OFF: I am glad to be a part of this gallant crew. I have never done 
anything like this, so I hope I get it right!!

ON: 

{Dusty's home, the mountains of Pennsylvania, Earth}

:: Dusty is packing his stuff, prior to moving onto the Excalibur:: 
(I hope this works for me. I never thought I would be on a starship, 
let alone a Galaxy class like Excalibur. Wow, just 6 years ago, I 
was playing before packed houses in the best concert halls in the 
known universe. Now I am playing before Starfleet's best & finest.)

Dusty : (talking to himself) I wonder if Pop sent me a send-off note, 
or if he sent it to my new ship. (I know how tough this has been for 
him, but he has let me do what I thought best)

Excalibur : =^= Excalibur to Ensign Redroi =^=

Dusty : =^= Redroi here, Excalibur, go ahead =^=

Excalibur : =^= Ensign, First Officer is wondering how soon you will 
be onboard. =^=

Dusty : (Sheesh, we don't leave dock for a week, & this XO is on me 
already. I hope he & I don't come to loggerheads soon.) =^= 
Excalibur, I will be ready in about 5 minutes. Is that acceptable? 
=^=.

Excalibur : =^= Acknowledged, Ensign. Please signal when ready. 
Excalibur out. =^=

:: going to computer on desk :: 
Dusty : Computer, check incoming mail for messages from Jack Redroi.

Computer : Checking... No messages from Jack Redroi at this time.

Dusty : Any unread messages, computer?

Computer : 65 unread messages. 10 from Angela McCroy, 5 from Daphne 
Rogale, 12 from...

Dusty : That's enough computer. Transfer all messages to my quarters 
onboard Excalibur.
(Ok, everything is now packed. I guess I better get onboard, before 
the First Officer send security for me.)
=^= Ensign Redroi to Excalibur. One to beam up =^=

Excalibur : =^= Acknowledged Ensign. Energizing =^=

OFF : So starts an incredible journey, with nary a dog or cat.

Ensign Dusty Redroi
Chief Operations Officer
USS Excalibur NCC 2997