Stretching The Legs

Posted on Tue Aug 25th, 2026 @ 7:11pm by Commander Angel Devroe & Lieutenant 101 aka Uno

Mission: SHAKE DOWN IN A NEBULA
Location: USS McCook
Timeline: Concurrent to Back To Reality

::ON::

Commander Angel Devroe put together a basic crew to take the Ship out on a short shakedown as per the Commodore's suggestion. If the ship passed muster then the McCook could help fill a void besides being used for Security keeping track of the new found anomaly against noncompliant factions. The McCook was an Akyazi Class, slightly smaller than the Peel, but it seemed like a capable ship. The other four ships attached to M-69 were either on missions per Admiral Stone or were given tasks by the Commodore so they were seldom available. After receiving word from Lt. Covenant the ship was ready to board Devroe informed her Crew.

[Bridge]

The new Crew consisted of twelve for the Bridge, four would work the late shifts, and a couple of engineers one of which was slipstream certified and were given two hours to pack a duffel for several days and get aboard for a makeshift Crew. Angel had quarters assignments for everyone and would be given out as they boarded.

Shortly all eight Crew were on the Bridge while Angel greeted each one of them as they exited the Lift. Tapping her comm "Engineering are you and your team all set....how are we looking down there" Devroe inquired.

Lt. Uno and Ensign Dymo were the only ones in engineering as this was to be a short trip.
" We are keeping the station Commander." Uno replied.

"Very good Engineering, we'll be getting underway monetarily" Devroe stated as she addressed the rest of her Crew "On the outside chance you don't know who I am, I'm Commander Angel Devroe XO for the Base and was XO on the Peel for three years prior to transferring to M-69. We'll be taking the ship out for a brief shakedown for a few days and even though this Crew has been thrown together I expect you all to do your duties well; this will be a good learning experience for all of us including myself. So let's say we get this party started" she commented with a grin ready to get underway.

Everyone seemed to be ready and eager to get going despite some nerves never having served together before. Taking the Center Chair Angel relaxed and realized how good it felt to actually be in command; Jamie would be proud. "Comms contact Traffic Control" she ordered with a smile.

"You're on Commander" Comms replied.

"Traffic Control this is the McCook, Commander Devroe commanding, requesting a departure vector" Angel requested.

"Commander Devroe use departure vector four seven point two" Traffic control responded "Have a safe trip."

"Thank you Traffic Control" "Helm take us out one quarter impulse until we clear the outer markers" was her first official order as C.O.

"Understood Commander....departure vector four seven point two.....going to one quarter impulse" Helm replied as the ship started moving; now things suddenly became very real. Several minutes latter "Commander we're approaching the outer markers."

"Plot a course heading five six point eight....warp six" Devroe ordered with a smile.

"Aye Ma'am.....heading plotted.....going to warp" Helm commented as the Ship went smoothly to warp.

"Ok Science scan ahead to make sure nothing dangerous is in out path. Tactical make sure we don't have any unwelcome surprises. Ops keep all systems at maximum efficiency" came the flurry of orders as she heard everyone's "Aye Commander."

The next few hours went by with the McCook working quite well. Devroe decided it was time for a change. Tapping her comm "Engineering this is Devroe, can we initiate slipstream soon" she inquired.

[ Warp core is nominal. Preparing subspace receive for slipstream drive.] replied Lt. Uno of engineering. [ Slipstream is now available Bridge.]

"Understood, Devroe out." then redirecting her attention "Helm take us into slipstream but only four hour's; let's not push it just yet."

"Initiating slipstream in 3....2...1....initiating" as the stars became streaks of light.

Then turning to her Crew "If you have never experienced slipstream before it may feel a little unsettling but that feeling will pass soon" the Commander explained keeping an eye on everyone.

The next four hours went by with the ship performing quite well given it's age as Helm called out "Commander we're coming up on the four hour mark for slipstream" Helm reported.

"Drop us out of slipstream then come to a full stop." Devroe ordered "So you all looked like you survived slipstream just fine; any problems or concerns with your Stations."

"Tactical is working well Ma'am." "Science as well Commander." "Communications are functioning within tolerances." "Commander Operations are working fine" the departments informed the Commander.

"Very good! Helm set a return course for M-69 warp five" Devroe ordered being quite satisfied with the ship.

Then Comms called out "Commander I'm picking up a distress call from a shuttle about two lightyears from out current position."

"Helm belay that order. We certainly can't ignore a distress call....send the coordinates to Helm.....Helm lay in a course for the shuttle....warp six" came the flurry of orders from Devroe.

Shortly the McCook was coming within range of the distress call "Commander we're approaching said coordinates" Helm informed command.

"Helm drop us out of warp and come to a full stop. Communications hail the vessel" Devroe ordered wanting to see what laid in store for the Ship.

"All set Ma'am" the Comms Officer called out as the ship dropped from warp coming to a complete stop.

Standing Angel straightened her tunic "Vessel in distress this is the Federation starship the USS McCook.....Commander Angel Devroe commanding. How can we be of service."

A gentleman in his mid thirties appeared on the screen "Commander are we glad to see you" the gentleman stated with a smile "Our shuttle's warp engine has crapped out on us and we have only impulse drive to go on."

Thinking for a moment wondering how Jamie would handle this situation "Where are you coming from and where are you headed" Devroe inquired returning the smile.

"Myself and family left Odessa and are headed to Starbase M-69. You see out home world is on the verge of civil war and we were hoping we could find safe refuge on the Starbase" he explained "By the way I'm Steve O'Naas."

Hearing his explanation Devroe reached out with her senses and couldn't find any deception in the man "Mr. O'Naas using your impulse engines will take forever to get to M-69 and I assume you still have life support."

"Yes life support isn't a problem but I'm concerned if we have enough rations aboard to make the trip at impulse if it takes as long was you say it will. Is there anything you can do to help us Commander" Steve inquired hoping for a resolution to their plight.

"Let me ask how large is your shuttle" Devroe inquired even though it didn't look that large.

"It's about 9.2 meters long and 4 meters in width.....why is that important" Steve inquired curious as to the question.

"Hold tight Mr. O'Naas, I may have a solution to your problem. Let me check on something and I'll get back to you shortly. Devroe out" as the screen went back to a view of space.

"Ensign, being an Operations Officer are you familiar with Shuttle Bays" she asked not really knowing this Officer's experience.

"Yes Commander, I've worked in Shuttle Bays as part of my duties" the Ensign responded.

"Very Good. Take a walk down to the Shuttle Bay and let me know if a Type 9 Shuttle can be brought aboard" Devroe ordered with a smile.

Standing from Ops "On my way Ma'am, I'll get back to you in a few minutes" as the Officer walked away and entered the Lift. About five minutes later "Commander the Shuttle Bay is empty so yes that Shuttle will fit no problem."

"That's great news. Would you be able to tractor it into the Bay since I doubt Mr. O'Naas has that kind of piloting experience being a civilian."

"Absolutely...not a problem" the Ensign replied.

"I'll let you know when he's in position." Turning towards Comms "Hail the vessel please." Moments later "Mr. O'Naas, I have some good news. Our Shuttle Bay can accommodate your Shuttle then we can assign you and your family quarters while we return to Starbase M-69. Pilot your Shuttle at one half impulse and proceed to the aft part of our ship. Once in range come to a complete stop and one of my Crew will tractor your shuttle in. Any questions?"

"No Commander, that seems pretty simple enough and thank you so much for your help" Steve responded with a sincere smile.

"That's what we do at Starfleet....helping those in need. I'll contact you later today and we can sit down, have a meeting, and talk about your new future. Devroe out."

About ten minutes later the Ensign exited the Lift as Devroe turned "Are our guests all set Ensign" she inquired.

"Yes Commander, the shuttle is in our Bay and is secured. I escorted the family to their quarters and showed them around. They seem very grateful for our help Ma'am" the Ensign replied.

"That's what I like to hear" as Devroe looked to her Crew "Great job everyone.....we have taken a family and have made them safe" the Commander stated with sincerity. Helm lay in a course back to M-69.....warp six for awhile."

"Return course laid in.....going to warp 6 now" Helm replied as Angel took the center chair and relaxed feeling like they had really accomplished something having helped a family in need.

A little while later Commander Devroe thought the family should be settled by now and wanted to pay them a visit. Typically she would have her XO take care of talking to the family but since she didn't have such a person; the meeting fell to her "Science I'm going to pay our guests a visit.....Lieutenant you have the conn until I return which shouldn't be too long" Devroe stated as she stood.

"As you wish Commander, I'll stay at my Station to keep an eye on things as well" the Officer responded with a smile.

"Good and like I said this shouldn't take too long" Devroe replied then entered the Lift.

[ Guest Quarters ]

Exiting she made her way to the guest quarters then palmed the door chime before straitening her tunic; she was in command after all and wanted to appear professional.

Minutes later the door opened "Commander Devroe what a nice surprise, please come in" Steve commented with a smile "May I get you something to drink and please have a seat."

Angel could sense he was nervous so she smiled "I'm fine Mr. O'Naas" as she sat in a chair "I thought we could talk for a few minutes so I can get some background information for the Starbase's records."

Steve sat across from the Commander "Certainly, what would you like to know" he replied feeling a bit more at ease.

"You stated earlier you're from Odessa but why are you traveling to M-69" she inquired with a smile wanting Steve to relax and be truthful.

"I have a wife and two children, and the planet is on the verge of a civil war. We would like asylum there....a place where we can raise our family without being of fear for our lives. Odessa is no longer a place to raise our family" he explained.

"I see and no one can blame you for that" as Devroe paused a moment thinking "So you would like to live on the Starbase permanently then? Also how did you earn a living on Odessa....any special skills" she inquired.

"Yes Commander we would like to make that our new home where we can raise our children and not be fearful of our surroundings. On Odessa I was a line-cook in a Diner and was quite good at it.....I consider myself a pretty good cook" he explained.

"I see. Well there are a number of Eateries on the Promenade Deck so I'm sure you'll be able to find employment. Once we return to M-69 I'll conduct a background check and if things are as you've explained I see no reason why you and your family can't make that your permanent home. Do you have any questions."

A big smile came across Steve's face "That would be fantastic Commander" then he paused a moment "If I may ask....you seem to know an awful lot about the Starbase for being this ship's Commanding Officer."

Devroe grinned "That's because I'm the First Officer on M-69; I'm only in command of the McCook to conduct a shakedown since the ship has had some technical upgrades" she responded.

"Oh! I guess we're pretty lucky to have run into you then" Steve responded happy for their meeting.

Standing "Thank you for the information. When we get back you'll be assigned family quarters. As soon as your background checks out then you'll be free to seek employment" the Commander explained "Until then you're our guests but please remain in your quarters for security purposes. I should be getting back to the Bridge."

"Thank you so much Commander and I can assure you I've been very upfront and honest with the information....we have nothing to hide" Steve stated with sincerity.

[ Bridge ]

Devroe exited the Lift "Lieutenant report" she ordered as she reclaimed the center seat.

"Nothing new to report Commander we're proceeding as you left us."

"Good" tapping her Comm "Lieutenant Uno can we initiate the slipstream drive" she asked.

Lt. Uno paused and then replied " The subspace antenna needs realigning before doing so. It is a maintenance issue that did not occur during pre-flight."

"Thank you Lieutenant; let me know if and when the subspace antenna is repaired. Devroe out." turning to her attention elsewhere "Helm continue at warp six for the time being."

"As you wish Commander" Helm responded.

For the next few hours the McCook remained at their present speed with the Crew on the Bridge going about their duties. Grabbing her command PaDD Angel started jotting down some notes for a report to Sureth when they returned home.

Lt. Uno had to manually align the antenna but when done quickly informed the Commander.

" Slipstream Drive is now back on line Commander.

"Thank you Lieutenant and good job as well" Devroe responded "Helm take us into slipstream; by the time the time restraint is reached we should be almost back to M-69."

"Aye Commander....going to slipstream now" Helm replied as the McCook entered the stream.

By the time the four hours were almost up for slipstream Helm called out "Commander we're almost to M-69, Ma'am."

"Good. Drop us out of slipstream and come to a full stop." "Comms hail Traffic Control please" Devroe ordered .

"All set Commander" Comms replied returning the smile.

Standing "Traffic Control this is the USS McCook, we've returned and would like a docking slip if possible please" Devroe stated.

After a few minutes of silence "Welcome home Commander; yes proceed to section 50-6.....you can dock the McCook there" Traffic Control replied.

"Thank you Traffic Control, Devroe out." looking towards Helm "Ok take us in....one quarter impulse then follow standard docking procedures" she ordered before sitting back in the center seat.

"As you wish Ma'am.....one quarter impulse to docking slip.............approaching slip going to thrusters" as the ship slowly entered the birth.....cutting thrusters.... easing in.....full stop......setting docking clamps now.....attaching unbiblical......taking warp core offline" Helm commented then turning in his seat "We're all set Commander."

"Very Good Helm" as she addressed the Crew "Thank you all for your hard work and I'll be sure to include that in my report to the Commodore. Secure your stations then you're all dismissed."

Now that the Bridge was empty Angel looked around as a sense of purpose washed over her; this was what she was meant to do.......Command a ship. So for now she would work as the Station's XO and maybe have a chance occasionally to take the McCook out for a mission of some sort. One day however Angel would like her own ship permanently; now she knew how Jamie felt.

After going to her quarters and grabbing her duffel she made her way to the guest quarters to pick up Mr. O'Naas and his family and escort them to their temporary quarters on the Base until the preliminary paperwork and a background check was finished for permanent residency.

::OFF::