Illuminar Compile 6 Dates: June 18th, 2020 to June 27th, 2020 Mission: The Root of Decay, Day 4 to Day 18 >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< Mission: The Root of Decay Day: 4 Stardate: 2445.09.04 >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< (USS Illuminar - Deck 1, Ready Room - CO, Lieutenant Commander Sekal / FO, Lieutenant Sienna Verin-Williams / 2O, Lieutenant Carson Peters / ACEO, Ens(jg) Vex’ahlia Jordaan & Computer Specialist, Luma’Lenai - 0200) >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< Mission: The Root of Decay Day: 5 Stardate: 2445.09.05 >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< (Illuminar, Deck 11, Engineering, EO Ensign Matrix, 0853) (USS Amazon – en route to Dennorios Belt - Ops, Ensign Dieter Gregory -10:00) (USS Amazon –Dennorios Belt - Ops, Ensign Dieter Gregory -14:00) (Illuminar, Deck 1- Bridge - FO - Lt. Sienna Williams-Verin , 2140) (USS Illuminar, Deck 1 - Turbolift - 2O, Lt. Carson Peters, 2201) (Illuminar, Deck 11, Engineering, Acting CEO Ensign sg Taya, 2208) (USS Illuminar - Main Engineering – ACEO, Ensign(SG) Vex’ahlia Jordaan – 2220) (USS Illuminar - Main Engineering – Surgeon, Ensign (JG) - Mark Edwards – 2228) (USS Illuminar - Main Engineering – ACEO, Ens(sg) Vex'ahlia Jordaan – 2229) (USS Illuminar - Main Engineering – EO, Ens Scott Matrix – 2237) >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< Mission: The Root of Decay Day: 7 Stardate: 2445.09.7 >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< (Deep Space 9 – Habitat ring 3 - Ops, Ensign Dieter Gregory -06:00) (Illuminar, Deck 11, The Lounge, FO Lt. Sienna Williams-Verin & SecO Ensign Tressa Talence, 1305) >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< Mission: The Root of Decay Day: 10 Stardate: 2445.09.10 >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< (Deep Space Nine – Crew Dining Area - Ops, Ens(jg) Dieter Gregory - 12:00) >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< Mission: The Root of Decay Day: 15 Stardate: 2445.09.15 >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< (USS Illuminar - Deck 1, Ready Room - CO- Lieutenant Commander Sekal- 1009) (USS Illuminar - Deck 1, Ready Room - ASCRD Ensign Stennin- 1010) (USS Illuminar - Deck 1, Ready Room - CO- Lieutenant Commander Sekal- 1045) (USS Illuminar -- Meeting Room -- Deck 1 -- CMO Lt. J.G. Quinna Solice -- 1052) >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< Mission: The Root of Decay Day: 17 Stardate: 2445.09.17 >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< (Bajor, Ashala - Temple District - Janus - 2245) >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< Mission: The Root of Decay Day: 18 Stardate: 2445.09.18 >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< (USS Illuminar - Personal Quarters -- Deck 2 -- CMO Lt. J.G. Quinna Solice -- 0437) (USS Illuminar - Deck 2, Personal quarters- SPC Couns Alaya Ravenstone- 0633) (USS Illuminar - Deck 2, Personal quarters- SecO - Petty Officer (1st Class) Steven Hammons- 0635) (USS Illuminar - Deck 2, Officer's Mess Hall - Chef Edwin Glasmaker - 0640) (USS Illuminar - Deck 2, Personal quarters- SecO - PO (1st Class) Steven Hammons- 0700) (USS Illuminar, Deck 14, Security – SecO- Petty Officer (1st Class) Steven Hammons - 0738) (USS Illuminar, Deck 14, Security – SecO- Ensign Janice Hammerfield - 0739) (USS Illuminar, Deck 14, Security – SecO- Petty Officer 1st Class) Steven Hammons- 0740) (USS Illuminar, Deck 14, Security – SecO- Ensign Janice Hammerfield - 0741) (USS Illuminar Deck 1 – Ensign Dieter Gregory – 08:30) (USS Illuminar – Gregory’s quarters – Deck 3 – Ops, Ens Dieter Gregory - 09:11) (USS Illuminar Deck 3 – Ensign Gregory's Quarters – SPC Luma'lenai – 09:12) (USS Illuminar, Deck 5 - Main Engineering – ACEO, Ens(sg) Vex'ahlia Jordaan – 09:14) (USS Illuminar - Sickbay -- Deck 5 -- CMO Lt. J.G. Quinna Solice -- 0919) (USS Illuminar - ENS Gregory's Quartters - ACOUNS ACMO ENS SG Ariel Trei - 09.20) (USS Illuminar - ENS Gregory's Quarters - ACEO, Ens(sg) Vex’ahlia Jordaan - 09.28) (USS Illuminar – Gregory’s quarters – Deck 3 – SPC Luma'lenai - 09:32) (USS Illuminar - Gregory's Quarters - ACOUNS ACMO ENS SG Ariel Trei - 09.35) (USS Illuminar - Gregory's Quarters – Ops-Ensign Dieter Gregory - 09.40) (USS Illuminar -- Gregory Personal Quarters -- Deck 4 -- CMO Lt. J. G. Quinna Solice -- 0950) (USS Illuminar – Deck 3 – Gregory’s quarters – Ops, Ens(jg) Dieter Gregory - 10:05) (USS Illuminar - Deck 1 Meeting Room - ACOUNS ACMO ENS SG Ariel Trei - 10.50) (USS Illuminar, Deck 1 - Officers Briefing Room – 2O, Lt. Carson Peters – 13:00) (USS Illuminar, Deck 1 - Officers Briefing Room – SecO, Petty Officer (1st Class) Steven Hammons – 1302) (USS Illuminar, Deck 1 - Officers Briefing Room – SecO, Ensign Janice Hammerfield – 1304) (USS Illuminar, Deck 1 - Officers Briefing Room – SO Ensign(jg) Tressa Talence – 13:09) (USS Illuminar, Deck 1 - Officers Briefing Room - 2O, Lt. Carson Peters - 1310) (USS Illuminar, Deck 1 - Officers Briefing Room – SecO Ensign Janice Hammerfield - 1313) (USS Illuminar, Deck 1 - Officers Briefing Room – SO Ensign(jg) Tressa Talence – 13:15) (USS Illuminar, Deck 1 - Officers Briefing Room – Ensign Janice Hammerfield– 13:16) (USS Illuminar, Deck 1 - Officers Briefing Room - Ops, Petty Officer Charles Tamblyn - 1319) >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< Day: 4 >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< (USS Illuminar - Deck 1, Ready Room - CO, Lieutenant Commander Sekal / FO, Lieutenant Sienna Verin-Williams / 2O, Lieutenant Carson Peters / ACEO, Ens(jg) Vex’ahlia Jordaan & Computer Specialist, Luma’Lenai - 0200) Waiting patiently as the crew filed out of the room one-by-one, some looking as anxious as they felt, some eager to return to bed or their duty station, whichever Q had ripped them from earlier on in the evening. She stifled a yawn upon thinking about this, remembering she was now missing crucial sleeping time. But this needed to be done, Luma wouldn’t feel at ease until she and Vex had spoken with the command crew and made them aware of what Q had essentially forced her to say. Carson had moved from being concerned about the Q experience for himself, to being concerned for the crew and now even more concerned and worried about why Vex had requested that he, Sienna & Sekal stay behind after the meeting. What had been so horrific and mystifying that she couldn’t talk about it in front of the rest of the crew? Sekal had waited to be the last from the meeting room however Ensign Jordaan had something more to say so when there were none left but those four he interlaced his fingers upon the tabletop and gave her his undivided attention. He was aware that a single member of the engineering group looking down the table at the full command team could possibly be intimidated so he purposely unfolded his hands and leaned back in the chair before speaking. "There is sufficient time to air what you are thinking Ensign Jordaan, you may begin when ready." Sitting a little straighter, Vex put her hands on the table, “I’ve waited until the rest had left to talk to the three of you about our Q experience,” she said as she looked from each of the faces looking at each one of them. “Ours?” Carson asked inquisitively. He wondered for a second whether Vex had been shown others conversations with Q. “Luma and my experience with Q was shared, or rather, I should say- I was brought into Luma’s experience with Q.” Vex said a little more sharply than she had intended. “Sorry… the reason we’ve waited is because what we have to tell you is better only heard by the ears inside this room. At least until you have decided who can know about it, Captain.” Sekal nodded, as a former mind bondmate he had caught her inference instantly but he remained silent, allowing her to tell it at her own pace. Sienna had stopped, knowing that she needed to be here as much as she needed to interact with the medical staff. She sat back down, closer to Vex. Carson stood up and moved to one of the consoles by the door, tapped in his command codes and deactivated the active recording within the conference room. He returned to the chair next to Vex and said, “Recordings off.” “Q brought me into his conversation with Luma, in my view, as an attempt to break our relationship. He showed me certain atrocities on Earth as well as my parents… dead on the ground. I don’t think my reaction was as he expected.” Luma, who had remained uncharacteristically silent throughout the whole briefing spoke softly, =^=Luma is sorry.=^= There was pain and hurt in the Lenai's very expressive voice. “He inferred that Luma had the power to either stop or reverse things that had already happened…” she let that hang for a moment. “Understand and I’m sure you all will, that Luma didn’t want these… powers? To be known amongst the people from Intelligence and she’s insisting that I make it clear to you all that I also didn’t know about them until these hours just past.” Sienna sighed as she listened. As the one who first found Luma, Sienna thought they had shared a connection. Sy had written the requirements for Luma's bondmate. “Luma told me that the Q were the people who helped her kind shift to the stars, therefore they have a lot of knowledge on them. Q required Luma to tell me that she has the ability to… shift between different universes & time travel.” Vex spoke. "Fascinating." Sekal leaned forward. "That is quite logical to a point. Am I correct in assuming they took this step at the last moment in order to keep the Lenai race from being obliterated?" Luma made a softly sad sound, =^=Yes. We were gifted it to save us. But, the fabric is too disrupted most of the time and the way to seal it requires a collapse of adjoining universes. Luma will not use those abilities.=^= the Lenai was rarely adamant. The Vulcan nodded. The Q then had acted to avoid the complete annihilation of a species but over time other events had overtaken them leaving Luma as the last of her kind. Q's interest in the Lenai then could be easily explained. "It would seem logical that this particular Q finds the combination of Luma and her mind bondmate to be disconcerting and perhaps even a threat. It should be obvious by his attempt to drive a wedge between them. While Q can be illogical to the extreme and seems at times irrational he manifests purpose in his activities and this particular purpose is quite simple to expose." He gave Vex a long and interested look. "In short he believes he has cause to fear you or what the two of you may become." Sienna gave Sekal a look, "Or there is another reason. Maybe this is a test of us and Vex and our loyalty to Luma. And maybe there is something about Bajor that we need her abilities for. Luma knew of the Trill coming to Mars before any of us. Luma, how did you know?" =^=Luma could feel the vibrations and the trill that are joined feel different and that ship had a lot of joined aboard.=^= A soft pause, =^=None of you can tell, the Intelligence people will come take Luma and nothing our Saleke could do will stop them. Luma does not want to return to nothingness!!=^= Everything Luma said she heard was through her mind and the computer speech, which was frustrating, but she could bare it so they could get this sorted. “And this is the reason Luma didn’t share her abilities until now. She, rightly so in my mind, fears that the upper echelons of Starfleet or the Federation would want to study and perhaps force her to use these gifts… as destructive as they are.” Sekal considered for a moment. "This will not go on an official report however Admiral Saleke must be notified upon our return to Mars along with your concerns. Since he has vowed to keep Luma's safety a priority he will know best how to handle the information and what to do if it gets out. And that is a priority, he must be forewarned in the event the information becomes available to unsavory elements." “I agree,” Carson said. He’d been quiet as he listened to everyone's thoughts, “You may not like it too much Luma, but you’re a part of this crew and we won’t let anyone take advantage of you. Can you explain how these… abilities, I guess? Work?” =^=Luma enjoys being crew. Luma would rather tell Our Saleke quietly in person rather than have you tell him. If he touches the skin it can be done telepathically.=^= The second half of the request was more difficult. =^=Our Sekal will touch the skin?=^= Once he had done so, Luma joined all four minds, Carson through Vex, and showed them how she could view, feel and taste the space time continuum. She showed them the weak spots she had observed around them. After that spectacular five second bond, Luma released them. Sienna leaned back, her eyes wide and then had to force herself to blink, "Wow. Q showed me something about the STC in my vision, he said it had to do with the Civil War, about ships coming into our own universe. I…" she took a drink of water "Can we get access to that information? It may just be Q messing with us, but I would rather know what he meant than just speculate." "Of course." Sekal observed. "That data will be readily available to a command officer or at most a member of the Admirality. Admiral Jericho Haynes would be the logical choice as he is in oversight of Tactical however there are others who would have access to it as well." Still not used to having images & visions placed into his mind, Carson took a little while longer to come back into the room and missed a portion of the conversation that had gone before. Reminding himself that he wanted to work with Vex & Luma privately to learn more about protecting his mind and recovering from when it was used telepathically. “That seems… logical.” He said slowly and with a small grin on this face, having borrowed a Vulcan saying. Vex yawned next to him, “Sorry. I was asleep when Q dragged me into this mess.” Sekal nodded. "I will request access to the information and disseminate it to the rest of you. Is there anything else?" "I need to see Trei and Dr. Solice before I can sleep. We will figure it out, Luma." Sy stretched, pretty tired herself. "We need better stimulants. This won't be the first time we will be awoken. My Mother told me it is a skill we learn, until then to drink lots of coffee." Sekal nodded and rose to his feet. "Make what preparations are necessary Lieutenant." He looked at Vex. "Thank you for bringing this to our attention. Lieutenant Peters has the bridge and the rest are dismissed." He motioned for Carson to stay behind for just a moment to issue final instructions. "I expect to be notified if there are any other … abnormal situations encountered tonight." “Of course.” Carson nodded as he stood up. (Reply none) (Posted by Jono Bradley (2/0 Carson Peters and SPC Vex’ahlia Jordaan) (Melinda Gatling (FO Sienna Williams-Verin and SPC Luma'Lenai) And (Charles Gatling (CO Lieutenant Commander Sekal) (USS Illuminar - Deck 1, Ready Room - CO- Lieutenant Commander Sekal- 1009) "Is there a need to raise security measures around our medical camps? If there is a risk of violence, both the medical teams and the scientific investigators must be protected." (Reply: Jaton) "Affirmative," Sekal replied, "security will be provided for our teams. If it becomes impossible to protect them then they will be withdrawn. While there may be some element of risk involved I will not put the crew of this ship into an untenable situation and risk loss of life." Stennin nodded in agreementbut. "Bajor has a long history with Starfleet. And a most troubled one, at best. But we have to trust the people of Deep Space Nine to uphold their duties." "After we arrive at Andros I will assess the situation, it may be that Deep Space Nine will be able to provide assistance but Illuminar will be taking the lead on this at the request of the government. If you require particular help from the station in the form of specialists or equipment you may request it directly." (Reply: Stennin, Alyl) Sekal's eyes were on both. "It must be remembered that this assignment may become untenable for you or other members of the crew and while it carries considerable importance for Bajor I will not sacrifice a member of my crew. If in your estimation it becomes too dangerous to continue then anyone involved has the option to recommend the project be ceased and the crew withdrawn. Am I understood?" (Reply: Stennin, Alyl) Sekal nodded. "You have three days to make your preparations, plans for how to attack the situation and any specialized equipment should already be in place and available when we arrive. Due to the severe nature of the emergency I will waste no time in assessing the situation and taking necessary action. Are there any final questions or comments?" (Reply: Stennin, Alyl) (Posted by Charles G) >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< Day: 5 >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< (Illuminar, Deck 11, Engineering, EO Ensign Matrix, 0853) Scott was overfilled, but keep pace with the urgency of the situation. Corrected by is superiors he managed to relax and took the opportunity to learn from the situation. Taya seemed confident so he decided to lean on her experience and knowledge. It wasn’t long before his trust was solidified. “Undersood.” Replied Scott. (Reply Taya, IYW) “Adjusting the manifold unput on your command.” He continued. Several minutes pasted without word or command. Scott assumed all was well and he only needed to man the station and prepare for any orders. From no on he would’t try to second guess anyone. (Reply any, none) (Posted by Steve) (USS Amazon – en route to Dennorios Belt - Ops, Ensign Dieter Gregory - 10:00) Cleaned up and back in uniform, Gregory sipped his tea as he looked over the data that Murdok had accumulated. There were multiple measurements of omicron particles with the same field strength, but with increasing length of the vector from the origin. Interestingly and concerning the vectors were targeting Deep Space Nine. While the field strength was not of a concern to lifeforms, the fact that it appears specifically directed at the station. “In searching the records,” Murdok began, “I found an obscure reference to Omicron Particles buried in mission logs. It seems in Lieutenant Jadzia Dax was on mission in the early days of exploration of the Gamma Quadrant. She came across a plant with very high levels of Omicron particles. The record shows that the Omicron particles were being emitted from a reactor on the planet that was responsible for the generation of a complex hologram that depicted a whole village. This hologram had effectively taken on a life-story of its own, with marriages, births, deaths and more. It turned out it was created by a Yaderan named Rurigan.” Murdok paused. “There is little details beyond that report. Nothing on the structure of the reactor, details on the generation of the holograms via this generator. How connected these two details are is not clear. Other references to Omicron particles come from the logs of the USS Voyager, including a reference to some lifeform that used Omicron particles in a circulatory system, and weaponized by a species called the Chokuzan.” Murdok hands a PADD to Dieter, “I have summarized this information here.” “So you see Ensign,” Lieutenant Johnson said, “What began as an anomalous reading that Murdok brought you have opened a rather sticky wicket. Each of these uses of Omicron radiation have vastly different outcomes and consequences, The fact that it is happening in the Dennorios belt has be believing it has more to do with the Yaderan technology than what was found in the Delta quadrant.” Gregory nodded, “So we start by laying some sensor buoys along the vector of these particles and see what more we can learn about them.” “Correct, Ensign,” Johnson said. “I need you to start configuring the sensor probes we brought to enhance on Omicron particles. You should also make sure to include extra bands for neutrinos and of course, your favorite tachyon particles.” “Murdok, while Gregory is getting the probes prepared, please identify the best placement of the probes and send their location to DN9 and Bajor so they can be marked as possible hazards for travel.” “Aye, aye, Lieutenant,” the two ensigns said in unison. (USS Amazon – Mission Bay 1 - Ops, Ensign Dieter Gregory -11:00) Lifting the cover off the third probe, Gregory put it to the side on the work table. After connecting the bridging wires from his console to the probe, he sat down and began to validate the sensors of probe 3. The routine would take about ten minutes to run, ensuring the proper recalibration of the probe as per the Lieutenants requirements, along with a little extra boost based on Gregory’s knowledge of taycheons. While that was running, he took the molecular bonding tool and programed in the text. Carefully running it over the side of the probe, he labeled the probe ‘Aramis’. “What better than the Musketeers to seek out what’s going on out there,” came the Lieutenant’s voice from the doorway. “How is it going Ensign?” “Excellent, Lieutenant,” he replied, “Only have to finish with D’Artagnan, and the probes will be ready to go.” “Why the names?” “Well, Lieutenant, I always hate readings from ‘probe 1’, or ‘probe at Coordinates X, Y and Z.’ It’s much nicer to say “Athos has found alpha or the like. Call it a quirk of mine. I had a colleague at the Daystrom institute who named his various instruments after characters from a 20th century show called the ‘Muppets’. He always knew which instrument was giving him the data. I liked the idea and take advantage of names from different literature I’ve read. Today it is Dumas.” “Make sure that Murdok has the appropriate names entered into the computer,” Johnson said. “Of course, Lieutenant. The probes are designed to broadcast their designation as well as location.” “When will you be finished Ensign?” “I expect to be done with the programing in another 30 minutes. I’ll load the probes into the launchers, which will take me about 20 minutes to load and confirm that everything is nominal.” ~Assuming Murphy is looking the other way.~ Gregory thought to himself. “Excellent, we should be on station by then. Carry on Ensign.” “Aye, Aye, Ma’am.” Gregory turned back to his work, checking the status of the programing on Aramis. The code was complete, and the diagnostics were running to make sure things were fine. Taking a sip of his tea, Gregory started to reflect on his near-death experience. He was fortunate that he didn’t go splat. ~They say that God watches out for fools, drunks and little children. Guess it was my day to be lucky.~ Staring at the corner, Gregory was aroused from his reverie by the computer. [Probe Aramis is complete. All systems nominal.] Disconnecting the probe from the station, he slid the cover on and quickly fastened it close. Twenty minutes later, the last probe ‘D’Artagnan’ was ready for the mission. Time to load the probes into the launchers. (USS Amazon – Main Deck - Ops, Ensign Dieter Gregory -12:05) Gregory walked onto the main deck. “Everything is shipshape and Bristol fashion,” he announced. “The Musketeers are ready to do their work.” Plopping down into the seat Gregory turns to the Ops controls. “Lieutenant, everything is ready for Murdok to upload the coordinates for the probes.” “Uploading now,” Murdok replied. “Probes are ready for launch on your command Lieutenant.” “Make it so,” Johnson said. The runabout was filled with the sound of the probes launching. Thawp…. Thawp… Thawp … Thawp…. “Probes away,” Murdok said. “All readings nominal.” “And now we wait,” Johnson said. “Now we wait.” (Reply: None) (Posted by Tim B.) (USS Amazon –Dennorios Belt - Ops, Ensign Dieter Gregory - 14:00) “The probes are on station Lieutenant. All readings are nominal,” Murdok reported. “The telemetry is excellent.” Gregory looked at the returning data on his screen, “Yup, there is the 1440 tachyon line, and there is a moderate neutrino flux in line with the measurements from the station.” “OK. The trap is set, and we’ll have constant readings back at the station. I’ve set alerts to notive us of more Omicron particles. I think it’s time to return to the station and monitor the situation,” the Lieutenant says. “Gregory, good time to practice your astronavigation skills, plot a course to the station.” Gregory rolled his eyes. ~Astronavigation is why we have computers.~ he thought as he started the programs running. Suddenly, his screen went blank, “Opps. Seem you have a computer failure Mr. Gregory. What course should I lay in?” ~Damned. So much for the easy way out.~ Taking last known position of the station and their position relative to it, he began to work out the formulas. Adding galactic motion, to the equation, he crunched the numbers. After a long, silent five minutes, “Course 234.87 by 48.96,” he called out. “Close Ensign. I make it 234.86 by 48.94. I think you forgot to adjust your kappa value.” ~Damn, she’s right. This is why I fix things.~ “Course laid in, Lieutenant,” Murdok said. “Engage.” (Deep Space Nine – Ops, Ensign Dieter Gregory – 19:00) Hours passed and the Amazon arrived at the station a bit after 18:20. It has been a very long day for Gregory, so he headed to his quarters for a long sonic shower and a good night sleep. He even turned off the alarms for the omicron particles and was asleep when his head hit the pillow. (Stardate 445.09.06 - Deep Space Nine – Quarks Bar – Ensign Dieter Gregory – 20:00) The day passed somewhat peacefully for Gregory. The Chief had him working on something other than waste systems for the day, as there were some loader issues on Cargo bay 9, where some 20 cases of live Bajoran shrimp were waiting for transport by a Kzinti trader who was ready to launch an all-out war with the Chief. Having taken the whole loader apart, Gregory had found a burnt out brushing that was causing the system to short out. With the Kzinti trader satisfied and the shrimp off the station, it was time for dinner and a drink, or two. The probes had been silent today, which made Gregory wonder if they were not chasing a ghost. Gregory slid into the seat at the bar, motioning for a drink. A synthale was placed in front of him. With one hand on the mug, he used his other to pull out the operations tricorder and began monitoring the area. Quarks ears perked up at the sound of the beeps from the device. “What are you doing Ensign? I thought I made it clear no tricorders at the bar. Are you deaf Hew-mon, or just forgetful?” “Well Quark, the Chief said there still were some strange reading coming from level 7 section 5.” Gregory paused, “Wait, isn’t that here Quark? I could, if you prefer, shut down the place while I worked to find the source of the readings the Chief is concerned about. Could take me two or three days even. And since Igeba seems to be unable to find or correct them, pursuant to clause 7, paragraph 5, section 2, subsection b of your most recent lease, station personal are ultimately responsible for all safety issues on the station. Since we don’t know what is causing these readings, we would be irresponsible if we didn’t act.” Gregory took a sip of his drink, “Besides, what is it that you Ferengi say, ‘Small print leads to large risk.” “114th rule of Acquisition,” Quark replied, “The 119th rule applies here. How much for you to put that away and let Igeba have another go at finding this concerning source?” “Quark, when will you learn?” Gregory asked. “Just checking. Always good to do that once and a while.” The tricorder started beeping. Looking at the device, it was the alarm for an omicron particle field. Accessing the data, it was showing the same field strength and vector, but showed a higher concentration of the particles than before. Interesting. As Gregory was making notes, a second alarm sounded. Jumping up, Gregory started walking around the bar. Moving towards the holosuites, the signal got stronger. This was the signal that the Chief was concerned about. As he tried to get a fix on the signal, it disappeared, leaving Gregory perplexed. Tapping his com badge, =^= Chief, that ghost is back. Somewhere in Quarks, near the holosuites. =^= =^=Understood Ensign. I’ll send a team to sweep. =^= (Reply: None) (Posted by Tim B.) (Illuminar, Deck 1- Bridge - FO - Lt. Sienna Williams-Verin , 2140) Sienna had been on the bridge for her entire shift and was beginning to grow tired. They were doing the maximum warp speed trial. Travelling at the highest speed that was deemed safe. She personally thought that the ship could go faster, and so far the new drive had exceeded the maximum time at the maximum warp speed. Looking down at her chrono while sitting in the command seat she suppressed a yawn. She kept an eye on everything via her retractable screen. The Exeter was keeping pace beside them, she noticed, and she wished they were further apart. Her mind drifted for a good ten minutes. It was then that the ship lurched, and Sienna felt something happen that felt 'wrong'. "Report." Sienna ordered, as the ship shuddered again. ::Luma!:: Sy called out telepathically. ::Luma busy!:: Luma replied , showing the blown panel in engineering and that Vex and some other ensigns were hurt. Sienna stood up, balancing as she moved over towards the engineering console when the Flight officer spoke, "We're going past warp 10." The officer spoke, his voice confused. "Verify that?" She asked, frowning as she reached the engineering console. Her eyes widened as she saw the power flows were all over the place. "Is this correct?" She asked, with a frown. "That we blew an EPS conduit and the power went crazy and we slipped into warp 10, then somehow into the subspace river that had collapsed decades ago? That shouldn't be here? Yeah." Sienna nodded, "Lt. Verin to Commander Sekal, we have slipped into warp 10 and the subspace river. We are compensating." Sienna next called to engineering, "Ensign Taya, talk to me about the repair time." ::Luma sorry, Vex is being cared for. Luma did the best she could, she ducked us sideways so that we would not continue going at the warp 10. The warp 10 is not a safe speed...:: The ship turned as Luma surfed, ::When the power is rerouted properly, we can drop out as easily as we entered.:: Sienna nodded as she watched over the other Ensign's shoulder as the power was rerouted. Sienna bumped the hip of the engineering ensign as the ship shuddered again. The River was not exactly the smoothest ride. Sienna felt the bond between her and Ailynn break at the distance and tried not to whimper out loud, but was thankful for it. "Lt. Verin to Medical - report on the injuries." For some reason Sienna was no longer sleepy. And Carson would be on the bridge soon. She hoped that they would not have to stop and facilitate the repairs. She had a distinct desire to beat the Exeter to Bajor. (reply Taya, Medical, any) (posted by Mel) (USS Illuminar, Deck 1 - Turbolift - 2O, Lt. Carson Peters, 2201) About to start his rotation on the Bridge, Carson was riding the turbolift alone. He stood thinking on the experience with Q the day before- as he had for most of the day in all honesty. A sudden jerk threw him off balance a little. ~What the...?~ The Illuminar was a top class vessel, with a ridiculous amount of upgrades and enhancements there should be no reason he'd be able to feel the ship increasing or decreasing speed in the way he just had. The lights flickered on and off within the lift and on instinct he backed away into the middle of the list and felt for the phaser he had attached to him. Another moment passed as the light flickered on and off and then the turbolift doors opened and he could see in front of him a Bridge in action. (USS Illuminar, Deck 1 - Main Bridge - 2O, Lt. Carson Peters, 2204) "Lt. Verin to Commander Sekal, we have slipped into warp 10 and the subspace river. We are compensating." Sienna's voice rang out over the sound of the Bridge as Carson stepped on. (Reply Sekal) "I'm here," he said briefly as he moved around the Bridge Something had clearly gone awry with the Maximum Warp test they had been running. As there was no helmsperson there at the time, Carson could only assume Luma was flying the ship currently. She did it periodically during times when Sienna or Sekal were on the Bridge as they were able to communicate with her, Sekal via touch and Sienna using her half-Betazoid empathic senses. Carson however had no luck, so whenever he was on Bridge in control he required an actual helmsperson. Looking around it seemed that they hadn't made it there yet. Sienna next called to engineering, "Ensign Taya, talk to me about the repair time." The ship automatically opened up an open line to Main Engineering and they could hear Taya somewhat agressively trying to figure out what had gone wrong, =^=Scott, I want a full diagnostic now!=^= said Taya. =^=Why is this happening and what do we need to do to fix it?=^= He knew Vex would have just arrived in Engineering as this had happened and would be helping out the best she could. She'd be able to keep Taya calm enough to resolve the issue with the assistance of Ensign Matrix, there was no doubt in his mind. A conversation seemed to happen between Matrix and Taya before she replied to Sienna, =^=Conduits blown, staff injured, a complete mess down here. We're going to need time before...=^= the last part of her statement was cut-off as the ship lurched forward once again. "Back at Warp 10.. 10.1... 10.2... 10.3" came a voice from somewhere to the right of where Carson was standing. =^=Components around the ship are giving way. Unable to compensate quickly enough for the amount of power being surged through the core.=^= Taya seemed breathless as the sound of her voice broke through again. Understanding they were now in for a rough ride, whether that be down to the subspace river they'd somehow managed to find there way into or because of the Drive going into what Carson assumed was a meltdown, he sat down in the First Officers chair and gripped. He looked to Sienna and saw she had a somewhat distant look to her face which told him she was concentrating on communicating with Luma. The ship seemed to slow again as Luma did something to try and reduce the speed it was gaining. "Stable at Warp 9.8... 9.7" came the voice from the Engineering station on the Bridge. "Chief, use the time we have before the next surge. Can we bring the core offline if we're now surfing the Subspace river?" It might have been a stupid question, but since he had very little knowledge on how the crystal drive or the subspace river worked it had to be asked. =^=Wouldn't be possible, unless you want to be ripped in half.=^= Came Taya's response. Another few tense minutes passed as the ship continued to surf the river at Warp 9.7. It seemed as if Luma was managing to keep the ship at the lower speed by incrementally changing the ships direction within the river. Whenever the speed began raising torwards Warp 10 the ship would change direction ever so slightly. "Lt. Verin to Medical - report on the injuries." Sienna said as she once again became fully present within the room. (Reply Medical) Carson nodded to her as she turned to look at him, she looked a little startled as if she hadn't noticed him up until that moment. =^=Engineering to Bridge, I think we have a handle on this. Request we extracate ourselves from the River and slow down so we have implement repairs.=^= (Reply Sienna/Luma/Any on Bridge) (Posted by Jono Bradley) (Illuminar, Deck 11, Engineering, Acting CEO Ensign sg Taya, 2208) Taya had been resting in her quarters after a fourteen-hour shift, when she received an emergency call from engineering. She had kicked off her shoes and removed her uniform jacket, so when she jumped up, she had to quickly put them back on. Bursting into engineering, she demanded an update. However unlikely, the ship was moving at warp 10. "Scott, I want a full diagnostic now!" said Taya. "Why is this happening and what do we need to do to fix it?" Taya tapped into the bridge engineering console. What she saw caused her to freeze for a moment, her antennae standing upright. Were these readings accurate? Had the ship actually gone there? Taya checked the readings again. The Illuminar was in the subspace river. (reply Matrix, Vex, any) (posted by Rob) (USS Illuminar - Main Engineering – ACEO, Ensign(SG) Vex’ahlia Jordaan – 2220) Nothing. Darkness. PAIN. “You should have stayed with me.” Her father was standing next to her looking as pained as she felt. She reached for her back as pain seared down it, “Help me..” she asked weakly. Did she really expect empathy from the father which she had excommunicated herself from last year. “You didn’t help me... the family business, in ruins. I’m struggling to keep it afloat after you blocked me from the funds. It’s only right you’re struggling here in Starfleet.” She could head and feel the spite and hatred in his voice. The scene shifted. Mother was now standing over her, “Stay still Dear. This will be over quickly.” She smiled and for a moment Vex thought everything was going to be fine. PAIN. Voices in the distance and just a lot more PAIN. “Ensign I am Dr Edwards from Sickbay. Can you hear me?” She opened her eyes slowly, there were flashing lights going on around her which hurt to look at. Vex tried to move her head, but no, that wasn’t going to work. An outline of what looked like a man was crouching over her. “Wh... What happened?” (Reply Edwards, Engineering) (Posted by Jono Bradley - Vex’ahlia Jordaan) (USS Illuminar - Main Engineering – Surgeon, Ensign (JG) -Mark Edwards – 2228) He watched carefully as Vex opened her eyes, slowly at first and also moved her head slightly. ~Good she is coming round~ “Wh... What happened?” He gave her a reassuring smile. “Everything is going to be okay. There was an explosion you were caught in the back and flung across engineering where you collided with a bulkhead.” (reply Vex) He scanned her again with his tricorder interpreting the information now that she was conscious “Can you tell we where is hurts?” (reply Vex) (Reply Vex, any) (Posted by Robbie)(SPC Mark Edwards) (USS Illuminar - Main Engineering – ACEO, Ens(sg) Vex'ahlia Jordaan – 2229) “Everything is going to be okay. There was an explosion you were caught in the back and flung across engineering where you collided with a bulkhead.” That didn't feel right. She didn't remember colliding with anything. If anything she thought she remembered Luma beaming her out mid-air and then a graceful landing. Maybe she was making that up? ::Luma:: she reached out and as she did a large pain flared up her back. She could feel Luma's sympathy and at the same time realised that Luma was increasingly busy trying to maintain the ship's speed and direction. "Oh... ow... really?" she said as she tried to sit up. "Nope." was all she could say as a hot searing pain triggered a spasm in the lower back. “Can you tell we where is hurts?” Vex blinked, not sure whether she was mis-hearing the Doctor. She had to be. The pain was too great. "Isn't that thing... supposed.. to tell you that." she tried to joke through the heavy breathing. "Back. Burns. ARH." She was vaguely aware that the Chief was now hurrying around Engineering barking out orders and talking with the Bridge. (Reply Edwards) She tried to move her head left and then to the right, but there was limited movement available to her. Starting to panic, she tried to sit back up again. Another flare of pain. "ARH." she set about just lying there. The cold metal on her back seemed to relieve some of the pain. (Reply Edwards, any in Engineering) (Posted by Jono Bradley - Vex'ahlia Jordaan) (USS Illuminar - Main Engineering – EO, Ens Scott Matrix – 2237) Scott lay semi conscious near the secondary engineering panel. His head was bleeding from a cut above his left eye. His right arm was twisted in unnatural pose, the bone protruding out of his uniform. A few moments later he started to see blurry light and the smell of burned electrical circuits and conduits. In an instant he realized his right arm was badly broken. He sat up while trying not to put weight or pressure on it. Managing to sit up he leaned against the bulkhead and tried to get his bearings. He reached up with his left arm and wiped the blood from his forehead. Tapping his combadge he tried to contact the bridge, but the error chirp indicated either his badge was inoperable or communications were out. He noticed his right leg didn’t look right. His legs were stretched out in front of him, but his right foot was flush with the floor. “Anyone…there?” Scott looked around, but soon submitted to the pain...thankfully it made him pass out. (Reply any, none) (Posted by Steve) >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< Day: 7 >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< (Deep Space 9 – Habitat ring 3 - Ops, Ensign Dieter Gregory - 06:00) “Hey, watch where you are going,” came the call from behind Gregory as a early rising Bajorin crew member waved his fist at the running ensign. Checking his watch, Gregory confirmed he was on pace while dodging another crewman coming out of their quarters. Three more laps around the habitat ring and he’s be finished for today. Sweat beaded on his brow as he turned the corner and started picking up the pace. He was perplexed, after picking up the anomaly in Quarks last night, the crew that the Chief had sent found nothing out of the ordinary. If it wasn’t for the record on his tricorder, Gregory would be doubting his sanity. He’d have to talk to Murdok and the Lieutenant later today on the status of the probes and this odd reading. The best think about running in the habitat ring was that he had to dodge people as they came out of their rooms. Bob and weave … dodge left and right. At least most crew on this level knew Gregory’s schedule, and some even would join in at times. Not today. Gregory was alone as he made another turn and stopped dead in his tracks. The Bajorian in the blue shirt and bow tie looked right at Gregory. “It is happening again.” The giant said. “What is happening again?” Gregory asked, but the giant ignored him and repeated, “It it happening again.” Gregory sidestepped the giant and started off again, picking up the pace. A glance over his shoulder showed the giant was not following him. ~Am I losing my mind? Did I hit my head somewhere? I am not going to a counselor. Don’t need anyone asking me questions or calling me crazy.~ Dodging more crew, and a few curses, he rounded the bend to where his encounter with the giant just moments ago to find an empty corridor. He stopped in his tracks and tapped his com badge. =^= Ops, this is Gregory. Can you scan the area around where I am on habitat ring 3? Also please review the logs for the last 10 minutes. =^= =^= What are you looking for Ensign? =^= =^= A Giant Bajorian, about 7 feet tall or so. =^= =^= The scanners show nothing Ensign. Are you sure you’re getting enough Oxygen? =^= =^= Very funny Ops. Gregory out. =^= (Deep Space 9 – Operations - Ops, Ensign Dieter Gregory -09:00) “I have run diagnostics on the internal sensors and found nothing out of the ordinary,” Johnson said. “I don’t know how to explain what your tricorder is picking up and why our sensors are not. However, I have programed them to scan for that frequency and modulation.” “Thanks Lieutenant,” Gregory replied. Murdok pulled up the sensor reports, “The probes have identified three more pulses within our parameters. The field strength was higher this time, with a maximum of 0.7, which increased the distance the vector traveled by 40%. Based on the data to date, I have run a simulation and if the field strength goes to above 1.45, the vector should intersect the station.” “And how fast is the field strength increasing? Only a couple days ago it was at 0.2, and now it’s at 0.7. Is this a natural phenomenon? What we know of Omicron radiation is it is not natural, other than the report from Voyager’s adventures in the Delta Quadrant.” “And it Is aimed at the station bothers me,” Lieutenant Johnson said. “Especially as the field strength is increasing. If it gets to 10, we will start to have interference with some of the lower band sensors. I don’t like this one bit.” “We need more information, I have sent a communication to the Daystrom to speak to someone there about these particles,” Johnson said. “Murdok mentioned that Dax encountered a generator that gave off Omicron radiation. I wonder what wasn’t in the report?” Gregory asked, “Why don’t we ask?” “Dax is no longer in Star Fleet,” Murdok replied, “I ran a scan. The current trill is Cijin Dax, who is an artist of some note and philosopher.” “Great,” Gregory said, “Perhaps Lieutenant you might want to make the call?” “Indeed Mr. Gregory, I shall. The more we learn, the better armed we shall be. Now you better run off to check in with the Chief. I hear he's got some issues with one of the fire suppression systems in Cargobay nine," Johnson said with a chuckle. (Reply: None) (Posted by Tim B) (Illuminar, Deck 11, The Lounge, FO Lt. Sienna Williams-Verin & SecO Ensign Tressa Talence , 1305) Tressa was still getting to learn the Illuminar. There was a presence here one that she felt as soon as she came aboard. One that was in pain and hurt. She entered the small lounge on the back of end of deck 11. She followed her telepathic senses more than her physical ones. She scanned the crowd. It didn't take her long to find who she felt. Sitting by herself was a familiar face. She walked up and slid into the seat across from the person before her. She placed her hand in her chin and waited before she was noticed. Sienna was seated by the window, pizelle cookies on a plate before her and a cup of hot chocolate before her. She found herself buried in her work but almost noticed the person as they sat across from her. “I’m sorry but…” Her voice trailed off as her eyebrows shot up in surprise. She squealed in utter delight, her normal pain superceded by the delight in seeing a familiar face. ::Tressa! I didn’t know you were aboard?:: Sy asked, preferring to keep what was sure to be a horrible conversation as private as possible. Her good friend was not exactly known for her tact. And Sienna was thrilled to see her. :: It's good to see you. :: She smiled. :: It looks like you have a story to tell. But to answer your question. I had a choice of duty station after my own bit of drama, So I decided to be stationed here especially since I got your letter. Sorry I couldn't respond sooner.:: Sy bit her bottom lip. ::Which one? The one where I told you about the Trill vaccine or the one where I told you I was going to be the FO here?:: She had not told her old friend all of it, though Tressa could likely guess knowing Trip and how close Sy and Trip were. ::Tressa, if I’d known that you needed a transfer, I could have arranged it for you to be here. I wish you had told me. Wait, what drama?:: Sy narrowed her dark eyes and watched her dear friend. ::You know I would ask if I needed you help, but there was an underlying emotion to your letters. I couldn't bother you with something so small. As for drama my after graduation I was assigned to a starship made it to lieutenant, then my supervisor decided to make a move on me and now he's minus a few teeth. I was going through a board of inquiry when I got your letters. As you could imagine command wanted to keep things quiet. He got reprimand and won't be seeing anything close to a starship for sometime. I got busted back to ensign for conduct unbecoming, but they gave me my choice of duty station, so I came here.:: The look of murderous fury that crossed Sy’s features was quickly swallowed. ::You know my parents would have helped. Mom’s the Admiral head of startOps and Dad’s the Admiral head of the Academy. They were both promoted in the shakeup….:: She sighed, leaning back, ::Wow you made Lt. fast though! I’m super proud of you. I promise to be fair when I evaluate you.:: Sy winked, her emotions as much a roller coaster as always. She had not moved her body rather letting her mind slip into a more meditative state. :: I wasn't gonna ask for your parent’s help. Don't get me wrong I know they would’ve in a heart beat. But I'm still bull headed, still want to take the galaxy on by myself. I may of made Lt. fast but look at you FO now thats impressive.:: Tressa knew some of the problem since she couldn't feel Trip or for that any of the others that Sy kept in close company but she wasn't going to press the issue yet. While it was true Tressa lacked in the tack department didn't mean she was heartless. Sy kept biting her lower lip, her ‘tell’ that something was pretty wrong in her life. ::I should know this but are you what..security?:: She stopped chewing on her lower lip long enough to take up one of the pizzelle cookies and nibble on it. Nudging the plate across to Tressa she thought. ::I guess you can feel it, huh?:: She asked, tears springing to her eyes pretty fast. As they always did when she let the emotion out. :: Yes I'm in security.:: she slipped a cookie off the plate and took a nibble. :: And yes I can feel a good deal of turbulence in your thoughts. So why don't you tell me what's actually wrong.:: Sienna leaned back in her chair and closed her eyes, ::Start at the beginning. I fell hard for Ailynn Bracken. She got hurt on Trill, and it turned out that she had an aunt that was on board. A civilian that we all knew from when we were in high school, Ashlyn. I don’t really know the whys or wherefore, but my brother...he fell for Ashlyn. And I don’t hate Ash. I really don’t. When Lynn was hurt, the Imzadi bond sprung up between us. She’s mostly human with some bajoran in her. Lynn didn’t feel it the way I did, and she decided to go do some command courses. I was doing them at the same time, but I didn’t think, ya know?:: Sienna kept her eyes closed so the tears would not come. ::We drifted apart while she was pursuing command courses, and while I was getting the Trill virus situation taken care of. I wasn’t there, and Trip, he just kept falling in love. He got another chance at the bond. So he’s now the CO of the Exeter, with my Imzadi as his best friend and FO, and his now wife there with him. Heck he even has one of my parent’s foster kids there too. Oh and our cousin. And Lynn has her family, a brother and Ash. I’m here….with pretty much no one.:: That was the abbreviated version of the mess. ::I got pretty pissed at Trip. He’s so happy. But he left me too. He was the one person that wasn’t supposed to. And he says that he picked Lynn because he could send her to her death and he couldn’t do that to me. It was always supposed to be me and him as the CO/FO team with Lynn as our CMO. And at some point...apparently Trip decided that if he could get Lynn he would rather have her over me. :: The feeling of betrayal cut at Sienna even now. ::My fault, I know. Trip made that clear.:: Sy picked up a napkin and wiped her eyes after choking the emotions down hard again. She could not afford to be seen as weak to the crew. Sy always wore her emotions on her sleeve it was both a blessing and a curse. ::I've told you before what I feel about the Imzadi bond. It might form between two people but if that bond is not supported, allowed to grow, and fostered into something more. It will slowly break apart. I'm sorry those closest to you treated you poorly.:: She took a bite of the cookie. ::While your mind might feel the emptiest that it has ever been, that just makes it easier to find yourself, and you're not alone I will always be here for you as long as you need me to be. Remember I told you that in academy as well.:: Tressa took a deep breath as she flooded her mind with calming energies. Sienna was flooded with the calmness from her friend and she smiled lightly as they were connected. Sy reached over and touched Tressa’s hand. From the connection and the deliberate lowering of the shields between the two, Tressa could sense the jagged edges of the stretched and broken, almost shattered bond that was tearing Sienna literally apart. Every moment was exquisitely painful, and not in a good way. Underneath it were the memories - that Sienna had finally awakened sexually and had given herself to someone who had not understood. ::She was my first crush, my first love. I thought she was everything. Trip thinks that in the future she might return to me, and I don’t think I can handle that. The last conversation we had, where she said we were like Sisters and that’s how it should be...she was my best friend too, not just Trips’. I feel like my twin stole everything important from me, Tree. And that’s a horrible way to feel. Trip says I’m jealous and selfish...and maybe I am. I should have started to separate myself from him before… so that I didn’t have to deal with the love and delight that he is forming with his wife. I’m supposed to be happy for him. And part of me is. The part that doesn’t feel left alone and abandoned by the single most important in my life.:: Sy looked down into her hot cocoa. ::Sorry. You’re the first person I’ve felt like I could talk to about this. Dad came aboard to check on me before we launched.:: Sy tightened her fingers around Tressa’s hand. As Sy’s hand gripped hers tighter, Tressa could feel the mental bond strengthen. Reaching into her mind Tressa attempted to soothe the ragged edges of Sy's broken mind like a mother running her hand through her daughter's hair. ::I'm glad you found someone to confide in. It's hard to have a constant presence in our mind, a constant connection to someone important, and it hurts when that connection is gone. I don't mean to be rude but somewhere I'm sure you knew that you and Trip would go our own way one day. That doesn't mean it won't hurt.:: :: But his loss will be someone else's gain. You will blaze again, you will find someone who is deserving of your light, and you won't have to share your mind or your heart with anyone else but that person.:: She smiled as she spoke, "you know what will go great with these cookies, some hot tea." Tressa moved just enough to gain access to the near-by replicator and made her order and was granted her tea hot and steaming. When Tressa brought back the pot of tea and cups, Sy poured, showing off the ladylike talents that she was forced to acquire as part of her education. “You always knew best.” Sy spoke, a slight flirt to her voice that had never been there before. ::Trip never really cared, he always wanted what he got - to pretend to be human, to have his command. It was his dream. I just thought when the dream happened that I’d be the one with him, not my ex-girlfriend.:: She resumed the conversation via telepathy because she could not risk any of the crew overhearing this. ::Tressa, why didn’t you ever ask me out in the Academy? Was it because I didn’t know what I wanted and was so asexual? I really didn’t know. Guys just were not interesting and girls… well most were pretty boring too. I had friends that I sang and danced with at clubs...and I had you.:: Sy blinked as she sipped the tea. “This tea is fantastic. Is it one of your family specialties?” "Yes it is…" she grinned a flirtatious air to her voice was prominent. "I brought the coding when I came aboard even though mother sent me a fresh set before we set out." It was good to keep the vocal conversation to keep appearances up but returning to the task with in her mind. ::As for Trip if he got what he wanted so be it he's happy. Now do what makes you happy. Don't let his happiness be the cause of your heartache. As for us and Academy you weren't ready for a relationship I could feel that. You needed time to come into your own mind to find yourself and what you want to be. Honesty, I cared enough for you back in Academy to take a step back from you to give you space to come into your own person.:: Her thoughts might have been harsh but she felt Sy needed to hear them, felt that Sy was able to understand them. Sy continued to chew on her lower lip, ::I didn’t know what I wanted with Lynn, honestly. Can… Can you help me with breaking this bond that is destroying me? I want my twin back but I can’t handle being around him, happy for him, with how torn I am. And… I don’t love Lynn. I realized that when she didn’t seem to understand how this bond was ripping me. Making me bleed.:: She should have reached out to her friend sooner, Tressa could have helped her. ::I haven’t been to see the counselors either. We have a betazoid aboard, but…:: Sienna knew that Alaya would have done her best, and might even have known how. But she did not trust Alaya to keep her confidence and not report how badly the emotions were affecting her. ::I know that Trei has caught the edge of it at times, and Alaya Ravenstone has given me looks that say clearly that she’s giving me the space to deal with this on my own, but that she’s there. I guess I’m scared that I’m going to be the shortest FO in history if she makes the recommendation to remove me from command.:: That was not logical, at all but the fears were indeed real. ::As long as I am here, I will help you. It will take time and it will not be easy. But I will be there for you.:: Her voice calmly came across Sy's mind. She could feel the distrust especially from the aspect of other telepaths. If Tressa did not already have a history, a friendship she was sure Sy would not trust her. ::Trust is extremely important especially to us telepaths our entire society was built around being passive so I can not fault you for not trusting others who can feel your pain. But hopefully with me by your side you will seek out help. I won't let anyone treat you poorly.:: Sy blushed a little bit, ::I understand. It’s more that I am afraid of losing my Command spot, since.. Well since Trip is the CO of the other ship…:: She shrugged lightly. Sy closed her eyes for a moment, ::Thank you for being here, with me. Would you like to go out for uhm. A date? At some point? If you don’t want to be seen in public with me, we could goto the holodeck, or maybe picnic in my quarters. I have Kenna on board?:: Sienna and Tressa had spent a lot of time in her quarters in the academy playing with her cat. :: OH, I miss Kenna,:: came the happy response. ::But for the date have you even known me to hide anything. I have always been pretty upfront, so it doesn't matter to me. Whatever makes you comfortable.:: A soft blush tinged Sy's cheeks, ::She is getting on up there in years, but she is also still as playful as ever. She is my love:: and in some ways Sienna's best friend. Kenna had never let her down. ::Thing is, I guess no one would know, or guess. When we get serious, if we do, I have to report it to one of the command crew, Carson most likely. :: It was her job as the FO to think these things through. ::I just… I worry about your reputation too.:: Sy's heart was far too hurt to enter into any relationship right now. She was rushing far too ahead. :: If and when we get serious, You've been though a lot we are going to take things slow. If we develop a relationship it's gonna happen as you heal. Also, have I ever cared about my reputation. I understand you position as the FO, but as for myself it is a mute point.:: ::So uhm. When are you available?:: she smiled wildly at that, far more soothed and happier than she had been in months. ::For helping with meditating,:: Sy's eyes sparkled in mischievous delight. ::For a good friend I can make the time.:: An delightfully evil grin appeared on her face as she winked knowingly at Sy. Sy’s eyes widened and she blushed again. It felt really good to flirt. "Until then?" She asked with a smile. "Till then, and Oh I'll take my payment in grandma's cookies." She joked as she finished her tea. "Standing she did not want to capitalize the first officer's time anymore than she had to. She had come to help a friend and had done that now a uncertain yet hopeful future laid before them both as she smiled. "I'm sure we both have duties to attend to." She made her way out of the lounge and back into the ship's main corridors. Sienna watched her old friend leave with a soft smile, bemused before she returned to her reading. She had bridge duty soon. (reply any) (posted by Mel & Matt Locke) >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< Day: 4 >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< (Deep Space Nine – Crew Dining Area - Ops, Ens(jg) Dieter Gregory - 12:00) Gregory sat down in a corner table, back to the wall, away from the rest of the crew. The last few days had been busy with multiple repairs to different cargo bays, and one very tricky warp core coolant repair on a Bolian freighter carrying Andorian silk and reverse-ratcheting routing planers. That one took three Ops staff to get under control. Sipping his Bajoran fizz, he started into this ploughman’s lunch. While he was always open to trying new foods, his lunch ritual was that time-honored British pub tradition. Though he wished for a beer, it wasn’t becoming to drink on duty. As he tucked into his salad, Gregory reviewed the data from the probes. The field strength was increasing on an exponential trajectory and was already starting to reach the station. So far nothing out of the ordinary. However, the periodicity of the particles was becoming more normal, roughly every 8 hours the Omicron particles appeared. On the plus side, he had not encountered the giant on his runs again. Clearly a figment of his imagination, and he’d keep it to himself, lest the councilors have something to say about it. Breaking off a piece of bread, Gregory picked up a piece of cheese with it and popped it in his mouth. Not as good as the real thing back at home, but it’ll do in a pinch. Replicators make good food, but miss the nuances of real food. As he chewed his food, he got feeling. Something wasn’t right with the power transfer, he could feel it. Standing up, he was knocked back down by a sudden explosion. [Emergency Level 7, section 5. Emergency response teams to level 7 section 5] The Klaxon continued as Gregory shot off to the scene. ~Quarks. Damn. What the hell.~ (Deep Space Nine - Quarks - Ops, Ens(jg) Dieter Gregory 12:30) Turning the corner, he saw the carnage. An EPS conduit was exposed and squirting plasma. =^= Computer, shut down power to EPS conduit 49 subsection b. =^= The flow stopped and Gregory surveyed the damage. On the ground was a Bajoran with severe plasma burns, and a Ferengi, with less severe burns. The Ferengi was screaming. =^= Medical, two with plasma burns level 7 section 5 =^= Gregory bent down as he hear more footsteps coming to the area. The Bajoran groaned and grabbed for Gregory. “Calm down, medical will be here momentarily.” The Bajoran groaned again, grabbing Gregory’s ear. “Pah … pah is strong …. Honest…” “Where is medical?” Gregory called. =^= Computer, emergency site to site transport to the infirmary. =^= “Listen to me….” The Bajoran said as the transporter locked on the two men. As they rematerialized in the infirmary, the Bajoran slipped something into Gregory’s hand. “Keep it secret. Keep it safe.” He said as he collapsed into unconsciousness. Two medical staff rushed over, lifting the man onto one of the medical beds. “Dismissed Ensign.” The doctor said, "We need room to work. Good work getting him to us." As Gregory left the infirmary and headed back to Quarks, he heard a second transporter rematerializing and the immediate screaming of a Ferengi. As he ran to the accident, he slipped the item into his pocket. The Chief was there, “Gregory, take apart that panel and see what the hell that Ferengi did to my power grid.” As Gregory grabbed his tools, the Chief kept shouting orders. (Reply – None) (Posted by Tim B) >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< Day: 15 >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< (USS Illuminar - Deck 1, Ready Room - CO- Lieutenant Commander Sekal- 1009) "Is there a need to raise security measures around our medical camps? If there is a risk of violence, both the medical teams and the scientific investigators must be protected." (Reply: Jaton) "Affirmative," Sekal replied, "security will be provided for our teams. If it becomes impossible to protect them then they will be withdrawn. While there may be some element of risk involved I will not put the crew of this ship into an untenable situation and risk loss of life." Stennin nodded in agreementbut. "Bajor has a long history with Starfleet. And a most troubled one, at best. But we have to trust the people of Deep Space Nine to uphold their duties." "After we arrive at Andros I will assess the situation, it may be that Deep Space Nine will be able to provide assistance but Illuminar will be taking the lead on this at the request of the government. If you require particular help from the station in the form of specialists or equipment you may request it directly." (Reply: Stennin, Alyl) Sekal's eyes were on both. "It must be remembered that this assignment may become untenable for you or other members of the crew and while it carries considerable importance for Bajor I will not sacrifice a member of my crew. If in your estimation it becomes too dangerous to continue then anyone involved has the option to recommend the project be ceased and the crew withdrawn. Am I understood?" (Reply: Stennin, Alyl) Sekal nodded. "You have three days to make your preparations, plans for how to attack the situation and any specialized equipment should already be in place and available when we arrive. Due to the severe nature of the emergency I will waste no time in assessing the situation and taking necessary action. Are there any final questions or comments?" (Reply: Stennin, Alyl) (Posted by Charles G) (USS Illuminar - Deck 1, Ready Room - ASCRD Ensign Stennin- 1010) "After we arrive at Andros I will assess the situation, it may be that Deep Space Nine will be able to provide assistance but Illuminar will be taking the lead on this at the request of the government. If you require particular help from the station in the form of specialists or equipment you may request it directly." Stennin listened and nodded attentively. Considering the decline of the Federation, it would be logical to assume DS9 had become increasingly understaffed. A fully-staffed starship would be better in such a capacity. "It would be logical to supplement our medical and science teams with any particular Bajoran specialists. Any information about the particular epidemiological and ecological situation on the planet could be useful." (Reply Jaton) "It must be remembered that this assignment may become untenable for you or other members of the crew and while it carries considerable importance for Bajor I will not sacrifice a member of my crew. If in your estimation it becomes too dangerous to continue then anyone involved has the option to recommend the project be ceased and the crew withdrawn. Am I understood?" Stennin nodded fervently. It was their first mission, after all. Any particular danger should be avoided at all costs. "That is only logical, commander. We must also coordinate with any sympathetic Bajoran police officers to give us the last updates about the political climate." (Reply Jaton) Stennin nodded again. "That is agreeable, lieutenant." "You have three days to make your preparations, plans for how to attack the situation and any specialized equipment should already be in place and available when we arrive. Due to the severe nature of the emergency I will waste no time in assessing the situation and taking necessary action. Are there any final questions or comments?" Stennin nodded, and tapped his fingers on his knee. "All is clear, commander. I will start with the preliminary report immediately." (Reply Jaton, Sekal) Stennin nodded again as he slowly stood up. (Reply Jaton, Sekal) (Written by Yoerik van Heugten) (USS Illuminar - Deck 1, Ready Room - CO- Lieutenant Commander Sekal- 1045) The first briefing over Sekal returned to considering the issues they would be facing. The science department was led by extremely talented officers and their mission should be well handled. He would maintain an interest in their activities as they progressed. But that was only one part of the equation to be unraveled. Medical would have to play a crucial role as well. And it was now time to set that department into motion. He tapped the comm as he rose from the chair and began walking to the door. "Medical senior staff to the briefing room on deck one." (Reply: Solice, Trei, Dalton, Ravenstone, Edwards, Bennet) (USS Illuminar - Deck 1, Meeting Room - CO- Lieutenant Commander Sekal- 1048) He sat down at the head of the table and steepled his fingers as he waited for the officers to arrive. The medical department was staffed by a talented corps as well and a greater number of them. Due to the number of cases reported though even they would perhaps not be enough. He also couldn't send them all into the hot zone, some would have to remain aboard. Those choices would have to be finely balanced. He turned his head as the first arrived. (Reply: Solice, Trei, Dalton, Ravenstone, Edwards, Bennet) (Posted by Charles G) (USS Illuminar - Deck 1 Meeting Room - ACOUNS ACMO ENS SG Ariel Trei - 10.50) She walked into the meting room and waved at Sekal as she ordered an Earl Gray from the replicator. It will be interesting to find out how he plans to use the department for the mission. She would understand if she is asked to stay behind if she is needed on the ship. She took a seat at the front of the table as she usually did and waited for the rest of the Medical Department to show up. (Reply Any) (Posted by Edward) (USS Illuminar -- Meeting Room -- Deck 1 -- CMO Lt. J.G. Quinna Solice -- 1052) Quinna entered the meeting room. She made eye contact with Sekal. Taking her seat, she opened her PADD. Before she continued to read medical reports from the times she was not on duty in sickbay, she looking around the room and noticed the counselor. Quinna gave Trei a silent acknowledgment of her attendance and how propt she was to the meeting. She looked for the rest of the staff to attend. As she was checking messages and medical reports, she came across a message that really disturbed her. Though she made no outward gestures to her feeling, she knew that right after this meeting, she needed to go deal with it. She closed the message and put PADD down. (Replies, Sekal, Trei, Dalton, Ravenstone, Bennet, and Edwards) (Played by Kris) >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< Day: 17 >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< (Bajor, Ashala - Temple District - Janus - 2245) His employer and now Quarantined within the Temple Hotel Janus was now acting remotely and on schedule. Phase two of the holy plan was divine and would require sacrifice. Sacrifice he was willing to give if required. Standing staring at the mirror, he took in his thin form. Naked from head to toe and he still couldn't find anything about his flesh that pleased him. He hadn't found anyone flesh appealing. With great poise and strength he brought down the hard reed over his knee. The sound it made as it whistled through the air was as satisfying as any other sound you could hear. The pain he felt as it connected was as close as he was likely to get to hearing the prophets during his mortal life. Again. And again. The reed thrashing down the side of his legs until they were too weak to stand on. His left leg giving away first, he then bound the legs with the same white rags which had been on them previously. Pulled up the tight brown trousers over the wounds and winced as the agony passed over him. (Bajor, Ashala - Temple District - Janus - 2350) Having made his way slowly and inconspicuously across the district's square, keeping a good few hundred yards away from the protests which were continuously ongoing and growing. The plan was working. He'd been present and a part of the crowd which was stoking the Prylars speeches. Yes, the plan was working. Dropping down a dimly lit side street, he stopped exactly 100 paces after turning. Looked around and waited. No one was watching, he lifted the grate and dropped down below. The hubbub of wiring now stood above him. Following the cabling another 250 paces he pulled the device out of the bag which was slung over his shoulder, attached it to the wall and pressed the centre button. After waiting another moment to make sure it was activating correctly he walked back the way he had come and exited the subterranean system. Standing at the mouth of the side street, he watched as the protestors which weren't asleep continued to make a racket. No one was going to sleep tonight. Suddenly the lights in and around the Temple all turned off. Janus smiled. The power was out. Phase 2 had begun. (Reply none) (Posted by Jono Bradley - Janus) >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< Day: 18 >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< (USS Illuminar - Personal Quarters - Deck 2 - CMO Lt. J.G. Quinna Solice - 0437) “Mommy!!!!!! Don’t go!!!” Quinna was yelling as she awoke. She sat up instantly and grabbed the water she kept at the side of her bed. She drank down the glass. She could feel the hot tears run down her face. She stumbled to the restroom. She grabbed a towel and wiped her face. After a few minutes, Quinna had calmed down. But she could not sleep. After a check of the time, she felt it was not too early to start her day. First thing was first, it was time for a personal log. “Personal Log, stardate 2445.09.18. Today we are supposed to be in the Bajorian sector. I was seven the last time I was here. I think that is what has been fueling my dreams for the last week, but last night's dream was more real and almost as accurate to the events as I remember them. Almost. Our Starship was getting three weeks on leave at Deep Space Nine and our family was going to take a full two week vacation. I remember how excited I was to go. Mom was a holo engineer. She had an exciting job. Mom created holodeck programs. Mom explained that she would take all the information about a mission from various sources and program it in a holodeck program. Then people would be able to start exploring before they reached the actual mission. My father was the Chief Medical Officer. As much as I love my mother, I followed into his footsteps. However I am getting off topic. We were on the station for a couple of days. My dad and I were on the promenade picking up a couple of items for our trip. And the next day, we were in a shuttle bound for Bajor. I awoke in my father’s arms and the warmth of the sun on my back. We were at the Nature Preserve in Hedfikspool Province. We were walking around and I was holding my little brother’s hand. He was four at the time. My favorite memory is looking back at my parents and the two were holding hands and I saw them kiss. I smiled as I knew that Mom and Dad were very much in love. Next stop on the trip was a visit to the Kendra Province. There the Bajorians had a memorial Garden to the Emissary (NRPG -- Taking a little creative license). My father admired the Emissary as a Starfleet Captain and his battle techniques in the dominion war. Later on in the trip, we visited a monastery. I am not quite sure wIt was special since my Dad’s friend was there. Dr. Anders Nameem had a brother who was a Vedek in residence there. We were invited to visit . Remember I was seven at the time. It was a special day since it was just Dad and myself. My brother had gotten sick that day. I remember jumping and playing around and I slipped and fell into a small stream. Dad had started to get angry when a young monk lifted me out of the water. He commented that it was so great to have a child running about with such joy.” Quinna took a break from her log to grab a cup of coffee in a bagel. “At this point the dream had followed the actual family vacation. But what changed was Mom’s Locket. I remember going to the market place with Dad and we bought it there. She hoped that we could cheer mom up since she was stuck back at the room with my brough but in the dream, the Monk that lifted me out of the water gave it to me before we left the monastery. From there the vacation continued on and we were back at Deep Space Nine. The best vacation ever turned into the worst moment in my life. What Mom and Dad did not tell us was they were sending us away to Earth and they were not coming with us. All the children on the ship were being sent off the ship as they were going into the Gamma Quadrant. I remember I was screaming at my Mom and Dad to not leave us. Tears ran down my eyes as the crewman had to carry me from my parents and onto the transport. My mother gave me her locket to hold onto but she kept the key. She promised that they two will be back together again. And so far Mom never kept her promise. Our Starship never came back from the Gamma Quadrant.” Quinna wiped the tear falling down her cheek only to make room for the puddle to fall that was built up at her eye ducts. This was the first time Quinna had been back to Bajor. She was not sure if she wanted to tain those memories of her last perfect family vacation by returning. This time though it was different. She is all grown up. (Replies only if you want to ring the chime) (Played by Kris) (USS Illuminar - Deck 2, Personal quarters- SPC Couns Alaya Ravenstone- 0633) "Wakey, wakey, eggs and bakey." Steven held the sugary chocolate in front of her nose and said those words, "Mhmm. Bacon and eggs on a biscuit sounds really good. With cheddar cheese." Alaya could be rude and ask Luma to teleport it over to her, but she decided not to be that lazy and got up, also naked, padding over to the replicator to replicate two of them. She returned to Steven at the bed and gave him one. "Today is the big day. Planetfall but don't expect any shore leave for a while. Things are not right on Bajor. I don't know why Saarsgard has been so quiet but he's kept himself mostly holed up in his office." He turned toward her and grinned. "It's as though he doesn't like me anymore. He hasn't tried to be a thorn in my side the whole trip and I miss his scowling face. Is that strange?" "Maybe he has grown up? Maybe he is having issues with the administrative side of it. Maybe he's having romantic troubles and doesn't want to have the fact that you are happily entangled with me to intrude on his doom and gloom." She moved enough to be silly and kiss his nose. "Or maybe he is afraid of you. You are pretty intimidating." She said this last bit teasingly. "No he's not scared of me, he hates my guts too much. Maybe the sudden oversight of the department he got slapped with put him a little off kilter. I figure he'll come roaring out of his shell at some point with ideas on how to make my life miserable. Just because he hasn't succeeded yet is no reason for him to stop trying." Alaya felt the change in mood and stayed quiet, letting her chosen mate speak. "Things are going to get hectic if the reports are correct. We'll know more when we actually get there and can see how the situation is shaping up." She touched his shoulder gently and smiled, letting him see her confidence in him, "I wish you were my bodyguard for this. I know whoever Saarsguard assigns will be good, but you are better, and you know the personnel better than he does." She was delighted in him, but she was also telling the truth, part of her job as counselor. "Now, you have something very important to take care of while we are on Bajor. I am told that earth customs are that we exchange rings. And that you give me another ring that says that I belong to you and that it is shiny?" She may have been raised on Earth but she didn't really understand the customs, she had been trying to hold too hard on to the Betazoid way. "And I.. I have a gift for you." She rose and walked over to the chest that held her weapons. She took out a wrapped something and returned it to him. Inside was a long knife, expertly forged, and adorned with an unpolished ruby in the hilt. It was a show piece, but it would cut and kill. "Betazoids give gifts that matter to our partner. I found this on Earth, at an antique shop. I'm not sure how old it is, but I liked the balance and I knew it should belong to you. I was saving it for your birthing day, but our engagement is a much better reason." She waited anxiously, time wasting, for him to admire the blade. (reply Hammons) (posted by Mel) (USS Illuminar - Deck 2, Personal quarters- SecO - Petty Officer (1st Class) Steven Hammons- 0635) "Now, you have something very important to take care of while we are on Bajor. I am told that earth customs are that we exchange rings. And that you give me another ring that says that I belong to you and that it is shiny?" Her tone indicated she was a bit perplexed by the custom. "And I.. I have a gift for you." He watched her walk to her weapons chest while he drank some more of the coffee, he liked the way she walked. "Betazoids give gifts that matter to our partner. I found this on Earth, at an antique shop. I'm not sure how old it is, but I liked the balance and I knew it should belong to you. I was saving it for your birthing day, but our engagement is a much better reason." His eyes got big at the sight of the knife she held out to him, it was gorgeous. He set the coffee mug down and took it from her hand, carefully only moving it after she had released the blade. One never held a weapon by the handle when passing it over, it was always presented pommel first. An ancient custom in every culture since it represented a peace offering and presenting the blade showed hostile intent. The blade was as long as a dagger but it was only sharpened on one side to what looked like a keen edge So while it wouldn't slip through chinks in armor it would give a wicked and deadly slice to exposed flesh. ~If I was wielding it in a medieval period that is.~ He grinned as he felt its heft in his hand and moved it around a bit. The balance was exquisite and his hand fit the haft like they were made to be together. "I don't know what to say." Then he winked at her. "You know I'm lying, I'm never at a loss for words. This is a beautiful gift and you can bet I'm going to be looking for a ring that will match it." (Reply: Alaya) He replaced it lovingly in the scabbard and set it down then stood up and drew her in for a kiss. "Thank you." He said after their lips broke apart. "I love it. Before we leave here you are going to have your engagement ring. Have you given any thought about the party we are going to have to throw at the announcement?" (Reply: Alaya) (Posted by Charles G) (USS Illuminar - Deck 2, Officer's Mess Hall - Chef Edwin Glasmaker - 0640) Edwin smiled and took up the lid of the cooking pot. He looked into the pot, where a tomato soup was brewing. He whiffed in the smell, and took a spoon to taste. With a soft murmur he nodded, and took a few casks in hand. It needed a bit more salt, but more important, his personal tomato soup herbs. with a few careful tugs, he stirred them into the mix. He then placed the lid back on. He turned around to one of the other stoves, where his trusty pans were baking his pancakes. He took two in his hands, shook them a little, and then placed one back. The other, he took firmly into two hands, and like he had done for many years, he flipped like a true chef. Two crewmen clapped softly when he was done, and he laughed. "Just a little trick, dears." A minute later, he took the lid of his stacks and put the pancakes on it. He had carefully manipulated the stack plates so that the pancakes would remain warm, with a small heating plate underneath. He returned to his other pots. He had been slowly cooking both an apple and a strawberry compote. But most importantly, his syrups. One caramel-based for his stroopwafels, and the other sugar-based for his pancakes. He swirled a little with his ladles as he dipped his pinkie in and tasted. A pleased mumble left his lips. He turned down the heat on both stoves. He had been cooking since 0500, as was his custom. A steady stack of pancakes was already prepared, and he had put his first batch of syrups in the little jars. Another pan of his tomato soup was already done, sitting on another heating plate. But his products were getting eaten faster than even the replicator could produce them, so he was already on his second batch. He was stopped in his musings by the approach of two officers. He smiled and waved his hands as they came closer. "Good morning, my dears. You must be starving! What can I make you?" "Good morning chef. Could I get a stack of pancakes with a strawberry compote topping please?" Edwin laughed. "A good choice, young man. I will get some for you. And what would the young lady have?" "The lady would like a stroopwaffle please." Edwin smiled and nodded fervently. "Both on the Dutch tour, then? It pleases me to find you interested in my home cooking. I trust you will have a need for a few drinks?" (Reply Hammons) Edwin pointed to another part of his station, a small refrigerator. "I have prepared some home made juices. Spanish oranges, Bajoran prunes, or my personal recommendation: Tellarite Cranberry. The humidity and temperature sure makes those berries particularly sweet and full. Good for your health too!" (Reply Hammons, Alaya) Edwin laughed and turned to his waffle maker. He took a small piece of his large bowl of dough, and placed it carefully on both sides. He hummed softly as he watched the dough heat up and get brown. He then took a ladle and carefully scooped up some of his warm caramel syrup. He placed it on one side and slowly closed the iron. He hummed for a little longer as he carefully watched it. After a few more seconds, he opened it again, took a spatula, and carefully took the waffle from the iron. He took a plate, and some napkins, and placed it on the counter. "One stroopwaffle." He remarked, as he turned to the stack of pancakes. He took another plate, and carefully placed 4 pancakes on them. He then walked to his pot of compotes, and carefully scooped some of the strawberry compote on top of the stack, albeit royally. He smiled as he returned to the counter. "And pancakes with strawberry compote. I truly hope you enjoy it. Feel free to ask anything else." (Reply Hammons, Alaya) Edwin smiled as he turned back to his kitchen. He opened the lid of the soup pan one last time, and nodded. He took two mittens and carefully carried the pan to the counter. He put it down next to the other, which he noticed had been completely emptied, and three crewmen were already eyeing the new badge. With a smile, he put the ladle in and nodded. The trio quickly took some more tomato soup, as Edwin rose a brow. Judging their bowls, this had to be seconds, or maybe even more. He shrugged and laughed. Some people needed a big breakfast. (Reply Hammons, Alaya) (Written by Yoerik van Heugten) (USS Illuminar - Deck 2, Personal quarters- SecO - PO (1st Class) Steven Hammons- 0700) Steven enter the Officer's mess with Alaya on his arm. There was another door on the other side of the mess hall that led to the Captain's private dining chamber. The segregation of the ship could be a little off-putting if you weren't aware of the reasons for it and Hammons understood though it still had him shaking his head sometimes. The crew for example had the aft lounge on deck eleven and from what he understood on the precursors to this new class of starship that had once been the lounge for the whole crew, officers and all. And since it had replicators the crew normally took their meals there. Cleanliness rules were relaxed but it was meticulously scrubbed and maintained. The decision had been made on Illuminar though to change that dynamic since it could at times get overcrowded and had a view of space behind the starship and not the oncoming starfield like the legendary ten forward lounge on many other classes. On deck four was now the Officers's lounge which the crew was not disallowed from entering and loitering in while off shift. The lounge on deck four had a wide window that could be armored and was in many ways like ten forward with a small bar serving synthehol and plenty of tables. He did like the way that was shaping up though. Officers and crew routinely gathered on deck eleven for leisurely games like chess and Kal-toh but for more competitive "armchair sports" such as poker, dominoes and backgammon they made their way to deck four. Attire was more closely regulated on deck four as well so the crew who got dirty during shift were required to be neat and in clean clothing there. The Officer's lounge now had an unofficial nickname among the crew which was "The Foremast". The name was a play on words being a mishmash of ten forward, the deck it was on being four and the forward most mast on an ancient sailing ship. There was talk as well of invitations for an official name for the area. That segregation also played out in the officer's mess obviously with the Captain having his own dining room should he choose to use it which Sekal did not. He normally took his meals in the main area. There was a good reason for that particular dining area though which was the possibility of command crew meetings during meals and official meals with diplomats in a formal setting. No doubt the CO would make use of it for those things in the future. But there was another unexpected perk that had arisen from that and he was presently in attendance there for those who wanted food that was well crafted, lovingly prepared and non-replicated. An honest to goodness, dyed-in-the-wool and exuberant chef! Hammons usually didn't have time to dawdle over a meal but he and his lovely other had arisen early and were hungry so he steered her in that man's direction. He was larger than life and gave them a big smile and gestured with his hands as they approached. (Reply: Edwin Glasmaker) Hammons smiled. "Good morning chef. Could I get a stack of pancakes with a strawberry compote topping please?" (Reply: Chef) He looked to Alaya then back to the chef. "The lady would like stroopwaffle please." (Reply: Chef Glasmaker) (Posted by Charles G) (USS Illuminar, Deck 14, Security – SecO- Petty Officer (1st Class) Steven Hammons - 0738) “We will need to keep things very tight if that’s the case. I don’t fancy having a checkpoint overrun with religious nut jobs. With that type of religious fervour – anything could really happen. Sounds like its getting to a boiling point as is,” "Yes it does," Hammons nodded, "which is why we've tried to be exhaustive in our preparations. If you see anything we have missed don't hesitate to speak up. The last thing we want is to be blindsided by events." “How are we going to be running the quarantine – I take it we know roughly what we are looking for?” "At this time no, nothing is above suspicion. Don't take any chances. If something looks out of the ordinary treat it as potentially hazardous." “Understood – do we have any crew concerns as well? Ive not taken a chance too look through the roster, but if some have relations to Bajor maybe we should keep a closer eye on them?” That elicited a sober nod. "Yes, we have a few with Bajoran ties and they will need to be watched both for their own sakes as well as ours. This is a hot situation and while everyone is trusted no one is above suspicion. You will find their names in the briefing." (Reply: Hammerfield, any) (Posted by Charles G) (USS Illuminar, Deck 14, Security – SecO- Ensign Janice Hammerfield - 0739) "Yes, we have a few with Bajoran ties and they will need to be watched both for their own sakes as well as ours. This is a hot situation and while everyone is trusted no one is above suspicion. You will find their names in the briefing." Janice nodded, “You never know if they might be a target when we get there. I could see how it might be tempting to take a Bajoran Federation officer captive if they don’t want us being there.” She tapped the data PADD in her pocket, “Ill be sure to look through it thoroughly for you.” (Reply: Hammons) “Oh. I did have one question. Do you need to book the firing range here? I’ve been stuck in a runabout and kinda want to brush off the medium to long range dust.” Her arm angled back to the range with a thumb pointing in its general direction. She couldn’t remember the last time she was able to get some time in just to practice her aim. The runabout was fine for close quarters, but she knew from experience it was very different to take the long shots. (Reply: Hammons) “Thanks for the brief,” she smiled at him, “Is there anything I can help you with now?” Scratching the back of her head a little she tilted her head to the side gently, “I just want to start to feel – useful.” (Reply: Hammons, any) (Posted by Adam P) (USS Illuminar, Deck 14, Security – SecO- Petty Officer 1st Class) Steven Hammons- 0740) Janice nodded, “You never know if they might be a target when we get there. I could see how it might be tempting to take a Bajoran Federation officer captive if they don’t want us being there. I'll be sure to look through it thoroughly for you.” Hammons nodded, it looked like she was on the ball and having someone with experience would prove invaluable in the current situation. “Oh. I did have one question. Do you need to book the firing range here? I’ve been stuck in a runabout and kinda want to brush off the medium to long range dust.” She made a gesture toward the facility in question. "Absolutely not." Steven checked the monitor just to be sure. "Your security clearance is already in the system and will get you in. The only time I anticipate an issue will be when we are doing recerts on the crew which won't be for another six months, everyone was checked out before departure. Feel free to use it when you like." “Thanks for the brief, Is there anything I can help you with now? I just want to start to feel – useful.” And she was the friendly type at least at first. Hammons wasn't used to smiles by superior officers, more like glares such as from Saarsgard. "Want to jump right in eh?" He chuckled. "All right, we're just doing last minute checks right now but you could make a run to the torpedo magazine and inspect the security systems, forcefields and intruder detection sensors. It's always guarded but I saw too many sneaky transports around on Mars to feel comfortable. After that you can jump onto an away team if you're up for it." (Reply: Hammerfield) (Posted by Charles G) (USS Illuminar, Deck 14, Security – SecO- Ensign Janice Hammerfield - 0741) "Want to jump right in eh?" He chuckled. "All right, we're just doing last minute checks right now but you could make a run to the torpedo magazine and inspect the security systems, forcefields and intruder detection sensors. It's always guarded but I saw too many sneaky transports around on Mars to feel comfortable. After that you can jump onto an away team if you're up for it." “Makes sense,” she agreed knowing that it would have been the best time for someone to sneak something in they shouldn’t, or even just not have installed properly. Starships were big things and as thorough as putting one together can be people can still make mistakes, “I’ll get right on it. It was a pleasure to meet you Chief,” Holding out her hand she readied it for a firm single shake. (Reply: Hammons iyw) (USS Illuminar, Deck 15, Torpedo Magazine – SecO- Ensign Janice Hammerfield - 1000) Huffing Janice squeezed into one of the small maintenance tube connecting to deck fourteen with a small case. Climbing up a ladder she sat in-between the floors and dangled her legs over the top of the ladders and rested the case beside her. Letting out a deep breath she wiped a bead of sweat from her brow. “Last one... Computer – begin intrusion test – access point Gamma three.” The computer gave a solitary beep for confirmation. Opening the case there were some small tubes containing various types of metallic, liquid, gaseous and biological signatures along with a tricorder. She pulled the tricorder out and pressed a few buttons to make sure the computer not only recognised that the item had breached the level but identified the item as well. One by one she began dropping them down to the level below. As each one dropped there was another confirmation beep from the computer followed by a small clink of the tube on the floor below. She wasn’t worried about breaking them they were hardened specifically for the testing. (Reply: any / none) (Posted by Adam) (USS Illuminar Deck 1 – Ensign Dieter Gregory – 08:30) [There is a malfunction in the crew dining room, Deck 5. Repair crew requested.] Gregory smiled, “Looks like it’s time to go to work.” Slinging his kit over his shoulder he headed to the turbolift. (USS Illuminar Deck 5 - Crew dining room – Ensign Dieter Gregory – 08:35) Entering the dining room, he saw two crew standing by one of the replicators, staring at it with perplexed looks. “What seems to be the problem?” Gregory asked. “I ordered coffee, and I got cold covfefe,” said one of the crewman. “And I wanted an uttaberry crepe, instead it gave me rippleberries,” replied the crewwoman. “Odd,” said Gregory. “Let’s see if we can fix this out. Can’t have cold covfefe.” Setting his kit down on a table, he opened it to remove a sonic driver. Removing the screws, he took the cover off the control panel and plugged leads into the system. Connecting them to his tricorder, he started scanning the system. “Hmm..” he said as he watched the readout. “Yup, there seems to be a problem with the translation buffer, it’s stuck with a random subroutine being run.” Gregory said as his fingers worked over the tricorder pad. Running diagnostics, he noticed a few odd things about the buffers including a program labeled NCP1. He took time to isolate the program from the main circuits, locking it in a secure buffer so he could examine it later. Pulling out his sub-micron scanner, Gregory started scanning the power couples coming to the replicator. A few hmmms and ahhhs later, he turned it off. “Power is fine, as is the raw material feeds.” “Go ahead and order your coffee,” he said to the crewman, watching the readout on the tricorder. “Hot black coffee.” The man said. Moments later, a cup appeared. The man pulled out the cup and blew on the surface of the liquid. Taking a small sip, “Not that’s what coffee takes like. Thanks Ensign.” “Your turn,” he pointed to the woman. “Utaaberry crepe,” the said to the replicator. Moments later, a white plate with the pastry covered with bright colored fruit appeared. The woman took the plate and tasted the dish. “Better than my mother used to make,” she proclaimed. “It seems things are fine now, so I’ll just close up the panels and be off.” While Gregory worked, several other crew stepped up and ordered from the replicator. With a final turn of the sonic driver, Gregory finished replacing the cover. After cleaning up his tools and closing his kit, his stomach rumbled. Having missed breakfast on his transfer over, he walked over to the replicator. “Oatmeal, sweet with berries.” Moments later the bowl appeared in the window. At the same time his tricorder beeped. Ignoring the instrument he pulled out the bowl and placed it on the table. *Pop* The oatmeal exploded from its container, covering the ensign head to toe with warm, soggy oats and sugar and blue spots. The assembled crew started laughing as the ensign. Blushing red, Gregory turned around, looking at his audience. “Welcome aboard the Illuminar, Sir,” one of the crew said. Some hazing of the new crew, of course. He better check and try to purge the system of whatever program did that. Remembering his tricorder beep, he opened it up and looked at the report. “Very funny. Very funny indeed,” he said. “Someone seems to like to play with codes. Not very wise if you’ve studied your history. Remember the Morris worm?” Blank stares filled the room. “Very well. For my next trick, let me pull a rabbit out of my hat. But first a new uniform.” Departing the room, the crew started chatting again. Gregory headed back to his room. (USS Illuminar Deck 3 – Officer Quarters – Ensign Dieter Gregory – 09:10) Avoiding more questioning stares, Gregory made it back to his room. Entering his quarters, he dropped his kit on the bed and stripped out of his uniform. Jumping into the sonic shower, he removed the residual oatmeal from his hair and otherwise freshened up. As he stepped out of the shower, he was startled to see the Bajorian he encountered two weeks ago at the transport station. Wearing the same blue shirt and red bow tie, “It is happening again,” the man said to Gregory. “It is happening again,” he repeated as his eyes locked on to Gregory’s. Feeling woozy suddenly Gregory collapsed to the floor. (Reply: None) (Posted by Tim B) (USS Illuminar – Gregory’s quarters – Deck 3 – Ops, Ens Dieter Gregory - 09:11) Gregory’s body lay on the floor. Hitting the deck has rendered him unconscious. Somewhere in the distance, through a haze he heard a strange voice. =^= Ensign? =^= =^= Ensign, please answer?=^= Gregory’s mind floated in and out of consciousness. ~What is happening again~ he fixated on. The strange voice again invaded his mind. =^= Please, The Gregory, wake up. Luma was looking forward to meetings you...Luma has called medicals. Please...=^= ~A female voice~ Gregory’s mind processed ~Do I know her?~ (USS Illuminar – Gregory’s quarters – Deck 3 – 09:26) [Medical Override Confirmed] In the corner of the room was a stained uniform. Brownish with spots of purple. There was a standard repair kit on the bed next to a clean uniform. Gregory’s body lie on the floor, his head by the entrance to the spaces small head. Gregory heard familiar sounds of a tricorder near him. He tried to open his eyes. After several attempts he could see light, and a shape. Blue. Motion, a tricorder. “I … fell,” Gregory managed. “I must have slipped,” he said as he found his voice (Reply Solice) Gregory tried to sit up before laying back down. “A little too fast. Oops.” (Reply Solice) “Has this happened to me before? Once. I fell trying to scale a building. I was 19.” Trying again, slower this time, Gregory made it to a sitting position. He looked around at the shapes in the room. The blue uniform belonged to a woman with green eyes. There was also another woman wearing gold. ~Great, I am never going to live this down.~ he thought to himself. He wondered which of them was Luma. “Hello,” he said, “Ensign Dieter Gregory, some impression I’m making on my first hours here.” (Reply Vex, Luma, Solice) (Posted by Tim B) (USS Illuminar Deck 3 – Ensign Gregory's Quarters – SPC Luma'lenai – 09:12) Luma had been amused at the prank played on the new ensign. She knew that playful pranks were because of something called hazing. It was a part of bonding and so she had followed Gregory with her attention. She was not -supposed- to follow people into their quarters, so she began to turn her attention away. The computer always 'listened' even if it did not always record, and so Luma could also. Although she really was not supposed to, only with permission.The knock sound she heard was abnormal, it was the sound of soft small one body hitting her skin. =^= Ensign? =^= Luma's not standard computer voice spoke. =^= Ensign, please answer?=^= Hearing no answer, Luma fretted for a second then peeked in. And grew more anxious. ::Vex! Ensign Gregory has collapsed.:: Luma called. ::In his quarters!:: At the same time, Luma called for medical, her voice coming out over the sickbay speakers, =^= On the Deck 3, in Ensign Gregory's quarters, he has collapsed. He repaired a replicator and got sprayed with oatmeal and blue berries. Luma is afraid.=^= Luma could do many, many things, but she could not help someone who was collapsed. What she could do was talk to the person. =^= Please, The Gregory, wake up. Luma was looking forward to meetings you...Luma has called medicals. Please...=^= (reply Vex, medical, Gregory) (posted by Mel) (USS Illuminar, Deck 5 - Main Engineering – ACEO, Ens(sg) Vex'ahlia Jordaan – 09:14) Preparations were almost complete within Main Engineering. Captain Sekal had made it clear that the mission was likely to be concluded Planet-side and because of that he intended to put the ship on the surface to facilitate the ships expertise in helping the Bajoran government. Vex knew Carson had misgivings about doing so, but as the Assistant Chief Engineering Officer onboard she also had to follow Taya's lead in preparing the ship for such an action. It had been decided by Taya that if an Engineering section was required to assist on the planet that she would be leading that team and Vex would stay aboard the ship to look after the ship based operations. She had no issues with this, it meant she could stay in contact with Luma and they could stage any number of high risk rescue missions. Or at least, she had joked with Carson that they could. The only downside to staying on the ship was that she knew his head would be in two places at once. Trying to deal with whatever was happening and being concerned that anything could be happening on the ship without his protection. She sighed and shook her head a little as she continued to monitor the crystal drive readings. A slight grin appearing on her face as she thought about it. Stretching out a little, her back still stiff and sore from the mishap in Engineering earlier on in the travel to Bajor. As she thought about it she looked over to the space where the wall terminal had blown open, a faulty and slightly aged component which had been repurposed during the Illuminar's build stage. It hadn't been able to handle the amount of energy the drive had been pumping through it, had blown and had temporarily sent the ship into Warp 10, which in turn slipped them into an offshoot of the Subspace River which they hadn't known was there. Entirely plausible but also highly improbable in Vex's mind. It seemed to her that it was the doing of "the Q" being that they'd encountered a day earlier. She had no trust with an entity which wielded such a great deal of power that apparently had no moral compass. Even without talking with her Vex and Luma were so closely bonded that she could immediately feel her anxiety. A second later Luma communicated why she was feeling so panicked, ::Vex! Ensign Gregory has collapsed.:: Luma called. ::In his quarters!:: ~Ensign Gregory?~ Vex thought to herself. Had to be one of the newbies they'd picked up from the station. Can't have been aboard more than half an hour and had already somehow managed to get himself or herself into a mess. ::Have you contacted Medical Luma?:: (Reply Luma) ::Then calm yourself, they'll be there momentarily and will be able to gain access to his Quarters using a Medical Override.:: She said, this was a time when she needed to calm Luma and remind her of Starfleet protocol. ::Unless you sense that Ensign Gregory isn't breathing, I'd advise allowing them to do their job as they've been taught. Listen and watch carefully, but try to not to interfere unless a life is in danger. You've already done a good job notifying them.:: Vex breathed deeply as she stood up. It would do no good, standing there and waiting for the result. She grabbed a tool kit and headed out of the door. ::Where are Gregory's quarters?:: she asked Luma as she did so. (Reply Luma) ::I'm making my way there now. That way I can be of assistance if its an equipment malfunction.:: ~and to keep you calm.~ she thought to herself privately. (Reply Luma, Medical, Gregory) (Posted by Jono Bradley - Vex'ahlia Jordaan) (USS Illuminar -- Sickbay -- Deck 5 -- CMO Lt. J.G. Quinna Solice -- 0919) Quinna had been sitting in sickbay in a chair across from Nurse Miller. They have a new routine which includes a coffee break in the quiet moments of sick bay. =^= On the Deck 3, in Ensign Gregory's quarters, he has collapsed. He repaired a replicator and got sprayed with oatmeal and blueberries. Luma is afraid.=^= Quinna roughly set her coffee. Nurse Miller passed Quinna a med kit. Quinna ran out of sickbay and toward the turbolift to make her way to deck three. (USS Illuminar -- Gregory’s Quarters -- Deck 4 -- Lt. J.G. Quinna Solice -- 0926) Using her medical overrides, Quinna entered the Quarters. There she saw the Ensign and she immediately scanned him. “Luma, what happened? Do you know?” (Reply Luma) Quinna Continued to scan as she hoped Someone would shed some light as to what was going on. (Reply any involved. I know Vex is on her way. Just did not want to put her there yet) (Played by Kris) (USS Illuminar - ENS Gregory's Quartters - ACOUNS ACMO ENS SG Ariel Trei - 09.20) She heard the call from Luma and rushed to ENS Gregory's quarters. When she go there, Quinna and Vex were there. She really couldn't do much for him until he can talk to her coherently but she tried to comfort him just the same. "Relax Mr. Gregory. Let us help you." The evaluation will have to wait until he can talk with her in a stable condition. (Reply Any) (Posted by Edward) (USS Illuminar - ENS Gregory's Quarters - ACEO, Ens(sg) Vex’ahlia Jordaan - 09.28) Not rushing, but not dawdling either Vex made her way to Gregory’s quarters. The door was already open so she stepped inside to see not one, but two Doctors standing over the man who was struggling to come around. “I … fell,” Gregory managed. “I must have slipped.” “Relax Mr. Gregory. Let us help you." Ariel said to him. ::Slipped, Luma? Anything else to it you think?” (Reply Luma) The doctors were continuing to speak with the Ensign. She privately wondered what he felt about having two Doctors and an Engineer arrive at his door moments after passing out. It was Luma being over protective of course, it didn’t seem as if he’d been dealt any serious damage. The man himself was currently only covered by a towel. It seemed like he’d just exited the shower upon collapsing. “Hello,” he said, “Ensign Dieter Gregory, some impression I’m making on my first hours here.” Vex smiled kindly as she looked him up and down. “Would you like some clothes Mr Gregory?” She asked as he managed to get back to a sitting position. “I’m Ensign Jordaan - Vex, if you will. Engineering.” She clarified, realising she in the Engineering uniform could have been confused for Security. (Reply Gregory) She could sense the mans uneasiness that he felt once he realised that Ariel was a Counsellor, or perhaps it was that they were all stood there trying to figure out what had gone wrong. Tapping into the terminal next to the shower she began running a routine diagnostic to check that the pressure was correctly and nothing had been tampered with. “Shower looks fine.” She said, to nobody in particular as she turned back to the group. (Reply any in the room) (Posted by Jono Bradley - Vex’ahlia Jordaan) (USS Illuminar – Gregory’s quarters – Deck 3 – SPC Luma'lenai - 09:32) Luma had kept talking at the Ensign, monitoring his vital signs until Dr. Solice and Counselor Trei and Vex had arrived. Luma knew that Vex had come to figuratively hold Luma's hand, because Luma Did Not Do Well when one of her people was not functioning. ::Slipped, Luma? Anything else to it you think?” Vex tended to speak both aloud and telepathically when dealing with Luma when others were about. It was a being polite thing. Luma knew to answer via the speakers, =^= No, it was not a slip. It was a fall. The sound that Luma heard was most definately a fall. Luma can talk you through the audio harmonics if necessary? =^= She asked hopefully. Luma's voice sounded like a young terrans, but there was something to the depth of the voice that said she was older than she sounded. Vex had checked out his shower, to make sure that nothing had happened to it to harm him. Luma decided that he needed some help since he was feeling likely embarassed. =^= The Dieter? This is Our Dr. Quinna Solice. And the klingon is The Ariel Trei, one of the counselors. And the Betazoid is My Vex. I am Luma of the Lenai, and I am the ship. My Vex is my bondmate, that is why she came to help. Luma became frightened. =^= Luma took a deep breath that might be heard on the speakers, =^= Luma is sorry if she invaded your privacy. Luma was amused by the antics of the replicator repair.=^= She sounded ...sheepish? (reply Vex, Solice, Trei, Deiter) (posted by Mel) (USS Illuminar - Gregory's Quarters - ACOUNS ACMO ENS SG Ariel Trei - 09.35) Luma listed who was in the room. Luma said Ariel was a Klingon. Even though Luma was correct, Ariel was also a Betazoid. She didn't know if she can talk to Luma telepathically. She decided to talk with Luma verbally until she knew she could connect to her telepathically. "I am also Betazoid Luma, but I don't know if I can connect to you telepathically. What can you tell me of the events you saw?" (reply Luma) (Posted by Edward) (USS Illuminar - Gregory's Quarters – Ops-Ensign Dieter Gregory - 09.40) “Relax Mr. Gregory. Let us help you.” ~Wonder who she is? A nurse or one of the ships councilors~ his mind processed. Vex, the engineer smiled at him. “Would you like some clothes Mr. Gregory?” “I have my uniform laid out. My other one is a mess, probably not good to go to the bridge in.” He watched as Vex stepped around and into the shower area. He could hear the sounds of a diagnostic program being run. He knew it was not that, but rather his Bajorian ghost and his pronouncement of It is happening again. What remained a mystery. The enchanting computer voice spoke up. =^= The Dieter? This is Our Dr. Quinna Solice. And the klingon is The Ariel Trei, one of the counselors. And the Betazoid is My Vex. I am Luma of the Lenai, and I am the ship. My Vex is my bondmate, that is why she came to help. Luma became frightened. =^= ~Another mystery? Luma is the ship? This must be one of the secrets about this starship. She sounded nice enough, it will be interesting to learn more. Not sure what is a bondmate. But another layer to the ship. Maybe he wasn’t so crazy seeing Bajorian giants after all.~ he thought Luma spoke again, and if a computer voice could sound sheepish, she definitely did. =^= Luma is sorry if she invaded your privacy. Luma was amused by the antics of the replicator repair.=^= Gregory started to chuckle, hiding the wince he felt. “Yes, it was a good joke. I have to give that to the crew. Much more creative than the left handed hyper spanner and or the warp core diverter bar.” As he sat there, he waited for the doctor’s ok. “Am I cleared for duty, Doc?” he asked “I would hate to be late to my bridge duties the first hours I am on the ship.” The Klingon councilor spoke "I am also Betazoid Luma, but I don't know if I can connect to you telepathically. What can you tell me of the events you saw?" (Reply Luma, Solice) “Shower looks fine,” Vex reported. “Thanks Ms. Vex. Good to know I don’t have to fix my shower. Then again, I might want to check in case the pranksters decide to have it bathe me in chocolate pudding.” “Can I get dressed now?” he asked everyone in the room. (Reply - Vex, Solice, Trei, Luma) (Posted by Tim B) (USS Illuminar- Gregory Personal Quarters- Deck 4- CMO Lt. J. G. Quinna Solice- 0950) “I … fell,” Gregory managed. “I must have slipped,” he said as he found his voice Quinna opened her mouth to reply when a reply came behind her. “Relax Mr. Gregory. Let us help you." Ariel said to him. Gregory tried to sit up before laying back down. “A little too fast. Oops.” Quinna placed a hand on his chest, “Just lay back. Have you ever experienced this before?” “Has this happened to me before? Once. I fell trying to scale a building. I was 19.” “Unless you were trying to scale the walls in here, we can rule that out.” Quinna commented. “Hello,” he said, “Ensign Dieter Gregory, some impression I’m making on my first hours here.” Vex smiled kindly as she looked him up and down. “Would you like some clothes Mr Gregory?” She asked as he managed to get back to a sitting position. “I’m Ensign Jordaan - Vex, if you will. Engineering.” She clarified, realising she in the Engineering uniform could have been confused for Security. “I have my uniform laid out. My other one is a mess, probably not good to go to the bridge in.” While Vex was talking to the Ensign, Quinna continued her scan and noted that there was nothing medical that caused the ensign to pass out. However he did have a concussion from the fall. Quinna turned her head to Vex as she found that there was nothing wrong with the shower. The enchanting computer voice spoke up. =^= The Dieter? This is Our Dr. Quinna Solice. And the klingon is The Ariel Trei, one of the counselors. And the Betazoid is My Vex. I am Luma of the Lenai, and I am the ship. My Vex is my bondmate, that is why she came to help. Luma became frightened. =^= Luma spoke again, and if a computer voice could sound sheepish, she definitely did. =^= Luma is sorry if she invaded your privacy. Luma was amused by the antics of the replicator repair.=^= “Yes, it was a good joke. I have to give that to the crew. Much more creative than the left handed hyper spanner and or the warp core diverter bar.” As he sat there, he waited for the doctor’s ok. “Am I cleared for duty, Doc?” he asked “I would hate to be late to my bridge duties the first hours I am on the ship.” The Klingon councilor spoke "I am also Betazoid Luma, but I don't know if I can connect to you telepathically. What can you tell me of the events you saw?" Quinna felt like the silent member in the room. She took her opportunity to give the Ensign the damage list. “You have a couple of bruised ribs and a small concussion. Nothing broken and no permanent damage. I am going to give you something for the pain and I do not see any reason why you cannot go on duty.” Quinna said. (Reply Luma) “Shower looks fine,” Vex reported. “Thanks Ms. Vex. Good to know I don’t have to fix my shower. Then again, I might want to check in case the pranksters decide to have it bathe me in chocolate pudding.” “Can I get dressed now?” he asked everyone in the room. “I think we are done here.” Quinna packed up the med kit and stood up. “Lets let this man retain his dignity and let this man get dressed in peace.” (Reply Luma, Trei, Vex, Gregory) Quinna moved to the door to exit, she turned to look at Ensign Gregory, “Next time you want you want to get you medical evaluation done, just call me. You don’t need to go thought this elaborate routine.” Quinna smiled as she walked out the door and down the corricore. (Replies Luma, Trei, Vex, and Gregory) (Played by Kris) (USS Illuminar – Deck 3 – Gregory’s quarters – Ops, Ens(jg) Dieter Gregory - 10:05) Finally, everyone had left him alone. Whatever the doctor had given him did the job right up. He was feeling better as he put on his uniform. He put his hands in his pockets to adjust the lay of the fabric. Feeling something in his pocket, he pulled it out. It was a silver-colored chain with an ornate antiqued little key. It took a minute for him to remember this must have been the think that the Bajoran gave him. He died from the plasma burns he suffered from the idiocy that Quark’s cousin had tried to do to siphon more power off of the EPS grid. ~What did the Bajoran say? Something about my Pah and being an honest man. That wasn’t all. Something about keeping it secret and safe. Well clearly he’d done that as he forgot it in his uniform pocket.~ Gregory walked over to the small wall safe in his closet. Opening it, he placed the chain and key in the safe before locking it with his private secret code. Gregory checked his kit was fine before slinging it over his shoulder. He winced as the kit settled on one of his bruised ribs. Focusing, he stood talk and walked out the door. (USS Illumina – Deck 1 – Bridge – Ops, Ens(jg) Dieter Gregory - 10:20) The turbolift doors opened onto the bridge as Gregory stepped out. He walked to the Ops station, stowed his kit and sat down. “Ensign Gregory, I have operations,” he said as he logged into the console and started looking over the data. (Reply – any on bridge) (Posted by Tim B) (USS Illuminar, Deck 1 - Officers Briefing Room – 2O, Lt. Carson Peters – 13:00) Having had a short but refreshing nap, Vex had awoken him a little after 12 so he could get together with the ship's Security forces. The Acting Chief of Security had come down with some form of a viral infection and was currently laid up in Sickbay. Carson hoped he would recover in time to lead his forces down on the planet, but until then he had stepped in and wanted to make sure his key personnel we're aware of their tasks down on the planet. He had organised a brief meeting amongst them in the Briefing Room. The room would likely be too big for them all, so he'd set aside a corner of the table and was now sitting waiting for them to arrive so they could start a discussion on the newest intel the Bajoran government had provided them with since arriving. Carson wanted everyone and everything in situ before the Captain took the reckless- to his mind- action of landing the ship on the planet. He knew Sekal really just wanted to test the landing functions of the ship and perhaps unknown to his own logical self, to show off a little. The door opened and admitted Chief Petty Officer Kirby to the briefing room, "Sir." he said as his trained security gaze took in that he was the first to arrive. Kirby was a capable officer and Carson knew he had Security & Tactical training, since he'd been a part of Taya's Tactical Team back on Mars. "Take a seat, Chief. We're just waiting on a few more." Carson said with an open smile and a welcoming wave to the seats. Kirby sat down a few seats away and pulled out a padd, "Do we know what we're about to walk into, Sir?" he asked. "We know a little more. But we'll get to that in a minute. How are you finding it on the Illuminar?" Carson asked, intrigued to learn a little more about the man. "It's a.. it's certainly a different pace to being stuck planetside." Kirby grinned a little, "I'm enjoying it so far. I guess, ask me again after this mission." Kirby looked a little sick at the thought of the upcoming mission, so he gave him a reassuring grin and looked towards the door as it opened again. (Reply Hammerfield, Hammons, Williams, Talence) (Posted by Jono Bradley) (USS Illuminar, Deck 1 - Officers Briefing Room – SecO, Petty Officer (1st Class) Steven Hammons – 1302) Steven was whistling as he stepped into the room but cut it short and nodded to the second officer who was his former Chief of Security. Carson Peters he knew was a good catch for command but it had been a sad thing for the security department to lose him. With their acting Chief ill ~Has he been sick the whole time and we just didn't know it?~ security was rudderless but Carson would provide the leadership and cohesion they needed on this venture if he decided to step in. In fact he almost called Carson Chief but stopped himself. "Good afternoon sir." He then took a seat at the end where everyone was gathering. When Hammerfirld walked in with the PADD he had given her with a greeting Steven gave her a smile. "You too sir." (Reply: Any) (Posted by Charles G) (USS Illuminar, Deck 1 - Officers Briefing Room – SecO, Ensign Janice Hammerfield – 1304) Janice was busy reading the PADD that had been given to her by Hammons in one hand while holding a cup of water in the other. There was a lot of stuff in there so she was trying to use those free moments she had to get up to speed. Walking in she nodded to Carson, “Sir,” Then another nod to the other gentleman and taking a seat beside him sliding the PADD down and resting her cup beside it. Straitening herself in the seat she tugged her uniform into a more comfortable position before looking to the new face beside her, “Janice Hammerfield – nice to meet you,” (Reply Carson, Kirby, Hammons, Williams, Talence) (Posted by Adam P) (USS Illuminar, Deck 1 - Officers Briefing Room – SO Ensign(jg) Tressa Talence – 13:09) Rumors about the unrest on Bajor had been filtering though the crew. It was what most had on their minds. Tressa had tried her best to keep to keep the noise from others mind out of her head but the more people who where sharing the same thoughts the louder those thoughts were broadcast. She had reviewed the briefing and was glad when she along with several other security officers were called in together to further address the security needs of the mission, especially since the security chief was laid up in sick bay. She nodded to those who were gathered only meeting the other security officers only a few times and those where mostly in passing. She sat at the table and waited for the briefing to begin. (Reply any at briefing) (Posted by Matthew Locke) (USS Illuminar, Deck 1 - Officers Briefing Room - 2O, Lt. Carson Peters - 1310) Officers had gathered in the right hand corner of the large briefing table. Hammons had walked in with his usual swagger and smile, Hammerfield walked in reading a padd- no doubt catching up on information she may not have been privy too whilst not on the Illuminar and Ensign Talence had slipped in almost unknown to Carson until he caught her eye. Along with Kirby and Hammons there were a few other key Petty Officers as well as Ensign Williams present at the meeting. Clearing his throat, “Afternoon all,” he said with a smile, looking around the group, making sure to acknowledge everyone present. “I’ve called you all here for... well let’s call it an informal briefing, a collaboration of minds and an opportune time to dish out some orders for the coming deployment down on Bajor. First however, for those of you who haven’t met yet...” and he shifted his gaze to Janice, “this is Ensign Janice Hammerfield. She’s a new addition to the crew as of this morning. Welcome.” (Reply Hammerfield, any in the room) Carson looked at Kirby with a bemused expression as the man clapped out loudly, “Welcome, welcome!” “So we’ve had some new information passed along from the Bajoran government as to the situation on the ground. The main temple is now effectively under siege by a large population of the religious community, a main selection of the Vedek Assembly is holed up within the Temple District in the Hotel and also somewhat under siege. There seems to have either been a power malfunction or sabotage of the power grid within the Temple District, meaning the guards that they do have are having a much harder time keeping the protestors at bay.” (Reply any iyw) Carson continued, “I’m not Chief of Security, however I do have a few jobs that will need doing and you’ll likely be dealing with me planet side. So any questions you have around the job, feel free to come to me or mention them now.” (Reply any iyw) “What will need to be done? Every Away Team or Member of staff departing the ship is required to have a Security escort along with them. That’s two security personnel to every away team. No matter what they’re doing or where they’re going. No one, not even the Captain gets away with leaving this ship without this escort, Understood?” (Reply any iyw) “In regards to that, Mr. Kirby you’ve been requested specially by Ensign Taya to be apart of her Away Team which will be investigating the power loss in collaboration with Ashalla Public Health. You’re to report to her team as soon as the ship lands.” Paul nodded, he looked a little nervous but also excited. He’d worked with Taya previously on Mars, and he knew that she trusted him. Probably why the request had come in. “Yes, Sir.” “In regards to the ship landing...” Carsons tone turned a little sour, “The captain plans to land the ship on the surface near to the temple. In his view, this will allow us to provide better support on the ground medically and security wise. Because of this a third of our Security forces are going to need to be spent setting up a perimeter and check-points around wherever we do land. Ensign Williams I’m placing you in charge of that. I’d like a tentative plan in place within the next hour so you and your teams are ready to move as soon as the ship lands.” “Our main concern straight away is to get personnel in place to back up the Bajoran security forces around the Temple. Even with the ship on the ground, this will likely involve a transport in- unless anyone had any creative ideas on how to get through the mass currently barricading the way?” (Reply any- with room for more) “Once we’re in place, Ensign Talence and Mr Hammons - I’d like you to take charge of setting up and controlling the perimeter. The further we can push the crowds away from the Temple the better. Once Security is in place, Medical & Science teams will be able to breach the Temple with Security and start testing whatever it is they need to test. Oh and all of this will be under strict Lockdown measures.” (Reply Talence, Hammerfield, Hammons- room for more) (Posted by Jono Bradley) (USS Illuminar, Deck 1 - Officers Briefing Room – SecO Ensign Janice Hammerfield - 1313) Afternoon all,” he said with a smile, “I’ve called you all here for... well let’s call it an informal briefing, a collaboration of minds and an opportune time to dish out some orders for the coming deployment down on Bajor. First however, for those of you who haven’t met yet...” and he shifted his gaze to Janice, “this is Ensign Janice Hammerfield. She’s a new addition to the crew as of this morning. Welcome.” “I look forward to working with you all,” she smiled and gave everyone a little wave from her seat not wanting to distract them with her life story from the meeting at hand. (Reply any in the room) Carson looked at Kirby with a bemused expression as the man clapped out loudly, “Welcome, welcome!” “So we’ve had some new information passed along from the Bajoran government as to the situation on the ground. The main temple is now effectively under siege by a large population of the religious community, a main selection of the Vedek Assembly is holed up within the Temple District in the Hotel and also somewhat under siege. There seems to have either been a power malfunction or sabotage of the power grid within the Temple District, meaning the guards that they do have are having a much harder time keeping the protestors at bay.” “Under siege?” Janice perked up a bit, “That doesn’t sound good.” She looked back at her data PADD briefly and looked through it for the floor plans of the temple. ~What the hell has got into those people down there.~ Pulling a stand of hair back from her face she listened and glanced at the schematics every now and again. (Reply any iyw) Carson continued, “I’m not Chief of Security, however I do have a few jobs that will need doing and you’ll likely be dealing with me planet side. So any questions you have around the job, feel free to come to me or mention them now.” (Reply any iyw) “What will need to be done? Every Away Team or Member of staff departing the ship is required to have a Security escort along with them. That’s two security personnel to every away team. No matter what they’re doing or where they’re going. No one, not even the Captain gets away with leaving this ship without this escort, Understood?” “Is that not going to be quite limiting to the support we will be able to provide elsewhere?” Janice looked towards Carson – she hoped she wasn’t taking too out of turn and quickly added in some extra words to help remove her worries, “I understand why we would want that. I’m just concerned with how many boots might need to be on the ground for this.” (Reply any iyw) “In regards to that, Mr. Kirby you’ve been requested specially by Ensign Taya to be apart of her Away Team which will be investigating the power loss in collaboration with Ashalla Public Health. You’re to report to her team as soon as the ship lands.” Paul nodded, “Yes, Sir.” “In regards to the ship landing...” Carsons tone turned a little sour, “The captain plans to land the ship on the surface near to the temple. In his view, this will allow us to provide better support on the ground medically and security wise. Because of this a third of our Security forces are going to need to be spent setting up a perimeter and check-points around wherever we do land. Ensign Williams I’m placing you in charge of that. I’d like a tentative plan in place within the next hour so you and your teams are ready to move as soon as the ship lands.” “Our main concern straight away is to get personnel in place to back up the Bajoran security forces around the Temple. Even with the ship on the ground, this will likely involve a transport in- unless anyone had any creative ideas on how to get through the mass currently barricading the way?” “We might want to keep some shuttles in reserve in case the transporters go down,” Janice added to the conversation, “I wouldn’t recommend flying them regularly. If things go south they might be a tempting low hanging target.” She contemplated the potential loss of life if a shuttle was shot down in a crowded area – not at all a pleasant thought. (Reply any- with room for more) “Once we’re in place, Ensign Talence and Mr Hammons - I’d like you to take charge of setting up and controlling the perimeter. The further we can push the crowds away from the Temple the better. Once Security is in place, Medical & Science teams will be able to breach the Temple with Security and start testing whatever it is they need to test. Oh and all of this will be under strict Lockdown measures.” (Reply Talence, Hammons- room for more) (Posted by Adam P) (USS Illuminar, Deck 1 - Officers Briefing Room – SO Ensign(jg) Tressa Talence – 13:15) Tressa listened to the briefing taking control of an area under seige was never easy. It was even more difficult with limited support from the Bajoran people. She made notes on her padd quickly referencing where the temple was in correlation with the hotel both, as both where under attack with a high chance of innocent bystanders being wounded. Once we’re in place, Ensign Talence and Mr Hammons - I’d like you to take charge of setting up and controlling the perimeter. The further we can push the crowds away from the Temple the better. Once Security is in place, Medical & Science teams will be able to breach the Temple with Security and start testing whatever it is they need to test. Oh and all of this will be under strict Lockdown measures,” Peters stated. She lifted her head from her padd pulling a loose stain of red hair back over her hear. "Do we know the distance between the hotel and the temple, because if I'm looking at this map right this park." She made a motion and a map appeared on the table where she pointed to an open area between the places that were under seige. "Is centrally located between the two places that are under attack, its also as limited accessibility by these four roads. What I'm suggesting is if we support the Bajoran local forces we can push back the protesters back beyond these road access. Thus allowing us to use the park itself as a central operating base to allow for evaluating and evaluating what is actually going on in this area. These higher building that surround this block also allow for overwatch." She spoke as she looked at tue gathered. (Reply gathered) (Posted by Matthew Locke) (USS Illuminar, Deck 1 - Officers Briefing Room – Ensign Janice Hammerfield– 13:16) Once we’re in place, Ensign Talence and Mr Hammons - I’d like you to take charge of setting up and controlling the perimeter. The further we can push the crowds away from the Temple the better. Once Security is in place, Medical & Science teams will be able to breach the Temple with Security and start testing whatever it is they need to test. Oh and all of this will be under strict Lockdown measures,” Peters stated. "Do we know the distance between the hotel and the temple, because if I'm looking at this map right this park." She made a motion and a map appeared on the table where she pointed to an open area between the places that were under seige. "Is centrally located between the two places that are under attack, its also as limited accessibility by these four roads. What I'm suggesting is if we support the Bajoran local forces we can push back the protesters back beyond these road access. Thus allowing us to use the park itself as a central operating base to allow for evaluating and evaluating what is actually going on in this area. These higher building that surround this block also allow for overwatch." Janice looked over at the map and nodded, “Its always good to have the high ground. Could we rig up some portable force fields as well to help protect the local forces and maybe narrow the protesters lines of advance into more favourable areas for us? We would also going to have to clear the buildings we push past in the area to and seal them off. Dont want any stragglers behind the lines.” (Reply gathered) Listening glanced back over just having a thought, “Just thinking about it. If we are going to be seen by the public would we want to wear Bajoran unifroms. I know it might not be standard protocol but if the people see Starfleet uniforms intermingled with local enforcement it might incense them more – Not only that it would make our people more of a target too.” (Reply gathered) (Posted by Adam P) (USS Illuminar, Deck 1 - Officers Briefing Room - Ops, Petty Officer Charles Tamblyn - 1319) Tamblyn was the only one from the Operations department at the briefing. Unlike the other department heads, he did not sit at the table but rather leaned against the bulkhead like many of the other NCOs present. He was grateful that the initial small talk did not last long, and Lieutenant Peters dove straight into the meat-and-potatoes of the briefing. Several minutes later as Lieutenant Peters finished laying out the plan and brief, Tamblyn raised his hand saying, “Sir, if I may?” (Reply Peters, Any iyw) Standing up straight, Tamblyn began to speak as he pointed to the map of the AO (Area of Operation), “Sir, as a bounty hunter, I have worked with local law enforcement capturing fugitives and assisted in the protection of various VIPs, most unsavory. There are a group of tunnels that the Bajoran government keeps secret.” (Reply Saarsgard, any iyw) Looking around the room as he spoke, “Ladies and gentlemen, these tunnels run from the temple hotel to the temple, and all of them have hidden access points on both ends and they also inter connect at various points.” (Reply any) “Those tunnels are the site of possibly one of the bloodiest VIP rescues of my civilian career. It is a Blackout Zone. No sensors, no comms, no beaming, and those tunnels are tight, so small arms use only. The longest weapon we were able to use was a short rifle or a dagger.” After a brief moment as bloody memories of the various faces of those he had killed flashed through his brain he looked at Peters directly and asked, “Sir, I understand that as Federation representatives, we are providing medical and humanitarian aid; but are we putting down this uprising for the Bajoran government or are they officially doing it themselves without Starfleet support?” (Reply Peters) (Reply Peters, Saarsgard, any who wish) (Posted by Charles R.)