Far Over, The Highland Mountains, Cold - Part Nine

Posted on Wed Mar 18th, 2020 @ 4:17am by Division Admiral Thomas Lasky & Commander Ethan "Hardcase" Duval

Mission: Mission 98: Building Our New Home
Location: Various Locations - Starbase Vanguard / USS Gaarni
Timeline: 0800Hrs - June 20th, 2393

Commander Ethan Duval had slept really well as his bed was comfortable and he knew he would have any issues dealt with the following morning. His alarm clock beeped right on time as he woke up and instantly got out of bed, he then instantly made his bed again before he went into the shower, he smiled as he activated it and stepped into the steady stream of hot water as it washed over him with the grace of an old lover he had not seen in far too long.

He washed the gunk from his night's sleep and he then stepped out, turning off the water as he did so. He wrapped a towel around himself before he moved into the bedroom, he dried himself off before he began to don his new dress uniform.

Seemingly moments later, Duval replicated himself a glass of milk and a doughnut which he devoured quickly than he departed, boots and jacket in hand.

Duval reached a turbolift nearby, he tapped the call button before pulling on one boot then he slipped on his dress uniform jacket. The doors opened before he could pull on his other boot so he simply hopped in. "Admiral Lasky's office."

The turbolift hurtled to its destination in silence, something Duval was grateful for as he quickly pulled on his other boot and then he zipped up his jacket before taking a moment to gave himself the once over. The doors opened a moment later as Duval exited the lift, he made his way to his destination in silence.

"Morning Chief." Duval addressed Lasky's yeoman with a nod of his head.

"Good morning Commander. the Admiral is expecting you." the man answered, a cheery smile on his face.

"Thanks," Duval answered before entering Lasky's domain. "Good Morning Admiral."

"Hey, Ethan. You about ready?" Lasky inquired with a smile.

"Yessir. I'm good to go." Duval answered with a smile.

"Let's go take care of matters then." Lasky then went over to the door, Duval fell into step next to him.

The two made their way to a turbolift and the only words that were said were "Hanger Eleven." the doors closed and the lift started moving. "You'll have a chance to go write your own tale rather than serving under others. Besides. Red looks good on you Jeff."

"It feels good," Duval admitted. "But I have a great deal to learn about command."

"You'll be fine. Besides I have faith in you, I wouldn't have wanted you otherwise and Heather Duval has faith in you too, as does Jeff Duval."

"I will do my best to live up to the faith others have shown in me," Duval answered.

"I wish you luck." Lasky smiled. "If you need any help, let me or any of the other Captains know."

"I'll do that sir," Duval answered with a smile on his lips. A moment later the doors opened and the two men strolled into the hanger where several shuttles were waiting and several more were being worked on. "Chief?" Lasky called.

A harried-looking engineer came over. "Yes Admiral?" he inquired.

"Which one of these shuttles is mine?" Lasky inquired.

The engineer pointed to one of the shuttles. "That one sir, she's good to go and ready for you."

"Thanks, Chief," Lasky answered before the two men boarded the shuttle, Duval closed the aft hatch as Lasky got their clearance to depart the starbase.

The shuttle departed the hanger as Lasky smiled. "Now you'll be able to actually go and do good deeds rather than follow others." .." he commented as he guided the shuttle across the spacedocks.

Duval took in the sights of a Guardian class Starship undergoing final fitting out as the shuttle passed over her and a Century class starship that looked brand new came into view. Duval read the name. "CH-092 - USS Gaarni." he sighed softly. "Hello, beautiful."

"Yes... and she's your Captain.," Lasky commented, a smile on his face.

Duval smiled. "Thank you."

Minutes later they were in the main hanger bay as the assembled crew came to attention. "All hands, attention to orders... as of this stardate. Seven Oh Four Six Six point Five Five... To Commander Ethan Duval. You are requested and required to assume command of this vessel. Computer. Transfer all command codes to Commander Ethan Duval. Authorization Lasky Two Four Eight Juliet Bravo

"Command codes transferred. USS Gaarni is now under the command of Commander Ethan Duval."

"I relieve you Admiral..." he paused. 'of this... ship.' she thought to herself as Lasky smiled. "I stand Relieved Captain..."

"All hands... As your new Captain... I will try my best to see to it that you are well looked after. I intend to write a new chapter for this history of this ship and of the Federation... So what do you say we all go out and make some memories together..?"

"YESSIR!" the entire hanger resounded with the clarion call as Duval added. "Dismissed!" and with that said, the hanger began to empty. "Admiral... I'd best go get settled in and see to my new command..."

"Good Luck Captain," Lasky answered with a smile on his lips.

"Yessir." Duval turned and slowly walked out of the hanger, feeling elated that he had his own command and now he could move forward with his life.