James nodded as Steven reported in. "Thank you, Commander. Prepare the hyperdrive. We will be making the jump to hyperspace the instant we exit Earth's gravity field." He switched his attention to Lyngia.

"Lieutenant Starev, we are cleared to disembark. Clear all moorings, release the parking brake, and hit the gas." He noticed Lyngia's confusion at his use of such an old phrase, and smiled. "Take us out, one-half system speed." The ship shuddered to life as the moorings detached. The exterior lights came on, and the registry lit up. C.S.S. Enterprise, CVS-90410 appeared brightly on each side of the hull. The engines began to glow a deep blue, but as the hydrogen burned hotter, turning into plasma, the engines became a brilliant orange. The inertial dampeners kicked in, but not until after everyone was jostled around in their seats. Within minutes the ship was clearing Earth orbit and leaving Earth Spacedock behind. The ring drive began to extend from the hull on its four support pillars. The connecting segments slid into place and the ring began to glow blue.

James looked at Lyngia, who seemed overly excited. "Punch it."

The ship jumped to hyperspace and hurtled towards the far reaches of the universe.

James pulled up a hologram of the ships power distribution, and noticed the hyperdrive was below optimal. [i]"Just like the Enterprise to have trouble on its shakedown cruise."[/i] he thought. He hit the comm. "Looks like you are doing a good job, Commander Hewlett, but could you give the hyperdrive a little more power?"