"So, what do you think about having your own office?", Omega asked the Commander as he took a seat behind the desk,  "quite a step up from from the tiny cubicle at Intelligence you're accustomed to."

"It's about time my talents were properly recognized," the Commander responded with a smile, "I think I could grow very fond of our new jobs."  Looking at the chronometer on the display screen, he added, "our new military staff should be here any moment, got a few ideas about some changes around here."

"And you didn't consult with me about them, I thought we were a team," Omega stated in aggravation, "are you going to let me in on your plans before they get here?"

"Well, if somebody had not been so adamant about separate sleeping arrangements last night, she would have been there to hear them," the Commander retorted with a smirk, "I guess she'll just have to be briefed along with everybody else."

Sighing in resignation, Omega responded, "you're still a pain in the ass, you do know that, right?"

At that moment, there was a loud, booming knock on the door.  "Enter," the Commander called out.  As the door slid open, Major Amstel, Senior Lieutenant Dovala and Sergeant Major Xalo filed into the room.  Taking positions of attention, the Major presented his commanding officer with a sharp salute.

"Sir!  Major Amstel, Senior Lieutenant Dovala and Sergeant Major Xalo reporting as ordered, sir,"  Amstel bellowed.

Returning the salute, the Commander said to the trio, "at ease everyone, have a seat and be comfortable, we've got a lot to discuss," then added with a chuckle, "and by the way, feel free to use the door chime next time."

"Yes sir, we'll remember that," the Major replied, "I guess I did get a bit over zealous," and adding with a toothy smile, "my hand is going to be sore for a little while, but worth it."

After a little more than an hour of interviewing his new staff, becoming more familiar with them and getting a rundown on the military situation, the Commander spoke to them, "alright, now that I know the layout, I've come up with some plans to make things more efficient than they are.  Please don't interpret this wrong, I am impressed by how well this unit operates now, but past experience has shown me that things can be improved on.  Permission to speak freely if you have a question with anything I put out to you."

After taking a moment to catch a breath, the Commander continued, "we are a special operations group... group being the main word, here.  Until now, we've been operating under standard Imperial Military  protocols, with ground and fleet forces being separate entities.  Not only can that lead to confusion about who's supposed to do what, but inter-service rivalries can sometimes hinder the mission objectives."  Seeing he had their undivided attention, the Commander went on, "as of this moment, we are one force, with one commanding and one executive officer.  Each unit will still do the jobs they were trained for, but any missions forward will be done as a combined unit.  We are a GROUP!"

Asking for comments and receiving positive feedback from the trio, the Commander continued the briefing, "I also understand that officially, everybody in this compound is a member of this group, even the nonmilitary civilian personnel.  However, we all know that while some may have been in the military and know how that part operates, most have zero military experience.  Now don't get me wrong, after talking with many of them, I believe that every last one of them would also fight to protect what we have here.  But let's be honest, most of them would be killed in the first five minutes of combat."

Pausing again to let his words sink in, the Commander spoke again, "we are going to create a civilian militia, a reserve force, if you will and we are going to train them.  These people will be volunteers, no conscripts and we will begin training ASAP.  They will at first receive a two week crash course on military protocols and procedures, then after that will meet for two days once a month for continued training.  Sergeant Major, this will be your baby... after talking with these people, they like and respect you, many would follow you into hell if you asked them... I can't think of a better person for the job.  Between the three of you, come up with a cadre able to perform this task."

Checking the chronometer, the Commander brought their meeting to a close with these final words, "I expect to see progress reports on my desk within the week, if there are no more questions, I have a lunch meeting with the civilian department heads at 1200 hours in the mess hall to discuss my reorganization plans.  It is not an order, but if any of you wish to attend, please feel free to do so.  You are dismissed."

Rising to their feet, the Major took a moment to speak, "sir, all your plans are sound in theory, but there may be some disagreement among the rank and file.  Some of the 'old timers' may resent the combining of forces out of unit pride and old rivalries."

"I am aware of that," the Commander responded, " but if I didn't have the utmost confidence in you three to accomplish the goals set, you wouldn't be here.  Anything else you would like to add, Major?"

"No sir, the mission will be accomplished," bellowed Amstel, snapping to attention and saluting, "good day, Commander!"  Returning the Major's salute, the Commander watched as the trio exited the room to begin executing their orders.

After they had left, the Commander sat down to relax when he was approached by Omega, who was obviously in an aggravated mood.  "Have you gone completely mad", she shouted at the man, "reorganizing a member of the Dark Council's forces without consulting her first?  What in the universe would posses you to even consider it, much less enact it?"

Looking up at the woman, the Commander calmly responded, "relax Shara, it'll be alright.  Didn't she put me in command of this unit?  From what I've seen, I don't think she'll have any problems with my plans... besides, she can always veto the whole thing if she wants."

"Is that before or after she slices us in half with her lightsaber?", the woman asked, then continued, "too late to change things now, we've got fifteen minutes until our lunch meeting, might as well see this through.  At least I can order a decent last meal before our demise."  Then turning to exit the office and walking out into the hallway, added, "if you get us killed, I'll never speak to you again!"

Watching the woman leave, the Commander silently said to himself, "I hope you're wrong..."

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Comments are always welcome and appreciated.
Mioraa