Arriving... Finally

Posted on Wed Jun 22nd, 2022 @ 8:52pm by Captain Marcus Bowers

Mission: Prelude: The Gathering
Location: USS Saratoga
Timeline: Mission Day 1 at 1430

[USS Saratoga; NCC-1887]
[Federation-Klingon Neutral Zone Border]
[Approaching Deep Space Station Lambda-2]

The unmistakable silhouette of a Constitution-class starship hung in space on the other side of the observation window. "Finally," Captain Marcus Bowers muttered to the empty room. He'd been chasing the Proxima for nearly two months. He recalled how excited he had been when he boarded the USS Constellation, newly promoted to Captain, and just a few days journey to the Vulcan shipyards to meet his new ship. Only to see that voyage extended by a week due to mechanical failures, which continued to plague the namesake's class.

When Marcus finally arrived at Vulcan, he found the Proxima gone. Launched on her shakedown, which would ultimately wind up here. Thankfully the Saratoga, its refit also completed, was being deployed to the same region. He'd done his best to stay out of Captain Alexander's way for the trip. He had to admit he would not have wanted a stowaway captain looking over his shoulder for two months, but Magaret Alexander had been nothing but gracious.

As if on queue, the Saratoga's comms officer's voice filtered over the hidden speakers, "Captain Bowers, please report to the Transporter Room." He acknowledged the request allowing himself another glance at his destination, and with a rap of his knuckles on the transparent aluminum. His back straight and shoulders square, Marcus stepped with precision as he strolled from the room.

Within minutes he found himself exchanging Saratoga's transporter room with another; he had finally made it to the Starship Proxima. Marcus was neither tall nor broad, but his white tunic and rank insignia were unmistakable. The transporter chief, caught somewhat unawares, recovered quickly, and they exchanged the perfunctory requests. Marcus made his way to the adjacent lift and finally allowed himself a smile as the doors hissed shut, "Bridge," he called, and his eyes sparkled as the turbo-lift sprang into action, speeding him to the ship's brain.