Post 335: Acting Captain's Log

Stardate:70730.1430
Title: Acting CO's Log: Coming and Going
Author: Zanh Liis
Scene: Ready Room, USS Independence
Time: Following "A New Arrival" and "Not the Man She Used to Be"
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Acting Captain's Log, Stardate 70730.1430

The runabout Hiawatha has finally departed from the Independence with Simon Biggs at the helm. Taking with it a very tired Captain R.J. Gilmore, a very sick Lt. February Grace, and a very frustrated visiting Commander Reece- to whom we all owe a huge debt of gratitude.

TC Blane is also on the trip, he and Biggs are to deliver the sample of Bajoran computer virus to Starfleet Command at the embassy on Trill.

Dr. Trind and Lily T'Ana are also on the runabout; one for medical support for Grace, the other for moral support. I wish them Godspeed.

Repairs to the Independence are well underway. It is my hope that soon the transporters will be back on line; it makes everything else so much easier. You don't realize how heavily you've come to rely on the technology at our fingertips until suddenly, it stops working.

The communications net seems to be functioning at about 90 percent of usual by last report, which is amazing considering the damage done to it by the virus. This is a testament to the skills of our engineering staff, specifically Ensign Xhian. He's really stepped up to the plate, (with his two senior officers unavoidably detained at the moment) to handle oversight of the repair work thus far. He has done so with admirable dedication and diligence, which I will note in his file.

We are expecting three new officers to transfer to the Indy soon by way of Trill:
Ensign Marin Bergman, a very talented young nurse who has been highly recommended by all her previous superiors.

Engineering officer Ensign Rada Dengar, whose personnel file intrigues me. I expect big things from this one.

These two officers have not arrived aboard just yet, but I look forward to welcoming them when they do.

We are also going to be welcoming a veteran officer from Arcadia, Lt. Commander Maak juHmaak. He will be serving in our tactical department after heading up theirs. I look forward to meeting him soon, as he has already arrived and is undergoing his physical. His profile is unique, I must say. I imagine that he has some great stories to tell, given the time.

I will be sure to give him the time.

In the way of transfers from our ship, I must state for the record that Ensign Samantha Hain and Lt. Marianne Rogers have both transferred. They are cashing in their considerable amount of accumulated shore leave and then will be returning to Starfleet Command on Earth to receive their new assignments. We wish them well.

Before the computer virus situation got out of control, transporter Chief Gil Quinlan (who seemed to have a special connection to my home world of Bajor) informed me that he had decided to take a leave of absence in order to help with the rebuilding of the villages in the Takesian territories that were destroyed by the storms . I applaud him for this noble decision.

Dr. Cliona McBrayne has been recalled by Starfleet and asked to serve at another post. I've signed off on her transfer and she has already left to meet up with connecting transportation to her new assignment, which is classified.

Lt. Commander (Dr.) David McKenna will be filling in as supervising physician down in Sickbay for now, we'll see how he likes it there.

Lt. TC Blane has been promoted to the rank of Lt. SG and is continuing to serve with distinction as our acting Chief of Operations.

Lt. Lily T'Ana aced her performance review, no small feat considering that Commander Reece conducted it; and when she returns from Trill I will be pleased to promote her to the rank of Lt. SG and place her in the office of Acting Chief of Sciences until further notice.

I, myself, continue on where I am for the time being, carrying the rank of Captain which Starfleet bestowed upon me before giving me the Stella Polaris. . .a lifetime ago, it seems.

I will continue with this rank as long as I stand in Gilmore's stead as acting CO of the Independence. But I will have no trouble relinquishing the title when he is deemed healthy enough and retakes the 'big chair'. Ego isn't my thing, never has been. I just do what I have to do to get the job done. Three pips or four, I still perform my duties to the absolute best of my ability.

Our newly appointed Ship's Chaplain Vedek Jariel undertook his first official duties today, carrying the honorary Starfleet rank of Acting Ensign. The look on his face when the pip was pinned on him was priceless. I know that he's going to be an asset to the crew beyond our ability to measure.

It's time for me to greet our new tactical officer and check in on the repair crews.

Independence is abuzz with activity; thriving, growing, and will soon be ready for our next assignment; whatever that may be. It's an exciting time to be a part of this distinguished and talented crew, and I count myself lucky to serve with each and every person on it.

My only regret is that my friend, Admiral Jordan Morris, is still out there, somewhere aboard the Starion. Still pursuing his quest to find Commander K'Raye, Indy's missing Counselor. I wish there was more I could do for them both than just to sit here wishing them well.

Godspeed to you too, Jordan, wherever you are right now.

Computer, End Log.

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Zanh Liis
Acting Commanding Officer
USS Independence NCC-90791