Captain's Log: Star Date: 2362063
I am pleased to announce that the Hornet and its crew have completed its first Scientific Mission with me as Captain. We have survey Omra II roughly 12 light years north east of Bajor. The mission took nearly 2 weeks to complete. I know that this mission was a welcome relief from the combat mission we shared almost two months ago. Computer end Log.
Nathan sat in the now bare ready room, which was sparse of any decorations like what Wallace had done when it was his ship. He stared into the Computer screen on his desk then shut it off and picked up four black boxes. He stepped out of his office onto the bridge. The bridge was not manned by the Senior staff for most if not all were in Ten Forward awaiting the little ceremony that Sharpe had managed to put together.
Nathaniel stepped into the turbo lift and looked at the four boxes and felt proud about what he was about to do. The turbo lift stopped on Deck Ten and before stepping off he adjusted his tunic and then headed towards the handsomely decorated glass doors of the ship lounge/ bar. The room was filled with allot of officers and crew. Commander Chee saw Sharpe enter and yield," Captain on Deck." The room grew quiet as all eyes went towards Sharpe.
Captain Sharpe gave a nice smile and said, "As you gentlemen and ladies were. May I say a few remarks before start the ceremony?" Sharpe looked around and didn't see anyone protest he noticed that Captain Lataro wasn't present but didn't allow that to bother him.
"Almost 8 weeks ago I committed you all into combat some of you for the first time. I just want to say I am proud of all of you and how you performed and handled the difficult mission. Now onto the presentation may I have Chief Warrant Officer Patrick Matthews front and center? Also Ensign Myron Okul front and center." Sharpe said seeing the two named officers step forward in their duty uniform. Commander Wolf stepped beside Captain Sharpe; she was holding a folder of sorts with papers.
Commander Wolf handed the paper over to Sharpe and he read it aloud. "To Chief Patrick Matthews Chief Engineer USS Hornet, for wounds received and Merit while engaged against a hostile enemy of Lundora IV you are Hereby award the Purple Heart First Award." Sharpe handed the paper back to Jenna as he open the first black box and pulled a medal with the shape of a heart and draped by a purple ribbon. Sharpe then placed it on the left side of Chief Matthews's uniform, then shook his right hand and gave a smile. Commander Wolf then handed over another piece of Paper. Sharpe then read that one aloud.
"Chief Warrant Officer Patrick Matthews for Valor and out standing conduct in the face of overwhelming odds and insuring the safety of those under your command I hereby award you the Bronze Star Medal 12th Award." Sharpe pulled out the red and blue ribbon that had a Bronze Star hanging off end of it. The ribbon was almost completely covered by three gold stars and a silver oak leaf cluster representing how many times that particular decoration was awarded to him. Sharpe then handed the paper work to Chief Matthews who shook the Captain's hand.
To the Chief this was nothing real special to him. He had been in combat many times and received more medals then he cared to have. Matthews liked the ideas of medals but knew a few people in his 40 plus years in Star Fleet should have received them but never did. To him the medal meant he was lucky was all.
"Ensign Myron Okul for your Valor and countless acts of courage in the 14 and half hours of intense fighting in and outside the fort at Lundora IV. Your are hereby awarded the Silver Star first award." Sharpe opened the box this medal had silver star shaped pendant and the ribbon was red white and blue. Okul showed no emotion just accepted the award and shook the Captain's Hand.
"Myron Okul for outstanding performance of your duties as acting Chief of Operations and your efficacy and conduct. You are meritoriously promoted to the Rank of Lieutenant Junior Grade with all the rights and responsibilities there of." Sharpe said has opened the small and last black box and placed a black pip on Okul's collar.
Within a few minutes the crew dispersed and went back to their relaxation in the Ship's bar. Sharpe walked over to the bar and ordered a ale and took a seat near the huge window and looked out that the lush green planet.
"Captain may I take a seat?" A voice said from behind Sharpe. Nathaniel turned his head to see Commander Chee behind him.
"Sure take a Seat John or Johnny? "Sharpe said with a friendly smile.
"Johnny please, Captain." Chee replied with a grin.
"While I'm on duty call me Captain or Sir. Off duty like now call me Nathan or Nate." Nathan said taken a sip of his amber colored ale.
"I was wondering sir. I mean Nathan, what will our next mission be since we are about 45 light years from SB901. And how will they defend themselves if the Mullurans launch an attack?" Chee was worried about Star Base 901 not about the ability of the officers just the fact they had no early warning which was the Hornet's fourth or fifth mission objective. Captain Sharpe understood his worries as he did worry too.
"Well for now Johnny we just sit around and await our next mission assignment. As for SB901 command fears anything bigger then a Nova ship will trigger a conflict along the DMZ. I as you and others fear another conflict is for sure with those dirty cowards. So we wait and listen. Colonel Tarik and his Marines will do fine. As will Mallory and her crew. For now worry about your wife and kid and the ship. You have enough troubles to worry about.
Relax and have a few more drinks. " Sharpe said giving a friendly pat on Chee's shoulder, then taking a big drink of his ale.
Sharpe stayed in the lounge for a few hours and left around 2130 hours until a urgent message came in from Star Fleet Headquarters on Earth. Nathan hurried to the bridge to see what the message was. He read it quickly and felt very disappointed. He sat back in his chair and tapped his comm badge. "Commander Carter could please report to my ready room ASAP."
[Sir? It's late almost 2200 hours.] Carter said with a little frustration in her voice. With that the Commander reported to Captain Sharpe's ready room and seemed not to really care about what was so important till she herd the news.
"Admiral Ross has reassigned you to earth for what reason unknown to me. He wants your squadron to wait meet with the USS Yorktown approximately 2.3 light years from here, in three hours. I am sorry but orders are orders. It was a privilege serving with your squadron Commander." Sharpe said standing up and shaking Carter's hand. Carter took the news as well can be excepted and replied.
"Thank you captain. I hope I am give another chance to serve with you. I must get my squadron ready to depart. We will leave with in the hour sir." With that Banshee parted the presence of USS Hornet and its crew off to adventures know one knows.
End of Part One...