COMPILE_TERMINAL_VIEW
USS Hades
A Rule of Conscience 2021-12-01
compile summary -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stardate: 2408.07.27 (USS Hades, Observation lounge, ACMO Ensign Haywood Parker, 2115) (USS Hades, Observation lounge, COUNS, Ensign Anamitra Ripley, 2117) (USS Hades, Observation lounge - ATAC Ensign (jg) Lo'ren T'Vof - 21:27) (USS Hades, Observation lounge, aCO Commander Eva Straton, 21:45) (USS Hades, Observation lounge - aCTAC/SEC Ensign (jg) Lo'ren T'Vof - 21:46) (USS Hades, Observation lounge, - SO Lieutenant Baylon Trinin- 2150) (USS Hades, Observation lounge, - ACMO Ensign Haywood Parker- 2152) (USS Hades - Observation Lounge - aCEO Ensign (jg) Eoin Mac Liam - 21:53) (USS Hades, Corridor outside Observation Lounge - aCTAC/SEC Ensign (jg)Lo'ren T'Vof - 21:55) (USS Hades, Corridor outside Observation Lounge - aFO/CSO Jericho Haynes- 2157) (USS Hades, Tactical Office - aCTAC/SEC Ensign (jg) Lo'ren T'Vof - 21:59) (USS Hades, Deck 3- aFO/CSO Jericho Haynes- 2300) (USS Hades, Deck 3 - aCTAC/SEC Ensign (jg) Lo'ren T'Vof - 2302) (USS Hades, Deck 3 - aFO/CSO Jericho Haynes - 2305) (USS Hades, Deck 3 - aCTAC/SEC Ensign (jg) Lo'ren T'Vof - 2308) --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stardate: 2408.07.28 (Tch'Kair'n orbit, Orbital station, Detention center-CMO Angeni O. Windsong-Trommashere, 0142) (Tch'Kairn orbit, Orbital station, Personal Suite, Waagoshin Commander Alpha 1, 0435) --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stardate: 2408.07.30 (Beta Quadrant, Myena V, Imperial chambers, High Fleet Commander Mar'Lor'Garon, 0800) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- begin compile Stardate: 2408.07.27 (USS Hades, Observation lounge, ACMO Ensign Haywood Parker, 2115) As Kenny finished his report by indicating the PADDs on the table, Haywood felt the knot in his throat tighten. His first time ever speaking at a staff meeting and it was all bad news. He braced himself on the lip of the table, tightened the muscles in his legs and pushed his knees backwards, bringing himself to a stand. He cleared his throat and swept his eyes over the faces at the table before he began. "I s'pose it's time for me to drop the butcher's bill." He had to work to keep his voice strong. It wasn't exactly the kind of news he enjoyed sharing. He pulled his PADD from his pocket and slid it onto the table as though it would help. "The ambush hit the crew pretty hard," he admitted, "We've suffered a total of thirteen casualties, nineteen acute injures and twenty-four minor injuries. Those with lesser injuries where patched up and sent to their quarters for recuperation. And the medical team is busy monitoring those resigned to sickbay as well as preparing regards for the families of the lost." He leaned his weight backwards in the bowl of his hips. "In total, the Hades' sickbay has seen to fifty-six crewmen, but that does not encompass those who chose not to, or could not seek medical help. Doctor Cristov is currently issuing a sweep for all injuries not formally reported." He tapped his fingers on the table, searching for a way to give his report some sense of conclusion. Finding nothing to say, he swept his eyes around the table a final time and then took his seat. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Hades, Observation lounge, COUNS, Ensign Anamitra Ripley, 2117) Once the majority of the other officers had given their reports and Ana knew that it was her time to finally speak. She rose with the same set jaw and determination that she would if she were giving a lecture on Neurotic spatial disorientation syndrome, or some equally nasty psychological condition. "I know that technically the Counseling department aboard a starship is categorized as a civilian department when we are not at war, but seeing that the commander has basically stated that we now are, I've a report that you should probably need to hear." She looked at Eva, took a deep breath and continued. "After reviewing what I could of the crew's feelings, making the rounds in common areas and lower decks, I think that it's important that you know that the average member of this crew is in low spirits." "They are concerned that we are so far from home and that three of this ship's most senior and respected members have been kidnapped. There are some rumors circulating that we are seriously outnumbered and that the station possesses enough firepower to cause us a serious injury." "They're not at the breaking point yet. They'll do their duty, but they need... Reassurance that we are doing everything in our power to right things, commander. NO one has said that they don't think you are a capable commanding officer, but there's a certain tension that an Ex-Marine CO is going to rush us into an untenable situation, reminiscent of so many marine battles in the not so distant past. People are worried that they are going to have an even less likely chance of survival, because they feel that you might take more risk than a Commanding Officer of the fleet might." She took another deep breath. "I suggest that we address the crew, allay some of these fears and give them a reason to believe that we have a plan that doesn't directly involve charging directly into the open maw of hell." "On a technical note, I have seen an increase of reported PTSD recurrences since the battle. I have a large number of personnel requesting sessions, but it's going to be impractical for me to see them prior to whatever actions we take. " "So Far I haven't had to relieve anyone from duty, but there could be a chance that we could suffer some detriment if the crew continues to feel that things are beyond hope or that we will take needless risks, so far from home. Tensions are very high." ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Hades, Observation lounge - ATAC Ensign (jg) Lo'ren T'Vof - 21:27) Lo'ren got curious when Eoin started speaking Welsh, her rudimentary skills allowing her to get the gist of what he spoke. She watched the PADD spark as it sat on the table, displaying commentary that was highly appropriate to the ship and to the current general feeling aboard her. Her mind was working before Eoin had even finished his full demonstration and her mouth was moving before he sat down again. Quickly clearing her voice she voiced her idea. "One of the aspects I've been trying to work on about this rescue is how to keep the Hades from being overpowered. The Waagoshin have a number of vessels in the area and I had thought that our best bet was to even the odds with smaller fighter vehicles, but if we could use this," she waved her left hand in the direction of the now clear PADD, "to perhaps... 'stall' a few of the opposition?" She left the floor open, hoping that someone would intuit her line of reasoning. (reply any, room for more) "I don't think the language would be much problem, we have a full database of Tch'kairn language and could reprogram it so that they could give the commands without verbalization - say, using carapace scraping. From what I understood when we were in contact with the Niglik on the station, the Waagoshin don't learn the languages of their slaves. They wouldn't know the difference." Lo'ren was eager to get this in motion, it was the first major thing that made sense to what she was trying to provide the Hades with and it showed in her attitude. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Hades, Observation lounge, aCO Commander Eva Straton, 21:45) As the discussion drew to a conclusion, Eva knew it was time toissue her orders and get the crew to work on the next stage of the mission; putting their team together for the planet. "Lt. Trinin, you will lead the team going to the planet," Eva said,nodding toward the Security Chief. "Put together a security team to go with you to assist in the training of the Tch'Kairn as well as assist with the assault. Ensign Mac Liam and Doorman, you two will also be on the team for technical support. I want multiple copies of your virus prepared to distribute to bring down the Waagoshin planetary bases computer systems as well as the orbital station, program it to respond to Tch'Kairn and Klingon. I also want the ships shield frequencies changed along with the command prefix codes. I don't think our crew would have willingly given the Waagoshin any knowledge of our systems, but now knowing what interrogation techniques the Waagoshin have at their disposal I will err on the side of caution. Ensign T'Vof you will assume the position of Chief Tactical\Security here on the ship while Lt. Trinin and his team are off ship. Commander Zzt will assume the position of CEO while Ensign Mac Liam is off ship. Commander Zzt, I want you to modify a runabout with a cloaking device to get Lt. Trinin and his team to the planet.I want all departments ready for what is to come." She stood as she finished speaking."If there are no more questions, you are all dismissed." --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Hades, Observation lounge - aCTAC/SEC Ensign (jg) Lo'ren T'Vof - 21:46) As Straton brought the meeting to a close Lo'ren was a bit shocked by the order for her to take on the CTAC/SEC role - even if it was an acting role only. ~I thought I was clear that I would lead the team to the third planet?~ As this was basically a war and Straton obviously had the most specified experience in this, Lo'ren ignored herself, nodded simply and acknowledged the orders with, "Yes, Ma'am." Once all the questions were answered and people began leaving, Lo'ren immediately started thinking about who she could brief in short order that would work with the other team members. ~Jareli is a capable leader, but he doesn't do bladed weapons, Melnek... no, never can make a good decision. K'rsss? Yes, he'll do.~ --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Hades, Observation lounge, - SO Lieutenant Baylon Trinin- 2150) The discussion concluded, Commander Straton then began to issue her orders. "Lt. Trinin, you will lead the team going to the planet," Eva said, nodding toward the Security Chief. "Put together a security team to go with you to assist in the training of the Tch'Kairn as well as assist with the assault. Ensign Mac Liam and Doorman, you two will also be on the team for technical support. I want multiple copies of your virus prepared to distribute to bring down the Waagoshin planetary bases computer systems as well as the orbital station, program it to respond to Tch'Kairn and Klingon. I also want the ships shield frequencies changed along with the command prefix codes. I don't think our crew would have willingly given the Waagoshin any knowledge of our systems, but not knowing what interrogation techniques the Waagoshin have at their disposal I will err on the side of caution. EnsignT'Vof you will assume the position of Chief Tactical\Security here on the ship while Lt. Trinin and his team are off ship. Commander Zzt will assume the position of CEO while Ensign Mac Liam is off ship. Commander Zzt, I want you to modify a runabout with a cloaking device to get Lt. Trinin and his team to the planet. I want all departments ready for what is to come. "She stood as she finished speaking. "If there are no more questions, you are all dismissed." ~Doorman?~ Trinin thought to himself amazed. He gave a glance over at the scientist. ~You've got to be kidding me? He's got the worst security rating on the entire ship.~ The Security Chief thought to himself. He physically shook his head, ~I'm not going to question the commander's orders...not here and not now.~ Baylon stood from the table once the dismissal was complete. "Commander Zzt?" He said aloud, "How long do you think before the mission is ready to get underway?" he asked. The answer would determine his own timetable." (reply Zzt) "Thank you commander." Baylon replied, then hurried out of the door to catch up with Doorman and Mac Liam. "Mister Mac Liam, Mister Doorman a moment please." (reply Mac Liam) Doorman stopped to wait for his arrival before falling into step with the Lieutenant. "Mister Mac Liam. I think you're virus idea is brilliant, but I'd like to make a small change to it. Can you modify the code to allow us to override security systems such as doors and such, and to shut down the weapons and shields? At least for the Station. The other two facilities can be shut down completely, but make it so that the virus locks open all the hatches so that no one, especially slaves can get trapped inside. We want to minimize the hazard to the Tch'kairn as much as possible." (Reply Mac Liam) "Thank you Ensign Carry on." He turned to Doorman, "Okay" He said as they stepped into the turbo lift alone. "Security deck." he ordered. "I have no idea how you managed to convince the commander that you should be on this mission, but I suggest that you back out now." Harry regarded him for a moment. He swallowed hard, before replying. "I can't do that." he finally replied. "Hold Turbolift." Baylon said then rounded on the diminutive scientist."Look Doorman, you're not cut out for this. I have no doubt that you have a first class brain, but you have the worst security ratings on the entire ship. You're not meant to do this sort of thing and that's all there is to it." "You're right Lieutenant, but that doesn't change anything. I'm not backing out of the mission." "You're going to get yourself killed." "Maybe. I'd say there's a good chance of that." Harry replied. "Then you don't need to be involved. You need to let the professionals handle this one." Baylon pushed. Harry shook his head. "I can't. They have Ang." "We'll get her back, safe and sound you have my word." Baylon said. "I give you my word." "You can't make a promise that you can't keep, Lieutenant. You can't guarantee me that she'll be okay. You can't predict the outcome of the assault. If you could you wouldn't be so eager to get me off the team." ~He's got you there.~ Baylon thought to himself. "Okay, that's true," he said, "but I don't believe in failing." "I know that. But ask yourself this. If you were in my shoes and that was Ranae down there... What would you do?" Baylon frowned, then gave his head a single shake. "Damn it Harry." He finally replied, "Okay. You stay close to me though and don't go off alone. Got it?" "I got it Lieutenant." "And for the sake of all that is holy, don't go getting yourself or anyone else killed. Angeni would never forgive me if anything happened to you." Harry smiled then, his eyes sparkling. "Okay, no dying. I got it." Baylon took a deep breath and let it out into a long sigh. "Computer continue to previous destination." The Security officer looked at the scientist as the car resumed it's motion. ~Stars and stones, This is going to be rough.~ he thought. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ (USS Hades, Observation lounge, - ACMO Ensign Haywood Parker- 2152) Straton issued the last of her orders and drew the meeting to a finish. Haywood retrieved his PADD from where he had left it on the table and shoved it back into his pocket. With a huge sigh, he pushed away from the table and began toward the door. Technically, he was off duty for the night and should have been heading back to his quarters for the night, but he needed to go to sick bay one last time before he could sleep. He paused at the door way of the Observation Lounge, took a deep breath, and then stepped out in the direction of the turbo lift. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ (USS Hades - Observation Lounge - aCEO Ensign (jg) Eoin Mac Liam - 21:53) Once all reports and recommendations were given, Straton addressed the senior officers. "Lt. Trinin, you will lead the team going to the planet. Put together a security team to go with you to assist in the training of the Tch'Kairn as well as assist with the assault. Ensign Mac Liam and Doorman, you two will also be on the team for technical support. I want multiple copies of your virus prepared to distribute to bring down the Waagoshin planetary bases computer systems as well as the orbital station, program it to respond to Tch'Kairn and Klingon. I also want the ships shield frequencies changed along with the command prefix codes. I don't think our crew would have willingly given the Waagoshin any knowledge of our systems, but now knowing what interrogation techniques the Waagoshin have at their disposal I will err on the side of caution. Ensign T'Vof you will assume the position of Chief Tactical\Security here on the ship while Lt. Trinin and his team are off ship. Commander Zzt will assume the position of CEO while Ensign Mac Liam is off ship. Commander Zzt, I want you to modify a runabout with a cloaking device to get Lt. Trinin and his team to the planet.I want all departments ready for what is to come." She stood as she finished speaking. "If there are no more questions, you are all dismissed." Eoin stood, and immediately accessed the program file for his virus, and began translating it first into Klingon. Tch'Kairn would still take some work to do. He was on his way out when Lt. Trinin addressed him. "Mister Mac Liam, Mister Doorman a moment please." Eoin stopped and turned to face the man addressing him. "Yes, sir, what can I do for you?" Doorman stopped to wait for his arrival before falling into step with the Lieutenant. "Mister Mac Liam. I think you're virus idea is brilliant, but I'd like to make a small change to it. Can you modify the code to allow us to override security systems such as doors and such, and to shut down the weapons and shields? At least for the Station. The other two facilities can be shut down completely, but make it so that the virus locks open all the hatches so that no one, especially slaves can get trapped inside. We want to minimize the hazard to the Tch'kairn as much as possible." "No worries. Consider it done. As I said in the meeting, I can still make changes to it, like the commander said to do with changing the language to Klingon. I can make those modifications at the same time that I make the translation." (reply Trinin, Doorman) Eoin nodded, and headed over towards the turbolift, barking out Klingon computer commands the whole way. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Hades, Corridor outside Observation Lounge - aCTAC/SEC Ensign (jg)Lo'ren T'Vof - 21:55) Lo'ren caught up with Jack and gently caught his left elbow as they walked."I have a couple of things to do right now, but if you want to talk I'll be in my old quarters at aboout 2300, doing a little more packing." (reply Jack iyw) She smiled at him and headed to the nearest turbolift to speed her to her office. ~I may as well call it my office, if I'm going act as CTAC/SEC I'd have one anyhow.~ ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Hades, Corridor outside Observation Lounge - aFO/CSO Jericho Haynes- 2157) Jack was deep in thought as he left the lounge with several padds still in hand, some had already been divied out to those who had been chosen to go planetside to the Tch'kairn homeworld. Harry being picked for the operation had been a surprise and Jack was more than a little worried about one of his right hand men, if anyone could insure his safety though it would be Lt. Trinin and he was sure the Lieutenant woud enforce compliance to any safety measures necessary. His main worries continued to be on the captives held on the Waagoshin station, the aliens had proven to be vicious in the extreme and not to be trusted, just what could they be capable of? The image of a life sign flickering from the screen during scans of the station earlier pretty much summed it up for him. A hand on his left arm wrenched his attention back to the present, he turned his head quickly to catch Lo'ren's gaze. "I have a couple of things to do right now, but if you want to talk I'll be in my old quarters at aboout 2300, doing a little more packing." He nodded without smiling this time though it was good to know she wouldn't be in the force being sent to planet 3, commanding one of the auxiliary bridges during the battle with the Waagoshin space forces though would be no cake walk... for either of them. "I'll meet you there then." He nodded. "At twenty three hundred hours with a little late night snack and help you pack." She flashed him a smile and headed to the nearest turbolift, he could tell she was more than a little preoccupied as well so he considered catching Ken and giving him a pep talk since he would be in charge of the science department on the Hades during the fighting. Perhaps it was too soon and would be better done later. He discarded the second guessing though and spun to his right and saw the younger man coming out of the lounge. "Mr. McKenzie." He held his hand up for him to pause. (Reply: Ken) Jack gave him a grim smile. "You'll be running the department on the Hades during the battle as you know so I'm counting on you to keep the Commander well informed while she's running things. If there are any questions in your mind or anything you're going to need I want you to let me know posthaste got it?" (Reply: Ken) Jack clapped his right hand on the man's shoulder. "You're going to do fine. I'll be taking Fredericks with me and McAlister will be on the Phlegathon which will still leave you with a good crew here. We've got time, think about it. In the meantime get a good nights sleep and I'll see you at 0800." ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Hades, Tactical Office - aCTAC/SEC Ensign (jg) Lo'ren T'Vof - 21:59) She arrived minutes later and sat down behind the desk, tapping into the computer as she did so and bringing up the insertion plans for the third planet. Then she opened a comm channel. "Mister Ilis, Mister Morin and Ensign K'rsss, please report to the Tactical Office immediately." She reviewed her material while she waited. She also thought that her office might not be a bad spot to set up her altar to the Prophets. As much as she knew Jack loved her, she wasn't sure if he'd appreciate the tall, if skinny,bronzed and mirrored item standing on the living room wall. A few minutes passed in this way before the door chimed. She called out, "Enter." and the door swished aside and admitted Ilis and Morin, followed momentarily by K'rsss. The Caitian looked at her curiously, his whiskers forward and his tail swishing rapidly. He said nothing however, rather than prove himself ignorant in the process. Lo'ren kept a strictly Vulcan face but inwardly smiled, K'rsss looked to have sharpened his claws recently. Ilis and Morin were obviously curious also and so Lo'ren dispensed with the niceties. "Gentlemen, I called you because there's been a change of plans. Commander Straton wants me to remain on board the Hades to fill in for Lt.Trinin, who will be going to the fourth planet. We need to rework these plans so that K'rsss is in command of this team and to accomodate the Tch'kairn Resistance that you will be meeting. I will call in the other team to re-work their plans but not until this team is properly up to speed." With that she gestured to the trio to sit and they delved into reassessing their plans. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Hades, Deck 3- aFO/CSO Jericho Haynes- 2300) Jack was carrying a bag of sandwhiches and steamed vegetables, a grab bag of finger foods that he figured she might find enjoyable. Not a romantic dinner by any means but it was late and not a good time to be eating heavy. Coffee was out for that reason as well since it would promote sleeplessness but he did have a nice bottle of Pinot Grigio wine, a light white which would be relaxing and not clash with the fare. He started to press the buzzer before entering out of habit but smiled and stepped up to the door and through instead. He heard her in the bedchamber as he walked inside, a number of boxes were huddled in the center of the floor, it sounded like she was moving some possessions around. "Moving always makes me hungry." He said with a light tone. I brought some finger foods. Care for any?" (Reply: Lo'ren) While he waited for her he took out a corkscrew from the bag and opened the bottle, he was pouring into a couple of glasses he had brought along when she entered. "Wine?" He asked with a smile. "It's relaxing. Nothing fancy mind you, I've got a bottle of champagne chilling in our room we can break open once we get you moved in. I figure a nice dinner to go with it tomorrow and a couple of candles... wala! Instant ambiance." (Reply: Lo'ren) She was so beautiful it made him catch his breath. "I wished I was half as good looking as you when I'm working." He nodded at the small table. "Eat a bit, have a drink and I'll help you. We can get this finished tonight and sleep in our room. At least we don't have to carry your stuff far." That brought a bright smile to his face as he held out the small glass. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Hades, Deck 3 - aCTAC/SEC Ensign (jg) Lo'ren T'Vof - 2302) Lo'ren was trying to figure out how to pack a fragile bowl that had been a going away gift from her mother when she'd left for Earth and she wasn't having much luck. Instead, she kept shifting different things back and forth and scratching her head. Currently she was holding the abstract, clear, vulcan-blood green item in her hand and staring at a box - willing it to fit her cherished item. "Moving always makes me hungry. I brought some finger foods. Care for any?"Jack had apparently arrived. Lo'ren looked up at the sound of her favourite voice, the frown of frustration she was wearing disappearing and called back to him. "Sounds good, I think my brain could be re-fueled so I can figure out where to stick this." As she spoke she wended her way through the trail of stuff, shaking her head as she went. ~Who knew I could have this many things?~ She found Jack by the table, pouring a lightly coloured drink into a pair of stemmed glasses. "Wine?" He asked with a smile. "It's relaxing. Nothing fancy mind you, I've got a bottle of champagne chilling in our room we can break open once we get you moved in. I figure a nice dinner to go with it tomorrow and a couple ofcandles... wala! Instant ambiance." She smiled, reaching up on her toes as she used his shoulders for a bit of leverage and gently kissed his cheek. "That sounds lovely." She turned,looking for another box that needed to be filled and caught a look of herself in the mirror on the wall opposite, grimacing as she did so. She had managed to make a mess of her hair and there was dust down the front of her tunic. She'd removed her uniform jacket and tossed it, well, somewhere. "I think I've managed to find the one bit of dust that the filtration systems managed to miss." She spoke wryly as she continued to grab at items and stack them in the nearest box. Jack apparently didn't care about her uniform appearance; the grin on his face saying as much. "I wished I was half as good looking as you when I'm working." He nodded at the small table, holding out a glass to her. "Eat a bit, have a drink and I'll help you. We can get this finished tonight and sleep in our room. At least we don't have to carry your stuff far." She smiled at that, accepting the glass of wine. "No," She spoke in a mock serious tone, "we don't have far to go, that's true, and I'm glad I'm off-duty, or the First Officer could reprimand me for being out of uniform."She laughed as she sat and tugged a bag towards her. She was indeed hungry, all that planning and the rest of the day, plus packing certainly had her energy levels up high. She gave him a once-over look after she'd pushed the bag away and proclaimed, "Besides, I think you look pretty darn handsome when you work, well anytime actually." She'd pulled out a sandwich from the bag and now inspected it before taking a bite. She looked at Jack across the table. She really didn't know how she'd managed to find herself with such a wonderful man - and he was so handsome. Not one to pull her punches, Lo'ren went for the important information. While her voice was soft and vulnerable she spoke candidly. ~He could tell if I'm hiding something anyhow.~ "I don't think I'd have come off that Station alive without you Jack." (reply Jack) She glanced down at the table, not knowing really what to say. "I've had alot of trouble with being able to control myself, and being in the middle of such slavery..." She trailed off and just looked at him, her eyes shimmering slightly as she held a tenuous lock on her emotions, working hard to keep them just between herself and Jack and not floating them out into the general telepathic community of the Hades. (reply Jack) She closed her eyes for a moment and regained herself, breathing deeply and thinking of the reason they were here tonight. She opened her eyes and smiled again, wiping away the moisture from her eyes. "Do you know how much I love you?" She sat her chin in her left hand as she took another bite of the tuna sandwich she held in her right hand. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Hades, Deck 3 - aFO/CSO Jericho Haynes - 2305) "I don't think I'd have come off that Station alive without you Jack." Her voice was soft and husky. He gave her a sideways glance then tried a mocking imitation of a vulcan eyebrow quirk which managed to pull up the whole upper left side of his face. ~I need more practice.~ He didn't stop there though but spoke tonelessly. "I'm afraid you are mistaken, I merely gave the order." He could sense though when he did it that she had dropped the frivolity and was being introspective. ~All joking aside Jack.~ Her eyes dropped to the table then she continued, not looking at him. "I've had a lot of trouble with being able to control myself, and being in the middle of such slavery..." She trailed off then snapped her eyes back up to his, he could see the moisture in them and feel the despair, anger and sadness bottled up in her. She had seen a lot on the station as he had suspected from the tenuous contact they had been sharing, her outrage had been boiling nearly the whole time. This was time for comfort, not humor so he stopped the motion his left hand had been making toward the bag of food and leaning forward cupped it around the inside of her left elbow which was on the tabletop. The piece of sandwich was in her in her right hand. "Tell me about it when you're ready." he said softly. She closed her eyes for a moment then smiled again as she dried her eyes with her sleeve. "Do you know how much I love you?" She then rested her chin in her left hand as she took another bite of the tuna sandwich. ~Changed that subject awfully fast.~ He let it rest for now, she'd talk about it when she was ready. "Enough to know I'm ready to be a willing ear when you need it I hope." he gave her a long look then winked. "Not to mention head over heels for you." He set down the glass of wine and reached for the bag with his right hand then, not breaking contact with her, there were some fire roasted cherry tomatoes in a container he wanted to try. He was popping the lid off as he turned his eyes back to her. "Tell me about the conditions over there if you can." (Reply: Lo'ren) His eyes grew hard as she spoke, his worst fears gaining substance at the picture she painted. "Must have brought back a lot of painful memories..." he ventured. "No wonder your emotional control is off kilter and being bonded with me is probably not helping things, I'm not a solid rock of control myself." He gave her a soft smile as he willed as much of his new found determination to her as he could. He was surprised a bit at how much was there, she probably had no idea how much she had bolstered him in the short time they had been together. Perhaps he had been gaining strength while some of his instability had been undermining her, that wasn't a pleasant thought at all. If he could gain the upper hand on what was left though he bet they would come to a happier equilibrium if he was correct in that assumption. That thought goaded him to a new height of determination, a steeling of his inner resolve which the man of a week ago wouldn't have comprehended. It felt good and he could feel it rubbing off on her and see it in her eyes. "We're going to get through this... together and the both of us will be stronger for it." (Reply: Lo'ren) His left hand was firmer on her elbow as he squeezed it gently then retrieved it so he could push the bowl of tomatoes toward her. he grabbed a couple and popped one in his mouth and chewed. "Mmmm!" The acidity had been replaced by sweetness and a smoky flavor. He followed it up with a sip of wine which enhanced both sides of the taste, the reason he had picked the vintage in the first place. "I can't wait to get those officers back and get the hell out of here," he mused. "We'll have time to really enjoy each others company more afterward." he took another sip then leaned toward her, his eyes holding hers. "Commanding the Acheron will be an interesting experience, I'm going to have to spend as much time as possible tomorrow getting ready for it. Since you're going to be commanding the Phlegathon I'd suggest we take the simulations in shifts, one watching the other to catch some of the nuances and good points and offer suggestions... if they're asked for." He gave her another grin. "I bet I'll need the help from a trained eye." (Reply: Lo'ren) He nodded. "The Commander and I haven't had time to go into detail about it but I talked with her a bit more earlier, against that fleet we're going to need to go to tri-v mode and she needs her most experienced officers not going to the surface manning the conn on both the engineering sections. I've assigned a good science officer to both auxiliary bridges to help us out but left Ken aboard the saucer section, Commander Straton is going to need him." (Reply: Lo'ren) "Oh that's right!" he winked. "I hadn't told you yet had I? Until we get the captain back I'm stepping into the acting first officer role, fortunately it's only temporary. I'd hate to have to do it full time. Could you imagine a first officer fraternizing with one of the tactical officers?" He gave a chuckle and flashed his teeth in a smile. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Hades, Deck 3 - aCTAC/SEC Ensign (jg) Lo'ren T'Vof - 2308) "Enough to know I'm ready to be a willing ear when you need it I hope." he gave her a long look then winked. "Not to mention head over heels for you. "He set down the glass of wine and reached for the bag with his right hand then, not breaking contact with her, there were some fire roasted cherry tomatoes in a container he wanted to try. He was popping the lid off as heturned his eyes back to her. "Tell me about the conditions over there if you can." Lo'ren left her sandwich on the table and grasped Jack's hand, the wink giving her a bit of courage. She took a deep breath and started talking."Well, things started ok. I was a bit taken aback by the armed Waagoshin that met us at the transporter on the station but I brushed it off as a cultural idiosincracy. I wasn't too keen on splitting the group up, especially leaving Straton with only Mr. Walsh as backup." Lo'ren shrugged with a shoulder as she went on, "I know Eva can take care of herself, but I would have felt better if she'd had more than one back up." Lo'ren took a sip of wine, appreciating its complimenting of the fare that Jack had brought. "The tour soured for me when we arrived at the Waste Reclamtion Centre. I really hated the stench, of course," she offered a small smile at that and continued, "but it was the people working there. The way they were treated, even in passing, by the Waagoshin. I could feel the slavery - the Waagoshin called them workers, but I knew better." Lo'ren shook her head as the sorrow and anger welled up in her. "I managed to get permission to talk to them in their own languages bystressing my background in linguistics - I knew very well that I wouldn't be able to talk to anyone if I called myself a Tactical officer." Lo'ren hated the subterfuge she'd had to use - it wasn't who she was. "I met the most amazing people, through their spokesman Vazkak. The Niglik are a species with a collective memory transmitted by touch telepathy. I was priviledged to join with Vazkak, but I was appalled by the things I was shown." She locked her eyes with Jack's again as she conveyed as much as she could without a full meld. "The Niglik and the Tch'kairn peoples were both enslaved by the Waagoshin, under false pretenses." She spoke some more about some of the things she'd been shown before they'd left the WRC. "The rest of the tour went, well, decently given that we weren't able to speak to any other captives. We finally arrived where the Waagoshin wanted us, and they killed Jon, and that beast," Lo'ren nearly choked on that word and her mind spiralled for a moment, sending the disgust, hatred and fear across the link between her and Jack. "That beast promised me personal training." Her hand shook as she wiped her cheek dry again. Jack seemed to understand where she was coming from implicitly - his emotions matching her own, "Must have brought back a lot of painful memories..." he ventured. "No wonder your emotional control is off kilter and being bonded with me is probably not helping things, I'm not a solid rock of control myself." He gave her a soft smile as he willed as much of his new found determination to her as he could. Lo'ren squeezed his hand before reaching over and trying one of the tomatoe she'd opened. The smoky flavour filled her mouth and she raised her eyebrow. Her easy smile was once again tugging at her mouth. The chance to simply talk - and not report - was healing in itself, and to the man she was emotionally bonded to made it that much more. She breathed easier and countered his words with some of her own. "We both have our wounds Jack, butI meant what I said before. I wouldn't have come off that station alive if not for you. The strength I found in you through our bond was the only thing that stopped me from bodily attacking Knars. I would have, in essence, commmitted suicide. You are stronger than you imagine." She drew in her breath as she felt Jack's resolve increase exponentially.His strength gave her hope and peace, something she'd not fully felt since she could remember. Sheloved this man more and more with each passing momentand there was nothing she could do but smile. "We're going to get through this... together and the both of us will be stronger for it." Her smile grew wider as she let the flow of emotions heal the pain of the day, and some of the deeper pain of her past. "I trust that Jack, we will be stronger, and we will get through this... together." She reached for the tomatoes, having found them quite tasty. His left hand was firmer on her elbow as he squeezed it gently then retrieved it so he could push the bowl of tomatoes toward her. he grabbed a couple and popped one in his mouth and chewed. "Mmmm!" The acidity had been replaced by sweetness and a smoky flavor. He followed it up with a sip of wine which enhanced both sides of the taste, the reason he had picked the vintage in the first place. "I can't wait to get those officers back and get the hell out of here," he mused. "We'll have time to really enjoy each others company more afterward."he took another sip then leaned toward her, his eyes holding hers."Commanding the Acheron will be an interesting experience, I'm going to have to spend as much time as possible tomorrow getting ready for it. Since you're going to be commanding the Phlegathon I'd suggest we take the simulations in shifts, one watching the other to catch some of the nuances and good points and offer suggestions... if they're asked for." He gave heranother grin. "I bet I'll need the help from a trained eye." She laughed at that, "Training isn't everything, I could tell you a thing or two about Tactical, but actually commanding a section? The Prometheus class wasn't exactly on the reading list at the Academy with Doenitz in charge."Her voice changed from wry joking to serriousness after a quick chuckle."What are the plans anyhow? I would have expected Trinin to stay on the ship, he's still senior to me - even if I'm acting in his place now." He nodded. "The Commander and I haven't had time to go into detail about it but I talked with her a bit more earlier, against that fleet we're going to need to go to tri-v mode and she needs her most experienced officers not going to the surface manning the conn on both the engineering sections. I've assigned a good science officer to both auxiliary bridges to help us out but left Ken aboard the saucer section, Commander Straton is going to need him." Both Lo'ren's eyebrows shot up as Jack spoke, "She's going to need Ken? What are you going to be doing then? You are still CSO, aren't you?" She was teasing him of course but she felt like she needed the levity after such serious conversation. "Oh that's right!" he winked. "I hadn't told you yet had I? Until we get the captain back I'm stepping into the acting first officer role, fortunately it's only temporary. I'd hate to have to do it full time. Could you imagine a first officer fraternizing with one of the tactical officers?" He gave a chuckle and flashed his teeth in a smile. At that, she finally couldn't stand even the small distance. She stood and came around the table. She put her hands on his cheeks and kissed him tenderly, slowly pulling away to say, "That was for the promotion, and this is for the new job." She giggled a little as she leaned in again for a second kiss. (reply Jack) She leaned her forehead against his, her eyes sparkling with mirth, "As for fraternization between a tactical officer and her first officer... I would much rather it be you than Straton." (reply Jack) She laughed and pulled him gently to his feet. "Come on, I've had enough to eat for now and I'd like to get this finished so we can go to bed." She let her arm trail back, her right hand still attached to his as she looked back for a moment; finally letting his hand go to turn around and close up a box she'd spotted that was full. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stardate: 2408.07.28 (Tch'Kair'n orbit, Orbital station, Detention center-CMO Angeni O. Windsong-Trommashere, 0142) So things weren't going exactly to plan, but at least she was out the room.. She opened her eyes, still making herself look rather unresponsive. She looked at the ceiling, counting light bars from her cell. She figured she wasn't too far from Darla or Sash. She allowed herself a few more throaty gurgles, trying to make it look good while muttering incoherantly. She even let loose her bowels as an olfactory assault, and she grinned on the inside as she heard yips of complaints. Once she felt herself being moved to a real bed, she groaned gently. She felt herself getting nervous, and it probably did good for her medical disposition, and she didn't try to hold back her trembling hands. ~please let this work...~ -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Tch'Kairn orbit, Orbital station, Personal Suite, Waagoshin Commander Alpha 1, 0435) Alpha 1 reclined in a Kell wood arm chair made on the Niglik homeworld which had been in his collection for several years now. There were a number of similar artifacts among his collection such as the painting from Abil of a glistening shore scape with a white sand beach, rude huts of stone with thatched roofs framed the sides. The oils of painting were made with some trace minerals of a luminescent nature, when the lighting in the room darkened the waves and sky picked up a nachre glow from the invisible moon hdden behind a stand of giant, fern like trees in the left foreground. A wall hanging from another captive world, a colony world of the Setth adorned the wall to his left, it was approximately three feet by four, of a rich red and interwoven with earth tones with pictographs of the Setth history. The Setth as a whole had not been conquered yet but not for a lack of trying by the Waagoshin, they were currently engaged in a stalemate with the lizardine life forms along the frontier. The Waags enemies were not strong enough to penetrate their space but the same held true for the Waagoshin, if they could improve their technology enough though there was no doubt in his mind the conquest would be inevitable. The frontier with the Setth encompassed nearly the whole outer boundary of sector four and encroached on sector three as well, this was where much of the Waagoshin fleet strength was located. Alpha 1 was determined to add the technology of the Federation to that of his people, this would perhaps by the turning point of the war. First though he had to lure them in and capture that ship, breaking down their engineer fit neatly into the crux of that plan. No doubt she would be difficult, all new races were until they learned just how far a true Waagoshin slave master would go to insure their cooperation. The one called Wright would find out in stages. And in the end, after the technology was his to command and distribute he would make a name for himself that might one day propel him into the highest seat of all, the Alpha Prime Tyranus. Sash was worth little now except as bait since Alpha 1 was sure he couldn't be trusted to insure the cooperation of the Federation ship, he didn't doubt the slave named Wright's words when she had claimed they would destroy the ship before giving it up. That was an avenue that would be explored of course but he held little hope in that regard. A whine from the door buzzer interrupted his study of a unique turquoise vase procured from another conquest. "Enter!" He barked. The door to this wing opened and his prize slave stepped into the chamber. Klk'shis had her eyes submissively downcast and she knelt as she stepped across the portal. "So slave," he growled. "You have finally returned." "I left as soon as I was informed master..." She replied without looking up. " There was a delay in finding a shuttle prepared for my departure." He studied her for an instant. "What is the status on the upgrades for the garrison?" "They are nearly complete master." She spoke quietly. "They should be contacting you with a few hours to verify completion." "Good." he said as his mouth opened in a grin. Klk'shis had neglected to inform him of course that she had subverted the programming for the upgrades, at the proper signal from her from the station the whole defensive network for the garrison would be rendered powerless and command/control locked out. If this was the proper time and the aliens the instrument of their deliverance as K'thartek believed then she had in her grasp the ability to deliver their oppressors into their hands. Without their defensive grid the Waagoshin would have to fight outside their strong points without automated backup from the heavy weaponry. This would make them vulnerable to a superior, dedicated force if enough strength could be brought to bear against them. "I have news." He said and left it hanging in the air, "What news master?" She asked, more than a little confused. "Your cousin." He drew the wait out for several seconds. "Was a member of the Tch'kairn resistance. He is dead." Her whole body tensed but she didn't move, to do so or respond in any way might give away her state of mind. The slave master no doubt was testing the air at this very moment to see if he could catch her off guard and expose her. Fortunately for the Tch'kairn their natural emissions were much harder for the Waagoshin to read which is why she was at this time in the position she was. Klk'shis would have been dead many times over before now if she could have been caught so easily. "Then he has earned his reward for violating the tenants of the ancients," She mouthed out of rote. "Those who lift a limb in wrath or violence are doomed to their own destruction and heirs to anarchy and death, not children of peace and benevolence." He growled as she spoke those words, it was anathema of course to the Waagoshin who thrived on the hunt and the kill. They were well spoken of course though for a Tch'kairn. "Well said." He grudgingly added. "Those who helped him on the station will be rooted out of course and purged." having completed his warning he put an end to the conversation, he was tired from the long night and ready to bed. "Leave me now!" "Yes master," Only then did she allow herself to move from her position. She could sense his eyes burning through the back of her carapace as she exited the room, after walking down the hall a short distance she allowed her emotions to seethe. She wanted to contact Mml'hiss and comfort her, she knew the Tch'kairn is she still lived would be devestated. Mml'hiss was known to be emotionally fragile. If Ekl'klk had protected her though she herself might cause both of them to be exposed by doing so. The Waagoshin could track their movements by their collars, if he suspected her she would lead them right to Mml'hiss. Though she longed to see her she forced herself to move to her own small private quarters as befitted a traitor to the Tch'kairn race. Ekl'klk had been the only one to know of her true nature though as he had recruited her into the resistance and kept her activities a secret, even from his own commanders so that she could never be exposed. When the Waagoshin were finally driven from this world, if they ever were she would no doubt be tried as a collaborator and traitor. She had accepted the risk though to help her people. With Ekl'klk dead she would have no proof to show of her aid but she would accept her penalty stoically, though branded a pariah she would at least have the satisfaction in helping to free her people. That was worth something to her, more than her own life. She ached for her cousin though, that alone tempered her jubilance at the possible coming freedom of her people, he would have loved to have seen that day. He had helped it along though, nurtured that hope in her and been her strong right arm. Moisture leaked from her compound eyes as she traveled through the darkened, nearly deserted corridors to her rest, if rest she could find this night. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stardate: 2408.07.30 (Beta Quadrant, Myena V, Imperial chambers, High Fleet Commander Mar'Lor'Garon, 0800) Mar'Lor'Garon strode into the vaulted chamber of the Onyx throne where the Primus awaited his arrival. The defeat of his war fleet by the Federation ship called Hades had been like a silent call to tragedy for the veteran of countless battles and purges who had known before his return that the young First Prime had chosen to stand up to the High Prelate Mor'Lor'Shel'Shabaz who had been strengthening his hold upon the Imperial fleets and the hearts of the people. Though he had returned defeated he had been unbowed, the Federation warship had been a superior and implacable foe but greater tests still awaited him, no doubt placed in his path to test his mettle by their god himself for the struggle ahead. The High Prelate had schemed to put him to pasture, retire him and send him off to a colony world for a long overdue rest but as he stood upon the buttresses of the fortress with the throngs below cheering past conquests and unaware of his shame he had once more committed himself to the Onyx Throne which he had failed such a short time ago. "Citizens of the Myenru Empire and heroes of the faith I salute you!" He had cried. Their resounding shouts had drowned out his next words, forcing him to pause. "I stand this day having rededicated myself to the throne and all it entails, to the First Prime and the Myenru Empire!" This spoken with a thundering shout. The young First Prime had stood behind him, giving him more strength to enforce his will upon the assembly while the High Prelate seethed in the background. "All who stand against the throne shall be purged, all who stand with the throne shall be rewarded with glory and honor! Long live the First Prime! Long live the Empire!" As he finished the thundering shout his own Immortals had flooded the paved square in full battle armor and begun rounding up those troops loyal to the power mad prelate using whatever force was necessary. Thus had the first shots of civil war been fired. During the tumult that had ensued during this heroes welcome the High Prelate had shrunk off with help no doubt from sympathizers to place the wheels of rebellion into motion, decreeing from the chambers of the High Prelate the heresy of the First Prime and the High Fleet Commander. Mor'Lor'Shel'Shabaz had planned for many years this grab for power but though he had spread tendrils of sedition and poison within the fleet and the populace, he had as many power mad individuals do, overestimated his reach and grasp. Due to Mar'Lor'Garon's stand and craft far fewer had flocked to his banner than expected. Mere days after the decree the populace of Myena V had risen in rebellion against his edicts and stormed his edifice, Mor'Lor'Shel'Shabaz had escaped once again, rendezvousing with the fleets loyal to him and beginning the great battles of the war. The first engagements had been spearheaded by his own battered but seasoned ships. The Dreadmonger, Bloody Gauntlet and Firewall. A number of worlds had been purged by both sides during this conflict of unimaginable proportions but an attack on the throne world itself had been beaten back and shattered. The people had repudiated the high prelate but not their god, choosing instead to cast off his tainted and corrupt mouthpiece. A new High Prelate had been chosen and the one who aspired to deity himself immortalized in shame. This very day ships fought within thirty light years of the seat of Myenru power but they did so out of desperation, hoping to preserve their lives rather than spread their own base of power and their hopes were dying rapidly. The former High Prelate's power was gone ... and with it his dreams of empire. "High Fleet Commander welcome." The First Prime had risen as he stopped before the Onyx throne. Mar'Lor'Garon bowed his head in fealty to his emperor. "Without your help and your unmatched tactical mind the Onyx throne would have been ruled by usurpers and sycophants." The Primus stated with great fervor. "Your service to the Empire will forever be immortalized in the records of this house and your name revered by all." "News has just reached me that the battle of this day has been won, the High Prelate has escaped once more but his ships are few and scattered, he shall be hunted down and punished for his crimes. Your legacy of might and service are preserved." Mar'Lor'Garon knelt then before the Primus, his heart singing now not because of his own exploits or his name immortalized but because all he knew, all he stood for had been preserved. It would take years to rebuild the fleets to their former glory and expand the boundaries of the empire once more, reclaiming those worlds lost during the conflict but rebuild they would and he would once more be leading the thrust of the spear, the cleansing might of the Myenru's angry god in his hands. His own faith had been restored and strengthened, his armor of favor bright and undaunted. The items captured from the Federation ship were even now being studied and the new ships would be bolstered by what they learned from them of the Hades' phased weapons. The ships of the Empire would be stronger and more fearsome than before. A gift no doubt from their benefactor. The Empire stood triumphant, its god laughing at their enemies. He looked up at the young Primus and smiled. "Long live the Primus, long live the Myenru Empire!" ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- end compile