The members of the Achilles' bridge welcomed Nicole, a spot at the communications console having been reserved for her.  She had taken this position in the past during training and testing exercises.  However, next to her was an empty seat with a placard with the name, "Metharom, Tirapon".

[hr]
[quote=@KatherinWinter]
[@Stern Algorithm]
"I haven't seen him yet. But I haven't been here very long and I haven't really looked around. He might have gone right to Walker Rex. He could have decided to check it over before checking in. I'm sure he will be here soon." Griffin answered Dr. McCulloch.[/quote]
Dr. McCulloch nodded, before hearing:

[quote=@Oak7ree]
"How are the midgets?"
[/quote]
[i]"Speak of the devil,"[/i] Dr. McCulloch thought to herself before turning around to greet Richard.  "Good, you're here," Dr. McCulloch said, not letting her annoyance come through, "I'm afraid for that information, you'll have to ask the engineering team; I don't fix this stuff, I just come up with it, and if they're doing their jobs, then you shouldn't have anything to worry about."  Taking a step back to address both Richard and Griffin, she continued, "I'm sure you've got your orders, otherwise you wouldn't be here.  I just wanted to say..." Dr. McCulloch paused, sighed, and took a long sip from her mug; she wasn't used to giving out compliments or motivational speeches, but she felt one was in order, "These orders do not reflect negatively on your performance; you, Lieutenant Commander, are well aware how lauded your last sortie against EO2 was, and you, Ensign, your tests have been phenomenal.  It is in fact, due to your success that you are being placed on backup.  There are more...unknowns...to be tested with Project Titan that take priority.  So if you felt slighted by these orders in any way, well, get over it, you're professional soldiers."  Perhaps not quite a motivational speech, but she didn't want them taking the orders personally or feeling insulted.  Perhaps she herself took it personally and merely projected that same sentiment onto them.  At any rate, she thought Project Titan was a bad idea, but she had grown weary of trying to convince Secretary Oleander.



[quote=@Tricheus]
After Dr. Park's introduction of Tirapon, Natalie extends a hand to the young communications specialist,
[color=0072bc][b]"Good to meet you.  It will be interesting to see what telepathy feels like.  I look forward to working with you."[/b][/color]
[/quote]
"L-likewise," Tirapon said, returning the handshake.  He stared intensely at Natalie.

[quote=@Tricheus]
Then turning to Dr. Park, [color=0072bc][b]"Doctor, do we know anything about EO4 yet?  What is the ETA?"[/b][/color][/quote]
"Impact will occur in several hours, but the location has been pinpointed," Dr. Park replied, "Nothing is known about EO4 yet, other than an abnormally high density compared to the previous Organisms.  You'll be assigned to the Achilles and will deploy from the deck, while The Platform will follow close behind.  The fleet should get there soon after impact."  He gave her a wink and a cheesy hand gesture, "Knock 'em dead!"

[i]"Hello?  Establishing a connection.  To confirm connection, think at me, 'yes',"[/i] came Tirapon's voice in Natalie's head.