*** Conference Lounge * USS Chimera *** The applause and calls of congratulations slowly died away. Acheson, doing his utmost to clean off the remains of the pie clinging to his face and uniform,retook his seat and an air of expectancy hung in the room as the assembled officers sensed there was more than a promotion as a reason to require their presence. When all was quiet, Shane stood up and moved to a nearby computer panel, activating it and moving aside so that all could see the screen. Rangi, who knew what Shane would tell them, looked at the assembled crew and watched their expressions as he broke the news of the Generals sudden need for leave of absence. On the whole the mood was one of surprise. She noticed two officers exchange a glance involving raised eyebrows. "With his last order he placed me in charge of the ship until his return...." Shane said and with a quick look in Rangis direction added : " To sustain the chain of command, Lieutenant Commander Summers will fullfill the duties of the Executive Officer for that period of time." Most of the officers now glanced at Rangi, one or two acknowledging her.Shane turned the screen off. "I dont want to have rumours flying all over the ship speculating about the general's motives." he said, facing the senior officers once more.He looked at them randomly, asking that each brief their own departments and explain that personal circumstances demanded that General Bretam be absent for a while. "Any questions?" he asked. There were some and Rangi listened to to the answers, thinking that Shane looked and sounded very much the part of a Commanding Officer.His replies were honest and to the point. When someone asked for details of the personal matters that called the CO away, Shane gently reminded them that personal matters were just that and would remain so. He waited for any further questions to be posed and when there were none, he spoke again: "If there is nothing else, I would like to brief you about our next ....'mission' " All eyes were on him as he moved back to the screen and reactivated it. This time there was a map. Shane explained that very soon an Ambassador class ship, in need of repairs, would arrive at Kinsi. Owing to the fact the station was still under quarantine regulations, the twenty or so children on board the ship, all belonging to federation officers or civilian employees, would need safely transporting to Tetron III...in time for Xmas.....and Chimera was to take them. Rangi looked amazed at this information. {Twenty children?} Shane seemed to have lost some of his self assurance. Rangi saw him swallow and move uneasily from foot to foot. "In less then an hour.." he said "... we will get 20 new guests,..." Rangi glanced at her companions. More than half didnt look too keen. "All counted together, for the next 10 days, we will have 20 mostly teenage kids on board we have to take care of. An alternative would be to lock them in their guests quarters, but I've been TOLD that that is not an option" Rangi bit her lip to hide a smile.{Who suggested that?} she wondered, as Shane began to brief each officer in the responsibility that he or she would have for the coming ten days. Athena was given charge of the 'mission' with Rangi and the nursing crew to help out.Rangi acknowledged her orders and appeared to listen attentively as Shane made his suggestions, albeit with a somewhat desperate edge to his voice. ".... make some sport with them, do a party, do cookies and xmass food ... anything to keep them occupied" Capt Walsh, was to secure the ship's sensitive areas and ensure no accidents befell an innocent 'guest'. "The last thing I need is some fleet Commodore on my neck cause his first born cub broke his leg here" Shane said darkly. The ODA Commander nodded and his expression implied that the place would most likely be so secure that a mouse breathing heavily would be under arrest before it could say 'cheese'. The newly promoted Acheson, was to make holodeck simulations, including a space battle which would surely prove an attraction for some of the older children. Oriana didnt escape. Rangi pretended to rub an imaginary 'something' from beneath one eye, her hand covering her lips as she did so. Shane was noticably exhausting his flow of ..'ideas to keep children amused' "I dont know, Show them some tricks in the Astrometrics or something, I leave it full on you" he said to the Vulcan, whose responce was a raised eyebrow and an "Aye sir" Rangi leaned back in her chair. {Poor darling} she thought watching a glimmer of relief replace what had surely been dread in his eyes.{...and what will you be doing while all this merrymaking is going on?....sitting in the generals chair?...or locking yourself in the ready room?} "Thats all. Dismissed" Shane said. Rangi stood up and looked around at the glum or fearful faces of some of her fellow officers now leaving the lounge.It seemed that some viewed the prospect of entertaining twenty children for ten days with as much enthusiasm as if they were to seek out a Borg Cube. Rangi looked at Shane and smiled to herself. {This is going to be one interesting mission!!!} she thought and turned to find Athena. *** End Log *** LtCmdr Rangi Summers CMO/2XO/AXO USS Chimera