Location: Earth, Starfleet Command

Renato Jose Gutierrez-Lopez had just walked out of Starfleet Command, he was still a little shocked by the news. He would be given a new cruiser once he had proven his command abilities. His first ship would be the USS Paso Robles.

At first he thought this must be some type of joke. A California Class, he believed most of those ships had been retired from the fleet. He was mistaken, he was surprised to learn they were in service with the Fourth Fleet.

His ship the Paso Robles was being pulled out of Mothball and rushed back into service. Starfleet needed Utility cruisers to help the fleet. A mission code name “Nightfall” would see the fleet coming together for a big engagement. Even though Paso Robles, is not a warship she can still help the fleet with secondary duties. Mainly with supply runs and crew replacements. Every fleet needed support vessels.

Ren knew that Starfleet was still recovering from the devastation from, “The Battle of Frontiers Day.” That event devastated him. He almost left Starfleet over it. Luckily therapy helped him recover slowly.

As far as Starfleet his biggest concern with his new command was, is that Paso Robles part of the Fleet Formation System. The Paso Robles was not tied into the new fleet formation system, this made him feel relieved. She just needed to be cleaned up, or so he thought. They had scrapped parts of her.

Parts he would need to replace or replicate replacement parts. The ship was retired prior to fleet formation upgrades. It appeared the Corps of Engineers took components from her to service other vessels.

The Paso Robles had seen a lot of action during her tenure in Starfleet. According to the files that he started to read. Ren needed to think of the positive merits of this command. It would give him a chance to hone in his skills as a Commanding Officer, and set the pace he wants for his command.

As Ren left Starfleet Command, his mind had shifted his focus from the Paso Robles to his family.

He had been separated from his family, mostly due to his inability to handle the devastating results of The Battle of Frontier’s Day. His wife and two daughters left him. They returned to Mendoza, Argentina.

When they left, he sought therapy. By that time it was to late. They were living with his family. Now he was going to head home, to see if he could salvage his relationship. It has been four months since he last saw them. His daughters were happy to see him, but his wife was not thrilled to see him.

Location: Mendoza, Argentina, Earth, Gutierrez Home

Ren was now home, Rosa Perla Gutierrez-Maritinez was wondering what assignment he was given. “He returns.” Rosa said in a sterile tone towards him.

“You look as lovely as ever.” Ren said, trying to get on her good side. He wanted to go over and kiss her check, but for the moment he resisted.

“Thanks, Candelaria and Arianna are both out with their uncle Javier.” Rosa told Ren. She was still trying to forgive him for being a jerk last year.

“Ice Cream?” Ren asked, assuming that’s were his brother would take them. It has been a few months, but his youngest brother had a sweet tooth for Ice Cream, so did his girls.

Ren was the oldest of eight children. He was 40 going on 41. He had six brothers and two sisters. Hector is 38, Tulio is 36, Margherita is 32, Chevela is 27, Carlos is 23, Marcos is 20 and Javier is 16.

At 40 years old, he decided that two children of his own, was enough. His wife also, had been a part of that decision. He loved being a part of a large family, but for him having two kids just seemed right.

“I wanted them all out of the house for a bit.” Rosa said to him. Her tone reflection was still sterile like. She was not trying to be mean, but three teenagers was a bit much for her to handle.

“I can understand that.” Ren said to her with a sincere warm smile. “Peace and quiet can be nice.”

“That is an understatement. I love your family and our daughters but sometimes I need some time to clean and have peace of mind.” Rosa gathered her thoughts, as she decided to change the topic, and ask the question that had been on her mind since he came back. “So what did Starfleet decide for you?” Rosa cut straight to the point!

“The USS Paso Robles.” Ren said, curious to see how Rosa would react.

“A California class, with a name like that, it has to be a California class.” Rosa said, a little unsure what to think. She knew that Ren had spent several years preparing to command one of the premiere ships of the fleet.

“Correct the NCC-12113, Paso Robles or if you prefer the El Paso de Robles.” He said with a smile on his race. Rough translation was ‘The Pass of the Oaks.’ Ren was trying to make the most of his command. It was not his first choice, but Starfleet and the Fourth Fleet knew what they were doing.

“Please tell me you don’t have to wear those California class uniforms?” Rosa said, thinking they were too hideous to wear.

“I get to choose a uniform as commanding officer, so don’t worry we’re going to be wearing the newest uniforms available. Does this mean that you’re thinking about coming back as my chef? I know the crew could use a good chef and not those silly replicators. Our main job will be supply runs. I can’t tell you anymore without an NDA.”

“I always thought you would be an exploration Captain not a supply captain.” Rosa said to him, a little concerned.

“Me either but I’m going to make the most of this opportunity, I’m assuming this is probably some test to make sure I’m worthy of command of a bigger Cruiser. I’m going to look at this as an opportunity and not as a burden or a punishment.”

“That is a good way to look at it. Something has changed in you, I like it, Renato.” Rosa said, finally showing him a little warmth in her tone. Before he could say something, she continued on.“I have never been on a California class starship before,” Rosa pointed out to Ren.

“Then allow me the pleasure to invite you aboard the USS Paso Robles.” Ren said, hoping she would say yes.

“Should we wait for the girls?” Rosa asked him. Trying to be sensible, but also understanding that he may not be able to take them immediately. She had a feeling that he had yet to check the ship out. She also had no idea where the ship was located at.

“ We could, but I have no idea what shape the Paso Robles is in. She had been in mothballs for a few years, it’s rumored the Corps of Engineers took some parts from her to give to other vessels in the fleet. I have my work cut out for me, to bring her up to speed. Luckily the cali class ships are easy enough to assemble and get replacement parts for.

She is barely spaceworthy, Rosa. I prefer to have a quick look at the ship, before I bring up our girls, you’re welcome to accompany me. Plus something tells me they will not like the design of the ship. Most of the crew live in bunk beds. The girls will have to share a room.” Ren pointed out to Rosa. He hoped this meant she was ready to forgive him, and come back home to him.

 “Well I can’t leave before telling the girls, or you’re family.” Rosa pointed out to him.

Ren smiled, knowing if they left before his family would be upset. Plus there was still the million dollar question, would she be going to visit, or to come back home to him? Making their family hole once again.

Shortly after words, his daughters came home as the scene fades away. For the next four hours, he met up with his wife and kids along with his family telling them about his new command. The girls want to go with him, despite the fact he does not know what shape the ship is in.

His parents manipulate the situation to their benefit and in a way they are also trying to help him, they said if it’s spaceworthy, then it should be safe for them to beam up with him. They were trying to help Ren get his family back.

Location: USS Paso Robles, Transporter Room

Ren beamed aboard the USS Paso Robles with his Wife and his daughters. He was not epecting to see a ferengi petty officer greeting him. He expected someone from the corps of engineers. “Chief Malek, I was not expecting to see you so soon on the ship.” Ren said, as he looked at the Ferengi Petty Officer. Malek is the Chief of the Boat for the Paso Robles.

Malek grinned as he walked around the transporter console. “Welcome aboard the Paso Robles, Captain.” He said, with a big warm smile on his face.

“Permission to come aboard, Chief?” Ren asked as he reached out to shake the chief of the boat hand.

“Granted Captain, I am so glad you have arrived. You’re the first one from the senior staff, Captain.” Malek pointed out to him. Malek knew there was a lot of work to be done, in order to get the USS Paso Robles, ready for operational status.

“Dont sell yourself short, Chief. You are part of the senior staff. I expect you to be at every senior staff meeting, representing the enlisted crew.” Ren suggested to Malek.

Candelaria was getting a little restless, these adults talked away too much. “Dad, when are we going to get a chance to see the bridge, and the rest of the ship?” she asked, being a little impatient.

“I want to look around as well.” Arianna said, as she decided to chime in as well. Her sister Candy was making a lot of sense to her. She did not come aboard to listen to adults talk all night long.

“Kids, Chief. I think they are worse than Admiral’s.” Ren said with a big teasing grin on his face.

“You’re only one rank away from being an Admiral, so careful you dont eat those words, Hun.” Rosa said, in a teasing grin.

Ren just shook his head, and grinned.

Malek tried not to laugh, “It’s good to see you sir, sounds like the family is getting restless sir, we will have plenty of time to chat later.” Malek suggested to his captain.

Ren just smiled as his family left the transporter room.

Location: USS Paso Robles, Bridge

“It’s not as big as your last ship Dad. Its smaller, is that suppose to be the case Father?” Candeleria asked. She was surprised how much smaller this bridge was.

“Are those chairs even comfortable?” Arianna asked as she went over to the helm chair and sat down. “Look at me, I am a pilot.” Ariana said, as she wiggled in the chair.

“Out of the chair, Arianna.” Ren said, as gave her a stern look.

“Yes Father.” Arianna said with a sad look on her face.

“If you want to sit in the chair, you have to do it in the holodeck.” Ren pointed out to her.

Ren continued to lead his family around the ship. They were getting ready to say goodbye. For the mission called , ‘Nightfall,’ they would not be able to come because of the potential danger to the crew and to his family. He would not intentionally put them in harm’s way.

The scene fades away.

Location: USS Paso Robles, Transporter Room

Rena was in the transporter room when his new first officer beamed aboard the USS Paso Robles. She smiled as she noticed the Captain. “Morning Captain, Lieutenant Commander Mira Solwick requesting permission to come aboard?” She said, as she reached out to shake his hand firmly.

“Granted, Number One.” Ren said, as she walked off the transporter padd.

“Must be the Chief of the Boat, Chief Petty Officer Malek.” Mira said, as she watched the ferengi chief controlling the transporter console.

“Yes Ma’am.” Malek said, with his ferengi like smile.

“Good memory number one.” Ren said, a little surprised. He was impressed that she remembered the Chief of the Boat. He was still trying to memorize the entire crew roster. But so far he could only recall the senior staff.

“I made sure to remember the faces and service files of our senior staff.” Mira suggested to her captain. She was not trying to show off, she was trying to make them all feel like they were important. She wanted to be a good first officer.

“I assume you probably want to settle in, but I would be lying if I said I did not need you to start right away.” Ren said, then he went on. “We are needed to help supply the fourth fleet for Project: Nightfall. I need the Paso Robles ready to depart as soon as possible. Most of the senior staff will be here in the next few hours. Most of the enlisted crew are already a board.”

“I am ready to hit the ground running, Captain. I believe that’s what you humans would say.” Mira said with a big warm smile on her face. She was eager to get started.

“I’m glad to hear it.” Ren said as the scene fades again.

Location: USS Paso Robles, Bridge

It had been Ten Hours, and the crew were now aboard the USS Paso Robles, and they had spent most of the time getting the ship ready to join the fleet.

As the Paso Robles prepared to leave orbit over Earth, the crew were starting to make preparations for departure. There was a lot of chatter happening on the bridge. For a moment, Ren smiled as he looked over to his number one. He motioned with his hand for her to take her seat. “What do you say Number One, shall we proceed with our mission?”

“Yes Captain, we are fully stocked and the crew is primed to meet up with the fleet.” Mira said as she took her seat next to the captain.

Ren tapped on the communications button on his command chair. “Crew of the Paso Robles, this is your Captain, I know most of you dont know me. But I know something about all of you. You joined Starfleet to make a difference, you joined to be apart of something bigger than yourself. This is you’re opportunity to do so. Please make the most of this opportunity.” Ren said, as he took a moment to breath.

“Every ship in the fleet can make a difference even a california class starship like ours. The Paso Robles has a proud history, and this is our chance to silence our piece of her history. All hands prepare for departure. Guiterrez out.”

“Good speech sir, I must say you have a way with words sir.” Mira said, as she leaned over to him, so only he could hear her speak.

“Thanks, Number One. I hope my message reach the entire crew. I kind of made that up on the moment.” Ren admitted to Mira.

“Let’s go around the room, I want all departments to give me a go or no go for breaking orbit.” Ren started to say, as he looked around the bridge. He stood up for this part, so he could make eye contact with everyone.

“Lieutenant O’Connell?” Ren called out as he looked over to Reeve.

“Operations is a go, Captain. I managed to get all key systems online.” Reeve called out.

“Thank you Lieutenant.” Ren said, as he looked over to Lieutenant Thorne. “Security.”

“Security is a go, we have a full complement of torpedoes, all weapons are fully charged and our armories are fully stocked, Captain.” Jaxon said, with a boastful smile on his face.

“Happy to hear it, Lieutenant.” Ren said, as he then looked over to Zara Elan the Chief Counselor. “Counseling Department?”

“Just getting started, Captain. However I have had a chance to review all service files. My department is ready to go.” Elara said with a warm smile on her face.

“Counsler take a seat next to me.” Ren said, as he pointed to the empty chair.

“Thank you Captain.” Elara said, as she walked over and took a seat next to her Captain.

Ren then tapped on his combadge. =A=”Bridge to Sickbay.”=A= He called out as he waited for the good doctor to respond.

=A=”Sickbay to the bridge, Doctor Chen here, Sir.”=A= Aria said as she responded to him.

=A=”Status report from sickbay?”=A= Ren asked as he waited for the good doctor to give her report.

=A=”Sickbay is ready to go, we are fully stocked and staffed. I have some crew still needing to complete their physicals, but nothing that will prevent us for leaving orbit sir.”=A= Aria advised him through the comms channel.

=A=”Happy to hear that, bridge out.”=A= Ren said as he tapped on the communications tab again, but this time for engineering.

=A=”Bridge to Engineering, are we ready, Mister Voss to leave orbit?”=A= Ren asked, as he waited for a response.

=A=”Aye Captain, engineering is ready to roll, I have the engine purring like a kitten sir.”=A= Taren said with a prideful smile to his fellow engineers.

=A=”Glad to hear it, Bridge out.”=A= Ren said, as he ended the call.

“Doctor Krol or should I call you Ensign Krol?” Ren asked as he looked over to his chief science officer. He wanted to be respectful to her wishes.

“Whatever you prefer, Captain.” Teral said, realizing that was probably not the answer he wanted. But in all honesty, she really did not have a preference on what to be called.

“I guess I’l decide later.” Ren said, as he looked to Ensign Chameer.

“Ensign Chameer, are ready to drop off some supplies to the fleet?” Ren said, as he looked over to Lira with a warm smile.

“We are ready to go, Captain. All three of our cargo bays are filled with supplies.” Lira said, with a big grin on her face.

“COB how is the crew doing?” Ren said as he looked over to Malek. They had already met earlier in the day.

“That’s good thinking COB, keep it up and I may have to recommend you for the warrant officer academy.” Ren said, with a teasing smile.

“Not sure they are ready with a Ferengi with my calibur sir.” Malek said, teasing him back.

“Probably not, COB! But with your help, we have gone from Mothballs to fully operational. Thank you COB.” Ren said, as he prepared to sit back down in his chair.

“My pleasure sir.” Malek said, as he looked over to Ren.

“Number One we are ready to go, please get me a channel with Starfleet Command.” Ren said, as the scene started to fade away.