USS Spectre Compile - August 1st-31st 2012 by Alan Reading ========================================================================= Mission: Inimicus Invisa Day: -1 Stardate: 2414.09.30 (USS Spectre - Deck 2, Kurt's quarters - CSO Ensign Kurt Palmer - 20:45) (USS Spectre - Deck 7, Hank's quarters - Ensign Hank Stevens - 20:48) (USS Spectre - Deck 2, FO’s Quarters – FO, Commander Hoshimi Tsukawa – 21:00) ========================================================================= Mission: Inimicus Invisa Day: 1 Stardate 2414.10.01 (USS Spectre – Deck 2, FO’s Quarters – FO, Commander Hoshimi Tsukawa – 05:00) (USS Spectre - FO's Officer - Enigeering Officer, Ensign (sg) Hank Stevens – 07:03) (USS Spectre – FO’s Office – FO, Commander Hoshimi Tsukawa – 07:04) (USS Spectre – Deck 2, FO’s Office – Enigeering Officer, Ensign (sg) Hank Stevens – 07:06) (USS Spectre - Engineering - CEO, Ensign Remae Ktell - 07:15) (USS Spectre - Engineering - CEO, Ensign Remae Ktell - 07:30) (USS Spectre - Engineering - ACEO, Ensign Hank Stevens - 07:31) (USS Spectre - Engineering - ACEO, Ensign M'Elissa - 07:45) (USS Spectre – Deck 13, Security Station Foxtrot – SecO Durnik and SecO Ari – 08:30) (USS Spectre - Deck four, Corridor - CSO, ensign Kurt Palmer - 09:56) (USS Spectre - Bridge - CSO, ensign Kurt Palmer - 10:00) (USS Spectre - Bridge - Operations officer Lieutenant Mila Kudrow - 10:38) (Starbase 49 - USS Spectre – Airlock One – CO, Captain T'Vhor – 10:45) (USS Spectre – Sickbay – Chief Nurse, CPO Douwsy – 10:50) (USS Spectre – Bridge – FO, Commander Hoshimi Tsukawa – 10:51) (USS Spectre – Ready Room – FO, Commander Hoshimi Tsukawa – 10:53) (USS Spectre – Captain's Ready Room – CO, Captain T'Vhor – 10:54) (USS Spectre - Ten Forward Lounge - CMO Noah – 10:55) (USS Spectre – Ten Forward – ACMO – Ensign(jg) Zia Kirrin – 10:56) (USS Spectre – Captain's Ready Room – FO, Commander Hoshimi Tsukawa – 10:57) (USS Spectre – Captain's Ready Room – CO, Captain T'Vhor – 10:58) (USS Spectre – Ready Room – FO, Commander Hoshimi Tsukawa – 10:59) (USS Spectre – Captain's Ready Room – CO, Captain T'Vhor – 11:00) (USS Spectre – Private Quarters – SEC Ensign Alexandria Smithson – 11:00) (USS Spectre – Marine Quarters – Corporal Houseman – 11:00) (USS Spectre – Ten Forward – CMO Noah – 11:05) (USS Spectre – Ten Forward – ACMO, Ensign (jg), Zia Kirrin – 11:07) (USS Spectre – Ten Forward – CMO Noah – 11:10) (USS Spectre – Bridge – FO, Commander Hoshimi Tsukawa – 11:10) (USS Spectre – Ten Forward – ACMO – Ensign(jg), Athanasia Kirrin – 11:11) (USS Spectre – Holodeck 1 – Tactical Officer, Ensign Gryffin Pendragon – 11:23) (USS Spectre - Bridge - CSO, Ensign Kurt Palmer - 11:25) (USS Spectre - Bridge - Security Station - Ensign Alexandria Smithson SEC - 11:30) (USS Spectre - Bridge - Security Officer, Ensign Alexandria Smithson - 11:32) (USS Spectre - Bridge - CSO Ensign Kurt Palmer - 11:33) (USS Spectre - Bridge - SEC, Ensign Alexandria Smithson - 11:34) (USS Spectre - Bridge, Auxiliary OPS – OPS Officer, Ensign Robert Smith - 11:35) (USS Spectre - Deck 12, Secondary Sensor Control - CSO, Ensign Kurt Palmer - 11:40) (USS Spectre – Observation Lounge – FO, Commander Hoshimi Tsukawa – 11:45) (USS Spectre – Observation Lounge – ACMO – Ensign(jg) Athanasia Kirrin – 11:57) (USS Spectre – Observation Lounge - TAC/SC, Kerge – 11:58) (Beta Aurianis 4 – Unknown Planetoid – Venom 9 and Sulia Madon – 14:25) ========================================================================= Mission: Inimicus Invisa Day: -1 Stardate: 2414.09.30 (USS Spectre - Deck 2, Kurt's quarters - CSO Ensign Kurt Palmer - 20:45) "Computer, send message." Kurt commanded. His desk terminal seemed to think for a moment before chirping negatively. Kurt leaned his forehead on his palm and let out a long frustrated breath. ~Stupid Technology~ He seemed to have problems with the onboard computers ever since he was transferred to the Spectre. However, this time he knew it might not be the computer's fault. Kurt didn't keep many friends, and his time at UFP did not allow for much of a social life. As of a few days ago of the few he had two of them had become impossible to get a hold of; T'Janikrel (an academy friend), and Jason (who had just joined star fleet, but Kurt had grown up with him). He didn't hear much from either as they were busy, the last he heard they went on a training mission. He had heard various reports of an academy training vessel going missing but he didn't want to think about that. In his current situation, on a semi-unfamiliar ship around people he didn't know well, it was much easier to believe the secondary communications array was down. He lifted his head back up and flicked off the terminal. (Reply, none) ((Post by Cody)) (USS Spectre - Deck 7, Hank's quarters - Ensign Hank Stevens - 20:48) Hank was sitting looking out the portal trying to find meaning in something that was troubling him. Since his transfer to the Spectre, Hank had felt out of place. They had several engineers and he didn't have a lot to do. Hank walked to his terminal and sat down. Hank thought long and hard before typing out a message to the First Officer. Stevens typed out his thoughts very carefully. He explained that they had an overage of engineers any felt that he was not pulling his fair share. Hank asked the first officer if they could meet and discuss Hank's options. (Reply: FO) (Posted by: Bill West) (USS Spectre - Deck 2, FO’s Quarters – FO, Commander Hoshimi Tsukawa – 21:00) =/\= I’m telling you, Hoshimi, there’s just something strange about it. I mean, whoever heard of someone wearing green and purple, for goodness’ sake? =/\= Commander Sorcha O’Driscoll’s tone of puzzlement echoed across the light-years and her face on the small screen frowned slightly. Hoshimi grinned. “For a history buff, and one who claims to be interested in women’s movements across the Federation you show a sad lack of knowledge of your own planet,” she told her friend. “Have you never heard of the Suffragettes?” =/\= Well, yes, but - =/\= “Their colours were green and purple,” Hoshimi said pointedly. “They wore the colours to show their allegiance to the cause. And in the early 21st century on Earth, purple was again the colour of political movements wanting change. Green and purple wouldn’t be my combination of choice but it’s certainly not unheard of!” =/\= But she’s got red hair and it just clashes awfully! =/\= wailed Sorcha. Hoshimi laughed. “Sorcha, she’s 17. Didn’t you rebel at 17? I’m sure I remember your mother showing me some holopics of you in some ghastly yellow and pink get-up… and telling me how she tried to argue you out of it only to be told she had no taste!” Sorcha smiled in spite of herself. =/\= True, =/\= she said. =/\= And it wasn’t just ghastly, it was completely hideous! So you think it’s just a stage? =/\= “Most likely. Or else she just has no taste and you’ll have to live with it!” Hoshimi added with a grin. Sorcha rolled her eyes. =/\= Let’s hope it’s just a phase, I don’t think I could live with green and purple for ever! Thanks, Hoshimi. How’s the FO position going? =/\= Hoshimi considered her reply. “I think I’m enjoying it,” she said slowly. “It’s hard to say as we’ve been here at the station for so long. But it’s given me a chance to find my feet with the Captain and the crew. Scuttlebutt has it that we’ll be moving out in the next day or so, for something big.” She smiled at her friend. “But then again, scuttlebutt never does say it’s for something small, does it?” Sorcha grinned back. =/\= It most certainly doesn’t! Why, only last week I heard that a watching station went quiet for a month and no one noticed until a cargo ship turned up on its regular run and found it abandoned except for some weird guy who kept talking about his mother. Oh wait, that was last week’s classic holoshow I think! But it’s time for me to get ready to go on duty. I pulled the late shift again. =/\= She pulled a face. =/\= I seem to be getting a lot of those at the moment. Ah well, I’ll talk to you soon, I hope. Depending on how hush-hush your mission turns out to be of course! Take care, Hoshimi! =/\= The FO smiled. “You too, Sorcha. And don’t watch too many of those horror shows!” The two friends said their goodbyes and the link was terminated. Hoshimi checked her messages and found she had one from an Ensign Stevens in Engineering. Raising an eyebrow, she opened the message and read that Stevens, who had joined them from the Mithrandir, was apparently feeling that with the number of engineers they had on board he wasn’t getting enough to do. He wanted to meet with her to discuss his options. After a moment’s thought, Hoshimi replied that Stevens should meet with her in the FO’s office at 0700 the next morning, and sent the message. She then sent a message to the CEO, Remae Ktell, informing him of the message she’d had from Stevens, and asking his impressions of the Ensign and whether or not Stevens had approached him. (Reply Remae, Stevens, any) (Posted by Liz) (USS Spectre - Engineering - CEO's Office - Ensign Remae Ktell - 21:10) Remae and the Engineering staff had been making final preparations for departure, the orders had come through and they were ready to leave. It had been a much longer stay in dock that he had expected and it was quite unusual, however, he was getting more excited as the time drew closer that he decided to remain in his office. The terminal beeped as a new message arrived and admittedly, it was a struggle... he had his feet on the desk, the lights were turned down and not a lot noise came from around him as the night shift of Engineers completed their duties. The struggle was won when the left foot successfully moved the terminal to face him followed by a heel pressing the button to activate the screen. "Aha! Foot One, Computer Nil.", he said with success at his accomplishment. He looked at the message, sure, it was a long way from his eyes and it was dark so he resigned himself to sitting up and putting himself closer to the message. It was regarding one of the Engineers from the Mithrandir and the fact that he wanted to speak to the First Officer regarding his options. The CEO pulled out a PADD and examined the records of Ensign Stevens and Remae began to form a reply. (Reply from Any) (Posted by Anthony Keen) (USS Spectre - Engineering - CEO's Office - Ensign Remae Ktell - 21:30) He read the message back to himself before he sent it to the First Officer... 'Ensign Hank Stevens, completes work assigned... competent Engineer with a fine record on the Mithrandir and the Spectre during their extended stay...' Sipping some coffee, he continued to make alterations to the note... and adding finally that Stevens had not spoken to him regarding any problems or concerns but if he wanted a change of pace, a different department that the Chief Engineer would support such a move and that the department would be able to take on the additional load given that the launch preparations of the ship had been completed. He sent the message and began to work on the duty schedule a little, just in case they were going to be short an Engineer during their new mission. Working in the dark with nothing but the pulse of the warp core to keep him company, meant a lot to Remae. He intended to enjoy all of the peace and quiet while he could. (Reply from Any) (Posted by Anthony Keen) ========================================================================== Mission: Inimicus Invisa Day: 1 Stardate 2414.10.01 (USS Spectre – Deck 2, FO’s Quarters – FO, Commander Hoshimi Tsukawa – 05:00) Already awake when her alarm went off, Hoshimi rose and headed for the sonic shower. Five minutes later she returned, dressed in her uniform and combed her hair before downloading the reports that had been filed overnight onto a PADD. She then ordered breakfast from the replicator. As she ate her customary bowl of fruit and yoghurt, Hoshimi looked through the reports she had downloaded. When she finished, she read again the message the CEO had sent in response to her query about Stevens and made some notes. Finally, she got up from the table and placed her now empty bowl in the recycler. Picking up the PADD, Hoshimi left for her office. (Reply None) (Posted by Liz) (USS Spectre - FO's Officer - Enigeering Officer, Ensign (sg) Hank Stevens – 07:03) Hank stopped before the FO's office and wondered if he was doing the right thing once again. Hank activate the entry chimer and waited for permission to enter. (Reply: Tsukawa) Hank entered, saluted and said "Ensign Stevens reporting Commander". (Reply: Tsukawa) Hank took the offer to sit down as soon as the senior officer made it. Hank tried to gather his thoughts before speaking. His words started tumbling out. Hank berated himself silently. (Reply: Tsukawa) He told the FO he wasn't feeling utilized sufficiently as an engineer. Hank remembered he had not spoken with the CEO before coming to the FO and turned bright red with embarassement "Commander I request that the CEO place a note in my record that I skipped the chain of command and did not seek the CEO's advice" asked. (Reply: Tsukawa) Hank stumbled through the rest of his request. Reply : Tsukawa) (Posted by: Bill W.) (USS Spectre – FO’s Office – FO, Commander Hoshimi Tsukawa – 07:04) Hoshimi looked up from her terminal as the doorchime sounded. “Enter,” she said, and the door opened to admit Stevens. To Hoshimi’s surprise, he saluted as he reported to her. She raised an eyebrow but merely said, “Sit down, Ensign.” As he took the chair on the opposite side of the desk, Hoshimi smiled and said, “Please tell me in your own words why you asked to see me, Mister Stevens.” The engineer explained to Hoshimi that he felt under-used in the Engineering department, then blushed red, requesting that a note be placed in his record that he had by-stepped the CEO by coming directly to Hoshimi and not discussing his concerns with the CEO. Hoshimi nodded. “You should really have discussed this with your department head first,” she agreed. “That would be following the chain of command. And it is possible that your department head would have been able to help you find your feet in Engineering.” She paused, then added, “However, I have consulted him and he is prepared to allow you to transfer to another department if that is your wish.” She listened as Stevens continued his request for a transfer, then nodded. “I will set the wheels in motion, Mister Stevens. You will be transferred to the Security Department, effective immediately. I will inform Lieutenant Kerge to expect you at 0900. I think it would be a good thing for you to speak with Ensign Remae before you leave his department, as a matter of courtesy. Is there anything else, Ensign?” (reply Stevens, rfm iyw) Once Stevens had left, Hoshimi tapped her commbadge. "Tsukawa to Lieutenant Kerge. Ensign Stevens is transferring from Engineering to Security. I have instructed him to report to you at 0900." (reply Kerge iyw) (reply Stevens, Kerge iyw, any) (Posted by Liz) (USS Spectre – Deck 2, FO’s Office – Enigeering Officer, Ensign (sg) Hank Stevens – 07:06) Hank listened as the FO spoke. “You should really have discussed this with your department head first,” she agreed. “That would be following the chain of command. And it is possible that your department head would have been able to help you find your feet in Engineering.” She paused, then added, “However, I have consulted him and he is prepared to allow you to transfer to another department if that is your wish.” "Thank you Commander. I believe it best" Hank replied. The First Officer continued to speak “I will set the wheels in motion, Mister Stevens. You will be transferred to the Security Department, effective immediately. I will inform Lieutenant Kerge to expect you at 0900. I think it would be a good thing for you to speak with Ensign Remae before you leave his department, as a matter of courtesy. Is there anything else, Ensign?” "Nothing else Commander thank you" Hank replied. Hank rose and exited hastily. Hank tapped his comm badge and said "Ensign Stevens to Ensign Remarkable. I would like to visit you for s moment if I may". (Reply: Remae) (Posted by: Bill West) (USS Spectre - Engineering - CEO, Ensign Remae Ktell - 07:15) =^= Ensign Stevens to Ensign Remae. I would like to visit you for a moment if I may? =^= "Of course Ensign, come down when you can.", he said looking up at the ceiling, as if that would make his communication go through the system a little clearer. Remae knew what this was about of course but he was a little busy with the ship's launch preparations and the fact they had changed the Spectre's configuration to 'Special Operations' Aside from the change in power rations that ran the weapons, cloaking device and warp drive, there was a room in the back that was filled with new equipment that was under lock and key and a security officer was standing outside the front, guarding. The CEO surmised it was a general assortment of goods that came as a package when a ships configuration was changed, although the curiosity of what was behind the door was overpowering, he decided to ignore it and get on with the pre-launch preparations. (Reply Any, None) (Posted by Anthony Keen) (USS Spectre - Engineering - CEO, Ensign Remae Ktell - 07:30) The Engineering team were working on bring the ship to flight tolerance and as the same time fulfil the ship's power needs as every department was also reading themselves for departure. The demands on the ship's systems were growing, however, all systems remained functional. "Ensign.", said the CEO as he spotted Stevens entering the room, "What can I do for you?", he asked as they stood in the middle of the Engineering Section. (Reply from Stevens, Any) (Posted by Anthony Keen) (USS Spectre - Engineering - ACEO, Ensign Hank Stevens - 07:31) Hank entered Engineering and was greeted by the CEO. Hank stood to attention and said " Chief I've. Come to apologize to you for not coning to you first concerning changing departments ". (Reply: Remae) "Chief, that's all I wanted to say. Thanks " Hank added. (Reply: Renae) (Posted by: Bill W.) (USS Spectre - Engineering - ACEO, Ensign M'Elissa - 07:45) She had her little dragondroid in tow today, it wore a vest carrying most of her smaller tools, it almost seemed to be happy trotting along at her heal. Turning the corner into main engineering she went strait to the office to see if it had been cleaned yet, and started that low pissed growl. turning she went to the M/ARC control board and rand the last diagnostics on her work and smiled as everything came back clean, the dragondriod sat at heal, looking up with an expectant expression on its muzzle flipping through the list of installations and repairs, she rolled her eyes, at some of the modifications and highlighted 8 of them that were close together, then turning to Jade, she smiled a toothy grin, "we have to go get some reroutes implemented, someone needs a decent amount of power for something," turning and picking up her toolkit with the larger and some of the more unusual tools in she headed off towards the EPS conduits, singing. When we pulled into Argo Port in need of R&R, The crew set out investigating every joint and bar. We had high expectations of their hospitality, But found too late it wasn't geared for spacers such as we. And we're banned from Argo, everyone. Banned from Argo, just for having a little fun. We spent a jolly shore leave there for just three days or four, But Argo doesn't want us any more. The Captain's tastes were simple, but his methods were complex. We found him with five partners, each of a different world and sex. The Shore Police were on the way-we had no second chance. We beamed him up in the nick of time-and the remnants of his pants. And we're banned from Argo, everyone. Banned from Argo, just for having a little fun. We spent a jolly shore leave there for just three days or four, But Argo doesn't want us any more. Our Engineer would yield to none at putting down the brew; He out-drank seven space marines and a demolition crew. The Navigator didn't win, but he out-drank almost all, And now they've got a shuttlecraft on the roof of City Hall. And we're banned from Argo, everyone. Banned from Argo, just for having a little fun. We spent a jolly shore leave there for just three days or four, But Argo doesn't want us any more. Our proper, cool First Officer was drugged with something green, And hauled into an alley, where he suffered things obscene. He sobered up in Sickbay and he's none the worse for wear, Except he's somehow taught the bridge computer how to swear. And we're banned from Argo, everyone. Banned from Argo, just for having a little fun. We spent a jolly shore leave there for just three days or four, But Argo doesn't want us any more. The Head Nurse disappeared awhile in the major Dope Bazaar, Buying an odd green potion "guaranteed to cause Pon-Farr." She came home with no uniform and an oddly cheerful heart, And a painful way of walking-with her feet a yard apart. And we're banned from Argo, everyone. Banned from Argo, just for having a little fun. We spent a jolly shore leave there for just three days or four, But Argo doesn't want us any more. Our lady of Communications won a ship-wide bet By getting into the planet's main communications net. Now every time someone calls up on an Argo telescreen, The flesh is there, but the clothes they wear are nowhere to be seen. And we're banned from Argo, everyone. Banned from Argo, just for having a little fun. We spent a jolly shore leave there for just three days or four, But Argo doesn't want us any more. Our Doctor loves Humanity; his private life is quiet. The Shore Police arrested him for inciting whores to riot. We found him in the city jail, locked on and beamed him free- Intact except for hickeys and six kinds of VD. And we're banned from Argo, everyone. Banned from Argo, just for having a little fun. We spent a jolly shore leave there for just three days or four, But Argo doesn't want us any more. Our Helmsman loves exotic plants; the plants all love him too. He took some down on leave with him and we wondered what they'd do, 'Til the planetary governor called and swore upon his life That a gang of plants entwined his house and then seduced his wife! And we're banned from Argo, everyone. Banned from Argo, just for having a little fun. We spent a jolly shore leave there for just three days or four, But Argo doesn't want us any more. A gang of pirates landed, and nobody seemed to care. They stamped into the nearest bar to announce that they were there. Half our crew was busy there, and invited them to play, But the pirates only looked at us, and turned and ran away. And we're banned from Argo, everyone. Banned from Argo, just for having a little fun. We spent a jolly shore leave there for just three days or four, But Argo doesn't want us any more. Our crew is Starfleet's finest, and our record is our pride. And when we play we tend to leave a trail a mile wide. We're sorry about the wreckage and the riots and the fuss; At least we're sure that planet won't be quick forgetting us! And we're banned from Argo, everyone. Banned from Argo, just for having a little fun. We spent a jolly shore leave there for just three days or four, But Argo doesn't want us any more. (Reply any) Posted by Shaylee Copyright © 1977 by Leslie Fish Copyright assigned to Random Factors Lyrics posted by permission (USS Spectre – Deck 13, Security Station Foxtrot – SecO Durnik and SecO Ari – 08:30) “… and then he says to me, he says, ‘And what do you think the FO said then?’” Ari paused expectantly in his story. The two ex-marines (who had managed to transfer out of the Corps and back into Starfleet Security whence they had originally been stationed some years back on the USS Nimitz) were currently hanging out in Station Foxtrot on the grounds that it was the least likely place for anyone to come and see what they were actually doing (which was very little). Durnik leant back in the chair and put his feet up on the desk. Long experience had taught him that when Ari was telling you a story there was no point in trying to hurry him. It only confused him and made him lose the thread, which he did quite often anyway without any assistance. After a few moments, when Ari did not continue, Durnik prompted him: “And what did you say to him, Ari?” “Well, I said, ‘I dunno, Fred, she prolly just gave him that poker face she’s bin giving ev’ryone else, right?’ and then he said, ‘Well that’s where you’re wrong then Ari. She tore him a new one for spreading irrepresssible rumours and asked where he’d heard it. Course he told her, he heard it from an impecunious source and she said it wasn’t cos it wasn’t true.’” Ari looked at Durnik triumphantly. “So you see it must be true cos she said it wasn’t!” Durnik sighed. “Let me get this straight, Ari. You’re telling me that we’re going to be heading for the Mirror Universe because Fred in OPS overheard two ruperts talking about a conversation one of the ruperts had with the FO where she told him catechismically that it wasn’t true?” “Well… yeah. I mean, why deny it if it’s not true?” Durnik scratched his nose thoughtfully. “You’ve got a point there,” he conceded. “Some of the ruperts is a bit smart, or think they are. They like to play games, Ari. So the FO prolly thought that if she said nothing, that the rupert’d think it was true. So she denied it, thinking he’d think it wasn’t true. But you and me are smarter than that, Ari me old mate. We can see right through it!” Ari beamed. “Yup, we can!” He sat still, the smile on his face, for almost a minute, then the smile faded and his brow wrinkled as he tried to formulate a new thought. Eventually his brow cleared and he said, “Durnik?” “Yes, Ari?” “I wonder what our mirror universe selves are like. I mean, in this universe we’re grunts, right? But in the mirror when you look at yourself everything’s the other way round, so I reckon it's the same in a mirror universe and our mirror selves must be officers there, an' ol' Kerge, he must be one of the grunts that they boss around, don’t you think?” “Only if they got our brains, Ari, only if they got our brains!” (Reply Any, none) (Posted by Liz) (USS Spectre - Deck four, Corridor - CSO, ensign Kurt Palmer - 09:56) Kurt exited his office and headed to the Turbolift. The Spectre was finally ready to depart after rigorous sensor calibrations and equipment checks. He had no idea what the next mission held in store, though he'd heard plenty of rumors, but he was ready to finally start doing something with his career. Additionally, with all the anxiety and trepidation onboard Kurt was able to momentarily forget the concerns of his, recently incommunicado, friends at the academy. The Turbolift doors finally parted... "...Thats what he said, Commander Tsukawa confirmed it!" a gold clad officer said to another in the lift. Kurt turned to face the door as it swished closed. "Deck one, bridge." the other started to respond "I really don't-" "Mirror. Universe. It's got to be true." Kurt had tried to stay out of the speculation of their next mission, but enjoyed a good rumor. He chuckled and glance back at the pair. "Well, what do you think we're doing ensign." one of the officers said condescendingly. Kurt realized they both outranked him, but he spoke confidently. "I haven't the slightest, but I have full faith in the captain T'Vhor and the crew." "Fresh out of the academy, are we?" the other officer said with a grin. Kurt smiled. "As a matter of fact I was just transferred here. I don't believe we met." He felt the Turbolift whizz to a stop "Ensign Palmer, I'm the new Chief Science Officer." The lift doors parted and he could feel the looks of disbelief shooting into his back. He stepped onto the bridge. Truth be told, Kurt had no idea why he had been taken out of the medical department and assigned to sciences. Even less why he was appointed the position of chief as most of the department outranked him. But if he was going to do a job he was going to go all in. (reply, any) ((post by Cody)) (USS Spectre - Bridge - CSO, ensign Kurt Palmer - 10:00) Kurt walked across the bridge and took his station. Luckily this was a place on the ship he couldn't get lost. His fingers glided around the outside of the console, to gain his bearings, before he started a system diagnostic. (reply, any) ((post by Cody)) (USS Spectre - Bridge - Operations officer Lieutenant Mila Kudrow - 10:38) It was in her blood to know everything that was going on around her. That is the very reason she maneuvered herself to be on the bridge that morning at that very time. What appeared to be a friendly shift swap to a fellow crew member, was in actuality a tactic used to position herself closer to more information about what was going on within the walls of the ship she now called her home. It had paid off because it didn't take long before the captain walked out of the turbolift and directly to his ready room. Not a word was spoken and he didn't acknowledge anyone on the bridge. Without looking away from her console she was able to type information into a padd. She used this padd for all of her 'data' collecting. The padd was already several pages long. ~we must be getting ready to depart soon. I guess this information Bobby gave me was accurate. Well accurate enough anyway~ The thoughts began to swirl around in her head of the possible assignment the Spectre would be on. Her source had never really let her down and she was always able to trust the information he had given her. She saw his assistance as instrumental in her rise in the command structure ever since leaving the academy and joining the fleet. It made her think how far she would have gotten if they had been assign to the same assignment out of the academy. The travel down memory lane was quickly interrupted by the presence of the First Officer. She followed suite just as the captain had. Not a word escaped her mouth, at least not one audible to Mila's ears, while she pushed forward to the captain's ready room. Kudrow's left hand skipped along the padd noting the latest development. The pressence of the command staff could on board the ship could only signify that the Spectre had received new orders, what those orders were she did not know. The new information she gained only exacerbated the wanting she had for more, and she was going to get it in either two ways. An announce would be made momentarily if the ship was to leave immediately or she would have to see if there was anything else that Bobby had to tell her. (Reply None) (Posted by Darryl McDaniel) (Starbase 49 - USS Spectre – Airlock One – CO, Captain T'Vhor – 10:45) The departure of the USS Spectre from Starbase 49 was taking place under somewhat strange and unusual circumstances. As routine departures went, the Spectre's was to be a standard affair of course, but it still seemed to be lacking a certain 'essence', being undertaken with the absolute minimum of fuss and almost with a complete omission of any ceremony whatsoever. That in itself was somewhat unusual. Normally, a ship having been in dock for more than a few months gained a certain connection to those that were tasked to work upon her, this time though the mood was unusually pensive, like she was being sent someplace that she might not return from. It was tangible, but non-descript at the same time, and perhaps also indicative of the designation she was currently under after her refit and repair. 'Special Ops' For a Starfleet vessel that usually meant only one thing, wherever it was going it was damned important that it got there in one piece and infinitely preferably that it returned to tell the tale! It also implied the likelihood that the ship might find itself in a place which Starfleet would deny it's presence in, which in turn hinted at subterfuge, and the presence of a bunch of Admirals directing the mission itself only seemed to compound the mystery even further. The mood on the ship though was pensive also, the entire crew having already heard rumours that the ship might be leaving on a mission decidedly more secretive than that which it was usually tasked to undertake. It was true of course that it was not unusual for a crew to be given little indication as to exactly where they might be headed, but on this occasion, something was most certainly... 'out of the ordinary'. Admiral Alexander, and later the Fleet Medical Officer himself, Rear Admiral Xavier Durant, had been seen speaking to the Captain shortly before their planned departure, and although steps had obviously been taken to keep certain matters of their previous discussions firmly within the realms of a 'need to know' basis, some of the crew had 'sensed', the depth of the feelings those meetings had by now, elicited. The Captain's mood was odd despite his mixed Vulcan/Betazoid heritage, the first officer seemed detached from the chain of command, and the entire rumour mill had been running in overdrive since the ship had arrived here. There had been talk of the academy training vessel 'Garralon' having gone missing, a few of the Spectre crew had friends at the academy, and whilst the ship itself had been relocated less than forty eight hours later, it's communique's had been strange in the extreme. That in itself perhaps was no real cause for concern, after all, untested academy personnel, in demanding situations requiring re-route or on the spot course changes, it wasn't unheard of for a training ship to go missing was it? This though was different... Something was brewing, something was most definitely brewing.... “Sir”, came the quipped acknowledgement of the saluting Bosun as the Captain duly arrived at the gangway. The Captain took a brief glance upwards along the pristine white hull of the ship and then nodded to the accompaniment of just one word, 'Ensign' in acknowledgement, then he continued on through the airlock and into the flank of the newly refitted Spectre. Within five minutes he was seated in his ready room, PADD in hand and overseeing the pre-launch orders and various transfers. There had been much shuffling and re-siting of certain crew on this tour, a lot of new names upon the ships roster, some of which he knew, others that he didn't. The one thing that suited him though was that each and every member of the key stations officers had one thing in common, and that was a higher than normal clearance. These officers had been hand-picked! The Captain exhaled uncharacteristically and then settled back into his seat. Then he called for the First Officer, the hail itself being answered almost immediately by the ever efficient oriental out on the bridge. It had been one of the many things that had endeared Tsukawa to him from the very start, efficiency that is, and nobody respected efficiency more than one of Vulcan blood. (Reply Tsukawa) “My ready room if you please Commander”, said the Captain, “we have matters to discuss” (Reply Tsukawa) (Posted by Alan) (USS Spectre – Sickbay – Chief Nurse, CPO Douwsy – 10:50) Douwsy was looking at the PAD in front of her and checking the supply list with the physical contender in front of her. It was a boring job but just because it was on the manifest did not always mean that it was on the ship. She had been caught out before and did not want to lose any thing important. She tapped a command on the closest container. With a soft hiss the seals on the container unlocked and the hatch swung open. The doors to sickbay opened and she saw Nurse Marshal hurry in with a sly look on her face as she hurried over to her. “Guess what just herd.” Douwsy gave her a look. “What is it this time?” Before Marshal could speak Douwsy put her hand up. “Wait let me guess. We are going to infiltrate a Borg cube to retrieve some peace of life changing hardware…. Or there is some kind of sink hole in the subspace river that has been sucking in ships and we are going to rescue them…..Or We are going pirate hunting in the Labyrinth system….. Or the whole of Starfleet command have been infected by some kind of alien parasite and we are going to kill its controlling mind and save the federation…Or we are going to go back in time to save earth with a couple of humpback whales… No that one has already been done.” Marshal gave her a pained look. “You wound me. You know that. Look this is seriuse. I got this from a friend…” “A friend or a friend!!!!.” Marshal grinned. “Any way my friend said that she saw our own Captain coming out of a meeting with the Fleet Medical Officer himself Rear Admiral Xavier Durant. What do you think of that?” Douwsy rolled her eyes. “It could be any number of reasons. We have just lost one CMO and gained a new one, who is not even fleet. It could be any number of reasons may be the Captain has a personal reason for seeing the Fleet MO.” “Aren’t you a little bit curios?” Douwsy gave her a sigh and shook her head. “Of course I am but we have things to do before we depart. Like checking these containers.” Marshal pouted as she took the PADD Douwsy offered her. “You are no fun you know that.” Douwsy smiled at her. “Of course I am fun just not when we have work to do.” (Reply any) (Posted by Robbie) (USS Spectre – Bridge – FO, Commander Hoshimi Tsukawa – 10:51) The mood on board was expectant. Most of them had heard one way or another that they were finally leaving the station, although there were various rumours making the rounds as to exactly what they would be doing. Some said they were being sent to look for the missing Garralon; some said they were being despatched to hold a watching brief over the election of a new Grand Magus on Ferengar; one or two of the more imaginative on the crew even suggested they were being sent to a mirror universe to bring back the secrets of a new and improved replicator system! To most of the suggestions put to her as to their possible mission, Hoshimi had maintained a carefully neutral expression, although she had not been able to resist scowling at the author of the mirror universe theory and demanding to know where he had heard it, whilst emphatically denying it was true! The expression on his face as he thought his theory had been confirmed was priceless, and she had enjoyed a good chuckle to herself when she heard later that he’d been telling his friends that the FO had denied it all absolutely so it had to be true, didn’t it! The Spectre was ready to depart, she had been carefully prepared for this moment over the past months and was in A1 condition from stem to stern. To Hoshimi’s eyes she seemed almost to gleam inside and out, and she felt the familiar feeling of pride and affection for the ship flood through her as she read through the reports from the department heads. The summons from Captain T’Vhor, not long after he had entered his Ready Room, came as no surprise to her. “Tsukawa here, Sir,” she replied immediately. =/\= My ready room if you please Commander, =/\= the Captain said. =/\= We have matters to discuss. =/\= “On my way, Sir,” she replied, standing up immediately and starting to move towards the Ready Room door. “Mister Kudrow, you have the Bridge.” (Reply T’Vhor, any) (Posted by Liz) (USS Spectre – Ready Room – FO, Commander Hoshimi Tsukawa – 10:53) Entering the Ready Room, Hoshimi saw the Captain seated behind his desk. As usual it wasn’t easy to gauge his mood, his expression being habitually neutral. “How was your meeting, Sir?” she asked. “Do we have our final orders?” (Reply T’Vhor, any) (Posted by Liz) (USS Spectre – Captain's Ready Room – CO, Captain T'Vhor – 10:54) The arrival of Commander Tsukawa through the doors was met with a cursory nod and a extended hand towards her by the Captain, an indication to take the seat opposite him. The FO accepted of course, and then immediately quizzed him on recent events. “How was your meeting, Sir?” she asked. “Do we have our final orders?” T'Vhor sensed that she probably knew that their final orders had indeed come through, but considering the amount of dodging and weaving that had been occurring of late in regards the ships ultimate destination, the query was founded. "The meeting went as expected Commander, and yes, we have our final orders", he said handing a PADD to Tsukawa for her prompt perusal. "Read and then comment if you will please", he added and then he settled back into his seat to await the Commanders response. The PADD itself contained their orders as already indicated, but the nature of those orders would no doubt raise an eyebrow upon the Human FO's face for the ship had now been ordered to proceed cloaked into Cardassian territory, deep beyond their borders in fact to the outer rim of the Amleth Nebula, and then once there, they were to send a covert away team to the surface of Amleth itself. Their goal, to locate 'one' solitary individual going by the name Targin Lau. This individual, it would appear, had once worked for the Cardassian military but had been exiled due to 'differences of opinion', he also had links to some of their more, shall we say 'insidious' projects, and was now apparently the bearer of information that could potentially affect ALL of known space and the very existence of the Federation itself. A grand claim indeed, but Starfleet obviously could not risk non action on the grounds that this particular Cardassian might be lying or elaborating. That and the fact that the Garralon had been recently mentioned by him also, and Fleet Commands interests were piqued proportionately. An honest Cardassian though? Was that a contradiction in terms? Tsukawa continued to read diligently, her expression changing throughout at key points of the mission brief whilst the Vulcan hybrid CO awaiting patiently, then when she finally placed the PADD back onto the table, he raised an eyebrow in quizzical Vulcan fashion. "Comments Commander?", he inquired... (Reply Tsukawa) (Reply Tsukawa) (Posted by Alan) (USS Spectre - Ten Forward Lounge - CMO Noah – 10:55) Noah looked at the food in front of him as hi stomach growled softly. A smile passed across his face as he silently agreed with it. He had, had a big breakfast but was now hungry again as his body demanded food. There were not a lot of good things about recovering from felicium addiction but one of its side effects was a food suppressor among other more nasty things it had done to his body and mind. Now that he was recovering his body craved food and as he was able to give a pole a run for its money in a skinny contest he was obliging his hunger as much as he possibly could. He knew at some stage he would have to reduce his eating or he would end up like a shuttle raft but until then he was happy with what he had in front of him. He had what the computer had called heart attack menu which was a large peace of gammon stake, sausages, mushrooms, tomatoes, rashes of bacon, fried eggs, a peace of pineapple and some baked beans. Along with two crusty rolls with butter and some kind of fizzy carbonated drink which was nice but had far to much sugar. Well he may not have a heart attack when eating this but his stomach may explode before he finished and this was not the most outrageous thing on the menu there was some kind of massive burger which he would try another day. He took a peace of gammon stake and looked out of the ten forward lounge windows at space beyond, he enjoyed being able to take it easy before they departed and things got busy again. (Reply any) (Posted by Robbie) (USS Spectre – Ten Forward – ACMO – Ensign(jg) Zia Kirrin – 10:56) Zia left the counter with a steaming mug of Idanian spiced tea and a plate with a huge chunk of chocolate cake on it. The woman behind the counter had called it Death by Chocolate and looking at it, Zia thought she could understand why. Looking around, she caught sight of Dr Noah sitting at a table by one of the windows and she made her way over. Even six months after he’d left the ship she still missed Oggie, and Noah was one of the few faces here in Ten Forward this morning that she recognised . “Good morning, Doctor,” she said, eyeing his plate with interest. She thought it looked delicious, if not exactly the healthiest option if one ate it on a daily basis. It also smelt delicious and she was glad she had accepted the Death by Chocolate. “May I sit with you?” she asked. (reply Noah, any) (Posted by Liz) (USS Spectre – Captain's Ready Room – FO, Commander Hoshimi Tsukawa – 10:57) "The meeting went as expected Commander, and yes, we have our final orders," the Captain said as he handed Hoshimi a PADD. "Read and then comment if you will please." As she read, Hoshimi’s face reflected some of her thoughts. A small frown at one section, an eyebrow raised at another, a pursing of her lips at yet another section. When she had read it through, she went back over a few points to make sure she had understood correctly, then placed the PADD on the desk in front of her. T’Vhor raised an eyebrow as Hoshimi raised her eyes to his. "Comments Commander?" “The Spectre is the logical ship for a mission of this sort,” she said slowly. “But I surmise that the covert nature of our mission means that Starfleet wish to maintain some kind of distance. I believe the usual term is plausible deniability. If we are discovered Starfleet will be shocked at our presence in Cardassian territory and we will be on our own. “ She smiled wryly, “So we had better not be discovered. Our biggest unknown and therefore our biggest danger is the reliability of this Targin Lau. If he is not what he seems to be then we will be in deep trouble. If he is… then I have to wonder what the disappearance of the Garralon has to do with nefarious Cardassian projects? She was lightyears away from Cardassian space, or should have been.” She looked at T’vhor. “I don’t like being in the dark and I like it still less when we seem to be going into this blindfolded but,” she indicated the PADD, “we have been given our orders. If someone at SFHQ thinks this is important then it probably is, if only so that we find out whether or not it actually *is* important. If nothing else perhaps we can find some answers about the Garralon.” “Of course, all communications outside the ship will have to be restricted. We can’t risk word getting out of what we are doing, especially not that we are on a covert operation. But I think a cover story that we are investigating elements of the Garralon’s disappearance should satisfy most of the crew, if that would acceptable to you, Captain?” (reply T’Vhor) (posted by Liz) (USS Spectre – Captain's Ready Room – CO, Captain T'Vhor – 10:58) The FO's mention of restricted communication was a foregone conclusion of course, she had mentioned plausible deniability, another foregone conclusion perhaps, but one borne of necessity given the conditions this mission was to proceed under. Her initial apprehensions regarding their contact, Targin Lau, were not unfounded, this person could be anyone after all, even a plant placed in the mix to obfuscate and confuse, this was always a possibility in such situations. For the moment though, the Captain agreed with the recommendations of his most senior officer, they were investigating elements of the Garralon's initial disappearance, that would indeed be enough to satisfy the confusion of the crew. The truth though was that the stakes were far greater than either of the two officers within the ready room had even hoped to guess, not that a Vulcan EVER guessed of course but, well.... you know. The Vulcan hybrid CO exhaled heavily, his brow furrowing at the ramifications of keeping his crew in the dark. It wasn't the first time that they had gone into a mission under a Denial Of Awareness clause, it was the ships bread and butter so to speak, and as such if push came to shove, they would all fall in behind him. Of that he had no doubts whatsoever. "Unfortunately Commander, needs must as they say. Starfleet Command consider our mission of the utmost importance, and the covert element of that mission is essential to the successful conclusion of it", he said, taking into consideration all of Tsukawa's concerns as he spoke. (Reply Tsukawa, IYW) "I want you to call a briefing of the senior officers", he continued, "twelve hundred hours precisely. In the Observation lounge" (Reply Tsukawa) "As the Security Chief, Lieutenant Kerge will be one of the few that will know of ALL of our mission parameters. For the time being though, we will maintain a 'need to know' stance in regards specific departments until we receive further orders, or the situation dictates otherwise" (Reply Tsukawa) The Captain brought his hands together in front of him. It was not the done thing for a CO to withhold mission info from his first officer, let alone his crew, and despite prior recommendations to the contrary, he felt it best to appraise her. "Sulia Madon, Geneva. What do these two variables illicit within your mind Commander?", he asked, knowing that any Starfleet Command Officer would immediately know what such names used in tandem might convey... (Reply Tsukawa) (Posted by Alan) (USS Spectre – Ready Room – FO, Commander Hoshimi Tsukawa – 10:59) "Unfortunately Commander, needs must as they say. Starfleet Command consider our mission of the utmost importance, and the covert element of that mission is essential to the successful conclusion of it," the Captain said. “Understood, Sir.” "I want you to call a briefing of the senior officers, twelve hundred hours precisely. In the Observation lounge" “Aye, Sir. I’ll arrange it as soon as we finish here.” Hoshimi made a mental note. "As the Security Chief, Lieutenant Kerge will be one of the few that will know of ALL of our mission parameters,” T’Vhor continued. ”For the time being though, we will maintain a 'need to know' stance in regards specific departments until we receive further orders, or the situation dictates otherwise" Hoshimi nodded. “That would be prudent, Sir,” she agreed. There was a pause, and then the Captain asked, "Sulia Madon, Geneva. What do these two variables illicit within your mind Commander?” The First Officer’s eyebrows rose. “Trouble, Captain. With a capital ‘T’. Is she known to be involved in the events we’re investigating? If so – well, things will get interesting very quickly indeed.” (reply T’Vhor iyw) Hoshimi considered her next words carefully. “Even if it is just a suspicion, or even a rumour, I still think it behoves us to take it seriously. I don’t think we can risk discounting her involvement without definite proof.” (reply T’Vhor, any) (Posted by Liz) (USS Spectre – Captain's Ready Room – CO, Captain T'Vhor – 11:00) The First Officers input was measured, although guarded, albeit fully aware of the ramifications of the defined variables mentioned. Madon was known to be associated with the parasitic life-form that had attempted to infest Geneva, and although it had only been intoned at the time of that incursion, the very mention of her name was not to be taken lightly now! “Trouble, Captain. With a capital ‘T’. Is she known to be involved in the events we’re investigating? If so – well, things will get interesting very quickly indeed.”, said the FO. The Captain quirked his head. The FO's statement was an understatement, Madon's involvement anywhere right now was a definitive no no, the woman was a pariah, a fly in the ointment, a veritable pain in the butt and an infinite amount of other idioms to boot. Wherever this woman turned up, trouble, with a capital T as the FO had suggested, was indeed sure to follow. "There is strong suspicion to suggest that she is Commander, another incursion into Federation space perhaps but one far more thought out than that of the Geneva incursion I fear", said the Captain, pondering the FO's words and then adding to them... "Interesting, is not the word", he said, "I would say, dangerous in the extreme" (Reply Tsukawa, IYW) The FO continued on. “Even if it is just a suspicion, or even a rumour, I still think it behoves us to take it seriously. I don’t think we can risk discounting her involvement without definite proof.” The Captain nodded his ascent. "Indeed. Our mission is thus. Investigate the supposition, ascertain the exact whereabouts and involvement of the Garralon in these proceedings, and then primarily prevent any possible incursion into Federation territory at all costs.", he began, pausing then briefly. "If the Garralon is involved in the manner that Starfleet suspects, then we have orders to destroy her without question before she makes Sol", he added, knowing the effect that his words might carry at that moment in their discussion. (Reply Tsukawa) (Reply Tsukawa) (Posted by Alan) (USS Spectre – Private Quarters – SEC Ensign Alexandria Smithson – 11:00) Alex had been adjusting her file to reflet her new position, she was now essentially a Security Officer, one job to concentrate on sat down to make out a Personal Log. "Computer begin personal Log Ensign Alexandria Smithson Stardate 241410.01" She said. "Ready" was all the computer said. "Recently the rumour mill has hinted that we will be despatched on a special mission, one that the Spectre is build for, if this is true I do not know, but after my experience on that thrice dammned temporal and spatial inflicted Starbase I hope it is your average run of the mill mission without any spatial anomolies or chronoton fluctuations. I wonder personally if this mission is going to cost us like the last one did, Father was correct in saying that Fleet Command could be more dangerous than Marines, still I think I took the right course but what will happen, will happen. End Log" With that done she completed her pottering around the quarters and reading up on Security procedures that her new job would entail. ~ Why do I have a Bad feeling about this upcoming mission? ~ She asked herself. (Reply: None) (Simmed by Paul Davies) (USS Spectre – Marine Quarters – Corporal Houseman – 11:00) “And there I was minding my own business having a few drinks relaxing as it is out shore leave, talking to some nice woman if you know what I mean and then some fleet REMF staggers over and tells me that I need to leave the establishment before there is trouble.” He shook his head. “And then his buddies turn up. Thinking that they are all hard and something looking for a beating but lucky for them We got the recall so I had to get back. It probably saved them time in sickbay, boy were they lucky.” He looked over at O’Hara who was at the other end of the quarters. “Hay Lewis what’s going on?” He paused for a moment. “I bet its going to be some kind of Green Shirt Duty again.” (Reply O’Hara) (Reply O’Hara, any) (Posted by Robbie) (USS Spectre – Ten Forward – CMO Noah – 11:05) “Good morning, Doctor,” Noah looked up from his meal to see Kirrin standing beside him. He smiled and offered her the seat. “Hallo Zia” “May I sit with you?” “Of course please take a seat.” (Reply Kirrin) He looked at the huge chunk of chocolate cake that was in front of Kirrin and smiled as he pointed at the chocolate cake. “Looks like you are feeling hungry?” (Reply Kirrin) (Reply Kirrin, any) (Posted by Robbie) (USS Spectre – Ten Forward – ACMO, Ensign (jg), Zia Kirrin – 11:07) “Of course please take a seat.” Zia sat down and regarded her cake with satisfaction. She glanced up to see Dr Noah looking at it, then he met her glance and smiled, pointing at her cake. “Looks like you are feeling hungry?” “Yes I am!” Zia replied. “I had an early start this morning; I had some supplies to check with the Quatermaster.” She took a spoonful of her cake and savoured it. “The woman at the counter was right, it really is very good!” she said with satisfaction, then nodded at the CMO’s plate. “It looks as though you are hungry too,” she said. “That is a good thing, I think. Nurse Douwsy says you need feeding up.” (reply Noah, any) (Posted by Liz) (USS Spectre – Ten Forward – CMO Noah – 11:10) “It looks as though you are hungry too,” “That is a good thing, I think. Nurse Douwsy says you need feeding up.” Noah smiled first. “Yes I’m always hungry and at the moment I can eat as much as I like.” He then rolled his eyes at Kirrin second comment. “Douwsy! Its like having my mother.” He shook his head. “I am old enough to look after my self. Even if I don’t look like it.” He said with a small smile. “Who are things with you?” (Reply Kirrin) (Reply Kirrin, any) (Posted by Robbie) (USS Spectre – Bridge – FO, Commander Hoshimi Tsukawa – 11:10) Hoshimi’s mind was still working on the information that T’Vhor had given her, but for the moment she put that aside whilst she carried out the task she had been given by the Captain. “Commander Tsukawa to all senior officers. There will be a mission briefing in the Observation Lounge at 1200 hours precisely. Attendance is mandatory. Tsukawa out.” Having sent the message, Hoshimi began to prepare for the briefing. (Reply Any, All) (Posted by Liz) (USS Spectre – Ten Forward – ACMO – Ensign(jg), Athanasia Kirrin – 11:11) “How are things with you?” the CMO asked. Zia shrugged. “I am settled in now,” she said. “And although I still miss Oggie, I am very glad to be aboard this ship, but I am looking forward to our leaving the station and actually doing something.” At that moment, appropriately enough, the FO’s message came over the commbadges of Zia and her companion. =/\= Commander Tsukawa to all senior officers. There will be a mission briefing in the Observation Lounge at 1200 hours precisely. Attendance is mandatory. Tsukawa out. =/\= Zia’s eyes lit up. “Doctor Noah, it would seem that we are to depart before too long, if we are summoned to a mission briefing, would you not say?” (reply Noah) She sighed happily. “This will be the beginning of a very great adventure, I am sure!” (reply Noah) (Posted by Liz) (USS Spectre – Holodeck 1 – Tactical Officer, Ensign Gryffin Pendragon – 11:23) Pendragon was running through a forest, looking like one around the hills of Wales, where he grew up. He has taken to running this route daily, around 5 miles, over rough terrain. The light breeze cooling his skin as he ran, and the sunlight forming pools of light in the forest. He was building his fitness back, in preparation for the next mission. He maintained the steady pace as he rounded the last bend on the trail, then a rough 200 metre sprint to the finish along a well worn path. He stopped and picked up the water bottle he had left there. He was pleased to notice he was not as out of breath as when he started this regime. Checking the time with the computer ar, he headed for his quarters, for a shower and to change, before heading to the bridge to start his shift. (Posted by Tim) (reply any) (USS Spectre - Bridge - CSO, Ensign Kurt Palmer - 11:25) As per usual Kurt had to have one computer hang up. The computer responded negatively to his last series of commands leaving the expression on Kurt's face contorted with frustration and confusion. ~we solved this problem with the secondary aft sensors yesterday. What is this ship doing?!?~ He tried one more ineffective trick before moving on. He would come back to this at the end of his to do list. Kurt looked up as a female officer sporting security colours addressed him . "Hi there, my names is Alexandria, Security Officer and if you do not mind me asking as you seem to be new here, who are you?" "Kurt Palmer." he smiled back. "I'm the new chief science officer." (reply, smithson, any) ((post by Cody)) (USS Spectre - Bridge - Security Station - Ensign Alexandria Smithson SEC - 11:30) Alex arrived onto the bridge her long hair was up in a tight bun this time and unlike last time she took a position at the Security station and went through the checklists, ready for the ships leaving, she looks over at the new CSO. "Hi there, my names is Alexandria, Security Officer and if you do not mind me asking as you seem to be new here, who are you? she asked. (Reply: Palmer) (Reply Palmer) (Posted by Paul Davies) (USS Spectre - Bridge - Security Officer, Ensign Alexandria Smithson - 11:32) After the Science Officer had finished he looked over at her. "Hi there, my names is Alexandria, Security Officer and if you do not mind me asking as you seem to be new here, who are you?" "Kurt Palmer." he smiled back. "I'm the new chief science officer." Smiling "Oh welcome to the Spectre Kurt, is this your first posting?" She asked. (Reply Palmer) "This is my first posting, but my second mission on the Spectre" She answered. (Reply Palmer) (Posted by Paul Davies) (USS Spectre - Bridge - CSO Ensign Kurt Palmer - 11:33) "I'm the new chief science officer." Kurt finished "Oh welcome to the Spectre Kurt, is this your first posting?" Smithson asked "My second, actually." he responded "Yours?" he asked assuming they were in a similar boat considering her rank. "This is my first posting, but my second mission on the Spectre" She answered. "This is my first mission, on the Spectre." he paused "and as a science officer." he chuckled. (reply, smithson iyw) Kurt nodded before returning to his work. There were still a few items on his todo list that he couldn't complete until he had an idea of where this mission was taking them. However his mind remained clear and focused, even with the minor anxiety he was feeling that day. He completed his final check of the probe storage. ~now, these damned sensors.~ Kurt wasn't used to such technical work, and these kinds of tasks were driving him crazy. He had no problem running laps around sickbay on the Mithrandir, but this would be his third trip back down to deck twelve today. He made his way to the Turbolift. As the doors closed behind him and he told the Turbolift where he was going. The computer chime of acknowledgement came over head; Kurt pictured a small child giggling after she had played an annoying trick on someone. Kurt frowned, and gave his commbadge a flick. "Palmer to MacKenzie. Can you meet me in secondary sensor control...... Again...." (reply, Mackenzie) The Turbolift plummeted a few more decks and Kurt regained a collected composure. (reply, Smithson, MacKenzie, Any) ((post by Cody)) (USS Spectre - Bridge - SEC, Ensign Alexandria Smithson - 11:34) "I'm the new chief science officer." Kurt finished "Oh welcome to the Spectre Kurt, is this your first posting?" Smithson asked "My second, actually." he responded "Yours?" he asked assuming they were in a similar boat considering her rank. "This is my first posting, but my second mission on the Spectre" She answered. "This is my first mission, on the Spectre." he paused "and as a science officer." he chuckled. "Well welcome to the ship, you will not be bored" She answered With that both returned to their tasks in silence. (Reply: None) (Simmed by Paul Davies) (USS Spectre - Bridge, Auxiliary OPS – OPS Officer, Ensign Robert Smith - 11:35) Robert entered the bridge and he saw Kudrow was on the bridge. So he moved to the auxiliary bridge and put in his access code. The screen activated and he watched the information as it scrolled across the console. He watched as the power distribution flowed across the ship. He checked the main EPS conduits looking at the stresses of the conduits. They all looked in the green and the flow was good. ~Well that looks nice. Good that there was nothing untoward~ He tapped a few more commands into the console seeing that every thing was doing what it was supposed to be doing. (Reply any) (Posted by Robbie) (USS Spectre - Deck 12, Secondary Sensor Control - CSO Ensign Kurt Palmer - 11:40) The doors parted and Kurt stepped into the cramped control room. He moved across the room to the main terminal and rooted through the picked over engineering kit that was laid across the top. He frowned realizing he couldn't find anything in the picked over box. He let out an annoyed breath and placed his hands on his hips. McKenzie was about to arrive shortly or he would ask him to bring down some equipment. He cleared off the control pannel and input a few commands. ~ from the top...~ "Computer, secondary sensor restart sequence 2" The computer obliged and he heard the array beneath him wiz to a halt. The room fell silent and a few clinks were heard from the sensors below. ~what the....~ He retrieved a tricorder from the equipment case and opened a floor hatch adjacent to the terminal. He plopped down and began his analysis. As he waited for lieutenant McKenzie to arrive. ~this certainly wasn't covered at star fleet medical...~ (reply,any) ((post by Cody)) (USS Spectre – Observation Lounge – FO, Commander Hoshimi Tsukawa – 11:45) Entering the Observation Lounge, Hoshimi was pleased to see that she had arrived first, as she had intended. Seating herself, she brought out her PADD and began re-reading the information there in preparation for the briefing. (reply ALL) (Posted by Liz) (USS Spectre – Observation Lounge – ACMO – Ensign(jg) Athanasia Kirrin – 11:57) Zia slipped into the room with a few minutes to spare and sat down in the nearest empty seat. She placed a PADD on the table in front of her, nodded to those already present, and prepared to wait for the briefing to begin. (Reply Noah, any) (Posted by Liz) (USS Spectre – Observation Lounge - TAC/SC, Kerge – 11:58) Kerge had spent the last five minutes or so tugging at his tunic in an attempt to make it feel more... normal. Federation material had never sat well with him, it always took him a while to get used to the relative comfort that it afforded in comparison to Klingon armour. With a heavy sigh though, he resigned to the fact that it just wasn't going to be the same, and with that, he entered through the doors of the Obs lounge, PADD in hand. Glancing around, he espied First Officer Tsukawa who had by then taken a seat nearby where the Captain normally sat, as was her prerogative of course. He nodded briefly in her direction and then took the next seat in the line, exhaling once again and then tugging at his tunic for the umpteenth time. Tsukawa regarded him briefly... (Reply Tsukawa, IYW) (Posted by Alan) (Beta Aurianis 4 – Unknown Planetoid – Venom 9 and Sulia Madon – 14:25) The arrival of the small, black vessel in orbit of the dark, misshapen planetoid had not been logged or even witnessed by any of the stations charged with such matters as 'noting' the transit of space fairing vehicles within the vicinity. Indeed, it's arrival had been such that not even an interstellar sleuth equipped with distortion accommodation sensing equipment would sense anything amiss... but then, this vessel was not your usual space fairing vessel! At it's helm, the pilot sat with an ease that belied his, or should that have been 'it's' true intent, the fingers entirely black and shiny and moving deftly across a panel that had at first appeared as black as the digits currently moving upon it, before then lighting up to display curious, unrecognized iconography that lit up further to each activation of the strange, electromechanical fingers that activated them. Within seconds, a transport pad somewhere beyond lit up, the molecular dance of photons heralding the arrival of something, or someone from nearby. There had been no verbal communications and no acknowledgement of transport readiness, it was as though the arrival and subsequent transport had been planned and executed almost as a foregone conclusion, as indeed it had been. Venom 9 did not even turn to observe the transport, his exterior proximal sensor arrays knew who it was already, and besides, all weaponry of any kind was deactivated the very second it arrived in the vicinity of the torus field emanating from the centre of Venom's ship. The tap of a heeled boot upon the decking though, signaled that the newcomer had stepped down from the transport pad, only then did Venom lift his head. “So good to see you again Mr Nine”, said the cloaked, Cardassian female as she moved towards the front of the small vessel. A curious address perhaps, but Venom said nothing, he only turned about, a small glow appearing from within the black, perfectly smooth glass-like facia of his featureless countenance being the only visible cue that he was actually sentient. This 'thing' was the end product of a symbiosis of Cardassian/Borg/Obsidian order tech that combined to create a ruthless, unfeeling killing machine, an assassin driven purely by organic synaps that lacked any form of reasoning beyond it's own survival and objective. It had been created to succeed where others would fail, and although a lot of it's technology had been borne of Borg technology, Venom 9 was 'nothing' like a Borg drone! For a moment or two, the glow increased just slightly within it's cranium, and then it finally voiced something resembling a voice, albeit robotic, and synthetic sounding. “Maaad-on”, he said. Sulia Madon merely nodded, her lips curling into a thin smile as she stepped closer to the viewscreen in order to observe the planetoid below them. It was barren of course, barely more than a spinning volcanic rock formed from a nearby expulsion of material from a nearby world, but being volcanic and also heavily magnetic, confusing anything remotely capable of sensor probing of the immediate area. Madon turned her attention away from the viewscreen and then she stepped back as the mechanical/organic hybrid being before her followed with it's illuminated 'eye', if indeed that was what it was. “I trust that you have satisfied your end of our bargain Mr Nine”, said Madon impatiently, a curious rising of a scaled eyebrow ridge as she spoke, a nuance she had learned from a certain Vulcan from times long passed. Venom reached out his hand to turn it palm upwards before her, a rectangular box like object roughly four inches in length and three deep suddenly materializing upon it to Madon's distinct amazement. “That never ceases to amaze me”, she said, reaching then for the box and taking it into her own hand. “Organo-phasic transportation without the need for any kind of primary shunt”, she added in admiration. Venom said nothing of course, verbal communication was archaic and troublesome at best, and he rarely resorted to it's use unless dealing with the lower forms of life! Madon opened the box, her eyes bright and wide as she peered within it, her lips curling once again into that familiar smile as the blue light bathed her face upon it's opening. Then she closed it once again as though fearful that it might slip from her grasp in an instance. “You have done well”, she stated, “the merchandise is precisely as promised, and the relevant payment is already in transit to the location that you specified” Venom quirked his head slightly to one side, and then he verbalized once more. “It wiiiil, dis-integ-rate should the pay-ment not arr-iiive”, he said, motioning to the rectangular box that Madon now seemed to be guarding with all the intent of a mother protecting it's child. The smile disappeared just briefly, she clearly knew not to cross this 'thing' before her, even if she was the bearer of what she believed was a superior being within the four quadrants of known space. She contemplated that just briefly, and then she nodded respectably. “The payment will arrive”, she ensured, “it is in transit as we speak” The 'eye' pulsed just briefly within Venom's skull, and then it dimmed once again as he turned his attention back to the panel before him to process Madon's transport off his vessel accordingly. For a brief moment, she had pondered the efficacy of attempting to 'infest' the dark, soulless being before her.... but then had thought better of it. To risk the wrath of Starfleet Command itself was one thing, but to risk the wrath of something born of the Venom project was another matter entirely. The notion left her thoughts as quickly as it had entered, and then to the accompaniment of the already charging transport pad beyond her, she retreated to stand upon it. Venom did not acknowledge it at all, Sulia Madon then disappeared from his ship in a photonic haze, complete with the core element of something few knew anything about within her grip. That all important piece that would grant power beyond realization and thus initiate the successful takeover of the entire Federation, and the now sentient Subspace River itself! The 'Messiah' device... (Reply None) (Posted by Alan) =========================================================================