Ship's Log: November 17

[much earlier]

"Captain," Elizabeth said quietly. "I'm not sure we have the room for all those people."

Devereux had waited until the start of the first shift to inform her crew of their new assignment. She did, though, call for a meeting immediately after the shift change before the news could leak throughout the ship. That she had called for a meeting so early and with so little warning had already put most of those present on alert.

Devereux gave Elizabeth a weak smile. "I'm not sure we do either," she admitted reluctantly, "but we're going to need to find a way to make it work." She turned to address the others. "We're the only ship even close to having enough space to house all of the delegates," she explained. "The alternative is to leave them all on the Ariel for another two weeks." She paused, grimacing slightly. "Colonel Martinez believes that's not really a viable option. There might not be any delegates left at the end of two weeks to transport anywhere."

A mixture of quiet chuckles and murmured concern made its way around the table. She surveyed those present to gauge who had given which reaction. "We’ve got a lot of work to do," she announced, "and not enough time to do it all." She looked down at her tablet before turning her attention back to those seated around her. "We need to clear out Cargo Two," she began. "Crewmembers below command rank will need to share quarters for the duration." She frowned slightly, checking her tablet again. "I think that should give us enough space for everyone." Her gaze surveyed the interior of the conference room. "And we'll need to re-arrange this area so it can manage a banquet."

"They're taking over our ship and you're treating them to a buffet?" Rusty asked, sounding both indignant and amused.

Devereux gave him a wry smile. "It's my duty as Captain, apparently, to host a reception for the diplomats." She took a long, slow breath. "Look at it this way," she said. "It'll give us all something to do to pass the time." She ignored the sighing breaths and barely concealed rolling of eyes, turning her attention to Hawkes, who expressed neither of those reactions.

"I suspect that you already know that we'll need added security," she said to the older officer.

Hawkes nodded, his features seeming carved from stone. "Yes, Captain," he told her. "We'll implement full security protocols."

"Good," Devereux said. She paused for a moment, frowning. "I imagine they'll have their own security contingent as well."

"Most likely," Hawkes agreed. "Although I recommend that they also be given limited access while on board."

"Agreed," Devereux said. She surveyed the faces around the table. "Okay," she said firmly, "Let's get to work, everyone."

Elizabeth, Rusty, and Hawkes filed out of the conference room. Devereux fell into step beside Hope as the two exited.

"You didn't say much," Devereux told her.

Hope turned toward Devereux. "You did not request a report."

Devereux frowned, realizing her omission. "Did you have one?"

"No."

Devereux stared at Hope for a moment, fighting back a small swell of annoyance and disbelief. Hope stared placidly back at her.

"I will prepare the infirmary."

Devereux's frown deepened. "For what?"

Hope's expression was unreadable. "For non-human casualties."