[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/2zGCQms.png[/img][/center]

[i]Earth Spacedock, 2268[/i]

Hanging in orbit above the cradle of humanity, the primary station of Starfleet was a constant bustle of activity, but few days rivaled this. Assembled in the primary auditorium, traditionally used for promotion, christening and retirement ceremonies, sat an extensive crowd of personnel. Each of them was a final year cadet of the Starfleet Academy officer's program, ready for their final activity before graduation.

The sound of a bosun whistle over the intercom system would interrupt the assorted chatter, the cadets expected to rise as the speaker for the event entered. Donning a resplendent dress uniform adorned with years' worth of service medals and honors, Admiral Robert April stepped onto the stage. The former commander of the flagship of Starfleet was a familiar sight to all present, though his age was more than visible. Rumors of his retirement drawing near had reached nearly every ear in the fleet, and it was expected that this speech would be one of his last acts as an active duty officer. Taking the podium, his voice echoed out a simple "At ease." and once the crowd of cadets was seated, he would begin.

"Welcome, each and every one of you, to your first day into a new world of exploration, discovery and duty to the Federation and her people. You've all worked hard to accomplish what you have, and you more than deserve to be here, taking that first tentative step into the vast wilderness of space. As cadets of Starfleet Academy, you've proven your ability to learn, grow, and showcase the knowledge gained. And now is your time to apply that knowledge, show your ability to serve as distinguished officers of Starfleet."

"You'll each be assigned to a vessel, serving as her officer staff for the duration of this task. You will be expected not just to lead with dignity and honor, but to heed the advice of both your commanding captain, and those assigned to your command. You will be given the same full range of duties and expectations of a full-fledged Starfleet officer, and will act with the full authority of one."

"This is your moment to prove yourselves. To showcase everything you've learned, and to show that the newest generation of explorers, scientists, and defenders of the Federation are ready to take to the stars. I'm confident in each and every one of you to achieve this, and I know you won't let us down. Dismissed."

As the admiral finished his remarks, the assembled cadets began to stand and file out of the auditorium. A uniformed officer stood at each exit, a large PADD electronic clipboard in hand as they gave each exiting cadet their assignment.

"Diana Morro, chief security officer for the [i]USS Tucker[/i], report to shuttle bay 2. Prepare to board the shuttle [i]Athena[/i]."

"Nooma Soon, chief cartographer and navigator, [i]USS Tucker[/i], shuttle bay 2. You'll be boarding the [i]Duke[/i]."

"Amara G'rfeld, chief tactical officer, assigned to the [i]Tucker[/i], shuttle bay 2, look for the [i]Athena[/i]."

"Londo Xad, chief medical officer. You're on the [i]USS Tucker[/i] You'll be riding in on the [i]Duke[/i] in shuttle bay 2."

"Ocano... Just Ocano? Sorry, forgive me. Chief anthropologist, [i]USS Tucker[/i]. You're on the [i]Duke.[/i] It'll be in shuttle bay 2."

"Temuk Kiarix, chief astronomer. Your posting is the [i]USS Tucker[/i]. Report to shuttle bay 2, board the [i]Athena[/i]."

Many other names and postings, both aboard the [i]Tucker[/i] and other vessels could be heard as people exited into the halls of the station, assigned to various shuttles or even transporter arrival. The intercom would chime in "Attention. Attention. All cadet shuttles departing in two hours. Please arrive up to twenty minutes prior for final verification. That is all."