Debrief on the Iowa

[Frazer]

Rear Admiral Frazer York

UNSC TASSAFARONGA / TCVA-02 

Punic Class Supercarrier 

Travelling in space near Reach 

Date: 2552

Frazer was at his desk, in his office, reading the reports of the TASSAFARONGA's most recent deployment. He noted that his ship and crew were not due back for another month and found this puzzling that they were requested at the planet Reach. Frazer pondered in his head.

“Why did Naval Command request this, surely there must be an important reason behind such a request.” Frazer stood up from his desk and headed over to his written journal and began to write the next Captains log.

“Captains Log, 2552. Operation lo…” The door to his office buzzed. Frazer stopped writing and proceeded to answer the door. As the door slid open an older looking marine appeared, he was the rank of Sergeant. The SGT instantly saluted Frazer as the door opened, Frazer returned the salute.

“Forgive the intrusion sir but you are requested on the bridge, the deck officers could not get a hold of you via your comm link.” Frazer grinned, he always turned off his comm link when he was busy in his office. Too many times he was disturbed with the problems of the approximately 4000m vessel.

“Understood SGT I will be straight there.” Both returned a salute as the marine left. Frazer headed backed into his office, dusted off his naval cap and picked up his datapad. The walk to the bridge was long, due to the positioning of his office on the ship but he arrived a few moments later. The doors to the enormous bridge opened and Frazer stepped in.

“ADMIRAL ON DECK!” Shouted the executive officer, Henry Ward.

“At ease crew, Henry what’s our status. I believe I am needed up here.” Frazer asked as he walked over to his Captains chair and sat.

“We are nearing Reach now sir, as you can probably see by the Earth looking planet and the heavy UNSC space presence. There is also an urgent message that has come through from Naval Command.” Frazer nodded as the EXO pointed to the Comms officer to play the message.

“Rear Admiral York, you are requested to meet Admiral Klix on the UNSC Iowa immediately. Do not delay. Naval command out.” Frazer looked even more confused, why was he being summoned to a meeting with Klix, something must have happened.

“Looks like my presence is requested elsewhere folks, Ward you have command till I get back. Wilson, send a message to the Iowa stating we are leaving straight away and will be arriving with them soon. Price get a pelican ready in the hanger bay G3 for me.” The deck officers nodded as each of them did their respective tasks. Frazer stood up and began to exit the bridge with Ward following.

“Any reason why you are having a meeting with the Admiral?” Henry asked as they both headed towards the hanger bays.

“Unsure, cant see it being any good. There must be a reason to why we were pulled off our deployment. Either way Klix is a good friend, im sure it will be fine.” The EXO nodded as both of them entered the Hanger Bay. Frazer proceeded to board the Pelican with a squad of Marines.

“Look after my ship Commander, maybe give the crew some RnR for a job well done on our most recent operation.”

“Understood sir, see you back here soon.” The Pelican proceed to take off and began heading to the UNSC Iowa, which by now was very close. The pilot contacted the Iowa to let them know they were going to arrive within the next few minutes.

[MrKill]

Admiral Erik Klix
UNSC Iowa
Over Reach

"Yes sir," Colonel Johnathon B'Sheau Killinger replied. "My kids were, uh... were very relieved to see me. They had no idea if I was still alive or not, I guess the medical techs didn't want to give them -- er a sense of -- a sense of false hope, maybe, but I certainly owe them everything." Everyone had thought the Marine had been killed in a D77-TC Pelican drop ship collision in December, but it turned out he was one of two survivors of the accident. He was eventually positively identified when his organs were flash cloned in an attempt to save his life.

"It's hard to mistake my wife though, sir," Killinger sighed, visibly distraught recalling the events. "When she was the only... girl onboard."

"For what it's worth, Colonel, you returning to the Iowa has boosted morale around here. People are referring to you as thee Reaper, defying death like you did. You've been given another chance, what are you going to do with it?" Klix asked.

"Well sir," Killinger scratched his healing scars. "I'm not -- honestly -- I'm not sure. I'm still trying to wrap my head around all of this, did you know the Marines are giving me the choice for medical retirement?"

Klix nodded.

"This is all I have known," the Marine continued, gesturing across the Iowa's deck. It was a symbol of military life, not the ship itself. "My entire adult life I've been a Marine, hell truthfully I'm a Marine before a father. I realized a few things when I was in that neutral-buoyancy gel tank thingy, I realized I can't change who I am now, and my kids have already been molded by it."

Klix stopped the Colonel from continuing by holding his hand out, he could tell this conversation was heading down a dark path, so the Admiral made some course corrections. "Did you know you were promoted to Brigadier General posthumously? They figured out you were alive and retroactively degraded your pay grade, there's a funny story behind that. They degraded you back to Colonel not because you're unworthy of that star, but because PERSCOMM knows you reject promotions if it means leaving your men behind."

"In fact," Klix trailed. "I'd say if it meant leaving your kids."

Killinger stood silent.

"Oh there you are, Admiral." A winded Lance Corporal introduced himself. "Vice Admiral York is inbound."

"Excuse me, Colonel." Klix said, "It's great to see you up and about."

Maybe the Admiral would beat York back to his office, but maybe he'd meet him at the door.

Another day in paradise, Klix thought as he left the Iowa's recreational lounge. Another day in paradise.

[Frazer]

Rear Admiral Frazer York 

UNSC TASSAFARONGA / TCVA-02  

Punic Class Supercarrier  

Enroute to UNSC Iowa  

Date: 2552

As the Pelican came into view of the Marathon II Cruiser, Frazer noted the damage she seemed to have taken. Repairs looked like they were under way any case, Frazer looked away and heard the pilot request to land. The Pelican began landing on the pad, Frazer stood up and dusted himself off. He had not stepped foot on the Iowa for a good while now. The Pelican rear ramp lowered and a younger looking Marine was waiting for him, his uniform looked slightly different to his own squad. The marine came to a salute, as Frazer returned the courtesy.

“Admiral, this way if you could sir. I believe the Admiral is waiting for you.” As the marine finished Frazer left the aircraft being ushered in the direction of what he presumed was the office of Klix. Frazer began the walk to the Admirals office, curious of what again was so important to take one of the few carriers left in the fleet off deployment.

Frazer neared the Admirals office and then glanced at the marine who put his hand to his ear piece as if was receiving information. They arrived outside the office but before Frazer could enter the marine spoke up.

“The Admiral is currently on his way sir. You may wait here or inside.” The marine then saluted and left, Frazer straight away noticed the Admiral walking straight towards him. As Klix came closer Frazer stood to attention and spoke.

“Admiral, with respect what’s the purpose of this meeting? Quite out of the blue to be called aboard like this. We were not due off deployment for another month or so.” As Frazer asked he came to a relaxed form of attention.

[MrKill]

Admiral Erik Klix
UNSC Iowa
Over Reach

"Well, Rear Admiral, you can blame the ebbs and flow of war. You were recalled from your deployment early to rejoin the 15th fleet, we're getting ready to hit the Covenant hard. We've got to try something to slow them down, buy us a little more time. At this rate, we'll all be dead before April." Klix admitted, it seemed as if York was partially irritated by the sudden strategic recall. It was no secret the UNSC Navy was getting its face kicked in now; so many worlds had fallen, and they had less than five hundred combat ready warships in active service while others were still in construction or being repaired -- Iowa included. It still stunned Klix that the 15th fleet made up nearly ten percent of the remaining UNSC Navy, they were stretched that thin.

"Did you know that the 15th is the third largest fleet the UNSC has left?" It wasn't a question -- it was a statement hidden by a question as Klix opened the door to his office and gestured for the Rear Admiral to enter after him. He was letting it come softly, maybe if York understood that the navy couldn't support its echelon of new Rear Admirals, he'd understand why his rank was being downgraded to Captain. It was technically a demotion, but when you can only support up to a certain amount of Admirals because your navy is vanishing under your feet, then you could only support so many Admirals.

Klix sat down at his desk with a groan, it void of any whiskey bottles after his last interaction with Vardy. "The true purpose of this meeting, Rear Admiral, is an unfortunate reality of our situation. Personnel command has ordered me to present you these, and your new orders." Klix said, opening his drawer and pulling out a felt box and York's new orders. He had seen these too many times, he could care less if another silver eagle came across his desk now. Killinger, Vardy and now York; none of them were easier than the last.

"Sadly, Captain York, with the losses we've been suffering the 'Admiralty' had to cut away some of its newest Rear Admirals. I know you've been one since -- uh 2549 I think -- but you still made the cut." Klix opened the felt box and revealed the polished eagle, placing it down on the desk in front of York. "Technically it's a demotion, but not one of individual incompetence, rather a necessity of command structures."

"I pulled some strings though," Klix added. "You get to keep your carrier."

"Your orders." The Admiral put the folder next to the felt box, inside was Captain York's marching orders to remain in command of his carrier, and additional orders describing a complete rearmament of the Tassafaronga's air wing. York would have to decide how to tell his crew why his star was replaced with an eagle, Klix couldn't help with that, but the flag officer could speed up the transition from C709 Longsword Interceptors to C712 Longsword Strike Fighters.

[Frazer]

Captain Frazer York  

UNSC TASSAFARONGA / TCVA-02   

Punic Class Supercarrier   

On board the UNSC Iowa   

Date: 2552

"Did you know that the 15th is the third largest fleet the UNSC has left?” As Frazer listened to Kilx he entered the office. It was true the UNSC was running out of full fleets in service, every battle the navy seemed to come out with less and less ships.

"The true purpose of this meeting, Rear Admiral, is an unfortunate reality of our situation. Personnel command has ordered me to present you these, and your new orders." Frazer looked at the felt box, was this another promotion? He sat and took off his naval cap which he placed next to him.

"Sadly, Captain York, with the losses we've been suffering the 'Admiralty' had to cut away some of its newest Rear Admirals. I know you've been one since -- uh 2549 I think -- but you still made the cut." Frazer saw Klix open the felt box and revealed the polished eagle, placing it down on the desk in front of him. In truth Frazer felt some relief, he never wanted to be an Admiral and he understood the reasoning, its true they were losing the war so cutbacks made sense.

"Technically it is a demotion, but not one of individual incompetence, rather a necessity of command structures. I pulled some strings though; you get to keep your carrier." Frazer was relieved he loved his ship and more importantly his crew, so he was thankful. He had heard of Admiral's being demoted back to the rank of Captain due to cut backs.

“I understand Admiral. Completely. In truth I always preferred being a Captain not as many strings attached." Frazer chuckled to try and lighten the mood, he knew this wasnt an easy thing for Klix to do. "I am thankful you have called in favours to allow me to keep the Tassafaronga. I have grown quite attached to her.” Frazer took a breath, took his pins off his rank slides and placed them on the desk. He then took the polished eagle and placed it on his shoulders.

"Your orders." The Admiral put the folder next to the felt box, inside was Captain York's marching orders to remain in command of his carrier. Frazer took the folder and began to scan the orders he noted his ship was going to have a complete rearmament of the Tassafaronga's air wing, from C709 Longsword Interceptors to C712 Longsword Strike Fighters. He stood up and offered his hand to the Admiral.

“Again, I appreciate you looking out for me sir, you always have. I will get the Tassafaronga rearmament started as soon as I return to my ship.” Frazer paused and remembered the damage to the Iowa. “Forgive the intrusion but has Admiral Vardy been relieved of his command? I can understand the reasoning behind such a decision, but he is a good man. One of the best sir.” 

[MrKill]

Admiral Erik Klix
UNSC Iowa
Orbiting Reach

"Well," Klix sighed, shaking Captain York's hand before returning to his chair. "Personnel and High Command decided to demote Vardy to Captain, but he still has command of a Marathon, just not the fourteenth fleet. His demotion was more personal for some down on Reach, one particular name I can't remember, but I'm pretty sure he was ONI brass. From what I hear, too, that gentlemen was practically feeding information to the council assigned to the demotion case."

Klix knew that Vardy was treated like a prisoner during his time down at CASTLE Base, not because someone disliked him, but because -- however brief it may have been -- Vardy was a prisoner at CASTLE Base. The full truth regarding Vardy was never going to revealed to the fleet, not by Klix anyway, and he would shut down any rumors that arose if it meant protecting the morale of the fifteenth fleet. Vardy was now under his command, and he did not need his ship Captain's judging an otherwise talented naval officer, but more importantly he needed Vardy to begin believing in himself and return to his past form.

Klix leaned back in his chair, "What do you think about your air wing being replaced by the C712 model of the Longsword? By September, those'll make up the vast majority of the airwings deployed on our naval warships."

[Frazer]

Captain Frazer York 

UNSC TASSAFARONGA / TCVA-02 

Punic Class Supercarrier 

On board the UNSC Iowa 

Date: 2552

"Well," As the Admiral sighed and shook Frazers hand, Frazer sat back down. "Personnel and High Command decided to demote Vardy to Captain, but he still has command of a Marathon, just not the fourteenth fleet. His demotion was more personal for some down on Reach, one particular name I can't remember, but I'm pretty sure he was ONI brass. From what I hear, too, that gentlemen was practically feeding information to the council assigned to the demotion case." Frazer could not understand why anyone would have it out for Vardy, but then again, he did fire a nuke stupidly and its only fair your command gets called into question for that.

"What do you think about your air wing being replaced by the C712 model of the Longsword? By September, those'll make up the vast majority of the airwings deployed on our naval warships."

“If I am honest, I am completely indifferent on the change.” Frazer paused. “Its true you do lose the firepower and size but in the current times we live in its most likely easier to produce smaller and faster craft. As long as the C712 serves a similar job to what we have then I am fine with the change.” In truth he was a little worried that the cutbacks were now affecting the craft or weapons the UNSC use and in a war that you are currently losing that really can make a difference if you come out on top or not.

“I do have one question Admiral if you don’t mind.” Frazer remembered the patch on the marine who escorted him. “The marine who escorted me to your office, his patch was slightly different to the other marines, why is this? Is this a new regiment or battalion for the fleet?”

[MrKill]

Admiral Erik Klix
UNSC Iowa
Orbiting Reach

"I'll come back to that," Klix promised, standing up and walking over to a wall mounting dozens of model UNSC warships, fighters and other craft. "I can sense some unease about the C712's, so I just want to show you something real quick, give you a run down about the history of our venerable 'Longsword' interceptors." He plucked the models of the C708, C709 and C712 off the wall and carried them carefully back to the desk. He returned to his seat, and placed all three of them down pointing towards Captain York.

"The first one is the 708, it was bulky and unfavorable, replaced by the 709 just before this god damn war even began." Klix gestured to the largest of the three models. "But it was powerful, very powerful. Back then things were so much more simpler, space combat was easier and the tactics way different. The thing about the C708 though, partially similar to the C709, is it didn't fit in any of our carriers."

"I think you will enjoy the mental image of Tassafaronga with forty -- maybe fifty -- of these things externally clamped onto the hull at an airlock."

"Anyway, then came the 709 we either love or hate. They're about two thirds the size, and eliminated some of the bulk problems the 708 had, but it was still a large fighter. Some of our smaller carriers still needed to use clamps and airlocks to serve as traditional carriers, but generally the change was accepted." Klix added, pushing the model of the C709 out a little so York could see it. "Where it lost in firepower - I know, that's quite surprising, right? - it gained in other areas, like more armor and meatier thrust:weight ratios."

"Then the two models I don't have, 710 and 711, they were polar opposites of one another. 710 was meant to be smaller fighter, comparable to a drone, the F-99 Wombat. The other, and I'll never truly know why, was scrapped entirely before the initial proof of concept fighter was built."

"That all lead to this," Klix picked up the C712. "Two times thinner than the 709, just thirty seven meters wide, but let me tell you something: They've packed it full of nice features you'll come to appreciate, or I assume you will as a carrier skipper. Half a dozen hard points on the wings, an internal launch bay that carries four ASGM-10 missiles, and eight M9109 coilguns that have hyper velocity ballistic properties. The C709 does not have any of these, just big one-hundred ten and twenty mike-mike rotary cannons."

Klix brought the C712 down, knocked the C709 over, and smiled as he placed it next to the rolling base of the C709's model. "Checkmate."

"We should have done this upgrade twenty years ago, so please -- if you have any questions -- the time to ask them is now before your hangers are littered with hundreds of these new strike fighters."

[Frazer]

Captain Frazer York  

UNSC TASSAFARONGA / TCVA-02  

Punic Class Supercarrier  

On board the UNSC Iowa  

Date: 2552

"I'll come back to that," Frazer nodded and noticed the Admiral had stood up and walked over to a wall showing dozens of model UNSC warships, fighters, and other craft. 

“That’s a lot of models.” He thought in his head, in truth Frazer was more of a collector of historical items back on earth. His personal office and cabin was filled with them.

"I can sense some unease about the C712's, so I just want to show you something real quick, give you a run down about the history of our venerable 'Longsword' interceptors." Frazer snapped out of his thinking and saw Kilx pluck the models of the C708, C709 and C712 off the wall and carry them back to the desk. Frazer was keen to listen, he loved hearing more about the UNSCs fighters, as a Captain is only as good as the tools he is given. 

"The first one is the 708, it was bulky and unfavorable, replaced by the 709 just before this god damn war even began." The Admiral gestured to the largest of the three models. Frazer shifted his vision over.

"But it was powerful, very powerful. Back then things were so much more simpler, space combat was easier and the tactics way different. The thing about the C708 though, partially similar to the C709, is it didn't fit in any of our carriers. I think you will enjoy the mental image of Tassafaronga with forty -- maybe fifty -- of these things externally clamped onto the hull at an airlock." Frazer chuckled a little as the Admiral finished his sentence.

"Anyway, then came the 709 we either love or hate. They're about two thirds the size, and eliminated some of the bulk problems the 708 had, but it was still a large fighter. Some of our smaller carriers still needed to use clamps and airlocks to serve as traditional carriers, but generally the change was accepted." Frazer then noticed the Admiral pushing the model of the C709 out a little so he could see it. "Where it lost in firepower - I know, that's quite surprising, right? - it gained in other areas, like more armor and meatier thrust:weight ratios. Then the two models I don't have, 710 and 711, they were polar opposites of one another. 710 was meant to be smaller fighter, comparable to a drone, the F-99 Wombat. The other, and I'll never truly know why, was scrapped entirely before the initial proof of concept fighter was built." Frazer nodded as the Admiral took a breath in between his sentences.

"That all lead to this," Klix picked up the C712. "Two times thinner than the 709, just thirty seven meters wide, but let me tell you something: They've packed it full of nice features you'll come to appreciate, or I assume you will as a carrier skipper. Half a dozen hard points on the wings, an internal launch bay that carries four ASGM-10 missiles, and eight M9109 coilguns that have hyper velocity ballistic properties. The C709 does not have any of these, just big one-hundred ten and twenty mike-mike rotary cannons." Klix brought the C712 down, knocked the C709 over, and smiled as he placed it next to the rolling base of the C709's model. "Checkmate." Frazer again smiled and picked up the model of the C712. Turning it around with a keen interest as Klix began to speak again.

"We should have done this upgrade twenty years ago, so please -- if you have any questions -- the time to ask them is now before your hangers are littered with hundreds of these new strike fighters." Frazer put the model of the C712 back down on the desk.

“To be honest sir you have explained the Fighters very well. I will look forward to a closer inspection once they begin to arrive on my ship.” Frazer coughed a little into his hands. "You have put my mind at ease sir in terms of the rearmament. I will make sure it doesn’t take to long on the Tassafaronga.” Frazer coughed again into his hands.

“If I also may Admiral, what is our current war fleet status? Is the 15th back up to full strength?” Frazer paused a little. He was slightly worried about the current war situation. “I only ask as after reading the most recent reports we are running out of fully manned fleets. How bad is it? Please spare no details.” Frazer paused and felt his throat hurting a tad and becoming more dry. To be frank it had been a long deployment and day for him.

“Sorry again for coughing, have you got any refreshments? My throat is very dry. Anything will do really, long day…"

[MrKill]

Admiral Erik Klix
UNSC Iowa
Orbiting Reach

Klix nodded, stood up, and disappeared behind the corner wall. "The 15th is at full strength now with your carrier and escorts present, so that's always a positive." The perks of being an four star Admiral -- minus the alcohol and fine cigars he could consume/smoke in his quarters privately when he was off duty - was the ability to do what nearly anything he wanted aboard his warship. He grabbed a simple bottle of water from his mini-fridge, and decided he wanted one two. The flag officer returned to the table with two bottles of water and placed one in front of his subordinate.

"Ah," Klix thought. "As I said, we've got less than five hundred active warships right now. Earth and Reach both have full strength fleets, but FLEETCOMM keeps rotating ships out on deployments."

There was a pause for a moment.

Klix chuckled; question was tougher than it sounded. "Good question, though. Not even I know the true extent of our forces, just some tidbits. I am after all just a flag officer of an active fleet, not a member of fleet command, even though I have a seat on high command. It's a weird structure, but someone like me only gets briefed every so often, whereas permanent sitting officers know the situation at nearly all times."

"I know we've got picket patrols defending strategically important worlds, usually just a couple frigates and maybe a destroyer." Klix leaned back in his chair. "Other worlds with major population centers have a little more firepower, maybe a flotilla of destroyers with escorting frigates. Obviously large worlds with established cities, large populations, and high density ore deposits are protected the heaviest. Some worlds have received those MARK V Super Coil defense platforms, some cruisers, and maybe a dedicated defense fleet protecting it."

Klix leaned forward. "Situation isn't good though, York. We've got a dozen or more shipyards in system that have been silent for weeks -- some well over a month -- merely because we don't have the titanium or other materials to continue production. Two SinoViet shipyards over Reach right now have completed frigate hulls, but they have no hull armor, so we're waiting on a shipment of either titanium ore for processing or... hell, even a bulk freighter with modular plates would do. Thing is, we've got other shipyards with frigates that do have hull armor, just not the armor plates... so they get priority. It's a mess, but that's war I suppose."

The Admiral uncapped his water bottle and took a drink. "Cigar?"

[Frazer]

Captain Frazer York   

UNSC TASSAFARONGA / TCVA-02   

Punic Class Supercarrier   

On board the UNSC Iowa   

Date: 2552

As the Admiral spoke he offered Frazer a bottle of water from his mini fridge. Which Frazer drank straight away as Klix explained the current war situation along with the status of the 15th Fleet. If the entire UNSC high brass had the resolve of the Admiral maybe the war wouldn’t be going so bad he thought. Frazer continued to listen whilst taking a sip of water after each sentence.  

“Situation isn't good though, York. We've got a dozen or more shipyards in system that have been silent for weeks -- some well over a month -- merely because we don't have the titanium or other materials to continue production. Two SinoViet shipyards over Reach right now have completed frigate hulls, but they have no hull armor, so we're waiting on a shipment of either titanium ore for processing or... hell, even a bulk freighter with modular plates would do. Thing is, we've got other shipyards with frigates that do have hull armor, just not the armor plates... so they get priority. It's a mess, but that's war I suppose." Frazer nodded, without the correct armor plating these ships were defenceless. It is had he feared, the UNSC were losing more ships then they could make. 

The Admiral uncapped his water bottle and took a drink and asked. "Cigar?" Frazer was immediately going to say yes but he remembered the promise he made himself to stop smoking. 

“A couple of yes back maybe sir, but not this time im afraid. Been clean for months now.” Again taking another sip from his water bottle he grabbed his naval cap and placed it on his knee. 

“Well I thank you Admiral for these answers. If there is nothing else may I be dismissed to attend my ship and get the rearmament started?” Frazer was looking forward to getting this done so he could get the TASSAFARONGA back into action.

[MrKill]

Admiral Erik Klix
UNSC Iowa
Orbiting Reach

"Oh, er, one last thing. Remember that your aviators are loosing fighters they've become attached to, you might need to hold a briefing with some of your pilots and convince them that the new strike fighters are much better than the ones being replaced. Your CAG, DAG and squadron leaders should know what pilots will be angry or upset, so it'll be imperative to communicate with them before the new strike fighters start arriving."

"I'll let you know exactly when they start arriving."

"You're dismissed, Captain." Klix said, offering a sharp salute.

[Frazer]

Captain Frazer York    

UNSC TASSAFARONGA / TCVA-02    

Punic Class Supercarrier    

On board the UNSC Iowa    

Date: 2552

"Oh, er, one last thing. Remember that your aviators are loosing fighters they've become attached to, you might need to hold a briefing with some of your pilots and convince them that the new strike fighters are much better than the ones being replaced. Your CAG, DAG and squadron leaders should know what pilots will be angry or upset, so it'll be imperative to communicate with them before the new strike fighters start arriving." Frazer nodded as he stood up and put his cap on.

"I'll let you know exactly when they start arriving. You're dismissed, Captain." Klix said, offering a sharp salute.

“Thank you Admiral. See you soon.” Frazer returned a stiff salute. As he left the room he received a salute from the marines guarding the door.

“Carry on.” Frazer began walking towards the hanger bay, taking a few sips of the water bottle as he walked. As he arrived at the hanger the marine guarding his Pelican walked over.

“Admiral… we are re..” He looked up and down at Frazer.

“Its Captain now, get us airborne we have a lot of work to do on the TASSAFARONGA.” Frazer said as he boarded the Pelican, taking his cap off and sat down.

“Understood sir.” The marine spoke as the pilot brought the Pelican engines online. The Pelican completed its take off procedures and flew out of the hanger towards the UNSC carrier. Frazer started resting his eyes, it had been a long day and the rest was much needed. Around 15 minutes later the Pelican came close to the Tassafaronga. The Pilot began speaking to the carrier over the radio which woke Frazer up from his small sleep.

“Captain, we are coming into land.” Frazer nodded as he stood up, the pelican landed and the rear ramp door opened. Frazer put his cap on and walked off the ramp. The marines and pilots in the hanger bay noticed the rank slide changed but continued to salute as Frazer left and started making his way towards the bridge. He finally arrived at the bridge and entered.

“Admiral on deck!” Shouted the deck officer. The bridge crew turned around and again, noticed the rank change.

“Right let’s get this over with.” Frazer said as he sat down on the Captains chair. “I have been demoted to Captain. Do not worry this is not due to any poor performance on my part or that of our crew. This is due to the UNSC not being able to support so many Admirals in the fleets. I am not bothered at all; in fact, I am more relieved. Means we can get into the thick of each fight.” Frazer chuckled. “Let’s leave that there, I don’t want anymore questions around it. Understood?”

“Yes sir, we have served together for a while. It does not matter what rank you are. I will follow you, as will the crew.” Henry spoke as he moved towards the holo table. Frazer nodded, stood up and walked over.

“Right XO I have a mission for you. We are switching fighters for this ship, to the C712 Longsword Strike Fighter.” Frazer showed a hologram of the new fighter rotating with stats displayed on the table. “Rearmament will start straight away; I need you to gather the pilots together and brief them on the new craft and answer any questions they have. Take Lieutenant Blackpool with you.”

“Right away Captain. LT with me.” The XO walked over to the tactical officer who stood up and saluted. Leaving the bridge with Henry towards the briefing room. Frazer returned to the captain’s chair. Awaiting the start of the rearmament process.