“Commander, we are coming up on the station.”

Daniel looked up from his book as he heard the announcement over the speakers. For the last eleven hours, he had been curled up in the aft section of the Type-11 shuttle on his way to meet his newest starship posting at Starbase K-8. He had hoped that his previous ship, the U.S.S. Avalon, would be able to drop him off at his new assignment, but they unfortunately received urgent orders at the last minute that made the trip impossible. Instead, Daniel parted ways with them and took a shuttle while they went off on their next mission. 

Tapping on his comm badge, he replied to the young ensign pilot, “Acknowledged.” He got up from the bench and stretched slightly, letting out a small groan. He never liked long shuttle voyages, spending hours upon hours in a stationary position with little to do to pass the time. Being so excited about his new promotion to executive officer, he immediately studied and consumed all data on his new ship and crew the minute he found out, leaving little to read on the voyage there. 

Daniel had always admired the old Excelsior-class’ design and history. The class had been such a huge success for Starfleet that it became one of the longest serving and most recognizable symbols of the Federation. With the recent update and refresh of the class culminating in the Excelsior II,  he was confident that the new redesign would remain in service even into the next century. And, being that it was one of his favorite designs in the fleet, it made him all the more eager to get aboard. 

He moved over to the table and placed the book among his other belongings he brought with him, then moved to join the young pilot that was bringing him to his next assignment. He could have of course piloted the shuttle himself on this journey as Daniel was more than qualified, however someone had to bring the Avalon’s shuttle back to the ship. One of his friends on board had initially requested to make the journey with him, but unfortunately was needed on the new mission they embarked on, so Daniel took the first flight control officer he could find instead. 

As he moved into his seat, the shuttle came out of warp revealing the station and the Aquarius orbiting. “Would you look at that, what a beautiful design.” Daniel said aloud softly. The pilot smiled slightly as they continued their approach to the station. “Sir, your orders are to still dock with the station?” Daniel nodded, there were several items he needed to inspect in his new role as chief tactical officer onboard the Aquarius. 

Though his role is executive officer first and foremost, being that it was an Excelsior class ship, he was also serving a dual role at the tactical console since there was no dedicated seating for the first officer on board. Serving a dual role was not something new for Starfleet, and not new for Daniel either. His previous posting was an Obena-class starship, and Obena-class ships, having taken much inspiration from the Excelsior-class, also had a similar set up to the new Excelsior II class. 

As the shuttle came within transporter range, the ensign pressed the control pads and opened a channel to the station,”Starbase K-8, this is shuttlecraft Sterling. Requesting permission to beam aboard the new executive officer for the U.S.S. Aquarius, transmitting transfer orders now.” Daniel stood, collecting his belongs as the station replied, “Shuttlecraft Sterling, we are receiving you. Permission granted, welcome to Starbase K-8.”

Daniel nodded to the pilot, “Thanks for the ride, Ensign. Safe journey home.” He shifted the bag strap slightly on his shoulder, “Energize.”