Bridge - Deck 1 - USS Sutherland

Tony patted MGen Alderez on his shoulder as he mentioned that he too was happy to hear the good news from the extraction site. Now the Vice Admiral had some good news to give the Admiral when he came out of the Ready Room. Hopefully Adm Arayuss had some good news for all of them when he was finished speaking with Capt Daqtorgh.

VAdm Martinelli: That’s some awesome news, General! I hope it stays that way till the last child is transported from the extraction site and all the Marines and Medical Personnel are off the planet!

After speaking with Fleet Marine Force Commandant, the Chief of Fleet Operations walked back to the CO’s chair and took a seat since Adm Arayuss hadn’t returned yet. All there was to do on the Bridge now was sit in the center chair and wait for the Admiral to come out of the Ready Room and possibly share what he discussed with the Captain of the USS Whitestar. VAdm Martinelli thought this was all rather exciting since his usual vocation was sitting in his office on SB34 overlooking Fleet Operations.
_________________
Vice Admiral Anthony M. Martinelli
Commanding Officer, USS Sutherland
Chief of Fleet Operations, Gamma Fleet
Starfleet, United Federation of Planets

Ready Room - Deck 1

The Admiral waited a few moments for Capt Daqtorgh to speak and inform Aeryck why he was calling on a Priority One Channel. When the Klingon Captain informed him of the condition of Dr. Tudismaque, the Admiral’s heart broke in two.

Capt Daqtorgh: Hello Admiral, thank you for taking my call in this troubling situation. It is my duty to report the Away Team has returned to Whitestar, but are recouping in Sickbay. Dr. Tudismaque, I hate to report since I know he's a friend of yours, Sir, that he may succumb to his wounds. Jacques is in a fatal condition, so I thought you should know right away. Commander Ashborn has serious acid burns on his face and arms. The rest of the team seems to be resting comfortably from a job well done. The other reason I called was to ask your opinion on what we should do with the Galactic Princess, tow it to Starbase 34 or dispatch with it? There is a Xenomorph infestation on the Cruise Ship, so if it were me I wouldn’t let it get near a Starbase full of different races of people.

Aeryck felt sick over the potential loss of the Doctor that was his friend for quite a long time. The Admiral couldn’t find the words to respond with right away, but after a few moments he spoke to Capt Daqtorgh.

Adm Arayuss: The Disney Corporation has put a substantial value on the Galactic Princess, they informed me that they do not want it destroyed! They would like the ship brought back to Starbase 34 and cleaned out. There’s no way I want that Cruise Ship docking with the base, I want it placed in an elliptical orbit at fifty thousand kilometers. Make it so, Captain!

After the Admiral stopped speaking, the Captain made a request that he felt was adequate for the situation.

Capt Daqtorgh: I would like to request a temporary Medical Officer be sent over as soon as possible, the Holographic Doctor can do only so much.

This really rubbed Aeryck the wrong way! Dr. Tudismaque was not even dead yet and Daqtorgh was already asking for a replacement. Not to mention the versatility of the EMH was often proven better than an actual physician! They never tire and have the medical knowledge of every doctor that has ever worked in Starfleet. The Doctor from the USS Voyager operated for seven years and saved countless lives on their journey home from the Delta Quadrant. Surely the EMH aboard Whitestar could handle a few hours before the Akira Class Starship docked at SB34.

Adm Arayuss: Captain Daqtorgh, it really lacks compassion for you to request a replacement for Jacques when he has not even passed away from his injuries yet. Plus, the EMH is quite sophisticated and can do quite a lot. It has an active database of every physician that was ever in Starfleet making it the best Doctor you could ask for under the circumstances. Your request for a temporary Medical Officer is denied. I’ll get you another one once Whitestar docks at Starbase 34. Until then, make use of the EMH.

The CinC was slightly irritated with Capt Daqtorgh wanting a ship from SB34 to deliver a temporary Medical Officer to Whitestar with all that was going on right now with the passengers and crew of the Galactic Princess arriving at the base in a short amount of time. Aeryck realized that Holographic Doctors were not used in the Klingon Empire, so that had to be why Daqtorgh was so callous about the use of an EMH aboard Whitestar. Hopefully the Captain would read up on Emergency Medical Holograms before passing another short-sighted judgment against them.
_________________
Admiral Aeryck M. Arayuss
Commanding Officer, USS Explorer
Commander in Chief, Gamma Fleet
Starfleet, United Federation of Planets

Bridge - Deck 1

As Tony was on the Bridge waiting for Adm Arayuss to return from the Ready Room, he heard the sound of a hail coming in on the Ops Station that Ens Toretto was occupying.

Ens Toretto: Admiral Martinelli, I just received a message from Eureka that Captain Bennet wishes to speak with Admiral Arayuss. Should I acknowledge and transfer the call to the Ready Room, Sir?

Without hesitation, VAdm Martinelli let Mia know she could signal back to Eureka's Ops Officer that Adm Arayuss would be speaking to Capt Bennet shortly.

VAdm Martinelli: Go ahead and acknowledge and then transfer the call to the Ready Room for Admiral Arayuss, Mia. I'm sure that will please our Commander in Chief.

Tony smiled as he watched Ens Toretto acknowledge the request from Eureka so the Ops Officer aboard would know that Adm Arayuss would be joining the conversation with Capt Bennet in a matter of moments. The Vice Admiral wondered if it was an update on Capt Sull's condition. Hopefully the Captain was recovering successfully and would be returning to duty relatively soon.
_________________
Vice Admiral Anthony M. Martinelli
Commanding Officer, USS Sutherland
Chief of Fleet Operations, Gamma Fleet
Starfleet, United Federation of Planets

Ready Room - Deck 1

As the Admiral sat behind the desk, remembering the first time he met Dr. Tudismaque and how ambitious Aeryck thought he was after starting out as the Assistant Medical Officer under Dr. Brewer. The Admiral was feeling waves of sorrow over the loss of his close friend when he heard the chime of the ComPanel on the deck announce there was an incoming communique.

Ens Toretto: Admiral, Captain Bennet aboard Eureka is calling to speak with you. Shall I transfer the call to the Ready Room, Sir?

Aeryck nodded towards the screen and spoke up verbally as well.

Adm Arayuss: That would be great, Mia. Thank you.

As the Starfleet logo on the desk terminal went dark and was replaced by the face of Capt Bennet, Aeryck spoke up and shook off any feelings of loss by the death of Dr. Tudismaque as best he could.

Adm Arayuss: How can I help you, Captain?

The CinC waited on Capt Bennet's reply as to why she was contacting him. Aeryck hoped there was no further emergencies and the Captain of Eureka just had updated information regarding their status. For whatever reason Claire was calling, Aeryck sat there at the desk intently waiting to hear what she had to say.
_________________
Admiral Aeryck M. Arayuss
Commanding Officer, USS Explorer
Commander in Chief, Gamma Fleet
Starfleet, United Federation of Planets

Bridge - Deck 1

As Tony sat in the XO's chair on the Bridge, he wondered if Adm Arayuss and Capt Bennet began their conversation yet. The Vice Admiral did not want to disturb them if they were conversing, so Tony just asked Ens Toretto if it was taking place.

VAdm Martinelli: Is the Admiral speaking with Capt Bennet yet, Mia?

The Ensign looked down at her console and could see on the Communications Panel that there was a conversation taking place between Adm Arayuss and the CO of Eureka.

Ens Toretto: Yes, Admiral. They're conversing right now, Sir.

The XO of Sutherland was curious to know if Eureka was experiencing some kind of distress, or was it just an update on the things going on over there. Tony thought it was probably the latter since the call didn't come through as an emergency distress call. Capt Bennet must've just wanted to speak with Adm Arayuss, which was fine with VAdm Martinelli. The Vice Admiral started to wonder how long it would be before Sutherland began beaming up refugees from New Bajor. If it wasn't for the malfunctioning atmospheric control system, the evacuation would've been complete a while ago.
_________________
Vice Admiral Anthony M. Martinelli
Commanding Officer, USS Sutherland
Chief of Fleet Operations, Gamma Fleet
Starfleet, United Federation of Planets

Ready Room - Deck 1

Aeryck leaned back in the chair behind the desk in Sutherland's Ready Room as he waited on Capt Bennet's response. It was not long before Eureka's CO began speaking to the CinC in a soft apologetic tone.

Capt Bennet: I hope I didn't bother you, Admiral. I just wanted to give you an update on Captain Sull and how the parents of Lieutenant Kaaha are doing. The Captain is resting comfortably in her cabin, Dr. Edison said she could relax there better than in Sickbay since there may be refugees coming his way. The Lieutenant's parents are doing well and will be released soon. Ensign Montoya will be escorting them to their cabin when they are. As for Commander Sladek, he asked me to tell you he's very happy in his new position as Executive Officer aboard Eureka. We received the information from Oriskany that they sent down more enhancers so each Starship can beam up one hundred and fifty refugees at a time. That's really going to cut down the amount of time it will take to evacuate New Bajor.

The Admiral leaned forward and responded to the Captain in a clear and concise manner...

Adm Arayuss: You did not bother me, Captain. I am pleased to hear that Captain Sull is recuperating and Lieutenant Kaaha's parents are recovering well from the Xenomorphectomies performed by Dr. Edison. I am also glad to know that Commander Sladek is doing well, I figured Ulric would enjoy himself aboard Eureka. It is great news that we all will be able transport a lot more refugees than Captain Daqtorgh had originally set up. Had Oriskany not done the increase, I was planning on suggesting that myself. Forty refugees is just to low of an amount, which would have taken too long and would have risked the lives of the children, along with Infiniti's Marines and Medical Personnel.

Aeryck could sense there was something else on Capt Bennet's mind, so he offered her the opportunity to share with the Admiral what she was thinking about.

Adm Arayuss: I can sense you have something else to share with me. I cannot help you unless you let me know what is on your mind.

The CinC could feel that Capt Bennet was somewhat apprehensive about speaking up, so the Admiral share a friendly smile towards Claire. Being empathic had its benefits, especially in situations like this. If Aeryck wanted to, he could psionically pull it from her mind, but he was not about to do that to her! It would violate the trust Starfleet Officers had in each other. That was something Adm Arayuss was not about to do.
_________________
Admiral Aeryck M. Arayuss
Commanding Officer, USS Explorer
Commander in Chief, Gamma Fleet
Starfleet, United Federation of Planets

Bridge - Deck 1

As the Major General waited for another check-in from MCpt Vansen above the extraction site, he looked over at Ens Toretto and could see from there that the conversation between Adm Arayuss and Capt Bennet was still going on. As time was going by, Rex began to wonder why he hadn't received a call from the Deputy Detachment Wing Commander yet. Using the ComPanel the Major General contacted MCpt Vansen in her SA-43X.

MGen Alderez: Alderez to Captain Vansen! I'm expecting a check-in, what's the status down there?

As the Fleet Marine Force Commandant waited on a reply from MCpt Vansen, he looked towards VAdm Martinelli and knew he would be interested in the status of the 58th Squadron as well. As soon as the Marine Captain replied, Rex would let VAdm Martinelli know what their status was. That way when Adm Arayuss returns from the Ready Room, the Vice Admiral can fill the Admiral in on what's going on down at the extraction site.
_________________
Major General Rex Alderez
Fleet Marine Force Commandant, Gamma Fleet
SFMC, United Federation of Planets

Above Extraction Site - New Bajor

While Shane was piloting her SA-43X above the extraction site on New Bajor, she heard the call from 1Lt. Wang over the earpiece in her helmet. The information the 1st Lieutenant gave in his report was extremely unsettling to MCpt Vansen.

1Lt. Wang: Captain! We've got a big signal coming in from New Rakantha! Lots of movement coming in our direction! The lifesigns are not registering as any kind of mammalian type! They're moving really fast towards the extraction site! What are your orders, Captain Vansen!?

The Marine Captain's felt a chill run down her spine as she heard what Paul had told her. There was only one option and that was to protect the extraction site from the approaching Xenomorphs!

MCpt Vansen: Lieutenant, you and the others form up and prepare to fire on them as soon as they're within targeting range! We can't allow a single one of those damn things to get passed us! This is it, Wildcards! Let's move!

As the 58th Squadron was maneuvering their Hammerheads into a position that allowed them to protect the extraction site from the oncoming hoard of Xenomorphs, Shane heard the voice of MGen Alderez in her earpiece. The Marine Captain immediately replied to the Major General as she went weapons ready on her targeting computer.

MCpt Vansen: Queen of Diamonds here, we've got a mass of movement coming from the city towards the extraction site, General! We're lined up and ready to engage as they approach! We won't allow any to get passed us, Sir! The report from Lieutenant Wang just came in regarding the Xenomorphs, or I would've called in the report sooner, General!

As Shane kept her SA-43X hovering alongside the other Hammerheads in a staggered line of defense, she waited to hear back from MGen Alderez regarding the situation taking place down on New Bajor. Now that the Deputy Detachment Wing Commander's scanners were picking up the movement as well, Shane saw just how large of a mass was coming in their direction. With all the weapon systems being activated, they would be firing upon the mass as they approached to protect the refugees, along with the Marines and Medical Personnel from Infiniti.
_________________
Marine Captain Shane A. Vansen
Deputy Detachment Wing Commander, USS Whitestar

Bridge - Deck 1 - USS Sutherland

Upon hearing the reason for the delay in MCpt Vansen's status report, Rex chose his next words to the Marine Captain very carefully as he did not want her to misunderstand what he was saying to her.

MGen Alderez: Understood, Captain! Protect those refugees and Infiniti's Marines and Medical Personnel at all costs. If you need orbital support, we'll do what we can from up here! Alderez out!

Looking up from the Detachment Wing's Situation Console, the Major General called out to VAdm Martinelli!

MGen Alderez: Admiral! Xenomorphs are moving towards the extraction site! The Wildcards will be engaging the creatures in order to protect everyone down there, but they may need help from the ships in orbit! If we can target the Xenomorphs from up here, some well placed Phasers could do some severe damage to them as they approach the extraction area! Perhaps involving the rest of the fleet here in orbit would make a difference as well! What say you, Sir?

The Fleet Marine Force Commandant waited to hear what the XO wanted to do regarding the deadly mass of Xenomorphs approaching the area where the refugees were getting processed for transport. Rex wondered if VAdm Martinelli would be interrupting Adm Arayuss during his conversation with Capt Bennet aboard Eureka. If it were up to MGen Alderez, he would find this reason enough to barge in the Ready Room and announce the ALIENS were rapidly approaching the extraction site.
_________________
Major General Rex Alderez
Fleet Marine Force Commandant, Gamma Fleet
SFMC, United Federation of Planets

Tony shuddered at what he'd just heard from MGen Alderez regarding the approaching mass of Xenomorphs making their way to attack the extraction site. This really was worth notifying Adm Arayuss immediately! The Vice Admiral knew this was something the CinC would want to know about before any action was taken. Tony stood up from the chair and turned towards the Major General at the rear of the Bridge and gave his reply.

VAdm Martinelli: I say, I should inform Admiral Arayuss immediately! I don't want to issue any orders that he will countermand as soon as he enters the Bridge! Best I inform him right away!

The Chief of Fleet Operations walked to the Ready Room door and tapped the door chime and waited for Adm Arayuss to inform Tony that he could enter. VAdm Martinelli was aware this would be interrupting the conversation with Capt Bennet, but Tony knew from working with Adm Arayuss all these years that the youthful looking Admiral would want to be told about this situation.
_________________
Vice Admiral Anthony M. Martinelli
Commanding Officer, USS Sutherland
Chief of Fleet Operations, Gamma Fleet
Starfleet, United Federation of Planets