USS Nimitz

Stardate:2406.10.02
(USS Nimitz - Conference Room 1 - Major Dorkin - 1332)

"Gentlemen," he nodded to Dorkin, "Major Dorkin, welcome to the Nimitz.  If
you don't mind I'll dispense with the pleasantries, and get straight to the
mission briefing.  Perhaps we can meet up later and discuss our situation."

Dorkin grunted, his only reply.

He watched as they sat down and cleared his throat.  "Okay people, let's get
down to it." 

Dorkin folded his furry arms together and watched the Captain. 

"After the the fleet captain's meeting Nimitz had been given a task.  It is
not an easy task, so it's important that we all know what's at stake. Things
have not been going well for us in this war.  We have some support, but not
an overwhelming amount.  The truth is, that we are dangerously low on
certain supplies.  Things that we are not yet capable of producing.  One of
those items is anti-mater.  Our production of anti-mater will not meet our
need for at least another year."

"That's the bad news.  The worse news is that we need to get some, soon, or
the fleet may be dead in it's tracks.  Sooooo..." he looked out amidst his
staff, "it comes to us to obtain the precious anti-mater, one way or
another.  And yes, that means taking from somebody that has a supply that is
plentiful.  And yes, again, I am talking of Admiral Doenitz."

Dorkin quirked an eyebrow as the Captain smiled. ~Joker, obviously~ he
thought in distaste. Wonderful, he had to have a joker for a captain,
someone who wouldn't take combat seriously.

"It appears that we will be asking the enemy to fuel us.  It has come to our
attention that an anti-matter trawler will be traveling close to the
subspace river within the next few days.  This would supply us with enough
anti-matter for several months.  Mt Tagon has some more details."

Someone else stood up, "Thank you captain," He pointed them to a map,  "As
you can see the trawler will be at this location on Stardate 2406.10.06.
That gives us four days, maybe less, to get there and prepare to ... acquire
the anti-matter."

He hit a button and the image turned to a picture of a trawler. Dorkin had
seen their like before, they were fairly common in out-of-the-way areas for
refueling at Starbases. 

"Anti-mater trawlers are large, lumbering ships, that, if taken care of, can
do warp 6, with a tail wind.  Most trawlers have a small entourage of
fighters as protectors.  The theory is that a small group of defenders is
easier to hide than a large one.  The ship itself has strong defensive
capabilities, but it is not very maneuverable, and should pose no threat in
an actually fight."

Tagon paused for a moment. "To borrow your phrase captain, that's the good
news.  The bad news is that there's a defiant-class ship running escort for
the trawler, the USS Alamo.  The CO of the Alamo is one Captain Remy LeBeau,
a staunch Doenitz follower."

Tagon stopped and stepped back from the table.  Sash stood up again.  "Thank
you Lt.  As you can see we have our work cut out for us.  We need that
anti-matter.  it would not be acceptable if we destroyed the cargo, before
getting it to the 52nd Fleet.  So what we will need is a plan to take over
the trawler, once we find it, and to get it back to Spacedock Phoenix, which
is still in a secret location.  Any questions?"

"Captain, if I'm not mistaken, if they don't give us anti-matter we will
attack them?"

"Sir, we are talking about attack on another Federation ship, and even if we
won, we will still suffer some great damage. Attacking heavily fortified
cargo ship defended by Defiant-class warship is not an easy task!" 

"Well then Ensign," Sash looked at Slytherwald, his eyes narrowed slightly,
"it's a good thing we have  a well trained Tactical Officer  to help us
through this problem.  We didn't come out here for our safety boys and
girls.  We're out here to fight a war."

Dorkin grunted in agreement, and he revisited his earlier thought about the
captain, perhaps he had been a bit hasty and this was a fighter after all...

Then Wilson gave his opinion.  "Captain, with all respect a cargo vessel,
fighter squadron and defiant class ship are not about to hand over the keys
and allow us a test drive now are they? So how do you propose to rectify
this obvious problem? It might only be me but I still have certain problems
killing our own."

Sash nodded.  "I can understand that sentiment Lt. Commander, and believe me
when I say I hope that it doesn't come to that.  However, a line has been
drawn in the sand and we are about to cross it.  If you have a problem with
this fight then let me know now, and I'll find a convenient spot to drop you
off."

Then he turned to the rest of the crew.  "That goes for everyone.  This is
it.  In for a penny, in for a pound, as Captain Remmick used to say.  Let's
not beat around the bush here folks.  I am about to take us into harms way.
If you do not believe in our cause then I don't want you on my ship.  Those
kinds of feelings lead to hesitations, and hesitations lead to deaths.  Our
deaths.  So ask yourself this question.  Who would you rather see dead, them
or us?"

"Here Here!" Dorkin said, "We're in this for the cause, not for our
comfort!"

(reply: any, if desired)

"Very well then," Sash continued.  "We will be setting a course for the
subspace river immediately.  Mr. Wilson, since we are temporarily at a loss
for an Ops Officer, I want you to cover that station.  You can take your
first watch tomorrow."

(reply Wilson)

He then turned to Security. "Security, I want things tightened up.  you will
coordinate with Major Dorkin here for marine support.  And Ensign
Slytherwald, since you are so concerned I would like you to investigate a
way to take over the trawler with the least amount of fighting."

"Major Dorkin," he turned to the Tellarite. "I want your marines ready for
boarding party.  You have some shoes to fill after Lt. Lee."

Dorkin had no problems with that, "My Marines will be ready, even if I have
to drill em into the ground." he said, rubbing his hands/paws/hooves
together. "And don't you give no never mind to my shoes, they are not your
concern. Stick with your captaining, and Ill stick to the bloodletting."

(reply: Security, any)
(posted by Trout)

Stardate:2406.10.02
(USS Nimitz - Conference Room 1 - CMO - Lieutenant (jg) BigWill Kinkaid- 
1337)

After the small applauses from the crew, Captain Sash continued on to the 
heart of meeting.  Kinkaid, now a Lieutenant, felt a little seasoned. 
Knowing he had an assistant added to his medical staff, Kinkaid's life could 
not be any better than it was until Sash stated the ship's mission.

It was hard to believe at first, but reality sank in and Kinkaid was between 
a rock and a hard spot of titanium shielding.  The thought of going against 
a fellow foe was alright depending on certain aspects of the situation, but 
to go against a fellow Federation ship and one that was heavily guarded was 
suicide.  Kinkaid did not seem to buy the venture one bit.

Kinkaid spoke out after Slytherwald's concerns over the mission. "Captain, I 
must agree with Ensign Slytherwald that going against the convoy with a 
Defiant class ship as its security won't paint a pretty picture for us, if 
attempted!"

(Reply Sash, anyone)
(Posted by Nathan M. Williams)

Stardate:2406.10.02
(USS Nimitz - Conference Room 1 - CMO - Lieutenant (jg) BigWill Kinkaid- 
1339)

Seeing that the crew was not as forthcoming as Slytherwald, they knew the 
mission was flawed to failure. The captain was disappointed by the groveling 
from the crew.  Kinkaid wanted to change his view to please his captain, but 
by this sudden reversal would be futile. Kinkaid sat in his seat in a 
steadfast way as if an emergency situation was about to manifest itself.

Sash spoke in a manner to regain control of the meeting by issuing 
instruction to his department heads. As Sash went around the table he came 
to Kinkaid and his assistant, Dr. Kiernan.

"Dr's, I want sickbay ready for any emergency. I predict that if you get 
wounded they'll be coming in large quantities.  Be sure your people are up 
to it Lieutenant."

Kinkaid did not hesitate when he responded. "Sir, sickbay and its people, a 
proud and dedicated people I might say, will be ready for the unexpected.  
You can guarantee it!"

(Reply Dr. Kiernan and Sash)

When Sash instructed the FO, Commander Kestra Troi, to prepare an away team 
up, Kinkaid needed a challenge to redeem himself for his error in judgment 
and this was it.  He went to the FO after the meeting and said.

"Commander, I'm interested in being part of the away team.  You may need 
medical support in case of radiation poisoning from the anti-matter fuel 
starts to become too lethal and volatile. I'm fascinated by the challenge!"

(Reply FO, Kestra)

(Posted by Nathan M. Williams)

Stardate:2406.10.02
(USS Nimitz - Conference Room 1 - CO - Captain Devan Sash- 1340)

"Captain, I must agree with Ensign Slytherwald that going against the convoy
with a Defiant class ship as its security won't paint a pretty picture for
us,if attempted!"

"No doctor," Sash replied harshly, "it doesn't.  That's why we have well
trained Medical staff, in case people get injured, or worse.  So I will be
expecting your people to be trained and ready for the trauma tht may ensue."

He looked at the others again.  "I cannot repeat this often enough people.
We are at war, whether you like it or not.  And I must say that I'm very
disappointeed in you all.  Do you really think that one Defiant class ship
is a match for our girl here.  Nimitz is ready to take on anyone.  You must
have a poor opinion of me as your captain.  Is that the your opinion Lt?"
He emphasized therank, wondering if he had made a mistake in such a
promotion.

(reply Kinkaid)
(posted by Al Muir)

Stardate:2406.10.02
(USS Nimitz - Conference Room 1 - CMO - Lt. (jg) BigWill Kinkaid - 1341)

Sash was very disappointed in his crew especially his CMO. Kinkaid was 
afraid that his promotion was premature and that he was discrediting his 
captain's judgment. It was not Kinkaid's place to do that to Sash. Kinkaid 
thought of Sash as a second father who he looked up to for guidance and 
stability.  Kinkaid was trying to point out a common bond with the crew's 
concerns.

Kinkaid knowingly risked a quick demotion by his concernment along with the 
rest of the crew.  Kinkaid thought for a moment on a temporary redeeming 
statement to get back on the captain's good side.  ~ The USS "Alamo".Yes, 
that's it! ~ Kinkaid thought.   His mind forgot the symbolism of the name 
and his family heritage. How could he be so blindsided.  Kinkaid returned 
with a statement that Sash himself would be appeased by.

"Captain, I'm truly sorry for my uncandor remark." Kinkaid said hopefully 
this would cushion the blow that he was about to receive from Sash. "What I 
really meant by my last remark was that if we go forth with the mission we 
in turn could be put in the same predicament as my forefathers of old five 
and a half centuries ago in San Antonio, Texas at the real 'Alamo'; knowing 
this if there are no reinforcements to come to our aid then 'the line has 
already been drawn in the sand' and we have to make every effort on survival 
at the same time in maintaining control of the anti-matter fuel, if our 
acquirement is a success."

(Reply CO, Sash)

Kinkaid was reflecting on his ancestry of long ago knowing that their 
sacrifices at the 'Alamo' was what heroes and legends were made of 
regardless of the centuries of technological advances that separates them 
from us, now.  Kinkaid saw that Sash was turning a bit red in the face, but 
knowing the symbolism brought calmness to the storm. Kinkaid was ready to 
accept his fate by hang up his spurs and chaps as he awaited the captain 
response.

(Reply CO, Sash)
(Posted by Nathan M. Williams)


Stardate:2406.10.02
USS Nimitz - Conference Room 1 - TAC\ASC Ensign (jg) Tom Slytherwald- 1352) 
 
Sash turned to Tagon and Slytherwald.  "Security, I want things tightened
up.  you will cordinate with Major Dorkin here for marine support.  And
Ensign Slytherwald, since you are so concerned I would like you to
investigate a way to take over the trawler with the least amount of
fighting."
 
~God damn, I'm I the only one thinking that Captain is out of his mind?~ Tom asked himself
 
"Yes, sir!" -said Tom with visibly worried face
 
'To fight a war' Tom repeated Captain's words, Tom thought the whole idea of Starfleet is peace
and not war, but the image of perfect Starfleet in Tom's head was turning into perfect killing machine.
 
He wasn't approving Captain's idea, but ho is he to start a rebel?
The best thing he can do for now, is to make a less blooded way for taking the precious anti-matter.
 
(Reply from none)
(Posted by Ed)

Stardate:2406.10.02
(USS Nimitz - Conference Room 1 - FO Commander Kestra Troi - 1355)

Kestra could not believe her ears as not just one person had expressed that 
the mission was basically a suicide.  They did not want to go against other 
starfleet personnel, which the Captain and herself agreed.  The one problem 
was that they had picked a course of action and they had to abide by it.

Kestra had been there when Admiral Aragorn had gotten most of the evidence 
against Admiral Doenitz that was then passed to Admiral LoDona.  Frankly, 
she was getting tired of the whining about it.  She had been in the meeting 
room for many missions and she had never heard the defeatest attitudes as 
she was hearing in this meeting.

After the TAC/ASC had finished she had had enough, Slamming her hand down on 
the table to get everyones attention she looked at the Captain.  "Captain, I 
am sorry, but, I have to speak up."  She told him then she turned to the 
rest, looking at each one slowly and deliberately as she stood up.

"I have had enough.  Each one of us have had the opportunity to decide 
whether or not they wanted to follow Admiral Doenitz and his group or follow 
Admiral LoDona and his group.  Each one of you decided to follow the later.  
Now none of us *want* to go against the very same people we call friends 
that decided to stay with Doenitz.  That was their decision and I believe 
that most of them have the same attitude as most of us."  she stopped and 
continued to look at each one of them. "I have been through more meetings 
than most of you have been in Starfleet.  I have been in a lot of meetings 
like this before we broke apart that pitted the ship against odds greater 
than this and the officers there did not whine of suicide.  What we should 
be doing is thinking of ways to do what we have to do as best we can to make 
sure that the cost in lives are at a minimum on both sides."

Walking back to her chair and before she sat down again, "I want to see each 
one of you do what the captain has said.  I agree with the captain, if any 
and I mean any dont think they can do what he has said, then we can leave 
you on a suitable planet before we go."  She sat down and turned to the 
captain. "Sorry sir had to do that."

(reply any in the meeting iyw)
(pb Frank Rogers)

Stardate:2406.10.02
(USS Nimitz, Conference Room 1, CEO, Lt(sg) Zzt, 1357)

Zzt had sat quietly so far through the meeting.  He had a bit of an
ear ache and it was putting the large engineering in a bad mood.  What he
was hearing from his crew mates was only making his mood worse.  He was
glad to see Commander Troi on board though he did miss Winters.  After her
little speech and sitting down, Zzt finally spoke

"You all turn to tremble chickens!" He stated angrily, closing one
large paw into a fist.  "Most you know what Donuts has done to us and to
others.  Him cold blooded killer.  How many times him try kill us all?
Donuts bad.  Evil.  Admiral LoDona has courage to stand up to bully Donuts.
We all chose follow LoDona.  Now when things get a little tough you all
turn into whinny little cubs!?  Oooo..we can't do it.  It too tough."  Zzt
slammed his large fist into the table bending it visibly, smoke rose from
the point of impact.  "Defiant ship no match for Nimitz!  We just have to
be smart and use head!  Captain never said we was gonna straight up fight.
We trick them if we can.  Right?"  Zzt looked at Captain Sash for
confirmation before continuing.  "Zzt trust you, Captain.  Zzt study
trawler technical specifications.  Give you report on best way keep it in
one piece."  Zzt looked back at the other officers, and stood to his full
10 foot height dwarfing everyone in the room, even Tagon.

"You Captain needs you," Zzt said, sweeping his gaze across the
assembled officers,  "You clan mates need you.  Now not time to lose heart.
Stand firm.  We do this.  Together.  We do anything."

(Reply Sash, Any at meeting)
(Posted by Wes)

Stardate:2406.10.02
(USS Nimitz - Conference Room 1 - COUNS, Ensign John Harriosn, 1358)

After Zzt's speech and Commander Troi's threat,
Harrison felt he ought to say something.

"I realise that I'm new to this crew, and to starfleet
in general. As such, I'm not entirely sure what is
going on. What I am sure of is that while we remain
loyal to those we serve, those we trust, we can bring
an end to whatever is going on. When becoming a
starfleet member, the one thing that was emphasised
the most is the loyalty i owe to my captain. The same
loyalty that we all owe to him. I'm not sure what will
happen in this mission and, being a counsellor, I
probably won't be of as much use as some of you here.
But if there's anything i can do, or anything the
captain tells me to do, I will do it. Because of that
loyalty."

He sat down and tried to work out how much he had just
embarassed himself.
~What was i thinking?~ he thought ~They probably think
I was preaching to them, rather than encouraging them.
Just a week ago, I was helping out at my dad's surgery
in London. What the hell do i think i'm doing on the
senior staff of a Starship?~

(reply anyone)
(posted by James Batchelor)

Stardate:2406.10.02
(USS Nimitz - Holodeck 1 - TAC\ASC Ensign (jg) Tom Slytherwald - 1440)
 
Tom was trying a million different stories, million different situations and most of them turned either Nimitz 
or trawler into flying dust.
 
~God damn.~
 
Tom knew he has something, he was reviewing an old plan that Cardassian's used to trick Klingons.
 
"Yes, that's it!!!" Tom was visibly happy, he found what he was looking for
 
=/\= Ensign Slytherwald to Captain, I think I found the best way. Can we meet in Conference lounge? =/\=
 
(Reply from Sash)
(Posted by Edward)

Stardate:2406.10.02
(USS Nimitz - Bridge- CO- Captain Devan Sash- 1442)
 
=^= Ensign Slytherwald to Captain, I think I found the best way. Can we
meet in Conference lounge? =^=

~Best way?~  Suddenly he remembered the task he gave the ATAC.  He tapped
his comm badge. looking around the bridge.

"Make it my ready room, Ensign," he replied.  "In ten minutes."

(reply Slytherwald)

Stardate:2406.10.02
(USS Nimitz - Ready Room- CO- Captain Devan Sash- 1450)

Sash sat in his ready room going over some of the reports he collected from
the staff meeting.  Technically the ships in good condition for the task
they were about to undertake.  He just hoped the crew were in the same
shape.  Too many of them seemed rattled by the propect of this conflict, and
that made him nervous.

The door chime went off.  "Come," he called.  The door opened and
Slytherwald came in, stiff and uncertain.

(reply Slytherwald)

"Come in Ensign," Sash said, rising from his seat and coming around the
desk.  "Have a seat and tell me what you've come up with."

(reply Slytherwald)
(posted by Al Muir)

Stardate:2406.10.02
(USS Nimitz - Counselling Department - COUNS Ensign John Harrison - 1500)

After the staff meeting, Harrison returned to his
office, and resumed reading the senior staff's
profiles. His mind, however, was not entirely on the
PADDs before him. He was thinking, naturally, about
the mission.

He felt like a man who'd had walked into the cinema
halfway through the most complicated film ever.
Clearly there was something going on in Starfleet, and
it stretched throughout the Federation. He began to
regret how naive he had been; a mere week ago, he'd
merely been another citizen of London, unaware of the
galaxy's current affairs. Now, he knew, he should have
shown a bit more interested.

'Acquiring' anti-matter from a heavily guarded
trawler? Sounded like one hell of a challenge. He had
wanted to express his concerns in the meeting, but the
others had pretty much said what he was thinking. This
mission sounded like suicide. And, although he
realised the importance of the anti-matter, it still
seemed like 'highway robbery' to him.

His main concern was the possibility of killing fellow
starfleet personnel. Given Starfleet's problems in
recent years, conflicts against the Borg, the Dominion
and others, he wasn't sure that internal conflict was
the way forward. After all, being the son of a doctor,
he wasn't too comfortable with the death of anyone -
especially from murder. Did he consider this mission
murder?

He shook these thoughts from his head. He had promised
himself that he would be loyal to his captain, to this
crew. And conflict was the last option, wasn't it?

He started pouring through the senior staff's
profiles, looking for events in which they had chosen
confrontation as the first option.

There were none that he could find. The mission was
bound to be a stealth operation of some sort. He could
only wait and see.

(reply none)
(posted by James Batchelor)

Stardate:2406.10.02
(USS Nimitz - FO's Quarters- CO/FO- Captain Sash and Commander
Troi-1900)

Sash had spent the day going through he ship, checking on the conditions
of the departments, and watching some of the preparations. He was about
to lead his merry band into hostile territory. He wanted to be sure they
were ready for it.

When he received the message from Kestra he was about ready for a break.
1900 was a good time. Even though he wasn't hungry, he knew that he
should eat, and the crew should see them doing normal things together.

"Captain I need to talk to you about the meetings I have had today and
what was discovered." He wondered what she came up with. He stood
outside Kestra's quarters, and straightened out his uniform. ~That was a
silly gesture.~ Then he rang the door chime.

Kestra still had not made any headway on getting her quarters set up
like she liked to have it. She had actually forgotten that Sash was
suppose to arrive tonight and she lost all track of time. The door chime
rang and everything came rushing into her and she squeaked, "Enter" as
if she was losing her voice.

The door opened and Sash walked in. He looked around and saw a room in
transition. He smiled, remembering moving into his room was not nearly
so complicated. After all, he traveled light. He saw Kestra look over a
box. He waved to her as if she were far away. "Hey Kestra."

As she watched Devan enter she looked around again at the mess that was
called her quarters. "I am sorry Devan, I forgot the time as I was
setting things up here, how about a replicated pizza?"

Sash looked around the room and wondered where they'd eat. "What do you
say I take you out for diner?"

Kestra had wanted to talk in private and going out to eat would not be
private, but, it would show that the Captain and First Officer were
actually working together. "Yes, I guess that would be better." She said
as she looked around her messy quarters. "Where would you like to go?"
She asked, she had changed into some leisure clothes when she had arrived
her quarters. Not quite what would be called working clothes.

Sash thought for a moment. He could sense that Kestra could understand
what he was up to. "Well, we don't have too many options, but I always
have a standing table at 10 forward. I know the maitre d', and it's
highly visible."

Then he added, "Afterwards, we can go back to my quarters for desert,
and anything that requires a little more ..." for lack of another word,
"privacy. Or of a more sensitive nature."

"Ok, I do need to talk to you. I had several meetings today with some of
the crew and I need to discuss those with you. A couple of matters could
be a problem and the other is just a matter of procedure." She said as
she was thinking of what had went on earlier. "Give me a couple of minutes
to change into something a little bit better to go out in public in."

"Certainly," Sash looked around the empty walls, picturing what each one
could hold. "You know, this room really needs some plants," he called to
Kestra. "I'll see what I can come up with."

Kestra had went around the wall to her bedroom, "Yes, I think some
plants would be a nice touch." half heartedly answering him as she
started pulling clothes from her bags. She decided to put on a blue
jumpsuit.  Then turning she sat down at her makeup table to pull the pins
out of her hair and brushed it quickly. She did not bother to put her hair
up and let it fall naturally down her back. Satisfied, she stood up and went
back to the living room.

"I would be thankful if you could find a few for me. I have read the
crew manifest and it seems we have a botanist on board, a mister Orkney
I believe." Kestra said as she put on her shoes.

"Indeed," Sash replied appreciating Kestra's hairstyle. He liked it down
like that. Then he shook his head. "Orkney is a top notch botonist, but
I may have something I've been growing in mind."

He looked to see Kestra stand and straighten herself out. This was going
to be an interesting friendship. "Ready?"

"Well, I look forward to seeing what you have in mind." Kestra replied
as she inclined her head a bit at him. "And yes I am presentable now."

Stardate:2406.10.02
(USS Nimitz -10 Forward - CO/FO- Captain Sash and Commander Troi- 1915)

They walked leisurely through the ship to get to their destination,
chatting about what had been going on for them over the past few months.
Sash avoided the topic of Nessa. He half expected Jennah to jump out of
some hidey hole, trying to surprise him.

They entered 10 Forward, both talking and looked around. The place
wasn't as busy as it usually was. Sash realized that many people might
be doing extra work in preperation for their mission. Some, might just
not be in the mood after his announcement. They found a seat and a
moment later someone showed up to take their order.

After the server had left Sash looked a little more serious. "So tell me
what you've discovered."

Kestra leaned forward putting her elbows on the table interlacing her
fingers as she looked at Sash for a moment before starting.

"Well actually I will start with the last one I saw, Lt. Saleke. We got
to know one another a bit and then I inquired as to whether or not he
had completed command training in the academy. Which he had not, so I
instructed him to replicate the reading materials and that he would have
to spend some time in each department getting familiar with what they
do. Also, I informed him that he would have to pass the test which I
will administer before he could assume the command chair alone." She
paused to see if Devan agreed with what she was doing.

"Excellent," Sash replied. "I'd like you to spend some time with him
over the next couple of days. I will have him on the bridge with us as
much as possible." Then he frowned. "Let's just hope that it won't be
necessary to use him until he's had a chance to take that test. He may
get some on the job training he hadn't bargained for."

"As you wanted me to pick an away team, if you dont mind, I would like
to use him to see how he responds to command even though he has not
taken the test." Kestra said as she was thinking ahead.

"That's fine," Sash was glad to find that Kestra was as sharp as ever.
"That will give me a chance to watch Wilson as temporary FO here on
Nimtz."

"Good and thanks, I think it will do him good." Kestra replied smiling.
Sash nodded his agreement.

Then she skipped to the next subject. After looking around and not
seeing many crew, she decided to continue.

"I don't know if you noticed the tension that Lt. Kirien brought with
her or not." She made a statement more than a question. She then
continued,  "She and Commander Wilson supposedly are engaged, but, he
has not been very committed to it. Now with his assignment to SFI he
intends to cancel the engagement. Lt. Kirien feels it as a betrayal and
I believe her children are suffering also. I have informed her to seek
help from our counselor and if she does not get the help she needs to
come back and talk to me."

"What are your feelings on this, Devan?" she asked.

Sash sat back in his seat. He had not known that Wilson was the father
of her child. "Normally I would like to stay out of the way of any
family issues. These are their personal problems. Absolutely, I agree that
she should seek out counseling, and I feel terrible for her. However, it is
not our place to intervene in their lives, unless you are doing so as a
friend."

He said that last part, almost as a question. He liked the doctor, from
what little contact he had with her. Her association with Wilson
appeared to be as much bad judgement as anything else.

The waiter brought their food which caused them to stop talking for the
brief time that he was there. Absentmindedly she started to eat while
pulling her thoughts together before starting again. She digested what
Devan had to say in response to her question the began.

Kestra shook her head almost in aspiration while also in answering his
question. "No, I am not a friend of hers as I had only met her when she
entered the meeting this morning. And before you ask, she was projecting
the anger she had toward Commander Wilson, I had no need to scan her."
she knew that it might be on his mind so it was clear now before he asked.
She had no other ideas at the moment on what else to do with Lt. Kirien as
it was her on duty to settle it as it was Commander Wilsons.

"Ok, we will let them take care of it themselves as it should be."
Kestra was not sure how to breech the next subject, Commander Wilson.
"Devan, I don't know how much you know this Commander Wilson or how much
interaction you have had with him. I tried to inform him that since he
was Second Officer that if he felt the need to be report something it
would go through me.  I am here to take care of as much as I can before
having to bring them to you as you have the ship to take care of."
Pausing for a minute to gather her thoughts, she wanted to be as
accurate as possible for Devan, "Commander Wilson informed me that I was
not of sufficient rank for him to inform me of any SFI materials and
that none will be available to me. He told me that being Second Officer
was more just a title and a cover to his being SFI.  SFI is his primary
concern. Now I can handle that and if you deem that information that he
imparts to you I need to know then so be it. I trust you to keep me
informed of what I need to know, but, I don't really trust him yet." She
looked into his eyes to see if there was any hint of anger in them but
Devan was good at hiding it if there was.

"Also in our conversation, I asked him if he intended any harm coming to
the crew. His answer was not one that I would have liked. He told me
that harming the crew is not in the mandate, unless its necessary, in rare
extreme cases. I think that if he had to sacrifice the crew to complete
a SFI mission he would." By this time she had gotten a little worked up
over the possibility of him harming her crew. She looked down at her
food which had cooled sufficiently enough that she was no longer hungry for
it.

"At some points in the conversation, Devan, I wanted to rip his mind out
and that scared me." She finished looking up at him.

Sash took a bite of his lasagna before answering her.  "Wilson.  Yes he
is a conundrum.  A necessary evil.  I don't think that anyone who has
met him has truely trusted him.  He does make that difficult.  But I
also believe that inside he is a good officer."

He chuckled a little.  "And I've wanted to rip more than his mind out a
few times.  He came to me as a Commander.  I wound up having to demote
him, and remove him from an executive officer position to a 2O position,
because of his cavalier attitude to the safety of the ship.  He's
stillon board because he and Tagon saved my life,"  he nodded
reluctantly, "and probably the ship too."

He took another bite of his food.  "Leave me to deal with Wilson.  If he
gives you any problems, just keep me informed and I will take care him.
Got it."  He put his hand gently on top of hers and patted it.  Suddenly
he felt a little uncomfortable and removed it.  ~Just friends.~

They ate the last of their meal and sat back from the table.  "Well,
Commander, do you feel up to some desert.  We may not be able to do this
again for a while."

They stood up and left the 10 forward.  There weren't very many people
there, but suddenly the ones that were began to talk.

(reply none)
(posted by Al Muir and Frank Rogers)