Commission
By: Richard D. Phillips
"Commander Leno, there is a message for you," stated Lieutenant Conway.
"I'll take it in my quarters."
Commander Alex Leno went to his quarters located on Deck 4. He turned on his desktop computer.
"Hello, Admiral Clark," stated Leno.
"I have good news, Alex. You have been promoted to Captain and will take command of the USS Texas, when it is commissioned at Earth Station McKinley."
"Thank you."
"You'll be taking command of it in less than one week. Captain Nelson has been promoted to Admiral. The Desert is to head for McKinley."
"Is there anything else I should know?"
"Yes, you should start finding a first officer."
Later, on the Ten-Forward lounge, Captain Nelson was telling everyone about Commander Leno's promotion.
"I am hereby pleased to say that Commander Alex Leno has been promoted to the rank of captain and will take command of the USS Texas," stated Captain Nelson.
The room was filled with applause and happiness.
"Who'll take Commander Leno's place?" asked Conway.
"That hasn't been decided," answered Nelson.
"We'll discuss it with Starfleet Command," stated Leno.
"Where is the Texas?" asked Ensign Dalton.
"Earth Station McKinley," answered Leno.
"Our next mission is to proceed to Earth Station McKinley. We are one of three ships invited to the commissioning," stated Nelson.
"When will it be commissioned?" asked Lieutenant Commander Gordon.
"In six days," answered Leno.
"That means we'll have to go at least Warp 6 to make it on time," stated Lieutenant Cooper.
"I shall go and make the course corrections," stated Leno.
"All right. Thank you all for attending," stated Nelson.
Commander Alex Leno went to the Main Bridge to the Main Bridge to the Conn station and keyed in the course corrections.
Captain Nelson wasn't aware of his promotion. It was going to be announced at the Texas's commission.
We have arrived at Earth Station McKinley. My promotion will be in one day. I have picked a first officer, Commander Mike Brooks. His ship will arrive in six hours.
The ship carrying Commander Mike Brooks arrived six hours later. He met up with Commander Leno in the Desert's Ten-Forward lounge.
"Hello, Commander Brooks," stated Leno.
"Hello, captain."
"Not yet, but soon."
"How did select me?"
"It was a hard choice and Captain Hodge put in a good word for you,"
"I have to get going. I have to get ready for tomorrow."
"I'll see you tomorrow."
Chapter 2
My promotion ceremony is only an hour away. I can't wait for it.
"Commander, your mother has arrived," stated Commander Brooks, over the communication system.
"Send her in."
The hour quickly passed. Captain Leno and his mother went to the assembly hall.
"After years of building, the USS Texas is ready to be commissioned and its captain will be newly promoted Alex Leno," stated Admiral Clark.
"Thank you, Admiral Clark," stated Leno.
Admiral Clark went over to Leno and put the correct amount of pips on his uniform to show the rank of captain.
"You have worked hard for this," whispered Captain Nelson.
"We will now have a speech from Captain Leno," stated Admiral Hansen.
"I have had a lot of experience on a starship, but to have my own starship, there are no words to describe it. I would like to thank my mom and dad for helping me get into Starfleet, and keeping me there."
"Another promotion needs to be announced, Captain Nelson has been promoted to Admiral. He has been assigned to Starbase 133," stated Admiral Clark.
"Congratulations, Admiral," stated Leno.
"Starbase 133 will be my first Starbase assignment. It will be a learning experience. I would like to say good luck to my crew."
"The new captain of the Desert will be Lieutenant Commander Conway who has been promoted to Commander. His first officer will be Lieutenant Gordon. Captain Leno's first officer will be Commander Mike Brooks coming from Starbase 70. We will now have a speech from Commander Brooks," stated Clark.
"I am pleased to be the first officer of the Texas and under the command of Captain Leno."
"That concludes this ceremony. Thank you all for attending," stated Clark.
Captain Leno went to his old quarters on the Desert. He started packing up his stuff to take to the Texas. His mom came in.
"You did a good job, Alex," stated Mrs. Leno.
"Thanks, mom. I'm just packing up my stuff," replied Leno.
"You'll have larger quarters."
"I know. I need larger quarters. This one is just getting too small."
"How much longer are you going to be?"
"About two more hours."
"Can I help?"
"Sure, I can use all the help I can get."
Captain Leno finished packing. All he had to do now was to transport his stuff to the Texas.
Thank you, mom," stated Leno.
"Let's us get this stuff over to your ship."
"The Desert has a mission in 11 hours."
"It will take us about 50 minutes to take your belongings to the
Transporter room.
"Captain Leno and his mom took his stuff to the Transporter room to be beamed to the Texas.
"The Texas has confirmed the transport," stated Conway.
"Thank you," replied Leno.
They went to Ten-Forward lounge. They sat down.
"When will Admiral Nelson show?" asked Mrs. Leno.
"In a few minutes," answered Leno.
Admiral Nelson walked in. He sat down next to his old first officer.
Captain's Log Stardate: 50648.2
Admiral Nelson is on his way to Starbase 133. Part of my crew has arrived. The rest will arrive in a few days.