Wings Unfurled

Posted on Sun Apr 9th, 2023 @ 10:48am by Commander Namia Grian

820 words; about a 4 minute read

Mission: Episode 115 - Planting for the Future
Location: USS Cushing
Timeline: Current

-Starbase 400, Docking Bay 26-

The work teams lead by Vox had all left the Cushing, except for the shake-down team. Despite the confidence Vox had in her teams carrying out the refit of the Cushing, both she and Grian agreed that having a small team aboard along with the standard crew, would be a wise precaution for her shake-down.

After all, it had been several months since the Cushing had left Starbase 400. Vox herself was now supervising the check of the USS Tikhov, so she left the shake-down in the capable hands of Lieutenant Lucas.

From within Starbase 400, specifically Docking Port 26, we can see the USS Cushing waiting to unfurl her wings once again. The only lights on were those from the windows and the spot lights from the docking bay itself. As Grian began the process of preparing to leave the confines of the Docking Bay, one by one the Cushing's systems came alive.

Her running lights came on with her marker beacons flashing. Her name plate was lit up on the top of her saucer section. Her buzzard collectors began to glow a deep crimson red with her warp nacelles starting to glow blue. The colour was somewhat different than the last time as she now had a new warp core with all the latest updates, a deep blue.

One by one the moorings holding her to the docking port detached and swung clear. The Cushing gradually moved sideways away from the docking port and towards the centre of the bay, lining herself up for the outer doors. For now her impulse engine remained dark to comply with the thrusters only whilst in spacedock regulations.

She began her approach to the outer doors as they began to open. She gracefully slide slowly out of the bay between the wide open doors and out into open space. Once clear of the starbase, her impulse engine came to life with the familiar red glow.

-Main Bridge-

"We are clear and free to navigate captain." Ensign Richards advised Commander Grian.

"Okay then, lets stretch her legs. Plot a course for Starbase 157 and engage at Warp 1. Best to ease in the new warp core carefully." Grian replied.

"Aye sir." Richards replied. Tapping into her console she plotted the course to the nearest starbase to Starbase 400. "Course laid in and set. " she advised.

"Engage" Grian commanded. We see the Cushing moving towards us with Starbase 400 in the background. The glow of her nacelles suddenly brightened and with a flash, she lurched forward disappearing in a distant white flash.

"Warp 1, Captain. All looking well. " Richards replied.

"Warp core looking great Captain, purring like a happy kitten if I do say so myself." Advised Chief Engineer Maxwell, who was at the engineering station on the bridge.

"Wonderful. Helm, take her up to warp 6 slowly, give her 5 minutes or so at each increment to allow her to settle. I am confident we don't need to do this but its best to ease her in gently. The wise Doctor Leonard McCoy once said about the Enterprise D, when he toured her, 'treat her like a lady and she'll always bring you home.' " Grian replied.

After 30 minutes, the Cushing was cruising at warp 6.

=^=Engineering to Chief Maxwell, this is Lieutenant Koln , the warp core is purring. Its like beautiful music.=^=

=^=I will come down shortly. Still need to do some further checks up here first. Thanks for the good news. Chief Maxwell out. =^=

Once the Cushing arrived at Starbase 157, she dropped out of warp. A young Ensign aboard 157 standing by to beam aboard as they were transferring to 400. They were originally on a transport later that day but it seemed like too good of an opportunity to waste. Once they were aboard, the Cushing turned around and headed back to Starbase 400.

"Helm, take us back home but take us up to warp warp 9. Open her up, let her fly. " She requested.

"Yes Ma'am," Richards replied. Once again she jumped to warp, disappearing in a distance white flash.

On her approach to Starbase 400 and after dropping out of warp, Grian requested a channel to be opened.

=^= Grian to Vox. =^=

Deezell, at this time,was aboard the Tikhov. She put down one of her tools and tapped her combadge,

=^= Vox here Commander, what can I do for you?=^=

=^= I am aboard the Cushing, We are just re-docking with Starbase 400, please pass my compliments to you and your team for an outstanding job down on the Cushing's refit and update, First Class. =^=

=^= Why thank Commander. All in a days work. Mind if I meet you at Docking Bay 26? =^=

=^=Of course not. I am sure our Chief Engineer wants to thank you in person.=^= Grian replied. Maxwell smiled and nodded that indeed he would.

The USS Cushing was now, not only ready to help escort the USS Tikhov but to venture out into space again and explore.

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