After a year of fitting out and six months of shake-down, Lyonesse is finally approaching Starbase 514 and her formal commissioning. I and many of the caretaker staff will be taking our leave and handing her over to her new commanding officer, Captain Masuda Akari.
Like her sisters, Lyonesse has performed well during her shakedown tests. There are some lingering issues with subspace field shaping and some minor pieces of equipment, but Lieutenant Valik appears to have correction works well in hand. As the vessel’s designated chief engineer, I have confidence that he should be able to handle any unexpected failures, although I am certain the reported conditions in their assigned mission region will challenge even him.
Services have done their best to organise the specialised quarters for Ensign Kheled. While it has not been unknown in diplomatic circles, this is the first time that regular officer’s quarters have been customised for the peculiar requirements of a Zaranian. The corrosive elements of his world’s atmosphere have posed some interesting difficulties in containment and durability. I shall be monitoring the reports on this with interest.
Similarly, I have some lingering concerns over the experimental equipment required by Doctor Vale-of-Winds. I have heard she was instrumental in developing many of the associated procedures, but the devices so advanced that I am unable to certify their capabilities to any acceptable standard. I will need to make sure she is aware of this caveat.
Command handover is always a difficult time for a shakedown commander like myself, and I sometimes feel it is akin to handing one’s child over to the nurseries following their jchalak ceremony. There is always a concern that the one taking on the duty of care will not live up to their responsibility. While I am not familiar with Captain Masuda’s record, I am sure she would not have been assigned command if she were not capable.
Fair sailing, Lyonesse…
Lieutenant Commander Tek, Commanding Officer, Lyonesse NCC-2278.