> > The officers got up and left. Except for the Captain. She
stood in
> > the door after the others left and waited for the door to close. Upon
> > turning around she said, "Admiral Bedru, may I have a few more minutes
of
> > your time?"
>
> Bedru nodded. "Of course, Captain Henson," she replied. "I was
> about to fix some tea. Would you like something?"
>
"No thank you, sir. I am fine." she replied.
>
> The admiral ordered a hot tea with lemon (and whatever henson requested,
> if anything) from the replicator and rejoined the captain. She took a sip
> and nodded her satisfaction with the hot brew. "Please proceed, Captain."
>
> > "I am a touch concerned. Concerned about the high profile names on this
> > crew. There is the name recognition of Commander Lasiter, for one.
Then
> > there is yet another link to the Gariabldi family, plus, and I mean this
> > with all respect, your daughter. The selection hints of nepitism, and
that
> > is on the conservative side. I am not questioning your choices, just
> > curious as to the likely consequences. The press will not let this go
> > easily, particularily in the current feeding frenzy that we have on the
> > station at present." she said not in an insubordinate way, but rather
in a
> > thoughtful manner.
>
> "To be honest with you, nepotism had no part in the selections. Admiral
> Lasiter was far from enthusiastic about Commander Lasiter's selection, nor
> are Admiral Renaud nor I looking forward to our only child going on a
> long-term mission with enormous potential for danger." For a moment,
> Henson could see the worried mother before she was replaced by the
> admiral. "Unfortunately, they were the most qualified, and for this
> mission, I have to have the best."
>
> Bedru set the cup down and studied Henson. "Have you also wondered why I
> selected a rookie captain?"
>
"Well, yes I am, as a matter of fact."
>
> "Same reason."
>
The praise was not missed on the newly promoted Captain, but it
still did not ease her concerns.
"Sir, if this is to be part of a big media blitz and part of a plan
to help revitalize the Fleet, I must tell you that I am more than a bit
concerned. The selection of the crew is hardly that will inspire
credibility. To be blunt, sir, this could be a public relations nightmare.
While I greatly appreciate the oppertunity to command this mission, my
aspirations are not important here. The success of this mission in all
regards must be thought of." again she was not questioning authority, just
bring up a concern. If the Admiral was going to be ok with everything, then
she would be too. She would be ok, and try doubly hard to make everything
work.
{response}
