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we are calling it even, but our intel tells us that is not the K’Rang view.   They haven’t done anything yet, but it could be just a matter of time before they retaliate.”
           “The K’Rang are no pushovers.   They fight well and are fearless in battle.   They have good tactics and adapt quickly to battle situations.   We lost many ships to them in the Capricorn War.   We captured a few of the K’Rang, but no matter what we do, they die in captivity.   Our best minds think they just choose to stop living and die.   We know more about their physiology than their military or society.”
           “We watch them.   They watch us.   So far nothing has happened.   Half our Fleet intel guys say nothing will happen.   Half say they are waiting for us to show vulnerability.   Either way, we patrol and make sure they know we are there.   They do the same thing.   The longer this impasse continues, the more we build up forces and supplies along the frontier.”
           “Our mission is to find out what the K’Rang are up to.   We are not out there to start a war, but, hopefully, to keep one from happening.   Keep that in mind as we patrol around the frontier.   The buffer zone we and the K’Rang have set up is wide enough so any incursions won’t be a mistake.”
           “We also have strict orders pertaining to any confrontation with the K’Rang.   This is why I am having this long chat with you this morning.   It is imperative these orders be followed completely.”
           Kelly had the sudden thought he was about to be told the K’Rang were to fire the first shot.
           “No, Ensign, I'm not about to tell you the K’Rang get to shoot first.   I can see it on your face.   No, our orders are that we will not engage in any confrontation with the K’Rang unless they are firmly on our side of the buffer zone and we have an overwhelming numerical or tactical advantage.   Our leadership wants to make sure we defeat the K’Rang in any engagement.”
           Kelly said, “That's the same guidance we had on the Bolivar, sir.   Three to one was our minimum force ratio for an attack.   I understand.”
           “Good.   Do you want some coffee?   Have you had breakfast yet?   No?   Come on, let’s go get something to eat.”
           Kelly actually hadn’t had time to answer his new captain, but he followed LCDR Timmons out the door and out of the building anyway.
           Kelly and his boss stepped out into the bright sunshine, Kelly lagging slightly behind.   Once on the street, LCDR Timmons looked back and said, “Come on.   If it’s one thing these repair and refit guys know how to do, it’s eating well.   They have a mess hall here serving some of the best grub I’ve ever eaten.   As you can tell from my frame, I’ve eaten quite a bit.”   With that, LCDR Timmons let out a loud guffaw.   Kelly was to learn the captain’s sense of humor was one of his best qualities.  
           “I talked to the admiral when he assigned you to me.   I was a little concerned about you when I learned you had been transferred here from Fighter Force.   Of course, when the admiral told me you had wound up on the bad side of Old Bugger Off, I didn’t worry.   She has tossed aside more good officers than one should have the right to.”
           Kelly said, “I understand I am in a good and large company of officers.   The admiral told me the General had done me a favor by transferring me to the Fleet.   Funny, it didn’t feel like it at the time.”
           “Well, don’t worry about it.   You have a chance to make a clean start here.   Make the best of it.”
           “I’ll give you my best effort, Captain.”
           “Well then, it’s settled.   My standards are very simple.   I’m always willing to accept peoples’ best effort.   I don’t demand perfection, just excellence.