USS Illuminar

Mission: In the Vangusrd
Day: 11
Stardate: 2446.06.30
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(USS Raptor - Deck 17 - Armory - Marine - 2LT Charles Temerity - 0830)
(USS Raptor - Deck 1 - Ready Room - CO Captain Sekal, FO Commander Sienna Verin,
2O/CSec/Tac Lt Commander T’Mur, 3O/CMO Commander Quinna Solice, SPC COUNS Temas
Laredo and SPC Luma’Lenai - 0900)
(USS Raptor - Deck 1 - Ready Room - CO Captain Sekal, FO Commander Sienna Verin,
2O/CSec/Tac Lt Commander T’Mur, 3O/CMO Commander Quinna Solice, SPC COUNS Temas
Laredo and SPC Luma’Lenai - 0910)
(USS Raptor - Deck 1 - Ready Room - CO Captain Sekal, FO Commander Sienna Verin,
2O/CSec/Tac Lt Commander T’Mur, 3O/CMO Commander Quinna Solice, SPC COUNS Temas
Laredo and SPC Luma’Lenai - 0925)
(USS Raptor- Deck 7 - High Energy Partricle Physics Lab - Science Officers - Dr. Gailus Penn
and Dr. Teller - 1100)
(USS Raptor- Deck 1 - Bridge - CO, Captain Sekal - 1118)
(USS Raptor- Deck 1 - Ready Room - Science Officers - Dr. Gailus Penn and Dr. Teller - 1121)
(USS Raptor- Deck 1 - Ready Room - CO, Captain Sekal- 1122)
(USS Raptor- Deck 1 - Ready Room - Science Officers - Dr. Gailus Penn and Dr. Teller - 1123)
(USS Raptor- Deck 1 - Ready Room - CO, Captain Sekal - 1124)
(USS Raptor - Deck 1 - Bridge - 2O/CSec/Tac - Lt Commander T’Mur- 1125)
(USS Raptor- Deck 1 - Ready Room - Science Officers - Dr. Gailus Penn and Dr. Teller - 1127)
(USS Raptor - Deck 1 - Bridge - 2O/CSec/Tac - Lt Commander T’Mur- 1230)
(USS Raptor - Deck 1 - Ready Room - CO, Captain Sekal - 1232)
(USS Raptor - Deck 1 - Bridge - 2O/CSec/Tac - Lt Commander T’Mur- 1236)
(USS Raptor - Deck 1 - Bridge - CO, Captain Sekal - 1238)
(USS Illuminar- Deck 1 - Bridge - SFI, Lt. Michael Weston and Commodore Tahlmari - 1300)
(USS Raptor- Deck 1 - Bridge - CO, Captain Sekal, Commodore Tahl and Lieutenant Michael
Weston - 1303)
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(USS Raptor - Deck 17 - Armory - Marine - 2LT Charles Temerity - 0830)

The discussions with Solace and Weston the evening before had pointed out a couple of things
that Charles wanted to get adjusted first thing. Solace had helped figure out a load that should
do the same damage to the enemy and not damage the Raptor herself. But he wanted to keep
the regular high-powered rounds for planet-side and to board enemy vessels. His frustration
seemed to be increasing exponentially on a daily basis. It was like someone handed him a
mission outline and said ‘Here is your mission, these are your objectives; by-the-way we are
taking away every tool in your kit, and we will be trying to prevent you from succeeding. Good
luck.’

The energy weapons are not effective, and the projectile weapons are too powerful. Blade
weapons don’t seem to damage the ship but are effective against the enemy. The problem is ‘if
your enemy is in range, then so are you.’ How is he to solve these problems? While the
Myrmidons have accepted the other Marines into the units so now all of them refer to
themselves as Myrmidons and not just Marines, which Temerity was thrilled to see happen, it is
still rather apparent that, overall, the Marines got treated like useful cannon fodder that the Fleet
transported around to have on hand just in case.
(Reply: Any iyw)
(Posted By: Charles Raschen)
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(USS Raptor - Deck 1 - Ready Room - CO Captain Sekal, FO Commander Sienna Verin,
2O/CSec/Tac Lt Commander T’Mur, 3O/CMO Commander Quinna Solice, SPC COUNS Temas
Laredo and SPC Luma’Lenai - 0900)

Out of deference for Sienna’s inability to be coherent before a large dose of caffeine and an
hour for her brain to wake up, the meeting had been scheduled for a time when they would all
be fresh. She was used to using the ready room as a work space when she was on bridge duty,
but it was the Captain’s abode and certain proprieties should be honored. She toggled the
comm, knowing that she would arrive early for the meeting.

Sekal looked up from the desk as his first officer arrived and he stood to his feet. "Commander,
have a seat. I am anticipating the full reports from the drill."

Heading inside once the Captain had invited her, Sy headed over to the replicator to call up a
carafe of green tea, and one of coffee, as well as the appropriate accessories. They had an
excellent yeoman who would have been glad to do this, but it gave Sienna something to do with
her hands while her brain was working. “Orange juice, Sir?” She asked, turning slightly towards
Sekal.

"Not at this time, thank you." He returned to then leaned back in the chair as he waited for the
others to arrive.

 Pouring herself a cup of the excellent coffee she added cream and a moderate amount of
sugar, showing some restraint as she took her seat. Luma would be joining them once the
others had arrived. Apparently Luma had some opinions on the drills that had been enacted,
and in particular was a bit displeased with the marines.

T’Mur entered the Ready Room, watching as Sienna prepared her coffee flavored sugar drink,
intrigued by the self restraint she was using. It was most unlike her. T’Mur’s body was still set
to the shift times from the Illuminar and so the hours between 0600 and 0900 she found herself
restless. Sienna managed to take some of the edge off of that restlessness, but her physical
stamina was still not what it once was. She sent an image along their link showing that she
wanted to come up behind her and snuggle, but she knew that would be inappropriate.

She moved over to the decanter of green tea and poured herself a glass and added ice to it.
Drink in hand she took a seat beside Sienna, across from Sekal and nodded. “Good morning
Captain Sekal.”

"Lieutenant Commander." He nodded in greeting then steepled his fingers and looked politely
away from the two who were still very much in the full bloom of romance.

T’Mur reached out a finger and dragged it across the back of Sienna’s hand. ::My love. You are
being very domestic this morning.::

Sienna smiled towards T’Mur. ::This might be controversial and it’s better to put our people in a
good mood. No one likes discussing obvious failures and there were several.:: Sy spoke
telepathically back to her mate.
The Vulcan raised an eyebrow. There had, indeed, been problems with the drill. However she
felt that the word failure was inaccurate. Then she shrugged. ::We learn from our mistakes.::

Temas was the next to arrive. Although he, personally, did not participate in the drill he had been
monitoring the mood of the crew during and since. He was also there for Luma, who had been
warned by T’Mur about it, and in this so had he. Luma had much to say about it.

The captain greeted Quinna as she arrived and directed her to a seat followed by the arrival of
Luma's mind bondmate. Could the Captain have done the job? Absolutely. Would he?
Absolutely not. Sekal had filled that role temporarily for several months but even then he had
recognized that a Vulcan, while serviceable, was not optimal for the task which is why he had
passed the position to another. Riven had picked that position up in her absence then passed it
to Temas.

Sekal was aware that Luma had numerous former mind-bondmates including his own father
and Vanyssa Winters who had quite obviously not mentioned her prior experience during the
mission briefing. Did Luma have benefactors within the admiralty? Absolutely, and not just one.
While Saleke stood indomitable in the protector's role the Captain had little doubt that Admiral
Winters would take her side as well.

 And why is that? Had the former mind bondmates been brainwashed by her? Hardly! They had
been exposed to the core of being herself and understood that she wanted nothing more to exist
and to protect those she loved. Could she go to extremes? Absolutely. Which was why the role
of the mind bondmate was so important, to curb her excessive zeal and ensure that possible
confrontations with crew or an unknown could be properly balanced.

For his part, he could communicate with Luma'lenai whenever he wished and as commanding
officer this was doubly important. However, he would not usurp the responsibility of her
bondmate except under extreme circumstances. This lifted that burden from his shoulders
enabling him to perform his primary function and ensured that he could remain neutral in case of
a breach of etiquette.

(Reply: None)
(Posted by Charles, Mel, Al and Kris)
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(USS Raptor - Deck 1 - Ready Room - CO Captain Sekal, FO Commander Sienna Verin,
2O/CSec/Tac Lt Commander T’Mur, 3O/CMO Commander Quinna Solice, SPC COUNS Temas
Laredo and SPC Luma’Lenai - 0910)

Once everyone had arrived and gotten their preferred beverages, Sy put her hand on T’Mur’s
knee and leaned slightly forward. “That drill was a mess. I was surprised by the crew’s
response. That’s why I invited all of you here. Luma was not involved in the defenses of the
crew.”

Luma shifted from foot to foot in her anime cat-girl form, her tail swishing in aggravation, ears
pinned back as she spat, =^= The Small Ones did badly. The ones known as ‘Marines’
damaged the skin with bullets. =^= Luma absolutely hissed that word in displeasure. =^= Luma
does not have the same senses of all of this skin, unlike the Illuminar. The projectiles hurt Luma
badly. The marines attempted to plant mines in the skin. To damage Luma’s legs!=^=
Sienna looked at the others for a moment, “That’s two of the problems. The obvious solution is
to block those pathways, but we need Luma’s connection to the ship. I don’t believe that these
holographs are at all representative of what the Xenolithe are. They might be killing machines,
but they are intelligent killing machines. I honestly think that we should be treating them as
more than the threat that they are. But I digress, we’ll get to that in a bit.”

Sienna looked around the gathered command crew and waited for them to respond. She knew
that this was going to be a long meeting. Luma had a lot of anger right now and needed to vent
that in a safe place. Sienna often had a stated desire to toss Weston out of an airlock, and Sy
was concerned that Luma might forget the rule that she lived by, to protect her chosen small
ones, and choose to exile Temerity out of the airlock without a suit. The man needed to be
introduced to her and make peace. She made a note on her PADD to bring it up later.

T’Mur was the first to speak. The drill was her design, and to hear being hailed as a failure, by
Sienna, stung. But she managed herself. “Excuse me if I speak plainly, Commander, Captain,
but I did design these drills based on what little information about the Xenolithe that we have.
Commodore Tahlmari was my main source of data. This was the third drill, and the first to use
the holographic Xenolithe. I know that the drill lasted much longer than I had anticipated, but I
am curious, other than the marine contingent, how it was, how did you put it, a mess. Luma, in
what area did the crew perform badly?”

Luma turned to T’Mur, =^= That marine told his people to put MINES in the skin! They shot up
the skin with angry rocks! They do not LISTEN. They all belong in time out! How dare they hurt
the skin!=^= Luma was so unhappy, =^= They -hurt- Luma and called it -testing- =^=

Sekal spoke up. "Marines are noteworthy for … what is the old earth expression? Killing people
and breaking things. This is how they are wired in their training. This does absolutely not excuse
them making holes in or damaging my ship however the tactic would be useful planetside or on
an enemy vessel. They are using weapons they find suitable or are at least testing against
Xenolithe defenses and should such a boarding actually happen I expect them to use whatever
weapons are most damaging to the enemy." He held up a hand at Luma's thunderous
expression. "Blowing holes in the hull by using anti-personnel mines will not be allowed. That is
taking the liberty too far but if the Raptor is invaded by Xenolithe stray projectiles will be the
least of our problems. I value the lives of my crew over dings in the bulkheads."

Luma sighed, =^=Dings hurt Luma badly. It’s difficult for Luma to function through the pain
enough to help when the pain is ongoing. But there are things that Luma can do to make the
helps, things Luma was told not to do. Battle is one thing, but these fake battles should not be
using real weapons. Especially weapons that could potentially damage Luma’s legs!=^= The
fear of the isolation of the Mystique was obvious in Luma, who was not at all calm at the
moment.

"I concur with that assessment and holographic Xenolithe are not guaranteed to be fully
representative of their defenses and tactics. I do not agree that the drill was a failure however, it
exposed a lack of preparation that we have taken steps to mitigate and that is its purpose. I
calculate that those steps will be more effective but we will not rerun the drill under these
circumstances. A more effective coordination of defenses should end the issues." The Captain
then sat back and allowed the meeting to continue.

Sienna let Luma vent it all out, looking towards Temas. She had caught the flash of hurt from
her mate and hated that she had caused it. “The purpose of the drill was to expose our issues
and problems so that we can plug the holes before we meet the Xenolithe. Do you have the
same control over the Raptor that you had on the Illuminar, Luma?”

=^= Not yet. Maybe not ever. This skin is more like the Mystique than the Illuminar. There are
many things that Luma could do before that would be impossible. Even with the greater engine
output of the Raptor, Luma could not easily time-jump. The skin might not leave the void of
in-between. That would be very bad. =^=

Temas made a noise in the back of his throat and offered, “Perhaps then we should avoid that
strategy? After all, we don't want to be stuck in the void of in-between.”

“Indeed,” T’Mur added. “That does sound bad. However, if we can get back to the drill. I am
hearing that there was a problem with the marines. I am unsurprised by Lt. Temmerity’s choice
of weapons. His choices are not unwarranted, but for the purposes of the drill they could have
been simulated. However, I also had no information as to how he expected the marines to
proceed. It has been made clear that there is no real intention for the marines to work in
conjunction with the Security department. It is my hope that the more coordinated effort that you
speak of, Captain, is forthcoming.”

She paused for a moment, relieved to have heard Sekal say that he did not believe the exercise
to be a failure, and said, “Outside of the marines, what other problems did you notice? I have
already increased the numbers of security personnel assigned to each deck.”

(Reply: None)
(Posted by Charles, Mel, Al and Kris)
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(USS Raptor - Deck 1 - Ready Room - CO Captain Sekal, FO Commander Sienna Verin,
2O/CSec/Tac Lt Commander T’Mur, 3O/CMO Commander Quinna Solice, SPC COUNS Temas
Laredo and SPC Luma’Lenai - 0925)

"The reaction from a central point was unfeasible but that has been rectified." Sekal looked
toward Quinna. "What is your assessment of preparedness from the medical department
doctor?"

“Dr. Kyllee was there at the time. He was able to successfully lockdown sickbay without any of
the intruders entering. He was also able to prepare for mass injuries. However we always have
those protocols prepared to be active.” Quinna reported, “With that being said, It wouldn't hurt
to see how the crew would react when intruders are in sickbay.”

T’Mur took a note of the request, “Indeed. I will add that to the next drill, Dr. Solice. How does
Dr. Kyllee feel the medical staff performed under their circumstances?”

“Some of the medics turned a bit green under the pressure, but better them to do it during the
drill rather than the real thing.” Quinna answered then added, “My only regret is that I did not
make it to sickbay in time to be there. I was part of the team retaking Deck 2.”

T’Mur nodded then thought for a moment and said, “I’ve seen Ensign Day’s report. How would
you categorize his performance as you saw it first hand?”

“Mr. Day seemed to do what he needed to, but was a bit reckless at times. I stopped at Deck 4
to try to get an assessment as to where the invaders were located. Mr. Day went ahead and
used a tricorder at Deck 5 and that I am sorry to say caused his untimely death. His heart is
where it needs to be but like others, did not take the time to do the proper checks. The
computer could have picked up more than the tricorder.” That was of course Quinna’s take on
the events.

T’Mur listened intently. That was not exactly the report made by Mr. Day. Although he had
admitted that his demise had been his own fault, it was due to the fact that they had lost track of
the Xenolithe during their battle. Reckless had not been a word that she would have used to
describe Day, although he was not overly cautious either. However, she would question her
officer further after this meeting.

She nodded and said, “I will question him further. There are times I believe he still feels like he
does not belong in this universe. “ Her eyes turned to Temas.

Laredo caught the look and sat up. “I meet with Lucky on a weekly basis now. It’s my belief that
he has fully adjusted to his… situation, and his core group is beginning to accept him… again,
from his perspective. I didn’t realize that the crew could access the ship's computer from any
location for a tactical purpose. But that’s me. I can just ask Luma.”

He reached out his hand to touch Luma’s, who’s anger at the marines nearly equaled her
distaste for SFI.

Luma was still angry, but she was slowly calming down. =^= Why can luma not fling the
invaders outside the hull of the skin? Do the invaders need to be among the living for
questioning? Luma was told that the Xenolithe would not make communications? =^= She put
her paw in Temas’ hand, taking the comfort offered. She made the weight of the holographics
heavier so that it felt like she was holding his hand.

Temas felt the weight of Luma’s paw in his hand and smiled. He could see images of what she
was thinking flashing through his mind. ::I think I understand what you are wanting.::

He turned to Captain Sekal and said, “Luma was asked to not participate in the last drill as Lt.
Commander T’Mur did not want to surprise her, and in return get a surprise by how Luma would
react. The question is, to what degree would Luma be allowed, or even able, to assist in
repelling any boarders? I mean, to be honest, anyone coming on the Illuminar without warning
would easily find themself in “time out.” But on a larger scale, Luma could possibly just use the
ships transporters to beam intruders off the ship. What are her limits?”

The CO gave his counselor a pointed look. "The admirality placed firm restraints upon
Luma'lenai through Admiral Remae of which you are perhaps not aware and the purpose was to
limit her involvement in ship affairs. She has a number of capabilities which she is constrained
from using such as time jumps for instance and which I could have prosecuted on two
occasions, being snatching Commander Verin from the Maelstrom and time-jumping the
Illuminar during the attack by the Klingon warship which culminated in fitting a cloaking device
on the ship. Under both circumstances my report to command, for which I was intently
questioned, was that those moves were justified and justifiable."

He settled back in the chair. "At its foundation is that Luma is not to interfere in the day-to-day
operation of the ship. Ergo the limit on her use of the transporter system to single being usage
under normal conditions but in the event of an emergency her right of use is rescinded except
as directly ordered by the commanding officer."
Temas’ first thought was that he always learned something new about Luma every day. Even
though he shares all of her thoughts they don’t always come out in an order he can make sense
of. “So, exactly how can Luma help you?”

"I shall be succinct. Luma is not a being who will directly involve herself in a conflict except
under the extreme condition of loss of life nor would I order her to do so. Illuminar has the
capability of using her to target an enemy vessel but I have not used that outside of a wargame
which proves that it is possible and I will not order her to interfere in a combat situation. Which
means logically that in case of a boarding we are expected to handle our own affairs unless it
puts the secrecy of Luma'lenai's presence and involvement at risk."

“Understood,” Temas nodded. He could feel Luma’s disappointment but understood the
captain’s need for her restraint. He knew that she did as well. “I will endeavor to keep her
occupied in the event of an incursion.”

Sekal looked about the table before standing. "Thank you for your assessments, I will review the
data and recommendations. Dismissed."

(Reply; None)
(Posted By Charles, Mel, Al and Kris)
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(USS Raptor- Deck 7 - High Energy Partricle Physics Lab - Science Officers - Dr. Gailus Penn
and Dr. Teller - 1100)

The drill had caused all of he labs, especially the HEPP lab, which is where Penn and Teller had
preferred to hang their hats. They had both come to the realization that this ship was a little
different than the Illuminar. More people meant more interactions, and more opportunities to be
misunderstood, so they had limited their activities to the lab, and tended to be a little less… light
hearted, if that was possible.

Penn reached over and took a sip from his glass and made a slight grimace. The still hadn’t
been completely adjusted to its new setting, and the alcohol it produced had an odd flavor. He
looked over at Teller, who was working on some complex calculations. When Penn moved over
to look over his partners shoulder he realized they were calculations to perfect the stills
production. This was really Penn’s area, but Teller took pride in his still, and was unhappy that
he hadn’t gotten quite correct yet. Penn also knew Teller well enough to know that he would not
appreciate any kibitzing. So he left him to it and continued to suffer through the current product.

Penn went back to his table and looked down at the device that they had been working of for the
past week. To be fair they’d been working on it much longer than that. Just with much greater
care than when they first started with it. Captain Sekal had confiscated their original, way back
when they first came aboard the Illuminar, along with their research. That, of course, did not
mean that he took their intellectual property. They had continued to work with the idea of a
person shield that absorbed and redistributed the energy from an energy weapon.

The original item caused a certain amount of feedback that… tickled while dissipating the
energy. They also had to get more creative in the testing realm, since apparently testing with an
actual phaser in the lab was forbidden. Penn chuckled a little remembering the reaction of the
security team that had burst into their lab after an alarm had gone off. Sekal, of course, was not
quite as humorous.
Penn leaned over the device and pulled his magnifying goggles over his and attacked the
device with his micro-tool. He made the last final adjustments and pushed his chair away from
the table. He turned to his partner and smiled, eyes looking huge in the goggles.

“Oppenheimer, at the Jornado del Muerto desert,” he said.

Teller came over and looked at the work and smiled, “Max and 99, to the Chief?”

Penn picked up the device and nodded.

(USS Raptor- Deck 1 - Bridge - Science Officers - Dr. Gailus Penn and Dr. Teller - 1115)

Penn and Teller stepped off the bridge and looked around at sheer number of people there.
They found Sekal and walked over to him.

“Captain, Sekal,” Penn said, “may we have a word… in private?”

(reply Sekal)
(posted by Al Muir)
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(USS Raptor- Deck 1 - Bridge - CO, Captain Sekal - 1118)

“Captain, Sekal, may we have a word… in private?”

The vulcan looked toward the two who had made their way onto the bridge in the aftermath of
the drill, the results of that were still being calculated due to incoming reports. He inclined his
head toward the ready room and rose to lead the way.

(USS Raptor- Deck 1 - Ready Room - CO, Captain Sekal- 1120)

He stopped at the sideboard and turned to the two scientists. "Yes Mr. Penn, Mr. Teller, what is
the issue?"

(Reply: Penn, Teller)
(Posted by Charles Gatling)
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(USS Raptor- Deck 1 - Ready Room - Science Officers - Dr. Gailus Penn and Dr. Teller - 1121)

Penn and Teller followed Sekal into his Ready Room. They had only been there twice before.
Penn remembered the first time when they promised not to blow up the ship. A promise they
kept, mostly.

Sekal suddenly turned around and said, “Yes Mr. Penn, Mr. Teller, what is the issue?"

Penn’s initial response was confused. He looked at Teller who simply shrugged. He thought
about reminding the captain that they were scientists and their title was Doctor rather than
mister, but then decided to let it go for now. This was too important.
The Benzite looked back at Sekal and replied, “There is no issue, Captain. I apologize if I have
the impression that we have a problem. We are here to offer our services.”
Penn walked over to the desk and placed the device that they’d been working on on it.

“Do you recall this device, Captain?” he asked. “I believe that it got us into a bit of trouble early
on in our time on the Illuminar.”

(reply Sekal)

“I know you forbade us from testing the device using phasers, you did not forbid us from
continuing our research with it. Over the months we have come back to it periodically and I
believe we have rectified the feedback issue that, well… led to the unfortunate incident with your
security matters. We’d like an opportunity to test it. Perhaps we can produce enough of them to
use them with your probability of encountering the Xenolithe.”

(reply Sekal)
(posted by Al Muir)
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(USS Raptor- Deck 1 - Ready Room - CO, Captain Sekal- 1122)

“There is no issue, Captain. I apologize if I have the impression that we have a problem. We are
here to offer our services.”

Sekal watched with interest as the Benzite removed something from his pocket as he moved
toward the desk. The two, Benzite and Tamarian were brilliant within their disciplines though at
times their methods were unforeseeable. It was that innate ability to make intuitive leaps that
was inimical to their breakthroughs but could make anticipating their results difficult.

“Do you recall this device, Captain I believe that it got us into a bit of trouble early on in our time
on the Illuminar.”

The Vulcan looked from the device to the scientist. "Yes, I recall it. Your method of testing it on a
living being despite noted side effects was what led to its prohibition."

“I know you forbade us from testing the device using phasers, you did not forbid us from
continuing our research with it. Over the months we have come back to it periodically and I
believe we have rectified the feedback issue that, well… led to the unfortunate incident with your
security matters. We’d like an opportunity to test it. Perhaps we can produce enough of them to
use them with your probability of encountering the Xenolithe.”

"Test it in what manner?" He asked.

(Reply: Penn)

"I will allow its testing under controlled conditions and accepted standards." The Vulcan noted.
"Once it has been proven conclusively to cause no negative effect to the one using it and is
proof against the weapon to be used against it may be tested by a volunteer. Those are the
boundaries you must operate within."

(Reply: Penn)
(Posted by Charles Gatling)
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(USS Raptor- Deck 1 - Ready Room - Science Officers - Dr. Gailus Penn and Dr. Teller - 1123)
"Test it in what manner?" Sekal asked.

Penn pulled out a PADD and laid it on the table. “This is all of the data we’ve encountered in our
work so far. But to be honest the only real way to do any further analysis we will need to die a
phaser at it.”

"I will allow its testing under controlled conditions and accepted standards." The Vulcan noted.
"Once it has been proven conclusively to cause no negative effect to the one using it and is
proof against the weapon to be used against it may be tested by a volunteer. Those are the
boundaries you must operate within."

Penn nodded and replied, “We have always complied with any parameters that you have set
before us Captain. Clearly, we have not blown up the Illuminar. And since your dictate we have
not fired any weapons without your expressed permission. Rest assured that our…
overzealous actions were made out of ignorance of your rules, nothing more.”

He paused for a moment and added, “On the PADD you will also find a deep tissue molecular
scan of my colleague, Dr. Teller, after his experience with the device. You will find that he
suffered no deleterious effects from his exposure to the dispersion field. However, if we can get
started right away we may have results within hours that might incline you to allow us to
continue with a live subject.“

(reply Sekal)
(posted by Al Muir)
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(USS Raptor- Deck 1 - Ready Room - CO, Captain Sekal - 1124)

“We have always complied with any parameters that you have set before us Captain. Clearly,
we have not blown up the Illuminar. And since your dictate we have not fired any weapons
without your expressed permission. Rest assured that our… overzealous actions were made
out of ignorance of your rules, nothing more.”

The Vulcan had noted that their experiments had been closely monitored by staff after the
incident and the reports had been detailed. Considering that Dr. Teller had been exposed to a
dose of unforeseen energy discharge by the device his precautions had been warranted.

“On the PADD you will also find a deep tissue molecular scan of my colleague, Dr. Teller, after
his experience with the device. You will find that he suffered no deleterious effects from his
exposure to the dispersion field. However, if we can get started right away we may have results
within hours that might incline you to allow us to continue with a live subject.“

"It is gratifying to hear that Dr. Teller suffered no ill effects from the ill-advised attempt but that
does not excuse it. As for permission to begin experimentation... you have it."

He tapped the comm. "Lieutenant Commander T'Mur I am authorizing live fire experiments by
Drs. Penn and Teller in proofing their shielding device but not on a living subject. Those
experiments are to be carried out at the firing range with security oversight to ensure safety
protocols are followed. They are not to be allowed a weapon outside of those environs."

(Reply: T'Mur)
After speaking with T'Mur he began another communication. "Dr. Gralen."

=^= Yes Captain.=^=

"Drs. Penn and Teller have been given permission to reopen experimentation on a personal
shield device they tested several months ago and have been refining."

=^=Oh?=^=

"You will be kept apprised of further developments."

=^= Thank you sir, this sounds interesting.=^=

Sekal then gave Dr. Penn a penetrating look. "Your boundaries have been set doctors and I trust
they will be followed exhaustively. Once you have performed a full battery of tests and have
compiled them into a report send it to Dr. Gralen to verify and I will act on his recommendation.
That is the task of the senior officer in your department."

(Reply: Penn)
(Posted by Charles Gatling)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Raptor - Deck 1 - Bridge - 2O/CSec/Tac - Lt Commander T’Mur- 1125)

T’Mur had been going through the data from analysis of her drills when her comm badge
chirped.

=^=Lieutenant Commander T'Mur I am authorizing live fire experiments by Drs. Penn and Teller
in proofing their shielding device but not on a living subject. Those experiments are to be carried
out at the firing range with security oversight to ensure safety protocols are followed. They are
not to be allowed a weapon outside of those environs.=^=

T’Mur raised an eyebrow at the order. “Indeed. I understand. I am also intrigued to see the
results of these experiments. There will be a team assigned to the responsibility. The doctors
may contact me at their convenience to begin their work.”

When the channel closed she tapped her badge again. “Ensign Day and Ensign Bottoms,
prepare for duty at the firing range. Bring an extra phaser. And let me know when they arrive. I
may wish to observe.”

=^=Aye ma’am..=^=

With that she closed the channel and went back to the drill data.

(reply none)
(posted by Al Muir)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Raptor- Deck 1 - Ready Room - Science Officers - Dr. Gailus Penn and Dr. Teller - 1127)

After Sekal had given his permission for the duo to conduct their tests they smiled at each other.
Then he contacted the security chief to monitor them. This was not unexpected and Penn had
prepared himself for that eventuality. However he did not expect the next move. Sekal
contacted the Chief of the Science department and made sure that he was aware of what they
were doing.

Penn could not help but feel a little put out by this. It appeared that they had lost some trust in
the Captain and to be honest he really didn’t understand why. They may not have been model
guests on the Illuminar but they had not been rogues either. Once rules had been understood
they were complied with.

And Penn was well aware of Hollis Gralen and his reputation. He was an adequate scientist and
his own work in particle physics was quite extensive. But like all previous department heads he
had basically ignored Penn and Teller since they weren’t causing any problems. They had run
fairly autonomously up until now and they had gotten used to it.

Sekal turned his attention back on the scientists. There was tha mt look again. That look of
distrust. "Your boundaries have been set, doctors, and I trust they will be followed exhaustively.
Once you have performed a full battery of tests and have compiled them into a report send it to
Dr. Gralen to verify and I will act on his recommendation. That is the task of the senior officer in
your department."

Sekal must have seen the look on Penn’s face. Hiding his feelings was never his strong suit. He
shrugged and said, “When have we ever done otherwise?”

Teller looked at Penn and then at Sekal. He smiled and said, “Danny Tanner with DJ, Stephanie
and Michelle?”

Penn’s eyes widened as he worked to suppress the humor of his partner’s question. “Temba, his
arms closed. Temba at rest.”

Teller seemed to sulk a little then brighten up again, “The dwarves, the seven dwarves, to the
diamond mine?”

Penn nodded and began to sing, “Hi ho, hi ho, it’s off to work we go.”

As they headed to the door Penn turned. And nodded to Sekal, “Thank you Captain. We’ll let
you know as soon as we have our results.”

(reply Sekal)
(posted by Al Muir)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Raptor - Deck 1 - Bridge - 2O/CSec/Tac - Lt Commander T’Mur- 1230)

T’Mur was about to go down to the firing range and see what Penn and Teller were up to when a
distress call beeped on her display. She tapped the button and the image of a Romulan
appeared. His face showed the terror he was feeling.

=^=This is Prefect Dinan Xorriax of the Norkan Colony to anyone. We are under attack. They
are slaughtering my people. If you hear this please help. We need help now.=^=
There was an explosion and T’Mur recognize what strode into the range of camera. Moments
before the signal ended she saw it. A Xenolithe reaching towards the Prefect. She tapped her
comm badge.

“T’Mur to Sekal, we have a distress message from the Norkan Colony,” she announced. “Sir,
you need to see this message.”

(reply Sekal)
(posted by Al Muir)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Raptor - Deck 1 - Ready Room - CO, Captain Sekal - 1232)

=^= The diplomatic situation will be delicate but so far it appears that councilor Jos has things
well under control. Ambassador Jarel reported that things are quiet in the empire so far. Judging
from events leading up to this the consensus is that Morek will be happy to keep Galk at arms
length and we don't anticipate a furor to arise from it. Not unless something catastrophic
happens to him, in that case Morek could use it as leverage against the Federation. =^=

Sekal was reclining in the chair with his attention on the monitor, the communication with the
diplomatic corps and command had both senior ambassador T'Kess and Commodore Relg who
was stationed at Starbase 4 had been in process for almost a half hour. There had been a
prolonged pause as the ambassador had spoken with her contemporary within the klingon
empire.

=^= Considering the mission parameters I don't consider this to be the optimum situation to be
adding him back into your crew. =^= The graying Commodore occupied the left hand side of the
screen. =^= What is your assessment of his impact on the mission goals? =^=

Sekal leaned forward. "If we come to hostilities Lieutenant Galk has few peers aboard who can
add the level of ferocity and competence he imposes on a conflict. And this assessment only
includes that which I noted during his time on Illuminar. He has added three years of experience
in StarFleet up to command level as well as time spent pacifying elements among his own
house since."

The Commodore huffed. =^= I've read up on his past records and have to admit his record is
immaculate. I applaud his discretion while in the past, the slightest slip-up could have
catastrophically altered our present. The situation has little precedence if any, under the
circumstances I'll accept your recommendation. =^=

T'Kess gave a slow nod, being Vulcan she saw the logic of it, being a mother she trusted her
son's judgment.

Commodore Relg's head snapped to his right even as Sekal's comm activated.

 =^= T’Mur to Sekal, we have a distress message from the Norkan Colony. Sir, you need to see
this message. =^=

"Commodore, Ambassador, events force me to conclude this communication."

Relg looked back to the screen. =^= Go! Starbase 4 out! =^=
The right side blanked leaving his mother alone on the screen. She stood to her feet. =^= Your
father has prepared you for this since you were young. Live long and prosper. =^= She ended
the communication and he sprang into action.

"Helm plot course for the Norkan colony, operations send a communication to the Og'shu
advising them of our diversion, we will rendezvous at Starbase 4 as planned.

=^= Aye sir.=^=

He stood to his feet and strode to the door.

(USS Raptor - Deck 1 - Bridge - CO, Captain Sekal - 1235)

Stepping through the door he immediately barked the order. "Display the message on the
forward viewscreen Lieutenant Commander." As he made his way to the command chair.

(Reply: T'Mur)

=^=This is Prefect Dinan Xorriax of the Norkan Colony to anyone. We are under attack. They
are slaughtering my people. If you hear this please help. We need help now.=^=

The romulan reacted to a nearby explosion followed closely by a xenolithe striding into the
picture, as it made a motion toward the man the picture blanked.

"Mister William try to hail the Norkan colony. Helm, do you have the course laid in?"

"Course ready captain."

"Activate, emergency warp. ETA?"

"Eleven hours sir."

Tempest engaged emergency warp which pushed the ship to its full capability. A subspace
tunnel opened and the Raptor leaped into it.

"Advise StarFleet command that we are going to emergency response and attach the
message."

(Reply: Any)

"Activate the cloak."

(Reply: T'Mur)

He hit the yellow alert button as he took the chair and activated the com. "All hands, we are
diverting to the Norkan colony which has been attacked by the Xenolithe. This ship will be
operating under yellow alert until we have assessed the situation. Shifts will be as normal
however prepare to be called up as needed. ETA to the colony is eleven hours."

(Reply: All)
"Maintain vigilance on the long range sensors Dr. Gralen."

"Of course Captain." Holis smiled from science then turned back to his board. "Full sweeps on
long range. If I see anything you will know immediately."

"Security and tactical preparedness report."

(Reply: T'Mur, any)
(Posted by Charles Gatling)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Raptor - Deck 1 - Bridge - 2O/CSec/Tac - Lt Commander T’Mur- 1236)

Sekal strode onto the bridge and called out, "Display the message on the forward viewscreen
Lieutenant Commander."

T’Mur reached onto her console and slid the message to transfer it to the main viewer. The
Romulan appeared and the message played. It was no more informative or less chilling than
the first time she watched it.

"Mister William, try to hail the Norkan colony,” Sekal ordered. “Helm, do you have the course
laid in?"

"Course ready captain."

"Activate, emergency warp. ETA?"

"Eleven hours sir."

"Advise Starfleet command that we are going to emergency response and attach the message."

:”Aye sir,” T’Mur replied. “Starfleet has been advised.”

"Activate the cloak."

With the touch of a button she watched as her station momentarily dimmed and switched hue to
indicate that the cloaking device was active. “Cloaking device engaged,” she reported.
Suddenly the ambient lighting changed as Sekal hit the yellow alert.

He hit the yellow alert button as he took the chair and activated the com. "All hands, we are
diverting to the Norkan colony which has been attacked by the Xenolithe. This ship will be
operating under yellow alert until we have assessed the situation. Shifts will be as normal,
however, prepare to be called up as needed. ETA to the colony is eleven hours."

T’Mur looked around the bridge for visual confirmation that her shift changes had been made as
per her orders. Both Galk and Dogan were in their assigned places. Ensign Taylor and Chief
Devers were on adjacent sides of the turbo lift.

"Maintain vigilance on the long-range sensors Dr. Gralen."

"Of course, Captain." Holis smiled from science then turned back to his board. "Full sweeps on
long range. If I see anything you will know immediately."
"Security and tactical preparedness report."

Reports had just started to chime in. When she received the last T’Mur said, “All security
personnel are in location. Teams were adjusted as per your recommendation from yesterday. I
also took the precaution of adding an extra team to engineering and Deck 12, to protect the
antimatter storage tanks.”

(reply Sekal)
(posed by Al)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Raptor - Deck 1 - Bridge - CO, Captain Sekal - 1238)

 “All security personnel are in location. Teams were adjusted as per your recommendation from
yesterday. I also took the precaution of adding an extra team to engineering and Deck 12, to
protect the antimatter storage tanks.”

He shifted his gaze toward her. "Acknowledged," then hit the comm button.

"Doctor Solice, we have received a distress call from the Norkan colony in Romulan space with
notice of casualties. You have the intervening transit time for preparation to provide medical
assistance to the inhabitants."

(Reply: Quinna)

"Dr. Gralen, what do we have on the Norkan colony?"

Holice began to query the database and was a bit surprised at the gap in his knowledge. He
perused it for a moment before replying.

"The Norkan colonies were a part of the Federation but situated near the border region we know
as the neutral zone. They were destroyed by the Romulan Star Empire in 2378. Settlement of
that region was abandoned until the destruction of Romulus in 2387. A number of Romulan
refugees were resettled there by the Federation and now compromise the majority of the
population. The largest, Norkan Pei is listed at 13,000 with minimal defenses since the fall of the
Star Empire. The three other outposts are small, mainly research or observation and comprise
only a few hundred souls."

"There is the possibility of mass casualties doctor, make what preparations you can."

(Reply: Quinna)

He stood from the chair. Xenolithe were known to be extremely violent and reported to have left
few survivors in their wake, time was not on their side.

"Lieutenant Pex, time is of the essence. Can you increase our speed?"

 Theoretically it was possible as the new engines full capability had not yet been plumbed and a
comfortable safety margin had always been maintained. Power was not the overriding factor as
they had at minimum a forty percent surplus, the issue was the capability of the components to
deal with the added strain.
(Reply: Pex)

"Give me all you can with a minimal safety margin and watch the engines closely. The faster we
can get to Norkan the fewer casualties we may be able to mitigate."

(Reply: Pex, any)
(Posted by Charles Gatling)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Illuminar- Deck 1 - Bridge - SFI, Lt. Michael Weston and Commodore Tahlmari - 1300)

The turbo loft door opened and Weston and Tahlmari stepped onto the bridge at the same time.
Michael held back and let Commodore precede him. As Tahl looked around he let out a low
whistle.

“Things have changed since my days on a bridge,” the Zakdorn said softly. The pair made their
way over to the captain.

“Captain Sekal,” Tahl said, “can we have some time to speak with you. It’s about the Nageri. The
ships that the Xenolithe use.”

(reply Sekal)
(posted by Al Muir)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(USS Raptor- Deck 1 - Bridge - CO, Captain Sekal, Commodore Tahl and Lieutenant Michael
Weston - 1303)

“Captain Sekal, can we have some time to speak with you. It’s about the Nageri. The ships that
the Xenolithe use.”

Sekal turned to face the two. "You had some information for me on the Nageri?"

“Indeed we do,” Tahl replied. “Your Mr. Weston here is quite a thing. It took him a while but he
managed to wade through levels of encryption that made my brain hurt. It’s a good thing he’s on
our side.”

“You got me into the database Commodore,” Weston said with a shrug looking at Sekal’s
suspicious look, “in case anyone’s wondering how I got access to this information.”

“Yes, but this is information that had been kept, even from me,” Tahlmari siad. “And for the life
of me I cannot figure out why.”

“I can think of a few reasons,” Weston said. “However, that’s not the discussion we’re here for.”

The vulcan looked between the two and nodded. "Please continue. I will not debate, at this time,
the pros and cons of breaking the encryption of vital information unavailable to us that could
prove critical to the mission."

Michael smiled at the concession. “Some of this is not so secret. The Nageri are living ships.
That was what we were had learned when we first met the Xenolithe. But the reality of that
really hadn’t been examined. However, it’s not just that they’re living ships. They’re living entities
being used as ships. They’re intelligent beings that have been subjugated into service through,
whatever methods the Xenolithe employ.”

"That was understood with further introduction being unnecessary." Sekal gave him a raised
eyebrow look that called into question the necessity of the point.

“We’ll, what was less known freely was their method of control and travel. The Xenolithe are a
form of telepaths. They control the Nageri with their telepathy. But they also use it to direct their
form or star drive. The original idea that they use a form of warp drive was incorrect. The Nageri
use their incredible intellect to actually create folds in the time/space continuum and move
between those folds. It’s a great deal more efficient than warp and is powered by the Nageri
themselves. They absorb quantum energy and use it to slip through subspace. I mean, I’m no
engineer, or scientist, but I’m impressed.”

"Indeed." The captain looked about the bridge before returning his attention to Tahl and Weston.
"I can say however that this ship has a method of detecting such a radical departure from
standard space travel and now that I have been warned we will be watching for it."

Tahl nodded. “Yes, Captain, but they don’t know that.” He pointed out the view screen. “It’s a
strategic advantage that could save a lot of lives. The Xenolithe won’t be able to sneak up on
us like they did all those years ago. We were caught flat footed and unprepared. Now, we will,
at the least, know they’re coming.”

"Affirmative." Sekal nodded to the Commodore. "This should be widely disseminated to Star
Fleet at the earliest opportunity. It must be noted that withholding that information may have
been innocently overlooked…," he paused for a split second, "... or it might not have. Under the
circumstances and without knowledge of the reasoning behind its being omitted from the
briefing it would be logical to send this by encrypted channel after verifying its veracity."

“Or it may just have been thought to be irrelevant at the time,” Tahl added. “After all, most of the
people involved with this study are dead.”

"Irrelevant Commodore?" The CO gave him a searching look. "One of the first things about
command I learned on the Nahru is that no slice, crumb or molecule of information can be
overlooked or dismissed when dealing with an enemy. Some species have a highly developed
disinformation structure of which the Romulan Star Empire was one. The fog of secrecy and
disinformation that they cast made them more formidable yet also led to their collapse. Star
Fleet, if they have not learned this lesson, must eventually face it. However, I do not dismiss
your caution."

He turned his eyes forward. "Mr. William, open a communication with Starbase 4, encryption
C13, level 5. Commodore Tahl has information that will be of interest to Commodore Jerl."

"Yes sir, setting up the communication." The android's fingers flew over the board with unnerving
speed as he entered the encryption then opened the channel.

Tahl looked at Weston who shrugged and handed over the data chip. The Zakdorn handed the
chip to the android.
William caught the motion out of the corner of his retinal sensors and accepted the chip,
glanced at it for an instant, imprinting it in his memory then inserted it into the chip slot and
began accessing.

“There’s a lot more in there than just their drive system,” Tahl said. “And they’re probably gonna
know where we got our data. Ah well, I haven’t spent time in a brig for nearly forty years. I’m
past due.”

The captain's eyes cut over to Weston. "I suggest not being explicit as to the source of the
information, it will be enough to raise a warning. If the Raptor encounters one of the Nageri
using the noted propulsion system we will verify it. As for your punishment for accessing
classified data… we will speak of it later and come up with something appropriate."

Michael nodded, trying to keep a straight face, but his eyes still twinkled, “Of that I’m certain.
Just doing my job Captain. Sometimes getting the information you need requires a little risk.”

Tahl held up his hand, “Lt. Weston did gain access to the database with my approval. I’m certain
whatever befalls upon him, I will take full responsibility.”

Sekal turned his head to regard Tahl. "You may rest assured that we will have a conversation as
well commodore." Having made his point he regarded the screen and stood as it lit up.
Commodore Jerl appeared, wielding a very sober expression.

=^= Deep Space 4 here captain, I take it you have urgent news?=^=

"Affirmative Commodore, a warning to the support craft you have sent to the Norkan colony
concerning Nageri craft functionality that may make confirmation inconclusive long enough to
endanger Federation vessels."

=^= And what might that be?=^= Jerl's expression became curious.

"Gentlemen, if you please?" Sekal crossed his arms and waited.

Tahl stepped in front of the viewer and nodded, “Jerl.”

The image of Jerl nodded back, =^=Tahl. I see they dragged your butt out for this and you’ve
already broken a half dozen rules.=^=

Tahl smiled, “Well… you know me.”

=^=Yes, yes I do.=^= The look on Jerl’s face did not convey the pleasantry it might have.
=^=What have you got for me?=^=

“We’ve… uncovered some information about the Xenolithe ships that might prove important.
The drive system they use is not a standard warp drive that we’ve seen on many warp capable
worlds. Technically it’s not a warp drive. It’s more of a space folding slipstream drive. It takes
their ships far and fast and does not give off a warp signature.”

=^=That would be an issue all right. A bit more detail would be helpful. I suppose you have that
available?=^=
Weston stepped forward, “We do Commodore.”

Jerl’s eyes narrowed as Weston spoke, “Mr. Weston. No doubt your information comes from a
very reliable source. I see Captain Sekal has gotten you into a uniform.=^=

Weston’s face worked to remain passive, but a good ear could hear the strain in his voice, “My
choice, Commodore. And yes, the source is as reliable as they come. Mr. William is sending
the data now.”

Jerl nodded in satisfaction as the data stream started which lasted only seconds. =^=Received,
gentlemen and scoundrels, I'm forwarding it immediately to Canopis and Berang, they will be
arriving tomorrow. Can I also get a sitrep captain?=^=

Sekal dipped his chin before replying. "We have arrived at the system and the outposts are
silent, the Norkan colony is giving off intermittent signals which could be from damaged
equipment or someone trying to repair or route around it, the reason is inconclusive at this time.
I will be sending fighters to the outposts in system. I assume you have provided a list of known
vessels for the relief ships to make a positive identification should any be found derelict?"

Jerl's face took on a sour look. =^=I have, Let me know what you find on the planet. The ships
that are enroute will be able to provide anything survivors may need and will take over
emergency life support services so that you can continue your mission. Thank you captain.=^=
His gaze settled on Tahl. =^=Is there anything else?=^=

Tahl returned the look, “Just a consideration. The Nageri are living, sentient beings. That
means that they may react in… unpredictable ways, and have strong survival instincts. There’s
more to that in the files. If you have any more questions after that, you know where to find me.”

=^= Roger, keep your skin intact for that eventuality. =^= Jerl signed off and Sekal settled back
in the chair, they were still nearly eight hours away from the colony.

(Reply: Any)
(Posted by Charles and Al)
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>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
End Compile