Not the challenge

Well, I've missed the challenge deadline, but since I've actually eventually managed to get this down on paper computer I thought I'd post it anyway.

Regulations specified that the word could be used on board ship in only two circumstances. The former, during live exercises and provided all safety considerations were taken care of, had occurred on many occasion since the formation of the Eridani Federation Navy.

The latter had never been exercised.

The Celeste had been on a routine patrol of a boring star system when it happened. Lieutenant Wazabi had the watch under the discrete supervision of Sailing Mistress Annie Jenkins, the ship's senior Warrant Officer. Suddenly a young voice spoke from Navigation,

"Sir! Wake detected at 100k"

"I see it, Ensign, what's her displacement?"

"A little less than ours, Sir, call it 1000 tonnes."

"Communications, alert the Captain, and initi..."

"Sir!", Tactical interrupted, "I have live weapons traces from their hull."

"Bring up our shield." Wazabi noticed CWO Jenkins barking orders to her helmsman, and tried to remember the words of The Book. He was almost thrown out of his chair as the ship rolled away from her foe, but maintained control long enough to make history.

"Communications, log my recognition of a state of war. Tactical, arm weapons and await my order...

His final word wasn't recorded on the ship's "black box" systems, but History knows what it was.