>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< Mission: Repercussions Day: 2 Stardate: 2444.07.09 >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< (Mars Facility -Security Department – Civilian Security forces - Sytuk /Tagh Caonrobh - 0608) (Mars Facility -Security Department – Civilian Security forces - Sytuk /Tagh Caonrobh - 0615) (Mars Facility - Adalas Private Quarters - In her head - SciO En Sg Adala Michaels - 0710) (Mars Facility - Adalas Private Quarters - In her head - SciO En Sg Adala Michaels - 0810) (Mars Facilities - Computer core -SPC Luma'lenai- 1110) (Mars Facilities - Computer core - EngO, Ens(jg)Vex'ahlia Jordaan - 1113) (Mars Facility - Science Operations Center – SFI Agent – MCPO – Rebecca Faust - 1127) (Mars Facility - Science Annex, Lab 3 office (temporary)- CSRD- Lieutenant (jg)Sekal- 1128) (Mars Facility - Science Annex, Lab 3 office (temporary)- Civilian Security forces , Sytuk- 1129) (Mars Facility - Science Annex, Jaton's office - SO (Research)Ensign Jaton Alyl - 1231) (Mars Facility - Science Annex- Fifth floor, office 2- SO (Research)Ensign Jaton Alyl - 1235) (Mars Facility - Science Annex- Fifth floor, CSRD Office- CSRD, Lieutenant (jg)Sekal - 1236) (Mars Facility - Science Annex- Fifth floor, CSRD Office- SO (Reserch)Ensign Jaton Alyl - 1237) (Mars Facility - Science Annex- Fifth floor, CSRD Office- CSRD, Lieutenant (jg)Sekal- 1239) (Mars Base, CSRD’s Office – CMO Ens(sg)Ailynn Bracken – 1305) (Mars Base, CSRD’s Office – CSRD, Lt. (Jg)Sekal – 1306) (Mars Facility - Arboretum - ACMO Ensign Erin Cortez - 1323) (Mars Facility - Red Sands Tavern - ACMO Ensign Erin Cortez & Captain Remae Ktell - 1357) (Mars Facilities Science Annex - Chemistry Labs - SO (Research)Ensign Jaton Alyl - 1401) (Mars Facilities Science Annex - Chemistry Labs - SO (Research)Ensign (JG)Stennin - 1402) (Mars Facilities Science Annex - Chemistry Labs - SO (Research)Ensign (JG)Stennin - 1403) (Mars Base - Medical Centre, CMO's Office – Nurse – Ewan McDonald - 1415) (Mars Complex – Engineering – CEO – Ensign Keira Merek – 1430) (Mars - Outside Admiral Bell's Office - ACMO Ensign Erin Cortez - 1432) (Mars - Outside Admiral Bell's Office - Admiral's Aide Ensign JG Billy Alexander- 1433) (Mars Complex – Engineering –Archivist – Aleese Akess – 1433) (Mars Facility - Science Annex- Fifth floor, CSRD Office- CSRD, Lieutenant (jg)Sekal - 1438) (Mars - Admiral Bell's Office - ACMO Ensign Erin Cortez - 1441) (Mars Facility, Science Annex - Fifth floor, CSRD Office - EngO, Ens(jg)Vex'ahlia Jordaan - 1441) (Mars Facility, Science Annex - Fifth floor, CSRD Office - CSRD, Lieutenant (jg)Sekal- 1443) (Mars Facility, Science Annex - Fifth floor, CSRD Office - EngO, Ens(jg)Vex'ahlia Jordaan - 1444) (Mars Facility - Admiral’s Office - CO Admiral Jana Bell - 1445) (Mars Science Annex - Lab Technicians Offices - Science Officer Ensign (JG)Stennin - 1450) (Mars Complex – Medical -Nurse –Ewan McDonald - 1455) (Mars Base - Red Sands Tavern - Santiago Torres - 1512) (Mars Science Annex - Fifth floor, CSRD Office- Science Officer - Ensign (JG)– David Clarke - 1517) (Mars Facilities- Security Complex- Petty Officer (2nd Class)- Steven Hammons- 1520) (Mars Base - Red Sands Tavern - Medical Officer - Ensign Ohitika Wen - 1530) (Mars Base - Red Sands Tavern - Santiago Torres- 1531) (Mars Facility - Science Annex- Fifth floor, CSRD Office- CSRD, Lieutenant (jg)Sekal - 1540) (Mars Base - Red Sands Tavern - Medical Officer - Ohitika Wen - 1545) (Mars Science Annex - Science Officer - Ensign (JG)– David Clarke - 1604) (Mars Base, Outside Intelligence Center, CIO Ensign sg Jaelle Foxglove, 1723) (Mars Orbit, Republic, CO quarters, CIO Ensign sg Jaelle Foxglove, 1725) (Mars Base, Red Sands Tavern, aACTO Ensign sg Taya, Ensign sg Counselor Ariel Trei, 1801) (Mars Facilities – Main Engineering – Ensign JG Rylee Page - 1805) (Mars Facilities – Main Engineering – CEO – Ensign Keira Merek – 1807) (Mars Facilities – Main Engineering – EO – Ensign Scott Matrix – 1810) (Mars Facilities – Main Engineering – EngO, Ens(jg)Vex'ahlia Jordaan - 1811) (Mars Facility - Gym - aASEO Ensign Boone Foster - 1812) (Mars Facilities – Main Engineering – Archivist – Aleese Akess - 1820) (Mars Complex – Main Engineering – CEO – Ensign Keira Merek – 1825) (Mars Complex – Main Engineering – EngO, Ens(jg)Vex'ahlia Jordaan – 1826) (Mars Facility - Personal Office- Counselling Suite - ACMO Ensign Erin Cortez & Ensign Quinna Solice - 1900) (Mars Facility- The Red Sands-CEO Ensign Sg.Keira Merek & aFSXO Ensign Sg. Ravok Shara -2112) (Mars - Hangar Facility/Flight Squadron CO's Office - FSCO Lt. JG Trip Williams - 2300) (Mars Facility - Personal quarters - ACMO Ensign Erin Cortez - 2301) (Mars Facility- Sytuks quarters C.S.F. Sytuk -2327) (Mars Base, Outside, aACTO Ensign sg Taya, 2341) (Mars Base, Outside, CIO Ensign sg Jaelle Foxglove, 2343) (Mars Base, Outside, aACTO Ensign sg Taya, 2344) (Mars Base, Outside, CIO Ensign sg Jaelle Foxglove, 2345) (Mars Base, Outside, aACTO Ensign sg Taya, 2346) >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< (Mars Facility -Security Department – Civilian Security forces - Sytuk /Tagh Caonrobh - 0608) Tagh sat at the console going through the schematics of the facility. He had a lot of information to go through as well as the files of the security staff he would be working with and for. He looked up from his console, stretched and he saw Sytuk nearby. “Sytuk, I need a Raktajino, do you want me to get you anything from the replicator.” Sytuk, currently struggling with his chair, looked at Tagh " No" he replied. Sytuk stood up in frustration and glared at the chair. Tagh stopped at the replicator looking back at Sytuk. “What’s the matter with the chair?” Sytuk pointed at the chair as if it had greatly offended him. " It's too...comfortable " Tagh grinned and then laughed as he took his Raktajino back and relaxed into his chair behind his desk. “Too comfortable?” Sytuk looked at Tagh. " Go ahead and laugh in your comfortable chair" He leaned back in his chair. “But Sytuk comfortable chairs are good. Why would you want an uncomfortable chair?” Sytuk glared at him " No , I don't want any chair. I want to be out there, doing what we do best " Tagh nodded. “Yes I would also rather be out there but we have been asked by Ensign Peters to use this office and work with the civilian security.” Sytuk grunted as he sat back down. " You're right." He said as he looked at his terminal." After a moment he looked at Tagh. " How do you drink with that thing on your head?" Tagh grinned as he picked up a small straw and indicated to it. “It fits into my emergency induction port and I can drink it that way. Although if I am not careful it spills into my suit and it ends up circulating around until I get back to my quarters and vent it.” Sytuk looked at him with a blank face and turned back to his terminal. After another few moments of hearing Tagh slurp his beverage through his helmet. He looked back at him. " Do you remember the mission on Raliun 2?" Tagh stopped in mid slurp which he was doing for effect to wind Sytuk up. He nodded as he put the cup down. “Yes, how could I forget that mission.” NRPG: FLASHBACK RPG: Stardate: 2443.10.14 (Beta Quadrant, Edge of Ponar Sector, unaffiliated space, Raliun 2, Enemy Target headquarters-0200) It was nighttime and storming, rain was pouring down hard and seemingly never ending. Alarms were going off inside of a large compound. Their security had been breached. As ships tried to lift off and escape they exploded in the air. A small mercenary company stormed the complex with a mission. Eliminate all targets , Take no prisoners, and secure the payload. “Command this is Tagh heading towards the front entry.” Tagh stormed forwards to the main gate of the compound. As he neared the gate he aimed his phaser rifle at the gate and activated the underslung grenade launcher. “Breaching.” There was a loud crack as the locking mechanism in the gate disintegrated with the impact of the grenade as Tagh smashed through the gate. He charged towards the front door. “Command this is Tagh main gate breached moving onto the front gate.” Their mercenary vessel was cloaked and currently landed on the surface 2 kilometers away. Using their ships scanners the mercenaries scanned the interior of the compound. Based off interior scans ,Sytuk decided to take the west entrance of the compound that led out towards the enemy escape vessels. " Come on, they breached the main entrance." a man shouted . " What about the carg ? Boss said he wanted the cargo. " Another man said ,panicking. " This is our chance to get away if we stay, we are as good as dead , so come on " the first man responded as he kicked the door open, a few others had followed them to escape, not willing to die. Suddenly the men trying to escape started to disintegrate as they were being shot by a mounted rail gun firing high energy blast at them. One of the men took cover and started shaking in fear , soiling himself. He wasn't ready to die. He covered his face. The weapons fire stopped, it was quiet. The man peaked his head up to get a look, as he did he was lifted off the ground and his head slammed against a wall killing him instantly. " Sytuk to command. 16 targets eliminated, proceeding to the rallying point. "Sytuk said over the comm. as he advanced into the compound. He made his way to the power control room and disabled the main power in the compound. Main lighting sources lost power. The only light that remained was the ominous, pulsating red glow from the alarm systems running along the walls of the corridors. " Sytuk to command, Main power disabled. ETA to payload 81 seconds. " he said over the comm. This was Tagh's signal to keep advancing. =^=Sytuk to command, Main power disabled. ETA to payload 81 seconds=^= Tagh grinned as he heard Sytuk’s message as he closed on the door of the main building. He thumbed two grenades into his launcher as he came round the corner and saw the front door. He launched the first grenade which blew the main doors into smithereens and as he stepped onto the small steps up to the door he fired the second grenade into the building there was a flash and bang thundering through the building. Tagh’s helmet automatically dampened the flash of light and the over-pressuring bang. He stepped across the threshold of the building smoothly with his weapon against his shoulder panning left to right as he moved through. He fired short concise shots at all the disoriented enemies he came across as he stormed the building. “Tagh to Command, proceeding down corridor red one to stairwell red two ETA 60 seconds.” " Their coming, I'm getting out of here" a man yelled to another as they both rounded a corner fleeing from the sound of Tagh's advancement. The two men were running one behind the other. Suddenly the man in back disappeared into the shadows. The sound of bones cracking, a grunt and his weapon falling to the floor could be heard. The man who was leading stopped and turned around " Lem?" He asked for his companion nervously and raised his disruptor rifle, ready to fire and looked around the darkness of the corridor. "Lem?" He asked one more time quietly. Out of the darkness his companions mangled body came flying, knocking him to the ground. The man let out a scream at the sight of the monster from the shadows. Sytuk walked over and smashed the man's head with his foot with a single stomp. " Sytuk to command , ETA 35 seconds" Tagh moved up the stairs quickly without being careless making sure that there was not anyone hiding for him. He had heard a scream up ahead of his as he reached the landing and picked up speed. As he came around the corner he saw the large menacing shape of Sytuk over what looked like a prone shape of a person who now had no head.”Command this is Tagh I have met up with Sytuk proceeding to payload.” Tagh vaulted over the two corpses , not bothering to slow down as he passed Sytuk. “Come on Sytuk, this is not the time for having a chat with the locals.” Sytuk looked at Tagh and smiled, revealing his menacing Reman fangs. Truly one of the only times someone would see him smile. He followed Tagh to the end of the corridor. Tagh heard Sytuk’s feet following him along the corridor and grinned to himself. He went around the corner and saw on his helmets hud display that the package was in the room at the far end of the corridor was a strong looking reinforced door. “Sytuk, I’ll get the door for you.” He fired bursts of fire into the door filling it with holes and weakening for Sytuk. “All yours.” Sytuk quickened his pace and passed Tagh and raised his foot with the momentum of his stride and stomped the door down. When the door collapsed a man was standing off to the left looking at them in shock. He threw his weapon to the floor and put his hands up. Sytuk walked over to the man, remembering his mission parameters Sytuk said, " Eliminate all targets" as he grabbed the man by his neck with one hand, raising him off the ground. " Take no prisoners." He growled as he broke the man's neck and dropped him to the ground. He turned back around and looked at Tagh and said. " Secure the payload" Tagh stepped in behind Sytuk and saw the payload sitting on a desk. It was a micro-padd which he picked up and put into a secure pocket. “Tagh to command payload secured.” =^=Understood Tagh. Deploy daisy cutter=^= Tagh paused glanced at Sytuk before activating his comm. “Command I need you to verify that daisy cutter to be used at present location.” =^=confirm Tagh deploy the daisy cutter at the location=^= Tagh nodded to himself as he shrugged off the small backpack that he was wearing. He opened it and activated the console. The daisy cutter was an explosive device which would obliterate the building that they were both standing in and any evidence that they were here. The console beeped as the timer activated as he stood up and looked at Sytuk. “Let's get out of here. I think it's time to go home.” Sytuk nodded his head and they both left the room fast toward the exit, once outside their ship flew over top of them and beamed them aboard, as ship took off a blinding blue and white explosion engulfed the building, the explosion quickly collapsed in on itself. The brilliant blue and white light of the explosion was gone, all was silent , the only remaining evidence of there once being a building there was a scorched hole in the ground…. (Mars Facility -Security Department – Civilian Security forces - Sytuk /Tagh Caonrobh - 0615) Sytuk sat there looking off in the distance , a smile on his face. Once he realized what was going on he stopped smiling trying to pretend that he wasn't " Good, mission." “It was less hairy than some of our other missions but it was one of our more explosive missions.” He said with a slight smile and nodded to Sytuk " That was the last mission, we completed together. The next mission, I turned down. That's why I wasn't there with you" Sytuk said. “How come?” " My mission parameters...required me to kill every member of the team upon successful completion of the mission, including you. " Sytuk responded. Tagh paused for a moment before replying. “Thanks Sytuk. That was very good of you.” He had no doubt that he could take Sytuk but it would have been a nasty fight. Sytuk looked at his terminal " Good of me? No. The pay wasn't good enough." He said as he side eyed Tagh. He was making an attempt at a joke. Tagh grinned and nodded. He knew that Sytuk’s sense of humour was strange and for people who did not know but he had spent long enough time with Sytuk to understand him. “Well that’s good to know.” An alert flashed across Sytuk's terminal. It was low level alert, but still an alert. He looked at Tagh. " Someone needs assistance " “Hopefully no explosions this time.” grinned Tagh as he got up and headed after Sytuk. They both headed out the door. Ready to work ( reply none) (Posted by 2 thirds of the Roberts… Robbie and Davis ) (Mars Facility - Adalas Private Quarters - In her head - SciO En Sg Adala Michaels - 0710) Adala had been working hard, not sleeping, not eating. She knew she was burning the candle at both ends but also knew it was necessary. She moved to the cushion in the corner and sat down. “Computer, dim the lights to candle strength” As the computer complied she sat down on the cushion, her back to the corner. She Placed a small vial next to her and uncorked it. Soon the scent of sandalwood permiated the room. She crossed her legs, and folded her hands in her lap. ~It’s time~ she thought to herself as she closed her eyes and forced her body and mind to relax. Adala focused on the blackness behind her eyelids. Allowing it to swirl, and change as her body relaxed. She took a deep breath and allowed the light in the distance grow brighter and grow. As the light envelped her she stood. The view changed and the light dimmed. She found herself in what appeared to be a town square, a well in the center, many small enclosures encirculing it. Adala took a breath noddeing at the scents, wood smoke, cooking food. It was peaceful. She paused ~I know this place~ she thought as she slowly turned and a broad smile broke across her face. “Moanda!” she ran to the dark skinned, dark haired girl she saw and wrapped her in a hug. “How have you been?” The dark haired girl wrapped Adala in a hug then pulled back. “I’m fine but I can see you’re not. You wouldn’t have come here if you were.” She grabbed Adalas hand and pulled her under one of the enclosures and pointed to a cushion. “Sit, I will get us food, then I want to hear everything.” Adala nodded and smiled slightly. Things would be ok, this is where she came when she knew nobody else could help. [15 minutes later] Adala and Moanda sat heads close together, the village live around them. People, animals, the activity, sounds and smells, all filling her head. It was good to be home. The two girls talked quietly for what seemed to be hours. Adala telling her about her life in starfleet, about the ship and about Mars. Those subjects are not what interested Moanda though, it was what she was telling her about the voices, the visions she’d been having. “Do you think he found you?” she asked. “I don’t know Moanda, I hope not. If he has my life is in danger and so are all those around me. I didn’t know where else to go. I don’t entirely trust those who I work with yet, not to think I am crazy.” Moanda placed her hand on Adalas and smiled. “We’ll get this sorted out. You are among friends here, they all are here to help you. They travel with you.” She tapped Adalas forehead. Adala flinched and pulled back. “He did the same thing, he is looking for you.” she sighed and lowered her gaze to her hands in her lap. “I didn’t tell him, I won’t tell him.” Moanda stood and held her hand out to Adala. “Come on.” Adala rose and followed Moanda out of the enclosure and to a much larger hut on the edge of the village. She knew where they were going and almost skipped. It’d been a long time since she felt this safe. As they entered the large hut everything blurred except herself and Moanda, then solidified again. They were no longer in a hut but in a large stone building, several people working around the outter edges of the enclosure. One, a large black skinned man rose and approached them. “Is it time?” he asked. Both girls responded in unison “Yes Shinsa.” He smiled and kissed them both on the cheek. “Let’s go.” The mood in the room light, happy and friendly as he led them to a stone table. He helped Adala sit on the table. “You’ve been through this before, you know the drill.” He said She settled back, someone placing a pillow behind her head. She looked up at Moanda and Shinsa and closed her eyes. For some time she felt nothing, heard nothing except for the movements of the others around her. Then the blackness decended…… (Posted by Kathleen Deal) (Reply: None) (Mars Facility - Adalas Private Quarters - In her head - SciO En Sg Adala Michaels - 0810) …. In the darkness… Adala felt hands on her forehead, felt something cool and damp wash over her and in her minds eye saw Shinsa reach into her head and pull forth a small red pulsing crystal. He inspected it, turning it over in his hands before passing it to Moanda. “It’s all here. Everything.” Adala felt his hands on her head again and ‘saw’ him pick up a small blue crystal from the table next to them. “This one is stronger, it should keep him at bay and stop him from touching her mind like he has.” He slowly inserted it into her head and smiled as Adalas body began to glow a light blue. Slowly the darkness faded and Adala found herself back with Moanda and Shinsa. They helped her sit up. Moanda handed her a small wooden cup. “Drink this, It’ll help.” knowing Adala was disoriented by the changes taking place. “You’re safer now, stronger. He won’t find you as easily now.” she said as she steadied her friend. “Good.” said Adala as she handed Moanda back the empty cup. “Come on, I need to go see him.” She leaned over and kissed Shinsa on the cheek. “Thank you.” with that the two girls skipped out of the building, the world around them swirled back to the village setting they had left only a little bit ago. The girls wandered through the village, greeting the many people they passed. Adala seemed to be known and loved by the people she passed. The paused at what appeared to be a market and Adala pulled some coins from a pouch she carried, purchasing both girls a piece of fruit and a skin of water. [10 minutes later] They had passed through the village and moved into the trees. The air was cooler here and they chatted about the past, about forgotten times as they walked along the path. The world here was different, time stood still and when it did move, it moved slow. As the trees thinned and the path widened the girls found themselves on the edge of a lake. The dark blue water clear and sparkling in the sun. They stopped and gazed over the water. A distant splash causing them both to turn and look further down the lake. Adala smiled as what appeared to be a large dinosaur swam towards them from the center of the lake. “Nish!” she called as she slipped out of her shoes and dove into the water. Moanda right behind her. The two girls swimming strong as they headed towards the center of the lake and the large beast. As she swam the world around her swirled and faded. Adala found herself sitting as she had started, her back straight, her quarters quiet and dim in the light, the scent of sandalwood still wafting around her. She stood and ran her hands over her uniform “Computer normal lights” she said as she moved towards the replicator. She was starving, time to eat and then get some sleep. (Posted by Kathleen Deal) (Reply: None) (Mars Facilities - Computer core -SPC Luma'lenai- 1110) Luma was not thrilled with being locked in a small crystal for a long night, and being away from Vex had been terribly difficult for the Lenai. She had hunkered down and it was terrible being apart from her, too much like the before when she had lost her people of the generation ship, before the Mystique had found and rescued her. Sekal had returned the crystal to Vex earlier in the day, perhaps noticing that Luma was not doing well apart from Vex. ::Are you ready?:: Vex asked her and Luma whimpered, she wanted out of the crystal. Vex put the crystal into the carrier and Luma flowed back home into the computer The Jaelle had come to take Sekal away from Luma and Luma made a disgruntled noise/emotion/disgust at that. Luma would never trust Jaelle. Vex cautioned Luma to be careful as she explored, and it was true, the Mars base was much bigger as the Lenai explored. ::Vex, do not leave Luma again. Luma did not like being in the crystal overnight away from you.:: The pitiful emotion of the Lenai would bring tears to the eyes of the people who heard it. ::Can I safely remove the crystal?:: Luma waited a long moment, ::Yes. It is safe. Luma would like you to have one of those crystals so that Luma may travel with you if necessary. Luma is unsure about the computer here, and being in one place. How do you not feel trapped here?:: Luma asked her bondmate, not sure that she wanted to make the transition to being stuck on the base, she wanted to be among the stars. ::How does Luma find your quarters? What if you go too far away?:: Luma was afraid under it all. ::Will you put in the emitters so Luma can be a person too?:: (reply Vex, any) (posted by Mel) (Mars Facilities - Computer core - EngO, Ens(jg) Vex'ahlia Jordaan - 1113) ::Yes. It is safe. Luma would like you to have one of those crystals so that Luma may travel with you if necessary. Luma is unsure about the computer here, and being in one place. How do you not feel trapped here?:: Vex gave her answer some thought and before she could answer Luma, the entity continued, :How does Luma find your quarters? What if you go too far away?:: Vex could feel her fear. ::Will you put in the emitters so Luma can be a person too?:: ::I suppose I would feel trapped, if I didn't have the option to leave. Though I do, at any moment I could hop on a ship and travel somewhere new. Starfleet may not like it, though. We could perhaps build a body, one we have a crystal that is, for you to inhabit.:: she looked around the room, ::Certain places on Mars will already have emitters placed within them. It'll take a lot of work and a higher level of authorisation to permit me to put them everywhere. We can work on it though. My quarters, aren't far from here- I wanted them close so I could get here in an emergency and there ARE emitters within it. Take a look around the files you have access to, you'll find the schematics of the base and such are there.:: (Reply Luma iyw) (Posted by Jono Bradley) (Mars Facility - Science Operations Center – SFI Agent – MCPO – Rebecca Faust - 1127) "Ensign Foxglove how may I assist you?" Sekal spoke as he nodded to Faust. "Sekal this is Master Chief Rebecca Faust." Rebecca nodded as she moved one side of the door keeping out of the way. She stiffened as the door opened and a large Reman in security colors entered. She hid her surprise as she looked up at the Reman and out of the corner of his eye, he saw Sekal cocked his head at the unexpected entrance. "How may I assist you?" She saw Sekal spoke to the newcomer before turning back to Foxglove and motioned to the chairs on the other side of the desk as he took his own seat. Faust stayed at his position by the door as she watched and listened. "Do you have the data with you or do I need to send someone to take possession of it? I already have in mind an officer who will handle the investigation." "Yes, I have data with me." "Technology and designs that were in development by Starfleet intelligence. By the sensitive nature of some of these is the reason Faust as accompanied me." "Ensign Stennin report to my office at laboratory three please." She watched as Sekal called into an open Comm. "Reporting for duty, lieutenant." The newcomer spoke as he entered the room. Faust nodded to the Vulcan as he entered. (Reply Sekal, to allow introductions, iyw) Stennin turned to the two visitors. "Greetings, my name is Ensign Stennin, Science Officer." "Indeed," As Faust watched she saw Foxglove pulling one of her phasers she placed it on Sekals desk. She paused for a moment getting ready to move if needed but was showing nothing internally. "This is a dark matter phaser developed by SFI. It's my intent to allow the science to reverse engineer this prototype so we can mass produce a weapon system with a high yield than current weapons allow." (Reply any iyw) Faust saw Foxglove pulling out a padd. "Here are the schematics for ship variants of this weapon system. Also a complete schematic of the warp accelerated railgun (( WAR )) that is currently nearing operational status at the intelligence operations center. With this I hope your section will be able to adapt these weapons for shipwide use." (Reply any, iyw) "The last thing I want is for us to go back out into space and be outgunned like we were by the Andorians. Friends one day may be enemies the next. We need the ability to defend ourselves." Faust could not faut her logic about their needs for better weapons to defend themselves against their enemies but she had wished that Foxglove had not give that many secrets away at once. (Reply any) (Posted by Robbie) Sekal- 1128) Sekal nodded at Faust as she was introduced. "Master Chief welcome." The Reman Sytuk stood attentively as Faust moved to the back of the room, his eyes darted from her to Foxglove then he backed against the wall to keep both in sight. Sekal could see the tension in his features as Foxglove spoke. After his call to Stennin it wasn't long before he arrived and the door opened to admit him. "Reporting for duty, lieutenant." Sekal nodded and he indicated each in turn. "Ensign this is Ensign Foxglove, Chief of Intelligence for Mars base and Master Chief Faust. The security officer is Sytuk. He is here undoubtedly to avert any perceived violent intent." Stennin then introduced himself. After the introductions Ensign Foxglove got down to the reason for her visit. Sekal saw the Reman tense in preparation to pounce as Foxglove pulled a phaser but relax somewhat as she placed it on the desk. He didn't relax completely however. "This is a dark matter phaser developed by SFI. It's my intent to allow the science to reverse engineer this prototype so we can mass produce a weapon system with a higher yield than current weapons allow." Sekal picked up the phaser and examined it. It was based on the early pistol grip models and was grey with purple piping. The focusing crystal appeared to be something like ruby quartz. That as well as the prefire chamber and energy attunement and magnification electromagnets in the body would have to be meticulously broken down, catalogued and studied. He handed the phaser to Stennin. "After you have completed your studies of this and duplicated it I wish to have this one back if possible. If it is based on dark matter as named then it should have superior heating and stun effects." Dark matter had been theorized on Earth around the turn of the twenty first century. It's wavelength was so short it border on matter-like stability hence the reason for its designation. It hadn't been proven till nearly a century later. (Reply: Stennin) Jaelle then handed him a PADD. "Here are the schematics for ship variants of this weapon system. Also a complete schematic of the warp accelerated railgun (( WAR )) that is currently nearing operational status at the intelligence operations center. With this I hope your section will be able to adapt these weapons for shipwide use." Sekal took the PADD and began looking through it, after a moment he looked up. "The ship mounted energy weapon appears feasible and we could work on it in conjunction with engineering. I will speak with the CEO about devising a weapons platform, most likely an escort class or something slightly larger that will incorporate the technology. Once the weapon is tested and proven feasible for a ship based system it could become as option for other, heavier classes." The WAR system is interesting. Railgun technology already exists in the Fleet and we launch torpedoes and probes with it. Using it in conjunction with a warp coil is a fascinating step and it will have to be put through extensive testing first. Perhaps we can introduce it initially as a planetary defense system then look later at reducing the size for ship mounted systems. My initial estimation is that it would require a large vessel to make its inclusion feasible." He handed the PADD to Stennin as well. "After you have studied the contents of the PADD and downloaded it into the database please liaise with Ensign Merek in Engineering to determine how she would like to proceed with this. I will also be available if she wishes to bring me into the matter." (Reply: Stennin) "The last thing I want is for us to go back out into space and be outgunned like we were by the Andorians. Friends one day may be enemies the next. We need the ability to defend ourselves." Sekal nodded. "Duly noted. We have other researches ongoing that will be helpful in this regard as well. StarFleet currently is three decades behind others in the quadrant that roughly translates to two, possibly three generations of technological advances. This is unacceptable and we are working to narrow the gap and are pulling in technologies from all over the Federation along with our own researches to accomplish it. To reach our goal will take some time but in the interim such advances as you just brought to me attention will be helpful once it is proven and you have my gratitude for it. (Reply: Foxglove, Stennin, any present) (Posted by Charles G) (Mars Facility - Science Annex, Lab 3 office (temporary)- Civilian Security forces , Sytuk- 1129) It wasn't the intent of Sytuk to be rude. He wasn't there for conversation. Tagh and him were there for a report of a heavily armed woman in the Science Annex. Luckily they had been going over security procedures with the civilian security forces assigned to the area. In the hallway 2 members of the security detail were on standby. Tagh was ready for anything out of the ordinary. Sytuk kept his eyes on Foxglove, he knew she was dangerous by the way she stood. She nodded her head to him. He knew that if she wanted everyone in the room would be dead. He could tell her intent wasn't to harm anyone, but she was certainly ready to defend herself. Being a mercenary, Sytuk had plenty of experience with killers like her. Taking life was just as easy as blinking an eye. He looked at Sekal and stepped around toward his side of the desk to take a firm position beside him. Just in case Sytuk was wrong in his assessment of the situation. They were talking peacefully but He wanted to make sure that if anything happened Sekal would be safe. Sytuk had decided that if the armed woman were to flench in an aggressive manner he would launch Sekal out the window for his own safety. The Vulcan's bone density and the low gravity of mars in comparison with Vulcan would make the fall to ground non fatal. He would survive the fall and be able to carry on his life with a good story to tell. His plan of action to protect the little Vulcan was to kick the desk across the room at him hard enough to knock him to the ground possibly even out of the room again, the tough Vulcan body would be able to take the hit. Sytuk kept his eyes on Foxglove. ( reply any) ( posted by Davis) (Mars Facility - Science Annex, Jaton's office - SO (Research) Ensign Jaton Alyl - 1231) Jaton was flummoxed. To say the least. It seemed just so strange. He distinctly remembered transferring all the data from the Mystique, and receiving the confirmation signal from Mars on the transference and that all the files had been received and properly stored. However the files on superconductors and synthetic materials were missing. (reply Luma, assuming she'd pop in since she made the connection) "Ah, thanks Luma. Put it through," Jaton said, pushing back from the desk and happy for the distraction. =/\=Ensign Alyl please come to office two on the fifth floor. This is now the CSRD office for future reference.=/\= "Understood, sir. I'm on my way." Jaton then nodded, though not knowing who to, since Luma wasn't exactly corporeal. "Luma, close the channel. And when I get back, I might need your help." (reply Luma) (Mars Facility - Science Annex- Fifth floor, office 2- SO (Research) Ensign Jaton Alyl - 1235) Jaton found his way to Sekal's office easily enough. He rang the doorchime and fidgeted with the PADD in his hand. (Reply: Sekal, Luma) (Posted by Spencer) (Mars Facility - Science Annex- Fifth floor, CSRD Office- CSRD, Lieutenant (jg) Sekal - 1236) "Enter." Sekal spoke as the chime rang. T'Lah was currently sunning herself on the inside window ledge of the spacious aperture behind him. There was a retractable shield in the interior that slid up into the wall and the height of the opening could be controlled using it. He had it set at two feet in height in order to allow her to warm herself without impinging on his view of the monitor. The warmth was also welcome. He motioned to a seat as the Trill entered the room. "Sit please." (Reply: Jaton) After Ensign Alyl had seated himself Sekal leaned back in the chair and interlaced his fingers. "I assume that you have been cataloguing the data we brought back from Trill. Do you have any recommendations that you wish to put forward for a project?" (Reply: Jaton) He moved his head slightly which showed his interest. "Details please." (Reply: Jaton) "Interesting. What are the files that you say are missing?" (Reply: Jaton) (Posted by Charles G) Science Annex- Fifth floor, CSRD Office- SO (Reserch) Ensign Jaton Alyl - 1237) "Enter." Sekal spoke as Jaton rang the chime. Jaton walked into the office. It was spartan, much like Jaton had imagined from his Vulcan superior. Except for the cat that Sekal had adopted. It seemed most of the science staff had taken a cat under their wing in the past month or so. This one in particular was currently sunning herself on the inside window ledge of the spacious aperture behind Sekal, her tail twitching absentmindedly. "Sit please," Sekal said, gesturing for Jaton to sit. "Thank you, sir," Jaton said as he sat. "So how can I help?" "I assume that you have been cataloguing the data we brought back from Trill. Do you have any recommendations that you wish to put forward for a project?" "Yes, sir. It's been quite an interesting catalogue to say the least. I think there are a few projects that Starfleet might be most interested in. For example there have been immense advancements in the last few years in both holography and superconducting materials. Propulsion as well." He moved his head slightly which showed his interest. "Details please." "Well holography might not seem like the most interesting thing to Starfleet, but the Trill have recently found a way to create a much more stable photon matrix as well as more energy efficient emitters. From the brief it sounds like it could have some serious tactical potential. I don't know all the details yet as those files seem to have gone missing along with some others." "Interesting. What are the files that you say are missing?" "The files pertaining to holography and synthetic materials have gone missing. I'm not sure yet exactly what happened beyond the fact that they're somewhere on base. On our way back I transmitted them from the Mystique and received a confirmation that they'd been received. I'm guessing that they just went to the wrong routing index. After this meeting I'll see if Luma can help at all." (reply Sekal, any) (posted by Spencer) ence Annex- Fifth floor, CSRD Office- CSRD, Lieutenant (jg) Sekal- 1239) "The files pertaining to holography and synthetic materials have gone missing. I'm not sure yet exactly what happened beyond the fact that they're somewhere on base. On our way back I transmitted them from the Mystique and received a confirmation that they'd been received. I'm guessing that they just went to the wrong routing index. After this meeting I'll see if Luma can help at all." Sekal nodded. "I had already moved those files forward so that the technical staff can begin work on adapting them which is why they are no longer in the general database. You will find them under proposed inquiries. I will be assigning staff to work on them beginning tomorrow." (Reply: Alyl) "Consider this...," Sekal noted, "... I anticipate that we will be able to adapt the holographic constructs for control interfaces on the Republic to replace those lost to the purge. I am also working on defining the required properties for necessary materials to be used in tandem with the energy requirements needed to take advantage of the greater power supply which we will have when the crystal drive is put into production. The synthetic materials developed on Trill look promising for that research." (Reply: Alyl) He sat back and considered for an instant before speaking then gave Jaton his full attention once again. "The three projects will be extremely important both for refit of the Republic and for incorporation into both new and existing projects. "There is an Exeter class at Utopia Planitia that requires working engines but is otherwise intact. The improved crystal drive will not be available for it but should be available for new construction of that class along with any of the other improvements that have been completed." (Reply: Alyl) "I also have been giving consideration to a science vessel prototype based on an existing class." (Reply: Alyl) (Posted by Charles G) (Mars Base, CSRD’s Office – CMO Ens(sg) Ailynn Bracken – 1305) Ailynn stepped along the corridor, marvelling at how much had been achieved here in the month since they had arrived on Mars. All the corridor’s side panels had been replaced and refitted, new conduit recently run underneath she judged, guessing by the lingering acrid smell of the plasmawelder. Despite the weight of the enormity of the task that lay ahead of them, she felt an inkling, at the back of her mind, that it was no accident the minds that had ended up being posted here; her own included. In years to come every Officer that was stationed here now, would be considered a titan in their field. She reached the Office that she had been searching for, and hit the doorchime; entering upon the single word from within. (Reply Sekal) “Lieutenant Sekal. A moment of your time…if you have it? I feel there is an issue where your interests and mine cross, and potentially…butt heads, and I need to clarify the issue. (Reply Sekal) “Luma.” (Reply Sekal) (Posted by Mark) (Mars Facility - Arboretum - ACMO Ensign Erin Cortez - 1323) After meeting with Billy, Erin found herself wandering in the Arboretum. This place, more so than others, had become a refuge for her. Sure, it wasn’t home but it was close. A place to think and a place to be still which was what she needed. Sitting under one of the trees on the grass, Erin closed her eyes and took a deep breath. ~If you had told me that less than a few months after graduation i would be here, Assistant Chief on Mars, with someone who cares for me and allows me to be the idiot that i know i can be, i would have laughed in your face. Can i face my demons tomorrow? Can i stare into the heart of darkness that has haunted my dreams for the last few years? I don’t know. But, i do know that i now have friends, a boyfriend who is there for me. Then there’s the Admiral….. No, the Captain. Whether my report had anything to do with his demotion and removal from office, god i hope not. I respect the man. Really do but this… i get the feeling that something else is going on here. Whatever it is, i just hope he harbours no ill will towards me.~ Suddenly, her com-badge chirped and the voice she had been concerned about spoke, =^= Captain Remae to Ensign Cortez, Ensign - I need to see you. Can we meet at 1400 at the Red Sands? =^= Erin’s eyes shot open as she sat up straight. A second passed, frozen to the spot. ~Come on girl, you knew this was coming. You knew that, from the moment Admiral Bell arrived and stood on that stage, that this was inevitable.~ Taking a deep breath, Erin tapped her com-badge and spoke with what she hoped was a strong voice and not betraying the nerves underneath, “Cortez here, Sir. Of course. I will make my way there.” Standing, Erin brushed down her uniform, ran a hand through her hair and began to walk out of the Arboretum. “Well, here we go.” (Mars Facility - Red Sands Tavern - ACMO Ensign Erin Cortez & Captain Remae Ktell - 1357) Arriving a few minutes early, Erin took a seat at a semi private booth towards the back of the bar and poured herself a glass of water. ~You knew this was coming. Stay strong. You did nothing wrong. What exactly can he do now?~ She thought to herself as she waited. Remae arrived at the Sands and headed directly for the table that the Ensign was seated out. She looked quite concerned at the incoming Captain heading for her table but, she had nothing to be scared about. “Ensign, thanks for meeting me on such short notice. I will get directly to the point. I wanted to see if you followed standard protocol and transmitted your session findings about me to Starfleet Command during our trip to Trill?”, he asked, refusing a drink from one of the waiters who just showed up. ~and here we go…. Been nice knowing you, Billy.~ she thought to herself. "Yes Sir, I did." “I see.”, he said and he thought of another quick question, “Whom did you direct the message to?” Thinking back, Erin took a sip of her water, "Simply Starfleet, I think." He nodded to himself for a moment. He was working overtime in his mind and the trail was falling into place when he noticed the Ensign looking at him, his shoulders dropped. "Sir, this situation, I caused it didn't I?" "Caused? No, I am afraid not. This was set in motion a long time again, decades ago but it seems like someone was waiting for this chance to make a move, I do not know why but I want to find out.", he said thinking about the possibilities a few more times. "I want to help, Sir. This doesn't seem right, Doesn't seem fair." He smiled at her for a moment. Right and wrong didn't seem to factor into the entire affair of what had led him to this point. He was happy to have left it alone, the entire business, the missing memories, the truth about his past. Whatever was said in that report was enough for Admiral Cayne to make the move he had. Ever since he did, there was nothing from Starfleet. The Captain had tried to contact the President but there was more than nothing in response. "Here's what we're going to do, Ensign... we're going to Earth, as ordered and have a conversation with Admiral Cayne and I want you to come with me.", he said standing up, "Runabout, tomorrow morning Ensign - see you then.", he said, "We're going to find out the truth of all this." "Sir, what exactly is it you want me to do on earth?” “I want you to talk to the President and see if she received your file. That file is yours and not mine and I can’t and won’t snoop around regarding its contents. Its best, as the creator of the document, you do that.”, he said and then added, “Remember what I said about Gul Dulon?", he said and lowered his voice to a whisper, "Well, it wasn't all of what I could have said, there is more but this isn't the time to talk about that.", he said and walked off saying, "9am tomorrow, Ensign - don't be late." Watching him leave, Erin sat back and sighed, "Well, see you then. Sir." (Reply none) (Posted by Tony and Jackie) ce Annex - Chemistry Labs - SO (Research) Ensign Jaton Alyl - 1401) Jaton had emerged from his offices to find a packet of data that had been routed wrongly in the transfer to Mars. So far Luma hadn't been able to track it down yet, but he wasn't ready to give up just yet. He could use a bit of a breather though. "Greetings, Ensign. My name is Stennin, newly assigned to the R&D of this complex. If my memory serves me, and it always does, you must be Ensign Alyl?" Jaton turned to greet the newcomer. "Ensign Alyl. That's me." He was about to extend a hand in greeting before he noticed the new ensign was Vulcan. He then stopped himself and nodded in greeting. "Good to meet you, Stennin. What can I do for you?" " It is agreeable to meet you. I have been assigned to perform some rounds." "Ah good. In that case you might be able to help me. I'm compiling the data we picked up from Trill in order to integrate it into our databases here and send it along to Starfleet Command. But some of it has been routed to the wrong terminals and I'm trying to track it down." " That would be logical. I have all the data from Trill concerning the Material Sciences and Chemistry labs. I can transfer it to you." "Oh perfect! Thank you, Stennin. You can route it to my terminal at your earliest convenience. I'm halfway through the holography files at the moment so I can add it to the queue." (reply Stennin, any) (posted by Spencer) (Mars Facilities Science Annex - Chemistry Labs - SO (Research) Ensign (JG) Stennin - 1402) "Oh perfect! Thank you, Stennin. You can route it to my terminal at your earliest convenience. I'm halfway through the holography files at the moment so I can add it to the queue." Stennin nodded fervently at Alyl. "That would be agreeable. I will transfer it after my rounds are done. It was agreeable to meet you, ensign." (Reply Jaton) Stennin rose his brows, but then nodded softly. "I am specialised in chemistry and microbiology, ensign. It would be logical to cooperate with you on one of your projects." (Reply Jaton) Stennin nodded again, and then greeted the Trill again. He continued on his way, inspecting the different cabinets of the lab. He tapped a few details on his PADD as he finished this part of the facilities. As he turned back to the door, he passed Jaton again. He nodded again, as he went down the corridor. (Mars Facilities Science Annex - Chemistry Labs - SO (Research) Ensign (JG) Stennin - 1403) "Oh perfect! Thank you, Stennin. You can route it to my terminal at your earliest convenience. I'm halfway through the holography files at the moment so I can add it to the queue." Stennin nodded fervently at Alyl. "That would be agreeable. I will transfer it after my rounds are done. It was agreeable to meet you, ensign." "Perfect. Thanks again Stennin. I may need your help later in implementing some of these files and projects. Are there any disciplines you'd prefer?" Stennin rose his brows, but then nodded softly. "I am specialised in chemistry and microbiology, ensign. It would be logical to cooperate with you on one of your projects." "Alright then. I'll send you some of the chemistry files. Maybe some of the things on synthetic materials. Keep an eye out." Stennin nodded, and Jaton returned the gesture. He then looked back at his work and began to plug away again. (reply none) (posted by Spencer) (Mars Base - Medical Centre, CMO's Office – Nurse – Ewan McDonald - 1415) “Don’t stand on ceremony, please. I have no time for that nonsense. Whereas you perhaps should have just gone to head of nursing, I’m thankful of the fact you didn’t.” Ewan nodded and to the seat her was offered. “You are sir may I ask why?” “So…tell me.” He watched as Ailynn put the PADD down, “Surgical Nurse Trained. Emergency Triage…I could go on..” “Yes Sir. I have had the opportunity to deploy with the mobile surgical team many times to a wide range of situations. Most of these deployments were ground side but a few had been to orbital stations or bases. I feel very fortunate to be on this exchange program and I very interested to the similarities and differences between the Albatross organisation and Starfleet in there approaches to ever changing medical situations.” “Seems like you’re in the right office. We are so short of experienced Theatre nurses.” Ewan nodded as he watched Bracken stand up and stretched her back slightly, “So…beyond what’s in your file. Tell me about you.” He paused for a moment. “I come from a large Scottish family. My brothers and sisters are working through out the federation. I have always wanted to travel and see new places ever since I was a young lad. Working with the Surgical Teams I may have not seen the most idyllic places, but they have been interesting.” (Reply Barcken) (Posted by Robbie) (Mars Complex – Engineering – CEO – Ensign Keira Merek – 1430) Aleese smiled and nodded. “I heard that we are going to build a star base in Trill orbit.” She pulled out a PADD and handed it to Merek. “Here is all the data and schematics I have in the vault about stations. From what I can see is that once you have the design you want it’s a step and repeat process. Which makes it easier than starships.” ~How’d she learn about that. I was only just told by the Captain… ~ “These will be useful. They haven’t told us exactly what they want yet, so I’ll keep these under advisement.” Keira said. “I found information on a Juggernaut Class Mobile Repair Dock. Some crazy person decided that they wanted to move an orbital dock along long with the war fleets to do major repair work on the move. So they put impulse engines on it, along with a warp core and a deflector dish and send it into warp. I have the schematics here and there was a rumour that there is a damaged and mothballed one some where in mars orbit. I was thinking if it is possible to find it and get it to work it could be sent to Trill and be used for assembly of the station.” The El Aurian stated. “I’ll have them keep an eye out for that when we do another once-over of the docks and surrounding areas, to include the mothball yards.” She looked at the information in the specs, “Based off this length, overall size and intended use, it’s probably not big enough to construct a whole station, but could construct individual pieces to help speed up the process.” (Reply Aleese) “I do plan on opening up this station design to the rest of the engineering officers. They may come to you to request designs on various components. Could you make sure that everything is available to them?” she asked. (Reply Aleese) (Posted by Todd) (Mars - Outside Admiral Bell's Office - ACMO Ensign Erin Cortez - 1432) After spending a few moments alone in the tavern, Erin had wandered back to her office and gone through all her notes from the now Captain's session with her, looking for something that could help. Knowing there were gaps in his memory, gaps in her knowledge of what had happened, she had realised there was one person who could fill in the gaps, or at least some of them. And so, Erin had found herself sat outside the Admiral's office, waiting. Looking at Billy, she smiled softly, "Still okay for dinner later?" (Reply Alexander) "What's she like, Admiral Bell?" (Reply Alexander) "Listen, I'm gonna be gone a good bit of the morning but, if we have time before the party when I get back, I would love nothing more than to just catch up." (Reply Alexander) "Thanks. Could you tell the Admiral I would like to see her? I suspect she may know why." (Reply Alexander) (Reply Alexander, any) (Posted by Jackie) (Mars - Outside Admiral Bell's Office - Admiral's Aide Ensign JG Billy Alexander- 1433) Billy had spent most of the day post announcement getting used to his new reality, his new boss. He was the Admiral's Aide, which meant regardless of who the Admiral was, that was his boss. Even if he wished he could have followed Remae, he had a job to do and he would do his best to be as valuable as possible to Bell as he was to Remae. "Still okay for dinner later?" Billy looked up at his girlfriend who had showed up at the door of his office which sat just outside the Admiral's office. "I think so sweetie. Probably something simple though." "What's she like, Admiral Bell?" Billy smiled. "I don't really have a read on her yet. She's been rather busy, haven't had much avenue for interaction." "Listen, I'm gonna be gone a good bit of the morning but, if we have time before the party when I get back, I would love nothing more than to just catch up." "We'll see, not sure what my day is gonna look like. Might need to take the Admiral all over the base and the city. We shall see. I'll let you know." "Thanks. Could you tell the Admiral I would like to see her? I suspect she may know why." Billy nodded and sent a quick message to the Admiral. "All set. I'll see you later. Stay out of trouble." Billy said with a chuckle. And as Erin enterred the Admiral's office, Billy returned to his paperwork. (reply none) (posted by Will) (Mars Complex – Engineering –Archivist – Aleese Akess – 1433) “I’ll have them keep an eye out for that when we do another once-over of the docks and surrounding areas, to include the mothball yards.” Aleese saw Merek looking at the at the information in the specs, “Based off this length, overall size and intended use, it’s probably not big enough to construct a whole station, but could construct individual pieces to help speed up the process.” “That is what I am thinking of. It could be used as a construction yard in orbit.” “I do plan on opening up this station design to the rest of the engineering officers. They may come to you to request designs on various components. Could you make sure that everything is available to them?” she asked. Aleese nodded. “Not a problem. I am happy to open everything I have. It will be nice to have some visitors to my underground home. I am also happy to assist personally where needed.” (reply Merek) (Reply Merek) (Posted by Robbie) (Mars Facility - Science Annex- Fifth floor, CSRD Office- CSRD, Lieutenant (jg) Sekal - 1438) "Knock knock." Sekal look away from the monitor as Vex walked in. She moved to the desk and deposited the toolkit there. "Here you are. Luma is settled in, everything went far smoothly than we had a right to ask for." He quirked an eyebrow. "The odds against a catastrophic failure or harm to Luma were negligible, on the order of nine hundred and ninety five to one against. I expected no issue nor was there any and I spoke to Luma only a little over an hour after the procedure began." (Reply: Vex) "I found it more likely that an issue would arise during Luma's transfer to the crystal, as it did not we will be free to repeat the process with proper precautions in the future." He settled back in the chair and looked away an instant before looking back. "We need only make the same modifications to any ship which she might transfer onto. Undoubtedly the Mystique will not be one of them but it would be illogical to remove the transfer device there as it is an older model and your design is more efficient." His voice trailed off as he looked away again. (Reply: Vex) (Posted by Charles G) (Mars - Admiral Bell's Office - ACMO Ensign Erin Cortez - 1441) Walking in to the Admiral's office, the first thing that struck Erin was how beautiful the Captain's wife was. Secondly, how fearsome she was. Standing to near attention, Erin stopped in front of her desk and waited to be acknowledged. (Reply Bell) Looking at the Admiral, Erin opened her mouth to speak and then stopped for a second. Taking a breath, she spoke, "I suspect you know why I am here, Ma'am. " (Reply Bell) "I feel partly responsible for this whole mess despite what Captain Remae says. I know this whole thing started a long time ago but, here and now, you wouldn't be doing a job you don't want and the Captain would still be an admiral. If it weren't for that damn report." (Reply Bell) "Ma'am, may i speak freely?" (Reply Bell) Staying standing, Erin looked at the woman infront of her and began, "I know that something happened, something bad. So bad for him to either be repressing it or to have a memory block put in. What I can't understand is why Admiral Cayne is using this as a way to get him out of the Fleet. I need help. If I am going to help the Captain, your husband, I need to understand both what happened and what the hell I am walking into tomorrow morning. " (Reply Bell, any) (Posted by Jackie) (Mars Facility, Science Annex - Fifth floor, CSRD Office - EngO, Ens(jg) Vex'ahlia Jordaan - 1441) He quirked an eyebrow. "The odds against a catastrophic failure or harm to Luma were negligible, on the order of nine hundred and ninety five to one against. I expected no issue nor was there any and I spoke to Luma only a little over an hour after the procedure began." Vex shrugged, "All the same, I wanted to let you know there had been no issues." "I found it more likely that an issue would arise during Luma's transfer to the crystal, as it did not we will be free to repeat the process with proper precautions in the future." Sekal replied whilst settling back into his chair, their was a momentary silence before he continued, "We need only make the same modifications to any ship which she might transfer onto. Undoubtedly the Mystique will not be one of them but it would be illogical to remove the transfer device there as it is an older model and your design is more efficient." Sekal seemed to be wondering on something. "The Republic," Vex said, "Seem's like the next likely destination. I plan on bringing it up in the Engineering meeting tonight, I'd like to continue to update the design though to make it slightly more efficient and actually build it into the core of the systems. If I get time, I'd like to fashion a portable device that a crystal can be put into which can be carried. Allowing Luma to leave the ship with me if ever required, giving any crystal used extra protection seem's like a must." (Reply Sekal) "I don't suppose you have any leads on where we could find a suitable replacement crystal?" (Reply Sekal) (Posted by Jono Bradley) (Mars Facility, Science Annex - Fifth floor, CSRD Office - CSRD, Lieutenant (jg) Sekal- 1443) "The Republic," Ensign Jordaan stated "Seem's like the next likely destination. I plan on bringing it up in the Engineering meeting tonight, I'd like to continue to update the design though to make it slightly more efficient and actually build it into the core of the systems. If I get time, I'd like to fashion a portable device that a crystal can be put into which can be carried. Allowing Luma to leave the ship with me if ever required, giving any crystal used extra protection seem's like a must." The Vulcan nodded. "A logical assessment. I do not anticipate that she will be used interchangeably on a number of vessels but will have a home ship at some point and move between that ship and the base. Until that time arrives however building the systems in would be advised." "I don't suppose you have any leads on where we could find a suitable replacement crystal?" Sekal leaned forward with his elbows on the desk and folded his arms. "There are more of the crystals on Vulcan if the government can be induced into sharing some of them..." His voice trailed off again as he began considering another possibility. "I have been overlooking a logical alternative." (Reply: Vex) "Consider this..., he began "... they will not disclose the location where they may be found until the technology has been proven but in order to prove the technology we will require more crystals." He sat back. "I will inquire of my father if it is possible to procure more, as he is involved intimately with the project, has access to the crystals and approval from command to facilitate the sharing of knowledge perhaps he will be able to provide more for study." (Reply: Vex) He nodded. "I will seek approval to contact him tonight and make the request." (Reply: Vex) (Posted by Charles G) (Mars Facility, Science Annex - Fifth floor, CSRD Office - EngO, Ens(jg) Vex'ahlia Jordaan - 1444) Sekal leaned forward with his elbows on the desk and folded his arms. "There are more of the crystals on Vulcan if the government can be induced into sharing some of them..." His voice trailed off again and then a moment later he began again, "I have been overlooking a logical alternative." "Oh?" Vex said, "Do tell." "Consider this..., he began "... they will not disclose the location where they may be found until the technology has been proven but in order to prove the technology we will require more crystals." He sat back. "I will inquire of my father if it is possible to procure more, as he is involved intimately with the project, has access to the crystals and approval from command to facilitate the sharing of knowledge perhaps he will be able to provide more for study." "I assume he would see the Logic in that if we had access to more crystals that your research would be sped up, due to having more of them for your team to work with." Vex said, "and if we happened to use one of them to help Luma, he'd never really need to know, now would he?" He nodded. "I will seek approval to contact him tonight and make the request." Vex nodded, "Thank-you, Lieutenant. You've been extremely helpful in this matter. Let me know if there's anything in the future I can do for you in return." she checked the time, "I best be off to Engineering." Vex said as she span around, nodded to the Vulcan and then left his office. (Reply none needed) (Posted by Jono Bradley) (Mars Facility - Admiral’s Office - CO Admiral Jana Bell - 1445) Jana was examining the mess of the office she had inherited. Typically, she knew what she’d be walking into, and it was exactly what she’d expected. How Remae had managed to get anything done was a miracle, but she didn’t have his passion for this pet project, and she flopped into the chair. “Yes.”, she said as the door chime was activated, and her eyes noted the young woman who was standing at almost attention. Having not seen the duty roster, Jana had to guess who it was, but when she spoke up, she knew who she was. “I suspect you know why I am here, Ma'am.”, she said still at attention. “Yes Ensign, I? can take a stab in the dark on that one.”, said the Admiral, her Australian accent dropping in from time to time. Even though she never regained her memories of Australia, her nature came through from time to time. "I feel partly responsible for this whole mess despite what Captain Remae says. I know this whole thing started a long time ago but, here and now, you wouldn't be doing a job you don't want, and the Captain would still be an admiral. If it weren't for that damn report.", she confessed to the Admiral, expressing her feelings about the situations. There was no sense of pretence or small talk. “Maybe, Ensign, but if not you, it would have been someone else.”, she said, still sitting back in her chair, “This has been coming for a long time, but I? can tell you this if that Bajoran pipsqueak told you what he did tell you in that session, he trusts you, and that is good enough for me.” "Ma'am, may I speak freely?", she asked, still standing at the desk. She nodded at the Counsellor as she began speaking, “I know that something happened, something bad. So bad for him to either be repressing it or to have a memory block put in. What I can't understand is why Admiral Cayne is using this as a way to get him out of the Fleet. I need help. If I am going to help the Captain, your husband, I need to understand both what happened and what the hell I am walking into tomorrow morning.”, she said giving her fears voice and substance. It was news to Jana that Remae was taking Cortez to Earth tomorrow, but she didn’t show any surprise as she held her hands together, pointing her closed hands towards the Counsellor. Jana took off her commbadge and threw it onto the table, and this conversation was going to be off the record where ranks were no relevant. “Yes, he is my husband…”, she almost whispered and paused for a moment to think to herself. She knew all about his memory block, his time with Gul Dulon and his court-marshal. Jana remembered the time that Remae had shown her the holographic program he had created of Dulon, as part of his therapy and attempts to remember what happened. The Cardassian face would haunt her forever. “Have a seat, Counsellor.”, she said, offering up Remae’s couch to the Ensign, even after all this time, Jana had trouble putting it all together. “Remae, this Remae has come through not one, but two universes and his life had endured interference not only from Q, the Prophets and Starfleet Command. After Dulon tortured him, someone who had the destruction of Earth on his twisted mind, placed a data file inside my husbands head.”, she said. Not wanting to scare the Counsellor but she tried to make it as clear as she could, “Where Dulon tortured Remae, there was a medical facility and a computer which ran the place. It was used to transplant the file.” Jana stopped for a moment, “We had partial access to the file, it has at least partly the records of a high-level meeting of senior Admirals of Starfleet.”, she said pausing again. “All of this, this background, isn’t going to help except this, that file hasn’t shown any signs of being a problem for decades, and now, it shows up in your session and sets off alarms.”, she said. “I will tell you this,?? Ensign, Admiral Cayne wants to see him, but it was President Atremi who requested my presence here, now. That tells me she is trying to either protect Mars or trying to protect what you are all doing here.”, she said standing up, “It’s taking all my self-control not to go over there and shake this loose.” She reattached her commbadge, “Good luck Ensign, this is a mess, and I do not know what is going to happen.”, said Admiral Bell, clearly wanting to drop everything and go to Earth but she was staying, her sense of duty was controlling her impulses. (Reply from Cortez, Any) (Posted by Anthony Keen) (Mars Science Annex - Lab Technicians Offices - Science Officer Ensign (JG) Stennin - 1450) " There is also a need for additional Mannitol and Tilferar agar plates. Also, two of the phase discriminators in the chemistry labs need updates on their databases, specifically on data from Caligorm III." Stennin stood across from the desk of a Tellarite lab technician. The man nodded along as he heard the requests, and tapped some buttons on the LCARS terminal on his desk. "One last request, from Crewman Allen. He wants to modify one of the graviton generators in the Physics labs. The details are in the PADD file." Stennin looked up from the PADD and nodded softly. As the Tellarite nodded back in agreement, Stennin passed over the PADD. (Reply Jaton) (Written by Yoerik van Heugten) (Mars Complex – Medical -Nurse –Ewan McDonald - 1455) Ewan stepped into one of the quiet Operating Theatres and looked around. This was going to be his home for a while. He grinned to himself looking at the equipment some of it had not changed for generations. There were up grades and advancements for sure, but the basics were still there. He ran his hand along the bio-bed which was the operating table which had not changed in function since people had been operated on normal wood tables. He pressed a button on the side of the bio-bed and the surgical support frame slid out of it reses in the side of the bio-bed. He gave it the once over before pressed the button to move it back to its original position. He moved over to the row of cupboards against one wall and opened the closest one. As eh expected there was a lot equipment all placed neatly on the shelves with indicated names to show what they all were. He noticed a container that said emergency back up surgical kits. He pulled it out slowly as it was heavier than he had expected and opened the lid. Inside was several sealed metal surgical trays 30 cm long, 20cm wide and five cm deep. He took the trays and lined them up on the operating table and smiled. They were basic surgical kit with real surgical instruments with clamps, retractors and forceps that had not changed since centuries. He had had to use this type of kit on his mobile surgical team deployment when he and his team had been stuck and ran out of more modern equipment. His surgeon had been an El-Aurian who had actually used the equipment and it had been a busy couple of weeks going back to basics which had been interesting. Which was why he had gone on a course when they had returned. He packed the trays back into the container and closed the cupboards. He looked round again as he mentally checked the equipment in the room with what he had used in the past or need updates on. He nodded to himself. “Well I am not on Athaless three anymore.” (Reply any) (Posted by Robbie) (Mars Base - Red Sands Tavern - Santiago Torres - 1512) As the officer at the bar ordered an Irish Raktajino Santiago waved at the bartender indicating he would take the prepared drink. He knew most of the personnel at the base who walked through the doors of his bar, but this one he did not know. He liked to know all of his clientele, learn their story, what made them tick That way he and his staff could better meet their needs. As this was someone he did not know, he was excited by the prospect of meeting someone new and devising how the Red Sands could best become a home away for home for this particular individual. Taking the Raktajino from the Raktajino machine, as Santiago tried his best not to replicate anything, he approached Ohkita and smiled. "One Irish Raktajino," the smiling Spaniard said with his his thick accent. "Freshly made just for you." (reply Wen) "Now then, I don't think I've seen you in the Sands before, are you new to the base?" (reply Wen) "Well, welcome ensign to the Red Sands Tavern, how may we make your stay more enjoyable?" (reply Wen) (reply Wen) (posted by Will) (Mars Science Annex - Fifth floor, CSRD Office- Science Officer - Ensign (JG) – David Clarke - 1517) "Your primary interest is in temporal mechanics? Is your experience theoretical or practical?" “Yes Sir, most of my experience is theoretical but umm…….there has been some small practical applications.” "An unusual primary which I may be able to make use of. I am assigning you to the Research and Development division of the science department. I am the head of R&D while Ensign Sienna Williams-Verin heads the general sciences." David nodded. “Yes Sir. I understand.” "You may make use of any available lab for your experiments and observations. I also have experienced something that I will discuss with you later to get your academic opinion. The other officers in the department are Ensigns Alyl, Michaels and Stennin." “Yes sir. Of course, Sir” His interest had been peaked but he did not ask. Most people though his speciality was a bit of a joke but David new better. "Welcome to the department Ensign." Sekal set down the PADD and raised his right hand in the Vulcan salute. "Live long and prosper." “Thank you very much sir.” David stood up picked up his PADD and left the office. He smiled to himself as he walked down the corridor. ~A whole lab just for myself this is going to be great~ (Reply any) (Posted by Robbie) (Mars Facilities- Security Complex- Petty Officer (2nd Class)- Steven Hammons- 1520) Hammons was sitting with his feet on the desk, the plate mostly empty of the nachos he had consumed. The mug which he had filled with filtered, deionized water from a tap attached to a cooler almost empty. He was staring at the far wall, it was all starting to fall into place. He had read through the rest of the case and now knew what was what. The attacks in the system, the coded transmission and the investigation into those others that had been sent all tied together. The problem was that if their suspect was indeed guilty she had shown no signs of it. But that was a no brainer in his mind. He began talking out loud as if testing the words. "What would I do if my transmission was spotted?" First of all he would clean the area and it would have been very clean indeed by the time he got through, someone in medical certainly knew how to sanitize evidence... except for one little drop of blood. That was the conundrum. If she was indeed guilty she would certainly have cleaned up the blood if she knew it was there. "Was it really accidental or was it a plant?" Cases had turned on less, the guilty ferreted out on the smallest of details. It could have been a plant, someone might have been trying to divert suspicion. Maybe the person they had been following was a dead end. The criminal might have already left or be laying low until she was arrested and the heat died down. That was the next thing he'd do, lay low until the heat died down or the authorities ran out of leads and hope and gave up. Getting someone else arrested would be a great way to open up some freedom to move around. But why haul fake evidence around with you if no one had been the wiser in the first place? That didn't fit either. A hardened criminal could be cagey but they seldom had incriminating evidence on someone else to drop just in case. And then an idea began to form. Sekal hadn't been cleared yet. He might still be guilty of some dastardly deed, Lieutenant or not. Oh yes he had heard about the promotions after he had left the tavern. Two had been promoted to Lieutenant, Trip Williams and the Vulcan. Word like that spread like wildfire, it was just human nature. He still had to talk to the CSRD head no matter what. Yes an idea was beginning to form, it was all falling into place. (Reply: Any) (Posted by Charles G) (Mars Base - Red Sands Tavern - Medical Officer - Ensign Ohitika Wen - 1530) "One Irish Raktajino," the smiling Spaniard said with his his thick accent. "Freshly made just for you." "Freshly made" she said rather astounished as she has never had a freshly made Raktajino. Taking a sip of the drink her eyes widen. "I have never had a drink this good. Compliments to your bartender" "Now then, I don't think I've seen you in the Sands before, are you new to the base?" "I am Ensign Ohitika Wen and this is my first assignment. You have a beautiful club here. Is this the usual place for the base and visiting strships." She asked. A place like this she was thinking would be great for parties from the base and a place for starships crews after mission completions. (Santiago ) "Well, welcome ensign to the Red Sands Tavern, how may we make your stay more enjoyable?" "I am From the dakotas on earth, I am not sure what to say. I see you have an area for performances and other things. I cant wait to see some of the performances you bring in." She repied then took another sip of her drink. "Are you the owner of this club or just a waiter?" she asked wanting to know more of the club. (reply Santiago ) (posted by kierya) (Mars Base - Red Sands Tavern - Santiago Torres- 1531) "I am Ensign Ohitika Wen and this is my first assignment. You have a beautiful club here. Is this the usual place for the base and visiting strships." She asked. "For the base yes, we haven't had many visiting starships yet, but as things pick up here, hopefully that becomes the case." Torres paused. "Well, welcome ensign to the Red Sands Tavern, how may we make your stay more enjoyable?" "I am From the dakotas on earth, I am not sure what to say. I see you have an area for performances and other things. I cant wait to see some of the performances you bring in. Are you the owner of this club or just a waiter?" "We usually bring in a local band or two in the evenings, but not really before 1800. As for who own the Sands, well technically Starfleet owns the grounds and the property, but I've leased the space but as for the bar it self, I manage the Red Sands Tavern and am the owner of all the Intellectual Property and all that jazz." He said with a smile, "So I guess you could say technically yes I am the owner." (reply Wen) "I also am former Starfleet, was a Lt. Commander and a Ship's counselor, but my family has been in the restaurant trade for centuries, entonces, pense, porque no, why not leave Starfleet behind and get into the family business. So here I am." He said in a thick Spanish accent, "Doing my best to bring joy y un poquito de descanso, a tiny bit of rest, to the Starfleet officers here on Mars." (reply Wen) "Now then, Ensign Wen, from the Dakotas, what is your story, why are you here today as a member of Starfleet?" (reply Wen) (reply Wen) (posted by Will) (Mars Facility - Science Annex- Fifth floor, CSRD Office- CSRD, Lieutenant (jg) Sekal - 1540) Sekal looked up as the buzzer to his office rang. "Enter." This visitor was unexpected. "Lieutenant Sekal congratulations on your promotion." Steven Hammons said as he walked inside. He looked about at the decor and gave an appreciative grunt. "You are certainly moving up in the world sir." His eyes glinted mischievously. "Is this about the visit by Intelligence?" The Vulcan asked. "No." Steven walked to a chair and pushed it over to the desk. Do you mind if I sit down?" Sekal quirked an eyebrow at his behavior. "Do so. I trust that you will then tell me the purpose of your visit." Hammons sat down and crossed his legs, the sidearm on his right side still visible. "I wanted to ask you some questions to clear up a matter." "And what matter would that be?" "It pertains to coded messages you sent when you first arrived." "Continue." "Who did you send the messages to and why?" T'Lah hopped onto the desk and regarded Hammons with jade green eyes impassively. He reached out and let her sniff his fingers. Sekal nodded. "While I was involved in both messages I only instituted the code once." "But there were two." "Yes. I needed to speak with my father about a secret research kept that way by the Vulcan government. When he ascertained my intention he initiated the code. That was the first day." "And who is your father?" Hammons asked. "Saleke, a Commodore in the Vulcan Defense Fleet and former Captain in StarFleet." Hammons whistled. "Impressive if you haven't committed a crime, a shame if you have. What about the second message?" An eyebrow lifted at the insinuation of criminal activity. "An issue arose concerning the object. I initiated a communication with him and used the code he had used." "Without getting prior approval." "Yes." "Well now all I have is your word on that now isn't that true?" "Indeed." "So you could be lying to me about the content of those messages." "Vulcans...," Sekal leaned forward slightly, "... do not lie." "And I'm just supposed to take your word for that as well?" Steven's smile wasn't his normal one but had a grim air about it. "Did you tell anyone about these transmissions besides myself?" "Indeed. I sent a report to the Admiral about the contents immediately after the second message." "You did? Do you have proof of that?" Hammons was curious now. Sekal turned to address the monitor. "Luma please find and play the report I sent to the Admiral at twenty three twenty hours on the night of the second coded message." Steven sat through the verbal report which was dry in places but extremely detailed and verified what the scientist had said. "And this was received?" Luma spoke. =^=The Sekal's message was stored in the Admiral's files and reviewed the next day. The Admiral authorized the report and filed it at fourteen twenty hours that day according to the administrative log. =^= Steven gave the Vulcan a long look then activated the PADD he carried and made some notations in it. "You understand I will have this verified independently." "Of course." Sekal nodded. "And if it checks out..." Hammons uncrossed his legs and leaned forward conspiratorially, "... I'm wondering if you could help me with something." (Reply: None) (Posted by Charles G) (Mars Base - Red Sands Tavern - Medical Officer - Ohitika Wen - 1545) "We usually bring in a local band or two in the evenings, but not really before 1800. As for who own the Sands, well technically Starfleet owns the grounds and the property, but I've leased the space but as for the bar it self, I manage the Red Sands Tavern and am the owner of all the Intellectual Property and all that jazz." He said with a smile, "So I guess you could say technically yes I am the owner." Taking a sip of her drink as she listened to him. "I am impressed as to what you have done here. How long have you been working here?" "I also am former Starfleet, was a Lt. Commander and a Ship's counselor, but my family has been in the restaurant trade for centuries, entonces, pense, porque no, why not leave Starfleet behind and get into the family business. So here I am." He said in a thick Spanish accent, "Doing my best to bring joy y un poquito de descanso, a tiny bit of rest, to the Starfleet officers here on Mars." "I have not been in starfleet for very long. I feel that I will learn a lot. She replied "Now then, Ensign Wen, from the Dakotas, what is your story, why are you here today as a member of Starfleet?" She knew that bartenders loved listening to stories of thier patrons, but, she did not know what they did with them. "Sir, I don't really have any different story than any of your other patrons. Lets just say that i am following in the footsteps of my grandamother, but, a little further. I am taking her healing into the future. I am in Starfleet Medical." (reply Santiago) (posted by kierya) (Mars Science Annex - Science Officer - Ensign (JG) – David Clarke - 1604) David looked around his lab. It was not large by any means, but it was his and he was happy. The walls were accessible, and he had decided to use their image functions. On one wall he had put images of different clocks running at different times and calendar dates of past present and future dates. He had a painting of Salvador Dali’s famous melting clock hanging on another wall beside a real time image of deep space from the mars orbital’s deep space array. He had a desk in the corner with a couple of chairs. On the wall above it was the ‘quote of the day’ which Clare had sent him from her lab. ‘People assume that time is a strict progression of cause to effect, but actually from a non-linear, non-subjective viewpoint, it's more like a big ball of wibbly-wobbly, timey-wimey stuff.’ He grinned to him self as he read it. “Too easy Clare, to easy.” He glanced over at a schematic of a starship on wall. This was one of the reasons why he was on Mars. It was his project assigned to him by the Department of Temporal Investigations. There had been reports of the starship appearing across the federation since before the Department of Temporal Investigations was created. The ship would appear randomly throughout proceeding centuries for short period of time before disappearing again. DTI knew that it was a federation starship but apart from that there was not a lot of information. The next appearance was estimated to be anytime from tomorrow or up to five years’ time. Which infuriated some of the staff in the temporal calculations who would prefer to have better date. He shook his head and looked back at the clock with Greenwich written underneath it. “Computer time link to the Department of Temporal Investigations in Greenwich’s Prime Meridian Chronometer” [Time synchronisation is complete] He smiled to him self as he picked up a PADD and dropped into his chair. “Okay then what’s next?” (Reply any) (Posted by Robbie) (Mars Base, Outside Intelligence Center, CIO Ensign sg Jaelle Foxglove, 1723) Jaelle was still going over the events of the day, so far. It seemed it was a rollercoaster day but it was far from over. With the trip to Earth coming up loose ends needed to be tied up. She already had the computer systems locate the new Captain position, after all with today's technology there was only so far you could go to be alone. Pressing her comm badge. "Crewman Taylor, site to site teleport to the Republic." She called only to covered in the brilliant light of the teleporter beam. Whenbtheblight faded she was once again in the halls of the Republic. (Mars Orbit, Republic, CO quarters, CIO Ensign sg Jaelle Foxglove, 1725) She made her way though the halls of the large vessel. While she was not overly familiar with the layout. She had studied the schematics enough to know where she was going. Coming up on the room where the new Captain was located she pressed the button that would announce her presence. "Sir, this is Ensign Foxglove, you wanted to see me." (Reply Ktell) (Posted by Matthew Locke) (Mars Base, Red Sands Tavern, aACTO Ensign sg Taya, Ensign sg Counselor Ariel Trei, 1801) Taya had spent the better part of the day with CPO Kirby getting caught up on what happened while she was on the mission to Trill. Because there were rumors about her, she had stayed in her office, but knowing she had to get out at some point, she decided to go to the Red Sands for dinner. Rumors be damned. When she entered, she ignored the stares and looked for a place to sit. Seeing Ariel Trei alone at the bar, Taya hurried over and slipped onto the stool next to her. "Hey there. Do you come here often?" said Taya with a smile. "Not often enough lately. I thought it was a place to unwind after the mission. What is on your mind?" "We haven't talked for awhile," said Taya. "Not since that counseling session in the holodeck." She chuckled. "Yes that was less comfortable than it had to be. Have some of those beetles in the bowl. They have a nice nutty taste. Klingons enjoy them more than anyone but give them a try." Taya looked at the contents of the bowl. Though her people had something similar, shaysha, an edible beetle-like insect, she had never acquired the taste for them. "No thanks." Ariel sipped her iced tea and munched on the beetles she offered to Taya. She felt Taya needed to tell her something but was holding back for some reason. "If you need to tell me something, please do. I am here for you." Taya sighed. Andorians were blunt, and Taya was impulsive, so what she had to say, wasn't easy. "Counselor, I shouldn't have focused my anger towards you, as you were following orders and doing your duty." That was as close to an apology Trei was going to get. "I understand. How do you wish to discuss this anger? We can go to my office and properly deal with this anger if you wish." Taya got a surprised look on her face. Nice move, Trei! "I'm not here to be analyzed," said Taya firmly. "I needed a break from work, so when I saw you here, I decided to join you." Someone from behind the bar walked up. "Can I get you something?" "Yes. A meat platter, with a side of mushrooms, and a large glass of ice water with a straw," said Taya. "Any particular meat?" "How about turkey?" said Taya. The bartender nodded and went to the replicator. Taya turned her attention back to Trei. "So, Ariel. May I call you Ariel?" She didn't wait for an answer. "Are you going to Earth tomorrow?" Taya was very blunt. Ariel didn't know how to respond but tried. "Ariel is fine if I can call you Taya. Yes I am going to Earth tomorrow. If you need to talk, make an appointment unless you want to talk some now." Taya laughed. "You don't need to be in counselor mode all the time. You and I haven't spent time together. I want to get to know you, and yes, you can call me Taya." "Here you go," said the bartender with Taya's order. "If you need anything else, let me know." "I will. Thank you." Taya turned her attention back to Ariel. "So, what do you do for fun?" "Well if you haven't seen me on stage yet I have been in the Red Sands singing. I also like to keep up on my gymnastics training working out in the gym. What about you?" "I've heard you," said Taya. "I sing, too, but I couldn't bring myself to go up on stage. In my quarters, I sing clan songs I sang with my zhen mother when I was little." She smiled at the fond memories. "As far as your gymnastics, I have a recreational program I haven't had time to run yet. I think you might enjoy it. Let's try it together after you're back from Earth." "Sure. Try to keep up. I was a champion level gymnast and cheerleader. I could try some of those moves now but it won't be appropriate in this uniform dress." Taya was a little confused over Ariel's comment about not doing athletic moves in her dress. From what she understood, gymnasts and cheerleaders didn't wear much in the way of clothing anyway. Ariel sensed confusion and attempted to clarify her last comments. "If I tried doing some handsprings in this dress, I will reveal too much in the action and I really don't want to do that here." Taya nodded. "I see." She supposed that made sense. "What kind of recreation are we talking about?" "I'll keep it secret until we try it," said Taya. "Your Klingon side and your gymnast side will both like it." "Good. I am looking forward to it." "Well, break time is over. I need to get back to work," said Taya. She touched Ariel's arm. "It was nice talking with you. I'll see you in the holodeck when you're back from Earth." (reply none) (posted by Rob B. and Edward E.) (Mars Facilities – Main Engineering – Ensign JG Rylee Page - 1805) After finding her quarters, Rylee had found herself wandering around the Mars Base. The base was so much larger and different from anything she had been used to at home on Trill. Her engineering knowledge was pretty basic but her willingness to learn and almost eidetic memory was useful. Rylee could remember things, people, faces, facts and it had come in useful but, in someways, it was a curse. Having finally made it to the engineering department, she brushed down her uniform and stood towards the back of the meeting as the Chief spoke. Thank you everyone for your patience. First point of order.” She said, “We have some new faces. Please introduce yourselves. I’m Ensign Merek, your CEO.” “Ensign Rylee Page. I have only recently got here from Trill.” She listened as a few other points were brought to account and then... “Next Tegan, Vex, Page.” She said, “Will each be heading up one of the three standard shifts, Alpha, Beta, Gamma.” She continued, “Each shift will comprise two hundred enlisted Engineers each. You’ll have a Chief Petty Officer to help you with the day to day, four squads headed by a PO1 with multiple teams in each squad, each team headed by a PO2 or PO3 depending on their experience. This will help you gain leadership experience which is important for new officers. They report to you, and your report to me. “ Do you mind which shift is ran by the three of us?" One of the others asked. “You are free to decide shifts amongst yourselves, though if no one has any preferences I’ll decide.” Merek replied. "I'd prefer either the Alpha or Beta, but I'm easy if the two of you want those?" “I don’t mind taking Gamma Shift.” Rylee replied. “Decided? Good.” Chief Merek replied The next things that were brought up were the details with regards to the new station engineering was to take a big hand in. Rylee, feeling a little out of place, listened as various points were brought up. Her speciality lay in Computer sciences and Artificial intellingence. Sure she was handy around an engine and knew the basics but her passion was AI’s. “I’m going to open the floor at this time to any input on future projects. I’ve already put some of my own projects on the board. The phaser defense grid that is nearing completion. R&D work on advanced weapon systems of Verteron phaser arrays and Metreon torpedoes. Any thoughts or additions?” A thought had entered Rylee’s mind but she pushed it back. She kew that the Federation had had issues with Artificial life and didn’t want to bring it back up. So, she kept quiet and listened “At the adjourning of this meeting make sure your respective shifts are squared away. Everyone has been going non-stop since the mission began. I want everyone to enjoy a day pass, starting with those whom just returned from Trill who are on pass as of 0001 hours tomorrow morning. Then, rotate the shifts through by day so we aren’t understaffed and everyone gets a chance to get a break. Any questions before I adjourn?” “No, Ma’am.” She replied and waited for the meeting to be adjourned. (reply Any) (Posted by Jackie) (Mars Facilities – Main Engineering – CEO – Ensign Keira Merek – 1807) Keira strode off the thankfully fully functioning turbolift and into the main room. The low slow thrum of the matter-antimatter reactor was some how calming, despite the fact that any failure would take out the entire facility and leave a hole in Mars that would put Praxis disaster from over a century ago to shame. Her mother had called it “engineer’s ear”, where the particular sound that the engines of a vessel made helped relax some, others couldn’t sleep with out it. Her mother had always said that Carraya IV was too quiet at first, and she had problems sleeping for the first week or so when they touched down planet side. As a child Keira found the concept silly, but now as many things she found that she knew exactly what mom had been talking about. Conversations hushed as the newly minted Chief of Engineering approached the Master Display Table. Acknowledging she was a tad late, “Thank you everyone for your patience.” She said and looked at the assembled Engineering Officers and staff. “First point of order.” She said, “We have some new faces. Please introduce yourselves. I’m Ensign Merek, your CEO.” (Reply all Engineers present) “Thank you. It will help to put names that I’ve seen on the roster to faces in person.” She said. “Next a big thank you goes out to the two thirds of the staff we had left behind on Mars to complete the repairs and upgrades to the facility. Which with the exception to a few minor systems has been accomplished.” (Reply any) “Assignments. Ensign M’Rurrh with the opening of the Operations section has put in a request to go to OPS her primary specialty from the Academy. I have put it forward with my approval, I wish her the best, I’m sure she’ll do great things in OPS. CPO Tamblyn will likely mold her into the best officer on Mars with in the month.” She said with a playful chuckle. (Reply M’Rurrh if present, if not any) “As per orders Foster you’ll be heading up structural Engineering. You will be working closely with the facilities and most notably the docking facilities as we start getting requests to build ships. One of your first priorities will be the Republic. It’s A.. Captain Remae’s pet project we’ll make that one of our priorities. We’ll need her as a test bed for future tech we’ll be developing, give us the edge back. Additionally we have another project that you will be instrumental in accomplishing, but we’ll get to that here later in the meeting.” (Reply Foster) “Matrix, your help running the Mystique was not lost on me. You and Foster’s efforts help us make good time. I hear your father was an Engineer of some renown in the fleet, yea?” (Reply Matrix) “This assignment has to do with your merits and as such, I’ll be sending you over to help Lieutenant Sekal in R&D. He has some promising projects he’s working on, you’ll be helping implement them. If we meet with some success, we may start up a Theoretical Engineering Department.” (Reply Matrix) “Next Tegan, Vex, Page.” She said, “Will each be heading up one of the three standard shifts, Alpha, Beta, Gamma.” She continued, “Each shift will comprise of two hundred enlisted Engineers each. You’ll have a Chief Petty Officer to help you with the day to day, four squads headed by a PO1 with multiple teams in each squad, each team headed by a PO2 or PO3 depending on their experience. This will help you gain leadership experience which is important for new officers. They report to you, and your report to me. “ (Reply any) “You are free to decide shifts amongst yourselves, though if no one has any preferences I’ll decide.” (Reply Tegan, Vex, Page) She let them discuss it for a few moments it seemed like the discussion was over. “Decided? Good.” “Projects currently on our plate.” She said moving to the next topic. “Officially we’ve been handed the project of designing what has been dubbed “Freedom Station” a space station / trade hub / defense structure in orbit of Trillus Prime or at least in the Trill system. We’ll be getting the requirements from the Trill government in the next couple days. This is your official Warning Order that we are beginning this project. We will get some specifications of Andorian weapons that we will be using for the station and her defense. We’ll have the next few days to come up with designs before we officially begin work.” (Reply any or all) “We’ll come together for another meeting and discuss pros and cons of each design. If no one design fits the bill, we can take aspects of each design and make an amalgam of each of the different features to more fit the bill. I want everyone’s input on the design as when are we going to get the opportunity to do this again?” (Reply any) “Also on our list of things to do upgrades of existing systems. With maintenance now not the primary function, we can spend some time each shift to attempt upgrades. We have some weapons ideas already on the table, keeping in mind that other shifts may inherit some of your work, detailed logs will be essential. Also Ensign Foxglove has found a number of Section 31 pieces of equipment we’ll be allowed to take possession of and integrate the technology into what we have. I’ll arrange a future meeting inviting Ensign Foxglove for us to all be briefed on those items. Keeping in mind each piece may have a myriad of other uses than their primary. As an example a weapon system may hold tech that can help us with energy distribution or a targeting system may help with sensor acuity.” (Reply any) “We’ll be keeping a master log here in engineering, which will be accessible anywhere, with engineer’s clearance. I suggest keeping notes and logs stored there. Keeping it opensource will allow us, I believe to make faster progress.” She explained. (Reply any) “I’m going to open the floor at this time to any input on future projects. I’ve already put some of my own projects on the board. The phaser defense grid that is nearing completion. R&D work on advanced weapon systems of Verteron phaser arrays and Metreon torpedoes. Any thoughts or additions?” (Reply any, room for more / multiple) Once several project ideas had been brought up. Keira went to conclude the meeting. “At the adjourning of this meeting make sure your respective shifts are squared away. Everyone has been going non-stop since the mission began. I want everyone to enjoy a day pass, starting with those whom just returned from Trill who are on pass as of 0001 hours tomorrow morning. Then, rotate the shifts through by day so we aren’t understaffed and everyone gets a chance to get a break. Any questions before I adjourn?” (Reply all Engineering) (Posted by Todd) (Mars Facilities – Main Engineering – EO – Ensign Scott Matrix – 1810) Keira strode off the thankfully fully functioning turbolift and into the main room. The low slow thrum of the matter-antimatter reactor was some how calming, despite the fact that any failure would take out the entire facility and leave a hole in Mars that would put Praxis disaster from over a century ago to shame. Her mother had called it “engineer’s ear”, where the particular sound that the engines of a vessel made helped relax some, others couldn’t sleep with out it. Her mother had always said that Carraya IV was too quiet at first, and she had problems sleeping for the first week or so when they touched down planet side. As a child Keira found the concept silly, but now as many things she found that she knew exactly what mom had been talking about. Conversations hushed as the newly minted Chief of Engineering approached the Master Display Table. Acknowledging she was a tad late, “Thank you everyone for your patience.” She said and looked at the assembled Engineering Officers and staff. “First point of order.” She said, “We have some new faces. Please introduce yourselves. I’m Ensign Merek, your CEO.” “Ensign Scott Matrix.” “Thank you. It will help to put names that I’ve seen on the roster to faces in person.” She said. “Next a big thank you goes out to the two thirds of the staff we had left behind on Mars to complete the repairs and upgrades to the facility. Which with the exception to a few minor systems has been accomplished.” “Assignments. Ensign M’Rurrh with the opening of the Operations section has put in a request to go to OPS her primary specialty from the Academy. I have put it forward with my approval, I wish her the best, I’m sure she’ll do great things in OPS. CPO Tamblyn will likely mold her into the best officer on Mars with in the month.” She said with a playful chuckle. “As per orders Foster you’ll be heading up structural Engineering. You will be working closely with the facilities and most notably the docking facilities as we start getting requests to build ships. One of your first priorities will be the Republic. It’s A.. Captain Remae’s pet project we’ll make that one of our priorities. We’ll need her as a test bed for future tech we’ll be developing, give us the edge back. Additionally we have another project that you will be instrumental in accomplishing, but we’ll get to that here later in the meeting.” “Matrix, your help running the Mystique was not lost on me. You and Foster’s efforts help us make good time. I hear your father was an Engineer of some renown in the fleet, yea?” “Thank you. Yes he was, also commanded the Templar for several years.” Replied Matrix. “This assignment has to do with your merits and as such, I’ll be sending you over to help Lieutenant Sekal in R&D. He has some promising projects he’s working on, you’ll be helping implement them. If we meet with some success, we may start up a Theoretical Engineering Department.” “Thank you, glad to be here.” Said Matrix. “Next Tegan, Vex, Page.” She said, “Will each be heading up one of the three standard shifts, Alpha, Beta, Gamma.” She continued, “Each shift will comprise of two hundred enlisted Engineers each. You’ll have a Chief Petty Officer to help you with the day to day, four squads headed by a PO1 with multiple teams in each squad, each team headed by a PO2 or PO3 depending on their experience. This will help you gain leadership experience which is important for new officers. They report to you, and your report to me. “ (Reply any) (Posted by Steve) (Mars Facilities – Main Engineering – EngO, Ens(jg) Vex'ahlia Jordaan - 1811) Considering Vex had spent most of the assignment so far on the USS Mystique due to Luma, this was her first time visiting Main Engineering on Mars. Excited to actually get back to doing some actual work, not that she'd admit to Luma that running around after her idle comments wasn't work or fun, but to get her hands back building, designing and engineering systems and devices was what she was looking forward to and now Luma was integrated into the Base's systems, Vex could do just that. She felt about as alone in the midst of the Engineering crowd as she'd been since joining the mission. So many strange faces she hadn't met yet, infact she'd only worked with a handful of Engineers so far and had barely spoken to her boss, Chief Merek. Standing in the middle of the crowd of people, along with others bustling around them getting on with work wasn't uncomfortable for her, as it could be for some Betazoids, her training at a young age had taught her how to control such issues, but it wasn't exactly a pleasant experience. Everyone there seemed to be anxious about the meeting, worried about what assignments they'd be given and there was even something tantamount to jealousy and anger floating around. She had found throughout her life that crowds of any size tended to be an unhealthy place to reside. There was growing tension, owed-she assumed- to the fact that the Chief was late turning up to the meeting. Had she forgotten? Vex was close to stepping up and trying to calm everyone down when Merek finally stepped into Main Engineering, gave her apologies and began the meeting. “We have some new faces. Please introduce yourselves. I’m Ensign Merek, your CEO.” Vex cleared her throat, "I'm not so much as new, but it's the first time I've managed to make it to one of these. Some of you know me or know of me, but I'm Ensign Vex'ahlia Jordaan." she could see a few people crick their neck in her direction, noticed a few eye-rolls but continued nonetheless, "I've worked on the Mystique with a few of you, whilst we were getting her ready for flight and this afternoon getting Luma'Lenai situated into the bases core computer. I also happen to be her chosen bond-mate, so if you ever need help communicating with Luma come find me." she took a breath, looked around and then stepped back into as much obscurity as she could find. (Reply any) Other's introduced themselves and Vex made a point of trying to remember the name and the face together, she passed the information on to Luma as well. One benefit of being bonded with her was that she was always around and could she could ask her if she remembered someones name before making a fool of herself and asking. Merek went onto to explain the M'Rurrh had moved to Operations and privately Vex thought that had been a good move since there would be less direct contact with Luma in that postion, and she wouldn't keep insisting on petting M'Rurrh. Ensign Foster was then assigned to heading up Structual Engineering and Matrix to go help Sekal out with some theoretical engineering. Vex pulled a bit of a face, she preferred actually doing and building rather than theorizing, she'd be happied working with Foster on the Structual Engineering than Matrix with the theoretical. However her train of thought was interuppted by Merek assigning, herself, Tegan & Page to the head Engineer on the three standard shifts with their direct report as Chief Merek. "Do you mind which shift is ran by the three of us?" Vex asked, surprising even herself. “You are free to decide shifts amongst yourselves, though if no one has any preferences I’ll decide.” Merek replied. Vex looked around at the others, "I'd prefer either the Alpha or Beta, but I'm easy if the two of you want those?" (Reply Tegan, Page) “Projects currently on our plate.” She said moving to the next topic. “Officially we’ve been handed the project of designing what has been dubbed “Freedom Station” a space station / trade hub / defense structure in orbit of Trillus Prime or at least in the Trill system. We’ll be getting the requirements from the Trill government in the next couple days. This is your official Warning Order that we are beginning this project. We will get some specifications of Andorian weapons that we will be using for the station and her defense. We’ll have the next few days to come up with designs before we officially begin work.” ::Now that is exciting:: Vex said to Luma privately, ::the chance to design a brand new station. You'll have to tell me if you've seen anything extravagantly different to our normal designs on your travels around the Universe.:: (Reply Luma) There had been a bit of chatter around designs when Ensign Merek spoke up, “We’ll come together for another meeting and discuss pros and cons of each design. If no one design fits the bill, we can take aspects of each design and make an amalgam of each of the different features to more fit the bill. I want everyone’s input on the design as when are we going to get the opportunity to do this again?” Vex nodded, she'd already began with Luma's help thinking through some designs. “Also on our list of things to do upgrades of existing systems. With maintenance now not the primary function, we can spend some time each shift to attempt upgrades. We have some weapons ideas already on the table, keeping in mind that other shifts may inherit some of your work, detailed logs will be essential. Also Ensign Foxglove has found a number of Section 31 pieces of equipment we’ll be allowed to take possession of and integrate the technology into what we have. I’ll arrange a future meeting inviting Ensign Foxglove for us to all be briefed on those items. Keeping in mind each piece may have a myriad of other uses than their primary. As an example a weapon system may hold tech that can help us with energy distribution or a targeting system may help with sensor acuity.” A cold shiver climbed it's way down Vex's spine as the now Chief of Intelligence was mentioned. She only had Luma's thoughts and memories to go off of, for actual interactions with the woman and Luma's dislike of the woman had already coloured her emotions on the matter. Still if she was bringing some new toys to play around with, she could be persuaded to be nice. "Will we be running hand over logs, to pass over to each shift Chief? Otherwise we may have people working on the same project without knowing." Vex asked. “We’ll be keeping a master log here in engineering, which will be accessible anywhere, with engineer’s clearance. I suggest keeping notes and logs stored there. Keeping it opensource will allow us, I believe to make faster progress.” Merek explained. ~Makes sense~ “I’m going to open the floor at this time to any input on future projects. I’ve already put some of my own projects on the board. The phaser defense grid that is nearing completion. R&D work on advanced weapon systems of Verteron phaser arrays and Metreon torpedoes. Any thoughts or additions?” Vex cleared her throat and began speaking, "If working in the Computer Core, you'll now notice the addition of a device which looks like," she made a move with her hand and the designs of the Luma Transferrence Device Utilising Sekals Crystal (LTDUS) popped up on the large screen in front of the engineers. She cringed slightly as she noticed she'd not renamed the title from its working title. "I'm making the specs and designs of this open source and I'll be contuing working on the device and ones like it going forward. If you have any suggestions on how to make it more efficient or ideas for alterior purposes for it then please see me." (Reply any) "I'd also like permission, to begin designing a more integrated version of this into the Republic, in the event that Luma is required to join the crew of that ship on an assignment." she looked to the Chief. (Reply Merek) (Posted by Jono Bradley) (Mars Facility - Gym - aASEO Ensign Boone Foster - 1812) Boone was in Engineering, and as they were waiting he logged in and was perusing different data schematics over the whole station. Acknowledging she was a tad late, “Thank you everyone for your patience.” She said and looked at the assembled Engineering Officers and staff. “First point of order.” She said, “We have some new faces. Please introduce yourselves. I’m Ensign Merek, your CEO.” Others introduced themselves first. Boone gulped quickly before it was his turn. He didn't want his voice to crack right out of the gate. "Howdy, I'm Ensign Foster." Boone kept it simple. He nodded his head as an additional greeting. “As per orders Foster you’ll be heading up structural Engineering. You will be working closely with the facilities and most notably the docking facilities as we start getting requests to build ships. One of your first priorities will be the Republic. It’s A.. Captain Remae’s pet project we’ll make that one of our priorities. We’ll need her as a test bed for future tech we’ll be developing, give us the edge back. Additionally we have another project that you will be instrumental in accomplishing, but we’ll get to that here later in the meeting.” "Aye sir." Boone was beyond ecstatic. He couldn't wait to work on the Odyssey class ship. Next, the CEO explained their duties in regards to the new and needs to be designed and built Freedom Station. And then after that the CEO spoke about beginning the real work of upgrading the station, and in particular the defense and offensive weapons. Boone thought this definitely needed to happen sooner than later. As others hear of Mars being rebuilt there just might be someone out there who would want to attack early and stop the progress before it really even begins. Ensign Merek opened the floor up for open discussion and ideas. Ensign Vex spoke up and shared information about the LTDUS. Boone was still unsure about this entity. Was she officially a crew member now he wondered. Boone had nothing to add at this time unfortunately. Once several project ideas had been brought up. Keira went to conclude the meeting. “At the adjourning of this meeting make sure your respective shifts are squared away. Everyone has been going non-stop since the mission began. I want everyone to enjoy a day pass, starting with those whom just returned from Trill who are on pass as of 0001 hours tomorrow morning. Then, rotate the shifts through by day so we aren’t understaffed and everyone gets a chance to get a break. Any questions before I adjourn?” The meeting was adjourned, and Boone walked over to Ensign Matrix. "Well, it'd seem it's harder to escape one's family history around here." Boone said referring to Ensign Matrix's family record being brought up in the meeting, but also referring to the number of officers who had family here who were also officers on Mars. (reply Matrix, any at meeting, any) (posted by Calvin Capps) (Mars Facilities – Main Engineering – Archivist – Aleese Akess - 1820) “We have some new faces. Please introduce yourselves. I’m Ensign Merek, your CEO.” Aleese stood up when it was her opportunity as she looked at everyone. “Hallo everybody. For people who do not know me I am Aleese Akess. I am the Archivist for the Mars R&D department working down in the Vault which the Utopia Planesia. For those who don’t know, the Vault is a large underground repository of star ship designs which are mostly Federations star ships but there is a large collection of star ship designs from the major races and a few from lessor races across all four galactic quadrants as well as a few star base designs. Most of the data is on the archive mainframe but there are some which are on hard copy and are kept in the vault.” She listened to the others as they introduced themselves. “Next Tegan, Vex, Page.” Merek said, “Will each be heading up one of the three standard shifts, Alpha, Beta, Gamma.” Mere continued, “Each shift will comprise two hundred enlisted Engineers each. You’ll have a Chief Petty Officer to help you with the day to day, four squads headed by a PO1 with multiple teams in each squad, each team headed by a PO2 or PO3 depending on their experience. This will help you gain leadership experience which is important for new officers. They report to you, and your report to me. “ “Do you mind which shift is ran by the three of us?" One of the others asked as Aleese turned to look at the speaker. “You are free to decide shifts amongst yourselves, though if no one has any preferences I’ll decide.” Merek replied. "I'd prefer either the Alpha or Beta, but I'm easy if the two of you want those?" “I don’t mind taking Gamma Shift.” Said a Trill engineer standing not too far away “Decided? Good.” Chief Merek replied The next things that were brought up were the details with regards to the new station engineering was to take a big hand in. She listened as various points were brought up as she tried to pull memories about what star base schematics. There were a couple of good options in the Vault but she would have to have a look at them when she got back down to the Vault. “I’m going to open the floor at this time to any input on future projects. I’ve already put some of my own projects on the board. The phaser defense grid that is nearing completion. R&D work on advanced weapon systems of Verteron phaser arrays and Metreon torpedoes. Any thoughts or additions?” There were a few options being floated she nodded at each one and put more notes on her PADD that she was carrying. “At the adjourning of this meeting make sure your respective shifts are squared away. Everyone has been going non-stop since the mission began. I want everyone to enjoy a day pass, starting with those whom just returned from Trill who are on pass as of 0001 hours tomorrow morning. Then, rotate the shifts through by day so we aren’t understaffed and everyone gets a chance to get a break. Any questions before I adjourn?” Aleese shook her head and headed out of main engineering ad back towards a turbolift. (reply Any) (Posted by Robbie) (Mars Complex – Main Engineering – CEO – Ensign Keira Merek – 1825) Vex cleared her throat and began speaking, "If working in the Computer Core, you'll now notice the addition of a device which looks like," she made a move with her hand and the designs of the Luma Transferrence Device Utilising Sekals Crystal (LTDUS) popped up on the large screen in front of the engineers. She cringed slightly as she noticed she'd not renamed the title from its working title. "I'm making the specs and designs of this open source and I'll be contuing working on the device and ones like it going forward. If you have any suggestions on how to make it more efficient or ideas for alterior purposes for it then please see me." “Am I to understand Lieutenant Sekal has in his possession one crystal capable of making this device work?” Keira asked. (Reply Vex and or Luma) “…and that also one of the projects he is working on involves testing that crystal and it’s so far known and unknown properties?” she continued her train of thought. (Reply Vex and or Luma) “I don’t mean to be contrary here, but have we thought of finding an alternate crystalline structure to house Luma for transport? Maybe even one that’s better suited for the task?” Keira explained her thought process. “Luma, I’d hate for you to be stranded and lose your mobility or freedom because we didn’t know that a certain test would destroy our only sample.” (Reply Luma and or Vex) “Maybe a search can be started looking through databases and sensor logs, surrounding planets and species with known psionic potential, Vulcan or Betazed for example. Maybe such a material is naturally occurring and we can harvest, cut and polish it up so that it works and we don’t hinge too many projects off of one resource.” Keira offered. (Reply Vex / Luma, Room for more) "I'd also like permission, to begin designing a more integrated version of this into the Republic, in the event that Luma is required to join the crew of that ship on an assignment." she looked to the Chief. “Granted. I wouldn’t have it any other way.” Keira said with a smile and added “Luma’s Legs” LTDUS project to the list. (Reply Vex/Luma) “Any other points?” She inquired. ~Going once, going twice~ (Reply any) (Posted by Todd) (Mars Complex – Main Engineering – EngO, Ens(jg) Vex'ahlia Jordaan – 1826) “Am I to understand Lieutenant Sekal has in his possession one crystal capable of making this device work?” Keira asked. "Yes," Vex replied,but before she could say much more the Chief cut her off, “…and that also one of the projects he is working on involves testing that crystal and it’s so far known and unknown properties?” "That's right, I returned the crystal to the Lieutenant this afternoon. I've requested that if he were to gain access to more types of the same crystal he's researching that he'd share one for the benefit of proving Luma with better options." Vex said, quickly, hoping to explain her thought process. “I don’t mean to be contrary here, but have we thought of finding an alternate crystalline structure to house Luma for transport? Maybe even one that’s better suited for the task?” Keira explained “Luma, I’d hate for you to be stranded and lose your mobility or freedom because we didn’t know that a certain test would destroy our only sample.” Impressed that the Chief Engineer had thought to actively include Luma in the discussion, Vex smiled a little and waited to see if Luma wanted to respond, either through her or the computer. (Reply Luma) “Maybe a search can be started looking through databases and sensor logs, surrounding planets and species with known psionic potential, Vulcan or Betazed for example. Maybe such a material is naturally occurring and we can harvest, cut and polish it up so that it works and we don’t hinge too many projects off of one resource.” Keira offered. Nodding, "I'll add it to my to-do-list for the next few days to set up a meeting with any Geological experts over in the Science Annex. You're right, I don't know why I hadn't thought to look into it. The crystal is Lt. Sekal is using is such a foreign entity to me, I'm more at home with machines and engines." Vex said as she looked around the other officers present. "I do have a large amount of scan data on the crystal, so that should help at least to provide a baseline for what we're looking for." she added. (Reply Luma/Keira/Any present) Vex then went on to ask about integrating the design into the Republic. (Reply any present) (Posted by Jono Bradley) (Mars Facility - Personal Office- Counselling Suite - ACMO Ensign Erin Cortez & Ensign Quinna Solice - 1900) Leaning back in her chair, Erin finally shut down her PADD and rubbed her eyes. Trying to keep down what was a rising panic in her mind, she walked to the replicator, ordered a large and sweet coffee and sat back down on her couch with a deep sigh. Quinna stepped into the counseling area. She wanted to file some of her notes into the counseling files as she transitions back into medical. She followed the addictive sweet aroma of coffee. Quinna smiled entering the office. “Why am I not suprised to see you here, Boss Lady?” "Because I never seem to be able to leave and stop with the boss. Erin. Please." She replied with a smile. Looking at the woman infront of her, Erin sighed, "How's promotion suiting you? You having as much fun as I am?" “Ahh, the promotion, ummm, I don’t feel any different. But who knows, the mighty power may come over me on my next shift.” Quinna laughed as she moved closer to the desk and sat in a seat. “How about you?” "Me? Honestly, I don't feel like I deserve it. But, I was given it so…" Erin's mind wandered for a moment as she drew a deep breath. “Be right back.” Quinna stood up and went into medical. She entered the secondary storage where she pulled out a bottle of Merlot. She took it back to the counseling office. Opened the bottle and replicated a couple of glasses. “Ok. So lets talk. Spill it.” Sighing, Erin looked at the woman, "Well, let's see. I nearly lost the one good thing in my life because I was an idiot, tomorrow I face a demon that has haunted my dreams for the last seven years nearly and then there's the admiral, sorry the captain.." “That is pretty loaded.” Quinna filled Erin’s glass with a little extra. “Where do you want to begin. Just remember, I am your shoulder not your psychoanalyzer.” Taking the drink, Erin sipped a little, "There's things I can't discuss. Professional courtesy. What do you know about me?" Quinna thought for a moment, “You have a keen eye for a fine wine.” Quinna raised her glass, “I know I do not go poking around unless it is very very dire. I know only what you tell me,” Quinna took a drink and waited for Erin to make the next move. "I have a past. I know we all do but this past is a doozy. Most people's past isn't currently sitting in a high security prison on earth because of what he…. Broke…." Erin paused, took a good gulp of wine, and continued, "... my mom has a saying. When wolves come and hunt you down, face them all and stand your ground. That's what I plan on doing tomorrow. Facing a wolf so to speak. " Quinna was not sure how much she should ask. She wanted to know more sut she did not want to alienate Erin with the questions. “Does Billy know?” Quinna then added. “This wolf…. What are you expecting to happen? "Yeah, he knows. He knows I am going and, bless him, he's worried. I need closure. I need to know that he can't get to me again, I need…. Him to see what I became. Quinna, he broke me, physically and mentally. I can't be who I know I can be with this hanging over me. " “But does he deserve to know who you have become?” Quinna knew were many possibilities. After a brief pause, “This meeting does not matter unless it stays all about you and the positive impact you make.” "Positive impact? I highly doubt that. I've… been so many things in my life that now I am trying to right wrongs I have done. " “Look around you. I happen to think very highly of you. That is a postive thing. If it were not for you, I would only talk only about work.” Quinna said. "Well,at least someone does. " Erin responded with a smile. “Remember you are facing this person to show him what you are now. You are strong so be strong.” Quinna hoped to boost Erin’s ego. Smiling, Erin nodded, "listen, before I forget, you're in charge tomorrow morning. I have to go off base for professional reasons. “ “Ahh, going back to Earth?” Quinna asked. At this point she herself had no plans but you never knew what would happen next. "Yes, it's a long story. But listen, Ensign Philips has been angling for a chance to be in charge for a bit so let's let him have a go. There is something that needs to be done whilst I am away for the morning. Would you be okay doing some evaluations on the non enlisted people who work here?" “Sure. I will take care of those after my duty shift in sickbay.” Looking at the woman infront of her, Erin smiled and, taking a sip of her wine, she spoke softly, "How are you doing? You work both medical and counselling right?" “I am doing ok. I am keeping up. It is not that bad yet.” Quinna played with her empty glass of wine. "How are you finding doing both?" “Both, well I know I am a medical officer on Mars and a Counselor on the Mystique, but I do both in both locations. I cannot seem to draw the line between the two and I am happy with that. I would not have it anyother way.” Quinna accepted the challenge she was presented with. "I'm glad. You are a better woman than me. Having someone's life literally in my hands… no. I couldn't do that." Taking a sip of her wine, Erin smiled at the young woman, "maybe we should do this more often. Get together. We can put the world to rights and bitch about the boss." She replied with a wicked glint in her eyes. “You don’t know how great of an idea you just had…I need to go get some rest. See you later, Boss Lady.” Quinna chuckled as she walked out the door. Erin smiled, "See you next week for the first meeting of Counsellors anonymous!" (Reply no-one) (Posted by Jackie and Kris) (Mars Facility- The Red Sands-CEO Ensign Sg.Keira Merek & aFSXO Ensign Sg. Ravok Shara -2112) It took awhile for Keira to tie up the loose ends so that she could go out tonight. She had placed the department on a rotating pass so that everyone could get a day off after nearly a month of continuous operations. Honestly she had heard Trip had done so with his department so monkey see, monkey do. Ravok popped the cork off a bottle of Dom Perignon champagne. He poured some in a glass for her and some for him. He sat the bottle down and sat at the table. He raised his glass. " To your well deserved promotion and your continued success." He said as a toast to her. “To yours as well.” she said, smiling, raising her glass gently tapping her glass to his. They let out a short high-pitched ring. " Thank you" he responded, sitting back down at the table. He decided to wear a completely black suit tonight, it was most certainly his color. This night was special to him because he wanted to celebrate Keira's promotion. Keira wore a red satin knee length dress with spaghetti straps, it contrasted with the small cuts, abrasions and bruises that were now visible on her upper body. " Thanks for coming out , with such short notice. I know you have your hands filled now" he smiled. “I took a page from Trip’s playbook. I did a rotational day pass for the entire department.” she said and took a sip of champagne. “So I can have tomorrow off too.” " That's actually good to know. I'm heading to Earth tomorrow " He stated “With Captain Remae? Hard pass. Never liked the dog and pony shows. Though I wouldn’t mind seeing you in that dress uniform.” She said with a grin. " No, not with Captain Remae. I think it's best to avoid those things, as much as possible. I actually look rather striking, well that's what my step mother says anyways."He laughed and said . "I'm heading to Earth, to Alaska." “Alaska? That place in the upper Northern Hemisphere where they found all that gold in the Ancient West era of Earth history? Why would you want to go there?” she inquired. He smirked " Well, I own a residence there. I acquired it while in the academy. Kind of like a home away from home, a place I would go to escape and be by myself. " he said as he took a bite of his Ceasar Salad. " The only person who has ever been there is Erin, because she insisted, and by insisted I mean she wouldn't shut up about it. " He laughed. When Ravok took Erin to his home on earth, He specifically remembered how he had to yell at her because she made fun of his model ships. The memory was a fond one to him... “Oh, Erin’s been there? You Ensign are very lucky that I know Erin now and that this must have happened before we met, or I’d probably take offense. It’s not like you brought Ire there first.” She said pointing the steak knife at him. He laughed at the steak knife being pointed at him. " I brought her there while in the academy. What I didn't show her is my private hanger. It's protected by a holographic projection of the surrounding land. " Ravok responded She raised a single eyebrow. “Really?” ~Why, how very Romulan of you.~ “If only you knew a Chief of Engineering who was skilled at integrating Federation and Romulan technology...” He laughed. " Would the Chief of Engineering care to join me? " “I would love to.” she said before taking a morsel of rare steak. " Good, don't mind the mess in the hangar, parts of the Snakehead are everywhere. " He stated, as he took a drink of his champagne. She nearly choked on her steak. COUGH “You have a what?” He smiled. " A Snakehead, Romulan scout ship. I also have a Scorpion class attack fighter that I started converting the warp core from a Romulan warp drive to a Federation standard warp drive." She stabbed a piece of potato with her fork, “Starfleet let you have one?” " They aren't illegal to own and my father acquired them over the years." He responded “Probably not with the weapons intact?” she inquired, taking another sip of bubbly. He shook his head. " No weapons and No cloaking devices. The Snakehead is in bad shape, my father acquired it at an auction from an arms dealer in the Beta quadrant when I was 15. The Scorpion needs its power grid completely replaced. When I started converting its warp core, I accidentally blew out every power relay. " He laughed. “Probably should have done that in the first place. The energies are different enough to cause a problem if you don’t know what you’re doing.” She lifted her forefinger on her fork hand and moved it side to side in a “tsk-tsk” motion to tease him. “You have any craft that work?” "The only craft I have that flies is my decommissioned Type 11, Commander Sinclair helped me get my hands on that." He said as he took another bite of his Ceasar salad. “Mom’s colony ship had a few type 11 craft, I’m familiar with them.” She said, taking a bite. She politely covered her mouth “Do you really want to disable your one working ship?” She then finished chewing and swallowed her bite of food. “We could replicate something before we go, or we can try to salvage something on the way out.” He nodded his head. " Sure, as long as it doesn't cause any problems with operations here. " “Well it’s a wash either way. Anything we pick up on the way out won’t be missed. It's been sitting for decades, and we have an energy surplus from the main core, we can replicate whatever we want.” She took another sip finishing off her flute, and poured herself another helping. She offered some to her date. " Thank you." He said and he held his glass out to her. " I have a list of the things needed, most of the components are easily replicated. Aesthetically, everything on the snakehead and scorpion are fine. It's mainly electrical and power related issues I'm dealing with. I looked at both of them as long term projects. They weren't anything I'd ever thought I'd share with anyone" “Either way there’s requests to be put in. Either you put in for an advance of your personal replicator salary or we put in a salvage request and it’s a self help kind of thing. Then we give the weight of the salvage we took and barring any vetoes from the Chief Engineer, the Captain or Admiral. Between you and me. “ She said, “I hear that Chief Engineer is a real hard ass!” He laughed. " I don't know about, the Chief seems alright to me." He picked up his glass and moved toward his mouth " According to the Chief's boyfriend she looks great in a bathing suit too..." He said quickly as he took another drink of champagne and winked at her. "Maybe the Chief's boyfriend will get a chance to see that later," she replied with a coy smile. " I have some things laying around on Earth. We can go and anything you think you may require we can simply obtain. There's a low rate salvage shop about 5 kilometers from the house. He usually has a lot of random things. He deals with alot of people who do custom jobs restoring decommissioned small craft. Usually his customers are retired starfleet who want a piece of their career to take home. The entire town is like a retirement home for engineers it seems " he laughed. " But there are definitely some things here I'd like to take with us just in case Mr. Roy doesn't have what we need." "Would it be easier to just replicate what we need then?" She asked. " Unfortunately I can't put in for another advance on my personal replicator salary for another year as I have maxed out my request.. " He laughed. " Anything I need to replicate I can simply pay for it myself." Ravok stated. "We'll salvage some of the larger or harder to get pieces on the way out, then." She offered while stabbing multiple pieces of the mixed veggies on her plate. " I really hate filling your off day with more engineering work... but I tell you what, if you fix the Snakehead, she's all yours ." "I couldn't, that's too much," she protested. " No no I insist" he replied and wiped his mouth with his napkin. He raised a finger at her " But hands off my Scorpion." He smirked. " She's all mine. " "Seems to me, you'll never fly your precious scorpion without my pro bono help…" Ravok laughed." Ok...ok, if you fix up the Snakehead and the Scorpion, the Snakehead is yours and I will let you fly the Scorpion. Sound like a deal?" "Tell you what since you're being so generous, I'll cook. I don't cook for many people, or very often, maybe I should do it more." She said. " Deal" he smiled . " You're able to cook in your quarters?" Ravok asked her. "I've been thinking about putting a cooking unit in my quarters. Upgrading to the Chief Engineer's quarters I have the room for it now." She pondered out loud. "What do you think?" He looked down at his salad and over to her steak with a look of bewilderment. " Umm, well you shouldn't have a hard time. Considering I cant eat very many things people cook. However, I could take an enzyme injection to allow me to properly digest any meat. You prepare, that steak does look good, I've never had it before . "He said as he nodded his head toward her steak. "Most of my cooking would be "campfire cooking" at first. Back home most people could make soup or stew in a cast metal pot, over fire cooking especially of meat was very common. I think the Earth term is grilling out?" She said, but wasn't sure if she got the term right. Ravok nodded his head " I think that's the term. To cook on a grill, or I have heard people say cookout. It sounds great either way" "So, are you going to take the enzyme? I have to know what to plan for." She said. " Yes, just a daily injection of Trypsin will help me digest it. I'm sure I would like it, but I can't go overboard with the meat. I have eat it in moderation" he replied. "I can do both then. I'll plan lunch vegetarian and have an animal protein for supper." She said. " Maybe Elk Steak" he said laughing. " I heard from the locals, it was good." "That'll be a surprise." She said with a grin. "Did you have your shuttle here? Or were we borrowing one from Starfleet?" Ravok shook his head. " No, I don't have a shuttle here. I have reserved one for tomorrow at 1000." He responded as he took a drink of his champagne. "What time are you picking me up?" She asked. He swallowed his drink and smiled " Why do I have to pick you up ? I mean I have proven I'm pretty good at sleeping on a couch " he laughed. "...and?" She asked, wondering if he was insinuating more. He stopped laughing and just looked at her. " I just wanted to wake up and have you be the first thing I see. " he said as he smiled. "You're not trying to leverage anything?" she asked skeptically. " He reached across the table and grabbed her hand gently. " You know I'm not rushing you into anything and I never will. Like I said I know how to sleep on a couch." "Okay. You can sleep on the couch," she relented. "I might even let you have a blanket and pillow," she teased. Ravok laughed " How very kind of you " he said in a sarcastic yet light hearted way. Looking at both their plates, seeing they are nearly empty. " I have an idea, let's get what's left of our food sent back to your quarters and grab some dessert to go, and take a walk around the base, we can talk about that holodeck adventure wi….." Ravok was cut off by the sudden start up of music. Several of the patrons recognized the two of them as the two that danced a few weeks ago. The Bolian waitress came over. " A few people have been wondering if the two of you would be up to providing a long overdue encore?" She asked the two of them. Ravok looked at Keira, both of them had had a long day. Keira held up one hand, shook her head and mouthed the word "No." ~ By Freya not tonight.~ There was a small group of patrons in the back clapping and loudly offering up words of encouragement. "You can do it!" Ravok looked around the waitress who was obstructing his view, to see the people who wanted them to put on another performance . He waved his hand and yelled " Not tonight !" "BOO!" Came a low voice of displeasure from the back of the group. Keira glared into their soul. The group backed off and sat down. She then turned to the waitress, her face now kind, matching her vocal tone. "We're glad you guys enjoyed the last time we were here. We had a lot of fun doing it. Today just isn't the day for it, sorry." "Okay." The silver-haired Bolian woman said. She was disappointed, but not volitaly so. "You've been great tonight, can I trouble you for two tiramisu to go?" Keira asked the server. "Sure thing, hun." She said pleasantly, disappearing into the back. " I know after thrashing around in the asteroid belt the last thing I needed was to dance." Ravok said. “And yesterday’s fight still has me sore.” she admitted. Soon the server returned with a small bag and their desserts. Just as he was going to respond to her. Ravok looked at the waitress " Thank you, have a good night." As the waitress walked away. Ravok turned and looked to Keira as he stood up. " Yeah I'm sure you would have had something up your sleeve. " he laughed and held his hand out to her, gesturing to help her up, he grabbed the desserts with the other. She took his hand, not because she needed it, but because it was a sweet gesture. The walked hand and hand back to her quarters. (Reply None) (posted by Todd H. and Robert D.) (Mars - Hangar Facility/Flight Squadron CO's Office - FSCO Lt. JG Trip Williams - 23:00) It was a little bit past Trip's 'bed time' but there was some last minute work he needed to check up on it. Yes it was technically supposed to be his day off, but paperwork stopped for no one and he had some quick things to put in and then he was free to forget work for a little bit. He meant to do this earlier, but he was having so much fun on his evening with Ashlym that they just sat in the park for a bout an hour talking before heading back to the base. Sitting at his desk he was looking at the different flight plans that had been filed for the following day. There was a runabout that was taking the crew to the celebratory dinner on Earth. He was overlooking the passenger manifest. If he could find someone on the list who was liscenced as a shuttle pilot, he could assign them to the task, and it would mean he wouldn't need to assign one of his own for the task and they could carry on with their regular duty schedule. Looking at the list, he noticed that Billy was on the list. ~Billy is certified for Shuttles, we'll just slot him as the pilot, and then I don't have to pull anyone off patrol duty.~ Trip then scheduled Billy as the shuttle pilot. He then sent Billy a quick message via the PADD so he would know he was assigned as such in the morning. Trip then scheduled his own flight plan for later that day for his visit to Earth for some off time. He scheduled himself for a retrofitted Type 8 shuttle craft. Not the newest bird in the sky, but she had the infrastructure inside of newer class ships, and would easily get the job done of taking a ship from Mars to Earth. ~We need to start cranking out newer shuttles.~ Trip thought to himself as he finalized the flight plan, submitted it, and accepted it. He could have taken some of the Type 11's designated for the purpose of in system and out of system travel, but there was a limited number and the Type 8 was more than capable for a 45 minute flight. Besides he had placed in an order for five newer Yellowstone class runabouts, but they were not as high on the priority list as getting in the newer fighters. But evenutally maybe in a year or two the hope was that all fighters and support craft would be new to the current century. The last matter of business was the flight scheduled for the following morning taking Captain Remae to Earth. Trip went ahead and assigned himself as the pilot. He had the free moment and he wouldn't mind the face time with the Captain, if for nothing else just to check on the Captain and see how he was doing. With all the flight plans approved and pilots assigned, Trip smiled, got up and left for his quarters and a good night's sleep. (reply none) (posted by Will) (Mars Facility - Personal quarters - ACMO Ensign Erin Cortez - 2301) After leaving the Admiral's office, Erin had spent the rest of the day in various meetings and counselling sessions. Long day filled with paperwork and talking whilst her mind had been on what tomorrow would bring. After an amazing dinner with Billy in his quarters, they had sat and discussed her visit to the prison. His concern for her well being had warmed her heart tremendously and, whilst she still was unsure of what the visit would bring, she had promised him that, of at any moment she felt that she needed to back away, she would. He could tell that something else had been bothering her, but ever the gentleman, he had not pressed her. Simply let her be for which she was grateful. As he walked her back to her quarters, she had explained that she would be off base for most of the morning for professional reasons. Again, he had not pressed and her mind had wondered how she had been so lucky to find a guy like him. Now, sitting in her quarters, alone, Erin's mind was racing. Not just about seeing Christian again, no. This was more to do with Captain Remae and the clandestine request by Admiral Cayne to see him. Whether the Admiral had requested her presence or not was a moot point at this moment as she was going. Captain Remae's request. His subsequent request for her to speak to President Atremi had her wondering what on earth she had found herself in the middle of. Not only that but what it meant for her future, the Captain's future and his mental health. She had managed to go over her notes from their counselling session and, going back over what his wife had said to her, Erin had pieced together some of what had happened but there were many unanswered questions. What had actually happened to the Captain in that Cardassian torture chamber? What was the file he had locked away in his mind and, perhaps more pressing, who did it implicate and what were they willing to do to keep it quiet? These were all questions that needed answers. Some filled her with more dread than others but she knew one thing for sure. Her job was to protect her Captain and his well being. Her rank and current role be damned, she was going to earth to help a man she believed in. Curling up in her bed, Erin turned off the lights, lay her head on the pillow and took a deep breath, hoping for sleep and knowing that the next day would bring answers, be they good or bad. Answers that were among time coming. (Reply none) (Posted by Jackie) (Mars Facility- Sytuks quarters C.S.F. Sytuk -2327) After his shift he headed back to his quarters. To shower as he stood in the shower the water temperature unexpectedly increased to its highest setting. Sytuk backed away from the water in a panic and closed his eyes… NRPG: FLASH BACK WARNING. Wanted to display the brutality a young Sytuk endured at hands of his Romulan caretakers. RPG: Stardate: 2413.04.12 ( Romulan Colony- The Dur'ek Orphanage- Orphans shared bedroom- 2346) Cela, the Romulan woman who ran the orphanage alongside her husband peaked inside the room where most of the children slept. She smiled as she looked at each of them, tucked safely in their warm cozy beds, she then glanced over to the left corner of the room to see the lone Reman child laying on his mat. A look of anger shit across her face as she notices he had a small blanket draped over him. ~ Oh, he's cold?~ she shut the door. Moments later the door opened back up and the lights came on she launched a container of extremely hot water on the Reman child. The hot water making contact with his flesh and the brightness of the lights startled him out of his sleep and forcing him to curl up in the corner covering his eyes and screaming as the water burned him. " I thought you were cold? Come here you little brat "she said as she grabbed him by his ankles and drug him out the room. The boy was trying to grab at anything he could to stop her but her husband hit him the ribs with a pain stick similar to the ones used by Klingons. She dragged him into the bathroom where a tub of hot water was waiting, steam rising off the water like smoke rising from the fires of a burning building. Her husband picked up the young Reman boy and threw him into the water. Cela quickly placed gloves on her hands that protected her from the hot water and began to hold the boy under the water as he kicked and fought. She let him up for air just for her husband to hit him the pain stick again and again and again...Each time the boy screamed louder and louder. They removed him from the tub " WHERE DID YOU GET THE BLANKET ?" She screamed at him. The boy looked at her confused. He had no idea where the blanket came from. She dragged him outside of the orphanage and into the cold yard. The wall was high and surrounded the entire building. The night was cold, temperatures were well below freezing. The young boy was still wet from the tub. " You will stay out here you piece of Reman filth. Sleep in the dirt, where you Remans belong " she yelled at him as she grabbed the pain stick from her husband and held it against the steaming body of the boy. Making him pass out from the pain. The husband walked up and kicked the boy in the legs. " Why did we even take this scum in the first place ? He belongs in a zoo " He said as he laughed. Cela and him entered the orphanage and locked the door behind them, leaving the young Reman unconscious in the freezing night air…. NRPG: End of flashback Sytuk opened his eyes and turned the shower off and got out of the showering, shivering in fear. He looked at himself in the mirror. He looked at the scars covering his body. After a moment he grabbed a towel and dried himself off and got dressed in his uniform and walked into the living area of his quarters and stood there in the darkness, closing his eyes and drifting off to sleep. (Reply none) ( posted by Davis) (Mars Base, Outside, aACTO Ensign sg Taya, 2341) Taya was back outside the base in her usual spot, unwinding after quite an eventful and hectic day. She was sitting on the same storage crate, but the glass from the broken whiskey bottle and her throw up, had been removed and the area cleaned. Taya started the day with a huge hangover. She had never been intoxicated before, so after needing help to get back to her quarters, and how sick she felt, she had no desire to do that again. The meeting with Admiral Remae started with a review of the Trill mission, followed by promotions, with Taya getting one herself. Sadly, it ended with Remae being kicked down to captain and his wife taking over command of the base. She could imagine how humiliating that was for him. Taya hadn't met Bell yet, but she already didn't like her for the way she embarrassed Remae in front of his senior officers. The better part of the day was spent with CPO Kirby getting caught up on what happened while she was gone. She also had a short dinner with Ariel Trei. The counselor seemed nice, but she also seemed like she was alone and without friends. Taya understood how that felt, so she had invited Ariel to join her some time in a holo program. Time would tell on how that would go. Taya's antennae sensing someone approaching in the darkness, reminded her of the real reason she was there. The sound wasn't the heavy plodding of Ravok, but the quiet and covert movements of someone accustomed to moving in the shadows. Taya motioned to another storage crate next to the one she was on. "Please join me, Ensign Foxglove. I'd like to talk." (reply Foxglove) (posted by Rob Brown) (Mars Base, Outside, CIO Ensign sg Jaelle Foxglove, 2343) Taya was a mystery to Jaelle having little to no contact with the Andorian even before the mission to Trill so to contacted to meet in the middle of the night, out of the blue already had the once assassin on her guard. Taya after all was a warrior at her core. Has Jaelle came out of the shadows as Taya was motioning to another storage crate next to the one she was on. "Please join me, Ensign Foxglove. I'd like to talk." She nodded as she crossed the short distance to the offered crate, and took an offered seat. "So, what is it that brings us out here so late tonight besides looking at the stars?" Jaelle spoke calmly as not to disturb the night air that enveloped them both. (Reply Rob) (Posted by Matthew Locke) (Mars Base, Outside, aACTO Ensign sg Taya, 2344) "So, what is it that brings us out here so late tonight besides looking at the stars?" said Foxglove. Taya leaned back, resting her weight on her hands. She was still wearing her phaser, stun baton, and tricorder, something Foxglove certainly noticed. The intelligence officer had surely done a threat assessment of Taya before sitting down. "How often do you look at the stars?" said Taya. "I mean, really look? I come here almost every night and look at my home star. It gives me comfort. Even more now after spending time with my shen mother when we were visiting Trill. I learned something about my past I didn't like, something that hurt very much, and I was so upset about it, I drank myself into a stupor last night in this very spot. Thing is, no matter what happens, home is still home and family is forever." Taya didn't know why she shared that with Foxglove, but something inside her felt right doing it. "I want to ask if you can help me, but I need to tell you something first. When I arrived on Mars, I found an encrypted message on my office computer from Sanok." Taya noted Foxglove's reaction. "The file was very detailed; Vulcan efficiency, and it revealed your original name, the terrible things that were done to you, what you've done, and what you're capable of doing. Sanok warned me to watch you and never turn my back on you. He also said, because you were out of Starfleet for so long, I could give you the benefit of the doubt, that very deeply inside, you just wanted to live your life in the fullness every person deserves." Taya paused and shrugged. "I just wanted you to know that." If Foxglove had an emotional reaction to anything Taya said, she was hiding it extremely well. "So why did I ask you here?" said Taya. "I don't like the idea of Luma being part of this base, that she can watch us and listen to us, while there's nothing we can do to stop her. My privacy is my business and none of hers. I'm thinking you feel the same. If you know of a way to block Luma from my personal quarters, my office, and my computer, I would be grateful if you would share it with me." (reply Foxglove) (posted by Rob Brown) (Mars Base, Outside, CIO Ensign sg Jaelle Foxglove, 2345) Jaelle listened as the young Andorian spoke. It seemed she had more on her mind than just the normal concerns that comes with working in Security. Jaelle know about the assault on Trill. While she did not have all the details, it seemed learning some hard details of her past gave the young woman a new perspective. Jaelle casted her eyes to blue green star shining brightly in the sky. "Earth." She spoke knowing the glow of the Federation home world well. Then she turned to Taya. "I'm sorry I cant share the same sentiment home is not always home and to me family is not forever. If it was we would not cherish it so." Letting her thought hang in the cool air she took a breath before continuing. "As for Sanok, I am not surprised. I respect him for who and what he is, and he is right to always be a bit wary of me." She again cast her eyes to the sky. "As for Luma," she spoke after a moments pause to give the matter some thought. "I think you already know the answer. "I can not just give access to information or technology that would allow you to block Luma from the computer systems of your personal quarters." (Reply Taya) "It has nothing to do with my past experiences or the fact that you know about it. Don't take this wrong but when information and technology comes from my section it needs to be for the benefit of the entire base not just one person, or everyone would be coming to us for whatever reasons. It's a president I dont want to establish." She knew her answer was not what the young Andorian wanted to hear. While Jaelle was about a more open flow of technology and information from intelligence. It still had to be a controlled flow. But then she turned and smiled at Taya. "With that being said I am not without sympathy or understanding with how you feel. I agree that Luma should not have full access to the computer network and our privacy must be protected. I will make you an offer, talk to Ensign Peter's about being assigned to the security detail at the intelligence operation center and we can get you quarteres there. And I promise you privacy will be insured." (Reply Taya) (Posted by Matthew Locke) (Mars Base, Outside, aACTO Ensign sg Taya, 2346) Taya listened to everything Foxglove said before replying. Just as the intelligence officer was assessing her, Taya was doing the same in return. Based on Sanok's message, Taya expected something different. She thought there would be more attitude, but Foxglove was nice. Andorians had four genders in a marriage, and their society was based on clans. Family was the foundation of life. Because of this, Taya felt sad for Foxglove that she didn't have family or that she couldn't fondly look to some place as home. Foxglove said, "As for Sanok, I am not surprised. I respect him for who and what he is, and he is right to always be a bit wary of me." Out of everything spoken, this was the most important part Taya would need to remember. Taya was disappointed Foxglove felt she couldn't help Taya block Luma. She could see the intelligence officer not wanting a stream of people running to her, but Taya was adept at keeping secrets, so she wouldn't tell. If this road was blocked, she would find another. Foxglove's invitation for Taya to bunk in the intelligence center, was intriguing. She appreciated that Foxglove agreed with her about Luma, but the offer surely had more behind it than just helping out. "Admiral, ah, Captain Remae assigned me to create a new tactical department, so I won't be able to be part of security to your section, but I'm grateful for the invite," said Taya. Taya leaned forward on her crate, resting her arms in her lap. "Thank you for coming tonight," said Taya. "I'm going to be here for awhile longer, looking at the sky and thinking. Stay as long as you like. Sometimes it's nice to be with another person, even if you don't say anything." (reply Foxglove) (posted by Rob Brown)