Earth spacedock was as always, a frantic hive of activity as ships came and went, the great battle cruisers staying up at the orbital facilities. A variety of smaller vessels – shuttles, work pods, cargo transporters, and even antigrav sleds – flitted amongst the larger ships like swarms of insects. Everywhere, people went about their business, engineers carrying out urgent repairs to damaged ships, crews going on leave or returning to their ships, suppliers bringing in food. Perhaps sensing its impending fate, the targ was recalcitrant, giving its owner a hard time and inevitably, it broke free of its confines and made a bid for freedom.
Crossing the busy thoroughfare towards the shuttle for her new assignment. Zelda, forced ensign in Starfleet, stopped to watch the chaotic scene. She stifled a snort of laughter as the owner and his crew chased the wayward targ, thankfully in a direction well away from her own destination, resulting in a chain of events that strongly resembled something in one of those old-fashioned Earth comedy shows. A loud crash and angry shouts accompanied the collision of two antigravs as one swerved to avoid the fleeing targ. Shaking her head, Zelda went on her way.
It was hard to believe that four hours ago, Admiral Janeway had been a stranger to her. In that short time, Janeway was someone she would trust with her life, and when she found put in a few hours she would be leaving earth once more, this made her smile.
Meanwhile Sitting at the desk in her office, just off the bridge of the prototype ship U.S.S. Dyson she commanded, Admiral Janeway considered the mission that lay ahead of her. As this would be her first major mission in years. No doubt, she thought grimly, her superiors expected her to fail. The Protostar and her crew had been lost for about 17 years, small energy signatures wasn't enough to convince the high command.
Reaching across her desk she picked up the mission briefing and studied it again, although by now she could recite it from memory. Her orders were simple head into the Delta Quadrant find any remains of the U.S.S. Protostar and her crew and test the new upgrades the Dyson had.
Her train of thought was disturbed by a shrill squeal from the comm. system. She winced at the strident sound, making a mental note to have her engineering team look at the emitters. Thankfully the noise quickly vanished, to be replaced by the voice of Tuvok.
"Admiral, The shuttle has arrived. They are hailing us."
"On my way." Rising to her feet, Janeway picked up the uniform jacket she had left lying across the back of her chair and put it on, then heading for the bridge. Her command chair was empty and waiting for her. The bridge was a mix of the classic constitution class and the future style bridges.
Taking her seat, she glanced at the Rear Admiral at the communications console. "Tuvok, open a channel to the shuttle."
"Channel open, Admiral," Tuvok reported, Janeway leaned forward slightly, aware of the silent tension of her crew as she began a carefully thought out speech. "I am Admiral Janeway, I and currently in command of this vessel."
" Ah Admiral Janeway is Captain Shon of U.S.S. Enterprise. With me here is Zelda who is preparing to beam over now. " Shon replied.
" Thank you Captain Shon, we will Beam ms Zelda over immediately " Janeway replied