Of All the Luck "
By: Ian Hunter, Commanding Officer, [PC]
Jonathan Wright, Executive Officer, [PC]

Stardate: 58206.20 0647

==Captain's Mess==

As they had become accustom to doing, Commander Wright and Captain Hunter ate breakfast in the Captain's mess.

Here, they reviewed reports from the day before and discussed ship matters in an informal air.

Almost always there was at least one hot topic which dominated their conversation. Today was no exception...

"...Its just too amazing" said Hunter snapping a crisp piece of bacon in two, "even though 3 of our department heads independently concluded this Birkoff is not the one who took over the ship..." Hunter shook his head, "I find myself skeptical too."

Wright finished a piece of toast. "I have to admit to being disappointed. Birkoff and I have unfinished business to discuss."

Hunter nodded, "I mean, what is the probability that of all the places in the Universe end up here in the circumstances that they did." Hunter turned in his chair slightly, resting his arm on its back. "I dunno John, what do you think we should do?"

"I have to believe his story at this point," said Wright, "Lieutenant Jarvis recommends that we assign him to quarters and give him restricted access until we return to Qul Tuq. We can let the Maquis figure it out from there." Wright paused to finish his breakfast, "I have to agree."

Hunter took a sip of orange juice, "Well, let's pay Mr. Birkoff a visit first thing this morning and get him some quarters."

"Excellent idea sir," said Wright, "I will have Ensign Forrester find him a place to stay."

Hunter shuffled his reports, "looks like we are making good time. Silvio has us up to warp 5.5, that will put us into Qul Tuq in about 1 week."

"Excellent," said Wright, "I am anticipating that it will take a while to get the ship fixed. I think everyone could use a little shore leave."

"We'll need to work on commendations for the crew. They have performed above expectations." Hunter paused to reflect, It is hard to believe considering most have not been out of the academy long," noted Hunter.

"They have been tested," said Wright, "I will ask the Senior staff to submit recommendations."

Wiping the corner of his mouth with his napkin he agreed, "...we also need to commend some of our senior staff as well."

Hunter looked at his padd again, "Oh, the next item is good news, Silvio and Maxine Tappert have determined how Birkoff reinfected the core. Did you see that report yet?"

"That is good news," said Wright. "I will have to go read their report."

"Seems he had access to nano computers and used them to trigger infections," added Hunter.

"I do hope that we run into the real Birkoff again some day," said Wright. "He has a lot to answer for."

Hunter rolled his eyes, "Oh where to begin," he smiled, "Rura Pente is too decent for him."

"No, it would not," agreed Wright.

"Anything else?" asked Hunter with a shrug.

"That is about it," said Wright.

Hunter yawned and stretched as he stood up. "I could use shoreleave myself," confessed Hunter with a grin as he picked up his dishes and placed them in the replicator receptacle.

"I am sure you will find some time to relax," said Wright.

"See you on the bridge John," said Hunter as he walked out the door.