Peel Post - No Way!!

Posted on Sat Jun 21st, 2025 @ 1:50pm by Captain Jamie O'Connell & Lieutenant Commander Angel Devroe

Mission: Stellar Problems
Location: S/M: Shakedown Cruise
Timeline: Stardate: 78936.6

Sub Mission: The new USS Peel goes on a shakedown cruise to get the Crew accustomed to the various upgraded technologies. Along the way they discover a distress call coming from a small colonized planet needing immediate assistance.

::ON::

[Deck 4 Shuttle Bay 1]

After getting her new quarters squared away Ensign Samantha Barot couldn't wait to check out the Shuttle Bays to see what this new Peel had aboard for small craft; since this was her area of expertise. Walking in Sam saw the usual compliment of small craft for a Ship this size. There was one Type 6 and one Type 9 shuttles along with two Worker Bee Pods for making repairs to the Ship out in space; which she hoped would never have to used.

Sam walked over and glanced into the Pods seeing the usual controls for both propulsion and the two remotely operated repairing arms. Moving to the Type 6 shuttle next she keyed in her security code allowing the back hatch to drop down onto the deck. Walking inside she sat in the Pilot's seat looking at the various screens and controls "Well nothing new here" Sam stated out loud "At least it's a new one unlike the two worn out shuttles from before.

Moving to the Type 9 Sam did the same then entered going directly past the passenger seats located on both sides of the cargo area, which were collapsable for any cargo that might need transporting, directly to the Pilot's seat. Running her hands over the controls, she commented "Now this is more like it, a warp capable shuttle cruising at warp three. I guess not the fastest but at least it'll scoot right along and does have weapons aboard." After spending some time looking around she decided to go to the other Bay, one deck below this one, just to check things out not expecting much other than a big empty room.

[Deck 5 Shuttle Bay 2]

Entering the Shuttle Bay Sam saw what was up ahead then froze in mid-stride seeing something she never expected to see on a Ship this size as she stated "No freaking way!!!" then she proceeded forward with a big smile on her face.

Sam walked up to the back of the Shuttle and keyed in her security code allowing the back hatch to drop down onto the deck as she entered a brand new Type 11 warp capable Shuttle. Just inside the back hatch was a fairly good sized cargo area for a Shuttle.....opening a locker a on starboard side she noticed four EVA suits hanging on the wall in case of an emergency.

Passing through the automatic doors Sam entered what looked like the living area complete with two sets on bunk beds, one starboard and one port side, next was a small medical area complete with a folding bio-bed and medical supplies on the wall. Next was a replicator, reclaiming unit, a computer control station, a table with four chairs in the middle of the area. Now behind the table was a large vent enclosure marked 'Warp Core' with what looked like a large heat sink on top. Opening another door on the port side revealed a sonic shower.

On the port side past the Warp Core was another set of doors. Passing through them Sam stopped; looking around being quite blown away. There were four Stations; on the fore end was the Pilots Station and/or the C.O., beside that was the Co-Pilot and/or Ops. To starboard was another Station for Engineering and/or Tactical; which Sam thought was an odd pairing.To port was the fourth Station for Science and/or Communications. Looking to the extreme port side was another set of doors leading to the Head with two toilets and two sinks included "Not too bad" Sam thought to herself.

Still in awe from what she was seeing, a thought occurred to her "Why haven't I heard about this before now." Tapping her comm badge "Commander Devroe this is Ensign Barot, if you have a minute there's something in Shuttle Bay 2 on Deck 5 I think you're going to want to see" Samantha stated.

Hearing the call Angel responded "This is Devroe; it sounds important....I'm on my way." Several minutes later Commander Devroe entered the Shuttle Bay and couldn't believe what was parked in front of her.

Sam walked up to Angel seeing the expression on her face and grinned "So I take it you knew nothing about this little surprise either" she inquired with a smirk on her face.

"No I did not and I doubt the Captain does either or I'm sure he would have said something" Angel replied "Can I take a peek" as a grin came across her face.

"Sure, right this way" Sam replied then proceeded to give the Commander the nickel tour "Wow! That's certainly some Shuttle; it could almost be its own ship" Devroe commented with a grin.

"It certainly could" Sam replied "And it's well armed to boot."

Afterwards both Officers exited the Shuttle "Let me go and find the Captain, I'm sure he'll want to know about this right away" Angel stated then turned and left the Shuttle Bay.

[Deck 1 Ready Room]

Commander Devroe found the Captain at his desk in the new Office. Knocking on the door jam "Captain a moment of your time please."

Looking up from his work "Commander yes, please come in" O'Connell ordered "So what's up."

Deciding to cut right to the chase "Captain did you know we were getting a brand new Type 11 shuttle on board; it's sitting in Shuttle Bay 2 presently "Angel informed the Captain.

"We have a what" he asked thinking he didn't hear Angel correctly.

"A brand new Type 11 Shuttle Sir" she repeated herself with a grin.

Sitting back in his chair "I thought that's what you said and no I had no idea Angel or I would have certainly said something to you about it" Jamie replied thinking a moment "Firstly let me contact the Admiral and let him know in case there's been a mistake then we'll take it from there" as the wheels were already tuning in his mind.

"I agree, it might be a good idea before we go off on our shakedown tomorrow" Angel replied "While you do that I'll be at the Conn" then she turned and left for the Bridge.

Accessing his Terminal O'Connell contacted the Admiral "Captain O'Connell I assume you have your new Ship; is there a problem I should know about" Aaron inquired.

"We did and I'm currently in my new Office. The reason for my contacting you Sir is I have a question. Minutes ago my First Officer informed me there is a new Type 11 Shuttle sitting in our second Shuttle Bay; are we supposed to have that craft aboard."

Aaron grinned "I was going to stay something during our last conversation but I decided to surprise you instead....SURPRISE!" he explained "Just because I'm a Admiral doesn't mean I'm not without a sense of humor" he replied.

Jamie chuckled "Yes apparently your sense of humor is in full form Sir" he retorted "I wanted to make sure it wasn't a mistake or something" then he paused "Might I inquire why that Shuttle was added to our inventory."

"Considering where M-69 is located and the area your Ship operates in I insisted that you were equipped with a very capable warp shuttle, with full weapons, thinking it may come in handy on some of your missions" the Admiral explained "The Shuttle will require at least a two person Crew and in some instances you may want to have three or four. I know your Crew is small to begin with but the amount you'll actually be using the Type 11 I think you can get by without any problems."

"I agree Admiral with everything you've said. After we get underway on our shakedown I'll sit down with my First Officer and come up with a four person Crew" then Jamie paused "Given the excellent job my First Officer has been doing I thought I might make her the Shuttle C.O.; it'll give her more command experience..not that I want to loose her anytime soon."

"That's an excellent choice Captain and that type of command experience would not only be good for her but for your Ship and Crew in general" Stone replied "I was going to suggest your First Officer but I didn't want to sway your decisions. So is there anything else Captain."

"No that's all I have. Some time tomorrow we'll be taking the new Peel out for probably about four or five days; barring any unforeseen issues" O'Connell stated "When we return I'd like to give the Crew some time off to relax at the Base and unwind before our next mission; they've had a lot thrown at them lately."

"And that's why you're such a good Captain; you're concerned for your Crew and give them a chance to refresh themselves and not just drive them into the ground like I've seen some Captains do" Stone commented "Let me know how the shakedown goes for you and your Crew."

"I will Sir, thank you. O'Connell out" as the screen went back to the UFP logo. Sitting back in his chair thinking a moment, he decided to take the first step in assembling the Type 11 Crew; tapping his Comm "Ensign Barot please report to my Ready Room."

Minutes later Samantha walked into the Ready Room where she snapped to attention in front of the C.O.'s desk "You wanted to see me Captain."

"Yes I did and relax Ensign....have a seat" as Sam did as requested. "This is probably a stupid question but I feel I need to ask anyway.....I assume you're well able to Pilot the Type 11 Shuttle" he inquired with a smile.

"Yes I am Captain; my father's freighters I used to pilot were larger than the Shuttle plus I'm eager to take her out for a spin when time allows" Sam replied with a grin "Now it looks like we'll need at least two people to operate the Shuttle ; any thoughts Captain if I may ask."

"After we get underway the Commander and I will sit down and come up with a Crew for the Shuttle which by the looks of things should be an easy task; you will of course be the Pilot. When the Crew is assembled then I'll have Commander Devroe have a meeting abroad the Shuttle just to make sure everyone involved knows not only what their duties will be but what's available to them while aboard. Although having talked to the Admiral I don't think we'll actually be using the Shuttle all that much but I want everything in place before it's needed" O'Connell explained with a smile.

"Sounds good to me Captain and I look forward to collaborating with the Commander and Crew on this and thank you for the Pilot's nod Sir" Sam replied.

"Of course Ensign and I love your enthusiasm. Also during this shakedown we'll take some time and actually get the Shuttle and her Crew out in to space for a test run; if you can wait that long" O'Connell commented with a chuckle.

With a smirk "I'll certainly try Captain" Sam replied "But I'm really looking forward to taking her out for some exercise."

"I can see that and you'll get your chance I promise; dismissed" came the order as Sam stood and smiled them did an about face exiting the Office on her way back to the Shuttle bays.

::OFF::

Captain Jamie O'Connell
Commanding Officer

Lieutenant Commander Angel Devroe
First Officer

Ensign Samantha Barot (played by O'Connell)
Shuttle Pilot
USS Peel
NCC-71015