The USS Princess Diana was the ship on patrol when the Zaranite Scavenger attack was discovered from Governor's Station. The Zaranites are responsible for the horrible event that killed so many on the colony. Vincent looked over the report from Summer Vasa. Commander Vasa was clear about what had happened. The Zaranites were able to slip in under the edge of the guard of the USS Princess Diana.
Vincent brought Tania to the Federation Complex. He had a lot on his mind. He had already had initial discussions with Hyla Teero to return to the planet to operate BLACK. Laaker Teero, her husband had already accepted the position of fire chief - Captain Teero already served the colony as a damage control specialist in his early career. Vincent also had to deal with his child, Nicole Viceroy who had been spending her days with Commander T'tan. The Governor has been helping Vincent through the crisis.
Vincent waited for Tania to come in. She had already seen the report. Summer had also provided the information to the Diana. Vincent tried to make it easy for, "Casper is ready for command. He no longer needs to be seasons on the Plato."
Tania knew what that meant. Vincent was removing her from the command of the Diana because she missed the scavenger attack. Tania stood up, "Am I out?"
"Only if you want to be.", Vincent responded.
"Can I go back to the Tanmesad?", Tania asked.
"Only if you accept a reduction in rank.", Vincent was firm. He had lost his wife. Tania was his friend. He had been a strong supporter of the Borg Disconnect. He however needed to make everyone understand what the failure had cost everyone.
Tania looked at Vincent, "Can Dr. Lodge come back too?"
"I would Giancarla to stay on planet for a while. She has been masterful in this chaos. Dr. Lodge can serve as CMO on the Tanmesad.", Vincent suggested.
"Commander Branson.", Vincent looked at Tania.
"Yes, Rear Admiral.", Tania looked back.
"If Nicole was not your daughter, you would be court martialed for what happened.", Vincent stood up, still deeply hurt over the loss of Bobbi-Lee.
"I understand.", Tania frowned. Screwing up is a part of being in space too. To accept that every officer will make the right decision every time is insane. Mistakes will be made. In space, these mistakes can cost people their lives.
Vincent looked at Elora, "Too harsh?"
Elora looked down at the console, "I am not the Military Commander in Chief but I tell you if Bill had been killed, I may not have given her a second chance."
"You still have some growing to do, my dear.", Vincent rubbed her back. He had one more job to do. He had to tell Captain Leo that they had found Mary-Lou Cole's body amongst the rubble. His was a lonely role. He was the sole Military Commander.
He was standing outside the commune. Acrylos had already started to fix up the club. His staff were working feverishly to clean up the mess. The Zaranites need know that the colony would not simply bow down.
Vincent looked at Felicity as she came up, "You wanted to see me."
"As chief of operations, you are responsible for all activities on your ship as well as any oeprational activities within the Battlegroup.", Vincent looked at her.
"Yes, sir.", Felicity looked at Vincent.
"And failure to acknowledge a serious threat to the colony would fall on the Operations Officer.", Vincent remained very stern.
"Yes, sir.", Felicity looked at the ground.
"The Commune was a wonderful place. Mary-Lou could always throw a great party. A great tribute to her would be to keep that legacy going.", Vincent explained.
Felicity knew exactly what he meant, "I believe it would, sir."
Vincent looked at her, "It would take someone very special to complete this task."
Felicity looked at Vincent, "Do I have any other option?"
"No.", Vincent responded abruptly. She should have been able to see the Zaranite attack coming.
"I will do her proud.", Felicity looked at the rubble.
Vincent looked at the rubble. It was a metaphor for his life. In a shambles, but through hard work and diligence, it could be reassembled.
Vincent turned. Colonel Brown was standing there in full marine garb.
"I thought you were retired.", Vincent responded.
"Not anymore.", Bell responded.
"Scavengers are afoot. Time for the dogs to hunt.", Bell snorted.
"Good to have you back.", Vincent put his hand on the shoulder of the Antican.
Posted by:
Rear Admiral Vincent Viceroy
Military Commander In Chief
Phoenix Colony
Phoenix Federation
