OFF:Due to time constraints and family problems, we are saying 
goodbye to Ensign Jerry Stanford. We all wish you well and hope you 
can come back, if time allows.

ON: {Captain's Readyroom}

:: AS Captain McCloud Reads data from his terminal, his door 
chimes.::

McCloud: "Come." ::The door slides open to Ensign Jerry Stanford, 
the ship's Conn Officer.:: "Come in Mr. Stanford, what can I do for 
you?"

::Stanford walks in and stands behind one of the chairs facing the 
Captains desk. He looks down and seems to be looking for the right 
words to tell his Captain.::

McCloud: "Out with it, lad. And take a seat. Can I get you 
something?"

Stanfords: "Ahh, no sir. I mean I....."

McCloud: "Jerry, relax. Sit and talk to me."

::Stanford slowly sits and takes a deep breath.::

Stanford: "I don't know how to say this Captain, I'm really torn."

McCloud: "Hey now, It can't be all that bad. Just spit it out."

Stanford: "I was really looking forward to serving on this ship for 
a long time. I mean this was my dream, to pilot a Galaxy Class ship, 
like the Excalibur. And now ......"

::Stanford stops and looks around the room, still searching. The 
Captain waits, giving Stanford time to get through the termoil, he 
is obviously going through. Than Stanford sits up straight in his 
seat and squares his shoulders. ::

Stanford: "Captain I must request an extented leave of absence. 
After the mission is over that is. If we survive, of course. I mean 
I know we'll survive. but...."

McCloud: "Jerry, is there a problem your trying to tell me about?"

Stanford: "Yes, sir. I need to get back to Earth. I have been in 
contact with my family there and I'm needed at home. I really can't 
say more. I really hate leaving the ship sir , but I have no other 
choice."

McCloud: "It's alright Jerry. Leave granted. And I hope that if 
things change, you will return."

Stanford: ::Relieved.:: "Thank you sir." ::He turns to leave.::


McCloud: "And Mr. Stanford, I expect that you'll be able to navigate 
safely home when this is all over."

Stanford: ::Big grin on his face.:: "Aye sir. You can count on me."

OFF:

Captain Steven McCloud
Commanding Officer 
USS Excalibur NCC-2997