From: up-posting-admin@sfintel.com on behalf of Michael Drake [raspberry.jam@btopenworld.com] Sent: Monday, 4 March 2002 4:24 AM To: RPG Utopia Planitia Subject: [Posting] Utopia Planitia Compile - 28-02-02 ====================/\==================== (Starbase Valhalla - Security Offices - TAC/SC Lt Dario Marsland - 2378.08.18.1132) It hadn't taken long for the CEO to respond to Dario's message regarding the away mission. =/\= Dario, before I agree to join you on the away mission I would like to ask how long you expect it to take, you see I am in the middle of investigating the incident on the U.S.S Firebrande, and the most of the engineering personnel are tied up with this, I may be able to leave the Assistant CEO in charge until I get back, if it isn't expected to be a long mission. =/\= "Well, given the relative closeness of the Dominion base and the fact we will only be doing some surveillance work before returning I can't see the mission taking longer than about 30 to 36 hours but of course I can't guarantee that. If you'd rather not go on the mission yourself you could just send one of your assistants, I just have a feeling we'll need an engineer around, that's all." =/\= Understood, I'll see what I can do. River out. =/\= ====================/\==================== (Starbase Valhalla - Main Operations - FO Cmdr Richard Ian Lee - 2378.08.18.1845) Rich grunted, as the departments all reported in. He crossed his arms, and waited unpatiently for the rest to do so. He was about to start contacting departments when an image formed on his screen. On it was a woman in PJ's, with a bra on her head and a sock hanging by her ear. Rich had been in firefights, both space and planet borne. There was little that could phase him in an emergency situation anymore, yet at the site of a woman with a bra on her head, he could only do one thing. He gaped. "Umm, this is Dr. Dervin, umm," Rich watched the sock let go of what appeared to be an earring, then put his attention back to the woman's face, trying hard to ignore the bra. "there is... nothing amiss in the Warp Technologies Department, honest." ~Dr Dervin, Civilian~ Rich groped for a few moments, then did about the only other thing he could do. He pointed to his own head, and said "I very seriously doubt you are trying to make a fashion statement, so...take a look." ====================/\==================== (Mars Base, Research Wing - WTO's Office - WTO Dr Tanya Dervin - 2378.08.18.1852) "I very seriously doubt you are trying to make a fashion statement, so... take a look." The man said as he pointed to his own head. Tanya put her own hand up to her head, and discovered... a bra.... ~Oh, my stars, this is not looking good.~ And then she did something even worse, she opened her mouth and began to speak. "I, I, my, my apologies, ssir." she said as she was turning a shade of scarlet. "I was doing research in my office, and.. and... well, then the red glowing came on with the noise, and I figured it meant something so I went searching for this document which I found in a large container of things that well, had some of my personal items in it." she finished. ====================/\==================== (Starbase Valhalla - Main Operations - FO Cmdr Richard Ian Lee - 2378.08.18.1853) "I, I, my, my apologies, ssir." she said as she was turning a shade of scarlet. "I was doing research in my office, and.. and... well, then the red glowing came on with the noise, and I figured it meant something so I went searching for this document which I found in a large container of things that well, had some of my personal items in it." Lee put his tounge in cheek, and cut back the first reply that came to mind, which would have gone along the lines of 'How bout a date.. to discuss red alert procedure if nothing else *wink* ' This was definatly not the time for such things. Rich put his hand behind his back and said only "Very well, Dr Dervin. We will discuss the particulars of this later, for now... thank you for your report. Operations out." The screen cut off, and Lee was forced to chuckle. "Never a dull day..." ====================/\==================== (USS Firebrande - Main Engineering - TAC/SC Lt Dario Marsland - 2378.08.18.1 930) Dario had just been dismissed by Admiral Jopek after the completion of the 'Borg Investigation' when the call came throuhg from Valhalla's FO. =/\= Lee to security, we might have a saboteur or terrorist aboard. Confer with Orbital Operations and send a team to the Columbia and begin an investigation while the ship is repaired. I want a report ASAP. =/\= ~ Oh for @#$%*&^! ~ thought Marsland. Here they were in the very heart of the Federation and it seemed like every enemy of the Federation could just waltz in and do as they pleased! "Aye sir" called Dario in response to the FO. He tapped his comm badge before continuing. "Marsland to Delta Team, converge on the USS Columbia immediately. Keep your eyes open for anything suspicious, we may have a sabouter onboard. Investigate the incident there and report directly to First Officer Lee with any findings, Marsland out!" The day was beginning to drag on Dario. Since he had gone on duty at 0600 that morning one drama had followed another. Despite the current situation with the Columbia, it was time for a break and time to leave his department to run itself. Dario tapped his comm badge for the final time that day. "Marsland to Nauen." =/\= Nauen here =/\= came the reply of the TAC/ASC. "I'm in need of some downtime, finish your investigation on the Firebrande then return to Valhalla. Delta team is heading over to investigate the incident with the Columbia, but they are reporting directly to First Officer Lee. If you need me I'll be in my quarters." =/\= Understood, Nauen out. =/\= ====================/\==================== (Starbase Valhalla - TAC/SC's Quarters - TAC/SC Lt Dario Marsland - 2378.08.18.1946) Dario stumbled through the door and threw himself onto his bed. Despite the need for a good nights sleep before tomorrow's mission, if it was still going ahead, Dario knew he needed to eat. Rising up off the bed he made his way over to the replicator and ordered his favourite meal, fillet mignon. Whilst enjoying meal Dario asked the computer to play his message bank. =/\= Brannigan to Marsland. Message received. Is there anything we need to know about for this mission? =/\= came the voice of the CSO. "Computer send the following reply to Lt. Brannigan as well as Ensigns Landis and River." =/\= Begin message =/\= "I've received no further information on the mission so far, although chances are we won't be going on the USS Columbia. She's been damaged at the docking bay and FO Lee has advised a new departure time of 1200 hours but this of course is subject to sufficient repairs taking place. I may ask the Admiral if we can head out in a shuttle or runabout from here, I will get back to early tomorrow about this. Marsland out." =/\= Message sent =/\= announced the computer. Dario finished his meal and headed for the shower before once again collapsing on his bed. ====================/\==================== (Mars Base, Research Wing - WTO's Office - WTO Dr Tanya Dervin - 2378.08.18.2200) Tanya stared at the drawings on the PADD in front of her, she'd been over the calculations several times, and each time it had worked. She'd gone so far as to input them into the computer, and run several simulations, again, it had also worked. But then again, so had the other simulations, the ones that had caused the pie incident. She sighed. The PADD of numbers and shield geometric formations began to blur before her eyes, she actually thought she saw a rabbit in one of the shield modulations, or was it a Klingon Targ? She wasn't certain but it seemed to be attached to a little..... ~TANYA! this is nonsense~ she scolded herself. Shaking her head, she realised that she'd probably not slept for any long period of time in days. And so, Dr. Tanya Leigh Dervin picked up her PADD's and information and carried it with her as she made her way back to her quarters on Valhalla. ====================/\==================== (Starbase Valhalla - CO's Office - CO FltAdm Jopek - 2378.08.19.0745) Over the communications network, Ensign River handed his reported, the Firebrande was clear of more holographic drones, no more Borg would be paying the ship a visit. "Thank you Ensign, Jopek out.", he said, returning to his computer and the paperwork. ====================/\==================== (Starbase Valhalla - TAC/SC's Quarters - TAC/SC Lt Dario Marsland - 2378.08.19.0826) The Security Chief woke with a start as the Red Alert klaxon screeched throughout the starbase. He sprang out of bed and flung open the cabinet that held his clean uniforms. Pulling on his uniform he quickly glanced at the clock. ~Christ! Look at the time!~ Any other thoughts about time and why the station was at Red Alert were interrupted by the AOPS Officer. =/\= Ra'Kir to security: We have a saboteur on station and I have initiated lockdown as per standard procedure Alpha-one -one. Rest is yours. Get them, fast. Relaying situation information to you now. Computer, record all sensor logs from this morning 0000, encode them and send them to Security and Admiral Jopek. =/\= ~More saboutage? The Gods have cursed this place, that's for sure!~ thought Marsland as he tapped his comm badge and began sprinting to his office. "Marsland to all security personnel. I want teams of two at all entry and exit points of Valhalla and all facilities on Mars. Ensign Nauen report to my office immediately. Marsland out." ====================/\==================== (Starbase Valhalla - TAC/SC's Office - TAC/SC Lt Dario Marsland - 2378.08.19.0828) Dario had just logged into his console when his assistant entered the office. Nauen was calm as always. "Security teams report that all entry and exit points are secure until further notice" stated Nauen. "Excellent, that's fast work. Ops have just sent us the situation report on this latest saboutage attack. It looks like Ensign Okada Kazuko, the YEO, found some sort of explosive device onboard the USS Lion and was forced to take a shuttlecraft to get both it and herself off the ship. I want you to s tudy the reports carefully and help Ops with their investigation, I need to prepare for the away mission." (Reply Nauen) "Good luck Ensign, you're incharge until I return." With that Marsland left the office. ====================/\==================== (Starbase Valhalla - CO's Office - CO FltAdm Jopek - 2378.08.19.0830) =^= She's in Otono now, but I don't know her condition. I have initiated the lockdown procedures and informed security. What are your orders, Sir?" =^= Jopek headed for the door, and entered the main Operations Center of Starbase Valhalla. ====================/\==================== (Starbase Valhalla - Main Operations - CO FltAdm Jopek - 2378.08.19.0832) "Ensign, I'll be on Otono, the station is yours. Lock down the station as best you can, no ships or personnel are to leave until further notice. Carry on.", he said, stepping into the turbolift. ====================/\==================== (Starbase Valhalla - Main Operations - AOPS Ens JG Ralth Ra'Kir - 2378.08.19.0832) =^=Ensign, I'll be on Otono, the station is yours. Lock down the station as best you can, no ships or personnel are to leave until further notice... Carry on.=^= Ralth acknowledged the admirals message and tapped a few keys to seal and secirty-lock the emergency lifepods and shuttlebay doors. It was risky, if there would be an emergency people wouldn't be able to evacuate until he or one of the other senior command officers would enable them, but it would also make sure the saboteur wouldn't be able to leave Valhalla or the dockyards. That was when he _felt_ eyes boring in the back of his skull. "I relieve you, ensign." Ralth turned to see first officer Lee nodding towards the ops console. Immediately he turned and headed off, getting a reassuring pat on the back in the way. He felt his ears flattening for just a second. ~I am no child, needing a comforting pat on the back.~ Then the gravity of the situation pried itself into his mind, and he started to appreciate that someone had taken command from him for now. Stepping up to the command console he began running diagnostics on all critical systems to make sure the explosion in the shuttle hadn't damaged anything. That was when he noticed something odd. ~We are in red alert, but why are the shields down? Hmm..~ Slapping his commbadge he opened a link. "Ops to Engineering, why aren't our shields up?" (Reply Engineering) Just as he was listening to his commbadge, the diagnostics started running through his screen. ~Wait a second, there's a power discrepancy there..~ Quickly he stored the diagnostic results into memory and started a level-four diagnostic and route-mapping of the power conduits. The FO interrupted him but he took a moment to listen. "Valhalla to all Starfleet vessels, maintain full red alert and begin security sweeps. One bomb has been placed and detonated, more could have been laid. Route all security status reports to Station security and Station operations. Valhalla out." A moments pause. "Lee to all senior officers, departmental status and security meeting in one hour. Maintain full security protocols and ensure the safety of your department, meeting is second priority. Route all security requests to Station security. No mistakes people, we have fatalities." Ralth turned to glance at the FO just as he turned to stare at Ralth. "Status?" "Sir, ourr shields are down. Strructural Integrrity Fields are at 120% to compensate parrtially. Weapons arre mostly down, and engineering seems to have trrouble telling me anything." Cmd. Lee looked like he wanted to say something, but then his console bleeped, and he turned to tap it a few times. "Ensign Ra'Kir..." Ralth saw new info rolling to his screen. |...report and record time of death at...| Ralth felt all heat leave his body at those words. ~No! She can't be gone! We had her!~ He turned to stare directly into the eyes of the first officer just as his emotions kicked back on, feeling the hot rush of anger boil from a point within his stomach, rushing to his head and limbs. Ralth remained still, but knew his tail was lashing and could feel his claws pressing through his uniform trousers and his fur into his skin. The pain helped him to control himself, to snap him to reality from a momentary daydream of the saboteur in a closed space, and himself there, hunting... ~Keep control, dammit! You have a job to do, mourn and fantasize later!~ "You did well in a command situation, but this is your first hard lesson." he took a breath. "Even on the ball, you loose people." "Thank you, sir. I'll rresume my duties." Ralth turned back to his console, staring at the report for a second, then filing it for his official report of the incident. ~Okay, you son of a maxigrazer's retard.. You wanted war, you'll have war. I'll not rest until you are mine.~ Punching a few buttons he started going through transport logs and shuttle manifest lists of arriving and leaving personnel. There was only one shuttle that had taken flight to the USS Lion, and its passenger was... ~What the hell? A "Rear Admiral Kevel" took a shuttle, the Gallegos, to the USS Lion, but no reports ever indicated that any such person entering the Valhalla on any ships... Well, well, well.~ He punched up a flight manifest to locate the shuttle and then tried to raise its designated pilot on the comm. Silence. Computer, locate ensign Targis." <> He scanned the shuttle, but didn't find any lifeforms. An ominous feeling started creeping over him.. "AOPS to security, please rrespond." (Reply TAC/SC) "I have an anomalous rreport on one of ourr shuttles in shuttlebay 3. It seems the pilot either left his commbadge there or has been... Disabled. There are no lifeforrms onboard, but make sure you arre careful. I suspect it has been used by our mysterious saboteur. Also, verify that Rrear Admiral Kevel is _not_ on board Valhalla station or one of the ships orrbiting or in the docks. Inform me of any findings. Ra'Kir out." Ralth turned to the FO. "Sir, we have a lead on the saboteur. Security is checking shuttle Gallegos, it seems a 'Rrear Admiral Kevel' has been using it to 'Tour' the USS Lion, and now I can't rraise the pilot." (Reply FO) "Yes, sir." ~Where the hell is ltn. Black? This is _his_ post during red alert!~ "Computer, locate ltn. Black." <> ~How did he end up there?~ He tapped his comm again. "Ra'Kir to Otono. Rrequest status of ltn. Black." (Reply Any in Otono) "I see. Please tell me when he wakes. Ra'Kir out." Ralth was starting to feel slightly dizzy from all the information he'd absorbed and from the stress of the situation. He rubbed his eyes and started regulating his breathing, using it to concentrate and ward off the vertigo of emotions and thoughts that was forming inside his head. "Computer, redisplay power distribution diagnostic schematic. Rescan the system with level-four diagnostic and mark _all_ anomalies on the schematic." Ralth took the moment to stretch his back and get a cup of Terran hot chocolate from the replicator. On caitians, chocolate acted like caffeine on humans, only less addictive and causing some troubles in their digestive system. It also tasted better then coffee. Ralth downed the chocolate, enjoying the taste for a second and then getting to the schematic. He almost dropped his cup. Half the grid showed red or yellow. Yellow in this situation meaned they'd not be able to handle full power from the generators. A quick lookaround showed Ralth that only one-quarter of the station would have shields if they were raised, and good half would have only burnt-out conduits. ~Well, I know what will be our next objective. It's a good thing we haven't been needing shields yet..~ ====================/\==================== (Starbase Valhalla - En-route to Main Operations - FO Cmdr Richard Ian Lee - 2378.08.19.0835) Rich shoved a crewman out of his way, and continued at a dead run down the corridor for main Ops. Red Alert blazed, and the word was there was sa bomb. Rich had patched himself into Ops communications on the run, and from the sound of things, it wasn't going well. "MOVE!" he bellowed, and slid to the side as two more officers with shocked looks just stood in his way. ~I swear to God, Ill end up killing someone.~ He flew past the doors into main operations, and caught the tail end of a report to Admiral Jopek. (Reply Jopek to AOPS) Rich walked up beside AOPS and looked at the command console, taking in the sights. The station was at full red alert, and all of Utopia was at lockdown. Rich put his hands behind his back, and thinned his lips. "I relieve you, Ensign." He tapped the back of the AOPS officer, and nodded to the Operations station. He looked at the main screen, and frowned more. "Valhalla to all Starfleet vessels, maintain full red alert and begin security sweeps. One bomb has been placed and detonated, more could have been laid. Route all security status reports to Station security and Station operations. Valhalla out." He rubbed his temples for a moment, then tapped his badge. "Lee to all senior officers, departmental status and security meeting in one hour. Maintain full security protocols and ensure the safety of your department, meeting is second priority. Route all security requests to Station security. No mistakes people, we have fatalities." Rich turned to the operations officer, and said "Status?" (Reply Ra'Kir) Rich was about to call down when the console before him beeped. Ensign Ra'Kir had placed a computer marker on the YEO's file and history. Rich looked up at the AOPS, then back at the console. "Ensign Ra'Kir..." he pushed a couple buttons, and transferred the information to the Operations console. "You did well in a command situation, but this is your first hard lesson." Rich took a breath. "Even on the ball, you loose people." The information he had transferred was an official report from the CMO that Okada Kazuko was dead. (Reply Ra'Kir if desired) Rich tapped his badge. "Lee to Jopek, Okada Kazuko has been declared dead as of 0839 hours. You should have a report from the CMO post-haste. Station is maintaining full security alert, Lee out." ====================/\==================== (Strategic Operations - STRATOPS's Office - STRATOPS Cptn Jenna Rulestaad - 2378.08.19.0848) "What about the MDP did you wish to discuss, Lieutenant?" "Several things, really, Captain. The general status of the project would be nice to start with, but after that my main interest is in the materials and parts you'd need imported from outside our own complex. As I'm sure you can appreciate, supply ships are a bit over-crowded with all the construction going on around here - it seems everytime I walk along a new corridor the list... doubles... in..." Jenna steepled her fingers, and watched the Ops officer as he seemed to trail off. "Anyway, anything you could tell me would be greatly appreciated, sir. I'm not a fan of surprises." "Indeed, Im sure you are not." She considered for a moment. "However, any construction is not yet in planning. Advanced Technologies first has to get me plans for what to build. Im sure you will be the first on my short list when such activities will begin." ====================/\==================== (Otono Medical Centre - CMO's Office - CMO Lt 'Mac' Cambridge - 2378.08.19.0850) The office was silent, the outside world shut out by doors. Officers passing by looked briefly, but then moved quickly out of vision of the windows. Chief Medical Officer Maxwell Cambridge sat at his desk, his head in his hands as he looked over the report he now had to face. It seemed to be menacing him at every move, calling into question each sentence he added and then deleted. "Chief of Orbital Operations Okada Kazuko has died. She was killed while trying to save her yards..." Stopping once more, Cambridge looked up at his wall. It was filled with picture on picture of commands he had held, and places he had worked. His eyes moved to the picture that showed his home in Roundup Montana. A good-sized ranch, it held horses, cows and anything else you would find there. It was a place he often went to relax, to get away from things, to find his meaning in life. Right now, he was trying to find it once more and it was there, but not. Almost running away from him, calling to him. Shaking his head, the CMO continued the report. "She was transported off the shuttle at the time of the explosion, had endured severe burns and internal damage. The medical staff attempted to save her..." He'd always hated the next words he was forced to say. They were the enemy to him, the evil ones that sought to destroy his life, his heart and his soul. It was death that Maxwell hated with a burning passion of rage. It was death that had brought him here and it was something that reminded him each day as he walked his command. He wanted to pull out a middle age sword and face death on equal terms, just for once. Taking a deep breath, he continued. "But due to advancement of injuries, the medical staff was forced to stop all attempts to save the ensign. Time of death was 8:39. Body will be transported to homeland and to family for burial along with all personal belongings and instructions therein. Orders are with the transport staff and they are in process. Note on log, security concerns remain. End." Sitting back, the Doctor closed his eyes. For a moment he faced all the death he had seen for many years. Each one that had fallen, each one that had not been able to stop the ever consuming darkness that was death. Cambridge pulled up his PADD, still in thought. He had yet to see several officers for their exams. Most notably Therrault or whatever her name had been. He quickly sent her a message telling her to return to Otono when she had a moment to finish what he had started. He sent a message to the CEO, OPS, Security, Counseling and nearly every department head except for Orbital Ops. He wasn't going to touch it, not in one way state or form. Not for quite some time. He stood, taking stock of the office surrounding him. He hadn't heard from his ACMO lately and was beginning to be concerned. Standing, he moved out of the office and into the main area. He nodded to several officers and made his way to the front desk. ====================/\==================== (Strategic Operations - STRATOPS's Office - OPS Lt Martin Black - 2378.08.19.0850) The Captain had been instructing him that there were no plans to begin construction work on the MDP - yet: "...I'm sure you will be the first on my short list when such activities will begin." She stood. The meeting was over. "Thank you, sir," Martin said. Standing up, he reached out his hand to shake hers. Taking his hand in her considerable grip, Jenna Rulestadd proceeded to shake hands with the Betazoid whose heart began to pound... Deep inside the recesses of his mind he began to scream... For a split second his strength swelled in rage threatening to shatter the woman's hand, but a heartbeat later, the Betazoid was on the floor. Muttering incoherently and fighting ghosts only he could see, Martin didn't even feel the effect of the transporter as he was beamed to Otono. ====================/\==================== (Strategic Operations - STRATOPS's Office - STRATOPS Cptn Jenna Rulestaad - 2378.08.19.0850) "Thank you, sir," The Ops officer stood, and offered his hand. Jenna looked at it for a moment, then decided he had been polite and protocol was not broken. She took his hand, and gave it a squeeze. As she tried to leg go, her head suddenly whirled and Blacks grip tightened to a painful, almost certainly damaging grip. Every instinctual alarm she had went off immediately and she had the sudden urge to defend herself. She was bringing back her other arm to strike when Black suddenly let go, and fell to the floor. With the break in contact, Jenna's slight touch telepathy was broken and the buzzing in her mind disappeared. The operations officer was murmuring, curled up in a ball on her floor. Jenna tapped her badge with her good hand, and said "Medical emergency, beam myself and Lieutenant Black to Ontono!" She broke contact without a response, and said "Rulestaad to Stratops command, break the beaming field, medical emergency. Allow them through!" Her badge buzzed, and a few seconds later she blinked and found herself in the medical center. She looked at a nurse, and pointed to Black. "I have no idea what happened. One moment all was fine, then next he blacked out." The memory of the telepathic contact tickled her mind, and she frowned. ~Better safe.~ She tapped her badge once more, and said "Security to Ontono." She cradled her hand, and gave it a look. After some quick self diagnosis, she determined that no bones were broken, but tendons had almost certainly been ripped. ~That was one hell of a grip.~ She steeled her mind against the pain she was feeling, as she continued to cradle her hand. ====================/\==================== (Otono Medical Centre - Alert Centre - OPSO Crewman John Collins - 2378.08.19.0851) John Collins sat at his desk, working through several reports of accidents in the yards and of the normal amount of calls. His hands moved over the screen, diverting needed traffic (if there was any) and diverting emergency shuttles. The Otono Alert Centre was the place that all emergency calls came and where any problems were addressed right away. =^=Starbase Valhalla Emergency, Second Officer Martin Black for transport=^= Collins didn't bat an eye. He'd dealt with things like this before. Quickly, he patched into the transporter controls of Valhalla and Otono and quickly engaged them on Black. In a matter of moments he had been sent to Otono Stormcentre, the emergency center. ====================/\==================== ( - OPS Lt Martin Black - 2378.08.19.0851) The first thing he noticed was the tree, providing shade from a powerful orange sun. This was very quickly followed by knowledge of a sound; distant, but growing stronger. The sort of sound that clawed at your throat before surrendering chokingly to your ears. His mind wandered, briefly wondering what could cause such a sound, and then he saw her. Captain Jenna Rulestaad rose over the hillside with a motion that wasn't quite walking and wasn't quite gliding - her legs moved, but her speed exceeded her stride - and amidst it all she sat. Sat? Why did he think that? She was quite plainly upright, a rigid sentinel of order, but the comfort in her expression was one of almost regal serenity. Her face, at least, was sitting down. The effect was sickening to the eye. She covered the short distance with ease, and the purpose and speed of her stride only served to make her sudden stop all the more pointed. Her feet just stopped moving, and he was readily expecting her momentum to force her over onto her face. Instead she merely looked about. Something in the desolate isolation of the hillside must have pleased her for her smile, already eerie on Vulcanoid features, broadened into a grin. A grin that melted along with the face, until finally reassembling itself in his own image. He watched as the other Martin lifted his gaze upwards, open eyes gazing imploringly into the heavens searching for something, opened his mouth and screamed. The previous sound had been bad enough, a quiet subtle sound that snaked its way through the senses, arresting each one in turn. This sound however made no attempt to cautiously wander through the air. It clashed with it in a head-on assault, bending the air to its new shape, as a carrier for rage and fury. Pain coursed through the air in open waves. He watched in horror as the air around a nearby tree wavered, and then blossomed out, crushing the stately oak to splinters. Horror turned to dread as each splinter in turn was given the same harsh carress and ground to dust. It was only as the dust began to filter through the air that the panic-striken man realised the tightness around his own throat. He clawed his way along the floor towards his mirror-image, nails raking the ground as the life was crushed out of him. His screams unheard over the roaring screams of rage. ====================/\==================== (Otono Medical Centre - Otono Storm Centre - ACMO Ens JG Kenneth Stone - 2378.08.19.0854) Assitant Chief Medical Officer Kenneth Stone looked over a PADD in front of him. Sherry Williams was in Surgery 2 right now, under heavy dose of drugs. She had been beaten severely on Valhalla and the security force had sent her here after she fell and lost consciousness. Now, they had rushed her straight into surgery after finding internal bleeding and injuries. "Damnation. First we lose one, then we'll lose another! Goodness..." Suddenly the klaxon rang again and Stone's head snapped up. =^=Incoming Emergency Patient, Ops Chief Martin Black from Valhalla!=^= Quickly the ACMO grabbed his PADD and checked where he was being put. Room 2. "Chief to StormCentre, we got the Second Officer coming in!" Stone ran to the room, followed by the medical staff. They began to scan the officer, quickly trying to discover what was affecting this officer. He was moving in the bio bed, almost trying to escape, muttering incoherent things that made no sense to the men surrounding the table. Kenneth came in and ordered him slowed him. Hyposprays quickly rang true as moved to restrain him. His head lifted up and a small scream was heard. "Sedate him! NOW!" There was a rustle as the men and women moved around him, some waving instruments and others trying to figure out what was going on. Shortly, Black was not moving, and breathing deeply. ====================/\==================== (Otono Medical Centre - CO FltAdm Jopek - 2378.08.19.0855) Jopek heard the entire thing, the YEO was dead. it seemed clear that she was trying to save the station, from yet another sabotage attempt, the third in four days. "Doctor, you did everything you could.", he said walking up to the Chief Medical Officer and continued with typical Vulcan lack of emotion, ". Can you see if you can trace her movements up to when she took the shuttle; I understand she was on the USS Lion. Then, could you inform security of what you find out.", he said. Nodding, once more, the Admiral headed out the door, as he did, he tapped his commbadge. "Jopek to Commander Rodos, Commander, we've had a death of a senior officer as I am sure you are aware, could you please arrange to visit Otono Medical Center and see to the mental welfare of the Medical Staff. Jopek out.", he said, heading back to the transporter. ====================/\==================== (Otono Medical Centre - Otono Central - CMO Lt 'Mac' Cambridge - 2378.08.19.0856) Chief Medical Officer Maxwell Cambridge ran his hands through his hair while working through patient files and sorting them from there. He was standing at the reception desk, tapping his hand steadily on PADDs as he sorted through endless text and infomformation. He spotted someone in his vision and turned to find Admiral Jopek standing in front of him. "Doctor, you did everything you could... Can you see if you can trace her movements up to when she took the shuttle; I understand she was on the USS Lion. Then, could you inform security of what you find out." Mac nodded. He could do it, that didn't mean it wouldn't be painful. "Aye sir. Also, her body will be transported to her home where her family will receive it. Her personal items are being removed and shipped out as we speak. I have Rhea Lyoit preparing all of it to get it ready..." Jopek walked out and Cambridge turned back to his files, wondering who would next show up. ====================/\==================== (Otono Medical Centre - Otono Storm Centre - OPS Lt Martin Black - 2378.08.19.0856) Martin opened his eyes, dimly aware of light and sound beyond his own body. Concern washed over him from all angles, and he closed his mind to them all. "Doctor?" (Reply Someone) "I must return to Valhalla. There is too much work to be done." (Reply Someone) "Doctor, we have a saboteur loose somewhere in these facilities, at least let me make the necessary arrangements for my staff to take over the hunt." ====================/\==================== (Otono Medical Centre - Otono Storm Centre - CMO Lt 'Mac' Cambridge - 2378.08.19.0857) The CMO came dashing into the Storm Centre, his heart beating heavily in his heart. If it wasn't one thing that was causing him worry and anxiety, it was another. He headed towards room 2 and entered to find Black on the bio bed, not moving but breathing. "He's stable, but his heart rate keeps jumping and he does twitch off and on. We've narrowed to down to his mind, we think whatever contact he had did something to his head. So far nothing..." They were about to continue when Black opened his eyes. "Doctor?" Cambridge turned to him. "Mr. Black, you've managed to scare the hell out of all us in a short time. You need to sit back for a moment..." "I must return to Valhalla. There is too much work to be done." Maxwell raised an eyebrow, and began to look over the scans and readings that were coming from the Chief Operations Officer. "Doctor, we have a saboteur loose somewhere in these facilities, at least let me make the necessary arrangements for my staff to take over the hunt." The readings were normal, or at least calmed down from when it had all started. He looked once more at the officer, who now seemed ready to bolt. "You are dismissed on two conditions. You are to be back here at your earliest availiblty, over at Otono Central and you are to report to me. Understood?" "Good. You are dismissed." The officer walked quickly out the doors, Cambridge shaking his head as he walked out into the lobby, spotting another officer. "I have no idea what happened. One moment all was fine, then next he blacked out." The nurse looked to him and moved away. Cambridge looked to her with concern. "Come over here for a second." He quickly produced a small device and ran it over her hand. "You managed some damage, should heal up here..." Deftly, he clicked the device onto his belt and pulling another one out. Running it over her hand, he did a check of the rest of the woman, making sure she wasn't missing a leg or something. "You're clear. If you have any further pain, let me know. You ripped some tendons, but I fixed most of them up. They should heal within a few hours, if that. Check with the desk on your way out for any drugs or medicine you may need." Cambridge, quickly checked his watch and excused himself. He ran once more out the door back to Otono Central. The work had begun to pile up. ====================/\==================== (Otono Medical Centre - Otono Central - CMO Lt 'Mac' Cambridge - 2378.08.19.0858) Cambridge watched as the officer walked away and then found a message on his PADD. ~Black? Whose next? The Admiral!?~ He moved out the doors, running for the Stormcentre. ====================/\==================== (Otono Medical Centre - Otono Central - CMO Lt 'Mac' Cambridge - 2378.08.19.0900) Cambridge walked back into Otono, having had his share of exercise. He moved to his office and sat down at his desk, to begin work on finding where Okada had been. ====================/\==================== (Otono Medical Centre - CMO's Office - CEO Ens JG Taz River - 2378.08.19.0905) Taz walked in through the door and saw the doctor working on his PADD "Doc, I've just heard, It has touched us all, Okada died protecting us all, at the Academy we are all taught that we may have to sacrifice our life for that of our fellow crew mates; but you never view it as a serious possibility. I hardly knew her but it has touched me that she put the lives of the station, er really the security of the Sol Solar system above her own. She will be missed greatly by many." ====================/\==================== (Otono Medical Centre - Otono Care - CMO Lt 'Mac' Cambridge - 2378.08.19.0905) "Doc, I've just heard, it has touched us all, Okada died protecting us all, at the Academy we are all taught that we may have to sacrifice our life for that of our fellow crew mates; but you never view it as a serious possibility. I hardly knew her but it has touched me that she put the lives of the station, really the security of the Sol Solar system above her own. She will be missed greatly by many." Maxwell looked up and smiled "Thank you. She was something. She's the first one I've lost here." There was a pause between the officers as Cambridge sighed. He then looked back to River. "You've still got a physical coming don't you?" He looked at the officer, letting a little smile coming through. ====================/\==================== (Starbase Valhalla - Cargo Bay 5 - ACEO Ens JG Lee Rough - 2378.08.19.0905) Lee decided to begin his work early, Lee was enjoying his first day of work. Lee began the job of transporting the debris of the shuttle into the Cargo Bay, it scared Lee that there may be an enemy on the station. Soon all the debris what was floating in the area was onboard. Lee crouched down next to a large piece of debris, examining the marks from the explosion. ~hmmmm, this is to powerfull for the Ferengi~ Lee stood up and noticed the amount of pieces the debris was shattered into, Lee had come across this before. Suddenly it came to him, the Romulans. The device was Romulan but he had no idea who planted it? Just then Lee noticed some DNA on what was left on the device. Lee took his tricorder from his pocket and scanned the DNA, it was Romulan alright but the blast had damaged the DNA. Lee collected the DNA into an Starfleet edition container. Lee checked his watch. ~whoops, nearly 13:00, better get to the meeting~ Lee grabbed his container and left the Cargo Bay. Lee first called into the Medical center and gave them his sample. "Would it be possible for you to do further scans of this to see whos DNA it is?" The Doctor replied of course and took the container from Lee's grip. Lee then hurried out of the Medical center and made his way to Ensign Taz River's office. He got to the door and pressed the bell. "Enter" called Ensign Taz River. Lee steped in to the office as the doors slid back. "Take a Seat" Taz responded. ====================/\==================== (Mars Base - Corridors - CEO Ens JG Taz River - 2378.08.19.0910) Taz then left the Medical Centre and knew he had work to do, who planted the explosive device on the shuttle, why wasn't it detected, he also had a new Assistant to meet to, Ensign Lee Rough. He decided to leave a message for his new assistant. "Ensign Lee Rough, welcome aboard-unfortunately you have not arrived at the best of times, a fellow crew member has died whilst trying to save the yard. An explosive device was planted onboard a shuttle and she moved it away from the station to minimize the damage; however I would like you to get in and get your hands dirty straight away, get down to the Cargo Bay 5 and begin transporting the shuttle debris onboard, examine it and report your findings to me. I want to have an engineering meeting at 13:00, please have a report ready for then" he sent the message to him. Taz still had work to do, the main power grid had been restored to 72% and that was still important, so he made his way to engineering. ====================/\==================== (Starbase Valhalla - Main Engineering - CEO Ens JG Taz River - 2378.08.19.0920) He walked into engineering, equipment was everywhere, people were very busy. He checked the computer, 73.4% efficiency, ~excellent~. He stopped the officer in charge of Team 3, "How's it going Ensign... Frank ?" asked Taz "Not bad, as you can see we have made some improvement, engineering Team 4 is currently trying to trace the source of the main power drain, we believe once we have found and corrected this, the efficiency of the main power grid could improve by another 25%!" reported Ensign Frank. "Great, keep things together down here Frank, I'm sure you've heard by know about Okada, we are going to find out what went wrong and stop it happening again." Replied Ensign Taz. Taz was thought he'd go and see the Admiral and give him an update on the situation ====================/\==================== (Mars Base, Habitat Wing - WTO's Quarters - WTO Dr Tanya Dervin - 2378.08.19.0930) Dr. Tanya Leigh Dervin was hanging half on her bed, and half off, in a sort of disturbed slumber that only the most focused minds could attain. Initially, she'd started with her feet on the bed, and her head on the floor as she examined some of her theories upside down, she often found that made things clearer for her, however, due to her entire lack of sleep her eyes closed and in place of complex equations of shield modulation, she found ducks?!? Tanya was startled by the sound of her alarm, she wiggled this way and that, and then, *BANG* she fell to the floor with a clatter. "Huh?" Tanya looked bleary eyed at the chronometer. "What the?!?" She wondered, "Morning." she said rather deflated. There were many people in the galaxy that fell under the jurisdiction of mornings, but Dr. Tanya Dervin was not one of them in any capacity. Tanya, still clad in her neon orange fuzzy pj's now adorned with grey elephant slippers searched with fuzzy focus around her quarters to locate the exact place of the replicator and then to locate the exact keys that would deliver into existence the sweet caffeinated substance that was known as coffee. Finally, it materialized, and Tanya took a giant sip of her stimulant melange and savoured the taste as it hit her mouth. It was then that her eyes opened for the first time and her memory and brain cells returned to their normal functioning capacity, also, she realised... she was late. Tanya tore through her quarters, leaving garments and information strewn every which way she showered and dressed in that uniform that...~Ugh,that is the ugliest thing I've ever seen in my ENTIRE life~ Tanya reasoned. She couldn't believe that in order to be able to have research facilities she was going to have to continually wear that disgusting thing. Tanya sighed as she combed her loose hair that tumbled around her face and on her shoulders in ringlets. Then she scooped up her PADD's and was out the door, to her office. ====================/\==================== (Starbase Valhalla - CO's Office - CEO Ens JG Taz River - 2378.08.19.0940) He pressed the doorbell. Taz heard a muffled "Enter," just before the doors slid back. He came into the Admiral who was sat behind his desk examining a PADD, he put the PADD down and looked at me to give me full attention. "Sir, I would like to report that I have ordered my Assistant to beam the shuttle debris onboard so we can begin analyzing it immediately, I would like to point out that every Ship was examined thoroughly after the incident involving yourself in the Firebrande's Main Engineering room, and we did not find any explosive devices planted on them then- which we would have done. So it must have been planted after that incident, I am going to examine all the ships again, to make sure that there isn't any more devices attached to any other ships. We are also trying to find what is wasting the stations power, something is draining it by 25% and after these recent incidents I can't help feeling..." ~Bad word to use with a Vulcan... Er...~ "...concluding that this too is an act of sabotage as it could cause a power failure if we suddenly consumed a lot of power, like raising our shields or firing phaser. This would be the third incident of sabotage in less than 24 hours, we need to get to the bottom of this soon." Reported Ensign Taz River. (Reply by Admiral Jopek) Taz listened to the Admiral comments and looked around his room, it was very tidy and neat. ====================/\==================== (Starbase Valhalla - CO's Office - CO FltAdm Jopek - 2378.08.19.0945) The CEO was giving his technical report on the damage to the shuttle that was destroyed. ".concluding that this too is an act of sabotage as it could cause a power failure if we suddenly consumed a lot of power, like raising our shields or firing phaser. This would be the third incident of sabotage in less than 24 hours, we need to get to the bottom of this soon." "Thank you for you report, Ensign, I'll report your findings to the Security Chief and his teams. Keep me informed if you make any more progress on the type of explosive or any other clues that could helps us identify who caused this disaster. dismissed, Ensign.", he said, excusing the CEO back to his duties. ====================/\==================== (Starbase Valhalla - CO's Office - CO FltAdm Jopek - 2378.08.19.0955) "Ensign Lee Rough reporting in, Admiral.", said a new arrival into his office. "Ensign, at ease. welcome aboard.", he said, looking at the roster. "I see here you are our 2nd Assistant Chief Engineering Officer, excellent. you'll be doubling as an Engineering on the USS Firebrande, but your chief can bring you up to date, report to Ensign River, the CEO, as soon as you can, any questions? Ensign? (Reply Rough) "Carry on, Ensign. dismissed.", he said, continuing with his work, once more. ====================/\==================== (Starbase Valhalla - TAC/SC's Quarters - TAC/SC Lt Dario Marsland - 2378.08.19.1010) Marsland had just received confirmation from Lt. Black that the Columbia would be ready for departure at 1200 hours and he decided to contact the rest of the away team. "Computer! Send the following message to Lt. Brannigan and Ensigns Landis and River." =/\= Begin message =/\= "Gentlemen, please be advised that the USS Columbia will depart at 1200 hours today. I will meet you all in Transporter Room Three, here on Valhalla at 1130 hours. Marsland out." =/\= Message sent =/\= With his message sent all Dario needed to do was finish packing before heading back to his office to pick up some more equipment, then he was off to Transporter Room Three and his rendezvous with the rest of the away team. ====================/\==================== (Starbase Valhalla - CSO's Office - CSO Lt Drew Brannigan - 2378.08.19.1010) Drew was in his office working when his comm badge activated. =/\= Gentlemen, please be advised that the USS Columbia will depart at 1200 hours today. I will meet you all in Transporter Room Three, here on Valhalla at 1130 hours. Marsland out. =/\= He checked the message and found that it was also sent to Ensigns Landis and River. He acknowledged the message and continued working. ====================/\==================== (Starbase Valhalla - Main Operations - CONN Ens Alex Landis - 2378.08.19.1011) Dropping Drake off at Echo, Landis returned to Valhalla with the shuttle. Upon entering Operations he learned about the death of the YEO and more or less collapsed in shock and terror. While trying to figure out what this meant he retrieved a message from the TAC/SC Lt. Marsland. =^= Gentlemen, please be advised that the USS Columbia will depart at 1200 hours today. I will meet you all in Transporter Room Three, here on Valhalla at 1130 hours. Marsland out. =^= Landis tried to pull himself together; he had all but forgot about the away mission. ====================/\==================== (Mars Base, Research Wing - WTO's Office - WTO Dr Tanya Dervin - 2378.08.19.1045) ~I can't see the answer, I know it's there...~ Tanya looked at the fourth series of shield modulation calculations and the shape that it would produce, but there was something missing, something very important, if only, if only she'd be able to see it... if only......... She paused. There was one way. Tanya quietly crept outside her office, and looked from left to right, she saw her assistant, Lesia drifting somewhere, she beckoned to her. "Lesia" Tanya whispered, "I'm not to be disturbed, I'm going to figure this out, I swear." Lesia nodded her head. ~This WTO's a nut case and then some~ She thought, and then wondered how one would go about getting your boss psychologically evaluated, because, she reasoned, this Dr. Dervin was in sure need of that kind of evaluation. ~Or perhaps not,~ she reasoned. Lesia nodded to her boss. "Alright, I'll see to it." Tanya then went back through her door, which didn't close, and then proceeded to sit in her chair with her head underneath the desk and her feet on the desktop. Lesia watched as the Dr manoeuvred herself into this rather awkward position. ~What on by the name of Ilon is she doing?!?~ she wondered. It took Lesia several moments before she could tear her eyes away from the spot that Dr. Dervin was occupying. Finally she managed to tear her eyes from the sight of Dr. Dervin's shoes on her desktop, and go over to her desk to begin her own work. She was just beginning a mild analysis of some compound that Dr. Dervin had left her to analyse when she saw movement through the corner of her eye. Lesia looked up and saw a Starfleet officer coming through, heading straight for Dr. Dervin's office. "Excuse me, sir, you can't go in there...." Lesia began but her efforts had already been spoilt as the officer passed through the Dr's open door. ====================/\==================== (Mars Base, Research Wing - WTO's Office - WTO Dr Tanya Dervin - 2378.08.19.1101) ~And then the if that fits into this...~ Tanya watched as under the dark seclusion of her desk as a field of calculations paraded in front of her eyes, and it was almost as if she could see the shield formation modulating before her eyes. "Dr. Dervin? Are you in here?" A voice called tearing Tanya from her shield modulation visions, and the answer that had almost been within her grasp now evaded her. She tried to sit up, but had forgotten that she had inverted herself in her chair and as a result succeeded only in bumping her head on the desk. "OUCH. I thought I said I didn't want to be disturbed." she snapped, as she turned herself right side up, and sat across from the Starfleet officer. Tanya's face was red, probably due to all the blood that had been rushing to it as she'd been upside down pondering the equations and constructions of her project. "yes, Ensign, Lieutenant, Commander, Admiral, what can I do for you? Now that you've completely made me miss the one shield vector that was missed and I had it before my very eyes, who knows when it shall grace me with it's presence again." ====================/\==================== (Mars Base, Research Wing - Outside WTO's Office - AWTO Lesia Vetaniauk - 2378.08.19.1105) Lesia watched as the unknown man entered Tanya's office. She watched as Tanya hit her head, and stumbled to rearrange herself in her desk. ~You know, I wonder...~ And as Tanya was speaking to the Captain, Lesia slipped quietly out of the office complex and made her way to Valhalla, the counselling division. ====================/\==================== (Starbase Valhalla - Counsellor's Office - AWTO Lesia Vetaniauk - 2378.08.19.1120) Lesia stood nervously outside the door of ACOUNS Bobork. She pressed the enunciator and waited for summons to enter. ====================/\==================== (Starbase Valhalla - Transporter Room Three - CONN Ens Alex Landis - 2378.08.19.1127) Alex looked up as a Liutenant entered. He was a few years younger than Landis was and with a dark complexion. "Lieutenant Marsland? Ensign Alexander Landis, CONN, nice to meet you sir." Alex extended his hand. ====================/\==================== (Starbase Valhalla - Transporter Room Three - CSO Lt Drew Brannigan - 2378.08.19.1130) Drew was amazed as he sat on the steps of the pad in the transporter room. There had been some doubt as to whether the compact little starship would be repaired in time for her mission but the Engineering staff had managed to pull it off. He was running his last minute checks on his tricorders to make absolutely sure that they were in good order for the upcoming mission. When he was finished he stood up and stretched. Then he yawned. ~ Oh for crying out loud! ~ he berated himself. He had slept like a log during the night but the couple of Red Alerts since then were enough to put anyone on edge. Assuming that there would be a full mission briefing once they were underway Drew relaxed and did what he did best to relax. He performed low-level sensor sweeps of station with his tricorder. They were just low enough so as not to set off any alarms. Drew just couldn't wait for the ship to depart and the mission to get underway. ====================/\==================== (Starbase Valhalla - Main Operations - CO FltAdm Jopek - 2378.08.19.1201) "Ensign, show us docking bay Echo, on the main screen.", ordered the Admiral. As the screen changed, the vision of the USS Columbia appeared and eased out of her docking station, heading slowly away under her own power. "OPS to USS Columbia, good luck, come home soon." (Reply Columbia) Jopek watched as a flash from the ship pushed it into warp and away on her dangerous reconnaissance mission. "Carry on everyone.", he said, noting that everyone was watching the screen with him. ====================/\==================== (Mars Base, Research Wing - WTO's Office - TSO Lt Steve Newton - 2378.08.19.1500) Steve had spent the entire day with about 20 other senior members of his research team trying to find the best way to develop an active shield rotating system for the Firebrande, using as much of the Galaxy class Starships standard equipment as possible. They had decided that the quickest way to make the changes was the production of a new piece of equipment which would take the sensor data on the wave and calculate the best frequency for the Firebrande shield so that the ship would stay on the wave. He entered the doctors office, "Tanya, I have just been spending the whole day trying to work out how we can make the Firebrande shields react to any chances to the frequency modulation within the wave." He handed her a padd, "My department are working on the piece of equipment which will process the data and change the frequency of our shields. I was wondering if you could give me the data from your tests so I could use them on the holodeck simulation that I wish to create." ====================/\==================== (Starbase Valhalla - CO's Office - CO FltAdm Jopek - 2378.08.19.1720) "Ensign Russell Kilroit reporting in, Admiral.", said another new arrival to the station. "Welcome Ensign, at ease, please.", he said, recalling the roster from memory, he continued, "You are our new Assistant Chief Science Officer, excellent, please report to the CSO, Lt. Brannigan, he will look after you. Any questions, Ensign?", he said looking the new Ensign. (Reply Kilroit) "Dismissed then, good luck, Ensign.", said the Admiral, returning to his computer. ====================/\==================== (Starbase Valhalla - Main Operations - ACSO Ens JG Russell Kilroit - 2378.08.19.1721) Ensign Russell Kilroit had been just dismissed by Adm. Jopek. He walked outside the CO office, thinking what to do. ~What a cold look had that guy - I wonder if it is his attidude or the the recent accidents on the ship~ He had to report to CSO Brannigan - he didn't know on his assignment yet. Would he leave the ship or be in charge of something? The activities around were frantic as they could be. USS Columbia left just before his arrival on Valhalla - he heard of some mess on USS Firebrand. =^= Ensign Kilroit reporting to Chief Scientific Officer Brannigan. I ask for orders and assignment. =^= ====================/\==================== "I like my women like I like my coffee: covered in BEES!!" - Eddie Izzard ================ Utopia Planitia http://www.sfintel.com