Meetings
Transformations…
Chapter 3: Meetings
Commander Eagle enters the room and sits, the others sitting as he does. “Thank you for coming, gentlemen, ladies.” He looks around the table at the various members of the board and takes a deep breath, noting the empty seat where Senator Rider should have been. “As you know, yesterday morning we had an…incident in our orbit here at Yuma.” Several members nod their heads.
He continues, “Many people were killed. Included in the dead are Senator Rider,” he nods to the vacant seat,” and his wife, Mary Rider.” He looks around at some of the shocked faces, pausing briefly to let the news sink in.
“At this time, we cannot speculate who or what has caused this. It is not in anyone’s best interest to assume anything. Our initial thoughts of course were to immediately assume it was an Outrider attack. However, after talking with different people, it has been determined that it most likely was NOT an Outrider attack. There are not enough of them left, nor should they have the capability to appear and destroy a ship and disappear with no warning.”
He pulls up the radar screens from the attack, pointing out the timestamps. “I doubt seriously, they would have such technology without the use of their home planet.” Several heads nod, acknowledging the truth in the statements.
“I feel that we need to act quickly to hopefully prevent such a tragedy from happening again. I am prepared to set our best Star Sheriff Team out to investigate the area to see if they can come up with any ideas. That would also…” a hand goes up and he looks towards the man. “Yes, King Jarre?”
“Isn’t the son of the Senator on that very team, Commander?” Jarre asks.
Commander Eagle nods. “Yes. Captain Rider is a member of the team that I would recommend heading the investigation of the incident.”
Several members look shocked, then look around the room to one another as he continues, “However, after talking with Captain Rider and the members of his team, I feel that the team is still the best and most experienced for this task.” He raises his hands to silence the objections.
“Please let me finish.” Several people put down their hands and look on, waiting. “As I was saying, after talking personally with him, I find he feels that he should allow another team member to take command, offering only his experience and insight as a soldier. He states that he can separate his personal feelings from this case, and has given me his word that if it gets too personal, he will remove his self from it.” He pauses briefly, to assess the members faces, then continues, “I have spoken to each member of the team, and each of them has strongly stated that they want Captain Rider to be on the team. They have the fullest confidence in his ability to stay objective. Each person has also given their suggestion on a temporary appointment of a new Captain. Unanimously, it was recommended by each member that Shinji Hikari be given the helm. They each state, that although his experiences with our command have been brief, he has strong battle experience and the ability to think and act quickly. A leader needs all of those skills. I believe that they are correct in their statements, and I formally ask you each to consider this as a viable option.”
A man at the far end of the table raises his hand “Yes, Colonel Wyatt?”
“How sure are you that Captain Rider would be able to cope? I’m not sure I would be able to stay objective under such circumstances.” Several others nod, admitting they too had the same question.
Commander Eagle looks to each person in turn then nods. “I have full confidence in Captain Rider and the team. To quote his answer to me to me last night when I posed the same question to him, he said ‘I know that you need a solid team to work this case, and I feel that our team is one of the strongest we have. I also know that even if you pulled me from the case, the others will still most likely continue to work the case. This would mean they would not be here much, and at a time I may need support, I feel working with them as a team can not only benefit myself, by keeping me occupied, but by keeping those of us together as we have been for these past few years, our team will work most efficiently.’ That is pretty much a direct quote from Captain Rider himself, given to me just last night.”
He looks around the room again, noting several nods of approval. “I have told the Star Sheriffs that they may have to come before you, and they are prepared to do so, if it comes to that. My hope is that it won’t. The more time we spend here, the more time any evidence we can collect has time to disperse, hampering the investigation even more. As well as significantly decreasing our chances of solving this case, and bring the responsible party or parties to justice.”
King Jarre stands up. “I vote that we speak with each member of the Star Sheriff’s team, individually, so that we can ourselves assess their mental capacities of this case, asking each of them in turn, their opinions of Captain Rider’s state of mind, and their choice for a temporary Commander of their unit.” Several people nod in agreement to the request.
Commander Eagle stands up. “Very well. We shall recess for an hour. Then bring the first person in for questioning. Who would you like to speak with first?”
King Jarre replies, “Ms. Eagle, Mr. Wilcox, Mr. Hikari, and finally Captain Rider. Is the order that I would recommend.”
Commander Eagle nods. “A reasonable request. Are there any objections?” No one raises and argument. “Very well, I will inform Ms. Eagle to report here in an hour.” The meeting adjourns and the people disperse and he heads to Saber’s quarters.
A short time later, Commander Eagle arrives at Saber’s door and knocks. The door opens and Fireball stands before him. Fireball steps aside and motioning for him to enter. He enters the room and looks around, noticing they were all sitting in the living area, obviously talking. They look up as he enters.
“Well, how did it go, Father?” April asks.
He sighs, and looks around the room. “The committee wants to talk with each of you, separately.”
Saber nods. “I expected as much.”
“They wish to speak to you first, April.” The Commander replies. April nods. “You are to report with me in an hour’s time.” She nods again. “They then wish to speak with you, Colt.” Colt nods an acknowledgment, “Then to you, Fireball” He nods. “Lastly to you, Saber.”
Saber nods. “I expected as much, Sir.” He sighs. “I suppose that it will take the rest of the day?” he asks quietly.
The Commander nods. “They will be asking a lot of the same questions that we brought up last night.” He looks to each of them. “I expect you to all answer as truthfully as possible. Be completely honest with your answers, even if it means saying something negative. I don’t want any doubts you may have to come out later.” They all nod. “Are there any questions?”
“No, Sir.” They all respond.
Commander Eagle sits down and sighs. “This is not going to be easy, for any of you. Especially you, Saber.” Saber nods, acknowledging the truth in his statement. “They will probably ask you about your feelings, and reactions to the events of yesterday. So if you have any doubts…”
Saber sighs and shakes his head. “I assure you, I will be fine, Sir. I will try not to be emotional in the meeting, though if I am, I will deal with it. I plan on being completely straightforward with them, just as I was last night to you. I will not lie, just to be allowed to work the case. It would do nothing to honor my parents.”
Commander Eagle studies his face, searching for signs of distress and nods, satisfied. “I think if you speak as openly as you did last night, and with the same conviction, there should be no problems.” He looks to his watch. “April, are you ready to go?”
April looks around to her teammates and nods. “Yes. Let’s go and get this over with.” She stands up, walks over and places her hand on Saber’s shoulder. “I have complete faith in you, Saber. I plan on making that clear.” He nods and she releases him, walking out the door, her father following behind her.
Colt watches them go out the door and sighs as it closes behind them. “Guess I’ll be next.” He plays with the rim of his hat.
“How are Josh and Robin, Colt?” Saber asks.
Colt looks up. “They’re doing O.K. A bit nervous, but otherwise they are fine.”
Saber nods. “I heard you are sharing your quarters with them.” He suppresses a smile as Colt blushes.
“Yeah. We would be soon anyways.” Colt mumbles.
“Oh?” Saber says.
Colt nods. “We were going to get married as soon as I could get away.”
“And now?” Saber asks.
Colt looks down. “We were going to do a civil ceremony this afternoon…just in case…” He mumbles, not looking up.
Saber nods “It’s all right, Colt. You don’t have to tip-toe around me. I am grateful you are trying not to upset me, I appreciate the effort.”
Colt looks up to him. “How do you do it?”
Saber looks to him confused. “Do what?”
Colt shakes his head. “I honestly don’t think I could be as calm as you are…you know?”
Saber sighs and looks out the window. “Honestly Colt, it’s not easy. But I think about if someone else were in my place. How would I want my family to be if the situation were reversed?”
Colt nods. “And?”
“I would want them to grieve for me, but I would not want them to be so bad off they couldn’t function. Honestly, it is hardest at night. When I have time to stop and think, memories come back and I feel depressed...even a bit overwhelmed at times. It’s then when I feel the most…alone. But, I know over time, it will get better, and my energy is better focused on here and now, rather than wallowing in the ‘what could have been.’ I want you to be happy, so please don’t act afraid to be happy around me. After the Hell you have endured, you deserve it. We all do.”
Colt listens intently, and nods. “I think I understand. I’m just not good at things like this…”
“No one is, Colt.” Saber says somberly. “And no one should have to be.”
Colt nods. “True. But we have all been through it, not just me. We have had good times, too.”
Saber nods. “We can overcome a lot of things…and hopefully become stronger for it. You should go and marry Robin today, if you can, Colt. After your time in the meeting hall, that is.”
Colt looks at him and smiles. “You think so?”
Saber nods. “If she is agreeable to it, I would in your situation.”
Colt nods. “I’ll speak with her, afterwards.”
The door opens and Commander Eagle walks in, followed by April.
“I’m glad that’s over.” April sighs and plops down on the couch.
“That bad, eh?” Colt asks nervously.
April shakes her head. “Not really, just long. I just don’t like being in front of all those people.”
Saber Smiles. “Never took you for the shy type.”
April rolls her eyes. “Not shy. I just hate meetings. They bore me.” She looks to Colt. “Your turn, Cowboy. They’re waiting.”
Colt stands up and sighs, adjusting his hat. “Wish me luck.”
Saber shakes his head. “You don’t need luck, just be honest, and you’ll do fine.”
April shouts, just before he goes out the door, “Don’t forget to take that hat off, Colt!”
Colt leaves, glancing back and grimacing at April for her comment, followed by Commander Eagle.
April sighs, running her hands through her hair.
“How was it, honestly?” Saber asks.
“Not bad. It’s just several people asking the same questions in as many different ways as possible.” April replies exasperated.
“Trying to make sure you’d give the same answer, I suppose.” Fireball says as he walks in from the balcony.
Saber looks up. “I forgot you were even here.”
“I went outside. I needed some air and time to think.” He replies. “Since we have to stay in your quarters, the balcony seemed the closest thing to getting air.”
Saber nods. “I don’t blame you.”
Fireball sits down next to April. “Well, I suppose after Colt, it’ll be my turn.” April nods. “Then your turn, Saber. I bet you are dreading it. I know I am.”
Saber shakes his head. “I actually just want to get it over with and have their decision done. It’s the not knowing that is making me a bit on edge.” Fireball nods. “I would rather be out doing something than be stuck here, waiting to be told what I will be allowed to do.”
Fireball smiles, “You don’t like being cooped up, do you?”
Saber smiles and shakes his head. “Not at all. One reason I wanted to be a soldier was so I could travel and not be stuck in one place.” He sighs. “But I was willing to make a concession…” April and Fireball nod, understandingly. “I was so angry that my parents didn’t understand my not wanting to be tied down to one place, I almost said I wasn’t coming home…but I am glad I made peace with them before…now.” He looks out the window and sighs.
April places her hand on Fireball’s, then glances at Saber, “I know this is hard for you, Saber. I wish I knew what to say, or do to help, but I am not good with feelings…I can listen, and maybe that is all you need…that and time.”
Saber nods. “Thank you, April. I'll keep that in mind.” He gets up and goes towards the kitchen. “Anyone else want tea?”
April turns towards him, “I'll take a cup, if you're making some. I could use it to calm my nerves.”
Saber nods. “Fireball?”
Fireball shakes his head. “No thank you. Not unless you fix it with something alcoholic.”
“Fireball!!” April admonishes.
He laughs. “I'm kidding! I'm kidding! Just a joke. I was trying to lighten the mood.”
“Ha ha. Cute.” She smacks his arm playfully. “Always trying to be funny.”
“I thought that was Colt, not Fireball.” Saber interjected, handing April a cup of tea. Fireball rolls his eyes at the comment.
“Thank you.” She says, taking the tea.
“No problem. I'm just trying to keep busy.” Saber sits down and sips his tea.
“So, is it like you're in a court room or something?” Fireball asks April.
April thinks for a minute and shakes her head. “Not exactly. You are in the board room. There's a big table with several people around it. It's almost a semi-circle. You are on one side, and everyone else is on the other. General Whitehawk introduces you, and then asks you several questions before opening the floor for others to basically ask you the same thing in as many different ways as possible. It can get on your nerves, but just remember, they want to be sure that you aren't just saying what they want you to say. That you are answering honestly. Had father not warned me of that, I might have gotten a bit pissed off and said something I'd regret.” Saber suppresses a smile. “But all I said was what I said last night...including why I thought you'd be a better Commander than I would, Fireball.”
Fireball nods. “It makes me less nervous knowing what I'm up against.” He sighs and closes his eyes, thinking. “I know things will turn out for the best.” After a while, Fireball looks to Saber, “So, what were you and Colt so deep into discussion about?”
Saber looks up. “Nothing in particular. We talked about life, why I became a soldier, things like that. I asked about how Robin and Josh were, and he said they were doing fine. That they are sharing his quarters now, because of everything that is happening. He also mentioned that he plans to marry her this afternoon.”
They both look up, shocked. “Really?! He wants to get married today?” April asks.
Saber nods. “He didn't want to tell me, but I drug it out of him. He wanted to go ahead and get married in a civil ceremony, since we don't know what could happen.” April nods, and squeezes Fireball's hand lightly. He returns the gesture. Saber notices, and suppresses a smile. “I was thinking that maybe you two should consider doing so as well.”
The sound of someone clearing their throat causes them all to jump and look towards the door where they see Commander Eagle and Colt standing just inside the entry way, Colt with a smug look on his face.
“It's your turn, Shinji.” Colt says with a smile.
“Let's go get this over with, Mr. Hikari.” Commander Eagle says, watching Fireball get up and head to the door without a word, the door closing behind them.
“How long were you standing there, Colt?” April asks nervously.
Colt smirks. “Long enough to know the walk down the hall with your father is going to be worse than being in that room full of people.”
April swallows hard, her cheeks blushing deep red. Colt laughs. “It’s not funny, Colt!” April retorts, finally finding her voice again.
“Oh yes it is.” He sits down on the other end of the couch from April and looks to Saber. “I was thinking of waiting until you’re done with your ‘meeting’ to have the ceremony.”
Saber looks to him. “That could be quite a while, Colt. I think perhaps you should have Fireball and April go with you. At least then you know you could have it done today.”
Colt nods and sighs. “I was just hoping we could all be there.”
Saber nods. “I know, but I don’t know how I will feel after this is over with, and I would not want you to delay on my account.” He pauses. “Perhaps after these meetings are over we can all go out to dinner or something.”
Colt nods. “Maybe then we will have more than one reason to celebrate.” He looks to April and smiles.
April blushes. “Maybe.”
Colt grins. “Maybe? Yeah, right. I bet your father may see to it…especially because of the tail end of the ‘conversation’ we came in on earlier.”
A while later the door opens. Fireball walks in, followed by Commander Eagle.
April looks up. “Well?” she asks a bit nervously.
Fireball shrugs. “It went better than I thought it would, to be honest.”
“That’s good, right?” April asks. Fireball nods.
Commander Eagle looks around the room. “The three of you may move about for a bit and take care of your ‘personal affairs’.” He looks towards his daughter and Fireball who blush and then nod slightly. “Just be sure to stay close and to come back here within two hours.”
“Yes, Sir.” They reply.
Commander Eagle turns and looks to Saber. “You ready?”
Saber sighs and stands up, then nods. “Yes, Sir.” He says curtly.
The two then leave the apartment, heading towards the board room.
Colt looks to April and Fireball, “Are you two coming with me?”
They look to each other, then back to him and nod. “I suppose we should.” Fireball replies.
April smirks. “To make sure you go through with it.”
Colt grins. “Funny, I was thinking the same thing about you.” He heads out the door, with them close behind him.
