William brought up the hailing frequency of SB34's ATC and opened the channel.

Lt. Trylon: Starbase 34 Approach Traffic Control, this is USS Infiniti towing SS Kankakee, requesting clearance to the Space Doors.

As William waited on their reply, he monitored the communication chatter going about in the Starbase's vacinity.
_________________
Lt. Commander William T. Trylon, III
Chief Operations Officer, USS Infiniti

David exited the Turbo Lift and walked out onto the Bridge, were he stopped a moment to take in the sight. All the officers were at their stations working at their consoles. The XO crossed down to the main deck and took his seat beside the CO.

Cmdr Calzada: I felt us drop out of warp, are we on approach?

As David waited on the CO's reply, he looked at the center console to monitor Kankakee's stability within the Tractor Beam. She held together as he figured she would.
_________________
Captain D. David Calzada
Commanding Officer, USS Oriskany

The CO nodded in the XO's direction as he responded.

Como Carpathia: Indeed, Number One. I just had Mr. Trylon contact Starbase 34's ATC for clearance to dock. We're on approach at full Impulse.

After he got his XO up to speed on current events, he awaited Trylon's acknowledgement from Starbase 34.
_________________
Commodore E.J. Carpathia
Commanding Officer, USS Infiniti
Division 1 Commander, Gamma Fleet

As William monitored the communications, he got the reply from SB34 he was waiting for.

SB34 ATC: Infiniti, this is SB34 Approach Traffic Control. You have been cleared to the Space Doors. Upon arrival, disengage from Kankakee and enter Space Dock.

William immediately acknowledged the message, and informed the CO of their instructions.

Lt. Trylon: Acknowledged, SB34. Commodore, we're cleared to the Doors and they want us to let go of Kankakee before we enter Space Dock.

The Lieutenant waited on the CO's response to the information he had just been given. If it was to differ, now would be the time to inform SB34 ATC.
_________________
Lt. Commander William T. Trylon, III
Chief Operations Officer, USS Infiniti

E.J. understood the caution for not bringing Kankakee into the main Space Dock. It would be most likely taken to another dock where it could be examined by members of Professor Brewer's team.

Como Carpathia: Understood, Lieutentant. Mr. Delgado, maintain speed and heading.

The CO relaxed in his chair, beside his XO. He did feel a sense of accomplishment in that he was bringing Kankakee back to be studied and that none of it's equipment had been removed.
_________________
Commodore E.J. Carpathia
Commanding Officer, USS Infiniti
Division 1 Commander, Gamma Fleet

Al?jandro happily did as the Commodore asked and kept Infiniti on the same course and speed to Starbase 34.

Lt. Commander Delgado: Aye, Sir. ETA to Space Doors is....twelve minutes.

He couldn't wait to be reunited with his friends on SB34. They had been on his mind since they departed Infiniti in the Aerowing. Al?jandro thought about Yeoman Panettiere and Ensign Florent? having the time of their lives being unsupervised in the entertainment levels of the Starbase. He also thought about Professor Brewer, and wondered if he would see him again.
_________________
Commander Aléjandro M. Delgado
Executive Officer, USS Infiniti

The CO nodded at LtCmdr Delgado's reply as he turned to the XO.

Como Carpathia: Outstanding! Well there you have it, Number One. We'll be docking soon, and just in time for us to do our Christmas shopping at the Galleria.

E.J. was feeling a lot more festive when he suddenly realized they would be at Starbase 34 during the Christmas holidays.
_________________
Commodore E.J. Carpathia
Commanding Officer, USS Infiniti
Division 1 Commander, Gamma Fleet

David smiled as he replied to the Commodore. It was good to see that his spirits were lifting.

Cmdr Calzada: Right you are, Commodore. I'm sure the Galleria will be crowded with last minute shoppers, but we'll be able to get in and out of there in time for some present wrapping before the exchanging of gifts.

The XO lowered his voice, so that nobody else on the Bridge could hear him.

Cmdr Calzada: What are you getting me?

David laughed as he listened for the Commodore's reply. He was joking of course, but in case E.J. did have a gift in mind David still listened to what he had to say.
_________________
Captain D. David Calzada
Commanding Officer, USS Oriskany

The Commodore looked like he was lost in deep thought for a few moments, before a smile appeared on his face.

Como Carpathia: Now if I told you, it wouldn't be a surprise then would it?

E.J. revelled in his XO's dismay. There was no way he was going to clue David in on what he planned on getting the XO for Christmas.
_________________
Commodore E.J. Carpathia
Commanding Officer, USS Infiniti
Division 1 Commander, Gamma Fleet

As they got closer to SB34, Al?jandro set the Main Viewer on the Starbase so that everyone on the Bridge could see it there amongst the endless sea of night. It always stood out to him like a bright star in the heavens.

Lt. Commander Delgado: Commodore, we're on final approach to SB34 and they've given us clearance to enter the Space Doors. We'll be hearing from Dock Traffic Control as soon as we enter to clear us to our berth.

Afterwards another transmission came through to him from the Starbase's Command Center.

Lt. Commander Delgado: We've been ordered to release Kankakee from our Tractor Beam, Commodore. They'll be taking over on it's approach and docking.

Al?jandro waited on the Commodore's command to release Kankakee to SB34 so that he could continue piloting Infiniti to it's berth inside SB34.
_________________
Commander Aléjandro M. Delgado
Executive Officer, USS Infiniti