"First Command"

A.J. stood outside Star Fleet Command staring into the crystal blue clear sun. It had been nearly 4 years since he had visited earth and seen his home planet's sun and sky. He noticed a shuttle flying past his few and recognized it as a Type 6. AJ then remember his orders he had received nearly a week ago.

Report to Star Fleet Command Headquarters and Admiral Jeffrey Pike for reassignment. That was his orders read they were sort of puzzling no hint of an idea what AJ's new job was. However he told him self he'd accepted it with pride and dignity with what ever it was.

The walk inside the large office complex took only a few minutes and AJ passed several younger and less advanced in rank officers before reach the door that read. Chief of Star Fleet Operations Admiral Jeffery Pike.

AJ tucked his tunic and took a deep breath and pressed the door chime. "Enter." AJ walked in and saw his old Commanding officer sitting by behind the large desk directly in line to the door. "Sir Commander AJ Buford reporting as ordered sir."

Pike gave a smile and stood up from his desk and replied." At ease Commander. It's good to see you again AJ." Pike said, shaking the Commander's hand.

"I've got some really good news for you and it's your orders."Pike finished by walking over to the replicator and ordering a cup of tea.

The tension was killing AJ. Pike walked back over to his desk and picked up a PADD and read from it. " By order of Star Fleet Command as of June 5, 2385 Alexander John Buford Commander Star Fleet you are herby ordered and given command of the USS Taurus NCC 79031, for period of Five years." Pike handed the orders over to the stunned Buford who stood in awe.

Command of a Star ship was something he had not expected to receive for another three or four years. He had only been an executive officer of a single ship for almost 4 years. AJ shook his head and gave a grin not believing it but he reread the PADD over and it was official.

"Sir? why me?" Buford asked stunned.

"Why not? You've finished your command assignment on the Cochrane and have been doing an admirably excellent job in every assignment Commander. Plus this ship suits you AJ. Read on." Pike said sipping his tea and motioning for Buford to take a seat and read further into the PADD.

Upon reading the information AJ gave a bigger smile, as he read the information it became clear to him. "I see now Admiral this is a refit New Orleans the designation is totally been revamped. It's basically a test ship." Buford said looking at the Admiral.

"Yes, Commander. She isn't fully crewed as of yet. Your ship won't leave McKinley Station until the 26th of this month. Your XO and Chief of Security aren't aboard yet. Your conn officer and Personal assistant is awaiting your arrival in shuttle bay 13. She'll take you up to the Taurus.

When the 26th comes around you'll be more then less assigned a mission. Till then pleasant journey Commander." With that the two officers shook hands and parted ways.

Commander Buford made his way to Command's shuttle hanger and came upon a young female standing near Type 9 shuttle with two duffle bags. AJ recognized the shuttle and duffle bags as his. The shuttle had the Taurus' registry number on it.

The young female was short and very small. She had dark hair not very long at all and very dark color eyes. She seemed to snap at attention, when she saw Commander Buford approach her position. "Afternoon Ensign. Commander Buford is this the trolley to the Taurus?" Buford said with a smile. She gave a friendly smiley in return and replied. "Yes Captain. I'm ensign Davis. Your conn officer and Personal assistant. May we leave now,sir? " Davis said putting the duffels into the shuttle.

"I thought you'd never ask?" AJ replied walking into the shuttle. It took allot of restraint but he sat in the mission operations seat not the flight control seat.

Everything seemed to be good for AJ, right now. He was young and seemed to have a decent assignment. He sat very impatiently in the shuttle as it lifted off.