Stardate: 70218:2332
Title: Anchors Away
Author: Ensign Andrew Keller
Time: Before Jumping Into This Universe
Scene: Starbase 9 / USS Relentless (Our Universe)


The doors closed behind her as Commander Abigail Winters strode into Transporter room 4. She was there to welcome the new arrival - a Helm Officer
- to the USS Relentless crew.

She turned to the transporter operator, who was standing quietly behind the control console. "Signal to Mr Keller that we are ready to receive him." she said.

"Aye, Ma'am" replied the operator. "USS Relentless to Ensign Keller, we are ready to transport on your signal."

"I'm ready when you are," came the reply over the comm-channel.

"Energizing now." The transporter operator flicked a few switches and slowly moved his fingers up the Energizer as a low hum filled the room. After a few seconds, the shape of a man appeared on the transporter pad. He was reasonably tall at a shade over 6ft and had a muscular physique, indicating that he kept himself in good shape. He had brown hair which was slowly receding, but it was his eyes that caught the Commander's attention - despite being handsome, his eyes had a haunted look about them.

He looked younger than she had expected. Ensign Keller was 42 years old, but looked in his early-30s. He had been a serving officer in Starfleet for 22 years and had a long and distinguished career to date, rising to the rank of Lt. Commander and 3rd in command of the decommissioned Ambassador-class vessel, USS Capquest. He had fought the Borg at Wolf 359, the Romulans along the border of the Neutral Zone and the Dominion at the Battle Of Bajor. Commander Winters couldn't help but wonder why, when he could have had his choice of ships, did he choose the Relentless as his next commission?

"Permission to come aboard, Ma'am." The voice broke her out of her thoughts.

"Permission granted. Welcome aboard the USS Relentless, Ensign Keller." she said. "I'm Commander Abigail Winters, the ship's Executive Officer."

Ensign Keller stepped off the transporter pad. He offered up a handshake. "It's an honour to serve onboard here."

"It's an honour to have you onboard," replied Commander Winters. "Come; I'll show you to your quarters so you can settle in. Later, I'll arrange for you to have a tour of the ship and help you find your bearings."

"No offence, Commander" replied Ensign Keller. "But, I’ve been piloting and navigating starships for 22 years. I wouldn't want to take up too much of your time. I'm sure you've more important duties to attend to rather than showing a crusty old sea-dog around the ship."

Commander Winters laughed. "No offence taken and I've no doubt you could find your way. However, it would be my honour to give you the grand tour, and as your commanding officer, I insist."

With that, she turned on her heel and headed toward the door.


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Ensign Andrew Keller
Helm
USS Relentless
NCC–11966
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