[May 4-20, 2005] ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Mission: Exiercise of Vital Powers Day: 15 Stardate: 2406.10.28 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ (USS Paladin - Conference Room - ACEO Ensign Alura Rathyn - 16.57) (USS Paladin - Conference Room - ACEO Ensign Alura Rathyn - 16.57) (USS Paladin - Deck 1, Outside the Conference Room - Acting CSO Ensign Joran Matthew Brownlee - 17:10) (USS Paladin - Officer's Mess - Lt. Capps & Ensign Knightley - 1720) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Mission: Exiercise of Vital Powers Day: 17 Stardate: 2406.10.30 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Paladin, Sickbay, CEO, LT JG Steven Matrix, 0901) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mission: Exercise of Vital Powers Mission Day: 29 Stardate: 2406.11.12 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Paladin - Deck 5, Joran's Quarters - CSO Lt. (jg) Joran Matthew Brownlee and ACONN Ensign (jg) Christian Soval Brownlee - 07:30) (Shuttle Pheryas, Main room, ACMO, Ensign (JG) Kyle Kaeter - 0735) (USS Paladin, Observation Lounge, CO, Captain Eva Straton, 0800) (USS Paladin - Deck 1, Observation Lounge - Acting CSO Ensign Joran Matthew Brownlee, 08:00) (USS Paladin - Observation Lounge - TAC/SC T`Vhor - 08:00) (USS Paladin, Observation Lounge, Ensign Greg Dunn, 0800) (USS Paladin - Conference Room - Lt. Calvin Capps - 0801) (USS Paladin - Outside Conference Room - TAC/SC T`Vhor - 08:01) (USS Paladin - Bridge - TAC/SC T`Vhor - 08:01) (USS Paladin - Outside Conference Room - FO Calvin Capps - 0802) (USS Paladin - Bridge - FO Lt. Cmdr Calvin Capps - 08:02) (USS Paladin - Bridge - FO Lt. Cmdr Calvin Capps - 0804) (USS Paladin, Ready Room, CO, Captain Eva Straton, 0811) (Paladin - Bridge - Lt. Cmdr Capps - 0819) (Shuttle Pheryas, Main room, ACMO, Ensign (JG) Kyle Kaeter - 0825) (USS Paladin – Personal Quarters – Ensign Greg Dunn - 08:30) (USS Paladin - Bridge - Lt. Cmdr Capps - 0850) (USS Paladin - Hangerbay four - TAC/SC T`Vhor - 09:00) (USS Paladin – Hangar bay 4 – Ensign Greg Dunn – 0900) (USS Paladin - Hangerbay 4 - TAC/SC T`Vhor - 09:00) (USS Paladin - Hangerbay 4 – Ensign Greg Dunn - 09:02) (USS Paladin - Hangerbay 4 - Shuttle Pheonix - TAC/SC T`Vhor - 09:05) (Shuttle Pheryas, Main room, ACMO, Ensign (JG) Kyle Kaeter - 0920) (Alpha Command - Security office - TAC/SC T`Vhor & Lt Miller - 09:25) (USS Paladin, Ready Room, CO, Captain Eva Straton, 0930) (USS Paladin, Ready Room, ACMO, Ensign (JG) Kyle Kaeter, 0931) (Uss Paladin, Corridors, ACMO, Ensign (JG) Kyle Kaeter, 0933) (Alpha Command - Section commanders Office - TAC/SC T`Vhor & Lt Miller - 09:35) (Uss Paladin, Kaeter's quarters, ACMO, Ensign (JG) Kyle Kaeter, 0936) (Uss Paladin, Sickbay, ACMO, Ensign (JG) Kyle Kaeter, 0952) (USS Paladin - Sickbay - CMO Lt. (jg) Jared Keller - 0952) (USS Paladin - Sickbay - ACMO Ensign (jg) Kyle Kaeter - 1000) (USS Paladin - Sickbay - CMO LT. (jg) Jared Keller- 1002) (USS Paladin - Sickbay - ACMO - Ensign (jg) Kyle Kaeter - 1004) (USS Paladin - Sickbay - CMO - Lt. (jg) Jared Keller - 1005) (USS Paladin - Sickbay - CMO - Lt. (jg) Jared Keller - 1005) (USS Paladin - Sickbay - ACMO - Ensign (jg) Kyle Kaeter - 1007) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ [Begin] ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Mission: Exiercise of Vital Powers Day: 15 Stardate: 2406.10.28 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ (USS Paladin - Conference Room - ACEO Ensign Alura Rathyn - 16.57) Joran caught Ensign Rathyn outside the conference room as she was heading toward the turbolift. "Excuse me, but I want you to know that I can help with the repairs in any way I can, if you need me to." Rathyn eyed him critically then nodded. She didn't know Brownlee well but he was acting CSO which meant he was intelligent. Engineers were always looking for an extra pair of hands, and if they were attached to a living brain so much the better. "Okay Mr. Brownlee, thank you. How much do you know about the inner-workings of starship sensors?" She led him into the turbo-lift and called for the Engineering Level. (Reply: Brownlee) "Good enough," Rathyn said. "The scanners are our number one priority right now. Seeing as Lt. Matrix is confined to Sickbay, Mr. Tristen and I will be busier than usual with our jobs and his. I'll put you to work on the data feed buffers with Ensign Wolman." (posted by David) (USS Paladin - Conference Room - ACEO Ensign Alura Rathyn - 16.57) Ensign Rathyn walked into Sickbay and went straight to Lt. Matrix bedside and saw he was asleep. His breathing seemed to be steady. She looked at the readout panel of his vitals which showed him to be in good condition. The man still looked like like hell but at least he was still alive. She leaned over and whispered into his ear. "Sorry I missed you again chief. I'll try later." She moved through sickbay and pressed the chime on Dr. Keller's office. Entering at his bidding, Rathyn greeted him with a friendly smile. "Good evening. I thought I would take you up on your offer and ..." she paused only a moment when her eyes fell onto his hands and the small golden band "... and ... um ... try to catch the chief awake," she managed to finish after only a brief stammer. "Apparently, I missed my window of opportunity, again." (Reply: Keller) "When he wakes up, can you signal me over the com. He'll probably have a million questions to answer. It might help you keep him in here if he knows how well his entire crew is coming along with the repairs." (Reply: Keller) "I'll see you later, doctor," she said, keeping her embarrassment hidden and wanting to leave before her facade fell. "Still plenty of work to do." (Reply: Keller) She left his office keeping her stride even. She was relieved she hadn't finished her invitation to a drink in Ten-Forward. She felt like an complete *ss but she'd managed to recover well enough. ~That could've been a great deal worse,~ she thought to herself shaking her head after the door closed behind her. ~Then again it could've been a good deal better.~ Oh what the h*ll. Why did she want to complicate her life any further with involvements. Relationships had a way of fizzling out after the initial excitement was used up. Then there were those people who found a truly "significant" other. But sooner or later -- sometimes sooner, one of them had to die. She didn't need that at this point in her life. (posted by David) (USS Paladin - Deck 1, Outside the Conference Room - Acting CSO Ensign Joran Matthew Brownlee - 17:10) Joran caught Ensign Rathyn outside the conference room as she was heading toward the turbolift. "Excuse me, but I want you to know that I can help with the repairs in any way I can, if you need me to." "Okay Mr. Brownlee, thank you. How much do you know about the inner-workings of starship sensors?" She led him into the turbo-lift and called for the Engineering Level. Joran spoke up. "I know enough not to be getting in the way. I am actually pretty handy in that area." "Good enough," Rathyn said. "The scanners are our number one priority right now. Seeing as Lt. Matrix is confined to Sickbay, Mr. Tristen and I will be busier than usual with our jobs and his. I'll put you to work on the data feed buffers with Ensign Wolman." "Of course, ma'am." With that, he stepped out of the turbolift and followed her to engineering. (posted by Spencer) (USS Paladin - Officer's Mess - Lt. Capps & Ensign Knightley - 1720) Lt. Capps walked inside of the officer's mess room and found a nice seat near the back. The officers mess looked similar to Ten Forward, but it was more quiet. After a hard day, Calvin enjoyed some quiet in his life. He sat near a window that was half the height he was. It gave him the perfect opportunity to look out at the stars if he wanted to. While he waited for his order to be brought to his table, which wouldn't be more than a minute or so, he stared out the window trying to remember the stars from home, but he couldn't. Trying to remember the stars at home brought him to a thought that he had not pondered about in a while. He began to put a picture in his mind of him mother and father. They were still back on Earth, Calvin hoped. The last time he had spoken with them was when he was FO on the USS Paladin. Lt. Capps had heard that his uncle still thought he ran the family. When Calvin thought of his uncle his lips quivered and snared upward. At that moment he was interrupted by another officer. Lt. Capps looked up. "May I join you sir?" It was Ensign Knightley. Calvin was still shocked a little bit from his fast transition form his thoughts back to reality. "Of course." Calvin motioned her to have a seat. "What can help you with?" Before she could answer his question the waiter walked up to the table and laid a plate down in front of the FO. The waiter looked over at Ensign Knightley. "Good day, what would you like?" Ensign Knightley looked over at Lt. Capps. Without saying anything she was asking if it were OK to dine with him. Calvin shook his head in agreeing. "Yes," Ensign Knightley said toward the waiter. "Please get me Alfarian hair pasta with an Altair water." The waiter shook his head and walked off to the replicator. "Lt. Capps," Ensign Knightley began to say before Calvin stopped her in mid sentence. "Please, call me Calvin." "Ok," Elizabeth said somewhat uncomfortably. "Calvin, there is something I need to tell you, but I don't know if it really is appropriate." Calvin still had no idea where this was going. He took another stabbed another piece of his food with his fork and raised it up to his mouth. "Go on." "Well," Elizabeth fidgeted. ~Tell him, just tell him.~ "I...I am attracted to you." Calvin looked up from his plate and looked at Elizabeth. He first finished chewing the food that was in his mouth before he spoke again. He thought about what is was going to say next, but at the time his mind was blank. The next words that came out of his mouth were just the first thing that came to him. "I am sure it is just a small crush, I have not been here very long." Elizabeth looked at the FO once again. "Calvin, I just wanted to tell you that. It was on my chest and I wanted to get it off. Sorry to bother you I must be going now." Ensign Knightley stood up and nearly walked into the waiter that was bringing her food. She walked out of the seniors mess. Calvin stayed seated at the table. Not knowing what to think, and not wanting to think about right now kept eating the food in front of him. ~There is another time for this, another time.~ (posted by Calvin Capps) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mission: Exiercise of Vital Powers Day: 17 Stardate: 2406.10.30 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Paladin, Sickbay, CEO, LT JG Steven Matrix, 0901) Matrix was lying in the bio bed ready for anything but being in sickbay any second longer. He was missing out on the crew promotion ceremonies and desprately wanted to be there to congradulation those who were advancing and to thank everyone that helped him through his ordeal...and to get back to work. "Doctor!...hello...anyone there. I'm tired of being in here can I get released?!" (posted by Steven) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Mission: Exercise of Vital Powers Mission Day: 29 Stardate: 2406.11.12 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Paladin - Deck 5, Joran's Quarters - CSO Lt. (jg) Joran Matthew Brownlee and ACONN Ensign (jg) Christian Soval Brownlee - 07:30) Christian walked down the hall with a wrapped box in his hand and a smug look on his face. He knew what day it was, and exactly where his brother would be. Joran, however wasn't in such a good mood. He was lingering over his coffee, listening to "When Will God Save the People?" in his quarters, the anthem of the day, when he heard his doorchime. "Come in." He said glumly. He knew is would be his younger brother, coming to rub it in his face. "Surprise, Joran!" Christian said as he took the package out from behind his back, presenting it to him. "Happy Birthday!" Joran took the package and replied, "Don't rub it in." He opened it, and, as he expected it to be, there were two golden cups in the box; over 400 years old. Joran couldn't help but smile a little. "Oh, you evil person," he said to his brother. He went over to his desk and set them on either side of the workspace, as per the ancient rules set down by his ancestors 400 years ago that stated that they had to be kept where they could be seen, must be kept polished, and must not be kept for more than a year, or you must forfeit your "rights" to them. Such as it had been for 400 years. "Well, you'd better get to your office. Your shift starts soon," said Christian. "And you'd better get to the bridge. You're taking over soon," he replied, his mood slightly brightened. With that, they went their seperate ways. (posted by Spencer) (Shuttle Pheryas, Main room, ACMO, Ensign (JG) Kyle Kaeter - 0735) ~ACMO Kyle Kaeter of the Uss Paladin.... uhm.... sounds good!~ Kyle thought, while looking to the command controls. It had been a boring trip and he slept for the biggest part of time. He had worn a blue shirt, a couple of jeans and a denim dyed jacket when he left starbase 745, directing towards the Uss Paladin. A rose nebula colored the dark space in front of the shuttle of a relaxing soft rose dye, that inspired ideals of peace and serenity. Kyle had worn a red hat too, with the sign "D" written in medieval style on the forehead. He had put his legs on the co-pilot's chair when he fell asleep and activated the auto-pilot. When he woke up, he took a thermos from a bag near a big knapsack, where he had put all the clothes and other useful "gadgets". The thermos was full of original Earth's coffee, that his fahter brought him before his departure. He took a sip and fully tasted the flavor of the original aromatic black coffee. ~What's better of a good coffee for a bored man?~ he thought, while smiling lightly. (posted by Alessio) (USS Paladin, Observation Lounge, CO, Captain Eva Straton, 0800) Eva waited till all the senior officers had arrived before beginning the meeting. The mission was progressing well. Both colonies had been captured and secured, though no one had been prepared for what they had found on the planets surface. Forced work camps, and far far worse. Ambassador Tane had been on the surface for over a week talking with the civilian leaders of both colonies and making excellent progress. Repairs to the Paladin were complete and they were at 100%. Dr. Keller and his staff had set up a field hospital on the planets surface helping many of the colonists wounded and ill. That alone had gone a long way to earning some respect from the civilians who had been harshly treated by Doenitz forces. Admiral Lewis, had been transferred to the Mithrandir which was transporting him back to Geneva, along with escorting the captured Sovereign. The deployment of the defensive network and detection grid was progressing well too. In all, things were going well. "Welcome everyone,"Eva said, calling the meeting to order. She looked around at her senior officer and allowed herself a small smile when she noticed the tan Dr. Keller was sporting due to all the time he had spent on the planets surface. "Everyone had been working very hard and doing a great job. Well done everyone. Now, departmental reports." (Reply all) After the departmental reports were complete Eva stood. "Ensign Dunn front and center," Eva said, looking at the young man. As Dunn walked forward to stand in front of her in front of all the senior officers Eva reached up and removed his black rank pip and replaced it with a bright shiny gold one. "Ensign Dunn, you are here by promoted to the rank of Ensign senior grade with all the privileges and responsibilities of said rank. Congradulations." Eva shook the Ensigns hand firmly before motioning him back to his seat. (Reply Dunn) "Ensign Joran Brownlee, front and center. You are hereby promoted to Lt junior grade with all the privileges and responsibilities of said rank. Congradulations," Eva said adding a new pip to Brownlee's collar (Reply Brownlee) "Ensign T'Vhor, front and center. You are hereby promoted to Lt Junior Grade with all the privileges and responsibilities of said rank. Congradulations." Eva added the new rank pip to T'Vhor's collar. (Reply T'Vhor) "Lt. Capps, front and center," Eva said turning to her First Officer. "You are hereby promoted to Lt. Commander with all the privileges and responsibilities of said rank. Congradulations. " Eva added the new pip to Capps collar. (Reply Capps) "Everyone here is being awarded the Combat Action Ribbon for their participation in the battle to secure this system. Authorization has been granted to each of you to replicate the award for your dress uniforms. There is still a lot of work to be done. I expect you all will continue doing your duties as well as you have been. Your all dismissed." (posted by Wes) (USS Paladin - Deck 1, Observation Lounge - Acting CSO Ensign Joran Matthew Brownlee, 08:00) "Welcome everyone," the captain said. "Everyone had been working very hard and doing a great job. Well done everyone. Now, departmental reports." Joran stood up. "All science systems are back online and working beautifully. We shouldn't have any more problems from them for a while." Then, he sat down. (reply all) After the departmental reports were complete the captain stood. "Ensign Dunn front and center," Eva said, looking at the young man. As Dunn walked forward to stand in front of her in front of all the senior officers Eva reached up and removed his black rank pip and replaced it with a bright shiny gold one. "Ensign Dunn, you are here by promoted to the rank of Ensign senior grade with all the privileges and responsibilities of said rank. Congratulations." Cpt. Straton shook the Ensign's hand firmly before motioning him back to his seat. (Reply Dunn) Joran, along with the rest of the crew, applauded Dunn's acheivement. "Ensign Joran Brownlee, front and center. You are hereby promoted to Lt junior grade with all the privileges and responsibilities of said rank. Congratulations." Highly surprised and elated, Joran stood up and walked over to the captain, not being able to hide a smile. The captain pinned the new pip on his uniform, and shook his hand. He sat back down in his seat. He blushed at the applause. "Ensign T'Vhor, front and center. You are hereby promoted to Lt Junior Grade with all the privileges and . responsibilities of said rank. Congratulations." Eva added the new rank pip to T'Vhor's collar. This action recieved applause from all those assembled again. (Reply T'Vhor) "Lt. Capps, front and center," Eva said turning to her First Officer. "You are hereby promoted to Lt. Commander with all the privileges and responsibilities of said rank. Congradulations. " Eva added the new pip to Capps collar. Once again, the room was filled with applause. (Reply Capps) "Everyone here is being awarded the Combat Action Ribbon for their participation in the battle to secure this system. Authorization has been granted to each of you to replicate the award for your dress uniforms. There is still a lot of work to be done. I expect you all will continue doing your duties as well as you have been. Your all dismissed." Joran got up and walked out of the room, talking with some of the other senior officers as he headed to his office. (posted by Spencer) (USS Paladin - Observation Lounge - TAC/SC T`Vhor - 08:00) In the past two weeks the situation had jumped back & forth many times. The ground assault had continued on as expected, lives had been lost on both sides, tears had flowed from the eyes of family members as news of their losses arrived. Ultimately though, the outcome had proved fortuitous, for Doenitz`s troops had been pushed back & defeated on all fronts & order was finally being returned to the colonies on the surface of Gamma Sigma IV. In high orbit however, things were getting back to normal. The Paladin had been repaired & was now fully operational, the senior staff had just been called for a meeting in the obs lounge, for what exactly, nobody knew. The Captain however was smiling so everyone knew it must be good news. Each of them were duly asked for their departmental reports & each was given. Then it was the turn of the security section. T`Vhor stood to address the CO the moment her eyes moved from the giver of the last report towards him. "Security is enjoying a period of pronounced calm at this time sir", said T`Vhor. "The ship has become remarkably relaxed after the battle & there have been no requirements for security intervention amongst any of the crew", he added. "In fact, I would go as far as to say that an aura of peace is very much in evidence", said T`Vhor. "Our perimeter security is now almost complete, the detection & defence grid is currently eighty percent operational with a projection for completion of two days sir", said T`Vhor. He than sat down as the Captain called for the next report. Then, after all reports had been given, Captain Straton stood & gave out promotions & awards to each of the assembled staff one by one. "Ensign T'Vhor, front and center", she said. "You are hereby promoted to Lt Junior Grade with all the privileges and responsibilities of said rank. Congratulations." Eva then added the new rank pip to T'Vhor's collar. "Thank you sir", said T`Vhor proudly before moving away & taking his seat again to allow what had just happened to settle in. It seemed strange to him then as he ran his new rank through his mind. Lieutenant T`Vhor.... Ordinarily, a Vulcan would not feel pride from an action of duty, it was an illogical emotion at best but T`Vhor felt it nonetheless. Perhaps it was coming from his Betazoid side..... ~This will take some getting used to, no more Ensign~ he thought to himself, as the remaining crewmembers stood to receive their subsequent promotions. (posted by Alan) (USS Paladin, Observation Lounge, Ensign Greg Dunn, 0800) Greg was partially asleep when someone shouted out his name. He woke with a start and noticed the captain had called out his name. ~O cak I am in for it now. ~ Greg thought nervously Greg gingerly got out of the chair and made his way over to the captain. Things seemed to go in slow motion as the Captain’s hand moved to his collar; Greg’s eyes going wide with panic and it did so. ~Noooooooooooooooooooo! ~ He panicked. ~This can’t be happening. ~ The hand grasped around the black pip and then it was gone and to Greg’s shock the Captain replaced it with a shiny gold one. "Ensign Dunn, you are here by promoted to the rank of Ensign senior grade with all the privileges and responsibilities of said rank. Congratulations." The captain then motioned Greg back to his seat which he quickly took giving the captain a smile as he did so. For the rest of the meeting Greg gawked out of the window and fiddled with the gold pip that now sat on his neck still in a semi shock of what just happened. ~ Wow… I don’t believe that this just happened… ~ Greg had fallen into a daydream. Then to top it all off Greg was awoken by the sound of “Award”. "Everyone here is being awarded the Combat Action Ribbon for their participation in the battle to secure this system. Authorization has been granted to each of you to replicate the award for your dress uniforms. There is still a lot of work to be done. I expect you all will continue doing your duties as well as you have been. Your all dismissed." Greg finished off his water and got out of the chair and whilst drunk with pride and shock he attempted to leave the room but hit the wall the first time and the second he got tangled in a plant. Going a slight shade of red he quickly corrected himself and left the room with haste. ~Fool! ~ He scolded himself. On leaving the briefing room Greg headed to the bridge faster than he usually did. (USS Paladin, Bridge, Ensign Greg Dunn, 0801) Greg moved quietly across the bride and took his place at secondary tactical and began the day’s work. (posted by Greg) (USS Paladin - Conference Room - Lt. Calvin Capps - 0801) Lt. Capps sat in the chair that was next to the Captain. Before she started the meeting, Calvin stretched his arms in the air and yawned one last time as to get the tiredness out of his system. When the Captain started speaking Lt. Capps gave her his full attention. "Welcome everyone," Eva started. "Everyone had been working very hard and doing a great job. Well done everyone. Now, departmental reports." Calvin did as much as everyone else was doing. He sat and listened to each department's report. Lt. Capps did have a PADD infront of him to be taking notes from the reports. When everyone was done then Captain Straton continued. Calvin watched as Ensign Dunn was called infront of the Captain to receive his promotion to full Ensign. ~I am glad he received his promotion, he deserved it.~ Calvin the continued watching Ensign Brownlee and Ensign T'Vhor get their respected and well deserved promotions to Lt. junior grade. "Lt. Capps, front and center," Eva stated clearly. The name Calvin heard was a surprise to him. He looked over at the Captain and when he saw her looking at him, he knew he had heard right. Lt. Capps stood up and walked forward a few steps toward the Captain. "You are hereby promoted to Lt. Commander with all the privileges and responsibilities of said rank. Congratulations. " "Thank you sir," Calvin said with a smile. He allowed her to place the extra pip on his collar. He then turned around and took his spot back. "Everyone here is being awarded the Combat Action Ribbon for their participation in the battle to secure this system. Authorization has been granted to each of you to replicate the award for your dress uniforms. There is still a lot of work to be done. I expect you all will continue doing your duties as well as you have been. Your all dismissed." "Thank you sir," Lt. Commander Capps felt that he needed to say again. A new work day was going to began in a few minutes, so Calvin headed toward the bridge. As he walked he caught to Lt. T'Vhor. "Lt. T'Vhor?" (posted by Calvin) (USS Paladin - Outside Conference Room - TAC/SC T`Vhor - 08:01) As Lt T`Vhor walked from the conference room, Lt Cmdr Capps almost bumped into him. "Lt T`Vhor", said Capps stepping backwards & emphasising the new rank of his friend with a smile. "Lt Cmdr Capps", said T`Vhor, likewise emphasising the new rank of the first officer in a friendly manner also. They then continued walking out & onto the bridge engaging in small talk & both feeling pretty good about their new promotions. "Sir", said T`Vhor turning to the FO & then pausing briefly as though something were on his mind. "If it would be no trouble sir, I would like to go down onto the surface of Gamma Sigma IV when I`m next off duty", said T`Vhor. (Reply Capps) "There is something I wish to do, something I promised I would do for someone a long time ago", said T`Vhor, unsure of just what his FO would be thinking at his rather unusual request. (Reply Capps) T`Vhor paused once again after Lt Capps`s answer. "Perhaps you would like to come along", he added. "It would be good to get off the ship for a while don`t you think sir?", he added. (Reply Capps) Both officers then took up their respective positions on the bridge for their duty shifts. (posted by Alan) (USS Paladin - Outside Conference Room - FO Calvin Capps - 0802) "Sir, If it would be no trouble sir, I would like to go down onto the surface of Gamma Sigma IV when I`m next off duty," said T`Vhor. "I am afraid I must have a little more information as to why you would like to go down." Calvin informed his Chief Tac. "There is something I wish to do, something I promised I would do for someone a long time ago", said T`Vhor, unsure of just what his FO would be thinking at his rather unusual request. Calvin pondered about this. He had to admit this was a surprise coming from Lt. T'Vhor. Calvin did not want to intrude on personal aspects of his crew lives, but wanting to go down to the planet was unusual. "Lt, although the situation down on Sigma IV is getting better, it might not be wise to go down so soon. I believe it would be dangerous." T`Vhor paused once again after Lt Capps`s answer. "Perhaps you would like to come along", he added. "It would be good to get off the ship for a while don`t you think sir?," he added. T'Vhor was right. a lot of things had been happening since the of the battle and then the set up of the net. However there were still a lot of work to be done on the ship. "What exactly do you have in mind, Lt. T'Vhor." (reply T'Vhor) Calvin knew he could not just make a decision. "I will talk with the Captain." Both officers then took up their respective positions on the bridge for their duty shifts. (posted by Calvin) (USS Paladin - Bridge - TAC/SC T`Vhor - 08:01) "What exactly do you have in mind, Lt. T'Vhor.", said the FO. "It is a personal matter sir", said T`Vhor, "although it can wait of course", he added. "I understand that the surface of the planet may be in a state of disarray but I am well used to such conditions", said Lt T`Vhor, thinking back to the Bajoran war zones he`d often found himself in many moons before his starfleet career. "Also, I would like to assess the security status of the teams on the ground on a personal level", he added, thinking to himself that by including duty with his reasoning, the First Officer might then agree. (Reply Capps) Calvin however, knew he could not just make a decision. "I will talk with the Captain.", he said. "Aye sir", said T`Vhor. Both officers then took up their respective positions on the bridge for their duty shifts. (posted by Alan) (USS Paladin - Bridge - FO Lt. Cmdr Calvin Capps - 08:02) "Also, I would like to assess the security status of the teams on the ground on a personal level", he added, thinking to himself that by including duty with his reasoning, the First Officer might then agree. Calvin had known Lt. T'Vhor for a good time know. This was now the second time T'Vhor was the second officer under Calvin. Lt. Cmdr Capps considered T'Vhor as a friend, but Calvin still had a duty to the ship and what T'Vhor was asking was still unique. Calvin took in a grasp of air and thought a little longer. Lt. Cmdr Capps knew that T'vhor was part Betazoid, and there for knew that T'Vhor could sense how Calvin felt about this. Calvin however, knew he could not just make a decision. "I will talk with the Captain.", Calvin decided.. "Aye sir", said T`Vhor. Both officers then took up their respective positions on the bridge for their duty shifts. (posted by Calvin) (USS Paladin - Bridge - FO Lt. Cmdr Calvin Capps - 0804) Calvin wasted no time to talk to the Captain about T'Vhor's request. He wanted to do this for T'Vhor, but it also would scratch one thing off his list of many things to do. Lt. Cmdr Capps walked up to the Captain. She was seated in the center chair of the bridge. Calvin walked up to the Captain. "Captain Straton, may I speak with you about a personal matter." (reply Straton) (USS Paladin - Captain Ready Room - Lt. Cmdr Capps - 0810) Captain Straton walked behind her desk and took a seat. Lt. Cmdr Capps stayed stood. He did not realize that this conversation would take so long. (reply Straton) "Sir, our new 2O has asked us to go down to the planet." (reply Straton) "He told me that it was for a personal reason, and he wanted to check out the security teams. I believe he wants to both, but there is really something personal he wants to do," Calvin then walked up to the desk a little closer. (reply Straton) "I think it would be ok, sir. He volunteered to go down off duty, but he could go down now, and that would let Ensign Dunn have some more time on the Tac console." (reply Straton) "Aye Captain." Lt. Cmdr Capps left the ready room to the bridge. (posted by Calvin) (USS Paladin, Ready Room, CO, Captain Eva Straton, 0811) "What do you wish to talk about Number One?" Eva asked as she sat down behind her desk. "Sir, our new 2O has asked us to go down to the planet," Capps said. Eva thought for a moment on the idea before answering. "Did he say why?" She asked. "He told me that it was for a personal reason, and he wanted to check out the security teams. I believe he wants to both, but there is really something personal he wants to do," Calvin then walked up to the desk a little closer. Eva only nodded. "I think it would be ok, sir. He volunteered to go down off duty, but he could go down now, and that would let Ensign Dunn have some more time on the Tac console." "I think it might be a good idea to arrange some shore leave for everyone," Eva said, after some thought. "The crew needs to unwind after all we have been through, and it would show the colonists that we are not the monsters the Admiral Doenitz's propaganda machine painted us as. Also it will show the crew exactly what we are fighting for. Confer with Ambassador Tane to make sure he agrees. Don't want to compromise any progress he has made with the colonists. Observe any stipulations he might suggest and begin organizing a shore leave schedule and have it on my desk as soon as possible. However, be sure not to compromise ship security or safety. We will limit the number of off duty personnel on the surface and either you or I will remain on board at all times." "Aye Captain." Eva watched as Capps turned and left the Ready Room. ~Yes, I think a little shore leave might do all of us some good.~ (posted by Wes) (Paladin - Bridge - Lt. Cmdr Capps - 0819) While Calvin walked toward the middle of the bridge he turned and talked to Ensign Kightley. "Ensign please contact Ambassador Tane." "Aye sir." Elizabeth worked her board for a second and then had to wait another second for a reply. "On screen sir?" "Thank you." Calvin looked up at the view screen and saw ambassador Tane's face. He was seating in some type of office that they had sat up on the planet. "Hello Ambassador. I am requesting permission to allow small groups to come to the planet for a shot time." (reply Tane, room for more) "Thank you sir. The first ship will be around 0900." (posted by Calvin) (Shuttle Pheryas, Main room, ACMO, Ensign (JG) Kyle Kaeter - 0825) [Estimated arrival time: 0915] the computer said, with his sterile voice. ~Come on Kyle, we are almost there. Hold on~ Kaeter thought. He was fed up with that trip. Anyway, there were less than 50 minutes to go, so he found something to do in the meantime. Kyle took from the bag a wooden casket, which contained about ten holodeck programs. 8 of 10 programs were made by him, and two of them had been bought from a trusted man at a reasonable price before leaving the station. He litterally lost his head for those programs: he chased them off for about 2 months, before finding them on the starbase 745. One of them was a faithful reproduction of the famous Daytona racing circuit and the other was a reproduction of a battle field in which he was a sniper. The others were simulations of famous adventure novels and other racing circuits and battle fields. He was working on a new holodeck program led from a famous XX century computer game, Max Payne, but that was another story.... (posted by Allesio) (USS Paladin – Personal Quarters – Ensign Greg Dunn - 08:30) Greg retrieved the desert eagle from under the pillow and checked its chamber before putting the pistol in the bag. He never left home without the weapon and it had served him well for the past three years and he wasn’t about to ditch it. With the final bit of his equipment packed he retrieved his federation issue overcoat from the coat hook by the door and pulled it on. Greg was looking forward to the trip down to the planet and was eager to get under way. As a final thing he removed the spare dismantled shotgun, still in its case, from under the bed and stuffed it into the bottom of the bag. Running a hand through what remained of his hair he picked up the weighty rucksack and slung it over his shoulder and headed down to hangar bay 4. (posted by Greg) (USS Paladin - Bridge - Lt. Cmdr Capps - 0850) Lt. Cmdr Capps had just finished the shift schedule for personal to go down to the planet. The only ones that had the time or the want to go down the first shift was Lt. t'Vhor and Ensign Dunn. "Lt T`Vhor to bridge, this is shuttle Pheonix requesting permission to disembark Hangerbay four", said T`Vhor. "This is Lt. Cmdr Capps. Sorry I couldn't make it. Your request is confirmed and you are free to depart." (posted by Calvin) (USS Paladin - Hangerbay four - TAC/SC T`Vhor - 09:00) Lt T`Vhor slung his pack over his shoulder & stepped up into the Pheonix, followed closely by Ensign Dunn who seemed now to have an almost perpetual smile etched upon his face. T`Vhor wondered what he might be planning, a riot, a raid, was there a shotgun in that pack of his? It didn`t bear thinking about, Dunn seemed to have a knack for getting into trouble & T`Vhor thought that a little offship time might cool him a little. It would also be a good chance to get to know the guy a little better. T`Vhor looked briefly to the hangerbay entrance door in the hope that Lt Cmdr Capps might appear through it. He had asked him if he`d like to come along but Capps had said only that if he was able, he would be there before they left. NRPG: If anybody else wants their character to come along, feel free to arrive in the hanger. Providing of course that the CO ok`s it & you don`t have any essential ship borne duties to attend to.... RPG: Lt T`Vhor walked towards the flightdeck & took a seat as Dunn stepped onto the Pheonix & set his pack down onto one of the chairs behind him. T`Vhor looked at it as it landed with a thud. "I hope you don`t have any heavy artiliary in that pack of yours Ensign", said T`Vhor. "There will be little or no exchange of weapons fire planetside other than what is needed to heat up a rock for warmth when we take to the hills", he added. (Reply Dunn) "Standard weapons only Mr Dunn", said T`Vhor as he returned his attention to the console before him to open up a comms channel to the bridge. "Lt T`Vhor to bridge, this is shuttle Pheonix requesting permission to disembark Hangerbay four", said T`Vhor. (Reply Any on bridge) T`Vhor turned again to Ensign dunn who had now taken up a seat behind him. "Remember yourself when we land Ensign", said T`Vhor, "we are starfleet officers & we should try to give a good impression to the colonists we meet", he added thinking back to the time the Ensign had roughed up the Admiral on the bridge of the Sovereign. (Reply Dunn) T`Vhor raised an eyebrow & then he turned again to the shuttle controls to power up the Pheonix`s engines before running diagnostics on all systems, he then looked through the starboard window towards the hanger entrance doors once again for Lt Cmdr Capps, just in case he chose to come along. (posted by Alan) (USS Paladin – Hangar bay 4 – Ensign Greg Dunn – 0900) Greg had stopped off at the mess hall to pick up a few crates and was now carrying them like you would children under his arms. He followed T’vhor into the shuttle and placed the crates with his bag on the floor in a secure space giving the officer a somewhat perpetual smile as he did so. "I hope you don`t have any heavy artiliary in that pack of yours Ensign", said T`Vhor. "There will be little or no exchange of weapons fire planetside other than what is needed to heat up a rock for warmth when we take to the hills", he added. Greg gave T’Vhor a somewhat evil smile. Greg had packed all the necessary equipment and yet managed to cram in a few extra items. “Nothing too big sir.” "Standard weapons only Mr Dunn", said T`Vhor. Greg watched the officer turn to his console before taking a seat behind him. "Remember yourself when we land Ensign", said T`Vhor, "we are starfleet officers & we should try to give a good impression to the colonists we meet","Remember yourself when we land Ensign", said T`Vhor, "we are starfleet officers & we should try to give a good impression to the colonists we meet." Greg could tell that the officer was recalling what happened between him and the admiral. It had almost been a week and Greg still kicked himself for acting erratically. “I can only try my best sir.” He said in a resigned tone. Greg sat down properly in the chair and brushed his overcoat down and waited to see if anyone else would be coming. “So… what do you have in mind to do on the planet?” He asked T’Vhor quizzically. (postetd by Greg) (USS Paladin - Hangerbay 4 - TAC/SC T`Vhor - 09:00) “So… what do you have in mind to do on the planet?” said Ensign Dunn quizzically. Lt T`Vhor broke away from the readouts before him just briefly as the Ensign spoke. "We are not taking this trip merely for pleasure Ensign", said T`Vhor, "although granted, there will be some freetime to roam when off duty whilst we are there", he added, returning his gaze to the console to notice the storage level indicators peaking at 750 milicochranes on each of the two impulse engine readouts. (Reply Dunn, Any) "We will need to assess the security situation on the ground first", said T`Vhor looking to the Ensign`s pack once again as his Betazoid empathic sences cut in once again. Lt T`Vhor knew Dunn was not being entirely truthful about something but he would give him the benefit of the doubt, for now anyway. "After we are done however, I see no reason why we shouldn`t see the lie of the land up close & personal so to speak", he added, implying as he did so that he had a mind to do a little hill climbing in one of their landing sites more rugged locations. (posted by Alan) (USS Paladin - Hangerbay 4 – Ensign Greg Dunn - 09:02) "We are not taking this trip merely for pleasure Ensign", said T`Vhor, "although granted, there will be some freetime to roam when off duty whilst we are there", he added. Greg watched T’Vhor go back to the shuttle readouts. In the mean time Greg shuffled in his chair for a few moments. “So… what are we going to be doing down there?” Greg asked. "We will need to assess the security situation on the ground first", T’Vhor replied. Greg caught T’Vhor’s eyes go over his rucksack. The officer obviously didn’t trust him and could sense that he was not being entirely truthful. "After we are done however, I see no reason why we shouldn`t see the lie of the land up close & personal so to speak" added T’Vhor. Greg smiled at the officer and fiddled with his phaser. He took of the back and started pulling it apart. He took the crystal and held it to the light. He could see imperfections in it so he placed it to one side and produced a thing (I don’t know what they are called) and went over the crystal with it. Holding the crystal up to the light it was now free of imperfections. He then put the weapon back together and went over its circuitry with the device again. This increased the weapons efficiency and rate of fire. Pocketing the device he checked his watch. That took him no longer than a minute to do the task. Greg fastened up the phaser and holstered it. (posted by Greg). (USS Paladin - Hangerbay 4 - Shuttle Pheonix - TAC/SC T`Vhor - 09:05) "Shuttle Pheonix you are cleared to disembark", came the voice from the bridge, "Have a good flight Lt" Lt T`Vhor acknowledged the goodwill gesture from the bridge officer & then after looking back to Ensign Dunn briefly, he initiated the departure subroutine at the helm, which automatically closed the hatch & brought the vertical thrusters online to raise the Pheonix a metre or so from the hangerbay decking. Ensign Dunn muttered something under his breath along the lines of it being about time, & then he slumped back into the seat in preperation for the short trip down to the planet. The Pheonix swung around one hundred & eighty degrees as T`Vhor took control via the thruster controls which had just swung out & upwards on the console, then it slowly advanced along the line of pulsing orange beacons towards the hangerbay doors which were already in the process of opening to the accompanyment of the hangerbay warning klaxons. It took only seconds for the small vessel to exit spacedoors & leave the Paladin behind as it veered off smoothly towards the planet in it`s descent downwards. T`Vhor looked out of the window at the huge vessel he`d come to know as home as they left, her hull plating still bore the burns & scars of their previous battle but her spirit remained unbroken nonetheless. Their descent continued on uneventfully, then at five thousand metres, the comm came online with a standard request for identification. T`Vhor responded imediately it came in. "This is Lt T`Vhor of the Starfleet shuttle Pheonix requesting clearance to land, please advise", said T`Vhor. There was a momentary pause then as ground security checked their identification & then the comm sprang to life once again. "Pheonix, we have you on an approach vector, ILS has picked you up, you are cleared to land at coordinates one twenty-seventy five, welcome to Gamma Sigma IV sir", said the unknown officer. "Proceeding as requesting, Pheonix out", said T`Vhor as he quickly performed the neccessary course changes & then brought the shuttle in to land. She came down in a plume of dust in the middle of a clearly marked area set aside for incoming shuttles & within a few minutes, her engines were powered down & her hatch opened. Ensign Dunn picked up his baggage with a sigh & then stepped out first after the remaining dust had settled, Lt T`Vhor quickly followed. T`Vhor stopped momentarilly & then took a deep breath whilst looking about him, it was good to be off the ship & feeling a breeze against his face again, it was also good to see green hills & blue skies in some place other than the Paladin`s holodeck. Ensign Dunn however had simply headed off towards the command centre in his usual gung-ho manner leaving T`Vhor wondering if he`d actually manage to behave himself whilst they were here. (posted by Alan) (Shuttle Pheryas, Main room, ACMO, Ensign (JG) Kyle Kaeter - 0920) The shuttle dropped out of warp and the Paladin's shape appeared. =^= Shuttle Pheryas 01 to Uss Paladin. Requesting permission to land. Sending identification codes to you now =^= Kyle said while his fingers were flying on the consolle. =^= Uss Paladin control here. Permission to land granted. Shuttle bay one, landing pad 4. Welcome, Mr. Kaeter. Control out =^= Kyle turned on the landing lights and the hull covered of red, green, blue and white lights. The big shuttlebay's doors opened and the shuttle entered gently inside the ship. Kaeter brought the shuttle on the fourth landing pad and he cut off the engines. Then, he took his bags and went out the shuttle. Before arriving, he had worn the MED department uniform. ~Ok. What's now?~ Kyle approached a consolle and registered his arrival. Then he took a turbolift. "Computer, locate captain Straton" [The captain Eva Straton is now in her office] "So, deck one pal" Kyle said. The cabin moved silently until it reached the first deck. Kyle went out the cabin and went towards the captain's office. ~Ok Kyle. Let's go~. When he entered he had left the two bags he took with him outside the office. "Ensign jg. Kyle Kaeter reporting in, sir!" Kyle said, standing at attention. (posted by Alessio) (Alpha Command - Security office - TAC/SC T`Vhor & Lt Miller - 09:25) Lt T`Vhor stepped through the door of the security chiefs office & then he sat as directed by Lt Miller, the man in charge of Alpha commands security. "I trust you had a good trip Lt", said Miller. T`Vhor paused & then answered, "It was uneventful", he said as the Lt sat back into his chair whilst briefly scanning through a PADD & nodding once in a while. "How are things here?", asked T`Vhor. Lt Miller looked up from the padd & then set it down beside him. "As well as can be expected I guess", he said, "we`ve had a few reports of small factions loyal to Doenitz turning up here & there but their few & far between", he added. "The main problems have been cracking open the computer files & getting the colonists to realise we ain`t gonna be roasting them for supper", said Miller. "I dunno what the hell sort of propaganda Doenitz`s forces have been sprouting, but it`s proving a pain in the arse to convince them all otherwise", he added. "Do we have any information on Admiral Doenitz`s fleet positions elsewhere?", said T`Vhor. "Nothing concrete so far", said Miller, "Our encryption guys are on it as we speak, as soon as I know more, you know more", he added. "I suggest you just make your reports to SF & enjoy a little freetime whilst your down here Lt", said Miller. "There really are some beautiful locations around here you know, despite the devastation you`ll come across where we pounded them particularly heavily", said Lt Miller with a laugh. The humour in the man`s words however were lost on Lt T`Vhor, for he failed to see anything funny in pounding an enemy to attrition. The two men then spoke a little more on security matters & then as they rose from their chairs to finally leave the room, Lt Miller cut in again. "Anyone with you?", he asked. "Another crewmember", said T`Vhor, "Ensign Dunn, he`s around somewhere, he won`t be far", he added. "Better brief him on the locals then", said Miller, "don`t want anyone firing off phazers untoward", he said. "As for me, I have to get over to the section commanders office, seems we`ve found something of interest on the northern front", he added as he quickly said his goodbyes & walked off, leaving T`Vhor alone in the centre of the command centre. T`Vhor looked about the compound for a short while, then he tapped his commbadge once to open a channel to his comrade in an attempt to locate him. =/\=Lt T`Vhor to Ensign Dunn, please acknowledge=/\= (Reply Dunn) =/\=It seems we have a little freetime after all Ensign, I have plans to head off into the hills at 1200 hours precisely, you may come along if you wish but in the meantime, try not to get yourself into any trouble & be at the Pheonix on time=/\= (Reply Dunn) Lt T`Vhor then set off in the direction of the section commanders office. (posted by Alan) (USS Paladin, Ready Room, CO, Captain Eva Straton, 0930) "Ensign jg. Kyle Kaeter reporting in, sir!" Kyle said, standing at attention. Eva looked up from her terminal screen and the departmental reports she was going over to look at the new arrival with a neutral expression. "Orders," She said, holding out her hand for the PADD the Ensign was carrying. Taking the PADD, Eva looked over the orders and confirmed the Admiral authorization code to confirm that the orders were legitimate. "Welcome aboard Ensign," She said, handing the PADD back to Kaeter. "Drop your belongings off in your quarters then report to Lt. Keller, our CMO, in sickbay. I'm sure he will appreciate your assistance. There are a lot of wounded from the battle. He will answer any questions you might have. Dismissed." (posted by Wes) (USS Paladin, Ready Room, ACMO, Ensign (JG) Kyle Kaeter, 0931) "Welcome aboard Ensign," She said, handing the PADD back to Kaeter. "Drop your belongings off in your quarters then report to Lt. Keller, our CMO, in sickbay. I'm sure he will appreciate your assistance. There are a lot of wounded from the battle. He will answer any questions you might have. Dismissed." "Yes sir" Kyle greeted the woman with a sign of the head and then he walked away. (posted by Allesio) (Uss Paladin, Corridors, ACMO, Ensign (JG) Kyle Kaeter, 0933) Once outside the office he took his belongings and took the turbolift. ~Easy, fast, painless...~ he thought, while thinking again about his last meeting with the capitain. One thing was clear: for sure there was a lot of work. Kyle wanted to visit the ship and begin to know his colleagues, but the captain (and the destiny in a matter of speaking) had set other plans for him. The turbolift's doors opened and Kaeter entered the corridor. There were doors disposed methodically on Kyle's left, with the guest's name written on the door. Kyle walked a bit and then he found his one. [Voice Password required] "Ensign Kyle Kaeter" (posted by Alessio) (Alpha Command - Section commanders Office - TAC/SC T`Vhor & Lt Miller - 09:35) As Lt T`Vhor entered the section commanders office, he knew something was ammiss. Lt Miller was in another room but T`Vhor could see him through the large plate of glass nodding his head thoughtfully as the commander pointed to the map on the table before them, tracing his finger along a part of it as he spoke. Both men shook their heads & then moved off to a computer terminal to begin scanning records. Lt T`Vhor was momentarilly distracted then by an Antarian brushing against him as he made his way along the corridoor. "Excuse me", said the man. T`Vhor simply nodded & then moved towards the strategic map upon the wall in the main area as the Antarian disappeared through a side door. The map was covered in coloured dots to indicate places of concern or interest & arrows had been marked to show marine movements & their progress through the land. Lt T`Vhor took in what he was seeing & then turned quickly as Lt Miller touched his shoulder from behind. "Still here Lieutenant?", said Miller. T`Vhor paused & then looked around the room at the others milling around the office before answering the mans question. "I thought I would stay for a while & see what is happening", said T`Vhor. "Do I need to know what is going on up on the northern front?", said T`Vhor. Miller paused & then sighed. "Seems our guys might have hit a bio facility during the attack", said the Lieutenant. "We`ve had an outbreak of sickness here, you`ve probably heard already", he added. "I`ll need to make a report to Starfleet command & see how they want to play it", said Miller. T`Vhor raised an eyebrow thoughtfully, then he followed the man down the corridoor as he walked off. Outside the commanders office, the two men stood & looked out upon the compound as another shuttle flew overhead in readiness to land. Lt Miller then turned to T`Vhor, his brow furrowing in concern. "I hope this doesn`t get outta hand", he said in a pensive tone, "we don`t need this at all", he added, refering to the possibility of having to quarantine the area. The Lieutenant then made his excuses & made off towards the security section again. "You will let me know if anything develops Lt Miller", said T`Vhor. "Sure thing, it`s probably nothing anyway but we`ll see what SF has to say on it", said Miller as he disappeared from T`Vhors sight. (posted by Alan) (Uss Paladin, Kaeter's quarters, ACMO, Ensign (JG) Kyle Kaeter, 0936) The computer answered with a beep and the doors opened. Kyle asked the computer to turn on the lights and the room filled with light. The accomodation was nothing special: a desk with a computer, a table with two chairs, a little sofa and a bed. The bathroom was near the bedroom. Kyle didn't lose time: there were people to help and he couldn't stay there admiring his quarters and losing time customizing it: he thought he would have time to do that, but that wasn't the right moment. Once put all the clothes in the wardrobes and emptied the bags, he put them under the bed and went out his quarters, going in the Sickbay. (posted by Alessio) (Uss Paladin, Sickbay, ACMO, Ensign (JG) Kyle Kaeter, 0952) Kyle trespassed the Sickbay's threshold and immediately began to look for the CMO. Then, near a biobed, he found a man wearing a white uniform and with two pips on his neck: probably that was Lt. Keller. Kyle approached him. "Excuse me.... Lt. Jared Keller?" [Reply Keller] "Ensign Kyle Kaeter sir. I'm the new ACMO" (posted by Alessio) (USS Paladin - Sickbay - CMO Lt. (jg) Jared Keller - 0952) Jared was looking fit in his fresh tan and feeling more so because of all the exercise he had gotten on the planet, moving about the ship and even working out on the holodecks was no substitute for a real pool (When he could make time to get into one.) The planet and colonies had been taken but not all of the resistance had been wiped up yet and with all of the collateral damage (Meaning injuries) to the civilian population not to mention all of the wounded from the battles there as more to do than Jared had the resources to take care of, fortunately the other ships in the force sent to take the colonies had pooled their resources and things planetside were finally under control. War is hell in more ways than one too since disease had begun to spread through the breaks in civilian infrastructure, the most troubling of which was a virus that appeared to have freshly mutated (or was it?) and though it had been isolated finding the correct formulation for a cure was taking time, the disease hadn't spread far yet but if they couldn't isolate an antidote soon... it could infect thousands and claim hundreds of lives within the month. The patient Jared was tending to wasn't one of those infected, he had been injured in the first wave of attacks and was just now getting near to being released. The ill patients had been isolated planetside. Someone walked up beside Jared and spoke. "Excuse me.... Lt. Jared Keller?" Jared looked up from his PADD as he turned and saw a tall young man with long, dark hair and a well manicured beard wearing medical/science blue with a single black pip on his collar denoting Ensign (jg). The fellow was obviously not from the ship and Jared didn't remember seeing him in the medical group from the planet or from the contingents sent from the ships. "Yes, I'm Lieutenant Keller Ensign, from where have you come?" "Ensign Kyle Kaeter sir. I'm the new ACMO" Jared had to smile at that reply. "ACMO aye? Excellent! With Doctor Weiler scheduled to stay with the colony I'm going to be needing an assistant. How are you at dealing with exotic and new forms of disease?" (Reply: Kyle) "I beg your pardon, forgive my manners." Jared stuck out his hand to the cadet. "I'm a bit absorbed in a problem at the moment as you can see. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance Kyle, do you mind if I call you Kyle? I tend to be very informal in sickbay as most would attest." (Reply: Kyle) "Well welcome aboard. Have you dropped your things off in your quarters yet?" (Reply: Kyle) "If you have a few minutes then I'll tell you what's going on planetside." Jared took the young doctors arm and steered him away from the patient who was looking on curiously and toward the offices. (posted by Charles) (USS Paladin - Sickbay - ACMO Ensign (jg) Kyle Kaeter - 1000) Jared had to smile at that reply. "ACMO aye? Excellent! With Doctor Weiler scheduled to stay with the colony I'm going to be needing an assistant. How are you at dealing with exotic and new forms of disease?" Kyle raised an eyebrow. "I am an officer of the Starfleet, the strange and the exotic are normal for me" he said, smiling lightly. "I beg your pardon, forgive my manners." Jared stuck out his hand to the cadet. "I'm a bit absorbed in a problem at the moment as you can see. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance Kyle, do you mind if I call you Kyle? I tend to be very informal in sickbay as most would attest." He gripped firmly the CMO's hand. "No problem" "Well welcome aboard. Have you dropped your things off in your quarters yet?" "Yes, I have. I am ready to begin" "If you have a few minutes then I'll tell you what's going on planetside." Jared took the young doctors arm and steered him away from the patient who was looking on curiously and toward the offices. "Yes sir" he said, while going away from Keller's patient. Alone, he looked around. Almost all the Sickbay's beds were occupied and probably someone had dead there. Kyle was curious and he really wanted to know what had happened on the planetside, what had caused so much pain. Kaeter thought he would ask the CMO the details on what occurred down below. The Sickbay was similar to the ones that Kyle saw on the other ships: bright colours, spaces well defined and equipment always easy to catch. Kyle was still looking around when Keller approached him. [Reply Keller] Kyle nodded and followed him in his office. "I hope that man wasn't in serious conditions..." [Reply Keller] ".... I see...." he said, while waiting for orders. [Reply Keller] "No problem, sir. One thing, how many people died here?" [Reply Keller] Kyle raised an eyebrow. "Am I too curious if I ask you what happened on that damn planetside?" he said, while looking Keller. He didn't want to appear rude, but that was his first reaction. (posted by Alessio) (USS Paladin - Sickbay - CMO LT. (jg) Jared Keller- 1002) They had covered the distance to the other side of sickbay and into a short hall. Jareds office was the one toward the back beside the dispensary, Jared motioned to the door. "Shall we go in?" Kyle nodded and followed him inside. "I hope that man wasn't in serious conditions..." "Very serious in the beginning actually." Jared said. "I almost lost him initially and he's been in sickbay for eight days now, he had extensive burns and severe sharpnel wounds. I had to replace two feet of his large intestine and reconstruct his spleen." ".... I see...." Kyle said, he appeared to be a little overawed at the situation in medical. "He wasn't the worst, it's been hell here and the worst cases were on the planets surface." "No problem, sir. One thing, how many people died here?" Jared sighed at that question. "It's too early to tell Kyle but I can say 700 to 800 people that we know of now, I am expecting more to be found." Kyle raised an eyebrow. "Am I too curious if I ask you what happened on that damn planetside?" he said, while looking at Jared. Jared smiled at him ruefully. "First of all Kyle would you please sit down?" (Reply: Kyle) He nodded as the young man sat down in the chair before his desk still glowering, if he had had any other reaction Jared would have wondered at him. The thought of such great loss of life would have caused grief and rage in any doctor. After Kyle was well situated Jared folded his hands in front of him. "We were sent to this colony to take it by force and the defenders were well entrenched, we had a large space battle in the system before sending marines down to the planets surface and it has taken a good two weeks to take most of the planet, there are isolated pockets of resistance that our forces are still mopping up." He frowned a bit. "It has been a bloody time here and now to make it even worse there has been an outbreak of a very virulent disease on the surface." (Reply: Kyle) "It's a viral form with effects much like the Ebola virus complete with hemmohraging, I've isolated the virus but finding the correct agent to defeat it is something else, the virus is highly resistant to our drugs." (Reply: Kyle) "I find the timing of its appearance highly suspicious. From the medical records I could piece together there is no account of such a virulent strain. I am wondering if our attack either took out a containment facility for warfare biogenic agents or whether our successful occupation of the planet triggered its release. At any rate I have been left to try to isolate a cure while treating the wounded from this blasted war!" (posted by Charles) (USS Paladin - Sickbay - ACMO - Ensign (jg) Kyle Kaeter - 1004) Jared smiled at him ruefully. "First of all Kyle would you please sit down?" Kyle sat down on a chair in front of the CMO's desk. He nodded as the young man sat down in the chair before his desk still glowering, if he had had any other reaction Jared would have wondered at him. The thought of such great loss of life would have caused grief and rage in any doctor. After Kyle was well situated Jared folded his hands in front of him. "We were sent to this colony to take it by force and the defenders were well entrenched, we had a large space battle in the system before sending marines down to the planets surface and it has taken a good two weeks to take most of the planet, there are isolated pockets of resistance that our forces are still mopping up." He frowned a bit. "It has been a bloody time here and now to make it even worse there has been an outbreak of a very virulent disease on the surface." "What kind of disease? Viruses or bacteria?" "It's a viral form with effects much like the Ebola virus complete with hemmohraging, I've isolated the virus but finding the correct agent to defeat it is something else, the virus is highly resistant to our drugs." "I see. When did this disease appear?" "I find the timing of its appearance highly suspicious. From the medical records I could piece together there is no account of such a virulent strain. I am wondering if our attack either took out a containment facility for warfare biogenic agents or whether our successful occupation of the planet triggered its release. At any rate I have been left to try to isolate a cure while treating the wounded from this blasted war!" Kyle didn't answer immediately. While looking at Keller, he was thinking trying to assemble a convincing hypothesis. ~It isn't suspicious.... it's more! I don't think that our troops have spread this microscopical devil with their arrival or with their moves.... uhm..... maybe those rebels tried made a reprisal before their final surrender....~ he thought. "Those <> have the means and the knowledges to synthesize or modify an existing virus? Maybe they tried to create a biogenic agent to infect our troops. A virus that they later couldn't control" he stopped, leaving his words taking effect. "... I exclude the possibility that they have bought this virus from a biological weapons' smuggler because we would have some data about the infecting agent in our archives" [Reply Keller] Kyle listened carefully. ~Let's summarize: we have a group of rebels, a war, 7 hundreds casualties and a furiously spreading disease that is killing even more people.... uhm....~ "Excuse me, but there's something that doesn't convince me. You said that this war begun because a group of rebels took by force a colony. Well, the Federation doesn't begin a war that kills 800 people for a low importance colony. So that's my question: what makes this planet so important?" (posted by Alessio) (USS Paladin - Sickbay - CMO - Lt. (jg) Jared Keller - 1005) "Those <> have the means and the knowledges to synthesize or modify an existing virus? Maybe they tried to create a biogenic agent to infect our troops. A virus that they later couldn't control" he paused momentarily for effect. "... I exclude the possibility that they have bought this virus from a biological weapons' smuggler because we would have some data about the infecting agent in our archives" "Undoubtedly you are correct." Jared nodded. Kyle paused for a moment to collect his thoughts. "Excuse me, but there's something that doesn't convince me. You said that this war begun because a group of rebels took by force a colony. Well, the Federation doesn't begin a war that kills 800 people for a low importance colony. So that's my question: what makes this planet so important?" Jared sighed. "They claim we're the rebels of course. With the 52nd split off from Star Fleet and exploring the Beta quadrant as we and a few allies take on the rest of the forces of the Federation under that Pa'Tak Admiral Doenitz." Jared used the most disparaging insult he knew in Klingon. "I was on the Mystique when Doenitz sent agents on board to kill the Captain and destroy the ship right after her launch and I know the depths to which Star Fleet Intelligence will stoop against their own kind. The reason we were given for taking the colony was to liberate it." (Reply: Kyle) "I'm not surprised you don't have all the details since Star Fleet Command under that animal has been working to isolate the various races as they gain a stranglehold on the Federation. Admiral LoDona under whom we serve in the 52nd is working against him while accumulating evidence against the madman, hopefully he and the others will be able find a way to pull the rug out from under the corrupt members of the admirality." (Reply: Kyle) Jared frowned and nodded. "It appears we are in for a long talk as I fill you in on the details. Would you like something to drink?" Jared got up and walked to the replicator in his sumptuous office decorated by his wife Talinna. "And you will have to come to my familys quarters this evening for dinner." (posted by Charles) (USS Paladin - Sickbay - ACMO - Ensign (jg) Kyle Kaeter - 1007) Jared sighed. "They claim we're the rebels of course. With the 52nd split off from Star Fleet and exploring the Beta quadrant as we and a few allies take on the rest of the forces of the Federation under that Pa'Tak Admiral Doenitz." Jared used the most disparaging insult he knew in Klingon. "I was on the Mystique when Doenitz sent agents on board to kill the Captain and destroy the ship right after her launch and I know the depths to which Star Fleet Intelligence will stoop against their own kind. The reason we were given for taking the colony was to liberate it." Kyle listened carefully. He was trying to collect all the pieces of a big mosaic that appeared to be extremely complex. ~We are talking about people who are in the highest positions inside Federation's heart..... Admiral Doenitz..... I wonder why he thinks all this about our "master"~ he thought. "I didn't know this. They sent me here without giving me all the details? That's odd. Really" "I'm not surprised you don't have all the details since Star Fleet Command under that animal has been working to isolate the various races as they gain a stranglehold on the Federation. Admiral LoDona under whom we serve in the 52nd is working against him while accumulating evidence against the madman, hopefully he and the others will be able find a way to pull the rug out from under the corrupt members of the admirality." Kyle nodded "A few days before coming here, I heard something about this conflict, but all the news' sources weren't clear. Many elements weren't as evident as they appear here now" He stopped. "Why the Federation should keep all this secret? It is so strange.... We say that after centuries of war and pain we changed, but, as far as I know, it seems that there is still people in the heart of the Federation who don't know this.... it's revolting" he said, looking towards the CMO. Jared frowned and nodded. "It appears we are in for a long talk as I fill you in on the details. Would you like something to drink?" Jared got up and walked to the replicator in his sumptuous office decorated by his wife Talinna. "And you will have to come to my familys quarters this evening for dinner." Kyle got back to reality and smiled. "Coffee, thanks. I accept gladly your invitation" Jared smiled and gave him a smoking cup of coffee. Kyle took a sip. ~Uhm... it seems that the replicators have been improved. Anyway, the best coffee remains the Earth's original....~ Before resume the conversation about the current situation Kaeter decided to "take a break" in a matter of speaking, beginning a common conversation. He believed that a bit of relax could help both. "It seems you're married, Jared. Who is your lucky wife?" he said, smiling warmly. [Reply Keller] "Me? Oh, I had some relationships during the Academy, but nothing so important. Let's hope to find here the right girl" [Reply Keller] Kaeter laughed. Serious, he thought that was the right time to talk about business again. "Let's get back to business" he said, while taking another sip of coffee. "As doctors, it's better that we focus first of all on the disease and then on the politics. There's people dying out there and we have to save them. Tell me more about this disease, please" (posted by Alessio) (USS Paladin - Sickbay - CMO - Lt. (jg) Jared Keller - 1005) "It seems you're married, Jared. Who is your lucky wife?" Kyle asked with a smile after taking a sip of coffee. "Talinna." Jared said returning the smile. "She is our beautiful ships counselor, we both were promoted and transferred here with our daughters from the Mystique. Lyara is 14 and Yssandra 17 and nearly ready to go to the Academy. What about you Kyle? Have you found that special woman yet? I certainly have." "Me? Oh, I had some relationships during the Academy, but nothing so important. Let's hope to find here the right girl" The ACMO stated . "I know you will some day." Jared said. "It just takes time and this is a big ship , who knows your future partner may be on board." Kyle laughed nervously."Let's get back to business" he said, while taking another sip of coffee. "As doctors, it's better that we focus first of all on the disease and then on the politics. There's people dying out there and we have to save them. Tell me more about this disease, please" Jared took a sip from his cup as he gathered his thoughts and nodded thoughtfully. "The outbreak was reported within three days of the capture of an outlying province, there were 8 people infected. Its onset is with fever, headaches and disorientation. The incubation period is from three to five days at which time the virus starts spreading rapidly and the victim shows a full blown infection in approximately 1 1/2 weeks. The virus attacks the internal organs, breaking down the cell walls and causes internal hemhoraging. The patient after contracting the disease has two weeks of increasing pain and disorientation until they literally drown in their own blood. I haven't even been able to slow it down in the reported cases and computer models show a horrifying spread. It could become a pandemic within 6 months if we don't find a cure for it." (posted by Charles) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [End] ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [compiler---Calvin Capps]