Star Trek: Eleventh Fleet

Ep3: Chapters 5: The Attack Begins

The doors to the bridge of an old Miranda class starship opened and Sherri stepped out with Peter behind her. Peter was wearing a civilian uniform used for non-com work. On his collar was a pin to signify his position as captain.

"Captain on deck!" Sherri announced.

The other Maquis at the various stations looked up. They did not jump to attention, as was customary for Starfleet officers. Peter smiled. "Back to work."

Sherri led him toward the command seat. "Before we head out, I want you to do me a favor." She picked up a large padd and said, "Give this ship a name."

"It doesn't have a name?" Peter asked.

"None of our ships do. Most of the newer ships have reused the names. Since you will command it first, I think you should give it a name."

Peter looked around the other Maquis for a moment and then smiled. "The USS Libre."

"Libre?"

Peter nodded. "That was the word used by the original Maquis during the Second World War on Earth. It means free. All we ever wanted was freedom from tyranny. The cry of all resistance fighters is for freedom."

Sherri typed the name into the padd to officiate its placement. "I like it. Romantic and has real meaning for you."

"To all of us," He said.

"There, this ship is now the USS Libre NCC 73003." After finishing that, she said, "Now, Captain Williams, take us out and join the fleet."

"Don't you need to get off before we leave? The transporters are all offline right now."

"I'm aware of the situation. However, I will shuttle from this ship to the one I will be commanding. So, get us going."

"Right away. Mr. Pitree, take us out of dock, thrusters only."

Sherri turned to leave the bridge but stopped to ask, "I notice you assigned only the Maquis members to your ship. Why not divide them up between this ship and your actual ship? I understand you've left Ashi in command over there with the non-Maquis refugees."

"They are fine people who will do a great job. Ashi is the best fighter pilot I've seen, and they will listen to him."

"But these people have had a great deal more combat experience."

Peter shook his head. "Not like this. Skirmishes and terrorist attacks are nothing compared to what is coming. The Hakashans and other refugees know that ship well. My people over here are used to change and learning on the fly. I think it makes sense."

"I suppose that makes sense," Sherri admitted, and then left the bridge for the shuttle bay.

The Libre exited the dock and joined the fleet, standing ready outside the station. The USS Challenger stood as a giant among many smaller, older ships. There were several other Miranda class ships, two more Oberth starships, one Excelsior that had a warp nacelle missing, and both the Stargazer and Hathaway. The only runabout assigned to the station was also among these ships. Shuttles scurried back and forth as they escorted people from one ship to another.

"The shuttle pod is leaving for the Stargazer." The woman at sensors announced.

Peter smiled, "Good." He flipped a switch on the arm of the captain's chair. "Torrin, did you get that working down there?"

A voice came through, "Yeah, I smuggled just enough warp plasma and dilithium from our old ship to get this working. We have warp speeds, but expect nothing above warp three."

"That'll be fine. By the time they know what we're doing, it'll be too late for them to follow us." He flipped the old switch off and then looked at the girl working sensors. "You have those warp shadows ready?"