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--></style></head><body lang=EN-US style='word-wrap:break-word'><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal>Mission: In the Vanguard<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Day: Prequel<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Stardate: 2446.06.05<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>(USS Raptor - Deck 5 – Primary Computer Core Access - Starfleet Command - Vice-Admiral Saleke - 1025)</p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>A visual inspection of the primary computer core had taken place without incident followed by the pair ascending to the primary access chamber which contained a large central console surrounded by access kiosks built into the walls. The technician running diagnostics on the system looked up after a moment.</p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>“The system is currently running within tolerance admiral but that should increase to optimal once the final superconducting elements are installed. We expect delivery of those in three days.”</p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>“And installation time?”</p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>“Thirty six hours at the outside sir working around the clock.”</p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>“Very good.” The Vulcan took a final look around before stepping through the door</p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>“I didn’t see a load access point for Luma.” Giovanna noted after they had exited and they were alone in the corridor.</p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>His head snapped toward her and his eyes were narrowed. “For who?”</p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>She gave a throaty chuckle. “I’m not stupid or dense, there is now way to hide her presence aboard the Illuminar from a telepath. I understand why you wish to keep her a secret though.”</p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>He took a step toward her, his eyes intense. “You are speaking of a classified subject. If you wish to discuss it further you will wait until we have returned to the office complex. Have you spoken of this to anyone else?”</p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>She gave him a guarded look. “I’m not an idiot either. Broaching classified material to any would be a breach of the trust I am trying to build. Look, it was obvious she wasn’t to be openly spoken of, knowledge of her isn’t even widely disseminated aboard the Illuminar. That secret is safe with me.”</p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>“There are a number of reasons to keep that material classified.” He noted. “And I will list them for you at the appropriate time, for now I suggest you remember that pledge and maintain it.” </p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>“I will.” She fell into step behind him. “You haven’t answered my question.”</p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>“What has given you reason to expect something of that nature would be necessary?”</p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>“I’ve heard rumblings.” They rounded a turn on the way back to the turbolift. “The projected CO of the Raptor is currently unavailable along with the core crew to man it for its maiden voyage. There is talk that the Illuminar will be recalled in the same time frame. Sekal has been working with the design and technical teams during the construction phase and has a tested, veteran crew. There is no one more qualified to take it out during its testing phase. And as an appetizer Illuminar also has an android aboard who could conceivably interface seamlessly with the primary or secondary computer if the need arose. The last is my own conjecture.”</p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>He stopped outside the door and stepped aside as he gave her his attention. “All very logical. To your earlier question I will say that such a device does not need to be obvious to exist and that is all I will say on the subject. As for plans to initially crew the ship, that is also currently classified and until that is lifted I will not discuss the matter. When construction is complete and the ship is ready to take its maiden voyage the personnel list will be made available.”</p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>She crossed her arms again and pouted. “There is quite a lot of secrecy surrounding this entire venture. Is our next destination also classified? I’m assuming it will be main engineering.”</p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>“Negative, the propulsion systems will be tested just prior to launch. The bridge is our next stop.”</p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>“Very well Admiral.” She stepped past him, taking her place in the lift. “Shall we go?”</p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>He shrugged and stepped into the lift.</p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>(Reply: None)</p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>(Posted by Charles Gatling.)<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Charles Gatling<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Commanding Officer<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>USS Illuminar<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>NCC 61240<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div><div id="DAB4FAD8-2DD7-40BB-A1B8-4E2AA1F9FDF2"><br /><table style="border-top: 1px solid #D3D4DE;"><tr><td style="width: 55px; padding-top: 13px;"><a href="http://www.avg.com/email-signature?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm_campaign=sig-email&utm_content=emailclient" target="_blank"><img src="https://s-install.avcdn.net/ipm/preview/icons/icon-envelope-tick-green-avg-v1.png" alt="" width="46" height="29" style="width: 46px; height: 29px;"/></a></td><td style="width: 470px; padding-top: 12px; color: #41424e; font-size: 13px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">Virus-free.<a href="http://www.avg.com/email-signature?utm_medium=email&utm_source=link&utm_campaign=sig-email&utm_content=emailclient" target="_blank" style="color: #4453ea;">www.avg.com</a></td></tr></table><a href="#DAB4FAD8-2DD7-40BB-A1B8-4E2AA1F9FDF2" width="1" height="1"> </a></div></body></html>