Shore Leave

Captain's Log Stardate 60312.1

We have just arrived at Starbase 114 orbiting the far moon of the Carious star system. The Borg queen has been immobilized and turned over to the researchers and scientists for testing. We probably can finally get an insight on the Borgs weaknesses and how to overcome their strengths. I have been told the "Borgologists" have been arriving since early yesterday upon hearing we had a queen and was going to be there. I am just happy that we were able to get her and to help. I am so proud to be serving with the finest crew in Starfleet Not only had they defeated one of the most dangerous of our enemies, but they also have completed repairs on the ship in record time. I can't wait till our actual mission begins. Therefore I have granted a 24 hour pass for the crew so that they can take care of any personal business before we head out.

Lieutenant Shaka has told me that the Slip Stream Drive should probably have an independent force field protecting it considering the sensitive nature of the technology. I tend to agree. I have learned to trust her judgment and go along with her suggestions, for the most part. Of course being the captain, I can approve or disapprove it.

The relationship between Lieutenant Harris and Mr. Ambrose is a curious one. It is amazing that at one time Ambrose's father actually served with him. Well I guess keeping it in the family would work great. Their relationship is more like a father-son one. Maybe I should ask Grant about that ?

Speaking of Grant, I have noticed a fine officer developing. I don't really know what happened before that got him court-martialed. But his current record has been exemplary. I just wished he would keep out of fights. I swear, he spends more time with a dermal regenerator than he does sleeping. At any rate, I think that whatever he gets now he has earned it.

Lieutenant Barker has proven instrumental in the repairs of the vital systems in medical. I just hope that we can do with an EMH for the remainder of the mission. Well the *Voyager* did. I guess we can to. He has proven also to be well versed in Starfleet operations. Maybe a promotion is in order. We'll see.

The "Old Man", Lieutenant Toran. He is an excellent officer. I can see why he was given a provisional commission, but that doesn't do him justice. He deserves a full commission. His battle savvy and tactical knowledge is second only to me. I wonder if he would be interested in command ?

Lieutenant Rashad T'kul an interesting woman. She was instrumental in the destruction of the Borg, and also in my grief. Her mysterious nature and background is something that I find most attractive about her, but her coolness under pressure is her strong point. Lieutenant Rashad should prove even more valuable in the Beta Quadrant.

I myself can probably use this time to gather up all data I can on the Beta Quadrant, but, I don't think so. I am tired and would like to take a moment away from the ship. So, to the lounge on Starbase 114 I go. I hear that they have a black jack table there. Been a while, maybe I should wear a hole in the table but first........

End Captain's Log

"Lieutenant Harris. Please report to the Bridge !" Captain Devore announced as he exited the ready room. *Whoops !* Lieutenant Harris was sitting at his station reading over some reports as the Leviathan was within 100 km of the docking bay. "Oh.. good you're here and so are you Lieutenant Toran and Mr. Ambrose."

The crew looked at the Captain suspiciously. All of them wondered what was he thinking ? Is the Captain all right ?

"Mr. Ambrose. All stop," Devore ordered that rose a puzzled look from the crew especially Ambrose. "Mr. Harris. You really did it this time."

"Sir ? What did I do ?" Harris asked nervously.

"Lieutenant Toran. Take him !" Devore tried so hard to keep a straight face, but the expressions from the entire Bridge crew almost made him blow it. Lieutenant Rashad stood up and walked to the Captain's side.

"Sir. What is going on ?" She asked.

"Lieutenant. Take a seat."

"Sir !"

"Mr. Toran.....!" Lieutenant Toran walked around and grabbed the first officer by his arm. "Let me read the charges commander." *Damn it slipped I hope no one noticed.* The crew was in too much shock to notice the slip of the tongue. Everyone looked in amazement as the Captain began to list the 'charges', "For putting the lives of another species at risk of annihilation, kidnapping, and, the most gravest of them all, conduct unbecoming a Lieutenant, I hereby sentence you to the rank of Lieutenant Commander. May God have mercy on you soul!"

Lieutenant. Harris eased up. His entire body was tense and stiff like a board with Toran holding him down, but when Devore finished his rouse, Harris smiled. The rest of the bridge crew also looked like they were relieved as the captain pinned a black pip next Harris' gold.

"Congratulations Commander Harris." Devore said.

"Thank you sir."

As Toran turned to return to his post, Devore yelled out, "Stop right there Lieutenant. I think that you are out of uniform!"

"Sir ? My uniform is flawless as it is always," Toran said smugly.

"No sir !" Devore threw something at Toran. Toran reacted quickly and grabbed it. It was a gold pip. "Now you are in the right uniform. Plus Lieutenant, I don't like provisional officers on my ship... so effective this date, you are a fully commissioned officer with all the rights and privileges thereof."

Toran looked at Devore and smiled. He removed the black pip and pocketed it. *Yes !* He thought as the Captain walked up behind Mr. Ambrose. "Mr. Ambrose. I don't like NCOs on my Bridge either. You have proven to be one hell of pilot, I think that we can bypass the little formality of the rank structure for Warrant Officers and let you wear this." He said as he handed Mr. Ambrose a gold pip. "Congratulations Ensign."

"Thank you sir."

Devore turned to sit in his chair as the rest of the Bridge crew looked hoping they were getting promoted as well. "Ensign take us in mooring speeds."

"Aye Captain." Ambrose said as he his smile was posted from ear to ear. The procedure took just under five minutes as the mooring clamps and disembarking ramps were attached to the hull.

"Okay set external power, cut internal power, and take warp core off line," Devore said standing up. He walked over to Lieutenant. Barker who was punching his panel harshly. The Captain walked up to Barker and put a gold pip on his collar and said softly, "Congratulations." Barker smiled and nodded his head. He played along with the Captain and the little game he was playing. Then finally, the Captain shouted shocking the entire crew, "Computer ! The personnel have been promoted effective this date. Lieutenant. Grant Harris to the rank of Lieutenant. Commander, Lieutenant JG Toran to the rank of Lieutenant, Lieutenant JG Chu Barker to the Rank of Lieutenant, and Warrant Officer 1st Class Kirk Ambrose to Ensign..... "

<Ensign is not the proper grade for a promotion from Warrant Officer 1st Class.>

"Computer Override. Devore Alpha 223."

<Promotion increase overridden.>

"Okay crew, let's go get a drink to celebrate. Drinks are on me."