Set a Course for the Future

Posted on Tue Jan 17th, 2017 @ 10:12am by Captain Tim Williams

Episode: Lost Property
Location: USS Highlander & DeSalle - Bridge
Timeline: MD18 0900hrs

As Tim strolled through the corridors of the Highlander, he could feel the positivity the crew was feeling. It had been a little over a week and a half since they had rescued the DeSalle's crew from out-of-phase exile, and they had been working with them to repair the old ship. Aside from being able to take it back under its own power to Cestus III, it had allowed the DeSalle's crew time to start to adjust to their new reality, and as friendships formed between the two crews and progress on the DeSalle's repairs had come closer to completion the morale of both crews had seen a marked increase.

Even moreso today, as Tim had received the report last night that all of the DeSalle's critical systems we back up and functioning, and he had made plans with Captain Chandrakala to get underway. As he stepped onto the turbolift to the bridge, he checked the ship's chronometer, tallying it with his mental countdown of their departure.

"Good morning all," he said jovially as he stepped off the lift and onto the bridge. "What's our status?"

Hawke, who the last question had been addressed to stood from his seat in the centre of the bridge to turn and face the Captain, PADD ready in hand to be passed over. "All ship's systems are optimal, Captain. All away teams have beamed back from the DeSalle."

"Excellent," Tim said, taking the PADD from his first officer and lowering himself into his seat. Hawke sat back down next to him. "Open a channel to the DeSalle." It took only a moment for his order to be carried out, and he was soon greeted with the face of his counterpart on the old ship, sat in her chair at the centre of her own bridge.

"Good morning, Captain," Tim said. "Are you ready to get underway over there?"

"We're ready to go when you are, Captain," Chandrakala responded. "Both our crews have done some very impressive work on the repairs over here. I have a feeling we'll be able to beat some of our old personal bests with all the work that's been done on the warp core."

Tim chuckled at that. "Well we won't be pushing the limits too far, Captain. Slow and steady wins the race is the motto for today. Helm; have the coordinates and orbital procedures for Cestus III been sent to the DeSalle?"

"They have, sir," came the answer from the helm officer.

"Captain, you have the lead. We'll match your course and speed." The two captains had already decided to allow the DeSalle to take the lead in the journey, given the ship's much lower cruising speed and the need to allow for any hiccups along the way.

"Helm, set course for Cestus III, warp four." Chandrakala paused before she gave the order. "Engage."

Tim watched on the viewscreen as it switched to an external view, and the DeSalle accelerated into warp. A beat later, the stars stretched as the Highlander followed, and the DeSalle reappeared on the viewer, surrounded by the characteristic streak of faster than light travel.

"Open a channel to Fleet HQ on Cestus and route it to my ready room," Tim told Hawke as he stood from his seat. "I'd better prepare them for the visitor they're going to have. The bridge is yours."