"Captain's Log, Stardate 60847.33"
"The Knight has been docked at Deep Space Nine for two days now taking on last minute supplies and personnel. Engineering and Medical departments report that all supplies are aboard. We are now fully stocked and prepared for our mission beyond Federation borders."
"We have several crew additions, most notably our new Tactical Officer, Ensign Beckett."
"Our mission now begins in earnest -- to probe beyond the boundaries of known space. Our course will take us around the other side of Cardassian space. What will we find out there, where no man has gone before?"
Pike snapped off the log recorder, still pondering that last question in his head -- what was waiting for them out there in the great unexplored mass of the galaxy? Would it prove to be friend or foe? There was only one way to find out.
"Helm. Prepare to depart DS9," ordered Pike.
"Aye sir," snapped Churok.
"Deep Space Nine reports docking clamps are released," said Harris from the Ops station.
"Confirmed, sir. We are floating free," said Churok from the Helm.
"Sensors are clear sir," chimed in Tunis.
"And Engineering reports the Transwarp drive is ready," finished Neil. "Looks like we're ready to go!"
Pike had to admire the efficiency of the crew. He gave the order to take them out, "Helm, set course 2-7-0 mark 3-4-5. Warp 12."
Deep Space Nine was close to the edge of Federation space. At the Knight's course and speed, they would cross the border in only a matter of hours. They would pass close by, but not quite enter the region once controlled by the Cardassian Empire. After that, Starfleet Command had decided that a likely starting point for their survey was a loose grouping of F and G class stars. They were to map any planets there might be and determine if there was any intelligent life.
Just then, Ensign Beckett entered the bridge. He stood at attention and spoke to the Commodore. "Ensign Beckett reporting for duty, sir."
Pike looked at the young man. He replied, "Welcome aboard Ensign. Doctor Markos tells me you've already been down to see him. Or more precisely, you were carried into sickbay on a stretcher."
Beckett got a little nervous. Was he being reprimanded? He just said, "Yes sir."
Pike continued, "Colonel Kira informed me that you uncovered a nest of Jem'Hadar warriors on Gamma Colony, possibly saving the colony."
Beckett nodded.
Pike smiled a little. "And all this before even reporting in for duty! Good job, mister."
Beckett looked relieved. He said, "Thank you sir." He made his way over to his station.
Pike turned his attention back to the Helm. Churok had finished programming their heading.
"Engage!" said Pike.
The Knight backed slowly away from one of DS9's upper pylons and then rotated about on its yaw axis. The ship picked up speed quickly, then surged forward and vanished with a bright burst of light, leaving only the station in view.