Mission 4: "Changes" - Challenger

[evoran]

"Captain's starlog: October 25, 2156. Diplomatic problems have arisen between the Andorians and the Kaluri. Since I made first contact with the Kaluri nearly seven months ago, Starfleet has decided that I would be the excellent person to mediate the disputes, therefore I am forced, reluctantly to give up command of Challenger while I am away.

We are on course to rendezvous with the Vulcan starship Ti'Nar where we will be taking on some new officers, notably, a new medical officer, a healer from Vulcan called T'Kara. Our current Doctor leaves for Earth with our comatose helmsman, Sevik, in the hopes that better medical facilities will be able to improve his condition.

Unfortunately, Commander Benzin is leaving us at this point as he has been reassigned, but I am told that a new tactical officer is also being transported to us by the Ti'Nar.

The Ti'Nar is also carrying my replacement for this mission. Starfleet has not been able to spare any officers to take over while I am gone, so the Vulcans are providing an officer to take my place. This decision may prove to be controversial among my crew, however I am told that this man, a Commander Saryn, is very experienced and skilled."

Adams pushed the comm button by his desk, "Mr Logan, Mr Kirk, Mr Saberwyn and Mr Rickman, please report to the Captain's Ready Room."

Within minutes, they were there.

"Gentlemen, you are the most senior officers aboard this ship, so I feel that I should tell you about the upcoming changes. I will be going of ship for the next few days and a Vulcan officer will be taking command of Challenger. Now, try to remember that the Vulcans are our allies and that these are no longer the days of the, hmmm...dare I say tyrannical High Command. I expect you to treat him with the respect and obedience he deserves and to ease his transition into life on Challenger. I know you will do your best to make our other new crewmembers feel welcome."

<Logan/Rickman/Saberwyn/Kirk>

"Well," said Adams, "if that is all, you are dismissed."

Minutes after they had left, Adams' door chime sounded.

"Come in."

The man entered.

"Doc, are you all packed?"

"Yes Captain." Said the Doctor, "I just wanted to tell you that it has been an honour to serve on Challenger."

"We'll be sorry to lose you Doc, but hopefully, you will be able to help Mr Sevik better on Earth." Said Adams.

"Yes, I'll be sorry to go, but your new medical officer has a good reputation. Well, I just thought I'd come and say goodbye."

Adams shook hands with him and he left.

The companel bleeped and the helmsman reported, "Captain, we have arrived, the Ti'Nar is waiting for us to dock."

"Commence docking procedures." Ordered Adams.

----------------------

Benzin stood in front of the captain's desk.

"Commander," said Adams, "it has been an honour serving with you, you will be greatly missed."

<Benzin>

"Goodbye, Reech." Said Adams. He shook hands with Benzin who then left.

A few minutes passed and the door chime sounded again.

This time, it was their new healer, T'Kara.

"Ah, Healer T'Kara, I hope you had a pleasant journey." Said Adams, offering his hand for her to shake.

<T'Kara>

"Welcome on board Challenger, healer." Said Adams.

She left, leaving Adams awaiting his replacement.

<Saryn>

[Deleted]

::Almost regally, Commander Saryn walked through Challenger's corridors. He had never been on an Earth ship before, even though he had served with humans. Saryn had spent several months on Earth, training for this mission, for which he had given up an opportunity to command his own vessel in the Vulcan fleet.::

[Saryn]
"Excuse me, which way to the bridge?"

::The dark-haired ensign he had addressed giggled in response then pointed to the nearest elevator.::

[Ensign]
"It's on deck one sir."

[Saryn]
"My thanks. Carry on ensign."

::Saryn continued his way towards the elevator and got it to ferry him towards the bridge. No-one seemed to notice him when he entered, and he paid no heed to them. Instead he crossed the bridge straight for the captain's office."

[Saryn]
"Commander Saryn, reporting for duty." ::He announced.::

::The Vulcan looked around, his face betraying a little disdain as his gaze fell over the cluttered office. How could one find what he needed when it was such a mess?::


Commander Saryn
Acting Commanding Officer

[Deleted]

Jack had been relaxing in his bed when the call had come in. He was surprised that he had called all of them. The only reason he would do this is if something big was about to happen. When he arrived he was not surprised to see the other three already there. They had always been more punctual then him, something that they loved to rub in.

"Gentlemen, you are the most senior officers aboard this ship, so I feel that I should tell you about the upcoming changes. I will be going of ship for the next few days and a Vulcan officer will be taking command of Challenger. Now, try to remember that the Vulcans are our allies and that these are no longer the days of the, hmmm...dare I say tyrannical High Command. I expect you to treat him with the respect and obedience he deserves and to ease his transition into life on Challenger. I know you will do your best to make our other new crewmembers feel welcome."

"I thought that we were only recieving a Vulcan Healer!" Jack blurted out.

"I should of known you would of read those orders," Shawn said almost laughing," yes we are also recieving a Vulcan healer, and you must respect them as well."

"Um....Captain is this Commander going to be in command of the MACO's?" Jack asked. He surprised everyone and himself when he asked the question. It was usually something Rickman would ask, but Jack also had his worries.

Vulcan's were there allies, but not many had the experience that Commander T'Pol had. She has served many years on Enterprise and she had more than earned the respect of all officers, but what if this Vulcan was arrogant and all high and mighty. The crew was very loyal, there would be no problem about following orders, but Jack thought about the morale of the ship.

The war was going on and happiness was at an all time low and like everyone knew Vulcan's looked down on happiness.

<Tag everyone>

[tkara]

T’Kara had left her family on Vulcan for the first time since her union with her husband. However, they had both decided that it was time for something new in her life, to put her skills to better use. However, it seemed unwise to let their children spend time with such an emotional species, and so it was decided that T’Kara should go alone.

Having packed her belongings, she made her way from the Vulcan vessel to the….’Challenger’…as it was apparently called. ~Humans seem to like to impress people with their ship names. It seems to me merely an extravangance.~ she thought to herself.

Saying goodbye to her fellow Vulcans, she crossed the threshold of her new home and blinked hard. She would need some nasal suppressant to be sure. As she made her way to the Captains room, she wondered how these humans could stand the smell.

She pressed the door chime once, keeping hold of her bag. The door opened and she went inside.

"Ah, Healer T'Kara, I hope you had a pleasant journey." Said Adams, offering his hand for her to shake.

She looked at his hand in an almost disdainful manner, but decided to follow human custom and shook it briefly. “The journey was unexpectedly slow, but otherwise, it was fine. Thank you. You…Have a fine ship.” She added the latter, as her husband had told her that humans – especially the males - liked to be complimented on their vessels.

He smiled. "Welcome on board Challenger, healer." Said Adams.

She nodded her head slightly. “Thank you. I shall now go to sickbay and see what needs to be done there.”

OOC: Hello everybody!

[Deleted]

::Saryn walked onto the bridge after his introductory chat with Captain Adams. He knew he would need to stop by sickbay to get the treatment he needed; the smell on the bridge was sickening. He started to wonder how humans could work in this stench but then realised that humans didn't have as strong a sense of smell as Vulcans had.::

[Saryn]
"Attention everyone."

::Saryn didn't need to raise his voice, a fact he rarely did anyway. His mere emergence from the captain's office had drawn most crewmember's attention towards him.::

[Saryn]
"As you all may know, Captain Adams will be leaving the ship in a few hours. I believe you humans engage in something called a farewell party? I would suggest arranging something like that in the mess hall at 1600 hours, that will give you all enough time to say goodbye. As of 2000 hours, I shall be in command of the Challenger until Captain Adams' return."

::Then he realized something as everyone kept gaping at him.::

"I am Commander Saryn, Captain Adams' temporary replacement."

::Saryn gazed around the bridge crew, his face impassive, as he took each face in.::

"This farewell party will also be an excellent means for new arrivals to get to know their collegues. I trust we will get along just fine."

::With that, Saryn departed the bridge and headed down to sickbay. He wasn't surprised to find a Vulcan working there, though he did wonder why a Vulcan doctor would want to deal with these overly emotional human patients.::

[Saryn]
"Doctor, I am here for my compulsary physical, as well as my treatment."

::Saryn figured the doctor would understand what treatment he meant.::

[Andrew Kirk]

"Gentlemen, you are the most senior officers aboard this ship, so I feel that I should tell you about the upcoming changes. I will be going of ship for the next few days and a Vulcan officer will be taking command of Challenger. Now, try to remember that the Vulcans are our allies and that these are no longer the days of the, hmmm...dare I say tyrannical High Command. I expect you to treat him with the respect and obedience he deserves and to ease his transition into life on Challenger. I know you will do your best to make our other new crewmembers feel welcome."

Kirk wasn't thrilled with the idea of getting to know another Captain. It took long enough to get to know a human Captain, let alone an arrogant Vulcan.

Out of pure respect for Captain Adams and the fact that this replacement was only going to be around for a few days, Kirk decided it was best to hold his tongue.

While Jack spoke with Captain Adams about the MACO's on board the ship, Kirk stood by letting his thoughts carry him away. He thought of the ships maintenance and damage repairs that needed to be done, field testing the hull plating and anything else his eager engineering mind could think of.

Captain Adams excused the officers and they each walked back onto the bridge. Kirk walked the distance with Jack to his station.

"I'm going to be down in engineering. If this Vulcan needs me, tell him to come down to my office."

[rickman]

Rickman stood quietly whilst the briefing went on. In all truth he wasn't paying much attention. Ryan hadn't been replaced yet and whispers were coming down from various generals that whilst enough names had been put forward, it was being blocked in the hope that the deceased MACO would be replaced by one of the Starfleet security personnel. Well it wasn't an emergency yet, but it seemed odd that noone was willing to appoint a new Marine from anywhere as a Challenger MACO. Hell, they didn't even have to be Western Marines; Khan was from Pakistan. They didn't even have to be Marine either, Rickman would have accepted even Air Force so long as the man was good.
He missed the question that was asked about if the Vulcan would command the Marines, but picked up the reply.
'In all truth, even Captain Adams is only in nominal command right now. The agreement was that he could command on the condition that he never would interfere. Of course, any CO has the right to call the Marines to deploy, but beyond that I don't know. I suppose it depend on if the Vulcan would like to or not'
<Anyone>

[tkara]

After quickly viewing her new living quarters and finding them perfectly adequate, she decided to leave herunpacking until after her shift, deciding that it would be most useful to the crew for their new Doctor to be in Sickbay.

T'Kara walked around Sickbay inspecting various pieces of equipment, finding that not all of it was up to Vulcan standards, but did the job nonetheless. She raised an eyebrow. ~That seems to some-up Humans rather well...~

Just as she was thinking that, the doors opened and admitted a Vulcan man. Her eyebrow arched once again and she moved her hair behind her ear before inclining her head in greeting to him.

He reciprocated and then spoke: "Doctor, I am here for my compulsary physical, as well as my treatment."

"Of course." She said, deciding that frivolous talk was unnecessary with a fellow Vulcan and administered the shot he required and started the physical.

OOC: Sorry! Dont have much time right now, will finish soon.

[Deleted]

::Saryn lay back on the bed and waited patiently for the doctor to complete his physical. Apart from his lactose intolerance he knew there would be nothing wrong with him.

After his physical he proceeded to his quarters to inspect it, and found it to be adequate enough to serve its purpose during his tenure aboard the Challenger. His belongings had been transported to his quarters though he would sort them into their proper places once he would be off duty.

As promised he now had to prepare for Captain Adams' farewell party as well as make an inspection tour around the ship. Engineering would be the most logical place to start, as without engines they would not be going anywhere.::

[Saryn] ::as he entered the lift::
"Engineering"

::Without much trouble, he located engineering and with even less trouble he located the chief engineer.::

[Saryn]::looking up towards the engine and the one male standing on the ramp::
"Andrew Kirk?"

::Saryn climbed the ladder that led up to the ramp so he would be face to face with the human::

[Saryn]
"What is the status of this vessel, are we spaceworthy? I suspect new orders would be arriving very soon and I need to know if this ship will sustain us, or fall apart as we go."

[Deleted]

The meeting had been rather odd, but the Captain had gotten his point across. The Challenger would have a new commanding officer, a Vulcan, and they were to treat him with all the due respect he deserved. Jack accepted this knowing that his friend and Captain would not be gone for long.

Jack was now waiting on the bridge for the new commanding officer to arrive. Andy had curtly told him that he, meaning the Vulcan, could go find him in main engineering. At first thought Jack thought that Andy had gotten back to his old ways, but he realized that he too didn't like the change that was currently happening.

"Lt. Logan, we are recieving a high priority message from Starfleet Command," Ensign Smith reported. In a matter of seconds the viewscreen changed to the image of Admiral Gardner. Jack had personally met the Admiral who had personally talked to him into staying in Starfleet.

"Lt. Logan very nice to see you again," the admiral said.

"Like-wise Admiral," Jack responded.

"I suppose that Adams has already informed you of the changes," the admiral said.

"Yes sir," Jack said trying not to say what was on his mind.

"I just want to let you guys know that this is temporary, we just couldn't find another suitable officer within our ranks," the admiral said.

"Of course," Jack said.

"Ok, now I need to talk to Commander Saryn to explain your next mission," the admiral said.

"Understood, I will forward you to the Captain's ready room," Jack said and then contacted the Commander.

"Commander Saryn, please report to the bridge, Admiral Gardner wishes to speak to you."

<Tag Saryn>

[Andrew Kirk]

"Andrew Kirk?" Saryn asked looking up toward the engine and the one male standing on the ramp.

"That's me." Kirk replied with out turning to see who was addressing him.

"What is the status of this vessel, are we space worthy? I suspect new orders would be arriving very soon and I need to know if this ship will sustain us, or fall apart as we go."

Kirk took a moment before looking at the Vulcan. It was almost as if the man was trying his hand at sarcasm. Enjoying his new promotion Kirk decided it was time to play it with some more diplomacy, "Yes sir we are completely space worthy. I just want to go over all the systems personally before we really start taxing the engines."

Kirk watched as the Vulcan decided to take a peek around for himself. It wasn't long before the COM system opened up and Jack's voice range out through the speakers.

"Commander Saryn, please report to the bridge, Admiral Gardner wishes to speak to you."

"Thank God for small miracles." Kirk said to himself.

With out waisting any time Kirk opened the COM on his end, "He's on his way Jack."

[Deleted]

::Saryn turned towards Kirk and raised an eyebrow at him, though his features remained neutral.::

[Saryn]
"I heard that lieutenant, you may want to watch your language when I am around. The next time I shall not be so tolerant."

::The Vulcan commanding officer turned on his heels, walked towards the nearest communications unit and pressed the button::

[Saryn]
"This is Saryn, I am on my way."

::He cast one more glance on the chief engineer, then headed back towards the bridge.::

[Saryn]
"Route the message to my office please, and have the ship ready to depart as soon as I give the word."

::Saryn walked into the captain's office and activated the computer.::

[Saryn]
"Admiral Gardner, what can I do for you?"

[tkara]

T'Kara finished Saryn's physical and administered the shot that was required and gave the new Captain permission to leave. Afterwards, she went into her new office to inspect what was there but was interupted by two Ensigns needing medical attention.

~This mission will not go well if the humans are so easily prone to accidents before we have even left yet...~ she mused silently to herself.

Whilst fixing a relatively simple medical problem of the Ensign - it turned out the other had come along for 'moral support'...whatever that meant - she overheard them discussing the party and decided that she should attend. Unsure whether or not an invite was necessary, she asked them in her typically blunt Vulcan fashion. The surprise in their faces convinced her of their sincerity when they said that she would be most welcome, as she was a 'new face' on the ship.

Nodding her acceptance of this, she agreed to see them later at the party, after deducing the most logical place for the party.

<TAG anyone>

[Andrew Kirk]

Kirk watched with a smile as Saryn walked casually out of Engineering. He couldn't help himself but shake his head at the thought of having a Vulcan get on his case like that.

"Vulcans..." Kirk muttered to himself.

It was no surprise to anybody on the ship that Kirk wasn't fond of the Vulcans; it seemed to be a well known fact. Kirk knew though that times were changing and he would have to start accepting Vulcans as having a sound place in the future and survival of mankind as it continued to explore beyond it;s own solar system.

"No sense in doing anything that will get you taken away from me." Kirk said touching his brand new pip.

[Deleted]

"Hello Commander Saryn, I have heard many good things from your superiors," Gardner said. He clearly was uncomfortable seeing someone other than a Starfleet captain in charge of a NX class.

"Commander as you can tell I did not want you as Captain of the Challenger, but your record was to hard to ignore," Gardner said," that being said I'm sure that most on the ship are also uncomfortable, but I know that they will perform there duties to the best of there abilities. They are very loyal to each other commander, be sure to remember that."

"Admiral I am sure that is not the reason you have contacted me," Commander Saryn said.

"You are right, Commander," Gardner said with a slight smirk," I'm sending you your mission. You are to head towards Andorian space and rendezvous with Commander Sai'x, captain of the Sorna. You two are then going to head to Weytahn."

"Weytahn?" Commander Saryn asked.

"Yes, the Romulans attacked the planet and the colonist require medical attention," Gardner said," that being said, you will need to be on high alert because Romulan activity is still being reported in the system."

"Understood," Commander Saryn said.

"And Commander you well know how important keeping Weytahn stable and for that reason the Vulcan government has sent three of its ships to the planet, but they will not get there until later this week. Until then do all you can."

<Tag Saryn>

[Deleted]

Jack knew that Admiral Gardner was briefing Commander Saryn on there next mission. He wondered what it was. The Challenger was to important to push back to safer areas of the quadrant. This meant that the Challenger would once again go into dangerous waters. They were used to it by now, but before things got to serious Jack had planned a big party in Cargo Bay 3.

Jack hadn't informed Captain Adams about the party, he had wanted to tell him the day of the party. Less chance of him saying no, but now that Commander Saryn was in charge things were in jeopardy. The party planners had come to him for clearance and he had almost refused to give it to them, but he realized that the crew needed this and so he told them that he would take the blame.

And now word had come that there new doctor, well Healer had asked to come to the party. Jack had been pleasantly surprised and was glad that she would show up.

"Logan to Rickman."

"Rickman here."

"Captain, I was wondering if you and your MACO's would like to join us in Cargo Bay 3 for an old fashion shindig?" Jack asked.

<Tag Rickman>

Jack was pleased to know that he would think about it, and so he contacted Andy to inform him as well. Though he decided he would do this face to face, it would give him a chance to visit the new doctor before he had to report back to the bridge.

When he entered engineering he saw Andy where he usually was, next to the engine.

"You'd think that it was a women," Jack said laughing," oh I see that you got that pip you were wanting."

"What do you want?" Andy said smirking.

"You and your engineers are invited to a party in Cargo Bay 3," Jack said," it's at 2000 hours and don't think I didn't hear about that remark you said to the Commander."

<Tag Andy>

One thing that Andy always had was a comeback and even though Jack knew it was all in fun, for some reason this one stung a bit. It didn't take long for him to shrug it off and he was on his way towards sickbay where Healer T'Kara was located.

~It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, T'Kara of Vulcan~ Jack said in Vulcan. It surprised everyone in sickbay, but of course the Vulcan was the only one not showing it.

"If you are uncomfortable me speaking Vulcan, I will no longer do so?" Jack said.

<Tag T'Kara>

"I'm here to say how glad I am that you have decided to join our little party," Jack said," I was surprised when Monica told me that you wished to attend. Oh and before I forget I'm Jack Logan the communications officer."

Jack stood there holding the Vulcan salute and waited for the doctor's response.

<Tag T'Kara>

[Andrew Kirk]

"You and your engineers are invited to a party in Cargo Bay 3," Jack said," it's at 2000 hours and don't think I didn't hear about that remark you said to the Commander."

"You and your ears," Kirk said shaking his head, "I guess Vulcans have bigger mouths than I thought."

Kirk turned his attention back to the engines for a second while Logan stood watching. It seemed as if Logan was watching with a child like curiocity, it was quiet in engineering, something he probably wasn't used to.

"I will spread the word and see how many of them feel like coming. You know I will be there." Kirk said with a big smile.

"Good. See you around 2000 then." Logan said before walking away.

"When's 2000?" Kirk asked looking at his wrist watch.

"8 pm Earth time. You really need to learn the 24 hour clock." Logan said.

"Ah bite me." Kirk replied before going back to work.

[Deleted]

OOC: Thanks to Commander Saryn for reminding me of something that I totally overlooked.

IC:
"You know I don't think you would taste very good," Jack said as laughing as he exited engineering. Jack did what he said and invited the Healer and was back on his way towards the bridge. As soon as he entered the lift he remembered something that Commander Saryn had told him.

~As you all may know, Captain Adams will be leaving the ship in a few hours. I believe you humans engage in something called a farewell party~ He couldn't help but smile, in a matter of minutes these two Vulcans had acted like normal humans. He attributed this to the fact that they wanted to fit in better.

When he reached his station he immediately contacted the official party planners and informed them of the farewell party. Jack would inform the Captain shortly.

<Tag everyone>

[rickman]

'Captain, I was wondering if you and your MACO's would like to join us in Cargo Bay 3 for an old fashion shindig?'
'Do you think the men will want to go?' Rickman asked of Atkins who was nearby to the wall point Rickman was talking through
Atkins coughed sarcastically 'I wonder'
'We'll give it a good thought' Rickman replied into the wall
Rickman summoned Sergeant Smith into his quarters/MACO HQ.
'There's some sort of party going on with the Starfleet crew and the men have been invited. Of course, any that want to go can go, but they are to behave themselves. I know how they like to and can drink, but I also know we're having enough trouble without setting a bad example.'
'Trouble, sir?' Smith asked 'I was under the impression the men and the crew were doing alright'
'Not with the crew, with Starfleet command'
'Oh, that. I'll tell the men, sir'
'Carry on, sergeant'
Smith saluted and left. As he did, a thundering past the door indicated the Marines were on one of their training exercises. Rickman often joined in with them but had sat this one out due to the paperwork of Private Ryan's death. Atkins of course was unable to take part although he still used the ship's gymnasium for upper body and Corporal Grey was oddly trained in physiotherapy. Apparently he had been a sports coach before joining the Marines.

'Are we invited too?' Atkins asked
'Of course'
'Are you going?'
'As long as I can finish all this crap' he said, gesturing to the paperwork. Not only was Ryan's stuff there but also the forms for more ammunition. It was becoming harder and harder to be supplied with real ammunition although energy ammo was almost being forced on them. Rickman and Atkins had attempted to react to this by finding a way to make an SMG fire phase pistol cartridges. But they had been somewhat drunk at the time and their various attempts to jam the cartridges down the barrel had ended unfruitfuly.
Atkins took some of the paper from Rickman's small desk and took it to his own
'Hey, we're Marines' he pointed out 'we never miss a target'

[Deleted]

The room would be full in a matter of minutes and Jack was prepared for it all. He had make sure that everyone would be able to attend the party and those that were on duty would be replaced half way through the party. The buffet was ready and personally Jack was ready to party.

Like he had predicted people were starting to trickle in and the party got under way as Jack turned on some music. There was gentle banter, but that all changed when the engineers and MACO's got there. He knew that they were the most rumboutous crewmembers, but hopefully they would quiet down a bit when Commander Saryn and Captain Adams showed up.

Jack, the host of the party, was making sure that everyone was being attended to. If he saw a crewman standing alone he made sure to talk to them and help them join a conversation. Suddenly the room bursted into appluase and cheers which only meant that Captain Adams had just arrived.

Everyone made sure to say a few words to there commanding officer and some of them even had tears in there eyes. As Jack looked around he noticed that there resident Vulcan crewmates were purplexed by this emotional reaction. Jack could undestand there purplexion, they all knew that the Captain was going to return in a few short weeks, but then again everyone had gotten attached to the Captain.

<Tag All>

OOC: Okay, everyone you can respond to the party, but please do it promptly. We do want to get underway on our mission, lol.

[desauma]

Desauma sat in Science lab I going over some paper work for the makeshift shield system he and Lieutenant Kirk had instituted nearly two weeks prior. His thoughts drifted to his experience on the Orion ship, he had never seen carnage like that and hoped he wouldn't again. Desauma thought he hid his surprise very well, but it had still effected him. He finished the paper work and started a log entry.

Chief Science Officer's starlog: October 25, 2156
Since our last encounter with the Romulans, Lieutenant Kirk and I have made some improvements on our shield system. Granted when we activate it bridge conduits do explode, but we have made some improvements that won't blow out as many conduits. I only hope that when this war is over the shield won't blow out any conduits.

At that moment a call came through the com system. "Mr Logan, Mr Kirk, Mr Saberwyn and Mr Rickman, please report to the Captain's Ready Room."
Desauma acknowledged the call, stopped his log entry and left the science lab. Within minutes, they were there.

"Gentlemen, you are the most senior officers aboard this ship, so I feel that I should tell you about the upcoming changes. I will be going of ship for the next few days and a Vulcan officer will be taking command of Challenger. Now, try to remember that the Vulcans are our allies and that these are no longer the days of the, hmmm...dare I say tyrannical High Command. I expect you to treat him with the respect and obedience he deserves and to ease his transition into life on Challenger. I know you will do your best to make our other new crewmembers feel welcome."

"I thought that we were only receiving a Vulcan Healer!" Jack blurted out.

"I should of known you would of read those orders," Shawn said almost laughing," yes we are also receiving a Vulcan healer, and you must respect them as well."

Desauma chimed in. "I've had a great deal with Vulcans. This will be no problem for me or my department sir." "Um....Captain is this Commander going to be in command of the MACO's?" Jack asked. He surprised everyone and himself when he asked the question.

"In all truth, even Captain Adams is only in nominal command right now. The agreement was that he could command on the condition that he never would interfere. Of course, any CO has the right to call the Marines to deploy, but beyond that I don't know. I suppose it depend on if the Vulcan would like to or not" Desauma noted that Andy had stayed quiet during the meeting. I'll have to see if he is alright after this meeting Desauma thought. "Well," said Adams, "if that is all, you are dismissed." They each walked back onto the bridge. Kirk walked the distance with Jack to his station, while Desauma took his station.

"I'm going to be down in engineering. If this Vulcan needs me, tell him to come down to my office." Not long after Kirk had left an ensign spoke up. "Lt. Logan, we are receiving a high priority message from Starfleet Command." In a matter of seconds the viewscreen changed to the image of Admiral Gardner. Desauma smiled as he recalled working under Gardener's direct command when he was working at Starfleet Command

"Lt. Logan very nice to see you again," the admiral said.

"Like-wise Admiral," Jack responded.

"I suppose that Adams has already informed you of the changes," the admiral said.

"Yes sir," Jack said trying not to say what was on his mind.

"I just want to let you guys know that this is temporary, we just couldn't find another suitable officer within our ranks," the admiral said.

"Of course," Jack said.

"Ok, now I need to talk to Commander Saryn to explain your next mission," the admiral said.

"Understood, I will forward you to the Captain's ready room," Jack said and then contacted the Commander.

"Commander Saryn, please report to the bridge, Admiral Gardner wishes to speak to you."

"Thank God for small miracles." Kirk said to himself.
"I heard that lieutenant, you may want to watch your language when I am around. The next time I shall not be so tolerant" came the chatter from Engineering. Desauma had to stifle a laugh when Commander Saryn arrived on the bridge. After ten minutes on the bridge Desauma headed for his annual checkup in Sickbay. Once there he saw Jack telling Healer T'Kara about the farewell party for Captain Adams. "I'm here to say how glad I am that you have decided to join our little party," Jack said," I was surprised when Monica told me that you wished to attend. Oh and before I forget I'm Jack Logan the communications officer."
The Vulcan healer replied and Jack told her the party was at 20:00 hours in Cargo Bay three. After Jack was done his physical Jack left sickbay making brief eye contact with Desauma. Desauma
to the healer and sat on a bio bed while she proceeded with his examination. After the exam Desauma left sickbay to wait for the party. At 20:00 hours Desauma walked into the cargo bay with the first batch of crew to arrive for the party.
There was gentle banter, but that all changed when the engineers and MACO's got there. Desauma knew as well as anyone that they were the most rumbustious crewmembers, but hopefully they would quiet down a bit when Commander Saryn and Captain Adams showed up.

Jack, the host of the party, was making sure that everyone was being attended to. If he saw a crewman standing alone he made sure to talk to them and help them join a conversation. Suddenly the room burst into applause and cheers which only meant that Captain Adams had just arrived.

Everyone made sure to say a few words to there commanding officer and some of them even had tears in there eyes. As Jack looked around he noticed that there resident Vulcan crewmates were perplexed by this emotional reaction. Jack could understand there perplexion, they all knew that the Captain was going to return in a few short weeks, but then again everyone had gotten attached to the Captain. When the last bit of people went to talk to Captain Adams, Desauma made a point to introduce himself to Commander Saryn. He also informed the Vulcan CO of the experimental shield system on the Challenger. He stood and patiently waited for the CO's reply.
[Tag: Commander Saryn]

[evoran]

Adams entered the party to cheers and applause. Outwardly he was modest and politely waved away the applause, inwardly, he liked this reaction. A captain always has to be confident in his abilities, but it is always nice to get a sign that the crew is confident in your abilities.

The party went on for at least an hour, crewmembers came and talked to Shawn all through the party, he felt like he was leaving for good instead of a few weeks. But, soon enough, the time came for business.

Shawn raised his voice, "Excuse me, may I have your attention please."

The talk died down and all eyes turned to Adams.

"It's good to see you all like this, gathered together, enjoying the good times, especially since, these days, the good times are hard to come by. Nevertheless, you have all performed in an outstanding fashion and I know that you will continue to do so for Commander Saryn. At this star time I am hereby transferring command of Challenger to Commander Saryn."

He shook hands with Saryn and then turned to the crew to say, "Good luck. I'll see you all in a couple of weeks."

With that, he turned and exited the room.

[Andrew Kirk]

Kirk had tried to keep himself busy all day but with the thought of letting loose for a few hours in the back of his head nothing was really getting done. He was getting tired of repairing battle damage and the single thought of a break took most of his attention away from his duties; something that he did not enjoy since the lives of the crew were in the hands of him and his engineers.

Getting up onto the top level of the warp core Kirk decided to make the announcement, "Attention, ladies and gentlemen. I am going to be leaving now for Captain Adams farewell party. It pains me to have to say that not everybody can go, the night crew has to stay here and watch over everything. Sorry. Everybody else, your more than welcome to join in, and as I hear it the MACO's are going to be there also."

The mention of the MACO's brought considerable attention to the party. Everybody knew Engineers knew how to have a good time, but more than that it was common knowledge that MACO party harder than anybody else. 100% chance of having a good time if the MACO's were going.

It was a short walk to the parties location and Kirk had found Jack rather quickly, "Jack, where's the beer?" Kirk asked looking as if he needed a drink.

"I thought you were going to bring your own." Jack replied with a smerk.

"Not when there is free beer sitting around a going away party." Kirk replied looking back and forth for any signs of beer.

"That way." Jack said pointing to the back of the room.

"Thanks." Kirk said giving Jack a punch of the shoulder as he passed him by on his way to the cooler.

[Deleted]

::Against Vulcan non-touch policy, Shawn grabbed Saryn's hand and shook it by means of farewell. Because of the situation, Saryn chose not to say something of it. Instead he turned and walked to the bar.::

[Saryn]
"I would like to sample whatever he is having."

::Saryn pointed at the drink in Kirk's hand, and a crewman shoved a can into the Vulcan's hand.::

[Crewman]
"Are you sure you want to try that? I heard Vulcan's can't hold their liquor....or that they don't drink at all."

[Saryn] ::raising an eyebrow at the crewman::
"This Vulcan can...hopefully."

::Saryn sipped the golden liquid, but it was all he could to not to gag in front of everyone. The liquid was bitter to the taste, and had an even nastier aftertaste.::

[Saryn]
"I fear that this is not a drink suitable for my tastes. Would you have any kasa juice?"

[Crewman]
"Certainly sir...how about I dispose of that drink for you...discreetly?"

::Yet the crewman told the nearest officer about Saryn's first encounter with beer, knowing that soon the all party attendees would know.::

[Saryn]
"That would be preferable."

::The Vulcan accepted his new drink and walked away to mingle with his crew.::

Off: my apologies ensign, I had missed this tag.

::Desauma made a point to introduce himself to Commander Saryn. He also informed the Vulcan CO of the experimental shield system on the Challenger. He stood and patiently waited for the CO's reply.::

[Saryn]
"Please elaborate ensign." ::Saryn asked, as the science chief introduced himself and informed him of the experimental shield system.:: "What exactly are the modifications and what is the expected yield?"

[Deleted]

"Not when there is free beer sitting around a going away party." Kirk replied looking back and forth for any signs of beer.

"That way." Jack said pointing to the back of the room. He had made sure to get Andy's favorite type of beer which hadn't come by easy.

"Thanks." Kirk said.

Now that the Captain was here and command had transferred to Commander Saryn, Jack took a chance to settle down and enjoy the party. The first memorable thing was Commander's first experience with beer. Jack was laughing silently when he saw the Vulcan taste it. He knew that there would be no outward reaction, but he knew that in the inside he wanted to throw up.

The news of his first experience with beer spread like wildfire and each time someone learned about it they gave a chuckle or two. Jack knew that this experience would endear the Vulcan to the rest of the crew because he was willing to try human things.

As the party went on the rumboutsness of the MACO's and engineers seemed to grow. They were laughing, drinking, eating, and laughing some more. Jack was afraid that some of them would got on top of the tables and start dancing. Jack knew how to stop them from doing anything else, but he decided not to do anything just yet.

If it got out of control he would tap off the beer, and no one wanted that. That being said, Jack knew it was time for someone to stop drinking.

"Andy, no more for you," Jack said as he took the beer away from his best friend. "You already had more than enough. Tomorrow we begin our mission and we need you at your best."

<Tag Kirk>