Admiralty Meeting – Part 4 – Judgment Day? By Captain Keith Ketchum and Captain Joseph Flubb As being his prompt self, Keith arrived at the Admiral’s office to finish up with the inquiry. He awaited them to enter. Finally, they did, as did a Antican Captain that Keith did not know. “Ah, Captain Ketchum, prompt as always.” Keith just nodded, and mentally tried to prepare himself for the questioning. “Today should be very brief, Captain Ketchum.” As they all took a seat. “ We have reached a decision. You will be transferred to Star Base 12 as adjutant to Admiral Collins, and given control over fleet movements of the Fifth Fleet. Congratulations, Fleet Captain.” “But what about the Avalon, who will be commanding her?” “Captain Keith Ketchum, this is Captain Joseph Flubb, the new Captain of the USS Avalon.” They nodded to each other, “Admiral, I must protest, as I do no wish to be removed from my command.” Admiral Collins was the first to respond, “Captain, your dedication to duty and detail, has made you highly coveted for this new placement. I’m just lucky that I was able to snatch you up, before a less notable location became available.” “I thank you for that, Admiral.” “Also, the Avalon, the Allegiance and the Sutherland will fall under, as it has in the past, the jurisdiction of the Fifth Fleet. So your decisions will still affect the crew. And Captain Flubb comes with the highest recommendations of his former Captain.” Keith thought, but I will not be in the Captain’s chair. And how was his crew going to take to this new Captain. “Congratulations, Captain Flubb, the Avalon is an excellent ship.” “Yes, Fleet Captain, I know it is.” Right to the point, Keith thought, hoping the Antican Captain was not telepathic. Admiral Yost chimed in, “The Avalon will be heading off to escort a Tholian Ambassador to Earth, in the next couple of days, since Shore Leave had been granted for the next week. Keith, your personal belongings are already being loaded for transport to Star Base 12, and you will need to be ready to leave by the end of the day.” “Good luck, Captains. I’m sure we will be in touch. Dismissed.” Both the newly promoted Fleet Captain and the newly transferred Captain left the office together. “Good luck on the Avalon, Captain Flubb, she is a fine ship.” “I doubt luck will have anything to do with it. And I’m sure she is. But you need not worry about her, as she is under my command now.” Keith just wondered how the crew was going to take to this brash captain.