"Yes, sir, I realize the Admiral is very busy. Yes, sir, I realize he's involved with the negotiations with his homeworld to join the Alliance..."

Captain Caius Auriga sighed. He'd spent the last fifteen minutes going round and round with Commodore Kuros, Admiral Ackbar's adjutant, and seemed to be going nowhere fast.

"Sir, permission to speak freely? Thank you. Quite frankly, Commodore, the seriousness of my call is far beyond your schedules, intineraries, and datawork, and if you might consider not acting like a newborn rancor long enough to press a few keys to beep the Admiral's comlink, perhaps I could get some information of galactic importance relayed to Admiral Ackbar."

Commodore Kuros snarled, responding, "Captain, your permission is revoked. The Admiral is currently in a meeting with the Commander-in-Chief, the Ministers of State and War, the Speaker of the Mon Calamari Council of Shipwrights, and several leaders of the floating cities of Calamari. I will send a note to his datapad informing him of your need--excuse me, your galactically-important need--to speak with him. Expect a return call in the next few days. Home One out."

The HoloNet transceiver blinked out and retracted into the Captain's desk top. Slamming a fist against the metal workstation, Auriga let loose with a torrent of exotic swears, curses, and words of ill wishes. Finally, he reached for his comlink.

Keying a preset, he spoke, "Auriga to Commander Arkwright."

Elsewhere on the ship, Commander Flynn Arkwright answered the Captain's call.

"Go ahead, Cap'n," he responded.

"Kuros is being is usual Wookiee-scale pain. I doubt we'll get word from Admiral Ackbar, or anyone else at command, for at least a day," Auriga said.

"Doesn't it figure, sir?"

"Aye. But, anyway, I'm gonna head down to the MedBay and see if they've made any new scientific discoveries. After chow with McCathan tonight, Commander, round up anyone willing to play a few rounds of sabaac and have them meet me in the lounge. I plan to test my skills on some of these kids."

Arkwright laughed. The Captain's gambling skill was rumored, but as of yet untested. "Yes, sir, I'll see to it," he answered. "Ten credits says you lose before you win."

"Ha! Deal. We'll see, Commander, we'll see."