The Retriever is docked at San Diego harbor, while in now Captain Emerald's office, her first officer, Bengal is going over the crew manifest.

"We're getting quite a few new crewdogs here." says Bengal "The new staff chiefs for those who transferred off are waiting outside. Would you like to meet them, ma'am?"

"Absolutly."

"OK. First off, our new communications specialist."

A rottwieler mix walks in, comes to attention and salutes.

"Communications specialist Slick, reporting for duty, ma'am."

"Mr. Slick here learned a lot about communications when he was the pet of an air-traffic controller." says Bengal

"It wasn't much of an aiport sir." says Slick "Just a one runway operation in the middle of a field in Bristow Oklahoma."

"Glad to have you aboard Slick." says Emerald "Dismissed."

Slick salutes and walks out.

"Next up is our new chief medical officer."

A female samoyed walks in a salutes.

"I believe you've met Ivory before." says Bengal

"Indeed. Those late night poker games really help to get to know the crew. Bandage must think very highly of you."

"Yes, ma'am."

"Dismissed."

"Next up is our new chief engineer."

A domestic ferret walks in and salutes.

"This is Axle. I'm told he was the night shift when Rusty was asleep." says Bengal "Heck, I didn't even know there was a ferret on board."

"I liked to keep a low profile." says Axle.

"Think you can handle being chief engineer for real Mr. Axle?" says Emerald.

"Yes, ma'am."

"Very good. Dismissed."

"Next up is who's taking my place on the radar/sonar console."

Patton walks in and salutes.

"Very good Mr. Patton, have you picked out your replacement?" says Emerald.

"I have, ma'am."

A Leonberger walks in and salutes.

"My second in command, Roscoe, will take my place." says Patton

"Very good. Dismissed, both of you. Anyone else, Bengal?"

"Ah, just one more ma'am. Since day one, Rika has asked for someone to take half the load off her. Now she's got someone else to take the position of Ordinance chief."

The floor trembles slightly as a grizzly bear "ursa-sapien" walks in, but has to duck half way to get in.

"The the devil---" says Emerald.

"This is Kenai, our new ordinance chief."

Kenai comes to attention and salutes.

"At ease. What's your story chief?" says Emerald

"It began in Yellowstone, ma'am. General Parvo had set up operations there and instead of using cano-sapiens he began experimenting with "Ursa-Sapiens". My mother was the first test subject when I was a cub. She didn't survive and I was left to my own devices in Parvo's base. The Maddog Bounty Hunters put a stop to his operation there and sponsored me as I was growing up at Mission Control and an exotic animal park in Colorado. When I was old enough Professor Hubert and the Maddogs decided that I should go through a modified "Transbearmafier". Everyone at Mission Control is very pleased with my progress. I even here there's talk about an experimental team of bears to protect Alaska and the far north."

"I'm impressed!" says Emerald "But, our corridors might be a little small for you."

"Not to worry, ma'am. I found an old storage hangar that's hardly ever used on the hangar deck that perfect for me."

"I see. Well, uh, good luck Mr. Kenai. I'm sure your going to a be a valuble member of this crew. Dismissed."

"Thank you ma'am."

Kenai squeezes out of Emeralds office.

"And the crew thought I was an oddball when I joined." says Bengal

"Is that all, Bengal?"

"Yes ma'am."

"Very well. Prepare to get underway."

"Yes ma'am."

Bengal slautes and leaves. Emerald sighs and turns to a portrait of Captain Bowser.

"I've got big paws to fill without you sir."

to be continued.....