"Deadbeat Cafe," Freeport 6 Bar and Grill

[Cmdr. Blaine Chara]

Captain West returned to Freeport 6 to meet with his boss. His head was low knowing full well that he wasn't going to be happy. He said nothing when they met first in his office, only handing him a battle report.
Blaine just looked up at him, his mouth shut tight to reveal the cleft in his chin and worse, his displeasure.
"So Bretonia now owns Canaria," he commented.
"Apparently so, Sir," replied West, "We were outmatched and outgunned. The cruiser is heavily damaged but is being repaired." He swallowed hard. "I lost some crewman in the fight. It's a first for me and I'm sorry."

Blaine stood up and put an arm around him. "Well, we made a stand so they didn't die in vain. All is not lost. Now I have reason to enact a few plans of my own." He then lead him out to the bar area and ordered drinks.
"I hardly feel like celebrating, Sir," commented West.
"We aren't," replied Blaine, "we are remembering. Believe me, losing men under your command is never easy. The best tribute you can give them is to remember them."
He raised his glass, "To those lost in 49. May they be remembered well and those who killed them burning for it."
West looked at him and shrugged as he raised his glass, "To those who fell and to a new cause."
Blaine smiled at him, "You are learning. Take a day or two off and let's meet to figure out a new approach."

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