Pep Talk

[Selene Cross]

“I would do anything for you Price and Bartyn will pay for what he’s done.” Selene reassured him. Every time she watched him limp it was a reminder of how she had failed to protect them. Seeing Bella stuck in that was the hardest. It was one of the many reasons Clint was with Bella instead and she was helping protect Price.

[Jonathan Price]

"Well Bartyn is handled... for the most part." Jon replied. "But I do appreciate your protection and your company. I like that we've gotten to know each other better."

[Selene Cross]

Selene laughed softly, "Your security detail doesn't."

[Tomarah t'Sei]

"I can assign a Special Ops team to your detail if you'd like Mr. President," Tomrrah suggested. "Lt. Commander Cartwright has proven she and her team are quite capable."

[Jonathan Price]

"I'm sure what I have is fine... I have the Black Widow as my protector." Jon replied. "Any other special ops team would be protecting my enemies from her."

[Tomarah t'Sei]

Tomarah smirked, "Indeed."

[Selene Cross]

Selene nodded in agreement and smirked as Eli’s voice came through her ear bud.

“Looks like the press finally wised up they’re headed this way.”

[Jonathan Price]

"Well the respite was nice... and Captain... if there IS anything you need, now's a great time to ask it." Jon said as he put his hand on the new CO's shoulder.

"Now that you mention it..." he whispered. "If you do hit Dominus, I want to be on the front lines. Lost some good friends on Sigma station and while it's not exactly revenge talking... I want to honor them."

"I think we can make that happen Captain." Jon replied and took a look at Tomarah. "Still, depends where you're deployed but we'll keep that firmly in mind."

"All I ask Mr. President." he said and saluted back before the doors opened.

"Oh look... the Press. Sorry about the confusion, new ship... first time we've done a commissioning without Nick Ryder." Jon said to the reporters laughter.

"Yeah don't buy that sir." one reporter said with a smirk.

"Can't fool you." Jon said and gestured to the Captain. "The Captain was just getting a little pep talk before everyone came in." He gestured to Cece. "So... let's make this commissioning formal." he pointed to the cameras to follow her as she handed Admiral Tomarah the dedication plaque.

"On behalf of the President, we formally turn this ship to the Terra Alpha Navy. Make us proud." Cece said as the Admiral took the plaque and then handed her the small gold plated rivet driver. "As is our new tradition... the FCO, the Captain, the President and a civilian will drive one rivet into the plaque. Symbolizing that this ship and its mission are sent by all of us. Future generations will look at this plaque and be reminded that it took into space a little bit of all of us."

[Tomarah t'Sei]

Tomarah leaned in close to the ship's new captain, "Don't worry. I've already have you planned to lead Squadron 20 of the 3rd Fleet. You'll likely see more action than you'd care for."

Publicly, Tomarah straightened up and clapped with the reast of the assembled dignitaries at Cece's speech.

[Jonathan Price]

"You just bring the ship and crew back safely Captain." Jon added as he leaned to speak in his other ear.

"I hear you both loud and clear. And thank you." the Captain said with a smile as he approached the plaque to drive his rivet in. "Thank you Captain Ryder." he sald, giving Cece a salute. "It is my honor to command this ship and help defend the Alliance."

"I just pray these new ships will be enough." Cece whispered to Tomarah. "In some ways Aunt Angel picked the worst time for leave, but I understand it. If it comes down to it... just say the word."

"Don't say the word just yet. I need my Chief of Staff." Jon said shooting Tomarah a look.