Excellency Ex Captain Olafson

When Eric Olafson first met Lt. Merkus it had only been a few hours since Midshipman Eric Olafson's acting rank of Captain had been revoked.

Lt. Merkus used the term "Excellency Ex Captain Olafson" on that occasion as a reminder that he no longer had the position nor authority of Captain.

Compounding the issue was the fact that Eric was drunk and had arrived at the Deck 54, Sector Nine, Subsector Nine, Segment Blue 4, of the USS Devastator much later than the time he was expected to based on the time he had been relieved as Captain, while still wearing a Captain's uniform.

Note: Lt. Merkus had heard rumors of what has happened with the previous midshipman that had been temporarily been given command of the Devastator, and he wanted to ensure he didn't have a problem with insubordination as a result of that former acting rank.