Subject: Grail: "Last Look Back"-`Getting While the Getting is Good'
<<OOC: In an effort to advance the time a little so
that we might proceed with our quest, this post will
bring us to the next day. If anyone yet has anything
that simply must be resolved prior to this post,
please remember to include the Stardate and Time.
Thanks, All.>>
<<Stardate 47307.17- 16:00>>
<<Battle Bridge>>
Epic Terrakian sat in the Command Chair and
read the repair effort reports as they scrolled by on
the display on the chairs arm panel. Things were
shaping up well. By tomorrow, they should be able to return command
functions to the Main Bridge. After the battle, it was a mess.
Epic turned toward the turbolift as the Beta Shift Officers came on
duty. At this point, Major Brinn would relieve him, but she needed her
rest. Or, her alcohol, as her impromptu concert in 10 Forward suggested.
He admired her spirit and her strength. Epic was not so certain he could
make music after being crippled. But, then, he supposed he had, once.
After everyone had settled into their positions, Epic stood and
addressed Lt. [jg] Hopi Brescalia. She was Betazoid. Epic had always
thought that Betazoids SHOULD be at Tactical. It was where their talents
best served.
"Lt. Brescalia. I want scans of the surrounding area up to 1 light
year. I want you to pay particular attention to the `dead spots'. We're
still too close to the Romulans." Then, he turned to the rest of the
Battle Bridge crew.
"We will be shoving off within the hour."
Then, Epic moved toward his Ready Room.
"Lt. Brescalia. You have the Bridge."
<<Ready Room>>
"Terrakian to Fionn. Report to my Ready Room. ASAP."
After a short delay.
=^=Understood, Captain. I'm on my way.=^=
Epic nodded for no reason and reread the report on Fionn. He was of
mixed heritage, like Epic himself. They both shared a common Terran
half, but Fionn was half Koheen. They were a humanoid feline race and
they were reputed as skilled hunters and tacticians. Fionns file
suggested this was true.
The doorchime sounded, shaking Epic from his report. "Enter.", he
commanded.
Fionn seemed to stalk more than walk into the room. He checked
every corner, looked over everything before his bizarre eyes finally
settled on Epic.
"Please. Sit.", Epic extended his hand to the seat opposite him.
The Koheen sat, though he did not seem comfortable being still.
Epic leaned back in his chair.
"Lieutenant Fionn. You were immediately considered for promotion to
Assistant Chief Tactical in the wake of the death of Lt. Deric Stone.
However, only an hour ago, I received orders to release Lt. Cara Hatcher
to the custody of the Indiana for return to Deep Space 9. These orders
came from Admiral Hatcher herself."
Epic and Fionn exchanged a look that showed a mutual disdain for
such nepitism. But, it passed.
Epic stood. Abruptly, startling a lightning reaction in the Koheen.
Fionn was standing before Epic was. Epics eyes widened in surprise, but
his expression narrowed as a sinister smile spread across his lips.
"Without reservation, Lt. [jg] Fionn, you are hereby promoted to
full lieutenant and you will assume the responsibilities of the Tactical
Department. Congratulations, Lieutenant." Epic extended his hand.
As Epic returned to his seat, Fionn did also, but warily. That was
what Epic wanted. This man was on the lookout for everything. Even in
familiar and non-threatening surroundings.
"I want to tell you what my expectations are, Lieutenant. First and
foremost, I want your department to be as sharp and paranoid as you are.
This is not a `cheap shot', Fionn. A Tactical Officer is supposed to be
paranoid. I filled the duty for seven years, so my expectations are
high. Tactical is the Security of this ship against foreign invaders.
From here on out, everything we encounter is a foreign invader. We are
not an Ambassador mission. We are a Search and Rescue. Everything out
there wants to consume us. Be ready.
"Also, as we make First Contact with the new races and cultures on
the way, I expect you to accompany all Away Missions, with the express
purpose of determining the tactical strengths and weaknesses of
everything we encounter. Treat every encounter like we might have to
annihilate them one day. Because, we might have to. Let the Counselors
worry about their moods and dispositions. I want you tell me how to kill
them."
Fionn sat unblinking, absorbing all the Captain had to say. After a
few moments, Fionn stood.
Epic stood. "Now, lieutenant. You have much to do. Dismissed."
Fionns face was impossible to read as he left the room.
Epic left the Ready Room about an hour after Fionn did. He had
taken a quick catnap [he realised the pun and shook his head]. Fionn was
at the Tactical station conferring with Lt. Brescalia.
"Open a channel to the Indiana.", Epic ordered.
"Open.", Fionn reported.
"Commander Hunt.", Epic called as Corvette Hunt appeared on the
Main Viewer. "Because of the increased activity of the Romulans in this
area, we will be leaving as soon as all Grail personnel are transported
back. Lt. Cara Hatcher will be assuming command of the Indiana for its
return to Deep Space 9. Captain Hillary Singh will be joining us on our
trip. When all Grail crewmembers have returned home and Lt. Hatcher has
reported to you and relieved you, you will also return."
=^=Understood, Captain. Hunt out.=^=
Epic nodded and turned to the Helm. "After Commander Hunt has
transported back, take us to warp 5, heading 025 mark 072. Lieutenant
Fionn, you have the Bridge until 2400. I will relieve you then."
Epic turned to the turbolift and exited the Bridge.
"Deck 12.", he commanded. He wanted to go to the Nursery to see
Kaede. He NEEDED to see Kaede. He just needed to be with someone whose
only expectations were to be loved.
<<Another post will follow, bringing us to 47307.18- 0800. Thanks.>>