Back on the bridge of the King Raven, Vernette looked at Hayes, and then back at everyone else.
Vernette: Well...I think we should allow Rodney to get settled on his new ship...
Burke: Very well...I am going to return to the Dreadhawk...I am going to make sure that we will be prepared to go ASAP.
Tyber: Preston...we will head back to the Cloak and Dagger...
Vernette nodded. Everyone left the bridge except for Vernette and Hayes.
Vernette looked at the command chair of the King Raven and put his hand on the head rest.
Vernette: When the first King Raven was destroyed...I never thought I would ever see another one like her. The first thing that went through my mind was...well...that I would never sit in this chair again.
Vernette sat down in the command chair.
Vernette: The first time I sat here...was 35 years ago. My first command as the CO of the King Raven was..."all hands to battle stations...". I took a brand new ship...fresh off the assembly line...and I took it into battle with The Trust. I went toe to toe with The first iteration of the Ulterior Motive...and I won. And now...here we stand...35 years later...as the second iteration of the Ulterior Motive is going to go toe to toe with another fresh off the assembly line King Raven...with a brand new CO who for all intents and purposes can match me in every way.
Vernette sighed.
Vernette: I cannot think of a better man to command the King Raven...then you...Rodney...
Hayes: I appreciate the vote of confidence...
Vernette stood up.
Vernette: The King Raven belongs to you now Rodney. This is your ship now. My time on this bird has come and gone.
Vernette paused.
Vernette: If I may...a word of advice...from one CO to another?
Hayes: By all means...
Vernette: Whatever you do in your career...don't ever leave this ship. Don't let ONI transfer you, don't let them reassign you...don't even let them promote you if it means taking you off the bridge of this ship...because while you are here...this is where you can make a difference...this is where I made a difference.
Hayes nodded. He sighed.
Hayes: Serving with you...has been an honor...
Hayes extended his hand. Vernette laughed and shook hayes' hand.
Vernette: The honor was mine...Captain.
Vernette turned and walked away. He stopped before he exited the bridge of the King Raven.
Vernette: Rodney...one more thing...
Hayes: Yes?
Vernette: Don't blindly follow orders...not from anyone. If someone orders you to do something that is against your code of ethics and morals...disobey that order...
07-28-2012
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