[Transporter Room 11, Starlfeet Academy]
Ian kissed his daughters on each cheek. He didn't want to leave them, but he knew that they were old enough to understand. Besides, he should be able to visit them in a few months.
Stepping onto the transporter pad, Ian took one last look at his daughters and blew them a kiss. "Energize," he said to the chief.
Moments later, Ian materialized on the transporter pad of the USS Agamemnon.
[USS Agamemnon, Transporter Room]
"Welcome aboard, sir," the chief said. "Your quarters have been set up and are ready for you. Your luggage is already stored there."
"Thank you chief," Ian replied as he stepped down from the pad and toward the door. "By the way, chief, how long to get to our destination?"
"Well, since we have an important officer on board, I suppose we could make it in a couple of days," he joked.
Ian looked at him with a grin.
"However, if you were an admiral or something, then it would take us a week."
Ian laughed at the chief and exited the transporter room. Ian knew the Agamemnon. He had helped train some of its crew and knew a lot of the ship like the back of his hand. He continued down the hallway and to the turbolift. As he entered, there was a shout from behind.
"Ian," the voice called. Ian turned around and noticed the captain coming toward him. "You arrived early. I wasn't expecting you for another hour."
Ian shook his hand as he approached. "I know, sir. But I wanted to get on my way."
"Quite understandable," he said and pressed his comm badge. "Captain Frost to the bridge. Number one, let's get on our way."
"Aye, sir," responded the first officer.
Ian and the captain entered the turbolift and the captain ordered it to Deck 10, residential area.
[USS Agamemnon, Guest Quarters]
After a few minutes, Ian was outside the room that he would occupy for his quick stay on the Agamemnon. The captain said his goodbyes and headed back to the bridge. Ian entered the room and looked around. As promised, his luggage was already there. Even the two stuffed animals that his daughters had tied to the luggage were still there. Ian knew that the transition might be hard, but he also knew that his daughters were the ones that wanted him to go back to space. "Maybe I was suffocating them," he said aloud to no one in particular. "Maybe they're right." Ian set his duffel bag down and stepped over to the desk.
"Computer, display all current information regarding Kovar Colony."
The computer displayed the information and Ian began to read it. He figured he should know about the place that he was about to become XO of. Ian read for several hours and then decided that it was time for bed. But before he could do that, he sent a message to his daughters. Not wanting to wake them up, he recorded it first and then sent it.
"Lily, Alia, I just want you both to know that I love you and that I already miss you. Don't worry. I'll talk to you soon. And yes, you will still receive an allowance from me. And don't get into trouble. I gave your aunt a special code to contact me. I don't want her to have to use it. I love you both. Good night."
Ian sent the message and then turned in. As he lay down, he realized he hadn't eaten any dinner. Oh well. Too late now.
The following day came and went without bother and Ian enjoyed his last hours on a starship when he didn't have to do anything but relax. He knew that life on Kovar was going to be difficult. He had read that the colonists had just elected a governor. Someone to speak and act for the people.
[USS Agamemnon, Transporter Room]
Upon arrival in the Kovar system, Ian was notified and told to report to the transporter room. The captain was there to greet him. "Ian, you're going to have a rough time to start," he said.
Ian looked warily at the captain.
"But, I know that you will do all of us proud. It has been an honor to serve with you and to see you grow as a person and an officer,"
"Thank you, captain. I don't know what to say. It has been an honor serving with you as well."
The captain shook Ian's hand and patted him on the shoulder. "Good luck, Ian."
Ian stepped onto the transporter pad and looked toward the captain. Nodding his head, he waited for the beam to initialize.
"Energize," the captain said with a wave toward Ian.
[Federation Embassy, Transporter Room]
Ian materialized on the pad and looked around. The chief looked up and greeted Ian.
"Good morning, commander. Welcome to Kovar Colony. Please report to Commodore Murdock as soon as you can. Your bags will be taken care of.
Ian walked out of the transporter room and headed to the Commodore's office. Outside the office, a yeoman was sitting at a desk.
"Could you please inform the Commodore that Lieutenant Commander Ian McIntyre has arrived for duty?"
Lieutenant Commander Ian McIntyre
Executive Officer
