Captain’s Personal Log - Stardate 50470.2: We have been aboard the Missouri-A for three weeks now, learning the systems and capabilities of this wonderful new vessel. At thirteen hundred hours today is the commissioning ceremony and reception on the Missouri. We have the task of taking some of the brass out for a short cruise immediately after the commissioning. Tomorrow we take her out for a short three day cruise, to test the weapons systems and warp drive. After that cruise we will return to Utopia Planitia and await orders, with the Dominion retreating behind the Cardassian borders, I wonder what those orders will be.
Duncan walked onto the hanger deck at twelve fifty. The shuttlebay was the only space big enough on the ship to hold the whole crew and their guests. The crew was broken into small groups chatting about the ship, what she can do, their first mission, and various other subjects. On the dais stood Admiral Paris, Admiral Varvaresos, and Admiral Nechayev. Duncan walked unto the stage and took his place with the Admirals. Paris shook his hand and introduced the other Admirals. Duncan said. “Admiral Varvaresos, The Katana class is a wonderful design, I am very excited about getting her out among the stars.”
“Thank you, Captain. I worked with an exceptional team. Captain Alexander Dimitri, of the Katana, did much of the specification work. This vessel was originally intended to be called the Sabre, but after some heavy persuasion by Admiral Paris here, and Admiral Highlander, I was convinced to give her the name MISSOURI. Since reading your logs, I am very glad I did.”
Duncan replied. “Thank you Admiral.” Duncan moved down the line. “Admiral Nechayev, how nice to see you again.”
The blond Admiral smiled and nodded. “Congratulations Captain, on your new ship and the job you did in the Bajoran System. If it wasn’t for you and the original Missouri, we would not have been able to take back Deep Space Nine and stop the Dominion from bringing in their reinforcements.”
“Thank you, Admiral. There are others who deserve much more praise than myself or the Missouri.” MacDermott said thinking of Gorman and the crew of the Shadow Horseman.
Duncan moved over to Admiral Paris. “Admiral, a pleasure as always.”
“How are you doing, Son? Marjorie sends her best.” Paris said. “Well it’s thirteen hundred, are you ready?”
“Yes Sir.” Duncan replied.
Paris handed him the padd. MacDermott read the information outloud so all could hear. "To Captain Duncan Erin MacDermott, you are hereby ordered to take command of U.S.S. Missouri NCC-84784-A as of Stardate 50470.2, signed Eugene Paris, Admiral, Starfleet Command." MacDermott then turned to Paris and acknowledged that he would take command of the vessel.
Paris turned his head to the comm. interface "Computer, transfer command codes to Captain Duncan MacDermott, Authorization Paris Delta Omega one nine eight two."
The computer beeped and then reported "U.S.S. Missouri now under the command of Captain Duncan MacDermott."
Paris turned to Duncan again. "Would you like the honor of putting the Missouri on Active Duty?"
MacDermott jumped at the chance, "Yes Sir very much." He paused and then looked up to the interface. "Computer, this is Captain MacDermott."
MacDermott continued. "Place the Missouri on active duty this date." The computer beeped again. "U.S.S. Missouri, registry NCC-84784-A active this stardate."
The boatswain’s whistle rang throughout the shuttlebay as MacDermott shook the Admirals’ hands again. When Duncan turned to face his crew he smiled at Melora in the front as a cheer went up from his crew. The applause continued for a few moments, before Kern stepped forward and called the crew to attention. MacDermott stood there at attention also for a moment before Kern said. “DISMISSED.” The crew broke formation and left the shuttlebay empty except for MacDermott, Ito and the Admirals.
“Sirs. If you will follow Lieutenant Ito she will take you to the reception. I am needed on the bridge. I’ll join you shortly.”
Ito pointed toward the door with her open arm. “This way, Sirs.” The Admirals moved toward the door. When they were through the doors, Melora turned back toward MacDermott and snuck him a quick wink as the doors closed. Duncan was alone in the shuttlebay. He smiled and went to the turbolift.
