compile summary ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stardate: 2408.07.27 (USS Hades, Bridge, ACSO Ensign (JG) Kenneth McKenzie, 19:24 hours.) (USS Hades, Bridge, - CSO Jericho Haynes - 1945.5) (USS Hades - Deck 7, Tactical Office - ATAC Ensign (jg) Lo'ren T'Vof - 1946) (Tch'Kair orbit - Orbital station -- Interrogation room- CMO Angeni O. Windsong-Trommashere- 1947) (Tch'Kair orbit - Orbital station -- Interrogation room- aCEO LieutenantDarla Wright- 1949) (USS Hades, personal quarters, Acting CMO Ensign Haywood Parker, 2002) (USS Hades, Personal quarters, COUNS, Ensign Anamitra Ripley, 2003) (USS Hades, Personal quarters, ACMO Haywood Parker, 2004) (USS Hades - Ripley's quarters - ACMO Haywood Parker - 2007) (USS Hades - Ripley's quarters - COUNS - Ensign Anamitra Ripley- 2009) (USS Hades - Ripley's quarters - ACMO Ensign Haywood Parker- 2010) (USS Hades - Ripley's quarters - COUNS - Ensign Anamitra Ripley- 2012) (USS Hades, Bridge, ACSO Ensign (JG) Kenneth McKenzie, 20:28 hours.) (USS Hades, Bridge, CSO Jericho Haynes 20:28.5) (USS Hades, Ready Room, aCO Commander Eva Straton, 20:30) (USS Hades, Bridge, CSO Jericho Haynes, 20:31) (USS Hades, Bridge, ATAC Ensign (jg) Lo'ren T'Vof, 20:32) (USS Hades, Ready Room, CSO Jericho Haynes, 20:33) (USS Hades, Ready Room, aCO Commander Eva Straton, 20:34) (USS Hades, Ready Room, aFO Jericho Haynes, 20:35) (USS Hades, Bridge, aFO Jericho Haynes, 20:37) (USS Hades - Bridge - ATAC Ensign (jg) Lo'ren T'Vof - 20:38) (USS Hades, Ready Room, SciO, Ensign Harry Doorman, 2040) (USS Hades - Bridge - aFO/CSO Jericho Haynes Day 18- 20:40.5) (USS Hades, Ready Room, aCO Commander Eva Straton, 20:41) (USS Hades, Ready Room, SciO Ensign Harry Doorman, 2042) (USS Hades, Ready Room, aCO Commander Eva Straton, 20:43) (USS Hades, Ready Room, SciO Ensign Harry Doorman- 2044) (USS Hades, Bridge - ATAC Ensign (jg) Lo'ren T'Vof - Day 18, 20:45) (USS Hades - Bridge- aFO/CSO Jericho Haynes Day 18- 20:50) (USS Hades - Observation Lounge- aFO/CSO Jericho Haynes Day 18- 20:51) (USS Hades, Observation Lounge - ATAC Ensign (jg) Lo'ren T'Vof - Day 18,20:52) (USS Hades - Obervation Lounge - aCEO Ensign (jg) Eoin Mac Liam - 20:53) (USS Hades, Observation lounge, - aCTAC/CSEC Lieutenant Baylon Trinin -2054) (USS Hades, Observation lounge, - COUNS Ensign Anamitra Ripley - 2055) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ begin compile (USS Hades, Bridge, ACSO Ensign (JG) Kenneth McKenzie, 19:24 hours.) Kenny and Crewperson Jess Arbougher worked together on Commander Stratons request to find a safe haven for the Hades. So far, they had scanned several nebulae, but none or which provide enough protection, stealth or were just far to violent. both of them worked hard. There where quite a number of stella phenomenon around this reagon of space, of all different types, clustered together. "I have found something." Crewperson Arbougher said, pointing her finger to the screen she was working on. Kenny looked over. On the screen was a 3D view of a nebula which was slowly rotating. Several descriptions about it started to flash at the side. "A Class Eleven Nebula is not far away, but it's close to one of the planets with a Wagoshiin population." "Class Eleven..." Kenny though aloud. "They often have a large quantity of sirillium, which is highly volatile. That could work both for us and against us." "True." Arbougher interjected. "But it would also confused their scanners to a degree." "As well as ours, and not enough. Is there anything else?" Kenny and Jess went back to their consoles, scanning space once more for several minutes. AT last, Kenny spotted what he wanted to see. He smiled. "Got one." Kenny said at last. "Class Nine." "That has elements which confused almost all scanning tech. Should be perfect." "Yeah. but it's father away than the Class Eleven." "Lets keep searching. There must be more." "We have already looked at this part and there can't be much more, but we'll try. Those two, however, seem to be the best." "Maybe that asteroid field we found not long ago-" "No. The Hades is far to big and the asteroids were to close together from the planets pull." "But then again, you know Statron." Jess laughed. "She would take us in even if we would die." Kenny laughed too. "Your right, but lets keep searching anyway." ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Hades, Bridge, - CSO Jericho Haynes - 1945.5) On the screen before Jack the Tch'kairn solay system was represented by a graphic display moving in real time. He had been studying it intently for a while now trying to find weaknesses that could be exploited in the Waagoshin defensive ring around the third through fifth planets. The system itself consisted of seven planetary bodies with a dozen marginal bodies that fell within an asteroid classification orbiting in a debris field at the outer edge of the system. The outer planet fell outside the stars habitable zone and had a highly elliptical orbit. It was class J, a gas giant with two rings consisting of five moons, three of which were warmed by tectonic activity due to proximity their 'parent' planet. Planet number six was class S, an ultra-giant with only a few small bodies in orbit around it which had a tight orbit around the star, the outer planets orbit brought it twice a solar year within eight million miles of its larger cousin and Jack had theorized the bodies orbiting planet number six had at one time been captured from that body. Planets one and two orbited wthin the stars 'hot' zone and each had a single small moon. He was deep in his studies when a hand caressed his right shoulder, he gave a small start and turned his head to see Lo'ren standing over him. "Do you have anything on the third and fifth planets and the facilities there? I need to plan assault teams and the intel would be useful." He gave her a smile and a nod, enjoying the contact between them, "I'm certain I can help you there Ensign," His eyes sparkled in mirth and he gave her a wink, the feeling of her nearness behind him as he turned and gestured at the display was almost intoxicating. The tension caused by his worry during her time on the Waagoshin station had been replaced for the most part with relief that she was back on the ship. He was concerned about the missing officers though, especially Angeni and Darla. Captain Sash could certainly take care of himself till the three could be extracted. Taking a deep breath before speaking he touched the fifth planet which brought up its vital statistics on the screen to the right. "The fifth planet is Class O, a water world and has three moons. Land mass is only 11 percent with four small continents, their defensive missiles and energy weapons along with a what appears to be a garrison complete with fighters is on the largest continent." Tapping a couple of buttons changed the readout to a preliminary map of the surface of the planet with a blinking tell showing the continent and location of the garrison, further refining brought up the more detailed scan taken during their time orbiting the Waagoshin platform. The picture of the buildings was very detailed. "I'll download all of these onto a PADD for you when we're finished here. Surface temperature is very tolerable and averages sixty two degrees Farenheit at the equator. The outer moon has one of the systems scanning posts." A tap of that moon on the first display brought up a blinking tell showing the location of the warning post. Manipulating the controls brought up the third planet on the last display to his left. "The third planet is class K with a thin carbon dioxide atmosphere and an average of one hundred twenty three degrees temperature at the equator. The temp is fairly high for a planetary body of this type because of its position relative to the star system wise. The planetary emplacement is in its southern hemisphere here." he pointed then with his right hand as he tapped the controls with his left which zoomed the display to the surface. There were more than a dozen large domes which were spaced several miles apart on average. "The defensive systems are housed in the central dome here." His finger rested on the dome which appeared to be heavily buttressed. "That one might be a tough nut to crack because of its location, it won't take long for the Waagoshin to respond to a threat and send reinforcements from the other domes. The outer moon also has one of the systems scanning posts." He looked back at her and gave her a smile. "I'm sure we can do the job though, just tell everyone to be careful." She smiled back at him "It's good to hear your voice, Jack." He could see her emotional state in her eyes as well as feel it through their link, or was it that the link gave the look there more clarity? He wasn't sure but that look was unmistakeable. He brought his left hand up to her hand and squeezed it gently knowing that she could sense in return what he was feeling. "You be careful Lo'ren." He held her gaze for a long moment before returning grudgingly to his duties. Removing his hand and reaching under the station he pulled a PADD from the cabinet there and loaded the data onto it and turned back toward her. He wanted to reach out with both hands and pull her close for a long embrace but this was not the time and the bridge was certainly not the place, he turned the chair though and handed the PADD over to her. The feel of the skin of her fingers was electric, a thrill shot through his own fingers at the contact. It took several long seconds before the PADD cleared his grasp after which she straightened up and and assumed a more official look and posture. "Gotta go, work to do. Thanks, Jack." He smiled and nodded with another wink. "Anytime Ms. T'Vof" He watched her for a moment as she headed off the bridge while calling for her security teams then sighed and turned back to the station to return to his studies of the fourth planet, the Tch'kairn home world while he held a growing pang of worry at bay, she could take care of herself. He still didn't like it though, she was placing herself in danger but that was her job, his job demanded his immediate attention. Speaking of which, he tapped his combadge. "Mr. McKenzie while I study the data we have on the Tch'kairn home world I want you to pore over what we have and see if you can pinpoint any isolated areas the Tch'kairn resistance might be operating from. Chances are there will be a number of such areas but we can narrow the list down a bit by process of elimination." (Reply: Ken) "Yeah I don't expect to nail it down exactly but it will help us in the long run and give us a base to work from. I expect they are working very hard to NOT be found but we need to try." ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Hades - Deck 7, Tactical Office - ATAC Ensign (jg) Lo'ren T'Vof - 1946) Lo'ren arrived at her unofficial office. Baylon had given her run of the place since nearly the beginning of her posting to the ship. He had his own office already and didn't need a second so he graciously allowed his senior ATAC to commandeer them. Lo'ren copied the PADD in her hand to several more and onto the big screen behind the desk so she could work with her chosen teams on creating good strategems. The first to arrive was Crewman Ilis, Lo'ren nodded at the quietly intense Andorian chan. He nodded back, it was rare if he spoke and even rarer for him to string more than a few words together. Lo'ren found him a stalwart fighting companion and an extremely intuitive fighter. She passed him a PADD and he began running through the information. Both Petty Officer Morin and Chief Petty Officer Korvir arrived shortly after. Peter Jacob Morin had black hair, bright blue eyes and a ready smile, but Lo'ren had seen him at work and knew that he was a crack shot and hard to take down in close combat. Korvir was a Tarkalean and Lo'ren had seen him on many occasions in the sparring rooms. He was one of the best blademasters she'd seen. More PADDs got passed around as the last two arrived. Crewman Ilana Harvey was a dark skinned, diminuitive woman, she didn't even make the 5 foot mark, but she was a demolitions expert and her size and double-joints could get her in and out of the most curious of places. Lo'ren had seen her squeeze through a few holes on dares from other tactical and security staff that she'd been sure a cat couldn't get through. Ensign (jg) Grath was a bit larger, but he was a capable team leader and the Ktarian was of the subgroup that had exo-cranial ridges. Grath also tended to keep his claws razor sharp. After they'd all had a chance to review the materials Lo'ren, seated behind the desk, began explaining what was happenning. "You all have in your hands intel from the third and fifth planets in this system. We are going to be two strike teams - Grath will lead the team on the fifth planet and I will lead the team to the third planet. I have picked each of you for this mission because you all have at least one thing in common. You are good in close combat. "Grath, you have claws and cranial ridges and I've seen you use them in sparring - though thankfully against holodeck opponents only." This illicited a short chuckle from most in the room as Lo'ren continued, looking at each one as she mentioned their names. "Crewman ch'Ilis, you are known as an adept with an ushaan-tor. Morin, I've seen you with a pair of sai. Harvey, you excel with a kasuyu and I know Korvir favours a sappara from the acient Earth society known as Assyrian. "Each of you is fond of and well practiced with bladed weapons, with the exception of Grath, but you're well equipped non-the-less. The Waagoshin have proven themselves to favour hand to claw combat where they employ sharply clawed hands, feet and a deadly mouth full of teeth. Some of you may have witnessed the carnage they wreaked on your crewmates earlier this evening. I saw Jon Adams get rent to pieces on the station." Lo'ren grimaced, but held her anger in check. "You are all also trained in the heavy ordinace weaponry that Commander Straton made sure was on board this ship. "I want Ilis and Peter with me, Grath you'll have Korvir and Ilana. Now, let's get down to the business of war mogering people." With that the six ofthem started in on making their insertion plans and offering helpful information and insights for both teams. After a while, Lo'ren separated them into their relative teams and they finalized each plan, Lo'ren approving them both and dimissing her teams so they could prepare. She warned them to attach their weapons to themselves so that if they lost their blade in combat they would get it back with a short tug at the line. After the team had left Lo'ren rubbed her hand down her face and sighed before getting up and heading off to her quarters where her mek'leth still resided, not having made it's way into a box for transport to her now shared quarters with Jack. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Tch'Kair orbit - Orbital station -- Interrogation room- CMO Angeni O. Windsong-Trommashere- 1947) Angeni willed herself to go into the room, looking at her surroundings. She immediately made a bee-line for the chairs, and once she thought it was safe, she nudged the chair with her hip. The chair slid, but she could tell that it was secured to the floor somehow. A tenative tug revealed her answer, and she frowned. Even a tug at the table produced the same result. Angeni sat slowly in the chair, holding her back as she did. The cool metal of the chair eased some of the pain away as she sat, and she sighed gently. What do you think they did with the Captain?" she heard Darla ask. Angeni didn't want to think about it, didn't even want to hypothesize about the outcome, but she certainly wasn't in the business of lying. She inhaled sharply, pinching the bridge of her nose. "They are probably still interrogating him...hopefully. But knowing Sash, he'd never give anything up...willingly. My heart says that he's smashing his way through the Waagoshin, coming to our rescue, or at least made it back to the Hades...my mind on the other hand...lets just say I'm suprised that we are still alive at this point. "And the away team? Do you think they got back to the Hades?" Angeni nodded. "They had to have. I'm sure there was some sort of ambush party here as well as there was on the Hades. We never would've come here without the Waag doing something to them to keep the away team from crossing our path. Also, even if there was an ambush party, the minute we were beamed off the ship, they probably beamed the team back onto the ship...at least I hope that's what happened." Angeni glanced at the ceiling, looking at the electronic stuff that was up there. "Hey..." She nudged Darla gently, "What do you think that crap is?" (Reply Darla) Angeni furrowed her brow. She wanted to formulate a plan, but she was afraid that they were being listened to. She thought hard for a moment, then came up with an idea. Angeni turned to Darla, mouthing, 'Follow every third word'. Angeni took a deep breath, then started in. "What are you planning to think about when you will and can follow and get back at those evil, awful things that were up on Rigel there?" ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Tch'Kair orbit - Orbital station -- Interrogation room- aCEO LieutenantDarla Wright- 1949) "Hey..." Angeni nudged Darla gently, "What do you think that crap is?" Darla glanced back up at the equipment attached to the ceiling. "Listening equipment, monitors and such. Probably stuff that will record our brain waves and other biological responses so they can figure out if we're lying, if I were to guess. A really high-tech lie detector." She replied. The Cherokee woman looked confounded for a moment and then mouthed at her,'Follow every third word' before speaking, "What are you planning to think about when you will and can follow and get back at those evil, awful things that were up on Rigel there?" It took Darla a moment to put together the phrase, even with Angeni's blatantly obvious cue. ~You think you can get those things up there?~ she confirmed in her head. She thought for a moment and then formulated a phrase that would keep the pattern to convey the message, "If were I to do can with all certainly about the them should I but feel or think that maybe we could or are in the being state of watched under or through ancient is the act of observation for the room of then which may always means something that there could or will somehow seem be the end guards after and before when can I eat can see you get much much too many and far." --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Hades, personal quarters, Acting CMO Ensign Haywood Parker, 2002) More exhausted than he had ever been in his life, Haywood at last allowed himself to leave sick bay. At last, the medical crew had been able to stablize the surviving crew members, and it was at last time to start arranging for an ungodly number of funerals and family notifications. Stripping from head to toe the instant the doors of his quarters shut behind him, Haywood jumped on his sonic shower, relishing the feel of the blood and gore flaking away from his flesh. Yet, still, he felt somehow dirty. The entire day, back to his inability to detect danger aboard the Waagoshin ship, haunted him. Moving from his shower to his closet for a fresh set of clothes, Haywood reached for his COMM badge. He tapped it lightly with muscle fatigue to end all muscle fatigue. "Haywood Parker to Ana Ripley," He said softly, "Ana, I need to talk to you. My quarters, or yours?" ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Hades, Personal quarters, COUNS, Ensign Anamitra Ripley, 2003) Ana had just settled into her comfy chair with a nice cup of hot drinking chocolate to relax for a little while before the senior staff meeting. The first sip of the Mayan style drink was short-lived however as her commbadge chirped for attention. =^=Haywood Parker to Ana Ripley,=^= He said softly, =^=Ana, I need to talk to you. My quarters, or yours?=^= Fighting down an irrational irritation at being disturbed, she instead took a deep breath, centered herself. His words although a bit presumptive, screamed of a need to talk to someone at a very deep emotional level. That was what Ana did best. She tapped her commbadge and replied, "Ana here, I've just made some Mayan drinking chocolate and I'd love to have your company. How about my quarters?" (reply Haywood) "Excellent I'll see you then." She rose from her chair once the channel was closed and started a second cup of drinking chocolate. Then she crossed the room, recovered the now clean and mended lab jacket that Haywood had been wearing on the away mission. She had noted that it wasn't standard uniform and that it had a personalized embroidery over the left breast pocket. She therefore assumed that it was a personal artifact of some importance and when she had spotted it in the lab and discovered that Haywood had finally retired for the evening, she had decided to do what she could to restore it to it's original pristine condition. She quickly folded the article of clothing, then placed the large crystal that had been in it's pocket on top of the folded cloth. It was a nice good luck charm, and Ana was almost envious of the near perfection of that particular crystal. She'd have to get Haywood to share with her the item's significance some time. She had just finished, those tasks when the chime to her quarters sounded. "It's open!" she called out. "Come in!" The doors parted to admit Haywood and Ana headed into the kitchen to pour the drinking chocolate. She added a couple of sprinkles of cinnamon before returning to the central room. "Hello Haywood." she said smiling at him as she handed him the cup ofchocolate "Sit anywhere that you'd like." she said again gesturing to the wide variety of chairs and sofas in her common room, which sometimes doubled as an office in off-duty hours. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Hades, Personal quarters, ACMO Haywood Parker, 2004) =^=Ana here, I've just made some Mayan drinking chocolate and I'd love to have your ompany. How about my quarters?=^= Haywood had seen the way she'd looked in sickbay and was sure he was the last person on the ship she wanted to see. But, she sounded pleasant over the COMM and the offer was friendly. "I'll be right over." He said, eyeing the replicator in the corner and striding across the room to find a fresh jacket. =^=Excellent I'll see you then.=^= The connection went dead and Haywood took a moment to study his coat before slipping it over his shoulders. It wasn't part of the starfleet uniform, but was instead the jacket his father had given to him the day he left for the academy. It was mainly a rich deep royal blue with the ensignia of the Wave Lass emblazoned on the left side of the chest. On the right, his mother had somehow managed to muster enough patience to hand-sew in golden letters his initials and under it his nickname, "Hay." Staring at the jacket now, and after the carnage of the day, Haywood wasn't sure he should have made the decision to leave the ocean. Yes, he was used to blood and could put his adrenaline to fantastic use, but he'd never in his life imagined so much pain concentrated in so small a place. He shook it off and shrugged the jacket on. "Computer," he said, turning his full attention to the replicator. "I want the choclatey-est damn cake you've ever made." The computer chirped, and surprsingly complied without complaint. Just as the cake materialized, Haywood snatched it up and made his way out the door. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Hades - Ripley's quarters - ACMO Haywood Parker - 2007) Balancing the cake in one hand Haywood reached out for the door chime. "It's open!" Ana's voice resounded from within. "Come in!" The doors slid easily out of the way and Haywood stepped inside, immediately impressed by the room's decor. Where Haywood had been unable to get all of his things unpacked, Ana's quarters were a fantastic reflection of the personality he had so recently become familiar with. "Hello Haywood." She smiled, handing him a steaming cup of something that smelled divine. "Sit anywhere that you'd like." Cake in one hand, cup in the other, Haywood made his way quickly to the nearest couch and dropped himself carefully onto the cushions. "I seem to have forgotten plates and utensils," He said, indicating the cake with a nod of his head. "You mentioned chocolate, I thought a little more couldn't hurt." He gave her a genuine smile. (reply Ana) He allowed himself to relax, leaning back in the couch and breathing in sweet-smelling steam. "I saw you in sickbay this afternoon. You looked like you were taking it pretty hard. I wanted to make sure everything was okay." ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Hades - Ripley's quarters - COUNS - Ensign Anamitra Ripley- 2009) Ana noted with a slight smile that he had thought to bring a very rich looking chocolate cake along for the ride. He took his seat, juggling cake and drinking chocolate like a long-time veteran, careful the entire time not to disturb either. "I seem to have forgotten plates and utensils," He said, indicating the cake with a nod of his head. "You mentioned chocolate, I thought a little more couldn't hurt." He gave her a genuine smile. Ana couldn't help but smile back at him. It was as honest a smile as she had ever seen, warm, compassionate and caring. "Quite right." she said with a single nod of her head. She stepped over to the replicator, ordered up some plates some forks and a cake serving knife before returning to the chosen point of their discussion. She placed the items on a small table and then pulled the table into manageable reach of Haywood. "There we go, let's cut some cake shall we?" Ana accepted the cake from him, placed it on the table and with expert cake cutting skills managed to cut and transfer two generous slices of the rich and moist cake onto two saucers. Placing a fork in each one, she handed one of the newly equipped cake plates to her guest before taking up her own and settling back into her favorite chair, which interestingly enough was close to where Haywood had chosen to sit. Haywood took a deep breath, inhaling the aroma of the steaming drinking chocolate. While Ana took a forkful of cake and allowed it's chocolaty goodness to melt away some of her earlier distress. "I saw you in sickbay this afternoon. You looked like you were taking it pretty hard. I wanted to make sure everything was okay." he finally said. A statement of fact, no blame or indication that she had done anything wrong. She looked down at the cake for a few moments before placing it on the table between them. She then took a moment to sip some of her chocolate before replying. "That's true. I was taking it pretty hard. I know a lot of people on this ship. In an intimate personal way." she replied. "Ensign Enrich was telling me just yesterday how happy he was that he was a new uncle. And crewman Volex, she had just gotten engaged to her third husband. They were going to be married next month on Bolarus IX." she explained. "I watched them both die yesterday. All because some Waagoshin commander somewhere ordered his people to try to seize the ship. Maybe they wanted our technology. Maybe they wanted to know where the federation was so that they could try to enslave us too." Ana forced the anger that was building inside her from her voice, "Maybe they wanted a little sport. Whatever the reason, I must not have voiced my concerns loudly enough. Captain Sash and Commander Straton didn't understand my report maybe, or maybe I wasn't brutally honest enough to get my point across. Whatever the case, those people are dead now and it was at least in part my fault for not making it clear to the commanding officer how dangerous these Waagoshin really were." She paused for a few moments, taking another deep breath, still struggling to maintain the clinical facade that was quickly beginning to crumble. "It's a natural thing to grieve and to talk about the things that are bothering you. It helps the healing process. The long cry I had in the scrub room helped a lot, and I suspect that I'll get over it in time." (reply Haywood) He picked up her cake and took another bite of the delectable dessert. It was richer than any she'd ever had and was an excellent compliment to the drinking chocolate. "I know and you know Haywood that you need to talk about it as much as I did. You have feelings and thoughts about the events of the past few hours too. You were there in sickbay, you saw as much of the carnage as I did. Enough so that you left your embroidered lab jacket in the surgical bay." With that Ana rose from her feet, once again setting the almost too delicious cake on the table before crossing the room to pickup the lab coat and crystal that had been in it's pocket. "It was torn." she said, "I mended it. That activity helped a lot; gave me time to think about things." She placed it one the table in front of him and then placed the crystal on top of the folded clothes. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Hades - Ripley's quarters - ACMO Ensign Haywood Parker- 2010) Haywood sunk his face into his mug and was pleasantly greeted by a drink that tasted as great as it smelled. He listened carefully as Ana explained her stress and her loss. He supposed silently that he was luck to be so new and not to have so many connections. It must be difficult being a counselor and knowing so many crewmen on such a heightened level. She moved on to speculating the motives of the Waagoshin. "Maybe they wanted our technology. Maybe they wanted to know where the federation was so that they could try to enslave us too." "Maybe they wanted a little sport. Whatever the reason, I must not have voiced my concerns loudly enough. Captain Sash and Commander Straton didn't understand my report maybe, or maybe I wasn't brutally honest enough to get my point across. Whatever the case, those people are dead now and it was at least in part my fault for not making it clear to the commanding officer how dangerous these Waagoshin really were." She paused, seeming to dig for something deep inside herself and Haywood watched, his face hovering in the steam of his drink. "It's a natural thing to grieve and to talk about the things that are bothering you. It helps the healing process. The long cry I had in the scrub room helped a lot, and I suspect that I'll get over it in time." Haywood nodded. He was glad he had come. It seemed that though Ana worked to help lessen the burden of others, he own feelings often remained unheard. He imagined it was something counselors experienced often, though he didn't have any actual hard proof. He watched her pick up her cake. "I'm sorry," He said before dipping his face into his cup, "I know these things sometimes take a while." "I know and you know, Haywood, that you need to talk about it as much as I did." She seemed to sense his attempt to keep his emotions out of the mix. "You have feelings and thoughts about the events of the past few hours too. You were there in sickbay, you saw as much of the carnage as I did. Enough so that you left your embroidered lab jacket in the surgical bay." She got up to retrieve a neat pile of cloth"It was torn." she said, placing it neatly on the table before him, "I mended it. That activity helped a lot; gave me time to think about things." As she finished speaking she placed a peculiar crystal on top of the bundle treating it gently as not to cause it any damage. Haywood lifted an eyebrow and slid his half-empty cup onto the table next to his coat to free his hands. He picked up the crystal and began to run in across his fingers. It was a strange tidbit - beautiful, but strange. (reply Ana) Haywood looked up at her over the crystal. "It's not mine. I've never seen the thing before in my life." ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Hades - Ripley's quarters - COUNS - Ensign Anamitra Ripley- 2012) Haywood lifted an eyebrow and slid his half-empty cup onto the table next to his coat to free his hands. He picked up the crystal and began to run it across his fingers. "I suspected that it means a lot to you." She said as she watched him slowly stroke the clear stone in his hands. Haywood looked up at her over the crystal. "It's not mine. I've never seen the thing before in my life." "Not yours?" Ana said surprised, "It was in your jacket pocket, the one on the right." She pointed at the folded jacket. "I thought certainly it was yours." (reply Haywood) "Well if it doesn't belong to you, who does it belong to and how did it get there?" (reply Haywood) "Wait!" Ana suddenly said, her eyes lighting up like those of a child that had just discovered some wonderful strange things about the world. "You remember the incident in the corridor? You know the one where the Waagoshin attacked that Tch'Kairn worker?" (reply Haywood) "Do you think that the entire purpose for that little incident could have been to drop this crystal in your pocket maybe?" she asked, "Although I don't really remember that Tch'Kairn coming that close to you. It was closer to me really." She scrunched up her face a little. "Either way, it wouldn't be impossible.I mean Cardassians store data on rods, and there are at least thirteen Federation member worlds that use specialized crystals. Do you think that it could be some sort of data crystal?" (reply Haywood) "If so we need to get it to someone who knows what to do with it. Maybe Lieutenant Trinin? He's in charge of security. That way if its dangerous somehow he can check it out first?" she continued suddenly very excited over the find. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Hades, Bridge, ACSO Ensign (JG) Kenneth McKenzie, 20:28 hours.) [File transfer complete.] The Computer said. Kenny smiled. This was all the data Crewperson Jess Arbougher and himself had complied over the period of over an hour. It was also all that they thought they had found within the good reach of the Hades for a safe haven. he turned to Jess. "Thank you, Crewperson." he said. "I'm going over to take this to the ACSO. Wait here, he might have another task for us." "Aye Sir." she said. Kenny took up the PADD which contained the data they had collected and headed over to Jericho. He was not sure about any form of safe haven. Although this part of the universe had meany phenomena, most of it was either violent or just not suitable for a large combat ship to hide in, but fascinating in other ways. Kenny had not got to study most of them in detail while looking, since he has been concentrating on the properties which could help the Hades hide. He would go over the extra data in more detail later on. "Sir." he said as he aproched Jericho. "I have the data about a safe haven here." He handed the PADD to Jericho. "In short, we scanned many objects within several light-years on our side. There is quite a bit, but several show promise. There is one Class Eleven nebula not far from here. It had a large quantity of sirillium as well as several properties to mask warp trails, but that's all. However, if the Wagoshiin got close enough, they would see us as bright as the sun, so it's a risk. But it's also close to the planets by only an hour." (reply CSO Haynes) "There is an alternative." Kenny said, pointing on the PADD to another file. "A Class Nine nebula, although it's about a day away, it's full of elements which confuse most types of sensor technology. It's thick with it, and, in my opinion, the best to hide in. The Wagoshiin would have to be right on top of us before they found us." (reply CSO Haynes) "Also of note, Sir, is one of the moons of Planet Five, the water planet, is so large and it gives off a certain mild radiation which our scanners are having trouble getting past. It's not deadly to organic matter, but we believe it to be natural, so if it confuses our sensors, it might do the same to the Wagoshiin." (reply CSO Hanyes) "One more, Sir, is an asteroid belt, not far from the third planet, a small belt, part of it is caught in the gravity of the planet, acting like a half-ring. They are not violently moving, and the Hades is small enough to navigate within it, but a head on hit would still be deadly. I brought it up, however, as it's right within the middle of the system, meaning if we need to go to any plant, we would have an almost equal distance to go in any direction. Of course, these are just the main ones, Sir, there are plenty of others on that PADD. Anything else I can do?" ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ (USS Hades, Bridge, CSO Jericho Haynes 20:28.5) "Sir." he said as he aproched Jericho. "I have the data about a safe haven here." Jack took the PADD the scientist offered. "In short, we scanned many objects within several light-years on our side. There is quite a bit, but several show promise. There is one Class Eleven nebula not far from here. It had a large quantity of sirillium as well as several properties to mask warp trails, but that's all. However, if the Wagoshiin got close enough, they would see us as bright as the sun, so it's a risk. But it's also close to the planets by only an hour." 'Hmmm." Jack said. "Not good, they are going to be thick as thieves in that area shortly, what else?" "There is an alternative." Kenny said, pointing on the PADD to another file. "A Class Nine nebula, although it's about a day away, it's full of elements which confuse most types of sensor technology. It's thick with it, and, in my opinion, the best to hide in. The Wagoshiin would have to be right on top of us before they found us." "Better but awfully far away." Jack noted. "I'll see that the commander gets this." "Also of note, Sir, is one of the moons of Planet Five, the water planet, is so large and it gives off a certain mild radiation which our scanners are having trouble getting past. It's not deadly to organic matter, but we believe it to be natural, so if it confuses our sensors, it might do the same to the Wagoshiin." "A good point to remember for later. "Jack said. "Good work Mr. McKenzie, is there anything else?" "One more, Sir, is an asteroid belt, not far from the third planet, a small belt, part of it is caught in the gravity of the planet, acting like a half-ring. They are not violently moving, and the Hades is small enough to navigate within it, but a head on hit would still be deadly. I brought it up, however, as it's right within the middle of the system, meaning if we need to go to any planet, we would have an almost equal distance to go in any direction. Of course, these are just the main ones, Sir, there are plenty of others on that PADD. Anything else I can do?" Jack nodded. "Just the scans I requested for possible Tch'kairn resistance hiding places Ensign, I'd like to narrow down the possibilities to less than a dozen if possible. Have you had any luck there?" (Reply: Ken) Jack shook his head. "Get back to work on it then, I'm busy with the system overview and compiling the data for the report so I don't have a hand or brain cell to spare. I'd like to have it narrowed down so that we can give the commander a report on it during the briefing, this is your baby so you'll be doing the presentation. Make sure you have it neatly wrapped up. We may need the Tch'kairn's help before this is over and the closer we can get to finding them the better. (Reply: Ken) Jack turned back to his work then as the man walked away, Ken had hardly returned to his station when his combadge activated. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Hades, Ready Room, aCO Commander Eva Straton, 20:30) The Hades was hidden safely, after cleaning her plate she turned her attention to other matters that she felt needed to be addressed before the ship went back into combat. She quickly tapped her comm-badge. "Lt. Haynes, please report to the Ready Room." (Reply Haynes) It didn't take long for the door buzzer to go off announcing Lt.Haynes arrival. "Enter," Eva called, still seated behind the desk. Shewatched as Haynes walked in remembering the last time he had reported in to her in less than top form. "At ease Lt." Eva said. "Take a seat." She motioned to one of the chairs in front of the desk. "In a matter of hours this ship will be going into a combat situation and she will need a First Officer, even if only an Acting First Officer. After some deliberation, I have decided to appoint you as Acting First Officer. With the appointment comes a field promotion to full Lieutenant." Eva pushed a small box containing the gold pip toward Haynes. "Do you have any questions Number One?" ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ (USS Hades, Bridge, CSO Jericho Haynes, 20:31) The bridge had been cleared and scrubbed but it couldn't scrub clean the memory of the horrors Jack had witnessed while the ship was under his watch and that was bothering him. There had been little he could do under the circumstances still it was no comfort. At this time they were hidden and ready to plan their rescue of the Captain and other officers. He shuddered to think of what might lay in store for Angeni and Darla while in the clutches of such berserk animals while in their custody. ~No not animals Jack, sentients no matter their outward appearance but animal-like in their behavior... yes. Thank goodness Lo'ren got back aboard safely, no telling what she might have done if they had laid hands on her.~ She had her own horrific memories to endure, what if they had tried some such with her? ~She would have taken down a few before they killed her~ And he would have been alone again. =^= Lt. Haynes, please report to the Ready Room.=^= The summons snapped his mind back to the present. "I'm on my way Commander." He got up and strode across the bridge, slowing just enough to pass by Lo'ren and squeeze her shoulder and give her a wan smile before making for the Ready room door. (Reply: Lo'ren iyw) At the door he reached up and tapped the buzzer as he wondered what she might have to say. ~Are you in trouble old boy for that debacle? Wouldn't be surprised, you were nominally in command at the time, this can't look good for the record. A little *** chewing might be coming... if you're lucky. If not you might find yourself out of a job.~ He took a deep breath as the door slid open then forced his feet to move. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Hades, Bridge, ATAC Ensign (jg) Lo'ren T'Vof, 20:32) Lo'ren had worked with Trinin on the Tactical report, there were a few interesting suggestions as to how to proceed; she'd finished her personalaway mission report, happily reporting about the Niglik and not so happily reporting about the death of a fellow officer. She'd gotten a new uniform, getting out of the other made her feel a little better as her sensitive nose was no longer assaulted by the stench from the waste reclamation centre. She'd even sent a request to Ana for an appointment when it was convienient- she needed to get a better grip on herself and self-monitoring wasn't working. ~It worked fine when you were a linguist, but it's gotten steadily worse since you turned to Tactical, maybe you should be a diplomat and fight that way.~ Lo'ren was doubting herself at the very moment Jack came around to her station and squeezed her shoulder. ~Then again...~ Lo'ren forgot her brooding for a moment, ~you wouldn't have him.~ She looked up and smiled,putting her hand over his briefly before he walked off to enter the dragon's den. She sensed his resignation to the task and sympathized, she was ready to be chewed out about the fiasco on the station and the carnage that had been the bridge was likely what Jack was being called on the carpet for. Lo'ren turned and looked at the Ready Room doors, waiting and growing curious as she sensed her love's submission turn to confusion and shock and later to a quiet pride laced with resolve. Lo'ren smiled, whatever it was a whole lot better than she'd anticipated - or had Jack. She turned back to her console, content to find out when she find out what had transpired. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Hades, Ready Room, CSO Jericho Haynes, 20:33) Her face was insrutable as he made his way to the desk, as a matter of fact he detected a fleeting look of disapproval which made him tense. ~Relax Jack and take it like a man.~ He caught himself before he started to cross his arms across his chest defensively and came to attention instead smoothly. Screwing up here would just make things worse in the long run on top of his former gaffes and he was ****ed if he would allow that to happen. His starfleet past was dead and buried starting from this moment, he was going to start acting like the officer who had left the academy and entered the fleet with a bright future, not a broken-down could have been. "At ease Lt. Take a seat." She motioned to one of the chairs in front of the desk. Jack's face showed an instant of surprise at the invitation but he nodded and complied. ~Could this be a good thing or is she setting me up?~ He forced himself to sit easily without squirming. "In a matter of hours this ship will be going into a combat situation and she will need a First Officer, even if only an Acting First Officer. After some deliberation, I have decided to appoint you as Acting First Officer. With the appointment comes a field promotion to full Lieutenant." His mind had gone blank at her words, he looked in shock at the small box she pushed across the desk toward him. "Do you have any questions Number One?" Questions? He had a thousand questions screaming through his conciousness at the moment, all jumbled up and hard to seperate. "Commander..." He grabbed hold of himself before he started stammering like a fool, his tongue would have faltered as they all tried to tumble out at once. "I don't understand... Lieutenant Trinin." he paused for an instant. "...is more qualified." (Reply: Eva) His eyes left her face and looked down at the box. "I understand sir." He picked up the box as she regarded him. Looking back into her face he spoke. "Thank you Commander, I will acquit myself with honor." There would be a LOT to learn about the position and he had little time, he would have to think fast on his feet and he could do it. He WOULD do it, too much was at stake here to make a mistake. "What about my duties in the science department?" ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Hades, Ready Room, aCO Commander Eva Straton, 20:34) "Commander..." Lt Haynes stammered. "I don't understand...Lieutenant Trinin." he paused for an instant. "...is more qualified." Eva raised a brow slightly giving Haynes a stern look before answering. "I need Lt. Trinin in his current position. As the senior tactical\security officer on board I will be needing him solely in that position precluding him from the position of First Officer." "I understand sir." Haynes replies as he picked up the box. Looking back into her face he spoke. "Thank you Commander, I will acquit myself with honor." "I will accept nothing less from you Lieutenant," Eva replied evenly. "What about my duties in the science department?" Lt. Haynes asked next. "I'm afraid I will need you to pull double duty there," She replied. "Ensign McKenzie shows promise, but still lacks experience. I'm going to need your experience leading the Science department. With Ensign McKenzie you have a strong assistant, so I don't foresee a lot of problems in that area. Do you?" ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Hades, Ready Room, aFO Jericho Haynes, 20:35) "I'm afraid I will need you to pull double duty there," Commander Straton replied. "Ensign McKenzie shows promise, but still lacks experience. I'm going to need your experience leading the Science department. With Ensign McKenzie you have a strong assistant, so I don't foresee a lot of problems in that area. Do you?" Jack shook his head as he replied. "No sir." He flipped the lid of the box open with one finger and looked at the shiny gold pip inside, it seemed to gleam enticingly. Turning his eyes back to her he spoke again. "Are there any further instructions sir?" (Reply: Eva) Nodding he rose to his feet, the salute he threw her was more reminiscent of a man from a former time, a man who hadn't gone through the horrors he had endured the last three years. The memories were still there and sharp, they would always be there but they were fading slowly as they should. His children and wife would always hold a special place in his heart but his life was moving forward and he was needed here ... in this time and he would fulfill his duties with all his strength. "Till the meeting then sir." (Reply: Eva) Turning sharply on his heel he made his way to the door which led back to the bridge. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Hades, Bridge, aFO Jericho Haynes, 20:37) He stepped back into the bustling nerve center of the ship and looked about from a new perspective similiar to the one he had felt when he had sat in the command chair earlier that day. This wasn't his bridge or his ship but it taken on a whole new 'feel' in the last few minutes. The duties he had taken on would be demanding and reqjuire a lot of study, he didn't have time for that now but he would spend a great deal of his off time playing catchup. The small box was in his right hand, he clenched his fist around it. He didn't want to make a show of it so he tried to move naturally, bringing it up before him and opening it. With his left hand he removed the hollow pip from his collar and placed it in the box them removed the 'solid' pip and set it in its place. He knew it was only his imagination but it seemed to sit heavier there. At this point there was nothing else to do but go back to the researches he had been conducting so he closed the box and placed it in hs pocket before throwing a look and smile in Lo'ren's direction and turing back toward science 1. There would be time for talk later. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Hades - Bridge - ATAC Ensign (jg) Lo'ren T'Vof - 20:38) Lo'ren looked up from her console when the doors to the Ready Room swished open. She didn't notice if anyone else had, but Jack's emotional state had made swift enough shifts that she was curious. There was a resolve in him that hadn't been there before and it piqued her interest. She watched as he slowly brought up a box he had clutched in his hand and flipped it open. He looked at it for a moment before he exchanged the hollow pip on his collar for the solid pip in the box. Lo'ren grinned, of all the things she might have guessed, a promotion was pretty far down the list. She had her suspicions about the rest, but she was sure they'd come out eventually. Jack flashed her a smile that, had she been standing, would have weakened her knees. As it was, she ended up with butterflies in her stomach. For a moment she contemplated how one person could make her feel like a teenager and yet still very much a woman with one small gesture, then it was back to work. Before she returned fully to her tasks however, she sent off a text message to Jack, now seated back at the science console. [I do believe congratulations are in order. I'm proud of you, my love.] She didn't sign it, but didn't feel the need. Jack would know who it was from. Lo'ren let herself float in that particular set of emotions. The strain of the day and the negative emotions that had run high throughout were wearing her down and she welcomed the soothing balm of a pleasant event. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Hades, Ready Room, SciO, Ensign Harry Doorman, 2040) Harry reached out an tentatively pressed the enunciator for the ready room door. The ship's computer had told him that Commander Straton was there. Word had also been passed that there was going to be a senior staff meeting in a little over 15 minutes. Harry, though not senior staff wanted to be certain that he would be at that meeting and participating in any actions to rescue the away team. "Not a particularly physical person, in regards to phasers or self defense, Harry would normally not volunteer for such a potentially hazardous mission. Leaving it instead to the people that handled that sort of thing normally. But this was not a normal situation. The Waagoshin, had kidnapped, not just the captain and the Chief Engineer.They had kidnapped his girlfriend. The woman that he loved. That more than made up for the lack of training in his own opinion. And his resolve was set and his mind made up. If there was any chance of recovering Angeni, then he would be on that mission, with or without the permission of the acting Commander. Of course there was no reason to push his luck. He could at least ask Straton to allow him to go along. Maybe she'd say yes. And if she didn't well, Harry would have to deal with that problem when it happened, because he wasn't about to sit idly by and let some Waagoshin hurt his Angeni without a fight. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Hades - Bridge - aFO/CSO Jericho Haynes Day 18- 20:40.5) Jack sat down at his station as the maintenance crew was finishing up the last of the repairs to the bridge's master control. Engineer Dale Gray's legs were sticking out from under the the bridge station to his right and he was muttering something scathing. Jack shook his head with a smile and activated the console which he had placed on standby earlier. "I'd like to get my hands on one of those monsters..." Jack's attention was drawn back to the engineer who was pulling himself back out. The mans hair was mussed from being pressed against the bulkhead as he was calibrating the control matrix beneath. Dale slid around and was replacing the access panel when he replied. "Wouldn't we all Mr. Gray." Dale grunted and gave him a sideways look with his chin pressed against the outside edge of the console. There was a click as the magnetic lock activated then the man straightened himself before stretching backwards with his hands on his hips then turned his attention back to Jack. "What are our chances for getting the Captain and the others back do you think?" There was deep concern in the mans voice and his eyes were hard. Jack gave him a hard-eyed look in response. "Oh, it will be done all right, the only question in my mind is how many of those savages we send to that great kennel in the sky in the process." The reply grin was grim. "If I can help at all just let me know." Jack's eyes traveled over the man's dirty uniform and haggard appearance. "You've done your share Mr. Gray and more, thanks for all the hard work you guys have put into making the bridge ship-shape." Dale shook his head then placed his hands on the edge of the station and pulled himself to his feet then stooped down and grabbed his tool pouch. "I meant in other ways Lieutenant, if Commander Straton needs any engineers for anything to do with the rescue please be so kind as to put my name in the hat for consideration." His eyes bored into Jack's. "I've been with this ship since it was launched sir and on the Mystique before it when the command and crew were transferred here. I've seen one Captain lost on a mission and would gladly traipse through hell barefoot holding a 'kick me' sign before I lose another." He took a deep breath as Jack nodded. "And I mean every word sir, please keep me in mind." "Of course." Jack's eyes followed the man as he sucked in a breath and began leaving, headed for a shower and a meal no doubt. Dale Grey had volunteered to stay up and help with the repairs after the battle when he should have returned to his interrupted sleep cycle, he would be officially back on duty in less than two hours. He turned his eyes back to the console then and noted a blinking light demanding his attention, he pressed a button to check the message. [I do believe congratulations are in order. I'm proud of you, my love.] The smile wasn't devil may-care this time, Gray's determination and resolve had rubbed off on him it seemed but knowing she was thinking of him was life affirming. Sighing and rotating his shoulders to remove the tension he tapped in a reply. [Thanks kitten. We'll talk more about this later, I'm sure the rest of the story will come out in the meeting which I don't have time to go into now. Got to get everything ready for departmental reports.] That wasn't all that was on his mind of course as he continued. [Can't tell you how much I was relieved that you returned to the ship unharmed, don't know what I would do without you besides go totally to pieces.] That pretty much summed it up, after finishing he sent the reply back to her as he allowed his feelings for her to well up inside him while he began poring over the data from the system. The eccentric orbit of the outer planet was no doubt due to a great extent to the great gravitational pull of its much larger neighbor but that was esoteric information, more pertinent was the richness of water and life in this system. Planets three through five orbited the class F dwarf white star well within its habitable zone but that wasn't all. Planet five was classified as a water world due to the preponderence of the liquid and the small percentage of its surface which was covered by land mass. The small percentage was offset though by the mass and size of the planet which was nearly four times greater than that of Earth. The surface area of the four major continents and islands then almost rivaled that of Terra. The volume of the oceans then being 5.4054 to the ninth power kilometers cubed with a mass of 5.265 to the eighteenth power metric tons of which 98.3% was saline according to preliminary analysis. Planet four also known as Tch'kair meaning home of the people or the Tch'kairn was also larger than Earth at approximately 1.4 times its mass and density with a slightly larger land mass due to only a slightly larger composition of surface water at seventy two point four percent. The dense atmospheres of both planets four and five were also nitrogen/ oxygen with planet four holding a richer oxygen content at twenty eight percent. The oxygen content of planet four was only marginally smaller at 27.2 percent. Mineral composition of the two planets could be arrived at using a mass spectrometer to give a general reading however their complete composition would require planetary surveys and several years of investigation. Planet three was more in keeping with the usual planetary findings being for the most part barren desert with little surface water which was in the form of ice at the poles. The proportion of water to surface area was only approximately two point eight percent and with the thin carbon dioxide atmosphere mentioned before brought on by surface emissions from the interior of the planet. It was slightly smaller than Earth and more closely related to Mars. Planets one and two were in the stars 'hot' zone and were barren, scorched orbs devoid of atmosphere or life. Water was a valuable commodity everywhere and finding such rich planets within a solar system was rare, the system then was strategically invaluable to the Waagoshin outside of any mineral riches to be found within, no wonder the predators had this solar system so heavily defended. It was likely the Tch'kairn had colonized the fourth planet soon after thay had attained space flight capability so the dearth of surface buildings looked to back up Ensign McKenzie's theory of a people who made their habitations below ground. Space ports though would be necessary so the Waagoshin bastions located on those worlds were no doubt originally built by the Tch'kairn and converted to Waagoshin use. Both planets were also orbited by a large number of artificial satellites which was right in line with a civilization which had made great use of their entrenched resources. The number of Tch'kairn must have originally been huge, numbering in the tens of billions. Did they still reside in the system in such great numbers or had the Waagoshin slaughtered them wholesale into more manageable numbers before enslaving them? His mind was sure the latter was correct but his whole being was revolted at the thought. Could they have been so savage, so cruel as to lay waste to life on such a scale? The answer judging from their behavior would seem to be obvious. Planetary mapping had been in its initial stages during their time around the Waagoshin station so there wasn't a lot of surface detail, enough though to give any invading teams enough intelligence to do their job, a full mapping of the surfaces of these worlds would have to wait till a more opportune time. Jack would love to be in on the survey, it would be a fascinating project. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ (USS Hades, Ready Room, aCO Commander Eva Straton, 20:41) Eva was reading over the away team reports while sipping some iced tea. She wanted to be fully up to speed on everything that had happened to the away team on the station before the senior officers meeting. When the door buzzer went off interrupting her reading she looked up at the door with a sigh. "Enter," She said evenly, setting her drink and the PADD down on the desk. She watched through narrowed eyes as Ensign Doorman walked into the room. It was unusual for the reclusive scientist to seek her out piquing Eva's curiosity. "What can I do for you Ensign?" She asked. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Hades, Ready Room, SciO Ensign Harry Doorman, 2042) The door to the ready room slid open with a nearly inaudible hiss and Harry gathered his courage and stepped across the threshold with all the conviction that he could muster. To say that Eva intimidated him was an understatement of the century. Her reputation as a tougher-than-nails Marine Commander had been well earned and Harry realized that he really didn't possess many of the skills or attributes that such a person might look for in a capable officer. Still, he was here for a purpose and that purpose was all that really mattered to him. "What can I do for you Ensign?" She asked. Harry came to a stop a few feet short of her desk and came to attention, he'd been advised that Eva liked that sort of thing, before answering. "Commander, I know you're busy, so I won't keep you long." he began falling back on a routine that he had used time and time again through his fleet service. "I'd like to volunteer for the rescue effort," then to clarify his meaning he added, "To rescue Captain Sash and the others." ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Hades, Ready Room, aCO Commander Eva Straton, 20:43) "Commander, I know you're busy, so I won't keep you long." EnsignDoorman said, obviously more than a little nervous, but Eva also sensed that he was determined. "I'd like to volunteer for the rescue effort," then to clarify his meaning he added, "To rescue Captain Sash and the others." Eva's brow rose slightly at the atypical request. Ensign Doorman was not known for volunteering for combat missions. She was well aware of his record and his poor phaser and combat skills. She knew immediately that something was up. "Why?" She asked simply, watching his response very carefully. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Hades, Ready Room, SciO Ensign Harry Doorman- 2044) Eva's brow rose slightly at the atypical request. "Why?" She asked simply, as she scrutinized him. "A couple of reasons actually commander. Captain Sash has saved my life more times that I can name and I feel I owe him an effort to do the same for him, but that's not the most important reason for my request." Harry paused, looked her right in the eyes and said simply, "If you've ever been in love commander, I know you'd understand that I need to do everything in my limited power to see to it that Angeni... Doctor Trommashere comes out of this alive and well. And if that's not possible, then I'll die trying." "I haven't told her, yet." he continued, " I wasn't even really sure myself until I found out that she'd been taken. I don't want to have the regret of not being there for her in her time of need, of not telling her how I feel. It's important to me." He continued, "I know I'm not really qualified for this sort of thing, I'm not great with a phaser and I can barely fight my way out of a wet paper sack, but I think that determination and tenacity can make up for those shortcomings. Besides, I have other skills that can be handy." "Please commander, make this easy on me and give me permission, because if you tell me I can't go, you might as well kill me now, because I'll only end up breaking orders and getting myself killed trying to do something cavalier." ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Hades, Bridge - ATAC Ensign (jg) Lo'ren T'Vof - Day 18, 20:45) Lo'ren read the return message from Jack with a gentle smile, and recognized the hints of greater responsibility inherent in the message - or was that from his emotional state? In any case, she felt the stirring of love from him and the tint of concern - even if allayed by her current safety, that he had for her. She knew as well as he did though, that they both had jobs to do and she was reminded of a conversation that seemed almost ages ago. ~I expect you to follow orders, and that is exactly what you did.~ She'd been afraid for him then, as now, but now she was getting a better understanding. Lo'ren used that reminder to help her focus and kept an eye on the scanners as they searched for Waagoshin activity. The dogs of war had been searching their last visible position and were slowly widening the search and breaking off portions of their fleet; not so much that they were individual ships but smaller battle groups. ~If we could get them to stay separated... maybe withour diversions.~ She filed away the information for the upcoming meeting and took a moment to work out a crick in her neck. When she looked up again, the very same man who made her feel like she'djust made her Itanu was standing next to her. He smiled down and winked at her as he spoke. "Care to accompany me to the lounge for the meeting Ms.T'Vof?" She smiled back and picked up the stack of PADDs she was taking to the meeting, smaller than Jack's but still enough. "Yes, I think I will, sir."She spoke with a slight impishness to her voice, pausing before she said'sir'; she meant it to tell him she was more than just happy to accompany him. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Hades - Bridge- aFO/CSO Jericho Haynes Day 18- 20:50) Armed with the voluminous reports which he had compiled from the scientific scans and PADD in hand Jack stopped by Lo'ren station and stood by her till she looked up. "Care to accompany me to the lounge for the meeting Ms. T'Vof?" The bridge was no place for intimacies but his wink countered the formal phrasing of his request. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Hades - Observation Lounge- aFO/CSO Jericho Haynes Day 18- 20:51) Rather than his normal place he set the PADD to the right of the head of the table before moving to the replicator to grab a glass of water. This meeting was vital to their immediate future, he hoped everyone was ready to chip in with ideas that would fool-proof the plans that were made. The prelude to the extraction of the Captain, Angeni and Lt. Wright would be dangerous in the extreme with little margin for error, they would have to be prepared for any eventuality and ready to carry out those plans with 'extreme prejudice'. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Hades, Observation Lounge - ATAC Ensign (jg) Lo'ren T'Vof - Day 18,20:52) The walk to the observation lounge was all too short, but when they arrived they looked to be the first to do so. Jack deposited his materials on the table - Lo'ren took note of where he'd chosen to place his things - and headed to the replicator and she followed suit. She ordered a mango juice for herself and while she waited for it to appear she touched a hand to the back of Jack's arm, almost to reassure herself that he was indeed there. She'd heard from her teams that he'd been on the bridge when the attack began and she had felt higly relieved for his safety. Without his now constant emotional presence in her own mind she would have certainly died fighting on that station, her anger such that she'd have leapt at Knars and his compatriots without any thought whatsoever. She returned to the table and seated herself, caring little for where but that she was close to Jack. She spent the next moments reviewing the insertion teams' plans as the other senior staff and assistants arrived. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Hades - Obervation Lounge - aCEO Ensign (jg) Eoin Mac Liam - 20:53) Eoin came into the observation lounge, the third one to arrive. He had changed out of his jumpsuit, and had a PADD in his hand. By the time he sat down at the table next to Lo'ren, he had completely switched gears. No longer was he the repairman in charge of getting the warp engines up to scratch, but the face of his department. He had left the rest of the repairs to Crewman Everett, whom he knew could handle it. The good news what, however, that the repairs by this point were almost done. That meant Eoin could focus more on the tasks now at hand. His team had done a great job, and he'd be ready to report that as soon as he was called on to do so. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Hades, Observation lounge, - aCTAC/CSEC Lieutenant Baylon Trinin -2054) Baylon was running a little later than he had anticipated. With the sudden revelation of a means to communicate with the Tch'Kairn underground now within his grasp, Baylon had forwarded the data to commander Straton and set about putting together a more detailed wish list for the missions. He had ordered cases of weapons and equipment loaded up in anticipation of being given the green light to assault the planetary defenses not only on the third and fifth planets but also on the Tch'Kairn home world as well. He stepped into the doors with a brisk pace already set, almost too fast for the doors to open in time and gave a quick glance around the room. He smiled when he noted that Jack was a full lieutenant, and that both Mac Liam and T'Vof had arrived before he had done so. He gave them a nod and took his normal seat two seats to the left of the captain's chair. It did not escape Baylon's notice that Haynes was sitting in the seat normally reserved for the first officer, which meant that either he was committing a serious faux pas or he was the acting first officer. ~Better him than me~ Baylon thought to himself, I'd much rather be in the thick of it causing havoc and making the Waagoshin rue the day they betrayed us.~ He settled into his seat and waited for the others to arrive and the meeting to begin. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Hades, Observation lounge, - COUNS Ensign Anamitra Ripley - 2055) Ana walked into the observation lounge her usual five minute early. Sheoften found that if she was much earlier that people somehow felt uncomfortable talking with her. She noted the very busy looks on the faces of the officers present and rather than taking her seat right away, she went over to the replicator and made herself a nice Café Mocha with extra chocolate. Clutching her hot cup in her hand she moved over to the seat she normally sat at, making a mental note of the difference in positions assumed by Haynes and T'Vof. She had a good understanding what it meant and decided that until something was announced that it wouldn't be quite right to say anything just yet. She closed her eyes for a moment, cleared her mind and took three deep cleansing breaths before opening them once again. She was now ready for the briefing to begin. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ end compile