From: Michael Drake [raspberry.jam@btopenworld.com] Sent: Wednesday, 13 February 2002 7:57 AM To: RPG Utopia Planitia Subject: [Posting] Utopia Planitia Compile 07-02-2002 Well, it's taken me the best part of forever to put it together, and it's nearly 70pages of Word, but here it is! My first compile for UP! If I've made any mistakes, then after staring at it for this long, I don't really care... but let me know anyway... Here you go: ====================/\==================== (USS Paladin - Bridge - FO Cmdr Richard Ian Lee - 2378.08.01.0300) "Sir, incoming message on secure channels for Commander Lee." Lee snorted, and looked at Captain Straton. "Maybe I actually won that bet I placed on the Intergalactic open and that is the bookie telling me the wonderful news." Straton turned her head to him, with a single raised eyebrow. "Or... not." After four years, he could tell her facial expressions and she him, they didn't need to speak all that often. He stood out of his chair and said "Ill take it in the observation lounge." He walked up the bridge and into the lounge, and sighed as the door closed behind him. "More likely," he said quietly to himself. "I lost that bet and that's the same said bookie calling to tell me he took my mommies house in payment." Rich put his arms behind him and walked up to the small communication panel. "Show message. Authorization Lee, Omega Five Zulu." =^=Commander Richard Ian Lee, as you might know, Utopia Planitia was attacked and destroyed not long ago..." As the message wore on, Lee forgot all about the intergalactic game AND the bet he had placed on it. ====================/\==================== (USS Magellan - Personal Quarters - ATEO Lt Cornelius Byson - 2378.08.16.1200) Lt. Cornelius Byson stopped reading his orders when his eyes ran across the name of his commanding officer: Ensign Anne Therriault. "Ensign? ENSIGN!" he yelled, slamming the PADD down in his table with a crack. He stood and began to pace across his quarters, his British accent strong and bitter as he ranted to no one. "I'm under an Ensign? No, no, wait. Not just under, but an assistant to an Ensign!" he shook his head, "I'm an ensign's lackie! So degrading!" He remembered back to earlier that day, to when his commanding officer had handed him his walking paper. "This is your last chance, Corny," the old gray-haired man had growled, "Screw this up and you can forget about Lt. Commander. Or even a continuing career in Starfleet." His anger had boiled up when he had heard those words. Starfleet was his life. How could they even consider tossing him out? He was one of their brightest and best engineers. He sighed and collapsed back in the chair. "A bloody ensign," he mumbled to himself, "Can't believe that they passed me up again. It's not my fault that the warp nacelles blew up. I was trying make them more efficient. No one told me that they were completing maintenance on the other nacelle." He shook his head, remember the event that had happened only a month ago. It had been a grand fireworks display. Thankfully, no one died in the aftereffect of his experiment but 3 of his team members had been seriously injured. And it had only taken them 6 hours to retrieve the warp core. ~It wasn't like we were in combat or anything. How can I broaden my skills if I can't experiment?~ He tapped the PADD against the table and stared up at the ceiling, thinking about his new situation. Suddenly, a wide grin crossed his face as a mischievous plan filled his head. "This could be interesting, very interesting." ====================/\==================== (Starbase Valhalla - CO's Office - CO FltAdm Jopek - 2378.08.16.1510) Jopek was finishing off welcoming off the latest batch of new officers to the station, all around him; thousands and tens of thousands of new crew were arriving to the facility. A new Ensign came in the door and Jopek waved the newcomer in. "Ensign, come in!" "Ensign Bobork reporting for duty, Sir!", they reported. "At ease.", said Jopek consulting his roster. "Assistant Counsellor Bobork, welcome aboard. The Counsellor just reported in, but I have an assignment for you to complete; over the next few days, you and your teams are to have a look around the facilities, get to know where everyone is, and what they do and then present you report to the Counsellor, Lt. Rodos." Admiral Jopek handed the ACOUNS a PADD that contained lots of information about the station, and the location of all the personnel. "Dismissed Ensign.", said Admiral Jopek. Leaving his office, the new arrival headed off on their duties. not soon after, the next new person arrived. "Ensign Shannon, Starfleet Command Liaison, reporting for Duty Sir." "Welcome aboard, Ensign. settle in to your quarters and get up to date on Starfleet matters and concerns and be ready to give me a full report in a few days. Your office is on deck 2, but I would suggest you have a full tour. You represent all Starfleet Interests here plus you are to keep an eye on starship development, make sure we are following what Starfleet wants from its new ships. are there any questions, Ensign?" "Very well, dismissed." ====================/\==================== (Otono Medical Centre - CMO's Office - ACMO Ens JG Lesley Summers - 2378.08.16.1531) A young woman entered the room. She was short, but cute. "ACMO Lesley Summers reporting for duty sir" "Welcome aboard Ensign. Welcome to Otono Medical Centre. Have you found it to be your liking so far?" "I going to be different sir compared to Starfleet medical" Lesley said Cambridge nodded. "Well, if you're ready for duty I would like to start you off in Otono Central." "Ok sir not a problem" Lesley said "Well, what I want you to do is to take charge of it for today. Mostly what I have Assistant Chief's do is to take charge of a department. You will be able to handle it, correct?" "You can trust me sir I will not let you down," Lesley said "I have no doubt in your abilities. Report there as soon as you can. You will find Doctor Rhea Lyoit there; you can relieve her and get reports from here. Any questions/" "No question at this time sir" Lesley said She then turned and left the cmo office and made her way to Otono central. She then tried to find doctor Rhea Lyoit.she saw a doctor standing over a bio bed that must be them she then walked over too them. "Excuse me I am looking for doctor Lyoit" Lesley asked (Reply Lyoit) "Good glad to meet you I am the acmo Lesley summers" Lesley said (Reply Lyoit) "I was sent to releave you of your shift can you give me a update on the patients" ====================/\==================== (Otono Medical Centre - ACMO Dr Rhea Lyoit - 2378.08.16.1534) Rhea Lyoit stood at the command station in the center of Otono Central, looking over the rounds. Several officers had come in with wounds from a fight while several others had come in with broken limbs rendered on construction of some of the smaller vessels at Utopia. She looked up as another woman walked up. "Excuse me I am looking for Doctor Lyoit" Lesley asked Rhea smiled warmly and nodded to the medical officer. "I am the woman you are looking for" "Good glad to meet you I am the ACMO Lesley summers" Lesley said Lyoit nodded and turned back to her rounds for a moment. "What can I do for you sir?" "I was sent to releave you of your shift can you give me a update on the patients" Rhea smiled, brushing her hair away from her face. "Good to know. There are several patients in short term recovery, they are dealing with a few broken bones from accidents on board UP. We've got James Gurrat who is currently sedated. He came in and underwent some severe therapy on his heart. We've got him under watch. Most of everyone else is just basic care. Thank you Ms. Summers,good luck!" Rhea left the room, glad to be off duty ====================/\==================== (Starbase Valhalla - CO's Office - CO FltAdm Jopek - 2378.08.16.1700) "Ensign Okada Kazuko, reporting for duty, Sir!" "At ease, Ensign. I see here you are Yard Engineering Officer, excellent - you are in charge of the placement and the control of all orbital platforms and docks at Utopia Planitia. Where a ship goes to get repairs or built, ultimately, it's up to you. You are going to have to work closely with the Operations Officer, but I am sure he'll be in touch soon, as soon as the fleet arrives tomorrow." "Any else Ensign, if not, you are dismissed.", said Jopek returning to his computer. Once more Jopek went back to work as the new YEO went to work. ====================/\==================== (Starbase Valhalla - TAC/SC's Office - ATAC/SC Ens JG Nauen - 2378.08.17.0715) "Ah, yes, Mr Nauen. Welcome to Utopia Planitia and most importantly to my secuirty department. Make no mistake Ensign, you're going to have your work cut out for you here but by the look of your Academy report you're a cut above the rest." "Thank you sir" replied the vulcan. "But for now," continued Marsland "we'll start with a little walk. I want you to head over to the USS Firebrande and take a bit of a tour before reporting back to me on the state of security onboard. I need to know how easy it would be for someone to get up to mischief there. Any questions Ensign?" "No sir." "Dismissed." Marsland returned to his memo. As this was a security check, Nauen decided not to announce himself. Instead, he made his way to transporter room One. ====================/\==================== (Starbase Valhalla - Transporter Room One - ATAC/SC Ens JG Nauen - 2378.08.17.0723) Like anywhere else on the station, engeneers where all over the place. Nauen spotted a technician, an unshaven human surrounded by equipment, tools and PADD`s, near the transporter console. As Nauen approached him he looked up. "Yeah?" "I am Ensign Nauen, Security." If he was impressed by this statement, he hid it quite well. "What can I do for you ?" "I am to perform a security check on the USS Firebrande, orders from chief of security Marsland. Is this transporter fully functional?" "Hah! They won`t like THAT!" The technician scratched his head. "Well, I just replaced the phase-indusers. The buffers are allright, I guess. We tested it and had no problems..." Nauen handed him a PADD. "That will do. Please transport me to these coordinates on the Firebrande. I will inform you when I want to return" "Sure." The technician entered the parameters into the transporter and returned the PADD. "Ready when you are." Nauen stepped up the platform. "Energize." A brief sensation of disorientation, and the transporter room disappeared. Then the world came into focus again and he was on the USS Firebrande. ====================/\==================== (USS Firebrande - Outside Armory - ATAC/SC Ens JG Nauen - 2378.08.17.0730) ~First check out the armoury. There should be at least one guard...~ ~ ?!?!....~ ~Well, well, well...~ Nauen made the first entry on his PADD. No security outside the armory. Although many people were walking about, most of them where technicians and nobody seemed to take notice of him. He checked the door. It bleeped firmly and refused to open. At least that worked. Apparently it was very easy to get around without being noticed. When he found a free computer panel he decided to check the computer`s willingness to cooperate. Using a simple algorhythm it seemed not that hard to bypass the access-code of some systems. Apparently this wasn`t updated yet. Another entry made it`s way into the log. Nauen spend some hours walking around the Firebrande taking notes, talking to people, observing. At 1600 hours he decided he had seen enough. =/\= Nauen to Transporter-room One. One to beam back. =/\= ====================/\==================== (Starbase Valhalla - AOPS's Quarters - AOPS Ens JG Ralth Ra'Kir - 2378.08.17.0800) Ralth yawned and stretched, a smile playing upon his face despite the soft chime of his programmed wake-up call. With a wave of his hand he cut off the alarm and got to his feet, inspecting his bruises from last nights workout. ~Ralth, man, you have to work out a bit more. That dummy got far too much pounding into you.~ He thought, remembering with particular clarity the snap-kick that had bruised his hip. A quick sonic shower later Ralth felt ready for action, donning his uniform and his standard-issue black collar. Lightly nervously he fingered the rank tab on his shirt collar, stepping in front of a mirror for a moment to check that his mane was in order. Then, shrugging off his usual morning laziness he stepped out and headed to the mess for a quick snack. ====================/\==================== (Starbase Valhalla - Officer's Mess - AOPS Ens JG Ralth Ra'Kir - 2378.08.17.0830) The replicator whistled and happily delivered a rare slab of meat. Licking his lips Ralth took the plate and headed to a secluded table to eat, knowing well that most humans were frightened by his predatorian eating habits.Tearing into the meat (with fork and knife, not with his teeth as he'd have liked to) he gulped down big chunks, then grimaced. ~What the... This isn't Caitian maxigrazer, but terran beef! Oh well, it'll do, I suppose.~ After eating the beef Ralth decided to check what had caused the misunderstanding. Punching a few buttons on the replicator he called up a list of replicable products. ~What the... There's something mighty weird going on in here. Someone's pulled a prank on us or something...~ Listed as "milk" was sourcream, "onions" were replaced with some obscure vulcan plant and so on. ~Well, I better head out to that briefing and then to Ops to sort this out. Looks like we are going to have to get a totally new library of replicator imprints, or maybe one of the arriving ships has a working replicator system.~ ====================/\==================== (Starbase Valhalla - CO's Office - AOPS Ens JG Ralth Ra'Kir - 2378.08.17.0900) Knocking on the door, Ralth recieved a command to enter and did so, coming to attention immediately. "Ensign Ralth Ra'Kir reporting as ordered, Sir." (Reply Admiral Jopek) "Dismissed." ====================/\==================== (Starbase Valhalla - Main Engineering - AOPS Ens JG Ralth Ra'Kir - 2378.08.17.0928) =^=Lieutenant Black to Ensign Ra'Kir; report to my office on deck 23.=^= The commlink made Ralth jump a bit at the console. ~Hm, it seems our new OPS is here. Well, I'd better get going.~ Standing up and streching to loosen up his aching muscles he headed to the turbolifts, his PADD in constant use as he perused the other ships replicator databases Just as the lift door opened his comlink came to life again and he glimpsed someone entering the OPS office. =^=This is station Operations Officer Martin Black. Personal replicators are to be deemed non-functional until a member of the operations department has personally run a diagnostic and declared your repliactor fit for use. We will be starting with the facilities at the replimat - so I suggest you consider them as a good source of a healthy meal - and then working our way through all inhabited quarters. Apologies for the inconvenience, but I wouldn't want anyone to accidently suffer any injury external or... internal due to the failings of a fledgling station. Operations out.=^= Shrugging, Ralth paced to the door and entered. ====================/\==================== (Starbase Valhalla - OPS's Office - AOPS Ens JG Ralth Ra'Kir - 2378.08.17.0938) "Ensign Ra'Kir rreporting as orrdered, sir." Ralth took in his CO's appearance, slightly taller and older then him, typical human. Only thing disconcerting were his intense, black eyes. "At ease, Ensign... We're all friends in this office... Take a seat." He paused while Ralth sat on the other chair before continuing, "Ensign, you've been here slightly longer than I have, and I already have a bad feeling about the state of this starbase. What's your opinion so far?" "Well, Sir, its not too bad. The outerr hull is secure, interrnal strructures rread out OK and most of the facilities arre in orrder. As you noticed, we have a prroblem with the rreplicators. It seems someone has been messing arround with the rreplication database. I'll have that fixed up shortly, but we'll have to check the rreplicators, too. Docking and rrepair facilities are worrking, though we arre serriously shorthanded on engineers and crrew. I estimate we will be needing somethin upwards of one thousand more crrew." Ralth stopped and let the OPS gather his thoughts. "Hmmm... Put simply, the two of us are charged with the smooth-running of this starbase, as well as the seven orbital docking yards, and an assortment of other facilities that all come under the name 'Utopia Planitia'. I arrived with fifteen starships, and three of them are still awaiting a functioning docking bay. Replicators are down, and it's going to take a manual recalibration of each unit to ensure their safety. I'd be surprised if there weren't similar bugs in the life-support systems." "I'm going to call a meeting of ourselves and all seven orbital operations officers at 1100hrs, but in the meantime I suggest we begin clearing up the mess we've been given. Your first task is to have the replimat and all other public restaurants and eateries declared ready for business. Contact Engineering and see if they can spare someone to help you out. I'll be attempting to get those three starships docked. Any questions?" "No, sir. I'll get an engineer team to do a Level Two on life-support, and get on the rreplicators. I believe I'll get the public dining facilities cleaned today." "Welcome aboard, Ensign. Dismissed, and remember to be back here for 1100hrs." "Yes sir." Turning about, Ralth stepped out, swatting his comlink while walking. =^=AOPS Ra'Kir to Engineering. I need a level-two diagnostics done on life support systems immediately.=^= A thought popped into Ralths mind. ~What if the Dominion saboteurs had someone here, too?~ =^=Concentrrate on the automatic systems: It may be they are rrigged to give false readings.=^= (Reply CEO, ACEO?) Sitting down on his desk he started making a priority list of the replicator repairs. ====================/\==================== (Martian Research Facility - YEO's Office - YEO Ens Okada Kazuko - 2378.08.17.0940) Kazuko stood and smiled as she looked around her newly re-done office. She took a moment to read the plaque her uncle had made for her when she told him that she wanted to go into Starship building... "Tractor beam... We don't have a tractor beam...You left space dock without a tractor beam? It won't be installed until Tuesday... Captains John Harriman and James Kirk." She smiled, ~I won't allow a ship to leave until it is finished...No matter who tells me otherwise.~ She thought to herself as she looked at the old fashioned clock on her wall. "Oh...no..." Her smile turned into shock, "The Meeting!" Kazuko grabbed a couple padds and stuffed them into her pocket before sprinting out of her office. ====================/\==================== (Starbase Valhalla - OPS's Office - AOPS Ens JG Ralth Ra'Kir - 2378.08.17.1055) Stepping inside the OPS's office, Ralth thunked a PADD on the table and glared at it. "Sir, we have a problem. The replicators systems are designed to resist reprogramming to make it difficult for unauthorised personnell to access those codes and produce, for instance, weapons. Now it appears that the replicator access codes have been changed and that reprogramming them might require us to replace the entire memory modules on the local units. And there's worse." (Reply OPS) "Sir, there are over a thousand replicators here, all tied to the central replicating system. Each of those replicators have a memory chip that collaborates with the main memory bank, and there lies the problem. Somewhere along the programming is a glitch that reverses the order of the numbers entered into it. So when I order steak, #415 on the database, I get gruel, #514. Now, the real problem lies in the security feature: This turning seems to happen after the security protocol has accessed the demand. In Cabin #62 a boy ordered a replicated PADD, #32446 and got an item numbered.." "Yes, I understand. #64423. What is it?" "A Type 2 Phaser, Sir." ====================/\==================== (Starbase Valhalla - OPS's Office - OPS Lt Martin Black - 2378.08.17.1057) The assembled staff was... disappointing. It was a shame that their Chief of Orbital Operations hadn't arrived yet. Even more shameful was that five of the dockyards were being represented by junior members of staff. Arranging each station's Operations Manager was going to have to become more of a priority. Still, on the other side of things there was the passionate sweeping tirade coming from his assistant. He listened, nodding, and allowing a small smile as it became more and more clear that the two of them would get along perfectly. "And there's worse." Of course there was - How could there not be? "Go on..." "Sir, there are over a thousand replicators here, all tied to the central replicating system. Each of those replicators have a memory chip that collaborates with the main memory bank, and there lies the problem. Somewhere along the programming is a glitch that reverses the order of the numbers entered into it. So when I order steak, #415 on the database, I get gruel, #514. Now, the real problem lies in the security feature: This turning seems to happen after the security protocol has accessed the demand. In Cabin #62 a boy ordered a replicated PADD, #32446 and got an item numbered.." "Yes, I understand. #64423. What is it?" "A Type 2 Phaser, Sir." Those five words hit the Betazoid with the force of a phaser blast. The description entered Martin's head, a second later followed by the irony of that statement. He stood, attempting to draw strength to allow his anger out through other means than his empathy. "I want you to take every available member of staff, and half of the unavailable ones. I want this situation fixed, and I want it done by midnight. Otherwise I'll take the entire system offline as a safety precaution." He fixed a stare right into the back of his assistant's head, and once he felt his message had been made clear he sat back down. "Status of Orbital Operations." "We still have three starships without functioning docking facilities, including the USS Magellan. She should be ok to hold position, but the other two are much less stable. The slightest problem onboard and their orbits could begin decaying." The spokesperson was a short Bolian, CPO Botrell is Martin had remembered his personnel files correctly. The decision was instant. "You and I will get those ships docked, the rest of you are to aid Ensign Ra'Kir. Dismissed." ====================/\==================== (Starbase Valhalla - TAC/SC's Office - ATAC/SC Ens JG Nauen - 2378.08.17.1615) Nauen pressed the chime. "Enter!" Marsland looked up as he entered the office. Nauen came to attention. "Ensign Nauen reporting, sir. I concluded my report on the security issues of the USS firebrande." Nauen handed him a PADD. "My main conclusions are: no guard outside the armoury, although regulations specify one guard should always be present at any given time. Even when docked. Computer access to restricted systems is possible with little knowledge of the systems or security protocols. High level security systems are well-protected, but some minor systems are easily accessible for the persistent intruder. This includes environmental systems, power re-routing and some control over the transporter systems." As Marsland studied the PADD, one eyebrow climbed steadily upwards. "Furthermore," Nauen concluded, "when I beamed aboard no-one seemed alarmed by an un-authorized transport. These are only the main conclusions. Everything else you can read in my report, sir." ====================/\==================== (Starbase Valhalla - TAC/SC's Office - TAC/SC Lt Dario Marsland - 2378.08.17.1615) Dario had been just finishing his notes on the security check he had himself performed on Valhalla when the door chime sounded. "Enter!" he called as he turned towards the door. Ensign Nauen entered the office. "Ensign Nauen reporting, sir. I concluded my report on the security issues of the USS Firebrande." Nauen handed over a PADD with the report. "My main conclusions are: no guard outside the armoury, although regulations specify one guard should always be present at any given time, even when docked. Computer access to restricted systems is possible with little knowledge of the systems or security protocols. High level security systems are well-protected, but some minor systems are easily accessible for the persistent intruder. This includes environmental systems, power re-routing and some control over the transporter systems." The Security Chief didn't like what he was hearing from his assistant, or reading on the PADD before him. His eyebrow began to rise. "Furthermore," Nauen concluded, "when I beamed aboard no-one seemed alarmed by an un-authorized transport. These are only the main conclusions. Everything else you can read in my report, sir." "It would appear Ensign," started Dario "that we have some serious issues to rectify onboard the Firebrande and here on the base. I would of hoped that after the attack three months ago, security would have been much tighter than this, but it isn't so it's up to us to fix it as soon as possible. Since you are much more aware of the situation on the Firebrande I'll leave it up to you get it rectified. Take as many men as you need and get that ship secured, I want the Admiral himself to have problems getting onboard. Any questions?" ====================/\==================== (Starbase Valhalla - OPS's Office - OPS Lt Martin Black - 2378.08.17.2001) The Betazoid materialised in the centre of his office, and immediately moved to sit down in his chair. His legs ached, his arms ached, his back ached. In fact there was very little about Martin Black that didn't ache. Still, there was one last thing to be taken care of... "Computer; is the Yard Engineering Officer aboard yet?" <> "Thank you. Finally something that runs to schedule in this place! Lieutenant Black to Ensign Okada." He waited for the Ensign to acknowledge the signal before continuing, "Ensign, you and I are going to be working very closely together over the coming months. I'd like to meet and discuss some plans with you, if that's ok. The Replimat in say... fifteen minutes." ====================/\==================== (Martian Research Facility - YEO's Office - YEO Ens Okada Kazuko - 2378.08.17.2002) After a moment of exuberance, Kazuko looked around her office. There was dust everywhere, but at the very least her systems seemed to be working. She stood in front of her computer terminal and studied the layout of the base for what seemed forever. ~I will not get lost ever again...I swear it!~ Her thoughts broken by the comm.. =/\=Lieutenant Black to Ensign Okada.=/\= "Okada here." She answered slowly. ~For two and a half hours no one noticed me and now all of a sudden, I can't get a moments rest.~ She thought as he continued. =/\=Ensign, you and I are going to be working very closely together over the coming months. I'd like to meet and discuss some plans with you, if that's ok. The Replimat in say... fifteen minutes.=/\= "Valhalla's Replimat or one down here?" She asked while looking at the schematic for the Martian base again, there were more than enough replimats here to get lost again. She wasn't going to take that chance. ~Good thing this 'meeting' coincides with my being hungry...~ (reply Black) "I'll be there in fifteen then, Lt. Okada Out." She answered and transferred the map to her quarters to her padd. If she had to go out she was changing first. ~I must look a fright...first impressions, Kazuko.~ She thought while walking out of her office following the map closely to her quarters. ====================/\==================== (Starbase Valhalla - OPS's Office - OPS Lt Martin Black - 2378.08.17.2002) "...I'd like to meet and discuss some plans with you, is that's ok. The Replimat in say... fifteen minutes." =/\=Valhalla's Replimat or one down here?=/\= The questioned stunned Martin momentarily. "Forgive me, I had thought you'd be stationed on Valhalla. In any case, I have some business to attend to before dinner, so if you wouldn't mind the short trip up here, I'd be grateful..." =/\=I'll be there in fifteen then, Ensign Okada out.=/\= ====================/\==================== (Starbase Valhalla - Turbolift - OPS Lt Martin Black - 2378.08.17.2009) The doors closed and the swoosh was immediately placed by the pleasant hum of a working turbolift - that was one system that seemed to be functioning normally aboard this swiss cheese space station. "Lieutenant Black to Ensign Ra'Kir; I'm on my way to the Replimat to have dinner with our new Yard Engineering Officer. I'd be a good idea if you could join us as we're going to be working closely together, the three of us." ====================/\==================== (Starbase Valhalla - Replimat - OPS Lt Martin Black - 2378.08.17.2012) Martin arrived a good five minute early, an assortment of PADDs in his arms, and a sense of purpose that could fell several large Klingons - at least he liked to think so. Picking a free table, Martin sat down. He got up once to fetch himself a drink - nothing exotic, just a mild stimulant with a nice chocolately flavour - and then continued to wait for his guests to arrive. ====================/\==================== (Starbase Valhalla - Replimat - YEO Ens Okada Kazuko - 2378.08.17.2014) Kazuko arrived just barely in the nick of time. She walked into the room and looked around a moment before turning her padd off and stuffing it into little bag. She looked around and with the power of deduction picked out Lt. Black. He was the only one with a stack of padds on his table. She smiled at his sense of devotion to the job for a moment then walked up to the table and looked down. "Lt. Black I presume..." She nodded her head slightly in greeting, "I am Ensign Okada." ====================/\==================== (Starbase Valhalla - Replimat - OPS Lt Martin Black - 2378.08.17.2015) "Lt Black, I presume... I am Ensign Okada." The Betazoid offered her his hand, and after a brief shake she sat down. "We're just waiting on my assistant... He should be here at any moment..." A moment later the feline visage of Ensign Ra'Kir appeared at the entrance to the Replimat and he joined them at the table. Introductions were made, and then Martin began with the business at hand. "Between the three of us, and the as yet unannounced Orbital Operations Officer, we're responsible for pretty much every aspect of Utopia Planitia. "The primary role here is to be an efficient shipyard for contruction, refit and repair, and if we're going to manage that then the three of us are going to have to affect a few changes around here." He paused momentarily, as though listening to some far away voice, and said, "Would you care for some food?" ====================/\==================== (Starbase Valhalla - Replimat - YEO Ens Okada Kazuko - 2378.08.17.2016) "Lt Black, I presume... I am Ensign Okada." The Betazoid offered her his hand, and after a brief shake she sat down. "We're just waiting on my assistant... He should be here at any moment..." A moment later the feline visage of Ensign Ra'Kir appeared at the entrance to the Replimat and he joined them at the table. Introductions were made, and then Martin began with the business at hand. "Between the three of us, and the as yet unannounced Orbital Operations Officer, we're responsible for pretty much every aspect of Utopia Planitia." "So that would mean between the three of us..." She added in quietly, "According to my job description, I am the Orbital Ops Chief as well..." "The primary role here is to be an efficient shipyard for construction, refit and repair, and if we're going to manage that then the three of us are going to have to affect a few changes around here." He paused momentarily, as though listening to some far away voice, and said, "Would you care for some food?" Kazuko listened intently, ~Three of us to make everything fully functional again...not good. I'm going to have to get my people in gear again. They are getting lazy...and I need a couple assistants, I can't do it all myself...~ She thought and heard her stomach rumble at the mention of food. She blushed slightly embarrassed, it had been hours since she'd last eaten, "I would like to eat...tonkatsu and a bowl of rice, a plate of Sushi, and some green tea would be delightful." ====================/\==================== (Martian Research Facility - YEO's Quarters - YEO Ens Okada Kazuko - 2378.08.18.0350) Kazuko snapped awake as the alarms went off. She blinked a few times to clear her vision and the outline of her quarters was just as she left them the night before. After her meeting with Lt. Black, she returned to her quarters and began the overhaul to make them livable. It took hours, but where carpet had been before, now was tatami mats. After all the renovations she made, her futon had been most welcomed. She laid down and fell asleep instantly, but now with the noise of a red alert, she found not even the comforts of home were helping. Kazuko stretched a little and winced, ~I forgot about that...~ The pain in her side from where the security guard kicked her getting worse as the time went by. She laid in her bed and looked at the ceiling, ~I am not getting up...after the day I had, no one would expect it of me, even so why get out of bed, whatever this is may not even concern me. Better check though...~ she thought. "Computer, status?" <> The computer answered. "Reason for the red alert, Computer?" Kazuko asked. <> "Is there any danger to the YEO Wing from this fire?" Kazuko asked. <> The computer replied. "What about the crew quarters? Any danger to us from this fire?" Kazuko asked. <> The computer replied again. ~Just as I thought...I don't like this music, maybe I can change the tune.~ Kazuko thought, "Computer play music file, Okada 006" The sounds of the red alert drowned out by the sounds of Japanese music. ~Much better...~ She thought as she fell asleep again. ====================/\==================== (Martian Research Facility - Outside Oval Testing Room - WTO Dr Tanya Dervin - 2378.08.18.0412) Tanya herd the words come through her comm system and the person saying them was rather excited, to say the least. "What are you people doing down there? We're reading some sort of explosion!" "Um, yes, that was one of the tests, it did not go as well as it should have... there was a minor problem but it is being resolved, Sir." Tanya added in. "Who else is down there? Do you require medical assistance?" "Hm, The night staff is down here, no one is injured, the doctor himself is also present. There are several other personnel down here as well." Tanya recounted. The voice continued, "Oh... Good... I'll inform the Admiral. I would expect a Security team to be investigating this pretty soon. Valhalla out. Oh, and Doctor? Congratulations!" "For what?" Tanya asked aloud, but the comm channel was already closed. ~What is he congratulating me for?~ she wondered, and pondered, trying to figure it out. ====================/\==================== (Starbase Valhalla - CO's Quarters - CO FltAdm Jopek - 2378.08.18.0418) The Admiral was in deep meditation, looking at the main window, he saw the stars, ships and the infinite possibilities of the universe, until the commline chirped. =^= Operations to Admiral Jopek; sir, I'm sorry to wake you, but we've got a situation developing on Mars. =^= "Go ahead.", said the Admiral, snapping back into full focus and attention. =^=It appears there's been some sort of explosion within the research facilities.=^= "Understand Lieutenant, but I need more information, contact them and find out, I'll be there in a moment. Jopek out." ====================/\==================== (Starbase Valhalla - Main Operations - CO FltAdm Jopek - 2378.08.18.0425) Walking into the main Operations area, the Operations officer gave a quick report without being asked for it. "Sir, the explosion seems contained for now. Dr. Tanya Dervin - the scientist who was on-scene - says there were no casualties, although Dr Cambridge is already on site and investigating further after ensuring her safety.", he reported. "Very good, send down a damage repair team and see what assistance they need, use whomever you want to, Mr. Black. I'll expect a full report on how and why this happened at 06.00. Carry on.", he said, heading once more to his office and leaving the OPS officer to do his work. ====================/\==================== (Martian Research Facility - Outside Oval Testing Room - TSO Lt Steve Newton - 2378.08.18.0425) He was interested in hearing this story himself, "with all due respect captain, wouldn't this conversation be better in my office and with your permission I would like to start a full investigation." "This conversation is just fine here, on the scene of the incident, request noted and denied. Permission granted to begin a full investigation in accord with Station security. You are dismissed!" He didn't like her attitude, she had no idea what it was really like out their for a Starfleet officer and he was not going to allow her to interrupt with the development of new technology, she was nothing more then a barbarian. He moved far enough away from the pair to make it look like he was following orders but close enough to hear the conversation. He quickly pressed his comm badge. "Newton to Black" =/\=Black here.=/\= "As I'm sure you are probably aware we have had an incident down here which needs to be investigate." ====================/\==================== (Starbase Valhalla - Main Operations - OPS Lt Martin Black - 2378.08.18.0428) The Admiral had arrived on deck, heard what information Martin had, and issued his orders. Martin tapped his comm-badge. "Operations to Ensign Ra'Kir; there has been an explosion in the research facilities. Assemble and damage control team and beam down." (Reply Ra'Kir) He waited for the signal to be acknowledged before closing the channel. =/\=Newton to Black.=/\= For a moment Martin doubted whether he'd closed the channel before he picked up on the distinct difference between the two voices. "Black here," he said, trying desperately to recall what position 'Mr Newton' held on the station. =/\=As I'm sure you are probably aware we have had an incident down here which needs to be investigated.=/\= Martin sighed, and then instantly prayed that it had not been audible over the comm-channel. "We are very aware of the current situation down there, Mr Newton. A damage control team is on its way down, and I'm quite confident that our Strategic Operations Officer has the secuirty aspect of any investigation well in hand. Do you think it necessary for me to send a Security team down as well?" (Reply Newton) He had no sooner finished his conversation with the man on the surface than his comm-badge chirped again. Frustration surged through his body as once again an incoming message assaulted his ears. =/\=Attention all senior officers, please report at 10.00 to the Observation Lounge on Valhalla for a meeting and mission briefing. Thank-you.=/\= Martin allowed a small scream to echo throughout his mind before getting back to work. ====================/\==================== (Starbase Valhalla - CO's Office - CO FltAdm Jopek - 2378.08.18.0430) Upon entering his office, Jopek turned on his computer. "Computer, send a message to the Starfleet Command Liaison Office, Ensign Shannon: 'Mr. Shannon, there has been an incident on the Marian surface, an explosion has caused some damage, please visit the scene and see Dr. Dervin for her official report and please see me in the morning, then I would like the entire report delivered to Starfleet Command.' Computer, send message." << Message sent at 04.35 >> "Computer, send a message to all senior officers." "Message reads. 'Attention all senior officers, please report at 10.00 to the Observation Lounge on Valhalla for a meeting and mission briefing. Thank-you.' Computer, send this message." << Message sent at 04.45 >> The Admiral started to gather his notes for the meeting, the first time that the bulk of the senior officers had gotten together was important. ====================/\==================== (Starbase Valhalla - SCL's Quarters - SCL Ens David Shannon - 2378.08.18.0430) David Shannon was awoken by the insistent beeping of a computer console. "Urgh... computer what time is it?" <> With only four hours sleep David was not happy at being woken "Who is the message from?" <> David was suddenly much more awake, he sat up, threw off the thin coverlet and swung himself out of bed. Heading for the refresher unit in the corner he asked the computer to play back the Admiral's message. =/\=Mr. Shannon, there has been an incident on the Martian surface, an explosion has caused some damage, please visit the scene and see Dr. Dervin for her official report and please see me in the morning, then I would like the entire report delivered to Starfleet Command.=/\= "Computer, save the Admiral's message and place a reply in Admiral Jopeks incoming queue, silent alert", David figured there was no need to bother the Admiral until he woke again, "message received and understood, I'm heading down to the surface now; if ten hundred hours is suitable I'll report in then, Shannon out" David took only two minutes to dress and make himself presentable, leaving his quarters he headed for the turbolift shaft halfway down the corridor, "Thank goodness for small mercies" thought David "at least the turbolifts seem to be working currently" ====================/\==================== (Martian Research Facility - Outside Oval Testing Room - TSO Lt Steve Newton - 2378.08.18.0430) "Newton to Black" =/\= Black here. =/\= "As I'm sure you are probably aware we have had an incident down here which needs to be investigate." =/\= "We are very aware of the current situation down there, Mr Newton. A damage control team is on its way down, and I'm quite confident that our Strategic Operations Officer has the security aspect of any investigation well in hand. Do you think it necessary for me to send a Security team down as well?" "There have been no reports of intruders down here and from the reports I've heard the explosion appears to have been an accident. The Strategic Operations Officer has given me permission to start an investigation, while she finds out what happens from doctor Dervin. I will contact the security chief directly. Newton out." "Newton to Marsland." =/\= Marsland here. =/\= "As I'm sure you are aware we have had an incident down here, captain Rulestaad has given me permission to start an investigation while she talks to doctor Dervin who was running an experiment at the time. I was hoping that you could help me with the investigation." ====================/\==================== (Starbase Valhalla - Turbolift - SCL Ens David Shannon - 2378.08.18.0434) Once inside the turbolift David stopped dead, suddenly struck by the fact that he had no idea how to proceed, "Investigate an explosion, see Dr. Dervin for an official report, Jesus they never taught anything about this back at the academy... Ok I've got to think my way through the problem, explosion and report, explosion and report.... A light went on inside David's head. "This is kind of a security matter, security I understand, all I have to do is figure out what Dad would do." he continued this line of thought "Gotcha! begin at the beginning, establish all the facts, no recriminations or blame; at least not at first, just the facts, what happened, when did it happen, why did it happen. The Admiral might want a report from Dr. Dervin but he would also want the opinion of a Starfleet officer. I can't come away from this ignorant" thought David "I have to have my own mind made up about what happened, it doesn't sound too dreadful or else the Admiral would have gone to investigate himself but he wants a Starfleet eye looking over the issue or else he would have merely asked Dr. Dervin for her report to be delivered straight to him in the morning." "Transporter Room One" said David clearly and the turbolift accelerated smoothly away. "Computer locate Dr. Dervin" <> The turbolift came to a halt and the doors opened. ====================/\==================== (Martian Research Facility - Outside Oval Testing Room - STRATOPS Cptn Jenna Rulestaad - 2378.08.18.0435) "Do you have any questions sir, or may I be dismissed?" Jenna looked at the civilian officer for a few moments, and then waved away the security ensign. ~Intelligent, nothing overt but still patronizing. I will have to watch this one, closely.~ "That is all, ensign. You may continue about your business, but you may be called to make another statement to Station security later." ====================/\==================== (Martian Research Facility - Outside Oval Testing Room - WTO Dr Tanya Dervin - 2378.08.18.0435) "Do you have any questions sir, or may I be dismissed?" Tanya had asked, Tanya noted how the Stratops officer regarded her before she waved away the ensign that was recording things at her side. "That is all, Ensign. You may continue about your business, but you may be called to make another statement to Station security later." "Yes, Captain." Tanya said as she walked off, the misnaming of her rank didn't even catch her attention. ====================/\==================== (Martian Research Facility - Outside Oval Testing Room - TEO Ens Anne Therriault - 2378.08.18.0436) Ensign Therriault relaxed considerably once the Captain had left the corridor. She leaned against the wall with a sigh and pulled out the PADD to see what had made it beep. There was an announcement from the computer, noting that the TEO Advisor Lt Michelle Roberts has arrived on base. "TEO advisor?" she mumbled, a quizzical look crossing her face, "I have an advisor?" ====================/\==================== (Martian Research Facility - Outside Oval Testing Room - CCE Lt Michelle Roberts - 2378.08.18.0437) "TEO advisor, I have an advisor?" Michelle, who was now leaning on a bulkhead since the Captain had left, lifted her eyeballs to the heavens and sighed. ~Yea Wrathful Gods of Combat, what did I do to deserve this? Hath I not made enough sacrifices of fire and blood to avoid the halls of the most idiotic? I thought you were supposed to protect me from such grave injustice, so to hell with you too!~ Michelle straitened up, and walked over to the TEO. "Indeed, ma'am... You do. More then that, you have a fully qualified and tested Combat Engineer as an advisor to and of Combat Engineering." Michelle handed over the PADD she was holding, and said "Lieutenant Michelle Roberts, Chief Combat Engineer of the Fallen Angels reporting for temp duty as Advisor to the Theoretical Engineering Chief." ====================/\==================== (Starbase Valhalla - Transporter Room One - SCL Ens David Shannon - 2378.08.18.0438) David stepped out crossed the corridor and walked into the transporter room. David nodded at the crewman on Duty. "Ensign Shannon, Starfleet Command Liason Officer. I need to go down to the research complex, somewhere called the oval testing room, how close can you place me?" The transporter technician replied, "That's a transporter restricted area sir, with the warp technology research going on there we don't want to risk scrambling anyone's molecules on beam in. The nearest safe zone is in the corridor outside the main control room, the oval testing room will be a few metres down the corridor on your right as you materialise" "Thank you" said David, "What's the alert status down there currently" "Red Alert was just cancelled" replied the Crewman "but it looks like there's still some alarms going off" ====================/\==================== (Martian Research Facility - WTO's Office - WTO Dr Tanya Dervin - 2378.08.18.0438) Tanya sat down in her chair with a sigh. She pulled out her PADD and began to input the data and documentation, all that trying all for not. It had been such a loss. Tanya frowned. She'd been working on her report for a good fifteen minutes or so, when her office doors swooshed open. Tanya jumped at the unfamiliar sound. "Dr. Dervin, I presume, sorry to disturb you, I'm the SCL - David Shannon, Admiral Jopek asked me to get your official report on the fire we just had down here, I'm to transmit it to command in the morning..." Tanya was aware that he was talking, but her eyes were focussed at a spot above his head, on her wall, it was just a tiny spot that was slightly discoloured from the rest of the wall. Her eyes were transfixed upon the spot, she couldn't tear them away from it as much as she felt like it. It was almost as if that spot was about to give her the complete answer to the warp driveless tests... ~yes, come on, tell me you can tell me, what's wrong?!?!~ She mentally thought intensely at the small discolouration. "Dr. Dervin?" she herd a voice say. Her concentration failed, the spot stopped transmitting. Tanya frowned, and looked the person straight in the eye. "What?" she asked. <> "What? I already gave a report." Tanya said, looking at the Ensign again. <> "Honest, hey, who are you?" Tanya asked. <> "Oh, sorry I must have missed that, the spot was talking to me." <> "That spot, well not talking as you would normally think, you know how when you stare at something long enough, it almost seems to talk to you, you get completely..." Tanya trailed off, seeing that her listener wasn't nearly as interested in the phenonimina as she was. "Anyway, Commander? was it?" <> "Ok, ok, Ensign, then. Sorry, call me Tanya. I'm not into that rank stuff." ====================/\==================== (Martian Research Facility - Outside Oval Testing Room - SCL Ens David Shannon - 2378.08.18.0440) David beamed into a corridor still smelling faintly of burnt components and ozone. As the transporter tech had instructed he turned to his right and walked rapidly down the corridor towards the testing room. Entering the room he wished he could have stayed outside, the environmental systems were still labouring to clear fumes from the atmosphere. "Hello, Dr. Dervin are you here?" "Dr. Dervin, hello, is there anyone in here?" "Damn" thought david "No-one around, well she can't have gone far in the last couple of minutes" "Computer locate Dr. Dervin" <> "Computer, Directions to Dr. Dervin's office from my location" <<40 Metres down station on the left.>> ====================/\==================== (Martian Research Facility - WTO's Office - SCL Ens David Shannon - 2378.08.18.0441) David hit the chime button and the open button simultaneously on the door marked 'WTO Dr. Dervin' there was a woman seated behind a desk, wearing what he could only describe as pyjamas; yellow pyjamas. "Dr. Dervin I presume, sorry to disturb you, I'm the SCL - David Shannon, Admiral Jopek asked me to get your official report on the fire we just had down here, I'm to transmit it to command in the morning..." David trailed off as he noticed the blank look in the woman's eyes. "Dr. Dervin?" ====================/\==================== (Martian Research Facility - WTO's Office - SCL Ens David Shannon - 2378.08.18.0441) "Dr. Dervin, I presume, sorry to disturb you, I'm the SCL - David Shannon, Admiral Jopek asked me to get your official report on the fire we just had down here, I'm to transmit it to command in the morning..." Tanya was aware that he was talking, but her eyes were focussed at a spot above his head, on her wall, it was just a tiny spot that was slightly discoloured from the rest of the wall. Her eyes were transfixed upon the spot, she couldn't tear them away from it as much as she felt like it. It was almost as if that spot was about to give her the complete answer to the warp driveless tests... ~yes, come on, tell me you can tell me, what's wrong?!?!~ She mentally thought intensely at the small discolouration. "Dr. Dervin?" she herd a voice say. Her concentration failed, the spot stopped transmitting. Tanya frowned, and looked the person straight in the eye. "What?" she asked. "I'm sorry Dr. Dervin but it seemed you drifted away there for a moment. I was hoping to have your report on the fire." replied David. "What? I already gave a report." Tanya said, looking at the Ensign again. "You did? To who?" Exclaimed David now very confused by this strange woman, "what is it with those pyjamas?" he wondered. "Honest, hey, who are you?" Tanya asked. "I'm David Shannon" repeated David "I'm the SCL", David trailed off again at the confused look on Tanya's face. "I'm the starfleet command liason officer..." David suddenly put two and two together "Of course! Dr. Dervin isn't fleet" thought David "that explains the pyjamas anyway, and she probably has no idea what an SCL is or what I'm here for" "Sorry Dr. Dervin I'll start at the beginnning again. I'm Starfleet Command Liason officer, I'm part of the starfleet command segment of Utopia Planitia. One of my roles is to act as a communications conduit between the staff on Utopia Planitia and various command staff back on Earth in San Francisco and other places. The Admiral feels that having a fire here so soon after the attack is probably going to be something that starfleet command are going to be interested in, so he asked me to come speak to you to get your report so I can put together a data packet to go off to command in the morning." "Oh, sorry I must have missed that, the spot was talking to me." "Spot?" thought David "this is one very confused woman." but he didn't dare say that aloud, instead trying to be diplomatic he asked "What spot Dr. Dervin, and did you say it was talking to you?" That spot, well not talking as you would normally think, you know how when you stare at something long enough, it almost seems to talk to you, you get completely..." Tanya trailed off, seeing that her listener wasn't nearly as interested in the phenonimina as she was. David was beginning to get the hang of Dr. Dervin, he mentally put her in a box maked along with several other scientists he knew, classified as a very bright very commited person who found it difficult to focus on anything much outside of her own field. David had no doubts whatsoever that Dr. Dervin must be very very good in that field it was just that the normal day to day business of life would seem to rush past her without impacting greatly on her conciousness. Tanya's next question confirmed David's theory. "Anyway, Commander? was it?" David laughed "I wish! No I'm just a lowly ensign, I may not quite be old enough to be father to some of the youngsters graduating from the academy today but I'm no higher up the ladder than they are, just an ensign" "Ok,, Ensign, then. Sorry, call me Tanya. I'm not into that rank stuff." "Tanya then, thank you." David paused "Tanya you never did explain what happened down here and who it was that has already taken your report" David waited while Dr. Dervin told him all about the fire, the aftermath and her encounter with the pushy Strategic Operations officer. David sympathised with the red-headed scientist, he had heard reports of Captain Rulestaad and he didn't think she was someone that you wanted to be enemies with "Hmm... Tanya if you don't mind I'm going to make a suggestion, you may not think you need to know and understand how starfleet works, including as you put it 'that rank stuff 'and with someone like myself that's going to be just fine. But with some of the officers here, and I think you can probably figure out who I'm talking about, you are going to get into trouble if you don't play the game their way. Oh and don't think they cannot hurt you; if you get into their bad books there's no telling what obstacles might be thrown in your path." David waited a moment to see if what he had said was getting through to Dr. Dervin. "Listen" he continued "It's not that hard to figure out, most recruits at the academy get the rules of the game figured out in their first two weeks," he gave the warp expert his best Shannon smile "If you want a teacher in starfleet 101 I just might know someone with inside knowledge" "Sure thing." said David turning to leave Dr. Dervin to communicate with her talking spot. "Oh by the way" he called out flirtatiously just as the doors swished closed - "nice pyjamas." ====================/\==================== (Martian Research Facility - YEO's Quarters - YEO Ens Okada Kazuko - 2378.08.18.0445) The silence of Kazuko's quarters was shattered once again but this time by the incessant chimes of an incoming message. Kazuko yawned and rolled her eyes again, ~I forgot to loop the music...oh well, someone had better be dead...~ She thought and as before just laid in bed, "Computer, play message." =/\='Attention all senior officers, please report at 10.00 to the Observation Lounge on Valhalla for a meeting and mission briefing. Thank-you.' =/\= "Computer, time?" Kazuko asked. <> The computer answered. ~Seems no one is sleeping on this base...or Valhalla either for that matter.~ She thought, "When is my wake up call?" < The computer answered. ~Two more hours of sleep...Augh...~ Kazuko thought and rolled onto her good side and fell back asleep. ====================/\==================== (Starbase Valhalla - Main Operations - CO FltAdm Jopek - 2378.08.18.0500) The Vulcan had completed his preliminary report into the fire and he managed to get out of his office for the first time for days for longer than a few moments. While the night shift was still on duty, he headed out of Operations and towards the turbolift. "Firebrande.", he said to the computer. ====================/\==================== (Martian Research Facility - WTO's Office - WTO Dr Tanya Dervin - 2378.08.18.0501) <> ~Great, just great, probably me getting in more trouble.~ Tanya thought sarcastically. "Computer, play message" She dictated. =/\=Attention all senior officers, please report at 10.00 to the Observation Lounge on Valhalla for a meeting and mission briefing. Thank-you.=/\= Tanya nodded. Ok, 10.00 the next day, that meant she should probably get some sleep. ~Now where were my quarters again?~ Tanya had been working so hard, that in fact, the last night she'd actually slept curled up in her chair at her desk in her office (that was why her Pyjamas were still there). And so Tanya set out to find her quarters and to get some well deserved rest. ====================/\==================== (Starbase Valhalla - Deck 30 - CO FltAdm Jopek - 2378.08.18.0505) Walking into the airlock, Jopek could see out the window the Galaxy class ship in her own docking bay, lights and work bees were buzzing around her; it looked like the final touches were going onto the hull. The nacelles were dark indicating that her warp core was offline. He opened up the interior door to the Firebrande and a small hiss sounded as the door released the small imbalance of pressure between the station and the starship. He began the short walk in the walkway that would take him to the saucer section and the primary hull. ====================/\==================== (USS Firebrande - Main Engineering - CO FltAdm Jopek - 2378.08.18.0515) He was walking around the major sections of the base, upon reaching Engineering; he was surprised to see no one around; turning back out, he headed towards the Bridge. ====================/\==================== (USS Firebrande - Bridge - CO FltAdm Jopek - 2378.08.18.0530) Completing his tour, Jopek nodded to each of the crew and workman who were working on the ships systems while watching what they were doing. It seemed like the repairs were nearly complete, he made a mental note to check at the meeting when she would be ready for departure, it would make things easier on them if they had one full operational ship at their disposal. ====================/\==================== (Starbase Valhalla - Main Operations - OPS Lt Martin Black - 2378.08.18.0540) He waited as long as he could - collecting information through the sensors, and calling in reports as often as they felt necessary - but the Admiral's deadline was fast approaching. "Black to Ensign Ra'Kir; report!" (Reply Ra'Kir) He finished his conversation with the Caitian moments before the Admiral arrived back on deck. "Mr Black, what can you tell me about the fire? Did you manage to complete your preliminary investigation?" "I've been coordinating as best I can with the damage control teams on the surface, and with Strategic Operations, but as you can appreciate she's quite busy with an investigation of her own. From the information I have I'd say sabotage is unlikely, but I don't think we can afford to rule it out yet." There was a pause whilst he considered his own words. Something didn't sound right, and Martin was convinced he was within inches of finding that piece of information. "It just makes no sense," he said to noone in particular, but when Jopek fastened his gaze onto the Betazoid, he felt compelled to go on. "Sabotage should concentrate on military targets. Remove our ability to find and destroy them. Research facilities are targets for capture, not elimination... Unless we're getting close to something and they see a threat..." ====================/\==================== (Starbase Valhalla - Main Operations - CO FltAdm Jopek - 2378.08.18.0555) "Mr. Black, what can you tell me about the fire? Did you manage to complete your preliminary investigation?" The Admiral waited for an answer; at the same time he was mentally preparing the agenda of his meeting, a lot to cover in a short time. The crew was about to face their first and biggest challenge, would they be able to handle it? He thought so, but time would tell. ====================/\==================== (Martian Research Facility - YEO's Quarters - YEO Ens Okada Kazuko - 2378.08.18.0630) Kazuko slowly rolled off her futon and stretched out. ~Too early...~ She thought while making her futon up for the day. She then took a sonic shower and got dressed. She put on her uniform and a pair of coveralls over that, after all the dirt and grime in her office she didn't wish to have to change again after she was done. She looked at herself in the mirror and pulled a hat on to cover her head before nodding to herself. ~Now to remodel my office...~ She thought while picking up a couple padds that she had gotten from Lt. Black. Kazuko slipped the padds into her large pockets on her coveralls and set out for her office. ====================/\==================== (Starbase Valhalla - SCL's Office - SCL Ens David Shannon - 2378.08.18.0630) Ensign Shannon finished preparing his report for starfleet command, he would have to run it by the Admiral later in the morning but he didn't think there would be much to change, the whole incident seemed to be pretty much a normal standard run of the mill stupid accident, David figured there would be some minor procedural changes in how the testing facilities were used but he could add those recommendations into his PADD as soon as he heard what they were. =^= Incoming Transmission For Starfleet Command Liaison Officer =^= David turned to a monitor and asked the computer to play the message "Computer display transmission" David watched as the message from Starfleet command played on the screen, supporting data and documents opening and closing on subsidiary panels. "Wow!" thought David "someone in fleet command has been working overtime." "Computer save transmission and supporting data, store under reference starfleet procurements office, design proposals stardate 2378.08.18" The data transmitted from starfleet command would almost certainly be of interest to a number of the officers who would be at the Admiral's briefing later and David would have to work hard to be sufficiently familiar with it prior to the meeting. ====================/\==================== (Starbase Valhalla - CO's Office - CO FltAdm Jopek - 2378.08.18.0700) =^=Admiral, we receiving a message for you, from a newly arrived ship, the USS Columbia under the command of Captain Reliok, he's asking for you personally.=^= "Very well, put him through.", said the Admiral turning to his monitor. "Captain, a good trip? No problems?", asked the Admiral. =^= None, as per the orders we are standing by. =^= "Good, contact Orbital Operations and they will find a berth for you, I'll be in touch this afternoon, Valhalla out." Taking a PADD, the Admiral went over the orders from Starfleet Intelligence once more; the first part of their plan was in full swing. ====================/\==================== (Starbase Valhalla - Main Operations - OPS Lt Martin Black - 2378.08.18.0703) =/\=Sir?=/\= The voice belonged to CPO Botrell, but Martin had no idea why Dockyard Delta would be hailing him. "Go ahead, Delta." =/\=I'm receiving an incoming hail for Orbital Operations from the USS Columbia.=/\= Martin sighed - it was going to be a long day. "Yes..?" =/\=I'm patching it through now.=/\= He had been about to shout; wanted nothing more than to berate the Bolian for transferring a trivial call that he was quite capable of dealing with himself, but the channel was closed. Instead his voice was being heard by the USS Columbia. "This is Operations. We don't have an available berth right now, but if you could enter a holding pattern on vector one-oh-four I'll attempt to get you docked as soon as possible." He jabbed a finger into the control and cut the channel before they could reply, and accessed the transporter controls. "Valhalla to Dockyard Delta; I'm beaming over now. Be ready." ====================/\==================== (Martian Research Facility - Outside TEO's Office - ATEO Lt Cornelius Byson - 2378.08.18.0800) Cornelius stood outside the TEO's office, his game plan running through his head. ~Turn on the charm, woo her with my finesse, knock her right off her feet. I'll have her eating right out of my hand. And then I'm going to run right over her.~ He smiled a wide, mischievous grin, which he quickly downgraded to a friendly smile before hitting the button beside the door. To his surprise, he had to wait a few minutes before there came a tired voice from the office within, "Enter." ====================/\==================== (Martian Research Facility - TEO's Office - ATEO Lt Cornelius Byson - 2378.08.18.0802) The door opened and he quickly stepped into the room, but stopped in the doorway the instant he saw the office. It was a total mess, dust and boxes everywhere. A redheaded female officer sat behind the desk, her face drawn with exhaustion. He stepped closer to the desk, "Ensign Therriault?" She nodded her head slowly. In his loudest, clearest voice, he stated, "Lt. Cornelius Byson reporting for duty." She grimaced at the loud voice and said almost in a whisper, "Reporting for duty?" "Yes, sir," he said loudly, laughing inwardly at her expression, "I have been assigned to you as your assistant." A perplexed look crossed her face, "Assistant?" He withdrew the PADD with his orders from his bag and handed it to her, "Yes, sir." She took the PADD and read it, slowly massaging her temples, feeling a stress headache coming on. ~Why don't they ever tell me these things?~ she thought to herself, ~The briefing didn't say a thing about an advisor OR an assistant.~ She finally spoke, "Interesting. I'm sorry I don't have a chair to offer you. Maintenance is still trying to make heads or tails of this room." He nodded, clipping out in his British accent, "That's fine, love." Her head snapped up, "Excuse me?" "Oh, I'm sorry," he tried to smile sheepishly, "Old habits are hard to kill. I got in the habit of calling everyone that during my childhood on Earth." "Do you best NOT to call me that, thank you," she returned her attention back to the PADD, "As I was saying..." Anne stopped, trying to remember what she had been saying. She was just so tired. The previous night had been a long one, with the fire and the aftermath. Her head still rang with the Captain's lecture. ~Still lucky I got out of there with my head,~ she thought. She looked up in time to see the ensign examining the burn mark on the wall, "Your doing?" he asked. She gave his a dirty look, "Of course not, Lieutenant. That was from the previous tenant." She dropped his PADD on the table in front of her with a sigh and called out, "Computer, hot coffee, extra sugar. Lieutenant?" He looked up at her, "Oh, a..." She stopped him with a wave of the hand, "You'll probably want to order something really easy. The replicators are acting up." He nodded and ordered a glass of water. The computer chirped and the replicator filled the order, creating a glass of cold coffee and a mug of hot water. Anne sighed and leaned forward, slowly loosing patience with the world around her. Corny tried not to laugh as he picked up the drinks and deposited them on the desk. "I'm not sure if you can stand cold coffee..." She nodded, taking the glass, "Any caffeine is good right now." She took a sip of the coffee and choked. "I think you got sugar water," she gasped, "because I just got straight coffee." He couldn't hold it in anymore and snickered. She gave him a quick look before placing the coffee back on the table. "So..." she looked at the PADD again, "Cornelius- Do you mind being called Cornelius or do have a nickname or something?" He shrugged, "Most of my coworkers called me Corny but you can call me whatever you want," he smiled a knowing smile and wiggled his eyebrows. ~He must think that he's god's gift to women.~ she thought, glaring at him. He noticed and quickly reeled in the smile. "OK, Corny," she sighed, "I'm sure that they have an office assigned to you. I'd suggest that you find it and see what kind of state that it's in." He nodded, picking up his satchel, "Thank you, sir." ====================/\==================== (Martian Research Facility - Outside TEO's Office - ATEO Lt Cornelius Byson - 2378.08.18.0814) Corny stepped out of the room and let the door close behind him before he leaned against the wall and burst into laughter. ~She's a little edgy, but I can see some promise.~ he thought to himself. He brought his laughter under control before he began down the hallway, confidentially whistling an old Irish tune. ====================/\==================== (Martian Research Facility - TEO's Office - TEO Ens Anne Therriault - 2378.08.18.0815) Ensign Anne Therriault stared at her office door for a long time after her "assistant" left the room, lost in thought. ~You've GOT to be kidding,~ she thought, shaking her head, ~How can I have such a cocky ass as an assistant? I must be getting the bottom of the barrel.~ The door chirped again she sighed. "If that Corny again, I'm going to kill him," she mumbled, "ENTER!" A maintenance clerk entered the room, a desk unit under his arm. "Ensign Therriault?" She nodded, standing. "I have you computer, sir." He set it on the desk and made sure that it worked before he looked around. "Have you called in this mess yet?" he motioned towards the boxes and burned spot on the wall. She gave him a dirty look that could of taken paint off the wall, "What do you think?" He stepped back, "OK, OK. Sorry." He turned and began to walk away. "Wait a minute. Aren't you going to fix any of this?" He shrugged, "Sorry. I was ordered to drop off a desk unit. I'm going off duty." Anne waited until he walk out of the room and the door shut before she exploded. "Somebody up there hates me," she yelled. Her temper boiled and she suddenly had the urge to kick someone. Or something. She turned and kicked the closest thing, which she suddenly realized was the base of the computer wall unit. The unit's screen flickered for a moment before it blinked off with a very audible sigh. ====================/\==================== (Martian Research Facility - ATEO's Quarters - ATEO Lt Cornelius Byson - 2378.08.18.0818) Cornelius skipped his office and went straight to his quarters. It was small but livable. "I hope they have a holodeck," he commented. He flicked on the computer and studied schematics of the base, getting a feel for the place. ~This place is HUGE!~ he thought, scanning over the maps, ~Lots of places to hide.~ He quickly found the schedule for the nearest holodeck and blocked off a couple hours for himself, starting in 15 minutes. He stood and stretched. ~A couple good games of racquetball will get the old blood pumping again.~ he thought. ====================/\==================== (USS Firebrande - Main Engineering - ATAC/SC Ens JG Nauen - 2378.08.18.0830) PADD MEMO TAC/SC Lt Marsland --- URGENT --- .... This is a recorded message I found, hiddden deep in the computer-core of the USS Firebrande. It also came with a picure, included here, apparently a screenshot taken from the main viewer at that moment... As the investigation progresses, I find no time to report personally. It is obvious the USS Firebrande HAS encountered the Borg at one point in time, although no evidence of it was found in the computer logs or anywhere else on the ship, or in the Valhalla logs. Therefore I advise a thorough investigation of the USS Firebrande, and a complete disconnection from the Valhalla Main Computer Core. I do not know yet if the discovery of this message has triggered anything, therefore I will stay on board during my investigation. Today at 1400 hours a security detail of 6 men will be assigned here on my orders. Request to CEO Berewick for qualified assistance will be send if needed. As long as this is not clarified, this investigation has Priority One until resolved or ordered otherwise by you. ATAC/SC Ensign Nauen ====================/\==================== (Starbase Valhalla - TAC/SC's Quarters - TAC/SC Lt Dario Marsland - 2378.08.18.0831) Dario had just returned from the gymnasium and was preparing his breakfast when the message from his assistant, Ensign Nauen, arrived. The Security Chief was taken aback by the recorded message attached to Nauen's memo, just the thought of the Borg crawling all over the Firebrande made him shudder. "Computer! Send a reply to Ensign Nauen's message." <> "Ensign Nauen, I am deeply disturbed by your discovery and I will forward it to Admiral Jopek immediately. Your suggestions will be given the highest consideration and I agree that disconnecting the Firebrande from Valhalla's main computer should be our first reaction. Continue your investigations and report back to me as soon as you have more news. If you require any assistance from the Engineering or Science departments do not hesitate to ask them directly. Marsland out!" Dario tapped the console before continuing "Computer send message." ====================/\==================== (USS Steel Talons - Transporter Room Two - FO Cmdr Richard Ian Lee - 2378.08.18.0850) Rich tugged at his beard for a few moments, waiting for the regular rotation of crew to beam off so he could have a turn at the PADD. For a week he had been cramped on this ship, waiting anxiously for his chance to get off and get to Valhalla for his new assignment. After being rushed off the Paladin onto a high-speed warp shuttle, plus time on this aging Cruiser... he just wanted a chance to sit back and do nothing for a while. Not that he would get a chance to do that on the station, either, though. The previous group beamed out, and Lee stepped forward to the PADD, all alone this time around. "Make it a smooth trip, chief." The transporter chief gave him a strange look, then pushed a button. ====================/\==================== (Starbase Valhalla - Transporter Room One - FO Cmdr Richard Ian Lee - 2378.08.18.0852) ...and Lee found himself in a half finished, yet fully functional room that appeared to be made of bolts and beams rather then panels. "Permission to come aboard." Lee said tonelessly as he looked about, less then impressed. "Permission granted, Sir." Lee walked out the door (one didn't open, and the other made strange noises) and into the half completed hallway. "Well now, this is rather interesting. Just what have you gotten yourself into here Rich... better yet, what has Starfleet gotten you into?" Rich made his way down the corridors to Main Ops after a time, and slowly found his way to the CO's office. He pushed the enunciator when there, and waited for the Admiral in charge of the place to answer. After a few moments, he was allowed in. He placed his bag outside of the office and walked in, then immediately came to attention. "Commander Richard Ian Lee reporting for duty, Sir!" ====================/\==================== (Starbase Valhalla - CO's Office - CO FltAdm Jopek - 2378.08.18.0900) Once more, the Admiral's door chime was activated. ~ I really need to change the tone of that ~ "Come in.", said the Admiral. "Commander Richard Ian Lee reporting for duty, Sir!", said the new officer. "Commander, I see you got my message, thanks for coming so quickly.", said the Vulcan, leaving his chair and desk and walking over to the Commander. "Here are your orders, you have been assigned here as my First Officer, congratulations Commander and welcome aboard.",said the Admiral, passing a PADD to the Commander. "There is a full briefing in the Observation Lounge at 10.00, so I suggest find some quarters and I'll meet you there and afterwards, we'll have a talk, agreed?", he said, turning to the door, it opened. "Dismissed Commander.", said the Vulcan. As the First Officer left, Jopek could see that he had lots of questions that needed answering, he would be able to indulge him soon, right now, he had a new crew that required a briefing. ====================/\==================== (Starbase Valhalla - Observation Lounge - CO FltAdm Jopek - 2378.08.18.0930) Setting up for his meeting, the Admiral was the first into the room. It was brand new, the chairs and the conference table were still in their wrappings. He set about taking them off and laying the table with some water and other refreshments. Soon after, he took his place at the head of the table and organise his PADDs and the large computer screen behind him, his presentation was going to cover many things and he didn't want to waste valuable time once it was underway. ====================/\==================== (Martian Research Facility - WTO's Quarters - WTO Dr Tanya Dervin - 2378.08.18.0930) Tanya rolled over in bed... ~morning already?!?~ She got up and checked her chronometer, ~OH MY, I'm going to be late!!!~ ====================/\==================== (Otono Medical Centre - CMO's Office - CMO Lt 'Mac' Cambridge - 2378.08.18.0942) Chief Medical Officer Maxwell Alexander Cambridge sat in his office on the first floor, looking through the surgery charts that had been handed to him by several orderlies. He was now trying to put them all together, but had found it nearly impossible. Several details were missing from the main reports and some information on the patients was missing. ~Who in their right minds would do this? ~ Quickly, he looked to the report information, finding it was a newer officer that had been transferred here earlier. Shaking his head, he quickly sent a message to the officer, making sure he attached a guidelines for writing a report as well. =^=Flight Assistance to the Flight Deck, Flight Assistance to the flight deck=^= Cambridge moved his hands over the computer terminal in front of him. The Otono Medical Center was not without her problems. The power systems had recently been fluctuating, causing several problems for the surgery department, which had used all its close calls up for the day. The Verano Medical Center was still feeling the burn of the brownouts and Cambridge was in the midst of composing a message to whoever was in charge of the Engineering Department. Whoever it was, they had caught his anger, and wasn 't going to get away with too soon. "Computer, message to Chief of Engineering Department, begin to record, now. "Dear CEO, this is the Chief Medical Officer for both Verano Medical Centre and the Otono Medical Centre and also in charge of the outlying medical outposts for Utopia Planitia. I am sending you this message because we are experiencing severe power issues, specifically on Valhalla. Brownouts are being reported to me from my staff and we've had several close calls at this point and let me be blunt for a moment. If any patients die within the time required to fix this problem, I will hold you responsible for their loss of life. Add this bugger to your list too. Otono has been getting problems from our power supply as well and I do not need to emphasize the reasons for having this problem repaired very quickly. If you wish to speak with me, you know where to find me. Cambridge out." He ended the sentence with a dig, hoping that the engineering department got the meaning he was trying to put across. Rhea Lyoit appeared at his door. "Sir, you had asked me to remind you of the meeting?" Cambridge nodded, picking up his PADD and med kit. He took a deep breath and moved out of his office. "If anything goes wrong, you know where I am. The Assistant Chief Summers should be on the Starbase." He quickly went to the turbolift, heading for his shuttle ====================/\==================== (Martian Research Facility - TEO's Office - TEO Ens Anne Therriault - 2378.08.18.0945) By the time the desk unit beeped to remind Ensign Therriault about the admiral's meeting at 1000, she had repaired the wall unit and reviewed Lt. Cornelius Byson's record. By the end, she was sitting back, staring up at the ceiling, wondering how to deal with the young man. His record was filled with comments from his previous commanding officers, almost all derogatory. There were detailed reports of incidents of insubordination and engineering mishaps. The latest wasn't even a month ago. The engineering chief of the Magellan reported that "Lt. Byson had been completing an unauthorized experiment on the warp nacelles during routine maintenance.". It took two days and all of the engineering crew to short out the aftermath. The chief had asked for the immediate dismissal of Byson, quoting Starfleet regulations about officers that needlessly endanger personnel. But the XO had seen differently and suggested for Starfleet to transfer the young man to a "less critical post". ~And that's how he was pawned off on me,~ she thought, ~But how did such an inept young man get to be a Lieutenant?~ She scrolled though his record one more time and noted that he had gained the rank of Lieutenant, junior grade, while on the USS Excalibur approximately 7 years before. His XO at the time, a Commander Shelby, had posted exemplary reviews on the young man. But barely 6 months after the promotion, and just 4 months before the Borg attack on Earth in 2373, an incident happened on the Excalibur and he was quickly dumped out at Deep Space-3. When she tried to read the records on the incident, she was denied access, having been locked down by Commander Shelby and required a high security clearance to be reviewed. His record noted that after 5 years on DS-3, with minimal reports of any incidents, he had been promoted to Lieutenant and quickly reassigned to a ship. From then on, he had been passed from one ship to another, his record filled with reports of insubordination and engineering mishaps that would of made any engineering student cringe. ~He's going to be a challenge,~ she shook her head, ~Why me?~ She made a note on her to-do list to look a bit more into his background before she began to gather her things for the Admiral's meeting at 10:00. ====================/\==================== (Starbase Valhalla - Docking Deck - CONN Ens Alex Landis - 2378.08.18.0945) "Great, now what?" Alex dropped his bags and looked at the overview table. "OK... got it!" Alex grabbed his bags and headed for the Turbolift. "Promenade, Deck 7." ====================/\==================== (Starbase Valhalla - Observation Lounge - SCL Ens David Shannon - 2378.08.18.0945) David had a suspicion today's briefing was going to be busy so he arranged to arrive in the observation lounge early enough to be sure to be able to get a seat, he walked into the lounge fifteen minutes before the Admiral was due to start and found the place filling up already. "Better grab a place before they are all gone" thought David spotting an empty chair in the middle of the room with a good view of the large display screen and handily enough the door. David waited for the meeting to start watching as officers arrived, some unhurried and calm others obviously rushed and under pressure. He recognised less than half of the attendees, "Note to self - I need to catch up with the senior command roster, there's too many people here that I have no idea who they are, I wonder if any of them play antarian chess?" David mused, thinking of his latest hobby. When Admiral Jopek stood and began the meeting David listened carefully, "at least that's one name to a mystery face" he thought as the Admiral introduced the base's new First Officer. David was amused to see the guilty look on Tanya Dervin's face as she explained what had happened down in the research labs; her suggestions regarding force fields and a new sign made good sense to him and he was glad to see that no-one seemed to blame the attractive scientist for the events which woke them all up in the middle of the night. The news about the dominion base was as much of a shock and surprise to David as to everyone else and he was pleased to see that that the Admiral was already working on the problem and had plans in place to deal with it, David hoped that he might be able to help out there but didn't see right away how much use a liaison officer would be in sneaking up and destroying a dangerous enemy emplacement. "What is the report on the Firebrande, is she ready? Plus, I would like a quick status report from all departments." When the Admiral asked for status reports from all departments, David caught the Admiral's eye and stood to give his report. "Hi - I figure most of us are new here and you are probably about as familiar with me as I am with you so I'm going to introduce myself first, I'm David Shannon, starfleet command liaison officer, no doubt I'll be getting to know most of you pretty well in the coming weeks and months but I wanted to let you all know about something that came in this morning from starfleet command and I figured might be of interest to us" David held up 3 PADDS in his hand "These PADDS contain new design proposal requests from the procurement office, it seems that the tactical lessons of the war against the dominion have been learnt and that a number of deficiencies have been identified in a whole range of standard equipment and facilities" "The fleet procurement office has issued these proposal requests to all qualified shipyards so we are not going to be the only yard with an interest in these designs but I think there are one or two that we might have an unfair advantage in winning." David continued to provide details of the transmissions he had received earlier, "The first proposal that I think we may want to look at is from the Marine Corps, they have asked for a design for a landing craft capable of delivering and collecting up to 50 marines plus ground effect vehicles whilst under fire from both ground and orbital installations. It's pretty clear from the detailed request that what they want is for someone to take a defiant class ship, significantly beef up the ablative armour, remove most of the offensive weapons capability, science stations and sickbay and use the space that gets freed up to house planetary landing gear and a large access hatch that the marines can pour out of once they are down." David watched the reaction of the assembled audience to the first starfleet request before continuing "The second request that I wanted to let you know about is a joint proposal from starfleet medical and the corps of engineers, They want a mobile planetary crisis management base. They envisage something about the size and general parameters of a galaxy class vessel but without weapons and with the science and diplomatic spaces on board being converted for use by a large medical team and a corps of engineers. I believe we have some plans already on file for variants of the galaxy class and I figured this one might be an easy one to win" "I have one other request that's a little out of our standard area of interest but I think it's one that command are really keen on and the notes I got accompanying the data transmission made special reference to sector zero zero one and the mars defence perimeter. The request is for a design of what's being called a 'Self Replicating Interdiction Platform' the design parameters specify a modular system consisting of a number of stand alone self contained units, similar to the mine field developed for the defence of the Bajoran wormhole." David gave a summary of the mass of data he had read through before the meeting. "What starfleet command wants is a more active version, instead of having cloaked space mines equipped with large scale replicators, we are being asked to design self replicating torpedo pods complete with up to 10 quantum torpedoes already sitting in launch trays. The tactical concept is that a number of these pods could be deployed by a planet or starbase that is in immanent danger of attack, the pods are to be equipped with tractor beams which will allow them to hold formation in relation to one another, once each pod has launched it's store of quantum torpedoes it is to shut down and use the remaining energy in it's fusion reactor to replicate a new copy of itself. The energy conservation principle means that the next generation of pod is only going to be able to muster 9 torpedoes and subsequent generations will deplete that number still further but you can see that this platform would offer a handy means of defence to any fixed emplacement without needing to tie starships down in defensive roles." "I have all the requests plus supporting data available if anyone wants more information" David thought of something else just before he sat down "Just one more thing - I consider my role to work both ways, I may be a communications conduit for design requests and communiqués from starfleet command but I'm also here to help you get what you need from them, if there's information or materiel that you need from elsewhere in the fleet I'll do my best to help, I cannot promise always to deliver but I should be able to come up with the goods in most cases." ====================/\==================== (Starbase Valhalla - Observation Lounge - STRATOPS Cptn Jenna Rulestaad - 2378.08.18.0955) Jenna walked through the doors, and looked around. ====================/\==================== (Starbase Valhalla - CONN's Quarters - CONN Ens Alex Landis - 2378.08.18.0955) The third time he passed same corridor he actually saw his designated quarters. "Great! I will never be able to find it again." Everything was great for Alexander Landis, probably the oldest officer in Starfleet history to graduate at the age of 40. He entered and threw his bags on the floor. The first thing he did was to jump up into the bed and bounce a couple of times before lying still and looking up in the ceiling. "Home sweet home... computer, what's the location of Admiral Jopek?" <> "OK..." First officer or OPS then? He decided OPS; they would work close together after all. What was his name... Black! "Computer, what's the location of Lieutenant Black?" <> "A big meeting eh... I better get there as well I guess." ====================/\==================== (Starbase Valhalla - Observation Lounge - TEO Ens Anne Therriault - 2378.08.18.0956) The ensign hurried into the room and took a seat at the table, noting that the Vulcan captain was already there. She busied herself with the PADD she had brought with her, hoping to deter any conversation with her commanding officer. ~I've had a bad enough day without starting anything with her.~ ====================/\==================== (Starbase Valhalla - Outside Observation Lounge - CMO Lt 'Mac' Cambridge - 2378.08.18.0958) The shuttle pulled up to the dock, a hissing sound whispering from the edges of the porthole. The shuttle shook as a thunk sounded. It was secure. Maxwell made his way out the door and straight up the turbolift. He took a deep breath. In a matter of three days, things had taken a wonderful turn. A fire, several close calls and more problems than a Starbase under attack. The turbolift opened and the CMO quickly made his way to the Observation Lounge. All six foot seven of him stooped through the door, finding at space at the back of the room. Pulling out his PADD, he began to continue the work on his department. ====================/\==================== (Starbase Valhalla - Observation Lounge - WTO Dr Tanya Dervin - 2378.08.18.0958) Tanya rushed in quickly, she did not want to be late at all. She hurried in, her hair still damp, and out of place, it was sort of held back by a hair tie that had been whipped in on her way to the meeting. And then, there was her coffee that she was holding in her hand that somehow she'd managed to dribble down the front of her newly pressed uniform on the way. ~Yes, what a way to start the day.~ There were no chairs. Well there were plenty chairs, but there were not enough for everyone to have one. As a result, Tanya stood and leant against the wall. ~If there's anything else that could possibly go wrong today....~ Quickly she reached over and touched the wooden table, ~touch wood~ she thought to herself. The meeting was beginning, Tanya returned to her comfortable piece of wall, and leant against it. "Thank you all for coming; sorry for the tight squeeze, we will make it better next time. Firstly, I want you all to welcome the officer to my right, Commander Richard Ian Lee, our new First Officer. I will let him introduce himself at the end of this meeting." Tanya watched Jopek wade through the assembled mass. "The last addition to our roster as far is the position of Second Officer; I've spoken to Starfleet Command before most of you arrived and I've made my choice. Lt. Black is going to be the Second Officer, congratulations." "Okay, the fire in the research facilities on Mars, who would like to summarise what happened and what needs to be done to prevent such events in the future?" Tanya looked at the Admiral with a look of guilt on her face. "Yes, I suggest that there be forcefield lining the computer panels along the walls for the time during experiments and also that no observer of any type should be outside of them during tests." <> "And perhaps a no food or drink sign might help." she added as an afterthought. <> "Very well; let's move on... Starfleet Intelligence has information for us about the location of a small rebel group of Dominion soldiers where we believe the raid was conducted that caused the destruction of much of Utopia Planitia, three months ago." Admiral Jopek activated a control panel that illumaned a computer screen on the wall. "Their base is suspected to be here..." Tanya watched the screen zoom out, "Close aren't they?" Jopek asked. There was a sea of nods throughout the room. "This planetoid has no star system, it's a rogue and while it isn't class 'M', illuminated suspects an artificial structure on the surface plus a possible shipyard and/orbital station." Tanya regarded the image with the curiosity of a scientist, there were so many questions that she possessed about it, most of all being about the creation and maintenance of such a thing. However, she kept all speculation to herself. She looked around the room and noticed that she was the only civilian present. These were all fleet officers to whom rank and serial numbers were important, they were so different from her. "Starfleet has considered hitting this base with everything we can muster, but we need to know a lot more before we go in and take them out... so we have a plan in several stages." Tanya nodded along with the rest of the room, it could be very dangerous trying to wipe out something with that great a magnitude in one fell swoop. "The first part of the plan is to see if SFI have the details right, Lt. Marsland, the USS Columbia has recently docked. She is a Defiant Class Vessel. I want you to put together a small away team and head for this planet under cloak. Captain Reliok will be waiting for you and your team, he will take you. Depart as soon as possible." Tanya looked over at Lt. Marsland, ~Wow.... they really are serious.~ "Check out the threat and get back her, then we can put into effect stage two." ~Stage two?!?!~ Tanya wondered, this did seem rather covert and a mastermind tactical operation. "Dr. Dervin," ~WHAT?!? NOW WHAT?!?!~ Tanya began to panic ~AM I STAGE TWO?!?! This isn't what I signed up for?!?!~ "I've been reading the reports of your warp wave generation and dissipation technological experiments and this technology would be perfect to sneak up on a base like this, without the signature of a warp engine, we could send a larger ship, once Mr. Marsland's mission has been complete." "I want you to start field tests with the USS Firebrande, as soon as possible. The Neptune proving grounds are at your disposal. Use anyone you need to help out on running the ship anyone you need for the project." ~NO WAY?!?~ Tanya's eyes grew wide. She didn't fully betray her feelings of excitement ~No more model ships!! They're actually letting me test on a real live Starship!!!!!!!!!~ Tanya's excitement grew as the Admiral spoke his words. She just nodded her head furiously in response to Jopek's words. "The entire Advanced Theoretical Technologies Unit will need to get involved, we need to get these units built and up to speed quickly. If you need anything, let me know." Tanya bowed her head in affirmation as Jopek continued. "What is the report on the Firebrande, is she ready? Plus, I would like a quick status report from all departments..." Tanya's head was going several million light-years per second, she was coming up with lists upon lists of things that needed to be done, calculations that needed to be reconfigured and a Ship that needed to be tailored. It was going to be excellent. Tanya watched as the YEO/OO stood up and began to speak, "I met with Lieutenant Black yesterday to discuss our current yard inhabitants... I plan to take a trip to the building sites to confirm the location and building status for each ship. My people have started an extensive inventory. Once that inventory and my tour are finished I can consider my wing locked down... I have found old orders on my desk for new ships... but until I can lock down my wing, I will not authorize any new ships..." Tanya nodded, this meant little to her, she was still formulating her ideas and concepts for the Firebrande, that she was going to get to test. This was a great day indeed. ====================/\==================== (Starbase Valhalla - Observation Lounge - YEO Ens Okada Kazuko - 2378.08.18.1000) Kazuko stumbled into the room and wished at that moment that she were a fly on the wall. She'd never seen so many people in one tiny room, and she'd never wanted to be the center of attention. People were staring at her. She didn't have to wonder why. ~I must look a fright...~ She did, there was a layer of dirt on her overalls. Her hands and face were covered in dirt and grime, and when she realized she was still wearing the hat she removed it to show her hair was now half clean and half covered in dirt, making it look black and grey at the same time. ~What a wonderful first impression I'm making on these people...They probably think I'm a maintenance engineer...Well except for Lt. Black.~ She looked over at him to find he was staring as well. Kazuko looked for an empty seat, but found that to get to them she'd have to pass by some people nearer the door and that could get them dirty, so she stood in the doorway. ====================/\==================== (Starbase Valhalla - Observation Lounge - OPS Lt Martin Black - 2378.08.18.1002) He was aware that he was late, but it was either that or allow the Comlubia to wait forever, and he would quite happily say exactly the same to any questioning Admiral after the morning he'd had. Martin sat down and tried to empty his mind ready for a fresh batch of problems and priorities. He indicated that the Strategic Operations Officer should brief them all on the findings about the fire. He suspected that she had a better idea about the sabotage question, and in any case, she was his superior officer, even if he was also he superior through his new status as Second Officer. The emotional tides in the room were at an extreme high. It was all Martin could do to keep himself still as other people's excitement and anxiety washed over him. The clash of so many passionate personalities was overwhelming after such an exhausting morning. The Operations Department status report was waved by a limp hand in the direction of Ensign Ra'Kir, and Martin used the excuse to dab at the sweat forming on his brow. Something wasn't quite right in this room. ====================/\==================== (Starbase Valhalla - Observation Lounge - CONN Ens Alex Landis - 2378.08.18.1003) Everyone turned and looked at the unknown Ensign. He was dressed in Command Red, which probably meant the new CONN. The wrinkles around the eyes and the taint of gray in his dark brown hair at the temples made him look a lot older than most of the officers. "Hi guys! Alex Landis, your new CONN. I just arrived, I hope you don't mind...?" Alex pulled out a chair with slight smile. ====================/\==================== (Starbase Valhalla - Observation Lounge - TAC/SC Lt Dario Marsland - 2378.08.18.1004) Dario had awoken early to find the Admiral's message regarding the meeting in his message bank. After a quick workout and light breakfast the Head of Security had made his morning rounds before heading to the Observation Lounge for the first staff briefing under Admiral Jopek. Dario slipped into the over-crowded room and took up a position by the door. It was not long before the briefing began. ====================/\==================== (Starbase Valhalla - Observation Lounge - CO FltAdm Jopek - 2378.08.18.1005) Everyone had arrived and it was quite a large gathering, the table wasn't big enough for everyone so some of the officers had to sit in chairs against the wall and around the door. Jopek made another note to have this room enlarged. As everyone settled down, he spoke up and the room went silent as he began the meeting. ====================/\==================== (Starbase Valhalla - Observation Lounge - CO FltAdm Jopek - 2378.08.18.1005) Just about everyone had arrived, so Jopek was ready to begin the meeting. Even though some officers had just arrived and some even hadn't arrived. Although this irked the Vulcan, he was experience enough not to let it worry him overly. "Thank you all for coming; sorry for the tight squeeze, we will make it better next time. Firstly, I want you all to welcome the officer to my right, Commander Richard Ian Lee, our new First Officer. I will let him introduce himself at the end of this meeting.", Jopek stood up and headed over to the large computer screen at the front of the room, next to the door. A few of the crew got themselves out the way as Jopek turned back to face the ensemble officers. "The last addition to our roster so far is the position of Second Officer; I've spoken to Starfleet Command before most of you arrived and I've made my choice. Lt. Black is going to be the Second Officer, congratulations.", the Jopek waited for everyone to settle down before continuing. "Okay, the fire in the research facilities on Mars, who would like summarise what happened and what needs to be done to prevent such events in the future?" Jopek listened to the reports of the senior officers; in the end, the matter didn't seem to be too life threatening. "Very well; let move on. Starfleet Intelligence has information for us about the location of a small rebel group of Dominion soldiers where we believe the raid was conducted that caused the destruction of much of Utopia Planitia, three months ago." Jopek activated the control panel that illuminated the computer screen on the wall. "Their base is suspected to be here.", Jopek had the screen zoom out from Mars until the base was on the screen as well. "Close, aren't they?", Jopek said and he centred the display on the planetoid in question. "This planetoid has no star system, it's a rogue and while it isn't class 'M', SFI suspect an artificial structure on the surface plus a possible shipyard and/orbital station." "Starfleet has considered hitting this base with everything we can muster, but we need to know a lot more before we go in and take them out. so, we have a plan in several stages." Jopek let the screen wink out while he returned to his seat. "The first part of the plan is to see if SFI have the details right, Lt. Marsland, the USS Columbia has recently docked. She is a Defiant Class Vessel. I want you to put together a small away team and head for this planet under cloak. Captain Reliok will be waiting for you and your team, he will take you. Depart as soon as possible." The CO looked around the room as several of them seemed to be surprised at the dangerous mission. "Check out the threat and get back here, then we can put into effect stage two." "Dr. Dervin, I've been reading the reports of your warp wave generation and dissipation technological experiments and this technology would be perfect to sneak up on a base like this, without the signature of a warp engine, we could send a larger ship, once Mr. Marsland's mission has been complete." "I want you to start field tests with the USS Firebrande, as soon as possible. The Neptune proving grounds are at your disposal. Use anyone you need to help out on running the ship anyone you need for the project." "The entire Advanced Theoretical Technologies Unit will need to get involved, we need to get these units built and up to speed quickly. If you need anything, let me know." Jopek continued with meeting. "What is the report on the Firebrande, is she ready? Plus, I would like a quick status report from all departments." The CO waited for everyone to give a brief status report on their projects and duties. ====================/\==================== (Starbase Valhalla - Observation Lounge - CSO Lt Drew Brannigan - 2378.08.18.1005) Drew sat and stared at the image that the Admiral was projecting. He couldn't believe how close the enemy was to them. He wondered why they hadn't sent every available starship in, with some help from the Klingons, to wipe them out? The Admiral continued his briefing. "Starfleet has considered hitting this base with everything we can muster, but we need to know a lot more before we go in and take them out. so, we have a plan in several stages." Jopek let the screen wink out while he returned to his seat. "The first part of the plan is to see if SFI have the details right, Lt. Marsland, the USS Columbia has recently docked. She is a Defiant Class Vessel. I want you to put together a small away team and head for this planet under cloak. Captain Reliok will be waiting for you and your team, he will take you. Depart as soon as possible." The CO looked around the room as several of them seemed to be surprised at the dangerous mission. "Check out the threat and get back here, then we can put into effect stage two." "Dr. Dervin, I've been reading the reports of your warp wave generation and dissipation technological experiments and this technology would be perfect to sneak up on a base like this, without the signature of a warp engine, we could send a larger ship, once Mr. Marsland's mission has been complete." "I want you to start field tests with the USS Firebrande, as soon as possible. The Neptune proving grounds are at your disposal. Use anyone you need to help out on running the ship anyone you need for the project." "The entire Advanced Theoretical Technologies Unit will need to get involved, we need to get these units built and up to speed quickly. If you need anything, let me know." Jopek continued with meeting. "What is the report on the Firebrande, is she ready? Plus, I would like a quick status report from all departments." The CO waited for everyone to give a brief status report on their projects and duties. When it came to his turn, Drew gave a short summary of the status of the station's Science Department. He even went so far as to tell the Admiral what equipment was being installed in the lab and what was still on back order. When he had finished he sat back down and idly wondered if he would be needed for, or indeed if he could observe, the warp wave generation and dissipation technological experiments. ====================/\==================== (Martian Research Facility - Holodeck 1 - ATEO Lt Cornelius Byson - 2378.08.18.1010) Corny finished his 3rd game of racquetball early with a dive and a slamming of the ball. The ball bounced away from his opponent, scoring him the final point he needed. The crowd cheered, yelling Corny's name over and over and over. He rose, sweat dripping off his face, raised his arms in victory and began to run around the court, chanting with the crowd. He stopped near his opponent and shook his head. "Good game, Ty," he said quietly, "Computer, end program." Suddenly Ty and the large crowd disappeared and the room filled with silence. Corny wiped his face on the exercise towel he had brought from his quarters and mentally congratulated himself on a game well played. He finally felt like he had worked all of the kinks out of his muscles that traveling usually gave him. He sat down at the edge of the holodeck, leaned against the wall and rested from his hard game. His mind drifted for a few minutes, but soon settled on his current predicament. He slumped forward and tried to figure out how to make his life easier. ~Ensign Therriault seemed to be a stickler for the rules and a real tight-~ he shook his head, ~How did I ever get into this mess? I should have that job, not her. Not an ensign and especially not an ensign right out of the Academy.~ He wrapped the towel around his neck, rose and began to walk towards his quarters, deep in thought. ~That's my chair that she's sitting in, my job that she's doing,~ he thought to himself, ~How can I get my job back?~ He turned the corner, expertly sidestepping a workman who was laying on his belly, fixing a relay deep in the wall. ~How can I get that job? How can I get her tossed out and assure that I will be given the job?" A couple few minutes, he stepped into his quarters and immediately into the sonic shower. His mind was still turning the problem over in his mind when it hit him. "Computer, who is Ensign Therriault's commanding officer?" ~Jenna? Hmmm, another female officer. Maybe she'd be less strict.~ A wide grin crossed his face as he thought back to the last XO he sweet talked. That was how he got his 2nd pip on his collar. The many days of sweet talking (not to mention the nights of sweet loving) paid off well for him but it didn't protect him when he had accidentally torched half of the engineering area with another experiment. ~Atleast I learned that plasma, hydrogen gas and a flame do not mix well.~ Then he laughed to himself when the image of the chief engineer screaming his head off, smoke rising off of his singed eyebrows, came back to him. "Maybe, just maybe, that plan will work again," he mumbled, climbing out of the shower. He hurried into the main room and called to the computer, "Computer, display information on Captain Jenna Rulestaad." Corny pulled out a uniform and began to dress, his mind already reeling with what he was about to do. As he pulled down the top, he caught sight of the computer screen, and stopped in his tracks. "A VULCAN!?!?!?" he exclained, hurrying to the console, "Captain Rulestaad is a vulcan?" He scrolled through all of the information that the computer had on the commanding officer before he sat back. "There is no way I am going to swoo a vulcan! No way! I may be good, but I'm not that good." He rose and began to pace across the room. Suddenly, a thought crossed his mind and he stopped. "Computer, where is Ensign Anne Therriault currently?" <> "Hmmm...good. She's not around. And where is Captain Rulestaad?" <> "Damn. Must be a meeting going on. Now, how can I talk to Captain Rulestaad without making the ensign suspicious..." ====================/\==================== (Starbase Valhalla - Observation Lounge - TEO Ens Anne Therriault - 2378.08.18.1020) Anne listened intently as the others spoke about what they had completed, what was going on and what was planned for the near future. She tried to think of something to say, anything to report, but her mind was totally empty. ~What can I say? I've barely been here for 24 hours. I've found my office in shambles. Spent the night mopping up the mess so I could actually work in it. Woke up to a red alert from the WTO's fire in the lab early this morning and then spent the rest of the morning trying to get a handle on the mess the last TEO left me.~ She has laughed when she found out that the last TEO had actually been a Klingon, an insane, suspicious Klingon. All of his notes and logs were encrypted and the computer was still trying to decode the mess. She couldn't understand how the Klingon had gotten anything done while he had been the TEO but it also explained the state of her office. ~Oh, and then I met my advisor and assistant, both who I didn't even know was coming, so I was totally unprepared for them. Who knows who else will show up in my office unannounced.~ She quickly scrolled through the long list of scientists and engineers that were under her and her head swooned. Her mail box was quickly filling with requests and questions from members of her staff about things that she knew nothing about. ~How am I ever going to get a hold of this mess?~ She shook her head slightly, ~This assignment is starting out badly.~ When it became her turn, she sighed inwardly and began to speak. "To any of you who don't know who I am, I am Ensign Anne Therriault and I am the new Theortical Engineering Officer on the Mars base, replacing Lt. Prakl'in, who was transfered to the Klingon home world. I've also had two new people join my team, my assistant, Cornelius Byson, and an advisor, Lt Michelle Roberts. "Let me begin with that I've only been on the base for under 24 hours and still trying to get a handle on what I've gotten myself into here. Lt. Prakl'in left incomplete records of his activities before his transfer and I'm actively working through the mess he left. There seems to be some unfinished experiments and reports that his staff was working on and I hope to have a status on each by the end of today." "I look forward to working with all of you on this important project and my staff and I will help you anyway we can." She sat back, glad that you report was over with, but waited for someone to bring up any questions. ====================/\==================== (Starbase Valhalla - Observation Lounge - YEO Ens Okada Kazuko - 2378.08.18.1025) Kazuko half listened to the reports about the fire that she had so graciously ignored this morning and the reports from the other departments. She had her padd out and recording the entire meeting, just in case she missed something. Her mind started to wander a little, ~I wonder when my cargo will arrive...I could put some plants in my office.that would cheer that place up. Though it looks pretty good now that I cleaned and modified it...Concentrate, Kazu-chan...~ She thought as her fingers ran down the padd she was operating so fast, the beeps sounded like an EKG. After a couple seconds of that the speaker stopped speaking. After another few minutes, she noticed her padd had stopped recording and she looked up to see them all staring at her again. She stopped quickly and bowed her head apologetically. ~I wonder if it will ever get better...I got terribly lost yesterday, hurt...~ she gently rubbed her side, which still ached, again at the thought of it, ~Finally got to eat and sleep, hoping today would be a better day.and now look at me, I'm filthy and sitting in a meeting with twenty other people.Fine first impression. ~ She thought and after a couple minutes it dawned on her that the room was quiet again. She looked around to see Admiral Jopek's eyes on her, as if...waiting for something. ~My report!~ "I met with Lt. Black yesterday to discuss our current yard inhabitants. I plan to take a trip to the building sites to confirm the location and building status for each ship. My people have started an extensive inventory. Once that inventory and my tour are finished I can consider my wing locked down..." Kazuko paused for a moment before adding, "I have found old orders on my desk for new ships...but until I can lock down my wing, I will not authorize any new ships..." ====================/\==================== (Starbase Valhalla - Outside Observation Lounge - ATEO Lt Cornelius Byson - 2378.08.18.1057) Byson paced the corridor just around the corner from the Observation Lounge, his mind running a lightyear a second. He kept rehearsing his speech, trying to make it perfect. "I've got to get this right," he mumbled to himself, "It has to be perfect." He stopped when he heard a door swish open. He peered around the corner in time to see a group of people exit the lounge. He caught sight of his commanding officer in the crowd and he ducked back around the corner. ~Don't see me,~ he pleaded, ~I am bulkhead...I am bulkhead...I am bulkhead...~ The group passed his hiding spot quickly, talking in hushed tones about something. He made sure that the group had turned down another corridor before peering around the corner again. A moment later, the door opened again and a Vulcan female walked out, closely followed by a human male. The two were talking quietly. He ducked back behind the corner and smoothed out his uniform before stepped into the hallway. "Captain Rulestaad, I presume?" ====================/\==================== (Starbase Valhalla - Outside Observation Lounge - STRATOPS Cptn Jenna Rulestaad - 2378.08.18.1100) Jenna listened to the entire meeting very silently. She had no departmental report to give, Strategic Operations were by definition, top secret. So far, things were going well. All information taken from the raiders by the Combat Away team would be fed into her computers, and she could then start to plan for the defense of Utopia and decide just how long they had to rebuild the MDP. After the meeting was over, everyone filed out, including her. She exited near the end of the line, and was beginning to make her way back to the Shuttlebay so she could head back to Stratops when a voice behind her said. "Captain Rulestaad, I presume?" Jenna stepped aside to the side of the corridor and did a sharp turn on her heel. Before her was a very cocky looking Lieutenant, who had a bit of a smile and looked every inch in Parade dress. She placed her hands carefully behind her back as she looked him up and down with a neutral expression on her face. She snapped her eyes back up at his face and said "You presume correctly, Lieutenant." ====================/\==================== (Starbase Valhalla - Outside Observation Lounge - ATEO Lt Cornelius Byson - 2378.08.18.1101) Jenna snapped her eyes back up at his face and said "You presume correctly, Lieutenant." Byson stopped in front of the straight-faced Vulcan and saluted, "Lt. Cornelius Byson, sir. I'd like to request a moment of your time to discuss Ensign Therriault." He stood in full alert, waiting patiently for the Captain to respond. ~Please, let me talk to you,~ he pleaded to himself, trying to keep the pleading look off of his face. ====================/\==================== (Martian Research Facility - YEO's Quarters - TEO Ens Anne Therriault - 2378.08.18.1110) Once Kazuko reached her quarters, she quickly walked in and stopped by the door. She took her shoes off and stuffed them into the cubby by the door, then placed her slippers on before stepping up onto the tatami mats she put down. "I hope you don't mind the mess. I'm still cleaning everything up." Anne stopped when she saw Kaz change her shoes, but then realized that it was a custom in the Japanese culture. She stood there for a moment, wondering what she was supposed to do. Kazuko turns towards her and smiles, "I'd hate to ask you to...but if you wouldn't mind..." She jesters towards the cubby holes to show there are more slippers there. "Make yourself to home, while I get cleaned up." The redhead shrugged and readily traded her boots for slippers. Very comfortable slippers... Kazuko dissapears into her bathroom to take her shower, leaving Anne to explore the main room. She looked over the many Japanese decorations that filled the room. Finally, she sat down on the futon, suprised that it was so confortable, and began to compile a to do list for her afternoon. 20 minutes later, Kaz returned, dressed in her yukata bathrobe. "There, I feel so much better..." She walks up to the redhead and holds out her hand, "I am Okada Kazuko, head of the YEO and OO departments." Anne shook her hand, "Anne Therriault. TEO." "A pleasure, Ms. Therriault. So what would you like for lunch?" Kazuko asked while walking towards the replicator. Anne rose from the futon and followed Kaz, "First of all, I need a good cup of coffee. The replicator in my office is on the fritz. It keeps spitting out cold water," she thought for a moment, "A mocha latte would do me some good." Kazuko laughed and nodded, "Mine wasn't working at first either, but I don't wait for maintenance to get to me..." She went to the replicator that was decorated to blend into the walls, "Mocha Latte, hot" She ordered, the replicator whined and seconds later a mug was sitting there. The TEO quickly took the mug and sipped the warm contents, sighing inwardly, "I think my replicator is past my help. The last tenant hit it too many time. It's got over 100 damaged relays and a spotty power source. I think he went ballistic when he found out he was being transfered. My office was in peices when I arrived. And Maintenance is dragging their feet in completing the repairs." "I could make a call for you, Ms. Therriault." Kaz looked at her seriously, while walking over to the hot plate in the center of the table next to the replicator, turning it on to brew tea. "You think that would help? I've screamed and yelled and pleaded...even tried to bribe, but nothing seems to of worked. Their attitude is, 'We'll get to it, when we get to it.'" "It couldn't hurt...I wonder how many of them are on my own payroll..." Kazuko walked away from the hotplate and went to her comm. "Okada to Maintenance Leader." "Commander Shmoe here." "What is the status of repair on the Chief TEO office and Chief Therriault's Quarters?" "Ahh...We're still waiting for parts, Cheif Okada..." Joe Shmoe said. "I don't want excuses, Commander, I want results. Those two places had better be in inspection readiness by 1300 hours." "Understood Chief...Shmoe out." Anne's ears perked up when she heard the answer, ~You mean I'm not going to have the big burnt spot on my wall? And a working replicator? Oh, and a working wall computer? YES!!!~ Kazuko looked over at Anne and smiled. "See that's all it takes." "Very nice. If I had known that the trick to get them moving was to know their boss, I would of done it earlier. Thank you." Kazuko laughed and shook her head, "No...the secret to making them move is to be their boss." Anne laughed, "Well, anyway, thank you. That solved one of my problems." Kazuko took the tea pot off the hotplate and moved it to the little table she had set up, putting it down next to her tea cups. she then walked back to the replicator and ordered her lunch, "Teriyaki Chicken, rice and cabage." She then turned to Anne as it materialized, "What would you like?" "That actually sounds good," she smiled, "Order the same for me." Kazuko nodded and ordered another, then lifted the tray and moved it to her table, "Will you need a fork? or will chopsticks be fine?" "A fork, please. The last time I tried to use chopsticks, I ended up accidentally flinging food across the restaurant." Kazuko laughed a little and nodded before replicating a fork. She then turns back to the table and kneels down to eat lunch, "So why don't you tell me some of your other problems, maybe I can help." The red head followed suit, kneeling down at the table, across from the YEO, "There's a lot of them. The main one right now is the assistant that Starfleet assigned to me." She began to tell the YEO everything about her new assistant, Corny Byson. By the end of the story, Kaz was shocked and dismayed. "I don't know what to do with him..." the TEO sighed. "Why would starfleet command send someone like that to such a critical post?!?!" Kazuko said now angry. "I wonder that myself. I'm not sure how I'm going to keep him under control." "Well you can't let him near ships...that could cause disaster..." Kazuko said while putting a piece of chicken into her mouth and chewing it up, "Perhaps you can put him in charge of doing paperwork..." "Oh, I know I can't let him anywhere near anything that's more complicated or critical than a PADD. Maybe...just maybe you're idea would work," a smile crossed her face, "Oh, I like that. He'd be my secretary." "Then I would choose another Assistant...someone more capable you could trust to help you with more important matters. I need to do that myself..." Kazuko said while pouring tea for herself in the ancient tradition. Anne picked up the PADD that she had carried in with her and scrolled through the names quickly, "Out of over 3000 people? How do I do that? Why didn't they cover this in any of the classes in Starfleet?" Kazuko laughed and nodded, "Try having 75000 to go through. I was thinking of creating a computer generated search to find people of a worthy calaper, and if that doesn't work... I might just choose the first two people to walk into my office." Therriault raised an eyebrow, "Interesting method." "Whatever makes it easier to do. Of course, I'd check their records to make sure they were capable of doign the job...not just have someone walk into my office and hand them a padd and say Welcome to my team..." Kazuko said with a smile while offereing a cup of tea to Anne. She gladly took the tea, "Thank you. And my other problem is trying to get a handle on what's going on in my department. All of Lt. Prakl'in's logs and notes have been encrypted and I have a feeling that the computer's never going to break the matrix." "Well if you can't you can always start over..." Kazuko said, "I started mine with an inventory and a tour..." The redhead shrugs, "I guess that's the best thing to do. Until I get this assistant mess figured out, I may have everyone turn in a status report on all projects and then have the computer coorelate it," she made a quick note on the PADD infront of her, "That's still going to be a lot to review and prioritize." Kazuko nods, "I understand what you mean...Another thing you can do if you wish, send a communique to Lt. Prakl'in and see if he would be forthcoming with information..." "That was my first thought this morning, but from what I was told by Starfleet personnel, Lt. Prakl'in is 'currently unavailable', whatever that means." "Ah...then I would just start over and leave that in the past...Get what you can from your people and prioritize." Kazuko said while finishing eating her lunch. Anne ate the last bite of cabbage and pushed the bowl away, "That was great, thanks. Anyway, enough about me. How has your first day been?" Kazuko laughed and shrugged as she told Anne about the lousy day she had. Anne laughed, "So, that explains the state of your uniform when you can into the meeting? Looks like we are in the same boat. It's been a hell of a way to start an assignment." "I find that all my serious life changes start bad..." Kazuko said with a smile, "But things can only get better." Anne suddenly remembered a quote her mother always used to say, "When you're at rock bottom, the only way to go is up." Kaz rose and began to clear the table, "Would you like some dessert?" Anne shook her head, "No, no. If I eat anything else, I'm going to fall asleep at my desk, and I can't have that happen," she raised the PADD to remind her new friend of all the work she has to do, "Now, if only I can get a full day of no distractions." "That's just as easy...You're the Chief, tell them you do not wish to be disturbed and mean it." Kazuko said while cleaning up her table. "I really wish it's going to be that easy, but I have a nagging feeling that it's not." "The power is in your hands, Ms. Therriault. You need to be certain..." Kazuko said. She then walked back to the table and poured another cup of tea. The young lady shrugged, "I guess." "No...no guessing...you have to know. My uncle told me this once when I told him where I was being posted...he said" 'Never show uncertainty, right or wrong, you must be certain...especially to those whom work under you. and Rank will make little difference as long as you perform your job flawlessly...'" Kazuko smiled at the thought of her uncle, "And if you still have problems...call me. I'll back you up." "Thanks. I'll do that," Anne checked the time and rose, "I should be going. I have tons of stuff to do. Thank you for the wonderful lunch....and the advice." Anne shook her new friend's hand, "And please, call me Anne. Good luck this afternoon." Kazuko bowed slightly and smiled, "To you too, Anne. " Kazuko then walked Anne towards the door and watched as she changed back into her shoes. "If you have any problems...you can call on me at any hour." The two ladies said their goodbyes and Anne stepped out of Kaz's quarters, heading towards her office. ====================/\==================== (Starbase Valhalla - TEO's Office - TEO Ens Anne Therriault - 2378.08.18.1200) On her walk back to her office, Anne Therriault busied herself reading the messages that were sent to her in the last two and a half hours. There were over 100, all asking to meet with her to discuss their ongoing projects and duties. She sighed and moved those into the folder with the other 549 requests she had received in the last 24 hours. To her surprise, there was a message from her mother, wondering where she was and how she was doing. Anne read it guiltily, ~I should of dropped her a communique yesterday.~ But it couldn't of been helped. The last 24 hours had been very busy and she was just starting to understand where she was and what she was supposed to do. As she neared her office, she could hear what sounded like a crowd of disgruntled people in one of the offices. It was so loud, she couldn't figure out which office. ~Please, don't tell me that it's my office. Please.~ She stepped up to the door and it opened automatically. The sound erupted into the hallway and she cringed. The room was almost filled completely with starfleet personnel, all talking about their projects and joking with one another. The only place that was not taken up by a person was a 3' by 3' spot where a maintenance man was trying to replaced the burned out bulkhead. The moment the door opened, the conversations abruptly stopped and everyone turned to stare at her. Her first thought was to step back and let the door shut and quickly walk away, but she knew that they would chase her down, literally. So, she took a deep breath and stepped into the room. Once the door shut behind her, the mob surrounded her, all asking questions and demanding her attention. She tried to talk to the group but it was almost impossible. Suddenly, a shirl whistle filled the room and everyone turned to stare at the source of the noise, the maintenance officer. "Thank you, ensign," Anne smiled, "Now everyone, calm down and listen to me." The crowd settled down and the room filled with absolute silence. "Now, I know that I have been unreachable for the last 24 hours and all of you have important business that you need to discuss with me. Please note that I have barely been on base for 24 hours and I am actively trying to sort out the mess that the last TEO left me. I request that everyone, and I mean everyone, go have a good lunch, and then return to your posts. When I am ready, I will issue an announcement to everyone." A few people grumbled but most began to shuffle towards the door. Anne caught the maintenance officer trying to sneek out of the room with the group. She quickly caught up with the man and set a hand on his shoulder, "Don't you have an inspection in an hour?" He blushed slightly and nodded. "I suggest that you finish your work or the Cheif won't be very happy with you." He sighed and returned to the bulkhead panel. Therriault sat down behind her desk and watched the room empty, giving the evil eye to anyone that stepped near her desk. Once the room was empty and quiet she finally spoke. "Computer, please put my status as not to be disturb and lock my door. No one in my staff is to bother me." <> ~Now, I'll have silence for a while. No communiques or people stopped in to bother me.~ Anne pulled out the PADD and quicly transfered the data from the meeting and her ToDo list to the desk unit and began to organize her thoughts. ~First things first, my staffing problem. What to do with Corny?~ She liked the idea of Corny doing all the paperwork and such, but how could she assure that the work he was completing was correct and up to her standards? She sat back and thought about it for a while. ====================/\==================== (USS Firebrande - Main Engineering - ATAC/SC Ens JG Nauen - 2378.08.18.1400) As Nauen was working in Engeneering, a message came in from the Firebrande`s transporter room. =/\=This is Ensign Thalmass, security detail reporting in, as ordered, sir.=/\= Nauen looked up from the piles of PADD`s stacked on his desk. ~Good, they were on time.~ "Very well, ensign. Post one man outside the armoury. The rest of you perform a level one security sweep on all decks. Report to me when you are finished." =/\= Ok, sir. Thalmass out. =/\= "Computer, send message to LT Marsland: USS Firebrande is being secured on schedule." < Message send.> the computer replied. Nauen picked up the PADD he was working on for the last hour. ~ Good. Now, look at this.... hey... What is that?~ He was suddenly very interested in a particular part of the little screen. He checked again to be sure. He was. "Nauen to CEO Berewick" =/\= Berewick here =/\= "I am working on a schematic of a part of the Firebrande`s computer core. Looks like a Borg algorhythm has taken over part of it. However, I cannot decypher it. Might be harmless, but it also seems to tap into the sensor array. I do not want to take any chances, with all the new systems being installed here. Thought you might want to have a look at it first. Don`t want to raise alarm yet. Sending it to your computer panel now... What do you make of it?" ====================/\==================== (Starbase Valhalla - ACEO's Quarters - ACEO Ens JG Taz River - 2378.08.18.1500) Taz was restless, he was pacing up and down with his mind racing, he was deciding what to do. He decided to go and see if he could straighten this out so he went down to engineering, he asked some of the other ensigns working there if they have seen Robert de Berrewick, no-one had, Taz made sure that they were happy with there duties and that they knew what they were on with. ====================/\==================== (Starbase Valhalla - CO's Office - ACEO Ens JG Taz River - 2378.08.18.1506) Taz then went into the turbo lift and went up to the upper deck, and made his way along the corridors towards Admiral Jopek's office, he pressed the doorbell, the usual emotionless "Enter." came from within. "Ensign Taz River, what brings you to my office?" asked Admiral Jopek. "Well, er, I don't know how to put this Sir, but I would like to err.." said Taz, he wasn't nervous but just struggling to put what he wanted to say into words. "Remember I am a Vulcan, I have no emotions, say what you want to say I will not be offended." urged Admiral Jopek "Frankly, it's the Chief Engineering Officer, sir. He hasn't replied to me on the conn or any messages I have left for him, none of the other engineering staff have seen him either sir." said Ensign Taz. "How long has Ensign Berrewick been missing?" asked Admiral Jopek "Remember the first day I reported to you? If you remember you ordered me to have a report of the status of engineering ready for you within a couple of days. I left your office and asked Robert about how to procede, he was furious that you had asked me to do it and not him-he actually said 'Maybe the old Vulcan has finally lost the plot'" said Ensign Taz "What I need to know sir is the where abouts of Ensign Berrewick, has it is impeding the work being done down in engineering, there are certain jobs that need his access codes and that are generally not done without his knowledge." replied Taz. "Anyway, here's the report, after he failed to answer my messages I thought I'd complete the task." Taz sais whilst handing Jopek a PADD with the report on it. Jopek looked at the report and put it onto his surgically clean desk. "Very good, I look forward to reading your report later on tonight" Jopek said as he placed the report onto his desk. "Is that all Ensign River?" "Yes, sir" "Dismissed." Taz left the room and felt pleased and glad he had done the right thing. Now he just had to wait to see what would happen. ~I just hope Berrewick don't show up in a bad mood, cause I've gone over his head, oh well at least I checked on his safety~ ====================/\==================== (USS Firebrande - Main Engineering - CEO Ens Robert de Berewick - 2378.08.18.1600) =/\= Berewick here =/\= Ensign Nauen was saying "I am working on a schematic of a part of the Firebrande`s computer core. Looks like a Borg algorhythm has taken over part of it. However, I cannot decipher it. Might be harmless, but it also seems to tap into the sensor array. I do not want to take any chances, with all the new systems being installed here. Thought you might want to have a look at it first. Don't want to raise alarm yet. Sending it to your computer panel now... What do you make of it?" ~Hmm, now why the hell would the Borg be playing in our backyard?~ As Berrewick began to analyze the code he quickly felt his underarms beginning to sweat. This was a ticking time bomb waiting to be exploited! He began to examine a particular line of code. ~That's a holographic projection matrix~ I wonder what exactly this does?~ Moving swiftly Robert moved to the nearest console and loaded the code into an isolated memory bank. ~No use taking chances with this~. As soon as he touched the Execute button, nothing happened. And then, after 10 seconds the light began to flicker and two Borg suddenly appeared behind him. This couldn't be happening, this technology just didn't exist! What if this code had been loaded on every current ship and was just waiting to be triggered by an invasion, the fleet would be taken down from inside and out. Speaking as one the Borg began to advance upon Robert. "We are the Borg. Resistance is futile. Prepare to be assimilated". Thinking fast Robert jumped and rolled to his right. While rolling, he reached to his side and freed his phaser. Coming to his feet and changing the setting from Stun to Kill he began to fire at the lead Borg. The first Borg staggered back a step and looked confused, but then with a flicker, his shield adapted to frequency of the phaser. =^= Ensign Berrewick to the Bridge. Intruder Alert. We have 2 borg drones who....=^= In the midst of trying to get his report out, the second drone had continued his advanced and reached out to grab Robert, grabbing him by his shoulder and turning him around. Robert began a right hand chop to the drones throat, however it had no affect. Twisting his head to the right the drone placed his knuckles next to his throat and began to transfer the nano probes that would begin the assimilation process. We are the Borg. Prepare to be assimilated. Resistance is futile. "I like my women like I like my coffee: covered in BEES!!" - Eddie Izzard