Congratulations Captain

Posted on Mon Dec 29th, 2025 @ 2:14pm by Fleet Admiral William Ross & Captain Xavier Carey & Captain Antonia 'Tony" Stoffels & Lieutenant Commander Rutherford (RJ) Milton & Lieutenant Sky Carey

Mission: Those who are left behind
Location: Ready room
Timeline: Current

Xavier and Admiral Ross both waited in the ready room, after calling those affected by the investigation. Hiding the bottle, and the glasses, they both sat waiting.

Toni came in slightly out of breath, she had been working out in the gym and was still in her gym clothes. She smiled at seeing the admiral and walked towards him for a hug. "Uncle Bill, I am so glad to see you."

"Nice to see you as well Toni, however, this is not a social call." Ross replied as he sat down, "We will wait until everyone is here."

She retreated immediately as if stung, her nerves still very sore. "My apologies, admiral."

Milton came through the doors at a casual pace, having been on his rotation of Bridge Duty; something he had come to grips with and felt sitting in the Center Chair for a shift less uncomfortable than expected and his getting to know his crew made it easier.

Pix had ridden Milton's shoulder, quite happy with the view from her perch.

"Captain..." Noticing the Admiral he gave a respectful nod. "Admiral, honored to see you Sir."

Pix took flight towards her BFF and came to hug her neck as though saying 'Hello my Toni, I missed you."

Toni returned the hug gently and it brought a smile back on her face to have her little friend here.

"Sometimes I think she likes you more than me." Milton poked a little fun and looked around. "Good to see you Toni."

She nodded her thanks to RJ. "I am sure it is because she sees you a lot more."

Sky was last into the room, still getting used to the routine with her children. She offered a respectful nod to all present. “Apologies for being the last to arrive.”

"We will catch up later, as I am sure you are going to be needing someone to talk to after this meeting." Ross replied, turning to the Doctor. "Congratulations Doctor on your promotion."

"Thank you Admiral." Milton gave a respectful bow.

Xavier looked at him, "Stop beating around the bush Admiral, whats going on."

Ross paused as he turned to the screen. "First off... Commander Stoffels, any charges, or investigation against your family are hereby dropped, lack of evidence. But the fact they have been brought up in the first place leaves something of a bad taste in my mouth. Lt Commander Price has been transferred to where his skills are needed, rather than wasting his and your times."

Toni seemed to deflate and she had to wipe away a stray tear of relief. "Thank you, sir."

"Second, Captain, given the limited intelligence that your friend you have onboard. We have narrowed the location of the Cardassian council, to somewhere within 4 sectors of cardassian space. Unfortunately well inside cardassian space. If we can rescue them, the intel they can provide will be invaluable to the federation and its allies." Ross replied, "However such mission is being deemed a suicide mission for anyone signing up."

"I..I can go." Toni said softly. She had no husband or kids who would miss her.

Ross shook his head. "You will be needed here, given the Captains history, he is the only one they trust with the location." Turning to the Captain. "It is considered a suicide mission Captain, and its not an easy ask."

Sky was disturbed to say the least as she looked in Xavier’s direction, her well practiced Counselling skills keeping her emotions in check.

Xavier thought for a moment, what he was being asked of, going deep into cardassian space. But the rescue and the information would be worth it. Save lives, and hopefully end the war quicker. "The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few... kinda deal." He paused. "But that doesn't apply here. I will get back."

Ross paused a moment, "Starfleet also wants to place a new Commanding officer in charge... given the seriousness of the mission. They feel the need for the change in command, is necessary.""

"No!" Toni went to stand in front of the admiral. "Hell no. You are not going to punish the captain for standing up for me. It's not fair. Demote me, send me into danger. But don't take his ship away and don't take a father away from his children."

Xavier turned, "Its fine Commander. The information we gather, can help turn the tides over to us." He leaned back in his chair. "You have the new CO in mind."

Ross paused for a moment before turning to Toni, "Starfleet wants someone seasoned for the ship, however, given the resolutions crew, I think they would be more willing to adapt by someone who is familiar."

"We will not accept another commanding officer I can tell you that sir. Captain Carey is an excellent captain and he is the captain of this ship." She looked at RJ for support.

"I think that The Captain should be allowed to remian in command unless you have one hell of a reason to change him." Milton said. "As I recall from History lessons, a certain man named Kirk did tend to take fleet rules and especially traditions as able to be bend into a pretzel."

Milton grinned slightly.

"Initive has many forms and is also a key trait Fleet is said to be looking for in Captain's."

Xavier looked at his officers. "I fully intend to come back, however, this is something that all of us has signed up for."

"A temporary commander then." Toni said grudgingly. Still not wanting Xavier to go.

Ross took a small box out of his pocket. "Which means, you are out of uniform Captain." He handed her the box. "Your list of applicants to be your first officer will be in your communique within the hour."

"But..." For once she was mostly speechless for seconds. "No... this is temporary.... I.... no..."

Xavier smiled. "Congratulations Captain."

"The ceremony for the change of command will take place in six hours in your bar." Ross replied as he sat down. "Now we know what the Captain is going to be doing now to tell you guys what to do."

Toni was still to flabbergasted and shocked to respond.

"The federation Klos IV, has come under an epidemic of some sorts, their medical people can't seem to find a cause, and requested our help. For your first mission as Commanding Officer this should be fairly routine." Ross replied as he looked to both Captain Stoffels, and the Dr. "Commander Rutherford, until the Captain has made an official choice are you comfortable acting as first officer as well as the chief medical officer."

"It would be an honor to support 'Captain Stoffels." He replied. "I could be of help on this assignment, have a little experiance with that kind of thing."

Pix was clapping her hands and her glow was brightening yet she did not let it go too bright despite the glowing smile on her face.

Seeing Pix even now made Toni smile. And she gave RJ a smile of thanks as well.

"Which is precisely why I thought this ship would be perfect for this assignment, your details will be sent to you within the next nine hours." Ross replied as he stood. "Captain Stoffels if you will accompany me we have a personal matter to deal with."

"Oh yes sir." Toni still wasn't completely with it.

"Very well. Dismissed if there are no other questions." Ross replied as he stood and headed to the door.

"I'll take my leave." Milton nod. "Time to get back to the bridge sir." He gave his bow ready to leave.

Sky remained firmly in her seat, she needed to talk with Xavier and wasn’t planning on going anywhere until she did.