Stardate:2406.10.01 Mission: Homecoming, Day -6 Stardate: 2406.10.01 (USS Steel Talons - Admirals Office - Admiral Robert LoDona, Captain Richard Ian Lee & 1st Lt Richard Ian Lee - 1120) Rich looked at the aide with a quirked eyebrow, and the Betazoid just looked right back at him. After a few moments of silence, the Aide finally said. "Admiral LoDona will see you, 1st Lieutenant." "My thanks," the Marine finally said as he turned to the doors. Without missing a beat he stepped forward, and through them when they opened. The office was large, it was a double office and strategy room, and it had a couple couches off to the side for what looked like informal meetings. Rich paused inside and looked around, this was the first time he would be in the presence of the Fleet Admiral, or anywhere near his flagship. The Office itself was simple, the only overt decoration he could see were a couple Marine unit patches near the desk. That wasn’t surprising, Rich knew LoDona had started his career as a Marine, a Combat Engineer. The man himself was bent over a tactical map off to the side of the room, rather then behind the desk. The entire console was glowing, and off to the side was a 3d holographic representation of *some* area in space. He put his hands behind his back and spread his feet just-so, and announced "1st Lieutenant Richard Ian Lee, reporting as ordered." LoDona didn’t so much as twitch a muscle, just remained bent over the table looking at something closely. "I rather figured, Lieutenant." he said eventually. "Had you been an aide, you would already be talking my ear off. And, had you been an assassin, one of the two of us would already be dead." The Admiral looked over his shoulder then, then gestured with a head movement to the table. "Join me, we need some words." Rich took two steps, then half-turned as the door opened again. He did a double-take and blinked his eyes a few times. Sure enough, he hadn't seen wrong, standing before him was a perfect copy of himself, except for a few different scars on the face, and the number of pips on the uniform. The first lieutenant snapped to attention, but couldn’t keep the confused look from his face. The other Rich Lee chuckled, "Don't ask, its as odd for me as for you." "Yes yes, come already you two." the Fleet Admiral said from the other side of the room. "You two can get together and chat when you're off the clock." Both Lee's walked over and stood next to the table, the Captain directly across and Lee to the side. Once he got a look at the table, he whistled and concentrated on what he was seeing, it was a full Tactical layout of the 52nd. Robert, who was leaning on one hand looking at the map, said. "Lieutenant; this is, of course, Captain Richard Ian Lee, my head of Strategic Operations on the Night's Watch. Captain, 1st Lieutenant Lee of the Nimitz." The Fleet Admiral looked up a moment later when neither Lee answered, both were intent on the map. Captain Lee had, of course, seen it before... He probably looked at it more then Robert himself did. It was all new information for the Marine though. Robert inwardly chuckled, even in alternate universes people thought the same. The Marine, had his life been different, would (and still could) end up much like the Captain here. "I brought you both here at the same time for a good reason, I intend to give this Grunt here a promotion, and give Stratops another operative." "Sir?" both of them said at once. They paused, and looked at each other. The 1st Lieutenant said, "Sir, with all do respect, Ill keep quiet until you speak." He looked slightly unnerved, but then again, so did the Captain. Robert, on the other hand, was clearly enjoying himself as he looked between the two of them. Captain Lee gestured to the Marine, "I'm just a spectator for the moment." The Marine nodded his head, then turned to the stone-faced Admiral. "You were saying, Sir?" Robert took a PADD from the table-top and handed it over. "Two things, you are transferring to the USS Mystique and putting together a new demi-company. And, secondly, you will be an acting advisor to Strategic Operations in terms of Marine strength. You are one of our more experienced officers, and one of five I'm tapping for their knowledge." The Marine grunted as he took the PADD, "Pleasure & Pain, huh?" he said as he scrolled. "Who else are ou tapping?" "Colonel T'Vanek of Geneva, Major Dorkin who will be on the Nimitz soon, Colonel Masters of the Angelfire, Brigadier Donna'wa of the Stormbringer, and finally Brigadier Ja'lin of the Thunderchild." The Marine Rich grunted again, "Big names, I know a couple of em anyway." his eyebrows went up again as he looked at the PADD. "A double promotion?" he said as he looked up. The Admiral nodded and tossed over a small box. "For the special projects, you needed a little more then 1st Lieutenant to play ball, even if it would be the perfect rank for a demi-company." Captain Lee cleared his throat, "I've already had Stratops codes installed onto the Mystique, and your Captain will be informed that you are going to get the occasional classified subspace communiqués." He looked at the Admiral for a second, then looked back. "At least for the time being, the ship probably won't be operating under Radio Silence, so it won't be an issue. I have her marked in the fleet as pure exploration for the moment, only an emergency will change the nature of her missions." The Marine looked at the box in his hand and popped it open. ~Two stars and a bar, my my.~ he thought. "Alright, I accept." he said, looking up again. "When do I pack?" (reply: none) (posted by Trout) Stardate:2406.10.01 Mission: Homecoming, Day -6 Stardate: 2406.10.01 (USS Nimitz, FO's Office, Captain Vanyssa Winters & Ensign Jason Dema, 1302) "Ensign, I'm glad to see you, please have a seat." Vanyssa gestured with her hand from the box she was packing on the floor. Jason went on to sit down and noticed the mess in the room, it looked like Vanyssa was moving, and then when she sat down on her desk, Jason noticed something different... "Is that a fourth pip on your uniform? No one tols me that Sash was fired." Jason saw that Vanyssa smiled. "I've had a discussion with Captain Sash, and if you would like to follow me to the Mystique, you would be welcome." "The Mystique? What's that? Where is that and why me? And what about my sister?" Vanyssa grinned. "The USS Mystique is an Akira class starship. I, and my Officers leave tomorrow morning aboard yonder Steel Talons for her, and I am to be her Captain. Why you, that Ensign, is a complex question." She got comfortable. "You are wasted here, with very little hope of advancement. I trust you, you have proven to be an honorable man. I know that I can lean on you in an Emergency. I would like you to be my Chief of Security, if you want the job, that is. As for your sister, my daughter and her Goveness will be coming with me. She is welcome to study with them." Jason's eyes got wider as soon as he heard the name Akira... "An Akira class? A real Akira class? Offcourse I will join you." Jason got totally excited of the news that he started dancing around yelling and doing goofy, but then, he realised he was making a fool out of himself. "Oh, I'm sorry, I got a bit excited there, but I thank you for your trust in me, and I'm sure my sister will be happy to hear the news, and thank you for the promotion." ~He's so young.~ Vanyssa thought to herself, watching him. He would probably die in the coming war, and under her command. Her eyes shadowed over at the thought of how many people were going to die. "What do you know about the Akira class?" Vanyssa asked curiously. "To be honest, I had never heard of it until the Admiral mentioned it to me...and I haven't had time to look up the specs yet." Jason noticed something in her eyes, he didn't really know what, but he could tell that she was concerned about something, so he tried to cheer her up a bit. "I think I'd better let you read the stats as I may forget to mention something, cause knowing your ship is very important, but I can tell you this, with an Akira, your survival is guaranteed." Vanyssa frowned. "What do you mean, Ensign ?" She wondered. Survival was never guaranteed in Starfleet. That was part of the job description. "And Ensign, I expect that your behavior will improve, and you will stop the silliness as part of my senior staff. If you do not, I will have to assign you punishment detail, and that is something that I really do not want to have to do. I asked for you specifically, please don't let my faith in you down." Vanyssa candidly dealt with the one thing that truly bothered her about Dema, his clownish behavior. It would stop. "I'm sorry Sir, I'll keep it under control, I just wanted to improve your confidence as it looked like it was getting down a bit." Vanyssa grinned. "Then, in private, Ensign, you may act as silly as you want. I have a habit of being much too serious at times, and David...." and with that she choked back tears that had been threatening all morning. "Let's just say that he spent a lot of time cheering me up, too. " She grinned. "I suggest that you go collect your sister, Ensign, and pack your Quarters. On my authorization, you may arrange a site to site transport of your luggage between here and the Steel Talons's Quarters. I have alerted the Ops staff to have a two bedroom suite available for you." And then, Vanyssa rose from behind her antique cherry desk. "The Talons leaves tomorrow morning at 0700. Please report in at 0630 to me, aboard her. Dismissed, Ensign, and enjoy your last day aboard the Nimitz. I have relieved you of duty." "Will do Sir, see you tomorrow at 0630." Jason stood up and go closer to Vanyssa. "Also in private, and since I'm now off duty..." Jason took Vanyssa by her shoulders and pulled her closer and gave her a hug. "Everything will be okay, don't worry about it." Jason said, and with that and a smile, he walked out of the room. Stardate:2406.10.01 Mission: Homecoming, Day -6 Stardate: 2406.10.01 (USS Steel Talons - Admirals Quarter, Admirals Office - Admiral LoDona & Ambassador Tar-Thurian - 1400) Ana had recently arrived at Geneva to only be told that she was to report to Admiral LoDona immediately upon her arrival. She had received a secret summons from Admiral LoDona and she had no understanding why he wanted her. She had not even met this Admiral and from what she had heard, he was a rogue. He had pulled the 52nd fleet away from where they had been in what she had found out from her sources, a disagreement with Doenitz. Most of the fleet could not understand what was going on either and had went with what Doenitz had told them. She could have ignored his summons, but, she wanted to find out just why such an important person as LoDona had done such a treasonous act. So, she had taken her Danube ship and left Earth without telling anyone, especially those that worked with Doenitz and headed for Geneva. She had found that the Station had moved as the Admiral had said it had and she had no problem finding if from what the Admiral had given her. As she left Geneva with her aid in tow, she haded for the USS Talons and her meeting. Ana docked with the USS Talons and as her aid was taking care of the ship, as she had no idea whether or not she would need it or not after her discussion. The Talons was a great ship from what she saw as she headed for the Admirals office, which she had found by stopping at a terminal and inquiring. People watched as she made her way up into the ship as if they had not seen an Efrosian before and she guessed that maybe they had not. She wore her finiest Warrior-Priest robe as Starfleet had granted her the option to wear. It resembled the finest Japanese robe that she had seen but had a bit more room in case she had to move in defense of herself. Finally arriving at the outer office of the Admiral, she saw he had a Commander as his aid and walked up to him. "I am Ambassador Anastasia Tar-Thurian. I have a meeting with the admiral is he in?" The commander stood as she had approached and saw that his tag named him, Carval. "Yes Ambassador he has been expecting you, just one second and I will let him know you are here." Commander Carval replied. "Thanks Commander." She replied and looked around the office which she noticed was sparingly equiped. "Ambassador, you are cleared to enter." Carval told her after a brief talk with whom she supposed was the Admiral. "Thank you commander" she replied with a smile as she turned to walk up to the door. As it opened she walked in to see a rather distinguished looking gentleman rising to greet her. "Admiral LoDona, I presume? It is indeed an honor to meet you." she said as she came close to him. Robert stood as the Ambassador came in, "Ambassador Tar-Thurian, it is a pleasure." he said. "I was afraid you wouldnt want to see me." He didnt say why, he didnt need to. She was a diplomat, she knew just how undiplomatic he had been lately, some things were better left unsaid. "Can I get you anything to drink?" "Yes please a cup of tea please. You know I have become quite fond the stuff since I have been on Earth." She Answered him with a smile and a slight bow to him. "You have caused quite a stir amongst your fellow admirals. I almost decided that I would not come, but, something intrigued me about you, which I had to satisfy." She walked over to the couch that was in the room and sat down to wait on the admiral. "I guess I should ask you, Admiral, is why you took your fleet and seemed to split from Starfleet? Is that part of the reason you have summoned me? To explain?" She smiled and accepted the offered tea taking a sip from it. "Hmm good" Robert chuckled very dryly as he tapped a command for tea, and watched it materialize. Once she had finished, he took a moment to think and said, "I think, Ambassador, you hold something of a gift for understatement. If I know some of those admirals, they are ripping out thier hair. I can't say I blame them, I didnt have a chance to do as much as I would have liked before I had to flee with the fleet." He handed her the cup and sat back on the desk itself facing her, a conscious gesture to look informal. "I would be more then willing to tell you everything, I have a feeling if you decide to stay that your services will be required. I don't seek to upend the Federation, but there were things I learned about Doenitz which proves that the Federation was already being flipped inside out." He took a breath and looked at her, "I will give you proof once Im done, but the short of it is that Doenitz has been placing people in command and slowing taking over the fleet. Including, I might add, destroying Starfleet ships that got in his way or had served his purpose. The Nimitz was the one that tripped me onto the subject, only some fortuitous events saved her." He looked out the window briefly, "I sent a message with a lot of the information I gathered to all the fleet commanders, and I took the 52nd out to keep it from being disbanded and destroyed. I don't want a civil war, but I don't think I will be able to avoid it." He looked back, "Im not fighting to gain control, Im fighting to remove him and his taint." Ana watched the Admiral's body language as she listened to him as she was pretty good at reading how people are when they lie. From what she was seeing from him was a sincerity of what he had to do and she noticed that she thought of the words 'had to' from his demeanor. She was very curious about this information that he was telling her as there had been no dissemination of it from what she knew. She thought that either Doenitz had intercepted what the admiral had sent out or Doenitz had been able to keep the fleet quite about it. She also knew that information of this sort would have had a very detrimental effect on the people of the federation. "Admiral, why did you not bring this to the Council if you are so convinced the evidence is geniune?" She asked after a bit of digesting what he had said. "Because, it would have taken nothing for him to grab the council immediatly and throw the Federation into a full-scale civil war before any chance for resistance could be built." He spread his hands, "I have the 52nd here, ready now. Two other fleets have called in as well, lending support. As of this moment, we have defendable grounds and the seeds of resistance should he do so anyway, which I would imagine will happen if he starts taking losses and getting unanswerable questions." He folded his hands back together again, and rubbed at the borg-implants in an unconscious gesture as he considered his words, "The longer this stays from the public, the more chance we have of removing him quietly and forestalling the blow to the confiedence everyone has in Starfleet. IF I can take care of this quietly, I will. I just don't see that happening, I hope Im wrong. If it turns out everything I found from all over the fleet is fabricated, Ill be the first to put myself up as a traitor." He shook his head, "Its not false though, I made very sure. And, I am not a traitor." Ana could see that this admiral was one that, if he had still been in the fleet and nothing like this had happened, would probably run starfleet in the future. She was not sure now what his future would be or of those that decided to take him at his word about the evidence that he had. She was not so sure that Doenitz could have taken the council, but, she was unsure of some that were on it. She had seen things that she did not understand, but, she had kept out of it as it had not been correct for her to ask. "Admiral are you telling me that you think that the council has been subverted?" She asked wide eyed. "Do you have any evidence if you are?" "No doubt, I have a couple names, but I didnt have access to many council records, just Starfleet records." he said, "I have programs in motion to discover jut that. But, Ambassador, I wasnt talking about subverting the council. I was talking about bald force, taking the council and putting the Federation under Martial Law. There are a couple distant laws that allow Starfleet to put Earth under Martial Law in the event of an Emergency, a large-scale defection would certainly qualify. I caught him well before he would want to do so though, that he hasnt done so combined with the intel Ive been getting says he isnt far now though, he has been moving pieces into place since the 52nd took off en-masse for this area." Ana's face must have turned white as a sheet at what the Admiral had just said and it bothered her. Her sense of right and wrong flared up which was threatening to burn her alive. She could not believe such a person could be alive that would do such things, even to his own people. Something had to be done to stop him and from what she had heard so far, the Admiral was the answer to saving a lot of people. If what he was saying could be proved then she had to help him prove it. "What is it that you need of me Admiral?" She said finally after recovering and regaining her composure. Robert quirked his head, "Your skills," he said. "And your moderation. For three reasons, in fact." He brought up a hand and extended one finger, "Until things come to a head, we are in a new area and we have to make friends with any locals. Second, we are not the only ones to have ever explored this area, there are some of the better known governments here, Romulans and Klingons and Ferengi.. oh my." He sat forward, "And, third. Whatever happens, we are going to need a calm voice once we start talking with Earth again, we will need a level headed diplomat who is well known to speak our side of the truth. Me, Im a War-horse and everyone knows it. My past history is definatly of the warrior-persuasion, and I can think of a dozen excuses right off the top of my head why I might have 'defected', if I have someone well known speaking for the cause, then my warrior's mentality will not be nearly the issue as otherwise." Ana got up and walked to the window to peer out and think about what he had just stated. After a few moments she turned to the Admiral and looked him straight in the eyes. "I understand the warriors mentality Admiral as I am not only an Ambassador, I was first a warrior-Priest for my people and in some ways I still am. Being said that, it also may come in handy in the long run for you." She paused to contemplate her next statement to him. "Admiral, I understand what you have just said and I agree that you will need a level head to speak for you. Not only with the ones that you meet out here, but when you do go back and try to explain what happened. I hope you do plan on doing that one day." she looked at him questioningly before continuing, "I will join your, how they call it, merry band of warriors, but only to see what you do and to record it so I can one day speak either for you or against you. Are you willing to agree to that?" LoDona inclinded his head, "I can survive with it. We are launching a new ship, for now we are putting her on the rim to train her command staff, I don't intend for her to go into battle immediatly. For a start, that would be the place to put you, if you are agreeable." "I am agreeable with that Admiral, with one stipulation, I want a copy of your evidence that caused you to do what you have done. I will ensure that it does not fall into the wrong hands." She replied not sure if he was trusting her enough to let her have a copy of his data to examine. "And then just point me to the captain of your new vessel and I will be on my way." she pondered a moment before he answered, "Admiral, I was not sure what or who I would find when I arrived. I am honored to have listened to my gut feelings and came to hear what you had to say." Robert nodded, and after a few moments of thought, turned and punched a button on his desk. "See that the Ambassador gets a full copy of the evidence against Doenitz before she leaves." =^=Aye, Admiral=^= He turned back, "I will get you more as it comes, we are recieving tid-bits as we go. But my own stipulation, is that I will not tell you our fleet manuvers or data-sources until you fully sign with us, I will not endager my own ships and men should you decide to go back." He straignted, "The ship is the Mystique, I will be taking her CO later tomorrow to the ship, so I will have quarters assigned to you here on the Talons." "Agreed Admiral and that would be nice. I look forward to meeting the Captain on the morrow. If you can have someone escort me to my quarters until then." She said as she reached out to shake his hand. Robert took her hand, "No, thank you, Ambassador." he said, before gently putting a hand on her back in accepted fashion to show her the door. "Every little bit helps, and Id rather diplomacy at this point." The door opened to let them out, and Robert gestured to one of his Aides. "See that the Ambassador gets quarters in the Ambassadorial section." he said. Since this was a fleet flagship, it had a few more of the enemities of comfort then most ships. He turned back to her, "I am available at most times, if you have questions or concerns." "Until later then Admiral" she replied then started for the commander to retrieve the information that he had for her. (reply: none) (posted by Frank Rogers & Trout) Stardate:2406.10.03 Mission: Homecoming, Day -2 Stardate: 2401.10.03 (USS Steele Talons - Observation Lounge; Lt Cmdr Peter Belinia & Lt HHril; 09:00) Peter sat with his back to the entrance, he was staring out into space, the stars wizzing by as the Steele Talons sped at warp to their new home. He heard the doors open, then close. "Good morning Lieutenant." Peter said without turning round. ''Good morning, Sir!'' replied the young man, obviously uncomfortable in the new yellow uniform. ''Lt HHril reporting as ordered.'' The OPS officer of the newly commissioned USS Mystique stepped towards the table, the PADD containing his orders and updated personnel file in his right hand. It was not so much feeling of the newly replicated material, but more the change in colour that bothered him, It felt oddly tight and rigid... unforgiving. So too were the responsibilities that came with his new position at OPS. The FO motioned for him to take a seat at the table. Peter sipped his tea and placed the PADD he was holding on the table opposite him, next to all the others. As the Lieutenant came and sat next to him Peter spoke. "Beautiful, isn't she?" Peter put his cup of tea down. "Space I mean, she is one beauty I have devoted my life to exploring." "And a worthy cause she is, Sir.'' replied the Romulan. ''The endlessness of it. It is like infinity personified.'' HHril shifted in his seat. This was his first assignment as a department head. First impressions of the First Officer would be extremely important. What would he think of a Romulan officer assigned to him. He did not have to wait long to find out. "I would tend to agree Lieutenant. I would like to ask you a question off the record, if I may." ~That was quick~ Hhril thought the Lt to himself. He did not wait for an answer. "Where do your loyalties lie, Lieutenant? I ask only because I am immensley distrustful of Romulans, generations of conflict you understand. Personally I have learnt to subdue my feelings, due to my previous Captain being a Romulan." Peter stopped to hear the Romulan answer. ''Sir.'' began HHril, flashes of his earlier years on ch'Rihan, his training with the Tal Shiar, and the reason for his families departure burning in the back of his mind. He had been prepared for this line of questioning from the first day he arrived at Starfleet Academy. ''My loyalties lie squarely with Starfleet Sir. I believe in the ideals and directives laid out in the charter and have pledged to follows orders from any ranking officer within Starfleet or the United Federation of Planets.'' He passed over the PADD to the FO. ''The fact is, Sir. I am ch'Rihannsu. Romulan as it were.'' He paused, taking a long, audible breath which betrayed his outward stoic expression. ''I cannot change that. But I can assure you that my loyalties are far from divided. I may have been born to them, but they will not claim me as their own.'' "You must understand that that was nothing to do with the Captain, just something I needed to clarify. For my own peace of mind, you understand. I never thought that your loyalties were divided, but I simply had to ask. Please take no offense." Peter drank the last of his tea and looked longingly into his cup. "Would you like anything from the replicator?" Peter asked as he rose. ''None taken, Sir!'' replied HHril, rather relieved that the conversation had gone so well. ''If I may, Cmdr'' began HHril, now more comfortable with a hot cup of coffee in hand ''Will the Mystique be operational upon our arrival?'' Peter, now in his element, took up a PADD from the pile on the table. "The Mystique will be operational. She will still be in Spacedock when we arrive and there will be several things for her Commanders to attend to before the staff can get their mitts on her." He said with a smile. ''What about full crew.'' continued HHril. ''I have maintained a rather low profile during the trip to date.'' "The crew will still be arriving when we do. We are getting some resent graduates from the Academy and some transfers from other vessels. You will receive the final roster, when I do!" Peter glanced at his PADD and took a moment to think. "Lieutenant, I will be frank with you. Since we are in the Observation Lounge rank really does mean nothing here. Unless otherwise stated by a frown on the Captains face!" Peter smiled and allowed himself to relax with HHril, they were going to spend an awful lot of time together running the ship so it was imperative that they got along. "OPS is a bitch of a department. You are the nuts and bolts of the ship. You will be required to perform all sorts of tasks by all departments, and then there is all the away missions and support craft. You are going to be busy. And at the moment OPS is just you!" He waited for that statement to sink in. ''I believe you will find me to be more than up to the task, Sir.'' replied the Romulan. A flash of the ch'Rihannsu self confidence, which often times is taken for smugness or arogance floating in the air. ''My previous postings have prepared me well to undertake such a monumental task. I look to it as a mountain... that I have every intention of climbing.'' "I am glad to hear you say the Lieutenant, we need someone with your gusto on the Mystique. I will be availible for you to ask any questions at any time. Please do not hesitate to ask, remember, no question is too stupid." Peter was enjoying this meeting, it was more informal and relaxed. He still had not adjusted to the new pip, it would take some adjusting to. "Are there any questions regarding the ship or departments, or indeed, anything else for that matter?" HHril hesitated for a moment, an unwillingness to seem too inquisitive as is often an unwelcome trait in Romulans, and in junior officers. ''I believe that is all, Sir.'' He replied. "If I do have any further questions, Sir, I will know how to find you.'' HHril stood and waited to be dismissed. "Well, if you are certain Lieutenant. You may return to whatever you have planned. Welcome aboard." Peter faced the young lieutenant and the officer turned about and left the room. Peter returned to face the stars, they were an awsome sight. Even though they were wizzing past so incredibly fast. He returned to his reading and allowed himself to become immersed in his duties. (Reply None) (Posted by John Gibson & Mathew Ellias) Stardate:2406.10.04 Mission: Homecoming, Day -3 Stardate: 2401.10.04 (USS Steele Talons - Personal Quaters; Lt Cmdr Peter Belinia & Ensign Jason Dema; 10:00) Peter was sat reading his PADD containing the crew manifest, when there was a knock at the door. ~Novel and punctual, I like that!~ He tought. "Come!" He yelled. The confident Ensign strode into the room. "Good morning Ensign, please take a seat at my desk. Would you like a drink?" "I'll just have plain water, I kinda got a sore throat, must've swallowed a bug last night." Peter, laughing, rose and headed towards the replicator and ordered the drinks. Once Peter had returned to his desk, he placed the drinks down and picked up his PADD. He was silent for a while, making the tension tighter. Jason took a sip from his drink while waiting for the first word from the commander. He noticed he was building tension, but it took more than that to put pressure on Jason. "I see from your record that you were posted to the USS Nimitz, how did you find that?" "Well, altough it was short, I did meet a few good crewmembers, and I enjoyed working with them." "Well, I am glad to hear that you enjoyed it so much. You are the new CTSO of the USS Mystique. tell me, how do you feel about that?" "Well, I'm honoured that Vanyssa asked me, though she doesn't know me that well, she did picked me, and that also makes me surprised, but I'll gladly accept the job." "I am glad to hear that aswell. First of all, while you are in uniform it is Captain Winters. Now there is one matter we need to concentrate on." Peter leaned forward and placed the PADD on the desk. "You have a somewhat lax attitude to accepted Starfleet protocol. What exactly do you expect to gain from such an attitude?" Peter was not being fair to the young Ensign, but he needed to be sure that they could rely upon him to take orders. "I try to pick up the morale of the crew from time to time, the better the morale, the better people will function. and I know that you, like anyone else, rather works in a pleasant environment. and I know what your thinking, space is a hostile environment, but that doesn't mean that inside the ship, the mood has to be hostile." Peter was anooyed that he hadn't answered the question, but allowed him to continue down this path - until it was too much. He tried to bring it back to the point. "Ensign, I do not want to start on the wrong footing, but I will not tolerate any behaviour which is in breach of protocol. You have license to intepret orders as far as they allow, but when the lives of this crew are at stake, you will follow them to the letter. Do I make myself clear Ensign?" Jason was getting annoyed, this commander did only not know him, he was also judging him by hearing or reading about him, and that's a trait Jason hated. So he looked Belinia straight in the eyes. "Off the record Sir, I'm proud to be a starfleet officer, and I would do anything to uphold starfleet's beliefs, and to protect my fellow crewmembers, there is a time of fun and leisure, but also to be serious. Yes I can see a difference in them, and know that when the time comes, then I'll be the first to be there to do what I have to do." "First of all, nobody said anything about being off the record, this will be noted in my report to the Captain. You have been called here at my request to talk about your record and your duties. But nevertheless I am glad we understand one another. I will keep a close eye on your progress, I will expect that your attitude and your knowledge of Starfleet protocol to improve 100 fold by the time you assume your station." Jason was getting irritated about the commander still nagging about the same thing while he allready made clear that he knew what his job was about, and so he answered with a strict voice. "Sir, I know we are here to get to know each other, but if you're gonna judge me by reading that PADD only, then be free to do so, but if you want my full respect, then make your own judgements without pre-judgements from a PADD. I have proven myself before, and I'll do it again. I know my duties." Peter was highly annoyed at this brash officer sat opposite him. "We seem to be getting off on the wrong footing after all." He said. "You are an Ensign, while I am a lieutenant Commander and your First Officer. When I say jump, you intepret how high I would like you to jump, then you do it. Without thinking or even objecting. You are a junior officer, with the potential to be greater, you will not make it if you simply rebel against the Chain of Command." Peter moved on. "I will judge you as I see fit. I have no personal experience of your abilities and I am acting upon the request of others, you have no authority to challenge me on this matter. What is on this PADD is what I have to judge you by, then I will add to that this meeting. It is not going well for you, I will admit that." That last, surely was over the edge for Jason, the vision he had about the FO, wich seemed nice in the beginning, turned into an FO that was out on making the rest feel small, like drill sergeants do, and he especially hated that the FO used their difference in rank to ampliffy that. But still, Jason kept calm. "Yep, wrong footing it is it seems, judge all you want, but don't be blinded by a PADD Sir." Peter ignored tha comment, he was hghly frutrated, this was not how he had wanted to start his career as First Officer, but he knew it needed to be done. "Now, onto more operational matters. I would like you to schedule some time with the Major and myself in regards to the security of the Mystique. I want daily training drills and reports on the operational preparedness of the crew and the Marines, report directly to myself on any matters which need addressing. I will forward them onto the Captain if she needs to be informed." He handed the Ensign a PADD with all the neccesary data on. Jason was getting tired of the commander who kept talking about what to do, while he allready knew what his duties were, but he just complied. "Yes Sir." "I also wanted you to arrange a meeting with Mr Kesswick, your subordinate. But I think I will conduct that meeting. Mr Dema, you are at leisure until we board the Mystique, I want your attitude to have changed. IS THAT UNDERSTOOD?!!" Peter shouted that last bit to emphasise his frustration at Jason. "DISSMISSED!!!" Jason, not even a bit intruiged by the commanders shouting, stood up and started walking out, but before he walked out he turned around. "Seeing I'm of duty now, then here's some advice from a friend, I came here with good intentions and a good thought about you... but now, it seems that you're a commander that is blinded by protocols and reports from others. So do,'t let the power flow to your head to much, I don't want to see throw you in the brig when I'm on duty." "Mr Dema, I would aprecite it the next time we meet that you are able to differentiate between what is acceptible behaviour when addressing a superior officer, and what is not. I would hate for you to be an Ensign for the rest of your career." Jason said that with a friendly smile, to show the commander that his intentions were good, and then Jason walked out. As Jason left Peter drank his tea, shaking. He had kept his emotion under control, even when shouting, but now that the Ensign had left he allowed it to surface. He was not expecting to do that so soon. It did not feel right to tell the Ensign that Peter was quite pleased with the meeting. At least he knew that the officer was loyal, if a little outlandish. "Computer, play Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata, dim lights." Peter leant back in his chair and closed his eyes. He hoped that the young Ensign would become a friend, but that seemed far off in the future now. "What a beautiful start to the day, I am sure Captain Winters would really apprecieate it if you didn't alienate the whole crew!!!" He said to himself. He rose from his seat, took up his PADD and started to enter data into it. (Reply none) (Posted by John G and Anthony Struelens) Stardate:2406.10.04 Mission Homecoming Day -3 Stardate: 2406.10.04 (USS Talons, CO Mystique Quarters, Federation Ambassador Tar-Thurian, 1130) Admiral LoDona had introduced Ana to the Captain, Vanyssa Winters earlier, she looked like one that could be a very good Captain. She did not know this Vanyssa Winters, so, she had no knowledge to pull from, but, records could be attained. She hoped that the Captain would be forthright in what information she needed, with the exception of what LoDona had said would be kept secret for the moment. Ana finally decided it was time to see the captain. The computer had located her in her makeshift office she had set up in her temporary quarters. She walked up to the captains door and pushed the chime to gain entrance. Vanyssa looked up from the piles of somewhat archaic paperwork around her. As usual, it had been a somewhat busy morning. She was delagating as much off to her FO as she could, but it was still a lot of work. Red tendrils of hair had escaped Vanyssa's bun, curling around her face from the perspiration. ~Who is it now?~ She wondered to herself, almost entirely to herself, keeping the thought well shielded. "Come!" She called out, glad that she had figured out the trick of portraying confidence. Ana had heard the captain tell her or more like whoever to come in. She moved forward and as the door opened she walked right in to find the captain behind stacks of paperwork. "Captain maybe this is a good time to take a break and get to know each other." Ana said smiling walking up to Vanyssa. Vanyssa looked up at the smiling woman approaching her. She seemed overly friendly. ~Maybe this is my missing Counsellor!~ She thought with a lot of hope. "That sounds like a wonderful plan, ergh, I'm sorry, but I don't know who you are. Or why you aren't in uniform." Vanyssa said, assuming that this person was a starfleet officer. "Captain Vanyssa Winters, Admiral LoDona introduced us briefly earlier this morning. I am Anastasia Tar-Thurian, Your Federation Ambassador." Ana said smiling, but, she was actually annoyed that the captain had dismissed the meeting. Vanyssa thought back over all the people that she had met in the last three days, and blushed, completely red, almost as red as her hair. And she firmly pulled her mind out of the string of subspace numbers that she had been trying to compute. "I'm sorry. I could make excuses as to why I forgot, but they would be just that, excuses. Good morning, Ambassador, please have a seat." And vanyssa indicated the somethwat uncomfortable couch that she had been given. "May I get you some refreshment?" "No thanks Captain and I can imagine what it might be like trying to put together a new ship and crew." Ana replied as she sat down on the couch, "Making sure that all the correct supplies are loaded for each department. It must be hair pulling to say the least." Ana finished as she watched Vanyssa's body actions. Vanyssa nodded and relaxed, then realized that her hair was literally flying away. "Just so. No hair pulling yet, but from the supplies manifest I've been given, many things are missing. and there is meeting with the crew, meshing personalities..." Vanyssa let her voice trail off as she moved back to the couch with a glass of cold sweet earth tea. "What can I do for you, Ambassador ?" Vanyssa asked. "I actually just sent you about meeting with me to get to know each other a bit before setting out." "Well for one thing what do you exactly expect from me?" Ana replied knowing what she was going to do, but, wanted to know what the captain thought she was going to do. Vanyssa leaned back. "I hadn't given it much thought, to be honest. I would like you to be on the same level as my Counsellor, have a station on the bridge, advise as necessary. I would like you to go on away missions with the crew, and, well, I have to say that my intuition says that there will be a bit of First Contact going on while the Mystique is out exploring. First Contact is something better left to diplomats. Plus," And then Vanyssa grinned. "I would much rather talk my way out of a battle than have to fight. We are in a war, and well, everything is valuable while in a war. That goes from the people to the equipment, Ambassador. I've seen too much death and destruction in my life, and would rather not see any that can be prevented." "First Contact would be a good thing Captain and I would be most happy to help there." Ana replied but she wanted more information, "May I ask you something Captain?" Vanyssa nodded. "Ambassador, to you, off-duty, please call me Vanyssa." "What is the motivation behind LoDona and his moving of the fleet?" Ana asked her to see just what answer the captain would give her. Vanyssa froze. "What has he told you about the current situation ?" She asked cautiously. "With all due respect Captain, I want your take on it not what he has told me." Ana was wondering if Vanyssa would actually tell her anything. Vanyssa sighed and sat back. "What being said, does not leave these Quarters?" She sighed again, mentally filtering through the number of things that she knew of. "the 52nd Fleet in Breaking Away from the rest of Starfleet because a good portion of the rest of Starfleet is corrupt and under the control of Admiral Doenitz. Doenitz is ruthless and will kill any and all who stand in his way." Vanyssa closed her eyes briefly at the thought of the number of people this Admiral had killed, including some that she knew. "He planted a few saboteurs aboard the Nimitz not long ago, and attempted to blow her up because she had one of his former coworkers on board. Luckily that person discovered what had been done and put a stop to it. There have been other instances where Doenitz has attempted to kill and has suceeded, those that stand in his way. I do not know all of them, just the ones that have touched me. I do not know why he wants control of the entire Federation, but that is his ultimate goal. I do know this, I trust Robert LoDona with my life. He is an honorable man, with only the good of the Federation in his heart." Vanyssa leaned back, trying to relax her neck muscles. "He brought you here, Ambassador, to serve with us in this. He would not have done that if he were less than honorable." "Or covering his tracks." Ana replied to see what reaction that Vanyssa would have. "Who did Admiral Doenitz try to kill and where was this suppose to have happened?" She had read over the report that LoDona had given her but she was also trying to see just how much might be true. "On board the Nimitz ? Who was he after ?" Vanyssa asked softly. "A friend of mine." "Was this friend in starfleet or a civilian? Could this person have done something that caused the admiral to want them dead?" Ana could tell by the way Vanyssa was acting that she was holding something back. "Yes, he used to be one of Doenitz's operatives." Vanyssa said. "He is in Starfleet, but has left that life behind. The other purpose in destroying the Nimitz seemed to have been to kill the Executive Officer of the ship at the time." Vanyssa was cold. She didn't know how much of Falthgood's past she could reveal. Hell, she didn't even know it all. Ana decided to play a hand with Vanyssa to see where it would lead her. "What happened to the Nimitz beyond the river?" She asked knowing part of what the answer could be but wanted it from her. "If I understand it right, the information was put together beyond the river on the Nimitz, am I correct?" In playing this hand she might be letting Vanyssa know a bit more of what she knew of what was going on than she should. Vanyssa nodded and told the story of what had happened, and all the damage that the Nimitz has taken. "I was only a lowly Lt at the time, and didn't here all the details." She finished, relating from her experience. Ana listened to what Vanyssa had to tell her and there were things that she had not heard or read about the experience of the nimitz beyond the river. The story was compelling with evidence that Doenitz was indeed planning to take over the federation or at least he was the one behind so many suspicious deaths around Starfleet. Though Vanyssa seemed to have told her everything, Ana could sense there was something very personal that she would not go to. Ana wanted to ask about it but decided to respect her privacy. "Captain, I want to thank you for being very open with me. Most of what you have said I did not know, only small bits and pieces I have been able to find. I now know that we can be honest with each other and have a honest working relationship together. LoDona had given me what Aragorn and Captain Rivers had about Doenitz and now I see that it was indeed correct. I look forward to working with you in helping the Fleet in any way I can." Vanyssa was shaking by the end of her speech. Reliving it, reliving when she had heard that David was dead..... It was hard on her. "Yes, Ambassador." Vanyssa said, then looked up in curiousity. "Indulge my curiousity, if you please. Could you tell me about your attire ?" Ana smiled as she stood up and rotated so that Vanyssa could see more of what she was wearing. "Well, Vanyssa, it is a lot like the ones that the earth people called Japanese wear but I think ours is a little different as it signifies what we are on our planet. I wear what we call on my home world the robes of the Warrior-Priest." Vanyssa was fascinated. "I have a good friend who wears robes similiar to yours. He is a Priest of the Goddess Allura of Betazed. Tell me about your order, please? What does it mean to be a Warrior-Priest?" Ana sat back down, "There are only a few that go through the rigors of becoming warrior and priest. First you have to go down the hard road to become a warrior." Ana stopped to think of an example that might help Vanyssa, "it is like a Klingon child becoming a warrior. We also go through what they call Ascension. The Klingon rite of Ascension is almost as hard as the one that we have to go through. Most stop there and become our warrior forces but others aspire to more enlightenment and go on to be a priest also. These become the warrior Priests." She stopped there as she could not tell Vanyssa that part that was their religion. Vanyssa nodded. "Thank you, Ambassador." As her chime went off again. "It seems like more work has come to me. " She sighed and placed her cup of tea back in the recycler. "I look forward to future talks." "I will look forward to our little chats and yes I have taken up too much of your time. I will leave as I have some things to take care of also." Ana replied as she got up and started for the door. Vanyssa nodded, watching the Ambassador go. It had been an interesting discussion. As the Ambassador left, a crewman walked in, containing a pile of PADDs for her. Vanyssa sighed quietly to herself and settled in for more bureaucracy. (reply none) (Pb Frank and Melinda) Stardate:2406.10.04 Mission: Homecoming, Day -3 Stardate: 2401.10.04 (USS Steele Talons - Outside Ambassadors Quarters - Lt Cmdr Peter Belinia & Ambassador Anastasia Tar-Thurian - 16:00) Peter was walking down the corridor, holding yet another PADD, containing data on the Ambassador. He pressed the door chime, and the doors opened. He cautiously stepped inside. He had never met an Efrosian before, nor had he spoken to an ambassador. This was a day to reckon with, and no mistake. Again he was trying to portray an officer aware of what was going on, but quite frankly, he did not have a clue. He was just winging it, hoping that it would all somehow slot into place. He glanced at the woman who was standing, with her back to him, looking out into space. She turned to regard him and Peter was struck by her beauty, this was not what he was expecting from an ambassador. She was neither old, nor cantankerous. Ana had been looking out the window of her spacious temporary quarters aboard the Talons when her aid, Cheri, came to tell her that someone wanted to speak with her. Without turning from the window she motioned for Cheri to let the individual approach. She had heard someone enter and when that person stopped she turned around to meet them. "I take it that you are the FO, Commander Belina" Ana asked already knowing as she had already reviewed all the crew members that would be on the Mystique, especially the command crew. "I am indeed, Ambassador." Peter replied. "It is a pleasure to finally meet you. And I am glad you agreed to meet with me. It has been somewhat of a busy and tiring day." "Yes indeed it has been a tiring day" She replied then motioning for him to have a seat on the sofa. "Would like something to drink Commander?" She asked as she was heading to the replicator to get something to drink herself. "Well thank you very much. Could I please have a hot cup of sweet tea?" His British accent coming through thick. He took a seat on the sofa, and awaited the ambassador. Once she had brought their drinks over he settled back. "Ambassador, forgive me if I am abrupt, but as I say it has been a hard day so far." "Abrupt sometimes means to the point and I like that. Please continue with your questions." She replied knowing that this commander would like to know many things and there were only a few that he would really get. "Well thank you. Ambassador, what do you think will be your primary role aboard the Mystique?" Peter did not want to beat around the bush, he was tired and he still had more work to do. There would be plenty of time to get to know her later, he just wanted to know some details about why she was coming aboard. "I am here at the request of your Admiral LoDona." she replied taking a sip of her tea then looking at him directly, "What do you think my role aboard the Mystique should be?" She asked turning the tables on him. Peter was distrustful of diplomats, they always returned questions, instead of answers. "Your role, as I understand it would be to, how would the Admiral put it," Peter thought for a second. "Ah! To make friends!" He looked at her, full in the face, and swallowed some of his tea. "Ambassador, I realise that your skills will come in useful, and I dare say that we will be grateful for them. But I do not want to waste valuable time in going to unknown parts just to say a quick hello and hows your neighbourhood. My question is simple, will you be commedering the Mystique to conduct any kind of Ambassadorial mission?" Peter sat in the silence that followed. "Yes, I guess that would sum up what the Admiral had told me also." Ana agreed with the FO smiling. "Now that is a good question Mr. Belina and the only answer that I can give at this time is that I go where the Admiral sends me just like you do." Ana watched him for a second the added, "I tell you now that I have no intentions to go against the captain unless she gives me or the admiral a reason to. Do I pass your interrogation Mr. Belina?" She finished with a knowing smile. Peter returned the smile and simply nodded. "You passed it." His face turned sour at his next thought. "Ambassador, your role will be immensley important to the 52nd, and to the Federation. I would ask that whatever you plan you keep either myself or the Captain informed. For the safety of the ship, I don't want to be chasing shadows, so to speak." Peter rose, he wanted to get back to his paper work, not that he liked it but because it needed to be done and this conversation could go round in circles all day. "My dear Mr. Belina, I assure you I will not have you,,,, chasing Shadows,,, at least." She replied to him with a shy smile. "Thank you for your cooperation." He said sarcastically. He turned to walk towards the door and halted. "I would like to be friends with you Ambassador, please do not take me to be a blumbering idiot. Too many people seem to make that mistake." "Mr. Belina, I do not take anyone as anything other than what they portray themselves. As Friends, I am friends with everyone." Ana replied knowing that the FO just implied a threat and she skimmed over it without a second thought. She stood to walk him to the door, "I look forward to arriving on the Mystique." "Thank you Ambassador. I, too, look forward to your joining our merry band." With that the Ambassador and Peter headed towards the doors and Peter left her in her quaters. He strode down the corridors with his head full of suspicion. (Posted by John Gibson and Frank) Stardate:2406.10.06 Mission: Homecoming, Day -1 Stardate: 2406.10.06 (USS Steel Talons - Conference Room; Lt Cmdr Peter Belinia & Major Richard Ian Lee; 06:30) Rich looked out the window, letting his fingers run gently over his dog-tags as he looked at the moving stars past the Conference room window. The last week had been quiet, he hadn't been doing a lot but waiting for his arrival and his new Command. He had spent time with the Squad, they hadn't had much of a break in a long while and it had felt good to just sit back and have a drink with them. There was no pressure on them, not until they took up arms on the Mystique. He had spent some time with Jenna as well, since her mother had just become exceptionally busy prepping to take command of the Mystique. By habit he had risen at 0600, but with nothing in particular to do, he had decided to come out and look at the scenery for a while. The stars, beautiful things that they were. He had come out to listen to their symphony. He had been among them so long, as a youngster he had fallen pray to the La rêve des étoiles, the Dream of Stars. For so many years recently he had lost that dream, the stars had stopped singing for him in their movement. Now they sung for him again, but their song was getting dark again, this part of his universe was becoming a war-zone. Happiness, pleasant times, they were all going to become a thing barely remembered in the next few years to come. Peter was feeling groggy as he approached the Talon's Conference Lounge. He held his favorite mug in his right hand and in his left was a stack of PADDs. He walked into the room and yawned. He saw the looming figure of the Major standing in the darkness looking out of the window into space. "Good morning Major." Peter said as he placed his mug and PADDs on the table. "Won't you join me?" Peter sat in a seat and drank deeply from his mug of tea. "Computer, lights." Rich turned on his heel slightly, hiding his momentary irritation at having the solitude broken. ~Ah well, it was bound to happen.~ He nodded briefly and took a seat. "Congratulations on your promotion, Commander. The Mystique is a lovely ship from what I've read and seen." "I am glad that you think so highly of her Major, you will be responsible for her protection if we were to need your services. The Marines have become somewhat of a necessity of late, would you not agree?" Rich sat back in his chair and put out a hand, though he resisted the temptation to drum his fingers. "Sadly." "Major, I will cut to the chase, the reason this meeting is so early is because you and I will be very busy throughout the rest of the day." ~And probably for the whole damn time we are out here.~ He added in his thoughts. "The Captain would prefer it that we would never need your services. However, you and I both know that is wishful thinking." "That's why we are here, Commander. To bleed for the cause when needed, though with luck that need is rare." Rich said, in an even tone. "I agree Major, wholeheartedly. Your job after we arrive, and indeed until you feel that your men are up to standard, is to design and perform training drills. You are to have your men practice Ship Invasion, Away Team protection, Infiltration and any other scenario you can cook up. Also please include Tactical and Security staff in your training schedule. They are to be in training drills daily. Have the Marines train as often as you see fit, but at least once a day. Give them a half day off a week and a full day per month. As well as any time you feel appropriate for them to be off duty. You will maintain a state of Operational readiness as of 00:00 tomorrow, so you had better get cracking!" Peter was not interested in chatting as he was busy with other things, he also anticipated that the Major would be more willing to accept orders from someone capable of giving them. Rich failed in his will-power, and did tap his fingers against the table as he thought. "Commander, I am going to be frank." he said. "The Nimitz has been through hell in a leaky-hand basket. I have personally seen the death of nearly three squadrons worth of men, from under my own command, because of the battles we have been through. In the last year, I have been through one Romulan hand-to-hand ship invasion, I've been through the work of psi-onic creatures, and a dozen other fun things that I rather never would have seen. Me and the King's, at the very least, know how to train for Ship-to-Ship invasion, and all manners of protective measures. Ever single thing you have mentioned is on my training schedule, and I would imagine you will get more then an eye-full if you see the Combat Engineers at work." His eyes bored into the Lt Commander. "In my demi-company, you have experience in things that will curl your toes. You have experienced body-guards, you have grunts, you have Trained explosives experts and Assassins. Oh yes, You have Mad-Dog killers at your fingertips, equally qualified to Pound a hard point into the ground, selectively murder people unknowingly, or blow another ship to bits with a few ounces of explosives and some bailing wire." The Major took a breath, "My training schedule is brutal, and it involves all Security Forces. The second I step on that ship, I'm on duty, and my life will be the forfeit before I allow harm to come to her. I trust this is satisfactory?" Peter was rather shocked, and somewhat disturbed, by the Major's frankness. "Major, you must understand that it is my first priority to protect the lives of the crew and any civilians we have on board. I was merely trying to cover the bases so to speak." Peter sat back in the chair and stared Lee in the face. "Major, I am already having difficulties with some staff, I would appreciate a little cooperation from you. After all, we will need to liaise on a regular basis. I do hope that we would not need your 'experts' as you would call them." Peter paused to mull over his next statement. "This is my official position as First officer. You will not and I repeat you will not utilize your assassins. I find that particular area of Marine training to be quite unnecessary and contrary to the Charter of the Federation." "The Marine Corps disagrees, as does Starfleet Tactical, and it wasn't me that requested a Combat Engineering squad on the Mystique, Sir." Rich said, slowly. "If I am ordered, and odds are I will, then I will use every tool at my disposal. Only five people in the universe can order me otherwise, all of them higher ranking then you. The Captain is one, LoDona another, and the other three are well beyond our range right now." He quirked his head, but continued looking at the Lieutenant Commander. "With all due respect, I hate the idea, but its foolish to throw away a conceivably useful tool just because it's distasteful. Our whole rebellion is distasteful, I've not heard that you tried stopping LoDona however." Peter stood, slammed his hands on the table and stared wide eyed at the Major. "HOW DARE YOU question my loyalty. Need I remind you that I may be a mere Lieutenant Commander, but I am the First Officer and you will follow my orders unless they are superceded by either the Captain or the Admiral." Peter straightened and walked towards the windows to stare into space. "And as far as my not questioning the Admiral, I was only a young Ensign and fresh from the Academy when he announce his decision. You have no right to question my choices, though they were the right ones. I lost a great deal, we all did, when we chose to follow the Admiral." Rich turned, his face determined and ringed with not a little bit of anger. "Good, so you have some balls. Now listen up pup, off the record. You're loyalty is questioned by everyone, in and out of the fleet. To Starfleet, we are both traitors. To the 52nd's high command, we are always suspect as plants from Starfleet. Get used to the feeling, boyo. Get used to being bloody, your hands are going to be soaked in nearly as much as mine will. Get used to using tools you find distasteful, they might save your life AND our ideals. Get used to a lot, and do it quickly, or you could kill us all." He all but growled the last sentence, and after a several second pause, he said "Sir." Peter swiftly turned to face Lee, scowling at him as he did so. "That's damn right Major, 'SIR'!! Don't you forget that, eat it and swallow it for breakfast. You are MY subordinate and I will not have you telling me how to do my job. I may be new to this but I am not as ignorant as you may think. I have faith in my commanders, even if you do not. Starfleet may brand us both traitors, but we are both in the same boat and up the same creek! You better get used to this matey, I outrank you and that is something that is going to please me at some point in the not so distant future." He move around the table and faced Lee. Rich suddenly grinned, "Sir, we'll see if you can command a tea-pot, much less a ship. In the mean time, you have the benefit of the doubt. If you get me and mine killed, I won't be pleased, but there is little I can do about that." His grin slipped, "Just remember you aren't the ultimate authority on this ship, your word is not law, Captain Winter's word is law." He sat back in the chair, his body relaxed by willpower. "If you expect respect because you are the lawful First Officer, then I think you have one more lesson to learn. And you will, or you will drown trying." "Major, I represent the Captain's will in all matters she sees fit to inform me on. If there is a change in the chain of command then I am sure she would inform me. As far as I am aware I am still your superior and you are still only a Major. I will do my best to keep you and your Marines alive, loath to it as I am. Remember this, on a majority of matters Starfleet does NOT outrank the Federation Council and the Charter stands above all else. You will respect that, if you know what is good for you!" "I have absolutely no problems with the charter," Lee said with a wave of his hand, "But it was the Council that approved the Marines, and the Combat Engineers have been an accepted and established part of the Marines for well over a century. If you suddenly want to become a lawyer, I would start with issues that haven't been so universally accepted. In fact, I would know what you are talking about first. I have a feeling that my CE's are unlike anything in your previous experience." He leaned forward, "Now, if you want to bring me up on charges, do it now. Otherwise, I'm going to go train my Marines and wait for the day I'm ordered to deploy them. Contrary to popular belief, I only deploy when ordered, and I never use assassination techniques unless ordered, or I Feel in the split second that a murder is justified for the good of Ship, Corps and Federation. So far, Starfleet nor LoDona has had no issue with my judgment." He stood, and began walking for the door. "Major, one more thing." Peter walked up to him and stuck out his hand. "Welcome aboard." Lee turned, then took the Commanders hand and gave it a shake. "Commander," he said lightly. He turned half a second later and continued out the door, musing. (reply: none) (posted by John Gibson & J Trout) Stardate:2406.10.07 Mission: Homecoming, Day 1 Stardate: 2406.10.07 (Steel Talons - Observation Lounge - Flt Adm LoDona, Capt Winters, Capt Sevant & Lt Major Lee - 0900) =^=Sir, we have passed the Defensive net.=^= Robert nodded to himself as he looked out the windows of the lounge, "Very well Captain, bring us into a standard orbit." He turned to Captain Winters, this would be the first official view of her ship, once the docks came into view. Her new MCO was also present, standing at light attention, his new Company patch decorating his arm. Rich and LoDona got along well, they had much in common. The Talons turned slightly, following a set path through the defensive nets, and bringing the yards into view. He grinned as he saw the ships in place, the Boudicca was there being patched up. And right next to her was the Mystique, fresh out of repairs and ready to be commanded. "Captain, I present the Akira class Mystique." he said, as he gestured out the window to the Akira. Vanyssa grin widened, as she leaned slightly forward. She knew Rich well, and was glad that he was here with her. It was unfortunate that David could not be, he would have been so proud of her. "She's beautiful." Vanyssa breathed out, her words very light. Her eyes wandered over the Mystique, and she felt herself fall in love. This was the feeling that all the Captains talked about, the first time you saw the ship that you were going to Command, it was bliss, it was better than any drug you could take. It made everything, almost, worth it. The doors slid open, and a well-built half-vulcan walked in. "Admiral, Captain, Major." he said in a bass voice. Sevant was no stranger to any of the people in this room, he had served with all but the Admiral on the Nimitz not so long ago. Rich Lee nodded to the Captain and turned back to his new command as the Vulcan slid next to him. Sevant spent a few moments looking at the Mystique, then turned his gaze to the nose of his own ship, the Boudicca. Both ships were a departure from traditional designs. His was a warship, hers would be an explorer. In a way, he almost envied Winters, she would only need be on the front lines when it was necessary. He would be going back almost immediately. He placed his hands gently behind his back, "She is a lovely ship, Captain Winters." he said quietly. "Serve her well, and she will assuredly do the same for you." Vanyssa looked up at someone else she knew fairly well. "Thank you, Captain Sevant." She said, very formally, her eyes never leaving the Mystique...until the view changed to that of the Boudicca, showing closer looks at the damage that had been done to it. "My goodness." She breathed out, and took another deep one in. She had heard of all the things that had happened on the Boudicca, but she hadn't believed that the damage could be as bad as it was. "How long ?" She asked Sevant, knowing that he would know exactly what she was asking. The Vulcan narrowed his eyes at the ship briefly, "If all goes according to plan, two months. There is more then just battle damage to contend with, she was originally rushed through her refit and into duty, these yards weren't around then." he said in the same even tone. It was nearly a physical ache, looking at his ship hurting as she was. The Boudicca had been his first assignment out of the Academy, and she had been his first permanent command. He abruptly turned on his heel, "And, myself and Mr. Grailik have work to do on her." He half-bowed to Winters, then looked at the Admiral. "With your permission, sir?" The Admiral nodded, "With my compliments, Ill be over later." "Aye, Sir." Sevant said. He walked up behind Winters, then paused. He put a hand on her shoulder, "Keep safe, Vanyssa, as much as you can." Vanyssa looked up into Sevant's eyes, and squeezed his hand. "I should be wishing you that, Cal." She gave him an impulsive hug and projected to him. ::I think that both Vicki and David would be pleased with us.:: The Vulcan smiled, thoroughly grim. "I'm suited to this duty, though its logical enough to wish us both luck." he said as he pulled away from the hug. ::Likely, I can only hope. Pain eventually fades, as does the memory of love. with luck the hole it leaves will not be replaced with dark hatred. Keep safe, Vanyssa, and pray I do my job well enough that you need not join me on the front lines. We have all lost enough already.:: Captain Sevant nodded to Lee once, then turned and left before he could receive an answer. Robert turned on his heel, "We are well within transporter range, Captain. Shall we?" Vanyssa looked up at the Admiral, wondering if he knew what had just passed between them. "Yes, Sir. My daughter has been talking non-stop about this, Sir." Vanyssa felt Rich's comfortable presence behind her. Richard chuckled, "Ill bring her aboard once the formalities are over, Captain." he said. "I've got to get the squad prepared for transport anyway, I can pick her up en-route to the transporters. So, with your permission?" Vanyssa nodded. "Thank you, Rich. " Vanyssa said, turning to LoDona. "Shall we ?" Her heart was beating almost too fast for words. Richard gave the Fleet Admiral a snappy salute and moved his 7 foot frame out the door. Robert placed his hands behind his back and habitually rubbed at the Borg Implants on his hand as he, too, walked out of the Observation Lounge and onto the bridge. Someone called "Admiral on Deck!" but LoDona waved them back down a moment later. He stepped into the second turbolift and called out the nearest transporter. Once there, he stepped on the PADD and immediately gestured to the PADD next to him. His face was serene, this was part of his job he actually enjoyed, even if the reasons were dark. "Energize," he said quietly. A flash of light, and then they were in a standard Transporter room elsewhere, which was filled with people. He looked at the Officer of the Deck once he had picked him out of the crowd and stepped forward. Also included were several other temporary officers, mostly crew from the docks. The OOD was nominally in command at this moment, though LoDona was the Captain on paper, since there was no other official CO. "Fleet Admiral and party requesting permission to come aboard." he said. "Granted, Sirs." the immediate reply came. Robert turned on his heel and pulled out a PADD. Without looking at it, however, he said "Vanyssa Winters, Captain of Starfleet, by virtue of my Command of the 52nd fleet, I hereby ask and require that you take command of the USS Mystique on this, Stardate 2406.10.07. I stand ready to be relieved of command, Do you agree to do so?" Vanyssa had been silent all through it, and then she found herself standing in a room full of people, most of which were not familiar to her. "Aye, Sir, I relieve you." She spoke, her voice clear and full of command. She looked around her, at the serious expressions of the people around her, her Officers. ~Did Devan feel this way when he took command from Cal?~ She wondered to herself. Robert nodded sharply, "Computer, transfer all command codes and protocols to Captain Winters, authorization LoDona Omega Seven Five two. I stand relieved." The computer verified the transfer of command protocols just as the OOD came to attention and pulled out his bosuns whistle. The electronic whistle echoed throughout the entire ship, followed rapidly by his voice. "Captain of the Mystique, arriving." (reply: none, yet) (posted by Trout & Melinda Martin) Stardate:2406.10.07 Mission: Homecoming, Day 1 Stardate: 2406.10.07 (Phoenix Dock One, USS Mystique, Transporter Room 1, Phoenix CO, R Admiral Jopek - 09.15) "Welcome aboard.", said Admiral Jopek, as he was waiting at the transporter room for the arrival of several important visitors to the Mystique, Admiral LoDona the Squadron CO, Dr. Gr'iann, the Squadron Second Officer, Captain Vanyssa Winters and her First Officer, Lieutenant Commander Peter Belinia. NRPG: If anyone else is coming over, they can be added here RPG: Admiral Gr'iann had come aboard to take charge of the construction and management of the new Medical Centre on the surface of the closest class M planets in this system, Jopek didn't even know the name of the planet, let alone what the base was going to be called when it was built. "If you would care to follow me, I will begin the tour of the ship.", said Jopek heading out of the transporter room and to the adjacent turbolift. (USS Mystique, Sail - Deck A, Phoenix CO, R Admiral Jopek - 09.20) "Welcome to the Sail, one of more unusual locations on the ship, four decks that contain the forward and aft photon launchers. From here, you can see the entire ship as this is the highest point on the ship." Jopek showed the way to a large window that faced forward, the view was exceptional. The entire saucer could be seen as well the dock that kept the ship safe while she was undergoing final checks. After a few moments of sight-seeing, Jopek headed into another room. (USS Mystique, Tactical Information Centre, Phoenix CO, R Admiral Jopek - 09.20) "This is the Tactical Information Centre (TIC), a place where you can examine and plot long term Tactical Situations, unlike the Bridge Tactical Controls which are designed for more immediate response, the TIC is for more long term planning." The room was barren, a lot of computer screens, desks and other equipment that hadn't been put to a lot of use. Jopek continued the tour by exploring the rest of the Sail, Decks B, C and D were assigned to keep the torpedo launchers operational, even though there were Officer Quarters as well. (USS Mystique, Bridge, Phoenix CO, R Admiral Jopek - 10.00) The Bridge opened up in front of them as the turbolift came to a stop and the Admiral waited for the CO and FO to get off first. "The Mystique isn't as powerful as a Sovereign Class but she's smart and nimble, and can take quite a beating. In a shootout, the Akira class can fire torpedo for torpedo with the Galaxy or Nebula Class." Jopek continued to walk around the Bridge. "Warp 7 normal cruising speed but you can take that to warp 9.5 for 12 hours. Type X phaser arrays, as standard with automatic frequency rotation and lock, when the correct frequency is found." "Mark 25 torpedoes and you've got 200 of them, standard Duranium-Tritanium composite with micro-fibre reinforced ablative armour over critical compartments." Jopek waited for a moment for all the information to sink in. "Any questions before we continue?", he said, standing at the aft of the Bridge. (Reply from Any) (Posted by Anthony Keen) Stardate:2406.10.07 Mission: Homecoming, Day 1 Stardate: 2406.10.07 (Steel Talons - Winter's Quarters - Lt Major Lee, Jenna Winters-Dark & the Suicide Kings - - 0920) "Ahhh," Rich stooped from his seven foot stature and picked up little Jenna, and threw her over his shoulder like a sack. "Heya Girlie, ready to see the new home? I've got marching orders to drag you over kicking and screaming if I need too." He chuckled to belay the apparent seriousness of what he had just said, it was a joke after all. "Argh, put me down!" She squealed. Rich had a habit of doing this to both her and Vanyssa...well at least to her. The last time Jennah remembered him doing it to Vanyssa was when the bad teddy-bear man killed the dolphins on the Beach. She giggled as he put her down and looked up at him out of her pretty sailor dress. "Are we really here ? I can see the Mystique?" Jennah looked out of the door of Quarters and saw some of the marines there. "It's really time to go ?" She asked, grabbing her sunhat. Vanyssa had told her to be pretty, and that it was going to be very formal. Rich looked at his squad, "Yup, its time to go." The XO of his squad took a half-bow, "We're your escort, only the best for the CO's kid." The MCO shook his head, "Now now, let's not spoil her -too- much, I have to deal with her mother after all!" The XO chuckled as Rich took the girls hand, "I hope you like transporters, that's where we're headed." Jennah nodded and the rest of the marines fell in behind her. "I'm not spoiled!" She said, sticking her tongue out at Rich. "Can I see her from here, before we go to the transporters? Please?" Jennah begged. Rich considered that for a few moments, "Only if you don't dawdle, kid." he finally said, "We have to get over soon." He turned to the XO, "Ill see you in the transporter room, we won't be long." "Aye, Sir." he said, before winking at the kid. He took off informally, with the other 13 men of the 'Kings following behind him. "You bring him back now, Ms Dark," one of the troopers said as he passed back. "Who would pay us otherwise?" Jennah giggled. She knew some of them, when they had been her Daddy's Squad. "Did you come here to be with Mom?" She said, staring out of the window that Rich had led her to. "Which one is the Mystique ?" Jennah demanded with wide eyes. "And why is that one broken ?" Rich chuckled, "I came here because my boss said I had to, or he would kick my butt. And know what, I believe he would. Still, I wasn't complaining when I got that order, I like your mom." He looked down briefly, "And you, monster, for some odd reason." He said with a wink. He picked her up so she could follow his line-of-sight. "Alright," he said as he pointed. "That funny looking one that looks like its held together by straps, that's the Mystique." He looked aside with a professional eye and again looked at the Boudicca. "Remember Caladryll Sevant?" he asked, "The vulcan that left Nimitz a few months ago? That's his ship, the one he left us to command... the Boudicca. She is in for repairs, he went and messed up her paint in a battle." Jennah nodded. "Why does the Mystique look so funny?" She asked. "Is she going to fall apart?" Jennah then got quiet. "Is he ok ? Jane and T'loren's Daddy?" Jennah knew what battle was. She had been raised aboard starships her entire life. Battle was bad. Battle was when people didn't come back. Like when David didn't come back from the planet. Like when Jane and T'loren and Miss Vicki went away and were never going to come back. "Uhmm, Can I ask you a question?" Jennah said, growing suddenly philosophical as she turned away from the window, not wanting to see the battle scars on the Boudicca. Lee put her down and knelt beside her, even balancing on the balls of his toes he was nearly as tall as she was at age 12. "Ill take your second question first, he is fine. I saw him just a bit earlier, in fact. He just looked tired is all, but good and healthy. Now, what question do you have?" "Why do you make battle if battle means that people don't come back, like Jane and T'loren ?" She asked, perfectly serious, and very concerned. "Why did David ? David said that battle was bad, that battle made death. Why did he do it then? Why do you ?" Rich sighed slightly, ~Right out of the mouth of babes.~ "If I could answer that question, why people make battle, then I would be able to stop it. Some people just like to do so, for various reasons. Some because they like it, some to hurt others, and some to get what they want by any means possible. Some of us don't like battle, but do it when we have too. Sevant, for example, has never liked war. He lost his family to it, most all of it from what I've heard. He fights now to make sure others don't loose theirs." Rich turned his shoulder slightly so she could see her shoulder patch. "You know I'm a Marine, just like David was. My job is to protect people, with my life if necessary. You've seen what happens when I go to war, things get blown up. Sadly, that is the only way to stop trouble, sometimes. I don't like fighting, Jenna, I'm happiest when I don't have too. However, when I have to, its always to help and stop bad men from killing us. That was David's job as well and the reason he fought." Jennah thought about it for a minute or two. "I guess that makes sense. The marines are the good guys. David said that they have honor, like klingons." And she grinned at the thought of comparing the Starfleet marines to the klingons. "Mommy said that there were going to be special marines on board. Is that true ? And you were going to be their leader ?" "Indeed," he said. "I'm their commander, I pay the bills." he grinned and jerked a thumb over his shoulder, "and Ill be protecting that bucket of bolts, which will not fall apart by the way." He stood again, "And we should be getting there, we've already taken longer then we should have." Jennah nodded and slipped her hand into his, confidently. He would protect her. "Are you sure it won't fall apart?" She asked as they got on the transporter. (USS Mystique - Transporter Room - Lt Major Lee, Jenna Winters-Dark & The Suicide Kings - 0935) "Major Lee and Entourage, requesting permission to come aboard," Rich said seriously, with his hand on the girls head now that they were over. The OOC looked at him for a few moments, causing Rich to frown ever-so-slightly. But before he said anything, the measly Lieutenant said, "Permission Granted, Major." Rich grunted and turned, "To the Marine Center, Ill be along shortly." "Sir," his squad XO agreed. "Move it, apes." Lee chuckled once they had all filed out of the room. "So, whatcha think kid, going to raise some hell here and give your mom a few more white hairs?" Jennah blinked at him. "Why did we have to ask permission to come aboard ? Isn't it Mummy's ship?" She was a little bit confused, which wasn't surprising, it had been an exciting day. "And Mummy said I couldn't crawl around the Jeffries tubes." She said, referring to the time she had ran away from Betazed and lived in the Nimitz's Jeffries tubes for a couple of days. "She said that no one would try to make me leave." Rich chuckled, "Starfleet has lots of rules, one of them being that everyone has to ask permission to come aboard the first time. I would imagine your mother had to do the same thing." He took her hand and began leading her down the path to a turbolift, so they could get to the Marine center. He tapped his badge, "Lee to Captain Winters, free yet?" Vanyssa looked up from what she was working on with Admiral Jopek and hit her comm badge. "No, not yet. You can take Jennah to my Quarters, or wherever she wants to go. I know she's safe with you, Major." Jennah looked up at him. "Can I please go to the marine center ? Please?" Rich nodded quietly, "Understood Boss, Lee out." He tapped the badge to close the connection and continued walking. "Alright then, little monster, Ill go show you my office." Jennah grinned up at him and moved closer. "Why do you call me little monster?" The MCO laughed as they stepped into the turbolift, "Because you ARE one!" he said with a grin. "Tell me you are a perfect angel, you might convince me of it eventually." He looked up, "Marine Center." The computer beeped and the turbolift started moving. He looked back down, "Alright, Jenna. I'm gonna be having a word with my Marines when we get there. It won't take long however, think you can stay out of trouble for a couple minutes while I'm talking?" Jennah nodded. "I'll be good. And I'm not a monster. Just.... ingenious. Can I explore the marine staging area? David took me to the one on the Nimitz a couple of times...." And she grinned. "Please? He showed me what NOT to touch." "Once I'm done," he agreed. "In the mean time, you might have fifty men trampling on you, and taking you to sickbay on your first day here would get me killed by your mother." He grinned, "And I think the word you were looking for was Infamous, not ingenious." She giggled. "What does infamous mean ?" Rich paused before the door to the Marine center, "Hmm, unforgettable. Ask your mother for further detail later" he said with a wink. He pushed a button, and the big double doors opened to admit them. Rich put on a much more serious face and stepped through, immediately the 'Kings XO saw him, since he was expected, and snapped to attention. "Officer on Deck, All hands stand to review!" Rich crossed his arms as the doors closed behind him, and the now-complete Demi-Company rapidly assembled. He watched his own squad, battle-proven, come to attention along with the other squads of his two platoons. This was a brand new company, assembled from various units around the fleet, the demi-company 'Pleasure & Pain'. He had read the files on all the squads, and all the men. A good half of them were new, and had never seen action. The rest varied, but he had the makings of a good unit here with some practice. He looked around for a moment, then bent down to talk to Jenna, "Stay here for a couple minutes, ok? I gotta talk with the boys and convince em I'm big and mean." "You aren't big and mean." Jennah said, standing off and watching Rich. She had seen David with his marines, and the big, cuddly David that was her Daddy certainly wasn't the same David that was with his marines. Mummy said that he was still the same David, but he had to be big and tough and act that way to be respected. David said that it was another way that the klingons were like the marines...the strong led. With an iron fist. Jennah didn't really know what an iron fist was, but she thought it might hurt when used. Rich walked up the line silently, looking back at the men and women of the Corps as he did so. With his hands behind him he stopped at the end of the line, then slowly made his way back to the middle. "To think this had to happen to me," he said in a dull tone, "I don't have Marines, I have apes. Good Lord on a jumped-up chariot driven crutch, we're in trouble. Alright then, if that's how it has to be, that's how it has to be. I'm going to lay it down, so listen closely." He looked around, "You all know the situation, we're in trouble, and our blood is going to spent in purging the Federation of Traitors. I don't care what your political persuasion is, but if you have a problem with your side you're on, you better tell me now." Not a word was said, and Rich nodded sharply. "Good. Then from here, we start training, and we begin thinking like the team we are -Supposed- to be. I will be running you ragged, I will make you hate me, and I will be enjoying every cursed minute of it. Do you get me?" "HOOWAH, SIR!" fifty plus marines rang in chorus. "Good, then fall out, we begin tomorrow." Rich watched the men and women of the core falling out to what they had been doing. He shook his head and walked back over to the kid, "Marines, gotta love em." he said. Jennah looked up at Rich's very far away face. "Did you mean what you said ?" She asked, not trusting her empathic abilities. Then mischievously, she said. "David was meaner" She grinned. Rich chuckled, as he knelt beside her. "If they make me mad, maybe, we will have to see." He looked around, "I don't get mean until I need to. Besides, I'm bigger then David is." he turned back and winked, "So I don't need to sound as mean." Jennah nodded. He was much bigger than David. "That is certainly true. NOW can I explore?" She asked him, sounding vaguely impatient. "HA!" Rich said as he stood again. "Just don't poke anywhere you're not supposed too, and if someone tells you to leave something alone, listen to em." "How do I know where I'm supposed to poke if you don't show me, Mr. Lee?" She said, sounding vaguely like her mother. Rich cocked a grin, "How else but by poking around? You lead, Ill follow." Jennah nodded and then went poking around, to the somewhat mostly amused looks of the marines around. Most of them didn't know who she was, just that the Major was keeping an eye on her, she could tell that. "Rich, what's this ?" She asked pointing at the gun that someone was working on. "What kind of gun is it?" "Something that would mess up your hair if you get to close," he said as he looked. "Heavy Support Phaser, Angel Mark 2." he said. The Armorer looked up at the girl, "This is Christine," he said as he gave the weapon an affectionate pat and with a clunky grin. "My girl." Jennah blinked. "I'm Jennah Winters-Dark......" "My girl." Vanyssa said walking in casually to the marine center. She walked over to the armorer and Lee. Rich immediately snapped too, "Captain on deck!" The sounds of fifth marines again dropping what they were doing echoed through the room, except for the Sergeant who had to put 'Christine' aside first lest all the pieces go flying. Jennah looked around at the people who had all jumped to attention. Vanyssa smiled to her marines. "At ease, Marines." She said, loudly enough that her voice carried through the room. "I want to thank you all for coming with us in this fight." She began. She caught the eyes of each of them as she swept the room with her gaze. "I am not your typical Captain." She said, landing her gaze back at Lee. "It means a lot to me, to Vanyssa," and with that she touched her chest, "That you are loyal to Admiral LoDona and are here with me on the Mystique. She's a new ship, yes, with a new crew, just like you are a new Company. We will all come together with time, hopefully before we face a Battle situation." She then smiled. "I know your Commander, Major Lee, and I know that he is one of the finest Marines in Starfleet. I know that he will train and guide you well." She said looking around the room. "I want you to know that contrary to the given attitude, you are not expendable. Each and every one of you is a valuable resource, and you are to do everything to preserve said resource. It's going to be a long road ahead, and it's going to be a tough battle getting there." She stopped her formal speech and looked down at her daughter. "This minxlette that has been watching you, is my daughter, Jennah." Jennah blushed bright red and tried to hide behind Vanyssa. "Thank you for taking care of her, and thank you for being here." She turned to Lee a few moments later. "Any problems?" Rich shook his head as he waved the Marines down. "A few things to discuss with you later, the minx here was well behaved." He looked down at her and winked, "Remember, infamous." Jennah laughed and took her Mum's hand. ::infamous?:: Vanyssa sent to her daughter. ::Uh huh. Rich said I'm Infamous. He didn't really say what that meant, though.:: Vanyssa gave Rich a strange look. "We'll discuss it then. I've promised my minx a chance to see the Bridge. She wants to compare it to the Nimitz. After that, her Governess should be aboard and I will be in my Ready Room." She nodded to the Major. Rich nodded himself, "Aye, Boss. Ill talk to you then." Vanyssa grinned and headed out of the marine staging area with Jennah. She was having a hard time finding the line between where being the Captain ended and where being a friend began. She knew that other Captains handled it by holding themselves aloof of their crew, but she had spent her entire eight years in the Fleet as a Counselor, and she intended to find a medium ground between the two. It just wasn't natural. The coldness had it's place, but her crew was very important to her, and they were a very valuable commodity out here. It would be hard to find loyal replacements. She shook her head and gave herself over to the pleasure that her daughter was feeling over the new ship. She certainly was quite beautiful (reply: none, yet) (posted by Trout & Melinda Martin) Stardate:2406.10.07 Mission: Homecoming, Day -5 Stardate: 2406.10.07 (USS Steel Tallons, Captain Winters' Quarters, Captain Vanyssa Winters & FO Lt. Cmdr. Peter Belinia, 1040) Vanyssa had spent the morning carefully explaining to Jennah the reason they had to leave the Nimitz and her beloved Captain Sash. Needless to say, Vanyssa's twelve year old daughter wasn't taking the change very well. She was off with her Governess, exploring the ship. Vanyssa had been going through the files of the people to be transferred from the various ships, but hadn't had a chance to meet any of them yet. The person she really wanted to meet was her First Officer, a Mr. Peter Belinia. Oddly enough, Vanyssa, a former Counsellor, felt vaguely shy about meeting him. She looked up as the chime sounded. "Come!" She stated, in a very confident voice that belied the shaking that her insides were doing. Peter was now all settled in. His departure from Geneva had been huried, and he did not have time to say all his goodbyes. So he had sent letters to the various members of the crew he had left behind. He had read over the PADD with his commission on over and over, he still couldn't believe it. He had been handed seven PADD's upon his arrival on the Talons, most were information on Command procedures. He had briefly read over them, but he had an entire week to memorise them. He was happy that he had this oportunity to serve the Fleet. "Computer, locate Captain Winters." Peter asked. =/\=Captain Winters is in her quaters=/\= Replied the computer. Peter stood, and headed towards her quaters, he was looking forward to meeting her. Peter stood outside the Captains quaters and pressed the chime. "Come!" Boomed the Captains voice. Peter stepped through the now open doors and allowed them to close behind him. "Lieutenant Commander Belinia, your new First Officer." He said. Vanyssa smiled at her new first Officer. "I'm very pleased to meet you." She said rising and offering him her hand. "Please have a seat. I know very little about you and vice-versa. Please tell me about yourself?" Peter sat in the seat he was offered. "Thank you...er....sir?" He enquired, he had never had a female CO before. As the Captain also sat in her seat Peter began to talk. "There really isn't much to tell, really. My entire family was in Starfleet. My mother is the First Officer of the USS Endeavour, my father is a theoretical scientist and specialises in warp theory. I suppose you would say that I was the product of a scientific experiment." Peter laughed at that memory, it had been a long time since he had thought of his family. "My mother used to say that Starfleet gave them the perfect marriage. They never saw each other and so I never really saw them either. I joined Starfleet out of a desire to do the right thing, but it was also to keep my parents quiet. Then, about a year ago, I graduated from the Academy, was posted to Geneva, and now here we are. That's me in a nutshell, well actually this is me in a nutshel; 'Help, help, I'm in a ruddy great nutshell, help. What kind of nut has a shell this big anyway?'" Peter did the motions as if he were stuck in a nutshel and laughed when he was done. He never got the opportunity to be funny on Geneva, it was always work, work, work. Vanyssa laughed. "Wow." She said. She had been in the service about seven years before they had made her the First Officer. Now she had someone barely a year out of the Academy. "A little about me. My name is Vanyssa Winters, I have two daughters, one named Jennah, the other is on Betazed, her name is Kat. I was married to the MCO of the USS Nimitz before he was injured in the line of duty and died." She closed her eyes very briefly against the pain that that particular thought brought her. "Despite the fact that I don't look it, I am a Betazoid. I am bringing some crew with me from the Nimitz, but we can discuss this later. Suffice it to say, Commander, that despite your relative youth, I expect you to act professional at all times while we are on-duty. Off duty, you are welcome to make any jokes that you wish. In fact, you may find a soul mate in Mr. Dema in that regard." And she smiled briefly at the thought. "To be honest, I'm a little uncertain I should be here. I'm scared. I've only been the First Officer for a couple of months and now I am dumped here, with my own command, with someone a year out of the Academy to be the person I need to lean on. I'm scared to death, Commander." She got up. Betazoids always shared their feelings, and she would share them with him, now, in private. "I would like to be your friend, I would like us to be a team." She got up and walked over to the window to look out at the stars. She turned back around and smiled. ::You are doing fine.:: Vanyssa heard Riven from across the ship. She smiled at his reassuring words. "I understand you reluctance Captain, I would feel the same if I were in your position. We should trust in the judgement of our superiors and that their faith in our abilities is justified. I intend to prove them correct." Peter said as the Captain moved to the window. As she returned he added, "I also would like to become your friend, and confidante. You can trust that I will be every bit the Commander on duty, and every bit a friend off duty too." Vanyssa nodded. "Maybe I will tell you about the Nimitz, one day." She spoke quietly. "We should go over the crew." She said, regaining her focus. "I would like to start with.... " She said, looking down at her files. "I lost my train of thought." She looked up and grinned. "Ah yes, Mr. Dema." She said, pulling out her file on him. "i requested his transfer from the Nimitz because he seems to be a very good tactician. I am of the opinion that I have seen too much death in my life and would prefer to end things without loss of life to my crew." She said. "He also has a quite whacky sense of humor, and some problems with Starfleet protocol. I would like you to schedule some sessions with him, and help him overcome these. He is going to be a brilliant Officer, in time, and I want him to become one." She smiled and waited for the Commander's reply. Peter looked down at his PADD and saw the name. "I will make a note of that." He said in response to the Captain's first comments. "And I will also look for a potential sidekick in him!" He smiled at her in a classic 'You are going to regret this' way. Vanyssa nodded. This was something that was normally done with the Counsellor, and not the Captain. She was a Counsellor, she was the Captain, and she knew these people pretty well, some of them. She didn't have a Counsellor yet, and it would be good training for her FO to see how one of these should be done. "Next I'd like to discuss the marines." She said. "Major Lee is a good friend of mine, and he is well capable of training these people into a Company. I know that his squad is very well trained. I want you to liase with him and keep up to date on the training reports from him. There will inevitably be problems with the marines, drinking and brawling. When that happens, I will need you to adjudicate that." Vanyssa leaned back in her chair, thinking. Most of these people had not been through an invasion. She had seen three in her life. "I want you to also schedule some drills with the Major. I've been through three invasions of the starships I've been on, and I want to make sure that if it happens again, my crew is prepared. Again, do variations on the drills. Keep me informed." Peter started to write on his PADD all the information he was going to have to remember. This was all new to him and he did not want to let the Captain down before they even left spacedoack. "I will organise something with the Major and his men as soon as we arrive." He started to note some ideas down. "I will keep you appraised of any decisions we decide to make regarding that." Peter started to relax a bit now, as they were both getting to know one another. He waited for the Captain to speak. "I feel a little uncomfortable about having a Romulan aboard." Vanyssa said, shivering despite herself. "However I do agree to it's necessity. The Romulans have explored this sector of space, and it would be goot to have one of them on board. However, some of the crew will take exception to it. We don't have a Counsellor yet, but I want you to be aware of it. How do you feel, personally about having a Romulan on board ?" Peter was taken back a little by this, but thought that he should be as honest as she was. "Personally, Captain, I hate the Romulans. I chose not to say anything about Captain Rofellian, but I hated almost every second of the first few months. I learnt to swallow the anger and hatred I held for his kind after a while. I will be as dutiful in me First Officer position so as not to offend this person, under the Articles of the Federation, we, as Starfleet Officers have a duty to uphold all the rights of all sentient beings. I for one, personally, do not agree that we should extend this coutesy to the Romulans, but these people are in Starfleet and we owe them the same loyalty as they give us." Peter waited for the Captains reaction. Vanyssa nodded. "I'm glad to hear you say that. Lt. Hhril has been in Starfleet for several years and his loyalty has been proven. He will be our Chief of Operations, please include him in your liasons with the Marines." Vanyssa looked down the list of crew members. "We will be getting several young Ensigns straight out of the Academy. Their loyalty has not been proven. I would like you to assign them mentors in their division, and meet with their division heads on a Quarterly basis to review their progress. The first year out of the Academy is the most important in my opinion, and that is what will shape them into good or bad Starfleet Officers. I want all of my crew to be good. Mr. Keswick, the Assistant Tactical Chief may need some help settiling into his position. Again, speak with Mr. Dema about it." "I will make anote to speak with all the new Ensigns and theri department chiefs, I want them to be as loyal to you as they are to Starfleet. Some of them may know about the split, but some may not so I will keep a guarded eye on them fo any sign of espionage." Peter was begining to feel a little out of his depth, but ws determined to see it through. It was only his first day as FO and they were not even on the ship yet. Vanyssa leaned back and thought about things for a few minutes. "Arrange a meeting between Mr. Radchenko, our new Doctor and Mr. Hhril once we reach the ship. I want to make sure that sickbay is completely stocked for any emergency. If necessary, we will make a side-trip to Geneva to take on supplies." She nodded as she continued to scan her list of senior officers. "I will make that a priority. If we do need to swing by Geneva may I also suggest that we order the crew some R and R, for a day maybe? We do not know how long we will be gone, and it will give the newbies a chance to have some fun, before the real isolation kickes in." Peter was being presumptuous, but he was thinking of the welfare of the young officers, he did not want to have them mopeing around for six months while there was work to be done. "We will be somewhat unusual in that we will be having an Ambassador on board. Please liason with Ms. Tar-Thurian at some point to see if there is anything that she will require. She will be on level with the Chief Counsellor of the ship, and the two should get to know each other, once one is found. As I've said, I prefer to talk my way out of situations, rather than fight." "An Ambassador, I will certainly enjoy that." Peter said sarcastically. He knew how awkward these negotiators could be. Vanyssa looked into his eyes. "I think that is everything." She leaned back in her chair as her daughter and the Governess came back into her Quarters. Vanyssa leaned down to give Jennah a hug. "Commander, this is Jennah Winters-Dark, my daughter and her Governess, Ms. Leona Rilley. Ms. Rilley will be our schoolteacher for the few children that will be on board the Mystique. Jennah, this is my First Officer, Mr. Peter Belenia. " "How do you do, Commander." Jennah said curtsying. "I hope that you like working with my mother." The little girl with the brown hair and dark brown eyes said. "I am certain that I will." Peter replied with a smile. He turned back to Vanessa. "Well, if that is all Captain. I must attend to arranging these meetings. I will see you again, today?" He asked as he stood. (reply none) (pb Melinda & John) Stardate:2406.10.07 Mission: Homecoming, Day 1 Stardate: 2406.10.07 (USS Mystique, Bridge, CO, Captain Vanyssa Winters - 11.30) The tour had been over for about 45 minutes, and the final transfer of personnel & supplies was taking place from the Talons to the Mystique. "Ops, how long until the transfer of personnel and supplies is completed?" Vanyssa asked from her chair in the middle of the Bridge. Her chair. She was the Captain. The moment she had sat down, she had been hit with a very heady feeling. (reply Ops) "I'll be in my ready room, if someone needs me." Vanyssa said, getting up and heading into it. She stopped two steps in, and the door closed behind her. Someone had certainly known her, and planned accordingly. She surveyed the room with a practiced eye, and grinned, then went over to the corner and opened one of the boxes and proceeded to settle in. (USS Mystique, Bridge, CO, Captain Vanyssa Winters - 14.10) All the transferring of materials had taken place, and Vanyssa stood on the Bridge of her ship. "Mr. Sarouk, are the engines on-line ?" Vanyssa asked, feeling a bit strange but oddly elated. (reply Sarouk) "Mr. Dema, please signal the SpaceDock for permission to undock." (reply Dema) "Mr. Hhril, please program in the Departure vector that Phoenix has given us, and take us out slow, 1/4 Impulse." Feeling a bit impish, Vanyssa continued. "And mind the other ships in the area." She said, sounding half-serious and half-silly. (reply Hhril) Vanyssa watched in fascination as Hhril weaved his way through the maze of ships until they were clear of the Dock. "Helm, set a course for Geneva and engage at warp 6." Vanyssa spoke confidently. "Number One, please schedule a meeting of the senior officers for 1600." Vanyssa said, heading for the turbo lift. "I want Departmental Reports by then, including preliminary lists of the supplies that we are going to need from Geneva. We will be picking up the rest of the crew then." She said, smiling as the turbolift doors opened. (reply All,) (posted by melinda :-) Stardate:2406.10.07 Mission: Homecoming, Day 1 Stardate: 2406.10.07 (USS Mystique, Ambassadorial Quarters, Federation Ambassador Anastasia Tar-Thurian, 1135) Ana arrived with Vanyssa, the Captain and proceeded to her quarters. She walked in to the room with her aid to see that they were spacious quarters. She looked around to find that it had a bedroom, Spacious living/work area, a personal view screen, ultrasonic shower but also had a bathtub/water shower, things she didnt normally use. There were provisions for pets, which, she did not at the present have one. There was a food replicator which is normal, a null-grav sleeping chamber. Her aid had quarters close by so that she could be at Ana's beck and call. She made it a note to see if any other VIP/Ambassador quarters had room for her aid to stay with her. "Candie, please put my things away, I am going to do some reading." Ana asked her aid, which Candie usually did without her asking but she thought it would be nice to ask instead of taking it for granted. She replicated herself some tea then walked over to the working area and pulled out reports that she had gathered before she left Talons. She had gathered files on every crew member that was to be assigned to the Mystique and her command crew. She wanted to know more about the people she would be around. (reply from any that wants to meet her) (Pb Frank Rogers) Stardate:2406.10.07 Mission: Homecoming Mission Day: 1 Stardate 2406.10.07 (USS Mystique - Main Bridge - Ensign Ketal, CSO - 14:13) Ketal had just run a diagnostic on the sensors when the Captain stepped out on the bridge, paused for a moment then began giving orders to get under way. The diagnostic he had run reflected exactly what his readings showed; that the repairs that he and Sarouk had made to the sensors after the ship's meeting with the "Intrepid" were complete. Ketal listened closely to the replies of the other bridge officers as he didn't wish to interrupt their replies to orders already given, as the ship began to manuever out of the Spacedock and toward open space he turned to the Captain who was standing at the rear of the bridge and anticipating her orders called out. "All sensors are working normally Captain, Navigational sensors and the Lateral array show green and short range sensors are showing normal traffic within the system. Long range sensors are on standby to be activated at your order." Having made his report he turned back to his console and watched for any abnormal readings. (Reply: Captain Winters, Any) (Posted by Charles Gatling) Stardate:2406.10.07 Mission: Homecoming, Day 1 Stardate: 2406.10.07 (USS Mystique – Shuttle bay – CXS – Dr. John Nathaniel Harper- 15.05) John placed his feet on the deck of the ship it was a most unsavory environment and the reprocessed air made his gag little. Pausing for a moment he looked around and identified the position of the turbolift. Moving over slowly he took his time to walk, there was no real hurry the Captain would just have to wait for him. He had been recalled from his expedition to a planet in the early stages of evolution and this had not produced a weary traveler. Added to that a Klingon pilot that possibly proved that Primates do exist in space. John was not a happy bunny, zipping up his tight Starfleet uniform he commanded the lift to the bridge. ~A Primary conclusion would be that the woman in charge of this ship would be on the bridge. I do hope she can direct properly! ~ John thought to himself. (USS Mystique – Bridge – CXS & CO – Dr. John Nathaniel Harper & Captain Winters– 15:10) On arrival at the bridge John looked around, it was pretty standard nothing really that stood out from the various other bridges he had walked around. Most Starfleet ships lacked neither inspiration nor a good grasp of aesthetic value. Everything was so bland and boring, how any one could like these were beyond him. Seeing a woman sitting in the command Chair John moved over to announce his presence. “Captain Winters I presume, im Dr. John Nathaniel HarperPHD. Here as your Head of Xenobiological studies,” Vanyssa looked at the person who had been assigned to her as head of Xenobiological studies. ~Since when is there a department called that? ~ She half wondered to herself. "Welcome, Doctor, to the Mystique." Vanyssa wondered if she should mention that he needed a haircut. "Come, let us go into my Ready Room. Mr. Belinia, you have the Bridge." She said, leading the way in. Once they were inside, she sat down on her very comfortable couch and crossed her legs. "I must say that I wasn't aware of your arrival, Doctor. " She said, looking over his orders. "Although your orders do appear to be in order. Could you tell me a bit about yourself." She said, gesturing for him to have a seat. She wanted to have these one-on-one conversations with most of her crew as they came in. John rolled his eyes and let his displeasure at being questioned obvious, tutting he lowered himself into a seat and attempted to appear that he was interested. "Well Captain Im a Doctor in Xenobiology, archeology, History, Philosophy and im half El-Aurian. My cat is called Aristotelian and my favorite color is black. I hate talking to people and enjoy my work," Vanyssa laughed at the obvious displeasure of having to talk to her. Any man that had a cat had to be good, somewhere inside. She compared the good Doctor to Lt. Falthgood, and briefly wished that he were here. Now Zach knew how to laugh. "Where were you last stationed?" She inquired, very fascinated. "Would you tell me what your research focus is?" "I was last stationed on a ship, my research is cultural and biological research of alien species however I thought the Xenobiological would have give that away," John stated making his sarcasm more poignant with his pause. "Dear Captain, I only wear the uniform because civilian scientists get stuck in a lab and this was a easy way of escaping for first hand. I don’t fight, do away missions or stand around looking interested by anomalies. Nor will I pretend to be interested," John stated. Vanessa’s eyebrows rose and she tried very hard not to stare at him. "Well, as a Xenobiology and a member of Starfleet, you will be going on away missions." Vanyssa had learned a lot about watching various COs deal with Zach Falthgood, and knew that if she pushed the pertinent points, the rest, well, the rest didn't really matter. "Yes quite we shall see dear Captain," John stated. Vanyssa wanted very hard to laugh at his pompousness. "Have Quarters been assigned? Have you met the CSO Mr. Ketal?" "Dear Captain you are the CO I have only just arrived. The Pleasure of no doubt the company of a pup out of the academy I have not met yet. Also Captain im obliged to tell you that im also a linguist," Vanessa’s eyes rose further. He was definitely more infuriating than Falthgood. "Mr. Ketal is a Vulcan, and a gifted scientist. I'm sure that you will get along famously. I suggest, Doctor, that you report in to him, and then settle into your Quarters. There is a senior staff meeting at 1600 that I would like you to attend, if for no other reason than to meet the other senior officers, who you will be working with. And that is an order, Doctor. Any questions?" And Vanyssa smiled. "I won't interrupt your work any more than I have to, Dr, and I am glad to have someone with your skills aboard." ~If not someone with your obvious arrogance. ~ She concluded to herself. "Hum I shall not be reporting to any one besides you dear Captain," Vanyssa frowned. "Mr. Ketal is the chief Science Officer of this ship, and the head of your department. You WILL report in to him, and see what his orders for you are. You are a Starfleet Officer, Doctor, and that means following the chain of command." ~He is completely tone deaf. ~ Vanyssa thought to herself. ~He questions my orders. If he does, what do the others think? ~ "Chain, why chain why not level? Also it was my understanding that a Lieutenant Snr grade out ranked an Ensign. That is my understanding however, you might look on it differently also as it was explained to me I would be given allot of freedom to do what I wanted and im your chief linguist actually your only linguist," Vanyssa sighed. There was a reason this man, no matter how gifted he was, was not the CSO. "Doctor, in this matter, he does outrank you. He is the CSO, not you. There is a reason for that. You are a very gifted Scientist. You don't want to be bored with all the administration. You will have a lot of Freedom while on board the Mystique, as well as a lot of experiences that other people won't have. Will it be so hard for you to follow the chain of command?" She smiled winningly at him. She didn't want to have to be hard with him, but she would if need be. "Erm yes I don’t like the chain of command I detest the military, the military is a broad sword when a scalpel is required. The military historically in thousands of worlds is used only to enforce rule upon its people and to be cruel. Science is held back by Chains of command, I do however offer you a alternative," Vanyssa listened. "And your alternative is what, Doctor?" "Well me and the chief work more hand in hand rather than one above the other. He is a Vulcan they are prides fools with no sense or passion for science. I have passion, he can do the paper work and I shall devote myself to being on hand to assist," Vanyssa tried not to grin. "Yes, he is a Vulcan, but I wouldn't say that he has no passion. I would rather that the two of you do work as a team." Vanyssa then did let the grin out. "In fact, I want everyone to work happily together, Doctor. If I promise not to waste any more time than needed, will you come to the meetings with the CSO?" John rolled his eyes, he could not argue with a pleading woman. Pitiful as it was John took a breath and curled his lip. "I shall roll over and wag ones tail dear Captain," Vanyssa tried very hard not to laugh. "Thank you, Doctor. I think we have reached an understanding?" "Quite, no doubt. Do tell me Captain as chief linguist is there any need or desire to make me sit on the bridge?" Vanyssa smiled. "No, Doctor, not unless we are in an emergency situation and the computer can't translate, or unless we encounter an alien civilization. Only then will I expect you on the Bridge. As I've said, I want you to spend as much time on your research as you can, Doctor." Vanyssa nodded. "Jolly Dee, then I suppose im done then. Good day Madame Captain," John stated standing and beginning to walk out. Vanyssa nodded. "Excellent. Now, go and meet Mr. Ketal, and I'll see you at 1600 for the senior staff meeting. Thank you, Doctor, for your time." John grunted and continued to walk, he never remembered the militaristic ideas of the Starfleet that required for him to be dismissed. Walking out made life so much more easily. Now he had to go play nice with a blasted Vulcan. (Reply any) (Posted by Richard)