Bridge - Deck 2

The Ensign watched the ComPanel on the Ops Console and saw there was a transmission in progress between Sutherland and Eureka. That's all the confirmation Marko needed to know that Capt Bennet was indeed speaking with Adm Arayuss. Slightly turning his head, the Ensign let Cmdr Sladek know the Captain's conversation with the Admiral was in progress.

Ens Ramius: Commander Sladek, the conversation between Captain Bennet and Admiral Arayuss is in progress now. Would you like me to let you know when the transmission ends, Sir?

The Chief Operations Officer waited to hear back from the XO while he turned his head back to the Ops Console. Marko was monitoring all of Eureka's systems and making sure everything was operating nominally. If anything was out of normal parameters, Ens Ramius would immediately let Cmdr Sladek know about it.
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Ensign Marko A. Ramius
Chief Operations Officer, USS Eureka

Ready Room - Deck 2

Claire could see the serious demeanor Adm Arayuss had during the conversation she was having with him. The Captain wondered if he was under tremendous stress regarding the situation with New Bajor.

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.

After hearing what the Admiral had to say, Claire realized he had to be really concerned over the planet's populace having to be destroyed by the Genesis Effect. But Adm Arayuss was pleased about Capt Sull, Lt. JG Kaaha's parents and Cmdr Sladek being happy to be aboard Eureka. The Captain started to ponder whether or not she should ask about what would happen when Capt Sull wanted her position back, when the Admiral spoke up again to Claire's surprise.

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 Captain was stunned after she heard what the Admiral had said to her, but since he had a warm smile on his face, it brought Claire the comfort she needed to go ahead and make the inquiry she'd been pondering over.

Capt Bennet: Okay Admiral, I was wondering what would happen once Captain Sull was fully recuperated and ready to return to duty?

The CO sat in the chair behind the desk and wondered what Adm Arayuss was going to say. Claire was actually not sure what she preferred either. But whatever the Admiral said, she knew it would be for the best for Eureka.
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Captain Claire L. Bennet
Commanding Officer, USS Eureka

Bridge - Deck 2

Ulric nodded towards Ens Ramius as he was looking back towards the XO from the Ops Station on the Bridge. The Commander was understandably curious to know when Capt Bennet was finished and if she would be staying in the Ready Room, or if she would be returning to the Command Deck.

Cmdr Sladek: I would appreciate that, Ensign. That way I can surmise if the Captain will be returning to the Bridge or continuing to sort things out in the Ready Room.

The Executive Officer knew the conversation between Adm Arayuss and Capt Bennet was private. The Captain could've simply spoke with the Admiral from the Bridge if she wanted everyone to know what they were talking about. But since the CO didn't, Ulric understood if he was meant to know anything, Capt Bennet would be sure to inform him.
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Commander Ulric T. Sladek
Executive Officer, USS Eureka

Ready Room - Deck 2

Claire waited to hear what Adm Arayuss would say regarding Capt Sull becoming able to return to duty, and in a matter of moments, the CinC replied…

Adm Arayuss: Let us see what Captain Sull wants to do first before we worry about that, Captain. When Azeri wakes up, have her contact me and I will discuss it with her. That is the best answer I can give you at this time, Claire. We will know more after I talk with Captain Sull.

Before Capt Bennet could respond, the Admiral’s attention was distracted by something off-screen. Quickly he informed Claire she would need to wait until he returned…

Adm Arayuss: Admiral Martinelli needs to speak with me about something urgent, standby Captain.

Just watching the expression on the youthful face of Adm Arayuss, Claire could see that he had received very troubling news from VAdm Martinelli. This made Capt Bennet very concerned about what was going on in the Ready Room of the USS Sutherland. Whatever it was, it had to be devastatingly serious! A few minutes passed as Claire stood by waiting to hear back from Adm Arayuss, and after a short amount of time went by, the CinC returned his attention to the Captain of Eureka.

Adm Arayuss: Sorry about that, Captain. Admiral Martinelli has informed me that the Marine Detachment Wing that Captain Daqtorgh left behind to watch over the extraction site is about to be overrun with Xenomorphs! The Wildcards will be engaging them to prevent any from getting to the site, but those creatures are quite devious and will find a way to avoid the Hammerheads and get to the extraction area. The Marines from Infiniti will be the last line of defense once that happens. That's why I am authorizing atmospheric penetration for Eureka. You need to get the ship closer to the site and start beaming up refugees as soon as possible. Infiniti will be doing the same and I shall do the same aboard Explorer. Sutherland will also be going into the atmosphere as far as it can to assist with the evacuation. Once we've got everyone off there, I'll be sending the Genesis Device down there to eradicate the infestation. Since I will be aboard Explorer, Admiral Martinelli will be CO of Sutherland in my absence. Once I set the Genesis Device to detonate, we've got four minutes to leave the vicinity at Warp Speed to Starbase 34. We will all meet afterwards in my office for a debriefing. I look forward to meeting you in person and hearing firsthand about the excitement of your first command.

The Captain was stunned by the news Adm Arayuss had given her. It took a few moments for her to respond to the CinC and inform him that she and the crew of Eureka would do everything necessary to save the refugees from the Xenomorphs rapidly approaching them. Even if that meant bringing the California Class vessel into a low atmospheric altitude in order to engage in a retraction of them all. Claire was aware that the stormy weather would make this difficult, but that was what her Chief Engineer would have to sort out with the Chief Operations Officer.

Capt Bennet: I understand, Admiral. Everyone aboard Eureka will do all that is necessary to get those refugees from the extraction site safely. We certainly don’t want those horrible creatures to slaughter those children along with the personnel down there trying desperately trying to save them. I look forward to getting the opportunity to speak with you in person. I’ve heard very good things about you, Sir! I need to prepare my crew, so I will say my goodbye for now, Admiral. Bennet out!

With the conversation with the CinC complete, Claire got up from behind her desk and walked out onto the Bridge. The eyes of all the officers on duty looked at the Captain to hear what she had to say. Cmdr Sladek looked especially curious to know what was going on. Before taking the CO’s chair, Claire addressed the entire crew…

Capt Bennet: Attention crew of Eureka! There’s a new situation down at the extraction site! A horde of Xenomorphs are moving rapidly towards the extraction site! The Hammerhead Starfighters are protecting the site and will engage the creatures as they approach, however the possibility of some getting through may be narrow, but it’s too big a risk for the Marines on the surface to protect all the children and personnel assisting them. Admiral Arayuss has advised me that Eureka needs to maneuver through the atmosphere to a low altitude so we can start beaming up as many refugees as we can. So that’s what we’re going to do, so prepare your stations for an atmospheric incursion!

The CO sat in her chair on the Bridge and waited for senior officers to respond with their readiness to comply with the order given to her by Adm Arayuss. Since Claire addressed the entire ship, she was expecting to hear from the Chief Engineer as well. She was sure LtCmdr Meridius would have something to say about bringing the California Class Starship into a low altitude position amidst a violent storm. The Captain also was expecting to hear from her Bridge Officers as well. This was not going to be a simple task for the crew of Eureka, but Claire had confidence in their abilities and knew they would all make her very proud.
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Captain Claire L. Bennet
Commanding Officer, USS Eureka

Main Engineering - Deck 18

While Maximus was monitoring all of Eureka's systems at the Master Systems Display in Main Engineering, he heard the voice of Capt Bennet over the speaker system throughout the ship. LtCmdr Meridius was somewhat leery about Eureka going into the atmosphere of New Bajor during the immense storms that were going on over the area of the extraction site. But be that as it may, those were his orders and Maximus tapped his Combadge to contact the Captain regarding the new mission parameters.

Lt. Commander Meridius: Meridius to Captain Bennet! There's a few things we need to work out down here so Eureka can safely enter the atmosphere above the extraction site with all the storm activity going on. I'll let you know as soon as we're ready, Captain!

As the Chief Engineer waited on a reply from Capt Bennet on the Bridge, Maximus instructed his crew of Engineers to devise a solution to the atmospheric storms merging above the extraction site. Eureka will have to be secure from the storms by using the Inertial Dampening System and the ship's Shields from keeping the California Class vessel from becoming a target for lightning. The electrical storms plus the Shields being up will make it difficult to beam up refugees from the surface, so the Engineering Team really had their work cut out for them.
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Lt. Commander Maximus D. Meridius
Chief Engineering Officer, USS Eureka

Bridge - Deck 2

Claire nodded while sitting in the CO's chair on the Bridge. The Captain knew LtCmdr Meridius was an excellent Engineer and if he said they needed to work things out down there in Main Engineering, than that is what Claire would wait for as she responded to the Chief Engineer.

Capt Bennet: Understood, Mr. Meridius! Keep me apprised of your progress on the situation! We're under a time restraint and we cannot wait too long before we beam up the refugees at the extraction site! Bennet out!

The CO knew Maximus would keep her up to date on their progress down there, so Claire didn't need to wait on a confirmation from the Chief Engineer to know he would do what was needed. Now the Captain waited to hear responses from the rest of the senior officers as to their readiness for the upcoming atmospheric incursion.
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Captain Claire L. Bennet
Commanding Officer, USS Eureka

Sickbay - Deck 8

Just after discharging the parents of Lt. JG Kaaha, Dr. Edison heard the announcement from Capt Bennet. Tapping his Combadge, Maxwell called out to the Bridge to let them know Sickbay was ready for an incoming casualties.

Cmdr Edison: Edison to Bridge! Captain, I just released Lieutenant Kaaha's parents and Gus is escorting them to their guest cabin! Once Charrothe's parents are settled, I'm sure both the Lieutenant and the Ensign will be reporting to the Bridge! As for Sickbay, we're all ready down here for any casualties you send us! My only concern is making sure any refugees that are beamed up have been checked thoroughly by the Medical Personnel at the extraction site! That way we don't have any unexpected surprise births from any Xenomorphs on Eureka!

The Chief Medical Officer waited to hear back from the CO on her concerns for any of the refugees beaming up with an embryo inside their chest cavities. If someone was to transport to Eureka while impregnated with a Xenomorph and the Doctor was unaware of it, that could cause a severe security risk aboard the California Class vessel. For once it burst, the Xenomorph could easily find its way through the ventilation system, where it could grow to full size and begin stalking the crew and passengers!
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Commander Maxwell Edison
Chief Medical Officer, USS Eureka

Bridge - Deck 2

Claire was pleased to hear from Dr. Edison in Sickbay and was even more happy to know that Lt. JG Kaaha's parents were doing fine and released to their guest quarters. The Doctor did a fine job removing the embryos from both Mr. Orte and Charrothe's mother, Mrs. Orte. Tapping her Combadge, the Captain responded to Dr. Edison.

Capt Bennet: This is the Captain, Dr. Edison. I'm glad to hear Lieutenant Kaaha's parents are released from Sickbay. I'm sure I'll be seeing Charrothe and Gus on the Bridge shortly. As for the Medical Personnel checking the refugees for embryos, I'm sure they're handling the situation down there to make sure none of the Xenomorphs make it aboard any of the Starships in orbit above New Bajor. But if it does come down to beaming up children that haven't been checked yet in order to save them from the attacking horde, we'll beam them to the Shuttlebay and have it sealed in advance and you can check them for embryos yourself. That should work out fine, Maxwell.

The CO wasn't sure if Dr. Edison needed to respond to what Claire had told him, but in the event the Doctor did want to reply, the channel between them remained open. Capt Bennet had full confidence in Dr. Edison, since Maxwell was a decorated surgeon and had a vast knowledge in the medical fields. Claire still had no regrets about disposing of the Xenomorph embryos, that were inside Lt. JG Kaaha's parents, in such a manner that resulted in their de-molecularization in space.
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Captain Claire L. Bennet
Commanding Officer, USS Eureka

Sickbay - Deck 8

Dr. Edison understood the situation Capt Bennet was conveying to him and responded to the Captain rather quickly so that the Doctor could make the necessary preparations to Sickbay.

Cmdr Edison: Understood, Captain. I'll be ready for the refugees when they arrive. Sickbay will also be ready to remove any embryos should the need arise, Ma'am. Edison out.

The Chief Medical Officer began making the necessary preparations to be ready at a moment's notice to remove a Xenomorph embryo from any of the refugees that Eureka brought up from the extraction site that was not able to be checked by the Medical Personnel at that location. Maxwell knew it wouldn't take long for his personnel working in Sickbay to assist with the prepping for emergency surgery.
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Commander Maxwell Edison
Chief Medical Officer, USS Eureka

Capt Sull's Cabin - Deck 1

Azeri heard Capt Bennet as she addressed the entire ship's crew from her quarters. She may be slightly out of action and off duty, but this was no time for semantics. Her place was on the Bridge, even if that was in a limited capacity.

Capt Sull quickly replicated a bowl of Canine Supplement Number 46 and headed to the Turbolift. When it arrived, she called for the Bridge.

A few moments later, after arriving she could see the hubub of the officers readying for whatever was to come.

Capt Sull: Captain... Claire... I'm not here to take over, on the contrary, you seem to be doing a wonderful job in my stead.

Azeri smiled as she sat in the auxiliary chair next to Capt Bennet's.

She gave Claire a moment to explain the situation quickly to her so as not to interrupt. Once Capt Bennet had done so, Azeri thought for a few seconds before replying.

Capt Sull: Then Infiniti, with these super emergency transporter enhancers could actually be used more so than they may even know...

Azeri quickly tapped away at the auxiliary control panel arm, and rendered an image of the planet and the fleet, describing everything as she did so to Claire.

Capt Sull: We can route the fleet's Transporters through each of the Deflector arrays, using Infiniti almost like a lightning rod while it is planet side, boosting their own Transporter capabilities. They would be able to stay down there without the need to return to orbit to transport the refugees in their care. We'd effectively be one massive... Super-Transporter... But I have to warn you, this kind of thing has only ever been attempted once or twice... The results were... lackluster to say the least. But those were ECS ships, not the state of the art Federation Starships we have here. What do you think? It's your command right now, after all?

Capt Sull waited intently as Capt Bennet listened to everything she had to say, leaving the final decision to her. Azeri wouldn't get in her way if she chose to ignore her suggestion.
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Lt. Commander Azeri Sull
Mission Specialist, USS Eureka