Episode 0.0 - A Rebirth

As the NX-07 Atlantis is ready to be recommissioned for a deep space journey, a process which has been delayed for quite some time, the newly found crew of the ship is ready to go. Getting a little restless, some of them find their own adventures while waiting...

[Starfleet Command Building, San Francisco, Earth]
[The Office of Rear Admiral Walter James]
[April 25th, 2162]
[1000 Hours]

“You know that it’s one of the oldest surviving ships in the fleet, yes? William has proven himself to be more than capable.”

“Of course he has, no one doubts that. Command just doesn’t believe that Starfleet needs another deep space exploratory cruiser at the moment. Cueto will have his time in the spotlight, eventually.”

“Then why are we even bothering with the recommissioning now?” stood and asked Rear Admiral Walter James. James is the current Starfleet Command official in charge of the NX-Project, succeeding Admirals Forrest and Leonard. He had just been promoted to the post of liaison of the fleet to Command, and the relaunch of the NX-07 Atlantis would be the first one that he oversees.

The office, which consisted one large oak desk and several rows of chairs in front of it, held so many of Starfleet’s brass that it could be considered a conference room. Admiral Leonard, who had chosen to become a Senior Advisor to the command staff, was in agreement with James. He wanted to see Captain Cueto and the Atlantis exploring like the NX-class was meant to do. However, some on the staff believed that Starfleet was now just one small part of the United Federation of Planets, and it was Earth’s responsibility to only slowly release ships into the galaxy to have free reign.

“We need to provide an escort for the cargo service, that’s why. Otherwise, it’s wasteful. Wait until the Gemini is mothballed, and then we’ll let the Atlantis have a little more room to maneuver,” replied Rear Admiral Gorges. Gorges was a man that had sat quietly on the Command Staff for five years before enacting a more conservative ship policy after the signing of the Federation Charter. He had the majority of the staff members in agreement with him. “If you can prove most of this council that Cueto deserves a broader mission, then we’ll act on it. Until then, though, the ECS assignment stays.”

James did not like being overpowered by his subordinates, but on a council that represented each member equally, he had little choice. The NX-07 Atlantis was to launch in five days, to escort the Earth Cargo Service freighter Renaissance on its usual route to Velarus IX and Aurelia III, and there was nothing he could do about it.

The meeting was adjourned, but Rear Admiral James stayed behind his desk for a few moments, debating how he was going to tell Cueto the unfortunate news.

[Worker-Bee Pod, Orbital Platform, Earth]
[April 25th, 2162]
[1030 Hours]

“Not bad, Captain,” muttered Lieutenant Commander Darren Ingalls, a scientist who Cueto had worked with extensively in his time teaching Starfleet’s upcoming heroes. “I’m sure you’re very proud."

“You bet,” Captain William Cueto replied, as he and Ingalls gazed up at the refurnished hull of the NX-class starship, named Atlantis. “A beautiful ship, a beautiful name,” he said as they passed over the words “ATLANTIS” painted below the bridge on the hull.

“Have you had her out for a test drive yet, sir?” Ingalls asked.

“Not yet. Still waiting for the crew to assemble. Can you believe that Starfleet Command hasn’t told me what we’re going to be exploring yet?” asked Cueto.

“Not unheard of, sir. Captain Archer never really had orders from Starfleet Command.”

“That was different, though. Archer and the Enterprise were free to do as they pleased. We’re on a much tighter leash,” Cueto responded, still inspecting the hull.

“Whatever it is, I’m sure it’ll be fun. Only five more days, sir.” Ingalls smiled.

[Starfleet Command Academy, San Francisco, Earth]
[Class Auditorium Beta]
[April 25th, 2162]
[1100 Hours]

The view of Starfleet Academy was astounding as Starfleet Cadets were talking and walking to thier prospective classes. Shuttlecrafts whizzed by overhead of the grand Auditorium building where class was about to begin as Commandant Huxley walked to the podium to quiet the young cadets and looking around and then he spoke.

"Welcome Cadets.. today we have one of the finest Starfleet Officers, ranked at the top of her cadet class and alumni,
Lieutenant Adrianne Rosecrantz will speak to you..to give you guidence and wisdom and what is to be known to follow the principles of a Starfleet Officer.. *Huxley looks at Adrianne* Lieutenant Rosecrantz." Adrianne looks up at the Commandant and around the auditorium.. with her hair in a ponytail and stood with a passive posture she walked over to the podium where Huxley Stood and nodded. "Thank you Commandant." Huxley spoke with her clear British accent and looked at the Cadets. "Its an honor to speak to you all, not only as a role model.. but a fellow officer, putting your lives on the line, to serve and protect not only yourself.. but your crewmates. It's an exhilarating expirience yet also venturing into the unknown. I served onboard the Columbia as an Armory Officer, fresh out of the Academy at your age. My Advice to you all do not stop reaching what you want out of life, you will be successful no matter what you put
your minds to." Adrianne Smiled and then the young first year cadets stood and applauded Adrianne, in the same turn a young Starfleet Ensign walked torwards Adrianne across the stage and whispered in her ear as he smile went torwards a slight seriousness look on her face, "Excuse me." Adrianne replied as she walked out of the Auditorium.

{Office of Rear Admiral Walter James}

Adrianne walked up at the door and pressed the chime button, feeling nervous but excited that she recieved news of her next assingment. "Enter." the Admiral spoke sharply, as Adrianne walked in the office and stood at attention. "You wanted to see me sir? Adrianne asked. "Yes, I have an assignment for you, which i know you wont pass up.. Captain
Cueto requested one of the best Chief Armory Officer, and i recommended you, with your expertise, percision and ethics." The Admiral paused as Adrianne was shocked to hear that one of the notable Captains in Starfleet took intrest in her. "I am greatfully honored sir..i will accept the position." Adrianne smiled. "I knew you would say that, Lieutenant
effective immediately, you are assigned on the NX-Class Atlantis, at the moment Captain Cueto is overseeing the refits and construction, i want you to look and study the current specifications and to report to him as soon as possible." James replied. "Of course Admiral." Adrianne smiled. "Dissmissed Lieutenant.. and good luck." James smiled as at the same turn Adrianne nodded and walked out of the Admiral's Office.

[ON]

SFB Kingston Ontario Canada 0630

The parade square was silent.

Two platoons of Marines stood at attention, not moving, not blinking.

The parade warrant stood in front of them facing away from them. Awaiting their OC's arrival.

Jad Raynar entered the doors of the Reading drill hall and marched smartly towards the parade square.

The parade warrant took his queue and did a crisp about turn to face the troops.

"Troop." He said, warning the troops he was about to call a drill command. They seemed to tense up more out of anticipation, if that were at all possible.

The word of Command came. "Stand AT EASE!"

The troops assumed the position of rest as Jad Marched up to them. The troop warrant dismissing himself to the rear of the troop.

Jad halted in front of his troops coming to attention. "Troop, ATTEN-SHUN!"

There was a loud sound as multiple feet stomped into attention.

"Troops, I have an announcement. You have been selected to join me as the marine contingent aboard the newest starship in the fleet. The USS Atlantis. We will be leaving to our new posting this afternoon at 1500 via shuttle transports from building D-29."

"With that in mind I know you are all fresh out of training and this will be quite an adjustment. Please keep in mind that the only way to get over it is through experience."

He nodded to his troops. "Good luck people, I look forward to seeing you in space."

[Engineering, NX-07 Atlantis]
[April 26th, 2162]
[1300 Hours]

Walking throughout his ship, Captain Cueto took in each glimpse of the refitted ship with pleasure. He offered to help his crew where he could, looking both to get to know who he would be serving with for the foreseeable future, and trying to get the ship underway as soon as possible. He entered engineering, having yet to meet the staff.

He opened the hatch and climbed through to observe the glowing warp engines. A lieutenant approached him and saluted.

"How are my engines, lieutenant?" asked Cueto as he dismissed the salute.

"Things are progressing nicely, sir. We should be done right on schedule," the lieutenant replied. "It would be nice if our chief would report in, however," he finished.

"Well, that's not exactly his fault," William replied as he surveyed the plasma coils. "I haven't really chosen one yet," he admitted, slightly embarrassed.

"I'm sure you'll find a suitable officer, sir," the lieutenant nodded cordially.

Cueto nodded in reply and exited the engineering room, headed for the bridge. On his way, however, he was notified by the communications officer on duty that Rear Admiral Walter James, the commander of the fleet at the moment, wanted to speak to him in his ready room. He then walked along at a slightly faster pace, not wanting to have the Admiral wait.

"William, it's good to see you actually on the ship," smiled James as Cueto sat down at his ready room desk and activated the terminal link. "You look natural there."

Cueto laughed mildly and agreed. "It's certainly a refreshing change from the academy scenery."

They spoke for a few minutes about scheduling and the skeleton crew that was currently working on the Atlantis before the conversation took a more serious tone. "I have your official orders, approved by Starfleet Command. I'm not sure there's any other way to go about it other than just coming out with it..." Walter said solemnly as Cueto's countenance faltered.

"You're going to be an escort. Not permanently, but for a period of time. Just enough for you to gain your footing as a Cap--"

Cueto interrupted him with a sigh that was loud enough to be heard on the bridge. "With all due respect, Admiral, the NX class was not meant to be an escort ship. And I was not meant to be escorting around cargo ships," he sternly told his superior.

"I understand that, Captain," James responded more harshly. "But there's not much I can do. We're having some significant differences of opinion here on the command staff. I only ask that you accept the orders for the time being, and we'll work from there."

Cueto took a deep breath and thought a few moments, realizing that there was nothing he could do but accept his fate as largely useless for the next few months. But how could he tell the crew? How could he tell the people that were so excited to get into deep space that they would be patrolling the neighboring systems, traveling at only a fraction of what they are capable of? He didn't like his assignment, but he was determined to be the best damn escort Starfleet had ever seen.