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)