[indent][h3]N E D[/h3][/indent] [hr] Major Thiena Thel had just assigned Lieutenant NED a very important mission. Administrative work was the backbone of any large scale operation. Forty three soldiers had found themselves homeless in the cargo bay. Accomdations such as this were insuffecient, and it was up to NED to solve the issue at hand. With no officers to direct them, the soldiers had done the best they could, respectfully placing themselves in the cargo bay in order to avoid issues with the rest of the crew. But there were eight hours left until the upcoming planetary assault, and an organic lifeform needed space to breathe and relax. No one could suffeciently prepare themselves for the trials ahead in these conditions. NED, as Major Thiena Thel knew, was a droid. His imposing, wide-shouldered form stood at six feet tall. Unlike most droids, the metallic lieutenant chose to clothe himself with the official officer fatigues of the Scarlet Moons. Atop his bald head was an officers cap that rested slightly crooked as it pressed itself around the various ridges that lined his temples. Custom made boots suffered as they attempted to contain the weight and pressure of his feet. Indeed, he looked like a droid playing dress-up. Nonetheless, he carried himself with confidence and competence. The door to the cargo bay was open, and several soldiers had scattered out into the corridor. NED was holding a digital pad for tracking and storing information. Some of them looked up, curious, amused, or both, at the strange sight making his way down the hallway. With a small wave to those who were milling about in the corridor, NED stepped inide the cargo bay. The dark, horizontal slits of his eyes scanned the room, counting heads. His index finger tapped out the information in the beginnings of a comprehensive graph. Chatter, mostly complaints or idle talk, filled the cargo bay. Some of the more agile species had acquianted themselves with the tops of the crates, but most remained on the floor. The people in the hallway watched the back of the droid officer, and those nearby inside the room slowly began to take notice of the out of place figure. "ATTENTION!" He declared loudly, breaking his silence. His voice carried, bouncing off the walls of the cargo bay. Few were startled by his sudden volume, but much of the chatter ceased as people turned to observe the source of the noise. "ATTENTION!" He declared again. Now all eyes were on him. Some began to move into attention, noticing that this droid was, infact, a superior officer. That didn't matter, NED just needed everyone to pay attention to him before he could start talking. "It's become apparent to the commanding officers onboard the Evergreen that you soldiers have inadequate housing." NED began, to the jeering approval of some of the more distant figures. "My name is Lieutenant NED, and I will be assisting you for now. It's my duty to make sure that all of you are making use the living space available. If everyone could gather in six approxamately vertical lines in the center of the room here, we can begin. Gather your things aswell, many of you will be moving." NED informed the crew. The reaction to this was mixed- everyone was happy that more space was to be made, but most of them had just settled in, even if their space was cramped and uncomfortable. A short amount of time passed and everyone was roughly organized infront of the droid officer. Diligently, he counted everyone and made the necessary calculations to find out how many people could fit in a room. "Right. The two rows furthest from left are going to stay here in the cargo bay." NED announced. Those people began setting their things back up. "A commanding officer will be assigned to you all shortly. This is the beginning of a new unit, so I recommend getting to know your new comrades." He offered helpfully. "Everyone else, please follow me to your new quarters." Most of them were still weary about the droid giving them orders, but NED could easily just be a vessel for an organic being's commands, so there was no potential harm to their ego's for following the orders of a bot. Even if he was a lieutenant. "Stay in your vertical lines as you follow me. Don't mingle with other lines too much, or else I'm going to have to do a bunch of math again." NED walked down the hallway, and dozens of soldiers followed him in long line with three gaps of those who gathered earlier. "You are all doing exceptionally well, thank you for being so patient." He reassured them as he navigated toward the barracks. Many people carried their compact cots and supplies on their backs, and the native crew had to stand aside as the parade passed by. Arriving at one of the entrances to the barracks, NED stepped inside ahead of those following him. "ATTENTION!" He called out, and since most of the people inside knew of NED, the conversations stopped more quickly as they listened to a lieutenant. "Many new people are going to be joining you all in the barracks today until the planetary assault. They are your comrades, treat them with as much respect as you would with those already onboard the Evergreen. Remember, we are all Scarlet Moons, and all of us have chosen to be here. Thank you." With that being said, NED motioned for two of the remaining lines of troops inside. "Please make yourself at home. Try to keep the central corridors clear for ease of access. Lay your cots against the walls or in the corner, or take advantage of some of the extra dormitories." He said this on repeat as the two lines passed by him one soldier at a time. Eventually, they all passed inside and NED closed the door behind them, scanning over the two remaining lines with his eyeless eyes. "I do believe I can work out something special for the rest of you. Follow me, please." NED told them this as if he was letting them in on a secret. It was a longer wall this time, but eventually NED came to a stop outside an officers cabin. After a brief pause of staring at the door, he pressed the button. A moment passed, and a Duros Lieutenant appeared in the doorway. He looked unimpressived at NED's appearence. "Greetings, Lieutenant Dray, sir. Major Thiena Thel has ordered me to make accomodations readily available for the newly transferred troops. I've come up with the idea of having them share the ample space inside the officers cabin with you and your fellow officers." Lieutenant Dray sneered for a moment before peering past NED to the various soldiers behind him. "Well..." He sighed. "I suppose that would be fine." Relenting he stepped aside. The soldiers gave a little cheer and went inside. Once several were in, NED stopped the others from continuing inward. Lieutenant Dray shot daggers at NED, but the droid's face was unreadable. This process continued on for a while. Upon hearing of Dray's reliquence, the Major's direct orders, and perhaps moral responsibility, all of the officers allowed the troops to set up their cots in their cabins. Eventually, the last few troops came to NED and Arosha's room. The door opened and NED stepped inside. "This is Lieutenant Arosha Tye and I's room. You all can stay with us if you so please." Standing in the corner after offering his own "bed" to one of the soldiers, NED sent a mission debief to Major Thiena Thel, reporting everything he just did in regards to the transferring troops. Satisfied with his work, he folded his hands together behind his back and considered the future.