Commander Gavin Jeffreys stepped on board the new station. He knew that some of his crew had arrived all ready and was looking forward to meeting them. Supply Base 901, when fully staffed, who have a crew compliment of 125. Currently there were about 35 Starfleet officers on board. Most of the crew would arrive before the month's end.
Gavin had arrived on a small vessel that was docked at the third dock. He walked straight into the empty commerce section. There hadn't been any shops opened yet. And exactly who WOULD open a shop out here? he thought to himself.
The station was new and pristine. There hadn't been any construction and the shops were completely open. To offer the best compatibility, no walls or ceilings had been constructed so that it looked like one giant nine story shops with one giant connection at the top. One walkway led to the lift platform that led down to the docking bay and another, on the opposite wall, led to Section Three.
As Gavin left the the third commerce section he stepped onto a conveyer system that carried him to Section Three. He was impatient and walked along the conveyer belt making him travel as fast as if he were running.
Once in section three he headed for the security chamber in the center that led to the main access turbolifts.
He first had to pass by two security officers and then into the actual lift that required a voice and retina identification before he was allowed to head to the Central Operation Room.
"Computer," he said, "Bridge."
<There is no Bridge on Supply Base 901.>
Gavin looked at the speaker. "Well then, where do you run this bloody place from."
<The Central Operation Room.>
"Well, Beastie, from now on it's called the bridge. Understand?"
<Awaiting Authorization.>
"I'm the damned commanding officer! Gavin J. Jeffreys! The only man inside this tube!"
<Authoization accepted. Destination?>
"The bridge!" Gavin yelled as he began to lost what little patience he had.
The shaft began to move. It was only a short ride of about 25 decks and lasted only 10 seconds. The doors opened revealing the Bridge.
<Welcome to Supply Base 901.> the computer said greeting the officer the first time he was on board as it was programmed to do.
"Up your shaft."
Gavin walked onto the Bridge and took at look. He had seen schematics, but this was his first view of the room. He noted that the command chair was placed three feet higher than operations and communications and six feet higher than the security, engineering, and science stations.
All three were empty. Only the Chief Tactical officer was there.
"Just drop it by the communications station."
Gavin looked around. There was no one else on the Bridge.
"Excuse me, laddy?"
"Just put the relay down over there. You do have it don't you?" said the man as he turned around. He froze in his tracks when he saw the three pips on the commanding officer. "Crap! Sorry, Sir. I was expecting...."
"Never mind that, laddy. I understand." He walked toward the young man and outstretched his hand. "The names Gavin Jeffreys. Supposedly I'm in charge of this place."
The young man took his hand. "Nathan Call, Chief Tactical officer. I'm just keeping an eye on things until we get our full crew."
"I'm sure you're doing a great job too. Now, is there no one else here?"
"Not any of the senior officers, no. Tell me, when are they due?"
"Well," said Gavin, "You're here and I'm here. I expect the Chief of Security and Intelligence officers soon. I don't really see how the Chief Engineer can get here before the millennium, and as of yet, we have no Science of Medical chiefs."
Nathan looked a little surprised. "Why won't the Chief Engineer be here?"
"Well, they've picked a good man. I knew Garek Loran when he was in the Academy. He was a very promising student. Sadly he's on the USS Virgo." Gavin could tell by Nathan's stare that the Virgo meant nothing to him. "The Virgo is currently in the Gamma Quadrant. I don't see how Garek could make it here any time soon."
"Well, I've heard that you're the best engineer in the Fleet. I'm sure we'll be in good hands."
"Aye, if I ever get done with all the paper work." Gavin began to head to his office to see what it was like.
"Sir," called the Tactical officer, "may I suggest a Yeoman?"
Gavin turned in the doorway. "I hate Yeomen. I don't want anybody telling me what to do. Especially if they're more qualified." Gavin turned and went into his standard office leaving Nathan to contemplate the meaning of his new commander's phrase.