Checking through the operational checklists, Rayland could see that the cargo loading was nearly complete and the crew rosters were just about accounted for. Sweeping through the network, he could confirm with the ever data pinging Towan was assigning living quarters work stations to the new personnel whom have checked-in with Kaite outside; the VI had also compiled an up-to-date list of all the loaded equipment currently either being setup in the inner stations or locked up in storage for later use. At least that’s one more thing he didn't have to observe, at least not for very long.

Automatic systems in the frigate began to green light operational readiness across his virtual HUD, indicating each rudimentary function operating at maximum efficiency. The only systems still pending for complete confirmation were the core power and fuel reserves. Admittedly, the journey to Falymar Station had proved taxing on the old vessel’s stockpiles, even through the month long trip through slips-space which demands consistent energy to maintain key functions such life support and warp propulsion. Then again, Towan was always an energy hog as well so Rayland jokingly blamed the old VI for its inefficiencies on that subject too.

It wasn't before long that Rayland came across an inbound sync request intercepted by the ship’s cyber-wall. He frowned while gazing upon it, learning that the entreaty was repeatedly flashed the official seal of Force Commander Arik of the [i]Howling Sun[/i]; his to be CO. The chain of command feeling he once felt years as an AISC echoed down his nerves from the back of his conscious. Familiar as it appeared, the concept was something Rayland was not looking forward to, especially where this obvious meeting was going to lead into. It was quite obvious really but he couldn’t complain; he did sign up for this.

With a sigh, Rayland leaned back into his seat, making himself comfortable for what was about to come. “Towan.” He said aloud, “I have call I need to take, you have the bridge.”

[color=00aeef][i][b]“Understood Captain Rayland Sul’tari, assuming temporary post.”[/b][/i][/color] The virtual of eye of Towan replied.
  
With command shifted for the moment, Rayland closed his eyes, ending all excess though processed as he accepting the sync request through the local net. In an instant, all senses of the real world collapsed as his consciousness was pulled away from his own physical form before resurfacing in the digital environment of the Cyberverse.

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Reality as his mind interpreted it had been altered into a weave of data streams and interconnected spire frames, transiting glittering and pulsating particles through the endless multitude of information highways spreading into the dark representations of wide and distant space. Many times before has Rayland visited this strange digital mirror of actuality where he would converse with friends, family, but most importantly, his business partners from faraway star systems. Upon close inspection, the universe he now resided in was a virtual of the docks he remembered currently being anchored to. The ghostly silhouettes of the actual dock crews walked around and even though him as sensory images feedbacking into the environment   

“Ah, so you’ve made it.” came the echoing voice of Arik. “We can now begin.”

Rayland turned his head to see the Ascended Commander sitting across a large table where on the opposite side sat several other captains of the Commander's force. Some of the members like him who took the job were also among the group. He walked to the meeting table and took the open seat clearly meant for him. Like in reality, he leaned back in the chair as it altered its form code to compliment his leaning profile; he knew this was going to be a long one.