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Topic:  Serpent’s First Command: The Courage
Serpent
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Serpent
 
[VE-NAVY] Warrant Officer 2nd Class
 
Post Number:  382
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  Serpent’s First Command: The Courage
July 2, 2012 7:20:32 PM    View the profile of Serpent 
OOC:

This post is part of my requirements for the Capital Ship Captaincy Training Programme


The Warden-Class Light Cruiser Courage was, at just 42 meters long and packing 16 crewmen, a cramped vessel at the best of times.  Right now, with fourteen of those sixteen crewmen dashing about in a frenzy of activity, that cramped feeling was reinforced tenfold.

Overseeing the vaguely-directed chaos, Senior Chief Petty Officer Vagen Eosel strode imperiously from room to room, corridor to corridor, inspecting everything with a keen eye for detail.  Those eyes were hidden behind protective goggles, a necessity for him to see in the oxygen atmosphere on board the Courage.  As a Kel Dor, his species found the standard atmosphere on ships to be poison, so Eosel’s face was masked in breathing apparatus of shining steel.

The intimidating-looking alien nodded sagely as he checked the work of his subordinates.  As the First Officer of the Courage he was responsible for the training vessel until the arrival of the new Captain, and Eosel took that responsibility very seriously.  For the past four hours he had the crew engaged in everything from systems checks to waxing the bulkheads, preparing for the new CO.

Entering the small bridge, his eyes fixed immediately on the viewport across from him.  Right now the Courage did not offer the most impressive view that Eosel had ever seen, but he felt a strange tinge of excitement all the same.  They were docked with the impressive Training Platform Cappadocious, where the Kel Dor’s career with the Vast Empire had began.

And now, with his upcoming training to be a First Officer, this would be where his career really began to take off.

Only four other crewmen shared the bridge with him, for the small command suite only had four major workstations.  Eosel surveyed them each in turn.

First there was the Helmsman, Ysanne Samasl, a wiry human female with short hair styled to match those favoured by male crewmen.  She was putting the last bit of polish to her workstation, and using so much of the cleaning solution that it assaulted Eosel’s nose even through his breath mask.

Next his gaze shifted to the Courage’s Chief Engineer, a tentacle-faced Khil named Xela Fendar.  Her green-grey skin was stretched tight across her muscles as she worked at repairing her workstation, hydrospanner in hand.  Xela had stripped out of her uniform tunic to prevent getting sweat on it as she worked, and while Eosel admired her respect for the uniform, he wondered how distracting this was for the rest the crew.  Not all males were as focused on their duty as he was.

The Communications Officer, Dev Mishima, was certainly noticing his sweaty crewmate.  He was stealing furtive glances at Xela while pretending to adjust his seat, until he noticed Eosel glaring at him.  The human, wary of the intimidating XO, quickly decided that his seat was fine where it was, and turned instead to running checks of ship’s communications array.

Next to Dev was the other human male present on the bridge, the Chief Gunner Kol Yandeer.  Kol was of an age with Dev, and since coming on board Eosel had noticed a deep bond between the two.  They often played Sabacc in their down-time, and had once invited Eosel to join them but he had refused.  The Kel Dor wondered if that was a wise move.  Should an XO try to bond with the crew, or keep his distance?  He was still unsure.

“Okay people,” Said Eosel after seeing that they were near completion of their last-minutes checks and fixes.  “The new Captain will be here in ten minutes.  I expect all of you to be looking fit and ready when I escort him to the bridge.  That means no slacking, no chatting, and be in uniform,” He added, glancing at Xela.  “Any questions?”

The Kel Dor’s words came out of his breath mask in a deep rumble, a side-effect of the mask’s necessary voice modulation to enable him to be understood in the oxygen atmosphere.  It leant Eosel’s words an air of authority that he secretly relished.

“Question!” Said Dev Mishima, his youthful face smiling.  “Is it true that the new Captain is a Naval Intelligence assassin?”

“Oh where did you hear that?” Asked his friend Kol.

“I heard it from an old Academy mate of mine that serves on the Halcyon Warrior,” Replied Dev, making the statement with such confidence that one would imagine he believed it to be solid fact rather than rumour.

“You’re an idiot, you know that Mishima?” Said Ysanne Samasl dryly.

“And you’re uglier than a Gamorrean and just as surly,” Retorted Dev.  “I guess we are both cursed, but I’d rather be me.  Good looks and a personality go a long way in this world!”

Before Ysanne could retort (as was evident from the sudden redness in his face) Eosel stepped in.  “Enough!” Snapped the XO.  “This is just the sort of nonsense I want you all to avoid.  Captain Zail is not an assassin!  He is the VENI liaison to the rest of the Fleet.”

“Ah, that sounds a lot more plausible,” Said Kol, throwing a ‘what were you thinking’ glance at his friend.  Dev merely shrugged in response.

“He is also the son of Captain Zail of the Blazing Crown,” Said Xela Fendar, her soft sing-song voice setting her facial tentacles to dance as she spoke.  “I served under him for a tour.”

“Oh ho!” Said Dev.  “So the new Captain is some sort of well-connected generational officer following in daddy’s shoes?  I sense a man with issues...”

“One more word out of you, Mishima, and you’ll be demoted to cleaning the Academy’s toilets.  Clear?” Growled Eosel.

The human’s lips stayed firmly closed.

“Excellent,” Said the First Officer.  “Now, I am going to the airlock to meet Captain Zail.  Finish up and prepare for our return.”

And with that he strode from the bridge to meet his new CO.

OOC:
982 words.  The first post of a story dealing with Serpent’s first command, captain of the training vessel LCR Courage.  This one focused entirely on the NPC crew, with Captain Zail making his appearance in the next post.

After Action Report:  The crew of the LCR Courage are busy cleaning and checking systems, preparing for the arrival of their new Captain.  First Officer Vagen Eosel talks to the bridge crew, telling them to be ready for Captain Zail’s imminent arrival and tour of the ship.  The crew are as follows:

First Officer, Senior Chief Petty Officer Vagen Eosel
Helmsman, human female Ysanne Samasl
Chief Engineer, Khil female Xela Fendar
Communications Officer, human male Dev Mishima
Chief Gunner, human male Kol Yandeer
MS/WO2 Pherik “Serpent” Zail / LCR Courage/TF: TH/3Flt/VENA/VEN/VE
[SoA][MC2][LoM][NAR][E][HNS][SWC][CBV][VC:S][SoV][MiD][VC:G][=*Eng*=]

"It isn't the killing, you know.  It's the beauty of battles that I love - the choreography and the challenge of executing everything just right - and the challenge of matching your wits against a capable opponent." - Gilad Pellaeon
Serpent
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Serpent
 
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  RE: Serpent’s First Command: The Courage
July 9, 2012 10:14:45 PM    View the profile of Serpent 
Pherik ‘Serpent’ Zail adjusted his uniform and brushed a bit of lint off the rank patch that identified him as a Warrant Officer 2nd Class.  He marched through the Training Platform Cappadocious briskly, en route to the extended docking tube that was connected with the Warden-Class Light Cruiser Courage.

His ship.  His command.  His crew.

Again he fought down the wave of nerves that swept up from inside him, as he entered the dock and marched towards the open airlock.

Standing there, tall and imposing with a wickedly stylised breath mask over his mouth and eyes, waited a male Kel Dor in a VEN uniform.  The alien non-com, a Senior Chief Petty Officer, saluted smartly at his approach.

“Captain Zail, sir!  An honour to finally meet you!” Said the Kel Dor, his deep voice resonating from within the mask he wore.  “First Officer, Vagen Eosel, at your service.”

Serpent had been working hard to learn the names of his new subordinates, but he had taken extra care to read up on his XO.  “Mr Eosel, a pleasure to meet you,” Said Zail, returning the salute and gesturing for the other to stand at ease.  “I have read your file with great interest.  I especially liked your comment about command.  ‘Efficiency and obedience go hand-in-hand, and a good crew should have plenty of both’.”

“Yes, sir,” Said Eosel.  “I want to run a tight and orderly ship.”  Every word was sharp and crisp in its pronunciation, every syllable hard and confident.

As humourless and stern as his file suggested, mused the new Captain, however, that is just what I want in a First Officer.  “You and I are going to get along just fine, Mr Eosel,” Said Zail with a smile.  “Now, I believe you have been here for a few days already, prepping the ship and meeting the crew?”

“Yes, sir,” Confirmed the Kel Dor.  “With your arrival we now have a complete crew, with the exception of our Chief Medical Officer.”

Serpent nodded.  He knew that it would be another day before their ship’s Doctor, an Arkanian if he recalled correctly, reached the Cappadocious.  “In that case, the grand tour, if you please...”

-----

A tour of a vessel barely 40 meters long and with a crew of just 16 was hardly going to be ‘grand’, but Serpent had chosen the word deliberately.  If he was to Captain the Courage he would first have to respect it.  Comparing the small craft to his previous assignment (an Imperial II-Class Star Destroyer) was something he deliberately avoided in both thoughts and speech.

They went first to the bridge, for Zail was eager to meet the rest of the command staff.  He entered after his XO, thoroughly braced for the tiny room that constituted the nerve centre of the ship.

My quarters on the Halcyon Warrior were bigger than this, he mused.

Looking around, he saw four work stations, two to either side, and before him a wide but short window from which he could see space beyond.  It was not much, but Serpent took a moment to savour the pride in feeling that it was his.  Adjusting his gaze, he turned his attention to the four people who now rose from their posts and saluted their new Captain.

Zail eyed them each in turn, and recalled their names more from where they sat than by recalling pictures in personnel files.  “Greetings all,” He announced, trying to sound cool under their gazes but feeling himself getting hot under the collar.  “I am your new Captain, Pherik Zail.  I look forward to working with you all.  Please, stand at ease.”

They relaxed their salutes, but otherwise remained standing.  Deciding to be personable, Pherik approached each in turn.

The Khil female, the only non-human on the senior staff aside from the XO, stood out, and was the easiest for him to remember the name of.  “You must be Petty Officer Fendar, a pleasure to meet you,” He said, offering her his hand.

The extremely shy alien took it, her dark eyes reluctant to meet his.  “Pleased to meet you, Captain,” Xela Fendar muttered, her mouth tentacles muffling her speech.

Moving on to the woman next to her, he said, “Ah, Petty Officer Samasl, right?”

The tough-looking woman nodded and extended a hand.  When they shook, Serpent had to stifle a gasp at just how strong her grip was.  Was this woman an ex-member of the Stormtrooper Corps or something?

“Pleasure to meet you, sir,” Said Ysanne Samasl, still shaking his hand vigorously.

“Glad to have you aboard,” Managed the new Captain, fighting to free himself of her grasp.

Turning to the two men at the stations on the other side of the bridge, Zail said to the first one, “Petty Officer Yandeer, I take it?  A pleasure,” He said, shaking the man’s hand.

Kol Yandeer smiled warmly.  “Greetings, sir.  I can’t wait to blow something up for you!”  Said the Chief Gunner.

“Can’t wait to see you, and everyone else, in action either,” Said Serpent and then moved on.

So far so good, thought Zail, three down and one to go.

“And you must be Petty Officer Mishima,” He said to the last man, a roguish human with thick hair.

“I am, sir,” Said Dev Mishima with a grin.  “The Coms station is ready for your command.  Just tell me who you need hailed.  High Command or a Hutt pleasure house, I can reach either at a moment’s notice!”

“A bit of respect, Mr Mishima!” Snapped the First Officer at Pherik’s side, his stern voice raised with anger.

However, Serpent raised a hand to silence his XO.  “Its okay, Mr Eosel,” He said gently.  “Mr Mishima is just trying to break the ice with a joke.”

The Petty Officer smiled.  “Hope I succeeded, sir.”

“No,” Said Zail, his voice disapproving, “You did not.”  Raising his voice a little to make sure everyone took note, he told the crew, “I understand, I really do.  On a ship with this few crewmen, there is the expectation that we will be closer and more relaxed than on other vessels.  Let me just state for the record that that is not the case.  As my First Officer has already said to me, discipline is the key to a good ship.  This bridge will be a place of strict Imperial professionalism!  Is that clear?”

“Yes, sir!” Answered everyone in unison.

“Now,” Said Zail, feeling the need to move on, “Let’s continue the tour.  I would like to see the engine room next.  Mr Eosel, Engineer Fendar, with me,” He said, and they departed the bridge.

The three bridge officers left behind glanced at each other in silence for a few moments.

“Well done, Dev,” Said Samasl sarcastically.  “Get off to a great start with the new CO.”

Dev Mishima sighed.  “He’s going to be watching me now, isn’t he?”

“Yes he will,” Said his best friend, Kol Yandeer, “Congratulations.”

-----

“Very impressive,” Said Captain Zail, surveying the small but very well-run engine room.  He was well versed in ship’s systems, from simple relays to the hyperdrives, and from the looks of it, his Chief Engineer was equally adept.

“Thank you, sir,” Said Xela Fendar.  “When I came aboard a week ago it was mess, but I have replaced some worn-out parts and cleaned some conduits.  The engines are now up to 93.7% efficiency.”

“Excellent,” Said Serpent, turning to face her.  As he did so, he caught the shy alien staring at him, but she quickly averted her eyes.  “Is something wrong?”

“Nothing, sir,” Mumbled Fendar.

Confused, Zail glanced over at his XO, but Eosel also shrugged.  “Out with it, Petty Officer,” He pressed, wondering what was wrong.

“It’s just... well...” The Khil fumbled for words.  “You look just like him, sir.  It’s uncanny.”

“Him?” Echoed Serpent with a frown, then realised.  “Ah yes, you served under my father,” He recalled from her file.

“He is a great Captain, sir,” Said Fendar with obvious respect.  “You must be proud to be his son.”

Zail smiled.  “When I am done, it will be he who is proud to be my father,” He said.

And with that, he and Eosel departed to continue the tour.

-----

They took in the vessel swiftly, and Zail could not help but notice how clean and polished everything looked.  He strongly suspected that his new XO had been pushing the crew hard to prepare for the new Captain’s arrival, but he did not comment on it to Eosel.  In fact, he was quite pleased with his First Officer’s dedication thus far.

They looked at the weapons systems, and even stopped by the cramped ship’s galley, where the droid chef had cooked Serpent a snack.  When he remarked that the blackened toast was a bit overdone (he had in fact wanted a sandwich!), Eosel had replied that this was the reason the droid had earned his nickname among the crew, Charr.

Finally the two returned to the bridge, and the tiny Captain’s office located just outside it.  Serpent led the way into the bland room, and noting little more than a desk, chair and computer terminal, wondered about cheering it up with something.  A statue or hologram perhaps?

Zail walked around the desk and sat down gently in the distinctly uncomfortable chair.  There was no other seating in the room as yet, but had a feeling that his XO would prefer to stand anyway.

“A formidable little ship,” Said the Alderaanian after some thought.

“Yes, sir,” Said Eosel.

“But a ship is only as good as its crew,” Continued Zail.  “And a crew is only as good as its Captain.  Mr Eosel, as XO it is your duty to be the balancing point of both.  I need you to correct me as much as you correct the crew.  You understand that, right?”

The Kel Dor nodded.  “Yes, sir, I do,” He replied with certainty.

Serpent could not help but shake his head.  “No, I don’t think you do.  Not truly, not yet.  But you will.  I served as a First Officer on an ISD, under one of the most famous Captains in the fleet.  I had no idea what I was letting myself in for, and I doubt you do either.  Still, I admire your confidence.”  Taking and letting out a deep breath before going on Zail said, “We have a few days to get this crew ready, to prepare for our shakedown cruise.  It will be hard and tough, but I know we can do it.  I will be counting on you, Mr Eosel.”

“I won’t let you down, sir,” Replied the XO.

“I know you won’t.  Now, let’s get to work!”

OOC:
1786 words.  A lot of character development and crew interaction with this one.  For inspiration, I used one of my favourite (non-Star Wars) movies of all time, James Cameron’s brilliant Aliens.  Dev Mishima is going to push the command staff the way Hudson pushes Sergeant Apone and Lieutenant Gorman.

After Action Report:  Zail arrives at his new command, the LCR Courage.  He meets his First Officer and senior crew, and has to have stern words with lippy Dev Mishima.  Then he tours the vessel and talks with his new XO in his office, confessing some of his concerns and asking for Eosel’s help.
MS/WO2 Pherik “Serpent” Zail / LCR Courage/TF: TH/3Flt/VENA/VEN/VE
[SoA][MC2][LoM][NAR][E][HNS][SWC][CBV][VC:S][SoV][MiD][VC:G][=*Eng*=][=BO=]

"It isn't the killing, you know.  It's the beauty of battles that I love - the choreography and the challenge of executing everything just right - and the challenge of matching your wits against a capable opponent." - Gilad Pellaeon
Serpent
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Serpent
 
[VE-NAVY] Warrant Officer 2nd Class
 
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Total Posts:  1214
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  RE: Serpent’s First Command: The Courage
July 15, 2012 1:36:32 AM    View the profile of Serpent 
The wind outside howled and roared, ringing loud inside the outpost despite the thick duracrete walls.  On the fourth floor of the squat building, Doctor Padrin Praan bent over a worktable, meticulously cleaning the tools of his craft.

With a sigh, the middle-aged Arkanian finished and put his instruments away.  Rising, he glanced around the small but noticeably empty medical bay, and wondered what else he could clean to pass the time.

And so this is what it comes to, he mused.  Once a genius biologist, now a useless and bored military medic on the most out-of-the-way assignment in the galaxy.

Doctor Praan and the three dozen other staff at the Sragana Outpost were the only sentient beings on the frozen planet.  The barely-inhabited world was a mere footnote on galactic charts, right on the edge of the Unknown Regions.  That the VE kept a listening base there was mystifying, but Padrin had long ago stopped caring to guess at the motivations of High Command.

Clearly they have no sense, he thought, not for the first time, else they would have put a physician of my calibre somewhere more important.

But instead of overseeing a massive medical staff on a Star Destroyer, Dr Praan had instead been left to rot.  Within days of beginning this assignment he had been bored out of his mind.  Aside from yearly physicals for the rest of the personnel, there was nothing for him to do.  It had almost reached the point where he wanted someone to have an accident or medical crisis, just so he could put his considerable skills to the test.

It made him glad that one of the base’s computer programmers was a hypochondriac, though treating the man twice a week for phantom illnesses had long since ceased to amuse Dr Praan.

In the two years since coming to Sragana, Padrin had put in for transfer a total of eleven times, and ten times had been rejected.  He did not hold out much hope for the latest request, and had instead resigned himself to his fate.

Thus it came as a surprise when his intercom beeped and the Outpost Commander, Ensign Jaynis, spoke to him.  “Doctor, if you aren’t too busy, come to my office.”

“I can just about squeeze you in,” Said Padrin dryly, omitting to call the other ‘sir’.

Marching from the room, the Doctor strode down the corridor to the turbolift.  He emerged to the command centre at the heart of the base, where three personnel were on duty.  They all kept busy, ignoring the Arkanian, as he swept past to the Commander’s office at the back of the room.

Dr Praan entered without knocking and looked at the two other men who were present.  Both humans were men that Padrin had trouble working with, and personality conflicts had plagued the base since he had arrived.

Ensign Jaynis and his second-in-command, Warrant Officer Klewk, sat at a large desk, glaring at the Arkanian.  Dr Praan wondered if their problem with him was due to his non-human heritage, if his blank white eyes and grey skin gave them trouble.  To be sure he was the only alien at the Outpost, but Padrin doubted that that was it.  The two men were petty bureaucrats, dedicated to lives of simple routine, and did not take kindly to the doctor’s constant questioning of High Command.

“How may I be of service?” Asked Praan taking a seat, and though the words were polite his tone was not.

Ensign Jaynis smiled, his grin toothy and eyes alight with genuine delight.  “Oh no, your service is not required, Doctor.  In fact, you won’t be serving here anymore!”

Padrin felt his heart leap.  “You mean... you mean...?” He stuttered, barely able to believe it.

Warrant Officer Klewk now spoke, his excitement at being rid of the doctor evident.  “Yes indeed!  Your transfer has been approved!  You are now someone else’s problem!”

And so saying he handed over a datapad with a copy of the orders.  “Here is the details of your new assignment.  Ship and crew for your perusal.”

Dr Praan took the offered pad, visions of a Star Destroyer dancing in his mind.  At long last!  Finally, he would get the posting and staff worthy of his genius...

He paused in mid-thought.

“What the frak is this?” Asked Padrin at last, his face falling as his eyes scanned the information before him.

“Problem, Doctor?” Asked Ensign Jaynis, his voice amused, his eyes filled with glee at seeing the other in distress.

“A Warden-Class ship!?” Read Dr Praan out loud, somewhere between shocked and angered.  “Sixteen crewmen!  That’s even less than here!”

“You wanted a post on a ship,” Warrant Officer Klewk chidingly reminded him.  “And that’s what you’ve got!”

“No,” Said Padrin with resolute finality.  “No way.  I am not accepting this farce of an assignment!  I wish to lodge an official complaint and protest...”

No sooner had the Arkanian had begun ranting, than Jaynis held up his hands.  “Nope, sorry, can’t help.  Those things must be handled through your commanding officer, and that’s no longer me!  If you have a problem, I suggest you take it up with Captain... Zail, was it?”

Dr Praan looked back at the two men, realising just how happy they were to be rid of him.  No, he was not getting any help here.  “Fine,” He said at last.  “When does my shuttle leave?”

“You will depart with the monthly supply shuttle tomorrow,” Said Klewk, clearly eager to be rid of the physician as quickly as possible.

“Fine, I shall start collecting my things,” Said Padrin at last, rising from his seat.  He was a man of few belongings, but in his youth he had served on an Arkanian exploration and research vessel, and had several mementoes of his exploits on the Outer Rim.  All would need to be carefully packed.

“Very well, Dr Praan,” Said the Commander.  “Let us know if you need anything.  And let me just say, it was an honour to serve with you.”

“No its frakin’ wasn’t,” Retorted Padrin, angered at the forced niceties, and stormed from the room.

A day later, and he was en route to the training platform Cappadocious and his new assignment, the LCR Courage.

OOC:
1045 words.  Had to be careful here.  A disgruntled old doctor can get a bit clichéd, and while I did not want to do something so common in sci-fi already, Praan’s personality fits the story well.

After Action Report:  Bored and frustrated Doctor Padrin Praan serves on the VE Outpost of Sragana, and is eager to be transferred away.  When he finally gets said transfer, he is at first elated, but quickly turns bitter over the fact that is being sent to (as he sees it) another minor posting that is unworthy of him.  His superiors are glad to be rid of the Arkanian physician, and he leaves to serve under Captain Zail and the LCR Courage.
MS/WO2 Pherik “Serpent” Zail / LCR Courage/TF: TH/3Flt/VENA/VEN/VE
[SoA][MC2][LoM][NAR][E][HNS][SWC][CBV][SoV][MiD][VC:G][=*Eng*=][=BO=]

"It isn't the killing, you know.  It's the beauty of battles that I love - the choreography and the challenge of executing everything just right - and the challenge of matching your wits against a capable opponent." - Gilad Pellaeon
Serpent
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Imperial Baronet

 
Serpent
 
[VE-NAVY] Warrant Officer 2nd Class
 
Post Number:  414
Total Posts:  1214
Joined:  Jul 2011
Status:  Offline
  RE: Serpent’s First Command: The Courage
July 15, 2012 9:38:19 PM    View the profile of Serpent 
The galley of the LCR Courage was a cramped affair.  Barely three tables and thrice as many chairs packed in to a small room with two entrances.  In one corner sat an old and barely-used jukebox, and in the opposite corner a slightly walled-off area contained the cooking space.  It was here that a six-armed COO droid was hard at work making food.

Or rather, burning food.  Nicknamed ‘Charr’ by the crew, the antiquated droid (which dated back from the Republic) was busy over-cooking the night’s meat main course.  At his side, the ship’s Chief Engineer, Xela Fendar, was trying to fix him as he worked.  She often did this in her off-duty time, but thus far no amount of tinkering had corrected Charr’s programming.

Meanwhile, best friends Dev Mishima and Kol Yandeer (Coms/Sensor Chief and Chief Gunner, respectively) were playing cards at one of the tables.  As their Sabacc game went on, they munched loudly on a stack of crackers, practically the only thing on board that was not burnt.

Sat in a corner on his own, the ship’s new Chief Medical Officer, Dr Padrin Praan, sat alone and depressed.  Other’s avoided the surly Arkanian.

A final group of people, numbering four, sat at the final table.  Mostly male humans, they were led (and indeed, dominated) in their conversation by the ship’s tough female helmsman, Ysanne Samasl.

It was then that Farnish Quinn, the ship’s Second Officer, walked in to the room and surveyed everyone there.  He glanced about for a place to sit, and in so doing, the commander of the ship’s third watch caught the eye of chatty Dev Mishima.

“Hey, Farnish!” Called the man from Ord Mantell.  “Come and join us,” He beckoned, pulling out a chair.

Quinn sat down.  “Thanks Dev,” He said.  “You look awful by the way.”

“So do you,” Retorted Mishima, playing another card.  His friend and opponent, Kol, was too focused on the game to engage in conversation.  “I think we are all feeling it.  I mean, it was tough enough around here with Eosel calling the shots, but now...”

Farnish nodded in agreement.  Vagen Eosel, the Executive Officer, had pushed the crew hard, but now that their new captain, Pherik Zail, had arrived, things had gone from bad to worse.  “I think the new boss is just worried about this whole shakedown cruise thing.  He has to be under a lot of stress.”

He’s under stress!” Echoed Dev.  “I cracked one joke on his first day, and he’s been on my case ever since.  He just doesn’t appreciate my fine wit and repartee!  Granted I keep provoking him,” He added with a cheeky grin, “But he’s now threatening to demote me to the second watch!”

“How terrible for you,” Said Quinn with no sympathy.

“Anyway, we’ve all come here to relax a bit,” Continued Mishima.  “Deal you in?”  He offered, gesturing to the deck of cards.

“Oh no,” Said Farnish.  “I don’t gamble.  I’m not rich enough.”

“No one on this ship wants to engage in a friendly game of sabacc!” Lamented Dev.  “As ever, Kol, it’s just you and me.”

“Ask the new Doc to play,” Suggested his friend, straightening his uniform for the tenth time in as many minutes.  Kol Yandeer loved the Navy, and treated any symbol of his allegiance with pride.

“What, Praan?” Asked Mishima rhetorically.  “He’s in no mood to play.  I hear he came aboard and met with the Captain, demanding a transfer to a bigger and, quote, ‘more important ship’.”

“How did the boss take that?” Asked Farnish, curious.

“How do you think?” Replied Dev.  “He snapped the Doc back in line with some cutting comments, then ejected him from his office like a chastened school boy.  I tell you, our new Captain demands total obedience, and woe-betide any who don’t give it to him.”

At the next table, Ysanne Samasl, who frequently engaged in verbal sparring with Mishima, leaned over and interjected.  “Well I like the new captain,” She said.  “The man has drive, dedication.  He has a plan, and I think we’ll do well under him.”

“Oh you are kidding!” Said Mishima.  “Look, he’s a no-personality career Navy man.  He’s heading up the ladder of command, and sees all of us as rungs on that ladder.  And let me tell you, he’s not afraid to step on us to reach the top!”

“Careful, Dev,” Said Ysanne.  “Talk like that and you’ll be out the airlock!”

“Talk?” Echoed the Coms Chief with a grin.  “Oh no!  I would rather make my point a different way!”

And on cue, Kol leaned over and tapped a button on the nearby jukebox, setting up a nice beat for his friend.  Mishima then stood on the table, took a deep breath, and began singing!

“We’ve created a monster
‘Cause nobody wants to see our XO no more
We want Zail, Easol’s old news
But if we want Zail then we’ve all been fools
A Captain who simply views us all as tools!
So let’s drink-up, celebrate the new boss quicker
Than taking my last trip to the medical ship
To get me measured up for a cybernetic liver,
Or a plastic surgery new face to make the tech girls quiver!
So let’s now stop with all the speculating
Cause our new captain’s here and he’s calculating
A load new ways to improve our ship
While I just plan to give him lip!
So the Captain just won’t let me be
Or let me be me
So let me see
He threatened to take away my sensor duty
But the bridge would be so empty without me!
So the LCR Courage, a floating joke
A crew of hapless non-coms, most of whom are broke
But let’s go, to our shakedown cruise fiasco
Will we survive?  I DON’T THINK SO!

But this is still the life for me
Serving the Navy and being witty
‘Cause we need a little repartee
And the bridge would be so empty without me!
I said that this is still the life for me
Serving the Navy and being witty
‘Cause we need a little repartee
And the bridge would be so empty without me!

The crew, a bunch of misfits it’s true
First watch, second watch, the grave shift too
And so our captain has nothing to do
Except fail, make reports, and blame all of you!
A visionary, and yet I’m wary
He may be good but he’s so damn scary!
From the Core, so let me roar and say
Zail’s the model of an officer from Palpatine’s day!
But he’s here, na-na-na-na-na-na-na-na-na-na
Come to take charge and he’s gonna
Revamp us, lead the way to victory
Despite his lack of personality
Not interesting, and so we’re all protesting
His lack of progress despite the time he’s investing!
(Testing!  Attention please!)
Feel the tension as soon as someone mentions me
Since I’m having trouble with Captain Z
But I guess that’s just the way it has to be!

But this is still the life for me
Serving the Navy and being witty
‘Cause we need a little repartee
And the bridge would be so empty without me!
I said that this is still the life for me
Serving the Navy and being witty
‘Cause we need a little repartee
And the bridge would be so empty without me!

Order this, order that, he wants it done
Our jobs have suddenly lost all their fun
Hey Kol, he’ll lean on you most of all
Get the weapons workin’ right or you’re in for a fall!
And Ysanne, though you look like a man
Impress the Captain fast or a change he’ll demand
Xela Fendar, you’ve got a good heart, but it’s gone too far
No-one can fix Charr!
And the rest of you
Go find something to do
Look busy instead of lacking a clue
‘Cause Captain Zail’s next inspection is due
And he’ll mark you down for unpolished shoes!
But sometimes, guys, it does seem
That we’re barely working as a team
We do well keeping the deckplates clean
Yet Captain Zail still treats us mean!
And while he not’s first CO of the Courage
He is the first one to get discouraged
By the fact we’re not the VE’s best
Even I twice failed the entrance test!
(HEY!)
Here’s a concept that works
Our stuck-up leaders are a bunch of jerks
But no matter how many come down on me
I still won’t transfer to the SFC!

For this is still the life for me
Serving the Navy and being witty
‘Cause we need a little repartee
And the bridge would be so empty without me!
I said that this is still the life for me
Serving the Navy and being witty
‘Cause we need a little repartee
And the bridge would be so empty without me!”

Despite themselves, people began clapping and cheering the song, for Dev Mishima was nothing if not a talented and charismatic showman.  However, just as the final chorus was coming to a close, he noticed the faces of the assembled crewmen turn from amusement to horror, as eyes shifted from him to something just past the singing Com Officer.

Kol Yandeer tapped the jukebox to shut off the music, and Dev ceased singing.  The room was suddenly deadly silent.

“He’s right behind me, isn’t he?” Asked Mishima.

Dev turned around, and found himself staring at Captain Zail.

“Oh frak.”

-----

Mere minutes later, Dev Mishima was sat in the Captain’s office, feeling very small and vulnerable as his CO quietly stared at him across his desk.  Zail had not spoken in a full minute, and Mishima thought that the silence was deafening.

At last, the commander of the Courage spoke.

“You have quite the voice, Mr Mishima,” He said at last, his voice betraying none of the anger that most men would be feeling in his position.

“Th-thank you, sir,” Mumbled Dev.  His normal bravado was gone now, vanished without an audience.  Now, alone, he felt truly scared.  The old Empire had been known to execute men for less inflammatory remarks than he had made.  Captain Zail would not do that though, would he?

“You look nervous, Petty Officer,” Continued the Alderaanian CO.  “Relax.  You are not here to suffer my wrath.”

“I... I’m not?” Asked Mishima, surprise evident in his voice.

“You were in the mess hall, off duty,” Said Zail.  “And even if you weren’t, I can tell the difference between a tongue-in-cheek rhyme and a mutiny.  I am not stupid, nor am I given to over-reaction.”

Feeling the colour return to his face, Dev spoke again. “Okay.  Then... er...”

“Why are you here?” Asked the Captain rhetorically.  “Simple.  You are popular, Mr Mishima.  Even the crewmen that dislike you tend to listen to you.  You could be an asset to my command.”

Dev thought he was beginning to understand.  “You want me to use my silver tongue to sing your praises to the rest of the crew, is that it?” He asked, seeing a cunning side to his CO that he had not noticed before.

“In a sense,” Said Zail, “Actually, I want you to sing their praises.  The points you raised in your little ballad are valid ones.  There is far too little actual teamwork on this vessel, and that needs to change.  I make no apologies for pushing you all so hard, for this is no game.  If we go into battle without teamwork, without being a solid and unified crew, then all sixteen of us will become bits of debris floating through the void.  I intend to avoid that fate.  Do you?”

“Yes, sir,” Answered Mishima honestly.

“Excellent,” Said the Captain.  “Then from now on, kindly use your words to encourage your fellows, not belittle them.”

“I’ll try, sir,” Said Dev.

“Now get out of here,” Said Zail darkly, “Before I remember you calling your leaders a bunch of jerks.”

“Yes, sir!” Said the Coms Chief, rising from his seat and making for the door.  “Right away!”

And with that he was gone, leaving his Captain alone.

This ship is going to see action soon, thought Pherik Zail, we had better be ready for it.

OOC:
2037 words.  Yeah, I went there.

After Action Report:  In the mess hall of the Courage, Dev Mishima sings a song for the amusement of the crew (including my new NPC, Second Officer Farnish Quinn), lamenting how bad they and their captain are.  At the end of the performance, Captain Zail enters, and drags the Coms Chief to a private chat.  There, rather than yell at the fool, Pherik asks for Mishima’s help in promoting teamwork, which he feels they will need for the challenges ahead.  Mishima vows to help.
MS/WO2 Pherik “Serpent” Zail / LCR Courage/TF: TH/3Flt/VENA/VEN/VE
[SoA][MC2][LoM][NAR][E][HNS][SWC][CBV][SoV][MiD][VC:G][=*Eng*=][=BO=]

"It isn't the killing, you know.  It's the beauty of battles that I love - the choreography and the challenge of executing everything just right - and the challenge of matching your wits against a capable opponent." - Gilad Pellaeon
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