[dumbluck]

"So, how is he?"

"Not good. The concussion bLast alone broke 14 of his ribs, along with his left arm. It also likely resulted in complete but temporary loss of hearing, although I expect him to recover it somewhat. Also..."

"Somewhat," asked a different speaker.

"There will be significant hearing loss in his left ear; he'll recover no more than 25%. But his right ear will most likely recover at least 75% of it's perceptive ability, and possibly up to 95%. More importantly..."

"And the burns," inquired another.

The doctor looked a bit perturbed at the continual interruptions, but replied, "The burns are quite extensive. Approximately 50% of his body has 3rd degree burns; we had to use neo-tissue transplants to replace most of the destroyed areas of tissue. There will be quite a bit of disfigurement, and no small amount of continual pain for ... about 6 months, until the neo-tissue has been completely assimilated by his body."

"When can he return to duty?"

The doctor sighs. "I don't know." A murmur of concern sweeps over the room as he continues. "He is in a coma. Now, rest assured, we are working 'round the clock to try to rouse him. I know that we are in a critical stage right now, and I know that he can't be away a moment longer than necessary. However, sometimes the body will shut down the mind to give itself time to heal. I ... I can't make any accurate predictions about his recovery time in that respect. And there is one more thing. The burning propellant.... it invaded his ventral jets. There was extensive damage. He will need several more surgeries, but... but the damage was quite extensive. I really don't know how much mobility can be restored."

Commadore Xidan slowly swayed from side to side as the shock of the situation sunk in. "A coma?"

"Yes ma'am. His vitals look good, so I don't think we are in any real danger of losing him, but I really can't say when he will be able to return to his duties."

"And Commadore Nivax?"

"The Research Minister's wounds," replied the doctor, "were quite severe. The concussion bLast amputated his right arm, and crushed most of the bones in his body. The burning propellant... well, ... there was nothing we could do. He expired late Last night."

A long, painful silence filled the room. Finally, Commador Xavan looked around the table. No one met her eyes. "Thank you for your report doctor. Dismissed."

Xavan watched the doctor jet out of the conference room, watched the door slide shut with a soft *click*. Then her expert eye surveyed the other Ministers gathered at the table. Still, no one would meet her gaze. They knew the task that lay before them, and none of them liked it. Admiral Cavix was a strict but beloved taskmaster. Commadore Nivax had always had a joke to lighten a tense moment; now his empty chair only added sorrow to this dreadful occasion.

Xavan, as second in command, opened the meeting. "Well, ladies and gentlemen, I'm sure you all know why we are here, but for the record, I must inform you of the reason this emergency meeting was called. We are here due to the incapacitation of Admiral Cavix, and it is our duty, as a group, to lead our forces.

"By unfortunate chance, command has fallen on our shoulders. If Admiral Cavix recovers and is allowed to return to duty, this burden shall fall from us. But if he does not, then we must carry on, and follow the mandate set forth for this Expeditionary Force by High Command. Are there any questions?"

Silence was her only reply. "All right. Our first order of business, then, is the vacant position of Research Minister...