Star Trek: From The Dust (The Emden Adventures)

Chapter 1: Mission One

"Captain's Log, Stardate 9427.8. We have just assisted the inhabitants of Coridan with the creation of a new energy source. I had more than enough experience with using various energy sources back in Texas; wheat, manure, left over dinner. Yet, converting their mining byproduct into usable energy had proved more challenging than expected, but with the help of our Chief Engineer Ada Kovalenko and my Number One, Commander Joseph Nthanda we were able to get the job done. Kovalenko and Nthanda had both proved to be invaluable. In fact, I am more than satisfied with the entire crew."

Charles Thomas leaned back into the Captain's chair. It felt good, it felt comfortable and he must admit that it felt right. Charles stood six foot one and typically kept his short dirty blonde hair messy. He always seemed to have a five o'clock shadow. His parents always commented that he looked like he would be more at home as a cowboy, than as a Starfleet officer. In many ways, they were right.

So far, he had been able to command a Starship and essentially stay in the shadows. The perfect balancing act. Now if only he can keep this up until his mission is over. Could be two years the Admiral said. At least he had a damn good ship.

The USS Emden, NCC-1856, a Constitution-class heavy-cruiser. It has 23 decks, maximum warp of 8, seven photon banks, 2 torpedo bays and 420 personnel. The thought of being responsible for all of those lives left a tinge of fear in Charles' tough exterior. Even though the main mission is to lend support to the existing colonies in these quadrants, currently the 54 Orions, he knew that danger can exist at any time. In addition to that, Starfleet has been known to change the mission on the fly. Thomas straightened out his red uniform coat. He hated how everyone wore the same red uniform these days. He wished Starfleet never did away with the old red, yellow and blue. Now they are only distinctive by the collars and insignias. Plus these coats were damn uncomfortable.

"Currently cruising at Warp 6, Captain"

"Thank you Mr. Smyth" replied the Captain to a young Ensign with a shock of red hair and a slight Irish accent. He sat in front of the captain at the helm.

"Course set for Desotriana II Captain" chimed in a woman who was positioned to the right of Smyth at the navigation station. She was slight, had reddish brown short cropped hair and was only a handful of years older than Smyth.

"Always got to one up me Grace" said Smyth with a smile as he stared straight ahead at the view screen. "Don't you forget it Liam" she replied.

Captain Thomas smirked. He liked that his crew mostly felt comfortable and loose around each other. In his opinion this made for a productive environment. "Give em hell Ms. Jensen" said Thomas

The wonders of space zoomed by the view screen. The various lights and objects swirled around like a kaleidoscope. It is a sight that never gets old. From a recruit fresh out of the Academy like Science Officer Jane Deraad to an old timer like Captain Thomas himself, the site will always amaze and mesmerize.

The turbolift doors opened with a woosh. In walked a tall, powerful looking man with dark skin. He carried himself with the poise of a Klingon, but could also outwit most Vulcans. His name was Joseph Nthanda, Chief Science Officer and Lt. Commander.

"Here is the report on the current soil potency of Desotriana II, Captain" he said, as he handed a computer tablet over to Captain Thomas.

"I'm sure it's better reading than Shakespeare, Number One. That's not even a joke, I genuinely hate Shakespeare." The Captain quickly scanned the report and handed it back to Commander Nthanda. "Well done Number One"

"I shall count myself a king of infinite space, Captain."

Captain Thomas smiled, "Don't start Mr. Nthanda."