USS Spectre Compile: September 1st - 30th 2019. By Alan Reading ======================================================================== Mission: Interim Day: 0 Stardate: 2418.04.23 (USS Spectre - Captain's Quarters - CO, Captain T'Vhor - 17:01) (USS Spectre - Captain's Ready Room - CO, Captain T'Vhor and Admiral Xavior Durant - 17:30) (USS Spectre - Captain's Ready Room - CEO/3O, Lt. Commander Duke Williams - 17:35) (USS Spectre - Captain's Ready Room - CO, Captain T'Vhor - 17:37) (USS Spectre - Captain's Ready Room - First Officer, Commander Duke Williams - 17:38) (USS Spectre - Captain's Ready Room - CO, Captain T'Vhor - 17:39) (USS Spectre - First Officer's Office - FO, Commander Duke Williams - 18:30) (Planet Betazed - First Contact Office - Lt. Cmdr Sophie Verin - 19:00) ======================================================================== Mission: All Shapes and Sizes Day: 1 Stardate: 2418.04.23 (USS Spectre - Security Chief Office - TAC/SC, Commander Jessica Signos - 17:40) (USS Spectre - Ten Forward - TAC/SC, Commander Jessica Signos - 18:21) (USS Spectre - Ten Forward - Marine Recon Officer, 1LT Cade Blackwell- 18:24) (USS Spectre - Ten Forward - TAC/SC, Commander Jessica Signos - 18:27) (USS Spectre - Ten Forward - MRO, 1LT Cade Blackwell - 18:28) (USS Spectre - Ten Forward - TAC/SC, Commander Jessica Signos - 18:30) (USS Spectre - Ten Forward - 1LT Cade Blackwell - 18:32) (USS Spectre - Bridge - CO, Captain T'Vhor - 20:00) (USS Spectre - Bridge - FO, Commander Duke Williams - 20:02) (USS Spectre - Enginering Deck 4 - ACEO, Ensign JG LaBrea - 20:03) (USS Spectre - Bridge - CO, Captain T'Vhor - 20:04) (USS Spectre – Shuttle Bay 1 - Shuttle Bay Officer, 2nd Lieutenant Jennifer Smith - 20:04) (USS Spectre - Ten Forward - MCO, Major Bruce Kowalski and Barkeep Mei-Ling Hikaru - 20:05) (USS Spectre - Engineering Deck 4 – Engineer, Ensign Scott Smith - 20:06) (USS Spectre - Ten Forward - MCO, Major Bruce Kowalski and Barkeep Mei-Ling Hikaru - 20:07) (USS Spectre - Engineering Deck 4 – ACEO, Ensign Katrina LaBrea - 20:07) (USS Spectre - Bridge – OPS Officer, Ensign Robert Smith - 20:07) (USS Spectre - Engineering Deck 4 – Engineer, Ensign Scott Smith - 20:09) (USS Spectre - Engineering, Pylon Deck 4 - ACEO, Ensign Katrina LaBrae - 20:10) (USS Spectre - Engineering, Pylon Deck 4 – Engineer, Ensign Scott Smith - 20:12) (USS Spectre - Enginering Deck 4 - ACEO, Ensign Katrina LaBrea - 20:13) (USS Spectre - Conference Lounge Corridor - MCO, Major Bruce Kowalski - 20:13) (USS Spectre - Conference Room - TAC/SC, Commander Jessica Signos - 20:13) (USS Spectre – Conference room – CMO, Cmdr Andrew Williams - 20:14) (USS Spectre - Conference Lounge – CMO, Cmdr Andrew Williams - 20:15) (USS Spectre - Conference Room - FO, Commander Duke Williams - 20:15) (USS Spectre – Corridor - Zero-G Specialist Hythame and Engineer, Wai Biign - 20:15) (USS Spectre - Engineering Deck 4 – Engineer, Ensign Scott Smith - 20:16) (USS Spectre - Conference Room - CMO, Cmdr Andrew Williams - 2017) (USS Spectre - Conference Room - TAC/SC, Commander Jessica Signos - 20:17) (USS Spectre - Engineering Deck 5 – ACEO, Katrina LaBrea - 20:17) (USS Spectre - Conference Room - MCO, Major Bruce Kowalski - 20:18) (USS Spectre - Conference Room - FO, Commander Duke Williams - 20:20) (USS Spectre - Engineering Deck 5 – Engineer, Ensign Scott Smith - 20:20) (USS Spectre - Engineering Deck 5 – ACEO, Ensign Katrina LaBrea - 20:21) (USS Spectre - Conference Room - TAC/SC, Commander Jessica Signos - 20:22) (USS Spectre - Engineering Deck 5 – Engineer, Ensign Scott Smith - 20:23) (USS Spectre - Enginering - ACEO, Ensign Katrina LaBrea - 20:24) (USS Spectre - Conference Room - FO, Commander Duke Williams - 20:24) (USS Spectre - Bridge, secondary tactical - TAC/ASC, Ensign Garek Darpeg - 20:24) (USS Spectre - Armoury – Marine Sniper, Crpl Houseman - 20:25) (USS Spectre - Conference Room - TAC/SC, Commander Jessica Signos - 20:26) (USS Spectre – Shuttle Bay One - Shuttle Bay Officer, 2nd Lieutenant Jennifer Smith - 20:28) (USS Spectre - Ten Forward - CMO, Cmdr Andrew Williams - 20:32) (USS Spectre - Chief Science Officer's Officer - CSO/2O Lt. Kurt Palmer - 20:39) (USS Spectre - Chief Science Officer's Officer - FO, Commander Duke Williams - 20:40) (USS Spectre - Chief Science Officer's Officer - FO, Commander Duke Williams - 20:41) (USS Spectre - Chief Science Officer's Officer - CSO/2O Lt. Kurt Palmer - 20:45) (USS Spectre - Deck 10, Shuttle Bay 2 - CSO/2O Lt. Kurt Palmer - 20:50) (USS Spectre - Deck 10, Shuttle Bay 2 - ACEO, Ensign LaBrea - 20:51) (USS Spectre - Deck 10, Shuttle Bay 2 - CSO/2O Lt. Kurt Palmer - 20:53) (USS Spectre - Deck 10, Shuttle Bay 2 - ACEO, Ensign Katrina LaBrea - 20:54) (USS Spectre - Marine Staging - MCO, Major Bruce Kowalski - 20:56) (USS Spectre - StratOps Center - FO, Commander Duke Williams - 20:58) (USS Spectre - Deck 12 Corridor - MCO Major Bruce Kowalski - 20:59) (USS Spectre – Sickbay – Head Nurse, CPO Douwsy - 20:59) (USS Spectre – Barbershop - 1LT Cade Blackwell - 21:00) (USS Spectre – Deck 15 Corridor – Marine, 1st Lieutenant Kenneth Smith - 21:01) (USS Spectre - Deck 12 Corridor - MCO, Major Bruce Kowalski - 21:02) (USS Spectre – Barbershop – Marine, Corporal Houseman - 21:02) (USS Spectre - Deck 15 Corridor - MDE, Crpl Lewis O'Hara - 21:03) (USS Spectre – Jeffries Tube, Deck 9 - Marine, 1LT Cade Blackwell - 21:04) (USS Spectre – Jeffries Tube, Deck 9 – Marine, Corporal Houseman - 21:05) (USS Spectre - Shadow Flyer - CSO/2O Lt. Kurt Palmer - 21:06) (USS Spectre - Shadow Flyer - Shuttle bay Officer, 2nd Lieutenant Jennifer Smith - 21:07) (USS Spectre - Deck 10, Security Office - TAC/SC, Commander Jessica Signos - 21:07) (USS Spectre - Bridge - TAC/ASC, Ensign Darpeg - 21:08) (USS Spectre - Bridge - CO, Captain T'Vhor - 21:09) (USS Spectre – Sickbay – CMO, Cmdr Andrew Williams - 21:10) (USS Spectre - Shadow Flyer - CSO/2O Lt. Kurt Palmer - 21:10) (USS Spectre - Bridge - TAC/ASC Ensign Garek Darpeg - 21:11) (USS Spectre - Shadow Flyer - ACEO, Katrina Ensign LaBrea - 21:11) (USS Spectre - Bridge - CFO, Lt. JG Ryan Thibodeaux - 21:13) (USS Spectre - Shadow Flyer - CSO/2O Lt. Kurt Palmer - 21:14) (Shadow Flyer- 2nd Lieutenant – Shuttle bay Officer, Jennifer Smith - 21:16) (USS Spectre - Shadow Flyer - Shuttle Bay Officer, 2nd Lt Jennifer Smith - 21:17) (USS Spectre - Shadow Flyer - ACEO, Ensign Katrina LaBrea - 21:18) (USS Spectre - Shadow Flyer - CSO/2O Lt. Kurt Palmer - 21:21) (USS Spectre - Shadow Flyer - ACEO, Ensign Katrina LaBrea - 21:22) (USS Spectre - Shadow Flyer - Shuttle Bay Officer, 2nd Lt Jennifer Smith - 21:25) ======================================================================== Mission: All Shapes and Sizes Day: 3 Stardate: 2418.04.25 (Shadow of Redemption - Bridge - CO (Asrai) Belladonna of the Arista - 09:25) (Shadow of Redemption - Fighter bays - Lt. Colonel (Will of Wisp) Marius of the Spriggan - 09:27) (Shadow of Redemption - Diplomatic Wing - Princess Calendine of the Arista and Jaelle of the Spriggan - 09:31) ======================================================================== Mission: Interim Day: 0 Stardate: 2418.04.23 (USS Spectre - Captain's Quarters - CO, Captain T'Vhor - 17:01) "Fruit juice, chilled to three degrees centigrade" said the Captain. And the replicator responded in its usual predictable manner, depositing a glass of mixed fruit juice just as requested. T'Vhor took the glass and then walked towards one of the viewing windows of his quarters, where he stopped, took a sip, and then contemplated the past mission. ~A Borg Queen~ he thought to himself. Now who would have ever have predicted that? T'Vhor contemplated the extravagantly garbed and bolshy SFI agents remarks when he had boarded the ship to take a closer look at the 'cargo' in their storage hold. "Pretty little thing, ain't she" he had said, as he gazed in through the crystalline coated view-port of the cryo-chamber housing the Borg primary. "I would hardly say.... " the Captain had began, only to have the arrogant SFI man 'ssh' him whilst putting his fingers to his lips with raised eyebrows. "Quiet Captain" he said under his breath. "We wouldn't want to wake her now, would we" The suggestion was ridiculous of course. The Queen was on ice. Inactive. Shut down. For all intents of purposes, dead. Why would she be able to hear them? And yet Haroldson continued on with his almost play-like theatrics as he walked around the chamber like some sovereign surveying a captured enemy booty. "What do you suppose the pirates wanted with her?" he asked, rhetorically, "do you think that maybe they were planning on resurrecting her and using her to lead an army of brigands and murderers to attack us in our sleep" he added, letting out a heavy and exaggerated sigh to the accompaniment of a faux look of concern etched upon his comically animated face. "Such a shame that they failed. But then, we have you now my pretty little thing" T'Vhor raised an eyebrow quizzically, confused at the man's obvious preference for the theatrical. But then, he was Human... Returning to the here and now, the Captain watched the warp stars streaming away from them, just aft of the Spectres warp nacelles bringing with them a certain calm as he sipped at the refreshing liquid. For a brief moment though his thoughts drifted to the mining colony and the renegade miners there. It could all have gone so bad for them. Indeed, Kowalski, the Marine CO himself, had suffered an injury to his arm and shoulder that had required some very delicate surgery from the erstwhile Dr Williams. Nobody had even suspected that there might have been Targs there of course, let alone the MCO. Not that they didn't make excellent guards for the storage areas of explosive materials and such, but better that than hanging from ones limb and savaging flesh and bone. Still, the mission had been a complete success nonetheless. The new ships officers, R'uann, Hythame, Quall, and LaBrae had proved themselves as capable crew members that the Captain was proud to have aboard. However, the incident with Ensign Quall had predictably resulted in some sessions with the ships counselling department. Her actions in saving the life of Thibodeaux in a hostage situation though, were commendable. The Captain took another sip of his drink, his gaze still upon the hypnotic warp star streaks speeding away from them. Then he contemplated the recently opened orders from Starfleet regarding their next mission. There would be no furlough now, the ship already reassigned to chart an area in the Koralami expanse that had been reportedly giving off unusual signals that nobody at fleet HQ could decipher. This though was the Spectres special area of expertise. Her bread and butter so to speak. Puzzles that seemingly had no answer. Facts that did not fit the defined area... The Captain turned away from the window as he downed the last of his fruit juice, walking towards the seating area of his quarters, taking a seat, and then picking up a photo-frame showing a young Vulcan female holding a small child. Vulcan's of course, hardly ever smiled, but if they did then T'Vhor would have been smiling now, for the memory attached to the photo was indeed a good one. T'Vhor replaced the photo-frame upon the desk, and then he accessed his personal logs. "Computer. Open personal log, access code Alpha One Nine, Endeavour" [[Log opened for personal entry]] "Begin log entry - I cannot erase from my mind a certain trepidation in the contemplation of the transferral of the Borg Queen into the hands of SFI Agent Haroldson. The man is a walking example of everything that I have encountered negative in Humans. His arrogance is... irritating." he added, realising then that the man had elicited something akin to an emotion within him. The Captain continued on... "Starfleet, however, in its inimitable manner of carrying out... things, surely knows now of the innate power that they hold locked within the dormant mind of the Borg Queen. How will they use that information?" The Captain paused again, his mind seemingly searching for what to add next. Then he continued... "This worries me greatly. Haroldson is a child-like fool who relishes in the power that has been imbued in him. I can only hope that his superiors are wisened enough to see through his antics, and that they do the right thing where the Borg primary is concerned. End log" [[Log entry completed and saved]] (Reply None) (Posted by Alan) (USS Spectre - Captain's Ready Room - CO, Captain T'Vhor and Admiral Xavior Durant - 17:30) The CO had been in his ready room for about 15 or so minutes overseeing the new mission details with fleet command via a visual comms link to his terminal. Admiral Durant seemed most adamant that the Spectre was assigned this mission as he was of the opinion that it might have connections to the recent parasitic infestation that had become prevalent of late. Whether it did or not of course, was another matter entirely. Nonetheless though the fleet was now at a state of combat readiness, just in case. "What exactly are we dealing with here, Sir. Is there any more information you can give me before we get to the Koralami Expanse?" =/\=Well, it's the damndest thing=/\= came the reply. =/\=We've been receiving random communications type traffic from the area, but everything tells us there is absolutely nothing there. There's a nearby Pulsar but, it's all too odd if you ask me=/\= The Captain nodded, his interest piqued now. These were the types of missions that he relished of course. Puzzles and such, for they exercised his logical mind and pushed its limitations. Indeed, if he had been a Human, then his response would have likely been - 'Bring it on'. Instead though, his expression remained unchanged, just as expected. "Could we be dealing with cloaked vessels?" asked the Captain. "Sulia Madon has known contacts within both the Romulan and Cardassian fleets. It would not be too far fetched an argument that she might also have access to cloaked vessels loyal to her cause" Durant pondered the suggestion briefly before answering, an aide appearing behind him as he did so to whisper something in his ear that was clearly for his alone. Durant looked taken aback slightly at what was said, but quickly returned to the communication with the Spectre's CO. =/\=We think it's unlikely=/\= he answered. =/\=This parasitic thing has everyone spooked. Even the Cardassians and the Romulans. We apprehended four infected personnel at command HQ this week, and two more at Starbase 39-Sierra. The Admiral paused again, going through a PADD at his side as he did so. Then he shook his head... =/\=It's possible. But I have a feeling that that is not what we are dealing with here, Captain. This is something new. Something not seen before. Something sentient, but apparently... invisible=/\= T'Vhor nodded again. Something invisible, but sentient. He was even more intrigued... "We will find you an answer, Sir" said the Captain. "You have my word" Durant chuckled and then stroked his beard with his fingertips. He had faith in the Spectre and her crew, for they'd solved more riddles and served the Federation well on many occasions beforehand. Not that all the ships of the 52nd Fleet didn't measure up of course, it was just that the Spectre tended to have an edge in the odd and sublime when it came to her missions. =/\=I'm sure you will, Captain. Keep me appraised of your progress. Durant out=/\= T'Vhor settled back into his chair as the viewscreen returned to the familiar Starfleet logo, his gaze then falling upon an antique chronometer that he kept on his desk. Made entirely of brass and running on a clockwork mechanism, it harked back to a bygone era that the Vulcan hybrid CO found appealing. The simplicity of it all. And yet also the complexity involved in translating the rotational movement of varying sizes of gear wheels into the means of telling the time. Which was now just a little after 17:35 hundred hours if the ornate hands were anything to go by... The chime sounding at his door broke his clockwork reverie. It was an expected chime of course and he knew who would be behind the door for he'd arranged the meeting with the man in question barely fifteen minutes beforehand. "Enter", he bade. And in walked Chief Engineer Duke Williams. (Reply Williams) "Take a seat, Duke" said the Captain, reaching thenceforth to the small black box that sat next to the antique clock he'd been observing so intently beforehand. (Reply Williams) NRPG: Room for more here if need be... RPG: Both men engaged in idle chitchat for a short while, mainly in regards the state of engineering, but occasionally regarding their prospective views on a number of views, not least of which was the recent loss of Commander Jackson. Inevitably though, the Captain brought the discussion to the crux of the matter, sliding across the small black box he'd been toying with earlier to Williams where he sat opposite him. (Reply Williams) "The promotion to Commander is mandatory, Duke. You are getting it whatever you decide" said the Captain. "The position however, is yours only if you want it. If not, then I won't have to find myself a new Chief Engineer. Only a new First Officer" (Reply Williams) (Reply Williams) (Posted by Alan) (USS Spectre - Captain's Ready Room - CEO/3O, Lt. Commander Duke Williams - 17:35) Duke paused before pressing the door chime. He was unsure of what this meeting might be about. He figured it had something to do with the departure of Commander Jackson, but he was unsure. He sort of dreaded what the topic of conversation might entail. "Enter" "You wanted to see me sir?" Duke asked, his heart was starting to race. He had just recently passed the Bridge Officer's test, there was a First Officer vacancy and he was the most qualified internal candidate. "Take a seat, Duke" said the Captain, reaching thenceforth to the small black box that sat next to the antique clock he'd been observing so intently beforehand. "Yes sir," Duke said obediently. Both men engaged in idle chitchat for a short while, mainly in regards the state of engineering, but occasionally regarding their prospective views on a number of views, not least of which was the recent loss of Commander Jackson. Inevitably though, the Captain brought the discussion to the crux of the matter, sliding across the small black box he'd been toying with earlier to Williams where he sat opposite him. Duke opened the box, in it a solid gold pip. He knew what this meant, he just didn't know if he was ready. "Thank you sir..." Duke was about to say something else but the Captain cut him off. "The promotion to Commander is mandatory, Duke. You are getting it whatever you decide" said the Captain. "The position however, is yours only if you want it. If not, then I won't have to find myself a new Chief Engineer. Only a new First Officer" "I am deeply honored sir, I truly am, but are you sure I am the right choice?" Duke Replied. (reply T'Vhor) "I don't have very much command experience, at least of a whole ship. I mean, I am an excellent engineer sure, but are you sure you want me as your First Officer?" (Reply T'Vhor) "Sir, I will be candid with you, this isn't something I ever wanted or envisioned for my career. Which is crazy I know, what sort of Starfleet officer doesn't dream of command. But I never saw myself as a First Officer or a Captain. Not because I don't think I am capable of it, I know I meet the qualifications for it. I just have always felt that I was better suited in an engine room." (Reply T'Vhor) "That being said sir, if you feel so strongly that you want me as your First Officer, then I gladly accept." Duke took the pip in the box and swapped it with the black one on his collar. "Of course I am going to need to go see my tailor soon. I haven't worn a red uniform since I was an ensign." (reply T'Vhor) (Reply T'Vhor) (posted by Will Banowsky) (USS Spectre - Captain's Ready Room - CO, Captain T'Vhor - 17:37) Williams had seemed uncertain of his capacity for the First Officer position, and that was to be expected of course. It was a big responsibility, more so than that of running a single department. The Captain though had faith in him. After all, he would never have offered the position to him if he felt that the ship would not benefit from his abilities. "I am deeply honoured sir, I truly am, but are you sure I am the right choice?" Duke had asked, "I don't have very much command experience, at least of a whole ship. I mean, I am an excellent engineer sure, but are you sure you want me as your First Officer?" The Captain nodded. "I would not have asked you if I were not sure, Commander" he answered. "May I remind you also of your bridge officer exam results. You did well in the Kobayashi Maru. Let us not forget that" "Sir, I will be candid with you, this isn't something I ever wanted or envisioned for my career. Which is crazy I know, what sort of Starfleet officer doesn't dream of command. But I never saw myself as a First Officer or a Captain. Not because I don't think I am capable of it, I know I meet the qualifications for it. I just have always felt that I was better suited in an engine room." said Williams, clearly still a little unsure of himself now. The Captain leant forwards in his chair, his two hands coming together in front of him in a relaxed clasp as he did so. "Duke", he began. "I understand your commitment to the ships engines and everything associated to that, in the First Officers role though you will get to oversee that, and everything else that keeps a starship running. It would not be 'Goodbye' to engineering, but hello from an entirely different, and more encompassing angle" added the Captain. "That being said sir, if you feel so strongly that you want me as your First Officer, then I gladly accept." said the ex-CEO, taking the offered pip and then exchanging it for the black one that sat next to the two gold ones he already wore. "Of course I am going to need to go see my tailor soon. I haven't worn a red uniform since I was an ensign." "It will look on you" said the Captain, settling back into his seat. "Your first order as First Officer. Settle in to your new office. Then I want you to report to me at 19:00 hours to oversee our next mission. I would appreciate your input on the details that we have thus far" (Reply Williams, IYW) Williams then stood, straightening out his uniform as the Captain finally dismissed him. (Reply Williams, IYW) (Posted by Alan) (USS Spectre - Captain's Ready Room - First Officer, Commander Duke Williams - 17:38) "It will look on you" said the Captain, settling back into his seat. "Your first order as First Officer. Settle in to your new office. Then I want you to report to me at 19:00 hours to oversee our next mission. I would appreciate your input on the details that we have thus far" "Well sir," Duke said as he took a quick glance at the PADD with the mission briefing. "Given the mystery on our hands, an invisible sentient out there, might be good to get a diplomat or a first contact specialist out here and help us out." (Reply T'Vhor) "I'll also need to promote my replacement, at least a temporary one. Do you have any input on that matter sir?" (reply T'Vhor) "I think Lieutenant Reesa Saul might be the best candidate to replace me. He is level headed, been my number two for awhile now, I think he would be a good choice." (Reply T'Vhor) "Well Looks like I need to get to work." Duke then stood, straightening out his uniform as the Captain finally dismissed him. (Reply T'Vhor) (posted by WB) (USS Spectre - Captain's Ready Room - CO, Captain T'Vhor - 17:39) "Well sir," said Williams, glancing down at his PADD. "Given the mystery on our hands, an invisible sentient out there, might be good to get a diplomat or a first contact specialist out here and help us out." The Captain nodded. It was a good suggestion. But right now they had no idea they were even looking at a first contact situation, and strange signals could be anything from uncategorised electrical anomolies, to planetary chit-chat in an as yet unknown EM band. "I think we should wait and see what it is we are up against before we start asking for mission specialists." said the Captain. "But your suggestion is noted" "I'll also need to promote my replacement, at least a temporary one. Do you have any input on that matter sir?" asked Williams, moving on now. "Nobody knows the engineering team like yourself, Duke. I will go with whoever you think is best suited to the position." said the Captain, preferring now to leave the Commander with a few engineering specific decisions in order to keep a 'hands on' relationship there, and to ease him into his new role. "I think Lieutenant Reesa Saul might be the best candidate to replace me. He is level headed, been my number two for awhile now, I think he would be a good choice." said Williams. "Excellent choice. I will leave it to you to inform him of his promotion" answered the Captain. Williams nodded, straightened out his tunic, and then was on his way... (Reply None) (Posted by Alan) (USS Spectre - First Officer's Office - FO, Commander Duke Williams - 18:30) Duke was settling into the First Officer's Office. Over the next few days he would be doing a bit of moving, taking personal effects from engineering to his new office. He was also moving out of Sophie's quarters into the larger quarters vacated by Commander Jackson. Skyler would be moving with him for the time being, but leaving her stuff in Sophie's quarters. He didn't need to move, but he wanted the larger quarters to turn one of the bedrooms into a workshop, for when he got bored of command. Still he had a call to make, one that would test the limits of his relationship with Sophie. He pressed a button on his console to set up a long range hail to Sophie hoping she would pick up. Hearing no answer, he left a message, maybe she was out, or not able to answer in time, but he needed to say this now, before it got to her second hand. "Sophie, it's Duke, hey listen, we need to talk. I hope you are well. I just, I need to tell you something, because I am afraid it might upset you. So listen, Commander Jackson has departed the Spectre, which meant that Captain T'Vhor needed new first officer. He umm, he promoted me, I am the Spectre's new first officer. I just wanted to let you know, from my mouth. I know you were sore about losing this role, and it hurt to be replaced. And now I am replacing you in a way. Listen, I didn't gun for this, I didn't ask for this, I just, the captain asked and I felt like I couldn't say no. Please don't be mad at me. Anyways call me back when you can." (reply Sophie) Duke then ended the hail and began familiarizing himself with the crew roster. (reply Sophie) (posted by WB) (Planet Betazed - First Contact Office - Lt. Cmdr Sophie Verin - 19:00) Sophie sat in her office on Betazed, her feet comfortably up on the table in front of her, a padd in her hand as she talked to the computer about her latest observations in working with the aliens known as The Others. She closed down the file with a soft sigh. She missed the Spectre. She missed Duke. She missed her daughter. She even missed sneering at the new first officer who had taken her place. A beep signaled that she had an incoming call. So Sophie dutifully tapped her comm badge in reply. =^=Commander Verin, we have an incoming subspace message from the Spectre for you.=^= She smiled, hoping that it was good news. Betazoids were psychic and perhaps that was prescience, but maybe it was simply just fate. "Do feel free to play it in my office." Sophie did not stir, listening as Duke's voice filled the air around her. She closed her eyes and leaned back further, savouring the rich sounds of his voice. Goddess how she missed someone she had never gone to bed with! How she missed her beloved daughter who was staying with him. And then Sophie's eyes flew open and she fell backwards, literally, off her chair, landing in a clutter of chair, fabric, and blood. "They made Duke the FO Over ME? I can't... I...." She sighed, rolled off her chair and lay on her back, staring up at the ceiling in surprise. "I can' believe I fell out of my chair. The medics are gonna laugh their butts off." And of course right then, RIGHT then, her chime sounded and before she could pick herself up off the floor, the Betazoid Admiral who ran starfleet ops here on the planet waltzed right in. To find Sophie Verin on her butt, on the floor, office in disarray, blood on her face and uniform. "Ah, Sophie..." Lauralie Renier stopped and stared, "Where you brawling Sophie?" She asked, keeping the laughter out of her voice but not out of her mind, which was open in the presence of another Betazoid. "Ah, no. I just, well." She opened her mind and shared the scene, which resulted in a great deal of mirth from the Admiral, "Well." Lauralie spoke when she calmed down, "I came to tell you that I was reassigning you to the Spectre. But not as FO, " Sophie shook her head, "No, My ... Imzadi is the new first officer. Skyler, my young daughter, is with him." Lauralie took a seat, and motioned for Sophie to seat herself, "How do you feel about that?" All Betazoids cared about feelings first, Sophie switched to telepathy.::Well, I love him. Dearly, Laura. He's a gifted officer, more so than the moron that starfleet had assigned to take my place. So no, I'm not upset that he was made the First Officer. He's my Imzadi. I'm proud of him.:: She finishes up. "Would you like to return to the Spectre? T'Vhor has request Strategic Operations Officer and I think you would be a good choice for the role. It's a lot of work, but it's a similar job to First Officer. Are you familiar with the role?" Sophie nodded, "Well then. How long do you think it will be until you can catch a shuttle to the Spectre?" Sophie laughed, "Tonight?" Lauralie smiled, "I'll miss you, friend." "Laura! I'm not that far away, honestly." Laura got up, shook her head, "You should go and get your scalp seen to. Give my love to Skyler and to your Imzadi. I expect to be invited to the wedding and you had better do it properly my dear!" Lauralie walked out before Sophie could respond. She had a lot of work to do and a shuttle to catch tonight. She was looking forward to going home. (reply none) (posted by Mel) ======================================================================== Mission: All Shapes and Sizes Day: 1 Stardate: 2418.04.23 (USS Spectre - Security Chief Office - TAC/SC, Commander Jessica Signos - 17:40) Her office was quiet, a moment of peace after a long, hard, and emotional few days. The last mission had it difficulties that the away team had overcome. It was all in her report. But one thing that existed and was never addressed was an odd tension on the Spectre between those that came from the Templar and those that were from the Spectre. A difference of command styles that failed to mesh. This was never more pointed by the events that happened shortly after the last mission. When Commander Jackson and family were ordered back to Earth. With Jackson's connections he was needed to track and monitor hostile forces to the Federation. It was a desk job but one that was safe for him and his family. Jessica knew it would be highly unlikely she would ever get a mission so close to Earth, that close to S31 would be problematic. Out here on the edge of known space she was more or less free and her skills could be used as she saw fit. Jessica said goodbye to her long time friend as he and his family were sent back to Earth. It was a profound loss to Jessica. Tom was the last of the crew of the Rosenante that Jessica had served with. Jessica was always an outsider and never had much in the way of friends. It just made her feel more alone when she did loose one of the few friends she had left. Pulling her mind from the wondering thoughts she turned to her duty, picking up a PADD which contained the training regiments of the day. It took Jessica many pain stacking hours to rework the training the security needed after being in stasis for two years. Her training would be harsh those that did not meet or exceed expectation would be at a loss of privilege till they could meet her high standard, for the security staff. All security would be required to maintain a level of physical fitness, martial and close combat training, phaser range re-qualification for all security staff. The last mission spoke volumes, to her, and how the security on the Specture had become to reliant on the marine presence. It was nicety they would not always have. Time passed and stretched her arms, truth be told she hated desk work. She was a hands on kind of person, and few could match her pace. She glanced at the time on her desk display. When she nodded that it was time to eat, today she was going to try something different. Jessica planned on making the trek to Ten Forward for dinner. Since her time on the Spectre she had not allowed herself the comfort on getting close to the rest of the crew, now it seemed she had little choice. It was as good a place as any to meet people. (Reply None) (Posted by Matthew Locke) (USS Spectre - Ten Forward - TAC/SC, Commander Jessica Signos - 18:21) She entered the communal area, and made her way to the replicators. Ten Forward was full of people she was sure with the varied shifts on the Spectre the restaurant more than likely had a constant flow of patrons. "Chicken Salad, with Apple Cider." she asked of the computer and in moments her order was granted taking her meal she moved to a near by Table and took a seat, Watching the stars pass by as she idly ate her meal. (reply Any) (posted by Matthew Locke) (USS Spectre - Ten Forward - Marine Recon Officer, 1LT Cade Blackwell- 18:24) If there were two words to describe Cade Blackwell they would be dedicated and jock. He was a competent and dedicated officer, and his experience as an NCO Marine really shaped who he was as an officer. Yet he was for all intents and purposes a stereo typical joke. He was jovial, loud, boisterous, a bit sarcastic, maybe a bit full of himself, but with all that he was caring and compassionate. He always meant well, but sometimes he put his foot in his mouth. As he entered he Ten Forward he saw the tactical chief sitting off on her own. He found her intriguing in that such a small package could be so deadly. Murder fairy was the term used by the now new first officer to describe her. Still she looked kind of lonely. ~I guess losing her former CO might be hitting her hard.~ Cade approached her table and sat down. Didn't even ask for permission. That was the jock in him. "How's it going commander?" He said with a smile. (reply signos) "Kinda sucks to see Commander Jackson go huh?" (Reply signos) "Rumor has it that our good ole Cheng is taking over as FO, or that is the rumor I'm hearing." (reply Signos) "Yeah, was getting a haircut before coming here, barbers know everything, and the barber heard it from a source who heard it from a source, so it may not be true but hey, who knows." (Reply signos) "You were an FO once weren't you? What do you thing about the cheng becoming the right hand of the Captain?" (reply Signos) (reply signos) (posted by Will B) (USS Spectre - Ten Forward - TAC/SC, Commander Jessica Signos - 18:27) Jessica watched as Cade approached her table and sat down, Not even asking when he did, he seemed to have an air of superiority about him. "How's it going commander?" He said with a smile. Jessica didn't answer more wondering why this person was before her. Jessica's mind was else where, remembering the first mission she and Jackson had met on. It was close to ten years ago. While the physical wounds have healed the emotional wounds she would carry for the rest of her life. The borg were relentless and they had fought for their life. Jessica had nearly died several times in that mission, many wondered how she survived. "Kinda sucks to see Commander Jackson go huh?" She sighed as she took a sip of her cider. "That's a mild way of putting it." Her answer was short and to the point. Jackson had been with her though most of her career, she was there when his children where born and Jessica was a good friend with his wife, Jessica was gonna miss her parties. "Rumor has it that our good ole Cheng is taking over as FO, or that is the rumor I'm hearing." "Thats the Rumor" She answered shortly, it seemed that the marine recon officer was baiting her into saying something more. It was a sensitive issue and one that Jessica did not want to get into. "Yeah, was getting a haircut before coming here, barbers know everything, and the barber heard it from a source who heard it from a source, so it may not be true but hey, who knows." "That they do, glad the rumor mill still works on the ship" "You were an FO once weren't you? What do you thing about the cheng becoming the right hand of the Captain?" That was the sensitive issue. Jessica already felt she was being passed up by the marines, that her skills were not being taken seriously. it was a question that not only hurt it was plain insensitive. She looked at Cade if her eyes were daggers they would of cut deeply into the man before her. She knew it was the recon officer in him. They lived of rumors, gaining information for people like him was like a high, at least that's the vibe others had given her. "Yes, I was.Commander Williams is a capable officer and should be able to perform the duties the Captain as trusted him with." Placing her fork on the table, her hunger quickly fading. "Is there anything else you want to know?" She asked coldly. (reply Blackwell) (posted by Matthew Locke) (USS Spectre - Ten Forward - MRO, 1LT Cade Blackwell - 18:28) Cade was getting the sense that the struck a nerve and once again he put his foot in his mouth in a way where he didn't know if he was going to be able to get himself out of the whole he dug himself into. ~Nice going Cade. Now you either need to keep digging until you make it through to the other side or try and create a make shift ladder and get yourself out.~ "My apologies commander, I didn't mean to come off as rude." Cade said, wondering if the next few words out of his mouth would be perceived as him climbing up a ladder or digging a deeper hole by the commander. (Reply signos) "I just saw that you were by yourself and figured you might be having a rough go of it, so I thought I would come by, see how you were doing." (Reply Signos iyw) "I know I was uninvited, but you know, sometimes uninvited can be good." (Reply signos iyw) "Anyways, I'm also not the best at small talk, didn't mean to insuate anything about the whole rumor mill, sometimes my mouth engages before brain filter." (Reply Signos iyw) "Anyways, I know you just lost your old CO, and I know that has got to be rough. But you aint alone here. Far from it. This crew can be your family if you let it. Anyways, I'll leave you alone now. I'm guessing that you probably would prefer if I didn't bother you for awhile. I get it. Was just tyring to be a friend." Cade then got up and began to walk away. (Reply Signos iyw) (reply signos) (posted by WB) (USS Spectre - Ten Forward - TAC/SC, Commander Jessica Signos - 18:30) "My apologies commander, I didn't mean to come off as rude." Cade said, wondering if the next few words out of his mouth would be perceived as him climbing up a ladder or digging a deeper hole by the commander. "I'm not one for the rumor mill, I know that enough is said is not true or only partially true and that bad news travels faster than good news." Jessica spoke sincerely "I just saw that you were by yourself and figured you might be having a rough go of it, so I thought I would come by, see how you were doing." Jessica nodded as she looked out over the passing stars. "I am often alone." Jessica wasn't being rude it was just the state of her life. Jessica's past and her training made her cautious of people and made her question peoples motives. "I know I was uninvited, but you know, sometimes uninvited can be good." "And at other times it's not." Jessica sighed "Anyways, I'm also not the best at small talk, didn't mean to insuate anything about the whole rumor mill, sometimes my mouth engages before brain filter." Jessica shrugged as Cade continued "Anyways, I know you just lost your old CO, and I know that has got to be rough. But you aint alone here. Far from it. This crew can be your family if you let it. Anyways, I'll leave you alone now. I'm guessing that you probably would prefer if I didn't bother you for awhile. I get it. Was just trying to be a friend." Cade then got up and began to walk away. "I'm sorry" she spoke as Cade began to turn to walk away. "I don't mean to run you off. I'm just more accustomed to being alone, and I don't make friends easily." (reply Cade) (posted by Matthew Locke) (USS Spectre - Ten Forward - 1LT Cade Blackwell - 18:32) "I don't mean to run you off. I'm just more accustomed to being alone, and I don't make friends easily." Cade turned around to look at Jessica,a small smile on his face. "Well everyone is different I guess. Some of us have many friends or acquaintances but very few close friends. Some of us have a small number, but we'd give our lives for each of them." (Reply Signos iyw) "The important thing is to make sure that you have friends. Even if it is hard." (Reply Signos iyw) "There are plenty of people here willing to be your friend. You just have to try." Cade then turned around again and started walking towards the door. (Reply Signos iyw) (Reply signos iyw) (posted by WB) (USS Spectre - Bridge - CO, Captain T'Vhor - 20:00) The Captain settled himself into the comfortable and ergonomically redesigned command chair, taking note of the recent modifications to its design from their last starbase docking. This new Mark, had been fitted with improved armrest controls that gave more scope to the earlier versions functions, which had been tested to their full during their last mission. By now of course, the modifications felt suitably comfortable, and settling back into the seat, he gave the order to begin their next mission. "Helm, set a course for the Koralami expanse. Engage at Warp Seven" he ordered. (Reply Helm) The ship then made its smooth transition from impulse, to warp, the viewscreen filling with the familiar star trails as it did so. Then he addressed the communications Officer to his right. "Forwards our most recent situational logs to Starfleet HQ and signal that we are under way." (Reply Any at Comms) The Captain then turned to the First Officer seated next to him... "We haven't run a battle drill for some time, Commander. I want you to schedule one to begin at 21:00hrs. The specific variables, I will leave to you" (Reply Williams) The Captain nodded. A drill was long overdue and with the time to carry one out now readily available to them, it seemed appropriate that they should test the crews response and operational readiness times sooner, rather than after whatever they might meet at the Koralami Expanse presented itself to them. The ship, and her crew, continued on... (Reply Helm, Williams, Any) (Posted by Alan) (USS Spectre - Bridge - FO, Commander Duke Williams - 20:02) Duke felt a little uncomfortable in his new chair. He wasn't used to the bridge, the red shirt. He had been a helm officer before and worked in OPS but he had been in engineering for so long. "Helm, set a course for the Koralami expanse. Engage at Warp Seven" the captain ordered. "Aye sir," Came the reply from Lieutenant Thibodeaux who had been really taking ownership of his recent promotion to Chief Flight Officer. The ship then made its smooth transition from impulse, to warp, the viewscreen filling with the familiar star trails as it did so. As the captain began addressing the communications officer, Duke got a hail from engineering. He tried his best to answer it so as not to disrupt the captain's conversation with the communications department. =/\=Engineering to Commander Williams, We may have a minor issue.=/\= "Go ahead." Duke replied authoratively. This call should have gone to Lt. Reesa Saul, but word of the promotion may not have made it around the ship that fast. =/\= A tertiary system fault needs to be investigated, Command logs show we'll be at maximum warp for some time. I'd like to take the entire tertiary redundancy system offline for the next hour or so. Primary and secondary systems are purring like kittens, so I don't expect any trouble. I can bring the tertiary system back up within fifteen minutes if need be, but I think a manifold assembly has a defective breaker. As you know sir, I'll have to go through them one at time to refresh them all. =/\= "That is a good call ensign, but double check everything with Lt. Reesa. As of around 17:45 he was promoted to Chief of Engineering and I was promoted to First officer. I'm trying to get the word out to the engineering department, but it is slow going. So double check with him before doing anything. =/\=Acknowledged,=/\= LaBrea replied. "And ensign," Duke replied. "Keep up the good work." (Reply LaBrea if you want) When Duke was finished the Captain then turned to him. "We haven't run a battle drill for some time, Commander. I want you to schedule one to begin at 21:00hrs. The specific variables, I will leave to you" "Aye sir," Duke said with a smile. "I think a surprise drill may be in order. Simulation small craft attack with simultaneous infiltration of a boarding party." (Reply T'Vhor) "I think I can get Kowalski to get a team together to run havok, and have a crew man the Shadow Flyer to wreak havok outside, testing our ship based combat again a small attack craft and how well our new CFO can fly this puppy while also testing how well our Security forces can repel a boarding party." (Reply T'Vhor) "Not to mention if the rest of the crew remembers where there battle stations are. I'll get started on the double." Duke then nodded to the captain and headed towards the conference room. He tapped his commbadge. "Will Doctor Williams, Commander Signos, Major Kowalski, please report to the conference room by 20:15 hours." Duke then left the bridge. (Reply LaBrea iyw, T'Vhor, A. Williams, Signos, and Kowalski) (posted by WB) (USS Spectre - Enginering Deck 4 - ACEO, Ensign Katrina LaBrea - 20:03) The hum of the plasma relays was a constant white noise in just about every section of engineering. It was only noticed when it wasn't there and right now it wasn't. LaBrea was on Engineering Deck 4 of a nacelle support pylon. It was a routine service check, but the ship was at maximum warp so she needed to make sure the lines were properly maintained. Even though they'd only been out of dock a short time, LaBrea was a stickler for detail. The maintenance schedule required an offline plasma check at this time, so she'd taken this one out of service. It wouldn't affect warp capability as it was a tertiary redundancy line, and LaBrea had already done similar checks of nine other lines during this work shift, but this was the first Deck to go quiet when she took the system offline and that was a concern. Her PADD showed no alteration to the ship's forward progress; they were still showing maximum warp. But it was a concern that needed to be identified. ~Duke should be on the bridge.~ she thought to herself. She didn't want to bother him, but rules were rules. Tapping her comm badge, she reported the situation. "Engineering to Commander Williams," LaBrea commed. "We may have a minor issue." "A tertiary system fault needs to be investigated," she continued. "Command logs show we'll be at maximum warp for some time. I'd like to take the entire tertiary redundancy system offline for the next hour or so. Primary and secondary systems are purring like kittens, so I don't expect any trouble. I can bring the tertiary system back up within fifteen minutes if need be, but I think a manifold assembly has a defective breaker. As you know sir, I'll have to go through them one at time to refresh them all." =/\=That is a good call ensign, but double check everything with Lt. Reesa. As of around 17:45 he was promoted to Chief of Engineering and I was promoted to First officer. I'm trying to get the word out to the engineering department, but it is slow going. So double check with him before doing anything.=/\= "Acknowledged," LaBrea replied. =/\=And ensign, Keep up the good work.=/\= "Thank you, sir," LaBrea replied. "And congratulations, sir." She entered the report into her PADD for Lt. Reesa's sign off. (Reply Any ) (Posted by Tony) (USS Spectre - Bridge - CO, Captain T'Vhor - 20:04) "Aye sir," said the new FO with a smile. "I think a surprise drill may be in order. Simulation small craft attack with simultaneous infiltration of a boarding party." "A worthy test of the ships compliment indeed" said the Captain with a nod. "I think I can get Kowalski to get a team together to run havok, and have a crew man the Shadow Flyer to wreak havok outside, testing our ship based combat again a small attack craft and how well our new CFO can fly this puppy while also testing how well our Security forces can repel a boarding party." The Captain nodded again, scheduling the 'interruption' into their mission via his armrest controls and then calculating the delay that would be involved. They would be making good time to their area of interest anyway, and it wasn't as if the situation was particularly pressing enough to be arriving sixty minutes or so later than they normally would. "Not to mention if the rest of the crew remembers where their battle stations are. I'll get started on the double." said Williams, before then going on to call the aforementioned crew to a briefing at 20:15 hundred hours. "Will Doctor Williams, Commander Signos, Major Kowalski, please report to the conference room by 20:15 hours." The Captain then interrupted, leaning towards the FO to speak under his breath. "I do believe that the Major is currently off-duty, and that he may delegate" said the Captain. "Or not, as the case may be" (Reply Williams) Duke then left the bridge to prepare the simulation... (Reply Williams) (Posted by Alan) (USS Spectre – Shuttle Bay 1 - Shuttle Bay Officer, 2nd Lieutenant Jennifer Smith - 20:04) Jennifer stepped into shuttle bay 1’s flight control office which was a small office which had a widow along one wall which overlooked shuttle bay 1. She stepped over to the CPO who was at the console and smiled at him. “How are you doing chief?” The CPO turned and smiled back. “Now that you are here Sir very well.” Jennifer nodded. “Okay what’s going on?” The CPO slipped out of the seat as he began to talk. “Well one of the type 7 in shuttle bay two is down for routine maintenance along with along with one of the travel pods and the work bee.” She frowned at the report. She did not like to have any of her craft out of action. “How long until they are back up?” The CPO paused for a moment. “They should be back by the noon shift.” Jennifer nodded as she accepted it. “Who’s on the Alert shuttles?” “We have Jackson on the other type 7 in shuttle bay 2 and the marines have there Trojan ready on the pad and you have the Type 11 on the hot spot.” She leaned forward and looked down into the shuttle bay where she saw the sleek lines of the alert shuttle in the primary launch position. “Thanks Chief go and enjoy your evening?” As the CPO left the office, she slid herself into the vacant chair and let her fingers danced over the console. (reply any) (Posted by Robbie) (USS Spectre - Ten Forward - MCO, Major Bruce Kowalski and Barkeep Mei-Ling Hikaru - 20:05) Bruce headed into the Ten Forward lounge with a bounce to his step. Indeed, one might have assumed that he was on a high for some reason or another, or perhaps just 'high' on something he perhaps should not have been on. Intoxication was frowned upon whilst on duty of course, but right now Kowalski wasn't actually on duty, hence an appropriate amount of the finest scotch whiskey had been imbibed before his arrival, taken to alleviate an aggravating ache in his previously damaged shoulder, courtesy of a Targ attack during their last mission. Or so Bruce claimed... In actuality though, he just loved the odd dram of the highland fluid once in a while to calm himself, and the ache in his shoulder was little more than a minor irritation now, although a good enough reason to partake. Making his way to the bar, Bruce spied the pretty Asian barkeep and sauntered over towards her. "Hey sweet-cheeks", he began. "What would you recommend from those colourful little bottles of yours that might make an old battle weary ox like me, relax a little more?" Mei-Ling smiled a knowing smile. It wasn't the first time she had had to deal with an inebriate at her bar of course, and it likely wouldn't be the last. "How about coffee", she offered. "Strong. The stronger the better" Kowalski chuckled under his breath, hopped up onto the barstool and then leant his arms onto the bar, his eyes falling upon the ever-present Psammead sat on the shelf behind her, looking a little forlorn and forgotten. "Hey there, Tommy, my fuzzy, weird little friend." said Bruce. "Leave him be" said Hikaru, "he's not in my good books right now as he ate my other slipper today" said Mei-Ling, casting a look of scorn at the animated bundle of fluff as she spoke. Instantly, Tommy's eyes retracted back on their stalks in shame. He knew that eating Mei-Lings things was off-limits of course, but sometimes, he just couldn't help it. It was an urge he couldn't control. Kowalski stifled back a laugh, and then sighed. "Maybe you should get the little fella a mate" he offered, "you know, someone to cuddle up to at night" Mei-Ling gave a half smile back as she finished preparing the strong coffee for the Marine CO and then handing it to him. Bruce looked forlorn into the cup before him, the liquid hot and blacker than a Katarian abyss. It did not look as good as the amber tones of the whisky bottle back in his office, that was for sure. "Speaking of mates", said Mei-Ling interrupting his reverie and resting her arms upon the bar opposite him. "Where's that lovely councillor of yours?" Bruce took a sip of the coffee at the very mention of the counsellor. Caras would likely not have approved of him being inebriated in Ten Forwards, but then, they'd had a slight falling out recently over something that Bruce could not quite remember right now, so she'd probably not approve of anything that he did. "Tsk" said Bruce under his breath. Caras can go and..." he said, his words trailing off as the doors to Ten Forwards slid aside to herald the very same, aforementioned counsellor. Kowalski fell silent and turned back to his coffee, sitting up straight and then tugging at his tunic as though afraid of being seen looking slovenly. Mei-Ling smiled that knowing smile once again. "I would suggest keeping a tight lip soldier" she said. "Be quiet and drink your coffee" And for once, Kowalski obeyed... (Reply Any) (Posted by Alan) (USS Spectre - Engineering Deck 4 – Engineer, Ensign Scott Smith - 20:06) ~Okay I just need to apply this update to the tertiary systems and then I am done~ Scott entered deck 4 Engineering and glanced around. It was tertiary which meant that it was not mostly used. As the doors closed behind him, he noticed that LaBrea was also there. He moved to a console and began connecting to the ship’s main computer where the update was stored. He heard the comm system click of and looked over at LaBrea. “Hi, Katrina how is your evening going?” (Reply LaBrea IYW) (Reply LaBrea, any) (Posted by Robbie) (USS Spectre - Ten Forward - MCO, Major Bruce Kowalski and Barkeep Mei-Ling Hikaru - 20:07) Caras appeared to be ignoring him now, for she had purposely strode into Ten Forward and headed straight for a group of Counsellors seated at the far end of the lounge. It was probably just as well anyway, and with Mei-Ling's words still ringing in his ears, he returned his attention to the hot cup of black coffee she had prepared for him. He took a brief sip, and then stopped as the announcement from the bridge came out over the comms. =/\=Will Doctor Williams, Commander Signos, Major Kowalski, please report to the conference room by 20:15 hours.=/\= Kowalski exhaled heavily and then reached up to run his fingers through his hair. Then he looked to Mei-Ling, who smiled, and then shrugged her shoulders. "Duty calls, uh" she mused. "But I'm off-duty" said the Major. "And seriously, I've not exactly been partaking in synthahol here. I might not be in the best frame of mind for whatever the new FO wants." Mei-Ling shrugged again. Indeed, what could she have said, really? "I could give you a breath mint" she offered, almost as an afterthought, "and besides, you're not exactly 'out of control' now, are you" Kowalski sighed aloud. Then he looked over his shoulder at Caras, who by that point had taken a seat next to her respective Counsellors, and was deep in conversation. Her emotional distance from him bothered him a little, if the truth were to be known, for despite any differences that they might have between them right now, he had grown incredibly fond of the Woman. He returned to the strong coffee and took another sip of it, the acrid taste hitting his taste-buds and causing him to screw up his eyes as they responded to the bitterness. "I guess", said the Major, putting down the mug and then placing both hands upon the bar to hoist himself up and onto his feet again. It was at that point that Tommy, the Psammead, put a thumb up to his nose and then extended his fingers before blowing him a raspberry, much to Mei-Lings obvious amusement. "Did you teach him to do that?" said Kowalski, shocked. "Hey, not guilty. I think you might find that it was one of the new officers" answered Mei-Ling. "I would never be that crass" "Well..." said Kowalski, a little lost for words now. Then he pointed to the strange bundle of fluff and pointed a finger, shaking his head as he did so in order to indicate his disapproval, before turning about and then heading for the door. He had a meeting to attend, after all... (Reply Any, None) (Posted by Alan) (USS Spectre - Engineering Deck 4 – ACEO, Ensign Katrina LaBrea - 20:07) “Hi, Katrina how is your evening going?” "Hey Scott," LaBrea replied casually. "It's been pretty calm so far. Sounds like one of the manifolds is out. Can you give me a hand refreshing them?" (Reply Scott) LaBrea liked Scott. Her initial impression of him was that he had a good foundation in the basics and a quick mind in troubleshooting. He seemed like someone she could count on to do the job well. "I'll take this side, you get those?" she asked, gesturing to the opposite side. "If you find the bad one, just bypass it. I'll replicate a new one and replace it before shift end," she says, logging the data into her PADD. (Reply Scott) Resetting manifolds wasn't a mentally challenging task just a time consumer, so she made small talk as she pulled out and reset the first of thirty breakers. "I heard you had a date with Ensign Marçae last night?" she asks, keeping her eyes on her work and sliding the card back into its slot. "How'd that go?" (Reply Scott) (Reply any) (USS Spectre - Bridge – OPS Officer, Ensign Robert Smith - 20:07) Robert had been musing through the shift. It had been calm and he was looking forward to getting off soon. He had plans to catch up with his brother Scott who was also long a long shift. He watched as the ship leaped smoothly into warp on the view screen. He was pulled back to work as the Captain spoke up. "Forwards our most recent situational logs to Starfleet HQ and signal that we are under way." “Yes Captain.” He tapped on his console brining up the situation log and added the required signal. He made sure that the current codes were added and sent it to the nearest signals relay that they were passing. He settled back to the normal routine again when he overheard the conversation between the Captain and the First officer about drills. ~I could pass it back to the others~ A smile flashed across his face. ~But where would the fun be in that~ He busied himself again with his console and hopped that the drills would not stop him from catching up with his brother. (Reply any) (Posted by Robbie) (USS Spectre - Engineering Deck 4 – Engineer, Ensign Scott Smith - 20:09) "It's been pretty calm so far. Sounds like one of the manifolds is out. Can you give me a hand refreshing them?" Scott nodded and moved away from the console “Sure, not a problem.” "I'll take this side, you get those?" LaBrea gesturing to the opposite side. "If you find the bad one, just bypass it. I'll replicate a new one and replace it before shift end," “Okay” He moved over and pulled the small access hatch open. He carefully pocked his head and scanned small row of data cards in front of him. He pulled out the first one and scanned it with his tricorder. ~this one is good~ "I heard you had a date with Ensign Marçae last night?" His hand paused for a moment in front of the next card. "How'd that go?" ~Ow great~ “Well it good to know that the gossip network is working on the ship.” (Reply LeBrea) He gave a slight sigh. “It was nice. We had dinner at Ten forward, had a walk and chilled out in the arboretum chatted until late.” (Reply LeBrea) He paused for a moment before adding. “She is a lovely person and I had a great time but there is something I just can’t put my finger on about her?” (Reply LeBrea) (Reply LeBrea, any) (Posted by Robbie) (USS Spectre - Engineering, Pylon Deck 4 - ACEO, Ensign Katrina LaBrae - 20:10) "Well its good to know that the gossip network is working on the ship.” "Yeah you know me. I like to live vicariously," LaBrea replied clicking a card into place. "I haven't had a date in months." “It was nice. We had dinner at Ten forward, had a walk and chilled out in the arboretum chatted until late.” "Sounds good so far," she responded. "Do you think there'll be a second date?" she asked. "She is a lovely person and I had a great time but there is something I just can’t put my finger on about her?" "It's because she's Tellarite, isn't it? I've heard the beards can tickle," LaBrea said replacing another manifold card. (Reply Scott) "I wonder if she has a brother?" she pondered aloud. LaBrea was starting on the third bank of cards when her PADD showed Lt. Reesa coming on duty. "Oh, did you hear?" she asked. "Duke got bumped up to the big leagues. Reesa is now our CO." (Reply Scott) "I don't know him very well, but I respect his record," she says of Lieutenant Reesa. "I've only had one duty session with him, and he was in meetings for most of it," she continued. "But he did help me reprogram the Chern-Simons algorithm for the TQFT. We were able to run through several low-energy Quantum Hall effect sims to balance the fractional value just before warp." She smiled. "Maintenance has been pretty straightforward ever since, so that's a good thing." (Reply Scott, IYW) She took a moment to enter in her service notes and forward them to Reesa, per Duke's directive, then went back to checking manifolds. (Reply Scott/Any) (Written by Tony) (USS Spectre - Engineering, Pylon Deck 4 – Engineer, Ensign Scott Smith - 20:12) "It's because she's Tellarite, isn't it? I've heard the beards can tickle," Scott rolled his eyes and shook his head. “Not heard that before?” "I wonder if she has a brother?" ~ She does, but not on the ship "Oh, did you hear?" "Duke got bumped up to the big leagues. Reesa is now our CO." Andrew scanned the next card and placed it back. “Good for him. Do you know much about Reesa?” "I don't know him very well, but I respect his record," "I've only had one duty session with him, and he was in meetings for most of it," "But he did help me reprogram the Chern-Simons algorithm for the TQFT. We were able to run through several low-energy Quantum Hall effect sims to balance the fractional value just before warp." "Maintenance has been pretty straightforward ever since, so that's a good thing." Scott nodded and he took the next card. “That’s good. The last thing that we need is for the system to go down.” He placed the next card into the slot and took the next. “Do you know where we are heading?” (Reply LaBrea) “It would be nice to have a relaxing run this time.” (Reply LaBrea) (Reply LaBrea, any) (Posted by Robbie) (USS Spectre - Enginering Deck 4 - ACEO, Ensign Katrina LaBrea - 20:13) “Do you know where we are heading?” "To the best of my knowledge we're checking out a pulsar in the Koralami Expanse," she replied. “It would be nice to have a relaxing run this time.” LaBrea smirked. "This is the relaxing part," she laughed. "Long relaxing periods of routine boredom." She pulled another manifold and exclaimed, "AHA! Found it." She rerouted the ion channel and initiated a reset of the tertiary banks. The hum of the plasma relay system coming back online helped her relax. "There we go," she said, logging the bypass in her PADD. "Three more running smoothly. On to deck five," she said. (Reply Scott) (Reply, any) (Posted by Tony) (USS Spectre - Conference Lounge Corridor - MCO, Major Bruce Kowalski - 20:13) The ride up through the decks of the ship were as uneventful as ever, and with the familiar pneumatic hiss of the doors of the turbolift heralding his arrival on Deck 2, Kowalski stepped out and into the corridor outside the conference lounge. He paused just briefly to straighten out his tunic and then took a deep breath in, filling his lungs to capacity, before finally exhaling. One more breath in, and he placed one hand cupped across his mouth and breathed out again, raising it towards his nose in order to check that the Whiskey he had been drinking earlier was not registering too much. Thankfully though, the majority of the smell he was detecting now, was just strong coffee. ~Nice one Mei-Ling~ he thought to himself. The Marine CO then made his way towards the conference lounge door and walked in to be greeted by Doctor Williams, who as prompt and predictable as he ever was, invariably always seemed to be amongst the very first arrivals to briefings such as these. "Hey Doc" said Kowalski, moving in beside him, and then taking the seat to his left. (Reply Williams, IYW) (Posted by Alan) (USS Spectre - Conference Room - TAC/SC, Commander Jessica Signos - 20:13) The time came and Jessica made her way to the conference room. She entered just behind the others that where summoned by the newly minted FO. Taking her place at the table she looked over to the new FO waiting for the meeting to start. (reply any in the Conference Room) (posted by Matthew Locke) (USS Spectre – Conference room – CMO, Cmdr Andrew Williams - 20:14) Andrew entered the conference and slid into a chair. He hopped that the meeting would not go in too long as he had the swing shift later at 2100. He scanned the PADD he had brought which contained the records and updates on the couple of patients who were in sickbay as he waited for the meeting to start. (Reply any) (Posted by Robbie) (USS Spectre - Conference Lounge – CMO, Cmdr Andrew Williams - 20:15) Andrew nodded to Kowalski as he entered and sat down beside him. "Hey Doc" “Hallo Major.” “I have not had many of your marines in sickbay recently are you going soft on them.” He said with a slight smile. He knew that the marines on the Spectre were touch and highly trained men and women, but training accidents did happen now and again. (reply Kowalski) (reply Kowalski, any) (Posted by Robbie) (USS Spectre - Conference Room - FO, Commander Duke Williams - 20:15) As Duke walked into the conference room the three officers he wanted to see where already assembled. He nodded at them and walked straight to the head of the table and sat down. "Thank you for meeting me on such short notice, this meeting wont take long. The Captain would like us to run a battle readiness drill. The drill is scheduled for 21:00 and we are going to really stretch ourselves for this one. Due to the nature of the drill, all of you are going to play an important roll in figuring out if we are ready to go. First off Doc, at exactly 21:00 when I give the call for general quarters and red alert, your medical staff will need to find a suitable location on the ship and start a medical triage center. Essentially your scenario is that Sickbay is hit and become unusable, assume that we are under attack and we will need that triage center set up ASAP. You'll have 15 minutes to evacuate sickbay, find a new location and set up the triage. Is that understood?" (Reply Doc) "I'm sure that y'all will be able to get it up and running in no time flat. In fact if you can do it under 10 I'll let you select a bottle of real Kentucky bourbon I have in my personal collection." (Reply Doc) "The only caveat is that you can't set up triage on the same deck as sickbay. I hope that isn't too difficult for you?" (reply Doc) "As for the two of you, Commander, Major, I plan to put the two of you against each other." (Reply Kowalski, signos iyw) "Major, you have until 21:00 to plan an infiltration team. I want you to run a mock infiltration. You can pick the number of boarders and start points." (Reply Kowalski) "This is a short notice drill, because you never know when we have 30 minutes to plan one of these. So sorry for the pressure." (Reply Kowalski) "You'll be wearing sensor vests, and be using the appropriate practice phasers. As will your opposition. The vests will notify you when you've been hit and if it is just a small hit or if you are incapicitated. If one of your marines are incapacitated they are basically out, and are to wait in that location until the end of the drill. Your goal is to make it to the bridge by 21:30." (Reply Kowalski) "Commander, as soon as the red alert starts, which is when the infiltration drill will start, you'll need to mobilize the security team to make sure they don't make it to the bridge. You will wear the same sensor vests and use the same phasers. Same rules apply." (Reply Signos) "You wont have any prep time or battle planning. The only prep is that your team can be wearing the vests ahead of time and whatever current security plans that you have in place. It needs to be a surprise for your team. In fact you can tell them there is a drill, but tell them it is at 22:00." (Reply Signos) "Your job then will be to repel the borders. If you can protect the bridge and make sure that no marine is in the bridge by 21:30, I've got a bottle of 2366 Chateu Picard with your name on it. Excellent vintage. If you fail, well it belongs to the good major." (Reply Signos) "Alright then, dismissed." Duke then waited for the officers to get up to leave and quickly approached the security chief. "Commander, do you have a minute?" (reply Signos) (reply Signos, Kowlaski, Williams) (posted by WB) (USS Spectre – Corridor - Zero-G Specialist Hythame and Engineer, Wai Biign - 20:15) =^=Aunty Wai can I ask you a question? =^= He saw Biign look over at him as they walk along the corridor. He spoke over their private comms link which connected their suits and knew that she had heard him as she rolled her eyes. =^= I will not build you a pool=^= =^=But Aunty there is no way to swim=^= =^=You could use the holodeck like everyone else=^= He shook his head. =^=but the holodeck is not real I want some real water where I can feel the currents on my scales and pressure against by body=^= He heard her sigh across the comm link. =/\=There is no way they are going to let you seal the theatre and fill it with water just so you can go for a swim=^= =^= It’s not like they use it for anything anyway =^= =^= They do. They did Kasseelian opera last week and they are putting on Gav'ot toH’va soon=^= =^= Klingon Opera does not count =^= Biign shook her head. “With that attitude youngling you will never know. Now come on you owe me dinner=^= =^= Yes Aunty but I still think it will be a good place for a pool=^= (Reply any) (Posted by Robbie) (USS Spectre - Engineering Deck 4 – Engineer, Ensign Scott Smith - 20:16) He leaned back and glanced over his work as LaBrea. "There we go," "Three more running smoothly. On to deck five," He nodded to her and stood up and followed her out into the corridor. “I know that this seems the relaxing part, but it is not it’s the making sure things don’t blow up in our face when we need it part.” (Reply LaBrea) “For once I would like a long boring patrol where nothing happens, and we don’t have to face death and destruction every time we leave a Starbase.” (Reply LaBrea) (Reply LaBrea, any) (Posted by Robbie) (USS Spectre - Conference Room - CMO, Cmdr Andrew Williams - 20:17) "Thank you for meeting me on such short notice, this meeting wont take long. The Captain would like us to run a battle readiness drill. The drill is scheduled for 21:00 and we are going to really stretch ourselves for this one. Due to the nature of the drill, all of you are going to play an important roll in figuring out if we are ready to go. First off Doc, at exactly 21:00 when I give the call for general quarters and red alert, your medical staff will need to find a suitable location on the ship and start a medical triage center. Essentially your scenario is that Sickbay is hit and become unusable, assume that we are under attack and we will need that triage center set up ASAP. You'll have 15 minutes to evacuate sickbay, find a new location and set up the triage. Is that understood?" Andrew paused for a moment mentally checking what patients that they had in Sickbay. “We can do that. We do not have any critical patients in sickbay. They are all walking wounded.” "I'm sure that y'all will be able to get it up and running in no time flat. In fact if you can do it under 10 I'll let you select a bottle of real Kentucky bourbon I have in my personal collection." “We will aim to please.” "The only caveat is that you can't set up triage on the same deck as sickbay. I hope that isn't too difficult for you?" Andrew nodded and smiled. “Well it can’t be too easy.” "As for the two of you, Commander, Major, I plan to put the two of you against each other." Andrew glanced down at his PADD as he checked his numbers. When Williams had spoken to Kowlaski and Signos he dismissed them all and he got up and headed towards the turbolift ~right let’s go and grab a cup of tea before this all goes crazy~ (reply Signos, Kowlaski, Duke, any) (Posted by Robbie) (USS Spectre - Conference Room - TAC/SC, Commander Jessica Signos - 20:17) Duke walked into the conference room, had headed straight to the head of the table and started the meeting, getting into details of a battle drill. It was a simple enough process. Keep the baddies from the bridge. It was straight forward which Jessica liked, she wanted to know what the crew would do in a battle situation and it would give her a good place to evaluate what training the security teams needed to progress further. Jessica listened to the FO as he addressed those gathered. "As for the two of you, Commander, Major, I plan to put the two of you against each other." Jessica nodded taking in all what the drill would need to take into consideration, as the FO continued to talk to the Major, when he addressed her again she glanced his way taking in what the commander had to say. "Commander, as soon as the red alert starts, which is when the infiltration drill will start, you'll need to mobilize the security team to make sure they don't make it to the bridge. You will wear the same sensor vests and use the same phasers. Same rules apply." Again Jessica nodded, she figured the equipment and the rules would apply but she had to deal with infiltration more than once before. "You wont have any prep time or battle planning. The only prep is that your team can be wearing the vests ahead of time and whatever current security plans that you have in place. It needs to be a surprise for your team. In fact you can tell them there is a drill, but tell them it is at 22:00." "I wont be telling them at all, if they aren't ready then the teams need to be better trained to be ready, at all times." She spoke smoothly. "Your job then will be to repel the borders. If you can protect the bridge and make sure that no marine is in the bridge by 21:30, I've got a bottle of 2366 Chateu Picard with your name on it. Excellent vintage. If you fail, well it belongs to the good major." "I see," She responded. Jessica hardly drank, not that she never did. She just did not see the need, plus she did not like the feeling of losing control. If she did it could lead to a way of Lily taking over her and that was something she did not want to see happen. "Alright then, dismissed." Jessica rose to exit, she had work to be done. She wanted to see what teams were on the chopping block and which secondary teams would be on call to respond when the drill came off. There was one thing the marines would have to overcome before making it to the bridge, and that would be Jessica herself. Then she saw the FO walk toward her. "Commander, do you have a minute?" She stopped in her tracks waiting for everyone else to leave and the door to hiss to a close before turning to the FO."What can I help you with?" (reply Williams) (posted by Matthew Locke) (USS Spectre - Engineering Deck 5 – ACEO, Katrina LaBrea - 20:17) “I know that this seems the relaxing part, but it is not it’s the making sure things don’t blow up in our face when we need it part.” "Well, yeah," LaBrea replied entering the turbolift. "But routine maintenance is much more relaxing than dodging phaser fire or photon torpedoes." “For once I would like a long boring patrol where nothing happens, and we don’t have to face death and destruction every time we leave a Starbase.” "I think you picked the wrong field," she said, stepping out onto deck 5 and moving toward the maintenance panel. "No one gets promoted for taking long boring patrols where nothing happens." She detached the panel and began taking the plasma channel off line. "I was thinking of developing a casual 'Away Team' mission on the holodeck. Maybe we could delete out the Borg and just wander around the forests of Arvada III looking at wildflowers?" (Reply Scott, any) (Posted by Tony) (USS Spectre - Conference Room - MCO, Major Bruce Kowalski - 20:18) Kowalski had listened intently to the First Officers plans regarding the battle drill. It was to be a simple boarding assault where he and his men were to play the part of an infiltration team intent upon reaching the bridge, whereas the TAC/SC, Jessica Signos would lead the attempt to stop them. Fun enough, thought the MCO eying Signos curiously as the FO outlined her role. The woman hardly flinched or took her eyes of of him. A tough cookie as they used to say. Tough enough to have earned a nice little nickname amongst the Marine contingent even. What was it again? Thunder Fairy? Bruce quirked his head slightly in order to ease the tension in his bull-like neck, his attention thenceforth upon the elongated steel ball he had just removed from his pocket to roll end-on-end within his fingertips as the briefing continued on. "Major, you have until 21:00 to plan an infiltration team. I want you to run a mock infiltration. You can pick the number of boarders and start points." the FO had said. Kowalski simply nodded, not feeling a need to be offering any input just yet. After all, the woman tasked with stopping him was sitting right opposite him, and it certainly wouldn't do to tell her where he was going to start his mission, and with how many. "This is a short notice drill, because you never know when we have 30 minutes to plan one of these. So sorry for the pressure." Williams added. Kowalski nodded again, the effects of the alcohol he had imbibed earlier now almost a distant memory. "Hey, it's fine by me Commander" said Bruce. "My men have been itching for something to occupy them for a while now, so it's all good" he added, turning to Signos again just briefly to note her demeanour, which was unchanged. Williams continued on... "Your goal is to make it to the bridge by 21:30." ~Thirty minutes. Piece of cake~ The Doc was going to be busy tonight, that was for sure. Indeed, in a way he had the most difficult task of the three of them. Set-up a temporary sickbay on another deck. Triage the wounded double quick. Stop them dying. Not that anyone would be dying for real of course as this was just a drill, right? Kowalski mused the thought over in his head. Nothing was ever just a drill, not for a Marine. Drill, real-life combat, the head-space was the same whatever. It had to be for the Marines to function at peak efficiency. You had to really be in the moment and know that the next phaser strike might be the one that burned a hole right the way through your BDU. For a brief moment though he wondered what Caras was doing right now. Was she still in Ten Forward? Were they hitting problems so soon? He missed her.... (Reply Any IYW, None) (Posted by Alan) (USS Spectre - Conference Room - FO, Commander Duke Williams - 20:20) Signos stopped in her tracks waiting for everyone else to leave and the door to hiss to a close before turning to the FO."What can I help you with?" "Listen, I just wanted to touch base with you about a few things." Duke said sheepishly. He didn't know Jessica very well and she kind of gave him the heeby jeebies, but he knew a strong working relationship with her would be absolutely vital to making sure things ran smoothly and safely on the ship. (reply Signos) "I need to apologize, I've been going through your personnel file. Not snooping just wanted to make sure I knew the senior staff a little better." Duke paused. "I know you were close to commander Jackson and that you served with him for a long time. I'm not a telepath, thanks be to God, and I don't know what is going on in your head, but I'm sure losing someone who has been there since the beginning can't be easy." Duke's mind cycled through all the mentors he lost over the years, by transfer or otherwise. (reply Signos) "I also know that before coming over to the Spectre you were a first officer and I know I would feel like it was a demotion. So I just wanted to make sure that my being promoted over you, that there was no hard feelings." (Reply Signos) "It is important to me that we work well together, you basically have the pulse on the ships security and well being, and I just want to make sure there is no bad blood between us. It's not something I sought, but I've known the captain longer and I think that was the decision maker. That familiarity is important, as you know." (Reply Signos) "But I know that I am going to need to rely on your experience going forward. I just want to make sure we are on the same page with all this." (reply Signos) Jessica scared Duke, he stood by his moniker of Murder fairy, but he need to at least have her know she could trust him now that hes First Officer. It is easy for the Chief Engineer and Chief Tactical Officer to be more acquaintances than buddies, but as First Officer it was essential his officers trust and know him. So he tried to humanize himself. Whether it would work he didn't know. "Listen back to Tom, if you ever need someone to talk to, my door is always open. I know your first mission dealt with the borg, and that kind of evil, well the bonds forged against that threat are unbreakable." (Reply Signos iyw) "My original posting was on a Oberth class, the USS Pioneer. Her last mission, we were attacked by the borg. I was a young officer at the time, maybe a year or two out of the academy. I lost my wife in that battle. We'd been married about a year. With all the crap hitting the fan everywhere, and not knowing whether you'd live to see another day. I keep up with a lot of those guys still. But you leave a bit of yourself behind on those kind of missions. You never recover. Not really." (reply Signos) "Jessica, this isn't the Templar, you are one of the few Templar officers left, and you have just lost one of your rocks. But this ship needs you." Duke then started to get sterner and a bit to motviational speech like "I'm rooting for you to win this challenge, and I'm rooting for you to be ruthless in defense of this ship. If you need someone to talk to I'm here, if you want to be ticked at me for being first office over you, even if you say you are ok with it. Be pissed. Whatever emotional energy you need to help me keep everyone on this bird alive, use it. I'm the first officer, I'm the den mother, while T'Vhor worries about the mission, its my job to worry about all of you. So whatever you need from me so you keep my cubs alive, well you got it." (reply Signos) "This ship needs a murder fairy, it also needs a fairy godmother, and I'm hoping you can be both. But just remember, if I'm overbearing, its because it's my job. I just want to make sure your heart is in the right place. I hope there is no bad blood between us, but if there is use it for the Spectre." Duke then softened a bit, "At the end of the day though Jessica, just know you have a friend here if you need it." (Reply Signos) (reply Signo) (posted by WB) (USS Spectre - Engineering Deck 5 – Engineer, Ensign Scott Smith - 20:20) Scott stepped out of the turbolift with LaBrea and followed her over to the maintenance panel. "No one gets promoted for taking long boring patrols where nothing happens." “You think I do this for the amazing career prospects and the pay check?” He gave her a sly grin. “More R&R time would be nice.” "I was thinking of developing a casual 'Away Team' mission on the holodeck. Maybe we could delete out the Borg and just wander around the forests of Arvada III looking at wildflowers?" Scott nodded as he detached the panel in front of him and gave the plasma channel a quick scan before taking it offline. “Or swim in the crystal blue ocean of Marenda 4.” He paused for a moment. “Or the cloud forests of Oonback II (Reply LaBrea) (Reply LaBrea, any) (Posted by Robbie) (USS Spectre - Engineering Deck 5 – ACEO, Ensign Katrina LaBrea - 20:21) “Or the cloud forests of Oonback II" "Ooh, I'd need at least a week or two there," LaBrea responded. (Reply Scott) Once they'd cleared Deck 5 and brought it back online, LaBrea asked, "Can you replicate the replacement manifold for Deck 4 and install it? I'll get the report written up for Lieutenant Reesa's approval, and check to make sure Ensign Savoy has things under control so we can take our break?" (Reply Scott) LaBrea opened a maintenance report on her PADD and ticked all the required boxes, adding the replication note and servicing times. She was about to sign off when she noticed an offline phaser coupling and wondered if that could have caused the manifold failure. "Hey Scott," she called over her shoulder. "Did you dispose of that defective manifold yet? I should've run a diagnostic to see why it failed," she explained. (Reply Scott) "Come take a look at this," she said, turning her PADD to him and pointing out the phaser issue. "Do they look related to you?" (Reply Scott) She sees Ensign Darpeg listed as having taken the tertiary phaser system offline, so she tapped her commbadge. "LaBrea to Darpeg." (Reply Darpeg) "I see you took the tertiary phaser system offline? Do you see a correlation between the defective manifold in engineering and the failed phaser coupling?" she asked. "The computer seems to think so." (Reply Darpeg) "We're replacing the manifold and resetting the tertiary plasma system," she explained. "Let me know if that resolves the problem." (Reply Darpeg) "I'm going to request a full diagnostic," she explained. "I don't expect it's anything major, but this soon out of dock? Better safe than sorry. One of our recent upgrades may be taxing the system in a way we didn't expect," she explained. "Or maybe it's just a defective manifold and the replacement will solve everything," she added hopefully. (Reply Darpeg, Scott, any) (Posted by Tony) (USS Spectre - Conference Room - TAC/SC, Commander Jessica Signos - 20:22) "Listen, I just wanted to touch base with you about a few things." Duke said sheepishly. "Go ahead," she replied there was little that gave her fear she had seen and been though to much. Likewise there no give or remorse in her tone. "I need to apologize, I've been going through your personnel file. Not snooping just wanted to make sure I knew the senior staff a little better." Duke paused. "I know you were close to commander Jackson and that you served with him for a long time. I'm not a telepath, thanks be to God, and I don't know what is going on in your head, but I'm sure losing someone who has been there since the beginning can't be easy." "You need not apologize for that, you think I haven't been though most of the crew's files by now yours included." It was a statement pure and simple the easiest way to ascertain I persons ability or what kind of experience they have is to do your homework and study there personnel file. It was efficient and saved her from having to talk to every person on the ship. "I also know that before coming over to the Spectre you were a first officer and I know I would feel like it was a demotion. So I just wanted to make sure that my being promoted over you, that there was no hard feelings." "My feelings on the matter are not important," She looked over Duke. "It's not my place to pass judgement I have a duty and that is my main goal." "It is important to me that we work well together, you basically have the pulse on the ships security and well being, and I just want to make sure there is no bad blood between us. It's not something I sought, but I've known the captain longer and I think that was the decision maker. That familiarity is important, as you know." "So is fresh blood and a new perspective, especially when one was out of the race for several years. Things change and its hard to adapt when you don't know what those changes are." Jessica continued she was cautious with her word choice. "But I know that I am going to need to rely on your experience going forward. I just want to make sure we are on the same page with all this." "I will do what is needed." Jessica spoke calmly "Listen back to Tom, if you ever need someone to talk to, my door is always open. I know your first mission dealt with the borg, and that kind of evil, well the bonds forged against that threat are unbreakable." "Missions with the Borg are never easy." she paused for a moment to allow Duke to continue. "My original posting was on a Oberth class, the USS Pioneer. Her last mission, we were attacked by the borg. I was a young officer at the time, maybe a year or two out of the academy. I lost my wife in that battle. We'd been married about a year. With all the crap hitting the fan everywhere, and not knowing whether you'd live to see another day. I keep up with a lot of those guys still. But you leave a bit of yourself behind on those kind of missions. You never recover. Not really." Jessica sighed deeply. "There is a difference in being attacked and actively looking to bite off more than you can chew." Jessica looked at the table and then off in space her mind reeling. "Retreating was not an option, we fought, many died, and in the end by some miracle we won." She remembered plunging her knife into the neck of Volus the borg commander. Her body was broken and badly wounded. She came back to Duke, "I lost myself in that mission, that mission took everything from me, I gave everything for victory." It was true if not for her genetic mutation she would of died. "Understand that reading my file will only give you the vaguest of ideals of what I am. As for the rest I am not at liberty to say, but you don't have the rest of the story." "Jessica, this isn't the Templar, you are one of the few Templar officers left, and you have just lost one of your rocks. But this ship needs you." Duke then started to get sterner and a bit to motviational speech like "I'm rooting for you to win this challenge, and I'm rooting for you to be ruthless in defense of this ship. If you need someone to talk to I'm here, if you want to be ticked at me for being first office over you, even if you say you are ok with it. Be pissed. Whatever emotional energy you need to help me keep everyone on this bird alive, use it. I'm the first officer, I'm the den mother, while T'Vhor worries about the mission, its my job to worry about all of you. So whatever you need from me so you keep my cubs alive, well you got it." "If you've read my file you know I will gladly give my life if it means I can save another." "This ship needs a murder fairy, it also needs a fairy godmother, and I'm hoping you can be both. But just remember, if I'm overbearing, its because it's my job. I just want to make sure your heart is in the right place. I hope there is no bad blood between us, but if there is use it for the Spectre." Duke then softened a bit, "At the end of the day though Jessica, just know you have a friend here if you need it." Jessica sighed. "You have no ideal of what I am or what I am capable of...." she paused looking over commander before her part of her wanted to tell him everything but that would be against orders. "Do you?" (reply Duke) (posted by Matthew Locke) (USS Spectre - Engineering Deck 5 – Engineer, Ensign Scott Smith - 20:23) "Ooh, I'd need at least a week or two there," LaBrea responded. Scott smiled and nodded. “That sounds like a great plan.” He went back to doing the task in hand. As he replaced the panned LaBrea spoke up. "Can you replicate the replacement manifold for Deck 4 and install it? I'll get the report written up for Lieutenant Reesa's approval, and check to make sure Ensign Savoy has things under control so we can take our break?" Scott nodded. All he had to do was to check up on the data file that he had installed but he could do that from any workstation. “Sure, not a problem.” He gave the panel one last glace to make sure that it had sealed properly and then began to move along the corridor. "Hey Scott," He paused as he was about to turn the corner. "Did you dispose of that defective manifold yet? I should've run a diagnostic to see why it failed," Scott sighed at himself. “Sorry. Yes I did.” "Come take a look at this," He turned back and stepped up beside her as he rotated her PADD and showed him the data. "Do they look related to you?" Scott scrutinised the phaser coupling data and then nodded. “Yes, there looks like.” He pointed at parts of the diagram. “Here, and here. Which has connections with the manifolds here and here.” As LaBrea contacted Derpeg he pulled his own PADD out and scanned the upload time. He hoped that it would be a clean upload as going back through the update manually would be a right pain especially as the manifolds and now the phaser systems are going offline. (Reply LaBrea) (Reply LaBrea, any) (Posted by Robbie) (USS Spectre - Enginering - ACEO, Ensign Katrina LaBrea - 20:24) =/\=Ensign LaBrea, this Commander Williams, I need you to find Lt. Jennifer Smith. She oversees our support crafts. I need the two of you to get the Shadow Flyer up, operational, and combat ready by 21:00 hours.=/\= LaBrea was checking off another box on her PADD when the comm came through. "Acknowledged, sir," she replied. =/\=You will have a further mission briefing by 20:50, but right now I need the two of you to get her ready for a combat drill against the Spectre. Is that Understood?=/\= "Yes, sir. Anything special you want prepared? Like a poorly timed impulse failure?" she asked. "Or is this a straight forward Sim?" (Reply Duke) "Roger that," she replied. "We can take care of it." =/\=Alright, get to work. Williams out.=/\= LaBrea checked the PADD for Lieutenant Smith's coordinates, made a closing note for her Engineering report, and went to join her. "LaBrea to Smith. We're needed in Shuttle Bay 2 at First Officer Williams's request. I'll meet you there." (Reply Lt. Smith IYW) Shortly thereafter, LaBrea was on the job in Shuttle Bay Two. She had the panels off the impulse drive deuterium fusion crucible and was scanning the reaction output variance. (Reply Lt. Smith, Any) (Posted by Tony) (USS Spectre - Conference Room - FO, Commander Duke Williams - 20:24) "You have no idea of what I am or what I am capable of...." she paused looking over commander before her part of her wanted to tell him everything but that would be against orders. "Do you?" Duke looked at Signos with a somewhat puzzled look on his face. He was having a hard time figuring out the commander. In the short time he had known her, she was almost all business, not an ounce of levity detected. He was trying to see if he could see something of an emotional response in her demeanor, but it seemed like all her responses came off as all business. Zeroed in on the mission, on capabilities, on what she was capable of or the capability of the ship from a tactical perspective but not, for lack of a better term, a human one. "Frankly, I'm more interested in the who you are and who you are capable of being, than what you are and what you are capable of." Duke said with a sly smile. (Reply Signos) "I mean, what you can do, what you are, is important to the safety of the ship, and honestly, if I am ever going to have you in the field, yes I need to know what you can Do. But honestly Jess." Duke paused, he had never referred to her with that sort of familiarity before, but he hoped it would get his point across. "I'm worried about you." (Reply Signos) "Granted, I've only known you a short time, but it seems like every conversation I've had with you turns to the mission, the end game, the uniform. You say things like what I am. But have you ever stopped to say, who I am?" (Reply Signos) It was at this time that Duke wished he had taken the counseling electives at the academy.. "At the end of the day Commander I already know that you are a great officer. But part of my job is also making sure that the officers under my care are well rounded and are the best individual they can be. I care just as much about your emotional and personal formation as I do your professional. Honestly, sometimes the way you talk scares me. And I get that I don't know you. I want to get to know my officers better. But at the end of the day What you are and what you can do are only a subset of who you are. That is the more important question." (Reply Signos) "We can continue this conversation later Commander. I don't want to keep you any longer from prep time. I want you to be yourself around here, but I want to make sure you know who that is. I may be reading the situation wrong here commander, and if I am, I apologize. You may be more aware of who you are than you give off. I have a hard time reading introverts. Me, I'm an open book. I have no secrets, I share more than I probably should. But not everyone is as crazy as I am. Maybe that is how you are, and you mask your desire to keep yourself private with a business first approach. I get it, and I'm sorry for prying. I just want to make sure you don't let the job swallow you up." (Reply Signos) "You are dismissed commander." (Reply Signos iyw) When Jessica had left the conference Room, Duke took a deep breath. "Computer, what time is it?" =/\=It is 20:30 hours=/\= Duke then tapped his commbadge, "Ensign LaBrea, this Commander Williams, I need you to find Lt. Jennifer Smith. She oversees our support crafts. I need the two of you to get the Shadow Flyer up, operational, and combat ready by 21:00 hours." (Reply LaBrea) "You will have a further mission briefing by 20:50, but right now I need the two of you to get her ready for a combat drill against the Spectre. Is that Understood?" (Reply LaBrea) "Alright, get to work. Williams out." (repy Signos, LaBrea) (posted by WB) (USS Spectre - Bridge, secondary tactical - TAC/ASC, Ensign Garek Darpeg - 20:24) Darpeg was doing diagnostics of the weapons systems as required after leaving a starbase, making sure that the systems were fully operation, and no sabotage had been tried. He noticed that a tertiary phaser coupling was acting up a little, along with a reported tertiary engineering circuit. He disabled the phaser and tapped his commbadge. "Darpeg to Signos." (Reply Signos) "I have had take a tertiary phaser coupling offline. It is 20% off in throughput. It appears to be caused by the tertiary engineering circuit that has been reported." (reply Signos) "Yes, Sir. I will do that. Worst case scenario is that it could impact an ODN conduit next to it." (Reply Signos) (Posted by Gary) (USS Spectre - Armoury – Marine Sniper, Crpl Houseman - 20:25) Houseman stepped forward his pistol swinging up to the target. He squeezed the trigger twice and the target changed colour indicating that it had been hit. He pivoted right and fired again. He moved round an obstacle fired left and then moved into a crouch and hit the last target. He stood up as a small buzzer sounded. He walked back to the start as he took the power cell out of the pistol. ~Need to get faster~ He checked the chronometer with the other course run times. “Okay not fast enough.” He stood at the starting mark, took a breath to steady himself. “Computer rest and start.” =^=Course start in three, two, one=^= (Reply any) (Posted by Robbie) (USS Spectre - Conference Room - TAC/SC, Commander Jessica Signos - 20:26) "Frankly, I'm more interested in the who you are and who you are capable of being, then what you are and what you are capable of." Duke said with a sly smile. Jessica stood quietly knowing more was to follow. Jessica knew who and what she was, she did not think the new FO would appreciate the answer. "I mean, what you can do, what you are, is important to the safety of the ship, and honestly, if I am ever going to have you in the field, yes I need to know what you can Do. But honestly Jess." Duke paused, he had never referred to her with that sort of familiarity before, but he hoped it would get his point across. "I'm worried about you." The sound of her name stabbed through her. A select precious few were allowed the privilege to address her so informally needless to say the Commander was not one of those few, and he had no right. ~ Why would you worry about me, is it out of duty an obligation? ~ The thought echoed in her shared mind. Those that worried for her knew her, knew her secrets, could walk in her darkness. Now there was no one left, no one to hear her sing, no one to understand, no one she could open up to. Those who worried for her, truly understood and knew why to worry. "Granted, I've only known you a short time, but it seems like every conversation I've had with you turns to the mission, the end game, the uniform. You say things like what I am. But have you ever stopped to say, who I am?" "I used to," came the soft Reply. Duke had hit a nerve whether he knew it or not. It was at this time that Duke wished he had taken the counseling electives at the academy.. "At the end of the day Commander I already know that you are a great officer. But part of my job is also making sure that the officers under my care are well rounded and are the best individual they can be. I care just as much about your emotional and personal formation as I do your professional. Honestly, sometimes the way you talk scares me. And I get that I don't know you. I want to get to know my officers better. But at the end of the day What you are and what you can do are only a subset of who you are. That is the more important question." "And I dont think you would like, not could handle that answer." She answered more bluntly than she ment to. "We can continue this conversation later Commander. I don't want to keep you any longer from prep time. I want you to be yourself around here, but I want to make sure you know who that is. I may be reading the situation wrong here commander, and if I am, I apologize. You may be more aware of who you are than you give off. I have a hard time reading introverts. Me, I'm an open book. I have no secrets, I share more than I probably should. But not everyone is as crazy as I am. Maybe that is how you are, and you mask your desire to keep yourself private with a business first approach. I get it, and I'm sorry for prying. I just want to make sure you don't let the job swallow you up." "If you want to continue this later I am at your call. Unlike yourself I do not have the luxury of being an open book. I have secrets..." She looked off, pulling a lose strand of hair back over her ear. "That must be kept." "You are dismissed commander." She nodded turned and exited the Observation Lounge, however she would have to force herself to focus on the drill. Has her emotions welled up inside her. Entering the turbo lift she gave the command for the deck where the main security office was located. In the quiet small space Jessica grabbed her chest as willed the beating pain to stop. Of friends lost, to the harsh ravages of time and of a future that was denied to her. After a few moments the small woman calmed, the anxiety and pain she felt faded, as she baried her emotions deep in her heart under the rationale that there was a bigger mission she was needed to accomplish. (Reply Duke, iyw) (Posted by Matthew Locke) (USS Spectre – Shuttle Bay One - Shuttle Bay Officer, 2nd Lieutenant Jennifer Smith - 20:28) "LaBrea to Smith. We're needed in Shuttle Bay 2 at First Officer Williams's request. I'll meet you there." Jennifer glanced up from her console and frowned slightly before replying. “Understood Ensign LaBrea. I am on my way.” She logged off at her console and turned to the crewman who was sitting nearby. “You have the shuttle bay Peterson. I don’t know how long I will be dealing with the XO’s request.” “Yes ma’am, Have fun.” “I hope I will.” She gave a slight smile as she headed for the door. (Reply Any) (Posted by Robbie) (USS Spectre - Ten Forward - CMO, Cmdr Andrew Williams - 20:32) Andrew glanced at the chronometer as he entered Ten forward. ~Okay I can relax before my shift starts~ He nodded and smiled at Mei-ling barkeeper as he headed for a table near to one of the large windows. He sat there sipping a cup of Ornaran tea and absent minded skimmed the medical updates on the PADD he had. He was on a swing shift 2100 to 0300 which were not his favourite shift as it threw off his sleeping pattered but as CMO it was good for him to have varied shift pattern like everyone else as it was not fair that he should have preferential treatment. He put down his PADD, If there was anything important, he would have been told and the swing shifts were normally quiet so that he could use it to catch up with out standing paperwork. He glanced out of the large windows watching the lights of warp speed flash past and sipped his tea. (reply any) (Posted by Robbie) (USS Spectre - Chief Science Officer's Officer - CSO/2O Lt. Kurt Palmer - 20:39) The science chief gave his department duty roster a once-over before placing the extra large padd to the side of his desk terminal. As he was just calling up the days reports his door chime sounded. “Come in” He called. The doors slid apart to reveal the Spectre’s newly-promoted First Officer. "Kurt, sorry for the interruption but I have a job for you." Commander Williams said approaching Kurt’s desk. ~this is a bit late for favors.~ Kurt smiled and clicked off his desk terminal. “Of course. What can I do for you.” "We are going to have a battle readiness drill at 21:00. Part of the drill will be testing the Bridge's combat reaction time. So we need to give them a target." “Um.” The lieutenant blinked. “Okay...” "I have Ensign LaBrea and 2nd Lt. Smith getting the Shadow Flyer ready for combat. But they need some to command her in combat." Kurt nodded as he listened to the instructions. "Your job is to oversee that the Shadow Flyer is ready for the combat simulation and then command her in combat. Is that something I can count on you for?" “Sure...” Kurt replied, wrapping his head around the request. "Good, any questions?" “So...” Kurt paused and rubbed his eyes with his thumb and index finger. “So we would be playing the target- on the Shadow Flyer.” (Reply, D. Williams) “No no, just want to know what I’m in for.” Kurt said with a chuckle. ~So much for getting ahead on my reports.~ (Reply, D. Williams) ((Post by Cody)) (USS Spectre - Chief Science Officer's Officer - FO, Commander Duke Williams - 20:40) Duke entered the CSO's office with a smile and walked up to the desk. He had dropped in unannounced but he had pressing matters to attend to. His original thought was to command the Shadow Flyer in its combat simulation against the Spectre, but then he realized that it might be better for him to monitor everything from either the bridge or the StratOps Center. He also reasoned that it would be a good idea to make sure the Second Officer was himself battle ready. "Kurt, sorry for the interruption but I have a job for you." (Reply Palmer) "We are going to have a battle readiness drill at 21:00. Part of the drill will be testing the Bridge's combat reaction time. So we need to give them a target." (Reply Palmer) "I have Ensign LaBrea and 2nd Lt. Smith getting the Shadow Flyer ready for combat. But they need some to command her in combat." (reply Palmer) "Your job is to oversee that the Shadow Flyer is ready for the combat simulation and then command her in combat. Is that something I can count on you for?" (reply Palmer) "Good, any questions?" (reply Palmer) (reply Palmer) (posted by WB) (USS Spectre - Chief Science Officer's Officer - FO, Commander Duke Williams - 20:41) “So...” Kurt paused and rubbed his eyes with his thumb and index finger. “So we would be playing the target- on the Shadow Flyer.” "Is that going to be a problem Lieutenant?" “No no, just want to know what I’m in for.” Kurt said with a chuckle. "This is an opportunity you shouldn't waste. You are the second officer, but you have almost no command experience. Your not gonna make Lt. Commander some day just sitting in a lab doing science. Only Engineers are that lucky." Duke said with a laugh, (reply Palmer) "I have confidence in you Kurt. I need you to come through for me." (reply Palmer) "Besides, you are gonna be a bit more than a target. Target's don't fight back. Don't make it easy for them. Now get to work." (Reply Palmer) Duke then turned around and left for the StratOps center. (reply Palmer) (posted by WB) (USS Spectre - Chief Science Officer's Officer - CSO/2O Lt. Kurt Palmer - 20:45) "This is an opportunity you shouldn't waste. You are the second officer, but you have almost no command experience. You’re not gonna make Lt. Commander some day just sitting in a lab doing science. Only Engineers are that lucky." Duke said with a laugh. Kurt feigned a smile. "I have confidence in you Kurt. I need you to come through for me." Williams continued. “Appreciated.” Kurt replied as his mind whirled into action. "Besides, you are gonna be a bit more than a target. Target's don't fight back. Don't make it easy for them. Now get to work." Kurt nodded and the Commander made his exit. ~now which bay do we keep the shadow flyer in...~ (Reply none) ((Post by Cody)) (USS Spectre - Deck 10, Shuttle Bay 2 - CSO/2O Lt. Kurt Palmer - 20:50) It seemed every time Kurt turned around on he was in unfamiliar territory. He never expected to find himself back in sciences let alone the second officer of a starship. He just hoped there was a crew assigned to the Shadow Flyer, and Commander Williams wasn’t expecting him to dust off his basic flight training for this exercise. The giant shuttlebay doors whizzed open, and the Science Chief was immediately put at ease to find two officers already at work on the shadow flyer. As Kurt approached he recognized Jennifer Smith. He hadn’t had much of any contact with her but, at least she was a pilot. However the second Ensign, in a gold uniform, he had not met. ~I do hope she’s our tactical officer.~ He thought. Though, it was always hard to tell at first glance. “Good evening.” Kurt spoke as he got close enough. “I’m assuming it’s us three then?” (Reply, LaBrea and/or Smith) ((Post by Cody)) (USS Spectre - Deck 10, Shuttle Bay 2 - ACEO, Ensign LaBrea - 20:51) "Lieutenant Smith?" LaBrea looked up from the Flyer to greet the arriving officer. "Katrina LaBrea. ACEO. Are you familiar with the Flyer?" (Reply Smith) "I've only just started running diagnostics, but it looks fairly clean," she said. "I'm assuming you'll be doing the driving?" (Reply Smith) "I'd like to optimize the reflexive maneuverability at the expense of firepower accuracy, but that's just me," she explains. "I'm more of an 'avoid getting hit' kinda girl, as opposed to 'the best defense being a strong offense'. What do you think?" (Reply Smith) "What do you recommend as the best way to make that happen?" LaBrea asked, running through a couple options in her mind. (Reply Smith) "Alright then," she agreed. "Let's see what we can do." Twenty minutes later, another officer joined them. “Good evening. I’m assuming it’s us three then?” "Ah, Lieutenant Palmer," LaBrea said, turning away from the Flyer and lowering her PADD to greet the voice. "Katrina LaBrea," she introduced herself. "Assistant Chief Engineer. I've been looking forward to working with you. Have you met Lieutenant Smith?" she asked. (Reply Palmer) "We were just adjusting some efficiencies," she explained. "Do you have any suggestions?" she asked, offering her PADD for his review. (Reply, Palmer and/or Smith) (Posted by Tony) (USS Spectre - Deck 10, Shuttle Bay 2 - CSO/2O Lt. Kurt Palmer - 20:53) "Ah, Lieutenant Palmer," the gold-clad ensign greeted Kurt. "Katrina LaBrea, Assistant Chief Engineer. I've been looking forward to working with you. Have you met Lieutenant Smith?" ~So not tactical.~ “Pleasure.” He extended a hand to Ensign LaBrea before doing the same for Lieutenant Smith. “I believe we’ve met in passing Ms. Smith.” "We were just adjusting some efficiencies," LaBrea continued. "Do you have any suggestions?" she asked, offering her PADD for his review. Kurt accepted the PADD. “Well, lets see.” He allowed a quiet moment to fall over the shuttle bay as he skimmed through its contents. “I would definitely agree on this maneuvering upgrade. We’re small and we’ll need to use that to our advantage.” He handed the PADD back. (Reply, any present) “However, we’re short on time.” Kurt glanced at the craft behind them. “The show starts at 2100. If you can have this done in under ten minutes, have at it.” (Reply, any present) ((Post by Cody)) (USS Spectre - Deck 10, Shuttle Bay 2 - ACEO, Ensign Katrina LaBrea - 20:54) "The show starts at 2100. If you can have this done in under ten minutes, have at it.” LaBrea nodded. "We've already started. Give me two minutes." She brought up her PADD readout of the Flyer's line by line code, looking for two specific algorithms. Rewriting the first, she bypassed a memory loop in favor of a direct address, and with the second she implemented a conditional operator expression. She ran a refresh and a Sim test to check the resulting throughputs. Satisfied with the outcome, she checked the time. ~took longer than I thought- she worried. "Alright. Let's go," she said, climbing into the back of the craft. (Replies, Any, IYW) (Posted by Tony) (USS Spectre - Marine Staging - MCO, Major Bruce Kowalski - 20:56) Bruce had just said farewell to the last of the four teams of six that he'd tasked with the job of getting a member, or members of his company onto the bridge of the ship. First Lieutenant Blackwell had suggested that the barber shop might be a possible route in, mainly for its inconspicuous and considerably neutral location and it's vicinity to a key jefferies tube, and so that was set to be the primary route and the objective for Team Beta. As always though, there had to be back-up routes as well, and after calling up the ships schematics on a nearby screen the MCO and his men had looked for the best tactical locations to use, and where their best beam-in locations would be. Federation vessels though were obviously not designed to be easy to infiltrate, and with the eagle-eyed Signos on their backs as well, they knew they'd have their work cut out for them. Team Beta of course was designated the barber shop, and teams Alpha, Gamma and Delta were assigned decks 12, 11, and 15 respectively, the latter being utilised as a decoy targeting the warp core ejection control systems, in an attempt to lure the Spectre's security details away from the main objectives. Bruce had little doubt though that Signos herself would even now be trying to counter anything that she felt he might try, so no plan could ever really be considered foolproof, given that they both knew the ship so well and all. All variables would need to be accounted for. All outcomes duly anticipated... If any of the Marines did manage to get close enough to the bridge though, then the Captain would likely give the order to prepare to separate the saucer section, so with that in mind Bruce sent a forwards team to isolate both the battle bridge on deck 12, and the control sections that activated the release mechanisms for the saucer section on deck 11. If they had more time, then they could have chosen other routes and perhaps other locations, but thirty minutes was the deadline now standing between him, Signos, and a bottle of the Spectre's finest. Kowalski himself had chosen to lead the battle bridge team, and their chosen beam-in would be Deck 12, which itself was just two decks away from the security section itself, and one away from security station Delta. This would of course be manned and bolstered within minutes of the red alert, but far enough away to give them a three minute window to gas the section to take out the first of the newcomers, and then hopefully get to the battle bridge without losing too many of his team. It would be tight. But tight was just the way that the Marines worked best... (Reply Any, None) (Posted by Alan) (USS Spectre - StratOps Center - FO, Commander Duke Williams - 20:58) Duke settled in at the main console of the StratOps Center. He could see every area of the ship as the monitors cycled through different decks and corridors throughout the Spectre. He had three that were fixed, one on sickbay, one on the bridge, and one on the exterior that he would use to monitor the Shadow Flyer. The rest of the monitors would be cycling through, following the different Marines as they tried to make it to the bridge. Duke was not going to participate in this simulation. Instead he would monitor and evaluate. Most of the action would be centered on the bridge crew and the Marine and Security forces. But there was still plenty to monitor for the other divisions. They would be on full red alert, meaning general quarters and all crews on battle stations. Engineering would need to be on alert, ready to lock down the warp core if needed, and each officer would need to be at their posts vigilant for any damage. Operations and science would likewise need to follow their red alert protocols. Ten Forward would need to be on lockdown and all off duty and civilian personnel would need to go either a designated safe area, back on duty if their position required, or shelter in place in their quarters. There was much to evaluate. Duke looked at the time on the monitor, then thanks to the little hack he placed in the StratOps system, he remotely and manually dropped the Spectre out of warp. The crew was known to expect a general battle readiness drill as he had sent instructions five minutes earlier letting them know. But the full parameters were still a bit secret. Once the Spectre was safely out of Warp, Duke smiled. "Computer, activate ship wide red alert." =/\=Acknowledge=/\= Duke pressed his commbadge, "All hands, red alert, we are at general quarters. All on duty personnel head to battle stations." Duke then leaned back in his chair as he waited to see what would happen next as a 30 minute countdown started on the screen. (reply None) (posted by WB) (USS Spectre - Deck 12 Corridor - MCO Major Bruce Kowalski - 20:59) Kowalski knelt down upon the deck and brought his internal comms online to signal his teams readiness. "Alpha leader to all teams. Prepare to initiate protocol 'Moriarty' on my mark". NRPG: If anyone wants to play a temporary Marine on any of the teams, now's your chance... RPG: (Reply Any) With all teams duly reported in, and the ships annunciators suddenly going to red alert, the game was afoot. "Mark"... (Reply Any) (Posted by Alan) (USS Spectre – Sickbay – Head Nurse, CPO Douwsy - 20:59) Douwsy had been ready to start her hand over shortly. The night shift would be arriving soon and if she was lucky, she could get to the recreation area and play a couple of games of chess before heading to bed. She had not been busy, and the shift had gone smoothly. She looked over at Greta one of the duty nurses and waved her PADD at her. “Need anything from stores. I am sorting out the stock levels.” Greta shook her head. “No I checked this morning and we are……” The klaxon blared and the room was bathed in red pulsing lights. =^=All hand, red alert, we are at general quarters. All on duty personnel head to battle stations=^= ~Ow hell this is not good~ The klaxon screamed twice more then turned off just leaving the red flashing strip. ~There goes the relaxing evening~ She locked eyes with Greta and gave a slight smile. “Looks like we are going to have a busy night.” Douwsy nodded, paused for a moment, took a deep breath and began. “Okay lest get this show on the road. Greta get the on call to review our four patients if we can shift them out it would be good. I’ll check triage, theatres, ICU and HDU.” Greta nodded and headed off as Douwsy stepped through a side door into the Triage area. “Computer bring Triage, Theatre, ICU and HDU to full readiness.” She watched as the lights blinked on and monitor activated. (Reply any one in sickbay) (Posted by Robbie) (USS Spectre – Barbershop - 1LT Cade Blackwell - 21:00) Cade had stealthily entered the Barbershop. It was an hour when the shop was closed. He had an idea on how to get to the bridge without being caught. He would be leading a small team composing of himself and Corporal Scott Houseman. He chose the barbershop as a starting point because it had access to the jeffries tube. From there he would try and find a way to the bridge. He was thinking like a pirate and was hoping his plan, though not necessarily orthodox was in the spirit of the mission. He had 30 minutes to get the bridge. The barbershop was also on the same deck as his intended target. As soon as the red alert started he turned to Houseman. "Alright Snipes," He said, giving the Marine Sniper an easy to say call sign. "Let's get into the jeffries tube. You cover the rear, I'll take the lead." (Reply Houseman) "make sure the door is sealed once we are in." (reply Houseman) Cade then opened the door to the jeffries tube and stepped into the cramped space, phaser on his hip and sniper rifle in his hand. (Reply Houseman) (posted by WB) (USS Spectre – Deck 15 Corridor – Marine, 1st Lieutenant Kenneth Smith - 21:01) =^=Alpha leader to all teams. Prepare to initiate protocol 'Moriarty' on my mark=^= “Team Delta in position.” He looked around at the five other marines that were with him. They had moved into position quietly trying not to get noticed by the crew who doing their daily duties and was now as close to the warp core ejection control systems room as possible. =^=All hands, red alert, we are at general quarters. All on duty personnel head to battle stations=^= The klaxon screamed and the lights flashed red. =^=Mark=^= Kenneth nodded at the marine next to him. He slammed open the Jeffries tube hatch and charged out into the corridor (Reply any) (Posted by Robbie) (USS Spectre - Deck 12 Corridor - MCO, Major Bruce Kowalski - 21:02) The Marines moved rapidly through the corridor towards the battle bridge meeting no resistance at all at first, leading Kowalski to wonder if the 'Murder Fairy' might be concentrating her efforts to the target areas alone. It went without saying of course that she would want to secure the most vulnerable parts of the ship first, and as a stand alone section, the battle bridge would be one that would be considered a tactical advantage to want to keep a hold of. Signos would have sent a team there for sure, and if there was a team there, they would surely be laying in wait. Pulling up the TACOM in his Pallas helmets HUD, Bruce paused and then scanned ahead of their route after stopping at the 2nd to last junction before the battle bridge itself. From there on, it was unspoken commands only, which meant hand signals instructing the rest of his team to move forwards in two's to the first junction, and then wait. Glancing up and around the corridor he looked for an access in to the battle bridge without going through the doors, spying a hatch that might give them access to the an area to it's right. Upon attempting to open the hatch though, he found that it was locked closed and inaccessible. No doubt courtesy of the SEC Chief herself. ~Clever Girl~ thought Kowalski, now resigned to his second option of storming the fort directly. After all, this was but a drill, and it wasn't as though the Marines could literally plant charges and blow the hatch off. Kowalski checked his TACOM once again. This time it showed two security officers stationed directly outside the doors to the battle bridge which one of the drill photon grenades would take care of in an instance. Signos though would not have committed just two officers here, so it was almost a certainty that the rest would be either inside and waiting for them, or elsewhere nearby. The Marine CO gave another unspoken command. 'Fire in the hold - 3', which led to the marine on point to set a drill charge on a 3 second delay, and then slide it across the decking into the corridor outside of the battle bridge. A red flash signalled its activation, sending a harmless pulse into the vests of the two security officers to inform them both that they were now 'out of action'. Kowalski's team then moved on to occupy the corridor, the two Security officers raising their hands silently in capitulation as the marines took them prisoner. What was needed now though, was another plan. In other circumstances they would just blow a hole in the battle bridge door and be done with it, which the Captain would no doubt raise more than an eye to. No, they had to find another way. Kowalski signalled to Raif, the technical wizard of his team who had more than just one trick up his sleeve when it came to bypassing security lockdowns. They needed access to the actuation control on deck 11 itself, and if they were to do that, then Raif needed to override Signos's lockdowns of the Jefferies tube hatches, and get them in. And Raif got straight to work... (Reply Any) (Posted by Alan) (USS Spectre – Barbershop – Marine, Corporal Houseman - 21:02) "Alright Snipes," Houseman nodded. "Let's get into the jeffries tube. You cover the rear, I'll take the lead." “Copy that L.T.” "make sure the door is sealed once we are in." “Yes L.T.” He watched as Blackwell entered the Jeffries tube. He gave a quick scan behind him before following Blackwall and closing the hatch behind him. (Reply Blackwell, any) (Posted by Robbie) (USS Spectre - Deck 15 Corridor - MDE, Crpl Lewis O'Hara - 21:03) The moment they entered the corridor through the Jefferies tube hatch, the marines were encountering resistance as a detail of security officers immediately opened fire. One of their team was quickly out of action as his vest lit up to signal a direct hit. O'Hara and the rest scattered quickly seeking refuge within the service niches set into the corridor itself. Dummy phaser shots were duly exchanged, another vest lighting up in response, this time worn by a security officer that had been just a little too slow in finding cover. A door opening directly behind O'Hara where he was crouched heralded the arrival of another security officer, who was as surprised to see O'Hara, as he was him. Lewis moved quick. There was no time to aim and fire his weapon, and so he took the security officer off his feet with a well aimed sweep to his legs before chopping at his throat with his bare hand, a chop which stopped just an inch short of his flesh, and that would have ordinarily crushed the man's windpipe if this had been a serious encounter. "I'd say that just lit up your vest, wouldn't you?" said O'Hara with a wink. (Reply Any Security, IYW) O'Hara then looked to the door through which the security officer had just come, an idea surfacing in his mind. Quickly, he signalled to one of his comrades to accompany him through it. The two marines then moved through the adjacent corridor hoping to double back on the other security and approach them from their rear, whilst the rest of their team continued to exchange shots with the others. (Reply Any, IYW) By O'Hara's previous tactical evaluation of the ships schematics though, they weren't too far now from his teams target, namely the warp core ejection control system, which led him to ponder going straight for it and planting his dummy charge there to signal the capture of the enemy flag. He was aware of course that his mission was but a diversionary one, but that didn't mean he couldn't have a little fun now, did it? (Reply Any, IYW) (Posted by Alan) (USS Spectre – Jeffries Tube, Deck 9 - Marine, 1LT Cade Blackwell - 21:04) As they were secure in the jeffries tube Cade then took off his commbadge and instructed Houseman to do the same. "Just in case they get crafty and try to track us." Cade then motioned for Houseman to follow. He figured by now that Signos would have the jeffries tubes locked down, as well as gotten control of the ships transporter systems. There was nothing he could do about the transporter systems, but he thankfully had an override device for the doors so that they would be able to get out of the tubes when they reached their destination. As they crawled to the ladder that would take them either up or down decks, he paused. He wasn't sure if the Corporal was well versed in the Spectre schematics, but when Cade saw the lucky coincidence he knew what he needed to try. "Snipes, how well do you know the Spectre's layout?" (reply Houseman) "This ladder will take us down all the way to the lower decks, and even to deck 2, though sadly not the bridge. But there may be an easier way to the bridge then just climbing." (Reply Houseman) "Well, let's just say this, it's on deck 10, and it could be a huge gamble. Especially if you know who happens to be home. Any guesses?" (Reply Houseman) (Reply Houseman) (posted by WB) (USS Spectre – Jeffries Tube, Deck 9 – Marine, Corporal Houseman - 21:05) "Snipes, how well do you know the Spectre's layout?" Houseman paused for a moment. “As good as any marine?” "This ladder will take us down all the way to the lower decks, and even to deck 2, though sadly not the bridge. But there may be an easier way to the bridge then just climbing." “An easier way L.T.?” "Well, let's just say this, it's on deck 10, and it could be a huge gamble. Especially if you know happens to be home. Any guesses?" Houseman grinned looking at the hatch. “That would realy spoil her evening?” (reply Blackwell) (Reply Blackwell, any) (Posted by Robbie) (USS Spectre - Shadow Flyer - CSO/2O Lt. Kurt Palmer - 21:06) The shadow flyer skated out of the shuttle bay as the Spectre dropped out of warp. Kurt seated himself at the tactical station. While weapons were not in his usual wheelhouse, he had made the executive decision to play to his counterparts strengths- and that left him playing tactical in this case. “Shields up.” Kurt sprang into action as they cleared the shuttle bay. “Ms. Smith, bring us about; get us right under the port bussard collector. I want to stay inside their shields after they go up.” (Reply, Smith, any) ~We’ll have about 90 seconds before they realize where we are.~ Kurt felt it was almost cheating that he knew the Spectre’s sensors inside and out. Though the point wasn’t to make this an easy test. As they moved into place Kurt did a quick analysis of which targets would disable the Spectre in the limited amount of time they had. “LaBrea, I want to know the second they raise shields.” He glanced to his left (Reply, LaBrea, Smith, any) ((Post by Cody)) (USS Spectre - Shadow Flyer - Shuttle bay Officer, 2nd Lieutenant Jennifer Smith - 21:07) Jennifer smiled to herself as she flew the Shadow Flyer. It had been a while since she had been in a cockpit of a small craft doing high speed. Even thought it was not one of her Mako fighters the Shadow Flyer was still fast and manoeuvrable. “Ms. Smith, bring us about; get us right under the port bussard collector. I want to stay inside their shields after they go up.” “Yes Sir.” She danced her fingers across the console as the shuttle spun and snuggled up to the port bussard collector. “In position.” (Reply Palmer, LaBrea,any) (Posted by Robbie) (USS Spectre - Deck 10, Security Office - TAC/SC, Commander Jessica Signos - 21:07) Red Alert sounded and the game was a foot, "The mission is seek and destroy the intruders." Jessica told the gathered security teams that were already on station. "I understand that these people are friends and compatriots but put that aside for now, make no mistake they are the enemy." Jessica knew that there was gonna be multiple teams, she knew team was gonna insert close with a direct route to the bridge, to cut the head off the snake. She also knew there would be other teams to divide her attentions and spread her forces thin. It was a calculated risk, she had to play dirty if she was to win. But did she want to, she had to show the Spectre crew that she was a force to be reckoned with. Also she had to see, how much the security of the Spectre relied on the marines. It was a delicate balance. "Computer." she called as her hands flew across the security controls. "Lock down procedures active, isolate and lock down all key area's of the ship. Lock out, Jeffery tube access except to security personnel." With a few more deft motions she accessed the ships teleporter systems, getting her personnel around the ship with all haste was paramount in these situations. She planned on using the teleporters in the similar method that helicopters were used to drop solders into hostile area's "Zulu team, secure the main bridge." She ordered as she imputed the command into the computer to initialize the site to site teleport. "Yankee team, secure the battle bridge." She watched as another team disappeared into the white brilliance of the teleporter beam. "Team X-ray, secure engineering." Again the third team was off all in all five teams were dispersed in such a way, in a hope to cut off the marines advance. "Computer, link all hostile movement and internal sensors to my tactical circlet." She watched as the screen over her right eye came to life with data streaming in from the sensors. The Specrte's sensors identified four assault teams and the Shadow Flyer as hostile elements for the drill. "Now for the enemy outside." She to herself, she had an ideal it was dangerous, but then again Jessica was always lived on the dangerous side. scans showed the Shadow Flyer inside the shield bubble of the Spectre, it was an ideal spot for a fighter it made them nearly impossible to hit, and they were already past the main defensive measure of the capital ship. It memory of Lily piloting a raven fighter in an similar manner. She pressed commands over the console before her, Since the shields could not be used as a defense Jessica would use them as a weapon. Counter ionizing the shield against the ships hull would allow anything with the shield bubble to act as a grounding rod for the shield. She would use the Shadow Flyer itself as a way to compete a dangerous circuit and shut it down. She checked the clock, 2111. "All security teams check in." She called into her comm. "Secondary teams link up with the main defensive groups, cut off the enemy advance, and take them down. Team Whiskey there is an enemy element in the jeffries tube heading toward the bridge from deck 8, cut them off and smoke them out." Again she used the ships systems to offer aid to her teams raising internal shields to isolate the marine assault forces and to herd the marines into her security forces. (reply marines, security, and the Flyer) (posted by Matthew Locke) (USS Spectre - Bridge - TAC/ASC, Ensign Darpeg - 21:08) Darpeg saw that the ship had dropped out of warp and the automatic general quarters sounded. He looked at his sensor panel and saw a small ship on a fast intercept course. He said to T'Vhor in front of him. Small craft approaching on intercept course on high impulse. I read photons and photon torpedoes." (Reply T'Vhor) "Shields are up. They do not respond to any hails. I read three life sign on board." (Reply T'vhor) (Posted by Gary) (USS Spectre - Bridge - CO, Captain T'Vhor - 21:09) "Small craft approaching on intercept course on high impulse. I read photons and photon torpedoes." said Darpeg. "Thank you Ensign. What is their alert status? Are they responding to our hails?" said the Captain. "Shields are up. They do not respond to any hails. I read three life signs on board." "Understood" answered the Captain. "Target the vessel and maintain phaser and photon torpedo lock. Bring the photon flux cannon online" (Reply Darpeg) The Captain then called up the alert monitor via his armrest controls to watch the drill play out. The First Officer had left sometime beforehand off course, and by now he would be in Strategic Operations where he would remotely take the ship to red alert, the various bridge stations now bathed in a pulsing red to the accompaniment of the alert klaxon thereof. He had also monitored the launch of the Delta Flier, which had now manoeuvred into a position that allowed it to take full advantage of the Spectre's shields. ~Nicely done, Mr Palmer~ The Captain then settled back into his chair and awaited the scene that Williams had briefed him on earlier... (Reply Darpeg, Any on Bridge) (Posted by Alan) (USS Spectre – Sickbay – CMO, Cmdr Andrew Williams - 21:10) Andrew stepped into sickbay as the door whooshed open. It had taken some time to get himself from Ten Forward as he had to divert a couple of times due to the lock down that had been placed in effect. He glanced around as the doors closed behind him. “Can I have an Update please.” (reply any) (Posted by Robbie) (USS Spectre - Shadow Flyer - CSO/2O Lt. Kurt Palmer - 21:10) The aft section of the spectre whizzed past them on the other side of the main window. “In position.” Smith signaled. “Perfect.” Kurt glanced at the chronometer on his control panel. “Fair chance they’ve spotted us by now.” His hands poised just above his controls. Their next moves needed to be very strategic. However, before he could get his next set commands out, a high-pitched alarm sounded from overhead. “Report.” Kurt’s head snapped to his left as he addressed Ensign LaBrea. (Reply, LaBrea, any) ((Post by Cody)) (USS Spectre - Bridge - TAC/ASC, Ensign Garek Darpeg - 21:11) "Small craft approaching on intercept course on high impulse. I read photons and photon torpedoes." said Darpeg. "Thank you Ensign. What is their alert status? Are they responding to our hails?" said the Captain. "Shields are up. They do not respond to any hails. I read three life signs on board." "Understood" answered the Captain. "Target the vessel and maintain phaser and photon torpedo lock. Bring the photon flux cannon online" Photon flux cannon is online." replied Darpeg. "They have ionized their shielding and penetrated ours. The ship is close to the bussard collector. I suggest that we reverse the flow and release beta particles into the forming cloud which would blind their sensors." The captain looked at his chair readouts. (Reply T'Vhor) "Aye,Sir." Then a full defense team of security personnel beamed on to the Bridge in full battle gear.. Darpeg could tell that they were there to guard the bridge in the event of intruders. He did a quick scan of internal sensors and only Security and the marines were armed. It looked like the Marines were playing the enemy. (Reply T'Vhor, Any on Bridge) (Posted by Gary) (USS Spectre - Shadow Flyer - ACEO, Katrina Ensign LaBrea - 21:11) “Report.” "Photon flux cannon is online," LaBrea reported, scrolling through scanner data. "Their shields just came up with us inside," she continued. "They've definitely seen us." (Reply, any) (Post by Tony) (USS Spectre - Bridge - CFO, Lt. JG Ryan Thibodeaux - 21:13) As the insanity began all around him, Ryan was doing his best to try and focus on flying the ship. The Shadow Flyer would be firing range of the Spectre's full arsenal, but given her small size and speed, she would be able to evade and be able to get some stinging fire off. It was up to Ryan to make sure that he would try and minimize that. "Sir," Ryan said as he began punching in some data into his console. "I think it would be tactically advantageous for us to find a way to get behind the Flyer." (Reply T'Vhor) "Sir, I have a plan, it might work, it might not, but given our turn radius and that of the Flyer, it may be our best bet. Permission to bring ship to full impulse for a 60 sec burst, with an immediate emergency all stop at the 60 sec mark." (Reply T'Vhor) "The hope is with the sudden stop, the Flyer, who should accelerate to an intercept speed, should in theory zoom right past us." (Reply T'Vhor) "Then as soon as they Zoom past us, Ensign Darpeg, you should have a clear shot before they try and turn around." (Reply Darpeg) "But in order to give us distance, Ensign, I'll need you at the 55 sec mark to lower our shields so that they aren't trapped behind us any more. And I need you to widen our shield scope and give me enough room to get lower than them so they don't ram right into us." (Reply Darpeg) As Ryan was talking the Spectre began increasing in speed until she was now going as fast as her impulse engines allowed. "I forgot to mention sir, I may have taken the liberty to bring us up to full impulse and act like we are trying to flee before getting permission. I've set a course heading to get us lower and start moving towards the right of the Flyer, using escape patter Gamma. Hopefully we can trick Lt. Smith." (Reply T'Vhor) (reply T'Vhor, Flyer, Darpeg) (posted by WB) (USS Spectre - Shadow Flyer - CSO/2O Lt. Kurt Palmer - 21:14) "Photon flux cannon is online," LaBrea reported, scrolling through scanner data. "Their shields just came up with us inside," she continued. "They've definitely seen us." “We have been here for too long. They are going to try and do something.” Came Smith’s response from the front Kurt glanced down at his console. Then back out through the front window. The Spectre has started moving. “They will either try and manoeuvre hard or speed up and slam on the breaks so that we overshoot.” Smith “Agreed.” Kurt looked back at his controls. “It would seem they’ve already started something. Lieutenant, I would imagine you know Thibodeaux better than either of us. What do you think he’s going to do?” “I would say the speed up and slow down as we are more manoeuvrable then they are. Whatever happens it’s going to be rough so I would make sure you are all strapped in.” Kurt pieced together their next move. “If we can dive under and over to the starboard bussard collector. That will give me a chance at one impulse engine. That will slow them down for a moment.” (Reply, Smith) Kurt looked down to configure his controls. “LaBrea can you find a way to destabilize their starboard shields when we get over there? I imagine their next move will be something shield-related.” (Reply, LaBrea) “Alright, lets get this done.” (Reply, Smith, LaBrea) ((Post by Cody)) (Shadow Flyer- 2nd Lieutenant – Shuttle bay Officer, Jennifer Smith - 21:16) Jennifer kept her eyes out of the Shadow flyer’s forward windows as her fingers moved across the console. She new that she was moving dangerously close to the Spectre’s hull and had cancel the collision alarm a couple of time already. She guessed that Thibodeaux was flying and was trying to guess what Ryan would do next. ~What would I do if I was him. Not manoeuvring as I can always fly in formation, they need to get us out from into the weapon arcs~ Manoeuvres flashed through her mind as she moved the flyer closer. “We have been here for too long. They are going to try and do something.” She glanced down at her console’s read out before looking back at the hull. ~Close but not too close~ “They will either try and manoeuvre hard or speed up and slam on the breaks so that we overshoot.” (Reply Palmer, LeBrea) “I would say the speed up and slow down as we are more manoeuvrable then they are. Whatever happens it’s going to be rough so I would make sure you are all strapped in.” (Reply Palmer, LeBrea) (Reply Palmer, LeBrea, any) (Posted by Robbie) (USS Spectre - Shadow Flyer - Shuttle Bay Officer, 2nd Lt Jennifer Smith - 21:17) “If we can dive under and over to the starboard bussard collector. That will give me a chance at one impulse engine. That will slow them down for a moment.” “Understood.” Jennifer’s hands moved over the console inputting the new coordinates in case something went wrong. “LaBrea can you find a way to destabilize their starboard shields when we get over there? I imagine their next move will be something shield-related.” (Reply, LaBrea) “Alright, let’s get this done.” “Manoeuvring now.” She slammed the manoeuvring thrusters as the flyer shot right away from the Port Bussard collector across the neck of the Spectre, under the impulse engines and slid under the Starboard Bussard collector. (Reply, Palmer, LaBrea) (Post by Robbie) (USS Spectre - Shadow Flyer - ACEO, Ensign Katrina LaBrea - 21:18) “LaBrea can you find a way to destabilize their starboard shields when we get over there? I imagine their next move will be something shield-related.” Tapping twice on the the PADD, LaBrea replied, "If you can make a precision burst along sector 9 between units 3 and 4, it should cause a relay break. It'll only last a couple milliseconds as the redundancies take over, but the static might be a distraction to someone. Loading targeting coordinates now." LaBrea redirected systems capability, drawing a bit from the ship's life support to put extra processing power into the targeting array. According to her calculations, the shot needed to be within a 93.89° of accuracy to work. Not exactly perfect, but close enough. Inside the Flyer, the temperature might dip a couple degrees and O2 levels might fall to 97% but sixty seconds of inconvenience shouldn't even be noticable to her adrenaline fueled teammates. These things were done all the time, so they might even expect it... "Rerouting to targeting array," she explained. "Fire when ready." (Reply Any) (Posted by Tony) (USS Spectre - Shadow Flyer - CSO/2O Lt. Kurt Palmer - 21:21) Ensign LaBrea paused to calculate for a a beat. "If you can make a precision burst along sector 9 between units 3 and 4, it should cause a relay break. It'll only last a couple milliseconds as the redundancies take over, but the static might be a distraction to someone. Loading targeting coordinates now." “Alright, let’s get this done.” Kurt signaled after his counterparts had checked in ready. He input two synchronized weapons locks. It had been many years since he had to do anything quite like this. “Manoeuvring now.” Came Smith’s Reply from the fore. As “...fire when ready.” Came from the engineer at his side. The small craft accelerated sharply darting across the neck of the Spectre. They whizzed past the impulse engines. “Firing sequence one.” Kurt said as he depressed the photon torpedo control. The computer chirped acknowledging the first simulated shot at the spectre. Kurt’s terminal displayed trajectory of the mock torpedo, but his eyes stayed focused on their second target. In a matter of seconds the flyer approached the opposite warp nacelle. “Firing sequence two.” He said as the flyer slid into position. The same mechanical chirp signaled their second shot. Kurt glanced down at the readouts. “Registering a direct hit shields- their starboard shields are offline.” He scrolled through the rest of the data. “Critical damage to impulse engines.” He shook his head— clearly he was a rusty. “That will slow them down for a moment, but not for long.” (Room for Reply) He looked back to LaBrea. “What would you estimate their repair time for that impulse engine?” (Reply, LaBrea) “We don’t want to risk a second attempt. He glanced back and forth at his cohorts. “Suggestions?” (Reply, LaBrea, Smith, Spectre) ((Post by Cody)) (USS Spectre - Shadow Flyer - ACEO, Ensign Katrina LaBrea - 21:22) “Registering a direct hit shields- their starboard shields are offline. Critical damage to impulse engines. That will slow them down for a moment, but not for long.” "Systems review shows redundancies already rerouting," LaBrea stated sharply. "What would you estimate their repair time for that impulse engine?” "Du'Shar is compensating manually," LaBrea scowled skimming the metrics. "Damn it, I taught him that," she muttered under her breath. ~It didn't do enough~ she thought frustratedly. ~what will draw him off?~ she pondered momentarily. "Dynamic algorithms will have full impulse ready again in forty three seconds," she read aloud. "But I have an idea," she said quickly. "Smith," she began. "Can you bring us within four meters of Deck 3 on the Starboard pylon? Just one quick pass in about eight seconds. I'm modulating our shield harmonics so we can sweep an EMP discharge across the relief coupler. Let's see what Du'Shar does with that!" she exclaimed, tapping furiously on the PADD channels. "Quickly," she said. "Now!" (Reply Smith, Any) Her teammates aboard the Flyer would understand that this ship's deflector shield emanates at a standard distance of 419cm based on its plasma ionizing resonance. Bringing the Flyer within four meters of the Spectre will cause the Flyer's shield to contact (and hopefully penetrate) the larger ship. NRPG: LaBrea is attempting to use the Flyer's shield to trip a relief coupler failure, which will require a manual reset, which Du'Shar will hopefully want to do himself, taking Du'Shar away from manual impulse control, delaying the dynamic algorithms, and leaving the impulse engines at <50% efficiency. It may only hamper the Spectre slightly, and only for a couple minutes, but two minutes in a firefight is a virtual eternity. (Reply Any) ((Post by Tony)) (USS Spectre - Shadow Flyer - Shuttle Bay Officer, 2nd Lt Jennifer Smith - 21:25) "Can you bring us within four meters of Deck 3 on the Starboard pylon? Just one quick pass in about eight seconds. I'm modulating our shield harmonics so we can sweep an EMP discharge across the relief coupler. Let's see what Du'Shar does with that!" Jennifer nodded to herself as she moved her fingers across the console. "Quickly," "Now!" “On it.” She hit the impulse engine command button and the engines fired. Using controlled bursts from the manoeuvring thrusters she darted the Flyer forward and up skimming across the hull plates. Her eye darting from readout to the hull outside as they danced closer. (Reply LaBrea, Palmer, Any) (Posted by Robbie) ======================================================================== Mission: All Shapes and Sizes Day: 3 Stardate: 2418.04.25 (Shadow of Redemption - Bridge - CO (Asrai) Belladonna of the Arista - 09:25) They had fled and fought though out the night trying to escape the Spriggian ship that continued to close. The message had been made clear surrender the Arista Princess and the traitors to the Spriggan clan and the rest of the vessel would be allowed to go free. It was a price that Belladonna and her crew refused to pay. The console before her exploded showering her in sparks as the Shadow of Redemption took another barrage of fire from the Spriggan assault ship, Waters of Styx. "Asrai" came the voice from the conn. "Another wave of boarding vessels inbound." Belladonna waved her hand over a secondary console and brought up a holographic tactical map of the area between the two ships. "Send whats left of our fighter screen to intercept the Boarding craft." The tactical officer to the left of Belladonna look at her, "Asrai, our fighter screen is down to 15 percent we only have a few fighter wings left, if we pull the screen we risk losing key systems to enemy bombardment." The ship shook violently as another wave of enemy fire impacted what remained of the shield and the outer hull of the ship. Consoles exploded, people were thrown like rag dolls, and then the bridge went dark, as the guts of the ship fell from the roof of the bridge. "Shields down to 10 percent, that last volley took out main power to a third of the ship." The science officer took over the report. "Life support is holding but barely." Another tactical officer voice rose over the commotion on the Bridge. "Ma'am if we don't cycle our shields we risk loosing them completely. We wont be able to repel the boarding craft with out main shields." Things were bad and getting worse, the Shadow of Redemption was not a seasoned warship like the Water of Styx. It did not have their guns, and defensive measures, it also lacked their man power trained for war. The Spriggan were drilled for engagements like this from an young age. Belladonna looked around her many of her bridge crew were wounded, and the air was filled with their cry's. Worse were the silent few that she knew would never again feel pain, those that paid the highest cost to protect the future of Arista clan. When all seemed the darkest a voice came over her emergency comm channel. "Asrai, divert all power from weapons to recycle the shields and bring them online." Called the leader of the military force on the Shadow of Redemption the Will of the Wisp Marius, a Spriggan in his own right but had long ago swore allegiance with the Arista. He had hoped the Arista would unite the clans and bring peace to his people, it seemed the young princess also wished for that same goal, and in recent months had gained support from some of the other clans. Who also wished for a unified state and that the rogue spriggans would be brought under control. "If we do that we lose what self defense we have." Belladonna responded into her comm link. "I know," came the respond from Marius. "I have a plan, just bring us about, right along their flank." 'He's crazy,' Belladonna thought, as word came from tactical that the boarding craft had latched on the hull and they were being boarded. "Get a Wisp and security team to the princess make sure she is secure, and lock down all key sections of the ship" She ordered before shaking her head they had nothing else to lose. "Take weapons off line and transfer all available power to shields, and start recycling the shield capacitors." (sprite shields in addition to normal operations are attached to a capacitor bank that allow the shields to asorb a portion of incoming energy fire. once stored in the Capacitor bank this can be used to re-energize the ships shields. However if the Capacitors are knocked offline they have to be recycled and restarted to allow the system to work again.) (reply, none more to come.) (posted by Matthew Locke) (Shadow of Redemption - Fighter bays - Lt. Colonel (Will of Wisp) Marius of the Spriggan - 09:27) Marius knew the Shadow of Redemption could not hold the fight to much longer, not that the crew had not performed admirably but the prolonged battle was starting to wear on the crew, and the ship. Damage showed all over the vessel the Asrai had done a great job not many could hold out as long as she did against a spriggan warship. He knew something had to be done, something that the enemy did not expect and he had an ideal it was dangerous but the payoff would give the Shadow of Redemption a much needed breather. "Will of Wisp, the artillery is in place, nine pieces in place of the fighter return." The wisp solder responded. "Good," Marius nodded, "As he felt the ship change course and head toward the enemy, he was glad the Arista took his advise, he could hear docking ships locking onto the outer hull of the Shadow of Redemption. Marius shook his head as he opened his comm to the head of the special forces on the Shadow of Redemption. " I need all special forces to deploy find the princess and protect her mean while all other military forces protect all, key area's and the fighter bays. Once we kick the hornets nest I'm sure they will move forces to stop us here." He closed the comm. sealing his suit to protect him from what he was about to do. "All personnel prepare to depressurize the fighter bays and lower the docking shields." It only took a few moments for his orders to be carried out, and the fighter bay shields came down and the atmosphere that filled it was vented out to space in a audible hiss. The Shadow of Redemption rocked as it took more hits from her foe. The blast were tearing deep holes in her armor, Marius wondered if he she would hold together long enough for this last ditch effort. He took another breath to steady himself as he saw a flash of blue pass over the Shadow of Redemption. Her shield had come back online, the gnomes had worked a miracle and given the battered ship a fighting chance. The Shadow of Redemption and The Water of the Styx continued to close still Marius waited. It wasn't till the Styx loomed large outside the fighter bays that he yelled into the Comm. "All batteries open fire. The magnetically sealed plasma cannons unleashed their brilliance sending stream after stream of super heated plasma though the void of space at the Waters of the Styx. The artillery was vastly less accurate than the computer guided weapons of the Redemption but they were close and Marius smiled as round after round struck home. The Water of the Styx shield failed flashing to non-exsistance as the artillery continued to pound its hull. Marius watched as a enemy fighter dived into the Maelstrom and took one of the rounds in an attempt to protect the Styx but as the ships began to separate the damage was clear. The Water of the Styx had been caught unprepared for an ancient tactic of a broadside. Marius smiled as the battle between the two ships came to a lull, each drifting from the firing vector of the other." (reply non needed) (posted by Matthew Locke) (Shadow of Redemption - Diplomatic Wing - Princess Calendine of the Arista and Jaelle of the Spriggan - 09:31) The Diplomatic wing of the Shadow of Redemption was one of the last places that would lose power. Due to the need to keep these important people safe the diplomatic wing had a secondary power system and additional redundancy systems that would keep this area of the ship operational longer than other area's. Princess Calendine and her guards kept a watchful eye on the progress of the battle. They knew they were being boarded, the small gathered also knew who the Spriggan were after. One of the ships wisps (warriors) came around the corner his rifle slung at his side, he breathed heavily as he made his way to the princess' side. "M'lady we need to get you secure there is fighting on several decks and the Spriggian are heading this way gathering more forces as they do. I am not sure how much more we can keep you safe, we've been cut off from the main force of the wisp." Calendine nodded, she knew what the endgame was the Arista were gaining influence and with new agreements between the other clans they were set to unite the clans under their banner. Calendine knew she was a pawn of great importance if the Spriggan could gain access to her they could force the Arista clan's hand. Shifting the balance of power back to the Spriggan. "Thank you for the report." Calendine said to the warrior who had came to her, "Now take a moment catch your breath, we will need you before this is over." Calendine looked over to her protector Jaelle who was stationed by the door. Jaelle was tall by the measure of her race, even more so in her heavy power armor, mounted on her arm was a heavy multi barrel dark matter cannon, at her side was her family sword. The last trace that was the glory of her Spriggan heritage. She was sworn to Calendine and she would die for her safety her honor was that's of the young princess. She was an extension of her will. There was an explosion, however this was different, the entire ship did not shake only the slightness of vibrations could be felt though the deck of the Redemption. "They are blasting there way to us." Jaelle spoke to Calendine, "We can stay here long." Calendine nodded as she raised her small form to her feet and started walking toward the entry way to the hall beyond. Another explosion sounded this one ear splitting. The hall erupted as bands of black energy erupted from dark matter weapons, and the screams of those that were engaged in battle. The Sriggan had found them, they had to escape Jaelle's weapon charged with an audible hum as the weapon's motor kicked in rotating the barrels. She broke the corner bringing the heavy weapon up as she entered the hallway. "Down..." was all she yelled as her weapon came to life spewing death in never ending torrent of dark energy. Jaelle watched as Spriggan after Spriggan, her own clansmen were mowed down. "Quickly get the Princess out of here." She yelled the order to be heard over the sounds of battle. Calendine and the rest of her escort ran behind her sworn guardian using her form to shield the small group. Two acted as escort to followed behind the princess and one that had just made the report shielded her with his own body, Her safety paramount to their lives. They made there way to an junction in the corridor the two wisp acting as escort broke to provide covering fire to the rest of the group. Flashes of black rose up from behind Jaelle, knowing that other wisp were covering her back she slowly walked back toward the junction until she could link back up with the rest of the group. Jaelle joined the rest, they were alive but far from safe. Wisp appeared at the far end of the corridor they were about to call to the princess and her small group as the wisp were cut down the Spriggan had cut the princess off and laid low a squad of wisp sent to reinforce and protect the princess. The Spriggan had trained since childhood they were doing what was natural to them, Isolate and caught off the enemy close the noose slowly and capture the princess alive. Again the corridor was filled with the angry black bands of death as the princess and her escorts came under fire. Calendine pulled the side arm from one of the wisp at her side. She was not about to sit idly by and just let herself be taken by the enemy. "NO, Calendine." Jaelle screamed as the princess pressed the actuator and fired her weapon. the blast went wide and missed her mark. But Calendine had now marked herself as a combatant and Jaelle knew the Spriggan would treat her as such after all there were fates worse than death. Spriggan closed from all around them, "We need to break though." one of the wisp called. Jaelle lifted her weapon bringing it to bear as the Spriggan before her were engulfed their bodies riddled with holes from beyond the group "Lady Calendine," came a call from the hall, as wisp poured into the corridor. "The Will of Wisp sends his regards." one of the newcomers continued. Soon Calendine was surrounded by thirty of the ships wisp, she noticed by the band on their arm and the configuation of there power armor that these were of the Redemption's special forces. They were being sent from guarding key areas of the ship to ensure her safety. Slowly they made there way trying to find a safe place in the Redemption to hide the princess. Fighting continued, as Calendine walked over the growing number of the Redemption's special forces that had fallen. It seemed like the number of Spriggan would never begin to wane. The chaos of battle seemed to stretch on forever. Then there was silence, it was an eerie contrast. Something had changed the Spriggan onslaught slowed, those that found themselves surrounded took there own lives rather than lose their honor. More of the Redemption's Wisp joined with Calendine's group. They had pushed to one of the staging area's of the wisp, the princess was now secure. "Jaelle to the bridge." She spoke into her comm. "Lady Arista is secure." Calendine wondered what happened to change the tide of battle, looking out a view port The Waters of the Styx was no longer seen, but a much larger ship could be seen coming into view. One that Calendine had never seen before. (This is where the Spectre comes in, hope everyone as fun.) (posted by Matthew Locke) ========================================================================