The junior officer walked over and stood next to Dave.
"Captain, engineering reports all systems green. Ready for departure at your command."
"BEEP. Very well."
Dave stood up and walked over to the comms station, motioning to the comms officer to hand him the mic.
"BEEP. 1MC." he ordered.
The officer pressed a button and a tone sounded throughout the ship.
"1MC sir."
Dave spoke into the mic. "BEEP. Crew of the Endeavour, this is the captain. We are about to get underway. I will keep this brief, as you all have duties to attend to. This mission we are about to undertake is of the upmost importance. It is also not without peril. You will be put in harm's way at many stages along the journey but know this; if you all remember your training and do your jobs, you will be afforded the fullest protection this ship and myself can offer."
He looked around the bridge. The crew were all eyes on him. He continued;
"BEEP. We will shortly leave dock for pasture unknown. I have the upmost faith in this ship and her crew, as do the people of Earth, all of whom are counting on us to do our jobs."
He waited, letting a dramatic pause settle in.
"BEEP. All hands, prepare for departure. Set condition 2SQ throughout the ship. Helm, set course bearing zero-zero-nine-zero, impulse thrusters only."
"Course set, 0-0-90, thrusters only aye." came the reply.
"BEEP. Sever all umbelicals and retract comms and weapons anntenae."
The order was repeated back to him and acknowledged.
Dave naded the mic back to the comms officer and turned to face the helmsman.
"BEEP. Take us out, helmsman."
"Aye sir."
Dave turned to his aide. "BEEP. Ensign, inform the XO I shall be in my quarters. Barring any emergencies, I am not to be disturbed until we break Pluto orbit."
"Yes, sir."
Dave headed towards the door that led to his quarters.
"Captain's off the bridge!" the Chief Of The boat shouted.