Duty Log | FAdm. Kerry Malone | "Duty & Valour"

Posted on 241504.13 @ 11:26pm by Fleet Admiral Kerry Malone

=/\= Main Hangar, USS Ticonderoga =/\=

Kerry stepped out onto the hangar deck of his flagship, to be greeted by the sight of four lines of men and women in Starfleet uniforms, who on command, snapped to attention at the arrival of the Quadrant's most senior officer. These were the new replacements sent straight out from the Academy, most were extremely wet behind the ears, having passed through an accelerated education program to fill gaping holes in the fleet.

The introduction of the fast-track officer course had been offered to people of exceptional character and had passed a vigorous background check. These kids, and that was the only way to describe them, had only been at the academy for one year, but had passed enough courses to have a basic understanding of life in the service. The remainder of their education would be on-the-job training in various fields as field cadets.

With the arrival of 'the old man' on the hangar deck, these cadets had tensed. Malone was a figure of some reverence in Starfleet circles, being one of the most highly decorated combat fleet commanders in recent history. One tended to gloss over the flaws when cannonizing someone, and Malone certainly didn't see himself as some great and amazing leader. He'd been lucky, fortunate and in a lot of cases - had made a calculated gamble that had even chances of failing. In his earlier career, he could even be described as reckless, now it was considered strategic. My how things change.

Arriving at the wooden lectern placed on the deck with the Starfleet Command crest on the front, he looked at his assembled officers.

"Welcome to the Gamma Quadrant." He began.

"You are all part of an enduring tradition. For over 200 years, men and women have served with honour, courage and wisdom. Our first duty has always been to the truth, the guiding principle that defines us. To wear this uniform is to continue our most noble mission, to explore strange new worlds, to seek our new life and new civilisations, to boldly go where no one has gone before. Remember our motto; Ex astris, scientia. From the stars, knowledge."

"In this dark hour, you must shine, you must light the way for the lost and oppressed. The final frontier awaits, and although you sail a ship upon a sea at storm, you wear the uniform, you carry the tradition, valour and sacrifice are your watchwords."

"Whatever comes, whatever finds you, stand tall, hold fast. You are a Starfleet officer." Malone finished, looking at all of them with pride.

"Atteeenshun!" Snapped a Master Chief, and everyone snapped to attention, as Malone smiled and left the hangar deck, hoping that he'd done his part in inspiring the next generation.

= End Log =