Snippet #2567785

"New directive not to your liking, I take it?" Rayne heard Mat's voice ask, his hologram appearing a short ways in front of the chair. "It's not the mission itself that bothers me, it's why we're doing it. A simple scouting mission near deep space is nothing to sweat over, it's that two scouting teams went missing there in the past month under the same circumstances," Rayne said, agitated. Then he heard the sound of movement behind him.

Captain Rayne stood, and turned to watch as seven new crewmen filed in line before him. 'The military will make you punctual, if nothing else. Then again, I did give them ten minutes,' he thought to himself. Once he counted the full seven, he saluted and said "Welcome aboard the U.S.S. Warhammer. You are now standing on the latest, most advanced Federation ship. Don't get me wrong, we're a long ways from being the best armed, but it should be a small bit of an honor to serve on her." Rayne then tapped on his forearms's datapad, and opened seven files.

"Commander Weston Carter..." his voice trailed off. Rayne looked up at the 6'8" human who stood before him. "Ironhide? My cousin was aboard your ship, the one that was downed with the ambassadors and whatnot. Damn impressive work, it's a pleasure to have you aboard," Rayne said, almost beside himself with wonder. 'It's a small world, after all.'

"Ensign Solactu Passsinon. Fresh out of the Academy, Engineering department. Hand-made your own ship with various non-compatible pieces. I'm impressed. Welcome aboard."

"Lieutenant Commander Weslow Rykes. Specialty in reconnaissance and a marksman sniper to boot. One day, you may beat my record. Maybe. Welcome aboard."

"Commander Atan Vuloris. From diplomatic aide, to ambassador, to military. Specialty in logistics and medical fields. Not sure how the men will take to having a Kara'kan patching them up, but they'll get used to it. It's just not everyday you see one in the military. Welcome aboard."

"Lieutenant Commander Kerstin Wilde. A bit of a rough record, but you've survived, and found your way onto the Warhammer. Good job, and welcome aboard."

"Chief Master Sergeant Coal. It's a good thing this isn't a marine vessel, else you'd be my commanding officer. But to make it to a marine Chief Master Sergeant and navy Lieutenant? Damn impressive. Welcome aboard."

"And lastly, Second Lieutenant Robert Mackinaw. Scored incredibly highly on you Pilot's exam, but had a rough ride through the Academy. Nonetheless here you are, and judging by your registered "kills" on your instructors, I'm glad to have you aboard."

With that Captain Rayne lowered his arm and closed the program. He looked these soldiers over one by one, mentally noting their stance, facial expressions, and other psychological things he was taught to look for. "Very well, you are dismissed," Rayne said, saluting. "Report to your cabins and make sure everything is in order, we have a two-day trip through warp speed to the edge of Deep Space," he finished, finally dismissing the new crewmen. He turned and sat in the Captain's Chair, his worried look returning. "Mat, plot a course. The edge of Deep Space. Get clearance, you know the drill."