Stardate:2406.11.28 (USS Nimitz - Sickbay - COUNS Ensign (sg) John Harrison -1110) Harrison listened calmly as Dr Kirien replied, preparing himself to try and help a woman who on some levels did not want to be helped. "You think that you should be able to do something to make this entire...." And she waved her hands to indicate the entire ship, "situation better. But you can't. There is nothing that anyone can do." She stood up from behind the desk, and stared down at the Counsellor. "My career is failed, my children hate me for bringing them here, and the father of my children is dead. What compensation do I have ? A friendship with a Captain who lusts after the CO of another ship whose life is even more screwed up than his own ?" She sank back into her chair and indicated that the counsellor should have a seat. The counsellor sat down and watched as she pulled up a screen of medical statistics. Ever the doctor, Michaela Kirien was using her professionalism to try and contain her emotions... as did he. But there was too much emotion to contain here, and he could here the pain in her voice. "One death, that was a little andorian boy who took the plasma straight to his face. There was nothing we could do, he was dead within moments of being beamed into sickbay. The rest have severe burns, both internal and external. Nothing that can't be fixed with time and rest. We have all nine of the surviving children on a detox treatment - the plasma vapor is toxic. My girls... they were lucky. They fared the best of the nine. I... I didn't know it had happened. And I should have, we're bonded, I should have felt it." She looked down at her hands, as her professional exterior crumbled in the face of tears. "I'm a bad mother." She sniffled. Harrison was silent for a moment or two. She needed to let this out, and he ought to allow her to do that for a moment, but he also needed to tread carefully with what he said. He moved closer, but not too close. He needed to seem friendly, but she needed personal space. "I think that deep down," he began softly, praying to a million gods that he didn't believe in that he was saying the right thing, "that you know that's not true." (reply Kirien) "There are many things we cannot control. That is a fundamental truth of life; we have no control over everything that happens to us. As you said about the andorian boy, there was nothing you could do. This is true about other things that have happened to you." (reply Kirien) "Ella and Beth are still here, they still need you. Who else will help them come to terms with what they've just been through, what they've just witnessed. There is only so much a counsellor can do, but a mother is equal to a thousand counsellors to her daughters." (reply Kirien) (posted by James Batchelor) Stardate:2406.11.28 (USS Nimitz - Bridge - CO- Captain Devan Sash- 1111) "Captain!" the call was from Gralen, "there is an intertertial energy imbalance in the Georgias shields at the seam of three and four. A series of four full power phaser blasts might be able to take the shielding down long enough for us to transport off their bridge crew!" If they could prevent another death then Sash wanted to be sure all efforts were made. "Do it." "Already on it Captain!" He said and fed the fire coordinates to Paul Caselys fire control station. "Coordinates on the way Paul." He said and hit the final button and sat back, hoping they were not too late. "Let me know when we've picked up all the crew from the Georgia that we can. We're also going to need to find a way to get these people off the ship before heading out. Darteena, set course for the planet, we'll try a low sweep through the mesosphere, and see if we can't unload a few via transporter." (reply Bixx) "K'ven, what's the eta of those New Orleans class ships?" he asked. (reply K'ven) "Paul I want your special surprise ready for them," Sash said the the TAC/SC. "That's goign to be our cue to get the hell out off here. Has there been any word from the Boudicca?" (reply Casely, Bixx, K'ven, Gralen, any) (posted by Al Muir) Stardate:2406.11.28 (USS Nimitz - Bridge - Strat Ops - Sogh la' K'ven - 1111) K'ven had been monitoring things on the ship and everything that was going on around them. The Pair of New Orleans class starships were continuing on their track into the battle. He had been sending the Boudicca updates all through the battle on the status of the nimitz and best laid escape routes for the Nimitz and the Boudicca once Sevant was safe. The battles with the Savannah and Georgia made him smile, especially the Georgia. The captain of that ship knew how to battle. Sash had given him the chance to be beamed aboard to safety but as most Klingon captians, he refused. "K'ven, what's the eta of those New Orleans class ships?" he asked. K'ven pushed a few of his panel keys which then moved back to just the Starships. He did not think that the Nimitz or the Boudicca had much time. He could see that they would be in the battle only a few more minutes away. "Sir, They will be in extreme torpedo range in five minutes. They are in the process of setting up to block our most obvious escape route. But, I was ready for that and have set up different plans for our eventual departure." K'ven replied and hoped that Sash understood as he had already moved on to Mister Casely. "Paul I want your special surprise ready for them," Sash said to the TAC/SC. "That's going to be our cue to get the hell out off here. Has there been any word from the Boudicca?" (reply from Sash, any) (posted by Frank) Stardate:2406.11.28 (USS Nimitz - Bridge - CSO Ens. (sg) Holis Gralen- 1113)   Holis watched the readouts hopefully as Paul began firing at the seam in the energy shields of the Georgia caused most likely by an imbalance in the power flow to the shielding systems. With a warp core breach imminent the ships control and resources were strained to the limit, little wonder such gremlins would be cropping up. One by one the phasers struck the shielding and at number four they finally dissipated just as the energy models Holis had been juggling showed. A wide smile came across his face at Pauls shout.    "The deed is done, they're ready for beam out."   After a moment the life signs showing on the science board faded out in tandem with a transporter field trace on the Georgias bridge. Holis closed his eyes in relief and he sagged back in his chair, he wanted to shout out in joy but he was too drained mentally.   ~What are you doing here Holis~ He whipped himself mentally.  ~You've been a civilian on the bridge of a starship in a battle during a civil war. You don't belong here.~   He knew it was true and he didn't have the strength to try fooling himself, he could try and play hero if he wanted but this was not the stuff of legends, along with the expected military casualties children had been hurt and killed.; fortunately he had located the Kirien children and could tell they were all right. The shouts of excitement on the bridge faded to a murmer in the back of his mind as people began realizing the battle was over and they had won but Holis didn't join in the celebration, he was just wishing he was in his cabin crawled into a bottle of brandy.   (Reply: Any, none) (Posted by Charles) Stardate:2406.11.28 (USS Nimitz - Bridge - CSO Ens.(sg) Holis Gralen- 1116) "K'ven, what's the eta of those New Orleans class ships?" Captain Sash asked in the aftermath of the rescue of the bridge crew of the Georgia. "Sir, They will be in extreme torpedo range in five minutes. They are in the process of setting up to block our most obvious escape route. But, I was ready for that and have set up different plans for our eventual departure." K'ven replied. ) "Paul I want your special surprise ready for them," Sash said the the TAC/SC.   "That's going to be our cue to get the hell out off here.  Has there been any word from the Boudicca?"   (Reply: Paul Casely)   Holis was listening to Pauls reply when readings of an energy surge on the planets surface caught his attention, he focused the sensors on the cause and saw the energy trail rising into the stratosphere of the planet.   "Captain!" Holis said. "I'm reading a shuttle taking off from the planets surface, they're taking fire and being pursued"   (Reply: Sash)   "It's leaving the atmosphere now Captain. The transponder marks it as the shuttle from the Boudicca with a number of life signs on board." Holis was starting to get excited.   (Reply: Sash)   "With their shields up it's difficult to tell if there is a Vulcan aboard." Holis replied grimly." His eyes opened wide as the shuttle lost power. " They're close to the Boudicca but have lost power, three fighters are close behind." Now he could get that reading he was looking for. "I've got it Captain! There is a faint Vulcan lifesign aboard!"   (Reply: Sash, any) (Posted by Charles) Stardate:2406.11.28 (USS Nimitz - Bridge - Strat Ops - Sogh la' K'ven - 1120) "Captain!" Holis said. "I'm reading a shuttle taking off from the planets surface, they're taking fire and being pursued" (Reply: Sash, any) "It's leaving the atmosphere now Captain. The transponder marks it as the shuttle from the Boudicca with a number of life signs on board." Holis was starting to get excited. (Reply: Sash, any) "With their shields up it's difficult to tell if there is a Vulcan aboard." Holis replied grimly. " They're close to the Boudicca but have lost power, three fighters are close behind." Holis paused for a second, "I've got it Captain! There is a faint Vulcan life sign aboard!" K'ven was half listening to what Holis was saying but his attention was upon the two New Orleans class starships. "Captain the starships are within range and have powered up their forward firing torpedo tubes." (Reply: Sash,any) K'ven knew that they were within range to fire, but, they still did not fire. Then it dawned on them that the captains of the other ships did not want the chance of missing, they were getting closer than extreme range. He also noticed that one ship had took aim at the Boudicca. They were going to try and take out both ships in one volley. It did not take the Starships to get in position and fire the first volley of three quantum torpedos at the Nimitz and Boudicca. "Captain, three incoming quantum torpedos incoming, impact in 30, 45, and 55 seconds respectively." K'ven told Sash as he was keying up the Boudicca, (Reply: Sash, any) "K'ven to Boudicca, three incoming quantum torpedos in 25, 40, and 50 seconds." He told them urgently as he also sent them the best direction for escape once they had Sevant secured; hopefully. (Reply: Boudicca, any) Stardate:2406.11.28 (USS Nimitz - Bridge - CO- Captain Devan Sash- 1121) "Captain!" Gralen called out, "I'm reading a shuttle taking off from the planets surface, they're taking fire and being pursued" "Is it our shuttle?" Sash asked, sitting on the edge of his seat. "It's leaving the atmosphere now Captain. The transponder marks it as the shuttle from the Boudicca with a number of life signs on board." Holis was starting to get excited. "Can you tell if they werre able to find Captain Sevant?" after all that was whaat it was all about anyway. "With their shields up it's difficult to tell if there is a Vulcan aboard." Holis replied grimly." His eyes opened wide as the shuttle lost power. " They're close to the Boudicca but have lost power, three fighters are close behind." Now he could get that reading he was looking for. "I've got it Captain! There is a faint Vulcan lifesign aboard!" Sash turned to Bixx, "Let's see if we can't take some of the heat off them. Engage the fighters. Mr. Casely, target the fighters and keep them off that shuttle." (reply Casely) "K'ven, I want those passengers off my ship. Find a place for us to unload them. I know it's a lot, and we have little time, but I have no desire to be marked as a hostage taker." K'ven reply was not what Sash had expected to hear. "Captain the starships are within range and have powered up their forward firing torpedo tubes." "Damn it," Sash cursed under his breath, It looked like they had little choice but to hang onto their "guests" for a little longer. "Get as much power to the shields as possible. We aren't going to be able to take much from them, but we've got to give Boudicca time to recover their shuttle." The Nimitz moved into attack position and went after the fighters that were on the shuttle. They managed to draw most of the enemy fighters. When the Nimitz made a hard turn it nearly rammed through on of the fighters. Instead the ship clipped the shielding and went flying out of control into deep space. The next words that Sash heard sent a chill through him. "Captain, three incoming quantum torpedos, impact in 30, 45, and 55 seconds respectively." "Where the hell is Boudicca," Sash grumbled. "Inform them of the need to pick up the pace K'ven. And give them the coordinates of our escape route. Paul it looks like the time for special retreat surprise is at hand. Deploy the warp core at my command." (repy Casely) Suddenly the shuttle exploded. Sash watched in shock, his jaws lightly open. ~If this has all een for nothing.~ He didn't want to accept that. =^=Boudicca to Nimitz, the package has been successfully delivered.=^= Sash recognized the voice as Tagons. He smiled and relaxed. "Affirmative Boudicca, bug out." He turned to Casely. "Lt Casely, release the surprise." The warp core that they had retrieved earlier was sent towards the two New Orleans class ships. Paul hadpainstaking rearanged al energy signatures to disguise it as inert material, until it charged up. By then it was too late. The warp core blew, sending the wo battle cruisers reeling. "Now Darteena," Sash called out. "Warp 7, engage." With that, the Nimitz disappeared into warp sace, following the Boudicca. (reply all) (posted by Al Muir) Stardate:2406.11.28 (USS Nimitz - Bridge - CSO Ens. (sg) Holis Gralen - 1122) "Captain the starships are within range and have powered up their forward firing torpedo tubes." (Reply: Sash,any) Holis felt his heart begin to race as Kven began announcing the approach of the other enemy ships, they were so close to getting out of here! He changed his readouts to reflect the incoming enemy. Very shortly the ships had gotten into a near can't-miss position, Holis read the powering up of their weapons systems prior to releasing their torpedoes but said nothing as K'Ven, Paul and Captain Sash were all well aware of what was happening and jumping in would only confuse matters, best to leave military matters to military minds.   "Captain, three incoming quantum torpedos incoming, impact in 30, 45, and 55 seconds respectively." K'ven told Sash as he was pressing buttons on his console. (Reply: Sash, any)   Holis wiped sweat off that had begun beading on his brow and waited for what was coming. He heard K'Ven talking to the Boudiccas bridge crew. "K'ven to Boudicca, three incoming quantum torpedos in 25, 40, and 50 seconds." He told them urgently.   Holis waited for their reply as on the screen the torpedoes sped nearer.   (Reply: Any) (Posted by Charles) Stardate:2406.11.28 (USS Nimitz - Bridge - TAC/SC- Ensign {SG} Paul Casely - 1125)   Paul listened to the events unfolding around them. It sounded like they had escaped from the planet. Things were coming together.   "Mr. Casely, target the fighters and keep them off that shuttle," stated the captain as Paul tracked the shuttle breaking the planet first. "Aye Sir," said Paul as he began to target the fighers. They really posed little threat and had comparitively little firepower. Paul quickly targetted their engines. He didn't want to be responsible for more deaths. Paul watched as the phaser stream came out of the ship and struck the first engine on a fighter. The fighter spun away from the shuttle, trying to keep control to land. At any rate, its attention was no longer on the shuttle. In quick order, Paul repeated his manoeuver. Whoever was in those things hadn't counted on a Sovereign Class starship being available for escort duty.   "Sir, the fighers are breaking off their attack," said Paul aloud.   Paul watched as his sensors showed two more starships coming into view. Things were becoming serious again.   "Where the hell is Boudicca," Sash grumbled. "Inform them of the need to pick up the pace K'ven.  And give them the coordinates of our escape route. Paul it looks like the time for special retreat surprise is at hand.  Deploy the warp core at my command." "Aye Sir, prepping warp core and ready for deployment," replyed Paul.   Suddenly, the shuttle exploded. Paul felt his chest tighten. ~Was I responsible? What could I have done to prevent it?~ Then he felt a certain euphoria when the transmission came from the Boudicca, from Lt. Tagon, reporting that Captain Sevant was safe.   "Lt Casely, release the surprise," said the Captain.   "Aye Sir," stated Paul placing the warp core behind them. ~Lieutenant? Did I just get a promotion or was that a slip up?~ Paul fired on the core, watching it explode and the explosion engulf the ships. They weren't coming out of that able to fight. The battle was over, they'd won. Paul felt a wave of both relief and nausea as Bixx warped them away.   (Reply Sash, any, none) (Posted by Jeff Bergeron) Stardate:2406.11.28 (USS Nimitz - Main Engineering - Ensign Miles O'Neill - 1125) Miles had just heard about the rescue of Capt. Sevant, and was relieved on hearing the news. ~At least that's over. Now begins the fun part, fixing the ship.~ He thought as he made his way to the Master Systems Console, and started fixing various parts of the ship, starting with the warp core. (Reply any) (Posted by Matt Kirk) Stardate:2406.11.28 (USS Nimitz - Bridge - CO- Captain Devan Sash- 1330) Sash continued to pace the bridge. His pattern went from sitting in his command seat, to watching the sensors over Casely's shoulder, to looking at the sensors over Gralen's shoulder, to looking at the sensors over K'ven's shoulder, to watching their route of travel at Bixx's station, then back to his seat. He could tell that after two hours of this, he was starting to make everyone else nervous. He just couldn't believe that they got away so easily, or with so little pursuit. It made him nervous, and now he was probably driving his crew crazy. By now, if there was no sign of pursuit, he would have to assume the best. They had escaped. Did he really say that it was easy? It was time that he found out the condition of the ship. He sat down and entered coordinate to his command pannel and sent them to Bixx, with a little note attached. [Please set coordinates to 056.3 mark 678 mark 264. You did great. Big hug later.] (reply Bixx) He hit the comm channel. "There will be a senior staff meeting in conference room 1 in 30 minutes. Have status reports ready." Then he thought for a moment and realized that it had been a while since he ate. "Lunch will be provided. Sash out." (reply All, and I mean all) (posted by Al Muir) Stardate:2406.11.28 (USS Nimitz - Bridge - CO- Captain Devan Sash- 1350) Sash after his announcement Sash had made his way down to the galley. he arranged for "Cook" and his crew to work their tails off and get some food together and out for the senior staff. It was mostly sandwiches and finger food, but it would sufice. With everything set out Sash got himself a plate and began to pick out some of the food. Then he sat in his chair, took a bite of a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, leaned his head back, and enjoyed the sensation of eating again. When he heard the door open he sat up and opened his eyes to see who was arriving. (ok, who's going to be first) (posted by Al Muir) Stardate:2406.11.28 (USS Nimitz - Conference room - CSO Ens.(sg) Holis Gralen 1355) Holis walk into the conference room could be called more of a shuffle  as he stepped through the door and moved toward the table. Holis nodded at the Captain and said in greeting simply. "Captain."   (Reply: Captain Sash)   Holis had no energy to smile and his normally bubbly personality was subdued. The shock of what had taken place today had hurt him deeply, he took a glass of juice and an bit of sandwhich and sipped the juice as he looked at the sandwhich, food had seemed a good idea when he had walked in but he found that his appetite had fled. Holis sighed and leaned back in his chair then took another sip of the juice, he found the effect soothing. He looked around at the door as another officer entered.   (Reply: Sash, any) (Posted by Charles)  Stardate:2406.11.28 (USS Nimitz - Conference Room 1 - Strat Ops - Sogh la' K'ven - 1355) K'ven had watched the crew of the Nimitz for some time now and was ready for his report. He was impressed with what the crew had done and understood why the 52nd had pulled away. This Admiral Doenitz was definitely a dishonorable person. He had to speak with Sash and let him know what he had decided. He had come on board around a party and now he would tell Sash during a party. ~Does Starfleet always have a party after a battle.~ K'ven asked himself ~How so much like we Klingons they are. We party also after a great battle.~ K'ven closed down his console after he had ensured that no one was following them or the Boudicca. His job was done for now. He had heard the announcement that Sash sent over the intercom and now he moved in that direction. As he entered the room, he noticed all the food that these humans called 'finger' food. None of it was really palatable for any pure Klingon, but, he decided not to dishonor Sash by not partaking. He picked up a plate and started putting different items on it and started nibbling. He finally made it over to where Sash was sitting and sat down with his plate. "Captain, you call this food where you come from?" Sash asked trying to being polite as he could. (Reply: Sash, any) "Well, if you say so." K'ven took a small bit once again, "Captain, it is time that I report to my government about what I think of this war you seem to have." (Reply: Sash, any) "Captain I will not lie to you, although I find this war of yours, a Starfleet matter, I do think that the Empire should get involved. I also find that the 52nd to be honorable and that the Empire should join it. Mostly, because it would benefit the Empire to join your cause and this Doenitz is not an honorable person." K'ven answered and hoped that Sash would be satisfied. (reply from Sash, any) (posted by Frank) Stardate:2406.11.28 (USS Nimitz, Conference Room 1, CEO, Lt.(sg) Zzt 13:56) Zzt walked into the Conference Room, his large tool-kit still in one paw. He'd been busy with repairs and he had taken the opportunity to 'get his paws dirty' doing some of the repairs himself rather than delegating it to a repair team. Zzt enjoyed working, tinkering, and fiddling with the ships inner most workings. He wasn't gonna let this opportunity slip by with out at least working on some of the damaged systems himself. The fact that his uniform was filthy and even ripped in a few places didn't even register to Zzt, so focused was he on getting the ship repaired. This meeting was just another delay. He wiggled his claws in greeting at the Captain, while ignoring the crazy Klingon completely. He immediately noticed the table with all the food on it and his eyes grew with anticipation, his stomach grumbling suddenly. ~Maybe this not so bad of a delay after all.~ He thought moving over to the table quickly to surveying the various food laid out. He crinkled up his snout in disgust at the very 'human' food laid out. Not a single slab of raw meat anywhere to be seen. ~Not exactly a banquette.~ he thought with a shrug of his massive shoulders, before lifting an entire platter of sandwiches in one paw. Leaving a very noticeable gap. He might not like 'human' food but he could stomach it if need be. With his platter of sandwiches in one paw, Zzt turned and moved over to his customary spot, the gap in chairs around the table, and squatted on the floor. He tossed several sandwiches into his mouth and chewed absently as he pulled a PADD from a pocket and started making notes on it. (Reply Sash, Kven IYW, Any) (Posted by Wes) Stardate:2406.11.28 (USS Nimitz - Conference Room 1 - Ensign (sg) Miles O'Neill - 1356) Miles entered the conference room, PADD in hand, and said to everyone there, "Hello all." He tucked his PADD under his arm as he made his way over to the table with the various lunches, got a plate and two sandwiches, and sat down at the conference table. He quickly checked over his PADD to see if everything was alright, and, after he started eating, thought, ~God bless the cook, he really knows how to make a good sandwich.~ He waited for other people to come while he was eating his sandwich. (Reply any) (Posted by Matt Kirk) Stardate:2406.11.28 (USS Nimitz - Conference room - CO- Captain Devan Sash -1358) Sash looked up to see Gralen enter. He smiled at the CSO. The man had pulled through when they needed him. Sash realized that Hollis was really a civilian, but he prformed like an officer, and he was glad that the Betazoid had been there. Captain," Gralen said with a nod. Sash returned the gesture, "Dr." Gralen looked like he was in no mood to chat so Sash left it at that. The next to enter was K'ven. Sash watched as the Klingon picked over the food gingerly. He hadn't thought of the Klingon when they werepeparing the food, but then again, there hadn't been time to do Klingon food any justice. K'ven finally found enough food to occupy him and he came and sat down at the tabke, next to Sash. "Captain, you call this food where you come from?" K'ven growed, dropping a sandwich into his mouth. "I know its not gagh, or Rokeg Blood Pie, but it was the best we could do in a short time," Sash apologized. "Well, if you say so." K'ven took a small bite once again, "Captain, it is time that I report to my government about what I think of this war you seem to have." "Really, Sash sat moe upright. "I'd be very interested to know how that report would read." K'ven went on to tell how he felt about the 52nd fleet and what he thought of Doenitz, and what his recommendation would be. Sash listened, nodding approvingly. "Well, I'm relieved that your assessment matches ours. I look forward to a stronger relationship between our people." Sash looked up to see Zzt come in. The big Gerratlian had the look of a bear at a picnic. He was never happier than when he had to fix something, and was there ever somethings to fix. Then he saw the look of disappointment on Zzt's face s he perussed the food. Sash knew what he was looking for, and the CO had saved something special for his friend. "Excuse Commander," Sash said to K'ven and stood up. He walked over to Zzt shaking his head. "Now that's not what a growing Gerratlian needs to eat." He pulled out a container and opened it. It was rather sizable hunk of raw meat, marinating in a puddle of blood. "I thought you might want something a little more approprate, to keep you going until dinner." (reply Zzt) When Zzt was sitting it was the only time that Sash could look the CEO in the face, straight on, and Sash himself was not a small person. He went round the room and began to greet the others as they entered and sat. (reply Zzt) (posted by Al Muir) Stardate:2406.11.28 (USS Nimitz - Conference Room 1 - TAC/SC - Ensign (SG) Paul Casely- 1358) Paul walked into the conference room. He was a bit later than he usually would be, but he had only just finished the inventory and diagnostics for tactical. Paul wanted to absolutely sure that if ships happened on them and started firing they would be ready.   Paul entered and nodded at his fellow crewmates. "Good afternoon Captain, hello everyone," said Paul and then he went to find his seat.   (Reply any)   Paul had still be smarting after the events that led to the end of the Savana. He could still see those bodies hanging in space. He wondered how long before he'd be able to deal with it. They were, after all, Starfleet officers just like himself. It could have just as easily been him on that other ship. Paul shook his head for a second as if shaking the events out of his mind. ~No time to dwell on this right now.~   (Reply any) (Posted by Jeff Bergeron) Stardate:2406.11.28 (USS Nimitz - Conference room - CO- Captain Devan Sash -1400) The rest of the crew came ina nd helped themselves to the food and found a seat. The sound of friendly chatter that arose, almost instinctively, through the process of eating, was gratifying. They had just been through quite an ordeal, but they had survived, again. Sash wondered if the Nimitz was part cat. Once Casely arrived Sash let him get settled then began to gather everyoe's attention. "Okay," he began and stood up, "let's bring this meeting to order. Before we begin I want to say how proud I am of this crew and how well you all performed. Captain Sevant has been rescued and many lives were saved on both our ships." Sash paused for a moment, then continued. "Of course, lives were lost to the other side, which is an unfortunate side effect to war. It is my hope that the loss of other lives continues to cause us distress, but does not hold us back from doing our duties. If we were cold and heartless about the death of others then... well, then we'd be fighting for the other side, and this mission would not have gone nearly aswell for the 52nd. So I just want to say, congratulations, and good work everyone." Sash took a deep breath before continuing. "With that said, let's look to the future. We have a meeting with the Boudicca tomorrow morning at the predesignated time and place. From there Captain Sevant, or Commander West, whoever's in charge, and I will decide what we should do. Our orders are to stay together, until further notice, or at least within sensor range." He looked around the room to see that the crew, though still eating, appeared to be listening to his every word. " Now for the present. Status reports." Sash sat and listened to his crew give the status of their respective departments. He smiled as they all seemed more confident and at ease with themselves and the others. Hearing them all chime in in ways to help each other out was gratifying. Through this mission, they all became much closer, and tighter knit group. To bad it had to be such an expensive lesson. (reply none) (posted by Al Muir) Stardate:2406.11.28 (USS Nimitz - Conference room - Major Dorkin -1405) Dorkin crossed his chubby arms together as he sat stiff-backed in his seat. His captain was a fighter, but he was also a would-be poet. When he felt like talking... he talked a lot. Dorkin had not partaken of food or drink, he was still waiting for battle should it come, he didn't think the niceities of a lunch were appropriate. However, most of the rest didn't agree with him, and people were stuffing their faces all around him. The Tellarite mentally waved the thoughts away and tuned back into the Captain. "With that said, let's look to the future. We have a meeting with the Boudicca tomorrow morning at the predesignated time and place. From there Captain Sevant, or Commander West, whoever's in charge, and I will decide what we should do. Our orders are to stay together, until further notice, or at least within sensor range." He looked around the room to see that the crew, though still eating, appeared to be listening to his every word. " Now for the present. Status reports." "The Marines are gung-ho. Find us a target, we'll rip it apart." Dorkin said, short and sweet." Stardate:2406.11.29 (USS Boudicca - Captain's Ready Room - Captain Sash And Captain Sevant - 1000) The Nimtz and boudicca had met up at the prearranged time and coordinates. Sash was still being a little paranoid, but he had managed to get his paranoia under control, and everyone was starting to relax. Now it was time to get to the heart of the matter. Captain Caladryll Sevant. What was Sevant's condition? Was he capable of being the captain of a starship? How was his mind? Had they managed to turn him? Sash knew Sevant, and knew that that could only be done through... alternate methods of persuasion, and considering it looked like they were trying to execute him, it didn't seem likely. But Sash's orders had been specific. Check Sevant out thoroughly, and assess his situation. If there was a chance that he had been turned or brainwashed, or whatever euphamism they were using now, then his orders were a little more open to interpretation. "Deal with him." Sash knew what that meant, but he also knew Robert LoDona did not want to issue an execution order. When Sash entered Sevant's ready room, the Vulcan was sitting behind his desk, looking over several PADDS. With the exception of a few bruises and contusions, he didn't look that worse for the wear. Seeing his old friend he stepped forward with a smile and a nod. "Well, Captain Sevant, youlook like you managed to get away with relatively little damage. You must be feeling pretty lucky." Sevant put aside his PADD and gestured to the seat before his desk, "Luck was not a factor. Skill was." He leaned back in his seat and looked over Sash. "But your timing was fortunate. I wasnt long from some last minute intel gathering techniques that would have effectvely crippled this front of the war." Sash couldn't help but chuckle. "Now who would have thought of you as the eternal optimist." He sat down across from Sevant and his face became serious. "You really had me worried for a while there. In some ways, you still do. It's been less than a full day, and you're back at work. How are you? Really?" "Hardly duty," Sevant said as he crossed his hands. "The doctors still have a watch on me, with no less then two telepaths watching my every emotion for signs of either distress or treachery. Either I can understand." He gestured to the PADDs with a flick of his eyes, "I am, for now, playing catchup with what has happened in my absence, and writing a detailed report on my detention." He looked up again. "I won't say that I was treated well, but Starfleet has much to learn when it comes to torture and interrogation. I suffered far worse with the Romulans." "We can be grateful for small favors then," Sash said. "However, I don't believe they brought out they're best players on that game. For some reason, I believe they completely underestimated us. I doubt they'll make that mistake twice." There was a moment of uncomfortable silence between the two men. Sash searched for something else to talk about rather than what he had to. "Your crew performed admirably. You have some fine officers on staff here. Tagon is quite taken with your Security Chief. I don't think I've heard him say anything nice about anyone before." Sevant nodded, "I would have no less." He picked up a PADD, "I've heard some good things about your own crew." He put the PADD back down after glancing at it, "I am interested in the reasoning behind the rescue, not that I am not grateful. It would have been easier, perhaps more prudent, to clean the base up with several well placed torpedoes from orbit. Certainly the casualty list would have been smaller." Sash nodded, "I agree it would have been easier, but nearly so much fun. You know me better than that. I couldn't have given that order without having attempted at getting you out. Believe me, there were standing orders that if your rescue was not going to succeed, then they would have left that place uninhabited, by anyone." Sash raised an eyebrow so Sevant got his meaning, which was obvious anyway. "However, the call was mine," Sash admitted, "and if I was going to answer questions from anyone else, I would first have to answer them from myself. And that first question would always be, could we have saved Caladryll? And somehow, I believe you would have done the same for me." Sevant considered that, and Sash, for several long moments. Finally he nodded, "I would have done the same, logic be damned." He sat forward in the chair again, all business. "We both need time to refit, there are several star-clusters in the area where we might hove-to for some few days in relative safety. I would suggest we proceed there together for mutual protection while we patch up." Sash nodded. He sat back and relaxed for a moment, "feeling" that he was with the old Sevant. "I agree. I'd also like my CMO to hook up with your CMO and go over a few cases. Also, we managed to salvage a few... spare parts... so your CEO might want to check in with mine to see if we have anything you might need." Sevant nodded and sat back again, "Agreed." He remained silent again for long moments, trying to word just what he was thinking. It was not often anymore that he was forced into emotional realms, especially realms such as this. "I am... grateful... Captain. For my life, and for watching over my ship. Mr. West is a fine officer, but he's not yet a combat captain. Times such as these will harden him, and I'm sure your example will be an inspiration." He stood up, and after a hesitant moment, offered a hand. "I am in your debt, Captain." Sash knew how hard that must have been for Sevant. He rose from his seat. "Captain Sevant, Lt. commander West already had a fine example to inspire him. And one day, I may need to collect on that debt. In the mean time, I'll take my leave of you." He turned to leave then turned around and looked squarely at Sevant. He stood there for a moment imagining someone else sitting in that seat, and couldn't picture anyone more fitting. "I really am glad you're back Sevant. Stay out of trouble you hear me." With that Sash headed back to the Nimtz, and to return to his own business. (reply none) (posted by Al Muir and Jeremy Trout)