h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

(This is a story thread. The idea is that I have started the story. I set up the characters. The way it is run is that someone picks up the story where I leave off.)

Captain Larry G. Simmons strode onto the bridge. He looked around at his bridge crew and smiled.
Commander T'pek, his Vulcan conn officer looked up, and announced "Captain on Deck!". Captain Simmons grinned as they all stood to attention. Ensign O'Niell, at navigation, grinned as he saluted. Commander Vanogh, his Klingon tactical officer grunted and frowned. His first officer, Commander Sami Baker grinned as she sat down. They had been friends for a number of years now, and they trusted each other greatly. The bridge crew sat down. Just then, Lieutenant Kelly at Ops spoke up. "Engineering is reporting in, sir."
"Put them onscreen", replied Simmons and sat down to take the transmission in his chair. Chief Engineer Trall, the Andorian engineer, looked back at him through the screen. "We're ready for launch when you are, Captain," he said, "Just give the word." "Stand by" said Simmons with satisfaction. The USS Endevour was his first command, and he was relishing it. He had been given the chance to select his crew, and he had chosen all the officers he had wanted. His Vulcan CMO, Commander T'plej, had recently lost his emotional control, had become Simmons' friend when his emotional control had been wiped. Simmons had helped him learn to deal with his new-found emotions, and he was coping well.
"Take her out, Mr. T'Pek" said Simmons, bristling with exitement as the doors into the starbase opened and the ship began to move...

The ship sailed gracefully out, and began to power up the warp engines. It pulled out on full impulse, cleared the solar system, and FTOOM!!! Disappeared into the distance.