Compile summary ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stardate: 2408.07.29 (USS Hades, Transporter room, - Provisional Governor K'thartek & Advisor Lupo Dal & Captain Vazkak- 1304) (USS Hades - Deck 10, Ten Forward Lounge, aCO Commander Eva Straton, 13:22) (USS Hades - Deck 10, Ten Forward Lounge - aFO/CSO Lt. Jericho Haynes - 1324 (USS Hades, Ten Forward, - Provisional Governor K'thartek & Advisor Lupo Dal & Captain Vazkak- 1325) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stardate: 2413.09.08. (USS Hades, Main Engineering - ACEO Ensign Eoin Mac Liam - 14:48) (USS Hades, Main Engineering - Engineer Ensign (jg) Arysha Tethlin - 14:49) (USS Hades, Main Engineering - ACEO Ensign Eoin Mac Liam - 14:50) (USS Hades, Observation Lounge, aCEO- Lieutenant Darla Wright & COUNS Ensign Anamitra Ripley, 1548) --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stardate: 2413.09.23 (USS Hades - Deck 2, Personal Quarters - CTAC Ensign Lo'ren T'Vof - 0534) (USS Hades - Deck 2, Personal Quarters - FO/CSO Jericho Haynes - 0538) (USS Hades - Deck 2, Personal Quarters - CTAC Ensign Lo'ren T'Vof - 0539) (USS Hades - Deck 2, Personal Quarters - FO/CSO Jericho Haynes- 0542) (USS Hades, Bridge, FO/CSO Jericho Haynes, 0711) (USS Hades, Security Offices, CSEC, Lieutenant Baylon Trinin, 0712) (USS Hades – Marine Staging Center – Lt Col Drizzt -0714) (USS Hades, Bridge, CTAC Ensign Lo'ren T'Vof, 0718) (USS Hades, Bridge. CO Captain Eva Straton, 15:15) (USS Hades, Bridge. FO/CSO Jericho Haynes 1515.5) (USS Hades, Ready Room, CO Captain Eva Straton, 15:16) (USS Hades, Bridge - CTAC Ensign Lo'ren T'Vof, 15:17) (USS Hades, Ready Room, FO/CSO Jericho Haynes , 15:18) (USS Hades - Marine Staging Center - 15:18.5) (USS Hades - Main Engineering - ACEO Ensign Eoin Mac Liam - 15:19) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Stardate: 2413.09.25 (USS Hades - Deck 2, Personal Quarters - CTAC Ensign Lo'ren T'Vof - 19:16) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- begin compile Stardate: 2408.07.29 (USS Hades, Transporter room, - Provisional Governor K'thartek & Advisor Lupo Dal & Captain Vazkak- 1304) Lo'ren chuckled slightly, "Well, sir, in general the Federation is home to primarily bi-pedal species that range in height from 4 feet to 7 feet, but there are several species that are part of the Federation that fall outside that norm. We try to make everyone as comfortable as possible." "I see, I do suppose that the size of the room is really a relative thing." he responded with twist of his head. "If you'll follow me, I have permission to take you on a route that gives you a very brief partial tour and then we shall meet Commander Straton for the more formal part of the festivities." Lo'ren swept an arm out as she stepped into the sensor area for the door, swishing it open and waiting for the visitors. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Hades - Deck 10, Ten Forward Lounge, aCO Commander Eva Straton, 13:22) "Commander Straton, may I present Governor K'thartek and Advisor Lupo Dal of the Tch'Kairn Provisional Government and Captain Vazkak of the Niglik Merchant Fleet." Lo'ren said, stepping aside as she introduced their visitors. Eva stepped forward and bowed slightly. "Welcome aboard Governor K'thartek, Advisor Lupo Dal , and Captain Vazkak," She said looking at each of them in turn. "Allow me to introduce the rest of our senior officers." Eva then went through and introduced the rest of the senior staff, though Zzt seemed a little nervous at the sight of the Tch'Kairn. Eva scowled at him, giving his dress uniform tunic a sharp tug to get his attention, which immediately calmed the giant ursinoid. With the introductions over, Eva turned back to the visiting dignitaries. "We have prepared a banquette in your honor," She said,"There are several dishes from worlds from around the Federation for you to sample. We have even tried our hand at some local Tch'Kairn dishes. You will have to judge how well we did with them however. Please take some time to get to know my officers and let them get to know you." ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Hades - Deck 10, Ten Forward Lounge - aFO/CSO Lt. Jericho Haynes - 1324) The senior staff had been assembled in the lounge for a rather festive occasion, it was unfortunate that the celebratory mood was muted because of a very prominent death, not to mention the others who had died in the cause of liberty for this new world the federation vessel had encountered. Jack was in full dress uniform for the occasion as were the others and the lounge had been upscaled for the occasion. Linen table cloths and silver cutlery adorned the tables and the finest crystal and china available on the ship and/or replicated set out for their extremely important guests. While many civilizations would have sent a security detail to escort and guard their VIP's it was expected that the Tch'kairn and Niglik representatives would be arriving alone as befitted peaceful races who had just been through the fiery crucible of combat with their new allies. A great deal of trust had ensued between the worthies for several reasons even though they had different motives for massing their forces. The sacrifice of the captain had after all enabled those held captive in their own system to throw off the yoke of oppression from a very vicious and predatory race. Lo'ren had led a security detail to escort the representatives to the lounge, Jack ran his right index finger through his collar to loosen it a bit, the effect was mostly psychological but he gained a momentary benefit from it. The lounge had been rather quiet except for a conversation or two, otherwise the word 'uncomfortable' seemed apprapo. Other officers would drift in later to observe the proceedings no doubt with approval but it was otherwise off limits as tight security measures had been enacted to insure the safety of the Tch'kairn and Niglik delegation. When the door to the lounge opened and the security escort appeared Jack stood to his feet, the Tch'kairn following had to duck only slightly to enter. The lounge had been specifically chosen in part because of its high celing which would not be a hindrance to their comfort. The sight of the Niglik with them was somewhat of a surprise as he had to lower his gaze to take in the smaller being who was walking with a faintly swaggering gait, obviously enjoying his newly found ability to move about and mingle. Lo'ren was at their head, moving directly to the Commander and her first. "Commander Straton, may I present Governor K'thartek and Advisor Lupo Dal of the Tch'Kairn Provisional Government and Captain Vazkak of the Niglik Merchant Fleet." She then stepped aside after the introductions and made a slight bow to the dignitaries and made her way to the wall with the rest of the honor guard after brushing by him, their momentary contact causing his arm to tingle in response. He turned his head to give her a brief smile and knowing wink, his pride in her comportment evident to her but unnoticed by the others in the room as they had focused their attention on the delegation. Eva stepped forward and bowed slightly. "Welcome aboard Governor K'thartek, Advisor Lupo Dal , and Captain Vazkak, allow me to introduce the rest of our senior officers." After the introductions she returned her attention to the Tch'kairn and Niglik. "We have prepared a banquette in your honor, there are several dishes from worlds from around the Federation for you to sample. We have even tried our hand at some local Tch'Kairn dishes. You will have to judge how well we did with them however. Please take some time to get to know my officer and let them get to know you." Jack smiled and bowed to each, having been content to remain in the background until addressed, being uncomfortable in such unfamiliar circumstances but determined to be a good representative for the Federation. Training however took hold. "As commander Straton's first officer please accept my welcome to the Hades as well, our peoples have gone through much together in a very short time. It is my hope we have formed a lasting frienship which will extend throughout our cultures." ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ (USS Hades, Ten Forward, - Provisional Governor K'thartek & Advisor Lupo Dal & Captain Vazkak- 1325) The short tour through the ship was interesting although K'thartek found it a little claustrophobic. Lupo Dal and Vazkak didn't seem concerned with the size of the room, but then again, the Provisional governor very much doubted that either of them had been locked into a very small room and beaten by Waagoshin overseers either. There was a sort of strange sensation that filled him whenever he realized that the room was too small. It was almost a panic, but one that he was able to barely keep contained just beneath the chitinous exterior of his. He followed T'Vof through the door, ducking slightly as he did so to avoid bashing his head against the frame. Lupo and Vazkak followed and K'thartek noted that the smaller being seemed very much pleased with his new status and ability to move about freely. "Commander Straton, may I present Governor K'thartek and Advisor Lupo Dal of the Tch'Kairn Provisional Government and Captain Vazkak of the Niglik Merchant Fleet." Lo'ren said, stepping aside as she introduced their visitors. The new Captain and Alpha stepped forward and bowed slightly. "Welcome aboard Governor K'thartek, Advisor Lupo Dal , and Captain Vazkak," She said looking at each of them in turn. "Allow me to introduce the rest of our senior officers." Eva then went through and introduced the rest ofthe senior staff. With the introductions over, Eva turned back to the visiting dignitaries."We have prepared a banquette in your honor," She said, "There are several dishes from worlds from around the Federation for you to sample. We have even tried our hand at some local Tch'Kairn dishes. You will have to judge how well we did with them however. Please take some time to get to know my officers and let them get to know you." "As commander Straton's first officer please accept my welcome to the Hades as well, our peoples have gone through much together in a very short time. It is my hope we have formed a lasting friendship which will extend throughout our cultures." the one named Haynes said. K'thartek rose to his full height then, and raised both his long and powerful arms over his head, "Greetings Captain and Alpha Straton, and ." He said as he displayed himself in the universal sign of Tch'Kairn Friendship. "On behalf of my people I thank you for your invitation and hope that our two peoples can live together for many years to come, in peace and as allies against any that would threaten our great people." He lowered his arms before continuing, "I am honored that your crew fought so hard to aid us in our time of need, and would likewise wish only that should your people have need and that we have ability to reciprocate that you need only ask us." "Your losses and sacrifices are well known to us." Lupo stepped forward then, "Indeed they are, Governor," He said and then swiveled his eyes to face Straton and the other assembled Federation Officers. "We understand that you are grieving the lose of your Alpha, Captain Sash. He was a brave being, and one that sacrificed himself to save your vessel and countless Tch'Kairn Lives." The philosopher shifted his weight a little before continuing, "Therefore I and the Governor have decided to honor him. We have decided to tear down the administrative center that the Waagoshin used to house their troops. In it's place we will plant a park for all Tch'kairn to see, so that they will understand the sacrifices that he made. In it's center we will house the eternal flame of enlightenment to signify that his memory shall not be forgotten. We shall also engrave upon it's base a due recording of the events of that day, in memorial to your crew and to their sacrifices." "Additionally we will set aside one full period in celebration of our liberation and in remembrance. We shall call it Alliance Day." (reply Any Present) "Now, that the formalities are finished I would like to meet with your officers and learn of those that fought so bravely for a species that they did not know." K'thartek said. "And of course to try the cuisine of your worlds." Vazkak added with a slightly rumbling stomach. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stardate: 2413.09.08. (USS Hades, Main Engineering - ACEO Ensign Eoin Mac Liam - 14:48) "Did you get that Arysha?" It didn't take long for her to reply. Eoin expected nothing less out of his right-hand woman. =/\=Yes, E-Red, got. Warp repair first must; Senior Staff meet 1-hour.=/\= "Call me in thirty minutes' time. Also get someone to take over for you when it's time to leave." =/\=E-Red, Joranski soon join-you will. But, for-for replace me?=/\= "Isn't it obvious why you need someone to cover for you? I want you to come to the staff meeting with me. You've earned it with all you've done around here recently." ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Hades, Main Engineering - Engineer Ensign (jg) Arysha Tethlin - 14:49) "Isn't it obvious why you need someone to cover for you? I want you to come to the staff meeting with me. You've earned it with all you've done around here recently." Arysha blinked, she could tell Eoin was amused by her response, even without seeing his face, but she couldn't help but feel out of her depth - she'd never been to any meetings outside of engineering specific ones and was unsure about what she would be doing there. [OK. Sure. But do-do what? Never been before!] (reply Eoin) She breathed a sigh of relief at that, she was happy to observe and she could certainly stay quiet. [Ok, E-Red. Go with-you will. Observe ONLY.] She set about signalling another engineer to come over and brief them on what was going on and why she wanted them to take over. She felt distinctly nervous despite any reassurances. ~Please, ask-me nothing.~ She prayed to the Engineering gods and any deity that might be paying attention. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Hades, Main Engineering - ACEO Ensign Eoin Mac Liam - 14:50) =/\=OK. Sure. But do-do what? Never been before!=/\= "Since it is your first meeting, you can just observe what happens. I believe that you are privy to the goings-on with all you've done, and you've earned at least an observation session. Besides. Lt. Wright will be there, so they'll look to me only secondly. You've got nothing to worry about." =/\=Ok, E-Red. Go with-you will. Observe ONLY.=/\= "That's all I ask." Eoin heard Joranski coming up behind him, and turned to brief him on what the situation was at the moment. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ (USS Hades, Observation Lounge, aCEO- Lieutenant Darla Wright & COUNS Ensign Anamitra Ripley, 1548) "As you all may know," She said, "We are now enroute to Khitomer. Why? We will have to wait and see. Right now I want a departmental status report." Lo'ren stood quickly, ready to give her report. "Ma'am, the Hades is ready on the Tactical level. Shields are operational; weapons are offline but ready to go hot. So far our escort has not done anything hostile but I have the Tactical staff on silent alert." (reply Straton iyw) She continued her report, "Lt. Trinin sustained injury during the phenomena and asked me to report on his behalf. Security is on stand-by mode pending any trouble. I expect none, but without knowing the full details of our current status in regards to our escort Lt. Trinin has ordered them ready for any possible on-board situations." Once Lo'ren resumed her seat, Darla stood to give her report. "From an engineering standpoint the ship is sound. Whatever that wave was, it interrupted our matter/antimatter reaction streams and caused a series of interruption related problems." She began. "Functionally speaking, the ship can sustain Warp 6.0 indefinitely, but recurring hiccups in the EPS conduits and inside the articulation chamber have been irregular and unpredictable. We're performing every test we can think of and coming up with excellent results. The problem seems to be that the results of the tests are not matching the observed performance of the core or the coils." "We've also noted a build up of chronitons clustered at the Bussard collectors, as well as in the Warp coil chambers and the magnetic constrictor assemblies. They seem to be decaying at a predictable rate, and they should purge themselves within a couple of days." "There is some indications that they are partially responsible for some of the loss in power transference that we're experiencing, which in turn is sapping our ability to go to and maintain high warp velocities." "We could purge the entire system, but that would take a few days with the entire warp system off-line. At this point the build-ups don't seem to be a serious threat as long as we don't go running off into combat, and it seems to be self-correcting." "There are some minor repairs and adjustments that we are undertaking in an attempt to minimize the affects, but It's my belief that those will have a very low impact on our overall status." (reply Straton, Any) Darla Resumed her seat and as she did so Ana stood. "I don't normally have much to contribute to these proceedings, but I have a report that needs to be passed on to all the senior staff." She began. "Since the loss of Captain Sash, crew morale has been at an all time low. There have been increased instances of violence between crew on the lower decks as well as a significant increase in the number of appointments being handled by the counseling department." "We seem to be seeing a great increase in the number of cases of clinical depression and this is affecting work performance. Add to that the fact that we have just jumped five years into the future and that we are being censored by our own fleet and there is a widespread sense of dread growing." "Tensions are getting more and more palpable and we're going to start seeing a significant decrease in performance and awareness. That can lead to accidents and a loss of combat readiness." "People are worried about their families, and they are beginning to fear the worst. Post Traumatic Stress Disorders are going to start becoming apparent soon. We all need to watch for the signs and see to it that steps are taken for those affected to get immediate assistance." -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stardate: 2413.09.23 (USS Hades - Deck 2, Personal Quarters - CTAC Ensign Lo'ren T'Vof - 0534) She paced like a caged wild le-matya. She hadn't been sleeping much and her current condition was 'frayed' to put it mildly. Every so often she looked out their panoramic living room window at the blue ball of Khitomer rotating beneath them and the bevy of Stafleet ships - friend and foe - encircling it. She turned and made her frustrations clear. "Straton is going down on the planet without an escort. We're up here under guard by our own people. What in the name of Surak is going on?" She looked pleadingly at Jack, wishing and hoping against hope that he, as CSO might - just might - have an answer. (reply Jack) "But why the communications blackout?" She practically sputterred her words in her utter frustrated helplessness, "Why the secrecy? We commed directly to headquarters when our systems went out of whack and they're treating us like the enemy!" Lo'ren took a pot shot to a bulkhead with the side of her fist. She still struggled with her emotions at times, but Baylon had heped her learn to keep her mental energies in her own head, the only one who got bleed off from her now was Jack - and that was because of their empathic link. (reply Jack) She could sense his frustration through their link and realized that either she was feeding off him or he was feeding off of her. Either way she wrestled and made a valiant effort to control herself. She looked at him and saw the confusion and frustration written there as plain as day. ~CSO and FO and you are just as helpless as any of us.~ She went to him and leaned into his chest, their height difference bringing her head only to about his shoulder. The closeness of the contact allowed her to reach past the purely emotional link and speak directly, mind to mind. ::What is going on, Jack?:: ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Hades - Deck 2, Personal Quarters - FO/CSO Jericho Haynes - 0538) Jack was still a bit puffy eyed after his shower and standing at the replicator in a robe as Lo'ren paced about their living quarters. He had been pleasantly surprised after they had been transferred here at the amount of space in the FO's cabin which she was currently making use of liberally. These quarters were at least half again as large as his old digs with a separate small room containing an upgraded work station. The living area had not one but two small sofas and another small bedroom was part of the suite. The master bedroom had an enlarged closet as well and there had been room for both of their wardrobes. Lo'ren's keepsakes and whatnots that had not been used for decoration were stuffed into the smaller closet of the other bedroom. Between them they had come up with enough matching decorations to spiffy up the place, other stuff like extra paintings and wall decorations had been liberated from a large replicator in the crew lounge. Some of her own paintings had been mounted on the walls of the living area and bedroom. He had to admit they added a warm charm there, the woman had talent beside her musical inclinations, no doubt about it. Her musical instruments were laid out lovingly on a decorative table here in the living room and he thoroughly enjoyed being her private audience when she practiced. Jack himself normally traveled light and he hadn't been on board long enough to accumulate a lot of knick knacks but she seemed to have made up for it. And then there was the port which she was currently pacing before which dominated the wall opposite the entryway, it was always displaying either starry space or some phenomenon they were passing. At this time the blue-green orb of Khitomer filled it with a number of starfleet ships in orbit below them. His eyes picked out at least two more Promes and a number of Sovereign and Galaxy class. A snatch of space could be seen to the right around the curve of the planet as well as a crescent of one of its moons. The wisp of Khitomer's atmosphere which extended nearly ten miles from its surface give the scene an ephemeral, fairie quality which was riveting. At least when his eyes were wide open which they soon would be, he'd have to take a minute to absorb it along with her before he left for the CSO's office. His normal routine was to check in early with Ken who was taking on more responsibility in the department compiling and prioritizing reports then condensing them into a more manageable form for him to peruse during duty shift. The routine was similar in some ways to what the captain when through when poring over ships status reports and freed up more of his time to attend to his command studies sandwiched around bridge duty. The new position had been taxing his time a great deal, at first his workaholic instincts had kicked in but he had throttled them so they wouldn't interfere with his time with his sexy lady, while a starfleet career as first officer was compelling it wasn't quite as compelling as she and he was damned if he would make her suffer for it. Although he enjoyed the position and was learning quickly sometimes he wondered is that was his true calling. "Hot coffee with cream and lightly sugared, Columbian blend." She was worked up into a lather and he couldn't blame her, he was just as tense about the situation as she was and in some ways more so since having greater responsibilities to the ship tended to lead to greater frustrations. Their moods were matched, mirrored through their emotional link. Intellectually he considered that they were finding a level between the two, ones greater frustrations being transferred to the second to raise the tension level which would in turn drop the tension level in the first. Over time those emotional frustrations leveling off to match. It stood to reason then that his own frustrations were probably adding to hers. The replicator chimed and he took out the steaming mug, he was raising it to his lips when she began speaking. "Straton is going down to the planet without an escort. We're up here under guard by our own people. What in the name of Surak is going on?" He caught her eyes and the look in them carried clearly through their link. His voice when he spoke was calloused by frustration. "I have my suspicions but no concrete answers yet, Starfleet has us stumbling around blindly in the dark." he took a sip of the hot brew, making a face at the slight bitterness. "But why the communications blackout?" She practically sputtered the words, "Why the secrecy? We commed directly to headquarters when our systems went out of whack and they're treating us like the enemy!" She gave the innocent bulkhead a solid shot with the side of her fist which caused a muted thump of accusation. Otherwise it seemed to notice her attack not a whit. "Caution, suspicion, fear, you name it." He took another sip of the heavily caffeinated drink, feeling the slight rush already beginning which would soon restore him to a fully alert state. "They are being too cautious though if you ask me. Something must have either happened while we were gone or they are afraid something is going to start, maybe they even believe we will be the catalysts. There's no way to know anything for sure though until they cut us some slack and tell us what is really behind this." He set the mug on the table as she approached him, wrapping his arms around her as she pressed in close. ::What is going on, Jack?:: The contact was heady, the feel of her mind in his causing him to soar and pushing aside for the moment a portion of his ire. ::I wished I knew my love, I wished I knew. After the captain gets back perhaps we'll know for sure, until then they have us by the shorthairs.:: (Reply: Lo'ren) ::And don't think they won't find out how unhappy I am over the situation though if I know the captain she will be phrasing it far more eloquently than I could.:: He couldn't suppress a chuckle that vibrated through them both. ::In a way I almost feel sorry for them... almost but not quite.:: (Reply: Lo'ren) He laid his cheek against the crown of her head, sliding it down till his lips met a pointed ear which he nibbled. ::And after she gets back from giving them a tongue lashing and shift is over I want you to play your Andorian fugue for me if you feel up to it. Somehow I believe it will fit the occasion.:: ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Hades - Deck 2, Personal Quarters - CTAC Ensign Lo'ren T'Vof - 0539) ::I wished I knew my love, I wished I knew. After the captain gets back perhaps we'll know for sure, until then they have us by the short hairs.:: She loved the way the connection between them melted all negative emotion when they held each other. She revelled in the feeling, letting it fill her from her toes up,dispelling the tension that had built up in her gut. Jack continued his thoughts as they both glowed inwardly. ::And don't think they won't find out how unhappy I am over the situation though if I know the captain she will be phrasing it far more eloquently than I could.:: He couldn't suppress a chuckle that vibrated through them both. ::In a way I almost feel sorry for them... almost but not quite.:: Lo'ren turned her head up and looked at Jack, resting her chin on his chest .::I can only imagine what words Eva will have for the Admiralty.:: Her smile crept across her face and through the link as she went through some choice phraseology. ::I'm just glad you're here with me. I'd go mad without you.::She returned to resting her head against his chest, staring out the viewport at the ships suspended in the diamond studded blackness. He laid his cheek against the crown of her head, sliding it down till his lips met a pointed ear which he nibbled. ::And after she gets back from giving them a tongue lashing and shift is over I want you to play your Andorian fugue for me if you feel up to it. Somehow I believe it will fit the occasion.:: Despite her eyes being closed in enjoyment of Jack's lips on her ear, her eyebrow shot up as her mind went through the fugue - the strength in it combined with the volatility she'd put into the bass lines made for an interesting prediction. ::The Fugue? You expecting something interesting?:: (reply Jack) She chuckled at that, cutting off any further thoughts by either of them by tilting her head to meet Jack's lips with her own. She lifted herself,pushing her body up onto tiptoe so that Jack didn't need to lean quite so far down to kiss her. Heaven in a moment and she knew they had work to do. Sighing, she released him from the embrace and took a small step back, slowly breaking the mental link as she left off the last thought. ::I suppose we'd better::..."get ready for the day." (reply Jack) She smiled a sad smile and gently laid her left hand on his cheek. "I really would love for you to meet my father, maybe when we get out of this quarantine and we can get a bit of R and R we can make a trip to Bajor?" ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Hades - Deck 2, Personal Quarters - FO/CSO Jericho Haynes- 0542) ::The Fugue? You expecting something interesting?:: ::I hope not but it seems to fit the mood of the ship and circumstances. I really don't expect any trouble but if it comes we'll be prepared.:: She seemed to enjoy that thought then leaned up to kiss him, he reveled in the feel of her body and lips on his until she reluctantly disengaged. ::I suppose we'd better::..."get ready for the day." He sighed. ::Yeah, duty calls.:: She smiled at him then laid a hand on his cheek. "I really would love for you to meet my father, maybe when we get out of this quarantine and we can get a bit of R and R we can make a trip to Bajor?" "Meeting the family eh?" He grinned. "I'd love to, he must be some man, It will be a pleasure getting to know him." He gave her hand a squeeze then hustled to the bedroom to get changed. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Hades, Bridge, FO/CSO Jericho Haynes, 0711) Jack was smoldering as he took the command chair, he was not happy at ALL but he kept his disposition off his face. Captain Straton had been so hard pressed to beam down to make the meeting on Khitomer she hadn't even had time for a little "Chat" with him after the short but pointed briefing in the Ready Room. Perhaps that was for the better as he certainly wouldn't have masked his distaste for the events currently unfolding. What the admirality and starfleet command were up to was being masked in total secrecy. Were they cautious? That wasn't in question and he really couldn't blame them. Were they in fear of a suddenly reappearing fleet? Well that was a possibility he was willing to consider. Were they using bullying tactics to make sure the circumstances were contained to their satisfaction? The answer was an unequivocable YES! And that was where his dissatisfaction lay. This was not the starfleet he had idealized nor was it the starfleet they had left behind five years before. This starfleet could have sent out a ship or ships to investigate their reappearance, instead they strong armed them here by orders and seemed intent on holding them by force of arms if necessary. Not that they would be successful in his estimation. A massed attack by the battle hardened 52nd fleet on the picket line set up within the system on a thinly spread battle group couldn't help but spring them if they only half tried. Ships would be destroyed on both sides no doubt but that wasn't the illogical part. This was set up as a show of force just like a lock is actually set up to prevent a theft: It won't work! Locks only kept honest people honest just like these cordoning ships were set up to keep them in the system. Were they inviting an attack, hoping to use their response as a benchmark to determine their motives? Was this all some psychological game of chicken? At any event Straton had left him in charge and he would be ready for any eventuality. If their superiors were being duplicitous they would find out they were messing with the wrong people, if not then so much the better. The Captain had been vague on some points raised by Col Drizzt and Lt. Trinin so since he was now manning the conn he would see to it the grey areas were filled in. Former Commander Stolev was standing in an at ease stance nearby as asked, should anything happen he would let him know, until that time he was going to make his minutes count. He nodded at the man to show he was keeping a weather eye on he situation. (Reply: Stolev) He then looked away and tapped the com button on the arm of the chair. "Col Drizzt you have active orders to prepare an extraction team for the captain in case of hostilities." (Reply: Drizzt) He turned to his right. "Lt. Trinin prepare your department for counter boarding action should it become necessary. Be ready to seal off the sensitive areas of the ship at a moments notice as per the captains orders. I don't need to tell you how to do your job and you don't need to run it through me should the situation warrant. Just do it." (Reply: Baylon) The next was tactical. "Ensign T'Vof I want an estimate of fleet strengths on both sides as soon as you have the data including tactical capabilities. Unless I miss my guess we saw another Rosenante class vessel as we entered the system. she's the fastest and most powerful of the picket ships and I want to know her movements before her captain does." (Reply: T'Vof) ~Only one of that class, that's good.~ "Look for any place in the system we can use then as a strong point for defense if it comes to combat, if we have to get the captain out of there it's going to be a hell of a bruhaha out here. I want every ace I can keep under my sleeve." (Reply: T'Vof) He slapped the com again. "Lt. Wright how are the engines? Can I count on them if it comes to a scrap?" ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Hades, Security Offices, CSEC, Lieutenant Baylon Trinin, 0712) Baylon was working out defensive strategies against boarding actions that might come from their own allies. There were a lot of variables, such as how many ship's might be involved and how many potential points of entry there might be as well. It was a daunting task and he somehow felt as if he were orchestrating the defenses for the D-Day landing Europe; that is to say discouraged. "Okay, Let's just reinforce the ship's critical areas." He explained as he tapped his finger against the screen of the display. "Here, here, here and here. With environmental systems, Bridge, computer cores and engineering covered, the rest of this ship is a much lower priority." "We concentrate our forces, set up bottle necks by sealing the Jefferies tube access physically to those areas and we basically create a kill zone. All security personnel are to be issued inhibitor bands to wear to prevent them from being plucked out of position. We place the few heavier weapons that we have available to the security department along these lanes of approach and we give them hell when they board." "Security force fields will slow them down enough for us to figure out where they are going to mass for their assaults." Ensign Lorenzo raised his hand, "What about the marines sir?" He asked simply. "The marines are not part of our equation, Ensign. Colonel Drizzt will have his own orders to carry out. We can not depend on them because we have no idea what those orders may be. I know the colonel by reputation. If his orders include assisting with the defense of the Hades, he'll die trying to achieve it. If they don't he'll be elsewhere dealing with things we're not equipped to deal with." Lorenzo nodded once and remained silent. "Any other -" Baylon's commbadge chirped and immediately was followed by the voice of the acting First officer. =^=Lt. Trinin prepare your department for counter boarding action should it become necessary. Be ready to seal off the sensitive areas of the ship at a moments notice as per the captains orders. I don't need to tell you how to do your job and you don't need to run it through me should the situation warrant. Just do it.=^= Baylon nodded before he tapped his commbadge to reply, "Understood sir,consider it done." The channel closed. He looked up at his assembled team leaders and smiled, "Okay guys start setting up, we won't have time if the fighting starts. Notify engineering that we'll be sealing off these Jefferies entrances and exits near the critical areas and then weld those hatches shut. Get hopping." There were a murmur of affirmatives as the team leaders acknowledged their orders and vacated the security offices. Once everyone was gone, Baylon sealed the door to his office, opened his desk drawer and pulled out a small silver and clear aluminum flask filled with a ice blue colored liquid. He uncapped it, raised it to his lips and took two big gulps of the Andorian whiskey. He then recapped it and placed the flask back into his desk drawer.There was work to be done. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Hades – Marine Staging Center – Lt Col Drizzt -0714) “Here, and here.” Drizzt said, pointing to a couple of places he thought likely for an armed boarding party to embark the ship. “And keep awake.” 2nd Lt Gandhi Fillmore nodded his head, “We’ll be ready.” “You’d better.” Drizzt said to the Marine. “Or I’ll wear your hide for a hat. And leave the heavy weapons on hot standby here in the center, we might need them.” Fillmore was a veteran of the Expeditionary Force, and the 2nd Battle of Andoria – the threat didn’t do much for him, but the order did. He quirked both eyebrows, but he had the sense not to ask. The man had been battlefield promoted from Sergeant- he still had a non-coms sensibilities. “Sir,” he finally said, thumping his chest, before pulling his helmet on and leaving the immediate area. There were two squads, fully geared, in the Marine Staging Center, Drizzt had them ready to go to any part of the ship that might need them. =^=Col Drizzt you have active orders to prepare an extraction team for the captain in case of hostilities.=^= “Aye Aye, Sir.” He said. And once the channel closed, he added: “With Pleasure.” Ah, now that changed things. This wouldn’t be the first time that Wolfpack had gone on a high risk rescue mission. He opened a Marine-only circuit, “Fallen Angels, Freedom & Pride and Weighted Scales to the Staging Center double-time: all units, be prepared to make way for the transporter room on a dime.” He cut the circuit and turned to the couple of squads sitting in wait, “Fall out to the patrol vectors of F&P and Weighted Scales.” Both squads immediately dispersed, knowing that something was afoot. Drizzt didn’t take the time to bring them ‘into the know’, they could be needed in a hurry. “Armorer: you have my authorization, break out the little black boxes and the sniper rifles.” =/=Aye Sir, the explosives safe will be open in 60 seconds.=\= “Very well. Angels to the armory, stock up on all the goodies, prepare for a forward offensive rescue mission.” A dozen clicks filled his ears as the Marines of his personal squad replied inaudibly. Drizzt shifted his phaser-rifle to his back and made sure the scatter-gun was tight on its hard-point. Fully armored, he looked something like a walking gorilla, bristling with weapons. He only hoped that tactical hardware hadn’t taken leaps-and-strides in the last four years- though it probably had. War was the mother of all invention, and his group had missed out on five years worth of goodies that had been hard won during their war. Drizzt didn’t like unknown variables, they inevitably lead to grief. “Fillmore,” Drizzt said on a one-to-one frequency, speaking again to his newest Marine. “Send two of your Marines back to prepare all the heavy weaponry. If we go to the surface, you’ll follow a minute later to cover our escape. No holds barred.” =/= Aye Colonel, the cannons will be smoking.=\= Drizzt nodded to himself as the channel closed. Gandhi was built like a small mountain, and for that he’d been throw into Heavy Artillery. He now qualified as a specialist in every field of heavy weaponry that the Marines could put in the field. If Drizzt ordered the man and his squad to turn the building into a smoking ruin, no doubt it’d be done in double-time. He crossed his arms after switching the view on his Master Situation Terminal from the ship, to the sensor scans of the Meeting Area. The more time he had to plan, the better. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ (USS Hades, Bridge, CTAC Ensign Lo'ren T'Vof, 0718) Lo'ren was drumming her fingers on the side of her console. She had her eyes glued to the grid she'd drawn up on it - pouring over the tactical data of ship movements, fire power and the like. Her mind was running all the possibilities, alongside the computer extrapolation of combat outcomes. Jack was pissed off and the way Straton had left the bridge so quickly following their little briefing, she could guess quite easily why. He was snapping off orders like he expected them done yesterday. When he called her name, she glanced up only momentarily from her information. "Ensign T'Vof I want an estimate of fleet strengths on both sides as soon as you have the data including tactical capabilities. Unless I miss my guess we saw another Rosenante class vessel as we entered the system. She's the fastest and most powerful of the picket ships and I want to know her movements before her captain does." "That's the only other Rose class out there, and the Rosenante of the 52ndfleet is the... Emily Bronte's match." Lo'ren tapped her console, putting a tag on the USS Emily Bronte and one on the USS Rosenante. Jack calmed a bit and continued his orders. "Look for any place in the system we can use then as a strong point for defense if it comes to combat, if we have to get the captain out of there it's going to be a hell of a bruhaha out here. I want every ace I can keep under my sleeve." "I'll coordinate with Science on that. As for Aces, we may be out matched in numbers - but I'll be damned if we're out gunned." Lo'ren moved the grid to a side console as she brought up the system information and tapped into Science, the ensign there already working his butt off trying to increase scanner sensitivity. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Hades, Bridge. CO Captain Eva Straton, 15:15) Eva had only recently returned to the ship. Her interrogation, she considered it nothing less, had been lengthy, through, and more than a little insulting. She was still fuming over the whole situation, but trying to see this from Star Fleet's point of view. While she knew that she nor any of her officers were part of any conspiracy against StarFleet. SFHQ needed to be convinced of this themselves, if that meant letting them poke and prod around the ship for a few hours then so be it. As Eva stepped out of the turbolift onto the Bridge, she scanned the Bridge quickly taking everything in with a glance. "Number One, you're with me," She said sharply, moving toward her Ready Room. "Ensign T'Vof, you have the CONN. Maintain current position." (Reply Haynes, T'Vof) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Hades, Bridge. FO/CSO Jericho Haynes 1515.5) Jack turned in the chair at the sound of the turbolift, Captain Straton had returned to the bridge much to his relief and began barking out orders. "Number One, you're with me," She said sharply, moving toward her Ready Room. "Ensign T'Vof, you have the CONN. Maintain current position." -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Hades, Ready Room, CO Captain Eva Straton, 15:16) Eva moved into the room and over behind her desk and sat down. "When the Admiral's investigative teams have finished their review of our systems we will be cleared to leave the system," Eva said, without preamble. "Make sure the crew knows I expect them to cooperate with the investigative teams completely. I don't like this any more than they do, but anyone not cooperating will answer to me directly, and assure them I am not in the mood to be trifled with right now. We will receive new orders when all of this is done." She jabbed a thumb toward the planet below. She shook her head in disgust. "What is our current status?" ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Hades, Bridge - CTAC Ensign Lo'ren T'Vof, 15:17) The minute they'd heard that Straton was coming back Lo'ren practically collapsed. She'd not realized exactly how tense she'd been all day. She exchanged looks with Jack and some of the other bridge crew and then gone back to the current standing orders to monitor the system's ship movements. Straton stepped out of the 'lift and before anyone could utter so much as 'Captain on the Bridge', the woman started barking, obviously less than pleased with what had transpired on the planet. Lo'ren started moving the instant the words were out of the Captain's mouth."Number One, your with me, Ensign T'Vof, you have the CONN. Maintain current position." Lo'ren spouted of a crisp "Yes, ma'am," and moved down to the command area. Menken, who'd received further respiration therapy from Sickbay and was again cleared for bridge duty, took over Tac I and called up another officer to monitor Tac II. Rather than take the centre seat, Lo'ren stood directly at centre stage as she watched her CO and FO dissappear into the Ready Room. When the door closed behind Jack, Lo'ren looked back to the main veiwer."Menken, keep an eye on the closest guard ships - I don't want to be on the receiving end of any surprises." The Benzite ensign nodded and replied, "Affirmative." "Helm, I want you ready for evasive manoeuvres - keep us where we are but stay ready." The non-comm stationed there - one Naida Flores by name -simply nodded. Lo'ren then tapped her comm badge, "Engineering, this is the Bridge. What's our engine status?" (reply any in Engineering) "Good, keep us there. I was this ship ready to go hot in an instant. The Captain's back and is briefing Lt. Haynes." (reply any in Engineering) The next she contacted were Drizzt and Trinin. "Bridge to Security and Marines, give me your status." -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Hades, Ready Room, FO/CSO Jericho Haynes , 15:18) The Captain sat down behind her desk. "When the Admiral's investigative teams have finished their review of our systems we will be cleared to leave the system," She snapped. "Make sure the crew knows I expect them to cooperate with the investigative teams completely. I don't like this any more than they do, but anyone not cooperating will answer to me directly, and assure them I am not in the mood to be trifled with right now. We will receive new orders when all of this is done." She jabbed a thumb toward the planet below then shook her head in disgust. "What is our current status?" He nodded to show he felt the same way. 'I'll alert the crew immediately. The ship is in good shape, the engines are nearing full effiiciency and systems are running near optimal. I expect that by the time they get through with us we will be primed to go to warp. I'll make sure the investigative teams get the readings we took before, during and after our jump through time as well as current chronitron particle levels. Also I want permission to make sure they get a guided tour from our security teams." (Reply: Straton) He shook his head, "Strictly informal. But with SFI coming aboard I don't want those jerks having free run of the ship, there's no telling what nasty surprises they might leave behind either to spy on us or for interdiction. From the stories I've heard of them and their exploits I don't trust them one damned bit." -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Hades - Marine Staging Center - 15:18.5) Drizzt let out a slow breath when the Captain finally beamed back aboard. "Rescue Party, resume standard patrol. Patrol parties, begin change-out procedures for 2 hour stand-down once you are properly relieved." Drizzt said after a few moments. "Re-secure Explosives." =/=Aye sir.=\= "Two hour stand-down in-suit for returning Marines, keep them at five minute standby." he told his XO. "Yes Sir," the XO replied, having taken off his helmet. After a few minutes, teams of Marines began walking in and stripping down as much as they could while remaining at 5 minute ready. These were the teams that had been on constant patrol since his tactical rescue team had been formed, they deserved a break. =^=Bridge to Security and Marines, give me your status.=^= Drizzt spoke into his mouth-piece, "Standing down from Rescue Ops, resuming standard anti-boarding patrol. I'm giving parts of the team a break to recharge their suits." (reply: if desired) The Colonel attached his helmet to his belt and stood to his full height. All his weapons were already attached to his suit, it was the only loose piece of gear on him. "I'm going to inspect the check-points, let me know if something comes up." ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Hades - Main Engineering - ACEO Ensign Eoin Mac Liam - 15:19) Eoin crawled out of a Jeffries Tube, his tool kit slung over his shoulder. With all the work they'd been doing recently, he was surprised that it hadn't created an indentation in his shoulder. But truth be told, it was mostly jiggery-pokery at this point. Just making sure that the warp engines didn't fall apart at the first sign of trouble. ~They need a definite overhaul soon,~ he'd reckoned. He went over to his console, and looked up the latest diagnostic report. For once, it was green across the board. At that point, he couldn't stop himself. He smiled from ear to ear, and shouted out, "Oh, good work, team!" before clapping his hands very loudly for all to hear. =/\=Engineering, this is the Bridge. What's our engine status.=/\= Eoin answered, the jubilation evident in his voice. "All shipshape in Bristol fashion down here, knock on wood." =/\=Good, keep us there. I want this ship ready to go hot in an instant. The Captain's back and is briefing Lt. Haynes.=/\= "Understood, bridge." Eoin tapped his commbadge once again to close the link, and went over to the storage lockers, stowing his tool kit and jumpsuit. He massaged his shoulder while rotating his arm, trying to work out the soreness a little, but decided that if it persisted till the end of his shift, to pay a visit to sickbay. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Stardate: 2413.09.25 (USS Hades - Deck 2, Personal Quarters - CTAC Ensign Lo'ren T'Vof - 19:16) She sat in utter shock; her world had just been turned upside down – again. Her mouth was slack as she stared unseeing at the terminal screen that glared back at her harshly. There on the unfeeling screen was the confirmation that she was now an orphan. [To: Ari Lo'ren T'Vof cha'Tarven, USS Hades From: Vedek Qila Lothir, Bajoran Vedek Assembly Miss Ari, It is my regrettable duty to inform you of your father's passing. It is with displeasure that I relay his cause of death as Bendii Syndrome. Dr. Tarven's condition was sudden and violent and the Starfleet Medical Corps believes it was exacerbated by the news of your apparent demise. Your father refused treatment for his condition and preferred to spend his final days in a secluded Hermitage near a Monastery in Rakantha Province to present less danger to the community that accepted to care for him. Please know that your father didn't suffer very long, he passed within months of the syndrome presenting itself. He spent his last moments speaking only of you and your mother. His last request was that he be buried next to his wife and that a memorial marker in your honour be placed with theirs. When the community received the message searching for your father, they immediately removed your memorial marker, but they have said they will keep it safe until you return home. The community expresses their deepest sympathies to you and invite you to stay with them if and when you choose to honour your parents' memories. It is with hope that the Prophets have brought your father to the Celestial Temple that I close this letter, Vedek Qila Lothir] Her face was soaked with tears, the stress of the last days and weeks apparently wasn't enough. Coping with Sash's death had been difficult and that damned blackout of Starfleet had everyone on eggshells. Now she was an orphan and had been unable to be there to honour either of her parents' passing. She couldn't think, couldn't function, could not believe this news. ~NO.~ Her mind was stuck on the singularity of the word. She didn't register the footsteps behind her, his voice calling her or the closeness of their link, and so nearly jumped out of her skin when Jack touched her shoulder. She let out a strangled yelp as she leapt to her feet and whirled to meet the 'attack'. She lowered her balled fists when she saw who it was and spoke in a raw voice. “Jack, you startled me.” (reply Jack) Lo'ren tried to respond, but became so choked up that all she could do was point at the screen as new tears flooded her face. The words replayed in her own mind as Jack took the time to read. When he turned back to her, she took one look at his face and collapsed in his arms, sobbing and hiccoughing, clinging to him with every ounce of emotion in her. (reply Jack) Her whole body shook with sorrow as Jack carried her to the couch. It was all she could do to keep herself from completely flooding his mind. The physical contact was making it more difficult, but she did manage, and she spoke in phrases broken by sobs, “I wanted you... to meet... him... My...last letter to him... spoke of... you...” ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- end compile