A change of scenery...

[Ki'rok 0]

Rok strolled into the Main security briefing room where roughly twenty Delta team members had mustered per his instructions. The sound of all the crew growing quiet secretly brought some pride to Rok..though he could never admit it. As a former squad leader, he understood the Delta's.

 

"Ladies and Gentlemen..." began Rok, pressing a small panel bringing the overhead monitor to life..."I summoned you all here because..as Delta's...you are the hungriest...most eager to please bunch of space dogs known to man..."

 

A single "Hoo-ah" from the rear of the room elicited several small laughs...Rok paused briefly then continued..

 

"As you all know, the Bolians we brought on board have all perished..as a result of some type of...internal infestation....."

 

Before Rok could continue, a voice from one of the members, affectionately nicknamed Chuckles, piped in... "But sir..I need to know one thing...do they taste like chicken?" The room erupted in laughter..which quickly died as Rok came from behind the podium...stepping through the group...over to where Chuckles had planted himself.

 

Looking the young man in the eyes...Rok smiled..which was kinda scary in and of itself..."Mr Anderson...you can tell us...when you go aboard that freighter and bring back one of those creatures...alive..." Rok didnt know if any of those things would be aboard the vessel..but he wasnt about to let these people know that. He continued..bringing up a schematic of the Bolian freighter...

 

"Listen up..play time is over...we've got Dead Bolians, missing ships, seemingly living ships, and planets of living dead.........We are en route to the Bolian freighter. Upon arrival, we and a small scientific contigent are beaming aboard that vessel. We will break up into groups of four and examine every inch of that ship...looking for any information as to what the creatures were and/or where they came from. If we encounter any of the creatures, shoot them..not the science crew. Medical, in typical form, has stressed the importance of obtaining a specimen. If we can capture one, fine...otherwise..they can study whatever Mr Anderson leaves on his plate...any questions?

 

Ensign Jones leaned over to the girl beside him.."Did he just make a joke?" The girl shrugged and shifted in her seat.

 

Rok continued..."Good, now I dont have to tell you the Admiral is not sunshine and rainbows right now, people.. Do your jobs, and I'll be able to make some recommendations to the LC about some shift changes.....screw this up...and I'll have you guarding airlocks for the remainder of your tour...now suit up..I want you ready to beam in 5 minutes...dismissed..."

 

Rok deactivated the overhead. As he was getting ready to leave he had to wonder..."Do they taste like chicken?"