said.
"I relieve you, Sir," Picard said, with a sharp salute.
"I stand relieved." Scott transferred the padd to his left hand and returned the salute.
Picard turned to face the assembled officers and dignitaries. "Let history never forget the name Enterprise," he said. With a nod to the Federation President, Picard stepped off the platform and joined his crew. It was time to take the new Enterprise out for her commissioning run.
He tapped his comm badge. "Picard to Enterprise," he said. "Ready to transport."