Mission: Phoenix, Day 1 Stardate: 2379.01.10 (Strategic Operations, Conference Room One - YEO Ens. J.G. T'Veyn Aldreck - 1602) Aldreck was seated for about ten minutes before the meeting began. Admiral Jopek started by standing and addressing the group of officers while walking around the table. "Greetings to you all. Looking around, I see some new people and some old." He paused. "My meetings with Starfleet Command over the past few weeks have brought about several changes to current policies that we are going to implement. Firstly, we are going to resume our starship construction at one hundred percent capacity. All inactive bays are in the process of being crewed, and then, unassembled space frames of various ships are going to be delivered and construction will commence. Starfleet wants these ships operational within the year. Our new Yard Engineering Officer, Ensign T'Veyn Aldreck, will be supervising that job." He nodded to Aldreck, and Aldreck nodded back. "Next, I have received official confirmation that the USS Firebrande has completed its repairs and has been reassigned to us on a permanent basis under the command of Captain Remae Ktell." He sat down at the head of the table, and the Captain stood up from where he was sitting. "Hello all, I've assigned each of you a position on the Firebrande, so that when a mission may call, for some of you, or all of you, to crew her..." He proceeded to list the positions for those seated at the table. "Ensign (Junior Grade) T'Veyn Aldreck, I would like you assume the position of assistant to Operations, you'll be keeping an eye on all the ship's infra-structure." ~Operations? Sounds good to me.~ "I hope that's all clear," the captain ended with. "I'll be on the Firebrande if anyone needs to discuss anything with me. Thanks Admiral." He once more took his seat and allowed the Admiral to have the floor. "Very well," the Vulcan began. "One of the things that Starfleet and I want to organize is the redeployment of the fleet; we've become defensive since Utopia Planitia was attacked. Plus, our exploration missions have stopped. That is going to change. Captain Rulestaad, it will be your priority to reassign the current fleets protecting our inner systems to exploration, diplomatic and scientific missions without compromising the safety of Sector 001. To help us do that, we have the Firebrande. And as other ships are constructed, we'll be testing them by keeping an eye on the inner systems of the Federation." (Strategic Operations, Conference Room One - YEO Ens. J.G. T'Veyn Aldreck - 1650) "One of the final things we need to talk about is the continued threat from the rebel Dominion forces in our part of the Alpha Quadrant. Starfleet Security has tried to find them but they have failed, as such, they have passed over the problem to Starfleet Intelligence. An officer from SFI is scheduled to come onboard tomorrow. I have informed SFI that our resources are open to them at anytime." The Vulcan sat down as he brought the meeting to a close. "Some of you may know of the report of the wormhole that we created during our warp experiments, we are going back there to see what we can make of it. Captain Remae, prepare the Firebrande for launch and assign a science crew to go with you, any of you who want to go, talk to Captain Remae." "That's all I have, anyone else?", said the Admiral. Aldreck decided to merely sit back and observe the rest of the crew, to try to learn more about them from their actions and reactions. He didn't have much to say himself, he was just eager to get to work. (USS Firebrande, Ready Room - CO Captain Remae Ktell - 1700) The meeting was ended and Remae was heading back to his ship to prepare for tomorrow's departure. before he walked out the large room, he was intercepted by the CONN office, Ensign Landis. "I would like to come, sir. I don't get to fly that much on the station...", he said with a strange smile. "Sure thing Ensign, come on board by 0700 tomorrow, that's when we'll be departing," nodded Remae, as he headed out the door. All he had to do now was assemble the rest of the Science team. (Mars Administration Section - YEO Ens. J.G. T'Veyn Aldreck - 1700) As the meeting came to a close, Aldreck stood up and made his way to the planetary facility's transporter room. He would have attempted to socialize with the rest of the crew a bit, but he figured that there would be time for that later. He nodded to the transporter operator, signaling he was ready to be beamed up to Station Valhalla. (USS Firebrande, Ready Room, CO, Captain Remae Ktell - 1710) Remae was sitting at his desk, going through the senior personnel roster. He had to choose a scientific team to head to the examination of the new wormhole, to see what they could make of it. He began to select the members and when he was done, he sent the message of their departure plans to Ensign Landis and Lt Brannigan. Remae couldn't see the need to take anyone else along, besides, they would all been needed at the station. (Valhalla Station, Yard Engineering Office - YEO Ens. J.G. T'Veyn Aldreck - 1710) After arriving on the station, Aldreck decided to get acclimated with his office. Upon entering, the first thing he saw was a massive set of consoles with images of starship specifications on them, showing the construction processes of each of the yards in orbit. He slowly paced between the consoles, glancing over the database he'd be working with. Mission: Phoenix, Day 2 Stardate: 2379.01.11 (Starbase ValhallaYEO's Quarters - YEO Ens. J.G. T'Veyn Aldreck - 0500) Aldreck awakened at the sound of the computer's personal alarm, his torso slowly being raised up with his arms, and said in a groggy voice, "Computer, alarm off." The annoyance-clad sound came to a halt, and Aldreck rolled out of bed. He was getting slightly tired of waking up this early, but he knew it was necessary for his meditation. If he didn't meditate, he would lose control of the balance between logic and emotion, and his actions would most certainly not be reasonable. After becoming fully awake by taking a sonic shower, Aldreck changed into custom Vulcan meditation clothing; a blue, silk-like suit. Sitting down on the floor beside his bed, he began to clear his mind and speak Vulcan and Bajoran chants. The experience of meditating in this way was always extremely serene for him, because it was as if two worlds were helping him become calm and collected inside, ready for the day ahead. (Starbase Valhalla, YEO's Quarters - YEO Ens. J.G. T'Veyn Aldreck - 0630) Aldreck ended his meditation with the Bajoran prayer of healing, so that any tension in his body would be loosened. "Jiah kasha tren tolarehn, Lapohr ihlani kor, Ehna tahna talinohk, Jiah kasha treynah tolarehn, Lapohr ihlani kohs, Ehna jiah kasha tren." Immediately he felt almost perfect... physically and mentally. He leaped up, donned one of his replicated Engineering uniforms, had a quick Bajoran dish for breakfast, and made his way out of his quarters to head to work. (SFI-HQ (Earth) - SFI Operative, Captain Jonathan Kimmell - 0730) Jonathon was at the location few Starfleet Officers would ever see; the internal headquarters of Starfleet Intelligence, so secret was this location that many Admirals and even more important officials never knew of its existence. Ironic as that was, it was even less known that the actual headquarters of SFI was a long, long way from Earth and Sector 001. "Admiral. As ordered, I've dropped my last mission. Such a shame, we were making excellent progress.", he said to the unnamed and not in uniform Admiral. "Never mind, my boy. we've got something even more interesting for you to look into." They entered a large meeting room, in there, quietly, people walked around minding their own business, conducting themselves and their affairs for the greater good of the Federation and Starfleet. "How was Romulus anyway? I understand it's quite cold in the capital this time of year?" "True Admiral, nothing changes, Romulans keep planning and plotting but they aren't making any moves, they are just as wounded and depleted as the Klingons and Starfleet, although, credit is due, Starfleet are the first to make real progress with their ship building efforts, in less than a year, we will be in a much better position that most of the other Alpha Quadrant species." Jon considered what he had said for a moment and then continued. "It won't be long before they find this out, if they haven't already, Admiral. I fully expect the Klingon, Romulans and a dozen other Alpha Quadrant species to redouble their efforts in shipbuilding." "Interesting Captain - we will keep a close eye on them, anyway, onto your new assignment." The Admiral pulled out an unusual looking PADD and read from it. "Captain, I know you've been made aware of the Dominion attack that was made on Mars and Starfleet's fleets a few months ago? Well, we've been charged with finding them since Starfleet Security has failed to do so." "Yes Admiral, I read your report with interest and concern." "Proceed as we've directed, the meeting is to proceed, make your appropriate contacts on Valhalla and head for the location, then contact me.", said the Admiral. "Aye Admiral.", he said, standing up and after a moment, he headed for the door and finally, towards the shuttle that had been arranged to take him to Utopia Planitia. (Mars- Otono Medical – CMO Cambridge - 0745) Maxwell Cambridge sighed as he stood in the midst of the sprawling facility that was Otono Medical Centre. She was large, several buildings making up what he would call home. Making up what some called their last place to breathe their breath of life. It had become the resting place of so many and now, after all that had happened, there was the return to routine. The number of injured coming in from accidents on the docks was up, but that was to be expected. Many were angry and moving quick, some too quick. The sound of a shuttle transport screaming into the blackness of space reminded the Chief Medical Officer just how real this job was and how unexpected it was. “Doc? Hey, this just came over the wire. Sounds like we’re getting some new equipment.” A young orderly handed the elder Chief a PADD and Mac looked it over. Things they needed. Nothing special. “Thank you. Status on the buildings?” The young man nodded his head. “We’ve got them back up. Few more repairs and Otono will be working in full again.” Cambridge nodded and looked back to the ground in front of him. Three more shuttles came screaming in from Valhalla. It was just the beginging. (Starbase Valhalla, Operations Centre - 2O/OPS Lt Martin Black - 0745) Martin was happy - as happy as he ever got at any rate - his department, and the station as a whole seemed finally to be running at a reasonable spec. All in all the Admirals order to open up the remaining shipyards couldn't have come at a better time, although he wasn't sure the Yard Engineering Officer would agree... Speaking of which... "Black to Ensign Aldreck," he waited for the YEO to acknowledge before continuing, "I'd like to meet up and, well... chat." The Betazoid noticed a smirk flutter across the face of one of his assistants, but carried on regardless, "When would be a good time for you?" (Starbase Valhalla, Yard Engineering Office - YEO Ens. J.G. T'Veyn Aldreck - 0745) Aldreck sank into his black leather chair and marveled at how comfortable it was. Starfleet had certainly worked hard to get Utopia Planitia back to normal comfort levels. He frowned when it dawned on him that the materials in the replicated chair came from an Earth animal called a cow. He'd have to contact Operations and see if a new chair could be arranged for him. He didn't need to, however, because before he could begin working, the Chief of Operations contacted him. "Black to Ensign Aldreck." "Aldreck here, what is it?" "I'd like to meet up and, well... chat. When would be a good time for you?" "Umm... how about after my shift at 1800 hours? I'll report to your office then if that's alright with you." "Okay, Martin out." For a brief instant, Aldreck wondered about the hesitation in the man's voice when he'd said he'd like to "well... chat." He probably wanted to discuss how far Aldreck's position would allow him to go in respect to the shipyards. (Mars- Otono Medical – Chief Medical Officer Cambridge - 0752) “We’ve got a amputation down the hall! I need stims! STAT!” The sounds of several klaxons rang true throughout the hall as Cambridge walked quickly through, one hear on the orders being shouted at random and the other on those around him. “Incoming transport! We’ve got two Code 1!” The Chief Medical Officer rounded a corner and moved into the duty desk, checking PADDS as several nurses and assorted doctors made their way through the station and to their charges. "Black to CMO - I need to see you at your earliest convenience." Mac snapped his head up and smiled slightly. He hadn’t spoken to the OPS Chief much. Actually, he hadn’t talked to many people, outside of his few close friends in the medical department. Surrounded by death daily tended to numb one’s ability to contact others socially. “Mac here. Mr. Black, I’m headed up to Valhalla about right now, how’s about you meet me in the Valhalla Sickbay?” (Reply Black) Cambridge nodded to himself. “Roger that. Mac out.” Quickly, the CMO moved out and headed for his shuttle. On route, he picked up traffic of an accident on the station and injuries in sickbay. Grimacing, the CMO pushed the shuttle and parked it outside the port, moving so fast out the door, he nearly threw security for a loop, had they not realized just who was moving like a cheetah. “OHHH GOOOOOD! MAKE IT SSTTOOPPP!” The screams echoed throughout the Verano Sickbay. Cambridge moved in next to the doctors. Rhea Lyoit was there, attempting to calm the man. There was something about a young sprite that helped nerves of a young man. His leg was gone and a stump was in its place. “Drop the pain level, come on! Get that hypospray in!” Several orderlies responded as another scream was heard across the sickbay. Cambridge looked up as he moved the tricorder over the man. He nodded to Lyoit, who dutifully moved herself to the table on the other side. Mac deftly plugged a hypospray into the man’s arm as he struggled, the shock wearing off as quick as it had come.” “You, get me a skin generator! Anyone know where the leg is?” (Starbase Valhalla, Turbolift - 2O/OPS Lt Martin Black - 0754) The doors whooshed closed behind him, which was in itself a sign that things were improving for Valhalla. "OPS," he said to the computer, and smiled as the barely noticeable hum of the engine kicked in. The sensation of moving travelled down from his brain, and hit the stationary feeling in his stomach. The outward effects were minimal, but nonetheless the Operations officer shook his head as thought trying to shake away some distant memory. "Black to CMO - I need to see you at your earliest convenience." (Starbase Valhalla, Main Operations - FO Cmdr Richard Ian Lee - 0758) For the second time, Rich read the operational status of the station and shipyards and sighed. Everything was running far to smooth, if he had learned anything yet in his time as First Officer it was that things *never* ran smooth. OF course, his pessimism might yet be lived up to, rumors were circulating about war plans being drafted, and the Federation going to fleet wide red alert. Rich didn't want more war, he had more then enough during the Dominion War. Another Dominion War would just be ruinous, the first had nearly seen the fall of the Federation. This time around, the enemy better knew their enemy. This time around, the Federation was still getting back onto it's feet, this time much more weary and with more knowledge as to what horrors could be brought about. He looked out onto the Main Operations screen for a moment, lost in thought as he tapped the PADD against the arm of the Command Chair. "Good morning, Commander. Any clouds on the horizon today?" Lee was broke out of his revelries, he turned his head to look at the head of Operations. "There are always clouds chief, the question is more 'are we going to be struck by lightening today?'" He turned to look back at the screen. "The answer being no, apparently. And that's what worries me, having a normal day would seem to be anthemia to this place." (reply if desired) He shook his head lightly, and dropped the PADD on the Command console. "If you would, Chief, I need a status report for the Shipyards, sometime during the shift. And prepare some sort of catastrophic simulation for yards one, seven and nine... To be run just before shift change. Something to, keep them on their toes." He turned his head to look at the Tactical console, then looked back. "Get Tactical in on it, make it something dealing with an immanent attack, heaven knows that little scenario has been hanging over our heads long enough." (Starbase Valhalla, Main Operations - 2O/OPS Lt Martin Black - 0759) Martin stepped out onto the command deck and immediately located the form of Commander Lee. He made his way over with a friendly smile. "Good morning, Commander. Any clouds on the horizon today?" (Starbase Valhalla - Main Operations – Rear Adm Kevel - 0759) Being a rear admiral had its good points and bad points. For the moment, Kevel was settled right in the middle. He hadn’t had to be official and stuffy for some time, but he was also responsible for a load of ships. So much for trying to stay out of trouble and at his Academy. For the moment, he stood off to the side of the Command Center, watching the screens, himself standing right behind the tactical screen and accompanying officer. His eyes would drift down to the young man below him for a moment and questions would arise. Questions Richard Kevel always asked anyone under his command. His was the art of knowing about the crew. But with more ships on his hands, it was hard to keep track of them all. The door opened to the side and in walked the Chief of Ops. Martin was his first name, if Kevel could remember right. He was also the second officer on the massive operational unit that was the Utopia Planitia. "Good morning, Commander. Any clouds on the horizon today?" "There are always clouds chief, the question is more 'are we going to be struck by lightening today?'" He turned to look back at the screen. "The answer being no, apparently. And that's what worries me, having a normal day would seem to be anthemia to this place." (Reply if desired) "If you would, Chief, I need a status report for the Shipyards, sometime during the shift. And prepare some sort of catastrophic simulation for yards one, seven and nine... To be run just before shift change. Something to, keep them on their toes. Get Tactical in on it, make it something dealing with an immanent attack, heaven knows that little scenario has been hanging over our heads long enough." Kevel grinned and made himself known from the corner by stepping out into the light and nodding towards the old friend he had in Lee. When the attack on UP had happened and Valhalla had come under fire, it had been Lee who had helped save most, if not all of the Lion crew that had been on the ship. They had fought together before, on the most renowned history of the USS Lion. The suicide mission. The one that continued to haunt Kevel each day. “Good morning gentlemen…How goes?” (Starbase Valhalla - Main Operations - Cmdr Richard Ian Lee - 0802) "Good morning gentlemen.how goes?" Rich turned his head slightly, and inclined his head to one of the newest FleetCOs. "The day goes as they all go, I can just barely contain the enthusiasm." he said dryly. (Reply if desired) Rich looked at the chronometer and took a breath. The quick conversation and few orders he had give had put him over on time. He pushed a button on the Command console that changed the status of the station, then picked up his headset with mic and said lightly into it "Operations, Day Watch." The lighting turned brighter, more 'day-like', Starfleet's little contribution to upholding a 'day/night' roster. Operations continued at full pace, no matter the time of day, but having a distinction between day and night helped keep the crew at an equilibrium. The only difference it *really* meant was a slightly larger influx of civilian workers to the shipyards. The work crew wasn't equally split around a 24 hour schedule, the lions share of day watch was Civilian workers, whereas the later shifts contained a greater proportion of Starfleet crewmen. Only during war or some other special circumstance would the Shipyard's crew manifest of civilian workers be redistributed out of 'normal' civilian working hours, times when it was essential for work to continue at breakneck pace around the clock. Lee frowned as his thinking once again lead to the fleet wide yellow alert. The time might come soon that Utopia would go to a full war-time production schedule. If it was crazy around here now, it was going to be a circus then, utter pandemonium barely contained under the threat of war and with strict discipline. Need made for strong reigns, and much haste. His eyes darted over Ops, where crew was standing down to their Alpha Shift counterparts, then nodded as he noticed everything was going smooth, just like it should. ~Another shift change, preformed without phasers firing or people dying. Probably the highlight of my day.~ He reclined back in the Command chair and turned to face the Admiral and Chief Ops officer. "Is there anything I can help you with, Admiral?" (Starbase Valhalla, Admiral's Ready Room - SFI Operative, Captain Jonathan Kimmell - 0915) "So Admiral that is my brief, we and a small delegation of your senior staff are going to head to a pre-arranged meeting point with some of the elite Commanding Officers of the fleet, these senior people are going to search for the new base of the Dominion fleet that we know are still operating in this area." "Commander Lee, can you arrange a meeting for me with Captain Rulestaad? As Strategic Operations Officer she is the best choice for my liaison to Utopia Planitia." "Unless there are any questions Gentleman, I will proceed with my duties." Kimmell waited for the Admiral and the Commander to comment, he had a limited window to get Rulestaad to the meeting with the other COs, if the Admiral was right, the Dominion were getting help from someone in the Alpha Quadrant, he had to find out who that was, quickly. (Starbase Valhalla, Admiral's Ready Room - FO Cmdr Lee/STRATOPS Cptn Rulestaad - 0915) "So Admiral that is my brief, we and a small delegation of your senior staff are going to head to a pre-arranged meeting point with some of the elite Commanding Officers of the fleet, these senior people are going to search for the new base of the Dominion fleet that we know are still operating in this area." "Commander Lee, can you arrange a meeting for me with Captain Rulestaad? As Strategic Operations Officer she is the best choice for my liaison to Utopia Planitia." "Unless there are any questions Gentleman, I will proceed with my duties." Lee looked at the admiral for the barest moment, then turned back to the SFI operative. He tapped his badge, "Lee to Rulestaad, you are needed in the Admirals Ready Room Stat." His badge beeped in reply, she wasn't one to waste words, especially with people she didn't like much. He stood, and stretched his long frame as he considered his words. He hadn't liked the implications of what had been said, that his mother department had been a complete failure. On the other hand, SFI no doubt had intelligence that they didn't bother to hand out, so it was highly likely they would succeed where the fleet had failed. He placed his hands behind his back, then said "What all will you require of us, spell it out." ~You know us Tactical boys, big and dumb, ya know~ (reply Jopek, SFI) After a couple minutes, Rulestaad walked in, looking regal as always regardless of the scowl she habitually wore. She came to loose attention just inside the door. "Captain Rulestaad reporting as ordered." (Starbase Valhalla, Admiral's Ready Room - SFI Operative, Captain Jonathan Kimmell - 0919) "Unless there are any questions Gentleman, I will proceed with my duties.", said Kimmell. "What all will you require of us, spell it out.", said the First Officer. Jonathon considered the question for a moment before replying. "Your co-operation will do for the moment, Commander. Captain Rulestaad is the one I really need to talk to. Oh, there is something you can do for me, Commander. prepare a shuttle with a warp drive capable of warp 3 for departure at about 11.00." Looking over at the Admiral, Jonathon continued. "With your permission, Admiral.", he said and the faintest of smiles was in evidence. "Commander Lee, please see to the requests of the Captain.", said the Vulcan, but something in his voice indicated he was less than happy with this person ordering around his crew. As they concluded, the door chime was activated and the new arrival was asked to enter. "Captain Rulestaad reporting as ordered.", said the STRATOPS. The Admiral thanked her for coming and introduced her to the new officer, Captain Kimmell of Starfleet Intelligence. "Captain, your presence is requested and required by the highest levels of Starfleet Command, please accompany me at 11.00. A meeting has been arranged to discuss the Dominion in the Alpha Quadrant, and, security is of the utmost importance." "Please report to me at the main shuttlebay at this time." The first part of his mission complete, Jonathon wasn't going to wait around. "Admiral, Captain, Commander, I'll be in my assigned quarters until we depart, thank you for your time." Kimmell was gone and left behind a very bewildered group of senior officers. "Captain, Commander? Your comments please.", asked Jopek as he waited for some insight into their new arrival he thought about Starfleet's Orders. "Captain, what would it take to have someone follow the shuttle, without being detected? I would like to get my STRATOPS back in once piece!" (Starbase Valhalla, Yard Engineering Office - YEO Ens. J.G. T'Veyn Aldreck - 1545) "Yard Engineering Officer's Log, Ensign T'Veyn Aldreck, Stardate 56030.65 Today was my first day aboard the station Utopia Planitia, and I got a good look at what I'd be working with. There are now 12 remaining shipyards since the Dominion attack, and I remember Admiral Jopek's words exactly: 'Normally, building new ships from scratch takes years, even decades to complete... Mr. Aldreck, I want those ships up and running within the year. Use whatever personnel and materials you need, getting those ships running is your top priority.' I certainly hope I live up to his expectations. Each of those shipyards have several ships scheduled for repair, and it's going to be tough keeping an eye on all of them. But the worker-bees seem to be doing their jobs. Reports flood in often, and it's my job to look over them and make sure things are running smoothly. Relatively, they are. However, I believe they could do better. In fact, the Rear Admiral ordered a report on the shipyards today. While it did interfere with the construction and repairs, it helped prepare the crews for battles and surprise attacks. Tomorrow I will be paying a visit to each shipyard myself. I have already looked over the specs of all the scheduled ships to familiarize myself, and will continue to do so, but I'd like to maintain a social life with those who will be working under me while also maintaining order, precision, and discipline. Computer, end log." Aldreck closed up for the day and made his way to the Operations Center of the station to meet up with Mr. Black. (Compiled by Michael Drake - 11/07/02)