February 13 – February 28 (2005) Mission: Exercise of Vital Powers Mission Day: 9 Stardate: 2406.10.22 (USS Paladin, CIC, Deck 42, CO, Captain Straton, 0900) Eva, followed closely by Commander Mackenzie, walked into the Combat Information Center and looked around the massive room. From here the Paladin could command an entire sector or more if need be. There were strategic and tactical displays all over the room. A multitude of data consoles and communication station allowed the StrtOps officer to keep tabs of everything that would be going on at the two colonies and to distribute order to their forces in the field. She walked into the center of the room and to the massive Strategy table. She looked at Commander Tahlmari, T'Vanek, and Menelian already standing around the table. It was time to get their strategy finalized. "Gentleman," Eva said, looking at each of them in turn, "What have you come up with?" Mission : Current mission cancelled. Stardate : 2406.10.12 (USS Cochrane - Bridge - TAC/ASC T`Vhor & Lt Capps – 09:46) NRPG: This first post is taking place on the bridge of the USS Cochrane so as to close loose ends. RPG: When Captain Richard Lee arrived almost solemnly on the Cochranes bridge, everyone was as surprised as each other to see him. Captain Lowell was now nowhere in sight & everyone knew that something was most definitely amiss. Ensign T`Vhor was at his usual station on the Tactical console when the news broke about the Cochrane going for refit & the Captain being reassigned. He had only been on this ship for a short time & now it seemed a good portion of the crew, including himself were to be reassigned to another ship. Calvin was sitting in the command chair when Captain Lowell and Captain Lee first went to go speak in the ready room. Calvin was surprised for a ship to be comming in, but nothing could surprise Calvin more than the news Captain Lee just gave everyone. In the ensuing quiet of the bridge, only the intermittent beeps & pings coming from the various consoles could be heard as Lee outlined the situation to the dumbstruck crew. Almost as quickly as the information had sunk in, unknown starfleet officers began arriving on the bridge to replace the Cochranes team. Each of them left with dignity, each of them not knowing quite where they would end up or indeed if they would even be working together again. Officers of Captain Lee's ship then started to take positions on the bridge, and Calvin heard the new Captain relieve everyone of duty. This was all confusing to Calvin. At that moment he had no idea what was going on and he knew instinctively that he would not get any answers. He had worked hard on this ship and could not figure it out at all. Calvin stood up now. Sweat started to run on his face and it felt like the bridge was over 100 degrees F. Ensign T`Vhor looked to First officer Capps who was as surprised as he. He then walked from his console to stand near to him in order to speak with him. “Do you have any idea what is going on sir?”, said T`Vhor. "I am sorry Mr. T'Vhor I have no explanation. Further more, on the observations of the captain leaving the bridge so quickly, I think we will not get any soon.", said Calvin looking at Mr. T'Vhor with a confused _expression. “This is most strange, I have heard rumours of an impending situation but I was unaware it would affect us directly”, said T`Vhor. "But.. But it has", said Calvin. "I know that Captain Lee is a valid Captain of our fleet. It would seem that he is in command now and we are relieved. Lets get ready to leave.", he added. To be honest, Calvin was starting to get mad now, after all that they had been through, how could this happen to this crew. Ensign T`Vhor, just like all the others was then suddenly relieved of his own duties by his corresponding starfleet other. He raised an eyebrow, glancing again to Capps as the new man took up a position on the Tactical console. T`Vhor simply stood, under the circumstances, there was nothing to say. The orders had indeed been confirmed & as a starfleet officer he of course had to obey them. Lt Capps was next to be relieved of the chair in which he sat. Pretty soon, the entire bridge crew had been replaced by this unknown team. Ensign T`Vhor & Lt Capps were the last to leave. Calvin along with Ensign T'Vhor walked up to the turbo lift. He looked at the bridge one last time, and he put a still image of it in his mind. Calvin and T'Vhor were now stood in the turbo lift. They turned briefly around to face Captain Lee who said only one thing to them as they left. “You have orders awaiting you in your quarters”, he said. “Once you have your assignments, you are to report to shuttle bay three for immediate departure”, he added. “Aye sir”, said T`Vhor. Calvin did not respond to him at all, then the turbo lift doors closed. (USS Cochrane – Personal quarters - TAC/ASC T`Vhor – 10:15) It had taken Ensign T`Vhor only fifteen minutes to gather up all of his belongings & personal effects from his quarters. Surprisingly, his inate aggression, borne from many years of fighting as a resistance fighter on Bajor had remained at bay & his Vulcan logic had not let him down on this occasion. In fact, he was able to detach from the current situation far easier than he had thought he would. The screen of the PADD remained on at this time, his new orders outlined clearly upon it. He was to report to the USS Paladin to assume the TAC/ASC role on board. Ensign T`Vhor paused briefly to allow the information to sink in, then he powered down the PADD & made his way along the now familiar corridoors with one flightcase to shuttle bay Three. (USS Cochrane – Shuttle bay three – TAC/ASC T`Vhor & Lt Capps – 10:30) When Ensign T`Vhor arrived in shuttle bay three, he was surprised to see the first officer sitting there upon a cargo case waiting for him. It seemed they had been assigned the same ship. ~A small comfort in the current climate of change~ Thought T`Vhor as Capps stood to board the waiting shuttle with him. “We meet again sir”, said T`Vhor. "Yes we do, I hope you don't find that a bad thing, because we will be spending alot of time together. Also, Lt. Max and Ensign Zack Tristen will be joining us.", said Calvin. “It`s good that we will be among familiar faces then sir", said T`Vhor. I am sure also that we will be made more aware of what has happened in due course”, he added as he sat himself comfortably into one of the shuttle`s seats in preperation for the long journey ahead. It had been decided by each of the qualified pilots amongst them that they would take alternate shifts in the pilots seat in order to let the others sleep & Lt Capps was to take the first watch. It took the Pegasus only a few minutes to fire up her engines, maneauver one eighty degrees in the hanger & then clear the cargo bay doors, the Cochranes warning ping sounding to herald their departure like some sad farewell to her loyal crew. (Shuttle Pegasus - 2406.10.21 - Lt. Capps & TAC/ASC T'Vhor - 10:00) It was Calvin once again on the watch at the pilot station. He turned around to look at Ensign T'Vhor who had been awake for a while now. "Mr. T'Vhor we are aproaching our new assignment, the USS Paladin." "About time too sir", said T`Vhor who was now kind of eager to get his feet onto firmer deckplates so to speak. "ETA is 2 hours and 23 minutes. Do you think we will like it there T'Vhor." "The Paladin is a Meredith class vessel sir, it shouldn`t be much different from the Cochrane, other than the extra battle readiness that is", said T`Vhor. "After you have had a little time of thinking about it, how do you feel about this re assignment?", said Calvin. "I am ready for whatever the fleet throws at me sir", said T`Vhor. "Hopefully we will now be made further aware of the situation that has brought us here", he added. "I feel we are owed that much" Calvin did not answer back to T'Vhor, he just looked at his consoles once again. He checked over his buttons and their current commands and kept flying the small vessel. (Shuttle Pegasus - Final approach to USS Paladin - 12:25) There was no doubt that the Paladin had picked up the Pegasus now, and Calvin had seen her on his scans as well. T'Vhor was now sitting in a chair next to him. Max and Zack were in the back getting everyone items ready. Calvin typed in a small command on his console and a hailing frequency opened. "Shutlecraft Pegasus to USS Paladin." (reply any on Paladin) "I am the former FO of the USS Cochrane along with Ensign T'Vhor, and two other officers. Requesting permission to come aboard" (reply any on Paladin) "Confirmed, Pegasus out", said Calvin as he turned his attention to Max who was a skilled CONN officer to let him fly the shuttlecraft in. "Are you ready Mr. T'Vhor?", said Calvin. Ensign T`Vhor watched as the Paladin grew larger in the Pegasus`s viewscreen, she was stationary now having just dropped out of warp for their planned rendevouz. "As ready as I`ll ever be sir", said T`Vhor as Max took the helm from Capps. (USS Paladin - Lt. Capps & TAC/ASC T'Vhor - 12:53) The shuttle craft touched down upon the metal decking of the Paladins hanger deck and the doors hissed open. Calvin stepped out and saw some one there waiting for them to arrive but he was not sure who it was. Mission: Exercise of Vital Powers Mission Day: 9 Stardate: 2406.10.21 (USS Paladin - Sickbay - CMO Keller - 0820) Jared shifted and crossed his right leg over his left as he watched Counselor Caine take on a slightly more intent _expression. "Of course, You are absolutely right, Doctor. I will look into this immediately. Before I proceed any further, I need You to prepare a medical report on his state before he left the ward. Please send it in as soon as possible. After all it could just be a shock and we don't want to stress this guy out more than necessary. I will also ask for the security report on the whole incident. I will need to formulate an official statement to be published in the ships media so to cut the rumours short." He nodded at the Counselor. "Understood Joseph, I will have the report written and sent to you STAT there's no need to have any more said in the dark than is necessary. I'm sure you will find Chief Morgot to be very helpful. It will take about twenty minutes to set up the report and I'll forward it to you." Mission: Exercise of Vital Powers Mission Day: 9 Stardate: 2406.10.22 (USS Paladin - Shuttle bay 2 - TAC/ASC T`Vhor - 12:55) It was indeed good to be able to stretch their legs again & feel the solidity of substantial starfleet deck plating beneath their feet again. As things went, starfleet shuttles were luxurious compared to the Bajoran assault vessels T`Vhor was used to, but they definately still lacked that certain something where space was concerned. The Paladin crewman that had come to meet them seemed nice enough but truth be known, he seemed rather eager to get on with whatever it was he was doing before he had been ordered to the shuttlebay. Then again though, they were all as eager as hell to get settled in & begin their duties anyway. "If you`ll just follow me I`ll show you to your quarters", said the crewman, "Captain Straton is expecting you to report but at present, he is otherwise indisposed", he added as he strolled off quickly in the direction of the shuttle bay interior doors. Ensign T`Vhor looked to the others as they each picked up their flight cases. He raised an eyebrow in a typical Vulcan manner as they all followed suit. "Is this not what is termed....", said T`Vhor pausing for a second or two, "Fast tracked into duty", he added. "Is that not the correct earth phrase?", he said directing his question at no one in particular. (Reply Capps, Max, Tristen, IYW) Max smiled at the remark & then looked about the flat grey shuttle bay with it`s yellow landing markers & absence of any comfortable decor, remarking to himself how similar it was to the Cochranes as he did so. The Paladin was to be home to them now though for the foreseeable future, & it was after all, good to hear the familiar resonance of the warp engines as they pulsed reassuringly in the distance. (USS Paladin - Personal Quarters - TAC/ASC T`Vhor - 13:10) Ensign T`Vhor placed his flightcase upon the bunk as he looked about the quarters he had been assigned. What with the Paladin being a Meredith class vessel, they were more or less identical to those he had used on the Cochrane, although the orientation was of course different due to the fact that he was on a completely different deck & location. He sat upon the welcoming bunk & then he opened up the flight case. The first thing he saw were the two photographs of his Mother & his deceased wife Krysta, which he removed & placed carefully upon the table to the left of the bunk. ~Another ship, another twist in the river of life~ Thought T`Vhor as he thought back to the time when he`d studied the Path of Surini Maklar on Vulcan. The teaching`s of his father`s homeworld had served him well, the constant fight to control the rising emotions of his Betazoid half however were another matter entirely. T`Vhor put aside his thoughts & then he left his quarters to head for the Captains office, he had an appointment to keep & it wouldn`t do to keep the Captain waiting on his first meeting. (USS Paladin - Turbolift 4 - TAC/ASC T`Vhor - 13:20) When the doors to the turbolift slid open before he had actually arrived at his destination, T`Vhor was most surprised to see his old First Officer standing there waiting to enter. "We will have to stop meeting like this", said T`Vhor in a wry attempt at a joke. (Reply Capps) "My attempt at Human humour does leave a lot to be desired, granted sir", added T`Vhor as Capps stepped forwards & the turbolift continued on it`s way to deck 1. (USS Paladin - Bridge - TAC/ASC T`Vhor - 13:25) It was good to be on a familiar bridge again, T`vhor couldn`t help but notice the look upon Capps`s face as they stepped from the turbolift to make for the Captains Ready room. "Familiarity sir?", said T`Vhor as they looked to the viewscreen showing nothing but the blur of photonic star trails due to the Paladin having recently gone to warp again. (Reply Capps) They then approached the Captains ready room, noticing as they did so that Ensign`s Tristen & Max were already waiting outside, having just arrived also. Capps pushed the door announcer & the Captain bade them answer. (USS Paladin - Captains ready room - TAC/ASC T`Vhor - 13:26) Being the senior officer, Lt Capps led the way into the room to stand before the desk within. The Captain was busy with a few reports, looking up only briefly to smile as they each took up position in front of her. Each of the old Cochrane crew then announced their arrivals formally one after the other. "Ensign T`Vhor reporting for duty sir", said T`Vhor after Capps had done likewise. Max & Tristen then added likewise. Mission: Exercise of Vital Powers Mission Day: 9 Stardate: 2406.10.22 (USS Paladin - Shuttle Bay 2 - Lt. Calvin Capps - 1256) Calvin along with T'Vhor, Max, and Zack all stepped off the shuttle craft. Calvin looked around the hanger and than sat his eyes back to the man that he did not know. "If you`ll just follow me I`ll show you to your quarters", said the crewman, "Captain Straton is expecting you to report but at present, he is otherwise indisposed", he added as he strolled off quickly in the direction of the shuttle bay interior doors. Calvin picked up his bags and walked forward with all the other crew members. Calvin kept looking at the ship's walls and floors only to find a little resemblance from his last ship. Calvin had not given it much thought that he was being transfered from one Meredith class ship to another. "Is this not what is termed....", said T`Vhor pausing for a second or two, "Fast tracked into duty", he added. "Is that not the correct earth phrase?", he said directing his question at no one in particular. Lt. Capps glanced at T'Vhor. ~MMM.~ "Mr. T'Vhor, I am sure what ever you say is an old Earth phrase at one point or another." Calvin said. He has never heard that phrase before, but did not want it to be quiet. It would not have done any good for one crewman to show each new officer where there quarters were,so three other operations officers walked up and showed everyone their quarters. (USS Paladin - Personal Quarters - 1312) Calvin stepped inside of his new quarters, but did not take the time to look around it or unpack. There would be time for that later. Besides it would take him longer to unpack then what time he had. He once again turned to the officer that was escorting him. "Thank you for your assistance, I believe I can find my self around." The escort nodded, "Have a nice day sir," and then walked away. The doors closed behind the officer and Calvin made his way to the 6 foot mirror that was standing in the bath. He looked at himself, but mainly at his uniform. He tugged at a few times and moved around the cloth around his wrist and decided that he looked appropriate to meet with the Captain. He walked out of his room and headed for turbolift that he just got off. (USS Paladin - Turbo lift 4 - 1322) When the doors to the turbolift slid open before he had actually arrived at his destination, T`Vhor was most surprised to see his old First Officer standing there waiting to enter. "We will have to stop meeting like this", said T`Vhor in a wry attempt at a joke. "Why, don't you like seeing me?" Calvin somewhat hinting on the joke from T'Vhor. However, it was always hard to tell with him. "My attempt at Human humor does leave a lot to be desired, granted sir", added T`Vhor as Capps stepped forwards & the turbolift continued on it`s way to deck 1. Calvin quickly forgot about the short joke and thought about a specific day on the Cochrane. "Mr T'Vhor, do you remember the day, you helped me with my combat skills. Well, I was wondering if you were willing to teach me more about hand to hand combat?" Calvin knew that T'Vhor was an excellent fighter. He had proven himself time and time again. On the other hand, Calvin was not the best his knuckles, but knew if he was in a situation he would give his opponent a good run. (reply T'Vhor) "I appreciate it." Calvin said. Then the turbo lift stoped and the doors slid open. (USS Paladin - Bridge - Lt. Capps - 13:25) It was like a big cloud of dust that hit Calvin in the face when the doors opened. It was dust of memories of being on the bridge. On duty and commanding. He looked to his left at T'Vhor and could only remember, but then there was another type of cloud. A reality cloud. It was floating all around him now. He was on a new ship, a new assignment. Calvin was proud that he could be with such a great crew and knew that he would absolutely love here on the Paladin. "Familiarity sir?", said T`Vhor as they looked to the view screen showing nothing but the blur of photonic star trails due to the Paladin having recently gone to warp again. "Yes, Yes, I know." Is all Lt. Capps could say in a soft whisper. He looked around the bridge and saw all the officers at their duty stations working and others looking at them. They then approached the Captains ready room, noticing as they did so that Ensign`s Tristen & Max were already waiting outside, having just arrived also. Capps pushed the door announcer & the Captain bade them answer. (USS Paladin - Captain Ready Room - 1327) After hearing the voice of Captain Straton, they all walked in. Calvin looked at the officers around him, giving a look to them that they new. He wanted them to stand straight and in attention. Calvin then followed with looking straight toward his new CO. "Lt. Calvin Capps reporting for duty sir." T'Vhor followed along with Max and Zack. And now it was up to Captain Straton to respond. Mission: Exercise of Vital Powers Mission Day: 9 Stardate: 2406.10.22 (USS Paladin - Turbolift 4 - TAC/ASC T`Vhor - 13:23) The turbolift continued on it`s way as the two men watched the rapidly moving motion bar running up the interior of the lift itself. "Mr T'Vhor, do you remember the day you helped me with my combat skills", said Capps. "Well, I was wondering if you were willing to teach me more about hand to hand combat?", he added. T`Vhor turned his attention away from the almost mesmerising motion bar as it continued it`s upward movement, then he turned to the Lt to answer him. "Did you have a chance to read the book I gave you sir?", said T`Vhor. (Reply Capps) "During my time on the Cochrane, I programmed a good sparring simulation based on the teqniques within that book with opponents of varying abilities", said T`Vhor. "When I get the chance sir, I will upload it into the Paladins holomatrix for you to try out", he added. Mission: Exercise of Vital Powers Day: 9 Stardate: 2406.10.22 "Did you have a chance to read the book I gave you sir?", said T`Vhor. "I did get a little reading done on the shuttlecraft." Calvin said still staring staright. "During my time on the Cochrane, I programmed a good sparring simulation based on the teqniques within that book with opponents of varying abilities", said T`Vhor. "When I get the chance sir, I will upload it into the Paladins holomatrix for you to try out", he added. "I am not for sure what I would do with out you." Mission: Exercise of Vital Powers, Day 9 Stardate: 2406.10.22 (USS Paladin-CIC-FO Lt. Cmdr. Kaitlyn Mackenzie-09:01) Upon arriving at the CIC, Kaitlyn spotted the three members of the crew who were the strategists in this mission. T'Vanek, Menelian, and Tahlmari. Very serious people dedicated to their work. "Gentleman," Eva said, looking at each of them in turn, "What have you come up with?" It was day nine of their journey, and Kaitlyn was getting a little too comfortable. She knew that they were almost at their desination, but they had a ways to go yet. Everything they could finalize in the plans in their mission would be of great use around this time. She listened thourougly as each of the men spoke. Hopefully they would have some good plans. Mission: Exercise of Vital Powers Mission Day: 9 Stardate: 2406.10.22 (USS Paladin - Turbo Lift - Lt. Calvin Capps - 1420) Calvin stood silently in the turbo lift while it went a few decks down, and waited for the lift to stop. He heard the hiss of the doors, and then watched the rectangle form in front of him split in two. The lights were brighter in the hall way then in the turbo lift so Lt. Capps was blind for a second, and then noticed he was in the way of another officer trying to get in the turbo lift. "Sorry," Calvin said and then slid to the side and stepped of the turbo lift. ~I should dim these lights.~ The other officer nodded, "It is OK," and he moved in the turbo lift. The lieutenant walked down the deck and then took a right about 7 meters down and found his quarters once again. The computer recognized his combadge and the doors opened for him. He walked in and looked around the room with more detail then the time before. He did not think much of it, for it was nice. It would do for him, and later he could decorate it a little more in his taste when he had the chance. He had to be honest with himself he was not planning on being in his room unless he was sleeping or eating. Calvin has not been the best person in meeting with someone, so dates hardly ever come to his quarters. This was a new ship for the Lt. so maybe he could find some one here. He continued through the living room and into his bedroom where he had left his bags. He immediately went to his first bag and opened it to reveal his favorite outfits that he wore outside of his duty uniform. He took them out one by one, and then hung them all his his closet chest. He then moved over to some more items his his bag, and put them into a drawer. After he was finished he pushed the small button on the end of the drawer, and then it closed. Lt. Capps was finished here in his quarters, and he wanted to move on toward his office. He remembered what deck the offices were on, but could not remember which room it was. He walked toward his small office and opened up the LCARS system. He punched in a command into his console and received his office number. "Good." Calvin took up another bag and then the PADD that he had laid on the end table and walked out of the room, toward the expected turbo lift. Mission: Exercise of Vital Powers Mission Day: 9 Stardate: 2406.10.22 (USS Paladin - Deck 27 - Security - TAC/ASC T`Vhor - 14:00) After a quick shower in his quarters, Ensign T`Vhor made his way to security on deck 27. Once there he made imediately for the big Klingon standing next to a console overlooking some of the readings upon it. Some of the other crew nearby were unsure of the new man walking up to the security chief but they said nothing. "Lt Morgot, nuqDaq Dachvam vilan", said T`Vhor, holding out a PADD as he spoke. (Reply Morgot) The Klingon had reacted in a way almost every other Klingon he had ever known had. Lt Morgot turned fast, as though he was prepared & ready for a fight, unsure of just who was now speaking Klingon to him. Then, on recognising Ensign T`Vhor, he imediately let out a gutteral roar of pleasure upon seeing him. He then followed that up by whacking the Ensign heavily upon his shoulder in a gesture of appreciation. (Reply Morgot) The other officers in the room just stared in bewilderment & mortification as the two men almost playfully began exchanging blows & shouting at one another in Klingon. It was clear they knew one another, that much was highly probable at the very least for otherwise, the Klingon would have probably torn the ensign apart by now. "It has been a long time Morgot", said T`Vhor resorting to human speech once again & rubbing a shoulder after the heavy clubbing he`d just received. (Reply Morgot) "I am glad we are friends & not enemies", said T`Vhor still rubbing his shoulder as Morgot led him on towards his office. The two had actually met many years ago during a joint covert mission when T`Vhor had been a young Bajoran resistance fighter. A research ship that had come under attack from a Cardassian Galor had been requisitioned by it`s commander Gul Lakot, who`s intentions were to extract aparently highly sensitive information from the Bajoran scientists on board her. The federation vessel had managed to send out a quick general mayday but by the time any ship had arrived at it`s coordinates, it had been tractored to a point in a nearby nebula where it would not be visible to the sensors of approaching ships. The resulting rescue mission was to involve a small but nimble Bajoran assault ship carrying a small team of resistance fighters, along with a few Klingon security officers that had been working on the nearby planet of Chorosh. Needless to say, the mission was a great success & although Morgot joined Starfleet soon after that mission, the two remained good friends but had not actually seen one another for a long time now. In Lt Morgot`s office, the general pleasantries of how Ensign T`Vhor had actually come to be on the Paladin were quickly discussed, along with a quick catch up on old times. They spoke for quite a while but both were aware of course of their duties elsewhere. T`Vhor then stood & left the room but as he did, Lt Morgot shouted after him, reopening an old joke they had shared long ago. "T`Vhor, blplvHa'law'", he cried. Ensign T`Vhor just smiled. The Klingon had told him that he still looked unhealthy. "blmoHqu Morgot", said T`vhor as he left the room to the sound of the Klingon laughing loudly at his rebutal of him still looking ugly. Mission: Exercise of Vital Powers Mission Day: 9 Stardate: 2406.10.22 (USS Paladin - Deck 10, Ten Forward - Lt. Max - 1410) Max sat at a table with nothing in front of him to drink or eat. He just starred out at the stars trying to see something. He did not know what he was looking for it was just as if something was missing. He had already went to his quarters and unpacked all 5 of his items he brought with him. Out here is space, and with replicators Max believed that there was not much sense in having to many things. He only two pictures that held some of his family members and the other items were not so much important. Max called a waiter over and ordered a chocolate drink that Patricia had once suggested to him. When Max thought of his former waitress on the cochrane, he soon realized that is what was missing. Although he was a the same ship, he had left a big part of his life out there, beyond the window. Now, he was starting with something new. Max smiled. He liked adventures and like new things. He was not comfortable with being comfortable. He wanted this assignment, and he was going to enjoy. He just knew it; he could feel it in his veins. Max started to think about the current mission the Paladin was on. He did not know much about it, but hopefully there was enough time for him to get to know the crew on board the ship. Also, Max was ready to fly this ship as well. He knew there would be differences even though this was the same class ship. Every ship in the fleet had a different CEO. There was nothing more of a adrenaline rush then piloting a ship that was the length of 1500 meters and 300 meters high. The Paladin is massive, and the the thought of one man turning it and maneuvering it made Max get the chills all over his body every single time. Max would have to wait his turn to drive, for the shift still going would be over soon. It was not likely that all new crew members started working immediately, but Max requested to be on duty. He wanted to make sure he was ready and wanted to familiarize himself with the bridge and the consoles. He then picked up his glass and noticed that it was now empty, so he put it back down on the table. He looked at the PADD next to him and scrolled through it one more time. Max knew all his ships maneuvers, but he wanted to impress the command staff so he was looking over some of the ones he was more shaky on. Like, Kappa 0-2-0, and Theta Series. After he was sure he knew these he stood up and walked over to a table that was filled with three other officers. Max introduced himself and tried to make some friends on the Paladin. Mission: Exercise of Vital Powers Mission Day: 9 Stardate: 2406.10.22 (USS Paladin, Ready Room, CO Captain Straton, 1327) Eva was finishing up the days 'paper' work while waiting for the new officers to arrive and report in. She had already looked over their records and knew what positions they would all be filling. When they finally arrived she bade them enter and looked up as they lined up in front of her desk. She listened silently as they each reported in giving their names and ranks. "Ensign T`Vhor," She said, addressing the vulcan first, "Once you have settled into your quarters, I need you to report in to Lt Morgot, your direct superior, for duty assignment. This ship and her crew are going into combat. Work with the Lt. to make sure that the ship is ready." (Reply T'Vhor IWY) "Ensign Tristen," She said, moving on, "You will report to Lt. Matrix our CEO for the same." (Reply Tristen IWY) "Lt. Max, meet with Ensign Brownlee. He has been heading up the CONN department and can fill you in on everything you need to know." (Reply Max IWY) "If there are no further questions, you three are dismissed," Eva said, looking sternly at T'Vhor, Tristen, and Max in turn. She watched them leave with out ever looking at Lt. Capps still standing in front of her desk. Once the other officers where gone and the Ready Room doors had closed, Eva turned her hard gaze upon Capps. "Have a seat, Lt," She said, pressing a button on her desk top opening a comm-channel. "Commander Mackenzie report to the Ready Room." Eva closed the channel and leaned back in her chair. She regarded Capps silently for the few seconds it took Mackenzie to arrive from the Bridge. Eva motioned for her to take a seat as she turned toward Capps. "Alright Lieutenant," Eva said firmly, "I understand that you *use* to be the First Officer of the Cochrane and that you have been transferred to the Paladin as OPS. What I do not understand is why. The particulars behind your transfer were, shall we say, a bit vague. I want an explanation." Mission: Exercise of Vital Powers Mission Day: 9 Stardate: 2406.10.22 (USS Paladin - Captains Ready Room - TAC/ASC T`Vhor - 13:27) NRPG: Good to see you back & posting Wes. Hope everything is ok. RPG: "Ensign T`Vhor," Said Captain Straton, addressing the vulcan first, "Once you have settled into your quarters, I need you to report in to Lt Morgot, your direct superior, for duty assignment. This ship and her crew are going into combat. Work with the Lt. to make sure that the ship is ready.", she added. "Aye sir", said the Ensign, "Lt Morgot sir?", he added questioningly. "If I am not mistaken, I am already acquanted with the Lt, it will good to work with him again", he added. (Reply Straton, IYW) The Captain then gave the others in the room their orders & dismissed them. Lt Capps however was not dismissed. Ensign T`Vhor walked from the room with Max & Tristen to the turbolift, each of them quiet now & wondering why their former first officer had been retained. "I would not worry about Lt Capps", said T`Vhor to the others upon seeing their confusion. "The Captain will probably just want to know more of the situation on the Cochrane", he added. Indeed if it had been anything other than that, T`Vhor`s Betazoid empathic sences would have picked it up. (Reply Max, Tristen, IYW) "Deck 27", said T`Vhor upon entering the turbolift, Max & Tristen then called out their own respective destinations & the lift was on it`s way. Mission: Exercise of Vital Powers Mission Day: 9 Stardate: 2406.10.22 (USS Paladin, Ready Room, Lt. Capps, 1335) "If there are no further questions, you three are dismissed," Eva said, looking sternly at T'Vhor, Tristen, and Max in turn. She watched them leave with out ever looking at Lt. Capps still standing in front of her desk. Once the other officers where gone and the Ready Room doors had closed, Eva turned her hard gaze upon Capps. Calvin had listened to what Captain Straton had to say to the other three officers, and was not expecting for her not to dismiss him at the same time she did the others. When the doors had closed and Eva's eyes locked on him there were more than an overwhelming thoughts going through his mind. "Have a seat, Lt," She said, pressing a button on her desk top opening a comm-channel. "Commander Mackenzie report to the Ready Room." Eva closed the channel and leaned back in her chair. She regarded Capps silently for the few seconds it took Mackenzie to arrive from the Bridge. Eva motioned for her to take a seat as she turned toward Capps. Lt. Capps had taken a seat slowly with more concern now that the Captain was bringing the FO in to this conversation. The quietness in the room only was a distraction to Calvin and he watched as the extra light from the bridge come in and then kept looking at the Captain when the FO sit down. "Alright Lieutenant," Eva said firmly, "I understand that you *use* to be the First Officer of the Cochrane and that you have been transferred to the Paladin as OPS. What I do not understand is why. The particulars behind your transfer were, shall we say, a bit vague. I want an explanation." ~An explanation?~ Calvin thought. Lt. Capps was only given vague explanation himself. He knew he could not just tell the Captain that he simply did not know for that was not an explanation, but a way out of an explanation. Calvin also knew he could not lie about it, and he would never thought about doing that anyway. Mr. Capps had no idea how long the CO and FO was waiting for his answer, but to him it felt like a while. He took a deep breath and showed signs of nervousness by putting one hand on top of another and then separating them again. "Sir, yes you are right when you say I was the FO of the Cochrane. The re-assignment for me and other officers on that ship was due to the fleet needing another ship for the quasi war. The ship is being refitted for battle. My reassignment in particular, I am told, would have been back into command but there were no opening positions. There were many limitations to what I could have done, and since I was Ops before I was promoted to command it made sense for me to do that again." Calvin was not for sure if this answered any of the question for the CO. He was not even sure if he believed it, but that is what he was told and that was all the questions Calvin asked. There was nothing Calvin could do about the decision, so there was not point for Lt. Capps to pressure the point. "Also, Captain. I do not even know where Captain Lowell went to, as far as I know, this entire story is some type of cover up." Mr. Capps said, but not for sure why. His nervousness was getting the best of him right now, but then thought about how this looked to the CO and FO in front of him. He was the FO of a starship, he should not be getting this nervous when confronted by people. He had helped solved problems with an entity of higher power, an other missions where he had outwitted the enemy.He should not have been this nervous, but maybe it was due to his new Commanding officers in front of him. He knew he needed to let go, and so he tried. Mission: Exercise of Vital Powers Day 9 Stardate: 2406.10.22 (USS Paladin - Ready Room - ACEO Ensign Tristen - 1328) "Ensign Tristen," She said, moving on, "You will report to Lt. Matrix our CEO for the same." "Aye sir." Zack announced quickly. He stood their waiting patiently for the rest of the meeting to go on. "Lt. Max, meet with Ensign Brownlee. He has been heading up the CONN department and can fill you in on everything you need to know." Max followed Zack by saying, "Aye Sir." "If there are no further questions, you three are dismissed," Eva said, looking sternly at T'Vhor, Tristen, and Max in turn. Max, Tristen, and T'Vhor all turned and walked out. T'Vhor left first, followed by the other two officers. "I would not worry about Lt Capps", said T`Vhor to the others upon seeing their confusion. "The Captain will probably just want to know more of the situation on the Cochrane", he added. Indeed if it had been anything other than that, T`Vhor`s Betazoid empathic senses would have picked it up. "I hope you are right, Mr. T'Vhor." Zack replied. He kept walking with the other officers up to the turbo lift. "Deck 27", said T`Vhor upon entering the turbolift, Max & Tristen then called out their own respective destinations & the lift was on it`s way. (USS Paladin - Zack Tristen - 1342) The lift had stopped to let T'Vhor off at deck 27 and the the doors closed again. The ride began to start again, when Ensign Tristen realized that he was not for sure if Lt. Matrix was even in engineering. =/\=Ensign Tristen to Lt. Matrix.=/\= (reply Matrix) =/\=I am the new ACEO and I have orders to meet with you. Are you free?=/\= (reply Matrix) =/\=Are you presently in Engineering sir?=/\= (reply Matrix) =/\=I will be right there sir, Tristen out=/\= Day 9 Stardate: 2406.10.22 (USS Paladin - Main Engineering- CEO Office - CEO Lt. JG Steven Matrix - 1328) The lift had stopped to let T'Vhor off at deck 27 and the the doors closed again. The ride began to start again, when Ensign Tristen realized that he was not for sure if Lt. Matrix was even in engineering. Matrix was at his desk going over the daily Paladin status when his com badge signaled. =/\=Ensign Tristen to Lt. Matrix.=/\= “Matrix here, go head.” =/\=I am the new ACEO and I have orders to meet with you. Are you free?=/\= “Yes, Ensign, good of you to check in. I am free at the moment.” =/\=Are you presently in Engineering sir?=/\= ”Yes, I’m in my office in main engineering.” =/\=I will be right there sir, Tristen out=/\= “Great, see you in a few minutes. Matrix out.” Matrix sat back in his chair, looking forward to meeting the new ACEO. Great news, he thought, I’m getting a decent staff put together. Mission: Exercise of Vital Powers Mission Day: 9 Stardate: 2406.10.22 (USS Paladin - Deck 13 – sick bay - TAC/ASC Morgot - 12:00) Morgot looked around for the first medical assistant available. “When should he be back on duty he said in a gruff voice pointing over his shoulder with a thumb”? (Reply someone in sickbay) “Good, when he awakens please have him report to me in my office.” With that Morgot turned and strode from the main sickbay and headed back to his office on the 27th deck. USS Paladin-Security office- Margot’s office 13:59) Morgot was looking over the power readouts for the ship, running them against the readings he took every three days. Nothing was out of place. No strange spikes or dips, no unauthorized power consumption big enough to be concerned about. Just then his office door hissed open. Morgot heard an unfamiliar tread, light but even. Not recognizing it and being Klingon he turned quickly, his hand going to the large dagger at the underside of his left arm. He saw a Vulcan hybrid in security colors and quickly remembered the new crew members that had been assigned to the ship. “Nook Nack Vulcan?” he asked in an authoritive voice, scorn apparent on his face. NRPG: Roughly translated: what do you want Vulcan? Not sure of spelling and can’t find my dictionary. RPG: "Lt Morgot, nuqDaq Dachvam vilan", said T`Vhor, holding out a PADD as he spoke. Waiting a few moments to see the others reaction Morgot then approached him and with a loud roaring laugh slapped his old friend on the shoulder. The two then began exchanging mock blows while the rest of the human security crew present watched, unsure weather to step in and help or stand back and watch. After a while and much shoulder rubbing on both parts Morgot asked T’vohr to close the door. “Sit my friend” he said while reaching for a small cabinet and removing two large pewter mugs and filling them with a blood red liquid. He handed one across the desk to the Vulcan. “Tell me what has happened to you since we last met?” (Reply T’vohr) Morgot was suitably impressed and laughed at all the appropriate places but when asked to tell of his history he became somber and grew quiet. “It ...... is not something I discuss, perhaps later”. “Tell me have you been assigned quarters yet and is this post permanent?” Mission: Exercise of Vital Powers Day: 3 Stardate: 2406.10.16 (USS Paladin - Deck Six - Ensign Alura Rathyn - 0747) Ensign Rathyn sped to the turbo-lift as soon as word came over the com that a plasma fire had erupted on the ship. She almost ran down a junior lieutenant who was coming out of the turbo-lift as she entered. "Excuse me," she said quickly. Then to the computer. "Deck Six." The door slid shut on the flabbergasted officer and the lift began moving. The doors reopened to the sound of a people shouting, injured crewmen were pulled around a corner. Rathyn moved in that direction listening to the high pitched whine familiar to a plasma break. She ran around the full-face into the peripheral heat of a brilliant jet of plasma energy about ten meters away. She knew better than to look directly at the brilliant cascade of seering energy and backed away to stand around the corner where two crewmen had retreated. "Ensign Alura Rathyn, I'm one of the new ACEO's," she quickly introduced herself. "Where's the cutoff for this deck." "Deck Eight, sir," one of the junior ensigns answered. "That's only one of them," said the other crewman who was wearing Engineering colors. "There's a junction above this deck that feeds in from the Auxilliary Generator mains on Deck 11." "Auxillary," Rathyn said, thoughtfully. "Okay you get to Deck Eight. Take him with you if you need an extra pair of hands." She indicated the other ensign standing with them. "Be sure you open the redundant channels before cutting off the flow or you'll both be sitting in the middle of a major problem," she added more for the sake of the man who wore a medical uniform. The two crewmen acknowledged and sprinted toward the lift. Rathyn popped her com-badge. "Transporter Room. This is ACEO Alura Rathyn. Emergency intraship beaming. Get me to Auxillary Generator on Deck Eleven, now." "Deck Eleven," a husky male voice came over the line. "Energizing." Alura felt the familiar tingle as the molecules of her body were dissolved by the ships transporter system. (USS Paladin - Environmenal Control - Ensign Alura Rathyn - 0753) After a momentarily flash of white, the corridor was replaced by a large room where two officers worked one of many stations. One of the twain, a tall lieutenant turned as Alura materialized. "We have a plasma leak on Deck Six," she said quickly, before he could speak. "One of the mains from your generator runs into that line." The lieutenant turned to the other man, a young Trill, and told him to pull up the schematics for the decks plasma network. The computer instantly supplied the data. "We heard about the line break just a few moments ago and were trying to locate it," the lieutenant said looking over the screen. Alura punched a few buttons to enhance the area of the fire. "There it is." She said pointing to the red flashing icon on the Deck Six display. "Reroute the flow to the back-up lines," said the lieutenant. "Then shut down, AG-127." The Trill moved his fingers lightly across the control panel. "Done, sir. Internal scanners show the fire is still going." Alura straightened herself and tapped her com-badge. "Ensign Durvan," she said. "Report." "We're inside the Jeffries tube on Deck Eight, now," the voice came back. After a pause he said. "Diverting the flow now." Another silence. "The plasma flow is switched to the secondary lines and now I'm shutting off the main line...Done!" "Lieutenant Miran," the Trill next to Alura said. "The plasma leak is stopped." "Very good," Miran said eyeing the display then turned a charming smile upon Ensign Rathyn. "Your leak is sealed off, Ensign...?" His statement trailed off into a question. "Alura Rathyn, sir," she replied rigidly, not entirely comfortable with the young lieutenant's obvious interest. "Very good work ensign," said Miran, taking the subtle hint. His smile did not wane but his voice inflected a more professional standing. "I guess its up to Engineering to clean up the mess now." "Yes sir. Thank you for your assistance." She turned and moved toward the door. She tapped her com-badge as she walked out the door of Environmental Control. "Ensign Rathyn to CEO." (Reply: Matrix) "The plasma leak on Deck Six is shut down," she said. "I'm proceeding back to the site of the rupture to assess the damage." (Reply: Matrix) "I'll provide a full report, sir. Rathyn out." Mission: Exercise of Vital Powers Mission Day: 9 Stardate: 2406.10.22 (USS Paladin - Lt Morgot`s Office - TAC/ASC T`Vhor - 13:59) “Tell me what has happened to you since we last met?”, said Lt Morgot handing the Ensign his Mug. Ensign T`Vhor took the Pewter mug from his old friend & took a mouthful of the blood wine therein. "Many things have happened since we last spoke old friend", said T`Vhor. "The most significant however is that, as you can see, I joined starfleet", he added, pulling at his tunic material in responce. "I served for a while onboard the USS Cochrane before she was drydocked for refitment", he Said. "Many things happened during that time", said T`Vhor. "I would assume though that as a Klingon warrior, you are more interested in hearing of my past battles than my academic or rank orientated achievements", said T`Vhor imediately going on to raise his left hand which now bore the signs of one of those battles in the form of a missing finger. "Cardassian", said T`Vhor, insinuating the cause for it no longer being attached to the rest of him. (Reply Morgot) Morgot then raised the sleeve of his uniform to reveal a deep gash in his forearm. T`Vhor raised an eyebrow. "Impressive", he said, knowing that a remark such as this spoken to such a proud warrior driven species as Klingons, would please his friend no end. "I do feel however, that it is better to come away from a conflict unharmed", added T`Vhor, who ironically then went on to tell Morgot of the time his arm had almost been ripped from his shoulder by a past conflict with a particularly viscious unclassified enemy whilst on the surface of Narinda 5. (Reply Morgot) "There are of course exceptions to that rule", said T`Vhor as he gulped another mouthful of the blood wine. Morgot however, was suitably impressed and laughed at all the appropriate places but when asked to tell of his own history he became somber and grew quiet. “It ...... is not something I discuss, perhaps later”, he said. T`Vhor of course instantly recognised & felt the Klingon`s unease at his question. It didn`t take a Betazoid to sence that after all. "Perhaps another time then", he said as Morgot picked up his mug once again to take a huge swig of the fluid within as though attempting to drown the memories of his past aside. “Tell me have you been assigned quarters yet and is this post permanent?” "Yes, I have been assigned quarters", said T`Vhor, "although as for this being a permanent position, who can tell", he added. "I am told we are about to take this vessel into battle", he added as he took another mouthful of the blood wine. "But this is a good crew & a fine ship, with warriors such as yourself I am sure the battle will be both glorious & victorious", said T`Vhor. Morgot, being Klingon of course agreed instantly. A Klingon would see no possible outcome other than victory. "But what of my assignment now?", said T`Vhor. "I have been told to report to you for my new orders, are there any specifics I should be aware of?", asked T`Vhor. (Reply Morgot) "Very well, I will see to it imediately", said the Ensign as he finished off the last of the blood wine & then made for the door amidst some comical remarks & references to an old joke they had shared long ago. Mission: Exercise of Vital Powers, Day 9 Stardate: 2406.10.22 (USS Paladin-Bridge-Lt. Cmdr. Kaitlyn Mackenzie-13:28) Sitting watch on the bridge was slow going so far. Everything was still trudging ahead according to planned. ~Bath....a long bath tonight.~ "Commander Mackenzie report to the Ready Room." Having her thoughts broken, she immediatly nodded to the next person in line of command, and headed off towards the ready room. (USS Paladin-CO's Ready Room-Lt. Cmdr. Kaitlyn Mackenzie-13:28) Upon arriving, Kaitlyn was immediatly motioned to have a seat. Sitting down, she assumed she was about to meet someone new. "Alright Lieutenant," Eva said firmly, "I understand that you *use* to be the First Officer of the Cochrane and that you have been transferred to the Paladin as OPS. What I do not understand is why. The particulars behind your transfer were, shall we say, a bit vague. I want an explanation." Listening on what the new Lt. had to say, Kaitlyn relaxed and sat back in her chair. It would be interesting seeing what this new person had to offer to the Paladin. Mission: Exercise of Vital Powers, Day 9 Stardate: 2406.10.22 (USS Paladin-CO's Ready Room-Lt. Cmdr. Kaitlyn Mackenzie-13:39) So far Kaitlyn had gathered his rank and name, but was awaiting the explanation the captain had asked for. "Sir, yes you are right when you say I was the FO of the Cochrane. The re-assignment for me and other officers on that ship was due to the fleet needing another ship for the quasi war. The ship is being refitted for battle. My reassignment in particular, I am told, would have been back into command but there were no opening positions. There were many limitations to what I could have done, and since I was Ops before I was promoted to command it made sense for me to do that again." Kaitlyn thought she could see where this was heading already, and she felt bad for him. Not in a bad sense, but in a sense that it was unfair for him to be punished for the wrong doing of his captain. "Also, Captain. I do not even know where Captain Lowell went to, as far as I know, this entire story is some type of cover up." Mr. Capps said, but not for sure why. His nervousness was getting the best of him right now, but then thought about how this looked to the CO and FO in front of him.. She could tell he was getting nervous. ~Probably more because of the captain than me.~ Captain Straton was a great captain, but she could be very disconcerting at times. Sometimes it was nerve wrecking when you didn't know how the captain would take things. Before replying, Kaitlyn awaited the response of the captain. ~I think he'll make a fine addition to this crew.~ Mission: Exercise of Vital Powers Day 9 Stardate: 2406.10.22 (USS Paladin - Turbo Lift - ACEO Ensign Zack Tristen - 1350) “Great, see you in a few minutes. Matrix out.” Matrix sat back in his chair, looking forward to meeting the new ACEO. Great news, he thought, I’m getting a decent staff put together. The word 'out' was the last one Zack had heard, and then realized that the turbo lift had already started moving again. He turned to the monitor on the back wall of the turbo lift and noticed that he was almost to main engineering. Before the turbo lift stopped Zack pulled his tunic down a little to make sure it was straight. He also slightly elevated his chin, but not to make people think he was better. He just wanted to be in the right set of attention when meeting his new boss or anytime around his department head. The turbo lift had stopped and Zack walked out. He remembered the specs on his PADD that he had read tons of times on the shuttle ride over, and made his way to the CEO office. One there he touched the chime button and waited for Lt. Matrix bid him in. When the doors opened Ensign Tristen stepped in and in attention. "Ensign Zack Tristen reporting for active duty sir." (reply Matrix) "Thank you sir. My ride here was pleasant indeed." Zack then followed the motion of the CEO and took a seat in front of the big desk. Mission: Exercise of Vital Powers Mission Day: 9 Stardate: 2406.10.22 (USS Paladin - Bridge - CONN Lt. Max - 1410) Max opened his eyes fully and took a real hard look on at the bridge this time. He took a few steps out onto the bridge and stopped. No one else looked up at him besides the security/tactical officer that was standing at his station. Max was glad that the security officer noticed his face because the big and well built officer could have taken Max down in a few seconds. Max still continued to stare at everyone and everything on the Bridge. After a few seconds, he then looked at the CONN station. He was sure that the officer that was manning it was indeed Ensign Brownlee. Since it was a little odd for officers to meet on the bridge in this type of manner, Max wanted to make sure it was OK with the person in the center seat. Max walked down to the officer in the command chair. "Sir, permission to speak with Ensign Brownlee?" Max stood there in attention and waiting for a reply. "Granted," came back the reply. "Thank you sir." Max walked over to Ensign Brownlee. He was busy at his console. "Excuse me Mr. Brownlee." (reply Brownlee) "My name is Max and I was ordered to meet with you about our current mission and destination." (reply Brownlee) (posted by Calvin Capps) Mission: Exercise of Vital Powers Mission Day: 9 Stardate: 2406.10.22 (USS Paladin, Ready Room, CO Captain Straton, 1329) Eva had listened quietly to the Lieutenants story from all signs, both empathic and as a trained observer, he was telling the truth as he knew it. Eva sat silently for a few seconds after Capps had finished speaking. She could clearly feel his nervousness, and his desire to make a good first impression. In all, it was a good sign. "Very well Lieutenant," Eva said finally, " I shall make an inquiry to fleet HQ. If it is indeed a cover up, I doubt any answers will be forth coming, but I shall inquire none the less. You have been assigned as Chief of Operations." Eva lifted the PADD containing his orders, falling silent once more considering something. Then, turning to her desk top console began typing in commands. "I'm amending those orders. You will be serving not only as OPS, but as Second Officer as well. You obviously have command experience, and the ship needs a fully staffed command staff. You will work with Lt. Commander Mackenzie here to make sure the ship and crew are completely ready before we reach our destination. Questions?" Eva looked from Capps to Mackenzie making it obvious that the question was directed to both of them. Mission: Exercise of Vital Powers Mission Day: 14 Stardate: 2406.10.27 (USS Paladin, Main Conference Room, CO Captain Straton, 0629) Eva sat waiting for everyone to arrive. She had called one final senior officer briefing to make sure all the small details had been addressed and that they were ready for proceed with the invasion. The target system was only hours away. The Bright Star, under cloak, was even now scouting the outer perimeter of their intended target for any last minute changes they might need to know. She looked at the Captains of the Nautilus and the Mithrandir along with their First Officers, they would need to know their parts as well. Once everyone was assembled, Eva called the meeting to order. "All right everyone, the hammer is about to fall," She said, looking around at each and everyone of them. "First, departmental status reports?" She looked around to see who would be first to speak. Mission: Exercise of Vital Powers, Day 9 Stardate: 2406.10.22 (USS Paladin-CO's Ready Room-Lt. Cmdr. Kaitlyn Mackenzie-13:30) "Very well Lieutenant," Eva said finally, " I shall make an inquiry to fleet HQ. If it is indeed a cover up, I doubt any answers will be forth coming, but I shall inquire none the less. You have been assigned as Chief of Operations." Eva lifted the PADD containing his orders, falling silent once more considering something. Then, turning to her desk top console began typing in commands. "I'm amending those orders. You will be serving not only as OPS, but as Second Officer as well. You obviously have command experience, and the ship needs a fully staffed command staff. You will work with Lt. Commander Mackenzie here to make sure the ship and crew are completely ready before we reach our destination. Questions?" Standing up, Kaitlyn looked at Straton, then at Capps. She smiled at him, offering gratitude to be working and helping him adjust to the ship. "No ma'am," Kaitlyn said in response to Straton's question. As they were both dismissed, Kaitlyn turned to Capps once they were outside her office. "So, where would you like to start first? Our current mission or your duty post? I'm sure your already familiar with your duty station though." <> She didn't want to insult the man by telling him where everything was and what to do. He already knew all that. After all, he was second in command now. ~I guess I'm just used to escorting ensign's around all day.~ "Well, if you have any questions, let me know." NRPG: More room for discussion RPG: <> Mission: Exercise of Vital Powers, Day 14 Stardate: 2406.10.27 (USS Paladin-Conference Room-Lt. Cmdr. Kaitlyn Mackenzie-0630) Kaitlyn walked into the conference room, ready to get things rolling. She knew they were close to approaching the border of where they were heading, and things were beginning to fall into place finally. Taking a seat near the captain, she went over her PADD once more to finalize everything she was going to say in her report. Looking up a few times, she watched as other members of the crew arrived. It looked like the meeting was close to starting. "All right everyone, the hammer is about to fall," She said, looking around at each and everyone of them. "First, departmental status reports?" She looked around to see who would be first to speak. As she looked around the room to see who would be the first so speak, Kaitlyn decided to kick it all off. "I believe I'll let the department heads speak for their own selves, but I do have reports on status of efficiency around here. Since the contingency plans and the implemented battle drills, I think everyone is up to par with knowing what to expect. I haven't come across any serious problems thus far, but with the added crew we've recently brought onboard, along with their experience, I believe we're ready captain." <> In a nutshell, that was all she really had to report. Crew efficiency was looking good. Looking around the room, she awaited any possible questions or comments on what she had said, then waited for others to speak as well. Mission: Exercise of Vital Powers Mission Day: 14 Stardate: 2406.10.27 (USS Paladin, Main Conference Room, MXO 1st lt. Dewalt, 0629) "All right everyone, the hammer is about to fall," She said, looking around at each and everyone of them. "First, departmental status reports?" She looked around to see who would be first to speak. Drew waited for the others to say their parts before he looked at T'Vanek for the go-ahead nod. He stood. "Pride and Passion is at full operational readiness, all marines are ready to get out there and haul some ass," Drew said, "cause we've all seen enough helldeck time to last us a lifetime," he said. His short report complete, he sat again next to T'Vanek and waited. ~'bout time we got this show on the road,~ he thought as he waited for the others to finish. Mission: Exercise of Vital Powers Mission Day: 13 Stardate: 2406.10.26 NRPG: Sorry for the delay, been a bit busy in RL. I am assuming here that the go-ahead would be given to develop the ASPS to augment the sensor net. If not I can do a re-write of this. RPG: (USS Paladin, Deck 58, Cargo Bay 3 - Fabrication Area, ACSO, Lt Shane Schofield, 1330) Shane smiled as the industrial replicator completed its fabrication. As soon as the materialization sequence had finished a pair of shuttlecraft warp nacelles lay on the pad. The nacelles were then moved onto a pair of anti-gravity trolleys by means of the industrial transporters that are generally used for cargo. Once on the trolleys they were easier to move over to the travel pod that was suspended above the deck, with several inspection hatches open and pieces of the outer hull had been removed. A small army of technicians, engineers and scientists swarmed over the pod attaching equipment and running diagnostics on the newly installed systems. Shane ordered the positioning of the nacelles on either side of the pod and supervised their attachment to the hull. Shortly after the installation of the warp nacelles the technical swarm began to install the latest models in sensors and other equipment. While this was going on Shane was once again at the industrial replicator's input controls and punched in the requirements for the new stealth improvements that were being incorporated into the ASPS systems. The phase-cloak technology had come on in leaps and bounds in recent years and Shane was making sure that the most up to date systems were being installed on the new ASPS. The newer, longer lasting power cells would be replicated next and installed as soon as room was made for them. When all of this was accomplished hours of tests, retests, and flight tests would be necessary to determine that everything worked as it should. On successful test completion the process would be repeated for each of the successive ASPS. ~This will take some time!~ Shane thought as he watched the phase-cloak materialize on the replicator pad. ~Good thing I ordered the food replicator to keep the coffee hot!~ he laughed to himself as he got back to work. Mission Day: 14 Stardate: 2406.10.27 (USS Paladin, Main Conference Room, ACSO, Lt Shane Schofield, 0630) Shane brushed down his rumpled uniform and ran a hand over his stubbled face. He was exhausted, and the only thing that was keeping him going was the caffeine in the ever-present coffee. Shane had about a dozen padds piled on the desk before him with the details of the upgrades, modifications and test results of the new generation of ASPS being built for the sensor net. Stifling a yawn, Shane took a large swig of the coffee from the mug before him and listened to the others present their briefing data. He knew that when the Science department was called on for its report he would be called on to update them on the ASPS project. Mission: Exercise of Vital Powers Mission Day 14 Stardate: 2406.10.27 (USS Paladin-Conference Room-CMO Jared Keller -0628) Jared walked in quietly and waited for the meeting to start as he wondered what the day might have in store, it was early and the time was a bit of a shock, he sipped on a cup of coffee however as he watched a few more roll in. The caffeine was kicking in pretty well by the time Cpt. Straton looked around the room and began. "All right everyone, the hammer is about to fall," She said, looking everyone in the eye in turn. "First, departmental status reports?" Her first officer decided to begin so Jared settled back in his chair and listened to her. "I believe I'll let the department heads speak for their own selves, but I do have reports on status of efficiency around here. Since the contingency plans and the implemented battle drills, I think everyone is up to par with knowing what to expect. I haven't come across any serious problems thus far, but with the added crew we've recently brought onboard, along with their experience, I believe we're ready captain." Since no one else seemed to be in a hurry to speak up Jared leaned forward in his chair and got the Captain's attention. "Medical is in good shape Captain, Dr Weiler has the cargo bay ready for the expected influx of wounded and I've had time to shape the department up with some necessary drills during the trip. Response time is still slower than I would like but it's been decreased by 178% and everyone knows their jobs intimately. Medical stores are acceptable considering the battle we are looking at so all in all you can count on the department to do a good job. I'm prepared to handle 1,500 wounded over a twenty four hour period in three shifts although I hope it doesn't come to that, any more and we will be at a near standstill and I'll have to requisition more cargo bays just to hold all the wounded." Mission: Exercise of Vital Powers Mission Day 14 Stardate: 2406.10.27 (USS Paladin-Conference Room-TAC/SC-Morgot-0630) Morgot entered the room and quickly located a seat, he hated being the last to arrive for a meeting, luckily there were still a few people missing. He choose an empty seat next to Jared Keller the CMO. He hopped the meeting wouldn’t last too long as his shift started in an hour and a half. Captain Straton stood and began everyone, “All right the hammer is about to fall," She said, looking everyone in the eye in turn. "First, departmental status reports?" Morgot waited for a few of the others to speak first then stood and cleared his throat. Tactical checks out, all system are fully operational. As for security, we now have an adequate security force with the influx of personnel. I will be implementing teams of both the original and new crewmen for the next few days until everyone is familure with the layout the layout of the ship. I am also having enough new weapons replicated for the new crewmen as we are now over compliment. Mission: Exercise of Vital Powers Mission Day: 9 Stardate: 2406.10.22 (USS Paladin, Ready Room, Lt. Capps, 1336) Calvin was still sitting there waiting for the Captain's reply. He sat there quietly, and trying not to fidget so much. After a few seconds Calvin started to breath again. "Very well Lieutenant," Eva said finally, " I shall make an inquiry to fleet HQ. If it is indeed a cover up, I doubt any answers will be forth coming, but I shall inquire none the less. You have been assigned as Chief of Operations." Eva lifted the PADD containing his orders, falling silent once more considering something. Then, turning to her desk top console began typing in commands. "I'm amending those orders. You will be serving not only as OPS, but as Second Officer as well. You obviously have command experience, and the ship needs a fully staffed command staff. You will work with Lt. Commander Mackenzie here to make sure the ship and crew are completely ready before we reach our destination. Questions?" Eva looked from Capps to Mackenzie making it obvious that the question was directed to both of them. Calvin thought for a few seconds before dismissing any type of question. "I believe that Lt. Commander Mackenzie can answer any questions for me sir." "No ma'am," Kaitlyn said in response to Straton's question. As they were both dismissed, Kaitlyn turned to Capps once they were outside her office. "So, where would you like to start first? Our current mission or your duty post? I'm sure your already familiar with your duty station though." "Yes I hope I know my station, but you are right. I do not know everything about this mission. Can you please provide me with all the details?" Calvin just boarded the ship hours ago, and he tried to get an update of their mission, but it would be better when i came from a person. Mission: Exercise of Vital Powers Mission Day: 14 Stardate: 2406.10.27 (USS Paladin - Main Conference Room- 20/Chief Ops Lt. Calvin Capps - 0635) About an hour ago, Calvin had woken up for the senior meeting. Lt Capps had meet with most of the department heads. He has now been on the Paladin for 5 days. Although, 5 days seems like a lot of time for one person to meet with all the departments, Calvin had a hard time finding the time to do so. This mission was quite extensive and their was a lot of work being done in the ops department just like all the others. Calvin walked in the Conference room, and noticed the CO, FO, and some of the other department heads were already there. He also observed that the seat that was next to the CO on the opposite side of where the FO was sitting was empty. The Lt. made his way to that seat. After Lt. Capps had sit with one single PADD, and a few moments went by while other officers walked in. They all took their respected seats. Then the meeting began. She had called one final senior officer briefing to make sure all the small details had been addressed and that they were ready for proceed with the invasion. The target system was only hours away. The Bright Star, under cloak, was even now scouting the outer perimeter of their intended target for any last minute changes they might need to know. She looked at the Captains of the Nautilus and the Mithrandir along with their First Officers, they would need to know their parts as well. Once everyone was assembled, Eva called the meeting to order. "All right everyone, the hammer is about to fall," She said, looking around at each and everyone of them. "First, departmental status reports?" She looked around to see who would be first to speak. The First Officer spoke up and there by giving the first report. Followed her were other head departments such as Marine, Medical, Security, and others. Calvin felt it was his time now. He cleared his throat and began. "In Ops sir, we have been very busy. I have set up quick buttons on the ops console to scan what we want quickly instead of having to type in multiple commands. We have also made sure that items were cleaned and spotless for 100 % outcome. Ops personal is in good number and I have recently had a meeting with them all. Operations is ready to go sir. Along with the help of Engineering and Security, we also made sure that all systems were working at a reasonable percentile." Calvin was finished with the status and now waited for the rest of the meeting to go on. Mission: Exercise of Vital Powers Mission Day: 14 Stardate: 2406.10.27 (USS Paladin - Main Conference Room - TAC/ASC T`Vhor - 06:35) Ensign T`Vhor could now feel the tension in the air as he walked into the conference room. All the assembled heads of departments were seated & T`Vhor moved to take up one of the few remaining seats at the table. He looked to Lt Capps & nodded to acknowledge him, then he did the same to Lt Morgot & then each of the other officers as the Captain then stood to apraise them of the current situation. It was already known of course that they were about to go into battle, but regardless of this, confidence in the room seemed high, each highly trained officer knowing his place & duty. T`Vhor had just spent the last two hours checking the weapons manifests & visually confirming stores on photon & quantum torpedo`s & when it was his turn to do so, he stood to confirm those actions to the Captain as she asked each of them to report in turn. "We are at full complement on torpedo count sir, all launch systems & protocols are confirmed operational & security is at optimal readiness", said T`Vhor as the medical officer beside him then stood to offer his projected casualty reports & recomendations in regard them. It had been a long time since T`Vhor felt the way he was now feeling. After many years of fighting the Cardassian military, he was of course, not new to violent skirmishes. This time however, they were to fight a different kind of enemy. One that many of them had even stood beside at one time or another before the split that had torn the federation assunder. This enemy was as highly trained as they were & none of those assembled in the room particularly liked the idea of going into a civil war against their own. Honour & justice however were in need of upholding now more than ever as the battle plan was duly layed upon the table. Mission: Exercise of Vital Powers Mission Day: 13 Stardate: 2406.10.27 (USS Paladin, Personal Quarters, Ensign Greg Dunn, 0301) Greg lay on his bed staring at the ceiling. He had been like this for quite some time now. ~What is going on? ~ He sat up and looked around in his darkened quarters. “Computer lights.” The lights hummed to life and Greg rubbed his eyes removing the layers of sleep from his eyes. He jumped off the bed and approached the mirror and gazed at himself. ~I don’t look like me. ~ Greg reached up and touched the bags under his eyes in disbelief. He then looked at the hypo spray sitting in the sink, he grabbed it and placed it on his neck and injected the contents into him. He let out a sigh and let the contents do their work. He felt his energy come back to him and he felt more alert than usual. Greg threw the hypo into a drawer and pulled on his well-worn uniform. He put his arm through one of the sleeves and noticed a small tear. ~Darn these things, cant they last for more than one day. ~ He threw the tunic into the corner and pulled on a fresh one. Greg looked himself over to make sure everything was ok. ~Excellent. ~ Greg then headed to Morgot’s office. (USS Paladin, Morgot’s office, Ensign Greg Dunn, 0500) Greg stood in front of Morgot’s desk and gave the klingon a warm smile. “Good morning sir.” RPG: Mission: Exercise of Vital Powers Mission Day: 9 Stardate: 2406.10.22 (USS Paladin - Bridge - ACONN Ensign (jg) Christian Soval Brownlee - 1410) "Excuse me Mr. Brownlee," said a voice behind Christian. "Yes, what can I do for you?" He asked, turning his head toward the person talking to him. "My name is Max and I was ordered to meet with you about our current mission and destination." "Alright," came the reply, " our destination is the Sygna Gamma system. This system is held by Admiral Doenitz's forces. We have been ordered to take and occupy the system, from what I understand. The course is set in, has been for days, and we are proceeding on schedule. Would you like to take over, seeing as you are the superior officer?" Mission: Exercise of Vital Powers Mission Day: 14 Stardate: 2406.10.27 (USS Paladin - Main Conference Room- Acting CSO Ensign Joran Matthew Brownlee - 0630) Joran got to the meeting about 30 seconds before the captain started. He took a seat next to Lt. Schofield. Once everyone was assembled, the captain called the meeting to order. "All right everyone, the hammer is about to fall," She said, looking around at each and everyone of them. "First, departmental status reports?" She looked around to see who would be first to speak. "Pride and Passion is at full operational readiness, all marines are ready to get out there and haul some ass," Lt. Dewalt said, "cause we've all seen enough helldeck time to last us a lifetime," he said. "I believe I'll let the department heads speak for their own selves, but I do have reports on status of efficiency around here. Since the contingency plans and the implemented battle drills, I think everyone is up to par with knowing what to expect. I haven't come across any serious problems thus far, but with the added crew we've recently brought onboard, along with their experience, I believe we're ready captain." "Medical is in good shape Captain, Dr Weiler has the cargo bay ready for the expected influx of wounded and I've had time to shape the department up with some necessary drills during the trip. Response time is still slower than I would like but it's been decreased by 178% and everyone knows their jobs intimately. Medical stores are acceptable considering the battle we are looking at so all in all you can count on the department to do a good job. I'm prepared to handle 1,500 wounded over a twenty four hour period in three shifts although I hope it doesn't come to that, any more and we will be at a near standstill and I'll have to requisition more cargo bays just to hold all the wounded." "Tactical checks out, all system are fully operational. As for security, we now have an adequate security force with the influx of personnel. I will be implementing teams of both the original and new crewmen for the next few days until everyone is familure with the layout the layout of the ship. I am also having enough new weapons replicated for the new crewmen as we are now over compliment." "In Ops sir, we have been very busy. I have set up quick buttons on the ops console to scan what we want quickly instead of having to type in multiple commands. We have also made sure that items were cleaned and spotless for 100 % outcome. Ops personal is in good number and I have recently had a meeting with them all. Operations is ready to go sir. Along with the help of Engineering and Security, we also made sure that all systems were working at a reasonable percentile." Joran nodded as he listened, then stood up. "The Science Department has been working around the clock programming and testing the probes to be used for the tachyon detection grid. I am happy to say that they are ready for deployment on your orders. Now, I believe Lt. Schofield has some results from the ASPS project that will work within the sensor net. Lieutenant, if you will?" Mission: Exercise of Vital Powers Day: 3 Stardate: 2406.10.16 (USS Paladin - Main Engineering - LT JG Steven Matrix - 0753) Matrix had notification on his displays and was in the process of dispatching teams when the Ensign called... She tapped her com-badge as she walked out the door of Environmental Control. "Ensign Rathyn to CEO." "Matrix here, go ahead Ensign." - Matrix continued to look at the display consoles. "The plasma leak on Deck Six is shut down," she said. "I'm proceeding back to the site of the rupture to assess the damage." "Excellent work Ensign. I'm dispatching teams now." Said Matrix. "I'll provide a full report, sir. Rathyn out." Matrix was concerned about the crew, "Ensign, above all be safe. You're quick thinking has saved lives, don't take any unnecessary risks. I'm heading that way myself." (Reply Rathyn) "Understood Ensign. Matrix out." Matrix gathered a Tricorder, a PADD and a phaser torch and headed out to help Ensign Rathyn. Mission: Exercise of Vital Powers Mission Day: 9 Stardate: 2406.10.22 (USS Paladin - Turbo Lift - Lt. Max & Ensign Tristen - 0625) Max and Zack both caught up with each other on the turbo lift on their way to the main conference room. It had been a few days for the both of them serving on their new ship. Both of them were standing next to each other staring into space. Max broke the silence, "So it seems like the last time I've seen you was when we rode on the shuttle craft a few days back." He said trying to start some short conversation. "I think it was as a matter of fact Mr. Max. We both of have been working really hard ever since we got here. So what have you been up to." "Basically I and like everyone else has been getting ready for out mission." "I know what you mean." Zack said shortly because the turbo lift doors opened wide. The both of them then walked out and down the hall way. Zack let Max walk through the doors first. The both of them sat in what thought would be respected seats. (Paladin - Main Conference Room - 0638) Ensign Tristen just sat while the Captain was waiting for everyone's reports. Zack did not have any report to give for Lt. Matrix would give all the reports for Engineering. Lt. Max on the other hand did have a little input. After most of all the other officers had a little to say Max took his turn. "Sir, in the past few days, Ensign Brownlee and I with other Conn officers have been studying more advanced tactics. We have also done a few drills in the holodeck. We are ready for anything sir." He then got quiet. He sat and waited. Mission: Exercise of Vital Powers Mission Day: 9 Stardate: 2406.10.22 (USS Paladin - Bridge - ACONN Ensign (jg) Christian Soval Brownlee - 1411) "Excuse me Mr. Brownlee," said a voice behind Christian. "Yes, what can I do for you?" He asked, turning his head toward the person talking to him. "My name is Max and I was ordered to meet with you about our current mission and destination." "Alright," came the reply, our destination is the Sygna Gamma system. This system is held by Admiral Doenitz's forces. We have been ordered to take and occupy the system, from what I understand. The course is set in, has been for days, and we are proceeding on schedule. Would you like to take over, seeing as you are the superior officer?" "No, you stay at your post. I have asked to take over after your shift ends. Thank you." Max then walked back to the turbo lift doors, trying to figure out what his next move would be. Mission: Exercise of Vital Powers Mission Day: 14 Stardate: 2406.10.27 (USS Paladin, Outside Holodeck 3 - TAC/ASC T`Vhor - 10:29) "Computer, run program T`Vhor 1 & open the holodeck door", said Ensign T`Vhor. There were a few short initialisation beeps from the panel on the wall & the computer then responded & opened the door as requested. [Program T`Vhor 1 is now running] Ensign T`Vhor took a deep breath & then he walked through the door & into the quite beautiful holo-environment that had been constructed within. A field of the lushest green grass extended far into the distance & to the right of that field, the land sloped gently down towards a small trickling clear water brook near to which, a dark haired young woman sat upon her haunches dipping her hand in & out of the cool water flowing through her fingertips. T`Vhor smiled & then looked about the vista presented to him. The sky was a beautiful blue & a gentle, calming breeze brushed against his face as he then walked from the door in the general direction of the woman. Behind him, the holodeck door quickly closed with it`s characteristic hiss of air charged actuating clamps as he walked on. At the waters edge, T`Vhor stood silently behind the young woman & then he placed a hand upon her shoulder causing her to startle & turn quickly. "T`Vhor", she exclaimed in mock surprise, as her features quickly took on a more relaxed & apreciative look upon realising who had just crept up quietly behind her. She slapped his leg playfully in responce to his stealth. "I wish you wouldn`t creep up on me like that", she said laughing. Ensign T`Vhor smiled in responce as he in turn basked in her smile as it was reflected back at him. He had always loved her smile, it gave him confidence & relaxed him like nothing ever had. It was a smile that he could have easily become lost in & to let himself do so, would have been such a sweet solitude for sure. "Krysta", said T`Vhor as he squatted down beside her looking into the water as she quickly returned her hand into it. "There are small fish in here", she said with all the excitement of a child as they swam repeatedly up to her fingers & then quietly away again. T`Vhor put his arm around her shoulder to pull her towards him, then he kissed her forehead as she leaned her head forwards in responce. They embraced, unmoving like that for a few moments & then suddenly, she stood up quickly to flick her long auburn hair almost playfully over her left shoulder. "Let`s take a swim", she said excitedly & within minutes, she had disrobed down to her underwear & jumped into the small pool just a little way from where they had been. T`Vhor smiled as she layed back into the water & then swam to the other side & then back again. "Come on then", she said, "What are you waiting for". Ensign T`Vhor paused & looked about the land around him, then he returned his gaze back to the water where his wife swam & splashed about in enjoyment. He then disrobed himself & joined her as well. (USS Paladin - Holodeck 3 - TAC/ASC T`Vhor - 11:00) It was a half an hour later now. T`Vhor & Krysta now lay upon the sloping verge looking up into the blue sky as it slowly & inexorably began to take on the darkening shroud of night. She lay quietly with her head resting upon his shoulder as he gently stroked her forehead with his hand. "Wouldn`t it be great if every day could be like this", said Krysta. "Yes my love, it would indeed", answered T`Vhor as they both watched the slow & very faint emergence of stars as they began to appear one by one above them as they both relaxed in the warm summer air. "Look", said T`Vhor pointing up at a single star now, "It`s your star", he added refering to the one he`d named for her many moons before she had died so suddenly. It was one of the brightest stars in the Bajoran sky & because of the atmospheric effects in the location they now were, it appeared to change colour & go through all the colours of the rainbow. Krysta smiled at his words, it was clear that she was very much in love with him, as he was her. In an instance, her boundless energy had once again got the better of her as she had stood to skip off in some direction or other whilst T`Vhor leant up onto his elbow to watch her. He could have watched her like that for all time, but he knew that it was time now for him to leave her once again. He smiled & then he stood up as she ran down towards the waters edge again. "Computer", said T`Vhor, "end program", he added as the entire scene dissolved into the familiar black & yellow grid of the holodeck once again. T`Vhor stared at the point she had last been for a few moments more, the pain in his heart returning once again to the level it had when he had first lost her & his stillborn son. It never got any easier, it was always difficult for him & he wondered why he kept coming back to it all. Familiarity, an inability to let go, he wasn`t sure at all. All he knew was that to see her again, even in holomatter form brought some calm into his troubled mind. He had never missed anyone so much in his entire life, the pain of her departure was almost tangible to him. He stood up straight & then tugged at the material of his tunic to straighten it out before uttering the simple eulogy & words that he always spoke at such times as these. "Live long & prosper in spirit, where ever you are my love", said T`Vhor. "Until are Katra`s come together again", he added. Then he took a deep breath & turned to walk towards the holodeck door & to the duties that awaited him. Mission: Exercise of Vital Powers Mission Day: 14 Stardate: 2406.10.27 (USS Paladin, Main Conference Room, ACSO, Lt Shane Schofield, 0631) Joran nodded as he listened, then stood up. "The Science Department has been working around the clock programming and testing the probes to be used for the tachyon detection grid. I am happy to say that they are ready for deployment on your orders. Now, I believe Lt. Schofield has some results from the ASPS project that will work within the sensor net. Lieutenant, if you will?" Shane jumped when he heard his name mentioned. He had nodded off for a split second and was panicking that he had been snoring during the meeting. He took a quick gulp of coffee and was pleased that the caffeine rushing through his system energised him and kick-started his brain again. He picked up his primary padd off the desk and began to tell the captain about the project and its progress. "The newer, longer endurance power cells have now been installed and after hours of tests, retests, and flight tests everything appears to be working as it should. I feel that the process should be repeated for each of the ASPS but if everything goes as the last one has, I see no reason why we shouldn't be able to deploy the net on schedule. Also, it will take only a minimum amount of time to train the locals how to operate, maintain and pilot the ASPS themselves. Shane sat back down and tried to keep awake for the rest of the meeting. Unbidden an image from 20th century television appeared in his head of a sleepy cartoon character trying to keep his eyes open with the aid of matchsticks. He nearly busted out laughing at the thought. Mission: Exercise of Vital Powers Day: 3 Stardate: 2406.10.16 (USS Paladin - Auxilliary Generator - Ensign Alura Rathyn - 0811) Alura Rathyn tapped her com-badge as she walked out the door of Auxilliary Generator Control. "Ensign Rathyn to CEO." "Matrix here, go ahead Ensign." Matrix continued to look at the display consoles. "The plasma leak on Deck Six is shut down," she said. "I'm proceeding back to the site of the rupture to assess the damage." "Excellent work Ensign. I'm dispatching teams now." Said Matrix. "I'll provide a full report, sir. Rathyn out." Matrix was concerned about the crew, "Ensign, above all be safe. You're quick thinking has saved lives, don't take any unnecessary risks. I'm heading that way myself." "Yessir. I'll exercise all necessary caution." "Understood Ensign. Matrix out." (USS Paladin - Deck Six - Ensign Alura Rathyn - 0811) Rathyn stepped off the turbo-lift and glided down the corridor she'd beamed out of a short time ago. Rounding the corner she stopped short and peeled the tricorder from her side to take a reading. The area near the rupture was still hot as she expected. A gaping hole where the intense heat from the plasma seered through the wall panel showed the location of the rupture. The surrounding deck, walls and cieling were blistered, warped and, according to the tricorder, still very hot. She trusted to the durability of her Starfleet uniform as she slowly stepped closer. The air grew noticably warmer as she proceeded until sweat was beading her forehead. She swiped it away with her sleeve. Stopping within three meters of the breach, she did a scan then eyed the hole and the remnants of the plasma artery inside the wall critically. The large gape measured roughly eighteen to twenty inches across with the white hot fringe little more than half a meter above the deck. The plasma conduit was severed by a jagged two inch gap which was odd. Plasma lines had two tubes each made of a hard metal composite that were seperated by an inner lining of insulation run through with hundreds of hollow micro-filaments flowing with coolant. A breach was rare, but such an event typically resulted from a weakness in the conduits' molecular bonding. The result of a rupture on the average would have been a fissure about the width and up to twice the length of a human thumb. A feeling of apprehension wrestled her insides as she reset her tricorder for molecular residuals and stepped closer than caution might normally allow. Slowly, she ran the small scanner over the white hot rim of the hole then the conduit. The readings made her shudder. "Thetral," she sighed in one morbid breath. "Ma'am?" said an ensign who now stood a few meters away. "Nothing. Step away from this area," she ordered moving the ensign along as she walked away. Though they both had the same rank, the other didn't argue with her but moved more briskly when she activated her com-badge and called for security. "Ensign Rathyn to Security Chief." (Reply: Morgot) "Send someone to Deck Six, right away? I'm at the site of the plasma rupture and we have a serious problem." Mission: Exercise of Vital Powers Mission Day: 13 Stardate: 2406.10.26 (USS Paladin - General Conference Room - 20/Chief Ops Lt. Calvin Capps - 0700) It was early in the morning and Calvin had called for a meeting with all the lead shift men for operations. It had been a few days since Lt. Capps arrived on the Paladin, and this morning was the first chance he received to meet up with his assistants. Calvin had been terribaly busy getting up to date with all the specs. He had read PADD after PADD. He stayed up past his normal bed time just to make sure he was caught up before this meeting started. Then this meeting was important for there was another meeting where Calvin would need to report to the CO, FO, and all of the other senior officers. Whilst Lt. Capps had been reading, he made minor changes in some areas that were keeping ops busy. Mr. Capps walked in to the room, and recieved a nice surprise. Everyone that was to attend to the meeting was already there and ready to discuss. Calvin walked in the room turning to the left side of the table, and taking steps all the way down to the end of the table. On his route to the end chair he looked at the officers now standing for the courtesy. He looked at them, each of them. He stared at their uniforms, pips, faces, expressions. Although he had meet with some of them already he did not know them all, but wanted to. Calvin reached his destination and took a seat. Everyone at the tabel followed his lead. "Hello everyone and good morning. I know all of you know why I have called this meeting. As you know we are about to go on a critical mission that must be succesful. As operations our job is to make sure that this ship operates in the best possible way. This will be our first criteria. I have already updated some items in your specific decks and areas. These should be uploaded to your personal PADD's. Get these done right away." Lt. Capps looked around the room to see if there was any qeustions that needed to be answered. He saw many faces looking down at their PADDs to see the new orders. He also noticed others still looking at him ready for him to continue. "Let me remind you that as ops we must work with other fields. Thanks to Lt. Matrix, he has given us some help. Those officers names are also on your PADDs. They should report to you after this meeting is over." Calvin then looked back down on his own PADD to see what else he needed to go over. "Also as another note, we will be keeping up with our usual criteria as well. Make sure these new objectives do not get in your way of your usual duties. Lets make sure we clean extra well, remember our saying. 'Dust bunnies are worst than tribbles'." Calvin laughed with the rest of the other crew members. Everyone looked around and started to talk a little bit. After a few seconds everyone quietened down a little and waited for the Cheif of Operations to keep going. "As a second criteria we will be making sure that any away teams or leave missions off this ship will also be succesful and operate in accordance with the measure I set. Which is high. Again, this is a critical mission. I expect 110 percent from all of you. This includes, have shuttles ready and well stocked, transporter rooms ready at all times for anything, equipment well stocked as well. I have assinged specific people to these duties and they are also uploaded on your personal PADDs." "We will be embarking on a dangerous mission; a critical mission. You are all Starfleet officers that has beened trained to do your jobs. Do them, and do them well. Let me remind you, that if you ever need help I am only a comm badge away. Be safe and work hard." Mission: Exercise of Vital Powers Mission Day: 14 Stardate: 2406.10.27 (USS Paladin - Personal Quarters - (NPC) Ensign Luger - 0100) Ensign Luger laid in his bed asleep. His head comfortably floated on his pillow, and his body embraced by sheets and blankets. No other item touched his skin, not even clothes. The back of his head laid back so his nose was pointing straight to the ceiling. His arms were out of the covers lying on his belly. The room was dark. Perhaps the darkest room in the entire ship. Darker than space. Every light was off, and there was no presence of any other emitting from any mechanism. It was so dark that a bat would not be able to hear in the room. Ensign Luger worked in security, and not hours before was he briefed on some of the objectives that would be brought out for this mission. He had not been in Starfleet very long and he thought earlier that maybe, just maybe he was not ready. His head jolted a little in his sleep for he was having a dream of the near mission. He dreamed of the USS Paladin and its new mission. This is what he dreamed. ~Ensign Luger stood at his post near a transporter room. The Paladin has been flying for hours now, and recently had discovered ships of Doeintz. The two ships engaged into battle and then the unexpected happened to Luger. A party of five intruders beamed where exactly Luger was. He first tapped his combadge and then pulled out his phaser, but it was not fast enough. He was shot with a plasma rifle. He feel to the ground and died.~ Ensign Luger than woke up with sweat running down his forhead. He pulled the covers off of him and went to take a shower. He told himself that everything would be OK, but he also thought that he might need to go see a counselor. Mission: Exercise of Vital Powers Mission Day: 14 Stardate: 2406.10.27 (USS Paladin - Bridge - TAC/ASC T`Vhor - 12:15) Once again, Ensign T`Vhor was in a not too unfamiliar environment. The bridge of the Paladin was almost identical to that of the Cochranes & slotting himself in to his usual tactical console was an easy task indeed. Since his duty shift began, he had been monitoring comms traffic in the area of the sygna system for anything out of the ordinary. The entire area was alive with activity but it had been mostly freighter speak & other spurious, low priority contacts. But then all of a sudden....... Ensign T`Vhor stood up at the console, his sences finely tuning to the blip that had just appeared on long range sensors. It was the same blip he`d observed on the bridge of the Cochrane, momentary, faint, but nonetheless there. T`Vhor ran the contact through the Paladins database in the same manner he had before. The reading was the same, possibly, but not definately Romulan in origin. T`Vhor turned to the captain as she sat in the centre chair looking through a report that had just been handed to her. "Sir, I have an indeterminate contact bearing zero one five, mark one eighty", said T`Vhor. (Reply CO) "Indeterminate in the sence that it is faint, momentary & at this point in time, uncertain", said T`Vhor, giving as much on the contact as he was able under the circumstances. (Reply CO) "I believe this to be the same contact that was shadowing the Cochrane before she was drydocked sir", said Ensign T`Vhor. "The ships database suggests Romulan, possibly a cloaked warbird showing impulse turns", he added. "Other than that, I can add nothing more" (Reply CO) T`Vhor then returned to the console to rescan, only to find that once again, it had disappeared from the sensors. "The contact is no longer there sir", said T`Vhor as he attempted a second & a third scan although to no avail. The contact had indeed vanished just as it had done before. Mission: Exercise of Vital Powers Mission Day: 3 Stardate: 2406.10.16 (USS Paladin - Command center- Commander Tahlmari- 0900) Tahl entered the empty command center and looked over the displays. He sat down at the computer terminal to make sure that all of the files he had requested were downloaded. He then looked at the encrypted files that he had entered himself, preparing them for viewing. How many times did Captain Lee beat into his head, "Failing to plan is planning to fail." He pictured the scarred head of Strategic Operations and his voice, and smiled. The man pushed Tahl hard, but tahl also learned more from him in his short time with him, than he had all four years of the academy. Tahl got up and went to the replicator. "Ice water." He took his drink back to the table and sat down. As he took a sip the door opened. Menelian stepped into the room and looked around. He stepped to the table and sat down, silently, then folded his hands together and sat back in the chair. "We're supposed to talk strategy." he said after a moment. "I am here to do so." Tahl remembered Menelian from their time on the Cochrane. He took over the FSCO slot once Tahl moved to security, and then on to the FO. It was comforting to have him here, sort of. Menelian was a great pilot, but lacked in social graces. But bottom line, social graces wouldn't win a battle, and Tahl was sure that the Romulan would be a major asset. "That makes two of us," Tahl replied. "We're just waiting for the MCO." The Romulan's face didn't so much as twitch, though he took a breath... which sounded strangely like a sigh. And as if on queue, another Vulcanoid stepped through the doors. T'Vanek took a moment to look around, and then took a seat across from Menelian. He gave a short nod to the Stratops officer and folded his hands together over the table, perfectly composed. Menelian rolled his eyes from T'Vanek, back to Tahl. ~Vulcans.~ he thought, almost mournfully. "Well gentlemen," Tahl interrupted the silence, "shall we get started?" "By all means," said the Marine. Menelian simply nodded his head, then pulled out the PADD of prelim information he had been given earlier. "According to this, they've not yet had time to fully consolidate the area. Correct?" "No," Tahl agreed, "I would like to exploit that fact. But we also need to be careful, as this information, although reliable, is at least a week old." "With a decent sized Marine force, they could already have preliminary hard points with support up and fully functional." T'Vanek said. "It would be prudent to believe that they are competent. Given the same amount of time, I can predict what my own outfit could do. Do we have any updated information about numbers and forces?" "Not at this time," Tahl admitted, "but we should be updated before we arrive. However, I don't believe too much of the terrain will be altered , so I'd like you to be as prepared as you can until new information arrives." T'Vanek nodded once and Menelian cleared his throat. "We can spare a small escort for the Landers, the rest we'll have to save for any space-borne defenses they might have." Tahl nodded. "That will be sufficient. Our reports show that their in atmosphere flyers are very limited, but their space faring fighters are a little tougher, and more numerous." "How about Starships, anything updated?" Menelian asked, somewhat distracted as he tapped a couple notes onto his padd. "Apparently, they spent their resources creating short range starships. Low warp capability, maybe warp 5 at best. A fleet of five ships. What we don't know is if they have elicited any help from other systems. We know that the Orion's have been nosing around this sector for a while." "Just what we need, needle-ships." he said as he sat back again. He considered for a few moments, then said "Our craft will be highly effective against smaller ships, and at Warp-5 they won't be able to outrun us. So much the better. I can leave half a squad with the ship at all times, the Paladin would easily be able to handle herself against whatever makes it through, assuming this information is still viable by the time we arrive." The Vulcan stepped in, "Is there any indication that they know we are enroute?" "Not to my knowledge," Tahl replied. "However, surely they must be thinking that someone is on their way. It would only make sense to be prepared for that." The Vulcan nodded, "We can have the entire Regiment on the ground within twenty minutes under ideal conditions. I can plan for a group of marines, but we will be out-numbered badly if we also have to face the colonists. In that situation, I would recommend that the two pro-offered fighters remain in the atmosphere to provide us with bombing support, at least until we set up our own support weaponry and create a hard-point." That made sense to Tahl. "Sounds good. Major?" He turned to Menelian. "That would depend on the level of resistance we find." he said immediately." Mission: Exercise of Vital Powers Mission Day: 14 Stardate: 2406.10.27 (USS Paladin, Main Conference Room, CO,Captain Eva Straton, 0649) Eva had listened to each department head give their reports. When everyone had spoken and all questions answered, she decided to bring the meeting to a close. "Very good," She said, nodding at everyone. "We are scheduled to rendezvous with the Bright Star in a little over 8 hours. I want every department ready in case the Bright Star discovered anything crucial that might require a change in plans. In less that 24 hours we will arrive at the target destination and began our attack. Any last minute changes need to be reported to Lt. Capps and Commander Mackenzie. If there are no further questions, you are all dismissed." Eva rose as she finished speaking, watching as her officers rose as well and moved toward the door. Mission: Exercise of Vital Powers Mission Day: 14 Stardate: 2406.10.27 (USS Paladin, Bridge, CO, Captain Straton, 12:16) "Sir, I have an indeterminate contact bearing zero one five, mark one eighty", said T`Vhor suddenly. Eva looked up from the PADD she had been reading, setting it aside. "Indeterminate?" She said, simply, looking at the tactical officer. "Indeterminate in the sense that it is faint, momentary & at this point in time, uncertain", said T`Vhor, "Source of this contact?" Eva asked, pulling up the sensor readout on her armchair terminal. "I believe this to be the same contact that was shadowing the Cochrane before she was dry docked sir", said Ensign T`Vhor. "The ships database suggests Romulan, possibly a cloaked war bird showing impulse turns", he added. "Other than that, I can add nothing more" Eva's brow furrowed as she considered this. Though the Vulcan had offered no logical reasoning other than conjecture. However, the Cochrane and the Paladin were both the same class star ship in the same fleet. If a cloaked vessel had been shadowing the Cochrane then another one could very well be shadowing the Paladin. This complicated things, immensely. ~What would the Romulan's being doing out there?~ "The contact is no longer there sir", said T`Vhor. "Transfer all data to the science station," Eva ordered, turning toward the science officer on duty. (NRPG: Either Brownlee or Schofield. First come first serve. : ) ) RPG: "I want that sensor data taken apart bit by bit. I need to know if there is indeed a cloaked vessel shadowing us and if so how long have they been there. This has top priority as of right now." Eva said, before turning to the CONN Officer. "No change in course or speed. We will make no obvious moves that we are aware of their presence, if indeed it is a cloaked vessel. Discreetly, inform our fighter escort to scan for nadion radiation or tetrion particles, if they detect either they are to converge on that spot and open fire. Also inform the Nautilus and Mithrandir to do the same, and have another squad of fighters ready to launch. If they attack, the Paladin will be their main target. They will have to cripple us on their first pass or they won't stand a chance. Ensign T'Vhor, slowly as to prevent detection, load and bring the quantum launchers on line. Leave the phaser banks cold, too easy to detect if we started charging them, but be ready to raise shields in a hurry if we need to. If they have been shadowing us for the past several days then I doubt they will attack now, but I chose to be safe rather than sorry." (NRPG: Not sure I got the right type of radiation or particles there, but don't feel like digging out my copy of ST 6 to find out. The same radiation Spock detected before the cloaked ship under neath the Enterprise fired. And the particles that will sometime give off the presence of a cloaked ship. For both you need to be at close range to detect. Hope that makes sense. : P ) Mission: Exercise of Vital Powers Mission Day: 14 Stardate: 2406.10.27 (USS Paladin - Bridge - Acting CSO Ensign Joran Matthew Brownlee - 12:16) "Transfer all data to the science station," the captain ordered, referring to the incoming sensor data from what could be a cloaked Romulan warbird. She turned toward Joran. "I want that sensor data taken apart bit by bit. I need to know if there is indeed a cloaked vessel shadowing us and if so how long have they been there. This has top priority as of right now." "Aye." came the reply. (USS Paladin - Bridge - Acting CSO Ensign Joran Matthew Brownlee - 12:30) After 14 minutes, Joran had finished his analysis. "Captain," he started, turning towards her. (reply Straton) "I've finished my analysis of this data. It is a cloaked ship shadowing us, has been for five days as far as I can tell. But, it's not Romulan. This cloak configuration is like nothing I've ever seen. It doesn't match anything in the database either." Mission: Exercise of Vital Powers Mission Day: 14 Stardate: 2406.10.27 (USS Paladin, Bridge, CO, Captain Straton, 12:31) "I've finished my analysis of this data. It is a cloaked ship shadowing us, has been for five days as far as I can tell. But, it's not Romulan. This cloak configuration is like nothing I've ever seen. It doesn't match anything in the database either." Eva's eyes narrowed. "Possibility that it is some new type of cloak? One that is malfunctioning? Is there any way to determine if it is a Star Fleet vessel with what little data we have at the moment?" Mission: Exercise of Vital Powers Mission Day: 14 Stardate: 2406.10.27 (USS Paladin - Bridge - TAC/ASC T`Vhor - 12:16) Captain Straton was quick to act on the information Ensign T`Vhor had just reported & in an instance, T`Vhor had transferred the neccesary readings to the science station for evaluation as ordered. Under their current situation of battle readiness, if indeed there was a cloaked hostile out there other than those they expected, then logic would dictate that prompt & ready action was now of the essence. Ensign T`Vhor`s prior dealings with this contact had already raised his suspicions markedly, for they suggested something definately untoward. "Ensign T'Vhor, slowly as to prevent detection, load and bring the quantum launchers on line. Leave the phaser banks cold, too easy to detect if we started charging them, but be ready to raise shields in a hurry if we need to. If they have been shadowing us for the past several days then I doubt they will attack now, but I chose to be safe rather than sorry.", said the CO. "Aye sir", said T`Vhor as he returned his attention to the console before him. "Quantum torpedo`s ready & standing by, phasers offline, shields at readiness sir", he added. Mission: Exercise of Vital Powers Mission Day: 14 Stardate: 2406.10.27 (USS Paladin - Bridge - TAC/ASC T`Vhor - 12:31) With the sensor data now in, the CO was as confused as before he had ordered it`s dissassembly. Not Romulan?.... "Possibility that it is some new type of cloak? One that is malfunctioning? Is there any way to determine if it is a Star Fleet vessel with what little data we have at the moment?", said the CO. "No, captain.", said Brownlee. "Even from the data I have at the moment, it's possible to tell that this cloak configuration, even if malfunctioning, is not anything that could even be a prototype for any kind of upgraded cloak. It's a completely alien technology." Ensign T`Vhor then turned to the Captain again. "Sir, the Romulans have been known to ally themselves with other species when the need suits them", said T`Vhor. "When the initial scan was first run through the ships database on the Cochrane, the presence of a quantum singularity warp propulsion system suggested a Romulan origin. The presence of a baseline Tetryon compositor in the cloaks makeup suggests this also, but there is a rolling code element involved that makes a definate identification impossible", said T`Vhor. (Reply CO, Brownlee) "Whilst on route to the Paladin from the Cochrane, our shuttle encountered the Warbird IRW Dihvael under the command of Cmdr Talok sir, it is known to be in the area, although in what context we are unsure", said T`Vhor. "It is logical that whoever the contact are, they are indeed watching us, wether they actively persue another course of action however is open to speculation", said T`Vhor. "I would however advise caution", he added Mission: Exercise of Vital Powers Mission Day: 14 Stardate: 2406.10.27 (USS Paladin, Main Conference Room, MXO Drew Dewalt, 0649) "Very good," Straton said, nodding at everyone. "We are scheduled to rendezvous with the Bright Star in a little over 8 hours. I want every department ready in case the Bright Star discovered anything crucial that might require a change in plans. In less that 24 hours we will arrive at the target destination and began our attack. Any last minute changes need to be reported to Lt. Capps and Commander Mackenzie. If there are no further questions, you are all dismissed." "Back to the Helldeck, I suppose," Drew said as he and T'Vanek rose. (Reply T'Vanek IYW) "Much better now they know we're actually getting started. I've had them running drills since 0600. We've never been more ready for a fight," Drew said with a corner smile. He quickly hid it, controlling his adrenaline. (Reply T'Vanek) "I'll be alright. I just haven't had time to meditate," Drew said. "But know this sir, just because I have not been in command of a company of marines before, doesn't mean I'm incapable. I'll be fine. I won't let you down." (reply T'vanek) Andrew nodded and headed to the turbolift. Mission: Exercise of Vital Powers Mission Day: 14 Stardate: 2406.10.27 (USS Paladin - Bridge - Acting CSO Ensign Joran Matthew Brownlee - 12:31) "Possibility that it is some new type of cloak? One that is malfunctioning? Is there any way to determine if it is a Star Fleet vessel with what little data we have at the moment?", said the CO. "No, captain.", said Joran. "Even from the data I have at the moment, it's possible to tell that this cloak configuration, even if malfunctioning, is not anything that could even be a prototype for any kind of upgraded cloak. It's a completely alien technology." Ensign T`Vhor then turned to the Captain again. "Sir, the Romulans have been known to ally themselves with other species when the need suits them", said T`Vhor. "When the initial scan was first run through the ships database on the Cochrane, the presence of a quantum singularity warp propulsion system suggested a Romulan origin. The presence of a baseline Tetryon compositor in the cloaks makeup suggests this also, but there is a rolling code element involved that makes a definate identification impossible", said T`Vhor. "That is possible," said Joran, but still doubtful that that was the case. "Whilst on route to the Paladin from the Cochrane, our shuttle encountered the Warbird IRW Dihvael under the command of Cmdr Talok sir, it is known to be in the area, although in what context we are unsure", said T`Vhor. "It is logical that whoever the contact are, they are indeed watching us, wether they actively persue another course of action however is open to speculation", said T`Vhor. "I would however advise caution", he added. "Captain," Joran said, "I know it may not exactly be standard procedure, but I believe that we should try hailing them." Mission: Exercise of Vital Powers Mission Day: 14 Stardate: 2406.10.27 (USS Paladin - Main Conference Room - 20/Chief Ops Lt. Calvin Capps - 0652) "Very good," She said, nodding at everyone. "We are scheduled to rendezvous with the Bright Star in a little over 8 hours. I want every department ready in case the Bright Star discovered anything crucial that might require a change in plans. In less that 24 hours we will arrive at the target destination and began our attack. Any last minute changes need to be reported to Lt. Capps and Commander Mackenzie. If there are no further questions, you are all dismissed." Eva rose as she finished speaking, watching as her officers rose as well and moved toward the door. As the Captain finished up the meeting and stood up watching everyone leave Calvin walked over to the replicator and commanded it to make him an hot tea. Calvin found it important to have some kind of breakfast and although he had gotten a quick byte before the meeting he wanted a drink while on his way to the bridge to start the day. (USS Paladin - Bridge - 20/Chief Ops Lt. Calvin Capps - 1223) Lt. Capps was doing his usual duties at his station: making sure holodeck programs were running at normal energy outputs, double checking them to make sure areas of importance were not being compromised and many other duties too. Watching his console he heard Ensign T'Vhor speak up. He believed he had found some type of cloak ship. As soon as Calvin heard this, he re routed power from extra reserve to the scans for tactical for a more accurate scan. The Captain heard the full report and gave numerous orders for everyone. "Also inform the Nautilus and Mithrandir to do the same, and have another squad of fighters ready to launch." As Calvin was setting up the specific command to contact the two ship he turned around to talk with the Captain. "Sir, I would like to contact the Nautilus and Mithrandir under a secure line and then change our current frequency we are using for communications in case this unknown ship is listening to us." (reply Captain) "Aye sir." Calvin finished up the commands and the message to the two friendly ships. Mission: Exercise of Vital Powers Mission Day: 14 Stardate: 2406.10.27 (USS Paladin - Bridge - TAC/ASC T`Vhor - 12:31) "Captain," Joran said, "I know it may not exactly be standard procedure, but I believe that we should try hailing them." T`Vhor raised an eyebrow in a quizically Vulcan fashion, then he turned to the Captain again. "That might be an option, but considering their current wish to remain undetected, I doubt that they would respond", said T`Vhor. He then paused as though in thought. "We could however, lay down a Tacyon detection grid in our wake sir", added T`Vhor, "the moment they pass through it, it would show up on their bridge that they had been discovered, they would then have no choice but to retreat from the area or openly confront us", said T`Vhor.