Jones, you have the Conn by VanderFiend on DeviantArt (original) (raw)

It happens but once in a Starfleet officer's career, and then only when one special promotion has been given.

Bridge Officer status.

For Lt. Saratoga Jones, her first command came within just a few short days of her official posting as 2nd Helmsman aboard NCC-1017A, Starfleet Dreadnought Constellation. Captain Van Flynt and his senior staff had beamed down to Starbase 9 HQ for priority briefing with Fleet Admiral T'lau. That left one qualified officer to take command of Constellation--Saratoga Jones.

Any nervousness caused by sitting in that center seat for the first time was either well hidden or nonexistant. Her fellow bridge crew members did not that Saratoga did seem to be sitting up a little taller, and staring at the viewscreen a little more intently, but that was all.

Saratoga guided Constellation for 26 orbits around Starbase 9, until old Van Flynt himself returned to relieve her. The transfer of power was unceremonious and noneventful. Saratoga left the bridge without saying another word.

Moments later there were reports on several decks of hearing a sharp echoing howling sound coming from the direcion of the turbo elevator. A gleeful sound, like a battle cry. Other than that, Lt. Jones' first tour in the captain's chair was historically unhistoric.

It happens but once in an officer's career...