Rahvin sat at the large octagonal table made of synthetic black slate waiting for the others of the Red Dragon Squadron to arrive. He reviewed his notes and wiped the sweat off his palms in an attempt to calm his jittery nerves. This being the first occasion to have all the pilots gathered together at one time. This was his first official meeting as squadron commanding officer.

Many pilots with much more skill had sat in his chair before him and envisioning himself sitting across the table from a Rear Admiral (the former Fleet Commander) and several Colonels made his mouth turn dry. He could not help but to look at the empty chair of his Executive Officer and at the same time could not help the twinge of pain that this site brought him. The OFFICIAL story from High Command was that Tech was lost in the line of duty while trying to traverse the Real Life Waste but Rahvin had other suspicions. He felt that Tech was the latest victim of Rahvin’s mortal enemy, Tribes.

Putting on his most political smile, he rose to greet each pilot as they entered into the conference room and took there designated places. The Rear Admiral was as friendly and easygoing as always but something was new and different. The gleam in his eye spoke of his most recent marriage and reminded the Commander that this meeting should be kept brief.

As Jack Barnes entered he received allot of attention and handshakes as well as backslaps all around. Jack\'s most recent close skirmish with the abyss reminded the whole squad how much he meant to each of them.

Talmer came in with his bandaged hand, (should not have been trying to outfit his ship again, that is the job of droids don\'t ya know!), and Hermann with his wonderful accent....

Carth and John entered next, somewhat feeling and looking out of place and moved to their chairs.....

..... It was very good to see all these guys....

With a quick glance at Gavin Cantorph Kravis,(Man! was that guy intimidating...) Rahvin cleared his throat and brought the meeting to order....


\"Welcome to all Red Dragon Pilots!\"
I am pleased and humbled to stand before you today with the results of the last mission but before we continue let us think and pray for our absent brothers while they are in harms way (there was that XO chair again!)... Please remember with me 2Lt. James Nightfire and 2Lt. Guybrush Threepwood as they venture out on their intelligence mission. Make God keep them safe and bring them back to us.

.........................

The most recent mission RgF 4.04 has been completed and I have the resulting mission reports. Gavin was our top pilot during this mission with 15,565 and 14 kills. Congratulations Gavin! I have to say that I feel humbled and embarrassed that our Lt. Jr. Grade John Rayovac toasted my score.... (Ahem!)... Um, John after the meeting the garbage cans in the conference room need emptying and cleaning.... there\'s a good lad!! :)

I would also like to say welcome back to Jack \"Blazer\" Barnes... We missed ya buddy... glad to have you back safe and sound.

As a squad in our first mission after being assigned to the Guardian Wing we came in fourth place (which is better than last for sure!) with a 60% reporting percentage. Many squad CO\'s feel that 60% is a good reporting figure, but I would like to see ALL our pilots contributing. Remember with ALL of us together we can take top squad quite easily. I am sure that on mission 4.05 we will regain our leading role and give the other squadrons something to fear from the Red Dragon!!

Now on to some other official business. As you know we most recently lost our Executive Officer (there\'s that pang again, don\'t let it show... NEVER let them see you SWEAT!!)... and the position is again vacant. As RDS CO I officially appoint LCL Max Cal as the new RDS XO... Glad to have you aboard Max.

After making this announcement Rahvin left his chair, strolled over to Max and shook his hand... with a large smile and a gleam in his eye (for after all the grey haired CO has been married for a LONG time with Grandchildren) he plopped a foot of paperwork on the desk in front of Max.....

....\" I am sure he will do well!\".....

Strolling back to the lectern Rahvin continues.....

\"2Lt. Carth front and center!\"

....Carth dreamily doodling on his legal pad in front of him doesn\'t even look up......

\"Ahem!\" 2Lt. Carth front and center!\"
..... with a barely noticeable elbow from John Rayovac, Carth jumped out of his seat looking slightly red around the ears..... and moved to the left side of the lectern....

\"Due to your continued activity in the Red Dragon Squadron and your ability and willingness to recruit for the Red Dragon Squadron you are hereby promoted to the rank of First Lieutenant. Congratulations 1Lt. Carth.\"

\"LJG John Rayovac Front and Center!\"

.... Before Rahvin could even finish the line Rayovac was out of his seat and to the lectern...

\"Due to your continued activity in the Red Dragon Squadron you are herby promoted to the rank of Second Lieutenant! Congratulations 2Lt. John Rayovac.\"

Noticing the quick glance that the RA took at his watch, Rahvin decided that his time was nearly up... (the gleam was dimming just a tad.... can\'t have that happen now).....

\"In the coming mission I do believe that we will fair well and will regain our Top Squad Award.... yes,.... OUR... Top Squad Award.....

Good Luck to you all, and drop me a line if you need anything!!

\"Meeting Adjourned.\"