Andrea wiped the tears from her face with a tissue from the table and nodded to Adm Arayuss. Even though she never met Capt Reich, she was still moved by all the sentiment in the room.

Ens Russ: Yes, Admiral. On my way, Sir.

The Ensign left the ICU on the Med-Deck and immediately proceeded back to the Administration Level of SB34 where the offices of the Command Staff were located.
_________________
Lt. Junior Grade Andrea M. Russ
Administrative Assistant, Starbase 34

Alex found it so very difficult to deal with the loss of Capt Reich. He continued crying even though he had Dr. Jovic and Michaelangelo beside him giving him support for what he was going through. He really appreciated their affection, and wanted them to know it.

Alexander Windsor: Thank you both for helping me cope with this. At least we know his spirit is free from whatever was causing him to suffer in silence. I'm so thankful that he rescued me from the Deltaurans on the Mariposa. I'll never forget him.

The boy remained seated beside the bed where Capt Reich had passed away, with Dr. Jovic and Lt. Boffi along side him. He didn't know where he was going to go after this since he had no other relatives that he could stay with. His parents both lost their families during the Dominion War, so they only had each other when Alex was born. Now the boy was alone in the galaxy...
_________________
Alexander Windsor
Mission Specialist, USS Oriskany

Michaelangelo had been thinking about it for quite a while and decided that now might be the right time to speak up about it. Resting his hands on Alexander's young shoulders, he spoke aloud so it could be heard by everyone there.

Lt. Boffi: I've been thinking about this for a while, Alex. Would you like it if I became your foster parent? You can stay with me and still have a sense of family with the people you know from Oriskany.

The Lieutenant hoped he didn't over extend himself with the invitation. He looked towards Adm Arayuss to see if he would approve of the decision. The Admiral could nix this before the boy even answered.
_________________
Lt. Commander Michaelangelo A. Boffi
Chief Operations Officer, USS Oriskany

As Lt. Boffi looked towards the Admiral, he sensed that the Lieutenant's offer when genuine. Michaelangelo really cared for Alexander and this was his way of showing it. Aeryck nodded in approval to them both, so they would know it was okay with the CinC.

Adm Arayuss: It's fine with me, Lieutenant. He's going to need a family environment and I cannot think of a better place for him to be than with you and the friends he made aboard Oriskany.

The Admiral smiled at Alexander, letting him know to go ahead and answer Lt. Boffi's inquiry regarding him becoming the boy's foster parent. Aeryck figured the two of them would enjoy many hours of adventures on the Holodecks together.
_________________
Admiral Aeryck M. Arayuss
Commanding Officer, USS Sutherland
Commander in Chief, Gamma Fleet
Starfleet, United Federation of Planets

Alex couldn't be more pleased to become the foster son of Lt. Boffi. They had a lot of fun together when they were aboard Infiniti after they had to evacuate Oriskany from the Deltauran intruders. All he could think about was the fun they were going to have everywhere they were together.

Alexander Windsor: Wow, that would be great! I'd love to be your foster son, Michaelangelo!

The boy was really excited about the proposition and even more so that it was sanctioned by the Admiral himself. He really didn't want to become an orphan in a facility for children with no parents or living relatives. Although, he heard it wasn't like the orphanages from centuries ago, the aspect of living with Lt. Boffi was far more desirable. Alex stood up from the chair where he was seated and hugged the Lieutenant tightly.
_________________
Alexander Windsor
Mission Specialist, USS Oriskany

Michaelangelo was very happy with what the Admiral said and how Alexander responded. He held the boy tightly in a supportive embrace as they hugged in this emotional time in their lives. The Lieutenant looked over at Adm Arayuss and smiled from ear to ear.

Lt. Boffi: Thank you, Sir! I'll give Alex the best I possibly can! I'll make sure he lives up to his potential and becomes a productive member of the Federation.

The Chief Ops Officer of Oriskany continued hugging Alexander as they both shed some tears of happiness in this truly emotional experience for them. He couldn't wait to get the boy settled in his Quarters here on SB34, so they could enjoy some Holodeck time together before his next assignment.
_________________
Lt. Commander Michaelangelo A. Boffi
Chief Operations Officer, USS Oriskany

The Doctor was pleased that Lt. Boffi would be taking care of Alexander. They make a good pair with their gaming skills on the Holodeck and should enjoy each other's company for years to come.

Lt. Commander Jovic: I'm happy for you, Alexander. I am sure you and Lieutenant Boffi will complement each other very well.

Looking around the room where everyone was mourning the loss of Capt Reich, Dragana decided it would be best if they left to allow the autopsy to run it's course.

Lt. Commander Jovic: I think it would be best for us to leave now and let the autopsy staff take over and see if they can find out what happened to our Captain and friend, Sean. I thank you all for coming and being here with me for his final moments.

Dr. Jovic looked over at LtCmdr Little and nodded to him.

Lt. Commander Jovic: I think it's time for that drink now, Lewis.

Dragana lead the way out of the ICU and spoke to the nurse outside the room.

Lt. Commander Jovic: Inform the autopsy staff that Captain Reich is ready. I would like the report as soon as possible, please.

The Doctor then continued out of the ICU area with those that followed her and went onto their destinations outside of the Medical Deck. She was aware there was going to be a memorial for the Captain, but that would have to wait until after the autopsy staff was completed with their examination of Capt Reich's remains. Until then they would just have to occupy their time...
_________________
Commander Dragana Jovic
Chief Medical Officer, USS Oriskany

Lewis smiled at Dr. Jovic and nodded in agreement. He followed her out of the ICU and to the Turbolift where they could get a drink of actual Romulan Ale together. He continued following the Doctor to what must have been her Quarters on SB34 while she wasn't away on a mission aboard Oriskany. The Chief watched as she went over to a cabinet in her spacious living room and removed a bottle of the familiar blue liquor. Dragana took out 2 glasses as well, and poured the ale into them.

Dr. Jovic handed Lewis his glass and before taking a drink, he held it up so say a toast.

Lt. Commander Little: A toast, to the memory of Captain Sean Reich, may he never be forgotten.

They clinked their glasses together and drank their ale simultaneously. Lewis really enjoyed the flavor and strength of the Romulan Ale she served him. It had to of been a very good year. The ale of his he had aboard Oriskany was tasty too, but the aroma wasn't as strong as Dr. Jovic's. With her being Romulan, it would only be fitting that she would have access to a better selection of the ale her people had been manufacturing for generations.
_________________
Mr. McCloud

Aeryck exited the room with FAdm Skyner and Como Carpathia and left the now deceased Capt Reich to be autopsied by the staff that handled such things. They were the last to exit the ICU, behind Lt. Boffi and Alexander who were most likely heading for a Holodeck for one of their gaming adventures together. He was sure those two were going to have a lot of fun. The Admiral looked up at Como Carpathia and communicated with him telepathically.

Adm Arayuss: I'm really glad those two will be together, they had a lot of fun in the Holodeck on Infiniti while we were discussing the Deltauran strategy. I'm sure they're off to another Holodeck adventure.

The continued walking out of the ICU and to the lobby of Turbolifts where they entered one and returned to the Administration Level, where their offices were located. As the walked passed the Office of the Chief of Fleet Operations, they could see RAdm Martinelli working at his desk. Tony looked intent on what he was working on so they opted not to bother him at this time.
_________________
Admiral Aeryck M. Arayuss
Commanding Officer, USS Sutherland
Commander in Chief, Gamma Fleet
Starfleet, United Federation of Planets

Cmdr Ashborn's Room

The Aenarian Captain read the PADD she was supplied with containing the roster and the mission logs of Whitestar before it arrived at SB34. Pi'Lar was aghast and her antennae twitched as so many things that occurred she would've done differently that would've brought the Akira Class vessel back in much better shape. She did have to concede the Deltaurans were certainly a formidable foe nonetheless.

After a few hours had passed the Captain received a notification regarding a promotion and commendation ceremony tonight in the main Banquet Hall. Pi'Lar got the attention of a nurse passing by and made an inquiry.

Capt Zh'Osha: Excuse me, is he able to wake up now? There's someplace we need to be very soon.

The nurse looked over the BioBed's data console before responding.

Ens Steeple: Commander Ashborn is sleeping normally, he can be awoken anytime you wish Captain.

The CO looked down at her XO and shook her head, thinking that a brisk slap should do the trick. But be that as it may, she fought her Aenarian training on Andoria to smack the Commander awake and allowed the nurse to wake her XO from his slumber.

Capt Zh'Osha: Why don't you wake him for me, Nurse Steeple. My way may be considered too harsh.

The Nurse smiled knowingly and gently shook Commander Ashborn's shoulder till his eyes flapped in disbelief in the light of the room. When Pi'Lar saw that Chase was awake, she spoke up to alert him to her presence.

Capt Zh'Osha: I see you're finally awake, Commander. I am Captain Pi'Lar Zh'Osha, the new Commanding Officer of what's left of that ship you had towed back in shambles. My condolences on the death of Captain Adonis, but I have received a notification that we are due to arrive in our dress uniforms at a promotion/commendation ceremony tonight and I do not intend for us to be late. So let's get moving, Commander Ashborn. We have a place to be and no time to waste in getting there.

Pi'Lar watched as her XO got out of bed and shook off the slight headache he had from his head injury and put his boots on. As he finished getting ready she made one last statement before leaving his room.

Capt Zh'Osha: This is a dress uniform ceremony so I'm on my way to get ready, I suggest you do the same. I will see you there, do not be late...

The Captain turned on her left heel and walked out of her XO's room and down the corridor to the lobby area where she took a Turbolift to her Quarters here on the Starbase. She arrived at her destination then freshened up and changed into her dress white uniform before heading for the Banquet Hall.