Arturus awoke with a start.  He blinked slowly several times and tried to comprehend just where he was.  His head was ringing; he shook it a couple of times for the ringing to stop only to realize that it was his commlink that was ringing.

"Lieutea- err, Captain Hargraves."  He said slightly groggily.

"Captain?"  The voice on the other side asked with a touch of concern.

"Yes who is this?"  Art replied impatiently.  He saw now that he was in his office near the bridge.  Clearly he had fallen asleep doing paperwork; his neck could attest to the awkwardness of the entire affair.

"This is Lieutenant Vantai.  We will be coming out of hyperspace in five minutes."  The navigation officer reported.

"Very well."  Arturus replied.  He quickly disconnected and switched lines to the communications officer.  "Communications, this is the Captain.  Sound battle stations in three minutes."

"Aye Captain."  The junior officer manning the station replied smartly.

"Get the stopwatch out on this one."  Arturus ordered before killing the comm.  He looked down at the paper work on his desk and then at his watch.  The sleep had lasted not three hours but it felt relatively good.  Since the battle Arturus had slept little and kept himself busy with paper work and reports.  In the two days that had passed while they were on route for repairs and re-supply, he had managed to complete all of the combat reports, documented the entire battle in detail for his own reference, and prepared a full list of supplies and crew that he would need.  Casualties and damage had been heavy.  Between the loss of a troop transport, half a squadron of fighter, and all of the crew and soldiers who went aboard the captured Corvette on its fateful mission, Arturus had lost some 131 men and women.  It was a harsh blow to his confidence despite the fact they had won the battle against nearly impossible odds.  The most important thing now was not to become too cautious in his next mission out of concern for a repeat performance.  He had to be aggressive without achieving another Pyrrhic victory.

The funerals for the fallen had been particularly difficult.  Imperial procedure minimized the funeral rituals aboard a warship.  The goal was to minimize emotion as much as possible.  More than a few, especially the officers were surprised to see Arturus' approach.  Generally, when bodies were recovered, they were put in a box and launched into space where the box would be destroyed by the ship's guns.  However, only twenty-one of the 131 deaths, including the executive officer of the ship and the executive officer of the 4th mobile response battalion, had occurred onboard the ship meaning that, ordinarily, the other deaths would merely pass into the official record of war with little sign of acknowledgement.  Gaining confidence, and crucially, independence, as a leader, despite what he considered a near failure in battle, Arturus exercised some of his own individualism by calling the entire crew to a ceremony in the hanger.  There he gave a somber speech followed by a slow reading of the casualty list to the sound of soft beating drums.  The entire ceremony had been rather emotional for the crew and the officers which was exactly Arturus' intention.  He was willing to recognize that his crew was human but he also wanted them to build closer bonds to each other and grieve for each other in passing; the closer people were attached emotionally, he felt the more likely it was that they would perform heroics in the line of duty.  He needed there to be a true emotional commitment from everyone to everyone rather than just one of duty.  Time would tell if he would be correct.

The damage to the ship had been extensive.  The hyper drive was only operating at fifty percent capacity, one engine was down and another severely damaged, half of the power generators had been crippled leaving the ship running at 110% on the other generators and 65% total power, three shield generators had been completely destroyed leaving shields at a maximum of 32%, and there were numerous holes and cracks from the intense bombardment from battle and asteroid damage.  As a result, the ship was not combat ready in the least.  Maneuverability was limited and the low power meant they had a maximum weapons capacity of fifty percent and that only for about five minutes of heavy combat.  Repairs had begun immediately and progress was being made but the ship was in desperate need of wiring and electronics, sheet metal, engine and generator parts, starfighters,  and replacement crew, officers, and soldiers.  They were on route to a small shipyard hidden on the outskirts of VE space; there they would receive new orders, fresh crew, and hopefully repairs, fighters, and supplies.  Between hyperspace routes, the ship had sent off the requisitions and Arturus was desperate to hear a response as soon as possible.

Winning over the officers was still a battle he was fighting.  Since day one, there had been high levels of doubt and skepticism regarding the appointment of him, a fighter pilot and mere second lieutenant, to captain a ship with officers who had twenty years of experience and commander level ranks.  In their first meeting, the tension was so thick someone could cut and spread it like butter.  During battle, the doubts rose again as Arturus had shown indecision at points as a result of his lack of familiarity with some of the ship's capabilities.  He knew he had not performed his best but the result was one of victory against high odds and that had gone a long way to removing some of the doubts.  In the past two days he had arranged to meetings of his senior officers to discuss tactics, and, while they discussed much of what was standard in the imperial tactical book, they also discussed some of the ideas Arturus himself had drawn up over the years as he had aspired to rise to the position he now had.  His tactical knowledge and ability to discuss and simulate various scenarios had at least earned him respect if not the total confidence of his officers.  The confidence would take time and Arturus realized that was only natural and fair.  He never had confidence in new pilots until they had repeatedly proven themselves.  Now the tables were reversed and he actually accepted people questioning his ability.  It was time for him to rise to the challenge and he was bound and determined to do it.

Arturus poured himself a cup of coffee from the pot in his office.  It had been sitting on for the past six hours and as a result, the coffee was bitter and very strong.  Nevertheless, he was drowsy from little sleep and too much work and he was expecting a long day.  The high number of casualties had bit him hard emotionally.  He had tried to bury the reality of the situation himself by obsessive paper work which took the place of sleep and reflection.  This pattern was not unusual.  Why he firmly believed in having his men and women build emotional bonds, he always simultaneously avoided emotions of sadness and anxiety that come with death.  For him, the exercise was to remain cold and calculated; where that failed, excessive work to divert the mind was crucial.  Deep inside he grieved for the loss of so many but on the outside he remained almost stone like and cold as could be.

He looked at his watch.  On cue, the klaxons sounding battle stations blared across the ship.  Arturus stepped out of his office and made the short walk onto the bridge where he took his position by the captain's chair.  He looked at his watch again, one minute had passed and no confirmation yet.  Two minutes.  The ship shook as it decelerated rapidly to sublight speeds.

"Any contacts?"  Arturus asked.

"Only the shipyard, a defence platform, some containers, and a few space tugs Captain."  A technician called out in response.  Three minutes.  Arturus was not impressed.  Four minutes.  Four minutes twenty-two seconds.

"Captain all stations report in, all blaster doors are secured."  The communications officer Dag Vansic reported.

"Not acceptable."  Arturus said aloud.  He reached down to the arm of the captain's chair and pulled out a voicepiece to the ship's intercom.  "Now here this, this is the Captain speaking.  If we were ambushed by an enemy we would have been torn to pieces by now.  Damaged ship, fewer crew, and emotions are no excuse for sloppy performance.  It took you men and women four minutes, twenty-two seconds to reach battlestations; this performance is pathetic and unacceptable.  You are members of the imperial navy; precision and professionalism are the two most important values taught at the academy.  I except to see those values reflected in the performance of every member on this ship.  If we are to be able to respond effectively to an ambush or unforeseen threat to this ship then every member must be in position within two minutes of the alarm.  Let this be a lesson to everyone for the next time you may not live to hear the lesson."  Speeches were never Art's thing but as he turned off the intercom he smiled to himself.  Perhaps not the best speech a captain had ever given; in fact, it was probably terrible in comparison to most, but he felt like it was a job well done.  The crew was mostly green and they would learn; what they needed was a combination of confidence mixed with a push for greater efficiency and professionalism.  Hopefully the speech would do both.

"Captain, incoming transmissions.  They are from Admiral Japheth."  Vansic called out.  Arturus felt his heart rate increase slightly with anticipation.  His new orders and the status of reinforcements and supplies were coming in.  Finally&

 
-----------------------
WADJ, SPAC/2LT Corran "Arturus" Hargraves/SCR Doashim/VE/VEN/(=A=)(=SA=)(=*MA*=)(=JCPA=)(=SCPA=)[MC:1](x2)[SV][BRC][VC:B][CBV][LSM][LoC][BWC][SWC][GWC]


"The way of war is a way of deception. When able, feign inability; when deploying troops, appear not to be. When near, appear far; when far, appear near. Lure with bait; strike with chaos. If the enemy is full, be prepared. If strong, avoid him. If he is angry, disconcert him. If he is weak, stir him to pride. If he is relaxed, harry him; if his men are harmonious, split them. Attack where he is unprepared; appear where you are unexpected. This is victory in warfare; it cannot be divulged in advance. Victory belongs to the side that scores most in the temple calculations before battle. Most spells victory; least spells defeat; none, surer defeat. I see it in this way, and the outcome is apparent." -- Sun Tzu

"Ultimate excellence lies not in winning every battle but in defeating the enemy without ever fighting." -- Sun Tzu

(OOC:  This is coming along very, very nicely, Art.  You noted that the funeral process was supposed to bring your people together- perhaps your communications officer was one who thought it was foolish- or perhaps there are others.  And, just a thought for the future you may be able to apply here as well- creating shifts of people rather than designating night and day could make things easier.  This way, men and women who end up joining you can live by shifts, waking up at a specific time, carrying out particular duties and filling the rest of the space with whatever activities they please- you or others on board could follow a similar schedule, and of course, character and story building could be done across that time- this would just make it periodic.  Also- I think Nazgul spelled the planet differently- you may want to fix that for future reference.  Otherwise- Keep up the excellent writing )
 
-----------------------
*Flash Was Here...*

WC|TO/CMD Shazam/Phoenix 1-1/Phoenix Wing/mSSD Atrus/1VENF/VEN (=A=) (=*SA*=) (=*MA*=) (=*FOCE*=) [LoM] [LSM] [VC:S] [DSM]

Phoenix Wing Commander and Training Officer

Walking down the shuttle ramp, Amason saw an officer standing several meters away, standing at attention and staring at the shuttle hatch.  "So much for a welcoming party"  He muttered to himself.

As Amason closed the distance between himself and the officer, the latter made no move to greet him, or otherwise acknowledge Amason's presence.  Amason stopped at the man's side, turned to look at the shuttle, and tried to imitate the officer's posture.

After waiting on the man for several minutes, Amason spoke.  "Waiting for someone?"

"Move along.  I have an assignment."  The man replied.

Amason complied, walking toward the nearest exit.  A few feet away, he stopped and turned his head.  "I think I can find my quarters on my own.  I'd like the personnel files of the entire senior staff sent to the comm unit in my quarters.  And try not to be too late, as I have a meeting with the captain at oh seven hundred."

The man's eyes went wide as he realized his error.  "Sir!" He said, running to catch up with Amason, who was almost at the exit,  "my apologies sir!  I was expecting you in uniform.  I...I...sir...umm..."

"Enough."  Amason interrupted.  "Apology accepted.  My previous officer's uniform is several years old, and wouldn't be appropriate in this situation.  I can find my own way to my quarters, but I'd like a briefing on ship status... if you have time." 

"Yes sir!  I have as much time as you need."

After arriving at his quarters and dismissing the young officer, Amason took stock of his personal effects, and checked the various cabinets and drawers in the small room

that was to be his new home.  "Atleast I won't have to share it this time" He thought, chuckling to himself.In a tall cabinet next to the refresher, he found an officer's uniform.  After more investigating, he found his rank insignia on the shelf above his uniform.  Sitting down on his bed, he turned the small piece of metal over in his hand.  It had been a long time since he'd served onboard a starship, atleast under someone else.  Amason kicked off his boots, and laid back on the bed. 

Relaxing his muscles, he knew that sleep would come quickly.  His mind wandered back to the Atrus, to the day before, when he received his reassignment notice.  Amason could remember his emotions, the feeling of satisfaction as he read the message.  He remembered the reactions of his squad mates when they were informed...


...The next morning...

Amason awoke to the loud bleeting of the chrono alarm above his bed.  After taking a quick shower, and putting on his uniform, he started for the bridge...

 
-----------------------
--Am

"Lead the way." She stared at Dahar, making sure to clear her face of all emotion. She didn't really like him, and he didn't have the right to tease her yet. She had barely known him for ten minutes.

He nodded and turned away from her, mumbling happily a 'will do' and started walking. His pace was fast and he was talented at being able to weave through the crowd of new crew members as well as the old ones, she had to give him that. A thought of realization struck her and Toki's heart leaped as she realized she was finally going to be able to start working. She loved to learn and if she liked what she was doing well enough, she would probably do some research and her herself ahead. She picked becoming a technician because she didn't want to fix people, or do anything with the ship that she could easily screw up, like the shields for instance, but she wanted to learn more about the technology on ships. On the missions she had been on everyone seemed to know so much about the ship and they were so helpful. She on the other hand, had almost got them all blown up. She would work on that.

But as she came back out of her thoughts as she realized she had lost Dahar.

"Crap." She turned round in circles, frantically searching the halls up and down. Where the hell had he gone? He didn't even tell her where he was going so she couldn't get there on her own. Was this his intention? Get her more lost than she already was? Or maybe he just truly didn't realize she wasn't following her anymore. "Gahh.." She put her hands on her head, grasping her hair between her fingers, stress and worry getting to her. She took a breath and returned her hands to her sides. Get yourself under control, girl. It's not that hard, just ask someone for help..She looked around for someone who didn't look like they were ready to run over the next person who got in their way and spotted a woman, standing around patiently, reading something from a file. She took a deep breath and walked over to the lady.

"Um..Ma'am? Excuse me..." She waited till she had her attention for her voice was small and she didn't know if she had been heard or not. Of course she also had to throw in the factor that she desperately wanted to run away. The small, humble looking woman with short black hair streaked with signs of old age looked up at her. "Uh, well I'm knew here, and..." The woman looked at her, waiting for her to finish. At least she didn't look annoyed with her, she was glad for that. She would've hightailed it out of there if she had looked the slightest bit unhappy. "Well I'm totally and utterly lost." She stated quickly. There was nothing else to it, and she figured she might as well not beat around the bush, even though the thought of making interaction.

The woman closed her file and studied her for a second. Toki looked away and was about to excuse herself and walk away when small crew member let out a loud laugh.

"Hun, first of all, don't call me ma'am. You make me feel old! And secondly, I can certainly help you with your problem." Surprise was written on Tokijin's face as the woman grabbed ahold of Toki's arm, (she had an awfully strong grip) and led her away, still chuckling happily. A crooked smile met her face and Toki gladly followed her.

"You must be new here or else you wouldn't ask me for help. I don't seem to look like I could be knowledgeable, for nobody ever asks me for help, even after being in my profession for all these years!" She stopped walking and turned to look at Toki, and then continued to lead her by the arm. "By the looks of ya you're a technician-"

"How'd you know that?" Tokijin asked as she stumbled, tripping over herself, but this time caught herself. "Oh, be careful dear. I can just tell. These eyes of mine have seen a lot in the past and now they help me in the present. Oh, and don't interrupt me. It's impolite. As a technician, you'll be looking for the senior who will further your learning for you and the person who was written on the sheet you recieved upon boarding. One like myself. I love to fix things, and being aboard the Doashim, you have to like to fix things, being a technician, or you would really hate your job." She laughed again and continued to ramble. "I assume you've already met your partner, no?" Toki nodded quickly trying to take in all this woman was saying. She talked very fast, and her pace matched the speed of her speech. She stopped talking and walking and turned to Toki, slapping her thigh as she did so.

"I haven't introduced myself have I? Oh, mighty rude of myself. My name is Aggie Drea. What might you're name be?" She looked at her, and actually stopped talking for what seemed to be the first time in three minutes to let her speak.

"Uh, my name is Tokijin ma-.." She stopped herself from calling Aggie ma'am. This woman was full of energy for seeming to be in her late forties or so. "And can you tell me where we're going? The guy I was assigned to learn with, Dahar Rollan, ran off and I don't know where to go." So far she liked Aggie. Maybe she wouldn't be completely alone. She certainly did like to talk though, but Toki was fine with that. It just meant she didn't have to think of anything to say.

"Tokijin? No last name? Cute. Ah well, yes. I can do that. We're going to a briefing room where all the technicians will have a talking to about their new position aboard the Doashim, all that good stuff, by the senior. And then names will be called and you will be sent on your way." Toki looked down at her lifesaver, and read it over. It said something about a room they were all to meet in, and where it was, but she hadn't been able to find it. "Oh you won't need that anymore. You must've already found you're room, and the technician committee won't be expecting all of you there for another half an hour. This piece of paper stops telling you what to do after that." She took it from Toki, snatching it from her fingers, and folded it, stuffing it in her pocket. "Besides, you have me now. You won't need it."

"Um..alright...?" She looked at Aggie, struggling what to call this woman. Hopefully, she would understand why she hesitated and help her out. She apparently didn't and she took a stab in the dark, finishing her sentence. "Aggie," Ms. Drea didn't say anything about her calling her by her first name and she seemed to Toki to be the kind of person who would want that or would tell her if she didn't like it. "I really, really appreciate it." And managed a weak smile.

"Oh, it's no problem whatsoever. I was going in the same direction anyway. I alway love helping the new ones anyway. They always look so lost and afraid when they board. And you missy, are no exception. So. Let's go fill you in on your new job, shall we?" For the first time aboard the Doashim, Tokijin genuinely smiled and nodded. With people like Aggie around, maybe this new chapter in her life wouldn't be so bad.

-----------------------
Nazgul Squadron

SC/FM Tokijin/Nazgul 2/Wing 1/mSSD Atrus/Denfensive Fleet/VEN/VE (=*A*=)

~ Tokijin
~

Tokijin stared down at the ground, too shy to meet the eyes of her new teammates. She preferred to stare at feet rather than face the people whom she did not know. Even standing near Aggie, she felt defenseless. All eyes seemed to be on her, staring at her, their critical eye examining every flaw. She stuck her hands in her back pockets and looked to Aggie. She was a strong person. Maybe if she was lucky some of it would rub off on her. Yeah right.

"Now little pupils, shall we begin?" Nods and murmured yeses came in reply and Aggie happily turned around, head held high and walked to the door, her group following her like a flock of sheep. Walking into the hall, she looked over her shoulder to make sure they were following her. Tokijin shuffled behind all of them, cut off from Aggie and forced to fall to the back of the group. Dahar was up front, chatting away with another technician. She felt a pang of jealousy and quickly shooed it away. She should be glad she wasn't being bugged by that guy. He wasn't any help to her and he had done her a favor by losing her. She had found Agatha didn't she?

Toki's boss was now walking backwards slowly, to face her trainees, so she could instruct them easier. "We are going to take a quick fifteen minute lunch break. I'm sure you new ones haven't found the mess hall and would like a little something to eat, no?" Tokijin smiled happily and her stomach seemed to growl in approval. Finally. Food! "This ship doesn't have a very hard layout to learn. There are the places you belong, and the places where you don't. Rules are as follows: You belong where you are needed. You fix what you need to and move on. You don't belong anywhere other than instructed during work hours. You will work in shifts, but if the time arises and battle is called for, you all are to report to me for instructions.

"You are all important and we need every available hand. But before any of that, you need to learn. And learn you shall! There is much information for you to take in in these next few days. You will be tested and tried, but in the end you will feel accomplished and proud of your abilities. For those who know anything, anything at all that has to do with your profession, you will go over the basics and then from there you will move at your own pace." Aggie almost lost her footing but quickly caught herself. "Ah! That was close. Ahh, but it must be a sign to stop talking. For here we are! Remember people, fifteen minutes, and fifteen minutes only." Her group of ten quickly filed into the mess hall and as Toki passed Aggie she looked at her with a smile only to be confused by the wink she received. She kept walking, her eyebrows furrowed in thought. But she quickly forgot as the smell of food reached her and she half ran to the counter, much more than ready to eat.

She grabbed her food and looked around for an empty portion of a table. There weren't too many people around, except for her group and maybe thirteen or fourteen more. She found a table and quickly began eating, the food tasting like delicious and wonderful at the first bite. She wasn't the kind of person who could last very long without food. At least she thought she couldn't. She hadn't been starved since her days on Farhen Rina and would get the chance to eat whenever she could. She was surprised she didn't weigh more than she did, with everything she at an all. She loved her metabolism.

As she ate quietly she didn't notice as a person quietly sat down across from her. Only when she felt eyes upon her did she look up and choke on her food, scared from the sudden attendance. With a lack of oxygen she reached for her water, trying to provide a way to get the air back into her lungs.

Breathing deeply she looked at the person who had caused her into a choking spasm.

"Hi?" Tokijin studied the person.

"Hi! You ok?" She looked at the woman who sat across from her. It was obvious she was trying to hold back a lot of laughter. Her lips formed a smile that she tried to remove, but not prevailing let out burst of laughter. It could almost be compared to the sound a chipmunk made. A high-pitched squeaking noise. Toki winced at the noise and took a careful bite of her food, trying not to choke again. This girl was starting to settle down after her fit of laughter. "Heh, sorry about that. I really couldn't resist. Just the look you had on your face was..Highly entertaining."

"I guessed as much."

"Yeah. So where are you from? Might as well get to know each other, right? Considering we'll be training together for a while. My name is Bria." Tokijin looked at this person. She was full of energy and looked fairly happy, even as they stared at each other, her happy composure wasn't shaken by the fact Tokijin was giving her a fairly unhappy look.

"Tokijin."

"Oh! That's cool." Bria offered her hand for Toki to shake, and she took it, gingerly shaking her hand as Bria gave her a firm grip.

"Too bad we weren't partners. I think I would have had more fun with you than that guy. Do you know how many times I've attempted to get him to show some type of feeling at all? He just gives me a stare that tells me 'back away or you die' and I decided that I like living." She pointed to the small man with no emotion and Toki had to grin, finding the truth in her words. Bria was fun. She was sure that if she wasn't sitting she would be bouncing around the room. So much energy for a person. She had blonde hair, pulled back into a lazy bun, wisps of hair escaping the grasp of the hair tie. Her brown eyes were curious, and their color seemed to waver as she talked, reflecting her emotions.

"I can see your point." Toki chuckled after sticking another bite of food into her mouth, the monster she called hunger was quickly retreating, but getting ready to attack when the time arose.

"Yeah. So do you know anyone here? I know a few people, but they aren't technicians. So i thought, why not make a friend, right?" Toki pointed out to the squirrelly girl Aggie. And looked at her again.

"I also know the big boss here. Captian Arturus. I haven't seen him yet. I wonder if I'll be able to." She had forgotten about Art. This was his ship, would he ever have time to have a friendly chat? She hoped so. She hadn't exactly been close friends with the guy, but he was cool and she respected him. Bria's eye widened.

"Really? That's pretty shveet." Her weird word usage brought a confused smile to Toki's face and she watched Bria bob her head up and down, continuously nodding, obviously expecting nothing else to come from this conversation. Tokijin wondered what this girl thought of Art. What did other people think of him? She would probably hear something close a general consensus among these people sooner or later. But she just hoped that the agreement was complimentary.

Tokijin yawned suddenly after finishing her food. She gently slapped her face. Wake up girl. You have too much to learn today to be dozing off. She didn't have to worry much about that because as soon as Agatha began rounding up her group, Toki's heart filled with excitement. Time to get down to business. She turned to look at Bria.

"You ready to go?" Toki questioned Bria and she laughed, nodded.

"I've been ready ever since I got here. Time to figure out what I really signed up for." Toki nodded, standing up. She was in the same boat.


 
-----------------------
Nazgul Squadron

SC/FM Tokijin/Nazgul 2/Wing 1/mSSD Atrus/Denfensive Fleet/VEN/VE (=*A*=)

~ Tokijin ~

"Give me an update."  Arturus ordered Commander Ferran as he returned to the bridge.  For the past seven hours he had been stuck in his office studying the history of Dastoria, planning army maneuvers, and trying to work out every contingency plan for any situation that would arise.  He had to be careful how he dealt with his army ideas; Colonel Dusat had not even arrived yet and he most certainly would have his own plan for how the regiment would proceed.  Arturus, however, was obsessed with controlling every aspect of a battle.  He had studied the layout of the capital, the most recent survey of defensive positions, and where key buildings were including defence installation, power plants, and the vicinity around the palace compound.  His plan called for sending in the Special Forces unit first to secure a landing zone two kilometers from the palace with the first wave of regular troops to arrive within ten minutes.  He would proceed with the first wave of the troops; the XO would come with the second.  Arturus wanted to ensure that he was on the ground and in control of the situation immediately.  In order to provide some added protection, his officer's shuttle would be piloted by a droid and sent in the middle of the first wave to divert any enemy fire to that rather than the transports carrying the troops and him.

"Repairs are proceeding relatively according to plan.  We should be seventy percent complete by tomorrow."  Ferran reported.

"Commander, we depart tomorrow for a combat mission, seventy percent is not good enough."  Arturus replied firmly.  "What did you propose to sacrifice?"

"The shields are on pace to be eighty-five percent rebuilt with full shield protect for the bridge and the engines.  The shielding around the hanger will not be repaired in time and the bow of the ship will have power for about sixty percent shielding.  We will have seventy-five percent engine and hyperspace effectiveness and the overall power level on the ship will be running at eighty-percent.  The major areas of damage required serious rewiring and a number of the electrical systems are not yet online.  I have technicians working around the clock on bringing up all of the damage monitors and repairing the secondary power generator but the crew is tired."  Ferran summarized.  Fatigue was an important factor; the crew needed to be fresh and relatively alert as they would be at full battle stations for a couple of days until the situation around Dastoria was stabilized.

"Very well carry on."  Arturus replied, dismissing Ferran.  Arturus stifled a yawn and made his way to the top of the bridge.  He really needed to get some rest before the operation began but he was competing against his own obsessive approach to work.  Rarely did he ever win.

"Vansic, any word on those transports?"  Arturus inquired of the communications officer.

"None Captain.  All of the transports that have arrived with the rest of the regiment have orders to return."

"Even the smaller, faster ones?"  Arturus pressed.

"All of them.  Apparently they are moving supplies to another sector for a major operation.  We have to make due with the five assault transports we have left."  Vansic said rather nonchalantly.  Arturus stood for a minute in thought.  He checked his watch; seventeen hours until departure.

"Inform the transports that there has been a change in plans; tell them that we have been given orders for a new operation to occur under absolute secrecy.  Order radio silence for all ships in this area and inform all transports that they are to remain in system and wait for us to communicate the new orders in a few hours.  If anyone from Navy HQ radios in tell them we've had a security breech and stall for time.  These transports are now hereby commandeered for this mission."  Arturus ordered.

"Captain-"

"I don't want to hear it Vansic.  Send the order now or you are relieved.  After you have sent it this ship is on radio restriction.  We will receive incoming communications but no incoming video, the video link is hereby broken.  Any outgoing transmission must be vetted by me personally first.  Anyone who disobeys these orders will immediately stripped of their post and thrown in the brig.  Post the orders Lieutenant."

"Captain I think you are making a mistake."

"Ensign Travers!"  Arturus commanded to the new communications XO.

"Yes Captain!"  The ensign said as he came to attention.

"You are now the communications officer.  Guard!"  Arturus said turning to two of the soldiers on the bridge.  "Escort Lieutenant Vansic to the brig and have him charged with dereliction of duty, insubordination, and conduct detrimental to the war effort."  Arturus turned to Vansic.  "So help me Lieutenant you have pushed me one too many times.  I will deal with you after this mission."  With that Arturus stormed off the bridge.  Outside the door, he turned to his secretary.  "Petty officer, I am going to bed.  Wake me the moment the new XO arrives.  If Colonel Dusat arrives inform him that I will meet him at 09:00 tomorrow.  Dismissed."


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WADJ, SPAC/1LT Corran "Arturus" Hargraves/SCR Doashim/VE/VEN/(=A=)(=SA=)(=*MA*=)(=JCPA=)(=SCPA=)[MC:1](x2)[SV][BRC][VC:B][CBV][LSM][LoC][BWC][SWC][GWC]


"The way of war is a way of deception. When able, feign inability; when deploying troops, appear not to be. When near, appear far; when far, appear near. Lure with bait; strike with chaos. If the enemy is full, be prepared. If strong, avoid him. If he is angry, disconcert him. If he is weak, stir him to pride. If he is relaxed, harry him; if his men are harmonious, split them. Attack where he is unprepared; appear where you are unexpected. This is victory in warfare; it cannot be divulged in advance. Victory belongs to the side that scores most in the temple calculations before battle. Most spells victory; least spells defeat; none, surer defeat. I see it in this way, and the outcome is apparent." -- Sun Tzu

"Ultimate excellence lies not in winning every battle but in defeating the enemy without ever fighting." -- Sun Tzu

"Captain, might we make a brief detour to your office?" 

"Something on your mind?  The tour hasn't even started"  Replied Arturus, as the pair made their way to the bridge.

"As a matter of fact, yes." Said Amason.  "But I'd prefer to discuss it in private."

"Alright.  There a particular area of the ship you'd like to see first?  After our private discussion."

"Not really.  I'm fairly familiar with Loronar's handiwork, sir.  I noticed on that this is a newer revision.  How're the extra modular supports holding up?"  Amason asked.

"Let's just say that it's a reassuring that we don't have to dedicate a quarter of our defensive firepower to protection those seams."  Came the reply.

"Aye"  Upon reaching the captain's office, Arturus took his place behind his desk, motioning Amason to a chair opposite his.  "Lieutenant, we're a bit pressed for time here, so I'd like to keep this brief."

"Fine by me, sir."  Replied Amason.  "It's been a while since I've been a subordinate on a cruiser, so this'll take a bit to get used to.  Actually I wanted to give you a bit of info on my background."

"I have that right here"  Arturus said, picking up a datapad from his desk.  "New recruit assigned to Nazgul Squadron, also assigned to arbitrate the former Captain Porcema's trial.  Your record, although brief, is more than adequate for a pilot, but that's about it."

"I see that they haven't updated my information in the personnel database yet."  Amason said, slouching in his chair slightly.  "You need to be aware that I was given this assignment because of my experience...."



Had to go because of a minor emergency, and I just made it back and don't have time to finish this at the moment, but I will as soon as I can, unless you get a chance to post first, Art--feel free.  --Am




 
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--Am

"Hmm.... where to start...."  Amason took a few moments to collect his thoughts.  "I'll keep things relevant, as we don't have several hours."

"Alright"

"My association with the Vast Empire started with Grand Moff Raptor, who sought my help on multiple occaisions on matters involving intelligence and the collection of sensitive information.  At that time I was serving in several roles in the New Imperium, of which the Vast Empire would later become a member.  I started in research and development, as I've had an extensive history in ship design and construction, both small and large.  I did some unofficial intelligence work on the side, which led to my association with Raptor."

Amason paused a moment, to allow for any questions.

"Raptor recuited me as an Ambassador for the Vast Empire, as I'd had a bit of experience in that area as well.  One thing led to another, and eventually I was put over internal affairs and security.  I served under Grand Admiral Majere, after Raptor stepped down, and I served with the current Grand Moff, Kadann.  During the war between the New Imperium and the New Republic, I was put in command of the New Imperium Strike Fleet fighter corps, as well as a battlegroup consisting of 12 ships--3 being Imperial Star Destroyers.  My experience goes from being a squadron commander, to the Commodore of an Imperial-owned MC120 Mon Cal Cruiser, to what I mentioned above."

"As far as my approach towards command affairs, I'm fairly easy going.  I do demand that those under me give their absolute best, but I don't punish them for honest mistakes.  I know how to get the job done, whatever it may be, and my background in ship design and construction gives me a unique perspective when dealing with system problems, and people over those systems."

Amason leaned forward in his seat slightly.  "I'll be frank with you captain.  I care nothing for rank, as advancement is not a priority.  I'm here because I didn't want to go back into retirement.  I don't need 'breaking in', or much else for that matter.  My job is to do your dirty work, so that you can focus on the bigger picture, and I plan to do exactly that.  I can go into more detail another time if you wish, and I'll leave it up to you as to what to share with the crew, as nothing I've told you is classified."

With that, Amason sat back in his chair, and waited for the captain's response.



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--Am

Tally
 
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WADJ, SPAC/1LT Corran "Arturus" Hargraves/SCR Doashim/VE/VEN/(=A=)(=SA=)(=*MA*=)(=JCPA=)(=SCPA=)[MC:1](x2)[SV][BRC][VC:B][CBV][LSM][LoC][BWC][SWC][GWC]


"The way of war is a way of deception. When able, feign inability; when deploying troops, appear not to be. When near, appear far; when far, appear near. Lure with bait; strike with chaos. If the enemy is full, be prepared. If strong, avoid him. If he is angry, disconcert him. If he is weak, stir him to pride. If he is relaxed, harry him; if his men are harmonious, split them. Attack where he is unprepared; appear where you are unexpected. This is victory in warfare; it cannot be divulged in advance. Victory belongs to the side that scores most in the temple calculations before battle. Most spells victory; least spells defeat; none, surer defeat. I see it in this way, and the outcome is apparent." -- Sun Tzu

"Ultimate excellence lies not in winning every battle but in defeating the enemy without ever fighting." -- Sun Tzu

(OOC: Your story is coming along nicely   I like how Art is dealing with something so strategical and analytical where as Tokijin is just trying to survive amongst her peers: interesting balance.  I hope there's a good plot line in there somewhere for Toki, of course.  Maybe Amason is the imbetween man?  At this point- I'm impressed: Keep up the good work.)
 
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*Flash Was Here...*

WC|TO/CMD Shazam/Phoeni