USS Spectre Compile - March 1st-31st 2008 by Alan Reading ========================================================================= Mission: When Poachers Come to Call Day: 15 Stardate: 2408.01.30 (USS Spectre - Ten forward – Lance Corporal Jose Rameriz - 11:09) (USS Spectre - Ten forward – Ensign Bys’At - 11:09) ========================================================================= Mission: When Poachers Come to Call Day: 17 Stardate: 2408.02.01 (USS Spectre – Douwsy’s quarters – Nurse Douwsy - 12:05) (USS Spectre – Marine Quarters – Corporal Houseman - 12:27) (USS Spectre – Holodeck 6 - CMO Williams - 13:00) (USS Spectre - Bridge - Captain T'Vhor - 13:12) (USS Spectre - Bridge - ACSO Ensign JG Taya - 13:14) (USS Spectre – Security Station Foxtrot – Security officer Smith - 13:15) (USS Spectre - Captain's Ready Room - Captain T'Vhor - 13:26) (USS Spectre - Bridge – TAC/ASC Charles “Chuck” Donaldson – 13:26) (Shuttlecraft "Amur" - SFI Agent - Lt. Commander Brian Rogers - 13:27) (USS Spectre - Bridge - Chief of Operations Lt Cmdr Calvin Capps - 13:28) (Shuttlecraft "Amur" - SFI Agent - Lt. Commander Brian Rogers - 13:29) (USS Spectre – Douwsy’s quarters – Nurse Douwsy - 13:30) (Ushari Prime - Moru Tar (capital city), Office of the Foreign Secretary - Foreign Secretary Tu'Sha - 13:30) (USS Spectre - Shuttle Bay 1 - SFI Agent - Lt. Commander Brian Rogers - 13:34) (USS Spectre - Main Bridge - SFI Agent - Lt. Commander Brian Rogers - 13:40) (USS Spectre – Deck 3 – Mark the Rabbit - 13:40) (USS Spectre - Main Bridge - Ensign Jynea Kreung - 13:41) (USS Spectre - Main Bridge - SFI Agent - Lt. Commander Brian Rogers - 13:42) (USS Spectre - Main Bridge – Conn – Pilot officer Smith - 13:42) (USS Spectre - Main Bridge - Ensign Jynea Kreung - 13:43) (USS Spectre - Main Bridge - SFI Agent - Lt. Commander Brian Rogers - 13:44) (USS Spectre - Main Bridge - Ensign Jynea Kreung - 13:45) (USS Spectre - Bridge - Chief of Operation Lt Cmdr Calvin Capps - 13:45) (USS Spectre - Bridge - Captain T'Vhor - 13:48) (USS Spectre - Bridge - Ensign Jynea Kreung - 13:49) (USS Spectre - Observation Lounge - SFI Agent - Lt. Commander Brian Rogers - 13:49) (USS Spectre - Bridge - FO Commander Michael Ian O'Connor - 13:50) (USS Spectre - Observation Lounge - Counselor, Lieutenant (jg) Sella - 13:55) (USS Spectre - Observation Lounge - Captain T'Vhor - 13:58) (USS Spectre – SFI Office - Lt. (jg) George La Flaga - 14:00) (USS Spectre - Observation Lounge - Counselor, Lieutenant (jg) Sella - 14:00) (Ushar Prime - Moru Tar - Prime Minister Ung'Hst - 14:00) (USS Spectre – Bridge - CMO Williams - 14:01) (USS Spectre - Observation Lounge - SFI Agent - Lt. Commander Brian Rogers - 14:01) (USS Spectre - Bridge - Chief of Ops Lt Cmdr Calvin Capps - 14:02) (USS Spectre - Observation Lounge - Counselor, Lieutenant (jg) Sella - 14:04) (USS Spectre - Observation Lounge - SFI Agent, Lt. Commander Brian Rogers - 14:05) (USS Spectre - Observation Lounge - FO Commander Michael Ian O'Connor - 14:07) (USS Spectre - Observation Lounge - SFI Agent - Lt. Commander Brian Rogers - 14:08) (USS Spectre - Observation Lounge - Captain T'Vhor - 14:10) (USS Spectre - Observation Lounge - SFI Agent, Lt. Commander Brian Rogers - 14:12) (USS Spectre - Observation Lounge - Counselor Lieutenant (jg) Sella and FO Commander Michael Ian O'Connor - 14:12) (USS Spectre - Observation Lounge - Captain T'Vhor - 14:13) (USS Spectre - Observation Lounge - SFI Agent, Lt. Commander Brian Rogers - 14:14) (USS Spectre - Bridge - Captain T'Vhor - 14:15) (USS Spectre - Bridge - Chief Ops Lt Cmdr Calvin Capps - 14:16) (USS Spectre - Bridge - Ensign Jynea Kreung - 14:17) (USS Spectre - Captain's Ready Room - Captain T'Vhor - 14:20) (USS Spectre - Turbolift - FO Commander Michael O'Conner & Ensign Jynea Kreung - 14:20) (USS Spectre - Bridge – CMO Williams - 14:22) (USS Spectre - Bridge – TAC/ASC Charles “Chuck” Donaldson - 14:25) (USS Spectre - Kreung's Quarters - Morale Officer Kreung and FO O'Connor - 14:30) (USS Spectre - Personal Quarters - SFI Agent - Lt. Commander Brian Rogers - 14:30) (USS Spectre – Jefferies tube above Kreung quarters - Corporal Houseman - 14:32) (USS Spectre - Sickbay - CMO Williams - 14:32) (USS Spectre - Security - TAC/SC Lieutenant Yelena Vasilyovna - 14:33) (USS Spectre - Security - TAC/ASC Charles “Chuck” Donaldson - 14:33) (USS Spectre - Personal Quarters - SFI Agent, Lt. Commander Brian Rogers - 14:36) (USS Spectre – Sickbay – Mark the Rabbit - 14:40) (USS Spectre - Jeffrey’s Tube Cross-Section (deck 5) – Ensign Paul Morphy – 14:40) (USS Spectre – Sickbay – Nurse Douwsy - 14:42) (USS Spectre - Sickbay - CMO Williams - 14:43) (USS Spectre - Security - TAC/ASC Charles “Chuck” Donaldson - 14:45) (USS Spectre - Security - Ensign Nathanial Yates - 14:47) (USS Spectre - Deck 3, Away Team Staging - Ensign Nathanial Yates - 14:55) (SS Argosy - Weapon Systems Specialist, Warrant officer Jerral Revan and Science Officer, Ensign (jg) Emma Morrissey - 15:15) (USS Spectre - Ten Forward - SFI Agent, Lt. Commander Brian Rogers - 15:15) (USS Spectre - Away Team Staging – TAC/ASC Charles “Chuck” Donaldson – 15:15) (USS Spectre - Away Team Staging – ATAC/ASC Alex Goldsteen – 15:16) (USS Spectre - Ten Forward - TAC/SC Lt Yelena Vaslyovna - 15:16) (USS Spectre - Ten Forward - SFI Agent, Lt. Commander Brian Rogers - 15:18) (USS Spectre - Ten Forward - TAC/SC Lt Yelena Vasilyovna - 15:19) (USS Spectre - Ten Forward - SFI Agent, Lt. Commander Brian Rogers - 15:20) (USS Spectre - Ten Forward - TAC/SC Lt Yelena Vasilyovna - 15:21) (USS Spectre - Ten Forward - SFI Agent, Lt. Commander Brian Rogers - 15:22) (USS Spectre - Ten Forward - TAC/SC Lt Yelena Vasilyovna - 15:23) (USS Spectre - Ten Forward - SFI Agent, Lt. Commander Brian Rogers - 15:24) (USS Spectre Deck 2 - Weapon Systems Specialist, Warrant officer Jerral Revan and Science Officer, Ensign (jg) Emma Morrissey and FO O'Connor - 15:30) (USS Spectre – Astrometrics – Ensign Bys’At – 15:30) (USS Spectre - Away Team Staging Area - CMO Williams - 15:50) (USS Spectre - Transporter Room One – TAC/ASC Charles “Chuck” Donaldson - 15:57) (USS Spectre - Transporter Room One - SO, Ensign Nathanial Yates - 15:58) (USS Spectre - Transporter Room One - SFI Agent, Lt. Cmdr Brian Rogers - 15:58) (USS Spectre - Transporter Room One - Captain T'Vhor - 15:59) (USS Spectre - Transporter Room One - CMO Williams - 15:59) (Ushar Prime – Capital City Reception Hall – Secureman Agrod – 16:00) (Ushar Prime - Capital City Reception Hall - Prime Minister Ung'Hst - 16:00) (Ushar Prime – Reception Hall – TAC/ASC Charles “Chuck” Donaldson – 16:01) (Ushar Prime - Capital City Reception Hall - SFI Agent - Lt. Commander Brian Rogers - 16:01) (Ushar Prime - Capital City Reception Hall - Captain T'Vhor - 16:06) (Ushar Prime - Capital City Reception Hall – TAC/ASC Charles “Chuck” Donaldson - 16:07) (Ushar Prime - Capital City Reception Hall - SO Ensign Nathanial Yates - 16:08) (Ushar Prime - Capital City Reception Hall - Secureman Agrod - 16:08) (Ushar Prime - Capital City Reception Hall - ATAC/ASC Ensign Goldsteen - 16:09) (Ushar Prime - State Room - Captain T'Vhor - 16:15) (Ushar Prime - State Room – AC/ASC Charles “Chuck” Donaldson - 16:15) (Ushar Prime - Capital City Reception Hall - SFI Agent - Lt. Cmdr Brian Rogers - 16:17) (Ushar Prime - Capital City Reception Hall - CMO Williams - 16:18) (Ushar Prime - Capital City Reception Hall – TAC/ASC Charles “Chuck” Donaldson - 16:20) (Ushar Prime - Capital City Rising Dawn Medical Facility - SFI Agent - Lt. Cmdr Brian Rogers - 16:20) (Ushar Prime - Capital City Reception Hall - Captain T'Vhor - 16:22) (Ushar Prime - Capital City Rising Dawn Medical Facility - Chief Executive Hun’Coo & CMO Williams - 16:26) (Ushar Prime - Capital City Rising Dawn Medical Facility - ATAC/ASC Alex Goldsteen 16:27) (Ushar Prime - Capital City Reception Hall - Ensign Jynea Kreung - 16:28) (Ushar Prime - Capital City Rising Dawn Medical Facility - SFI Agent - Lt. Cmdr Brian Rogers - 16:29) (Ushar Prime - Capital City Rising Dawn Medical Facility - TAC/ASC Ensign Alex Goldsteen - 16:30) (Ushar Prime - Capital City Public Shopping Complex - SFI Agent - Lt. Cmdr Brian Rogers - 16:31) (Ushar Prime - Capital City Public Shopping Complex - ATAC/ASC Ensign Goldsteen - 16:34) (Ushar Prime - Capital City Rising Dawn Medical Facility – CMO Williams - 16:35) (USS Spectre - Ten Forward - Ensign Jacqueline Bristed - 17:30) (USS Spectre - Ten Forward - ACSO Ensign JG Taya - 17:31) (USS Spectre - Ten Forward - ACEO Ensign Bristed - 17:32) (USS Spectre - Ten Forward - ACSO Ensign JG Taya - 17:34) ========================================================================= Mission: When Poachers Come to Call Day: 15 Stardate: 2408.01.30 (USS Spectre - Ten forward – Lance Corporal Jose Rameriz - 11:09) “Yes, I see … foxy chica Straton no wants to mix the ranks.” Replied Bys’At. "'Xactly chico!" Rameriz agreed taking a slug of his Sangria. “I don’t pretend to be a linguist but I am very interested in conversing in this dialect.” Commented Bys’At. "I don't knows if it's a *di-a-lect*" Rameriz said happily, "Just the ways I talk, chico! Here, have you tried the Sangria? It's nots too bad for synthahol!" (Reply Bys'At :) (Posted by Lorna) (USS Spectre - Ten forward – Ensign Bys’At - 11:09) "I don't knows if it's a *di-a-lect*" Rameriz said happily, "Just the ways I talk, chico! Here, have you tried the Sangria? It's nots too bad for synthahol!" “I’ll try it!” Bys’At chirped happily. (reply Rameriz) Bys’At eyed the drink for a moment. “Sangria Synthahol?” he pondered out loud. (reply Rameriz IYW) Without another hesitation Bys’At tipped the glass to his lips. He felt a little like a duck making a bill formation with his lips touching the glass. He giggled slightly as the liquid poured into his mouth. ~Oh, dear.~ he thought as the Sangria washed his tongue and scurried down his throat. He couldn’t finish the whole glass in a single gulp as he had seen Rameriz do. “It is … interesting. Are you sure it is synthahol Mr. Rameriz?” (reply Rameriz) (posted by Anton) ========================================================================= Mission: When Poachers Come to Call Day: 17 Stardate: 2408.02.01 (USS Spectre – Douwsy’s quarters – Nurse Douwsy - 12:05) She unzipped her uniform jacket as the doors shut. She shook it off and threw it onto her bed. She ran a hand through her hair as she walked up to the replicator. ~Okay lets give this a go~ “One glass of carbonated orange juice and a bowl of salted pop corn.” She watched as the replicator made her order. She picked them up and went over to the corner of her quarters and sat down on a small sofa in front of a screen. She had been given this movie by one of the woman who worked in primary life support. “Computer begin movie.” The room lights went dark and screen light up. She leaned back and began to sip at her drink as she munched at the popcorn. An image appeared on the screen. Lord of the Rings. (Reply None) (Posted by Robbie Gray) (USS Spectre – Marine Quarters – Corporal Houseman - 12:27) Houseman looked at the small group of marines around the table with him. “Private you do realise if you do this she’s going to rip off your dangly bits, fry them and feed them back to you.” The private’s grinning face suddenly dropped. “But Corp it’s only a laugh. It’s not like I’m going to hurt it.” Houseman did his best Vulcan impression as he raised his eyebrow. “What about the cat. Muller got hospitalised, Mitchell and Donaldson got badly mauled.” “But Corp its only small & fluffy it’s not that dangerous.” “That fluffy thing has escaped its cage more times than I can remember. I’ve been informed that it’s got teeth that can eat through deck plating.” “But Corp it’s just so cute and cuddly.” Houseman shook his head. “Well just be warned the cute fluffy bunny and its owner will have your guts for garters.” (reply any) (posted by Robbie) (USS Spectre – Holodeck 6 - CMO Williams - 13:00) Andrew materialized into darkness. ~This is nice~ He paused for a moment until he activated the lights on his suit. He was floating upside down in what looked like the bridge. He activated the HUD in his helmet as he slowly spun taking in the consoles and equipment that filled the bridge. =^= Well it looks like you made it in one piece?.=^= Andrew grinned through his face plate. “Next time I’m setting the coordinates of the transport.” He grabbed the helm console and spun himself back round. ~Well that’s much better~ He floated over to the hatch and tapped at the control panel. There was no response. ~Power must be out~ “Looks like power is out and there is no sign of the crew.” =^=No crew. That fits with the scans but there must be something of the bridge crew they can’t have just disappeared?=^= Andrew noticed something as he swung his light around. He looked hard and finally understood. “I think I know where the bridge crew went.” He pointed up the ceiling where the use to be dome was now a gaping hole with the murky depths barely visible. ~Explosive decompression or drowning. Both are not a nice way to go~ =^= Understood. Keep looking you know why were here=^= He turned away from the devastated bridge and tried to look somewhere else. “Where do you need me?” =^=I need you to go to the auxiliary control room. Try and activate the emergency battery and life support. Hopefully we can get some of the breaches sealed and get the environmental working. We need the power to cold start the engines and it will be a lot easier out of these suits to get what we came for.=^= “Not a problem.” He pushed himself off the helm console and floated over to the communication console. He grabbed its edge and swung in front of the door. He pulled a small panel which was beside the door. He then inserted a small power cell and the door opened. He could see the darkness of the turbo shaft beyond. ~Well no time like the present~ He retrieved the power cell and swung himself into the dark void of the turbolift shaft. He grabbed a rung on the emergency ladder that ran down the side of the turbolift shaft. He pushed his torch out in front of him as he pulled himself down into the watery darkness of the ship. Decks went flying past until he reached the one he wanted. He pulled the doors opened which slowly gave in. He floated down the corridor lighting up the doors as he floated past until he found the right one. “Okay I’m here. Entering now.” =^=Copy that=^= He looked at the door in front of him. It was a standard type of door but there were deep burn marks running across it. He opened a small panel on one side of the door and fitted a small power cell into it. With a few swift commands the door parted. It suddenly jammed half open but it was enough for him to squeezed past in his suit. He paused and scanned the room with his flashlight. Just like the rest of the ship, this room was empty and pick black. It was giving him an eerie feeling. “I’m in what next?” =^=I want you to go to the computer core. Its in the middle of the room you can’t miss it.=^= He saw a long cylinder in a central well surrounded by a handrail. He pushed off from the door frame and floated over to what he suspected was the computer core. He then swung himself round and landed in front of the computer monitor. He felt a soft thud as he activated his magnetic boots which fastened him to the floor. “I’m in place.” =^=Okay I want you to open the access panel below the console and attach the power generator to it.=^= He did as he was told. Taking the bulky generator off his shoulders and placing it on the floor. He quickly took off the panel and let it float away across the room. He attached the connector from the generator to the computer and then attached his power cell to the generator. He activated the power cell which jumped started the generator. He watched the generator’s lights flash into life as it started to supply the computer with power. He was impressed with the generator, apart from the initial jolt of power it was totally self sufficient. It took some of the power it was producing to keep it self going. He glanced up at the computer screen as it came into life. He pulled out a PADD from a pocket in his suit and attached it to a terminal under the monitor. . “That’s it. The computer is on.” =^=Great, access the main start up systems. See if you can get the warp drive on line.=^= “Got ya.” He punched in the start up commands and began to check some of the other systems. He reached down and with a few quick strokes he saw the data appear on the PADD “We have 5% power from the emergency batteries but it will cut it fine. Download started” He de-magnetized his boots & pushed off from the console. He glided over the helms console and grabbed the chair in front of the engineering console. With a slight twist he slid into the chair in front of the engineering. He activated the console and glanced over the screen. The lights activated casting a dull glow around the room. He flash off his flashlight and scanned the console again. “Its going to take time for the warp core to come back online due to its long time being shut off. Until then the emergency power is all we have.” =^=That will have to do. I think you should…..=^= “Are you Okay?” =^=They found us=^= He felt a chill run through him. “How can that be?” =^=I don’t know how they found us but they did. I’m going to make myself scarce and get out of here=^= “What about me?” =^=Don’t worry I’ll be back. I’ll get in contact in a bit. Look I have to go. They are going to dock via one of the docking ports on H deck. Better find some where to hide=^= ~Thanks a lot~ “That’s great. Just be there okay?” He said to himself as the communication was cut. He powered down the console and pushed himself back towards the computer core. He pulled out a tricorder and set its sensors to proximity alarm when anything breached its detection range. That should give him about a minute to move before they came. He glanced down at the PADD. ~Only 45% down load will that will have to do~ He reached down a disconnected the PADD and generator which plunged the room into darkness. Suddenly the whole room froze and an emotionless female voice spoke to him. [Time alarm activated. Time is 1340] Andrew gave a long sigh. “Marvelous, just when things were getting interesting. Computer save program at this time index and then close program.” As the holodeck doors appeared in the far wall he turned and then headed towards them. (reply any) (posted by Robbie) (USS Spectre - Bridge - Captain T'Vhor - 13:12) "You know, for an out of the way, off the travelled path sector, we do seem to be encountering a lot of traffic", said the Morale Officer as she contemplated recent proceedings in regards this mission. The Captain had simply turned & nodded his general ascent of the Ensign's observation on the matter. To an extent, she was correct of course but then again, they were still pretty close to a viable shipping route frequented by both Ferengi & freelance freight operators & as such, it was inevitable that they had encountered a fair amount of traffic along the way. Clearly though, this was not what the Morale officer had been referring to, it was this latest incoming shuttle & the previous ones that had arrived, both bringing & taking crew that had prompted her comment, & as such, it did seem 'a bit much'.... The Captain pondered those recent events for a moment or two, the shuttles had arrived more or less unannounced & seemingly impromptu, as a result of this the Spectre had gained a rather strange, though apparently popular Marine to their midst, but in keeping with Newtonian law of reaction following action, they had also lost their Acting CSO. "It does seem so", said the Captain in a verbal addition to his previous nod of ascent as he immediately began accessing the armrest console to his left in order to verify their optimal positioning for orbital insertion of Ushar Prime. (Reply Any, IYW) (Posted by Alan) (USS Spectre - Bridge - ACSO Ensign JG Taya - 13:14) Taya looked up from her console when the next officer came on for shift early. Normally she would have told them to come back later but today she wanted to go to her office. She nodded and smiled at them before indicating the summary she had done of the shift and what she wanted to see by the end of the shift. She walked into the turbolift and when the doors had closed she sighed and leant against the back wall. It was a lot harder than she thought coming back into Starfleet. But it was the life she loved and she knew she would never have the opportunity to come back if she left again. The doors opened and she made her way towards the offices. She looked at what had been Lt. Carrow's office which now stood empty, save for a few boxes, before she walked into her own next to it. Her office was still sparse but it felt more like a home than one that had lots of little ornaments and the like in. She sat down at her console and recorded a message to her people. She didn't really say much just that she was enjoying the job and she hoped they were alright. After this she sat back in her chair and pondered what had happened during her time on board the Spectre. Taya continued to get deeper and deeper into her thoughts; almost to the point of entering a vision state. This would have been very rare among her people and she didn't realise how close she had come to this point. There was a knock on the door that startled Taya out of her musings and prevented her from seeing the vision that had started to infiltrate the thoughts of the young women. She sat up and moved some things around on her desk to make it look like she hadn't just been sitting there thinking about everything and nothing. "Come in" (Reply any/none) (Posted by Chris) (USS Spectre – Security Station Foxtrot – Security officer Smith - 13:15) Jo looked at the pile of PADDs in front of her. She sighed and rolled her eyes. When she had been in the marines she had ‘paper work’ when she was in SFI she also had ‘paper work’ and now when she was a security officer she still had ‘paper work’. She gave a slight groan as a message icon appeared on a PADD in front of her. She frowned and activated it. A message appeared on the screen in front of her. It was from her uncle Jack. She read the letter quickly before she entered an encryption code into the PADD. The message changed and she read it again. She quickly wiped the message and began to look through the other PADDs as she thought about the new message. ‘Uncle Jack’ was her senior officer in the SFI when she was part of his personal tactical response team. The message that he had written to her had said that she had been placed in reserve and that a new SFI officer would be arriving shortly and that she should put herself at the new officer’s disposal. She rolled the kinks out of her neck and get back to her PADDs. (reply any) (posted by Robbie) (USS Spectre - Captain's Ready Room - Captain T'Vhor - 13:26) =/\=Captain, it's Lt. Commander Brian Rogers=/\= The Captain raised an eyebrow at the rather abrupt & unexpected announcement. First the games, then the cut to the chase, this was typical of the Spectre's former First Officer. If there was anything that was indeed consistent in regards Lieutenant Commander Brian Rogers, it was his need for theatrical entrances & today was no different. Rogers had been the Spectre's First Officer immediately before Commander O'Conner had been installed, he had been aboard during the repatriation of Nell & had been supposedly, seriously injured during a conflict with one of the Zulu Alpha attack ships, now he was here. How that had come to be however remained to be seen. "I must say Lieutenant Commander, you sound remarkably well for a man that was at death's door the last time that we met", said the Captain. Rogers simply smirked. =/\=I'm afraid that was a sort of cover-up, Captain. I was never seriously injured enough to require me being transfered to Starbase Geneva........I was recruited into Starfleet Intelligence=/\= "Intelligence?", said the Captain, more in a tone of mocking than inquiry, "I do not have a great deal of trust for Starfleet intelligence officers Lieutenant Commander, if you are, as you say now a Starfleet intelligence officer.... then why are you here?", he added. =/\=It seems they want an SFI agent on the Spectre at all times, and I was chosen for my past experience with the ship and crew. I've got the proper transfer orders. I'll send them ahead to you for inspection=/\= "You are to be stationed on this ship!", exclaimed the Captain in surprise before then trailing off in realisation that this was not something he was going to be able to object to, for it had clearly been a decision made far above that of a lowly Starfleet Captain. The Captain let out a sigh, then he began perusing the information that had just arrived upon his desk console. It took only a moment or two for him to realise though that the orders were indeed legitimate & whether he liked it or not, it seemed that Lieutenant Commander Rogers was most assuredly, back. "It seems that your orders are valid Mr Rogers", said the Captain resorting now to an old title he had once used in referring to the former prior First Officer, "however, I will cast no illusions on this matter, I am not keen to have yet another SFI agent keeping tabs on this crew & reporting back on any inconsistencies you may find here", he added. =/\=I thought you might not like the SFI leaning on your ship all the time, Captain, but they didn't ask me=/\= said Rogers, implying in that last statement that they had in fact, ordered him to be there. That much at least was a plus for it meant that as such, Rogers perhaps retained a certain loyalty to the Spectre, her Captain & it's crew. "No doubt then, you will be requiring permission to come aboard", said the Captain. (Reply Rogers, IYW) "Permission to come aboard at your leisure Lieutenant Commander", said the Captain, "I will look forwards to speaking with you again in person", he added. He then closed the channel & returned to the matter in hand, namely how they would now proceed in regards the Ushari. (Reply Rogers, Any) (Posted by Alan) (USS Spectre - Bridge – TAC/ASC Charles “Chuck” Donaldson – 13:26) "Lt, run a quick scan of the data to ensure that it is safe for it to pass on to the Captain." Ordered Capps. “Aye, Sir.” Said Chuck running the scan. ~Your skin not mine.~ “Sir, it’s just transfer papers from the Amur. Former FO Brian Rogers is being added to the crew roster as an SFI agent.” Said Chuck. (reply Capps, IYW, any) (posted by Anton) (Shuttlecraft "Amur" - SFI Agent - Lt. Commander Brian Rogers - 13:27) =/\= Permission to come aboard at your leisure Lieutenant Commander. I will look forwards to speaking with you again in person, =/\=. Captain T'Vhor said briefly, before the channel was closed. Brian sighed, and leaned back in the pilot's seat, and took a deep breath. It felt good to be aboard his old ship. He dropped the Type 11 shuttle out of warp, and brought her about in line with the Spectre, who was orbiting Ushar Prime. He worked quickly on the console, and opened a new channel to the Spectre, this time, to the Ops department. "Amur to Spectre," Brian said. (reply Capps) "I've received permission from the Captain to board. I've got Shuttle Bay 1 eyeballed here, and I'm ready for landing," Rogers explained. (reply Capps) "Aye, Ops. Standing by," Rogers said. He didn't recognize the voice, but then again, it had been over a year since he had left the Spectre. (reply Capps, any) (Posted by Kevin Schram) (USS Spectre - Bridge - Chief of Operations Lt Cmdr Calvin Capps - 13:28) =/\=Amur to Spectre,=/\= Brian said. It hadn't taken long for the Amur to greet the bridge again. Calvin answered immediately. "Amur, go ahead." =/\=I've received permission from the Captain to board. I've got Shuttle Bay 1 eyeballed here, and I'm ready for landing,=/\= Rogers explained. Indeed the Amur had. Calvin checked over his arm panel and saw the docking clearance from the Captain himself. Apparently whoever it was on the Amur the Captain knew. "Shuttle Bay 1 is now clear Amur. You are cleared for landing." Calvin responded. =/\=Aye, Ops. Standing by,=/\= Rogers said. The hail went out and Calvin left the matter behind him. He was sure that the man inside of the shuttle would be visiting the Captain Ready Room soon and Calvin would be able to get a look at him. (reply any, Rogers) (posted by Calvin Capps) (Shuttlecraft "Amur" - SFI Agent - Lt. Commander Brian Rogers - 13:29) With Ops having cleared him for landing, Brian now piloted the craft into the Spectre's main shuttle bay. Once the craft had slowly slipped inside, he set her down on the deck, and shut off the impulse and thruster engines. He worked for a few moments, putting the ship in standby, before he stood up and headed to the crew compartment. He took a few minutes to collect his things from the bunk, and rearrange everything the way he had found it. When everything was satisfactory, he dropped the rear hatch, and walked boldly down the ramp and onto the floor of the main bay. (reply any) (Posted by Kevin Schram) (USS Spectre – Douwsy’s quarters – Nurse Douwsy - 13:30) Douwys frowned as the screen flickered and changed. Suddenly the imaged changed and another image appeared. ~what on earth is this? I want Frodo not Chuck’s Angels~ Just as Douwy was about to shut the program down, she recognised who the Chucks Angels were. ~Ow my god~ She was cut between the feeling of disgust that friends of hers were in this and there was also a slight intrigue in seeing what it was all about. ~She is so going to kill who ever did this~ (reply any) (posted by Robbie) (Ushari Prime - Moru Tar (capital city), Office of the Foreign Secretary - Foreign Secretary Tu'Sha - 13:30) Tu'Sha sat in his office, working on reports for Parliment, when his assistant walked through the door. "Sir, the USS Spectre has just arrived in orbit and contacted the Prime Ministers office," Du'Sha said with a sigh. "It was only a matter of time, we knew the Federation would send someone eventually," Tu'Sha said, standing up and reaching for his coat. "Please place a call to the Chancellor, and ask if he'd meet me at the Crystal Boulder for a late lunch. And while I know the Minister for Trade is big lately, what ever you do, don't tell him where I am, I really don't want to have to tolerate him while I'm eating." Tu'Sha said with sigh. "I will sir," Du'Sha said, "If the Minister of Trade asks, I'll tell him you said you were going to the Core Side." A broad smile breaking out on his face Tu'Sha turned back to his assistant, "For that, Lunch is on me, tomorrow... today, there is business to attend to." Tu'Sha. "Also, keep your ear to what ever friends you have in the Prime Minister's office, I'd like to know where and when the Star Fleet crew is beaming down," he said as he walked out the door, whistling a tune. (Reply None needed) (Posted by Patrick D.) (USS Spectre - Shuttle Bay 1 - SFI Agent - Lt. Commander Brian Rogers - 13:34) "Hey, Commander!" a voice yelled from some distance. Brian turned and saw Lt. Chenoll, the blue skinned Bolian engineer sprinting for him. "Hello, Ms. Chenoll," Rogers said, giving her a polite nod, but didn't break his strong pace towards the main doors of the shuttle bay. "It's been a while since you left, have you recovered from the battle?" she asked compassionately. "Yes, quite," Rogers said grimly. "I've got to meet with the Captain and settle in, Chenoll. Can we catch up later?" Brian asked. The Bolian agreed, and Rogers walked out of the large bay doors of the shuttle bay and set course through the familiar corridors of the Spectre for the bridge. (reply any) (Posted by Kevin Schram) (USS Spectre - Main Bridge - SFI Agent - Lt. Commander Brian Rogers - 13:40) Brian stepped off the turbolift still with his black bag strapped around his broad shoulder and walked around the side of the bridge towards the doors of Captain T'Vhor's ready room. The atmosphere of his old stomping ground returned to him, and Brian felt a sense of nostalgia. "The bridge seems smaller than I remember," the lieutenant commander stated aloud, to no one in particular. He glanced over his shoulder and saw the face of a familiar Orion morale officer. Brian turned to address her. "Why's that, Ms. Kreung?" (reply Kreung) Brian grinned at her reply and took a deep breath through his nose. "How are you and your pheromones?" he asked humorously. (reply Kreung, any) (Posted by Kevin Schram) (USS Spectre – Deck 3 – Mark the Rabbit - 13:40) He'd been interested in the two foot who had come to his warren to talk to him, but not interested enough he was going to come out from his nest in the bed. The two foot had been joined by another, they'd spoken harshly and smelt of frustration before giving up and going away. After a nice safe wait, Mark had hopped out to find the two feet long gone, but the wall was open. The wall opened and closed for two feet, but normally it stayed closed when Mark investigated it. This was something new and definitely deserved investigating some more! Hop, hop, hop. Nose wriggle. Ack! Two feet! RUN! Mark scrambled down the hallway and away from the two feet that had been in his warren. He had to find his way in-the-walls to escape them! (Reply None) (Posted by Lorna) (USS Spectre - Main Bridge - Ensign Jynea Kreung - 13:41) Jynea was trying to justify to herself how writing a paper about deep space trauma could qualify her for her doctorate application when Lieutenant Commander Rogers appeared on the bridge. "The bridge seems smaller than I remember," the lieutenant commander stated aloud "Memories are funny things," Jynea replied with a bit of a smile. He turned to look at her, "Why's that, Ms. Kreung?" She put on her best innocent pixie look. "Well, one would have to assume it's a fault in the memory wiring and not you trying to insult the ship you've returned to and once loved." Brian grinned at her reply and took a deep breath through his nose. "How are you and your pheromones?" he asked humorously. My, that was a little forward and personal coming from a human. "Suppressed, how's your penis?" she replied without batting an eyelash. (Reply Rogers, any) (posted by Lorna) (USS Spectre - Main Bridge - SFI Agent - Lt. Commander Brian Rogers - 13:42) "Suppressed, how's your penis?" The Orion replied rather plainly. Rogers raised his eyebrows in surprise. "Oh, that's cute," Brian replied. "But, you'll have to replicate me a drink first," the lieutenant commander said. (reply Kreung) "How has the old Spectre been without me? Lonesome, I suppose," Brian said with a friendly, yet-arrogant tone. (reply Kreung, any) (Posted by Kevin Schram) (USS Spectre - Main Bridge – Conn – Pilot officer Smith - 13:42) "Suppressed, how's your penis?" Jennifer paused as she was performing a small adjustment burn. ~What on earth are they talking about~ "And here I thought the gentleman was the one who paid for the drinks." "Not a gentleman anymore, sir?" She knew that the new officer had arrived. He had talked to the morale officer. "How has the old Spectre been without me? Lonesome, I suppose," "Oh no, Captain T'Vhor and I have been exploring the uses Vulcans have for beds, Lieutenant Carrow has me keeping her quarters, so to speak, and why, I have dinner every night with a different marine. Lonely is the least of my problems." ~Mabe not the conversation to have on the bridge with everyone to hear~ Her console beeped softly at her. She quickly turned her attention to it and finished the manaeuver before the computer took over. (Reply Any) (Posted by Robbie) (USS Spectre - Main Bridge - Ensign Jynea Kreung - 13:43) "Oh, that's cute," Brian replied. "But, you'll have to replicate me a drink first," the lieutenant commander said. "And here I thought the gentleman was the one who paid for the drinks." Jynea retorted, echoing the earlier grin of the ex-First Officer. "Not a gentleman anymore, sir?" (Reply Rogers) "How has the old Spectre been without me? Lonesome, I suppose," Brian said with a friendly, yet-arrogant tone. Back to wide-eyed innocence. "Oh no, Captain T'Vhor and I have been exploring the uses Vulcans have for beds, Lieutenant Carrow has me keeping her quarters, so to speak, and why, I have dinner every night with a different marine. Lonely is the least of my problems." (Reply Rogers/Any) (Posted by Lorna) (USS Spectre - Main Bridge - SFI Agent - Lt. Commander Brian Rogers - 13:44) "And here I thought the gentleman was the one who paid for the drinks. Not a gentleman anymore, sir?" The Orion asked. Brian grinned, "Well, field operations at the end of the war will do that to a man," he said in a rare serious beat. He changed the subject. "How has the old Spectre been without me? Lonesome, I suppose," Brian said with an friendly, yet-arrogant tone. She opened her eyes wide. "Oh no, Captain T'Vhor and I have been exploring the uses Vulcans have for beds, Lieutenant Carrow has me keeping her quarters, so to speak, and why, I have dinner every night with a different marine. Lonely is the least of my problems." Rogers groaned audibly. "The Captain, the science officer and the entire Marine battalion? That's the Orion way of keeping morale high, I suppose," the intelligence officer remarked. "How do you find the energy to keep up such a busy lifestyle?" (reply Kreung) Rogers sighed. "At any rate, I suppose I should meet with the Captain. I'm sure you know that T'Vhor likes everything... punctual," Rogers quipped while picking up his bag and turning towards the ready room. (reply Kreung) "Until next time, Ms. Kreung," Brian said, turning to wink at the green-skinned woman before walking to the Captain's ready room and pressing the door chime. (reply T'Vhor, Kreung, any) (Posted by Kevin Schram) (USS Spectre - Main Bridge - Ensign Jynea Kreung - 13:45) Rogers groaned audibly. "The Captain, the science officer and the entire marine battalion? That's the Orion way of keeping morale high, I suppose," the intelligence officer remarked. "How do you find the energy to keep up such a busy lifestyle?" "I've received no complaints on my methods of morale keeping." She furrowed a brow, "Well, except for showing up to the last briefing grossly out of uniform, but I guess I didn't offend enough for a formal complaint or reprimand." She brightened up again, continuing the role-playing, "As far as energy goes sir, lots and lots of cookies." Rogers sighed. "At any rate, I suppose I should meet with the Captain. I'm sure you know that T'Vhor likes everything... punctual," Rogers quipped while picking up his bag and turning towards the ready room. That got another furrowed brow, and Jynea murmered, as if to herself, "And here I thought he liked whipcream." "Until next time, Ms. Kreung," Brian said, turning to wink at the green-skinned woman before walking to the Captain's ready room and pressing the door chime. Jynea wiggled her fingers in a good-bye and waited for the former first officer to be admitted and the door closed behind him before turning to Calvin and Chuck with a smile, "Why am I in this handbasket, and where am I going?" she asked lightly. (Reply Capps, Donaldson, any) (Posted by Lorna) (USS Spectre - Bridge - Chief of Operation Lt Cmdr Calvin Capps - 13:45) The officer that was brought here by the Amur did indeed come up to the bridge as Calvin expected. What Calvin didn't expect was the very odd and borderline inappropriate conversation that officer and Officer Kreung. As Calvin was about to step into the conversation, to put a stop to it, the newly arrived officer seemed to know that the conversation did go to far. After he walked away and headed toward the ready room Ensign Kreung turned to Calvin and Chuck. "Why am I in this hand basket, and where am I going?" she asked lightly. Calvin was no Vulcan, but all he could do what copy a very noticeable vulcan expression. He raised his eye in curiosity. He had no response for the young Ensign. (reply any, Kreung, Chuck) (posted by Calvin Capps) (USS Spectre - Bridge - Captain T'Vhor - 13:48) "Handbasket Ensign Kreung?", said the Captain upon exiting his ready room and coming within earshot of the comments that had just been directed to the other bridge officers. As for Rogers, he had simply allowed himself to be almost immediately ushered back out of the ready room again with a grin typical of his usual manner as the door slid open, his old CO and new First Officer moving swiftly past him as they headed thenceforth towards the rear of the bridge. (Reply Kreung) "Indeed", said the Captain, wondering now just what it was that the Ensign was attempting to cover up in that statement, as for the remainder of her prior comment however, the question as to 'where' she was going was about to be made blatently clear as the Captain ushered both herself and Rogers to follow into the observation lounge. "As to your other query Ensign Kreung, You will be going down to the surface as part of the away team", said the Captain, noting as he spoke that she didn't seem too pleased with that particular decision. NRPG: I'm assuming that she wouldn't be, I can change this if need be. RPG: (Reply Kreung, IYW) "I want someone there to present a softer edge to the Ushari delegation, someone that will counter the Starfleet, crux of the matter approach that might be projected by our arrival here", he added as he swung through the accessway and then into the observation lounge proper to take a seat therein. (Reply Kreung, IYW) The rest of the officers then quickly took their seats around the table, the tableau of the stars set against the planetfall, immediately visible behind them through the observation windows as they did so. The Captain then turned to the newly arrived intelligence officer, whom he had yet to formally greet of course. "It is good to see you again Mr Rogers", said the Captain, "no worse the wear from your reported brush with death it would seem", he added wryly. (Reply Rogers) "If I remember correctly Lieutenant Commander, things rarely are black and white where you are concerned", said the Captain, "I trust though that you come bearing news that we might use in regards the Ushari situation" (Reply Rogers, O'Conner, Kreung, Any) (Posted by Alan) (USS Spectre - Bridge - Ensign Jynea Kreung - 13:49) "Handbasket Ensign Kreung?", said the Captain upon exiting his ready room. "Yessir," Jynea said brightly, "A carrying device made out of wicker." Calvin seemed very involved in studying the cleanliness of his console. "Indeed", said the Captain, seemingly not buying the distraction but seemingly willing to chase the vole another day. "As to your other query Ensign Kreung, You will be going down to the surface as part of the away team", said the Captain, noting as he spoke that she didn't seem too pleased with that particular decision. Jynea wasn't sure why she was being included in the conference, but when one's Captain beckoned, one followed. "Me? Away team?" she spluttered. Didn't he remember the mess from the LAST away mission she'd been on? "I want someone there to present a softer edge to the Ushari delegation, someone that will counter the Starfleet, crux of the matter approach that might be projected by our arrival here", he added as he swung through the accessway and then into the observation lounge proper to take a seat therein. "Uh. What?" Jynea said brightly taking her own seat. "Ohh, I'm the cute fuzzy teddy bear to the leader's grizzly bear. Got it." Jynea was pretty sure she could handle cute, compassionate, sympathetic and fluffy just fine. (Reply T'Vhor if any?) The Captain turned to the newly arrived Rogers while Jynea wondered how exactly she would ever get David Taxia back for making her take the away team courses and tests. It was much easier when she could hang out in the enlisted messhall and lose at cards. (Reply T'Vhor, any) (Posted by Lorna) (USS Spectre - Observation Lounge - SFI Agent - Lt. Commander Brian Rogers - 13:49) Brian watched the short exchange between the morale officer and the Captain. He felt himself overcome with some slight emotion for his old friend T'Vhor, but, kept a straight face, for the time being. When the Captain was done with Kreung, he turned to Brian. "It is good to see you again Mr Rogers. No worse the wear from your reported brush with death it would seem," The captain quipped. Rogers grinned, "As you say, Captain. I'm feeling better than ever," Rogers said, slightly leaning in T'Vhor's direction. He followed the lot into the lounge and took a spot at the table, at the opposite end from T'Vhor, his new first officer and the other department heads. "If I remember correctly Lieutenant Commander, things rarely are black and white where you are concerned. I trust though that you come bearing news that we might use in regards the Ushari situation," T'Vhor said. "Not quite, Captain. I wasn't even briefed on the name of your planet until I was several hours into my trip. Intelligence didn't give me much of a hint," Rogers explained. (reply T'Vhor) "I can put in a request with my handler at SFI, and see what files they'll let me get access too," Rogers offered. (reply T'Vhor, any) (Posted by Kevin Schram) (USS Spectre - Bridge – TAC/ASC Charles “Chuck” Donaldson - 13:49) Chuck had been listening to the coy conversation for quite awhile. Nobody else on the bridge had his vantage point (being above and to the right rear of Ensign Kreung). He barely noticed the Captain and FO exit the ready room. "Handbasket Ensign Kreung?", asked the Captain. "Yessir," Jynea said brightly, "A carrying device made out of wicker." Chuck stifled a giggle without having to cup his hand over his mouth … he simply kept looking busy at the tactical console. Calvin Capps, too, remained silent. "Indeed", said the Captain, seemingly not buying the distraction but seemingly willing to chase the vole another day. "As to your other query Ensign Kreung, You will be going down to the surface as part of the away team", said the Captain. ~That’ll teach her to pick on the Captain … poor Jynea.~ Chuck noted that she didn't seem too pleased with that particular decision. “Me? Away team?" she spluttered. Didn't he remember the mess from the LAST away mission she'd been on? "I want someone there to present a softer edge to the Ushari delegation, someone that will counter the Starfleet, crux of the matter approach that might be projected by our arrival here", Chuck could hear the Captain speaking as he walked into the ready room. ~Softer edge … did he miss the … errm … monologue?~ thought Chuck. (reply any) (posted by Anton) (USS Spectre - Bridge - FO Commander Michael Ian O'Connor - 13:50) Michael followed the Captain out onto the bridge and nodded to the new officer, who he knew to be the former First officer, and new intelligence liaison officer. He followed the captain around the back of the bridge, as they headed for the observation lounge for a briefing. The Captain seemed to be in a relatively good mood as they all sat down around the table. Michael took the first officer's traditional seat at the right hand of the Captain, and pulled out a PADD. They were going to be going down to Ushar Prime and Michael wondered if the Captain would be going with them. This was a political negotiation, and was a meeting with a Federation member world Government, which meant it wasn't a dangerous situation. He knew the Captain thought his attitude towards the situation was too blunt, and would somehow seem intimidating to the Ushari, although Michael couldn't see why. It wasn't as if he was going to threaten them, something some of the lower decks were in favor of. He simply wanted to ask them if there was anything that could be done to get the Ushari government to resume dilithium trade with the Federation government, explain that there may have been slights in the past, both political and cultural, but the Federation needed the Ushari's help, and the Ushari government could play a major and central role in rebuilding the Federation's space capabilities, including Star Fleet. Neither Star Fleet nor the Federation could force the Ushari to trade with the Federation, all they could do was ask and negotiate. Michael sighed softly to himself, and leaned back in his chair waiting for the Captain to start. (Reply Any/All) (Posted by Patrick D.) (USS Spectre - Observation Lounge - Counselor, Lieutenant (jg) Sella - 13:55) Sella slowly walked into the observation lounge and found a seat near the foot of the table. She tapped a stud on her ear piece tuning it to the rooms display monitors, so it would read out the reports for her. There were a number of voices in the room and her 'telemetry' was picking up a number of bodies around the table, and she assumed she was one of the last to arrive. This wasn't a bad guess as, other than the engineers and a few of the security officers, most of the crew worked on the bridge. What peaked her interest was a new voice in the room, talking as if he knew some of the crew. She didn't have time to investigate then, but she figured she'd see what she could learn afterwards. She closed her eyes and listened to the voices around the table, picking up fragments of conversation as she waited for the meeting to start or someone to address her directly. (Reply Any/None) (Posted by Patrick D.) (USS Spectre - Observation Lounge - Captain T'Vhor - 13:58) "Not quite, Captain. I wasn't even briefed on the name of your planet until I was several hours into my trip. Intelligence didn't give me much of a hint", said Rogers. The Captain nodded, this didn't surprise him at all. For an organisation who's currency was intelligence, the SFI didn't seemed to like sharing it with even their own operatives! "I can put in a request with my handler at SFI, and see what files they'll let me get access too", added Rogers in an almost perfunctory manner. "I doubt that your handler will be particularly forthcoming Mr Rogers", said the Captain with a sigh, "it seems that they know little more than we ourselves do, so with that in mind, I suggest that whilst we await Prime minister Ung'Hst's response in regards a window for meeting, we collate the data that we already have", he added. (Reply Any, IYW) The Captain then turned to the Morale Officer. "Ensign Kreung, I have made careful note of the Ushari protocol advisory you drew up, it seems that there are certain manners of address we ourselves use that might be incompatible with their own. Your skills as a Morale officer, your base training in Councilling & the knowledge you have gained in your research of this species, will be most useful here I feel", said the Captain. (Reply Kreung) "It is why you have been selected as part of the initial away team", said the Captain turning then towards Councillor Sella who was sitting motionless, & listening diligently to the proceedings. "Ensign Kreung will liase directly with yourself Councillor, I'm sure you will agree that it is most important that we do not adversely 'tip' the situation into a state of mistrust here", he added. (Reply Sella, IYW) The Captain nodded accrdingly. "And our Ferengi friends?", asked the Captain enquiringly, "they have already begun beaming cargo to the surface, we will need to keep a close eye on any non standard communications, particularly that which might involve any third party's that we have yet to encounter", he added. (Reply Any) The matter then progressed towards the away team itself & who would be making it up. "I myself will be beaming down to the surface. In addition to those already mentioned, we will be accompanied by a minimal security detail, standard arms will be carried. Although we can assume this to be a relatively safe, diplomatic venture, there still exists an element of uncertainty in regards what we may find down there & I do not wish to be unprepared", said the Captain. (Reply Any, IYW) "I suggest then that we await the Prime ministers contact & arrange our team accordingly in the interim. I want to be ready to beam down immediately we are cleared to do so", said the Captain standing up now from his seat so as to signal the closure of this brief meeting. "Any question's?", he asked... (Reply Any) (Posted by Alan) (USS Spectre – SFI Office - Lt. (jg) George La Flaga - 14:00) =/\=Bridge to Lieutenant LaFlaga.=/\= came a voice of one of the minor bridge communications officers. George lurched awake from napping in his office chair. He brushed a hand over his short blonde hair and blinked a few times. “Yeah.” He responded tapping his commbadge. =/\=Sir, Lt. Cmdr. Rogers has arrived with orders to relieve you.=/\= said the voice. “Thank you. Please let him know to meet me in the SFI office in one hour … I’m on the next transwarp shuttle out of here after the Spectre leaves Ushari Prime.” Ordered La Flaga. =/\=Yes, sir. Bridge out.=/\= ~Well, it’s that time … no more loafing … work to be done.~ thought La Flaga. He carefully tapped keys on a small keypad hidden in the sleeve of his uniform. A console folded up and out of the desk sitting in front of him. ~Gotta love those infrared sensors.~ he thought. “Spectre SFIC, download all files containing information about former FO Brian Rogers to my miniPADD.” Ordered La Flaga. ~Wouldn’t want him seeing those.~ thought George. [Spectre SFI Core unable to process request without proper identification.] said a female voice … very similar to the Spectre’s computer … but different. “Access code 8-F-E-4-C-5-Tango-Solstice-Vulture-Euripedes.” Shouted La Flaga. [Ten-degree cipher encoded … downloading now.] said the SSFIC. After a few moments pause the SSFIC announced that the download had completed. George confirmed it manually by tapping a few commands into his uniform sleeve. ~Well that’s done … now … for another nap … before I join the ranks of killing machines again.~ NRPG: Before anyone falls under the mistaken impression that George hasn’t been doing his job let me clarify. The safest place for an SFI officer to sleep (at least in George’s opinion) is his office. That’s why he catnaps there. I just couldn’t figure out a good way of giving you that impression quickly and keep the pace of the post. My apologies. RPG: (reply any) (posted by Anton) (USS Spectre - Observation Lounge - Counselor, Lieutenant (jg) Sella - 14:00) "Ensign Kreung will liase directly with yourself Councillor, I'm sure you will agree that it is most important that we do not adversely 'tip' the situation into a state of mistrust here", he added. "Of course sir, I'll do my best to assist in what ever way I can." Sella said with a smile, sitting back and listening again. Finally the captain reached the standard "any questions" and Sella had one for once. "Sir, it might be useful for some of those officers not accompanying you down to the Prime Minister's Office to seek permission from the Government to beam down, in uniform or otherwise, and mingle with the civilian population to get a sense of the general feeling of the population. If there is a significant distrust towards the Federation Government, that might make negotiations with an elected official more difficult." Sella said. (Reply T'Vhor, Any) (Posted by Patrick D.) (Ushar Prime - Moru Tar - Prime Minister Ung'Hst - 14:00) Ung'Hst walked into his office glad to be done with his meeting with the back benchers from his party. That was the down side of being prime minister, his life was a single, unbroken string of meetings. From the year before he was installed as Prime Minister, to this very morning, his life could be indexed by his daily meetings with various governmental and civilian officials. Sitting down behind his desk he sighed as he pulled out his files and began to read through the days work. He looked up when there was a knock on his office door, followed by his secretary walking in. "Sir, while you were in the meeting with Minister Ro'Lunt and his group, the Star Fleet vessel, USS Spectre, arrived in orbit, and contacted us wishing to set up a meeting," the young man said. "I assume they wanted one sooner rather than later?" Ung'Hst asked, leaning back in his chair and rubbing his temples. "Yes sir." "All right, we knew the Federation would send someone sooner or later to see what was going on, we were a little over dramatic in pulling out & having our representative to the council come home. Cancel my meeting with the Home Secretary and inform the Spectre that I can meet with her Captain, and whomever his delegation consists of, at say... 1600 hours." Ung'Hst said. "And inform the chef that we may have a few more guests for dinner, we'll see if they get invited when I meet with them." "Sir?" his aide asked, confused. "I may not hold a great love for the Federation at the moment, but I have no quarrel with this ships Captain or crew, he is doing his job. We stopped shipping to the Federation, it was due to circumstances beyond either our or their control, I did not take umbridge to that, I took offense to what happened when the war ended. We will talk with the Federation, if they wish to talk with a civil tongue, I have no problem having a polite conversation about the issues at hand with this Captain, and we will see where we stand. We are civilized people, and civilized people talk to each other like rational adults." Ung'Hst said with a nod. "Of course sir," his aide said. "Also, the Trade Secretary wanted you to know that the latest shipment of weather control components have arrived, and the Ferengi vessel has begun beaming them down to the Remo Senti facility." "Excellent, tell him I'd like to see his report when this transaction is complete. Now, I apparently, have to get ready for a more rigorous afternoon than I was planning, let me know when the Star Fleet contingent has arrived." His aide nodded and left the Prime Minster, adding one more meeting to a life filled by them. (Reply None, Heads up Spectre/T'Vhor) (Posted by Patrick D.) (USS Spectre – Bridge - CMO Williams - 14:01) Andrew strolled onto the bridge. He stopped for a moment looking at the planet slowly rotating on the view screen. ~God I need to get out of sickbay more~ He looked around the bridge. He was up there to give the Captain the routine medical report. This was a job that he could have given to the computer but he wanted to get out and about. He was the ships second officer he should at lest know most of the crew especially the bridge officers. He saw that Capps was in the Captain’s chair. “How are you today Mr Capps?” (reply Capps) “By the way, do you know where the Captain is?” He also could have asked the computer this but there was nothing like a nice chat to see how people were. (reply Capps) ~Meeting I did not get anything about it. May'be it’s just for the chosen few~ “Okay. Do you mind if I wait until he’s finished?” He indicated to the empty chair. (reply Capps) (reply Capps,any) (posted by Robbie) (USS Spectre - Observation Lounge - SFI Agent - Lt. Commander Brian Rogers - 14:01) Brian had been carefully observing the meeting insofar. He wasn't a departmental officer, was newly arrived to the crew and mission, and hadn't been briefed, so he didn't have much to contribute. He spent most of his time examining the other members of the crew. A lot of the senior staff had changed. He carefully looked over T'Vhor, then back at Kreung. She had implied some sort of relationship, which seemed odd for a Vulcan, even T'Vhor, who was possibly the most stoic, dull even, of all Vulcan's. Brian tried to hide his amused smile and continued to listen to the meeting's proceedings. Then, an Aenar female, who had been addressed as "Counselor", spoke up. "Sir, it might be useful for some of those officers not accompanying you down to the Prime Minister's Office to seek permission from the Government to beam down, in uniform or otherwise, and mingle with the civilian population to get a sense of the general feeling of the population. If there is a significant distrust towards the Federation Government, that might make negotiations with an elected official more difficult," The counselor noted. Rogers grinned and leaned forward in his chair. "Certainly, Captain. I agree with the counselor's idea. Although, we may not need to inform their government of all the people that we put on the ground," the intelligence agent proposed. (reply T'Vhor, any in meeting) "Well, if their government knows, they may try to hide something. Personally, I wouldn't mind slipping in unannounced," Rogers said, almost unable to hide his boyish grin. (reply T'Vhor, Sella, any in meeting, any in general) (Posted By Kevin Schram) (USS Spectre - Bridge - Chief of Ops Lt Cmdr Calvin Capps - 14:02) As always when the turbolift doors open Calvin looked back to see who it was. The Doctor apparently needing something on the bridge first to look at the planet below. Calvin didn't interrupt him, and it wasn't until Calvin acknowledged the Doctor the Doctor spoke to him. "How are you today Mr. Capps," the Doctor asked. "I am doing well, Doctor Williams. I just talked with the Ushari government. They have welcomed us to their world and will allow our party to beam down at 1600." Calvin felt the need to update the second officer as well. "By the way do you know where the Captain is?" the Doctor asked another question. "Yes. He and a few others are having a meeting in the observation lounge on how to best proceed from this moment." Since the Doctor was the second officer of the Spectre, Calvin did feel a little odd in the command chair still, but the Doctor seemed not to want to sit down in the command chair. Instead... "Okay. Do you mind if I wait until he's finished?" He indicated to the empty chair. "Not at all Doctor. Please have a seat and enjoy the view." (reply Williams iyw) (posted by Calvin Capps) (USS Spectre - Observation Lounge - Counselor, Lieutenant (jg) Sella - 14:04) "Certainly, Captain. I agree with the counselor's idea. Although, we may not need to inform their government of all the people that we put on the ground," the intelligence agent proposed. (reply T'Vhor, any in meeting) "Well, if their government knows, they may try to hide something. Personally, I wouldn't mind slipping in unannounced," Rogers said, almost unable to hide his boyish grin. Sella let out a sigh, she wasn't even quite sure who this new voice belonged to, but he was basically advising that they spy on a Federation member world, maybe not by the strict definition, but most certainly by the spirit. "Sir, I can't, in good conscious agree with the officer's opinion. I wasn't talking about spying on the government, I was simply talking about taking the populace's temperature, so to speak. We have no reason to believe that the Ushari government is hiding anything or has become dictatorial to the point of putting on a show for our officer's if they are on the surface among the populace. If we send down a number of officers, and attempt to hide some or all of them, and the Ushari government finds out, the situation will immediately and completely tip to or past the point of mistrust you mentioned," Sella said, the dishonesty of the act the officer mentioned getting to her. "Sir, what my fellow officer has recommended is totally and completely uncalled for, this is not a hostile government, it is simply a Federation Member who has decided to trade their dilithium to a different client," Sella said. "Sir, if you choose to hide the actions of any member of our crew or other Star Fleet officer, in the respects mentioned previously, I wish to have my objections and my reasons formally noted in your logs." Sella said, her clouded eyes darting rapidly around the room, futilely searching for the source of her agitation. (reply T'Vhor, Rogers, any in meeting, any in general) (Posted by Patrick D.) (USS Spectre - Observation Lounge - SFI Agent - Lt. Commander Brian Rogers - 14:05) Rogers turned and listened to the Aenar passionately talk about her complaints. He would have liked to look directly into the Aenar's eyes, but of course, there was nothing looking back. Rogers knew he should have kept his suggestion until he and T'Vhor were alone, but now, he had told the entire senior staff. "All due respect, counselor, but we don't know WHY they're selling this dilithium. They could be financing some sort of foreign power, or possibly underground terrorism. Perhaps, they're trying to leave the Federation." He turned from the Aenar to T'Vhor, as if to appeal directly to the captain. "Sir, you must acknowledge that there is a possibility of danger, no matter how slight," Rogers pleaded. (reply Rogers) He had been a counselor once, in a previous life, it seemed. Starfleet Intelligence had effectively killed that Rogers, and it wouldn't be the first, nor the last, life they had taken. "Besides, sir," Rogers said, leaning back in his chair casually, "I'd be a good boy. Nobody would have to know," he explained. (reply T'Vhor, Sella, any in meeting, any in general) (Posted By Kevin Schram) (USS Spectre - Observation Lounge - FO Commander Michael Ian O'Connor - 14:07) "All due respect, counselor, but we don't know WHY they're selling this dilithium. They could be financing some sort of foreign power, or possibly underground terrorism. Perhaps, they're trying to leave the Federation." He turned from the Aenar to T'Vhor, as if to appeal directly to the captain. "Sir, you must acknowledge that there is a possibility of danger, no matter how slight," Rogers pleaded. (Reply T'Vhor) "Besides, sir," Rogers said, leaning back in his chair casually, "I'd be a good boy. Nobody would have to know," he explained. Michael leaned forward and looked at the Captain. "Captain, I have to agree with Lieutenant Sella," Michael said moving his gaze over towards the New face at the table. "Lieutenant Commander, I'm the first to admit that humor, in many cases is a good thing, however this situation is not one of those times. What you are recommending is at minimum, performing Star Fleet operations on the Sovereign Soil of a Federation Member world, without that governments knowledge or approval, at most it's espionage on a member world. We fought the civil war to get away from actions like that, and I don't think we should start doing something we fought to prevent. Also, We know pretty well why they're selling their dilithium to someone else, they needed components that the Federation was incapable of providing in their time of need and they apparently sought someone else out who could fill their needs. If, and I stress the word if, the Ushari people are preparing to leave the Federation or even thinking about it, that is their business, and there is nothing we can do to stop them. They are free to withdraw from the Federation at any time so long as the choice is made by the government and ratified by the citizens of that government, Starfleet doesn't get a say in the matter." Michael said. "Also, even without all of this, there is still the fact that we do not need you getting caught sneaking around the planet while we are in the middle of sensitive negotiations with the Government, if that happens we might as well just pack up and leave, because then, they really will be thinking about leaving the Federation," Michael finished his soap box speech to the Lieutenant Commander and turned back to the Captain. "Sir, I also want to say that I do not think the Lieutenant Commander's idea of sending down covert parties is a good idea, and would strongly recommend against doing so." (Reply T'Vhor, Rogers, any) (Posted by Patrick D.) (USS Spectre - Observation Lounge - SFI Agent - Lt. Commander Brian Rogers - 14:08) Rogers listened patiently to the first officer's argument and nodded carefully at a few of his points. During the argument, Rogers revealed that during his time in field operations, he had become privy to things that very few knew outside of Starfleet Intelligence. He considered saying something, but instead, nodded. "If there is a distrust and dislike of the Federation," Rogers began, "If we beam down in uniform and start walking around their population, trying to demand what they think of us, it could cause even more distrust. Fine, I'll concede the fact that everybody else seems to think it's important that we inform their government, or ask permission, even, but let me do it in a covert fashion. I'll pose as a dilithium trader or something and try to feel the temperature that way," Rogers explained. Rogers turned from T'Vhor to the rest of the senior staff, and started having this feeling that HE was distrusted and disliked in the senior staff. Feeling awkward, he smiled and adjusted the collar of his uniform and leaned forward in his chair. (reply T'Vhor, any at meeting, any in general) (Posted by Kevin Schram) (USS Spectre - Observation Lounge - Captain T'Vhor - 14:10) The issues that had been raised by both the Councillor and the first officer in regards Lieutenant Commander Rogers somewhat 'flippant' remark about a surrepticious venture planetside, had not gone at all unoticed by the Captain. For a while he had simply allowed them to battle it out between them, but the truth of the matter was that there was no way at all that he would be sanctioning anything that was even remotely tantamount to spying. After much to'ing & fro'ing on the matter he had raised, the SFI agent had again re-entered the argument with a plea directly to the Captain that he would be 'a good boy', and that certain things might be gained by a covert stance on the situation as it now stood, at least where he was concerned anyway. Needless to say though, it wasn't quite gelling with the Captain at all & he made that quite clear in his next address to those assembled. "Out of the question Mr Rogers", said the Captain bluntly, "I appreciate the points you are making, some of them have a certain validity but there is no way that I am going to jeapordise this mission by sending you, or anyone else into a situation that might invoke, or indeed increase distrust of Starfleet or it's personnel", he added, much to the SFI man's obvious distaste. (Reply Rogers) "If the situation here evolves in such a manner that surrepticious behaviour is called for, then I myself will sanction it", said the Captain, "until then however, we will proceed in a manner befitting of Starfleet officers, not that of the Obsidian order or any organisation that bares similarity to it", he added. (Reply Rogers) The Captain then brought up the matter of 'Uniformed or not' that had been raised by the Councillor beforehand. "Any personnel beaming down will also be in uniform, we are not to project anything that might suggest covert behaviour", said the Captain. "We will listen, observe & react to the findings in the proper manner & we will project no illusion that we are anything other than what we appear to be", he added. "Am I understood?", said the Captain, looking around the table now at all of those assembled. (Reply Any in Obs Lounge) (Posted by Alan) (USS Spectre - Observation Lounge - SFI Agent - Lt. Commander Brian Rogers - 14:12) Brian turned his head when Captain T'Vhor started speaking. "Out of the question Mr Rogers. I appreciate the points you are making, some of them have a certain validity but there is no way that I am going to jeapordise this mission by sending you, or anyone else into a situation that might invoke, or indeed increase distrust of Starfleet or it's personnel," T'Vhor said. Rogers kept a straight face with no public sign of disappointment. "At least keep it as a possible option, Captain," Rogers said. "If the situation here evolves in such a manner that surreptitious behavior is called for, then I myself will sanction it. Until then however, we will proceed in a manner befitting of Starfleet officers, not that of the Obsidian order or any organization that bares similarity to it," T'Vhor said. Rogers nodded in agreement and gave a friendly chuckle. ~Of course, there are elements of SFI that are far worse than the Obsidian Order,~ Rogers thought to himself. "Any personnel beaming down will also be in uniform, we are not to project anything that might suggest covert behavior. We will listen, observe & react to the findings in the proper manner & we will project no illusion that we are anything other than what we appear to be," The captain added. "Am I understood?" T'Vhor asked. Brian nodded silently, and watched the others do the same. (reply any in meeting, any in general) (Posted by Kevin Schram) (USS Spectre - Observation Lounge - Counselor Lieutenant (jg) Sella and FO Commander Michael Ian O'Connor - 14:12) "Any personnel beaming down will also be in uniform, we are not to project anything that might suggest covert behaviour", said the Captain. "We will listen, observe & react to the findings in the proper manner & we will project no illusion that we are anything other than what we appear to be", he added. "Am I understood?", said the Captain, looking around the table now at all of those assembled. "Of course, sir," Sella said and assumed that the other responses she heard were intermixed with nods of assent. Body language was an interesting thing to her, as she and her entire sub-race were blind, she didn't make much use of it. She was sure she still had some gestures that conveyed expressions or emotions, but they tended to be large movements that could be picked up by another Aenar's telemetry. As any blind individual could attest to, she still had people who would either forget she was blind, or not realize they were gesturing at her and not speaking. She had a professor get infuriatingly mad at her once because, when he asked for an answer to a question, he had simply pointed at her instead of using her name. Some people still waved at her from across the room to try and get her attention, and she'd only find out about it when they told her how silly they must have looked. Feeling a sense of relief that the Captain was dedicated to keeping the crew above bar, she relaxed back into her chair, and closed her eyes once more. Michael nodded to the Captain, glad they were on the same page, and looked around the table to make sure that everyone else was accepting the order. "Captain, once your away team is finalized, I'll arrange for a few officers to get permission from the Government to visit the planet, we'll pick some of the cities on smaller continents, get a feel for what the population away from the government center is feeling on this situation. Besides, it will be interesting to get to know the populace. There isn't much on social customs beyond the bare minimums in the data base and they don't get many people from other planets other than miners coming here to train." Michael said picking up his PADD. (Reply T'Vhor?, any that want to) (Posted by Patrick D.) (USS Spectre - Observation Lounge - Captain T'Vhor - 14:13) The general assent could be felt throughout the room now, even the Lieutenant Commander seemed appeased, at least on the surface anyway. He had not actually got his way but he had flashed a grin anyway, if that could be seen as an appeasement, then so be it. At that precise point in time, the First Officer turned to the Captain & added further details along the lines of what had just been agreed, specifically, his intention to send small groups of the crew down into the outlying districts of Ushar Prime in order to get a feel of things. "......and they don't get many people from other planets other than miners coming here to train", he had said in closing. The Captain nodded accordingly. "It will be interesting to see how they do react then", said the Captain as he then went on to just who would be making up the away team itself. "The security detail will consist of Lieutenant Donaldson, Ensign Goldsteen & Ensign Yates. Ensign Kreung as already mentioned will accompany both myself & Doctor Williams", said the Captain, "I'm sure that he will be wanting to liase with the Ushari medical teams so as to update his database files once we have the initial formalities over & done with", he added wryly. (Reply Any, IYW) "Then if everyone is happy, let us prepare ourselves for beamdown", said the Captain with just a sideways glance to the erstwhile Lieutenant Commander Rogers as he stood. (Reply Any, IYW) (Posted by Alan) (USS Spectre - Observation Lounge - SFI Agent - Lt. Commander Brian Rogers - 14:14) Rogers listened to T'Vhor and wasn't shocked when he was omitted from going on the away mission. ~Maybe I can catch up on some writing,~ The agent thought while T'Vhor addressed the group. Soon, he dismissed the group and everybody stood up and T'Vhor gave him a sideways glance. Brian gave his captain a smile, and turned to leave the lounge. Brian had the intention of leaving the bridge as soon as possible after that dreadful meeting, but on his way past the engineering station located near the rear of the bridge, he spotted an old friend from his previous tour, Ensign Markson. "Hey, Commander! Good to see you again!" The young man said. Rogers decided not to be rude, and turned to talk to the young fellow. "Afternoon, Ensign. I suppose you've been holding the Spectre together, right?" Brian said, patting the younger man on the back. "Oh sure, sir. Care to hit the holodeck some time?" The ensign offered. "Of course, when do you get off-duty-..." Rogers began, when he saw T'Vhor gesture towards him, and escape to his ready room. Brian waved the Ensign off, "I'll chat with you later," he said, before walking briskly across the bridge and following the Captain into his office. As soon as the doors slid shut, Rogers started speaking frankly, "What the hell was that all about, T'Vhor?" Rogers asked while heading to the wall replicator. (reply T'Vhor) "I don't particularly enjoy getting ganged up on by your counselor and the Commander, Captain," Brian asked, before addressing the replicator. "Lemon iced tea," he ordered, and took the tall glass and downed half of it instantly. "And, I don't suppose you noticed the rest of the senior staff and the looks on their faces," Rogers said while he paced with his drink over to the couch located in the corner of the ready room. (reply T'Vhor) Rogers promptly sat down on the couch and took another long drink. "Don't forget, sir, that I wasn't briefed on the situation. I don't have the whole Ushari dossier. They could be ready to blow us out of the sky. I didn't know this was a god***ed trading conflict," the angry man said, finishing the iced tea. (reply T'Vhor) "I've been living in shadows for the past year, Captain. When you're a spook, you distrust everybody, even if they are Federation citizens who want to sell their rocks to whoever," Rogers said, returning to the replicator to return the glass. (reply T'Vhor, any) (Posted by Kevin Schram) (USS Spectre - Bridge - Captain T'Vhor - 14:15) Returning onto the bridge, the Captain requested an immediate report from the Chief of Ops who had been in the command chair since the bridge had been handed over to him. Alongside him sat the Doctor, looking decidedly bored with proceedings and in definate need of a little excitement in his life. It was just as well that the Captain had decided on his presence with the away team. (Reply Capps) The Chief's report was both optimistic and expected, the latter being in connection with their friends the Ferengi, who had remained in orbit transferring their cargo planetside without incident. It seemed that whilst they had been discussing the priliminaries of their away mission in the Obs lounge, the Ushari home secretary had formally invited them down to the surface, citing sixteen hundred hours as a desirable window for their meeting with the Prime Minister. "Excellent", said the Captain, "this gives us almost two hours to prepare our away team.... which brings me to you Doctor Williams", said the Captain turning his attention then towards the good Doctor himself. "If it pleases you Doctor, I would like your presence during this meeting with the Ushari Prime minister", said the Captain noting now how the Doctors expression had changed at the news. (Reply Williams) "I'm sure you will find this species interesting Doctor, our own database files on them are sparse at best, positively negligable at worst", said the Captain before turning his attention then to Donaldson, who continued to man the Tactical console behind him. "Lieutenant, your services will be required also, inform Lt Vasilyovna that yourself & Ensign's Goldsteen & Yates will be beaming down with us at sixteen hundred hours precisely", said the Captain. (Reply Donaldson) The Captain duly acknowledged the Lieutenants response & then dismissed him from the bridge in order to inform his superior & prepare for the upcoming away mission, his position immediately becoming occupied by another TAC officer as he did so. The First Officer, noting that the CO was headed for his ready room, took command of the bridge & the Chief of Ops returned forthwith to his own station whilst the Captain gestured briefly towards Rogers, indicating that he was to accompany him to his ready room for further discussion. (Reply Donaldson, Capps, Williams, Rogers, Any) (Posted by Alan) (USS Spectre - Bridge - Chief Ops Lt Cmdr Calvin Capps - 14:16) Calvin watched minutes later after the Doctor had entered the bridge, the Observation lounge doors seperated and out came the individuals who were within the room. Calvin stood as the Captain and FO entered the bridge and over toward the command chairs. "Captain, the Ushari government has contacted us and gave us the all go to beam down at 1600." Captain T'Vhor was happy to hear the news. As more updates were spreading around the bridge between different officers Calvin knew it was time for him to return to his station. "Ensign Loanx, you may take a break before you return to main ops." "Thank you sir." Calvin took a seat and could only wait for the two hours to go by. (reply any) (posted by Calvin) (USS Spectre - Bridge - Ensign Jynea Kreung - 14:17) Happy to get out of the room of the two rams butting heads and trying to establish dominance, Jynea noted the Chief Medical officer sitting in the tertiary seat and decided that was as good an excuse to be elsewhere as any. Besides, Lieutenant Sella could take a turn on the bridge if she felt someone from the counselling department was required. She made it into the turbolift and was happy the doors closed before anyone could follow her. She closed her eyes and leaned against the wall. She was just glad she hadn't been drawn into the ugliness. The ex-FO seemed to be forgetting he served under the Captain and Commander O'Conner. He'd challenged everyone of rank and authority over him in the room and instead of acknowledging their superiority when it was shown, he just seemed to take wait and see stance. She got the feeling Commander O'Conner was going to be tattooing a boot on Commander Rogers' backside soon, she just hoped she wasn't around to see it. Really, it was a silly testosterone based territorial war at best. Rogers came back to find his territory had been given to a younger buck and he had to butt heads to show he still had right to the territory. But, in his challenges he'd been more involved with himself and his own views than that of Starfleet or their purpose in being here. Hopefully someone would have a chat with him and pointedly remind him, she just hoped it wasn't her since her natural inclination was to give him a smack upside the head and say "Grow up!" Which, all things considered, wasn't very counsellory. The turbolift spit her out by her quarters and she walked back rubbing her temples. The Captain had said something about 1600. She had an hour and a half to take a nap and be ready for another dreaded away mission. Really, why did the Captain take her instead of Lieutenant Sella who was MUCH better equipped and trained and experienced for such work? The doors to her quarters beeped recognition of her DNA and opened. The latest round of security enforcement to keep a small lagomorph within her quarters. "Hi Mark." She said absently, taking off her duty jacket and tossing it on the couch. She flumped into the arm chair and considered lunch. A yawn practically cracked her face in half. Really, couldn't those is administration figure out her schedule wasn't standard and .. oh, right, we cater to the Captain, not the other way around. Eyes closed, Jynea realized what she wasn't hearing. "DAMNIT." She sat up in a hurry, "Computer, where is non-sentient Mark?" [Mark the Rabbit is in Sickbay.] The computer informed her. "Son of a ..!" Jynea grumbled and headed back out of her quarters. If he wasn't being treated, he was about to be! (Reply none) (Posted by Lorna) (USS Spectre - Captain's Ready Room - Captain T'Vhor - 14:20) It seemed that the former First Officer had been suitably rattled by the contents of the meeting they had all just 'endured', if his present sentiments were anything to go by that is. His pacing of the room and his clear objections to some of the comments that had been made were quite obvious, even to a non telepath. To an extent however, it was to be expected. Distrust of SFI in general was a pretty accepted fact in Starfleet, after all, the Spectre crew had been on the receiving end of it already in the form of Smith's enquiery into Doctor Williams' supposed espionage. The Lieutenant Commander had asked 'what the hell was all that about?' upon his entry into the Captain's Ready room & had then intonated that he felt he had been ganged up upon by the rest of the senior crew. It was of course not so, it was just the way people reacted to SFI. "Take a seat Mr Rogers, we obviously have some things to discuss", said the Captain & Roger's duly did so, upon the couch rather than the offered chair opposite him. "Don't forget, sir", said Rogers continuing on, "that I wasn't briefed on the situation. I don't have the whole Ushari dossier. They could be ready to blow us out of the sky. I didn't know this was a god***ed trading conflict", said Rogers as he gulped down the last of the iced tea he now gripped almost impossibly tight in his fist. "I've been living in shadows for the past year, Captain. When you're a spook, you distrust everybody, even if they are Federation citizens who want to sell their rocks to whoever", he said, wherapons, the Captain, after listening intently to his former FO's rebuttal & subsequent calming down, entered into the discussion himself. "I am aware of your position Lieutenant Commander, and also how difficult it can be to integrate into a situation where you are fated to be seen as the outsider", said the Captain, "when you are a 'spook' as you say, distrust reigns but unfortunately, it runs both ways", he added. "However, I myself do want to know everything you know in regards this mission, warts and all, as you Humans are so keen to say", added the Captain as Rogers duly placed his glass aside. "I know nothing of your mission here, Captain," Rogers began. "I was practically kicked off the SFI carrier ship and given coordinates for Ushari Prime. They told me to meet up with the Spectre, and that I was being transferred here," Rogers explained. "When you served on board this ship prior to your current reassignment, you were always noted as an exemplory officer, a man of implicite morals, an officer whom I respected and was honoured to call a friend", said the Captain, "today however, I see a man before me I can barely recognise....has the intelligence service clouded your spirit to such an extent that you have become less than what you once were?", he added. Brian sighed and stood up, and silently paced to the window, which showed an impressive vista of low orbit of the planet below. "Captain, when you're asked to bend your morals in the name of Federation security, its hard to get them straight again," he explained, painfully. "Futher more, Captain, I thought this was the Spectre, the Black Ops, phase-cloak equipped infiltrator, not some sort of trading commission vessel," Rogers explained. "Certainly, but the Brian Rogers I knew would not have requested permission to spy on a Federation member world so soon, regardless of whether he was fully aware of the situation or not", said the Captain thoughtfully, "your actions do indeed suggest the possibility of an ulterior motive, if you do indeed have an agenda that is outside of your commitment to the Spectre....... I need to know it now", said the Captain calmly. "What actions, sir? I'm not allowed to recommend a course of action to the command crew? I'll remember that, Captain," Rogers said angrilly. The Captain stiffened up in his seat at that somewhat brusque remark, then he let out a heavy sigh. Roger's was still clearly aggrieved, it would be both illogical & do no good whatsoever to engage him with further misappropriation. "That is not what I meant Mr Rogers, I encourage input from all crewmembers where it is relevant", said the Captain, "a course of action that recommends covert surveillence where none is presently called for however, is not constructive to the situation here", he added. "You know how this ship is run Lieutenant Commander, if you cannot abide by that, then you may of course return to your SFI handlers for another assignment", said the Captain. "That's unlikely, sir. I doubt that the upper brass of Starfleet Intelligence will ever call on me again. There was a mission, on Tellar Prime. Needless to say, we had bad intelligence, but the order came from orbit to take out everybody invovlved, citizens included. Once we were finished-..." Rogers paused, as painful memories entered his mind. "Once we were finished, I asked too many questions. 'How did this happen?' ' Who gave the order?' 'What are we going to tell the Tellerites?' I think I embarrassed them. They were afraid I might have second thoughts next time, and I was shipped here," Rogers said. The Captain raised an eyebrow at the SFI mans last comment, at least it signalled that the former FO still had his morals intact, and as such, perhaps that would go some way towards reinstalling the crews faith in Mr Rogers's new incarnation of SFI agent. "Frankly, I'm surprised they didn't just make me disappear altogether. Or retire me. Either way, I doubt the institution will be sending me on any more missions, at least, without your approval", Rogers explained. "My approval?", asked the Captain, a little confused now, "am I to assume then that your assignment here on Spectre, is now little more than a proving ground for your future role within Starfleet intelligence?", he added. "No, Captain. What I meant was, that, you'll probably be informed if they call upon me for any more missions," Rogers explained. The Captain nodded once again, then he immediately took the discussion to the crux of the matter once more, namely the tension that had been created by the Lieutenant Commanders suggestion of setting off on his own private little spying mission. "I don't need to tell you that the situation here is tense Lieutenant Commander, even a cursory glance at the Ushar mission directives, skant as they are, would show this", said the Captain. "There already exists here a state of imbalance, initiated, I am now certain, by a third party that has yet to show it's hand. With this in mind and although covert surveillence might indeed prove to be beneficial, at this precise moment in time I cannot sanction any act that might show Starfleet in a bad light", said the Captain. "I'm sure you must understand this?", he added, more as a searching question that a statement of fact. "Yes, Captain, although, I'm not pleased about the situation," Rogers made clear. "Then I suggest we leave it there, your displeasure is duly noted", said the Captain standing now from his chair, "I know that I did not make it clear in the Observation room beforehand, but I want you to accompany us to the planet also", he added. "I have a feeling that your presence may be useful" Brian grunted and stood up. "Aye, Captain. I can't imagine why," Rogers said sarcastically." I'll be at the transporter room at 16.00," the Lt. Commander said, before heading to the door and saluting. "Very good Mr Rogers, you are dismissed", said the Captain, ".....and Brian", he added, at which point Rogers turned about enquiringly, probably more so in regards the way the Captain had just referred to him by his first name than any other reason. "Welcome aboard..." With that, Rogers nodded, promptly exited the ready room and headed straight towards the turbolift without a word or look to anybody on the bridge. Soon, he was headed to his quarters. (Reply None) (Posted by Alan & Kevin) (USS Spectre - Turbolift - FO Commander Michael O'Conner & Ensign Jynea Kreung - 14:20) Jynea was grinding her teeth in the turbolift, "Computer location of First Officer O'Connor?" [Commander O'Connor is in Holodeck 2] "Is he alone?" [Affirmative] "Please open a channel to the first officer." Jynea requested. =/\=This is Commander O'Connor,=/\= Michael said, his voice echoing over the line. "Michael, this is Jynea.. I have a favour to ask of a man of your talents." She hoped she didn't sound as aggravated as she felt. "A rather unofficial request." There was a long pause before a response was heard, =/\= You've got my attention, what can I help with?=/\= "My brat of a rabbit has gotten out again, and he's too small to be transported without direct sapient assistance at the site. I would give you, pay you, exchange you, whatever you want, if you can figure out a way to get him transported back where he belongs after a jail break. Engineering set up an auto-beam for me that if he leaves my quarters by the door it will beam him back, but that requires him tripping the sensor. And I have a sneaking suspicion that someone, or someones, is or are helping him escape." Those someones surely knew more about beating security logs than she did tracking them down and she wasn't about to bother the frightening Chief of Security to help find and protect a rabbit. =/\=What the hell, it could be interesting. Meet me outside your quarters in...ten minutes?=/\= Michael asked. "Thank you!" she said with genuine gratitude. That gave her plenty of time to get to sickbay, fetch a furball and get back to her quarters. (Reply None) (Posted by Patrick & Lorna) (USS Spectre - Bridge – CMO Williams - 14:22) "this gives us almost two hours to prepare our away team.... which brings me to you Doctor Williams", Andrew looked over at T’Vhor as he mentioned his name. "If it pleases you Doctor, I would like your presence during this meeting with the Ushari Prime minister", Andrew tried not to hide his excitement. “Yes Captain.” "I'm sure you will find this species interesting Doctor, our own database files on them are sparse at best, positively negligable at worst", Andrew nodded as he watched the Captain issue his orders to the bridge crew. He got up out of the seat and headed to the turbolift. He had a few things to do in sickbay before he went planet side. (Reply any) (posted by Robbie) (USS Spectre - Bridge – TAC/ASC Charles “Chuck” Donaldson - 14:25) "Lieutenant, your services will be required also, inform Lt Vasilyovna that yourself & Ensigns Goldsteen & Yates will be beaming down with us at sixteen hundred hours precisely", said the Captain. “Aye, Sir” said Chuck still in a daze. ~I thought I was going to be manning the tactical station … ah, well, given my away mission record this should be a real circus.~ The Captain duly acknowledged the Lieutenants response & then dismissed him from the bridge in order to inform his superior & prepare for the upcoming away mission. Chuck was replaced by Security Officer Calrissian at the station. Chuck stepped into the turbolift to go see Vasilyovna’s pretty face. (reply any) (posted by Anton) (USS Spectre - Kreung's Quarters - Morale Officer Kreung and FO O'Connor - 14:30) Michael rounded the corner and found Jynea standing in the hall waiting for him. "So, we have an escape artist rabbit and we're trying to design a rabbit proof door?" Michael asked with a grin, as he pushed up the sleeves on his uniform. "My mother swears by marigolds to keep rabbits away from where they don't belong." "Mmm." Jynea said stroking Mark's ears, "Do you think the Captain will let me plant marigolds in his corridor?" "I'm sure if it was presented in a logical manner, he'd at least listen, but no, probably not" Michael said with a chuckle. "So what exactly do you want me to do here, try and design a sensor to keep him from leaving, catch someone who is helping him go on walkabout, or both?" Michael asked with a grin. "Well." Jynea turned and stepped into range of the sensor so her doors opened and she went into her quarters gesturing for Michael to follow. She put Mark down and he instantly headed for his litterbox. "Cooperative today, aren't you?" She muttered at the rabbit. "If he gets through the doors, he's supposed to trip a sensor on the door frame and the computer tracks the movement and beams him back. There's also an internal sensor recording thingy for my quarters to supposedly help engineering track his methods of escape. But I would suspect, whoever is assisting him has disabled both." "Ok, so we have two options. Do you want to catch the person or persons letting him loose on the ship, or do you just want to annoy the living daylights out of them?" Michael asked. "Well, I like both options, which would be easier for you though?" Jynea asked. She really didn't to be a bother or burden. However, a little bunny could easily get hurt or injured on the ship and they were risking her pet and deserved a lesson or two. "Well it depends, catching them could be easy, depending on just how careful they have been. If it's a security officer, they're probably able to keep themselves concealed a little better, and could even be opening your door from off site. However, if our accomplice doesn't have access to the security subroutines then chances are there are catching them will be a simple matter of doing something devious." Michael said pulling out a tricorder and checking to make sure the sensors in the door were still set up as Jynea had explained them. "Devious?" Jynea prompted gently since Michael seemed to be getting very enthusiastic about this task. "See, you may be thinking that, with my background, I'm going to recommend some high tech, uber-complicated, way of catching our devious adversary, however sometimes flint knife works better than a plasma torch." Michael said flashing a evil grin to the Morale officer. "I should also make it clear, nothing that comes out of this better end up in a report on my desk, so if when you catch this mystery person, keep the revenge low key enough to stay off my official radar... Or at least give me enough warning so I can catch Tarkanian Flu and be down for the week." Michael said with a wink as started running a mental list of what he'd need to replicate to catch their foe. "Me sir? I know nothing sir!" Jynea said with her best wide-eyed innocent look. "I have no idea how that chocolate pudding got in his/her pillow!" "Fair enough," Michael said chuckling as he moved to Jynea's desk and sat down. Quickly he typed up a simple computer program and hid it deep inside a protected file structure, that would monitor the sensors on Jynea's door and rabbit. If, when it checked, the sensor net was non-operational, it would lock down Jynea's quarters as well as alert Jynea to the issue. He also put in a second program to monitor the first. It was all a one way street of information, the sensor net didn't know or make reference to his first monitoring program, and the monitoring program didn't make reference to the back up. Both monitors were set up also, to back trace any active interface with the sensor net to help identify the individual. Once he was done, and had given Jynea access to the program and the ability to remove the lockdown from her quarters, he quickly headed over to the replicator and orders two 21st century digital cameras, and wide angle fiber optic lenses, as well as a micro drill. With a wink he quickly hopped up through the jefferies tube access to Jynea's quarters and set up one camera on that entrance, and then, after drilling a unnoticeable hole in the corridor ceiling outside her door, set up a camera there too. He easily rigged the cameras to activate if either door/hatch was opened. As the trigger was mechanical, not even a tricorder would be able to stop them. He quickly hopped back down from the ceiling hatch and closed it securely behind him. "There, that should catch them, unless they are extremely paranoid. If the rabbit gets out again, and the programs don't work, let me know and we'll think of something else." Michael said with a grin. "Thank you, Michael." Jynea said earnestly. "Did you wished to be informed, unofficially of course, of the outcome?" "I would like to be informed of any event that effect the morale of any of my crew members, even if it only positively impacts the morale of one unnamed Orion," Michael said in an official tone, then smiled. "In other words, yes, I'd be quite interested in the results." Jynea smiled, eyes twinkling, "I'll be sure to keep you updated." She was about to add more when the first officer was informed there were even more crew coming aboard. Boy, this place was becoming as busy as the New York spaceport! She thanked the first officer again for his help and decided to go give Mark the scolding of his life. Not that she thought he'd listen! Really, stealing Dowsy's salad! (Reply any/all) (Posted by Patrick & Lorna) (USS Spectre - Personal Quarters - SFI Agent - Lt. Commander Brian Rogers - 14:30) Rogers slowly stepped into his new quarters, and frowned after looking around. It was, of course, noticeably smaller than his First Officer's Quarters. ~Not that it matters,~ Rogers told himself before tossing his bag on his bed. At least he was without a roommate. Part of him had thought that he might get the spacious guest quarters, reserved for admirals and ambassadors, and the like, but, he guessed wrong. He quickly unpacked his clothes and uniforms. He had no personal effects, and had no idea where they were. He had last seen them at Starbase Geneva, and now, they were gone, another causality in his time with the SFI. The more he thought about it, he realized that nothing really important was lost. Memories, they could never take his memories, although, that could be unfortunate with certain ones. Once he was settled into his smaller quarters, Rogers paced around, eager for something to do. He had a few friends from his Spectre days, but still, it felt like a different ship. Rogers replicated an iced tea for himself and sat on his sofa, pondering his time on the Spectre. Doc Williams, Chenoll, T'Vhor and even that rogue in uniform Counselor Taxia had been good friends. He thought back to the battle that put him in Geneva. He had taken a shuttlecraft with a Marine fighter pilot, to add a secondary target to an attacking ship. The pilot didn't survive, although, Rogers did, barely. Rogers had to beg T'Vhor to allow him to take the shuttle. Lt. Vasilyovna had been there and... Vasilyovna. Brian quickly finished his drink and tapped his comm badge. "Rogers to Vasilyovna," he said. (reply Vasilyovna) "Lieutenant, don't know if you've heard by now, but I'm back on the Spectre. I need a..." he paused, thinking of an excuse, "A briefing on events that happened while I was gone. Care to meet me in Ten Forward for coffee in 30 minutes?" Rogers said, trying to sound professional, not personal for the Vulcan-like Security Chief. (reply Vasilyovna, any) (Posted by Kevin Schram) (USS Spectre – Jefferies tube above Kreung quarters - Corporal Houseman - 14:32) Houseman looked at the marine beside him and nodded. They had timed this properly knowing that Kreung was on the bridge they had a small window of opportunity. Houseman carefully deactivated the sensor grid that was around the ceiling hatch and moved it out the way. He then gingerly lowered his head into the room and looked around to make sure that he was sure that no one was hiding in the quarters. ~good~ He looked back at his companion and nodded. He quickly spun himself around and dropped into the room. He saw the hutch as he landed. ~eyes on~ He silently moved towards the target and carefully unfolded the mesh carrying case he had brought with him. He placed a handfull of carrots at one end as he placed it on the floor in front of the rabbit’s hutch. He opened the hutch door and slowly placed his hand in. ~okay easy now~ He carefully searched the hutch with his hand not wanting to scare and rabbit. ~its not there~ He quickly pulled his hand out and bent down so that he could shine his tiny torch into the empty hutch. "Not there." He pulled back and flicked open his tricorder. ~Damn not here either~ "What's the matter?" Houseman looked at the marine who had stuck his head into the room. "Not here." "What do you mean its not there." "As in its vacated the premises." Houseman rolled his eyes. "Did you not check before we left." He glared at the marine. "Course I did. It was here earlier." "Well where is it?" "How should I know it does'nt tell me its itinerary." He stood up, put his hands on his hips and looked around Kreung's quarters. He was about to suggest that they should leave when a tiny buzzer beeped in his ear. They had placed a small motion sensor outside the quarters which would tell them if some one was about to enter. ~Ow hell some one is coming~ As he stepped towards the ceiling hatch he knew that he had seconds before he would be found. "Better find some where to hide mate." He watched as the marine shut the hatch. ~Waw your a bright one aren't you~ He quickly scanned the room to make sure that it was just like it was when he had arrived. He picked up the carrying case and the carrots as he dashed for the bathroom as the doors opened. He looked around the small bath room and quickly decided where to hide. He crossed the small space and stepped into the shower. It would afford him a little bit of cover but not much. He heard Kreung in the next room. ~How on earth am I going explain what I am doing in her shower with a carrying case with carrots in it~ He softly placed the carrying case on the floor beside him and then listened to Kreung as she moved around her quarters. ~I so hope she does'nt want a shower~ He paused thinking about the mental image of Kreung having a shower. "DAMNIT." Houseman froze his mind switching back to the situation in hand and waited for Kreung to come storming into the bath room. "Computer, where is non-sentient Mark?" [Mark the Rabbit is in Sickbay.] "Son of a ..!" ~Houdini has got no hope against that bunny~ He heard Kreung quickly leave the room. He waited for a minute or two before he left the bathroom. He quietly climbed back into the jefferies tube and nodded to his companion. "Sickbay. Plan B" He then turned and headed along the jefferies tube. (reply any) (posted by Robbie) (USS Spectre - Sickbay - CMO Williams - 14:32) Andrew entered sickbay and nodded at the nurse on duty. “If you need me I’ll be in my office.” With that he went to his office. He ordered a drink and then sat down at his desk. He had a lot to do before he went planet side. ~Okay let’s start with the reports. They’re going to take the longest~ He picked up a Padd and began looking through the lists of medical reports that he had to finish. He liked to make sure that he had his notes in order before he left the ship just in case some thing should happen to him while he was off the ship. This meant that any one taking over would have up to dates reports on all of the crew. He opened the first report. “Okay lets see. Ow yes. Computer begin recording.” He waited for the computer to beep. “After discussing the options with crewman Potter she has decided to try the implant. She is aware of its side effects of this treatment and as well as the rejection rate. I will see her in the follow up clinic with the expectation of implanting the device as soon after that.” ~She will be very happy to get that done~ He paused for a moment. “Next patient.” ~Ow yes that’s right~ “Mr Castillo is responding well to treatment and should be back to work in a few days once his fever have come down and his constant diarrhoea and vomiting is under control.” ~Hope it does not come back coz it will take a long time to get the smell of vomit out of that isolation room~ “Next patient.” He leaned back and carried on with his report. “Miss Fearless is…..” (reply any) (posted by Robbie) (USS Spectre - Security - TAC/SC Lieutenant Yelena Vasilyovna - 14:33) It was by pure coincidence that Donaldson entered the Security section the moment that the Chief was about to call him, her finger had indeed almost touched her combadge as he appeared through the door. ~Synchronicity?~ (Reply Donaldson) Donaldson's query aside, it seemed odd at first that the Captain had not ordered her planetside on such an important meeting, but instead had chosen to go with three of her subordinates. Her latest intelligence however suggested that this might be the most prudent course of action after all, there was already talk of the involvement of the Cardassians now, perhaps the Obsidian order itself even. With this in mind, it made sense that the Chief of Security remained on board and in orbit of Ushar Prime, a perfect vantage point for any unexpected intrusions into Theta Draconis space if ever there was. Anyway, there was no doubt whatsoever in her mind now, that she'd get to taste the dust of the Ushar fermament sooner or later. For now though, she would let her erstwhile colleagues deal with the situation in her absence, Yates however was beginning to worry her, the big lumox had a tendency to put his foot in it at the most inopertune times and as such, the thought of him doing this in the ministers reception halls did not appeal. On Tranome Sar he had managed to fall into a sand trap & got stuck with a poisonous indiginous thorn. The resident troglodite Ferengi, dwelling in the locale had found it highly amusing & had practically bounced on the unfortunate Sec Officers head to make him go deeper. Vasilyovna had felt an urge to seperate said Ferengi's cranium from the general location of his body but had felt that the Captain, and indeed the Federation President himself might not have agreed with that course of action. Needless to say, she refrained from that particular course of action. With a sigh, Vasilyovna put aside the notion of the giant Yates falling through the carpetted halls of the Ushari stateroom and concentrated on the matter in hand, namely Donaldson's previous query. "I would suggest you follow standard ambassadorial protocol. Remain alert, keep a close eye on the top man's aides & look out for anyone that is not fitting in", said Vasilyovna, "I'll be keeping an eye on things here anyway, any new info and you'll be the first to catch it", she added, just as her commbadge chirped into life with a somewhat familiar ring. =/\=Rogers to Vasilyovna=/\= Vasilyovna's eyes visibly closed as the voice came through, an action that had not gone unoticed by Donaldson standing nearby. ~Oh no, I was actually hoping it was but a rumour, but I suppose this means that it must be true~ thought Vasilyovna. "Go ahead Brian", sighed the Chief with a sideways glance to Donaldson, who now wore an enquiring look upon his face. =/\=Lieutenant, I don't know if you've heard by now, but I'm back on the Spectre. I need a...... a briefing on events that happened while I was gone=/\= came the response. =/\=Can you meet me in Ten Forward for coffee in 30 minutes?=/\= Vasilyovna shook her head slowly as though she was not going to relish such a meeting. "I AM the Security chief Mr Rogers, it's my business to know everything..... of course I know your back", said a slightly agitated Vasilyovna. "If I must meet you now than I can meet you in forty minutes, I'm a leetle busy right now", she added. (Reply Rogers) "Forty minutes then", said Vasilyovna, "And you are buying", she added before closing the comms & turning thenceforth towards Donaldson, who still wore the same look of confusion. "I take it you have yet to meet our former First Officer?", enquired Vasilyovna. (Reply Donaldson) "He has, how shall I say..... a tendency for the theatrical, he also likes to play practical jokes", said Yelena reminiscing back now to just how awkward the man could actually be when he wished to be. (Reply Donaldson, IYW) "No matter, you will see", said Vasilyovna, "best you get equipped for the away mission & please.... make sure Ensign Yates does not damage any of the fittings down there", she added. (Reply Donaldson, IYW) Donaldson then left the area & headed off to where he needed to be. (Reply Rogers, Donaldson) (Posted by Alan) (USS Spectre - Security - TAC/ASC Charles “Chuck” Donaldson - 14:33) It was by pure coincidence that Chuck entered the Security section the moment that Vasilyovna was about to call him, her finger had indeed almost touched her commbadge as he appeared through the door. “Hello, Lieutenant … Captain T’Vhor ordered me to come down here. He wants me, Goldsteen, and Yates to go with the away team down to the planet. Any extra orders or advice?” Chuck thought it was odd that Vasilyovna was left behind. In fact he thought she was going to lead the security detail. The Captain apparently wanted Chuck in control … previous away missions notwithstanding. "I would suggest you follow standard ambassadorial protocol. Remain alert, keep a close eye on the top man's aides & look out for anyone that is not fitting in", said Vasilyovna, "I'll be keeping an eye on things here anyway, any new info and you'll be the first to catch it", she added, just as her commbadge chirped into life with a somewhat familiar ring. =/\=Rogers to Vasilyovna=/\= ~This should be interesting.~ thought Chuck sliding closer beside the Russian to get an ear full. She closed her eyes and Chuck cracked a smile. "Go ahead Brian", sighed the Chief with a sideways glance to Donaldson, who now wore an enquiring look upon his face. ~eww, Brian, how familiar.~ Chuck thought. =/\=Lieutenant, I don't know if you've heard by now, but I'm back on the Spectre. I need a...... a briefing on events that happened while I was gone=/\= came the response. =/\=Can you meet me in Ten Forward for coffee in 30 minutes?=/\= Vasilyovna shook her head slowly as though she was not going to relish such a meeting. Chuck stifled a giggle. "I AM the Security chief Mr Rogers, it's my business to know everything..... of course I know your back", said a slightly agitated Vasilyovna. "If I must meet you now than I can meet you in forty minutes, I'm a leetle busy right now", she added. ~Who knew she’d prefer my company to anybody else’s.~ (Reply Rogers) "Forty minutes then", said Vasilyovna, "And you are buying", she added before closing the comms & turning thenceforth towards Donaldson. Chuck was admittedly confused … the conversation was hardly discernable … but the humor of the situation never escaped him. "I take it you have yet to meet our former First Officer?", enquired Vasilyovna. “I did serve with him briefly, sir. In fact there is a bridge incident in my file. However, I can’t say I’m well acquainted with him.” Said Chuck. "He has, how shall I say..... a tendency for the theatrical, he also likes to play practical jokes", said Yelena reminiscing back now to just how awkward the man could actually be when he wished to be. “Theatrical … that sounds remarkably familiar. There must be an interesting story behind your … opinions.” Said Chuck emphasizing the word ‘opinions’. "No matter, you will see", said Vasilyovna, "best you get equipped for the away mission & please.... make sure Ensign Yates does not damage any of the fittings down there", she added. “You’ve got it, Sir.” Chuck said waving a hand in front of him and turning to leave. ~But I’m going to find out more about this conversation.~ he thought. (reply any) (posted by Anton) (USS Spectre - Personal Quarters - SFI Agent - Lt. Commander Brian Rogers - 14:36) =/\= I AM the Security chief Mr Rogers, it's my business to know everything..... of course I know your back. If I must meet you now than I can meet you in forty minutes, I'm a leetle busy right now, =/\= The spicy Russian said. Rogers smiled and tapped his fingers on the coffee table near his couch. "That'll be fine, Lieutenant," Rogers said, noting the time. =/\= Forty minutes then, and you are buying, =/\= she said, before the channel closed. Rogers let out a loud laugh. He spent the rest of his time adjusting things in his quarters, shining his service boots, and making his bed. Once those chores were done, he quickly tidied his uniform before walking out, an heading to Ten Forward. (Reply None) (Posted by Kevin Schram) (USS Spectre – Sickbay – Mark the Rabbit - 14:40) The place smelled dreadful, but he was a hungry rabbit and he could smell food. He butted his head against the grate until it gave way and he could scramble out and into the small room. There were all sorts of flashing lights and containers, but most attractively there was a dish with greens on it in front a two foot in blue. The two foot smelled sad and was more picking at the salad than she was eating it. Mark felt it was his duty to help her eat the salad – perfectly good food shouldn't be left to wilt! With a mighty hop he got himself from in-the-wall to the counter below, a bit of a slid and a scramble which he feared was horrifically undignified and he had the two foot's attention. Nothing to do now but look cute! He sat back up on his hind legs and wriggled his nose in the manner than made his two foot giggle and pat his head. (reply two foot ;) (Posted by Lorna) (USS Spectre - Jeffrey’s Tube Cross-Section (deck 5) – Ensign Paul Morphy – 14:40) Paul lay inside the Jeffrey’s Tube Cross-Section. His arms were folded behind his head and the only sounds were the occasional echo from other parts of the ship. A PADD laying by his side began beeping. He turned on his side and hit a few buttons on the PADD. ~Oh ho ho, very mundane, O’Connor. Fiber optic cameras.~ “Imaginative, not especially effective, but imaginative.” Paul mumbled. His voice echoed through the tube. (reply any) (posted by Anton) (USS Spectre – Sickbay – Nurse Douwsy - 14:42) Douwsy was picking at her salad for what had seemed like ages. Her mind wandering absentmindedly. There was a soft thump beside her and she looked over at a rabbit that had landed on the console beside her. ~What the..~ She smiled as the rabbit sat back up on his hind legs and wriggled his nose at her. She grinned at the rabbit and gave it a pat on the head. "Well how did you get here then? Wonder if you are hungry?" ~It's not like I'm going to eat it any how~ She slid her plate towards the rabbit and waited to see what he would do. (reply Mark) (reply Mark, any) (posted by Robbie) (USS Spectre - Sickbay - CMO Williams - 14:43) Andrew placed down the last Padd and stood up. He went into the sickbay. He needed to find Douwsy to tell her that he was going planet side. As he crossed sickbay he saw Douwsy sitting at the nurse station and there was a small furry thing sitting in front of her. ~Ow I so hope it’s not a tribble~ As he stepped over to her he saw that it was worse than a tribble. ~What the hell is it doing here~ “Um Douwsy what’s it doing here?” Douwsy looked up at him as she stroked the rabbit that was chomping its way through some vegetables. “Andrew it’s not an it it’s called Mark.” Andrew rolled his eyes. “Well Mark is a terror. Jynea needs to keep Mark under control he seems to be getting away a lot lately.” Douwsy looked at him. “Have you seen the amount of security she has rigged up in her quarters just to keep him in?” Andrew shook his head and turned as the sickbay doors open. (reply any) (Posted by Robbie Gray) (USS Spectre - Security - TAC/ASC Charles “Chuck” Donaldson - 14:45) “Alright, Ensign Yates, you’re with me.” Said Chuck. (reply Yates) “Donaldson to Goldsteen.” Said Chuck tapping his commbadge (reply Goldsteen) “Ensign Goldsteen, the Captain has ordered us to beam down to Ushar Prime at 1600 hours. I want to have the Security detail ready ahead of time.” (reply Goldsteen) (reply Yates, Goldsteen, any) (posted by Anton) (USS Spectre - Security - Ensign Nathanial Yates - 14:47) In a single moment, Yates stopped what he had been doing as Lieutenant Donaldson came suddenly into the sideroom, apparently fixed now with an agenda of some sort in mind. "Alright, Ensign Yates, you’re with me", he had said as he quickly spun about and then walked out again without even a why or wherefore in sight. "Sir?", said Yates standing up now and giving chase, "with you sir, what's up?", he enquired. The immediately ensuing conversation with Goldsteen via comms however brought an answer soon enough. So they were finally going down to Ushar Prime. Yates had known that a security detail would be required of course but he had been hoping that his own presence might not be required. It was common knowledge that he possessed what could only be described as, 'pitfall guidence', meaning that if there was a hole to fall into, Yates would certainly find it without even trying to. He let out a sigh and shook his head, then he made for the equipment locker to saddle up before following Donaldson out into the corridor & onwards. (Reply None) (Posted by alan) (USS Spectre - Deck 3, Away Team Staging - Ensign Nathanial Yates - 14:55) By now of course, Yates, just as with everyone else that was gathering here was phasored up & being briefed by the SEC Commander, who in this case was Lieutenant Donaldson. On this particular little soire, Donaldson answered only to the Captain, who in turn would no doubt be arriving nearer to the sixteen hundred hours beamout than beforehand. So, what of the Ushari? This was to be the first time that Yates had actually seen this species up close and he was wondering now, whether the image he had created in his head would match what they would actually see. Molelike ancestry was all that he had been told and as a result of that, he had this picture of a pointy snouted, velvet furred being wearing spectacles being introduced to them as the Ushari Prime minister. For some reason, his grandfathers stories, apparently relayed to him by HIS great grandfather, of an old Earth piece of entertainment programming dealing with anthropomorphisised animals, living in a community on a riverbank, came suddenly to mind. Something to do with willows if he remembered. Yates shook the image from his head, it was completely absurd and yet bizarrely, quite possible. He would just have to wait and see, for now though he took a seat and listened to the Lieutenants overview of things to come. (Reply Any) (Posted by Alan) (SS Argosy - Weapon Systems Specialist, Warrant officer Jerral Revan and Science Officer, Ensign (jg) Emma Morrissey - 15:15) Jerral walked into the small cargo vessel's lounge, along with the ships large, Vulcan, Chief Engineer. The two had hit it off fairly quickly on the voyage, if one could hit it off with a Vulcan. "There," Jerral said with a gruff nod, "Just keep an eye on the phase alignment of the inducer coils, and they should last you for another couple of months before you need to think about replacing them." "Thank you," The taller and bulkier Vulcan said, in his species normal flat tone. "Your help has been most welcomed." "Any time," He said then looked over at the petite brunette in the corner, where she had spent most of the trip. "Ensign, we're about 15 minutes out from the Spectre, Captain says we should be ready to beam over before then." Emma smiled and nodded, "Thank you, Mr. Revan," She said, fighting not to call him sir. She was only just out of the academy, and was too used to calling everyone that wasn't another cadet sir. "I'm already packed." Jerral just shrugged, nodded once more to the ship's Engineer, and walked out of the room. Emma looked back down at her PADD and closed out of the file. She was already in her uniform, so she headed back to her temporary quarters to grab her bag. She stopped to look in the mirror, and quickly fixed her long curly hair, pulling back the sides to keep them off her face. Taking one more deep breath she headed off for the transporter room. (Reply None) (Posted by Patrick D) (USS Spectre - Ten Forward - SFI Agent - Lt. Commander Brian Rogers - 15:15) Rogers entered Ten Forward. He assumed that the TAC/SEC would be slightly delayed because of her duties, but sure enough, she was already sitting at a table. Rogers smiled and approached the table. "Punctual as always, I see," he said, smiling at her. (reply Vasilyovna) Rogers took a seat opposite to her, "How have you been, Yelena?" Rogers asked softly. (reply Vasilyovna) Brian nodded understandingly. "Starfleet Intelligence is... quite an experience. It's rather different from the rest of Starfleet," Rogers explained. "It's not what you'd imagine. I now have a... different respect for Agent Smith and the gaggle of other SFI agents we've had onboard," Rogers said. (reply Vasilyovna) "Tell me about the Spectre, what happened whilst I was gone, I can't imagine that the end of the war was kind to the old ship," Rogers said, waving to a civilian waitress. (reply Vasilyovna, any) (Posted by Kevin Schram) (USS Spectre - Away Team Staging – TAC/ASC Charles “Chuck” Donaldson – 15:15) Yates and Goldsteen had already been briefed on the away mission and were prepared to leave. Chuck held a PADD in his left hand and sat at the staging table with his feet propped up on the table. Chuck couldn’t help but notice his selection to lead a security team that consisted of little more than a sloth and a psychopath. ~It might be interesting to get Yates to offer his Rizan cube to Goldsteen.~ Chuck thought. He was getting bored. “I’ve been late to nearly every officers meeting. I don’t want it to be said that I was always late. At least once I was the first one to arrive.” Chuck said looking from one to the other of his fellow security officers. (reply Yates, Goldsteen, any) (posted by Anton) (USS Spectre - Away Team Staging – ATAC/ASC Alex Goldsteen – 15:16) “I’ve been late to nearly every officers meeting. I don’t want it to be said that I was always late. At least once I was the first one to arrive.” Chuck said looking from one to the other of his fellow security officers. "Sir, I shall make a special note in the logs noting your time of arrival to the meeting" Goldsteen said dryly. Suddenly he fell silent attempting to swallow through a suddenly dry throat. It occurred to him that he just made a joke, a small one, but it was still a major departure from his usual character. ~It is obviously the fault of that Counselor the Captain made me see~ (Reply Any) (posted by Dan Black) (USS Spectre - Ten Forward - TAC/SC Lt Yelena Vaslyovna - 15:16) Yelena had been sitting, looking out onto the planet below them as she awaited the arrival of the Spectre's once again, resident jokester. The wait was not without some trepidation and she found herself wondering just how the rest of the crew would relate to Rogers's return, after being told of his near death status. Perhaps she would ask him about that when he arrived, whether it would do any good of course was another matter entirely, for the Captain had most likely had the same discussion with him anyway. Ushar Prime from orbit was typical of any other class M world, albeit slightly larger than most. Looking closer however, it was quite possible to see the orbiting control drones that were responsible for keeping this worlds violent and harsh weather at bay. Away to the left, the single minded Ferengi plied their trade, their vessel fixed in geostationary orbit some fifteen hundred kilometres distance, it's Daimon, no doubt haggling now over the price that had already been pre-arranged beforehand. The Security chiefs concentration on that matter however was quickly broken by 'that' familiar voice once again. "Punctual as always, I see", said Lieutenant Commander Brian Rogers with a smile. "Well sir", said Vasilyovna with a quirk of her head, "we do have an away mission upcoming & I do need to be concentrating on the matter in hand quite soon", she added, gesturing with her hand for the SFI agent to take a seat. Rogers took a seat opposite to her, "How have you been, Yelena?", he asked. Yelena pursed her lips & nodded. "Not too bad considering, I am however a little worried as to this latest incarnation of yours", she added enquiringly. Brian nodded understandingly. "Starfleet Intelligence is... quite an experience. It's rather different from the rest of Starfleet" said Rogers "It's not what you'd imagine. I now have a... different respect for Agent Smith and the gaggle of other SFI agents we've had onboard" "Indeed, but is this bad for us or good I find myself wondering", said Yelena thoughtfully. Seeing Roger's as 'One of them', so to speak put an entirely different slant to their previous relationship that much was for sure and Vasilyovna had almost felt a need to reiterate her position as Chief of Security in that light. For the moment however, Roger's seemed keen to catch up on what had passed. "Tell me about the Spectre, what happened whilst I was gone, I can't imagine that the end of the war was kind to the old ship" said Rogers as he broke off briefly to attract the attention of a nearby waitress. Yelena allowed herself a smile & nodded. "Da, we suffered.... but I fear....not as bad as some", said Yelena as she took a sip of her drink. "The Nimitz was lost, the Champlain also....at least we returned to McKinley in a relatively large and repairable piece", she added. (Reply Rogers) "So tell me, why has the SFI brass seen fit to post you back on your previous vessel", asked Yelena, "it all seems a little strange to me" (Reply Rogers) (Posted by Alan) (USS Spectre - Ten Forward - SFI Agent - Lt. Commander Brian Rogers - 15:18) "Da, we suffered.... but I fear....not as bad as some", said Yelena as she took a sip of her drink. "The Nimitz was lost, the Champlain also....at least we returned to McKinley in a relatively large and repairable piece", she added. Brian nodded. "Yeah, I heard about the Nimitz and Champlain. I knew people there," Rogers said with a frown. "So tell me, why has the SFI brass seen fit to post you back on your previous vessel", asked Yelena, "it all seems a little strange to me" Rogers grinned and took a long gulp of his drink - iced tea, of course. "Well..." Brian said, looking out the window and hesitating. "It's classified, of course." he stated. (reply Vasilyovna, iyw) "In the days and weeks following the end of the war," Rogers started, "Starfleet Intelligence was worried that criminal groups were going to attempt to use the chaos in Starfleet to make big gains. We were being used to watch and spy on suspected criminals. Most of them were seedy. Things went bad occasionally, the marks caught us bugging their homes, or following them, and they'd turn a disruptor on us or a D'k tahg or something," (reply Vasilyovna) "We got a tip that some Orion Syndicate members were going to set up a little enterprise on Tellar Prime. We moved in to bug it, and it turned out to be just some kind of nursery. Just little stinky Tellarite babies sleeping. We bugged it, anyway. Then, some flats belonging to elderly. It started getting stupid," Rogers took a long gulp of his drink - iced tea, of course. "I started asking some questions, maybe a little too demanding. The next day, I'm being sent here," Rogers explained. (reply Vasilyovna, any) (Posted by Kevin Schram) (USS Spectre - Ten Forward - TAC/SC Lt Yelena Vasilyovna - 15:19) Vasilyovna tutted audibly at the remark, classified indeed!! She knew Rogers well enough by now, to know that he loved to use such words in order to make himself sound more important than he actually was. The fact that SFI had virtually thrown him out into the yonder after he had questioned their mission ethics, was actually a testament to the fact that they considered him to be not much of a security risk. Damn, they had probably even fed him BS just to lead people astray. Brian had explained how criminal gangs, springing up after the war to take advantage of the disarray, had apparently been intent on exploiting the situation to the full. It was all very 'cloak n dagger' sounding, something that the Spectre was particularly well suited for, Vasilyovna however, felt sure that Roger's was more than likely embellishing one or two points along the way. After all, it was not uncommon of him to do so. "I started asking some questions, maybe a little too demanding. The next day, I'm being sent here", said Rogers as he upended the mug in his hand, iced tea of course! Yelena had listened intently though, after all it might all even be true for regardless of the fact that the former FO was renowned for telling tall stories of his past exploits, there was nothing to say that this one wasn't verbatim. "And now your here", said Yelena reiterating Roger's last statement as an acknowledged fact, "now that you are though, what are your plans?", she asked. (Reply Rogers) "The moment people know that your now an SFI agent, their going to clam up, you'll have to gain their trust all over again", said Yelena as the waitress returned to the table with the light dish Rogers had ordered. (Reply Rogers) Vasilyovna rested an elbow onto the table, then she rested her chin onto her palm whilst observing the man before her regardingly. "Which reminds me, you still owe me a coffee", said Yelena, "I haven't forgotten you know", she added with an almost impish grin. (Reply Rogers, Any) (Posted by Alan) (USS Spectre - Ten Forward - SFI Agent, Lt. Commander Brian Rogers - 15:20) Rogers watched Vasilyovna while he explained his story and saw the expression on her face. She seemed to be amused, and seemed to think he was lying. He clenched his fists that were resting on his lap. ~She always thought I was a liar because she had never heard of my grandfather,~ Brian thought to himself. He could only imagine what ludicrous ideas were going through her head. "And now your here", said Yelena reiterating Roger's last statement as an acknowledged fact, "now that you are though, what are your plans?", she asked. "Serve the Federation, maybe write some holonovels, find a nice wife, reproduce, etcetera, etcetera," The lieutenant commander said casually. "The moment people know that your now an SFI agent, their going to clam up, you'll have to gain their trust all over again", said Yelena as the waitress returned to the table with the light dish Rogers had ordered. Brian dug into the plate he had ordered and considered things. "Well, that's their problem," he said coldly. "I'm here to serve Starfleet and T'Vhor. I'm not here to make friends, that can be Ms. Kreung's job. Speaking of Jynea, what is it about Orion women?" Rogers said playfully, raising his eyebrows in an excited fashion. (reply Vasilyovna) Rogers smirked and stuffed his gob with more buffalo wings. "Whatever you say, Yelena." "Which reminds me, you still owe me a coffee", said Yelena, "I haven't forgotten you know", she added with an almost impish grin. Brian smiled and cleaned off his fingers with a napkin and signaled to the waitress. "Please get Lt. Vasilyovna a Raktajino, steamed," he said, and the waitress shuffled off. (reply Vasilyovna - iyw) "It's what they drink in Starfleet Intelligence, Yelena. You want to be a big bad agent some day, don't you?" Rogers asked. (reply Vasilyovna, any) (Posted by Kevin Schram) (USS Spectre - Ten Forward - TAC/SC Lt Yelena Vasilyovna - 15:21) At that point, Roger's seemed anxious, the tension in his body showing in his shoulders now. Yelena had been pretty sure she had not telegraphed her thoughts that he might be, as he had done beforehand, exaggerating the facts somewhat, but then again she had not completely disbelieved him anyway. It was by the by though, the TAC/SC's remark about having to gain the crews trust all over again had seemingly struck a nerve with the former FO. "Well that's their problem", he had said, "I'm here to serve Starfleet and T'Vhor. I'm not here to make friends, that can be Ms. Kreung's job" "Speaking of Jynea, what is it about Orion women?", he added tucking into his food now with relish. "Orion Women?", asked Yelena pondering what he might have meant by that. "I'm going to have to assume that you have upset her or something, otherwise you would not have made such a comment", she added, quirking her head now as she thought further on the matter. "They are of course known for their somewhat unpredictable hormone flareups", she offered as a possible explanation. "Whatever you say, Yelena", said Rogers, apparently unconvinced now that the SC's thoughts on the matter were particularly productive. Yelena sighed & then brought up the matter of the unfulfilled offer of that coffee. Roger's, ever the gentleman of course obliged & within a moment or two a cup of steamed Raktajino appeared before her. "It doesn't look particularly tasty", said Yelena screwing up her nose at the somewhat pungent aroma that now filtered through the air towards her nostrils. "It's what they drink in Starfleet Intelligence, Yelena. You want to be a big bad agent some day, don't you?", said Rogers with a laugh. "Hardly", said Yelena, "but I suppose that beggars can't be choosers", she added, considering the fact that it was a gift of course before taking a sip. The taste lingered upon her lips as the hot liquid hit her tastebuds, actually, it wasn't too bad at all & the slight grimace upon the Chiefs face soon softened into an appreciative expression accompanied by a nod. "Not bad", said Yelena, "it's actually quite nice" (Reply Roger's, IYW) "So, I believe you are going to the surface with the away team", said Yelena placing her cup onto the table whilst still cupping it in her hands to enjoy the pleasant heat emanating from it. (Reply Rogers) "There has been some talk of possible Cardassian interference in all of this", said Yelena with a shake of her head, "I only hope it doesn't escalate further into the ranks of the order", she added, referring now of course to the much hated Obsidian Order. (Reply Rogers) (Posted by Alan) (USS Spectre - Ten Forward - SFI Agent, Lt. Commander Brian Rogers - 15:22) Rogers smiled and took in some sort of corrupt pleasuring watching the Chief's first reactions to the Klingon drink. "Not bad", said Yelena, "it's actually quite nice" Brian nodded, finishing off his plate. "It grows on you," he commented. "So, I believe you are going to the surface with the away team", said Yelena placing her cup onto the table whilst still cupping it in her hands. "Yeah, who knows why. I think T'Vhor and O'Connor want me a short leash after the incident in the briefing. Like they'd think I'd take the shuttle down and run my own... entrepreneurial operations against the Ushari," Rogers commented. "Who knows what I'll do down there with them. I'm no diplomat," Brian commented. "There has been some talk of possible Cardassian interference in all of this", said Yelena with a shake of her head, "I only hope it doesn't escalate further into the ranks of the order", she added, referring now of course to the much hated Obsidian Order," she suggested. Rogers coughed. "Ooooh, sorry, Ms. Vasilyovna. We don't engage in military operations on Federation worlds on this ship," Rogers said, comically imitating T'Vhor's stoic voice. "If they want protection against Cardassian extremists, they need you and a squad of your men, not me," Brian said. (reply Vasilyovna) "I am trained in counter-intelligence. Intelligence trains us spooks to find other spooks, but, again, I doubt they'll let me," Brian gaffed. (reply Vasilyovna, any) (Posted by Kevin Schram) (USS Spectre - Ten Forward - TAC/SC Lt Yelena Vasilyovna - 15:23) "Ooooh, sorry, Ms. Vasilyovna. We don't engage in military operations on Federation worlds on this ship", said Rogers sarcastically, "If they want protection against Cardassian extremists, they need you and a squad of your men, not me" Vasilyovna smiled & then tutted, "really Brian, I'm sure that is not what was meant. The Captain is merely looking to keep the boat as stable as possible for the time being", she added as she took another sip of the Raktajino. "And besides, if it becomes a requirement, I'm sure Captain T'Vhor will call you in the first instance", said Vasilyovna. "I am trained in counter-intelligence. Intelligence trains us spooks to find other spooks, but, again, I doubt they'll let me", said Rogers. "We shall see", said Vasilyovna as she downed the remainder of the drink the SFI agent had procured for her. "And on that note, I'm afraid that I must be elsewhere", she added whilst moving to stand, "I'm sure that your presence on board the Spectre again will promote much interest.... if not only to see just how SFI works these days". (Reply Rogers) Vasilyovna smiled, with all of his often strange ways, Rogers was really not that bad, well, at least not as bad as some she could think of. "Just try & stay out of trouble Brian, if you can't do that then remember, I'll be there to bite at your ass", she quipped. (Reply Rogers) "Again, we shall see. Thanks for the interesting drink by the way, it was most, umm, stimulating", said Yelena as she turned about & then headed off towards the doors of Ten forward. (Reply Rogers, Any) (Posted by Alan) (USS Spectre - Ten Forward - SFI Agent, Lt. Commander Brian Rogers - 15:24) "We shall see", said Vasilyovna as she downed the remainder of the drink the SFI agent had procured for her. "And on that note, I'm afraid that I must be elsewhere", she added whilst moving to stand, "I'm sure that your presence on board the Spectre again will promote much interest.... if not only to see just how SFI works these days". Rogers grunted. "Yeah, I suppose so." "Just try & stay out of trouble Brian, if you can't do that then remember, I'll be there to bite at your ass", she quipped. Rogers waved at her. "Yeah, I'll be good." he said meekly. "Again, we shall see. Thanks for the interesting drink by the way, it was most, umm, stimulating", said Yelena as she turned about & then headed off towards the doors of Ten forward. Once she was gone, Rogers stood up and quickly set his empty plates and drinks into the replicator, and slowly walked out of Ten Forward and headed to his quarters. (reply none, any) (Posted by Kevin Schram) (USS Spectre Deck 2 - Weapon Systems Specialist, Warrant officer Jerral Revan and Science Officer, Ensign (jg) Emma Morrissey and FO O'Connor - 15:30) Jerral walked down the hall with Emma walking next to him. Out of the corner of his eye he watched her fingers fidget. "Nervous, Ensign?" Jerral asked, as they rounded the corner and headed toward the First Officer's office. "First assignment," She said, brushing a loose strand of brown hair back over her ear as they reached the door. "Don't worry, he can't be any stiffer than my last first officer, still, she had a sense of humor." Jerral said pushing the door chime. Emma looked up at the name on the door and nearly laughed at what she saw. ~~~~ Michael didn't even look up from his work when he heard the door chime. He'd been told that two new crew members were on their way up, and that the Captain was busy preparing for the away mission, so he'd have to meet them. "Come," he said, as he finished drawing up the official request for a limited number of crew to go planet side. "Ensign Emma Morrissey and Warrant Officer Jerral Revan, reporting for duty, sir," said a voice that told Michael the name wasn't just a coincidence. He looked up and spotted, standing in front of his desk, a Betazed, and a woman he knew well. "Emma?" Michael asked in surprise at seeing an old friend in a science uniform. She just smiled back at him, a smile he remembered well but with a trace of nerves this time. "Should I leave you two alone, sir?" the warrant officer asked, in a slightly amused tone. "No, sorry about that, old friends," Michael said, then reached for both of their orders and looked them over, glancing back at Emma once or twice. "Mr, Revan, any reason you got shipped off the Boudicca, your specialty is Keltoi class ships, not Spectre class." "Not a clue sir, woke up one morning and I had orders to report here. Weapon systems are weapon systems, I'm not that worried." Jerral said. "Fair enough, although the Spectre is a unique case, still, you're right. Get yourself settled and then report to Engineering for assignment." Michael said transfering Jerral's orders to his system, then handing the PADD back to the man. "Welcome aboard, Mr. Revan." "Thank you sir," Jerral said before turning and strolling out of the room. Now Michael turned his attention to Emma. She was pretty much just like he remembered her. Five foot five, thin, brown eyes, long brown, curly, hair, and a smile that could light up a room. They'd been close friends in College, Emma a year younger than Michael. They'd been on the verge of becoming something more than friends when Michael graduated and joined Starfleet. They'd seen each other a couple of times since then, but nothing had ever happened. "First the official stuff," Michael said shaking himself out of his reverie. "Take a seat," Michael said motioning to the chair across from his desk. "No point in standing." Emma smiled again and took a seat, although now she was nervous for a completely different set of reasons. Michael obviously hadn't been expecting her, and they hadn't seen each other in over two years. They'd been close in College, but neither of them had made the first move, now she was worrying that this arrangement would make life uncomfortable. "When did you join up?" Michael asked. "Just after the war. Johnny died on the Hebrides in the final battle. It just felt right to finish what he started." Emma said, relating the death of her brother. "I'm sorry," Michael said sincerely. "How did you make it through the academy so fast?" "They're rushing anyone with an advanced degree in their field through," Emma said. "They need the officers I guess," she said with a shrug. "Well, you're here now, and I know your a capable scientist, so no worries on that front. Obviously you're in astrometrics. Never could stop looking at the stars, you. I guess I shouldn't be surprised you ended up out here among them." Michael said with a smile. Emma blushed a little but flashed a playful smile back. "Hey, you and the gang used to make fun of me for spending so much time at the telescope, now who's laughing." "True enough. We can save reporting in to science until first shift tomorrow. The captain is taking a team down to the surface to talk to the Ushari Prime Minister, I'm sending down most of the rest of the senior staff, myself included, down to get a feel for the populace. I'll add you to the list, trust me, you won't be missing much up here." Michael said. "Ok, when should I be where?" "Not sure yet, I'll let everyone know once I actually get permission from the Ushari government. Until then, however, find your quarters and settle in." Michael said, then stood and walked around his desk. "Now, that's the end of the official business, now, lets take care of the unofficial stuff." Emma smiled and stood up and gave her old friend a hug. Once that was done they moved to the couch and sat down facing each other, Emma spoke first. "How awkward is this going to be?" "No more awkward than we make it. We're both responsible adults, as long as we do our jobs, then what ever happens happens, and we can see where our friendship picks up. I'll handle the Captain, but I do not see it being an issue, again, so long as our jobs don't suffer." Michael said seriously. "So are we going to both admit that we wanted something more than being "just friends" in college?" Emma asked with a straight face. "We might as well, it was obvious to everyone including us even in college, we just never talked about actually trying." Michael said quietly. "Why didn't we end up together in College?" Emma asked, leaning back against the arm of the couch. "You're asking me? If I knew why I get up the nerve to ask you out, I would have solved that problem when I was 21." Michael said with a rueful smile. "The big question is, what do we do now?" "Lets just see how things develop. If we missed our chance, then at least we're still good friends, if it turns into something more, then all the better." Emma said with a wink and a smile as she stood up. "Now, any idea where my quarters are?" Michael chuckled, and stood up as well, and gave Emma one more hug. "I'll show you, I need some human contact, I've been stuck in here for an hour doing nothing but paper work, I hate paper work." They walked out of Michael's office and quickly queried the computer as to Emma's quarters. They walked in silence, Michael nodding to various junior officers who made room for the two, happy to have found an old friend. NRPG: Ok, as I don't have a bio up on Emma yet, here's a brief run down. 5'5", slender, long curly brown hair, brown eyes, astrometrics, Junior Grade Ensign, a little shy around new people, Irish... and there will be more when I get a bio together. RPG: (Reply None) (Posted by Patrick D.) (USS Spectre – Astrometrics – Ensign Bys’At – 15:30) The gel packs running through Astrometrics were malfunctioning. A few months before the story had been the same … The gel was simply dying. Bys’At was going to find out definitively why these poor little blue gel creatures were perishing in this vicinity. It probably was going to be the perfect opportunity for Bys’At to show his genius. Solving a persistent problem is the perfect chance to get noticed and perhaps even a promotion. Junior Grade Ensign … hardly a worthy title for someone of the Vulcanoid’s intellect. He entered Astrometrics unceremoniously and began looking for the same access panel he had accessed before. (reply any in Astrometrics) (posted by Anton) (USS Spectre - Away Team Staging Area - CMO Williams - 15:50) Andrew entered the staging area and saw that there were a couple of people already there. ~Glad I’m not the first~ He quickly checked the small case that was attached to his hip. It was about the size of a folded tricorder. It was a portable supplemental emergency medical kit or a baby kit as they were sometimes called. It had enough equipment for Andrew to stabilise a patient before transporting them to sickbay. He then waited for the order to go planet side. (reply any) (posted by Robbie) (USS Spectre - Transporter Room One – TAC/ASC Charles “Chuck” Donaldson - 15:57) The transporter came into view as the away team as a group headed for the pad with Captain T’Vhor in the lead. Goldsteen and Yates were taking side posts while Chuck stood between Dr. Williams and Ensign Kreung. “Well, here we go … everybody resist the urge to play whack-a-mole.” Chuck said with a snicker. (reply any IYW) (posted by Anton) (USS Spectre - Transporter Room One - SO, Ensign Nathanial Yates - 15:58) ~Uh, wha...... did he really just say that!!!~ Yates had simply turned to look at his fellow securityman, the man now charged with leading their contingent of trouble quellers by the hard headed Vasilyovna. "Whack a Mole?", he enquired under his breath hoping now that the CO had not actually caught the full meaning of Donaldsons double entendre. The species that they were about to encounter had already been described as mole-like and even Yates had his misgivings about what they would face in regards their appearance, now he also had to contend with the intrusive thoughts of massive mallets pounding the Ushari delegation upon their arrival whilst still keeping a straight face. This was hardly something a potential security leader should be saying to those under his command, what on earth WOULD the Russian say? Yates shrugged his shoulders & stood waiting. In a moment, the annular confinement beam would surround his six foot four inch being & begin it's work, his atoms would be scrambled, his thoughts momentarilly rendered almost one with the universe. Then he would suddenly be face to face with the Moles...... and the giant mallets that would now undoubtably appear in his mind, thanks to Donaldson. Yates turned briefly towards the man once again who in turn, was now looking straight ahead. "Thanks bud", he muttered & then waited for the inevitable. (Reply Any, IYW) (Posted by Alan) (USS Spectre - Transporter Room One - SFI Agent, Lt. Cmdr Brian Rogers - 15:58) Rogers entered the transporter room at the last possible moment, and saw he was the last one to arrive. He smiled at the group assembled. "Hope I wasn't keeping you," he said jokingly before joining them in retrieving gear from the equipment lockers. He took a standard hand phaser and fashioned it to his belt, but also took one of the smaller egg-shaped discreet phasers and hid it up his sleeve. He considered bringing a tricorder - contrary to popular belief, they were essential on covert operations, but, that wasn't what he was here for, Rogers reminded himself. Once they were finished, Rogers joined the rest of the away team on the transporter pads. He very loosely followed the conversation between the Captain and the transporter chief. He glanced over to Ensign Kreung. "Ever been here before?" he asked, just moments before the energizing sequence started scrambling their atoms. (reply Kreung, any) They materialized deep within the surface of the planet, and Rogers took a look around and took a deep breath of the atmosphere. One of his secret fears was to be transported to a non-standard atmosphere without his knowledge, but, he'd never admit it to anybody. He carefully watched the Prime Minister and his lot, along with their security escort. ~Funny they don't have Starfleet security here,~ Rogers pondered, carefully looking over the PM's guards, and examining their equipment and weapons. Rogers watched T'Vhor make the Vulcan greeting and greet formally the Ushari leader. Brian folded his hands behind his backside and stood straight while the Captain went around and introduced the members of the Federation delegation. With the announcement of Rogers' name and position, Rogers simply smiled and nodded his head politely. (reply any, Ushari) (Posted by Kevin Schram) (USS Spectre - Transporter Room One - Captain T'Vhor - 15:59) The Captain gave a short tug to his tunic and then turned to face the transporter chief where he stood behind his console. In a few moments, the room would be changed into the reception hall of the office of the Ushari Prime minister, it would be their first look at the situation that had come to be, their first clue to what was really going on and as such, after checking their sidearms and verifying any equipment they were taking with them, all were ready and waiting for the Captain's word. The Captain himself took a deep breath, then he addressed the chief. "Are the beamdown coordinates verified?", he asked. "Yes sir, the beamdown location conforms to the data sent by the Ushari themselves, console is green across the board", said the chief. "Thank you Chief. Energize please", said the Captain in his usual, monotone delivery. All at once, each of the away teams bodies were then meticulously disassembled & shunted to the pattern buffer as separate data streams, the targetting scanners locked and their atoms beamed across the divide separating the ship from the planets surface, to be reconstituted into their previous forms, and all within the span of a few moments. What faced them now was more or less precisely what they had expected. The Prime ministers entourage flanked their leader on both sides & behind, the secretary of state stood to his side & four members of the elite security detail stood at readiness, the weapons upon their sides clearly visible to the Spectre's away team. Immediately the Captain stepped forwards, his hand raised in typical Vulcan salute to Prime minister Ung'Hst, who attempted to do likewise but was unable to form his fingers into the correct formation due to the anatomical differences of his hand. He pursed his lips slightly & then quirked his head to the accompaniment of what seemed to be a smile. "I never could get that right", he said as he then offered his own salute to the Captain in the form of a Human type extended hand gesture, which the Captain accepted of course. "Captain T'Vhor of the Federation vessel USS Spectre", said the Captain before gesturing behind him to his team with one hand. "Doctor Williams, my Chief of Medicine, Ensign Kreung the Spectre's Councillor Morale Officer, Lieutenant Commander Brian Rogers, Starfleet intelligence & Security Officers Lieutenant Donaldson, Ensign Yates & Ensign Goldsteen", he added, pointing out each in turn as he mentioned their names. (Reply Any, Ushari Delegation) (Posted by Alan) (USS Spectre - Transporter Room One - CMO Williams - 15:59) Andrew watched as the away team moved on to the transporter pad. He followed and moved into his position. He half listened to the Captain talking to the transport chief as he mentally ran thought what he had brought. ~Well if I have forgotten anything then I’m stuffed~ "Thank you Chief. Energize please.” ~Looks like were off~ He felt the grip of the transporter take hold as his world vanished. As his vision came into focus, it took him a few moments to understand what he saw. They were standing in a huge cavern which stretched as far as the eye could see. Although he had read the information on the Ushari and knew that they lived under ground it was still breath taking to see. He pulled his eyes away from the sight before him and looked at the Ushari delegation in front of them. The Prime minister was flanked by his entourage and security. As the prime minister and the Captain exchanged pleasantries and looked at the other Ushari with the prime minister. "Captain T'Vhor of the Federation vessel USS Spectre", Andrew’s eye came back to the captain. "Doctor Williams, my Chief of Medicine, Ensign Kreung the Spectre's Councillor Morale Officer, Lieutenant Commander Brian Rogers, Starfleet intelligence & Security Officers Lieutenant Donaldson, Ensign Yates & Ensign Goldsteen", Andrew gave a polite smile and nodded towards the Prime minister as his name was mentioned. (reply any) (posted by Robbie) (Ushar Prime – Capital City Reception Hall – Secureman Agrod – 16:00) Agrod spat on the ground in signal to the other Securemen that his was dissatisfied with the current situation. In a few moments the Starfleet uniforms would equal their own. ~I would have much preferred a different venue.~ thought Agrod. His vast experience had told him that this room was not as defensible as half a dozen nearby. Why the Prime Minister had chosen this particular room was beyond his comprehension. (reply any) (posted by Anton) (Ushar Prime - Capital City Reception Hall - Prime Minister Ung'Hst - 16:00) The Prime Minister stood in the reception hall, The Home Secretary standing behind him muttering under his breath as he reviewed something or other on his PADD. Four members of the Ministerial Security Service stood around the hall, Ushari sized phaser bulges obvious under their jackets. "Den'Ja, if you don't stop muttering, I swear I'll tell your wife where you actually spend your Friday evenings." Ung'Hst said. "Like she doesn't know already, she just pretends not to know, because she knows I like to sneak around, or at least think I am." Den said, then looked up at the forming lights. "Ah, right on time. Always on time when they want something..." "We know your views, I don't need to hear them again." Ung'Hst said as the Star Fleet team finished materializing. Stepping forward Ung'Hst greeted the team. The Captain introduced his fellow officers and Ung'Hst followed suit. "Home Secretary Den'ja, and my Chief of Staff Tal'Sen," the Prime minster said, not bothering to introduce the Security staff, as they weren't there for the meeting, they we're simply ever present. Their medical officer wanted to speak with the Prime Ministers medical staff, and was allowed to do so while the rest continued on to a meeting room in the government building that had been set aside for their use. After refreshments had been distributed, they got down to business "So", said the Captain placing his cup onto the table now & taking a deep breath, "I would suggest that rather than, to use a Human colloquialism, 'we beat around the bush' as to our reasons for being sent here, we move now to discuss the obvious matter of the previous arrangement that existed between yourselves and the Federation..... and what might have occured that has caused it to so obviously breakdown", said the Captain. "I'm not sure what to tell you Captain, our planet has needs, and during the civil war, neither side was either interested or capable of satisfying those needs. We were forced to look for a new supplier for the first time, and we found out that we could get a much better deal else where. There is no benefit to returning to the old arrangement with the Federation." The Prime Minster said. There was no malice in his voice, just a simple statement of fact. (Reply T'Vhor) "Captain, with all due respect, if it weren't for our dilithium deposits, you wouldn't be sitting at this table. We're on the edge of Federation space, we aren't the only world who has felt slighted, ignored, by the Federation, even before the war, the only reason we are getting attention is because we have something you want." Ung'Hst said with a shrug of his massive shoulders. "I won't rule out us reaching some form of an agreement, but I will tell you now, I can't see any significant reason to change our current arrangement." (Reply T'Vhor, others?) (Posted by Patrick D.) (Ushar Prime – Reception Hall – TAC/ASC Charles “Chuck” Donaldson – 16:01) "Captain T'Vhor of the Federation vessel USS Spectre", said the Captain before gesturing behind him to his team with one hand. "Doctor Williams, my Chief of Medicine, Ensign Kreung the Spectre's Councilor Morale Officer, Lieutenant Commander Brian Rogers, Starfleet intelligence & Security Officers Lieutenant Donaldson, Ensign Yates & Ensign Goldsteen", he added, pointing out each in turn as he mentioned their names. The Ushari Delegation’s eyes fell on each of the Starfleet officers as Captain T’Vhor mentioned their names. Chuck nodded to them politely as his name was mentioned but kept his eyes up and guarded. The faces of the Ushari were foreboding and their expressions difficult to read. Good luck trying to determine which one was the Prime Minister. Their clothes seemed fairly similar in design. (reply any) (posted by Anton) (Ushar Prime - Capital City Reception Hall - SFI Agent - Lt. Commander Brian Rogers - 16:01) ~Rigel Ten... or Rigel Twelve? Which one is the barren one?~ Rogers pondered, trying to keep himself from falling asleep during the beginning of the negotiations. He glanced around the room, then back at T'Vhor, then the Prime Minister, then back at the ceiling. He looked at the expressions of the other members of the delegations, and pondered what they were thinking. Some seemed bored, but others seemed alert. When Rogers was a child onboard his parent's starship, he was often brought planetside during trade negotiations, as a sort of offering, and would often play with the children of alien leaders. A sort of galactic playdate, a goodwill showing while the 'rents talked business. Right now, Rogers would have rather been in the Ushari nursery. ~Donaldson looks like one of these Moles might jump on T'Vhor,~ Rogers thought, which brought a smile to his lips before he went back to vaguely listening to the Prime Minister and T'Vhor go back and forth while he kept passively looking around from his seat. ~None of these mole-men look like Cardassian spies,~ Rogers said, thinking about his earlier conversation with the TAC/SEC. He slowly pulled out the hidden egg-shaped phaser from his sleeve and started slowly spinning the device in his palm while continuing to listen to T'Vhor and Ung'Hst talk about this or that. ~Note to self: Don't make O'Connor mad. His mission has to be more exciting than this,~ he thought. (reply none, any) (Posted by Kevin Schram) (Ushar Prime - Capital City Reception Hall - Captain T'Vhor - 16:06) The pleasantries exchanged between relevant members of each party duly completed, the entourages of both separated off into smaller groups, the Captain moving off at the Prime ministers own suggestion, towards another room set aside for dimplomatic dealings & such. Donaldson, being the immediate head of Security on the ground followed of course, as did Ensign Kreung & one element of the PM's own security force in order to balance the security equation. It probably wasn't necessary at all, but it kept with protocol and as such, it was to be expected of course. Immediately beforehand, Lieutenant Donaldson had given orders to his team to remain outside, keep an eye on things & report anything that might warrant his attention. Lieutenant Commander Rogers appeared quite happy to just observe the immediate situation for the time being, whilst Doctor Williams on the other hand, ever the medical questioner, had seemed keen to have a chance to liase with the Ushari Medical department. The Prime minister, with only a slight rebuttal from his secretary of state had said that it would be ok for the medic to do that, providing he was accompanied by said security of course. At this precise moment in time however, the Captain & his remaining officers were being offered a seat opposite the rather grand and ornate table in the centre of the room. One of the PM's aides then proceeded to offer a choice of drinks, at which the Captain chose what he had been assured was a fruit juice, regardless of the fact that it had the look & consistency of mud! He took a sip of the drink, savoured it briefly and then looked across the table towards the somewhat portly, lightly furred figure seated opposite him as he in turn partook of his own beverage. Clearly, the mole-like references assigned to this species had not been misplaced, for the PM did indeed bear a slight resemblance to Earth's indiginous burrowing mammal. Obviously though they were now bipedal and also vastly different in size and anatomical orientation, their ancestry however could still be discerned nonetheless. The Ushari's ability to create the most awesome underground civilisations was clearly quite astounding, and the Captain felt drawn to mention the views that could be seen from the windows looking out over the city in which they now found themselves. Ung'Hst was of course proud of the achievements of his species and had offered further discussion in regards those observations. Inevitably though, the real reasons for the Federations presence there were brought to the fore as tactfully as was possible, if a Vulcan hybrid could ever be tactful that is... "So", said the Captain placing his cup onto the table now & taking a deep breath, "I would suggest that rather than, to use a Human colloquialism, 'we beat around the bush' as to our reasons for being sent here, we move now to discuss the obvious matter of the previous arrangement that existed between yourselves and the Federation..... and what might have occured that has caused it to so obviously breakdown", said the Captain. (Reply Ung'Hst, Any) (Posted by Alan) (Ushar Prime - Stateroom – TAC/ASC Charles “Chuck” Donaldson - 16:07) “Stay here both of you” Chuck had ordered Goldsteen and Yates as the group moved into the stateroom after beaming. At the moment Chuck’s appetite for diplomacy had long since the present moment been satisfied. Captain T’Vhor was doing most of the talking and Chuck and Jynea were keeping quietly on either side of their superior. Doctor Williams and Mr. Rogers were preparing to go on their guided tour and Chuck was uneasy. It wasn’t so much the mole-like appearance of the Ushari but their frankness and blatant disregard for decency. They seemed to look on Starfleet officers like dogs … there wasn’t any respect at all. Chuck had cracked a joke about the Ushari and their mole heritage but it was simply a device to lighten everyone’s mood … not an actual opinion. ~The delegation is acting like we’re barely here … it’s just not very comfortable.~ thought Chuck. (reply any) (posted by Anton) (Ushar Prime - Capital City Reception Hall - SO Ensign Nathanial Yates - 16:08) Yates watched the Captain and his other officers enter the stateroom, then he turned towards Goldsteen standing nearby. "So, looks like it's you, me and a dog named Boo then", he said with a smirk. "I guess one of us should be accompanying the CMO on his tour of whatever it is... wanna flip a coin?", he asked. (Reply Goldsteen) The Doctor, by that time had been fiddling with his medical tricorder doing god only knows what, such details as those being lost on those tasked with the seemingly mundane task of keeping everyone else safe. Yates let out a sigh, Goldsteen had won the toss & was going to be accompanying the medic with one of the Ushari security team, that of course meant that Yates would be remaining by & awaiting the outcome of the meeting now being held beyond the large ornate wooden doors. ~Oh joy of joys~ The Security officer watched as the SFI man took the opertunity of an obvious chance to explore a little by offering to accompany the Doctor and his consorts wherever they might be going, they then sauntered off as a small group through a corridor on the left of the reception hall, leaving Yates and two of the Ushari security officers where they stood. The Ushari remained silent, obviously not the type to engage in small talk with offworlders and perhaps not actually having much trust in them either. Yates could hardly blame them, after all it was common knowledge that the Federation were probably getting the better deal from this little arrangement. So, with little else to do but wait now, Yates turned his attention to his surroundings as he gazed in awe at this place in which they had just been beamed. It did not take him long at all to realise that he was in a place of great beauty. If there was one thing that could not be said about the Ushari, it was that they lacked ingenuity for even Starfleet with all of it's adaptive technology, would have been hard pressed to create such an atrium as that he was now feasting his vision upon. The SO's head had by now tracked almost one hundred and eighty degrees of arc in his attempt to follow the huge curves of the columns holding things aloft above him, and if that wasn't impressive enough then the artwork that graced the ceilings and the walls were quite simply magnificent, there was no other word for it. Hardly what one would have expected from moles... Certainly, the image of Donaldson's 'Whack a Mole' reference had now been firmly replaced in the securityman's mind with quite a different one to say the very least. This culture was obviously worthy of note, even to a lowly security officer. The Ushari security man standing nearest to him had simply quirked his head, clearly wondering now just what thoughts were currently running through the Spectre crewman's head. Yates smiled in his direction and then gestured with his head in an upwards direction. "Nice work", he said as he began scrutinizing a single aspect of one of the murals closer to him. The Ushari remained silent as expected and simply nodded. It was about that time though, that the large doors that shielded the goings on of the meeting opened once again, and out came the Captain, Lieutenant Donaldson and Ensign Kreung. All wore a look that said that they anticipated being here a little while longer yet, not that it bothered Yates of course, so far it seemed that this place held little threat and it was good to get off the ship at least. The Captain approached and asked for an update, Yates then duly explained that Doctor Williams had taken advantage of the offer to explore the medical facilities, accompanied as he was by Goldsteen, Rogers and one of the Ushari securitymen. Captain T'Vhor nodded & then opened a communication to the ship for a routine operational update. (Reply Any on Spectre) "So I take it we didn't get the deal we wanted yet then Sir?", said Yates addressing Lieutenant Donaldson now. (Reply Donaldson, Goldsteen, Any on away team) (Posted by Alan) (Ushar Prime - Capital City Reception Hall - Secureman Agrod - 16:08) Agrod remained behind to watch the Security detail from the Starfleet vessel. The respective detachments had silently pondered each other when one of the Human Starfleet officers spoke. "Nice work", he said as he began scrutinizing a single aspect of one of the murals closer to him. Agrod was in no mood for a conversation with the nosey intruder but his orders were to remain polite. He frowned but nodded. ~I hope this talking isn’t the start of an epidemic.~ (reply any) (posted by Anton) (Ushar Prime - Capital City Reception Hall - ATAC/ASC ensign Goldsteen - 16:09) "So, looks like it's you, me and a dog named Boo then", he said with a smirk. "I guess one of us should be accompanying the CMO on his tour of whatever it is... wanna flip a coin?", he asked. "I call tails," Alex said before flipping the coin. He caught it and saw that he had won the toss. "It seems that I will be forced to endure a long tour" he said in uncharacteristic dramatic fashion "while you get the pleasure of standing guard during a long meeting. Why do you get all the luck?" he grinned to show that he was joking before going back to attention with his mind whirling. His actions were now beyond uncharacteristic, they might as well be performed by someone else. Yet he could not keep himself from acting as he was, and the fact scared him. ~Fear is something else I am unused to. That counselor is going to pay for this.~ (reply any/none) (posted by Dan Black) (Ushar Prime - State Room - Captain T'Vhor - 16:15) "......There is no benefit to returning to the old arrangement with the Federation", Ung'Hst had stated with clear deliberation. The Captain raised an eyebrow quizically at the remark, how could he have known that before all the cards were on the table, for all the Prime minister knew, the Federation Captain may well have been authorised to secure the arrangement at whatever cost, even if it meant practically giving the Ushari the weather control equipment free of charge! "With all due respects Prime minister, you have not heard any of the information that the Federation has been able to gather in regards this situation", said the Captain. At this moment in time, Ung'Hst however appeared set in his mind that he was doing the best for his people, which in his opinion, he was. After all it was indeed partly true that the main reason Starfleet was even there, was because of the huge Dilithium supplies that had been made available to them. Ung'Hst however was perhaps forgetting that the flipside of the coin was true also. Would the Ushari even want anyone there at all if they could not supply the much needed weather control equipment? In respect of Ung'Hst's previous remark about there now being nothing in it for them by re-establishing dealings with the Federation though, he was of course unaware of Starfleets already garnered, and pretty much reliable information that whoever the Ushari were now dealing with, it was more than likely that regardless of how comfortable they felt the arrangement was now, it would all end miserably for them in the not too distant future. Across the table the Prime minister shrugged both visibly and audibly. "I won't rule out us reaching some form of an agreement, but I will tell you now, I can't see any significant reason to change our current arrangement", he said. The Captain brought his hands together in front of him on the table, fingertip to fingertip in thought. Should he impart all they knew right now or take the route of holding it back until they knew for sure what was really going on here? As a result of his pondering the Captain drew a logical decision as always. There was probably no sense right now in trying to persuade the Ushari leader that things were not as they seemed, it would only result in making the Federation look even more desperate to re-open dealings with them at whatever expense, even to the point of scaremongering. "I see", said the Captain, "then there is no point at this moment in time of my trying to convince you otherwise. However, I would ask that you remain adaptive at this time and grant my team to attend to certain matters whilst we are here on Ushar Prime", he added. (Reply Ung'Hst, Any) "A good deal of the equipment in place here is still Federation, it will be required that we secure it's condition and report it's status to Starfleet command. Would you allow me to beam down an Engineering team in order to establish this?", said the Captain. (Reply Ung'Hst, Any) NRPG: Assuming a yes here. RPG: "Thank you Prime minister", said the Captain, "may I also add that we be allowed to follow certain leads in regards information pertaining to other, specifically non Ushari intervention connected with the newly supplied weather control equipment?", he added. (Reply Ung'Hst, Any) The Captain nodded & then reached for his mug of mud to take another sip. To be truthful, it was not entirely to his palate but it was also not entirely distasteful either. Ung'Hst's response to his final request however was expected of course, after all, being accompanied by Ushari security in specific areas of interest, might just work in their favour. The Prime minister had added that a dinner had been arranged for the Federation team that evening, probably more as a means of appeasing their, for the moment anyway, failed attempt to renegotiate a deal. Whether that would change in the near future remained to be seen of course, for there was still much to follow up on this matter. Time would tell, as the good Captain was so fond of saying, and time would tell no lies... At that, the Captain, followed by the rest of his officers stood & thanked the Prime minister for his time & hospitality, then they left the Ushari leader to his own thoughts to proceed elsewhere. (Reply Ung'Hst, Any) (Posted by Alan) (Ushar Prime - State Room – AC/ASC Charles “Chuck” Donaldson - 16:15) "......There is no benefit to returning to the old arrangement with the Federation", Ung'Hst had stated with clear deliberation. Chuck shifted in his seat and cut his eyes over to Jynea to see how she was taking in all this “bush beating”. ~This isn’t going well at all. We’ve definitely got to think of something on our feet or the federation will lose the Ushari Dilithium supply.~ thought Chuck. ~Fair weather friends are always nagging … when the cardassians or Romulans invade Ushar space they’ll come begging for our help.~ (reply any) (posted by Anton) (Ushar Prime - Capital City Reception Hall - SFI Agent - Lt. Cmmdr Brian Rogers - 16:17) After the opening meeting had split up, Rogers quickly stepped over to Dr. Williams, who had volunteered to inspect some Ushari medical facilities. "Hope you don't mind me tagging along, Doctor," Rogers said with a smile. (reply Williams) "Wonderful," he said. Their lot included Williams, Rogers, plus, a young security man from the Spectre and one of the Ushari security men. Rogers turned to look back at the two and carefully examined them. "Ensign," Rogers said, greeting the young security officer while they headed down a tunnel. (reply Goldsteen) While they walked through the tunnels of the Ushari underground city, Rogers carefully scanned the body language and facial expressions of any Ushar they passed, watching for any sign of abnormal activity. (reply Williams, Goldsteen, any) (Posted by Kevin Schram) (Ushar Prime - Capital City Reception Hall - CMO Williams - 16:18) "Hope you don't mind me tagging along, Doctor," Rogers said with a smile. Andrew turned to see Rogers standing beside him. He grinned and nodded. "No of course not." "Wonderful," Andrew saw that they were joined by Goldsteen and a Ushari security officer as they made their way down the tunnel. "Ensign," He heard Rogers speaking to Goldsteen behind him as he stepped beside the Ushari security officer. "Where are we going exactly?" "We are going to the main medical facility for the capital." Andrew nodded at that information. He had gathered that but felt that it would be rude if he pointed that out. "Where is it?" The Ushari pointed to an area of blue light a long way down the tunnel. "That is the main entrance." Andrew nodded as he slowed his pace so that he could speak to Rogers and Goldsteen without the security officer hearing. "Is there anything we should be looking for in our little tour?" (reply Rogers, Goldsteen) Andrew nodded as they approached the door which opened and a small Ushari male hurried out. “Are you the Federation visitors?” Andrew nodded and smiled. “Yes, I am Doctor Williams. My colleagues are Lt Commander Rogers and Ensign Goldsteen.” The little Ushari nodded. “Welcome Doctor. My name is Hun’Coo I am the chief executive of the Rising Dawn medical facility. If you would please follow me?” Andrew followed Hun’Coo through the doors and into the main lobby of the medical facility. It was a large roomy room which had intricate stone carvings set into its walls. The light shone brightly from above which bathed the room in an almost sterile light. there was a large desk at one end with a female Ushari sitting behind it. Hun'Coo turned to the group. "Well now that you are here is there anything you would like to see specifically?" (reply Rogers, Goldsteen) (reply Rogers, Goldsteen,any) (posted by Robbie) (Ushar Prime - Capital City Reception Hall – TAC/ASC Charles “Chuck” Donaldson - 16:20) T’Vhor wasn’t happy upon leaving the stateroom. Chuck was busily rolling the situation over in his mind when Yates’ voice invaded his thoughts. "So I take it we didn't get the deal we wanted yet then, Sir.” Yates asked “This isn’t the time or the place to discuss it, Ensign.” Said Chuck frustrated. (reply Yates IYW) Chuck motioned to the two other security officers to follow him while he waited for T’Vhor’s orders. (Reply Yates, Goldsteen, Kreung, T’Vhor) (Posted by Alan) (Ushar Prime - Capital City Rising Dawn Medical Facility - SFI Agent - Lt. Cmdr Brian Rogers - 16:20) Rogers kept up with Williams and the others. The security man lead the way deeper and deeper down a tunnel while the sides became flooded with a blue light. Doc Williams hung back, has if to talk privately with Rogers and Goldsteen. "Is there anything we should be looking for in our little tour?" Andrew asked. Brian smiled in a sly manner. "Cardassians, perhaps?" he said playfully. (reply Williams, Goldsteen) They reached the door of the facility, and they were greeted by a small Ushari man. Rogers looked him over. He didn't look dangerous, but Rogers couldn't determine if his smaller frame was because of his age or just genetics. ~I did used to be a counselor, and I did graduate from the Academy as a medical major. That's the perfect cover,~ Rogers thought, although T'Vhor introduced him as Intelligence, the PM and his staff most likely didn't broadcast that information all over the planet... yet. The Ushari executive exchanged pleasantries with Dr. Williams, and he seemed to be more interested in the doctor than either Brian or the good Ensign. He quickly ushered them inside an large stone room which appeared to be some sort of lobby. The room had the feeling of steriliness that almost made Brian feel like he was soiling it by just standing inside it. "Well now that you are here is there anything you would like to see specifically?" The executive asked. His mind still investigating Yelena's hints about the Obsidian Order, "What kind of facilities do you have for treating non-Ushari species?" Rogers asked, hoping his answer would give up a clue. (reply Hun’Coo, Williams, Goldsteen, any) (Posted by Kevin Schram) (Ushar Prime - Capital City Reception Hall - Captain T'Vhor - 16:22) The report from the ship in orbit had been pretty much as expected, the Ferengi Daimon aboard the Good Profit had by now signalled to the Federation vessel that his dealings had been finalised, and that he was preparing now to leave orbit..... providing they didn'nt object to the ionised gases of the Ferengi vessels impulse drive tainting the Federations ramscoops that is. The Comms officer had actually paused before that last statement, perhaps feeling that the Vulcan hybrid CO might not see the joke that the Ferengi had obviously intonated. Vulcan's rarely understood the concept of humour anyway and a model Vulcan, albeit only in part, as T'Vhor surely was, would probably just analyse the why's and wherefore's of it before acceeding with a nod. "We have full logged data on their transactions do we not?", the Captain had asked. =/\=Yes sir, down to the last nut and bolt they beamed down=/\= "Very well, signal that we have no objections to their departure, maintain perimeter security to the outermost regions of the Theta Draconis boundary points and inform me of any developments", said T'Vhor. Then he moved off and away from the main group in order to address the First Officer out of earshot of the Ushari Security. "Commander O'Conner, you may begin beaming down small parties of crew at will, bearing standard Federation protocol in mind of course. In addition, we will be needing a dedicated Engineering team to inspect the remaining Federation equipment on the surface", said the Captain. (Reply O'Conner) "Everything is as we expected, the Ushari are reluctant at this point to engage in any discussion that takes them away from their current arrangement. Also, there is no direct evidence immediately available at this moment in time that would lead us to feel that they should", said the Captain, the logic of their situation right now being unquestionable. (Reply O'Conner) "I agree, we should maintain a close watch on any new arrivals entering Ushari space, we will continue to see what we can ascertain on the ground in regards the background of any backer providing assistance here. T'Vhor out", said the Captain before returning his attention thence towards Donaldson. "Have the rest of the away team members report in at forty minute intervals", said the Captain, "it appears that we have a dinner engagement in three and one half hours, let us use our time now to see if we can find anything pertinent from the local resources that might be available to off worlders such as ourselves", he added with a raise of an eyebrow. (Reply Donaldson, O'Conner, Any) (Posted by Alan) (Ushar Prime - Capital City Rising Dawn Medical Facility - Chief Executive Hun’Coo & CMO Williams - 16:26) "What kind of facilities do you have for treating non-Ushari species?" Hun’Coo paused for a split second before answering. "We cover all federation species if that is what you are asking?" Andrew sensed that there was something else. "Could we see them. I am always interested in seeing what other facilities you have to offer. Did you know that starfleet medical is looking for new equipment to up grade their sickbay. I am sure they would be interested in obtaining some of your equipment." Andrew looked at Hun’Coo and wondered if his bank account would take over his judgement. He saw Hun’Coo think this over for a split second and then nod in agreement. "I would be happy to show you around. If you would please follow me." He followed Hun’Coo down a long sterile corridor and through a couple of sliding doors until they reached a door which had a Sun Scape Unit. They entered and came into a T junction. Andrew saw to his left and right there were rows of doors leading off to various areas. ~This is not just a few treatment rooms. They have wards, A&E, ITU, surgical theatres. What are they preparing for?~ He stepped over Hun’Coo. ~Okay something that will take time~ "Mr Hun’Coo. I have a specific interest in theatres. would it be possible to show me one." He looked back at Rogers and Goldsteen. ~This should give them some time to look around. I hope~ "This might be rather boring and tedious for my colleagues. Is there any where they can grab something to drink?" Hun’Coo looked along one of the corridors. "Down to your left is the staff canteen they should be able to get you anything you need. Now Dr Williams if you would please come this way." Andrew gave Rogers and Goldsteen a quick nod as he followed Hun'Coo through a door. (reply Rogers and Goldsteen, any) (posted by Robbie) (Ushar Prime - Capital City Rising Dawn Medical Facility - ATAC/ASC Alex Goldsteen 16:27) "What kind of facilities do you have for treating non-Ushari species?" Hun’Coo paused for a split second before answering. "We cover all federation species if that is what you are asking?" Alex had not missed the subtle way that Williams had attempted to extricate more information. ~Well this is a fact-finding mission I suppose, though what facts we're trying to find is unclear.~ This might be rather boring and tedious for my colleagues. Is there any where they can grab something to drink?" Hun’Coo looked along one of the corridors. "Down to your left is the staff canteen they should be able to get you anything you need. Now Dr Williams if you would please come this way." ~Bravo doctor, I do not give you far enough credit~ Alex waited until both were out of sight before speaking. "I believe he said down and to the right did he sir?" he said with a slight smile to Rogers. (Reply Rogers) "Sir, is there something specific we are looking for or are we searching blind? If the latter I wager that we find Ferengi before Cardassians," (reply Rogers) Alex's eyebrows furrowed as a thought occurred to him. "I might not be entirely wrong sir," he said thoughtfully, "the federation essentially lost a good business deal, and who is more likely to interfere in a business matter than the Ferengi. In fact perhaps we should go to the canteen, its entirely possible that whoever offered the better deal, Ferengi or not, visited this place and became thirsty." (reply Rogers) (posted by Dan Black) (Ushar Prime - Capital City Reception Hall - Ensign Jynea Kreung - 16:28) Jynea had been confused by Rogers comment about it being her first time visiting the transporter room. Did he think she'd never been to the transporter room of the Spectre? Or was he insinuating she'd never been on an away mission before or.. Well, who could figure out the mind of ghosts and spooks anyway. She just filed it away as a "huh?" moment. She'd given her best smile and tried to emit an aura of friendly good will while she stayed in the Captain's shadow. This was really his show, she was just here to observe. She figured. She wasn't actually quite sure why T'Vhor had asked her along. Once he had finished dealing with the ship and the departing Ferengi, talked to his first officer and dealing with everything at hand, Jynea coughed to catch his attention. "On the fear of teaching my grandmother how to suck eggs.." Jynea started. (Reply T'Vhor if any, anyone else) She couldn't help but smile at the Captain's confusion, "It means, I'm probably telling you something you already know, but just in case I'm not, I figure I should say it anyway." (Replies, if any) "They want to be courted. They want to be made to feel like they're as important to the Federation as Vulcan and Earth and that if they had no dilithium, we'd still want them in the Federation. They want us to want them for their unique and valued society and not just what we can get from them. While this deal from whomever they're getting it from may be better, they haven't left the Federation yet. They want to see if we'll keep them even if we're not getting their trade. I suspect, if we treat them as honoured members who can trade with whatever lawful force they want, whether us or not, they will stay in the Federation and open the trade board to negotiation." It was a remarkably long speech for the insecure morale officer, but she wanted to get it all out while she had her courage in both hands. "Er, or at least, that's my reading, sir." (Replies, everyone :) (Posted by Lor *hack* *cough* na) (Ushar Prime - Capital City Rising Dawn Medical Facility - SFI Agent - Lt. Cmdr Brian Rogers - 16:29) "I believe he said down and to the right did he sir?" the Ensign said. "Sure," Rogers said with a smile, and led the Ensign down the hall to the cafeteria. "Sir, is there something specific we are looking for or are we searching blind? If the latter I wager that we find Ferengi before Cardassians," Goldsteen said. "How's that," Rogers said, keeping his voice hushed has they passed an Ushari orderly. "I might not be entirely wrong sir," he said thoughtfully, "the federation essentially lost a good business deal, and who is more likely to interfere in a business matter than the Ferengi. In fact perhaps we should go to the canteen, its entirely possible that whoever offered the better deal, Ferengi or not, visited this place and became thirsty." Rogers nodded. "Makes sense, just remember, subtly is key here on covert operations," They reached the door of the dining hall, and Rogers put his head up and casually walked inside. Expecting a lot of Fergeni or Cardassians, it was merely a few Ushari, dining on some sort of bizarre food. Rogers turned to Goldsteen. "Ferengi, huh?" he asked. (reply Goldsteen) "Maybe," Brian said. "Lets take a look outside," Rogers said, and without further warning, headed towards a smaller door that led to the outside of the underground complex and led into another. This one appeared to be some sort of shopping complex or something, with several retail establishments and the sort. Rogers turned around and saw Alex right on his tail. "Oh boy, where do you think Dr. Williams went?" Rogers asked loudly to Goldsteen, making sure several Ushari heard, before briskly walking down the main path of the mall-type complex. "See any place where we can look for leads on this possible Cardassian angle?" Rogers asked hushed to Goldsteen. (reply Goldsteen, any) (Posted by Kevin Schram) (Ushar Prime - Capital City Rising Dawn Medical Facility - TAC/ASC Ensign Alex Goldsteen - 16:30) They reached the door of the dining hall, and Rogers put his head up and casually walked inside. Expecting a lot of Fergeni or Cardassians, it was merely a few Ushari, dining on some sort of bizarre food. Rogers turned to Goldsteen. "Ferengi, huh?" he asked. "Well sir," Goldsteen replied loftily, "even I can not always be right." he grinned then motioned with his head towards the door, "perhaps we will have better luck if we expand our search." "Maybe," Brian said. "Lets take a look outside," Rogers said, and without further warning, headed towards a smaller door that led to the outside of the underground complex and led into another. This one appeared to be some sort of shopping complex or something, with several retail establishments and the sort. Rogers turned around and saw Alex right on his tail. "Oh boy, where do you think Dr. Williams went?" Rogers asked loudly to Goldsteen, making sure several Ushari heard, before briskly walking down the main path of the mall-type complex. "See any place where we can look for leads on this possible Cardassian angle?" Rogers asked hushed to Goldsteen. "I believe that is a bar sir," Alex replied pointing at one of the buildings. "For most species alcohol is a well accepted diversion, and bartenders tend to remember when new alien patrons comes into their bars." (reply Rogers) (NRPG: I am assuming that Rogers agrees, if not I'll just change this part) RPG: They walked into the bar, and Alex immediately began to scan the building with his eyes trying to locate those that would most likely remember if anyone new came into the bar. "Bartender should be questioned obviously," Alex said, "but look at the woman over there." he motioned with his chin to one of the females sitting at the bar. "The men are all greeting her as if they know her, she is chatting with the bartender in a fashion that suggests they know each other well, she is probably a regular. I suggest one of us goes and engages the bartender and then the other goes for the woman." (reply Rogers) "Sir," Alex said hesitantly, "I would greatly appreciate it if you took the female." (reply Rogers) "I've tried to find information from a woman in a bar twice before if not in an official capacity," Alex said uncomfortably. "The first time I got so drunk that if I did indeed learn anything, I did not remember a word. The second time I learned that sex is indeed a viable interrogation method, but that parents tend to have a dim view of said method. I don't believe that it would help our cause if her father ran after me with a weapon, though at least this time she wouldn't be complaining about my poor performance." Alex noticed Rogers looking at his strangely. "Well that was my first time!" he said defensively. Alex sighed before continuing. "The point sir," he said crossly, "is that I think you should take the woman." (reply Rogers) (posted by Dan Black) (Ushar Prime - Capital City Public Shopping Complex - SFI Agent - Lt. Cmdr Brian Rogers - 16:31) Rogers looked over and saw Alex pointing at a small building. "I believe that is a bar sir. For most species alcohol is a well accepted diversion, and bartenders tend to remember when new alien patrons comes into their bars." Rogers raised an eyebrow. "When did you become a Vulcan, Ensign?" he joked. "Let's go then, you can buy the first round," Brian joked while the two Starfleeet officers walked into the bar. They walked in and started looking around. Rogers spotted some sort of holographic entertainment device mounted on the wall. He headed over to play when Goldsteen started speaking. "Bartender should be questioned obviously, but look at the woman over there. The men are all greeting her as if they know her, she is chatting with the bartender in a fashion that suggests they know each other well, she is probably a regular. I suggest one of us goes and engages the bartender and then the other goes for the woman." Rogers eyed the holo-game near the bartender. "I'll take the bartender, I suppose," Brian said. "Sir," Alex said hesitantly, "I would greatly appreciate it if you took the female." Rogers turned back. ~Did he want to play the holo-game?~ "Why's that, Ensign?" "I've tried to find information from a woman in a bar twice before if not in an official capacity," Alex said uncomfortably. "The first time I got so drunk that if I did indeed learn anything, I did not remember a word. The second time I learned that sex is indeed a viable interrogation method, but that parents tend to have a dim view of said method. I don't believe that it would help our cause if her father ran after me with a weapon, though at least this time she wouldn't be complaining about my poor performance." Rogers raised an eyebrow at the young man. There was a long silence beat. "Well that was my first time!" the ensign said. Rogers let out a loud chuckle, drawing all the eyes of the Ushari occupying the bar. Alex sighed before continuing. "The point sir," he said crossly, "is that I think you should take the woman." "Ensign," Rogers explained, "An important part of intelligence work is not letting your contact have too much information when you're pressing them for information," he said. "That was entirely too much information." (reply Goldsteen) "I'll take the mole-woman if you want," Rogers said, before walking off towards her. He sat on the bar stool next to her and smiled at her. "Come here often?" he asked. (reply bar woman, Goldsteen, any) (Posted by Kevin Schram) (Ushar Prime - Capital City Public Shopping Complex - ATAC/ASC Ensign Goldsteen - 16:34) "Ensign," Rogers explained, "An important part of intelligence work is not letting your contact have too much information when you're pressing them for information," he said. "That was entirely too much information." To Goldsteen's utter shame he blushed, but then he grinned accepting the humor in the situation. Alex had given up on trying to figure out why he was suddenly full of emotions, he would simply enjoy it as long as it lasted. ~Actually enjoying emotions is new to me as well. Just a short time ago I thought of them as distracting~ "I'll keep that in mind sir." "I'll take the mole-woman if you want," Rogers said, before walking off towards her. He sat on the bar stool next to her and smiled at her. Alex saw that Rogers had engaged the woman so he went to the other side of the bar and called over the bartender. "What do you recommend," he asked trying to make the bartender feel comfortable through familiar questions. (reply bartender) "I'll take that then," Alex said though he had no intention of actually drinking it. As the bartender made the drink he casually observed, "it's really slow tonight." (reply bartender) (posted by Dan Black) (Ushar Prime - Capital City Rising Dawn Medical Facility – CMO Williams - 16:35) Andrew stood in the empty operating theatre with Hun’Coo. “This is one of the ten operating theatre in this unit.” Andrew looked around at the theatre compared to what he had on the spectre this was amazing. He would have liked to take some of this equipment back with him. ~Don’t think the skipper would be too impressed though~ Andrew looked at the device hanging from the ceiling. Hun’Coo pointed at it. “This theatre has a quantum processing visual imaging system.” ~Hmm that’s good Spectre’s only got binary system~ “That’s impressive. Is there anything new that the federation might be interested in.” He saw Hun'Coo give a slight pause. "We do have the new nanite surgery." Andrew looked at him. "Nanite Surgery?" Hun'Coo gave a big smile. "Yes we are very proud of our new technique. We are using nanites in most of our surgery. The system is quite simple really. The surgeon has a holographic representation of the patient just like you have in your federation sickbays. The patient is injected with nanites and the surgeon, with the use of the holo projection is able to preform the operation without cutting into the patient." Andrew was taken a back. ~Ow my word~ "How have you done this. I have heard about nanite surgery but this was very small scale, how have you been able to do this?" "We have used knowledge from our mining techniques as well as ... outside contractors ... to help with the setting up." Andrew noticed the slight hesitation about 'outside contractors. ~Would like to know who they are~ "Is it possible to get a copy of some of the data involving the nanites? I'm sure the federation would be very intrigued." ~Don't care about the federation. I would be intrigued~ Hun'Coo thought for a moment. "I will see what I can do. If you would bare with me a moment I will see if I can find some overview information as most of it is still under patent." Andrew nodded. "Anything that you have would be wonderful." He watched as Hun'Coo left him alone in the theatre. ~Right now its my turn to find something~ (reply any) (Posted by Robbie) (USS Spectre - Ten Forward - Ensign Jacqueline Bristed - 17:30) Jacqueline was on the third coffee of the day. Had there actually been caffeine in the drinks, she would have suspected herself hopelessly addicted to the stuff, but with the synthesized psuedo-drug, she was fairly sure it was all in her head. Still, she did get rather crabby if she didn't have her coffee for the day... She sat alone, nursing something called a "black velvet". There were so many wonderful things that could be done with coffee, and she fully intended to go through every obnoxious variation recorded in the replicator system during her tour of duty in Starfleet. This particular incarnation was chilled, served with the delightful addition of ground-up chocolate covered espresso beans. This was one she would definitely have to try again. She had come here in hopes of relaxing, not being challenged by either friendly competition in the form of a game or by the dubious company of some of her fellow engineers. This evening was for coffee experimenting and, just maybe, light conversation about nothing in particular with someone. (reply any) (posted by Sio) (USS Spectre - Ten Forward - ACSO Ensign JG Taya - 17:31) Taya rubbed the back of her neck and tilted her head to one side, then the other to try and get the cricks and pains out. It didn't work though; ~I need to remember i am out of practise at staring at screens and deciphering information for me to do it all day without feeling the strain...typical~ She walked over to the replicator and ordered a tiramisu. It was one of her favourite desserts and with the bit of coffee and alcohol in, it was bound to give her the small kick she needed. Seeing one of the engineers on her own, Taya walked over to her and stood to the one side of the table. "Ensign Bristed isn't it?" Taya asked the women who was absorbed in her coffee. (Reply Bristed) "Mind if i join you?" Taya asked gesturing to the free chair with the hand that didn't hold the plate of tiramisu. (Reply Bristed) (Posted by Chris) (USS Spectre - Ten Forward - ACEO Ensign Bristed - 17:32) "Ensign Bristed isn't it?" someone asked from not too far off. That someone was, in fact, standing just to the side of her table. How had she missed that? "Mm?" she responded, her mouth full of a particularly large gulp of coffee. "Yeah, I'm Bristed. Jacqueline when I'm not on duty, actually," she said with a smile. "Mind if i join you?" the woman asked gesturing to the free chair with the hand that didn't hold the plate of tiramisu. "Oh, of course, be my guest!" Jacqueline said. She had come here to relax, and she could do that just as easily with company. Besides, that would keep away unwanted company. Specifically, it would fend off Therul, should he decide to pop in. "You have the advantage of me," she said with a grin as the woman sat down. "You know my name and I don't have yours." (Reply Taya) (Posted by Siobhan) (USS Spectre - Ten Forward - ACSO Ensign JG Taya - 17:34) "You have the advantage of me," Jacqueline said with a grin as Taya sat down. "You know my name and I don't have yours." Taya smiled, "It's Taya. Just Taya." She lifted up some of the tiramisu on her fork and ate the first bite savouring the taste. ~Not as nice as the real thing, sometimes I hate replicators~ "It just doesn't taste the same." She said simply breaking the silence. "Replicated food just has a distinct taste to it, almost metallic but not quite so. I guess I am still getting used to using replicators again." (Reply Bristed) "I've been without them for a few years now. Stopped using them when I left Starfleet and it's only since I rejoined and was assigned here that I have started to use them again. Don't think I used one in the academy either; or if I did it was only for coffee." Taya said this while still poking her tiramisu that she wasn't sure if she was now going to eat or not, thoughts of home always made her lose her appetite. (Reply Bristed) Taya looked up and saw genuine interest in the woman's face. There wasn't the hatred that some starfleet officers had shown when they found out that she had left and then rejoined their establishment. There also wasn't the prejudice she had become used to facing. It was refreshing to see someone that didn't really care about all that, they just wanted the story. Taya took a deep breath, "the main reason I left was for my people, my planet that I grew up on. However, that's a long story and there's also a variety of other reasons I left. I don't mind telling you but I thought I had better warn you in case you haven't got the time or want to grab another coffee." Taya put her fork down on her plate and waited for the reply to her question. (Reply Bristed) (Posted by Chris) =========================================================================