The Sky's the Limit - Marco Palmieri [2]
“We celebrate this event not only because we can, but also because we feel that we have an obligation to do so. The previous starship called Enterprise was destroyed with all hands nineteen years ago, and I ask you all to join me now in a minute’s silent remembrance of those who lost their lives that day.”
Thomas still remembered where he had been when he had heard the news. It was such an extraordinary occurrence, the destruction of the Enterprise-C, that one could not help but memorize every little detail about it. Such a thing did not happen, especially not with people aboard. Many had died in that Romulan attack over Narendra III, but if any good could come from such a tragedy, it was that the ship’s loss had gone a long way to strengthen deteriorating relations between the Federation and the Klingon Empire.
“Thank you,” Patterson said and gripped the sides of the podium, leaning slightly forward. “Let us never forget the brave souls who gave their lives for our safety throughout Federation history. It is only because of their sacrifice that we have come so far: from belonging to separate, disparate planets to being part of a vast interstellar whole that is so much more than the sum of its parts. Rather than being satisfied with the status quo, we want to know more, about ourselves, about others, about the place we live in. Who better to talk about this ship’s mission”—he made a sweeping gesture toward the majestic form beyond the windows—”than our next speaker. My dear friends and supporters of Starfleet’s cause, I am proud to introduce the Respectable Lady Svaath Magodin, Secretary of Science and Space Exploration of the United Federation of Planets!”
Applause followed, and a reptilian Xindi ascended the stage. Magodin was slightly smaller than average for her species, and if you didn’t know her, you’d think that she was not very remarkable at all. Months previous, Thomas had made the mistake of assuming her to be just that, and he’d quickly discovered his error: she was distinguished by virtue of the way she interacted with others. She did not beat about the bush; if there was something she wanted, she said so. She reminded him of nothing so much as a Vulcan matriarch.
“Thank you, Admiral. I am glad to be here today,” she said. Her voice was at odds with what you would expect from her appearance, as it always reminded Thomas of a little elf. Somehow it did not seem to belong to a woman from New Xindus. “Admiral Patterson has already mentioned the reason for this gathering,” she continued, addressing the throng of guests, “but I feel it bears repeating. It is about the pursuit of knowledge, both in the reaches of deep space as well as within ourselves. This ship is a symbol of our desire and a tool with which to fulfill it. It acknowledges the immensity of the universe and how little of our own galaxy we truly know…and also how much yet remains to be explored. There have been setbacks—caused by war, by politics, by bureaucracy—but now it is high time to concentrate once more on Starfleet’s foremost purpose.
“This vessel is one with a mission, a mission that has the potential to last longer than that of any previous ship. The Galaxy class is built to be almost completely self-sustaining, with an operational life of, at minimum, a hundred years. We intend to build more of them and send them out there, to find wonders we cannot imagine.
“The Enterprise is a special ship, as Admiral Patterson has already stated. We expect a great many