Makobi's questions numbed Ray's head as he continued walking without looking back, taking an elevator by himself. He leaned against the elevator wall and closed his eyes, giving a very long sigh. If he had gone back for Cassie's body, they would have had to deal with the Ice Bird, and under the laws designed for Expedition crews, they were not allowed to kill any species on any unknown planet unless the natives attacked first. By stepping onto its nest, it had every right to attack. If they killed it there would be more questions to answer for the Committee... Cassie was worth breaking the law for. She was part of his crew, a good person, and it seems that the Committee officials don't see anyone on his crew as people with their own thoughts and emotions... Just criminals knocking on Death's door. [i] "A Chase? I was wondering when Todd's kid would be coming our way! He was a fine young man, an excellent soldier. Look here boys! This might be your next commanding officer! Enjoy that reputation on your shoulders, Atlas."[/i] The elevator doors opened to reveal bride and the large windows that looked out onto space. Tango's physical form was where it always was, in the Co-Pilot seat, checking scans and other statuses on the Monroe. As soon as Ray stepped foot onto the ground, his head made a full 180 and stood, giving a salute. "Captain On Deck!" He stated loudly. The ship was already engaged in slip space, it was a very interesting thing to see and it still amazed Raymond. Looking at it head on, you could only see a brilliant blue light, with chaotic and unusual waves dancing incredibly fast. Looking from the back of the ship, there was a warm red glow, those same lines now moving slowly, and rhythmically. Looking at it from the side, there was all the stars you could ever think to see, billions of dots flying by you, and some flashes of blue, red, and sometimes purple. He then stared around at all the faces on the Bridge. Kaite just got off the controls of a turret, his face with a mix of anger and sadness. Most people hear rumors about his race being heartless and destructive, but this told another story. Stun was also standing there, knowing that he wasn't sure what to say or even feel right now, Tango was the same way. Jolenar approached him, his suit's blank expression made it hard to know if the suit was looking at him or if Jolenar could even see him. He gave a nod. "Thank you, Jolenar." He wasn't sure of the Xreene liked to be addressed by his name or not, his culture was so different from the others he has met, but he has proven to be a professional and cooperative person. "Captain, I am deeply sorry for the loss of O'Ha-- er, Cassie." Tango said with a bit of awkardness in its voice. Raymond could only smile and nod a bit as he looked away from Tango. He could tell the Monroe was sad today, it has been a very long time since someone on the crew had passed away, especially in such a heroic fashion. "There will be a memorial service for Cassie where we will put her name on the wall of those who have fallen in the Crew Quarters once we dock at the Spire... At ease, everyone." ---- The Captain's Quarters of the Monroe was a little bit larger than most quarters on the ship. Raymond's large desk was in the center of the room, with all sorts of papers and maps and files all over the tabletop. A bookshelf lined with trophies from planets, awards from the Committee, and a collection of human artifacts from his planet. A baseball cap, pictures, antiques from the old age. Maps, and posters, and notes were lined around the wall as well. A large globe of Terra was in the corner, and in the opposite one was a very old antique jukebox. One door led to the bathroom, while another led to the bedroom. Raymond was sitting up in his bed, his left hand shaking violently. Ever since he made sure the crew was alright after the survey mission, he had tried to get some rest, but to no avail. It had been four hours since Cassie sacrificed herself, and he was sure most of the Monroe was sleepless as well. He was still injured from the encounter of the bird, but didn't want to bother Rae or Nate to be checked up on. He had so many thoughts in his mind, so many things he wanted to say to his crew, but didn't know when or where to say it... Raymond stood up and walked out of his room in only some Committee issued pajama pants. He sat down at his desk, and pressed a button, engaging a broadcast that would go through the entire ship. [color=lightblue]"Monroe, this is your Captain speaking."[/color] Raymond's voice was strong, and a bit calming as he spoke, coughing a bit. [color=lightblue]"We lost one of our own today. Most of you probably haven't been here long enough to witness this, and I would love to tell you that it won't happen again, and that it'll get easier seeing someone you trust go. But it doesn't. I would love to tell you that every death that happens while we serve will be remembered, and that they will have a spot in the list of explorers that risked their lives. But since we are criminals, that won't happen. I can't guarantee you that there will be a day where the Committee calls us and tells me that I can bring you all home, and you can move on with your life, and I can't guarantee that you will be safe on this vessel. But you already knew that when you signed up." "I can tell you though that the Monroe has defied the odds in every single way possible. We are the longest serving expedition team in the Committee in hundreds of years, we have saved countless lives and contributed to making this galaxy better off for the future. Some of you may not give a shit about the greater good out there, or making a difference. But I like to think that Cassie sacrificed herself for those reasons... We have been able to continue for three long and difficult years because every single one of you has put their faith in not only me and my abilities, but in everyone else's as well." "So when the Committee is asked about the Monroe and the Marauders, they may forget the sacrifices we had to make to continue to live, but we will [i]NEVER[/i] forget... For those who are new, the pain doesn't leave. It numbs itself until we are able to take that pain and put it into what drives us, and what made us join this force to begin with. Never forget why you joined, never forget who you've met on this crew, and never forget what you're fighting for..."[/color] Raymond silenced himself for a few seconds. [color=lightblue]"Chase out."[/color]