Star Trek, a Space Odyssey; the continuing adventures of Commodore Bradron McCurrvey and Captains Thelev and Khendron Mercer aboard the Excelsior class starship USS Odyssey NCC-2001.

It's a momentous day for Thelev and Mercer. It's March ^7th, 2290, and Thelev is officially taking command of the USS Odyssey, NCC-2001 with Mercer as his XO. Commodore McCurrvey is supposed to be the overall mission commander of the ship's mission to patrol the area of the Federation bordering the Romulan Star Empire and the Triangle. The ship is in orbital drydock at Starbase 31, and Thelev and Mercer are anxiously awaiting McCurrvey, who is late. Luckily, Fleet Admiral Heihachiro Nogura, the Chief in Command of Starfleet; who is presiding over the ceremony, is also late. If the CiC is late, the event has not yet officially begun. Thoma is nearby, chatting with Jordan Stone, Vethia's teacher. Thelev is a bit nervous about this, as the Odyssey has been chosen to be the lead ship in implementing Starfleet's newest policy of allowing family members to accompany service members on extended missions. Vethia seems to have taken to the idea and adores Miss Stone, a young civilian Human woman in charge of teaching the small number of students on the ship. Cdr DesMarais, McCurrvey's wife and chief navigator is fussing about Kyra's attempts to crane ner neck about to see everything there is to be seen in the large room. Ostensibly a training area for the ship's contingent of Marines, it doubles as a Grav-Ball court and is one of the largest spaces on the ship. Currently it is outfitted with a dais and podium for the ceremony, and dignitaries mill about. Ambassador Sarek and his wife Amanda Grayson are chatting with their adopted daughter, the ship's chief flight control officer, LCdr Saavik. Mercer checks his chronometer, wondering what is keeping them.

In reply to Odyssey GM (msg # 2):

Thelev was nervous and straightens his uniform yet again and was glad when he caught Thoma’s eye and gave her a little smile.  When he saw his first Excelsior class ship he wanted to serve on one.   And nearly half his career has been on an Exploration Command so it’s no surprise he got to serve on one.  And the centre seat to boot.  Okay McCurrvey was still here and had mission command but the ship was his.

In some ways he was relieved that both Commodore McCurrvey and Captain Mercer were with him.  But perhaps the best item is he and a Thoma could see their daughter Vethia grow up.

Thelev thinks to himself what trouble can we get into along the Romulan Star Empire and the Triangles border. And all he could think was a lot. And fears the Commodore and Fleet Admiral being late likely means to action right away, no chance to get use to the vibrations in the deck plating. He tries to get Captain Mercer’s attention to see what he thinks on why they are late.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:32, Wed 18 Mar 2020.

In reply to Captain Thelev (msg # 3):

Khendron is wondering why the Commodore and CiC are late. He is not really worried yet, but he would like to get the show on the road. He flags down the ships's comms officer, and asks him to inquire about the delay. He then notices Thelev trying to catch his eye, and walks over to where the Captain is waiting.

"I hope they show up soon," he says "or people are going to get restless! Maybe it's a test, to see how we handle awkward situations!"—Khendron smiles at the thought—"Anyway, I've started making inquiries about the delay."

In reply to Captain Khendron Mercer (msg # 4):

“Not like the Commodore to be late for a ceremony that is as much in his honour as ours.  Unless official business is holding him back.  And I’m concerned that we will be straight to business before we even know what the Odyssey can do.” Thelev says with a sigh.  “Oh and let me know what you find out about the hold up.

“Have you had any time to access our crew members, what are your thoughts on Commander DesMarias, Doctor Driven, Lt. Commander Saavik.” He asks Khendron.

“Damn I just want to get this show on the road so we can get back out there.”

OOC: not sure if we have ever served with Commander DesMarais.

Fleet Admiral Bill Smillie, rumoured to be next in line for the CiC slot when Nogura retires, steps up onto the podium. "Admiral Nogura has been detained briefly. He'll be here in a moment. In the mean time, I'd like to introduce you all to the man of the hour. Captain Thelev is a highly respected engineer, co-inventor (with Montgomery Scott) of the Scott/Thelev Transporter Relay Device. Captain Thelev, come up and take a bow."

As Thelev makes his way to the podium, A tiny voice rings out, clearly audible in the vast two-deck-high chamber, "That's my Daddy!" A wave of laughter ripples through the room.

Just as Thelev steps up to the podium, FAdm Smillie announces, "Ladies and Gentlemen, Captain Thelev! And now, without further ado, the Chief in Command, Heihachiro Nogura; and Commodore Bradron McCurrvey!" he gestures to centre-stage.

A sparkling column of energy swirls and resolves into the forms of Nogura and McCurrvey with a very large cake topped by a golden model of the USS Odyssey. Nogura steps up to Thelev and shakes his hand. "Sorry for the dramatics, but Commanders Thoma and DesMarais prevailed upon the commodore to spring this little surprise on you. This golden model is for your ready room." He snaps his fingers and the tiny ship's running lights flick into action and the deflector dish lights up. "The cake, of course is for all the rest of us, and if you're nice we'll share with you."

McCurrvey smirks and Thoma steps up to the podium. "Congratulations, Captain!" she says and and gives him a kiss on the cheek. Collette claps loudly and Kyra beside her shouts "Way to go!"

McCurrvey’s head is swirling given the level of send off this crew is being given.  He’s also wondering about whether he’ll have anything to do.  However, it might be a nice way to transfer into retirement; serving with the wife and having the daughter aboard.  He smiles at everyone and does the appropriate grips and grins, trying not to show his anxiety.

He’s looking forward to getting back out into space, but wonders if they will truly be “out there” given the experiment of families on board and the top-heaviness of the command crew.  Also, the low number of these new ships will mean a certain level of constant scrutiny by the brass.

He gives Thelev a hearty slap on the back and congratulates him.  He also makes a mental note to try and stay out of his way as much as possible on his first command.

He makes his way to Kyra and Collette and asks if Kyra is excited.

Kyra looks bored and yawns. "What? Oh, yeah, sure..." She snorts and gives him a big grin, gathering Brad and Collette into a group hug. "What a silly question, Dad. Space, the final frontier. The intrepid explorer set out on a galactic odyssey with her illustrious father and mother? How could I not? I mean, just look at this ship! It's a wonder of technology. Two point one five million tonnes of tritanium and duranium hurtling between the stars at upwards of warp factor twelve! Did you know that every cabin on the ship has one of Dr. Marcus's new food replicators? And..."— she stops as Collette puts a hand over her mouth.

Collette gives a wry grin, "Now you've set her off. Suffice it to say that the 'Intrepid Explorer' as she's been calling herself in the third person is not unimpressed."
This message was last edited by the player at 23:09, Tue 20 Apr 2021.

Admiral Nogura steps up to the podium once again. "Well, let's get down to brass tacks, shall we? It is my great pleasure to introduce Captain Dave Bowman and his First Officer, Commander Frank Poole, the current command crew of the Odyssey. Matt's been in command for the last four years, most recently overseeing the Odyssey's first refit. Matt?"

Bowman is a sandy-haired Human with a studious air. He shakes Thelev's hand and says, "It's a bitter-sweet occasion for me to hand the Odyssey to her new captain. I've heard great things about Thelev as an Engineer, and I hope to hear even greater things about him as a ship's captain, and so on behalf of both Frank and myself I wish you godspeed and clear sailing. Not only do I leave you in command of my ship, I leave you in charge of my son, Matt. Matthew Bowman, my eldest, has just been promoted to Lieutenant Commander and will be serving as your Deputy Chief Science Officer. So, with all that taken care of, let's have some cake!"

The cake is a huge rectangle of white cake decorated with blue piped icing. As host of the party, Dave Bowman cuts the first piece and hands it to Thelev. "This is the real thing, hand-made by the head cook, rather than something whipped up from molecules by Dr. Marcus's fancy replicators," handing it to Thelev along with a flute of bright blue Andorian ale.

Once the cake has been distributed and everyone has partaken, Fleet Admiral Nogura steps to the podium.

"Attention to orders!" He snaps. "It is my distinct pleasure to transfer command of the United Space Ship Odyssey, enn-see-see-two-zero-zero-one, Excelsior class Exploratory Cruiser to Captain Thelev. Captain Bowman, you stand relieved."

Bowman answers, a catch in his throat, "I stand relieved."

Nogura continues, "Captain Thelev, the ship is yours. One thing I never tire of is seeing the twinkle in the eye of a captain as he or she takes command of their first starship. You've served many years in Starfleet, but I assure you, you've taken a step into a much larger world. You are personally responsible for the lives and well-being of the eight hundred and ten officers and crewmembers of the good ship Odyssey and for all who sail upon her. The United Federation of Planets Department of the Star Fleet commends their beings into your charge. At times, you will be the symbol of the Federation, dealing with alien species and bodies politic. Do you willingly accept this charge? This is no mere formality, for few wield the power and prestige of a ship's captain in Starfleet. At times, you will be the only arbiter of law in the sector, while at other times you will be a small cog in the machinery of the universe." Thelev can see in the old man's face the longing to once again stride the decks of his own command.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:09, Wed 18 Mar 2020.

In reply to CiC Heihachiro Nogura (msg # 10):

Thelev turns to the CiC and replies "Reporting for duty, sir" salutes and waits a moment for the Admiral to step aside at the podium.

Once the admiral has cleared the podium Thelev steps up and nervously starts speaking before settling down. "Admiral Nogura, I will keep this ship, crew and Federation save, and secure. Captain Bowman, Commander Poole, and the rest of the Odyssey crew not continuing with the us, I am honoured to take command of this fine ship you have left us. Captain Bowman I will make sure your son Lt. Commander Bowman is kept both safe and in line. To the crew of USS Odyssey I am looking forward to being your commanding officer. This is a great honour for me that my first command is of an Excelsior class Exploratory Cruiser. For those who I have not served along side in the past I learned from one of the best, Commodore McCurrey." who he turns and gives a brief nod towards.

"If you also allow me a moment to be a father, Commander Thoma and I are very excited to have our daughter Vethia along with us." who he turns and does a very none Starfleet wave towards. "Remember she is just 3 whenever she gets in trouble."

"I will all give you a some time to enjoy the cake and mingle. For those departing and boarding the Odyssey some time to get your things finalized. To my command staff once I am briefed I will contact you and meet you in my ready room." he turns and nods slightly to the Admiral and steps away from the podium.

Then he goes over Thoma so he can give her a kiss and whisper in her ear thanks, I'm the luckiest person to have you at my side.

Saavik has introduced her adopted parents to Thelev, Mercer and McCurrvey. "I was born on Hellguard, a colony that had been invaded by the Romulans. My mother, a Vulcan, was later killed during a rebellion against the Romulans and when the Enterprise found the devastated colony, Lieutenant Commander Spock prevailed upon Sarek and Amanda to adopt me. I never knew Spock's older brother Sybok—I knew that Sarek had had a son with his first wife, but we never spoke of him. It was not until later that DNA tests revealed my dual Romulan/Vulcan ancestry. Fortuitously, Starfleet decided to disregard my racial heritage when I decided to follow in Spock's footsteps and apply to the Academy." Saavik recites this bit of personal history as if discussing a dry matter of unremarkable importance.

At long last, the ceremony is over. The dignitaries have all departed by tarnsporter and shuttlecraft. Kyra, ever the intrepid explorer, has gone to explore the bowels of the ship, half-heartedly acknowledging her mother's admonition to stay out of areas with restricted access. Vethia has fallen asleep in Thelev's arms and he reluctantly passes her over to Miss Stone. Duty calls, after all.

Moments later, on the bridge, preparations are under way as Thelev, McCurrvey and Mercer, along with Thoma and Collette arrive and take their stations. The lieutenant manning the Navigation console reports, "Course laid in as ordered, sir."

Collette smiles at the younger man and mutters, "Call me old-fashioned, but I do so hate being called sir."

Lt Brian Perkins stammers, "Yes, sir...ma'am, I'll keep that in mind."

Thoma elbows her and says sotto voce, "Don't pick on him, he'll get used to us."

Thelev takes the centre seat, with McCurrvey and Mercer to either side of him. The bridge is huge, without the sunken centre area around the CO's seat and helm/nav console. The consoles about the periphery remind him of the older bridge designs.


Thelev straightens his tunic, raises his hand and gives the order...
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:17, Thu 19 Mar 2020.

In reply to Odyssey GM (msg # 12):

OOC: I am assuming Saavik has taken her station at helm.

"Commander Thoma, inform Star base 31 we are departing."

"Lt. Commander Saavik, maneuvering thrusters to clear dry dock, once clear 0.5c to clear the system. Once we are clear to engage warp, warp factor 6." he says wth a slight smile, doing this as CO just seems way better than as XO.

Once warp is engaged he just seats there for a moment to take in the vibration in the deck plates and watches HIS crew go about their duties.

"Commodore, any specific orders or just our primary mission to patrol the borders with the Romulans and the Triangle as we get use to the feel of the ship."

[OOC: To be continued in the thread To Boldly Go...]