Voyages of INS Roanoke and its crew

[Erremnart]

All Good Things... 2

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Insurgent battlecruiser INS Roanoke was moored at Galvestone Outpost in Texas, it's current base, although this base could not do much in supporting such large vessel with exception of providing some additional manpower for repairs and providing supplies.


Loud accoustic guitar tunes filled the room as Virginia was sitting behind her chair and was singing songs she's heard and learned through her lifetime. Her play was not perfect, mostly because she misplaced her or slipped fingers on guitar's neck once a while, so any careful listener could hear false tones here and there.
Her voice was in much better shape, trained by years of shouting orders when things went south, and was confident with ranges she was singing in.
Virginia was so absorbed within her music that she have not noticed her former XO entering her office, usual metal sound of sliding doors could not be heard over her guitar.

"... I try not to hold on to what is gone,
I try to do right what is wrong,
I try to keep-on-keeping on,
yeah I just keep-on-keeping on..."

Ben walked towards the chair in front of her quietly and sat down, waiting patiently until she notices him

"... I hear a voice calling... calling out for me,
these shackles I've broken in an attempt to be free,
be it for reason, be it for cause,
I won't take the eas-"

Virginia finally noticed him and stopped playing, putting her guitar quickly aside and turning her attention to him, "You could've have knocked.".
"I did for five minutes.", he replied with slight smirk on his face.
"I guess it's time to talk about your replacement.", she sighed and looked at him, "Well, your recommendations?".
"I think that the best candidate will be Fiona Hayes, she has very good record and-", he started giving her his choice, but she stopped him and shook her head, "No, we'll be in crime underworld - I need some man next to me, someone who can look threatening if needed.".
"Isn't it sexist, Crash? She's clearly a good officer", Ben asked with raised eyebrow.
"No... no, of course... maybe a little, yes.", she sighed and paused for a while, "But, Liberty Underworld is like gentleman's club, more than Insurgency or any other army. Two chicks won't be taken too seriously. What about Will Holmes, the chief security guy? He looks serious enough and knows how to plan and fight when things go south.".
"He is worse starship commander than Hayes.", Ben reminded her.
"What about... if we changed order a little - Hayes'd be my second-in command when starship command is concerned and Holmes my XO?", she was pondering about her option.
"Too much of chaos wouldn't be good for morale - I suggest Hayes as your XO and second-in command, and Holmes as your third-in command who wouldn't go on dealings with you if needed? Your right and left hand.".
"Left and right hand in my case.", she chuckled a little, commenting on her left handeness, "But I get it... two XOs.". She wasn't thrilled about this development at all, but what she could do differently? Her former XO was complementing her exceptionally well - logical, imposing and collected, while she brought intuition, fire and conviction to the table. They were a great team now, despite some hiccups in the past.

They both remained silent for a while as this situation was difficult for both of them.
Virginia frowned and nodded at him, "Two XOs, then. And-", she reached for a datapad and slided it to him, "Start briefing them, we will be loading ship full of supplies soon.".
Ben nodded and picked up her datapad with loading schedules and manifests, "It'll be done, Captain.". With these words, he left her office.