Two hours later, trash duty being assigned for the month signaled the end of old business. Another couple dozen or so people trickled in, and the crowd quieted.
"Now that that's over with, we can begin new business," declared the Captain. "First on the list, nominations and voting concerning the new council to be organized in preparation for my upcoming absence. At this point, nominations will no longer be accepted. Thanks to several dozen volunteers, we have 150 voting stations set up in the hall joining this auditorium and the dance floor. You will be ushered by the aforementioned volunteers to the voting stations and then onto the dance floor, where you will find seating and refreshments, provided by the kitchen staff. Each voting station has a list of the 235 nominations, accompanied by the position they have been nominated for. We are looking for representatives for each of the five divisions. You have one vote, and can use it to vote on the representative of your division. Votes will be counted by the Eta AI. If there are close ties at the end of the first round, you will all be called back here, the voting tables will be reset to reflect said near ties, and voting will begin again. We will repeat this as many times as necessary. Doors will be opening momentarily to accept the first group of voters. Thank you." She turned from the podium and sat in one of the six chairs arranged in a line on the stage.
Nearly 2 ½ hours later, the first round of voting was finished, and the 3500 inhabitants of the Necessity filed back into their seats. It had been almost five hours since the meeting had been called to order, and it was showing on everyone's faces. Eta appeared on stage to present the results to the Captain. After a short review, she resumed her position behind the podium.
"Thank you, everyone, for your patience and cooperation. Greatly appreciate it. We have results, and it looks like we'll be done in time for dinner," announced the Captain. Murmurs of relief washed through the crowd. "As a matter of fact, there are no contests. We have our five council members."
Applause spattered around the room.
"I will read the position and name of each person. If you accept your nomination to this council, you will approach the stage. First, representing the worker's union, Jack Blake. Do you accept?"
Applause roared through the room this time as Blake stood and began walking towards the stage.
"Representing the pilot squadrons, 4-7-niner. Do you accept?"
More applause, this time more centralized around the section of the room 4-7-niner made her approach from.
"Representing the science division, Harvey Tucker, PhD. Do you accept?"
Polite applause from the section he had occupied accompanied him in his journey to the stage.
"Representing General Population, Leah Crane. Do you accept?"
A much more widespread applause followed her as she ascended the steps to the stage.
"Representing the Freelancers and Ground Troops, Freelancer New York. Do you accept?"
Murmurs of surprise from the science and pilot sections mixed with overly enthusiastic cheers and applause from the others as York detached himself from the other freelancers to make his way to the stage.
"Excellent. Eta, read the terms of the council."
"Of course, Captain," he replied. "Terms and regulations as they apply to the Captain's Council. This Council shall be formed for a period of six months starting a week from today, at which point it may be renewed if the Captain's primary care physician and at least three members of this Council deem it necessary. This Council may, at any time, defer to the Captain's past decisions as a final ruling in a case. This Council may overturn one of the Captain's previous rulings if all members are in agreement. This Council can ask for a vote on any subject. Any of this Council's decisions can be overturned if at least 65% of the population deems it necessary, at which point a new case will be filed and due process will start over. If this happens a total of five times, new nominations will be gathered for the entire council and voting will begin again. No person on this Council can put claim to the title 'Captain' at any point. In the case of the Captain's death, she has already named a successor. This Council does not hold the ability to access the Captain's private Ready Room for any reason."
"Thank you, Eta," said the Captain. "Are there any complaints at this point in time?"
There was silence on the stage.
"Excellent. That's that, then. Over the next week, you five will work closely together addressing any situations that arise, and I will be there to advise and finalize any rulings until next Saturday at 0800. At that point, I will turn legislative powers over to you. Sound good?"
All five Council members nodded.
"Then I name you the Legislative Council of the Necessity. Thank you. If you will take a seat here on stage, the six of us will now address any further orders of new business."
"I still can't believe York got a seat on the Council," CT commented for the fourth time.
"Is it so hard to believe?" asked Florida. "He is pretty popular. I hear he had a landslide vote."
"The crews do seem to rather like him," agreed North. "I guess it's his natural charm."
"I'm not sure I like it," Theta mumbled. "He's been trying for almost two years to get us back into fighting."
"To be honest, that's probably why he got the spot. I've only ever managed to avoid it by threatening to refuse shelter to anyone who goes on the offensive," admitted the Captain, coming up behind them.
"Well, at least he can't go around calling himself the captain," said Florida, amicably.
"Yeah..." Beth sighed. "I wanted to nip that in the bud."
"There he is!" said North. "How do you do, Councilman? Got away from your adoring fans, eh?"
York laughed. "I'm still reeling from the fact that I got the seat," he confessed.
"Several people seem to be, but not as many as you'd think, York" the Captain said with a smile. "I, for one, look forward to working with you over the next week."
"Thank you, Captain," he said, "Though I was wondering who it is you chose to succeed you in case of your death?"
She laughed. "Wouldn't you just love to know." A device in her pocket beeped at her. She groaned. "My doctors want to monitor me again. I was hoping they'd give me some more time away from the hospital wing. Gets stuffy in there." She suddenly seemed very tired. "Sorry guys, but it looks like I have to go. I'll see you first thing in the morning, York. Sundays at 0500 are the weekly hull checks."
"At 0500?! That's crazy!" cried York.
"Welcome to life at the top!" she cried as she walked away. North excused himself and followed her.
"Were you planning on celebrating your new position tonight, York?" asked 4-7-niner, approaching the group.
"Yeah, actually. Who do I talk to in order to push the time for tomorrow's hull check back?" he asked.
"Me," she said firmly. "And no way in hell."