Mr. Pike was receiving final instructions from Lt. Eccles, on the bridge. They would arrive by shuttlecraft since transporting humans by the transporter beam was still a fairly new ability of the equipment and was used sparingly for human transport. Actually at this point Pike felt he would rather die in a transporter accident than face nauseating trip down to Alpha Centauri by shuttlecraft . Maybe the shuttle will burn up in the atmosphere and solve his problems for him. He comforted himself with the thought, in that event Simpson would die also - ending the torment of his fellow midshipmen. As he was thinking this Mr. Colt approached from the communications station. Colt had a rather stunned look on her face. "Are you all right, Colt? Asked Pike . "I have just received orders for my transfer." Pike looked at the tricorder she held up. On the screen were the official U.E.S.P.A communication fonts: You are here by requested and required to report aboard the USS Constitution NCC-1700 (Capt. Garth commanding) as acting yeoman. Grade increase to ensign. You will proceed to your post via the USS Roosevelt NCC-1945 (Lt. Comdr. Douglas Barnard commanding) end of transmission U.E.S.P.A Admiral Edward Pellew Chief of Personnel "I believe congratulations are in order here, sir." Pike put his hand to his head in salute. Colt blushed: "It is just a temporary assignment." "Nonsense you will be a flag officer the next time we meet." Pike bowed graciously. "I can