[Galaxy] 31 Mar, Commanding Officer's log, Thompson - Mission End

[Robert]

[ Briefing Room ]

Thompson studied his PADD as he waited for the officers to join him in 
the meeting room.  He held it in his left hand, as his right knuckles 
were resplendent with fresh bruises.  He occasionally worked his right 
fingers to ease out the soreness.  At 0800 hours by his watch, he stood 
and set the PADD aside.  “There was an American poet in the 
nineteen-fifties named Delmore Schwartz who wrote, ‘Time is the school 
in which we learn / Time is the fire in which we burn.‘"  He shook his 
head.  "None of us will escape the lessons or the scars.

“Petty Officer Howard Le Canard long was the first to die in this most 
recent engagement, though his name will be added to the list of KIA from 
the Battle of Galad.  I’ve recently been informed that Lieutenant 
Commander Roshenko will be transferred to Vulcan to give him the best 
chance at treatment and recovery.  Both these losses are a blow to us 
professionally and personally, but we may still consider ourselves 
lucky; casualties were light this time.  However, you may notice more 
empty chairs at the table.

“Lieutenant Commander Casey, Lieutenant Sloane, and Armsman First Class 
Oxford have all been transferred to the ESS Mir.  I cannot begrudge this 
for I know they will be in the good hands of Captain Killburn.  He’s one 
of a very few line officers still alive that I would trust them to.

“So where does that leave /us/?” Thompson asked as he looked at each 
officer in turn.  “Mister Walker and I have spoken to the Suliban 
prisoner, and he was forthcoming with a great many things.  We are 
confident that there are no more Suliban on the station, and before he 
was captured our prisoner was gracious enough to neutralize a certain 
Jason Evers and his mercenaries whom were responsible for the behavior 
modification among our own.  The Denobulan narcotics supplier we’ve been 
hunting was used to destabilize the station’s population, and we now 
have information that will see an end to his activities.  Finally, 
several other programs the prisoner put into motion will be cleared by 
our Armory department shortly, but should Mister Walker need any 
assistance, please give him priority.

“This is one more chapter we may put behind us.  One more school; one 
more fire.  We must move on, but we must not forget.

“And to that end, Mister Boyle and I have conferred and wish to 
recognize several personnel for their actions and contributions in this 
recent engagement.”  He lifted the PADD – again with his left hand – and 
read:

“For their actions and assistance, Lieutenant Sean Walker and Junior 
Lieutenant Nayome Yakmo will have a Starfleet Letter of Commendation 
added to their files.

“For coordinating the station’s personnel from the Command Center, and 
for his direct actions in the capture of the infiltrator, Lieutenant 
Commander George Boyle is hereby awarded the Starfleet Award of High 
Commendation.

“For her efforts in the research and solution to the nanite problem, 
Lieutenant Commander Talia Brennan is awarded the Preantares Ribbon of 
Commendation, Second Class.

“For their efforts in keeping the Infirmary operating at full 
efficiency, despite leadership changes amidst our many injured, 
Lieutenants Jia Cassidy and Regina Antonini are awarded the Preantares 
Ribbon of Commendation, First Class.

“For wounds received, Lieutenant Commander Yuri Roshenko and Lieutenant 
Jia Cassidy are awarded the Purple Heart.

“For their activities outside the infirmary in direct action against the 
station’s opposition, and for exceptional coordination and leadership 
despite extreme adversity, and by order of Fleet Operations, Lieutenants 
Jia Cassidy and Regina Antonini are hereby awarded the Gold Starfleet Cross.

Thompson paused to allow congratulations among the recipients.  After a 
moment, he continued, “In addition, there are a few promotions to announce.

“Lieutenant Commander Boyle is promoted to full Commander, a rank 
befitting his position as Executive Officer of Forrest Outpost.

“Lieutenant Commander Brennan is promoted to full Commander, a promotion 
that has unfortunately been withheld until this opportunity has 
presented itself.

“Finally, Lieutenant Cassidy is promoted to Lieutenant Commander.”

Once again, Thompson allowed them to congratulate each other before 
continuing.  “The Suliban prisoner will be transferred to the ESS 
Constitution tomorrow at 1300 hours for transport back to Earth.  The 
quick and efficient completion of this task will consume Mister Walker 
and myself, but I require department updates including progress on the 
cross-training endeavors by 1345 hours.  If you need anything, see 
Commander Boyle.  That is all.”

Thompson turned and left the briefing room, his right hand casually 
secured behind him as he walked.


-----
Nathan Thompson
Captain (Starfleet)
Commanding Officer
Outpost Maxwell Forrest