Observation Area - Spacedock

The Commander listened intently, first to Adm Arayuss, and then to Prof Brewer while the introductions were made. Lewis had heard of Lloyd’s work with MGen Alderez and wanted to tell him so himself. Indeed, the Professor's reputation had preceded this formal introduction so much so, he felt as if he already knew the man that stood before him.

Cmdr Little: Thank you, Admiral, but the Professor is well known in Engineering. Professor Brewer, without your help with the weaponry and indeed the Gateway Aperture itself, my plan was a very moot issue.

Lewis waved off his supposed ‘genius’ idea at the Battle of Sector Epsilon as he shook the Professor's hand.

Cmdr Little: Lloyd, may I call you Lloyd? I’m gracious you decided to accept this posting. With YOU as our Specialist once more, any hair-brained ideas I may or may not have during this mission, will be preceded by your very valuable Grey Matter!

The CO smiled at the men before him as he told Lloyd just how important his role was to the mission's success. He knew the man was rather modest, indeed so was any scientist. It was their way, just as much as it was an Engineer's to be the All Powerful Miracle Worker to keep the lights on and the wheels turning.
_________________
Mr. McCloud

Before Prof Brewer could respond to Cmdr Little regarding whether or not he could call him Lloyd, the Admiral interrupted when he saw FAdm Skyner exiting from the Turbolift across the Observation Area. Aeryck was happy he finally decided to show up at 1205!

Adm Arayuss: Hey, look who decided to show up five minutes late! He must've done it for a dramatic entrance knowing everyone would be watching him arrive.

The Admiral laughed as FAdm Skyner approached them. Aeryck could see in the Fleet Admiral's stride that he was enjoying the attention and the applause that broke out. The Admiral knew Jaeson was going to be insufferably pleased with himself after Event Horizon was underway.
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Admiral Aeryck M. Arayuss
Commanding Officer, USS Sutherland
Commander in Chief, Gamma Fleet
Starfleet, United Federation of Planets

Crossing the Observation Area to the sound of applause was quite a feeling for Jaeson. He was pleased to see that everyone made it here on time and there would be no delays in Event Horizon's departure from SB34. The Fleet Admiral could see Adm Arayuss, Cmdr Little and Prof Brewer standing together along with Lt. JG DeGrazzio and Lt. JG Tudismaque standing near them, PADDs in hand. Cmdr Cypher was standing closer to the Gangway entrance along with LtCmdr Graham, Lt. Mitchell and MCpt Lopez apparently waiting to gain entry to Event Horizon. Close to that group was LtCmdr Centares, PO3 Florenté and the Marine Detachment, all of which were looking straight at him. Jaeson was proud of this lot and the choice he made in selecting them for this clandestine mission. The Fleet Admiral walked up to where Cmdr Little was standing and took something out of his pocket and handed it to the Commander.

FAdm Skyner: This is for you, as of now...you're at the rank of Captain for this mission. We couldn't have two men of the same rank on the Bridge without one clearly in command. I also present to you, the USS Event Horizon as your vessel to take into the Alternate Universe. On this PADD are all the command codes necessary. This is for your eyes only, Captain. Now let's get aboard our lovely little Titan of a ship.

The Fleet Admiral shook Capt Little's hand and then walked up the Gangway and announced his arrival at the hatchway to the interior of Event Horizon.

FAdm Skyner: This is Fleet Admiral Jaeson Skyner, open outer hatchway. Access code: S31-NJ08753-Omega! Power up the ship, Computer!

As the hatchway opened the interior lighting of the ship went from dim to bright. Jaeson stood by the opening and welcomed them all inside.

FAdm Skyner: You all know where your Quarters are, go to them and get changed into your proper uniforms for this mission. Professor, you will find a new outfit for you in your Quarters as well. I'll see you on the Bridge so I can transfer command of the ship to you, Lewis.

Jaeson walked off and left the crew to their tasks of finding their rooms and letting the Marine get to their barracks so they could all get changed into the appropriate attire. In the meantime, FAdm Skyner went to the Bridge and waited on the Senior Staff to arrive.
_________________
Fleet Admiral Jaeson A. Skyner
Commander in Chief, Starfleet Command
Starfleet, United Federation of Planets

The now Captain Little shook FAdm Skyner’s hand as he attached the pip to his collar. He did not have a chance to thank the man before he had moved from between him, Lloyd and Adm Arayuss, and to the Gangway that housed the ship’s airlock to the berthing dock.

Instead he looked around the conglomeration of crewmembers around him.

Capt Little: You heard the Fleet Admiral, people. Stow your gear and report to workstations, on the double!

Lewis turned towards Thom.

Capt Little: I’ll see you upstairs, Number One… Admiral, I’ll see you around the Galaxy some place.

Lewis nodded at the pair of Flag Officers, before heading up the Gangway entrance and passing through the airlock. He found his cabin with ease, being the CO, his quarters were close to the Bridge on Deck 2. He quickly stowed the few PADDs he bought with him and changed into the new black collar uniform that FAdm Skyner had arranged for them all. He then replaced his gold and silver Combadge with the pure black one of Section 31, before putting away his old yellow uniform and Combadge.

After a short while, he made his way to the Bridge, where most of the Senior Staff had already arrived.

Capt Little: Computer, activate ship-wide communications.

Event Horizon-COM: Ship-wide communications activated.

Capt Little: This is the Captain speaking, we are about to activate the ships Main Energizers, stand by your stations and prepare to enter access codes. Engineering, Mr. Florenté, set the intermix pressures to 1572 PSI and the field variances to 87 Millicochranes. Mr. Mitchell, arm the Main Computer Reactors and engage safety protocols. Mr. Florenté, prime the Injector Assembly. Open the Containment flow. Raise Warp Field Bubble strength to 80 and 40 degrees. Initialize the Dilithium Matrix and activate the Anti-Matter Streams! All Hands, enter access codes into your work station.

The Captain moved to the center chair and opened the right side arm panel slide. Lewis held his left thumb over the fingerprint scanner and with his right he entered in the new access code he had been issued for the Event Horizon.

Lewis looked up and watched as the Bridge resonated with a loud hum that flowed across the bulkheads. He removed his thumb from the panel, closed the slider and took a look around the Bridge of the Nova Class vessel. He turned towards the Admiral.

Capt Little: Well, gentlemen, what do you think? She’s a beauty isn’t she? Admiral Skyner… I realize the ship can do everything I just did, with relative ease, but I am but a lowly Engineer, and I prefer to do so manually.

The Captain now addressed Event Horizon’s computer…

Capt Little: Computer, access ships Command Log and begin recording.

Event Horizon-COM: Accessing… Recording started. USS Event Horizon, Fleet Admiral Jaeson Skyner Commanding. Ship Mission status: Classified, Level Black!

Lewis awaited FAdm Skyner’s response as he stood there.
_________________
Mr. McCloud

Jaeson showed a look of delight at seeing everyone at their stations in their Section 31-esque uniforms. The Fleet Admiral identified himself to the computer to begin the transfer of command process.

FAdm Skyner: Computer, this is Fleet Admiral Jaeson A. Skyner, serial number 12-1986-022J. Transferring command of Event Horizon to Captain Lewis A.Y. Little, serial number 06-1988-29L. This is to take place immediately. Let the record show that Captain Little is hereby relieving me as Commanding Officer of this vessel.

The CinC of Starfleet looked at Capt Little to continue the process of the transfer of command. Jaeson knew this had to be a proud moment in Lewis' career, soon to be followed by the success of this mission.
_________________
Fleet Admiral Jaeson A. Skyner
Commander in Chief, Starfleet Command
Starfleet, United Federation of Planets

The Computer replied obligingly as it continued to record.

Event Horizon-COM: Voice authorization accepted. Command Codes now updated. Transfer complete. USS Event Horizon now under command of Captain Little, as of current Stardate: 239607.29

Capt Little: I relieve you, sir.

As Lewis listened to FAdm Skyner stating that he now stood relieved, the Captain decided that now was a good a time as any to inspire his crew over the open com channel.

Capt Little: I’m not one for speeches as you all know, but I did find this in the Federation Historical Database. An Ancient Earth Poet by the name of Dylan Thomas… No, it’s not your buddy, Cole.

The CO felt he owed Cole this explanation as he could tell he looked somewhat confused.

Capt Little: Do not go gentle into that good night, old age should burn and rave at close of day; rage, rage against the dying of the light. Though wise men at their end know dark is right, because their words had forked no lightning, they do not go gentle into that good night. Good men, the last wave by, crying how bright, their frail deeds might have danced in a green bay, rage, rage against the dying of the light. Wild men who caught and sang the sun in flight, and learn, too late, they grieved it on its way, Do not go gentle into that good night. Grave men, near death, who see with blinding sight blind eyes could blaze like meteors and be gay, rage, rage against the dying of the light. And you, my father, there on the sad height, curse, bless, me now with your fierce tears, I pray. do not go gentle into that good night. Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

The Captain thanked the Fleet Admiral, and watched as he strode towards the Turbolift, no doubt to join Adm Arayuss back in the Observation Area where he left him. Lewis then turned to his crew one by one.

Capt Little: Mr. Centares, Mr. Mitchell, if you wouldn’t mind… Contact Starbase Dock Control, get clearance for egression. Mr. Centares, release the umbilicals and hull clamps, full impulse to Space Doors, once we have clearance to leave Spacedock.

He knew it was a weak joke, and knew his Chief Flight Control Officer would pick up on it, he had been a pilot long enough to know Spacedock Regulations, so the Captain awaited his response as he smiled to himself.
_________________
Mr. McCloud

Jaeson took a last look around at the officers on the Bridge under the command of Capt Little, he said a prayer under his breath for their safe return, then stepped into the Turbolift and took it to the airlock of Event Horizon where he entered the Gangway. Once he got to the other side, he saw Adm Arayuss watching the ship from an observation window.

FAdm Skyner: Well...they're on their way. I said a prayer for their safe return...they're going to need it.

The Fleet Admiral stood beside the small stature of Adm Arayuss as they watched the departure of Event Horizon. He knew the Admiral was worried about the crew as where they were heading was so dangerous. Jaeson was just glad Aeryck had Prof Brewer join the crew, his knowledge alone upped their safe return.
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Fleet Admiral Jaeson A. Skyner
Commander in Chief, Starfleet Command
Starfleet, United Federation of Planets

Observation Area - Spacedock

Chase exited the Turbolift and could see both FAdm Skyner and Adm Arayuss standing together by the large bay windows watching Event Horizon getting ready for departure. He approached them respectfully and when they noticed him, he spoke to both Admirals since it would've been impossible not to.

Cmdr Ashborn: Captain Zh'Osha's is having a memoriam for Captain Adonis aboard Whitestar. She'd like it if you would attend.

As the Commander waited on their replies, he looked out the windows at the Event Horizon and noticed that it lacked its name and registry on the exterior. That was very unusual and made Chase quite suspicious of where it was going. This had to be a mission for Section 31!, he thought to himself.
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Commander Chase S. Ashborn
Executive Officer, USS Whitestar

The Admiral nodded to Cmdr Ashborn in agreement, he would definitely attend the memoriam for Capt Adonis. Aeryck looked over at FAdm Skyner to inquire if he would attend as well.

Adm Arayuss: I know I will... Will you be attending as well, Admiral Skyner?

As the CinC of Gamma Fleet waited to hear what FAdm Skyner would do, he looked back over at Cmdr Ashborn to let him know he would be watching Event Horizon depart before heading over to Whitestar.

Adm Arayuss: I know we're planning on staying here until Event Horizon departs through the Space Doors, after that I'll be on my way over to Whitestar with or without Admiral Skyner. Treasar was a friend of mine too.

Aeryck turned to look back at FAdm Skyner to see if he decided on going to attend the service aboard Whitestar. The Admiral felt the CinC of Starfleet should attend, since Treasar transferred to Gamma Fleet under his watch.
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Admiral Aeryck M. Arayuss
Commanding Officer, USS Sutherland
Commander in Chief, Gamma Fleet
Starfleet, United Federation of Planets

Jaeson nodded his head to affirm his intentions of attending the memoriam of Capt Adonis. He remembered Treasar when he first applied to Gamma Fleet from being the XO of the USS Defiance, he was approved back on Stardate 238108.01 and given command of the USS Whitestar. That was only a short time ago in the grand scheme of things, so there was no way the Fleet Admiral would miss his memoriam along with his friends and crew.

FAdm Skyner: You can count on me being there too, Admiral.

He turned towards Cmdr Ashborn and filled him in as well.

FAdm Skyner: You can let Captain Zh'Osha know that both of us will be there as soon as Event Horizon departs.

The Fleet Admiral returned his attention to the Event Horizon and waited for their departure process to begin. He knew it wouldn't be long now since the ship could power itself up on his own with simple commands. It was just up the Capt Little's crew to get the Event Horizon on its way out of the Space Doors.
_________________
Fleet Admiral Jaeson A. Skyner
Commander in Chief, Starfleet Command
Starfleet, United Federation of Planets