“And another successful day for the crew of the Glade, completing the mission and returning safely. CONN, you have the bridge. XO, come to my ready room.” The captain rose from his chair, making his way to the ready room, regardless of whether he knew that Lieutenant Commander Peak was following closely behind him.

In the ready room, the captain took a seat, and Lieutenant Commander Peak followed suit, sitting at the captain’s desk. The captain was not always serious, but he had his moments, especially when he fell behind in his work, becoming stricter than usual to ensure tasks were completed.

“New mission, Lieutenant. Starfleet has a second-contact mission on the horizon. The Dalabians – not much information available, but they require the usual setup: subspace communication keys, Federation Access, and assistance from engineering to establish a permanent Embassy and orbital docking station. Given its proximity to some remote regions, Starfleet has deemed it a critical border security concern.” He tapped through the PADD, reviewing Starfleet’s limited knowledge of the planet and the USS Vincent’s first contact report.

“Sounds like our typical assignment, sir,” Alex replied, aware that this would be their 300th second-contact mission to date.

“The security report needs a closer look. First contact suggests there is a small faction of radicals; while they pose a minimal threat, some members are advocating violence to reclaim control of the capital.” The captain continued to peruse the PADD.

“We can always bring down more security sir.  Shouldn’t be a problem.” Alex said remembering that they could plan all they want but never once has a second contact for them ever go as planned or even on track.  It’s why first contact never has stick around long.  

“And on other thing Lieutenant.” Captain Rainer reached gently under his desk.  He pulled a small wooden box out.  The stained box was clear coated and shiny.  “This time you’ll be calling the shots.  Commander.” He stood up and walked around his desk.  Alex stood up as well.  

“It’s time Alex.  Your at the point you will never move anymore under me.  I still be your supervising Captain with Command but you will be on your own.  Not that you need the practice but more of the safety net pulled out from under ya.”  Rainer removed the black pip and replaced it with the new gold one.  “There ya go Commander.  And now the not so fun part, time to find out your ship.”

Rainer clicked the view portal.  The watched on the big screen as a large starship appeared.  On top she had a yellow strip going across in a arrow shape pointing to the front.  “The USS Merced.  She’s a Cali class out of Devron Fleet Yards.  Shes not new, in fact she has been without a crew and command for three months, so it will need a day to go through a cold start and checks.  Crew should be arriving same time, mostly those who just finished Cadet Cruise, so it’s going to be a green crew all around.  Most of your Chiefs just graduated as well and no XO was free on a short notice so the first outing is going to be rough.”

Alex looked at the screen, staring at how he was going to turn a grew of brand new cadets into a working class crew in a matter of a weeks time to Delab.  “Well sir, I think I see why senior staff drink when they can.  How long until we reach Devron, I assumed we changed course in the last hour?” Alex figured they were too far out to send a shuttle and Starbase 43 and Devron were the only nearest bases in reach in the next few days of Warp travel.  

“We should be there by the end of tomorrow.  I will be giving you Lieutenant Thorp for Operations, it’s about time he steps up as well to a department head position.  With that he will also be your second officer and helping the Command Staff out until a seasoned XO appears.  Rainer said taking his seat.

At this point, they started the military tradition of saying goodbye.  Commander Peak then went to his quarters and started packing the little possessions he had to fill now a bigger suite and now an office.