From voyager@massmed.org Fri Jun 19 12:26:22 1998 Date: Tue, 12 May 1998 08:41:57 -0600 From: "Michael A. Natale, MD" To: Dante Expeditionary Force List Serve Subject: [DANTEXF] SB ALIGHIERI: Promotion [The following text is in the "iso-8859-1" character set] [Your display is set for the "US-ASCII" character set] [Some characters may be displayed incorrectly] DANTE Expeditionary Force Official E-mail BEGIN TRANSMISSION Location: SB ALIGHIERI Stardate: 100512.1650 GMT FMD: 3.1000 Scene: Science Labs Tao sat in his office absently fingering the new hollow pip that had been added to his collar. He was deep in thought and didn't even notice when Ryan entered the room. He was stirred from his daydreaming by a gentle cough from Ryan. "Ryan, I didn't see you come in. Sit down and tell me why you are here," said Tao. Ryan smiled as he explained the reason for his visit. "I wanted to formally congratulate you on your promotion, Commander." Tao was obviously not used to the new title yet but accepted the good intentions of his assistant graciously. "And I also want to know what's wrong?" Tao frowned at the question. "What do you mean?" he asked , already having an idea of what Ryan meant. Ryan wrinkled his nose. "You know exactly what I mean. You've been asked to steo into the role of ALIGHIERI's new XO. What are you waiting for? You majored in both Sciences and Command in the Academy, so I assume someday you expected to take on a command position. You've more than earned this position, Tao. And everyone in the Science Department thinks Greyclaw made an excellent choice. We're all proud of you, sir, now don't disappoint us," he added in a motherly fashion. Tao sat back in his chair and let out a long sigh. "You really think I'm ready for this?" "Yes, I do. And so does everyone here in Sciences. Tao, you stepped in and helped out in Medical when there was no MED aboard without being asked and did a damn good job without letting your other responsibilities lag. Yssar and other officials obviously took notice and decided you were ready for more responsibilities. They make command decisions every day that affect thousands of lives. I don't think they made this one lightly, either. They feel you're ready and so do we. But you need to feel you're ready. Only then can you make the right choice." Ryan finished his speech and sat back in his chair. Tao looked around at his office and through the glass at the labs beyond. He had always loved working in Science, but knew it was time to move on to new challenges. He had never shied away from a challenge before and wasn't going to start now. He stood and straightened his uniform, a look of purpose on his face. "Where you headed, boss?" Ryan asked, already knowing the answer. "To do what I should have done earlier. Thanks for the kick in the pants, Ryan. And until Starfleet can send a replacement, you'll have to assume the responsibilities of SCI. Of course I'll be available to help in any way I can. Our first order is to coordinate with ENG on developing a high yield warhead that will do some damage against the Dalriadian ships. Our boys out there need a fighting chance. Get started on that and I'll be down to lend a hand as soon as I can. Right now I have someone I need to see. And thanks for watching Ethan while I was away." Ryan acknowledged the orders and thanks and watched Tao head out of SCI for what would be his last time as the head of that department and the first time as XO of ALIGHIERI. ********************************** FMD: 3.1040 Scene: CO's Ready Room ********************************** Yssar sat at his desk reviewing the present information being relayed back from the fighter pilots near the mine fields. It seemed the mines were currently holding the Dalriadian ships at bay but he knew this wouldn't last forever. His door chime sounded and he mumbled, "Come in." The doors parted to reveal LCDR Tao Windstar, who walked in and stood in front of Greyclaw's desk. "What can I do for you, Commander?" asked Yssar, trying to control a growing sense of anticipation. "If the offer still stands, sir, I would like to accept the job of XO of ALIGHIERI. I'm sorry I kept you waiting this long but I guess I just needed a kick in the pants to jump start me." Yssar smiled broadly, showing his teeth. "I'm sure I owe someone a debt of thanks for giving you that kick, Commander. Welcome to Command. I know you'll continue to perform above all expectations. You're first job as XO will be to relieve LCDR Basek of the bridge and initiate the collaboration between SCI and ENG regarding the new warheads. Keep me informed of any progress and also relay any messages from the front directly to my Ready Room as well as forward copies to CDOR Mirtox and LCDR Ulfsson. Understood." "Yes sir!" Tao smiled as he turned on his heels and made his way out to the bridge. He walked over to Ariana and tapped her on the shoulder. "LCDR Basek, I relieve you of your watch. Get some rest while you still can, Ariana." Ariana smiled at Tao. "I will. And congratulations, Tao. You'll make a fine first officer." "Thanks, Ariana. Coming from you that means a great deal." He watched as Ariana left the bridge by way of the turbolift. Then he turned to the ensign at NAV and asked, "Ensign, have we secured a ship for LCDR Sevril's departure?" The young woman replied, "Yes, sir, Commander. A D-warp shuttle is flight ready and waiting her arrival." "Very good, Ensign." Tao tapped his commbadge and said, "LCDR Windstar to LCDR Sevril." [Sevril here. What's the word, Tao?] "A D-warp shuttle awaits you at docking bay two. Good luck on your new assignment, Naeve. And don't forget to call me if you ever need to talk." [Thanks Commander. And good luck with your new assignment, too. And the same goes for you regarding the need to talk.] "I will, Naeve. Tao out." He smiled as he turned to begin the new challenges that lay ahead. Whatever they brought, he knew he would be ready. ******************************************* NRPG: David: I couldn't wait til tomorrow, so I posted the acceptance today. I'll get out another post tomorrow to move things along for the warheads. I have an idea or two to run by Yssar via a post. Timeline: FMD: 3.1000 Tao talks to Ryan Heath about his promotion Mike N FMD: 3.1040 Tao formally accepts job as XO Mike N Respectfully submitted, LCDR Tao Windstar (aka Michael Natale) XO, SB ALIGHIERI, DS-230 voyager@massmed.org This message sent by an official member of the Dante Expeditionary Force Are you also posting your messages to the newsgroup?!!! END TRANSMISSION