CRS McGrath, Crusader Wing Flagship
1630 Ship Time
Medical Bay

“How is he, Doc?”

“Well, Colonel Earthkeeper,” the Chief Medical Officer of the McGrath started, “There’s good news and then there’s bad news. Colonel Phalon is alive, but he’s hurt. Badly.”

“How badly? And remember,” Earthkeeper said, “I do have metal prosthetics, so I do know a little about the medical profession.”

“Well, sir, his left leg is broken in several places, he has three broken ribs, and a severe concussion. As the ships CMO, it is my official medical opinion that Colonel Phalon should be taken off active duty.”

“For how long?” asked Earthkeeper.

“Well, bacta can help with the broken bones, but the concussion will take a while for him to recover from. A month, maybe two to be sure. Even then, he may not be up to 100% for a while after that.”

“Very well, Doctor. Contact me if there’s anything I should know.”

“Yes, sir,” the Doctor said, although it was clear that she had stopped paying attention to him.

Earthkeeper walked out of Medical Bay and headed toward the McGrath’s main conference room. It was a lengthy walk, but Earthkeeper was able to get there quickly. He attributed his quick transit to the fact that, since he was without shoes on, he was easily heard, as the metal on metal sound his feet made when it hit the floor was a signal to most everybody in the PBF to get out of the way.

When he walked into the conference room, the other five people were already there. Vyyk Tharen, Crusaders’ Wing CO was talking with the Capitan of the McGrath, Goa Lawah, no doubt talking about rotation of leave. Where as Joseph Oberlander and Gab Varmer, Sabres’ and Crimsons’ COs, were together, probably talking about women or drinking. Standing by himself, and looking very out of place, was Stalker, the XO for Gold Squad. Earthkeeper nodded to Stalker and gave him a brief smile before saying,

“Lady. Gentlemen. Let’s get this started so that we can get it done quickly.”
As the group sat down, Earthkeeper started by saying, “General Borran has asked me to check on the general status and morale on the McGrath. So, I asked the five of you here to ascertain that. Captain Lawah, let’s start with you.”

“Well, sir, I think I can safely speak for the Officers and Crew of the McGrath when I say that everybody has pretty high morale, since we defeated the White Guard. However, the McGrath is ready, willing and able to leave at a moment’s notice, if needed.”

“Thank you, Captain. Mr. Tharen,” Earthkeeper said, turning to Vyyk, “How about Crusader? They’re doing well?”

“Yes, they are, Colonel. In fact, several Gold pilots felt good enough the other night to have some . . .” he paused here, obviously looking for the right words, “’jovial activities’ in the Officer’s Club.”

Earthkeeper looked to Oberlander, Varmer and Stalker and asked, “Anything you three would like to add?”

“I’d like an ale tap in my quarters,” Gab said.

“I meant related to the topic at hand, Mr. Varmer,” Earthkeeper said with a small smile.

“In that case, no I don’t.”

“OK,” Earthkeeper stated, standing. “I hereby declare this meeting to be over. I’ve gotta get back to the Windstorm. I’ll probably see most of you there.”


Colonel Earthkeeper’s Personal Landing Craft, the Freedom
1650 hours, Shipboard Time

Earthkeeper stood in the cockpit of his Freedom, on his way back to the Windstorm, when he called Spokes. As he put on his Dress Uniform Jacket, Spokes’ voice came on the comm. “EK, that you?”

“Yes, sir, it is. I’m on my way back from the McGrath. The Doc says Gav’ll be fine, eventually.”

“EK, when you land, come see me immediately.”

Earthkeeper had been around Spokes long enough to know the tone of voice he was currently using. “What’s wrong?”

“I’ll tell you when you get here. Spokes out.”
**************************

Colonel Chris "EK" Earthkeeper
PBF SO

--Rebel Squadrons-- a H.I.E.R.* organization--
--(* Honesty, Integrity, Equanimity, Respect)--