[Galaxy] 29 September, 2162, "On this day..."

[Mark Berry]

[Utopia Plantia, Mars Orbit, Solar System]

The observation lounge at the shipyard was completely filled with notable
individuals from all over, all here because of today's event that was soon
to unfold. With a short whistle salute, Commodore Kravchik entered into the
room and strode directly to the podium facing the seated and rapidly
quieting crowd, his back to the large window out of which only a vague
shape could be made out, the bulk of the station blocking the sun from it
and the Martian nightside didn't over much illumination either.

"Mr President, Assembled Council members, Ambassadors, Admirals, ladies and
gentlemen," Commodore Markus Kravchik started before the assembled guest,
this particular speech one that was well rehearsed in his head. "On this
day, the United Federation of Planets takes another bold step into the
future, which we all agreed to do, hand in hand, with the signing of the
Articles of Federation. This brave Federation can clearly trace it's
origins to the Coalition of Planets, an organisation that came together
when we all realised that by standing together we could achieve greater
results then acting independently.

"Today we are gathered here to see another example of that ideal.
Originally the Daedalus Project was conceived as a rush job by the Earth
Starfleet to build a starship capable of keep pace with our Coalition
partners in fleet actions. Earth was limited by the top speed of it's
starships and this in turn limited the speed assembled fleets. The SCE was
tasked with resolving this glaring strategic issue. Daedalus was our
answer. She wasn't going to be pretty. She wasn't going to be much more
then a weapons platform strapped to the largest, most powerful engine we
could assemble in as short a period of time as possible.

"However, as we neared the completion of the Daedalus Project, the Romulan
Wars came an end. The Coalition had stood together and it was our combined
stance that forced the Romulans to stand down and let the Coalition
prosper. And it has grown into a mighty Federation of planets.

"However, with the end of war came peace and the chance to turn swords into
plowshares. The new Federation SCE took the Daedalus project and had a
chance to really reconsider certain aspects of the starship as well as take
the time to get things well and truly right. No longer would this simply be
a starship built by one member planet, but a collection of the best
technologies and equipment from all members. Daedalus could be redesigned
as a Federation starship and I am proud to have lead the combined team that
has recently finished retrofitting Daedalus to carry equipment provided by
Andoria, Vulcan, Tellar and Earth.

"But we can not forgo a strong defence. It is not our goal or intent to
rattle sabers on the borders, but merely to provide a shield for the
Federation worthy of the Aegis of Zeus. With the intent of a ship of peace
capable of a strong defence, Daedalus evolved into it's final form. She
bares the best weapons, shields, sensors and engines the Federation can
provide to her. She is simply put the best starship within the Federation.

"It is therefore my distinct and personal pleasure to present to you all
the USS Daedalus, NCC-100," Markus announced as on the podium he pressed a
button that brought up the shipyard's external flood lights and illuminated
the Daedalus. "May she go forth and carry the best ideals of the Federation
upon her wings," he said and another button was pushed, jettisoning a
bottle of wine at the ship's prow, the bottle shattering and the wine
rapidly boiling away in the vacuum of space. The old tradition was a carry
over from Earth, but it was the purview of human built shipyard to follow
human traditions.

The observation lounge erupted into applause amongst the more political
types and a near right towards the back as the Starfleet officers who had
been toiling away on Daedalus in near secret for years could finally
acknowledge their work and their achievement. It was truly a time for
celebration. Markus waited till the room quieted down a little before
clearing his throat over the mic to finish the job.

"It is also my honor, as discussed with the Admiralty, to take command of
USS Daedalus on her first mission. USS Daedalus will be departing on a
rescue mission of the USS Intrepid within six hours and will also be
setting a Federation speed record at the same time," Markus said, a grin
showing on his face. "All hands are required to be aboard ship for
departure in four hours. In the mean time ladies and gentlemen, please
enjoy the hospitality of the Starfleet Corps of Engineers."

----------

Commodore Markus Kravchik
Commander, Starfleet Corps of Engineers
Commander, USS Daedalus
Resident Mad Scientist
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