The End of the Beginning
Admiral Masters stepped up to the podium.
"I would like to welcome you one and all to this historic occasion. The Federation has gone from strength to strength and I would like to take this opportunity to welcome the representative of the two newest members of the United Federation of Planets, the Ullians and Yridians, who have added to this strength. It is a new dawn for the Federation, our three-year war with the Klingons has finally come to an end and a new era of open trade between us has begun. The Ferengi have entered a mutual treaty with us and our bonds with the Cardassians are stronger then ever.
Just a month ago these shipyards were destroyed by a Romulan attack force and thanks to the men and women of the third and fourth Taskforces, the Romulans are retreating from our space and our border. With a number of stunning victories over them, the Romulans have reopened negotiations for peace. We also thank the builders of these new shipyards and now Andor can continue its proud tradition of suppling Starfleet with frontline ships. Which is why we are partly here. We are here to christen the first of a new class of vessel the Akira class strike cruiser. The Stafford and the Chatelain are the first in a new line of vessels that will protect the Federation in the coming decades. But we are also here to see an end of an era. The Constitution class Light Destroyer has served the Federation with destination for the last 7 years but it is time for them to make way for the next generation. Today the 7 remaining vessel of this class will be decommissioned.
Today is also the last time I will be in command of Starfleet. For nearly 50 years I have been in the military. 14 years as the Commander and over 8 and half years as the commander of Starfleet. But my time has come. I'm leaving for many reasons. I've seen many friends and enemies die, I've sent some to their deaths, and there is my medical condition which means I can't continue in the position. But the main reason is it is the right time to leave. I have seen the Federation through its first tentative steps to turning into a Galactic power but a new leader is needed. I feel I have done all I can; I have cemented the Federation as a galactic power and now it is time for someone else to build on it. We have travelled in a full circle. Our past is bloody but our future is bright, so could be said at the birth of the Federation."