Utopia Planitia

Stardate:2405.09.04
(USS Firebrande - Unknown location - ACMO Rain Anderson - 0002)

Rain gasped as she felt her position and orientation change. Her thoughts collided dramatically and she begun to feel dizzy. She reached out her hand to balance herself and felt a wall. She leant on it heavily until the dizziness passed.

Her thoughts continued to swirl. She had strong memories of medical school but equally strong memories of being a hostess in a Risian pleasure palace. She forced her eyes to open and looked around the room. Many of the people were familiar but she fought to put names to faces. 

She tried to put the conflicting memories to the back of her mind and concentrate on what was going on around her. She did notice that a lot of people looked as confused as she felt. She tried to make sense of the discussion going on, but there were no memories of attending temporal physics classes and much of it went over her head.

The Security Chief who she vaguely remembered spoke about leaving the room. From what she could understand, the room they were currently in was not "real", rather it was a construct of memories and each crew member had been drawn to it for some reason. It also seemed to have no position in current time or space. If that wasn't enough to make you head spin, nothing would.

The Security Chief stood up and walked towards the main doorway. Rain tried to catch a glimpse of what was out there, but it seemed there was only darkness. The door closed behind him.

~That was either incredibly brave or incredibly stupid, depending on how clearly you understand what is going on!~

Rain looked down at her body for the first time and gasped when she saw what she was wearing.... and it wasn't much. The two piece ensemble was brief, very brief and rain automatically tried to tug the little skirt down a little longer and her other hand tried to conceal her torso. Her brain fought for an explanation for her outfit. She felt that she belonged with these people, these Starfleet people and she felt strongly that she was a doctor, but not dressed like this!

Talking stopped abruptly when a sound echoed through the room.

=/\=All senior officers, report to the Observation deck.=/\=

Automatically, many of the officers stood but then paused. She understood their confusion.... could they just simply walk to the door and into a turbo lift, en route to the observation lounge? Would they cease to exist if the y just walked out the door, away from their "construct"?

She didn't know the answer to any of these questions but certainly wasn't going to be left behind? She didn't even know for sure if she was a senior officer on this ship? She sensed she might be, but what she was wearing left plenty of doubt in her mind.

A group of officers had decided to follow in the footsteps of the TAC/SC and stood on the threshold of the exit.

"Here we go" said one of them and Rain crossed her fingers as she too stepped through.

It was dark but it was real!

She'd never put much stock in the theory of the "collective unconscious" but maybe... just maybe....

Stardate:2405.09.04
(USS Firebrande - Observation Lounge - ACMO Rain Anderson - 0006)

Rain wished there were a nice set of curtains decorating the OL, so she could drag them down and cover herself. She had managed to locate an emergency med kit and as she took a seat she extracted the tricorder and began to run the medical remote over herself.

~This feels very natural!~ she thought

Other than an elevated heart rate and respiration, there wasn't much wrong. She switched to a higher resolution and found what she'd been expecting. Each cell and probably each atom was showing a level of temporal flux. She scaned a few of the people around her and they too showed the same level of distortion. Rain closed her tricorder and sat back to listen.

"Okay everyone, let's sit down. See if we can work through this." She recognised this man as Captain Remae. 

"I remember being in a battle, no doubts there - a battle with the Dominion and the Romulans.", Remae looked over and noted the confused faces of the Nimitz crew.

"Well, lets start at the beginning."

Captain Remae recounted the fact the he and the crew of the Firebrande were assigned to Utopia Planitia and the Firebrande was their test ship, next he recounted the tale of the rogue Dominion forces attacking key sites in both Romulan and Federation space.

Each of these things she could remember. She also remembered being called to the bridge for a medical emergency....and that was the last time she could remember being a doctor. Her memories of being a pleasure hostess were much more recent and she actually felt herself blush.

The Captain continued..."So, were we sent out to see if the Romulans would take the bait, and enter the Federation space to engage the Dominion and they were but the size of the fleet that the Dominion put up surprised them and us, but we had just destroyed one of the largest ships I've seen. I am guessing that fierce exchange of fire opened up this portal."

"Lieutenant Bellephoron, could you interpolate these events and suggest a theory?", asked Remae to the TSO.

Rain listened again to the scientist's theory and really tried hard to understand it, with only marginal success. It was very hard taking someone in deep purple pyjamas seriously on such an important issue.

~I'm clearly not a temporal physicist!~

The Captain nodded and continued. "After the battle, I found myself in the presence of the Prophets, for the first time in my life but I know that it wasn't the first time either. Also, I have memories that I didn't have before, but are also my own. I've never met Captain Susan Rivers, but I have and I've commanded the USS Spectre in the past, even though I know I haven't.", he said, pointing out the window at the Spectre class vessel.

"Commander Lee, please scan all vessels in range, I want to know if they have crews onboard and their status.", he said, continuing the to the rest of the room.

"It's as if, somehow, my memories from this reality and another past reality have been merged. Whether or not the Prophets did it or everyone is in the same boat, we'll have to see - given the different uniforms around the room, some people here could be from another reality again."

~My memories are not merged... they are quite distinct! My existence in each reality must have been markedly different!~ 

"As for the Kalmorose, we've got a problem, a species we can't see, stop or effect, who made a ship the size of the Titan disappear, well, we'll need to find out all we can about it."

"Captain Rivers, what can you tell us about this timeline and where we are?"

Rain realised suddenly that her jaw had dropped open. The story that the Captain told was startling.... they were now in a reality 26 years from an hour ago... if time can be thought of as passing in nothingness. Surreptitiously she felt her face looking for wrinkles.... was she 26 years older?? Did her other self have 26 years worth of extra memories than she herself did?

Rain watched Captain Rivers carefully, deperately wanting to scan her for a baseline temporal flux reading.... but the phaser at her side made her sit down and shut up. She wondered if anyone else had noticed.

"Commander Lee, contact Starfleet Command, secure channel and request instructions and also, a full roster of Utopia Planitia, I want to see what's happening over there."

"Okay, everyone else, I want to hear from each of you, what can you remember? I have a roster here of the Firebrande, so each of you can see what jobs you are suppose to be doing and Rick, I would be most eager to hear all you know about the Kalmorose."

"Sir, I think we might need validation from someone known in this universe." The FO asked. Rain only vaguely remembered him and wondered if it was her memory that was at fault of if they had not met formally.

"I agree with Cmdr Lee, I even don't know who I am, am I the Valhalla bartender or a star ship's chief of Security, I've both memories in my mind." he made a pause and added " Concerning those Kalmorose, when I was in Ferenginar I remember that some traders had spoken about aliens who were living in some kind of 'another phase' and they were called as the Kalmorose, rumours were saying that they were capable of making disappear ships but it was only rumours but all I can say is that they were all, even the Ferengies, fearing them. It reminds me something about some species encounters by the Enterprise-D, they were called the devidians if I remember correctly, they were also living in " another phase" and they were only visible to those viewers or mechanical scanners that have matched their synchronic distortion of +0.004%. Maybe we could use that too."

This man she did not know. He certainly looked like a Starfleet officer and not a bartender.

"Interesting, we'll inform Starfleet Science as soon as possible. In the meantime,  Lt. Bellephoron will be in charge of finding out what the hell happened here."

Rain had a million questions in her mind and she knew there were probably very few answers at this stage.

~Would her parents remember her as going to Earth and studying to be a doctor or would they only remember the girl who stayed home and worked in the family business? Is there another me in this reality?~

She imagined the only way to find out would be to contact them.

When it came time for Rain to speak, she tried to sink into her seat so no-one could see her attire.

"I have two quite distinct sets of memories. In one I am a doctor onboard a Federation Starship, in another I never left my home planet and went to work for my family. In no way has my existence in each reality been similar.... after the age of about 11 that is. I would also like to add that our bodies, right down to the sub-atomic particles are in a state of temporal flux. I would like permission to take readings from someone native to this reality for a baseline comparison."

Permission was given for her to take a reading at the conclusion of the meeting.

Rain listened as the others spoke about their experiences.

When the meeting had finished, the Captain stood and spoke up. "Thank you, you are all dismissed, we'll be heading back to the base of operations for this sector as soon as we can."

Rain waited until the room had thinned out before standing. She tried to hide her embarrassment as she took temporal scans of the FO of the Nimitz. When she had what she was looking for, she closed the device.

"I will begin my analysis of the results as soon as possible" she mumbled as she backed towards the exit.

(Reply any)
(Posted by Wendy Keen)

Stardate:2405.09.04
(USS Firebrande, Observation Lounge, Captain Remae Ktell - 00.15)

"Sir, I think we might need validation from someone known in this
universe.", said Commander Lee, busily contacting Starfleet Command.

"I agree with Cmdr Lee, I even don't know who I am, am I the Valhalla
bartender or a starship's chief of Security, I've both memories in my
mind."

He made a pause and added, "Concerning those Kalmorose, when I was in
Ferenginar I remember that some traders had spoken about aliens who were
living in some kind of 'another phase' and they were called as the
Kalmorose, rumours were saying that they were capable of making
disappear ships but it was only rumours but all I can say is that they
were all, even the Ferengies, fearing them. 

It reminds me something about some species encounters by the
Enterprise-D, they were called the Devidians if I remember correctly;
they were also living in "another phase" and they were only visible to
those viewers or mechanical scanners that have matched their synchronic
distortion of +0.004%. Maybe we could use that too."

"Interesting, we'll inform Starfleet Science as soon as possible. In the
meantime,  Lt. Bellephoron will be in charge of finding out what the
hell happened here."

Remae listened to the conversation and the thoughts about the USS
Firestorm and the new weapon.

"Thank you, you are all dismissed, we'll be heading back to the base of
operations for this sector as soon as we can."

Captain Rivers was talking to Starfleet Command about them before the
meeting winded up, before it did, Remae pulled aside Ensign Pierce Orde,
the Firebrande's Security Chief.

=^= Roberts to Captain Ktell, estimate five hours until systems are back
to nominal. =^=

"Thank you, Captain out."

"Ensign, after looking over the roster of this ship and the current
crew, I've decided to promote you to Second Officer, you new title is
effective immediately, I'll make a formal announcement to the crew when
we get to this Starbase. carry on."

<< Any reply from Second Officer Pierce can go here >>

"Captain Rivers, we can get underway shortly, Admiral Kevel and Jopek,
can you prepare the fleet for departure, our scans show the Spectre is
devoid of crew, can you send a skeleton crew over and prepare her for
departure?"

Stardate:2405.09.04
(USS Firebrande - Observation Lounge - Lt Cmdr Sevant/ Cmdr Richard Ian Lee / Captain Jenna Rulestaad  - 0025)

"Sir, I think we might need validation from someone known in this universe." 

Jenna shook her head, and looked once more at the man she knew, and knew even better. Only one thing was certain in her mind, she wasn't supposed to be here, not like this. And not with all these memories ... She vaguely recalled another self, a cast iron wench who ruled Strategic Operations (whatever that was) with an iron fist. ~Could I be that cold, to him especially ?~ she wondered vaguely.  

Rich stood and took his place back at the table, as ... Who was he ? Rich folded his hands together and tried to match the face with his memory. He himself said he didn't know who he was, Chief of Security or a Bartender. The face tickled Rich's memory, but he got impressions of a man in Medical Blue, possibly a doctor or counselor...

He shrugged the thought away, whatever had happened was messed up in the extreme. 

Sevant found himself both intrigued and skeptical at the same time. 

The stories were interesting, if somewhat large to swallow. On the other hand, there was plenty of evidence at hand that some temporal problem was at work, and he didn't even need the presence and destruction of a ship by an unknown alien race to give him suspicions. Sevant was distrustful by nature, but he was starting to come around. 

His attention was drawn forward by one of the females in the group, a woman named 'Rain', "...I would also like to add that our bodies, right down to the sub-atomic particles are in a state of temporal flux. I would like permission to take readings from someone native to this reality for a baseline comparison."

Sevant considered that for several moments, "I will grant you permission for a scan." he said in his rough voice. "Presuming we also receive the results."

(reply Rain, if desired)

NRPG: Wendy, you said you scanned the FO of the Nimitz, I suppose it would behoove me to grant said permission *chuckles* ;o)

RPG:
Sevant's attention refocused for the 10th time on the Rich Lee sitting before him, as he tapped his large paw on the table for a moment, then started talking about his past experiences. 

Rich took a breath when his turn came, "I seem to know very well who I am, I just cant decide on my ultimate profession or personality. Seems I could be a Commander in Starfleet, and Second in command of Utopia Planitia Fleet Yards..." he gave a weighted glance to Admiral Jopek, then looked over at Captain Rivers and Commander Sevant. "Or if I'm still in Omega fleet during the Dominion War, or if I'm really a Fleet Admiral in one last, yet hopeless,  Alpha Quadrant alliance to throw back a massive Borg invasion."

He frowned, "Among other things, anyway.. Not all of them nearly so pleasant as said alternatives."

Lee leaned his massive frame back into the chair and picked up the PADD that was sitting in front of him by habit. "The only thing I can seem to agree on with myself is that my name is Richard Lee, and that I'm not currently dead."

Rulestaad clenched her shaking fist, and slowly stood her lithe form up. "I, uh... I suppose it's my turn now." she said in a low and somewhat mousy voice. "My name is Jenna Rulestaad, Leuten..." she brought her hand up to her collar, "err, Captain Rulestaad. I am, was... Is..." she closed her eyes and once again cursed her own quiet nature. "That is to say, I think I'm a low level Strategic Operations officer, head of Intel gathering and designated liaison between Starfleet Intelligence and Stratops, but..." 

She looked at some of the faces she knew so well, and ignored those she had never seen before. She especially concentrated on him...

Richard tapped his fingers as he watched Jenna, now he knew why she had been so d*mned quiet during the previous meeting, why she had been studying that PADD as if her life depended on it. What was confusing him though were the heavy looks she kept giving him, knowing her like he did...like he thought he did, it unnerved him. 

Jenna continued, "I, though... I have memories of commanding Utopia Stratops, and I remember hating so many of you because of your lack of insight, but at the same time I also remember loving you all.. Having you as my friends and as, family." She threw one more heavy look at Richard, then closed her eyes and turned her head away slightly, "And my husband is at this table though he seems not to remember it." 

There, she had finally gotten it out!

Lee went cold, and found he could say nothing. 

Jenna, in her own private hell, sat down quickly and folded her hands together, to keep them warm.

When the meeting had finished, the Captain stood and spoke up. "Thank you, you are all dismissed, we'll be heading back to the base of operations for this sector as soon as we can."

Sevant gave a glance to Rivers, then looked back at the people on the other side of the table. This had turned out to be fairly interesting, even if his interests didn't lie in temporal equations, he should have brought Zach Falthgood with him. 

NRPG: Yeah right, I need another char around here... Do we have any other temporal experts on the Nimitz...anyone ?

RPG:
People started clearing out, so they could go to their respective duty stations. Sevant stood, and held back when he noticed that Ms. Rain was not leaving, then put his hands behind his back as she pulled out a tricorder. He kept his face impartial as she scanned him, but breathed a small sigh when she was finished. 

"I will begin my analysis of the results as soon as possible" 

Caladryll ignored the fact that she was backing away, and simply said "Very well."

He turned back to the Captain, "If you are ready Captain ?"

(reply Rivers)

Sevant tapped his badge, "Sevant to Nimitz, two to beam back."

(reply any)
(posted by Trout)

Stardate:2405.09.04
(USS Firebrande: Observation Lounge - TAC/SC Pierce Orde - 0040)

"Ensign, after looking over the roster of this ship and the current crew, I've decided to promote you to Second Officer, you new title is effective immediately, I'll make a formal announcement to the crew when we get to this Starbase. carry on." Captain Remae told Pierce.

Pierce did a double-take. "Me, sir? Aye aye, Sir!" Pulling off a crisp military salute, he walked out of the lounge with a discenable spring to his step.

(USS Firebrande:Corridor outside COUNS Office- TAC/SC/2O Pierce Orde -
0130)

Pierce stood in front of the door to Eleni's quarters. His hand reached for the doorchime, and sounded it smartly.

He stood and waited for Eleni to answer.

~C'mon, you should be there...~

(Reply Eleni)
(Posted by Lenox)

Stardate:2405.09.04
(USS Firebrande, Bridge, Captain Remae Ktell - 02.00)

=^= Transport System and the warp drive are operational, Captain =^=

Engineering had reported in and their concentrated efforts had returned
the warp drive back to nominal.

"CONN take us in within transporter range of the Spectre, I'm beaming
over, Commander Lee, take the Bridge.", he said, heading towards the
turbolift and back to his command, the USS Spectre in another life or
perhaps, this life.

(USS Spectre, Bridge, Captain Remae Ktell - 02.00)

Materialising on the Bridge, Remae appeared in almost total darkness. He
had come prepared and he turned on his palm beacon. Other lights flashed
around and the team from the Lion was aboard and doing their repairs.

A few moments later, the lights came on.

Remae spent the next 30 minutes looking around his Ready Room, it was
his, the ship had come from a time when Remae was in command, most of
his belongings from another life were in his quarters and the Ready
Room. 

He noticed Captain Ro's sacred Bajoran symbol. It was a bout 1 meter in
diameter and she used to pray in front of it, Remae, the other Remae
used to dismiss such things, given his a-religious nature and non-belief
of the Prophets, although he didn't know what to think now.

Stardate:2405.09.04
(USS Nimitz, Bridge, CO, Captain Susan Rivers, 02.10)

Susan exited the turbolift together with Sevant, and nodded at Nishi. 

"Mr Nakamura, in the Ready Room, if you please," she said as she headed that way. "Number One, you have the Bridge. Start making preparations to escort the Firebrande to Geneva. Inform Engineering they are to be ready to depart in one hour."

(reply Sevant)
Stardate:2405.09.04
(USS Nimitz - Bridge - Lt Cmdr Sevant - 02.10)

Sevant stepped out of the turbolift and looked around the now familiar image of the Nimitz's bridge. He was really starting to think of the place as home, and that was a rather interesting concept. 

"Mr. Nakamura, in the Ready Room, if you please, Number One, you have the Bridge. Start making preparations to escort the Firebrande to Geneva. Inform Engineering they are to be ready to depart in one hour."

"Aye, Captain." he said as he made way for the center command chair. The Security Chief and Captain made way for the Ready Room, Sevant watched them disappear, then took a breath. "Bridge to Engineering, prepare for departure by 0300 hours, and prepare an engineering team for the possibility that the Firebrande will require some help."

(reply Engineering)

"Very well." Sevant sat in the command chair, then cracked his neck. "Open a channel to the Firebrande and Lion." he said to the Ops officer.


(reply Onyx, if desired)

Sevant tapped his fingertips together as a picture of the Firebrande's bridge formed on the screen. "We will be departing in one hour for Starbase Geneva, what is your current status and maximum safe speed?"

(reply Firebrande, Lion)
Stardate:2405.09.04
(USS Nimitz, Ready Room, CO, Captain Susan Rivers, 02:12)

Susan headed straight for the replicator.

"Raktajino," she said shortly, and once her drink appeared she took it over to her desk and sat in the chair.

"Help yourself to anything you want," she said to Nishi. "Then come and sit down, this is likely to take a while."

(reply Nishi)

When he had sat down, she took a sip from her mug before speaking. She felt that she needed something to keep her mind going.

"Before I start, anything to report?" she asked.

(reply Nishi)

"Very well. What we found out on the Firebrande is this:

"They have arrived from an alternate timeline, not only that, but from twenty-odd years in the past. The Lion arrived with them, the other ships appear to have been dragged along from different timelines, just to make things even more complicated. The Spectre, oddly enough, seems to have arrived empty of crew. I have no idea why, perhaps those Kalmorose were responsible for that too.

"The Kalmorose are as strange to them as they are to us, although apparently in their timeline the Ferengi had encountered them at some point. They seemed to have a reputation for making ships 'disappear'. I can see why."

She paused for a moment, pondering the fate of the Titan. Then she continued.

"So it looks as though they are aliens who live in 'another phase', rather like the Devidians (if I have the name correctly) they were also living in 'another phase' and they were only visible to those viewers or mechanical scanners that matched their synchronic distortion of +0.004%."

She gave Nishi a small smile. "Or so I understand from one of the Firebrande people."

"However that doesn't help us much since the Kalmorose seem to be quite distinct. Maybe we will find a way of communicating or detecting them, who knows. For the moment at least they seem to have gone, or at least are not actively aggressive. The theory is that the Firebrande and the other ships arrived here due to an experiment at Utopia Planitia in their timeline, which went horribly wrong. It caused a massive time/space distortion, ripping the universe in their timeline apart and they only survived due to what you might call the happy accident of the TSO activating a stasis field -"

She broke off and grinned slightly. "Don't worry," she said. "I don't really understand what the heck happened either and I just sat through a 2 hour meeting discussing it. However, whatever he did, combined with the anti-chronitons caused the Firebrande and the Lion to be dragged through a rift in the space/time continuum and on their way here they apparently stopped off at a few other timelines along the way. Hence the other ships."

She looked at Nishi. "Any questions so far?" she asked. "I don't guarantee I'll be able to answer them, mind."

(reply Nishi)

"As you know, the Firebrande in our timeline was destroyed in battle against a Borg ship. From what I can gather, most of the present crew would have had counterparts on her, but not all, which could lead to massive complications for those of them with 'doubles' in this timeline. However, that won't be for us to sort out, thankfully. Although there is one Commander Lee, the FO of the Firebrande, who is apparently the double of our MXO Lee. But that isn't really important right now. Nor is it why I wanted to talk to you."

"It seems that the Firebrande's inadvertent zipping about the timelines, coupled with the events here, have seriously upset the Kalmorose. SFHQ needs to be informed of that as soon as possible, which I will take care of. I need you to contact SFI and find out what, if anything, they know of the Kalmorose. IF they have already been active in our timeline, SFI must have records of it. If not... then I guess they will want to know about them in any case."

"In the meantime, as soon as I've spoken to Sector Command at Geneva and to SFHQ, we will be escorting the Firebrande and the Lion back to Geneva. And there our responsibility ends. However, I am pretty sure their crews will be retrained and returned to active service. Where and how, is not my concern."

She looked at Nishi. "I'm sure you remember Remae Ktell. Well, this is NOT the same Remae. He seems very like 'our' Remae, but he's not. I can't explain it," she finished ruefully. "But I still feel as if I know him. Odd, isn't it?"

(reply Nishi iyw)

"Any other questions?" she asked.

NRPG:

If there are I will answer them after Christmas ;-)

RPG:

Susan listened to what Nishi had to say, and then nodded. "Very well," she said. "Better get on with it then. Please report back to me once you have spoken to SFI."

(reply Nishi)

"Thank you," Susan said. "If there's nothing else, dismissed, Lieutenant."

Once Nishi had left, Susan sighed. She regarded the raktajino remaining in her mug for a moment, then drained it. Opening her console, she said, "Establish a secure link to Sector HQ. And then get me SFHQ, also on a secure link."

Stardate:2405.09.04
(USS Firebrande - Observation Lounge - Cmdr Lee / Captain Rulestaad -
02.20)


RPG:
Richard remained in his chair as everyone cleared out of the room. 

After a few minutes, there were only two people; Himself and Captain Rulestaad. 

Rich's thoughts had been occupied by nothing but her revelation since she had stood to tell her story. It raised manifold problems, because he had absolutely no memory of what she was talking about. 

For her part, she simply sat and looked at her hands as the room had cleared. She hadn't wanted to move, it hadn't been intentional that she should be left alone with.. Him. But when it was all said and done, she found it couldn't have happened better, she needed to talk to him, and hear his words. So many times he had kept her together during their marriage, maybe he could be remained...

Rich didn't know what to say, he simply looked at her. After a couple minutes of silence, she looked up at him with her eyes glistening. "I am going to assume from the silence that you know absolutely nothing of what I'm talking about."

It had been a statement, and Rich winced to hear it. "I'm sorry," he whispered

She looked back down quickly, and seemed to study her hands for many moments as she obviously composed herself. "You always said that the Fleet was composed of risks, at least.. My Rich did." she uttered, "So now it seems that I've lost you, but not lost you." She choked slightly, and resisted the urge to rock back and forth. "And all I got for it was a couple more pips and a position that I never wanted, if indeed I'm still qualified for it."

Her voice was almost lost in the *whirrr* sound of the air exchangers. 

Lee leaned forward, very quietly so as not to break the silence with harsh sound. "I have many memories that I consider my own, yet at the same time consider to be false, it's the only way that I can justify in my own mind everything that is going on." he said, just as quietly. "I have visions from a hell I never want to see again, memories of tenderness from women I have never met, yet at the same time was in love with. Mostly though, I saw hell."  He took a deep breath, and looked at his own hands, "But I have no memory of you beyond what you yourself have described as a gain, I remember you as Captain Rulestaad, a woman with a formidable mind and an equally formidable temper, who ruled her department like a Queen on her throne."

He licked his lips and looked back up at her, "When we arrived here, both of us in various states of disarray in Stratops on the Lion, that is what I consider to be 'real', my strongest memories are of being there with you, mapping out what could have become the second dominion war pretty damned proto."

He shook his head and broke off that line of thought, it wasn't going to help her any to hear that he didn't remember her... The person she considered her husband admitting he knew nothing of her tenderness.

Rich waited a moment, then stood. "I'm sorry..." he croaked one more time, as he turned to leave.

"Wait!" she said in a hurry as she jumped out of her own chair. She rushed to him and threw herself into him, wrapping her arms around his back and pressing her face into his chest. Rich went rock still in shock, then slowly wrapped his own arms around her, unsure what else to do. He sympathized with her, but how far should he take it to ease her pain ? She would have to get used to the idea eventually...

She solved his quandary for him. After a few moments she slowly pulled back and looked at him, then turned and fled from the room. 

The doors closed behind her, leaving Richard in silence. He looked down at his still upraised hands, then slowly lowered his arms to his side. "Ding, dong.. The witch is dead." he mournfully said to himself, "And now we are both going to pay."

(reply none)
(posted by Trout)

Stardate:2405.09.04
(USS Nimitz, Ready Room, CO, Captain Susan Rivers, 02.55)

"I know it's hard to believe, Admiral Ohlsson," she said for what felt like the twentieth time, and probably was. "But it's what happened. And we can't very well just leave all these people stranded here with nowhere to go and nothing to go back to even if they COULD do so."

Ohlsson nodded. =/\=Very well, Captain Rivers. You have permission to escort these people back to Geneva. I will make arrangements for them to be brought here to SFHQ for debriefing and re-education. We need to establish what they know already of our technology, and what they don't. Any omissions will have to be made good before they can be returned to active service. In the meantime, any data you have on these anomalies will be of immense importance. By the sound of it, we can't risk any more encounters with these Kalmorose until we know more about what has been going on. Oh, and just so it's clear... none of the Firebrande crew are to board your ship unescorted. Particularly not that Bellephoron fellow. His counterpart in this timeline was... let's just say, eccentric.=/\=

Susan raised an eyebrow. She had had a brief experience of Lt Percival Reginald Andromedus Tiberius Bellephoron II in this timeline and eccentric was the least of the words she would have used to describe him. 

"Very well, Sir."

=/\=And make sure you post warning beacons. We don't want anyone else stumbling on these anomalies if we can help it. Oh, and Captain Rivers? Get the Nimitz back to Geneva in one piece this time, if you can. Ohlsson out.=/\=

Susan scowled at the screen, which instead of showing the Admiral's ruddy complexion was now displaying the UFP symbol.

"Aye, Sir," she muttered.

Then she opened a commlink.

"Captain Rivers to Lt Commander Cale. I need you and your staff to prepare a full report on the anomalies we encountered. The report is to be copied to SFHQ as soon as possible."

(reply Jim and any science officers)

"Thank you, Commander. Rivers out."

She rose and got herself another drink from the replicator. Then she looked at it, and shook her head. It would do her no good to go back to her old habits of drinking stimulants to stay awake. She recycled the raktajino and tapped her commbadge.

"Rivers to Lt Troi-Wolf. Kestra, I need an update on the following crew: Lt Winters, Ensign Solan and Ensign Holland. Are they fit to return to duty?"

(reply Kestra)

"Oh, and Kestra? I should be finished on the Bridge by about 03:30. Any chance of that chat then? I know it's late and if you'd rather leave it for now, that's OK."

(reply Kestra)

(USS Nimitz, Bridge, CO, Captain Susan Rivers, 03.05)

"Report, Number One, " she said as she took her seat. "Are we ready to depart?"

(reply Sevant)

Susan nodded. 

"Lieutenant Nakamura, post warning beacons at the required intervals. We have to try to prevent anyone else encountering these anomalies. Mr Kateb, get me a link to the Firebrande."

(reply Onyx)

Soon Remae's face appeared on the viewscreen.

"Captain, we are ready to depart at your convenience. Our OPS will relay our course to you direct."

(reply Remae iyw)

"The journey shold take about one day. If there's anything else you need before we start?"

(reply Remae iyw)

"Very well then. Mr Kateb, please lay in a course for Geneva and relay it to the Firebrande and the Lion."

(reply Onyx)

Once all the ships were ready, Susan nodded at Onyx.

"Warp 6, engage!"

Susan opened a shipwide link.

"Captain Rivers to all senior officers."

NRPG:

This means all departmental heads and assistant departmental heads

RPG:

"There will be a senior staff-meeting at 0900 hours in the Observation Lounge. You are all to attend, without fail. Rivers out."

Susan stood up.

"Number One, you are now off-duty. You are to find your family and get some sleep, and that's an order. I intend to do the same."

(reply Sevant iyw)

Susan nodded. "Until later, then, Number One."

(USS Nimitz, Observation Lounge, CO, Captain Susan Rivers, 09.15)

Susan had just finished telling her staff the events on the Firebrande and how the ships got there.

NRPG:

I hope I don't need to write that all out again ;-) Oh, and I'm assuming that Winters and Solan at least are present, as well as EVERYONE else who wasn't in Sickbay.

RPG:

"What I need from you all is as follows:

"Commander Sevant, a detailed report on the events on the Ptolemy. Lieutenant Nakamura, Ensign Shtorr, please also submit reports."

(reply Sevant, Nishi, Shtorr)

"Commander Cale, an assessment as to the safety or otherwise of the area of space surrounding the location of the anomalies. Mr Kalik, please assist him."

(reply Jim, Roman)

"Major Dark, I need you to detail some of your marines to help out if necessary on the Firebrande and the Lion. I understand they sustained some damage and may need assistance in repairs."

(reply David)

"Lt Winters, Ensign Solan, please have your departments ready to assist the counselling departments on the Firebrande and the Lion if necessary. These people have had a traumatic wrench away from their past lives, I'm sure that some at least will need help. There may well be some of our own people who need your help too."

(reply Vanyssa, Michael)

Her eyes met Ensign Porter's and she nodded slightly.

"Ensign Porter, I wish you to formally assume the position of ACEO together with Ensign Shtorr. Our CEO has not returned so far as I can ascertain. I need at status report on the engines as soon as possible. Also a report on how they held up to the testing."

(reply DC, Shtorr)

"Lt Troi-Wolf, I need a report on the number of crew injured in the anomalies, and a status report on Ensign Holland as soon as possible, please."

(reply Kestra)

"Ensign Kateb, please liaise with the Science and Engineering staff, your work at OPS has been very valuable and I believe you will have a significant contribution to make to their reports."

(reply Onyx)

"Any questions, anyone?"

NRPG:

If there are you will have to wait for my reply till after Christmas, I'm afraid.

There will be another post following this one, in which we will jump ahead 6 months to align with Geneva. Jeremy, Kat and I will send any posts relating to Geneva station to both lists, since I doubt we will be there long enough to justify adding everyone to one huge posting list.

In that next post I will detail the things that have happened to us in the intervening six months. Nothing major, so don't worry about it ;-)

RPG:

(Reply by ALL)
(Posted by Liz Geuken)

Stardate:2405.09.04
(USS Nimitz - Bridge - Lt Cmdr Sevant - 03.05)

"Report, Number One, Are we ready to depart?"

Sevant sat himself down in the First Officers chair, and folded his hands together. "Systems nominal considering our previous status."

The Captain nodded, then said "Lieutenant Nakamura, post warning beacons at the required intervals. We have to try to prevent anyone else encountering these anomalies. Mr. Kateb, get me a link to the Firebrande."

(reply Onyx)

Sevant turned his monitor to read the ships status as Captain Rivers began giving orders. The Engines were nominal, all other systems were still in good shape, most of the damage from the last 24 hours being on the crewman's nerves instead of ships systems. 

"Captain Rivers to all senior officers."

Sevant turned his head away from the monitor at the Captain's call. 

"There will be a senior staff-meeting at 0900 hours in the Observation Lounge. You are all to attend, without fail. Rivers out."

The Captain stood as Sevant placed the time to memory. He had a long night ahead of him no doubt, he would probably have to have the computer remind him. 

"Number One, you are now off-duty. You are to find your family and get some sleep, and that's an order. I intend to do the same."

Caladryll blinked, that was rather unexpected. Still, it had possibilities, "As you wish, Captain." He stood from the chair, aching and still exhausted from his efforts on the Ptolemy, "Be well, Captain."

Susan nodded. "Until later, then, Number One."

Sevant took the opposite turbolift as the Captain when he was satisfied the bridge was under proper command, and leaned against the wall once the doors had closed. "My quarters." he said, letting his eyes close. A night with his wife, that would be just lovely, just sitting back in a chair with her in his arms...

Visions of himself in Susan River's arms suddenly invaded his thinking, causing him to frown and force them away. It was going to be a long time until he could get all those disturbing images from his head, and telling Vicki about them, that would be a most interesting scenario. He didn't look forward to it much. 

He stepped out of the turbolift and headed for his quarters, thankful for the Captain's foresight. A few hours of sleep would do wonders. 

Sevant turned into his quarters, and quietly walked in. If he was lucky, his wife and daughter would be asleep. There was little more relaxing then just sitting back and watching them at rest, he had found over the years. He looked in on T'Loren, and whispered a near silent good night to her when he noticed her asleep. After a few moments of watching her, he turned and stepped into his bedroom. He immediately noticed that Vicki was indeed sleeping, the very image of beauty and innocence.  

With a small smile on his face he turned the desk chair every so quietly to face the bed, and slowly sat in it. He would have to disturb her when he absolutely required sleep, but for now, peace would be more then enough.

(reply Vicki, if desired)

Stardate:2405.09.04
(USS Firebrande, Bridge, Captain Remae Ktell - 03.10)

"Captain, we're getting a hail from the USS Nimitz.", reported a Bridge
Officer.

=^= Captain, we are ready to depart at your convenience. Our OPS will
relay our course to you direct. =^=

"The fleet is ready, Captain."

=^= The journey should take about one day. If there's anything else you
need before we start? =^=

"No, we're ready when you are."

=^= Very well then. Mr Kateb, please lay in a course for Geneva and
relay it to the Firebrande and the Lion. =^=

"Commander Lee, make sure all ships in the fleet get those coordinates."

"Thank you Captain, see you at the Starbase. Firebrande out.", said
Remae closing the channel.

On the viewscreen, the Nimitz went to warp with a flash of light.

"Match their course and speed, engage."

All the ships of the fleet followed, their warp drives lighting up the
dark background of space. Left behind, a small ripple in space, a ripple
that became more opaque before seeming to crack open, just for a second,
and then closing.

(Reply from Any)
(Posted by Anthony Keen)
Stardate:2405.09.04
(USS Firebrande - Bridge - Cmdr Richard Ian Lee - 03.12)

"Commander Lee, make sure all ships in the fleet get those coordinates."

Rich nodded, and turned to his screen. Once he had the coordinates, he turned to operations, "Open a channel to the fleet, and forward the coordinates." he said shortly, still not in a good mood after his talk with Jenna. This was something that was going to bug him for a long period of time. 

(reply Ops, if desired)

He leaned back in his chair as the Nimitz went to warp. The Captain said, "Match their course and speed, engage."

Rich closed his eyes as the ship responded underneath them. "All departments report on status in twenty minutes." he said to the bridge crew at large. He trusted Michelle, but problems could pop up at any time. After twenty minutes, it would become obvious what problems were in existence.

(reply any, all)
(posted by Trout)

Stardate:2405.09.04
(USS Firebrande, bridge - Richard 'Rick' Blaine - 03:15)
 
After the reunion in the observation lounge, Rick had followed naturally the other officers to their respective post but there was any for him, he still didn't knew who he was in reality, bartender, chief of Security and now almost a third personality was coming up in his memories, something related to medical but he wasn't sure of it.
 
And he didn't knew what to do, he wanted to be usefull and the perspective of washing glasses for the rest of his life wasn't pleasing him very much. He waited for the Captain had given the orders for the departure of the fleet to Starbase Geneva then he approached the command seat.
 
" Sorry to disturb you Captain, but what am I suppose to do during the trip ? I want to be usefull and I don't know where is my real place ? " Rick asked
 
(Reply Ktell, any officer on the bridge)
(Posted by Patrick Buidin)
Stardate:2405.09.04
(USS Nimitz - Observation Lounge - Lt Cmdr Sevant - 09.16)

"What I need from you all is as follows:

"Commander Sevant, a detailed report on the events on the Ptolemy. Lieutenant Nakamura, Ensign Shtorr, please also submit reports."

Sevant nodded, it was high on his list of things to do. "Aye, Captain."

He sat back in his chair as she continued her list, and waited for anything to come up that would require a specific answer.

(reply any)
(posted by Trout)
Stardate:2406.02.05
(USS Firebrande, Bridge, Captain Remae Ktell - 0320)

Remae was on the Bridge, but everyone had either retired to their own activities or even gone to bed!

"Sorry to disturb you Captain, but what am I suppose to do during the trip? I want to be useful and I don't know where my real place is?"

The Captain looked up at the Bartender and considered his question.

"Follow me Rick.", he said, heading for his Ready Room.

(USS Firebrande, Ready Room, Captain Remae Ktell - 0325)

"Have a seat.", said the Bajoran, sitting behind his desk.

"I've been familiarising myself with the biographies of the crew, and I noticed you have been in Starfleet before, at least, in one of the dimensions.

If you want, I can arrange to add you to the ship's security detachment. Assuming the bar is still there when we get back to Valhalla; you can resume either that or continue your role in Security."

(Reply from Richard)

"Very well, report to Ensign Pierce Orde, the Security Chief. We'll talk more about it then. Dismissed.", Remae said smiling at the Bartender.
Stardate:2406.02.05
(USS Firebrande, Bridge, CO, Captain Remae Ktell - 12.00)

=^= What's your status, Captain Remae? =^=

Starfleet Command was on the screen; Admiral Johnson was in charge of
the debriefing and rehabilitation of the crew back in Starfleet.

During their stay, the Firebrande and other ships of the fleet has
received upgrades and overhauls to their main systems, enough to get
them to Utopia Planitia as soon as possible.

"On course Admiral, another month and we'll be arriving at Sector 001."

=^= We've spoken to the Federation Council and we've confirmed that
officers that were assigned to Utopia Planitia did indeed get removed or
replaced when you jumped into the future. Entire sections of people were
removed, it seems that the timeline has altered itself to make room for
your people, back in the position they were at in your alternative
timeline. The Council has ruled that they foresee no problem with your
return and resumption of your duties, but expect resistance, no everyone
is happy about the 'Kalmorose' interference. =^=

"Understood Admiral, we'll keep you informed."

Remae informed the crew about their reinstated positions at Utopia
Planitia, he was sure they would be relived about knowing their skills
were still in demand, also, they were going to avoid seeing themselves,
if the timeline had indeed corrected itself as Starfleet had thought.

(Reply from Any)
(Posted by Anthony Keen)
Stardate:2406.03.04
(USS Firebrande, Bridge, Captain Remae Ktell - 06.00)

After three months of travelling on the Firebrande and before that, three months of compressed training, the Firebrande was approaching Sector 001 and the Federation Shipyards they had all come to know as home. 

As the ship approached the inner planets, Starfleet Command cleared the Firebrande and her fleet to approach Mars and Utopia Planitia.

The viewscreen showed the station and the various support facilities on Utopia Planitia - the place looked the same as when they left, Remae felt some pride that their station had held up so well over the years.

=^= Starbase Valhalla here, Firebrande you are clear to dock at your usual docking bay =^=

The rest of the ships were assigned to various shipyards for repairs and upgrades, but the Firebrande docked without incident.

"All hands, this is the Captain - dismissed.", Remae looked over at the Admiral.

"Senior Officers, report to the Observation Lounge at 0900, have status reports as best as you can ready.", said Jopek.

As all of them filed out of the ship and back to what they remembered, although the station was the same, this universe was different, but first, Jopek had to find out what was required of him and Utopia Planitia.

(Starbase Valhalla, Admiral Jopek's Office, Admiral Jopek - 0800)

Main Operations was empty when Remae and Jopek arrived and together they headed towards the office, a lot needed to be done.

"Computer, who is in command of this 'Freedom Squadron', we are a part of?", asked Remae.

<< Vice-Admiral Robert LoDona, based at Starbase Geneva >>

"Open a secure channel to Starbase Geneva, Admiral LoDona's office.", said Admiral Jopek, sitting at his desk.

As they waited for a reply, Remae was wondering what awaited them in this alternative universe and what Starfleet Command had in store for them.

(Reply from ALL, LoDona)
(Posted by Anthony Keen)
Stardate:2406.03.04
(USS Firebrande: Holodeck 2 - Pierce Orde - 0730)

Pierce stood in the holodeck, busily fieldtesting his new toy.

"Computer, begin program Target-Alpha, Level 12"

The standard target range program fluttered into existance. The colored lights shimmered as they flew.

"Level 2" he corrected himself.

~I'm field testing. Start slow.~

He hefted his modified phaser in his hand, and looked at it for but a few moments. Then he tapped his combadge and said a simple word: "Engage."

Suddenly his eyeglasses had an overlay upon them, displaying tactical data much as if he were at a station. A small crosshair displayed the final target of the phaser. He looked up at the colored lights.

~Here we go...~

Raising the phaser, he allowed the eyepiece HUD to lock-on to the first target. He fired, ending the sparkle the light gave.

~Cool.~

In silence, Pierce Orde eliminated the other targets without any misses.

~Now for the real test.~

"Level seven." he spoke.

His targets took random courses, some slow - others fast - and - aided by his eyepiece - he eliminated those with no misses.

~But I could do that already. Time for the BIG test.~

"Level sixteen."

Thirty targets flew in completely random courses, bobbing and weaving, daring him to try his luck at firing at them. He stood for a few moments, observing the chaos around him, feeling the pattern. Unfortunately, his eyepiece was not up to multiple target acquisition.

~Take care of 'em one at a time.~

He set his sights on a little blinking light. Painting it with the crosshairs, he followed it for what seemed like forever, then fired.

#zap#

One target down. He took his time shooting at all the other ones and was halfway done when the call came in.

=/\=Senior Officers, report to the Observation Lounge at 0900, have status reports as best as you can ready.=/\=

~Shazbot.~

"Computer, end program." he said, walked back to his office.
Stardate:2406.03.04
(Starbase Geneva - Admirals Deck, LoDona's Office - Admiral LoDona -
0805)

Robert picked up the newest Squadron status report, then sat back in his chair with a steaming mug of coffee and took a sip as he began to scroll through the contents. Things had been fairly quiet for the squadron, though major political forces were stirring around the area. He was still getting regular activity reports from Romulan vessels within a few parsecs, as well as suspected Xenolithe movements from subspace listening posts that had been established at various points. 

Geneva was completed, and was now a stronghold, but the rest of the squadron was undermanned and outgunned for their position. It was something he had taken up with Starfleet many times, and each time he had been told to wait. 

He placed the coffee down, and rubbed at his Borg Implant on his hand as he switched his concentration from the PADD to his desk monitor. He was just about to specify a file to retrieve when his communicator beeped. "Sir, Admiral Jopek of Utopia Planitia is contacting you."

"Jopek..." he muttered. He had yet to meet the man, though Utopia had been transferred to his command. It had been more then a surprise, it had been near scandalous considering the size and location of the Fleet Shipyard. But Rob hadn't been interested in the politics, what he had been particularly interested in was the fact that he could now solve his current shortage in men and materials. 

He looked at the screen, "Route it through here."

An image of an older Vulcan filled the screen, and Rob inclined his head slightly before leaning back in his chair. "Admiral Jopek." he said simply."

(reply Jopek)
(posted by Trout)
Stardate:2406.03.04
(USS Firebrande: Security Office - Ensign TAC/SC/2O Pierce Orde - 0855)

Pierce picked up his small status report, and dashed down to the Observation Lounge.

(USS Firebrande: Observation Lounge - TAC/SC/2O Ensign Pierce Orde -
0900)

~Just made it~ he thought with a small sense of satisfaction He nodded to Admiral Jopek as he took his place at the table.

Stardate:2406.03.05
"Captain's Log, USS Nimitz, stardate 2406.03.05.1200. Commanding Officer Captain Susan Rivers reporting. It has been six months since we escorted the Firebrande and the Lion back to Geneva after encountering them in an area of space riven with subspace anomalies.  The civilian ship Ptolemy we were investigating disappeared without trace, and in its place four ships appeared, the Firebrande, the Lion, the Spectre and the Titan. An alien race who call themselves the Kalmorose made an announcement to all of us:

<< HEAR US, WE ARE THE KALMOROSE. FOR THE LAST TIME, YOUR INTER-DIMENTIONAL ACTIVIES HAVE INTERFERED WITH OUR EXISTANCE. YOU ARE GOING TO FACE THE CONSEQUENCES OF YOUR ACTIONS >>

"Then the Titan vanished. There has been no trace of her nor the Ptolemy since. We can only conclude that the Kalmorose had something to do with the disappearance."

Susan took a sip of her raktajino before continuing.

"We esablished that the Firebrande and the other ships come from different timelines to our own. The Spectre was found to be completely empty, just like the Ptolemy was when we found her. She is a Ghost-class ship and has been towed to a repair facility and will be returned to active service once those repairs and a refit have been completed. The Firebrande and the Lion were escorted by the Nimitz to Starbase Geneva, from which their crews were transferred to SFHQ for debriefing and re-training. They will be returning to active service any time now. It will be interesting to see how they adjust to a different time - a different universe, in fact."

She took another drink.

"Nothing more has been heard of the Kalmorose, but there have been a few reports of freighters going missing, and there are also reports as yet unsubstantiated that several capital ships of the Klingon and Romulan fleets have been lost. No Starfleet vessel has as yet been reported missing, although there are two ships overdue at Stabase 730 in the V'leren sector.

"On arrival at Geneva, the crew was given a long-overdue shore leave and the repairs and upgrades to the Nimitz were completed. On 2405.10.13, with a full crew and a newly-fitted ship, we left Geneva on a standard starsystem cataloguing mission, from which we are just returning. The mission was completed sucessfully and our new cartography department has been busy updating the old records of the systems surrounding Geneva. There were no untoward events during this time, which I have to say made a pleasant change for all the crew, after all we had been through in the last year.

"I have been informed that in the time we have been away, the new station has been completed considerably ahead of schedule and we are to attend the launch party on the new starbase Geneva at 1700 hours. The official handover of command will take place at 13:00.

"We are scheduled to depart Geneva the day after the party. All crew will be given shoreleave whilst we are at Geneva, and all officers are expected to attend the party in full dress uniform."

"End log."

Susan sighed and finished her raktajino. She hated parties, but this one she couldn't get out of. That had been made plain to her by the SQNCO's adjutant.

"Personal log, stardate 2406.03.05.1120. I am not looking forward to this offical bash one little bit. The only thing that I AM looking forward to is meeting up with Zephrine again, and also with Aragorn and Louise. And perhaps Shun and Loren will enjoy visiting Meh'Nor. They met during our stay on Geneva during the refit and seemed to get on well then."

She frowned slightly as she thought of her wards.

"It's a lot harder than I ever imagined being the caretaker of two children. Thank goodness I had Kestra to help me out, as well as Counsellor Winters. Otherwise I think Shun and Loren would have driven me to madness by now!"

She paused for a moment.

"Delete from 'It's a lot harder...' to '...madness by now' and end personal log."

Her commbadge beeped.

=/\=Captain, we're ten minutes away from Geneva. You asked to be informed.=/\=

"Thank you, Ensign Kateb. I'll be right there."

Susan stood up and left the Ready Room, not without an approving glance around it. In the last six months it had become rather a refuge at times, and she had made it her own with her dak'tagh mounted on the wall above her desk, and several holopics of Pangur Ban. There was also one of Shun and Loren, taken during a holodeck adventure she had unwillingly accompanied them on. Normally she liked the holodeck, but in this case it had been less than successful from her point of view. Shun and Loren had enjoyed it, however, judging by the huge grins on their faces.

~Wasn't that just before they doused me with ice-cold water?~ she thought suddenly. ~Hmmm perhaps that's why they look so happy, they were planning it.~

She shook her head. ~Sam Kaneshiro, if I could get my hands on you right now....~

Still frowning slightly, she headed for the Bridge.

(USS Nimitz, Bridge, CO, Captain Susan Rivers, 11.30)

As she entered the Bridge, her attention was immediately caught by the huge starbase which was dominating the viewscreen. Its design was unusual, but Susan thought it much nicer than the usual so-called 'umbrella' type.

Glancing round she saw that most of the senior officers had found an excuse to be on the Bridge to see the new station for the first time, and she grinned to herself.

"Lt Nakamura, open a channel to the Starbase please."

"Channel open, Sir."

"Starbase Geneva, this is the USS Nimitz requesting docking clearance."

=/\=USS Nimitz, this is Starbase Geneva. You are cleared to dock in docking bay 2.=/\=

Susan nodded to Onyx with a smile. "Take us in, Mr Kateb. And mind you don't scratch the paint!"

Slowly the huge sovereign-class vessel manoevred into the docking bay and docked.

Susan opened a shipwide commlink.

"Now hear this! Now hear this! This is the Captain speaking. We have arrived at Starbase Geneva. You are all granted shoreleave, please check with your departmental heads as to which leave roster you are on. The ship is due to depart tomorrow at 0900 hours. All officers are required to attend the official launch party at 1700 hours. Dress uniform will be mandatory. Rivers out."

Susan glanced around the Bridge.

"OK, you are all free until 1700 hours when I expect to see you ALL at that party. Until then, enjoy your shoreleave."

~I know I will, right up until I have to go to that d**n party!~

(Reply by ALL)
(Posted by Liz Geuken)