USS Boudicca

Stardate:2406.11.25
(USS Boudicca, MCO's Office, Major Straton, Day 2, 1857) 

        Eva had just dismissed the marine members of the away team.  She 
had given them a through tongue lashing.  The teams performance had been a 
joke.  Unexcusable.  Clear evidence that they needed more in depth 
training.  As the door to her office closed, Eva took a deep breath and let 
it out slowly.  Like her many of the marines had been awake since Sevant 
had disappeared.  Fatigue was beginning to take it's toll.  They'd all been 
going for more than a day with no sleep.  If they were to have any chance 
of getting in and rescuing Sevant they would all need to be rested and 
clear of mind. 

        =/\=Drizzt to Straton, we're ready to move again immediately.=/\= 

        "Stand down Major," Eva said after tapping her comm-badge, "Give 
the troops the rest of the night off.  They need some down time.  The 
debacle on the holo-deck was clear evidence of that.  Lights out at 2200. 
We will reconvene the team at 0700 and drill them till they get it right." 

(Reply Drizzt, Any) 
(Posted by Wes) 


Stardate:2406.11.25
(USS Boudicca - Ten Forward - TAC/ASC Lt. Stolev - Day 2 - 1926) 

Stolev and Tagon walked into the lounge and headed for the bar. 
"What'll it be, gentlemen?" asked the bartender cordially. 

Stolev closed his eyes and fought a small battle with himself. 
"Cranberry juice and seltzer, please," he replied shortly. 

Tagon stood silently for a long time.  The bartender began to wonder 
if the Brikar hadn't fallen asleep while he was standing there. 
Suddenly he said, "Water, cold, in the largest cup you have." 

"Lieutenant Stolev." Stolev turned and saw Chief Haverstaad standing 
politely behind him.  Meanwhile, the bartender was clanging around 
behind the bar in search of a glass big enough to accomodate Tagon's 
request.  "Permission to join the assault team?" she asked. 

Stolev looked at her thoughtfully.  "Well, to be honest, Chief, I had 
wanted to included you from the outset.  However, I was under the 
impression that you were on some special assignment at Commander 
West's orders.  Is that assignment complete?" 

(reply Haverstaad) 

"I see.  Well, you are certainly welcome to join the assault team.  In 
the meantime, would you care to join us for a drink?" 

(reply Haverstaad) 

NRPG: 

The rest of this is intentionally vague enough to accomodate whatever 
Haverstaad's response might be. 

RPG: 

They made their way through the crowded lounge, people moving out of 
their way as they saw the large, walking boulder move towards them. 
They selected a table with plenty of elbow room, and Tagon pulled 
three chairs together and sat.  The chairs all screamed from the 
strain, but held. 

"So," began Stolev, "how are things with Nimitz security?  It was a 
pretty good group when I was there." 

"They are," Tagon admitted.  He knew that Stolev had once been SC on Nimitz 
and had left after being injured during a mission.  "Can I ask why you 
left?" 

Stolev could feel his chest tighten at the question, but he closed his 
eyes and took a deep breath to relax.  "I was assigned to a security 
detail on Betazed.  There was... an incident there. I was injured and 
sent back to Starbase Geneva for treatment and rehabilitation."  He 
paused, then looked down at his drink, studying the patterns of tiny 
bubbles as they effervesced to the surface.  He hoped Tagon would 
leave it at that -- the last thing he wanted to talk about right now 
was what happened on Betazed. 

(reply Tagon, Haverstaad, any) 
(posted by Aaron Scifres) 


Stardate:2406.11.25
(USS Boudicca - Ten Forward - Chief Melody Haverstaad - 1927) 

"Permission to join the assault team?" she asked. 

The TAC/ASC looked at her.  "Well, to be honest, Chief, I had 
wanted to included you from the outset.  However, I was under the 
impression that you were on some special assignment at Commander 
West's orders.  Is that assignment complete?" 

"His protection has been assured; I will still oversee the administration 
and take any duty shifts that I am not actively training for this mission 
with him. However, I am not the most qualified to lead a bodyguard detail, 
and he has been made aware of it." 

"I see.  Well, you are certainly welcome to join the assault team.  In 
the meantime, would you care to join us for a drink?" 

She looked over at the bartender and nodded. She was a regular here; she 
always had the same thing. He poured out her drink, which she took and 
promptly joined the two officers. Her mind was already whirling, mostly with 
ways to integrate the men. Integration was one of her biggest jobs, after 
all, as a non-com security officer. 

"So," began Stolev, "how are things with Nimitz security?  It was a 
pretty good group when I was there." 

"They are," Tagon said.  "Can I ask why you left?" 

Melody took a deep drink as she watched her Assistant Chief. All she knew 
was what was in his public file, she had a bit more access then most as head 
trainer of the 3D tactical systems. Even so, most of his reasons had been 
covered. Something dealing with a mission that had also included her Captain 
when he was a First Officer. 

"I was assigned to a security detail on Betazed.  There was... an incident 
there. I was injured and sent back to Starbase Geneva for treatment and 
rehabilitation." 

(reply: Tagon) 

She turned her head slightly as someone came up beside her and pulled out a 
seat. Without any ado the MXO sat down in his seat, his hand clamped around 
a glass of something that glowed a very odd shade of green. He didn't 
look... happy. 

"Lieutenants." The Andorian said. 

(reply: any) 
(posted by Trout) 


Stardate:2406.11.25
(USS Boudicca - Ten Forward – LT John Fredericks CEO/2O - 1930)
 
John walked in to Ten Forward and scanned around the room. He noticed a few of his friends from the security section and nodded to them as well as a few Marines he had been on good terms with.

He ordered a drink and walked over to a table currently occupied by Haverstaad, Tagon and Stolev and Dritzzt. 

The Andorian had just joined the group but there was still room for another chair if he hurried.

Turning to the barman, John asked for a small basket of appetizers to be sent to the table then walked over to join the small group.

"Gentlemen, Melody. Mind if I join the party?"

(reply, any of the above)
(posted by Kirk McClendon)

Stardate:2406.11.25
(USS Boudicca - Ten Forward - TAC/ASC Lt. Stolev - Day 2 - 1930) 

"So," began Stolev as he took a seat with Tagon and Haverstaad, "how 
are things with Nimitz security?  It was a pretty good group when I 
was there." 

"They are," Tagon said.  "Can I ask why you left?" 

"I was assigned to a security detail on Betazed.  There was... an 
incident there. I was injured and sent back to Starbase Geneva for 
treatment and rehabilitation." 

(reply Tagon) 

Stolev looked up to see Major Drizzt walk up to the table, pull out a 
chair, and sit down with them.  He carried a very oddly-colored drink 
-- Stolev didn't dare speculate what it might contain.  "Lieutenants," 
the Andorian said. 

"Major," nodded Stolev.  "We were just taking a short break and 
clearing our heads from our recent disaster."  He leaned forward.  "I 
appreciate how difficult you made the training scenario.  I don't want 
our teams to have any illusions about how hard it will be to 
accomplish this mission." 

(reply Tagon, Haverstaad, Drizzt, any) 
(posted by Aaron Scifres) 

Stardate:2406.11.25
(USS Boudicca - Ten Forward - Major Drizzt - Day 2 - 1931) 

"Major," nodded Stolev.  "We were just taking a short break and clearing our 
heads from our recent disaster."  He leaned forward.  "I appreciate how 
difficult you made the training scenario.  I don't want our teams to have 
any illusions about how hard it will be to accomplish this mission." 

"Wise, as I don't intend to give the team any." He said as he placed his 
drink on the table. "I set that particular team up much as I would myself 
under normal circumstances. The next batch with have a different pattern." 

(reply: if desired) 

"Gentlemen, Melody. Mind if I join the party"? 

Drizzt took up his drink again as the Senior Chief waved to an empty seat. 
"pull up a chair," she said. 

(reply: any) 
(posted by Trout) 
Stardate:2406.11.25
(USS Boudicca - Ten Forward - Lt. Dru Tagon- Day 2 - 1932)

Tagon looked up at the Andorian as he joined the slowly growing group.  He'd been interested in hearing Stolev's story, but it wasn't like the Brikarian to press for details of something so... unimportant to the moment.  But it might prove insight to the ATAC's character that may show up later, like during the away mission.  Drizzt and Haverstaad had joined them, interrupting that flow if information.  He sighed lightly, accepting the fact that the moment was gone, and he would be forced to socialize in a group.

"Gentlemen, Melody. Mind if I join the party?"  It was Fredrick's the CEO.

"Pull up a chair," Haverstaad said. 

The others adjusted their seats to accomodate the new comer.  Tagon didn't move.  He knew from experience that it was easier for them to fit around him, than for him to adjust his seating.  He looked around the table.  It was pretty much the security of the ship, sitting there.  It's been a while since he flet that he belonged somewhere.  Even on the Nimitz he felt a little apart from the crowd.  After all, he was John Wilson's left over.  But with these people, he felt a sort of kinship.

"So, Lieutenant," Tagon said, "how would you rank this day?"

(reply Drizzt)
(posted by Al Muir)
Stardate:2406.11.25
(USS Boudicca - Ten Forward - TAC/ASC Lt. Stolev - Day 2 - 1932) 

"I appreciate how difficult you made the training scenario.  I don't 
want our teams to have any illusions about how hard it will be to 
accomplish this mission." 

"Wise, as I don't intend to give the team any," replied Drizzt as he 
placed his drink on the table. "I set that particular team up much as 
I would myself under normal circumstances. The next batch with have a 
different pattern." 

Stolev nodded.  "I would expect nothing less." 

"Gentlemen, Melody. Mind if I join the party"? 

Stolev looked up and saw Lt. Fredericks standing there.  Haverstaad 
waved to an emty seat.  "Pull up a chair," she said.  Stolev and the 
rest, with the exception of Tagon, scooted their chairs over to make 
room for the CEO. 

"So, Lieutenant," Tagon said, once they were all settled, "how would 
you rank this day?" 

(reply Fredericks) 

Stolev knew the engineer had been hard at work trying to devise ways 
for the ship to slip into the system as quietly as possible.  While it 
didn't involve getting stunned by fanatical holographic marines, he 
was sure that the work was stressful in its own right. 

(reply any) 
(posted by Aaron Scifres) 
Stardate:2406.11.26
(USS Boudicca - Ten Forward - ACSO Ensign Talda - Day 3 - 0108)

As Caleb sat alone with his thoughts and tea, someone moved into his field of vision, interrupting his view of the stars - as well as his brooding.  "Mind if I join you?" the newcomer asked politely.

Shaken out of his reverie, Talda noticed the two gold pips and replied with a faint smile.  "Not at all, sir.  There's plenty of room."

"Thanks," replied Stolev as he sat down.  He extended his hand.  "Aleksander Stolev.  You're Talda, right?  The ACSO?"

As he extended his own hand, Caleb's mind raced.  ~Stolev... Stolev. Where have I heard that name?~  

"Caleb Talda, sir." the ACSO replied.  "Pleased to make your acquaintance.  Yes, sir, I'm the ACSO.  You're in tactical, right?"  Caleb hoped he had gotten that part right.

Stolev nodded.  "Yep, we haven't really had much occasion to work together, especially since neither of us has been aboard long."  He took another bite of his muffin, then took a sip of coffee.  "You can call me Sasha, by the way," he said with a smile.

"Aye, sir." the ensign replied automatically.  "Er... that is... Sasha.  Sorry, sir - academy habits seem to be dying hard." he added a bit sheepishly.  

Sasha turned to look out the window.  "Sorry to talk shop at such a late hour, but there aren't many hours to be had.  How's the analysis of the planetary system coming?  Will we have enough info to run some realistic simulations in the holodeck, do you think?"

Caleb sighed.  "We have some excellent general data about the system, but unless there's some source of information I don't have access to, the best I can do at the moment are educated guesses about what the target planet's surface might hold.  I have several computer models running right now in the hopes of coming up with usable info, but without some properly-acquired planetary scans, the best I can give are 'maybes' and 'probablys'."  

(reply Stolev)
(posted by Olan Suddeth)

Stardate:2406.11.26
(USS Boudicca - Ten Forward - TAC/ASC Lt. Stolev - Day 3 - 0109) 

"Mind if I join you?" 

Talda looked up at Stolev and replied with a faint smile.  "Not at 
all, sir.  There's plenty of room." 

"Thanks," replied Stolev as he sat down.  He extended his hand. 
"Aleksander Stolev.  You're Talda, right?  The ACSO?" 

"Caleb Talda, sir." the ACSO replied as he shook Stolev's hand. 
"Pleased to make your acquaintance.  Yes, sir, I'm the ACSO.  You're 
in tactical, right?"  Caleb hoped he had gotten that part right. 

Stolev nodded.  "Yep, we haven't really had much occasion to work 
together, especially since neither of us has been aboard long."  He 
took another bite of his muffin, then took a sip of coffee.  "You can 
call me Sasha, by the way," he said with a smile. 

"Aye, sir." the ensign replied automatically.  "Er... that is... 
Sasha.  Sorry, sir - academy habits seem to be dying hard." he added a 
bit sheepishly. 

"Not at all.  Personally, I like to be on a first name basis with the 
rest of the senior staff.  Not everyone agrees with me, but..."  Sasha 
trailed off as he turned to look out the window.  "Sorry to talk shop 
at such a late hour, but there aren't many hours to be had.  How's the 
analysis of the planetary system coming?  Will we have enough info to 
run some realistic simulations in the holodeck, do you think?" 

Caleb sighed.  "We have some excellent general data about the system, 
but unless there's some source of information I don't have access to, 
the best I can do at the moment are educated guesses about what the 
target planet's surface might hold.  I have several computer models 
running right now in the hopes of coming up with usable info, but 
without some properly-acquired planetary scans, the best I can give 
are 'maybes' and 'probablys'." 

Sasha nodded.  "That's hardly unexpected.  If I were going to kidnap a 
high profile officer and hold him hostage for whatever reason, I'd 
want to find a place as out-of-the-way and unknown as possible."  He 
turned back to Talda.  "I'd like you to contact me as soon as you get 
more information.  We need as much as we can get in order to plan the 
extraction mission." 

(reply Talda) 

"Thank--"  Sasha was interrupted by an enormous yawn which seemed to 
come out of nowhere.  "Mmm... sorry.  Thanks Caleb.  Now I think I'll 
go try to catch a few hours of sleep."  He looked sheepishly down at 
his barely-drunk coffee.  "You want this?" 

(reply Talda) 

Sasha pushed his chair back and stood up slowly, stretching as he did 
so.  "See you later then.  I'll look forward to hearing from you." 
With a wave and another stifled yawn, he headed out the door. 

(reply Talda, any) 
(posted by Aaron Scifres) 


Stardate:2406.11.26
(USS Boudicca - Ten Forward - Esign Caleb Talda  - Day 3 - 0111) 

"Mind if I join you?" 

Talda looked up at Stolev and replied with a faint smile. "Not at 
all, sir. There's plenty of room." 

"Thanks," replied Stolev as he sat down. He extended his hand. 
"Aleksander Stolev. You're Talda, right? The ACSO?" 

"Caleb Talda, sir." the ACSO replied as he shook Stolev's hand. 
"Pleased to make your acquaintance. Yes, sir, I'm the ACSO. You're 
in tactical, right?" Caleb hoped he had gotten that part right. 

Stolev nodded. "Yep, we haven't really had much occasion to work 
together, especially since neither of us has been aboard long." He 
took another bite of his muffin, then took a sip of coffee. "You can 
call me Sasha, by the way," he said with a smile. 

"Aye, sir." the ensign replied automatically. "Er... that is... 
Sasha. Sorry, sir - academy habits seem to be dying hard." he added a 
bit sheepishly. 

"Not at all. Personally, I like to be on a first name basis with the 
rest of the senior staff. Not everyone agrees with me, but..." Sasha 
trailed off as he turned to look out the window. 

~Senior staff?~  Claeb wondered to himself.  ~I suppose that's right, considering my title, but I'm still a JG ensign.~  The irony of being a member of the senior staff, yet sharing a cabin in the junior officers quarter, did not escape him, and brought a slight grin to the ensign's face.

"Sorry to talk shop at such a late hour, but there aren't many hours to be had. How's the 
analysis of the planetary system coming? Will we have enough info to 
run some realistic simulations in the holodeck, do you think?" 

Caleb sighed. "We have some excellent general data about the system, 
but unless there's some source of information I don't have access to, 
the best I can do at the moment are educated guesses about what the 
target planet's surface might hold. I have several computer models 
running right now in the hopes of coming up with usable info, but 
without some properly-acquired planetary scans, the best I can give 
are 'maybes' and 'probablys'." 

Sasha nodded. "That's hardly unexpected. If I were going to kidnap a 
high profile officer and hold him hostage for whatever reason, I'd 
want to find a place as out-of-the-way and unknown as possible." He 
turned back to Talda. "I'd like you to contact me as soon as you get 
more information. We need as much as we can get in order to plan the 
extraction mission." 

"Aye, si..." just in time, Caleb bit off the automatic reply.  "I mean, you've got it, Sasha.  As soon as I know more, I will let you know."  Mentally, Talda added Stolev's name to the list of individuals that needed to know his findings.

"Thank--" Sasha was interrupted by an enormous yawn which seemed to 
come out of nowhere. "Mmm... sorry. Thanks Caleb. Now I think I'll 
go try to catch a few hours of sleep." He looked sheepishly down at 
his barely-drunk coffee. "You want this?" 

Not only was the liquid far too black for his personal taste, it would certainly keep him awake more than he cared to be - or at the very least, cause him to sleep less soundly.  With a tired smile, the ACSO declined.  "No thank you, sir.  I think I'll finsih this, then grab some shut eye, myself."

Sasha pushed his chair back and stood up slowly, stretching as he did 
so. "See you later then. I'll look forward to hearing from you." 
With a wave and another stifled yawn, he headed out the door. 

"Take care, Sasha." Talda replied, watching Stolev leave for a moment before turning his gaze back to the stars.  The lieutenant had proven to be a good sort, and surprisingly friendly.  Even though the discussion had been mostly work related, Caleb inexplicably felt a little better about things, a little less lonely.  

He sat in silence for a few more minutes as his finished his tea, then made his way to his own quarters for some much-needed rest.


(reply any)
(posted by Olan Suddeth)

Stardate:2406.11.26
(USS Boudicca, Holo-Deck 2, MCO, Major Straton, , 0757) 

After the pervious nights disaster, Eva had taken the away team 
training back a couple steps, to dry runs.  Currently it was just her and 
the away team members on the holo-deck drilling.  Running through the 
entire mission with out any opposition, yet.  She had to be sure that each 
member was comfortable with their respective role before throwing Major 
Drizzt and his squad into the mix.  Eva was pushing each member of the team 
very hard.  She was barking orders rapid fire and then getting into any 
ones face that didn't move fast enough to carry out those orders, or just 
moved too slow.  They could hate her all they wanted, long as they all 
lived through the mission and retrieved Sevant successfully.  With nearly 
20 years as a marine under her belt, and over half of those as a Combat 
Engineer, Eva has holding nothing back in the training of this team.  She 
pushed, and pushed, and pushed more.  If a team member was gonna break, she 
would rather have them do it now than when they were on the planets 
surface.  

After hours of 'dry runs', coming at the out post from every 
possible direction, Eva decided it was time to bring Spider and his team 
back into the holodeck and test the hours of drilling they had done.  

On their first run they managed to breach the bases perimeter 
before getting wiped out.  Eva grilled the team and critique each members 
performance before resetting the simulation and doing it again.  On the 
second and third run they managed to infiltrate the base itself before 
running into over whelming numbers.  On the forth, fifth, and sixth 
attempts they managed to retrieve the holo-Sevant only to get killed on the 
way out.  Then on the 7th run they completed the mission successfully, 
getting the holo-Sevant safely returned to the Boudicca.  The away team 
celebrated with cheers as the holo-deck reset to the black and yellow grid. 
Eva allowed herself a nod of satisfaction.  ~They are finally starting to 
come together as a cohesive unit.~ 

"All right people," She shouted over the cheering, "Lets do it 
again!" 

(Reply Any, None) 
(Posted by Wes) 
Stardate:2406.11.26
(USS Nimitz- Sickbay- CMO's Office- Lt. Bigwill kinkaid- 1027) 
  
BigWill had been sitting in his office going through the medical charts when 
his comm signal chimmed. 
  
=^=This is Doctor Mor'rel on the USS Boudicca, may I please speak to your 
Chief Medical Officer?=^= 
  
"This is Doctor Kinkaid," he replied, "what can I do for you doctor?" 

(reply Mor'rel) 
(posted by Al Muir)
Stardate:2406.11.26
(USS Boudicca - Sickbay- CMO's Office - CMO - Doctor Mor'rel - 1032)
 
Mor'rel watched as the face of a human filled his comm screen.
 
=^=This is Doctor Kinkaid, what can I do for you doctor?=^=
 
Mor'rel arched an eyebrow, "Greetings Doctor Kinkaid, I am Doctor Mor'rel the Chief Medical Officer of the Boudicca. To begin with, I was wondering if you could apprise me of the condition of Marine Johnson."
 
(Reply Kinkaid)
 
"Understood," said Mor'rel, "Currently we are readying ourselves for triage. I wished to coordinate with you as it is likely we will have to work together in some capacity before the next forty-eight hours have ended. Logically, pooling our efforts should be more efficient and effective. Do you have needs we can provide for?"
 
(Repy Kinkaid)
 
Mor'rel stared into the screen intently while Kinkaid replied. "I do have a question doctor. The previous ship that I served aboard did not have a group of marines. Apparently marines use stimulation patches, which I have not dealt with. Several articles I have read give ancillary information about these items but do not tell someone how to deal with a patient who is 'stimulated'. I can only surmise that different protocols must be followed when treating this kind of patient," stated Mor'rel.
 
(Reply Kinkaid)
 
"As I am certain that you are more experienced in dealing with these individuals I decided it prudent to contact you. It would be greatly appreciated if you could aid me in understanding the differences in treatment. Is that a possibility Doctor?" asked Mor'rel.

(reply Kinkaid)
(posted by Jeff Bergeron)
Stardate:2406.11.26
(USS Nimitz - Sickbay- CMO's Office - CMO - Doctor BigWill Kinkaid - 1033)
 
=^=Greetings Doctor Kinkaid, I am Doctor Mor'rel the Chief Medical Officer of the Boudicca. To begin with, I was wondering if you could apprise me of the condition of Marine Johnson.=^=
 
The Vulcan doctor had given BigWill a strange look.  kinkaid wasn't sure of the implication of any "look" from a Vulcan, so he let it go.
 
"Mr. Johnson is recovering nicely," he explained.  "His injuries, although life threatening, were easily repaired.  i would imagine he would be ready to transport back to the Boudicca by tomorrow."
 
=^=Understood,cCurrently we are readying ourselves for triage. I wished to coordinate with you as it is likely we will have to work together in some capacity before the next forty-eight hours have ended. Logically, pooling our efforts should be more efficient and effective. Do you have needs we can provide for?=^=
 
Kinkaid thought for a minute.  "none that I cna think of.  My staff is experience with emergency triage.  This isn't our first foray into battle, so they have a more realistic expectation this time.  is there anything we can do for you?"
 
=^=I do have a question doctor. The previous ship that I served aboard did not have a group of marines. Apparently marines use stimulation patches, which I have not dealt with. Several articles I have read give ancillary information about these items but do not tell someone how to deal with a patient who is 'stimulated'. I can only surmise that different protocols must be followed when treating this kind of patient.=^=
 
Kinkaid nodded.  He'd heard of these patches- Stims- but they were frowned upon by Dorkin.  They caused more problems than they were worth.  "I have had a little experience doctor.  But they don't need to be detoxed to be treated."
 
=^=As I am certain that you are more experienced in dealing with these individuals I decided it prudent to contact you. It would be greatly appreciated if you could aid me in understanding the differences in treatment. Is that a possibility Doctor?=^=

"I'll be more than happy to send yo the protocals I have, and the case histories of a couple of the marines I've treated.  One of them was treated for "Stim" OD and addiction.  I hope they will help."
 
(reply Mor'rel)
(posted by Al Muir) 

Stardate:2406.11.26
(USS Boudicca- Officer's mess- ACSO- Ensign Caleb Talda - 1235) 

"So tell me what you've found out." Maddie said. 

Talda nodded. "Not a great deal, as you might expect due to the lack of 
detailed data. Full spectral analysis of the star, a breakdown of the 
planetary composition, some decent ideas of the types of terrain and 
lifeforms we can expect to find on the planet itself." Placing his PADD on 
the table, the ensign continued. "A full copy of my report is here; I sent 
one to you last night, as well." 

"I have several intriguing models in progress right now, mostly dealing the 
the srot of life forms we can expect to see; I'll be interested to see how 
they fare against actual data, when more becomes available." 

"Mm..mm..," Maddie mummbled through her salad, poking at the PADD with her 
fork. "Yes, I saw that, very interesting indeed. I'd love to see those 
models and see how they stack up against what I've discovered through my 
research. Using your information, and referencing with some resources, that 
will, for now, remain unnamed, I have a a few theories myself. That region 
of space is NOT as unexplored as we've been led to believe. It's just that 
the data had been hidden in very unusual places." 

She put down her fork and picked up the PADD. Tapping in a few commands she 
accessed her personal files and downloaded the infromation from her research 
then slid the PADD back across the table. "Check that out, and see what you 
can come up with. Especially check out the figures on the magnetic 
dispersion. See the pulsar in the quadrant? It's a magnetic pulsar, 
creating a unique magnetic field that will be next to impossible to 
penetrate with sensors. And we can forget transporters." 

As Caleb briefly scanned the information now showing in the PADD, a hundred questions begged to be asked.  Where had this data come from?  How was Munroe privvy to it?  Most importantly, was it reliable?  Still, he said nothing, realizing that the CSO certainly had her motivations, and that his questions would simply be rebuffed.  She had told him as much as she felt comfortable with, that much was obvious.

"Interesting..." he mumbled to himself as he looked at the data.  Some of it confirmed certain aspects of his models, but other parts would surely wreck different aspects.  All in all, he would have quite few hours of adjusting and reprogramming to do before he could hope to have truly accurate models.  "West and Stratton will want to hear about this... I wonder if they are prepared to make a shuttle-based assault."  A sobering thought occured to the ensign - the body count might be much higher, this way.

She returned her attention to her food as Tala looked over the information 
she had just given him. It was as if she hadn't said anything of 
importance. And he seemed to have forgotten his own food. 

"So," Maddie said, after swallowing another mouthful of strawberry shake, 
"Caleb, do you play poker at all?"

The doctor's question shook Caleb out of his reverie.  He wiondered if Munroe was asking something deeper, playing at some politics with which the ACSO had little skill and less desire to deal with.  Still, something in her expression rang true, and he smiled.  ~Don't overthink yourself, boy.  It's a simple question.~

"As a matter of fact," he replied, "I've been known to play a hand or two in my time.  Why do you ask?"


(reply Munroe) 
(posted by Olan Suddeth) 

Stardate:2406.11.26
(USS Boudicca - Officer's mess - TAC/ASC Lt. Stolev - Day 3 - 1240) 

Stolev entered the officer's mess wearily.  The morning's training 
scenario had been much more narrowly focused that the previous day's 
had been.  While the team had performed better, they still had plenty 
of work to do.  He realized he must be quite a sight, but hunger won 
out over the need to shower, so he had headed straight for the mess 
hall after the exercise had broken for lunch. 

He took his tray from the replicator and scanned the room.  He started 
to head for an empty table when out of the corner of his eye he 
noticed Caleb Talda talking to Dr. Munroe.  He changed course and 
headed for an empty table next to them, hoping to perhaps find out if 
they had learned anything more about the star system they were going 
to be entering. 

"So," Munroe was saying, "Caleb, do you play poker at all?" 

Stolev noticed that Caleb's food was largely untouched and he was 
intently studying a PADD.  He looked up at the CSO's question, though. 
 "As a matter of fact," he replied, "I've been known to play a hand or 
two in my time.  Why do you ask?" 

Stolev took this opportunity to lean over.  "Good afternoon Caleb, 
Doctor Monroe.  Hope I'm not interrupting.  And by the way, if you're 
planning a poker game, count me in," he said with a smile. 

(reply Talda, Munroe) 

"Well, I actually came here straight from training," said Stolev 
apologetically.  "I was going to find a nice table off by myself, but 
I saw you two here and thought I'd take the opportunity to ask if we 
had any more information about the planetary system.  We're anxious to 
incorporate as much detail as we can into our training scenarios." 

(reply Talda, Munroe, any) 
(posted by Aaron Scifres) 


Stardate:2406.11.26
(USS Boudicca - Officer's mess - ACSO Ensign Caleb Talda - 1240) 

Munroe had asked about poker, and Caleb had answered, though his attention was still very much on the PADD that the CSO had given him.  At that moment, the tactical officer that Talda had spoken with the previous night inserted himself into the conversation.  

"Good afternoon Caleb, Doctor Monroe. Hope I'm not interrupting. And by the way, if you're planning a poker game, count me in," he said with a smile. 

The ACSO tore his eyes from the PADD long enough to be considered polite.  "Good afternoon, lieu... er... Sasha.  Sir.  Not at all, sir... have a seat."  he spoke as he gestured to the several empty chairs.  Despite his interest in the new data, Caleb tried to be friendly.  "Been a busy morning, sir?" he asked. 

"Well, I actually came here straight from training," said Stolev apologetically. "I was going to find a nice table off by myself, but I saw you two here and thought I'd take the opportunity to ask if we 
had any more information about the planetary system. We're anxious to incorporate as much detail as we can into our training scenarios." 

Caleb arched an eyebrow at Stolev's comment.  There was no way he could have known what Munroe had just given to her assistant, so it would have to be chalked up to impeccable timing.  "As a matter of fact, sir, it appears that we do have some newly available data on the system."  Pausing for a moment to glance at the readout, Talda added, "A lot of new data, by the looks of it."

The ensign absently took a sip of his beverage before continuing.  "Sir, it will take me a couple of hours to get anything usable out of this, more to give a detailed analysis.  That being said, I think that you - and the rest of the responsible parties - should know that our target planet has an extremely strong magnetic field.  So much so, that, if this data is correct, we might have severe difficulty using transporters to reach the planet's surface.  If, in fact, we can use them at all."

(reply Stolev iyw)

It occured to Caleb that the Boudicca would be at her destination in somewhere close to two days.  If the combined fleet and marine forces were to have any opportunity to train, they would need as much information as possible as soon as possible.  A sense of urgency hit the ACSO in the stomach, settling as a dull ache.  With two bites out of his burger, Talda stood up and grabbed his tray.

"Excuse me lieutenant, doctor, but if I am going to present this data in a usable manner, I need to be working on it ten minutes ago.  Looks like lunch in the lab for me!"  He smiled ruefully.

(reply Munroe, Stolev, any)

With that, Talda hurriedly made his way to the turbolift.

(posted by Olan Suddeth)
Stardate:2406.11.26
(USS Nimitz - Holodeck - CO- Captain Devan Sash- 1959) 

Sash was just getting ready to start playing with Bixx when a shadow crossed 
his path and he almost ran into the marine, Kane. 

"You requested me to come Sir." Kane stated, standing at attention. 

Sash looked at him with curiosity.  "Ummm, no," he replied.  "I made no such 
request, although I was surprised to see your release from the sickbay.  I 
will want to see you avbout the incident with Lt. Zzt, but this is NOT an 
opportune moment.  I would appreciate it if you restricted yourself to the 
marine training area until further notice." 

(reply Kane) 
(posted by Al Muir)  


Stardate:2406.11.26
(USS Nimitz - Holodeck - Private Kane Curtis - 2001) 

"Ummm, no," he replied.  "I made no such request, although I was surprised 
to see your release from the sickbay.  I will want to see you avbout the 
incident with Lt. Zzt, but this is NOT an opportune moment.  I would 
appreciate it if you restricted yourself to the marine training area until 
further notice." 

Kane raised his hand and saluted. 

"Sir yes Sir." He bellowed, turned on his heel in a perfect manner, and 
stepped out, making his way towards the marine training area. 

(USS Nimitz - Marine training area - Private Kane Curtis - 2003 

Kane entered the training area, not even wondering why the Captain dismissed 
him, when the other marines told him that the Captain wanted to see him. He 
just walked over to an available machine, and started to work out, again, 
putting all weights nearly to the max. Shortly after, his uniform was soaked 
in sweat, It didn't stop him, but it tore up his uniform. He removed the 
topside of it, again, displaying all the scars on his back. He didn't paid 
much attention to it, but the other marines just couldn't miss it. The 
looking eyes didn't disturb Kane, he just kept on training until the Captain 
would arrive. 

(reply any) 
(posted by Anthony Struelens) 


Stardate:2406.11.26
(USS Nimitz - Holodeck - TAC/SC - Ensign {SG} Paul Casely - 2024)

Paul watched puzzled as Ensign Bixx ran out of the room and then John was absconded by the Captain. It seemed they were talking to some children who had wandered in. Paul wasn't really sure this was the correct venue for children, but it was, afterall, the captain's call. He shrugged and waited patiently. Presently, John returned.

"Sorry about that, Paul," he said, "Now, let's begin," stated John looking rather flustered and amused at the same time.

Paul nodded for a second, "What was THAT all about?" Paul had an idea, but had worked hard not to listen in on any conversations. He was definitely seeing another side of their good captain... a more human side. Bixx had looked... ravishing... this evening. 
 
(Reply John)
 
Paul chuckled to himself as the captain exited the holodeck. "It seems our captain is better at reading some signals than others," he said winking and racking up the balls on their table. Paul chalked his cue and steadied himself to break.
 
(Reply John)
(posted by Jeff Bergeron)
Stardate:2406.11.26
(USS Nimitz - Holodeck - COUNS - Ensign {SG} john 
Harrison - 2025) 

"Sorry about that, Paul," he said, "Now, let's begin". 

Paul nodded for a second, "What was THAT all about?"  

"If by 'that', you mean the presence of Dr Kirien's 
children, it seems they've found a loophole in the 
Captain's orders that allows them to be here. If by 
'that', you mean Ensign Bixx's hasty exit," he said, 
and his grin widened, "I think it's the sort of 
situation that if we guess correctly, it's none of our 
business." 
  
Paul chuckled to himself as the captain exited the 
holodeck. "It seems our captain is better at reading 
some signals than others," he said winking and racking 
up the balls on their table. Paul chalked his cue and 
steadied himself to break. 
  
"Yeah, but as signals go..." John Harrison smiled, 
leaving the end of his sentence to Paul's imagination. 
As he picked up his cue, he chalked it a little bit - 
not that he'd ever understood what that did - and 
watched his companion begin the game. 

(reply Casely) 
(posted by James Batchelor) 

Stardate:2406.11.26
(USS Nimitz - Holodeck - CMO - Dr. BigWill Kinkaid- 2025) 

Kinkaid watched K'ven as the Klingon began to look at his cue stick.  He 
manipulated it like a weapon, then frowned as he realized what a poor weapon 
it would make.  K'ven then moved up to the table and prepared to make the 
first shot.  The Klingon grabbed the stick by the narrow end and swung it, 
as if to use the srick like a club. 

A sudden comotion caught both of their attention.  Kinkaid watched as Ensign 
Bixx, who was looking extremely nice, stormed out of the room.  There was no 
mistake in the look that she shot at Sash. 

Kinkaid looked at K'ven, who was looking at the doctor.  He smiled and 
said, "Did she look different to you?" 

K'ven shrugged his shoulders and then approached the table again, like a 
baseball player.  "Umm.., mind if I make a slight suggestion on how you're 
holding that." 

"What do you mean I am doing it wrong? I have not done anything yet." K'ven 
replied gruffly, and made to hit the ball again with the club end of the 
stick. 

"No," Kinkaid reitterated, "really, you don't want to hit the ball that 
way." 

K'ven stepped back and Kinkaid took his place.  He demonstrated the correct 
way to hold the cue stick and how to hit the ball.  "It really is quite 
easy." 

K'ven harumphed and pushed Kinkaid aside.  He clumsily found the correct 
grip and then took a practice slide with the stick, lining up his shot. 
Then with a mighty push he looked off to the side when someone laughed.  The 
stick missed the ball and tore into the green felt of the table. 

Kinkaid couldn't help himself.  As hard as he tried to to hold it in, it was 
just so classically cliched, he let a burst of laughter slip through his 
lips.  He looked at the Klingon, sheepishly, wondering if the warrior was 
going to run him through with his big knife for dishonoring him. 

"I'm sorry Lt. Commander," he apologized, "it's just that I've never 
actually seen anyone do that."  With that he burst into another peel of 
laughter.  If K'ven was going to kill him, he might aswell make it worth his 
while. 

However, fortunately the Klingon seemed to take the laughter in the spirit 
in which it was offered and just looked a little embarrassed.  

"Computer, reset this table and continue." 

The table was instantly repaired and they began to play.  This time Kinkaid 
broke.  The balls crashed around the table, coming to rest.  K'ven tried 
again, this time with a little more success.  By the end of the game, he 
played much better, although, Kinkaid beat him easily the firtst two games. 
However, by the third round, the Klingon had gotten into a groove and began 
to sink the balls regularly and wound up winning a game.  However, by the 
time they were done, it was Kinkaid who had ended up as the winner between 
the two of them. 

(reply K'ven if you want) 
(posted by Al Muir) 
Stardate:2406.11.26
(USS Nimitz - Personal Quarters- Ensign {SG} Dartena Bixx & Captain Devan Sash- 2026)

The door slid open and and Sash entered tentatively.  He looked to see
Bixx sitting behind her computer, tapping away on the keys like there 
was something on them that she was trying to get off.

"Oh... its you," she said icily.

Sash looked over at her, wondering what the problem was.  He stepped
closer. "Is everything alright, Ensign?"

Dartena shook her head for an instant, did she hear him right? "Are you
daft or something?!" she demanded, "I'm obviously interested in you, 
you invite me on a date, and then you act like I'm not even there! Don't 
worry about it, I'll find a way off of this ship the next chance I get. You 
won't have to worry about me anymore!" Dartena could feel her eyes start to 
sting again with tears.

Sash was stunned.  He stepped back, not only at the ferocity of Bixx's
verbal assualt, but also at the sudden realization that he had made a
most grevious error in judgement.

If it wasn't so obviously upsetting to Bixx, Sash might have laughed.
After all, it wasn't as if she were unattractive.  It's more of, that 
he himself had been out of "circulation" for so long, he did not know how 
to respond.

He took a deep breath and stepped forward again.  She had stopped
typing, but her hands hung over the panel as if she had suddenly been 
frozen there.

"Ensign," Sash began, then started again, "Darteena, I'm sorry, but I'm
really not sure what to say.  I don't know what you mean by ignoring
you.  When did I do that?  And what do you mean you'll find a way off 
the ship? Where are you planning to go?"

Dartena stared at the Captain. "Another ship?" she said swinging her
screen around to show the transfer request she'd been working on. "I 
had th ought you might have been interested in me. I feel like an idiot now. 
I'd spare myself that and you the concern of having to deal with a mere 
Ensign who dares to want a relationship with you."

He stopped again.  Things slowly started to turn in his mind as he 
suddenly heard her first tirade.

~"Obviously interested"?  "Date"?  "Relationship"?  Oh my!~

He crossed to the desk, not even looking at the computer screen.  He 
would deny any transfer request right now.  He squatted down so that he was 
at her face level and looked into her eyes.  She was quite lovely, and an 
exquisit shade of blue, which seemed a little bluer right now.  he wondered if 
that was an emotional response.

He tried to put his hand on top of hers.  "Darteena, I don't want you 
to leave, under any circumstances.  It seems that I have been grossly
neglectful, and I hope that you can forgive me. I didn't ra lize that  our
playful banter was being taken that seriously.  I was bad at this when 
I was a young man, and I'm about thirty years out of practice."

Dartena blinked for a second and then stared at him shaking her head. 
"I just dont' get you. What do you mean you were bad at 'this'? What is 
'this'? Is 'playful banter' 'this'? Or is it something more?"

Finally Sash smiled.  A warm caring smile.  "To be honest, I don't know what this is.  
I was never, what one might call, a ladies man.  My wife used to often laugh at how unromantic  I tended to be.   I'm a product of my upbringing.  When you're raised and trained as a warrior, they don't give you too much time to learn social graces."

Dartena considered this for a second. It did make some sense but still... "You'd better learn a few then. I don't mind seeing a man who's romantically challenged, but he has to at least try! Do you think you can at least try?" she asked.

Sash smiled again, "I'll see what I can do.  But don't expect too much.  Perhaps I just need a good teacher.  Can you recomend anyone?"

With that Dartena stood up and slipped her arm around his and smiled up at him. "I'm sure we can work something out," she said.

As they left Bixx's quarters Sash was beginning to wonder just what he had gotten hmself into.

(reply none)
(posted by Al Muir and Jefferey Bergeron)
Stardate:2406.11.26
(USS Nimitz- Holodeck - ACSO T'Pau Vorik -2030) 

T'Pau was heading for the holodeck to participate in tonight's pool 
tournament,which the Captain had invited him to.Until today the Vulcan had 
never heard of pool much less played it,so himself and his CO had been in 
the holodeck earlier getting in a little practice which the two officers 
found most helpful as T'pau now believed he was good at it or at least not 
bad. 

The ACSO had dressed himself in typical earth dress so he might fit in 
better,Vulcan dress was far too formal so Earth clothes it is.The Captain 
didn't give a specific time,neither did the CSO but for some reason he knew 
he was late. 

As T'pau entered the holodeck he noticed two junior female officers hiding 
at the back and as he turned his head around he saw what looked like most of 
the senior crew around a pool table.Most of them he did not know but he saw 
the Captain and the CSO,they didn't seem to notice him as he approached 
them. 

"Excuse me Sir you asked me to come and join you."Inquired the Vulcan 

(Reply Sash) 

"Thankyou Sir,shall I play or would you prefer I just watch?"The young ACSO 
suddenly felt very intimidated by the more experinced and older officers 
around him. 

(Reply Sash,any on the holodeck) 
(Posted by Scott Hepburn) 


Stardate:2406.11.26
(USS Nimitz- Holodeck - CO- Captain Devan Sash -2031) 

"Excuse me Sir you asked me to come and join you." Vorik said as he walked 
up to the captain. 

"Mr. Vorik," Sash smiled.  "I'm so glad you could make it.  Better late than 
never, eh?" 

"Thank you Sir,shall I play or would you prefer I just watch?"  He sounded 
uncertain, all of a sudden.  A most unusual thought, for a Vulcan. 

"Absolutely not," Sash said shocked.  "Watch, no, I want everyone to 
participate.  We just need to find you a partner.  Ah, another late comer. 
Mr. Lichfield.  I have a partner for you right here.  I beleive there's an 
open table right over there."  He pointed to an unused pool table. 

(reply Lichfield, Vorik) 
(posted by Al Muir) 


Stardate:2406.11.26
(USS Nimitz- Holodeck - ACSO Ensign T'pau Vorik  -2035) 

Mr. Lichfield.  I have a partner for you right here.  I beleive there's an 
open table right over there."  He pointed to an unused pool table. 

T'pau and his partner Mr.Lichfield moved over to the pool table that the 
Captain indicated.They each took one of the available cues and proceeded to 
set up the table. 

"I will break if that is agreeable Mr.Lichfield?"The Vulcan asked his 
partner and without waiting for an answer proceeded to do so. 

T'pau struck the balls with in a more controlled manner than when he was in 
the holodeck,he had realized since then that this game was about more than 
calculated shots, so he expected to win this game.The balls bounced around 
the table and as they were coming to settle they noticed a red ball fall 
into the top corner pocket and then a yellow one rolled into the bottom 
corner pocket. 

"Well."Exclaimed the Vulcan"that certainly was unexpected since I broke you 
may choose which colour you wish to be." 

(Reply Lichfield) 

"Very well Mr.lichfield I shall go yellow."The Vulcan almost smirked,during 
his practice he had found that when he went the yellow coloured balls he won 
every game he could not explain it,but it happened so the Vulcan was sure he 
was going to win this game. 

T'pau potted the first two with no trouble but as the white came to settle 
he noticed it rolled in behind two red balls and there seemed no way out.He 
moved around to the other side of the table and stared at the table.~Hmm I 
shall not be able to pot anything but I may be able to connect with one of 
the yellows.~T'pau lined up his shot and took it.The white bounced off the 
edge of the table and rolled past the two reds that were blocking but 
instead of hitting the nearest yellow as intended it rolled to a stop and 
hit nothing. 

T'pau couldn't understand"That should have went in dammit."Hissed the Vulcan 

(Reply Lichfield) 
(Posted by Scott Hepburn)