The Continuing Story of Deep Space 2: Page 1
Although she was a qualified pilot, nurse Nadine had not sit at the helm during the trip to Deep Space 2. The major and ensign Louis were at the helm most of the time. One more day and then long range sensors would pick up the deep space station. It was one of those space stations which was not in orbit of a planet or a moon. "No where to run." were the words of the major, the only marine in the crew. Always ready to make a tactical analasys. No phasers, no torpedo launchers on DS2... the major knew it all.
Now Nadine was sitting next to ensign Louis, chief engineer on DS2. "The best there is." the commander had told the major. Nurse Nadine had overheard their conversation. At Starbase 118 she had already heard rumours that the new commander of DS2 and his XO were old marine buddies.
When the Runabout with the new DS2 crew had left Starbase 118, Nadine finally had a feeling of success. She had been selected. It was obvious that the DS2 crew was a gathering of specialists. Not always high in rank, but just specialists needed to do the job. As DS2 had been deserted by Starfleet two months ago, someone suddenly felt that there was need to get the hole station on line again...
"ETA, Louis ?"
The commander had entered the "bridge" of the runabout without Nadine noticing it. As commanding officer of DS2 commander Arthur had made it a habbit to call everyone by the first name. A habbit that was soon taken over by the junior officers, who called eachother by the first name too. Calling a senior officer by the first name was of course out of the question.
"Two hours, sixteen minutes, sir."
"Call me when the long range sensors pick up our new home."
"Aye, sir."
The commander turned around and a second later the door closed behind him. Nadine looked at the sensor display at her right hand. The station should be in sensor range in half an hour. Not a great resolution yet, but at least there should be something of a power signature. Although the major had explained this morning that the station could have no power at all if the last few people of Starfleet maintenance had shut down all power of Deep Space 2. Chief engineer Louis would have a huge job getting all systems on line again. The only help Louis could count on was the young designer engineer, ensign Jan Roel, who also was responsable for designing the new equipment that the new crew had loaded in the small cargo area of the runabout. That was eight days ago. There surely was a shortage of engineers, but Ensign Marianne, who was actually a scientist, had already volonteered to help.
It was Nadine who first saw a change in sensors status.
"I think I got something here, Louis."
"Yeah, I see it too."
As a habbit, Louis tabbed his combadge. In short he reported to the commander that the first signs of deep Space two were picked up.
"Acknowledged. Major Jan will releave you at the helm Louis. All crew report to the living section for a general instruction. Now."
Commander Arthur nodded to Jan. Jan would releave Louis at the helm and then came the most difficult part. The commander had to tell the new crew of Deep Space 2 what the real reason was why they were posted at the old abandonned station. As the crew was getting a seat and Louis as the last one came in. The commander positioned himself next to a computer display. A picture of Deep Space 2 appeared on the screen. The picture was a bit vague, but clear enough to see what it represented.
... Deep Space 2 ...
"We are not going to DS2 without a reason. We are going to this abandonned, old and remote station for a very good reason. On stardate 49990.7 communications with Deep Space 2 were lost. There was no personnel on the station at the time to repair or renew the communication systems. May I remind you all that DS2 was totally abandonned a long time ago. Our objectives are clear. We will get all systems on line. We should be able to do that in a few days, a week max. Then the station will be used as a remote center of study for the Academy cadets. The two first cadets we will have aboard are Caroline and Thomas."
At this point the commander nodded at the two cadets who respectfully were sitting at the back. He continued with his breefing and explained that the station had an excellent position to study a few new formed solar systems. The beginning of their stay could be a bit rough, but after a few weeks, everything on DS2 should be running smoothly. The commander ordered everyone to get packed and just before he could continue, major Jan at the helm contacted him.
"Commander, as planned I have increased speed. We will arive at DS2 in ten minutes."