It was after Chief of Operations Osiel finished his introduction that the First Officer entered the Observation Lounge for the Senior Staff meeting.  He was late, that much he knew very well, but he also knew that his explanation for tardiness would be understood by the officers present in the room.  Heads no doubt turned as he walked in, heading towards his chair sitting at Airik's right hand.  "Captain, forgive my lateness, but I just got off the channel with Starfleet Command, which was transmitting the orders for the<em>McNair's</em>first mission."<br/><br/>MacReady went on to explain further.  "These come straight from Admiral Janeway herself, sir," he told the Captain, handing him the PADD with the recording of the Admiral's orders.  He decided to leave out the part where they talked to him because the Captain couldn't be reached because of this meeting.  "And it's a little bit of a headscratcher, I must say."  Patrolling the Romulan Neutral Zone was something that he expected ten, fifteen years ago, not now.<br/><br/>That task done, MacReady turned to the rest of the occupants of the Observation Lounge.  "I know that some of you already know who I am, but since I see unfamiliar faces in here, here's my introduction.  I'm Commander Samuel MacReady, First Officer.  If the Captain's busy or overworked, or both, feel free to come to me to talk about ship issues."  Sam indicated the Risian at the table.  "I also was Chief of Operations on my last ship, so if the good Lt. Commander Osiel is overworked, do come to me."  He then sat down.