Getting Underway

Posted on Wed Oct 3rd, 2012 @ 3:38pm by Captain Tobias Naros & Ensign Marshall Doering & Lieutenant Commander Xavier Nor'el & Lieutenant Commander Joseph Thompson & Lieutenant Ophelia Lysander & Lieutenant JG Miranda Blackfur & Major Drake Lexon
Edited on on Wed Oct 3rd, 2012 @ 3:39pm

Mission: Episode 1.1 - "MystiQue"
Location: Main Bridge, USS Yorktown
Timeline: Mission Day 01, 0820 Hours

ON: [[Main Bridge, USS Yorktown, Mission Day 01, 0820 Hours]]

Ever since the dismissal from the Briefing room, Miranda worked alongside the shuttle crews to shuffle many of the shuttles around, re-moving them again and again till they fit together so tightly that you could walk across the top of them without worrying about having to fall to the deck below. She had gotten room for the four Phantom craft and their specialized equipment, even including a private cargobay to put the excess stuff in when not needed. Barely meeting the deadline of departure, she had arrived on the bridge with her hair glistening with moisture, a fresh uniform on, and her overjacket slung over her shoulders. She sat down after draping her jacket over the back of her chair, quickly inputting the desired destination into helm console and computers, having her secondary helm double check her work for anything she missed as she was tired...and it showed. She was relieved to get the approving nod from her secondary that it was up her usual finicky high felinish standards. "Helm's ready for departure. In process of getting clearance and departure vector from the starbase's Flight Control." Throwing it over her shoulder in her soft voice, loud enough to carry to the XO.

There wasn't much to do for Tactical or Security at the moment; unless something was terribly wrong, they wouldn't be using weapons during their departure. Still, Joe kept a close eye on the tactical systems, as well as the status of shipboard security. Never one to sit idly, he maintained a constant sweep with the tactical scanners so he could keep them aware of their surroundings - even in friendly space.

A guest on the bridge, Drake (PNPC) stayed back and well out of the others' way as they continued preparations for launch. His gaze drifted to the helm, where a Caitian lieutenant expertly worked the controls. Drake could appreciate the duology inherent in her role, since he had also served as a CFCO on occasion; to be a department leader and also a pilot required restraint and delegation that ran counter to many pilots' instincts. Moving his gaze onward, Drake glanced at his old friend standing behind the Tactical station. It was strange that they met under these circumstances, their roles almost reversed; here, Thompson held seniority through Starfleet while Drake was the new guest. As if sensing Drake's eyes on him - which Drake knew the observant ex-sniper was quite capable of - Joe looked up and flashed a grin in Drake's direction.

Although Ophelia’s duties and obligations generally kept her in Sickbay, the launch of the Yorktown was an event that she simply didn’t want to miss. As she stepped off of the turbolift, the sense of anticipation was palpable, and she was glad that she had the opportunity to be present for the historic occasion. Like others who were present only for the launch, the doctor made it a point to keep out of the way, finding a spot near the back where she was still afforded a good view of the proceedings. Quiet and watchful, she kept to herself as the preparations continued, silently sharing in the excitement.

Xavier stood in front of his seat at the center of the bridge observing the actions going on all about. Even though he didn't immediately say anything he was impressed with how smoothly everything was moving along to get the ship ready for departure.

Tobias emerged from his ready room to find a majority of the senior staff having already taken their stations. It had been just over twenty-four hours since Admiral Tavez (PNPC) had informed him of the Yorktown's first assignment and Tobias was quite pleased with the progress they'd made in that time. Preparing for a starship's departure was nothing new for the experienced El-Aurian. He'd certainly witnessed or been party to hundreds of such routine operations in his service with Starfleet. The familiar sound of chirping consoles and pre-launch confirmations created an atmosphere of eager anticipation as Tobias slowly made his way across the bridge. He knew many of them had been waiting for this moment, eager to finish up their business at Starbase 386 so they might get on to more exciting ventures.

There was no denying the personal significance of this moment, however. Today's launch would mark Tobias' first such experience as Commanding Officer of his own vessel. It was a realization which brought with it a sense of humility as Tobias crossed the few short strides remaining between him and his Executive Officer.

"Good morning, Mister Nor'el," Tobias said with a smile, turning toward the forward viewscreen and lowering himself into the center chair, "how are we doing?"

"Good Morning Captain," Xavier said while still standing in front of his seat observing all the actions taking place. "Everything is proceeding normally and we should be detaching from dock and departing momentarily."

"Main engineering reports all systems operating within normal parameters," Marshall (PNPC) reported from his temporary position at the engineering console. At least, he hoped it was only temporary. The young operations officer had thought the arrival of Lieutenant Drell would have meant a little less responsibility on his plate since he'd no longer be serving as Acting Chief Operations Officer. Unfortunately, they were still short several key engineering staff which meant the little time he had managed to free up was quickly reallocated to helping coordinate with the engineering staff instead. "Impulse engines online and standing by," he continued, "intermix chamber holding steady. We should be clear through Warp nine-point-nine-five."

Xavier stepped forward a bit before speaking up. "Ms. Blackfur, release docking clamps, and crew access tubes. Set course away from the station."

Miranda glanced at her second seated at the helm, knowing he'd been with the ship since conception and stuck it out through the entire process. She could see the tension around his eyes as he held his council. No doubt he wanted to be a part of the historical moment by being the one to fly the ship from its mooring on it's first mission rather than to be upstaged by the chief of his own department who'd been aboard the ship for less time than him.

Finishing her conversation with the station's flight control and dockmaster, Miranda released the docking clamps and passenger access tubes which connected them to the station, making sure each was secured for flight. "Would you do the honors, second," Miranda stated softly, "take her out!" She moved away from the helm, letting her second take her spot as well as control of the Yorktown while she watched the priceless moment play out, knowing it would endear her to her crew and bring serious delight to her second. The young man subconsciously straightened himself with the pride of being part of this fruition of his time aboard the ship.

Tobias slowly looked up from the PADD he had just been handed and watched with some interest as the brief exchange played out between the two flight control officers. It had been clear to him ever since their shuttle flight together that Lieutenant Blackfur was somewhat uneasy with how that experience might have affected their professional relationship. This may not have been the Yorktown's inaugural flight, but it was a golden opportunity for any pilot nonetheless and would have been the perfect time to demonstrate one's own performance. The fact she was willing to step aside in favor of allowing a younger officer this opportunity was certainly something worth noting.

"Aye, aye, ma'am," he said as his hands flew across the console. Focused on his own work and listening carefully to Miranda as she assisted him by keeping him aware of objects and clearances around the ship, the young man eased the ship from its berthing port. "Now clear of the station," he announced once the ship had cleared the docking pylon, "heading out on departure vector, ma'am!" Then, remembering the others on the bridge who were also more senior than himself, he added, "...commander, captain."

"Well done, Mister McCloud," Tobias said with a small smile, "maintain this course until we've cleared the outer navigational beacons."

"I've got the conn," Miranda spoke softly, getting confirmation from her second by way of a warm smile on his face as he transferred helm control back to her. "Destination locked in," she continued. She deftly brought the ship to high impulse as they sped toward a safe distance from the station and any other traffic parked in orbit around the busy starbase. Passing the outer beacons with an underlying tone of anticipation and excitement, she exclaimed softly, "We're clear to go to warp, captain!"

Tobias took one look around the bridge before turning his attention to the forward viewscreen, saying, "Engage!"

OFF

A Joint Mission Post By:

Captain Tobias Naros
Commanding Officer
USS Yorktown

Lieutenant Commander Xavier Nor'el
Executive Officer
USS Yorktown

Lieutenant Commander Joseph Thompson
Chief Security/Tactical Officer & Second Officer
USS Yorktown

Major Drake Lexon (PNPC)
"Phantom" Flight Leader
USS Yorktown
Played by: LtCmdr Thompson

Lieutenant Ophelia Lysander
Chief Medical Officer
USS Yorktown

Lieutenant JG Miranda Blackfur
Chief Flight Control Officer
USS Yorktown

and

Ensign Marshall Doering (PNPC)
Assistant Chief Operations Officer
USS Yorktown
Played by: Capt Naros