Total Posts = 34 ===================================================================== Compile Post Summary ===================================================================== Day 8 (USS Hades – Deck 10, CMO's Office – CCOUNS Ensign Jon Nayati – 1944.5) (USS Hades – Deck 10, CMO's Office - CCOUNS Jon Nayati – 1951) (USS Hades – Deck 10, CMO's Office – CSEC Lt. Baylon Trinin - 1952) (USS Hades – Deck 10, CMO's Office – CCOUNS Ensign Jon Nayati - 1954) (USS Hades - Deck 5, Upper Primary Computer Core - Ambassadorial Aide Raizel Grem - 2330) Day 9 (USS Hades - Deck 14, Main Engineering - CEO Lieutenant Norm Harper - 0810) (USS Hades - Deck 1, Main Bridge - A/COPS Lt. Tom Jackson - 0821) (USS Hades – Deck 10, Gymnasium Changing Rooms – SO Lieutenant Tarus Daban – 0823) (USS Hades - Deck 1, Corridor - A/COPS Lt. Tom Jackson - 0824) (USS Hades - Deck 6, Science Lounge – CSO Lieutenant Ardena Carrow - 0827) (USS Hades - Deck 10, Sickbay - CMO Angeni O. Windsong-Trommashere - 0828) (USS Hades - Deck 6, Science Lounge - Science Officer Ensign Harry Doorman - 0829) (USS Hades - Holodeck 1 - A/COPS Lt. Tom Jackson - 0829) (USS Hades - Deck 10, Sickbay - CMO Angeni O. Windsong-Trommashere - 0831) (USS Hades – Deck 10, Sickbay – FO Commander Jonas Lemar – 0832) (USS Hades - Deck 10, CMO Office – CCOUNS Ensign Jon Nayati - 0833) (USS Hades - Deck 14, Main Engineering - Maintenance Engineer Dale Grey - 0835) (USS Hades - Deck 14, Main Engineering - CEO Lieutenant Norman Harper - 0836) (USS Hades - Deck 10, Sickbay - ACMO Dr. Wendy Kildare - 0840) (USS Hades – Deck 14, Main Engineering – ACEO Ensign Dana Travis – 0842) (USS Hades – Deck 12, Anti-matter Jeffries tube - Maintenance Engineer Dale Grey – 0843) (USS Hades – Deck 14, Main Engineering – ACEO Ensign Dana Travis – 0846) (USS Hades - Deck 5, Transporter room 1 - CSEC Lt. Baylon Trinin - 0857) (USS Hades – Deck 5, Transporter Room One – Ambassador Brianna Frazier – 0859) (USS Hades - Deck 5, Transporter room 1 - CSEC Lt. Baylon Trinin - 0900) (Romulus – Senate Building, Senatorial Receiving – Ambassador Brianna Frazier – 0903) (Romulus – Senate Building, Senatorial Receiving – CSEC Lt. Baylon Trinin – 0905) (Romulus - Institute of Advanced Scientific Studies, Courtyard - Science Officer Ensign Harry Doorman - 0905) (Romulus - Institute of Advanced Scientific Studies, Courtyard - ACSO Ensign Shayhiloosh - 0909) (Romulus - Institute of Advanced Scientific Studies, Courtyard - CSO Lieutenant Ardena Carrow - 0910) (Romulus - Institute of Advanced Scientific Studies, Courtyard – ACSO Ensign Shayhiloosh - 0911) (USS Hades – Deck 16, Tactical Plannng – SO Lieutenant Tarus Daban – 0912) (Romulus - Institute of Advanced Scientific Studies, Courtyard - ACSO Ensign Shayhiloosh – 0912.5) (USS Hades – Deck 1, Main Bridge – COPS Lt. Maraht - 0914) (USS Hades - Deck 6, Chief OPS Office - A/COPS Lt. Tom Jackson - 0914) (Romulus - Institute of Advanced Scientific Studies, Courtyard - CSO Lieutenant Ardena Carrow - 0925) (Romulus - Institute of Advanced Scientific Studies, Hallway - Prefect of Science Xerius - 0926) (Romulus - Institute of Advanced Scientific Studies, Courtyard - CSO Lt. Ardena Carrow & Administrator Reyeul - 0930) (Romulus – Institute of Advanced Scientific Studies - ACSO Ensign Shayhiloosh - 0932) (Romulus - Institute of Advanced Scientific Studies, Courtyard - CSO Lt. Ardena Carrow & Administrator Reyeul - 1000) ===================================================================== Begin Compile ===================================================================== Mission: Tribuo Senatus, Day 8 Stardate: 2408.01.06 ===================================================================== (USS Hades – Deck 10, CMO's Office – CCOUNS Ensign Jon Nayati – 1944.5) "We've got to start meeting more often like this. That looks quite delectable, almost as lovely as you." Jon was gratified by an adoring smile from Dr Windsong as she stood up behind him, wrapped her strong arms around his narrow waist and kissed his spine. The soft, tender kiss was rather electric to him, sending a small shiver up and down his backbone. As Dr Windsong rested her lovely, beautiful faced head against his shoulder, Jon noted a momentary up take of breath on his lovely companion's par; as though she were actually smelling something intoxicating. Ignoring the faint antiseptic odors of the adjoining sick bay, Jon focused his own keen olfactory sense on the delightful Indian woman embracing him. Jon inhaled Angeni's warm, delightful female musk, which he also found quite exciting. As Dr. Windsong moved around to face him, her classic Native American face was never lovelier. ". . . . I figured if this was an emergency meeting, we'd be here for at least a while, so I wanted to make sure everyone was covered with something to eat at least and something to keep ones' energy up...no harsh stimulants in my office." Even as sweet Angeni spoke the last qualifying sentence, Jon noted her rather weak smile. He also observed some paler spots in Dr. Windsong's otherwise bright aura, which again raised clinical concerns on Jon's part. Jon hoped she wasn't taking on too much hands on medicine without delegating some of the work load to other equally qualified doctors, like Dr Resorrett, et el. "Angeni, are you getting enough rest? Do you need help with duties in Sickbay? I want you to be honest with me." " No...Shockingly I'm fine. I'm more tired today than usual though. I was getting some really bizarre readings while you guys were on the surface, and I've been wracking my brain trying to figure them out," said Angeni as she took another sip of rose tea ~Shockingly, I'm fine. What did she mean by that? Was she just trying be funny, melodramatic or was she really in trouble but was too embarrassed to talk about it, at least in her office, ~ Jon wondered to himself, trying not to let his concern show on his face? Angeni didn't give him anytime for follow up as she said, "tell me something, Jon. Would I be forward in asking if...well...if you would like to...after this meeting is done...come to my quarters. I would like to just spend some quality time with you...and I have some questions about various things about your aura reading. I just want to make sense of some things I was getting off some readings, and I'd rather do it in a place that's not flowing with things to affect your sensory input." "Well…Jon took a cleansing breath, and then continued on. "Down on Romulus, during the negotiations, I lost my telepathic abilities for the entirety of the conference. Since there were two other Hades' telepaths there, it is logical to assume that they had similar losses too. Maybe what your readings were picking up are emanations of some Romulan device used to jam our telepathic edge, as it were." "On the positive side," Jon concluded, "my aura reading ability was unaffected." (Reply Dr. Windsong, IYW) "Angeni Dear, I'll be more than happy to talk about aura reading or anything else. over a private dinner. Dr. Windsong, you never have to be hesitant about asking to get together with me. I'm only sorry that it's taken so long for cycle of happenstance to get us together again," Jon apologized sincerely. "I'm even sorrier about taking more an initiative in that area myself. The fact was not being proactive here was not very brave of me, ha, ha," Jon said with forced laughter. (Reply Angeni. IYWi) It was precisely at this time that CMO's office chime chripped, Lt Baylon Trinin entered and the cycle of currents events picked up again (Posted by Jim McCrary) ===================================================================== (USS Hades – Deck 10, CMO's Office - CCOUNS Jon Nayati – 1951) The emergency meeting between the three of them was excellent in terms of the material covered concerning what was conjectured to be some sort of psionic dampening device used against those Federation telepaths in the room with the Romulan negotiators. Jon had offered some suggestions for changes in countering the telepathic dampening effects of the device the Romulans were using. His suggestions had been given due consideration, and the subject material moved to the energy physics behind the Romulan dampening device itself. Dr. Windsong and the CSEC were talking medicine, physics and the dampening field, when Lt. Trinin had brought up a startling idea that Jon, for all his clinical training, had never considered. "What exactly does that mean for a Romulan?" Trinin asked. "It looks like its affecting the limbic region. Isn't that the region that controls aggressive behavior?" For a moment Jon was rather awestruck by some of the unsettling ideas that were going through his mind. "You are correct, Sir," Jon said. "The Romulans are an aggressive people, so aggressive that they were willingly exiled from Vulcan. During the negotiations, I observed a lot of friction between the Praetor and the other Romulans there, particularly Senator Terrh. Originally I just took this to be friction between the Praetor and the Tal Shiar. I am thinking now maybe that friction wasn't natural." (Reply Baylon Trinin, Angeni Windsong Trommashere) "Operating on the assumption that this device was billed as a telepathic dampener by persons unknown, maybe the real agenda was to create an aggressive incident between the Romulans and the Federation. After all, the limbic region of the brain controls aggression in humanoids. Could this be somebody's way of sabotaging the negotiations altogether?" asked Jon. Jon continued, "If there is a threat of aggression between the Romulans and us maybe we should have our security people back in the conference room. It might be a good idea to point this aggressive effect out to the Praetor and Brianna Frazier in case he is not aware of it." (Posted by Jim McCrary) ===================================================================== (USS Hades – Deck 10, CMO's Office – CSEC Lt. Baylon Trinin - 1952) "Okay...look at this. During a time period where my readings were flawed, some of the less prominent Romulans were as well, especially in the neural waveform. But, none of the Continuing Committee had the same effect...or should I say as prominent. There's a slight fluctuations, but nothing that would have me as concerned as the rest of those that were down there." Angeni said. Baylon nodded, now that she pointed out some of the details, he did notice a slight alteration in his scans. "What exactly does that mean for a Romulan?" he asked, "it looks like it's affecting the limbic region, isn't that the region that controls aggressive behavior?" he asked. "You are correct, Sir," Jon said. "The Romulans are an aggressive people, so aggressive that they were willingly exiled from Vulcan. During the negotiations, I observed a lot of friction between the Praetor and the other Romulans there, particularly Senator Terrh. Originally I just took this to be friction between the Praetor and the Tal Shiar. I am thinking now maybe that friction wasn't natural." "That is one theory. Maybe the friction is natural enough and what we're seeing is something that makes it more pronounced perhaps?" he offered. "Operating on the assumption that this device was billed as a telepathic dampener by persons unknown, maybe the real agenda was to create an aggressive incident between the Romulans and the Federation. After all, the limbic region of the brain controls aggression in humanoids. Could this be somebody's way of sabotaging the negotiations altogether?" asked Jon. Jon continued, "If there is a threat of aggression between the Romulans and us maybe we should have our security people back in the conference room. It might be a good idea to point this aggressive effect out to the Praetor and Brianna Frazier in case he is not aware of it." Baylon nodded. "While I agree with your assessment counselor. I don't exactly seeing an accusation of this sort going over well with the Praetor. I'll send some information to Ambassador Frazier. I'd appreciate it if you could both file a report on your findings and maybe your recommendations to her as well as Commander Lemar. I would appreciate it if you also copied me on those if you don't mind." (reply Angeni, Nayati) "In the meantime, I'll leave this data with you. Consider this meeting classified as a need to know. That includes the three of us, the First Officer, the Ambassador, but not her staff and the Captain if he should recover. No one else needs to be aware of what we've discovered here unless their knowledge of it is necessary for the completion of our mission here. Is that understood?" Baylon warned. (reply Angeni, Nayati) "Well then, if you'll excuse me. I have some preparations to make for tomorrow." (posted by Daniel Greene) ===================================================================== (USS Hades – Deck 10, CMO's Office – CCOUNS Ensign Jon Nayati - 1954) Baylon nodded. "While I agree with your assessment Counselor, I don't exactly see an accusation of this sort going over well with the Praetor. I'll send some information to Ambassador Frazier. I'd appreciate it if you could both file a report on your findings and maybe your recommendations to her as well as Commander Lemar. I would appreciate it if you also copy me on those if you don't mind." Jon said, "It will be as you ordered Sir." Jon sat down and updated the PADD that he brought in with the new data. (Reply Angeni Windsong Trommashere) "In the meantime, I'll leave this data with you. Consider this meeting classified as a need to know. That includes the three of us, the First Officer, the Ambassador, but not her staff and the Captain if he should recover. No one else needs to be aware of what we've discovered here unless their knowledge of it is necessary for the completion of our mission here. Is that understood?" Baylon warned. ~Thank the Great Spirit we don't have to share this information with Aide Raizel Grem. I don't trust her.~ (Reply Angeni Windsong Trommashere) "Well then, if you'll excuse me. I have some preparations to make for tomorrow." Jon answered, "Have a good night and keep me informed, Lt. Trinin." (Reply Angeni Windsong Trommashere, Baylon Trinin IYW) As Lt. Trinin left, Jon turned to Dr. Trommashere and said, "You had mentioned something earlier about taking some detailed scans of me and talking about aura reading. It might also be a good time to have that dinner we talked about, dear Angeni." (Posted by Jim McCrary) ===================================================================== (USS Hades - Deck 5, Upper Primary Computer Core - Ambassadorial Aide Raizel Grem - 2330) The security people had done a great job of ensuring that the computer core had been sealed. Most people would not have managed to gain access to the room without alerting anyone. Of course, most people were not privileged to the resources that Raizel Grem had available to her. Even still, it took some time before she was certain that she hadn't tripped some kind of alarm. And it was possible that there may still be some record of an entrance into the computer core. However, they would have no way of knowing who it was. It would just be another mystery in a long line of mysteries for this mission. She had to move quickly, as she was certain that the corridor would be patrolled more regularly. After all, they were orbiting the Romulan homeworld. The thought sent a chill through Raizel's spine. She would never, in a million years, have believed that she would ever be here again. It was clear that nobody even knew about her past experiences on Romulus. If they did, they would surely have her guarded more closely. As it was, she knew that eyes were looking at her. Raizel moved over to the panel that she had worked on before. A quick scan showed that her earlier work had not gone unnoticed. However, once she pulled the panel away she saw that only the misleading evidence that she had planted had been discovered. With a slight probe she found what she was actually looking for. The hum of her tricorder was soon followed by the data she was looking for. A slow smile grew on her lips. "Gotcha, you little bastard," she said softly. Now that she had the information she was looking for she only had to decipher it. Once that was done, she could finish what she came here to do. Hopefully not too many people would have to die, this time. As quietly as she came in, she replaced the panel, scanned the corridor to find there was no one out there waiting for her. She opened the door and then resealed it. As she walked towards the turbo lift she nodded to the security officer that was patrolling the deck. (posted by Al Muir) ===================================================================== ===================================================================== Mission: Tribuo Senatus, Day 9 Stardate: 2408.01.07 ===================================================================== (USS Hades - Deck 14, Main Engineering - CEO Lieutenant Norm Harper - 0810) Norm's drifting attention was suddenly awakened by the shrill sound of what he liked to call a 'taxi whistle.' It was a sound Norm understood, and also envied, as he was unable to make it himself. He looked in the direction of it's origin and nodded toward Dale as Norm identified him as the whistler. "Issues, Grey?" He called back with a slight crooked smile, "Bring 'em on over." "Aye chief." The twenty eight year old, sandy haired engineer took the two steps to the ladder and scooted down quickly taking two steps at a time... It was something Norm did often, though safety regulations stated that he should do otherwise. As Dale Grey approached, he held out his PADD, "I've got some abnormal readings in the intermix reactor chief, routine I'd think but enough of an issue I thought you'd better know about it, the problem should be isolated within the next two hours." "It should," Norm agreed. As he looked over the PADD another person approached. He looked up and nodded as he recognised his ACEO. "'llo Travis," he said and returned to the PADD. "Strange, I didn't notice anything on my inspection at 0600." She said. Norm looked up and raised an eyebrow in her direction. "I'll agress that it's odd, but he's right. Take a look." He passed the PADD to Travis, so she could check for herself. "Should I make my checks on the impulse reactors first and finish my initial checklist or do you want me on this right away?" Dale asked matter-of-factly. "The impulse checks will take about a half hour at the most." Dana handed the PADD back to Dale and looked at the chief, "I don't know about you Chief, but I definitely think this takes priority." Norm nodded, "Yes. Dale, we'll find someone else to complete the checks, this is today's task for you." Dana turned to the nearest engineer, "Coleman," she called, "take over the morning checklist that Dale was handling. I need him on something else." "Sure thing Dana," Coleman was fast to react, a blessing. "Right then, let's get started." Dana said, and Norm agreed. "Lead the way, Mr. Grey." (posted by Justine) ===================================================================== (USS Hades - Deck 1, Main Bridge - A/COPS Lt. Tom Jackson - 0821) Tom paused before entering the bridge. It seemed like an eternity since he had been there. Looking around, Tom knew in his heart of hearts this was where he belonged. His turn as part of a diplomatic team had so far been 'interesting to say the least. Tom walked out onto the bridge. Maraht, his friend had the conn and a young ensign named Fredricks was sitting at the OPS console. Jackson walked over and said "Hello Mr. Fredricks, how are things today?". (reply: Mr Fredricks iyw) The young officer started to rise but Tom waved the Ensign back down. "I'm still playing diplomat Mr Fredricks. I wanted to see the bridge once again" Tom added a bit wistfully. Tom had scanned the console quickly and noted the officer was handling things well. Jackson turned to the OPS Chief and playfully addressed his friend as "Captain". Tom suspected his friend would be a bit confused. (reply: Maraht IYW). As Maraht had time, Tom filled the Lieutenant in on his experiences on the surface. The two fiends chatted for a while. Tom left to see another friend Shayiloosh. It had been several days since Tom had spoken to his Arborriean fiend. (posted by: Bill West) ===================================================================== (USS Hades – Deck 10, Gymnasium Changing Rooms – SO Lieutenant Tarus Daban – 0823) Tarus Daban was always an early riser. Whether it was just his nature, or because of his dedication to the job – no one was quite sure why, but he had been this way for so very long that it was second nature for him. Either way, it gave him plenty of time to complete a good solid hour of meditation before leaving his quarters, ensuring he was fully centred on whatever the day might have in store for him. Despite being awake so early, Daban had been on a late-morning shift, so had started with a session in the gymnasium to revitalise him for the day ahead. It was during his morning run on the treadmill in the gymnasium that he had finally learned about the expected arrival of a Romulan Doctor. It seemed that Commander Lemar hadn’t seen fit to inform everyone until the very last minute, not had he even given security a second thought. ~Does he think a doctor is any less dangerous than any other Romulan?~ he had thought, slowing the pace of the machine to a fast walk while he began his cool-down period. He had left the gymnasium and gone straight to the shower unit, which was located near to the temporary changing area for security on deck 10. It was often used by security personnel who needed to change into different types of armour, or protective suits, and after a shift some officers used the area to shower and cleanup. Being sure not to spend too much time, he was soon walking out of the shower and reaching for his towel. As he wrapped it around his waist loosely, he walked across the rubber mat toward the changing bench. As he unwrapped the towel, he began to dry his hair and torso as a voice called out to him. “Hey, Lieu...oh...Lieutenant. Good to see you...um...more of you than usual...” As the voice trailed off, Daban lowered the towel from his face to see one of the female security officers standing in the open doorway to the security changing area. She was trying to look him in the face, although every now and then her eyes flicked down, then up again. With a frown, Tarus lowered his towel to start drying his lower body, but also to cover himself up. “Did you need something Ensign?” he asked. He turned away from her and continued to dry his legs and lower back. “Oh...yeah.” She cleared her throat and turned to one side, clearly averting her eyes. “Yeoman Miller has just called down to tell you the Romulan doctor has just beamed aboard.” ~Already..?~ Tarus finished drying himself off, tossed the towel to one side and grabbed his standard-issue grey trunks. Quickly pulling them on, he turned back to the Ensign, who still standing there, catching little glimpses off him when she thought he wasn’t looking. “Thank you Ensign. I’d like to get dressed now?” “Wha...oh, of course.” The Ensign smiled and made a quick exit, laughing to herself as she went. ~Great. I’ll be the talk of the office~ he thought as he pulled out his uniform pants and pulled them on one leg at a time. Pulling them up around his waist and fasting the zipper, he reached into his locker and picked up his comm. badge. Giving a press between finger and thumb he said, “Tarus to Lieutenants Marshall and Harrison.” =^= Harrison here =^= came the first response, then right after came, =^= This is Marshall =^= Putting the comm. badge back for a moment and taking the grey t-shirt out of the closet, he pulled it over his head and said, “We have a Romulan Doctor on her way to sickbay. Get over there and make it secure. Under no circumstances are you to enter sickbay, is that understood?” =^= Loud and clear sir =^= said Don Harrison, as Lieutenant Marshall replied, =^= Understood sir =^= Finally, Daban reached in and pulled out his uniform jacket. Pulling on the sleeves and fasting the buttons down the front, he fixed his comm. badge firmly in place on his chest. He quickly ran his fingers over his rank pins, to check they were present and correct, and then he closed his locker and made his way to the security offices. ~Just a day like any other~ he said to himself and he walked with a smile. (posted by Dave) ===================================================================== (USS Hades - Deck 1, Corridor - A/COPS Lt. Tom Jackson - 0824) Tom was somewhat adrift - the ambassador had not yet informed him of another negotiating session and Maraht had the OPS duty shifts covered. He started walking the halls of the HADES. He wondered about his friend Phil Sheridan - Jackson had not had a message from him in a while. He walked to the Holodeck 1- they were not usually in use during the day shifts much. (posted by: Bill West) ===================================================================== (USS Hades - Deck 6, Science Lounge – CSO Lieutenant Ardena Carrow - 0827) Ardena was amused by Shayhiloosh's study of the floor. It seemed his understanding of idiom waxed and waned depending on how early in the day it was. Did his sleep/dream state effect his interaction with the fleshy lifeforms? Did it take him a while to get back in step, so to speak? Something to study, anyway, Ardena found hir assistant a non-ending study in fascination. "Do we know where we will be beaming down yet Lieutenant?" Harry asked her. "It's my understanding we will be beaming down to the science hall and then going out from there. The administrator gave the coordinates to Ops earlier. We'll be heading down for their first light on the central east coast," she pulled up the tri-d map geology had put together in the days before, "and we'll be making our ways west. Team A, lead by Shayhiloosh, will be visiting these sites, will Team B, lead by Ensign McKenzie will be going to these sites." She'd given up her own spot to Ensign Doorman, but she wasn't going to be the one to let that cat out of the sack. Heavens knew she had her pick of away missions, but a man of his specialties probably rarely got left off the boat. He deserved the chance to shine. "I will field test the data uplink first, once we are transported down to the planet, to make sure it is stable," said Shayhiloosh. "Then, once I give you all the go ahead, you may all start scanning and gathering data depending upon your field of expertise, if that is all right with you Lt. Carrow? I was uncertain if you had something else in mind Sir." "Sounds perfect to me," Ardena said with a smile. She was more than happy to leave the technical side of things in Shayhiloosh's capable branches. "I'm sure those of us staying above will have a wish list for the groups below. Of course, prioritize as you see appropriate." She held out a PADD to Harry, "My own wishlist, not an official request at all." Really, she wasn't sure what ocean life would mean to the average Federation scientist, she just loved oceanics. She let the various scientists sort themselves out and start in on their lists of "oooh, send me this!" and "If the Romulans let you take a sample of.." Ardena was more than happy to retreat to the high stool beside the archaic coffee pot and pour herself a second mug. (Posted by Lorna) ===================================================================== (USS Hades - Deck 10, Sickbay - CMO Angeni O. Windsong-Trommashere - 0828) Angeni had not slept very well the night before. Her thoughts were jumbled around in her head like Boggle pieces. The situation with the Romulans...the new doctor...so on and so forth made it almost impossible to sleep. As her alarm went off, she jumped out of bed, realizing she had all of four minutes to get showered, dressed and into sickbay. As she hurried, her thoughts kept tumbling around in her head. A quick check to her computer console showed that the neuro-monitors were working. She had an accurate display of vitals from everyone she needed. Readings were slowly coming back to normal, but they still worried her. She looked at herself in the mirror, brushing her long tresses quickly. With a few flips of her hands, she had pulled her waist-lenght hair into a tight bun. She added a simple hair clip to keep everything in place, and as she left her room, she grabbed her lab coat, stuffing several padds and her 20th century stethoscope in a pocket. Walking through the corridors, she tapped her comm badge. =/\= Dr. Trommashere to Counselor Nayati, I'm on my way to the bay, the Romulan Doctor should be here any minute. Can I replicate you anything once I get to my office?"=/\= (Reply Nayati) =/\="That's received..."=/\= (Posted by Kari) ===================================================================== (USS Hades - Deck 6, Science Lounge - Science Officer Ensign Harry Doorman - 0829) "Do we know where we will be beaming down yet, Lieutenant?" Harry asked Carrow. "It's my understanding we will be beaming down to the science hall and then going out from there. The administrator gave the coordinates to Ops earlier. We'll be heading down for their first light on the central east coast," she pulled up the tri-d map geology had put together in the days before, it glowed on the central presentation monitor, "and we'll be making our ways west. Team A, lead by Shayhiloosh, will be visiting these sites, will Team B, lead by Ensign McKenzie will be going to these sites." Harry nodded, noting that one of the sites was a geologic hotspot, filled with geysers and bubbling mud pools. Already, Harry knew that the vulcanologists would get more than enough data to keep them busy for months. The tidal flats would suffice with the oceanographers and the biologists alike, while the coastal dunes and a wetlands would be of significance to the hydrologists. It was a well thought out itinerary. Of course what struck him as most interesting what that so many unique features could be found in such a short distance from each other. "I will field test the data uplink first, once we are transported down to the planet, to make sure it is stable," said Shayhiloosh. "Then, once I give you all the go ahead, you may all start scanning and gathering data depending upon your field of expertise, if that is all right with you Lt. Carrow? I was uncertain if you had something else in mind Sir." "Sounds perfect to me," Ardena said with a smile. "I'm sure those of us staying above will have a wish list for the groups below. Of course, prioritize as you see appropriate." She held out a PADD to Harry, "My own wish list, not an official request at all." Harry took the proffered PADD and perused the requests that were assembled there. It was a series of experiments to test chemical content of the oceans, sand and biodiversity in the immediate area. It was an interesting series of experiments and Harry felt that they weren't overly specialized enough to cause him to falter or worry about contaminating the data he collected. "I'll add these to the list, Lieutenant," Harry added with a smile. There were both some excited gasps and a few redolent sighs at the news as some of the team realized that the sites would be perfect for their work, while others realized just the opposite to be true. A few scientists shifted teams to better their chances at gathering data more pertinent to their particular fields of study. "I had hoped to be on the same team with you Ensign Doorman." The ACSO said after a while," I am delighted to see that we will be coordinating some of our data together." "I'm very happy to be going planet side at all. Not much call for theoretical quantum mechanics or advanced mathematic theory on most away teams. I'm glad that I've been noticed enough to get to participate more directly." He said smiling. "I am very excited Ensign Doorman," said Shayhiloosh, blinking all three eyestalks rapidly. "We will be the first Federation teams to explore Romulus. I am anxious to see their plant life and taste the soil." Harry nodded. "I wouldn't doubt it in the slightest. I'm interested to hear your impressions afterwards. It should prove to be a unique experience." (posted by Daniel Greene) ===================================================================== (USS Hades - Holodeck 1 - A/COPS Lt. Tom Jackson - 0829) Standing before the entrance, he verified his identity. "Initiate Program Jackson-53" he ordered the computer. [working] came mon tone reply. The arch appeared ans Tom entered. He remembered thta the had not ordered garb approriate for his progra,. "Computer, create Civil War clothing - Confederate Officer - Rank Captain" and waited. The clothing was soon created. Tom changed and looked around - the scene before him was near Gettyburgt, PA - site of a mjor battle in the American Civil war. (posted by: Bill West) ===================================================================== (USS Hades - Deck 10, Sickbay - CMO Angeni O. Windsong-Trommashere - 0831) Angeni came through the doors with an air of solid confidence. She nodded at Lemar briskly, then to the woman next to him. "If you two will excuse me for a moment, I need to get night report. Please, have a seat in my office around the large table...it's a good place to look at the computer console rather than everyone crowding around a desk." She smiled and walked to the Charge Nurse, listening to the goings on from the night before. When she was done, she walked into her office, replicating herself a steaming mug of Rose Tea. "Can I get either of you two anything?" (Reply Lemar, Dr. Sh'areh) She nodded and she bowed her head slightly towards Dr. Sh'areh. "It's a pleasure to have you aboard, ma'am. I am Dr. Angeni Trommashere, and you are?" (Posted by Kari) ===================================================================== (USS Hades – Deck 10, Sickbay – FO Commander Jonas Lemar – 0832) When Jonas entered sickbay, part of him had hoped to see his girlfriend, Wendy Kildare. The previous evening at work had dragged on far longer than Jonas had ever expected. He knew that he was due to have dinner with Wendy, however, with the return of the away team, and the subsequent meetings to debrief everyone, he had ended up working way into the late hours. He had told Jason Miller to pass on the message to her, so at least she would be advised of his plans, but when he had finally returned to their joint quarters, he had found Wendy in bed, wrapped in the sheets, and in no way welcoming to him at all. He had to wonder, did Miller actually pass on his message? When he had awoken that morning, Wendy had already been gone. He assumed that she had an early shift to get to, and although he would have expected her to wake him, it was then that he got the distinct feeling that he was in bad books. So to see Wendy this morning would be an added bonus. At the very least, she would be forced to be nice to him, given the presence of the Romulan doctor he had accompanying him. At least that’s what he hoped. Not being kept waiting long at all, Angeni Trommashere soon arrived with a dash through the double doors. She smiled as she passed them and said, “If you two will excuse me for a moment, I need to get the night report. Please, have a seat in my office around the large table...it's a good place to look at the computer console rather than everyone crowding around a desk.” “Thank you doctor,” replied Jonas with a smile and led the Romulan into the CMO’s office. He had never noticed the larger table before, but then he didn’t spend as much time down here as he would like. As he was now First Officer, rather than a ship’s doctor, the others usually tried to keep him out of sickbay wherever possible. Jonas pulled out a seat for Doctor Sh’areh to sit on, and soon after she settled herself, he sat himself down in a chair next to her. Given how his previous attempt was shot down in flames, Jonas didn’t bother trying to make small-talk with the Romulan specialist. Instead, he got up again and made his way to the replicator. “Would you like anything?” he asked, hopefully that he could make some headway into breaking the ice. “No, thank you” came a blunt response from her. Jonas looked away and rolled his eyes. Managing to stifle a sigh, he quickly ordered himself an earl grey tea with a dash of milk, then returned to the table just in time for the CMO to glide into her office and say in a pleasant tone, “Can I get either of you two anything?” “No doctor we’re fine, thanking you kindly.” Jonas smiled and looked up at her, indicating he was already with beverage. Angeni nodded and bowed her head slightly towards Dr. Sh'areh. “It's a pleasure to have you aboard, ma'am. I am Dr. Angeni Trommashere, and you are?” Standing up from the table, the woman seemed to come out of her shell instantly. “Greetings Doctor Trommashere, it is a pleasure to finally meet you. I am Doctor Alyss Sh’areh of the Romulan Medical Sciences division.” (reply: Angeni) Jonas was a little awestruck by the difference in reaction this Romulan had toward him and toward the doctor. Clearly she had more respect and patience for Angeni, although whether that was down to profession, or because she was female, Jonas just didn’t know. ~Probably a little of both~ he thought with a frown. Noticing that the ships counsellor was not yet present, Jonas asked, “Will Counsellor Nayati not be joining us?” (reply: Angeni) Alyss returned to her seat, then looked at Jonas with a confused look. As Jonas saw it, it vanished almost as quickly as it had appeared, so he offered an explanation, just in case the Romulan doctor wanted it. “Counsellor Nayati has been instrumental in helping to keep the Captain alive, so far. So I have asked for him to attend this meeting.” Again, Alyss looked a little confused. “Why are we having a meeting? Why are we not going directly to the patient? I was led to believe that his condition was life threatening. If that is so, I should start treating him right away.” She looked over at Doctor Trommashere for an answer. Jonas started to answer, but then with an exhalation of breath and a gesture of his hand, he relinquished the floor to the CMO. Clearly she would be able to explain better than he – especially given that she appeared to be more responsive to doctors...or women...or both. (posted by Dave) ===================================================================== (USS Hades - Deck 10, CMO Office – CCOUNS Ensign Jon Nayati - 0833) Jon walked into the Hades Sickbay looking for Dr Trommashere and caught sight of her moving about in her office. He entered since Lt. Maraht had informed him Cmdr Lemar insisted he meet with the Romulan specialist in Sickbay, concerning Captain Sash. Jon hoped that the Captain had recovered enough that the impromptu medical team could restore him to consciousness. Jon entered Dr. Trommashere's office, just in time to hear the Romulan doctor speaking. "Why are we having a meeting? Why are we not going directly to the patient? I was led to believe that his condition was life threatening. If that is so, I should start treating him right away." She looked over at Doctor Trommashere for an answer. (Reply Angeni Windsong Trommashere, any) Jon let the Romulan doctor speak and Dr. Trommashere answer. When they were done, Jon said, "Counselor Nayati reporting as ordered, Sir." (Reply Jonas Lemar, Any) Addressing the unknown doctor, Jon said, "I am senior ship's Counselor Jon Nayati. I am looking forward to working with a Romulan healer. " (Reply Alyss Sh'areh, Any) "Since I have been assigned to the Hades, I have instructed various Sickbay staff on the use of a technique called acupressure which stimulates neural energy in a patient and has been used successfully to wake up a telepathic resistant crewman who was in a coma," explained Jon. "This same technique has been useful in encouraging his recovery so far." (Posted by Jim McCrary) ===================================================================== (USS Hades - Deck 14, Main Engineering - Maintenance Engineer Dale Grey - 0835) The chief had decided the anomaly was the highest priority which Dale agreed with and so made arrangements to begin a thorough investigation, while Dale was doing this another technician would be finishing the morning inspection checklist. Since he felt the checklist was a pain in the rear he was very happy to be rid of the responsibility and get to work on something concrete, he had always preferred troubleshooting to jotting down notes. The initial work would take place in the jeffries tubes that ran alongside the matter and anti-matter fuel flows, normally inspections like this took place in drydock but he would be in a hot zone and that necessitated exhaustive safety measures, since the fuel flow couldn't be interrupted in their current situation Chief Harper had delegated the monitoring of the power demands on the warp drive reactor to the ACEO to make sure no one had access who could inadvertently power up the system, in some extreme instances a radiation leak could take place, that was an unwanted occurence, Dale would more than likely not live through it. Taking up the scanner, high frequency thermoplastic oscillator and magnetic wrench he added them to his toolpouch then nodded at the ACEO to indicate he was ready. (Reply: Dana Travis) "Aye sir." He nodded in response then slinging the toolpouch strap over his shoulder grabbed a rung and swung himself back and into the tube. The tubes had gotten smaller over the years and a broad shouldered man wouldn't have a lot of extra room, good thing then that he was tall but thin without the extra shoulder width. Climbing up the tube he decided he would start at the top sensor. The fuel inducers had a lot of built-in redundancy which was understandable, four were online at all times on each side of the fuel flow, with one at the entrance to the fuel line, one at the end before discharge into the reactor and two more in between at various spots, these sensors also each had backups but there was a catch, the backups only activated if its main sensor burned out, if the sensor was out of alignment or even hanging on by a thread (rhetorically speaking) the backup wouldn't kick in. Of course you could manually switch sensors from the control panel but how could you do that if you didn't know which sensor was out of alignment? And why switch the whole system if only one sensor was at fault? As for the idea of push a few buttons and pinpoint the problem... not on these sensors. The built in redundancy had its own faults, one faulty sensor upstream realeasing more fuel then it should caused a domino effect with the other sensors down the line as they tried to compensate for that one so you never knew which sensor it was until you pried off the plate and scanned it directly. The readings he had taken had isolated the possible fault to the anti-matter flow so after a few minutes of climbing he turned onto his right side and rifled in his toolpouch, coming up with the magnetic wrench he adjusted the setting, before using it on the plate though he checked in. "This is Maintenance engineer Grey, I'm at the upper ingress sensor cover plate, ready to start." (Reply: Dana Travis) "Taking it slow sir." Reaching the instrument forward he activated the magnetic field and waited for the unlocking of the latch, it only took a few seconds before he heard a satisfying click. "Let's have a look at you." He mumbled as he took a small flat-edged chisel and inserted it along one adge, as the plate unseated a bright blue glow began to illume the tube, swearing he reached into the pouch and pulled out a pair of protective goggles. "Ever see what one of these arcs can do to a mans eyes Dale? Of course you have." He bit off any further comments, aware the com was open. After placing the red eye shields in place he opened the cover plate fully then pulled out the scanner and began his readings. " "Beginning readings now sir." It would take a a few minutes before the full series was complete so he began to get a little chatty. "A bit of a nuisance these are. Engineering bulletins on this new style mention some faulty ones managed to get through quality checks, the series installed on the Hades was supposed to be good BUT there is a window of between 80,000 and 120,000 hours flor failure on the low quality inductors and according to my calculation the ship is right now at about 98,000 hours of operation. They're not supposed to need maintenance until one one quarter million hours." He grumbled. (Reply: Dana iyw) "Sorry sir." Dale watched the figures stabilize. "This one looks good, structural scans are positive and fuel flow is holding at 13 nanograms per second, right on line with our settings, resealing and moving to the next in line." With that he replaced the cover, reversed setting on the magnetic wrench and sealed it in place then prepared to move down to the next sensor. (Posted by Charles) ===================================================================== (USS Hades - Deck 14, Main Engineering - CEO Lieutenant Norman Harper - 0836) Norm watched as Dale Grey readied himself to desend into the jefferies tube. He would rather go along and not appear only as verbal support, but as it was, some of the tubes were just too small for Norm's body to move easily enough. He would get in his own way. As Dale nodded, Norm smiled for reassurance. "Take you're time, Dale," he said, "make sure you know where you're heading, and make sure you lemme know what's goin' on." "Aye chief." Dale replied just before grabbing a wrung and lowering himself into the tube. Time began to drag as Dale moved farther and farther along in the tube. Norm imagined what was going on. "Patience," he muttered to himself. He wanted his engineers to be safe before all else, and that was what Grey was doing... Going safely. "This is Maintenance engineer Grey chief, I'm at the upper ingress sensor cover plate, ready to start." Norm was almost surprised when Dale's voice broke over the COMM. "Take it slow, Grey. Don't jepardise your safety." "Taking it slow sir." Norm smiled as he heard muttering from below. "Beginning readings now sir." Dale finally said clearly. "Not getting bored, are we, Grey?" Norm teased, drumming his fingers on the top wrung of the ladder. (posted by Justine) ===================================================================== (USS Hades - Deck 10, Sickbay - ACMO Dr. Wendy Kildare - 0840) Wendy rubbed her tired eyes. She had been awake when Jonas had come in last night, but she was in no mood to talk to him. She might have said something that they both would have regretted. She felt it was in both their best interest to pretend to be asleep until he left. She managed to sleep off and on, but eventually gave up in favor of cleaning up the mess that she had left behind from the abandoned meal from the night before. After that she was awake and figured that she might as well do something useful, rather than just sit around and sulk over her decaying love life. She wondered whether George were available to talk, but then realized how early it was. Maybe later. It wasn't until she sat in her office that she noticed the message from Jonas' yeoman. It was short, and most assuredly not sweet. [Sorry, but Commander Lemar will not be able to have dinner. He's too busy.] Upon seeing that she was uncertain whether she was relieved to at least have received some kind of message, or more furious of the impersonal nature of the message. ~You'd think he could have taken a moment to just contact me. ~ Angeni had left her a note about the Romulan doctor that was coming to help out with Sash. Supposedly some expert on Angossian physiology. The way the CMO had been acting towards her lately, she was surprised to have gotten any notice at all. Wendy also noted that her boss had met with Nayati and Trinin on a medical issue, although there seemed to be no notes on what was discussed. Typical. Finally Wendy had heard other voices in sickbay. Her blood froze and boiled at the same time to hear Jonas' voice. She didn't recognize the other voice. It sounded very serious and she assumed it was the Romulan doctors. Wendy stood up and straightened herself out, then headed towards the CMO's office. As she came to the door she overheard the counselor arrive and announce himself to the Romulan. She also saw Jonas sitting with a strange woman, who she assumed was the same Romulan. "Since I have been assigned to the Hades, I have instructed various Sickbay staff on the use of a technique called acupressure which stimulates neural energy in a patient and has been used successfully to wake up a telepathic resistant crewman who was in a coma," Nayati explained. "This same technique has been useful in encouraging his recovery so far." Wendy tried hard to keep her eyes from rolling. As much as she appreciated the human body's ability to heal itself, and the use of homeopathic remedies, Sash was far from human. And all of their attempts to revive him thus far had proved unsuccessful. She had tried to explain that it was her opinion that the CO was still unconscious because he chose to be so. As usual, nobody listened to her. She supposed that this Romulan doctor would prove to be no different. Still, this was Devan Sash they were talking about and he deserved every option available to him. She stepped into the office. Her gaze hit everyone in the room, but flashed across Jonas. She still was uncertain how to treat him. She figured it was best to detach herself from the emotions right now. "Is this a private party, or can anyone join in?" she asked. (posted by Al Muir) ===================================================================== (USS Hades – Deck 14, Main Engineering – ACEO Ensign Dana Travis – 0842) As Dana watched the chief head off with the maintenance engineer, she decided it would be a good idea if someone stayed behind in the main section to monitor the readings and feedback anything necessary. Given that the Chief was eager to get into some real engineering work, she volunteered herself to do just that. As Dana monitored the teams location, she was surprised at how long it took them to get into position. Sure, she expected the chief to take his time – given his injury and all – but she expected Grey to be a bit more nimble. So, to pass the time she decided to run a simulation a her own, to try and identify the cause of the problem. With all the troubles with the plasma flow recently, leading to the explosion earlier in the week, she didn’t want to take any chances. At the first sign of a build up, she was prepared to shut the warpcore down cold, no questions asked. It was approximately 25 minutes when she next heard from Grey and Harper. =^= Beginning readings now sir =^= he had said. =^= A bit of a nuisance these are. Engineering bulletins on this new style mention some faulty ones managed to get through quality checks, the series installed on the Hades was supposed to be good BUT there is a window of between 80,000 and 120,000 hours for failure on the low quality inductors and according to my calculation the ship is right now at about 98,000 hours of operation. They're not supposed to need maintenance until one one quarter million hours =^= =^= Not getting bored, are we, Grey? =^= came the response from Harper. She wanted to laugh, but the idea that these sensors could be faulty due to bad quality control checks was not a good one for her. ~Déjà vu~ she said to herself, shaking her head. The thought that two different types of component installed could possibly fail due to bad quality control. “I hope you’re wrong Dale. I think we’re already seen our fair share of bad quality control, hey chief?” She was all too aware that it was averting the crisis caused by the failure to the power-bus systems that had caused Lieutenant Harper to be incapacitated, and out of action for a number of days. (reply: Harper) =^= Sorry sir =^= There was only a moment’s pause before he continued, =^= This one looks good, structural scans are positive and fuel flow is holding at 13 nanograms per second, right on line with our settings, resealing and moving to the next in line =^= Travis carefully monitored the flow regulators in that line. “I concur. Sensors are at 100% in that section. All levels within acceptable ranges, although they’re a touch on the high-side. It’ll probably level out one you have resealed the unit.” (reply: Harper IYW) Knowing it would tale Dale at least another few minutes to get into position to test the next sensor, she brought up the power flow regulation for the upper engineering section. ~This is concerning~ she thought, noticing one of her diagnostic feeds was flat-lining. “Listerson,” she called out, looking away from the console to a nearby workstation to her left hand side. The officer there was working at the console, but turned briefly to see what the ACEO wanted. “Check my that temperature reading on the secondary adjunct will you?” Listerson gave a quick nod and moved quietly over to the console behind him. “We’re reading at 75 over 23. Nominal output.” He looked over at Dana Travis, wondering what the reason for her request had been. Seeing that no further response came from her, he headed back to his own console to continue his own work. ~Nothing to worry about~ she told herself, knowing that she was getting a little jumpy. She would get someone to fix that feed as soon as she was done here. This was clearly a higher priority right now. “How are you getting on Dale?” (posted by Dave) ===================================================================== (USS Hades – Deck 12, Anti-matter Jeffries tube - Maintenance Engineer Dale Grey – 0843) =^= I hope you’re wrong Dale. I think we’re already seen our fair share of bad quality control, hey chief? =^= (reply: Harper) Dale nodded in agreement as he finished the scan. "Sorry sir . This one looks good, structural scans are positive and fuel flow is holding at 13 nanograms per second, right on line with our settings, resealing and moving to the next in line." As he resealed the small access plate he heard the ACEO speaking mainly to the CEO but also to himself as she confirmed his readings. =^= I concur. Sensors are at 100% in that section. All levels within acceptable ranges, although they’re a touch on the high-side. It’ll probably level out once you have resealed the unit.=^= (reply: Harper IYW) Haing replaced the plate Dale began scooting back down the tube, the next sensor was placed four meters below the one he had just finished, although moving first to the farthest sensor had eaten up a lot of time he had done it for a reason, the closer he was to the warp drive the more interference his equipment would be receiving from the pulsating energy radiating from the subatomic reactions bottled up in the intermix chamber, by starting where he had he would get a firmer fix on the source of the problem faster then if he had started lower. Also there was always the uncertainty of the future, what if for some reason they had to cut the investigation short? He was knocking out the fastest ones first, the others could be switched over manually if necessary. He had already taken off the plate of the second sensor and was reading the flow of anti-matter particles when the voice of the ACEO came through. =^=How are you getting on Dale? =^= He mentally cursed himself for his screwup, hurrying had made him forget a basic tenet of safety, ALWAYS keep your support informed of your movements, the better the communication the smoother... and safer your experience was. "Almost finished with scans on the number two sensor sir, estimate eighteen to twenty seconds before results are in." (Reply: Dana or Harper) The series was over quickly and the results were satisfying. "That's another down, number two is good as well." He pulled the magnetic wrench again. "Resealing and moving down to number three." (Reply: Dana or Norm) Reaching number three only a couple of minutes later he checked in before doing any work. "I'm at sensor number three, unsealing." Adjusting the magnetic wrench he tapped it against the panel and the cover came off with it, sticking to the tool, sometimes if you haven't had need of a tool in a while you get out of the flow of using it, he was back in the 'zone' again. As he removed the cover plate this time he noted the vibration instantly, it was as if in counterpoint to the continual throb and hum of the powerful, slumbering engines. "Something's not right here." The tricorder was basically unnecessary at this point, as he flipped it on he heard someone calling him. (Reply: Dana or Norm) "A hum caused by harmonic vibrations." He noted in reply. It's enough to set my teeth on edge." The tricorder whistled as he turned it on and adjusted the settings to compensate for the increased interference. The background energy flux was higher than he had expected though, after a pause with little data he readjusted the sensitivity up by another twenty nanometers, this time the data began popping up on the screen. " Integrity of the part has been degraded, reading microfractures within the structure." The microfractures were the reason for the harmonics, under stress the sensor was vibrating like a taut string. Using the initail readings as a point of reference he made a continual feedback loop which not only updated the readings but was also calculating the speed of the sensors deterioration. After a pregnant pause he spoke up. "Estimate total failure of the sensor in eight minutes and forty seconds." (Reply: Dana or Norm) "I have the part with me of course just in case..." He patted his tookit in reflex as if to confirm its presence. "And I have no choice but to replace it chief." He said. "Even if we switch to the backup this sensor is going to come apart and whether it's in the energy flow or the intermix chamber the result will be the same... this ship will go up with a big puff of incandescent plasma." He was already readying the thermoplastic oscillator before the reply came through, he didn't have much time for niceties. His thought weren't on Murphy's law at this point but they may as well have been since old Murph seemed to be pulling the strings, he was only one miscue from the worst case scenario for himself; removing the sensor wasn't a hard job since he could do it in five minutes but that was in drydock, here with the engines running would be a trickier case. If he didn't do it just perfectly by aligning the energy flows or if the sensor came apart as he was removing it things could get ugly... and even if the ship survived it he would be burnt toast. "Good thing this didn't happen while we were in warp..." He breathed softly. " As fast as this is degrading we would never have known we were dead." (Posted by Charles) ===================================================================== (USS Hades – Deck 14, Main Engineering – ACEO Ensign Dana Travis – 0846) Dana could monitor Grey’s movements now, having brought some enhancements to the internal sensors online. She watched him finish with the second sensor and then move on to the third. Out of the corner of her eye, Dana could see another engineer approaching her. As she looked properly, he was handing a PADD for her to look over. As she looked over its contents, it was a request from OPS for extra power to be shunted through to the ventral sensor array for the modifications that were being made to cut through the interference. She handed the PADD back to the technician and said quietly, “Have Johnson tap into the upper engineering core for this. You should be able to get a patch through from there.” She spoke quietly so as not to disturb Grey and Harper, who were still on an open comm. link to her while she monitored their progress. The technician nodded and walked off to complete his orders. =^= Somethi....n..t rig.....here =^= Dale’s voice came from above, and Dana shot her glance back to the status display immediately. There was a loud humming coming over the comm. link and it caused an interference that only just made the communication audible. “What’s going on Grey. There’s interference on the comm. link.” She went at her own controls with both hands, and as he fingers flew over the keys she wondered if there was anything she could do from here to clear up the interference....whatever it was being caused by. As she made some adjustments, she was pleased that they had been effective, at least effective enough for her to hear what Grey was saying. =^= A hum caused by harmonic vibrations. It's enough to set my teeth on edge =^= She assumed Grey was taking readings, as he paused for a short time. =^= Integrity of the part has been degraded, reading microfractures within the structure =^= After a few more seconds he added, =^= Estimate total failure of the sensor in eight minutes and forty seconds =^= ~Eight minutes?~ thought Dana with a great amount of alarm. At once she moved over to a nearby console where she had been keeping an open set of commands for the warp core main operation. “There’s no way we can get a replacement to you in time. Chief, permission to shut the core down fully?” As soon as she reached the console, she had already typed in her command access to perform the necessary operation. (reply: Harper) =^= I have the part with me of course just in case... =^= At once, Dana felt a little silly. She had automatically assumed the engineer wouldn’t have been as prepared as that. Clearly she had been wrong, and as her heartbeat began to slow, she removed her command code from the screen and returned slowly to her previous console. =^= Even if we switch to the backup this sensor is going to come apart and whether it's in the energy flow or the intermix chamber the result will be the same... this ship will go up with a big puff of incandescent plasma =^= Dana was well aware of the danger. The last thing she wanted was few her stint as ACEO to end so quickly. She had so many ideas, so many plans; she needed time to put them into action. =^= As fast as this is degrading we would never have known we were dead. =^= “I can still shut down the core...” said Dana again, this time with a smile. To her, safety should have been the first priority. ~I’m sure the Romulans would understand...wouldn’t they?~ Mind you, Dana didn’t relish the thought of broadcasting to the entire Romulan Empire how the Prometheus-Class of starship was substandard and full of faulty and bad quality parts. (reply: Harper, Grey) “Well, it was just a suggestion.” Instead, she moved her focus to the flow processors in the intermix chamber and decided to work on those instead. They currently showed at minimum flow, which was the lowest recommended level to keep the warp core active, but Travis was certain she squeeze a little less out if she manually handled the feed. “I’m going to do my best to reduce the flow in your section. It should take some of the heat off you Dale...although you better get this right. We could still go kaboom with this.” As soon as she had said it, she was certain it wasn’t at all necessary. (reply: Grey, Harper) Dana gave her full attention to the flow processors and set to work. (posted by Dave) ===================================================================== (USS Hades - Deck 5, Transporter room 1 - CSEC Lt. Baylon Trinin - 0857) Baylon was a little surprised to be the last of the breakfast team to arrive in the transporter room. So much so that he almost missed the fact that all the women in the room were complete with perfect hair and cosmetics. He straightened his formal uniform tunic, an action which was altogether unnecessary, since he had the design altered slightly to fit him better. It was still within regs, but just barely, but it fit him much better than the standard regulation tunic, by a long shot. Shurik was on duty and Baylon greeted him once he had made up his mind that he was actually where he was supposed to be. The Russian transporter chief had returned the greeting, but after that both men tended to other things. "Good Morning Madame Ambassador, Envoys Grem and Paris." he said formally, as he took his position on the transporter pad. "Sorry to have kept you waiting." (posted by Daniel Greene) ===================================================================== (USS Hades – Deck 5, Transporter Room One – Ambassador Brianna Frazier – 0859) “Well, I for one expected something like this. The Praetor seems to me like a very charismatic person; probably one of the reasons he rose to power.” Paris Kolar was standing on the transporter pad, waiting for whoever else was supposed to be attending. Bree had to laugh. She had noticed the Praetor was a good talker when she had spoken privately with him before the talks commenced. She had even managed to get a partial read on his emotions, and had been pleasantly surprised. “Yes, well I am looking forward to sampling local cuisine. I wonder if it will be freshly cooked, or replicated.” Paris looked at Brianna, as if she had said something ridiculous. “Oh, I should think it would be fresh. Can you imagine the President of the Federation not having his own personal chef?” She laughed again as she too was looking forward to a veritable breakfast feast put on by the Praetor. Bree shrugged and said in agreement, “You’re probably right.” She smiled silently to herself at the attitude that Paris seemed to be giving off. It was very rare that the woman let her hair down, so to speak, and it was refreshing to see this side of her. It was clear to Bree that she had enjoyed the talks yesterday, and had as positive an outlook on them as she had herself. At that point, the doors to the transporter room opened and in marched Baylon Trinin. “Good Morning Madame Ambassador, Envoys Grem and Paris.” he said formally, as he took his position on the transporter pad. “Sorry to have kept you waiting.” “Not at all,” she said, giving her signature flick of her glistening red curls. “We were just chatting.” She looked over at the door and wondered if any other security officers were about to follow. “No other security escort Lieutenant?” she asked, knowing that an escort was really fruitless. (reply: Trinin) “Well, if this is all of us, you can energize when ready Mister Rosanov.” Bree flashed an excited smile at the transporter chief, knowing that soon she would be back on the surface of Romulus and on her way to meet with the Praetor. “Of course Ambassador, energizing...” came the response laden with Russian tones. (posted by Dave) ===================================================================== (USS Hades - Deck 5, Transporter room 1 - CSEC Lt. Baylon Trinin - 0900) “No other security escort Lieutenant?” Ambassador Frazier asked him as he took his place on the transporter pad. "No Madame Ambassador. I didn't think it prudent." he replied then settled in for the trip planet side. (posted by Daniel Greene) ===================================================================== (Romulus – Senate Building, Senatorial Receiving – Ambassador Brianna Frazier – 0903) The scene was soon a wash of white and blue sparkles, but as they cleared she saw that she had been put down in a familiar spot – the Senatorial Receiving area where they had beamed to the day before. The area was brightly lit, and the decorative works that adorned the walls were as fantastic as she remembered them to be. ~I must ask if I can take a sample of these works~ she thought in a fleeting moment as her eyes quickly scanned the area. She then saw something else that was familiar to her...Ejuil. He was standing quietly and waiting for the transport to complete, so when Bree took a step toward him with a warm smile, he returned the smile and extended a hand in her direction to show willing. Bree knew that most Romulans did not greet each other in this way, and it was a great sign of respect that he was choosing to do this, so she shook his hand softly and allowed him to lead her toward the nearest corridor. “I’m glad I did not wake you this morning Ambassador,” he said and he led the way, accompanied on either side by the honour guard of centurions, just like the previous day. “Oh, I’m an early bird Mister Ejuil. It was a pleasant surprise to hear from you.” Bree glanced quickly to Paris, Raizel, and Baylon to see that they were following in tow. “It is a most gracious invitation for Praetor to offer.” She looked again in front of her to see they were heading around a corner to a section of the building she was not familiar with. She had to wonder if the Praetor had his own wing of the Senate Building, and if so, did he actually live here, as well as work here? (posted by Dave) ===================================================================== (Romulus – Senate Building, Senatorial Receiving – CSEC Lt. Baylon Trinin – 0905) Once they had coalesced from the transporter beam, Baylon immediately recognized where they were located. The room looked much the same as it had when he had seen it the day before, only this time it didn't hold the allure of newness that it had possessed just yesterday. As expected the Praetor's personal assistant was waiting for them along with an honor guards of centurions. Once the pleasantries were past, Ejuil led them through the receiving chambers into a section of the Senate building that looked elegant as well as ancient. The stone here looked more worn, most likely by the hundreds of generations of persons of quality that had strode through these hallowed halls. Like the rest of the building this corridor was ornately decorated with marble columns and large dramatic murals depicting great triumphs of Romulan might. They turned a second corner and the Hallway snaked back towards the heart of the building. Unimaginably the corridor became even more ornate. A rich red fabric carpet snaked it's way down the center of the hallway. There were Marble busts of the Praetor's predecessors lining the avenue and the large windows allowed ample sunlight to flood into the hallway, although currently it was before local sunrise. Still despite the darkness beyond those panes, Baylon could barely make out the contours of an elaborate garden, which was probably as ornate and exotic as the corridor that they were traversing. They stopped outside a massive pair of doors that looked very much as if they were made of gold. They looked impossibly heavy and were intricately carved with the seal of the office of the Praetor. A massive oil painting depicted the conquest of Tirdras III. One of the Romulan Empire's proudest moments. Baylon had seen reproductions of the work, but he suspected that the canvas that he was looking at now, was the original. It was rumored to have been commissioned by the Romulan Fleet Admiral that had led the battle force against the enemies of the empire. Legend has it that once it was completed the artist had his hands broken so that he could never again create any painting that might eclipse this particular piece. Baylon smiled, he could understand how such a rumor could have begun. The piece was epic in it's scope. It's lines captured every movement of the two embattled fleets. It dominated the canvas with it's bold depictions of the copper green Romulan starships and the brilliant flashes of their disruptor fire into the massed enemy fleet. It was an inspiring piece of work. Powerful in it's uniqueness. It was no surprise that such a cultural treasure should find it's way here into the halls of the Romulan senate. After a couple of moments the doors to the office opened into a lush waiting area. It reminded Baylon of a tour he had once taken of the Old Office of the American President of the United States of America on Earth. It had the same well-grounded austere look; used, but fashionable. There was an office off to one side and directly opposite was a small arboreta. The Praetor's aide directed them in the direction of the latter and within a few moments they were in a small indoor garden, complete with small fruit bearing trees and flowering plants. There were glass panels that looked out on the grounds as well as allowing the easy viewing of the stars in the night sky. Romulus was considerably closer to the galactic center of the galaxy than Earth or Betazed, and so the sky seemed to be filled with even more stars than any other he had ever seen. They were led through the small chamber to the far end, where there was a sort of indoor patio. A fairly large table had already been set, with enough seats for everyone in the away team as well as for the Praetor. The latter, who was sitting looking over a padd of some sort while he waited for his guests to arrive. He smiled then handed the pad to his assistant. (posted by Daniel Greene) ===================================================================== (Romulus - Institute of Advanced Scientific Studies, Courtyard - Science Officer Ensign Harry Doorman - 0905) When Harry materialized he took in a sharp inhalation of breath. The scene around him was one of the most awe-inspiring that he had ever seen. A large columned circular pantheon surrounded them, with a perfectly circular opening to the sky above. The beam in coordinates were open-air, only in as much as the structure did not truly possess a true ceiling or walls. Instead the perfectly circular perimeter of what sufficed for a ceiling was supported by a series of exactly 360 identical rose colored marble columns. The floor was also carved of marble, but this unlike the rest of the structure was a rich black glossy marble. Inlaid in this floor, long ago polished by generations of students footsteps, were precious metal circles, The, represented the planets in the Romulan home system. And they each followed an almost ephemeral thin-silver thread that represented their respective orbits around the center piece of the floor, their local sun. Harry immediately, and without much thought, worked out the calculations in his head and quickly came to the realization that this pseudo-map of the system was accurate roughly ten millennia ago, and had only altered slightly since then as a result of natural entropy and interaction with other stellar phenomenon. It was amazing accuracy. He looked up and realized that it was still dark outside, but that a few mobile power torches had been set up for the benefit of the away team. Carrow had said that they would be ahead of the sunrise and that was certainly true. Harry glanced around and through the gaps between the columns he could see several clusters of academic buildings and dormitories, of a much more modern nature. He had been told by one of the other members of the away team that this was the preeminent institute for Science in the entire Romulan Empire. The students that graced these halls had included geniuses, the like of which had dramatically improved Romulan and sector understanding of the core sciences. Harry could agree with that. He had always found that the most sought after scientific texts were those that had originated here. They were always pushing the envelope of conventional thought and challenging all-comers to an intellectual battle royale. Harry, himself, had read several texts by prominent Romulan mathematicians concerning Roden's theorems and T'nan's model of Mathematical Non-linear numerical regression. Just a decade ago, a junior student studying in these halls had proven Hrondiger's unprovable theory. A mathematical conundrum that had been a stalwart contender for the most complex equation ever created for nearly four hundred years. There was some murmuring as the Scientists commented on everything from air quality to architectural artistry. Harry had already calculated the load bearing capabilities of the columns, as well as the mathematical correctness to be spaced along the perfect arc minute points of the geometric circle as envisioned by Euclidic geometry. He wasn't trying to do these things for a particular reason. He just simply saw the patterns and could work out the formulas with little effort in his head. He looked up as the group fell silent, and then all eyes turned to Carrow, as the group of Federation scientists took note of the approaching Romulan Scientific Delegation. (posted by Daniel Greene) ===================================================================== (Romulus - Institute of Advanced Scientific Studies, Courtyard - ACSO Ensign Shayhiloosh - 0909) When the groups of Hades crew materialized at the predawn coordinates on Romulus, Shayhiloosh was surprised by the hardness of the marble all around hir. S/he had hoped for soft soil, but s/he contented hirself with the knowledge that s/he knew that would happen eventually. The air smelled of rich green growing things, coumarin and a little rain was in the warm breeze. The air was somewhat arid but a comfortable cool temperature without being chilly. The light from the torches made the marble glint and the silvery tracings of the orbital lines of the map below their feet glimmered up at them. Pulling out one of the three tricorders, s/he began scanning to test the uplink right away. While the scans were running, s/he took the opportunity to take in the rose colored columns, the dark marble floor with its representation of the Romulan home system, and the mobile power torches. Shayhiloosh made shrift to cover as much of the celestial map as possible. S/he stretched up one eyestalk to the heavens to assess the sky as much as hir could with a naked eyebulb. The power torches were not able to stop the stars from shimmering at them from space and its sparkling panoply was beautiful arching above the structure. The rich variation in the highly polished surface of the hard marble was lovely and the combination of black marble floor with the rose colored columns made for an exquisite contrast. Shayhiloosh knew that Maraht would love to see it but maybe it was just as well that the Horta did not salivate on all this elegant marble. "Shayhiloosh to Dr. Gordo." =/\= Gordo here, Shayhiloosh.=/\= "I am about to download a data packet of my first scans of this open air structure to the data uplink. I think you will like what you see. It is aesthetically pleasing, even to my Arborian eyes. Are you ready?" =/\= Ready and waiting. =/\= Dr Gordo sounded impatient. "Uploading data packet now," said as s/he pressed some buttons on hir tricorder. The data packet was sent and the information could now be erased to make more room for more data if the extra memory was necessary. Shayhiloosh hoped there would be so much to scan that they would be sorting through it for many happy days. =/\= We got it, Shayhiloosh. The structure came through very clearly. I can see you have an eye for composition. There is no decay of signal or data. We are looking forward to seeing more. =/\= "We will be sending more data soon. I believe we will meet our hosts momentarily." The beauty of this structure was one of the things that Shayhiloosh planned to show Shureshlee if s/he was on the planet long enough to access the Dreamplane. But that was all dependent on how receptive their hosts were to Arborians. They might order Shayhiloosh off their planet if s/he made them too uneasy. Shayhiloosh saw the Romulan scientific group approaching and moving back to stand next to Lt. Carrow, s/he waited for her to speak to their hosts as the ranking science officer. S/he hoped to not bring much attention to hirself if possible. It was hard to be invisible as the only Arborian among the humanoid races represented among the Hades crew. S/he withdrew hir eyestalks into hir branches, peeping out shyly from between hir leaf bladders. (Posted by Sheila) ===================================================================== (Romulus- Institute of Advanced Scientific Studies, Courtyard - CSO Lieutenant Ardena Carrow - 0910) Ardena's head felt fuzzy, like the beginnings of a migraine lurking around the corners. She didn't think the atmosphere of Romulas so different from shipside that it'd give her problems. However, as the Romulans grew closer, her headache was threatening to blossom with full sparkles and nausea. Trying her best to emulate the pain control methods T'Vhor had tried to t each her, Ardena put her best welcoming smile on her face. "Thank you for giving us this opportunity to learn of your planet." Ardena said with a careful courtly Vulcan bow. She wasn't quite sure if she should act more human or more Vulcan with her father's cousins, so she'd just have to stick with being herself and hoping it didn't cause an international incident. (Reply Romulans) "If I may introduce my team?" Ardena said, trying to resist the urge to rub her temples while throwing up on the Administrator's boots. Damnit, why couldn't anything go right? "My two departmental leaders, Ensign Kenneth McKenzie and Ensign Shayhiloosh," Poor Shayhiloosh had withdrawn as much as s/he could without beaming back up onto the ship. "Relax, Shay, no axes and we're honoured guests," she breathed into his leaves. She didn't know how sensitive hir hearing was, but she figured he'd get the gist. She didn't want to speak loud enough for the recording devices Security was surely packing with them. (Replies McKenzie, Shayhiloosh, Romulans) "And this is Ensign Harry Doorman," Ardena continued, introducing the rest of her team and the two security personnel. (Replies any/all) "I brought you the scientific scans of Terra in exchange." The Starfleet science council had apparently had an all night scramble on coming up with a fair exchange and what wouldn't be a security breach. Ardena had thought the information a little light on current data, but 5 billion years of information was a lot anyway. She handed over the cube holding the Starfleet style chip and the Romulan data slip. It was an old style, possibly from before the last treaty, but the gesture was the important thing to the Fleet. (posted by Lorna) ===================================================================== (Romulus - Institute of Advanced Scientific Studies, Courtyard – ACSO Ensign Shayhiloosh - 0911) "If I may introduce my team?" said Lt. Carrow, gesturing to each. "My two departmental leaders, Ensign Kenneth McKenzie and Ensign Shayhiloosh." "Relax, Shay, no axes and we're honoured guests," breathed Lt. Carrow softly into hir leaves. Controlling hir fright, Shayhiloosh found hirself longing for the ship in an effort to be away from the Romulans after hir uneasy conversation on the ship with Uhlan S'Tarleya. "Yes, Sir," said Shayhiloosh just as quietly through a few of the leaf bladders nearest Lt. Carrow. In a stern effort to control hir rising panic, Shayhiloosh extended only one eyestalk from hir branches and gave a courtly polite nod in the direction of the Romulans, remaining silent. S/he pulled back hir eyestalk into hir branches, trying to look like a large decorative office plant and therefore as nonthreatening as much as possible. Lt. Carrow continued to introduce the rest of the science teams. (Reply Any) "I brought you the scientific scans of Terra in exchange," said Lt. Carrow, handing over the cube holding the Starfleet style chip and the Romulan data slip. It was an old style of technology, possibly from before the last treaty. The gesture was nice and Shayhiloosh hoped the Romulans had the technology necessary to read the chips encased in the clear cube. Maybe it would help the Romulans to be less suspicious. (Posted by Sheila) ===================================================================== (USS Hades – Deck 16, Tactical Plannng – SO Lieutenant Tarus Daban – 0912) Upon returning to his temporary office, Lieutenant Tarus had found a number of separate reports on his desk from the different members of his strike team. Where others might have looked once then ran the other way, Tarus was pleased to take on the extra responsibility. It was perhaps the kick up the back-side that he had been looking for of late. When they had first set off on this mission, Tarus had made it known to Lieutenant Ammon that he wanted to transfer to Tactical from Security. He had spent so many years being the best he can possible be, he wanted to try his hand at another aspect of the field, and Tactical seemed a good way to go. At the time, both Lieutenants Trinin & Ammon had seen fit to decline his request, pending the end of the current mission. At that time, he was free to transfer if he so wished. Right now, Tarus was happy just where he was. He found the extra responsibility he had taken on to be both rewarding and challenging...and even a little fun too. The first report he picked up was not from a security officer, but actually from the science and engineering teams. It seemed that during the night one of the scientists had come up with a way to cut through the majority of the interference in the sensors and the comm. systems, making them able to keep a close eye on their away teams, and to contact them whenever they so needed. Tarus didn’t really understand the calculations, or the physics of it all, but all that mattered to him that it worked. So he made his way straight to the tactical planning centre on deck 16, knowing that he could make good use of the holographic interfaces there. Upon arriving he found the room dark and deactivated, so he began by shedding a little light in the area. As he approached the holographic interface in the centre of a large round table, he tapped his comm. badge and said, “Lieutenant Tarus to Engineering. Are the modified sensors and decryption subroutines online?” =^= Not yet Lieutenant =^= came the familiar voice from Dana Travis, the recently appointed ACEO. “Well that’s not good enough Ensign. If I’m going to keep an eye on our teams on the surface, I needed them online twenty minutes ago.” Tarus was a little surprised that they had not yet been upgraded and online. He would have to speak with someone about that. =^= Sorry sir, but Lieutenant Jackson should be working on them. Shall I get in touch with him for you? =^= asked the ACEO, sounding less than impressed that Tarus was giving her a hard time. Tarus sighed, realising he was pressuring the wrong person. “No, thank you Ensign.” He quickly closed the channel and tapped his comm. badge a second time and said, “Lieutenant Tarus to Lieutenant Jackson.” (reply: Jackson) “Engineering tells me that you have been tasked with overseeing the changes to the sensors. Are they ready to be brought online?” Tarus drummed his fingers, a little frustrated that this task hadn’t been given a higher priority. (posted by Dave) ===================================================================== (Romulus - Institute of Advanced Scientific Studies, Courtyard - ACSO Ensign Shayhiloosh – 0912.5) After materializing down on the planet and meeting the Administrator Reyeul, Ensign Mackenzie seemed worried about Shayhiloosh. "Ensign," Kenny whispered. "Are you Ok? You seem on edge." "I am all right Ensign McKenzie. I think I am just a little nervous and over excited," whispered Shayhiloosh through only a few leaf bladders nearest the other ACSO. Shayhiloosh was not certain how much of the planet the Romulans were going to let them scan. S/he wasn't comfortable with the idea of the Romulans running everywhere scanning the nursery groves on Arboria Prime, or the Clearing of the Eldest, given their inflexibility and their harsh 'friendliness.' They were so guarded and untrusting if Uhlan S'tarleya was any example. But the science teams would have to wait and see. (Posted by Sheila) ===================================================================== (USS Hades – Deck 1, Main Bridge – COPS Lt. Maraht - 0914) Ever since he had heard that the science teams were going down to the planet and were allowed to investigate and take scientific scans of the planet, Maraht was depressed that he couldn't explore too. He felt frustrated and left out. ~I am not in the science department anymore.~ he reminded himself firmly. Oh, how he longed to be able to taste the geology of Romulus. ~There may come a time when I will be able to do something on the surface too, Great Lava willing. I hope I will have the chance to do spend some time on the planet, gathering scientific data. Maybe I will have the chance to do that once we have gained the trust of the Romulan officials.~ Maraht's finer phalange rippled in his disappointment and he turned his attention to another check on the force fields acting as hull on Deck 5 from the command chair, using his main phalange. He resolutely shifted his bulk impatiently beside it and hoped for the best. They were holding up well and he had shifted extra power to help reinforce them. He studied the officer on the bridge with him and noted they were officers he was not a well acquainted with during this particular shift, though the science officer looked a little older. It appeared Dr. Gordo was doing a stint on the bridge to help closely manage the data uplink. Maraht had listened in as Ensign Shayhiloosh and Dr. Gordo had spoken and Shayhiloosh tested the uplink by sending scans and pictures of the structure at the coordinates they found themselves in after transporting down. Though little could be easily seen in the dark, Shayhiloosh had switched to night vision on hir tricorder to give a good picture of the open air columns. The readouts indicated heavy marble content of both the columns and the floor, along with the rendition of the orbital map of the Romulan home system. Though Maraht would never say so to anyone, it looked utterly delicious. (Posted by Sheila) ===================================================================== (USS Hades - Deck 6, Chief OPS Office - A/COPS Lt. Tom Jackson - 0914) Tom had left the Holo-Deck and walked to Deck 6 - to the OPS office suite. He was working on a series of sub-routines that would modified sensors and decryption subroutines to allow better tracking of the various away teams and keep an eye out for encrypted messages. Jackson had finished preliminary modeling analysis and was not all that pleased with the sub-routines when he got a call from Tarus Daban. "Yes Taurus, Tom Jackson here" he replied. Tarus asked about the very project he was working on. "Well, I have noted some improvements but I am not entirely pleased with the results. I can place them on line and gain marginal improvements" Jackson told his crew mate. (reply: Tarus iyw) Tom sensed the frustration of his friend Tarus Daban. "I will place them on-line and work the the proto type off-line if OK with you" Jackson added. (posted by: Bill West) ===================================================================== (Romulus - Institute of Advanced Scientific Studies, Courtyard - CSO Lieutenant Ardena Carrow - 0925) Ardena was happy to let the leaders of the Romulan away teams take over the show and left her alone with the administrator. "You are the Scientist who gave Commander Rhian the t'Saar plant?" Administrator Reyeul asked, raised eyebrow. Some expressions seemed to bypass social upbringing. It seemed all the 'seeded' races had the raised eyebrow, some just did it better than others. "That would be me," Ardena said, flushing lightly green. She could only wonder if she'd hear the end of the blasted thing. "The Commander donated it to us, we planted it in the atrium for study." The Administrator said. "Now, may I give you a tour of the faucilities? Our security agents have holo-cameras with them so you can review your teams' activities later, or if you so wish to return to your ship..?" Ardena really wanted to find a hole to curl up in and pull the dirt up after her. Every time the Administrator brushed her sleeve or got within her personal space, she got a mixture of chaotic thoughts, emotions, and random scientific thought thrust upon her right before her her erratic shielding completely came down on her and it was like being half-blind for several moments. ~DAMNIT, I should have read the Ambassador and the Sec-Chief's reports. I should have known they'd be using mental scramblers. Probably how they spot the rare Romulan gifted amongst them.~ But, duty came first. Ardena plastered a smile on her face, which she feared was a bit weak around the edges, "I would be honoured to see your campus, Administrator." "Please Lieutenant, we are colleagues. Reyeul is fine." The woman turned to lead Ardena up the steps, the mental dampening field seemed to ease with distance. ~If I'm lucky, she turns it off for the standard 'background' field if the campus has one. Other wise, I'm going to be explaining to a certain first officer why I deposited my lunch in one of their labs.~ "And I am Ardena." She replied, catching up to the woman, suppressing a flinch as the 387th digit through the 419th digit of pi hit her head. One thing was for sure, Adminsitrator Reyeul was a genius in Romulan form. (Posted by Lorna) ===================================================================== (Romulus - Institute of Advanced Scientific Studies, Hallway - Prefect of Science Xerius - 0926) Xerius strode down the corridor from the Imperial Hall of Research, his heels treading lightly upon the ivory marble floor that was richly stained with whorls and intricate designs of green and blue, the colors of empire. Having sat upon the planets highest scientific panel for nearly three decades he showed little of the enforced deterioration of form that such often caused, his arms were powerful beneath his sleeves and his shoulders broad, only the touch of grey at his temples and a stomach that deviated slightly from his idea of personal perfection marred his appearance. Xerius had met Federation ships upon the field of battle before and sometimes observed them from secret but never in his lifespan had he accepted the fact that one day he would stand face-to-face with them upon the planet Romulus, the very center of the heart of Romulan power, and certainly not under a banner of peace. Snapping his head to the right he noted his Centurion escort scurrying to keep up, when Xerius was angry he sometimes moved quickly as though using the exercise to work off his extreme emotions and such was the case here, having slowed his stride to allow the man to catch up they moved now at a more stately pace. The man moved beside him and matching step spoke after an instant. "Patience Prefect, the Administrator will keep them busy until you arrive, hurry would be unseemly." Xerius' turned to face him then, catching the Centurion's arm in his grip he spun to face him. "Have you served me so long to misread me now Tellus?" The man blanched at the look of fury upon Xerius' face. "I will play host to these beings as the Praetor has commanded but I will do so in my own way. I have given Reyeul the opportunity to meet them and give them some measure of hospitality and allow them to relax their guard, I am interested in reading their response at our meeting when they see a Romulan patriot." He clenched his teeth in a not-smile. "I must admit though the opportunity to see these inferior beings stand in awe of the might of Romulus does hold its own merit." Releasing Tellus' arm he turned slightly before stopping. Over his shoulder he asked. "The neural dampener I told you to bring, where is it?" "On my belt Prefect." The man said as he once again matched pace with the scientist/warrior. "As most of the Institute is so shielded I see no need of it..." Before Xerius could turn and speak he continued. "But I serve your wishes." That seemed to placate his superior who nodded ever so slightly in acknowledgement. "I do have a question though Prefect, does this network of dampeners not pose a threat?" "What if it does?" Xerius said over his shoulder as he continued, the silver and blue uniform and rich blue with silver and green embroidered jacket drawing all eyes as they moved down the hall. "It is necessary to protect our secrets from their filthy telepaths and has no detrimental effect upon non-telepaths, therefore any who are harmed are theirs and not ours. Under the circumstances a necessary evil." The Centurion nodded in agreement. "I understand Prefect." They were coming near the courtyard now, Tellus sped up his pace to precede Xerius, noting the varied species in the Federation scientific party as it opened up before him but Xerius made a sharp sound of negation as he did so which would not be heard more than a couple of feet from him. Tellus had indeed served under the Prefect for a dozen years and knew his cues, he slowed and took up position three feet behind and to his right as Xerius swept into the atrium. Seeing one of the party speaking with Reyeul, Xerius made straight for the two, mentally dismissing the others as his gaze swept over them, there would be the obligatory introductions later, at the moment he would deal with the senior member of their group as was fitting for one of his stature. "Reyeul." He said as he neared them. "Who is your guest?" (Reply: Reyeul) "Lieutenant Carrow." Xerius mohogany eyes held no warmth as he turned his attention to the Federation officer. "Welcome to Romulus, I bring you greetings from the Praetor and good wishes from the Imperial Council of Science and Technology. Jolan Tru." (Reply: Lieutenant Carrow, any) He clenched his teeth in that not-smile as the scientific team introduced themselves, his eyes calculating each as he did so, his thoughts hidden. (Posted by Charles) ===================================================================== (Romulus - Institute of Advanced Scientific Studies, Courtyard - CSO Lt. Ardena Carrow & Administrator Reyeul - 0930) "Reyeul." The handsome Romulan said as he neared them. "Who is your guest?" A raised eyebrow, again. You would think the man could hide his contempt of the outsiders with more skill. "As listed, this is Lieutenant Ardena Carrow of Earth." Oh, she knew it was his 'subtle' way of saying the outsiders were beneath his notice, but really. How a man with a mind so firmly shut could be involved in science and knowledge was beyond her and one of her biggest foils in her position. "Lieutenant Carrow." Xerius mahogany eyes held no warmth as he turned his attention to the Federation officer. "Welcome to Romulus, I bring you greetings from the Praetor and good wishes from the Imperial Council of Science and Technology. Jolan Tru." "It is our honour," she replied with a half-bow before proceeding with the introductions. The Romulan male had a look of constipation as they filtered through the niceties. Poor Shayhiloosh, here in polished boots and shining armour was the manifestation of every fear s/he had. Ardena knew she wouldn't want to be left alone with the man for half a nanosecond. She didn't think she'd be alive by the end of it. Xenophobic, autocratic, he was in essence everything that was wrong about the Romulan empire and why it hadn't expanded in centuries. (Posted by Lorna) ===================================================================== (Romulus – Institute of Advanced Scientific Studies - ACSO Ensign Shayhiloosh - 0932) "Lieutenant Carrow." This Romulan's dark eyes were cold and flat as he turned to Lt. Carrow. "Welcome to Romulus; I bring you greetings from the Praetor and good wishes from the Imperial Council of Science and Technology. Jolan Tru." "It is our honour," she replied with a half-bow before proceeding with the introductions. Shayhiloosh distinctly saw this green and blue robed Romulan clenched his jaw in ill concealed contempt as the scientific teams introduced themselves, his calculating eyes hiding his thoughts. He fairly radiated his intense dislike of the Federation teams. This would not be a Romulan that Shayhiloosh would introduce to Shureshlee. S/he was thankful that Shureshlee was still an unknown being to them on the Hades. When Lt. Carrow introduced hir to this haughty Romulan who did not have the courtesy to speak his own name, Shayhiloosh resolved to take the tack of being as opposite to this one's poorly concealed contempt as much as possible. Taking heart from the rest of the Science team, Shayhiloosh extended only one eyestalk again and spoke this time as warmly as possible. To act as coldly and rudely as this Romulan was unworthy of any Arborian, or anyone of the Hades crew. "Warm breezes and clear waters to you, Sir. I, Shayhiloosh, am the only Arborian officer on the Hades. As Lt. Carrow's assistant, I specialize in botanical studies and the impact of environmental factors on plants. I look forward to seeing your homeworld." Shayhiloosh's breezy voice, gently musical, fluttered from hir waving leaf bladders. (Posted by Sheila) ===================================================================== (Romulus - Institute of Advanced Scientific Studies, Courtyard - CSO Lt. Ardena Carrow & Administrator Reyeul - 1000) Ardena watched the Prefect walk away to attend to some incredibly important business. She had really hoped he would get bored and wander away, but apparently ruining her enjoyment of the science of his people was higher on his list of things to do. At least the waves of nausea went with him. Reyeul had turned off a box at her waist, apparently the Prefect hadn't seemed fit to do the same. "Why are all handsome men gay, spoken for, both, or complete and utter ch'trek'a" A Klingon word, but the Romulans had long association with the warrior people. By the bark of surprised laughter from Reyeul, she knew the meaning of the word. "Ardena, you surprise and entertain me." She refrained from smiling at the Prefect and his aide who had turned to glare. "I almost wish you could stay longer than the day." "Mmm. Just don't leave me alone. I'm not sure the Prefect hasn't already thought of thirty ways to explain my disappearance." Ardena said, turning to study the three dimensional representation of Romulan DNA. "Only thirty? That would be a slow day." Reyeul said dryly. "I am still here as a thorn since he knows my disappearance would be followed by his." Mostly they just avoided each other, apparently he didn't trust her not to practice some form of sedition without supervision. Paranoid Idiot. Just because she revelled in learning and knowledge, it didn't mean she'd sell her soul. "That and he can't find someone else able to do your job to his satisfaction, I'm sure." Ardena said. "Ha." Reyeul agreed, "I see we are both women of science being choked by bureaucrats." "The Federation isn't *so* bad, but Starfleet.." Ardena shook her head, "We *are* a military organization, and it shows sometimes. Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't leave Fleet for a private ship or base for all the data on Memory Prime, but, sometimes.." Reyeul gave her the tight lipped Romulan smile, more irony than humour. "I do understand. I would not leave Romulus or the Empire for anything, but sometimes.." The two women lapsed into their own thoughts until the Prefect decided to rejoin them; either having finished his business or made his point about how important he was. "Where would you like to go?" Reyeul asked. Ardena smiled, as innocently as a green eyed blonde could manage, "I am entirely at your mercy." (Posted by Lorna) ===================================================================== End Compile =====================================================================