USS Hornet Mission log, Stardate 58831, near Starbase 357
Bloc had been silent for the past 15 minutes, he noted to himself with satisfaction. During the past 15 minutes he didn't have to ask for updates, or issue any orders, and the training mission had proceeded perfectly. The strike wing was nearing its target, the incoming enemy ships had been detected and engaged by the Combat Space Patrol while the stand bye flight crew had scrambled to resume the Combat Space Patrol and be available should the intercepting wings need assistance. The Hornet and its fighters were working together swimmingly and getting used to their respective roles. Bloc was looking forward to sending a progress report to Commodore S.B.Red, and hoped it would be reason enough for the Hornet to be sent out on a real mission, instead of a training mission like they'd been on for the past 6 months.
"Captain, we're receiving a priority one message from Starfleet." said the young Lt.jg. Madwan from her operations/communications console, turning to face the Captain. Bloc frowned, thinking of the human proverb "Be careful what you wish for" before ordering
"In my ready room Lucy".
He got up from his seat and nodded to his first officer.
"You'll take it from here Derf. Stay sharp" he said, getting a nod in reply.
Bloc couldn't help but notice how smooth interactions on the bridge had become, compared to a couple of months ago. They were really coming together as a crew.
Having reached his desk in his ready room Bloc punched in the activate button and stated his authentication before plunging down into his seat. The message was text only, and it was short.
All ships are required to proceed to Deep Space Nine for new assignments. Further details will be relayed to you at this time. If your vessel is currently engaged in a PRIORITY GAMMA Mission, complete that mission, then proceed to DS9.
Signed,
V. Rear Adm. Dalton,
Chief of Fleet Operations
Taking a moment to consider the message and the information in it, or rather the lack of information, Bloc leant back in his chair. The message was obviously sent to more than one ship, and though considered high urgency, the order to finish Priority Gamma missions to be completed belied that urgency. It clearly wasn't any kind of training mission, and that was all Bloc needed to know if he was honest to himself. He opened a comm to the bridge.
"This is Captain Bloc. Abort the current exercise, get everyone back aboard and set a course for Deep Space 9. I'll be out in a few moments.". Without missing a beat he got his reply from his XO;
=^=Aye Captain. Recovering flights and setting course for DS9.=^=
The next couple of minutes were spent by Bloc looking up the current status of DS9, before returning to the bridge. As soon as Derf noticed the Captain coming back onto the bridge he got up from the center seat.
"All vessels have been recovered. Course is set for Deep Space 9." reported Derf.
Bloc sat down in the center seat and smiled at his crew's excellent performance. "Well done everyone. Zoteke, engage at warp 7 please." he said.
The Ktarian at the helm nodded and tapped the engage button, saying "DS 9 at Warp 7 aye".
The viewscreen showed the stars streching out until they formed streaks passing by, the telltale sign they'd gone to warp.