NRPG: Morning folks. Looks like the STDF was successful, because look only two days and two ships and maybe quite soon one day, one ship. One can dream, can't one? Come on, don't dash my hopes, my dreams! Fine, be like that. *Sniff* Oh yeah, I, uh, decided to spread the love from just our Captain to the whole crew, but if there is someone who would prefer, for whatever reason, to not appear in one of the compile intro's or end credits, just let me know off list. For those who agree, do not care, or do not respond, which I will take to mean silent assent, I promise to not put any character into too many compromising positions. I'm skipping the regular intro today because I'm so drained from having my hopes and dreams dashed. :P Here's today's Compile Index: Day 20 (USS Kitty Hawk - Sickbay - Capt Sevant - 0226) (USS Kitty Hawk - Ready Room - FO - Commander Susan Rivers - 1200) (USS Kitty Hawk - Ready Room - Capt Sevant - 1201) Day 22 (USS Boudicca - Personal Quarters- Arania - 1917) (USS Boudicca - Bridge - TAC/SC/2O Lt. Cmdr. Aleksander Stolev and FO Cmdr. Archibald Stakes - Day 22 - 1942) (USS Boudicca, Sickbay - Weapon System Specialist, Warrant Officer Jerral Revan - 2030) (USS Boudicca - Sickbay - Arania - 2032) (USS Boudicca - Observation Lounge - FO Commander Archibald Stakes, 20.55) RPG: >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Mission: The Anointed, Day 20 Stardate: 2407.03.13 <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< (USS Kitty Hawk - Sickbay - Capt Sevant - 0226) "I'm not a scientist and I don't pretend to understand everything he referred to but basically, as I understood it, the society on that planet did not really exist in the way we perceived it. We perceived it according to the rules of our universe, but its own rules were completely different. The term 'civilization' as we know it may have no meaning in that universe. In short, Sir, we have no way of knowing how Arania's absence will affect things there or even IF it will affect things there." Sevant nodded once. That was a question for scientists, and philosophers. "One other thing I have to report now, Sir. Three members of the away team died on the planet. I'm sure you know already, but they were two marines, PFC Edward Stewart and Lance-Corporal Gary Collinson. Also the AOPS, Ensign Skeel Moctatso. I'm sorry, Sir. I believe Stewart and Collinson were married with young children. Moctatso's nearest relations were his parents," The Captain nodded after several silent moments of contemplation. It was an interesting situation they found themselves in. The Away Team had been under her command, but everything that happened to the ship and crew was his responsibility. There would be questions to be answered, later. "I will tell their families." He said, "It is my responsibility." (reply: as desired) (USS Kitty Hawk - Ready Room - FO - Commander Susan Rivers - 1200) Having sounded the door-chime and entered the Ready Room, Susan approached Sevant's desk. "I have the report on the mission here, Sir," she said. "Including some recommendations." (reply Sevant) It had taken her some time and a lot of thought to write the report, but in the end it was as fully-detailed as it could be. But having finally written it all down, she had no trouble recalling it as she spoke. She told Sevant the whole story, including how Eva had mind-blasted the Captain whilst killing another soldier with her sword during her invasion of the Captain's camp, and finished, "Finally, Sir, my recommendations. First, Ensign Linskens deserves recognition for what he achieved. Not only in working out what was going on down there, but also because he managed to get our shuttle working again and at the end, saved all our lives at the risk of his own. If it were not for Ensign Linskens none of us would have made it past the first village, never mind back to the ship, and for that we owe him more than can possibly be recompensed. But I think it behoves us to try, at least." (reply Sevant iyw) "Second, I wish to state that I regret my involvement in the decision to mount this rescue. I should not have allowed myself to be swayed by Lt Commander Stolev's obvious emotional state. I know, as well as any, that *no one* is indispensable or irreplaceable as far as the crew is concerned. Siblings, parents, and spouses, however, are. To risk the lives of so many people in order to retrieve one was, in my considered opinion, reckless and unnecessary. I regret that I did not consider that at the time, Sir, and so I take full responsibility for the deaths of three members of my team." (reply Sevant iyw) "Third, whilst on the face of it a simple rescue mission turned into an attempt to limit the damage to the planet and its society, I cannot say with any certainty that this was the case. From what Lt Zardak picked up from our guards when we were captured, I think there is at least an even chance that the Duke's forces would have beaten Colonel Straton's comprehensively had they met in battle. So whilst we did indeed prevent her from breaking the Prime Directive even more, it is by no means certain that without our intervention she would not have been stopped." (reply Sevant iyw) "Finally, Sir, in view of the events of this mission I recommend that Colonel Straton and Lt Commander Stolev do not serve on the same away team at any point, at least until it can be shown that Stolev's emotions will not cloud his judgement." (Reply Sevant, any) (Posted by Liz) (USS Kitty Hawk - Ready Room - Capt Sevant - 1201) "I have the report on the mission here, Sir," she said. "Including some recommendations." Sevant gestured to the chair before the desk and then tapped a couple buttons to save his status report. Once he was done, he looked at the Commander and leaned back in his chair. "Continue." What followed was... almost incredible. Sevant knew that Susan Rivers wasn't given to flights of fancy, and he'd seen many strange things in the system for the week they'd been there. So everything she said was believable, if fantastic. As well as being fantastic, the story brought up some very disturbing questions... like just how badly the Prime Directive was broken. "Finally, Sir, my recommendations. First, Ensign Linskens deserves recognition for what he achieved. Not only in working out what was going on down there, but also because he managed to get our shuttle working again and at the end, saved all our lives at the risk of his own. If it were not for Ensign Linskens none of us would have made it past the first village, never mind back to the ship, and for that we owe him more than can possibly be recompensed. But I think it behooves us to try, at least." The Captain, who had long since rested his elbow on his chair and rested the weight of his head on his fingers, with one finger running along his cheek, nodded once. "I will deal with that, once I have digested the report." "Second, I wish to state that I regret my involvement in the decision to mount this rescue. I should not have allowed myself to be swayed by Lt Commander Stolev's obvious emotional state. I know, as well as any, that *no one* is indispensable or irreplaceable as far as the crew is concerned. Siblings, parents, and spouses, however, are. To risk the lives of so many people in order to retrieve one was, in my considered opinion, reckless and unnecessary. I regret that I did not consider that at the time, Sir, and so I take full responsibility for the deaths of three members of my team." Sevant quirked an eyebrow and then leaned forward at that, "Commander, there would have been no mission without my permission. Responsibility for the ensuing actions is denied." "Third, whilst on the face of it a simple rescue mission turned into an attempt to limit the damage to the planet and its society, I cannot say with any certainty that this was the case. From what Lt Zardak picked up from our guards when we were captured, I think there is at least an even chance that the Duke's forces would have beaten Colonel Straton's comprehensively had they met in battle. So whilst we did indeed prevent her from breaking the Prime Directive even more, it is by no means certain that without our intervention she would not have been stopped." "And therein lies the rub," he said. "However, she was never meant to be there, therefore this Duke's forces should never have had to engage her force in battle." He paused, "Continue." "Finally, Sir, in view of the events of this mission I recommend that Colonel Straton and Lt Commander Stolev do not serve on the same away team at any point, at least until it can be shown that Stolev's emotions will not cloud his judgment." "Mmm, agreed." He said, folding his hands in front of him. "I'll make that a standing order later, once several other situations have been dealt with." He leaned back again, "I want you to head the investigation into what caused this... behavior... of Colonel Straton. I want to know why she did what she did, how it came about, and what consequences these actions have on the Colonel. Liaise with Medical, I want to know if there will be a relapse, or if I'll have to keep her in sickbay for our protection until we get back to the Boudicca." Sevant paused, and rubbed his weary eyes. "And be careful about it, Commander." He said as he finished the rub and looked back at her. "According to most regs, she should be in shackles right now. The Articles of War tell me I can put those charges aside for the good of the ship, but only so long as a State of Emergency exists. This war won't last forever." (reply: Rivers) (posted by Trout) >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Mission: The Anointed, Day 22 Stardate: 2407.03.15 <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< (USS Boudicca - Personal Quarters- Arania - 1917) Matthew's breastpin sitting on the small table at the end of the end table suddenly chirped. Arania, who had just finished playing a melody she had composed for him, mimicked the sound with her pipes and giggled. =^=All Senior Officers will report to the Observation Lounge at 2100 hours.=^= The breastpin said. He immediately grabbed it and pressed it with his fingers, then spoke to it, acknowledging the order. Looking at her he told her he'd have to go to the meeting in under two hours and asked if she'd be alright there alone, stating he didn't think he'd be gone long. "Of course, beloved." Arania replied. "I will go and visit John again while he is there, would you take me in an hour or so please? I can always find my own way back." She was certain she knew the way as Matthew had taken her twice already. Having spent two nights and almost two days in Matthew's quarters, apart from some time during the past two days when she had visited John in sickbay, Arania was very comfortable there. She had mastered the replicator easily, but still thought it was a magical thing, and she'd even got used to the little droids that popped out of the walls to clean up anything on the floor, though at first she'd reacted to them as if they were rats after the cheese by trying to stomp on them, until Matthew had explained their function; she had even managed to damage one by kicking it against the wall, but he'd fixed it easily. Now whenever they came out she just sat down - if she wasn't sitting already - and tucked her feet under her until they went away, they made her nervous but she was sure she'd get used to them eventually, just as she would come to regard the replicator and the other marvelous machines as nonchalantly as Matthew did. Yesterday, for a short while she had played with the doors, walking to them so they opened, then walking back until they closed, all the while looking around to see what was triggering them to do so. Then Matthew had told her it was her actual movements that activated them, however she still didn't understand how the doors could actually sense her movements, she had also explored everything in his quarters. He said he didn't have much but to Arania he was a wealthy man and she found all his belongings quite fascinating, especially the pictures that looked like they were miniature real places and people. According to Matthew they were holo-pics and although she'd tried to capture them with her hands, they had shattered and then re-made themselves once she left them alone. Tucking her pipes into her robes alongside the Holy Book of Songs, Arania snuggled up with Matthew, nestling in the crook of his arm and shoulder, placing her head on his chest. She loved to just sit with him and listen to his heart beating, feeling the warmth of his body so close, it reminded her of the times they'd sat by the campfire together, she wished there was a fire there so they could sit by it with the lights off and pretend they were in the forest again. ~Perhaps I will build one to surprise him.~ She thought, finding the idea of pleasing him very pleasant in itself. ~But there are no sticks and logs.~ Still, Arania knew that where there was a will there was a way, and at some time Matthew would have a lovely surprise waiting for him if she had her way. All to soon it was time for Matthew to escort her to Sickbay and when they arrived outside the doors, Arania kissed him farewell and wished him a 'happy meeting' before entering. (reply: Matthew iyw - none necessary) (posted by Sal) (USS Boudicca - Bridge - TAC/SC/2O Lt. Cmdr. Aleksander Stolev and FO Cmdr. Archibald Stakes - Day 22 - 1942) "Good evening, commander," Stolev said, nodding politely. "I don't believe we've met. I'm Aleksander Stolev, chief of security and second officer. And you are?" Archibald regarded the Lieutenant Commander quietly before nodding back. "It would appear your new First Officer, Commander. The name is Stakes. Archibald Stakes." "I see. Pleased to meet you, sir," Stolev replied politely. He frowned, then glanced around the bridge. He had many questions, but this was hardly the place to be asking them. He glanced quickly at the viewscreen and around the bridge. All seemed relatively quiet, for now. "Might we have a word in private, sir? I have many questions, and it seems that the Captain is not available at present." If the request came as a surprise to Archibald, he let not show it. It would give him an opportunity as well, he mused. "The Captain is still in his Ready Room. We'll go to the FO's office. Mister Johnson, you have the bridge. Warn me as soon as there is anything that I will want to know." Without looking at the new OPS officer Archibald nodded to Stolev. "This way, Commander." (USS Boudicca - FO's Office - TAC/SC/2O Lt. Cmdr. Aleksander Stolev and FO Cmdr. Archibald Stakes - Day 22 - 1946) For the second time in a short period Archibald entered the FO's office and sat down behind the desk. "Take a seat, Commander," he said gesturing towards one of the chairs. "Now then, you said you had questions?" Stolev took the indicated seat after noting that the few personal effects that Susan Rivers had in the office were still exactly where they had been the last time he had been here. He leaned forward in the chair, studying his hands for a moment as he pondered where to begin. He decided to start with the obvious and let the conversation go from there. "So I take it that either Captain Sevant or Commander Rivers is transferring to another vessel?" Archibald had followed the Commander's gaze and grunted inwardly. He would have to have a word with her, he thought before addressing the posed question. "I was not informed of that," he replied, rubbing his nose. "However, I would assume so. I understand Captain Sevant is still in command of this ship and a second First Officer would be unheard of. I assume that all will be made clear when the Captain will address us at twenty one hundred hours." He eyed the commander wearily. Surely he did had not hoped that Archibald would give out information that the Captain himself wanted to give? Even if Archibald had had the information he would have kept stumm. Stolev considered this response. Did the man really not know, or was he holding back? And if he was holding back, was it simply to allow Sevant the privilege of announcing any such changes himself, or was there a darker purpose? He filed away the response for future consideration, pending the upcoming staff meeting. "I see," he said eventually. "Well, as you surely know, any new arrivals on any ship are to be given added scrutiny, considering the times in which we live. New command level officers especially. To that end, I must request that you report to my office for an interview, once I have had a chance to fully review your transfer orders and service record, and have been informed by Captain Sevant of your official capacity. I'm sure you've been vetted very thoroughly already, but I like to do my own review as well, as I am ultimately responsible for the security of this vessel. I'm sure you understand," he added pleasantly. "Oh, I do, Commander," Archibald replied with a solemn face. "I believe Mister Haverstaad will be most interested in your report. As will I. But frankly, Commander, I am pleasantly surprised by your attitude. I had expected it to be more ... lax, shall we say?" Stolev frowned, and filed another mental note to check with Haverstaad to find out what Stakes was referring to. "I am not sure I understand, sir. Why would you have assumed that?" He tried to keep the edge out of his voice, as not only had Stakes wounded his pride, but also made him wonder what sort of reputation the Boudicca had through the rest of the fleet. Such a reputation could only mean bad things. Archibald regarded his hands for a few seconds, making sure the TAC/SC was stewing a bit longer. "Oh, I don't know," he finally said, his next words showing how false that statement was. "A log perhaps? Of a meeting, held on board the Kitty Hawk, about 18 days ago? A log that was filed part of the standard day log and sitting in Starfleet Command's large memory banks until somebody requisitioned it. Just so that he could prepare himself for any eventuality, of course. I *do* still have some of my contacts, Commander. Now, does that meeting ring a bell? The one where you, as Chief of Security, assaulted a fellow officer? I wondered how could a self-respecting Security Chief, bound by oath and duty to uphold the law become a law-breaker himself? Doesn't that say something about the effectiveness of said Security Chief?" Stolev stared at Stakes for several moments, a variety of possible retorts echoing through his mind. Finally, he decided that discretion -- and in this case, contrition -- was the better part of valor. "Indeed it does commander. The incident to which you refer is not something I am proud of, and is something I regret greatly. It also, however, is not indicative of the normal way I go about my business. I was..." He paused, searching for the right term. "...in a difficult situation, personally, and I allowed it to affect my professional behavior. I won't make that mistake again." "Like h**l you will, Commander. IF I had been there you wouldn't even have received your second chance. But that was not my decision to take, luckily for you." Archibald regarded the officer. "But after today, Commander Rivers will not be there to protect you, Mister Stolev. You may consider this your final warning, one more 'incident' and we *will* do without your services and you will stay a long time at a penal colony. For me discipline is *not* something that can be discarded as easy as a used uniform. It is the common understanding that binds all and allows us to reach the goals that we are striving for." Stolev's face reddened, but that was the only sign he showed of being angry or upset. He recognized that this new first officer would have his own ideas of how things should be run, and in hindsight he realized that Rivers hadn't truly done him any favors by largely overlooking the outburst to which Stakes had so pointedly referred. He did, however, allow himself to take some comfort in the fact that he had maneuvered Stakes into confirming that it was in fact Rivers who was transferring, despite his assertion that he did not know what the plans were. In response to Stakes, Stolev merely straightened up in his chair and met Stakes's gaze firmly. "Of course, sir. I agree completely." Archibald nodded with a hint of a smile playing around his lips. "Of course you do, Commander. Of course you do. I can see that we may get along splendidly after all. Good. Can you let my yeoman know at what time I will be required to attend your office? And don't worry, I will be prompt." "Yes, sir, I will certainly do so," replied Stolev. He then frowned slightly as he tried to remember what else he had wanted to ask Stakes about; the unexpected foray into his past behavior had pulled him far from his intended course. "Ah, yes. I also wanted to ask for our current tactical status. I'm sure I could get the information out of the computer or from one of the tactical officers, and I will certainly do that to get the finer details, but I find that the commanding officer can usually offer a broader perspective." Stakes eyed Stolev for a second before nodding. "Our status is better than expected. Commander Zzt and all engineers for that matter have done a good job repairing this vessel under difficult circumstances. A new tactical Officer has been trained by Chief Haverstaad on the TIHS but I am not sure if she qualified him yet. There seems to have been a standing order, preventing any tactical officer from bridge duty until certified on the new system, which created some difficulties but other than that we are almost fully operational. It will be a day or so of some light work to upgrade us to fully operational." "That is good news, sir," replied Stolev, though in the back of his mind he wondered what Zzt was doing on the Boudicca. He also made a mental note to seek out this new tactical officer as soon as his meeting with Stakes was finished. "Has there been any further progress on the hunt for the Dracul?" For a moment Archibald was stunned. Only after a few seconds did he remember reading about the vessel operating behind enemy lines. "Not that I am aware of, Commander. To be honest, reading about that ship was the first time I heard of her. Perhaps there is a mention of that ship in Captain Sevant's orders or perhaps not. But you can be sure that Fleet Command has given it the correct priority." "I see," replied Stolev as he considered this response. He wondered what it meant that the interim commander and new First Officer knew so little about one of their more recent and urgent missions. Either he was being deliberately circumspect, or someone in upper command did not trust him with the knowledge. He made another note in his rapidly filling mental notebook to dig into this topic more tomorrow morning, after doing some research of his own. "Well, I think that about covers it for now," Stolev said as he began to stand up. "Unless there's anything else you wanted to discuss, sir?" Archibald shrugged involuntarily. "Not at the moment, Commander. As you may have seen I have a lot of catching up to do. Oh, there was one thing. I trust Mrs. Straton is doing well?" Sasha raised an eyebrow, then smiled. "Yes sir. We are happy to be together again and grateful that she seems to have made it through her ordeal relatively unscathed." He wasn't sure how much Stakes knew about what had happened with Eva, or whether he had spoken with Marsh or Caskie yet, so he decided against volunteering any further information. Archibald nodded and smiled friendly. "Good, that is good news. Well, Commander, thank you for being so frank and I won't keep you any longer. Give my regards to the Colonel." "Yes sir, thank you sir," replied Stolev. He nodded politely, then turned and headed for the door. As he did so, Archibald flipped open the computer console and appeared to be reading it. But when Stolev was about to step through the door, the FO said without looking up: "I understand from the log that you were quite instrumental in setting up the rescue mission. You were, as they say, the instigator. It is unfortunate that the news I had to give to Mrs. Dela Rosa just a few minutes ago was not so good. Nor the news to three other families. Three dead, one as good as dead to return one. Was it really worth it, Commander? Four families suffering instead of one? No, don't answer me. That is your cross to bear. I have plenty of my own, thank you. You'll find out, we all have. Just thought I'd mention it. Good night, Commander." Stolev stiffened, stopping halfway through the door. He glanced at the ceiling, took a deep breath, let it out slowly, then turned back towards Stakes. "Perhaps you've never heard of the long-standing military adage to leave no soldier behind?" he asked coldly, glaring at the man as he sat so calmly behind his desk. "Yes, I was personally invested in this rescue, but it was a mission I would have advocated no matter who it was in distress. I imagine you would appreciate that, being the First Officer and the likely leader of most away missions," he added pointedly. Archibald sighed and closed down the screen deliberately slow. "I am fully aware of the adage, Commander, and have used it myself on numerous occasions. But at least *I* have looked back on every one of them and added up the costs, balancing them against the gains. And up to date my body count is three hundred and twelve. Of those, I, in hindsight, consider only sixty three a required loss. The remainder should really still be alive today. But I decided otherwise. And like I said, those are my crosses to bear. As for the adage, it is as empty as it is vain. Because in reality, Commander, instead of the one, three *were* left behind. But perhaps you wish to explain to the little girl why the adage is so important that it may cost her her father's life? It was a choice, Commander, and choices are always bad. But someone has to make them. And that somebody *will* have to live with the consequences of his choices, day in, day out. You are the 2O of this vessel and as such you share the responsibility. To the crew, to the ones left and the ones that have to suffer the consequences of your decision. And if you can't stomach that, and accept it, then I suggest you start looking for another line of work." Stolev took a step into the room, so that he was no longer standing in an open doorway, and waited for the door to close before responding. "Of course I know what comes along with command responsibility," he replied, trying to keep the anger out of his face and his voice. "Not a day goes by when I don't remember the face or the voice of someone who died serving under my command, either as a security chief or as second officer of the Boudicca. The number of those is thankfully not as great as yours, but I have little doubt that it will be, some day. All of those who died knew the risks when they signed up -- not everyone would make it back. We all sacrifice for the good of others. Some of us have the unfortunate task of directing the sacrifices of our comrades as well as our own. Such is the nature of service and war. "As for this particular mission..." He sighed heavily. "I know I went into it with more to gain than perhaps anyone else. But as it turned out, the mission was far more vital than a simple rescue operation, and the impact of our success far greater. I know that provides little solace to the families of those lost, but..." He shrugged. "Again, such is the nature of service and war. It's a risky business to be in. I know that better than most, both professionally and personally." Archibald looked up. "Such is the nature of service and war. I like that. It makes it almost poetic. It is almost like I am back on the Doenitz side. But I guess that was the reason why I left. The end does not per definition justify the means. I will expect you to remember that one, Commander. That is all." Stolev recognized this for the dismissal that it surely was. "Yes sir," was his only reply before turning on his heel and stiffly walking out the door, not once looking back. (reply none) (posted by Aaron and Adrie) (USS Boudicca, Sickbay - Weapon System Specialist, Warrant Officer Jerral Revan - 2030) Jerral walked in to the room his hand held against him. Looking around the somewhat crowded room, he managed to spot a friend. "James," Jerral said, raising his voice enough to get the man's attention. Winding his way between beds, he found his way to Jerral, and they stepped aside towards the Intensive care ward doors. "What is it, Jerral?" The blue uniformed man asked then saw Jerral's hand. "And what did you do to your thumb?" "Oh, it's not what I did, it's what that klutz, Peterson, did. I swear, if it was possible, he'd drop the entire ship on his foot. You mind patching this up so I can get back to work, I'm pulling a double to finish up some fine tuning on the forward phaser array." "Yea yea, let me take a look at it," James said grabbing a tricorder, subdural regenerator, and a ostioregnerator. "So, you heard the scuttlebutt about the away mission?" James asked, knowing full well that anyone who had access to the Goat Locker knew just about anything. Jerral chuckled, "Three dead, one strapped to a bed to keep her from going on a rampage, and one nearly frozen solid in the universes biggest deep freezer, and the Prime directive broken about 5 dozen times...not something you're likely to forget." Jerral said then looked towards the door. "Sad part is, out of all of the people got hurt, I liked Liskins the best, had a decent head on his shoulders." Jerral said with a frown as a woman he'd never seen with cranial ridges he'd never seen either approached the Intensive care ward door they were standing next to. (Reply Ariana iyw, Just in case you want to interact Sal) (Posted by Patrick D.) (USS Boudicca - Sickbay - Arania - 2032) On silent feet, Arania stepped through the doors into main sickbay and headed directly to the Intensive Care unit, just smiling gently to anyone who happened to look her way, but trying to be as unobtrusive as possible. She saw two men standing beside the door, it appeared that one was tending to the injured hand of the other and as she approached them she couldn't help overhear what was being said. "Sad part is, out of all of the people got hurt, I liked Liskins the best, had a decent head on his shoulders." The injured man said, looking at her with a frown. Arania's heart sank and she clutched her pipes to herself as if seeking comfort from them. She stopped beside the pair. "He can't be dead!" She exclaimed, mistakenly interpreting the past tense used to describe Linskins, as an indication that he had died. "He can't be! I have been playing the Holy Song of Healing, he should have been getting a little better with every rendering of the song." The young Iradonian was extremely upset at the thought of John having died and wrung her pipes in her hands as she began to sob, tears streaming down her cheeks. (Reply Jerral, Any) (Posted by Sal) (USS Boudicca - Observation Lounge - FO Commander Archibald Stakes, 20.55) Having made his way over five minutes early, as per usual, Archibald stood leaning against the wall, behind the head of the table, observing the others as they entered. His head glanced along that of Marsh, the rotund Counsellor and he was reminded about the two orderlies standing outside of the room, awaiting the return of Straton, after the meeting, to finish Marsh's little experiment, as he had called it. After the meeting the off duty MCO would return to her quarters where she had been placed under house arrest. Of course, Archibald had made it clear to the Counsellor that it would be allowed but that Marsh would be fully responsible for anything that happened with the Betazoid MCO. Archibald nodded to a few late comers and then took the attention position as Sevant stepped in. "Our first order of business." Sevant started off and then told them about the change in Command staff. Archibald took a step forward and looked everyone in the face. "Some of you I have already met, others I will meet shortly. I'll be around." With a rather strict smile he gave the assembled crew another long look and took a step back. The captain then continued, discussing further crew movements. Archibald took the time to study the faces with renewed interest, especially to note if people were not paying as much attention as they should. He watched the new officers step forward and make themselves known and he nodded a few times They would be facing a rude introduction into life on board a Starfleet vessel. They would be blooded quickly, no doubt. "I realize we've only been on board for a short time, but you've all had time to at least check in. What's our intermediate Status?" he suddenly heard Sevant say and Archibald felt that this was directed more towards him than anyone else. "Repairs have progressed better as originally planned. Commander Zzt's team as well as our own engineering officers have performed an exemplary service, Sir." he said quietly. "The ship is almost fully operational but tomorrow we will be complete. If I may, I have prepared a listing of crew rotations and crew changes to account for the hard work that those who were on board this vessel have performed. You will all see them on your monitors in front of you. For those who have seen them already, you will notice that all crew who have been participating in the retrieval of Lieutenant Colonel Straton as part of the away team are not listed. That is because I deem that they did not receive sufficient downtime after the mission. Hence they will get it now. They are as of the end of this meeting off duty for 48 hours. No exceptions allowed. Afterwards I will hold meetings with all department heads to discuss the workings of their departments. Again, no exceptions allowed." Stakes stepped back, and looked sideways to Sevant, so see or hear his reaction. (reply: all) (posted by Adrie Geuken) NRPG: Can you believe what a whiner that guy is? Just because he's at the top and has to put that index together and the longer intro. I mean geez, what am I chopped liver? He doesn't realize how hard it is to wrap everything up, plus there's this guy hunting me, I mean, you don't see anyone shooting him or knocking him un...... -USS Boudicca, NCC 49901 Star Trek: Freedom - http://www.startrekfreedom.com