David Sheerin's Toronto
All Quiet on the Western Front
Captains Log: Stardate 50022.5
After our incursion into the alternate Universe, the Toronto suffered heavy damage. Right now we are in dry dock undergoing repairs. The new Warp Core is going to be fitted later this week, and the designers feel that the Toronto should be able to return to active duty with in a few weeks. On a sad note, today we had to funeral of Major Rapoport, and Lt. David Lynch. Both men gave their lives in an honorable way, saving the ship. All crewmembers that were killed in our cross over have and or will receive starfleets highest commendation.
The Crew as well as I are on extended shore leave. None of the senior staff will be onboard for the next few weeks. I am beaming down to Toronto to see my Family; Dr. England will be going to London for a week and then will come to Toronto to see my family and myself. I am looking forward to seeing Michael and his wife Sue. Michael is a senior writer in the News Service and Sue is heading up the design team on the new Hornet class Gunboat. This should be an interesting visit since, Michael and I have not spoken for 5 years, since our father was killed
Harkness hit the button on the desk, ending the log.
He thought to him self about the recent battle that the Toronto had been in. He was quite proud.
Harkness swung out from behind his desk and headed for the replecator.
"Computer. Labatt Blue." He ordered.
The replecator hummed as the yellow beverage appeared.
He picked it up and headed for his desk again. He put the Drink down beside the picture of his Brother and sister-in-law. He picked up the picture and looked at, and almost dropped it when the Door Chimes went off.
"Yea." He said to that air, regaining his composure. And he took his seat.
The Doors parted to reveal Cmdr. Larson.
"Ah Captain I hope I did not interrupt you." She said in her usual commanding voice.
"No problem Commander, I was just thinking about the recent battle." He said trying to hide his grief over the lost of life.
"Well sir, I was just going to hand in the repair schedule for your approval, and then head down to the transporter room." She said in a relieved voice.
She handed over the PADD.
"Thank you Commander. What are you going to do with your time off?" He asked in a warm welcoming voice.
"I was going to go home and visit my family in Buffalo." She said with a smile.
"Ah sounds like fun." Harkness said with a smile.
"May I ask what you are doing sir." Larson asked. All she wanted to do was get out of here. She really did not want to talk to Harkness, and she did her best to cover it.
"Well I am going to Toronto and see my Brother, and his family. It should be interesting." He said with a smile. He wanted to delay his arrival home for as long as possible.
"Well sir. I must be going. My parents get annoyed if I am late, even though I carry a phaser." She said joking but also trying to drop a hint with Harkness that she had to leave.
"Very well then. Dismissed." Harkness said in his Captains tone.
Larson turned her back and headed for the door. She stopped just before it.
"Oh yeah captain. Our new chief Engineer will be arriving on Thursday of next week. Lt. Cmdr. Robin Lefler, have you herd of her?" She asked, hoping that he did and she could leave.
"I have herd the name, she was on the Enterprise right?" He asked his usual tone.
She nodded her answer, and left.
Harkness took a final drink from his mug and got up.
"Well it's now or never." He said to himself.
He left his Ready Room.
As Harkness entered the Transporter room, the Petty officer behind the console went to attention.
"At ease." Harkness looking at the man.
He was carrying a luggage container. He was still in his uniform.
Harkness stepped up to the pad, and took one final look around.
With a sigh he ordered "Energize".
Harkness materialized outside his Brothers home in Scarborough.
It was a modest home, two stories, big front yard and a massive back yard with a pool and a hot tub-if Harkness remembered correctly-it was the same house that his family had owned for 450 years. As Harkness walked up the path he looked around and saw the tree where he had his first kiss with Rebecca. The path was about 50 meters long.
As he reached the door, he paused and thought Just do it. He finally pressed the doorbell.
As it opened a tall woman answered. She was wearing a tee shirt and jeans.
"Charles is that you?" She asked in a very excited voice.
"Hello Sue, yes it is me." Harkness was not as thrilled, but happy he was going to see his family again.
"Mike get here quick, some here to see you." Sue yelled back into the house.
"Charles please come in," she said motioning him to follow.
"What is it babe." Mike said walking down the stairs. He was about 6 foot one; he had black hair, which was turning Grey. He was wearing a green tee shirt and a black vest. He was also in black jeans.
"Charles. Long time no see." He said, he was not as excited to see Charles as Sue was.
Charles extended his hand to shake his brothers.
"So I see they made you a Captain." Sue said, she was still very excited.
"Well yes they did, a few years. I am now in Command of the USS Toronto. Have you herd of her?" Charles asked.
"Yes I have, I did the report on when you caught the Bismarc, that was some good work." Mike said in a deep cold voice.
"Well, would you like to take a seat?"
Sue led them in to the Living room. It was very spacious, a glass coffee table, white furniture. There was a holographic viewer on the wall in the center. Right now it was static, the picture of the United Federation of Planets, Charles assumed that Mike used it to get information for his news stories.
"So how long are you in Town?" Mike asked. In a cold tone he was not happy that his brother was home.
"I'll should be in for about 2 weeks, unless Starfleet calls me away." He said with a small smile, trying his best to lighten the room.
Harkness looked at his family. Sue still had the big smile on her aging face. Mike, he was not showing any emotions-he never had. Even when they were young, Charles could not remember any emotion- he was looking around the room, trying not to look at Charles.
Sue got up. "Would you like anything to drink Charles? I got a pot of fresh coffee ready. The Real stuff not that replicated crap they give you." She asked looking at him.
Harkness looked up at her "yes that would be nice. Double, double remember," he said looking up to her.
End Teaser.
In the transporter room, the chief petty officer was sitting behind the console. He was rather bored and spent the time day dreaming. He did not notice Col. Dubins walk in.
"Chief" he yelled at him.
Startled, the chief looked over.
"SIR," he responded.
Dubins was carrying a duffel bag, and was in his uniform still.
"Beam me to my house. This is the co-ordinate." He handed him a PADD.
"Sir, yes sir."
Dubins walked up to the pad, and awaited his depurate.
The chief was about to energize when his console started beeping.
"Sir, if you would not mind, there is someone beaming up." He gestured with his hands to get off the pad.
The transporter lit up as the person arrived.
When the blue cloud disappeared, it reveled a pretty young Lt. Commander.
"Lt. Cmdr. Robin Lefler, Reporting for duty sir." She said in a proud voice, looking at Dubins.
"Welcome Commander. I am Lt. Col. Dubins, Commanding Officer of the Marine Unit onboard. We were told you were not going to arrive for a week. Most of the Command staff is on Shore Leave." He said looking at the new officer.
"Thank you sir." She said, she was still in an erect posture.
"At ease. I'll show you to your Quarters." He said gesturing to the door. She walked out.
"Um thank you Sue, this coffee is excellent. The replecator doesn't do it justice." Harkness said sipping his mug.
Sue walked over to the easy chair that was across from Harkness. She was holding a mug of hot water.
"I see your still drinking Hot Water, for some reason I could never develop a taste for that." He said laughing.
"Well Charles, how long have you been in Command of the Toronto."
Michael asked, he was also sipping some coffee.
"I took command of her a few months ago, she is one great ship. Big too, the biggest in the fleet." Charles was gloating now.
"Yes I have seen the specs. For the Toronto class, your right she is big. A lot bigger than the Hornet class." Sue said looking straight into Charles's face.
"Oh yeah that is right, your working the Hornet class. Which part." He asked.
"I'm directing the fitting of the phaser rings," she was proud of her work.
"How big is this new class?"
"About 130 meters, a bit smaller than the Defiant class. And just as strong."
Charles could feel the air being lightened. He was glad that it did not last.
"Charles, are you going to stay here, or go to a hotel?" Michael asked, in a cold tone, but it was getting warmer Charles observed.
Charles opened his mouth but Sue beat him to it.
"You are always welcome here." She smiled.
"If it is any trouble I will go to town" Charles said just as a common courtesy.
"There is no way in hell, I am going to let my Brother in Law stay in a hotel room. Your room has always been free for you."
"Thank you." Charles said.
He went to get up and take his bag to his room, but his brother beat him to it.
"For a 50 year old, you're still pretty fast on your feet." Charles joked.
Michael smiled, and nodded.
* * *
Lefler was looking around at her quarters. This was her first assignment after being promoted.
"Computer, who is remaining of the Command Staff onboard?" She asked the air.
"Dr. Michelle England, and Ensign Kristina Jenkins." The Cold dull voice of the computer responded.
"Locate Dr. England please."
"Main Bridge."
"Ok I think it is time to meet the good Doctor." She said out loud.
"Please restate the question," the computer called out.
"Shut up" Robin said in a joking manner.
Lefler entered the Bridge. She was struck by the shear size of it.
Dr. England was sitting in the Command Chair looked at some reports.
"Dr. England" Lefler called out.
"Yes," Michelle spun the chair around, and went to meet the new officer.
"This is one big ship." The Commander said.
"Yes she is." Michelle said
"I am Lt. Cmdr. Robin Lefler." She shook Dr. Englands hand.
"Ah welcome aboard. We were not expecting you for another week." England said looking up to the new officer with pride.
"Yes I know Dr. my ship was in the area so they dropped me off. I am looking forward to the tour of duty on this massive ship." Lefler said with a deep, proud voice.
"Well, most the of the command staff is on leave, Captain Harkness will be eager meet you. But he is on leave at the moment. The XO-Cmdr. Melissa Larson is on Earth at the moment, I was just doing one last shift before I go home. The only Command Officer that is going to stay is Ensign Kristina Jenkins." The Dr. told the new officer.
"I see," Lefler agreed.
"I think I will go see engineering, by the way, who is in Command down there at the moment?"
"Lt. Sean Albert."
"If you would excuse me, I think I will head down there." Lefler turned and walked to the Turbolift.
Lefler entered Engineering, repair crews were all over the place, consoles were opened and people had their heads in them doing repairs. In the center was a big hole where the warp drive should be.
"Hi," Lefler called out.
No one responded, only a few people looked up, and then went back to their work.
She walked over to the console just in front of where the Warp Core would go.
"Hello, I am Lt. Commander Robin Lefler. New chief Engineer, could you tell me where the acting chief is now?" She said to a tall man, about 6 foot 2.
Robin guessed that he was over 200 pounds. He did not look like an engineer; he looked more like a security officer.
He looked up from his work, and was rather annoyed.
"Lt. Albert is in his office at the moment, looking over some specs." He said in an annoyed tone.
"Thank you" Robin said in a warm voice.
She walked over to the office.
"Hello," she called in.
"Yes, what is it?" A man replied.
"Lt. Albert?" Robin asked.
"Yes, whom might you be."
"Lt. Commander Robin Lefler, I am here to relieve you."
The man who was sitting in the corner of the office stood up and walked over to Robin. He was about 5 foot 8 and probably less than 150 lbs.
"Well sir, you are not due here for a few more weeks and till then I am in Command down here. I suggest you go get comfortable in your quarters and leave here now." He said in a cold tone.
"Well sorry," she said in a sarcastic tone.
"Don't be." He replied with a smirk.
"Good bye." She left.
* * *
Charles Harkness was sitting at a dinner table with his Brother and Sister in Law. He was in civilian clothing but still had his Comm Badge on. He had a Labatt blue in front of him, and an empty plate.
"You hungry Charles?" Michael asked.
"Yes very," he said with a smirk.
"That is good."
Sue was sitting beside Charles and Michael was in the kitchen.
"So Sue, when will the Hornet class be done?" He asked trying to make conversation.
"Well we just fitted the warp core in her, and she should be ready for trials in a few months. She should be a big help to us against the Dominion." She was very proud of her ship.
"Oh yeah that reminds me" he paused. "Will you mike be able to attend the launching of the USS York later this week?"
Sue looked confused, "the York?" She asked
"Yes she is the second Toronto class ship, my good friend Captain David Highlander is taking command. Although she is not as big as the Toronto, she is still huge." Harkness said with a big smile on his face.
"Well, I think we could attend." She turned to the kitchen. "Hun are you free on Thursday?"
Mike looked out through the door.
"Yeah why?" He asked, he was stirring something for the dinner.
"Charles asked if we could attend the launching of the York Town."
"Yeah I am free." He went back to work.
"Good, you will also be able to meet Michelle." Charles said with a smirk.
End Act 1.
Act 2
Robin Lefler was pacing around her quarters trying to figure out what to do.
"Shit, the guy is such a son of a bitch," she thought out loud.
She was still pretty pissed that she did not get respect she deserved. She was a Lt. Commander and that guy was a Lt.
She was furious.
"Computer. Is Dr. England still onboard?" She asked to the air.
"Affirmative," the computer told her.
"Where is she?"
"Her quarters, deck 45 section 234 alpha"
She nearly ran out the door.
* * *
Charles was sitting in his old room. On the wall were still his trophies he had one over the years for both academics and sport (more for academics). To the right of the bed was a big window. Through it he could see the house next door-where is first Girl Friend lived-.
The night was clear and Charles decided to go out and look at the stars.
Michelle was packing her bags, and humming to herself.
She was in her bedroom, which was a bit smaller than the living area.
As she placed her last piece of clothing into the bad the Door Chime startled her.
"Yes," she called to the air.
Robin Lefler walked through. She was pissed off at something, but Michelle could not figure out what.
"Is there anything I can do for you Commander?" England asked, in a concerned voice.
"Yes, who the hell does the that Lt. Albert think he is. He ordered me out of MY engineering." She spat out.
"Well Commander. It is his engineering till the new warp core, is fitted, and you were not supposed to be here till that was finished." Said the Dr. in a calm cooling voice.
"Yeah but since I am here now, I think he should give me command. Jeez this is so stupid." Lefler cried out in a frustrated tone.
Michelle could see that the only thing that could help Lefler was to get off the ship.
"I got an idea. Why don't you come to the surface with me, we could get to know each other. Have you been to London?" She asked with a smile.
"No."
"Well what's stopping us. Meet me in the Transporter room at um· Computer what time is it?"
"The time is 20:33.25"
"Okay be in the Transporter room at 20:45. That's an order." Michelle said with a small smile.
"You cannot order me. I out rank you."
"But I am the ships CMO. I can out rank the captain when I want to." She laughed when she said this.
"Fine." She finally agreed.
"Hey Charles, what are you doing?" Michael asked as Charles was putting on his coat to go out side.
"I was just going to see the stars, even though I see them everyday, I don't get the chance to look at them from this perspective."
"Do you mind if I join you?"
"Up to you" Charles really wanted to be alone, but if his brother wanted to come it was up to him.
"Sure give me a sec."
* * *
Michelle was standing in the Transporter holding a duffel bag.
"Computer what time is it?" She asked looking to the air.
"The time is 20:47" There was one thing that Michelle could not stand, was tardiness.
The doors parted as Robin Lefler came through the door, she was still in her uniform and was carrying a similar bag to Dr. England.
"Glad you could make" Michelle said in an annoyed tone.
"Sorry, I didn't expect to go on shore leave as soon as I reported on board." She said with a smile.
They both went on to the pad.
Michelle nodded her order to the Petty officer in command of the room.
* * *
Charles and his Brother were walking out side. The air was crisp-just how Charles remembered the Cold December air-and it had a kick to it. Snowflakes were falling it was very peaceful.
"So when are you going back up to your ship" Michael asked breaking the cold silence.
"After the ceremony on Thursday." He snapped his fingers together, "crap that's what I forgot." Charles said.
"What?"
"My dress uniform." Charles said with frustration.
"You can always go up tomorrow" Michael reassured him.
"Yeah sure".
They continued walking down the street.
Once at the end of the street Charles looked up and took out a tricorder.
"Ok I got it." He said pressing a few buttons.
"Where" Michael said looking up.
"Right there, see that big star that is moving, that's her," Charles said with pride.
"Woo hoo, that is one big sucker." Said Mike with enthusiasm.
Charles looked over at Mike and had a big smile on his face.
"Would you and Sue like to take a tour of her tomorrow, since I am going up there."
"Sure, but isn't it a off limits to civilians?" Mike asked.
"Yeah, but most civilians don't have a brother who is the Captain of the ship." Charles said with a smile.
End Act 2
Act 3.
Charles was sitting in the on the couch in the living room. He was wearing his uniform; his hair was still wet from his shower and he had a little cut on his lip from shaving. Michael was in the kitchen getting coffee for the both of them, as they waited for Sue to get ready.
"So are you sure it is ok for us to take a little look around up there?" Michael called in from the kitchen.
"Yes, I already told. No one questions the captain." Charles called back with a small smile on his face.
"You boys ready" Sue asked as she walked down the stairs.
She was wearing her Starfleet uniform. She was officially the rank of Lt. Commander, but since she started working for the Hornet design team, she was on extended leave, and not called into surface when the war began.
"In one minute Sue," Mike said as he came out of the kitchen with a coffee.
"Hurry up, I want to see the pride of the fleet" Sue said in a whining voice.
Charles looked over at the officer he had never seen her whine like that.
"Ok ready," Mike said looking at Sue.
Charles took his cue, and hit the COMM badge.
"Toronto," he called to the air.
"Toronto here, Ensign Kristina Jenkins in Command." Replied air.
Charles smiled.
"Ensign, Captain Harkness here, 3 to beam up." He said in a commanding voice.
"Aye sir."
The 3 people in the room engulfed in a blue energy field.
"And this is the Bridge" Charles said in a proud voice as he exited the Turbolift.
"Wow, it is HUGE." Mike said in a surprised voice.
"Yup, she has to be Hun." Sue said without looking at her husband.
Charles led the group over to the command chair, where Ensign Jenkins was sitting, and looking over some reports.
"Ensign," Charles called to her.
"Captain, nice to see you again." She said looking up from the PADD.
"At ease, Kris I would like to introduce my Brother, Michael Harkness, and his wife Lt. Commander Sue Harkness."
Jenkins got up and shook Mike's hand, and walked over to Sue.
"It is good to meet you sir." She said looking at Sue.
"Jenkins, oh yeah that is. I served with your father on the Firebrand, it was a shame that she was destroyed."
As Sue mentioned every member of the group bowed their heads.
Charles slapping his hands together, trying to get everyone in a good mood.
"Well how did you guys like the ship." Charles asked.
"I really enjoyed it, but I would like to take another look at Engineering, if you don't mind?" Sue said looking at Charles.
"I don't mind, Ensign can you escort the Commander to Engineering?"
"Yes sir." Jenkins responded.
"If you'll follow me sir." She said as she walked to the Turbolift.
As they left the bridge there was only 5 people. An ensign at the Helm, and a marine was manning the weapons station and a NCO at ops.
"So Mike, have you ever been in command of a ship?" Charles asked with a small smile on his face.
"No bro. You know I left Starfleet academy in the first year." He said looking at Charles.
"Well I have to get something from my quarters, you have the bridge Mike." Charles said as he looked at Mike.
"Ok, if you say so." Mike was confused.
"Take a seat" Charles pointed to the command chair. "You have the bridge. These people will do anything you say, as long as it is reasonable." Charles said as he started for the Turbolift.
Mike nodded as he took his seat.
* * *
"We will hit the Federation hard, and make our ships go." The Packled commander said as he sat on the Bridge in his command chair.
"Yes they are smart, they make our ship go." His first officer said from behind.
The bridge was small and looked like it had been through hell, conduits were open and gasses were coming out.
"Captain, we need to make the ship go now." A male officer said from the CONN position.
"We are strong, we make other ship go boom," the Captain said.
"Ready weapons, and get ready to drop the thingie that makes us invisible."
"Weapons are ready, but I can't make it drop, we are not smart." The CONN officer said.
"We are strong and we make our ship go." The Captain tried to reassure his officer.
"I am smart, I got it." He his a few buttons and lights on the bridge started to flicker.
"I am not smart," he said in a sad voice.
"We are smart, we are Packleds." The Captain got up out of his seat and hit a button.
"The thingie is down, the field is up." The CONN officer said as he was referring to the cloak and shields
* * *
Mike was sitting in the command chair looking at the monitor to his left.
He was startled when the Ops console started to beep.
"Mr. Harkness, a Rolmulan scout ship has de-cloaked 5000 KM of the port bow."
Mike looked up.
"What the hell." He asked.
"Sir, they are charging weapons, and firing."
The ship rocked as the Phaser beam hit the ship.
"Red Alert. All hands battle stations." Mike called out.
The lights on the bridge dimmed.
"Damage." Mike asked, he had no idea what he was doing. He was only copying something he had seen in a movie once.
"Direct hit to the port nacelle, no damage."
"Lock phasers and bring us to 224 mark 120."
"Aye sir."
End Act 3.
Act 4.
The Toronto moved to its new position. As a phaser beam hit the ship's shields.
"Shields down to 43% sir." The Ops officer called.
"Fire phasers."
The weapons officer hit a few buttons.
"Direct hit, no damage"
Mike sat there thinking it had be a while since he was at the Academy.
"Do we have quantum Torpedoes on board?" He asked looking at the marine.
"Yes sir."
"Lock torpedoes on the ship. And fire on my mark."
Mike was in command and he liked it.
"Ready sir." The Marine said.
Mike stood up.
"Fir·" He was cut off by Charles.
"Delay that order." Charles said as he walked on to the bridge.
"Yes sir."
Mike stood up and looked at Charles with a cross face.
"Fire phasers. Attack pattern Harkness one-alpha."
"Aye sir." The Bridge crew said as they carried out their orders.
The Marine nodded when the ship was in position.
"FIRE" Charles yelled.
The Toronto fired full phasers at the small ship. The first few shots hit the shields and did nothing. The 3 beam took out the shields and the rest hit the hull.
"Ship disabled sir." The Marine told the Captain.
"Lock a Tractor Beam and take the crew into custody. I'll be in my ready room. Mike will come with me.
The 2 men left the bridge.
Charles took a seat behind his desk as Mike stood.
"What the hell were you thinking. Firing quantum torpedoes, you would have destroyed them." Charles yelled at his brother.
"I am sorry Charles, but you left me in command." Mike rebutted.
"You should have called me to the bridge when they attacked."
"I am sorry, but I was in Command and I was doing what I thought was right for the ship."
"Well that is true, and that is why nothing is gonna happen to you, no charges will be brought up on you."
Mike looked confused.
"Charles, I am sorry." Mike said with sympathy on his face.
"Lt. Schlag to Captain." The air called to Harkness.
"Go ahead." Charles said to the air.
"We have our attackers in custody sir. Also sir, they are Packleds. What shall we do with them?"
"Throw em' into the brig, Harkness out."
"So Charles, there has been something I have never been able to figure out." Michael asked as he took a seat.
"What's that"
"Why did you join Starfleet? You could have been a great anything you wanted to be."
Charles looked back at Mike, and picked up the hockey puck.
"Well you know how dad was, he wanted at least one of us in Starfleet, and when you dropped out he put all the pressure on me. I need a drink."
Mike lifted his eyebrow.
"No thanks I hate the replicated crap."
Charles turned around and hit a LCARS pad that was under the picture.
The computer hummed as a door just behind Charles opened.
"Would you like a Scotch?" Charles asked.
Mike Nodded.
He took his drink and they walked over to the living area.
"Well Dad was really tough on us, and he was proud when you made commander, just before he died" Mike said to Charles.
"Yeah well, I only wish I could have helped him."
"It was not your fault. You had your orders and he had his." He said trying to reassure his brother.
"Dad was always one to find new ways of doing something. And that is what got him killed. He should have never tried to stop that Orion trader ship. He was only in a Runabout."
"Yes but that was Dad, the idiot." Mike said.
"He attack a bloody warship in a Runabout. He was the biggest moron. That is why he never made it past Lt. Commander."
"Commander Harkness to Captain Harkness." Called the air.
"Yes" Charles hit his COMM badge and replied to the air.
"It is nearly time for the ceremony."
"Ok, we'll meet you in Transporter room 7. Harkness out."
Charles placed his glass on the table.
"If you'll excuse me for about 5 minutes I'll change into my dress uniform."
Charles walked into the head.
End act 4
Act 5.
Charles was sitting on a chair on a little stage; that was erected for the ceremony of change of Commander for the USS York. Sitting to Charles's right was Captain Highlander's close relatives.
At the Podium was Admiral Varvaresos.
"And now for a few words, Captain Charles Harkness."
Charles took his cue and stood. He was carrying a PADD, which had his speech on it.
"Thank you Tom, and I will try to keep this short, because I have the habit of making an ass out of self with these" he said joking.
"I remember the first time I met David, it was his first year in Command School and I had him as my weapons officer. I still remember our first mission, and before we could even leave space dock, he accidentally hit the Photon Torpedo release button and destroyed a starbase. We were all glad when it was just a simulation." Everyone in the room laughed. "I just hope he is not as nervous now, as he was back then, and with that it is my honor to do this." He looked to the air. "Computer recognize, Captain Charles Harkness. Pass code: Harkness-one-three-six-alpha-gamma-pi, transfer all command codes for USS York to Captain David Highlander." The computer hummed as the carried out his order. "Process complete, USS York is now under the command of Captain David Highlander."
Harkness smiled. "I am also honored to do this as well." He hit his COMM Badge. "Harkness to Stroud, do it." Harkness turned and looked out the window. Everyone in the room did the same. A few hundred meters from the widow a Prevaricate Class ship de-cloaked.
As it became visible again, it fired a bottle of Champagne. The bottle flew towards this ship and finally shattered as it hit the hull.
"I hereby christen this ship USS York." Charles extended his hand to shake David's. "May she be as good as the Toronto has been to me Captain."
Charles took his seat again.
After a brief speech from Captain Highlander the party started. Charles was talking to sever people who he did not know and did not want to know.
He made his way over to Admiral Varvaresos.
"Tom, good to see you again." He said as he shook his hand.
"Nice to see you as well Charles. That was a good speech today."
"Thanks. I'm glad you liked it." He said as the two men made their way to the Bar.
"I hear you met my double a few weeks ago." Varvaresos said. When they reached the bar.
"Yeah, he was not as nice as you are, but he was a lot younger. Something both of us have lost." Charles said with a smile.
The Admiral laughed at the comment.
"Well Charles, I hate to break it to you, but you have to leave in a few hours. We need the Toronto in Norway sector. There have been some recent build ups of Dominion fighters, and we need to show the flag."
Charles nodded. "What other ships are out there?" he asked.
"Just the USS Condor, under the Command of Captain Reming."
Charles picked up his beer and took a sip.
"Never heard of her, what class?"
"Challenger Class, officially a Science Vessel, but has some experimental systems. I cannot go into more detail till the briefing. But we need a bigger presents. Also the USS Los Angles will be docking with you later today, she will be with as well."
Charles placed his drink down.
"Ah yes Jack Ryan's ship." Charles said.
"Also before I forget, Lt. Commander P'Lars was killed today, and Starfleet has not been able to come up with a new weapons officer for you." Charles nodded.
"When is the Briefing?"
"23:55 my office."
"Ok I better go, get my crew ready." Charles finished his beer and walked over to Highlander.
"David, I am sorry, but I have to leave." He said to Highlander.
"Ok thanks for coming Charles." He shook his hand.
"Enjoy this ship. See you around" Charles shaking his hand.
Charles left the room.
* * *
Charles walked on to the Bridge, "Captain On Deck" Larson yelled.
"Thanks XO. Is all crew accounted for?"
"Yes sir." She said.
"Bridge to Engineering." Charles said as he took he seat.
"Lefler here sir." Replied the air.
"Is the Warp Core on line?"
"Yes sir." She replied.
"Get her ready, Harkness out."
Charles looked over at everyone.
"Cmdr. March, has the Los Angles docked?" He asked.
"Yes sir, she is in Galaxy Bay One B Sir." Replied Zavi.
"Well, the Federation needs us again. Ensign Set course for the Norway sector, Warp 7." Harkness ordered. He was going to miss being home.
"Course plotted."
"Engage" He ordered.
At the point at the end of Michael Harkness's street, Mike stood with a Tricorder and watched his brother's ship jump to warp. "Good Luck Brother. See you in a bit." He said to that air, and turned and walked back up to the house.
End.
I would like to dedicate this to my family. Although they annoy the hell out of me, they are always there when I need them. Keep up the good work, of course they'll never read this. Thanks.