From: owner-spectre-nrpg@startrekfreedom.com on behalf of Michael Drake [michael@startrekfreedom.com] Sent: Tuesday, 17 January 2006 7:09 AM To: spectre-nrpg@startrekfreedom.com Subject: SPECTRENRPG: Spectre Compile: The Death of Dreams, #3 Hello - Another compile. They're quite therapeutic after a while... Apologies to TK as I keep sending things from the wrong email address. -=/\=- Mission: The Death of Dreams Compile: 3 -=/\=- Stardate: 2407.01.13 Day: 1 (USS Spectre, Ready Room – StratOps, Commander Tahlmari - 1332) (USS Spectre, Ready Room – StratOps, Commander Tahlmari - 1332) (USS Spectre, Ready Room - CO, Captain Remae Ktell - 1335) (USS Spectre, Counsellor's Office - CO, Captain Remae Ktell - 1640) (USS Spectre, Counsellor's Office - COUNS, Divon Lronen - 1643) (USS Spectre, Counsellor's Office - CO, Captain Remae Ktell - 1645) (USS Spectre, Counsellor's Office - COUNS, Divon Lronen - 1648) (USS Spectre, Counsellor's Office CO, Captain Remae Ktell - 1650) (USS Spectre, Holodeck 1 - CO, Captain Remae Ktell - 1700) (USS Firebrande, Bridge - CO, Captain Remae Ktell – Stardate 2379.01.19 02.40) (USS Spectre, Holodeck 1 - CO, Captain Remae Ktell - 1715) (USS Spectre, Captain's Mess - CO, Captain Remae Ktell - 2010) Stardate: 2407.01.14 Day: 2 (USS Spectre, Ready Room - CO, Captain Remae Ktell - 0945) (USS Spectre, Bridge – StratOps, Commander Tahlmari - 0948) (USS Spectre, Sickbay - CMO Williams - 1054) (USS Spectre, Personal Quarters - ACSO, Lt. Yayla Nollys - 1104) (USS Spectre, Ten Forward - First Officer T’Vhor - 1130) (USS Spectre, StratOps Center – StratOps, Commander Tahlmari - 1140) (USS Spectre, Personal Quarters - ACSO, Lt. Yayla Nollys - 1141) (USS Spectre, 10 Forward Lounge – StratOps, Commander Tahlmari - 1145) (USS Spectre, Ten Forward - First Officer T’Vhor - 1146) (USS Spectre, Ten Forward – COUNS, Divon Lronen - 1147) (USS Spectre, Main Engineering – ACEO, Kyla Angeletti - 1147) (USS Spectre, Engineering - ACSO, Lt. Yayla Nollys - 1148) (USS Spectre, Corridor - ACSO, Lt. Yayla Nollys - 1154) (USS Spectre, Ten Forward – COUNS, Divon Lronen - 1156) (USS Spectre, Ten Forward - First Officer T’Vhor - 1157) (USS Spectre, Science Lab 2 - ACSO, Lt. Yayla Nollys - 1159) (USS Spectre, Ten Forward – StratOps, Commander Tahlmari - 1200) (USS Spectre, Ten Forward - First Officer T’Vhor - 1201) (USS Spectre, Counsellor's Office - CO, Captain Remae Ktell - 1605) (USS Spectre, Bridge - CO, Captain Remae Ktell - 1635) (USS Spectre, Ready Room - CO, Captain Remae Ktell - 1638) (USS Spectre, Bridge - CO, Captain Remae Ktell - 1921) (USS Spectre, Sickbay - CMO Williams - 1923) (USS Spectre, Bridge - StratOps, Commander Tahlmari - 1925) (USS Spectre, Bridge - First Officer T’Vhor - 1926) -=/\=- (USS Spectre, Ready Room – StratOps, Commander Tahlmari - 1332)   Tahl entered as the door to the ready room opened. He nodded to the CO as he was invited to sit down.   "Commander, how can I help you? Does the new STRATOPS centre look good?" asked Remae. Tahl smiled. "It looks up to the specifications that I had requested. I think that it might even have a few things that Mr. Banowski threw in that I hadn't asked for. I'm going to give it a little spin later on. I'll keep you apprised." "So, Mr Tahl, what can I do for you?” asked Remae with the thoughts still on his mind regarding his impending meeting with the Counsellor.   "I just wanted to check in," Tahl replied, "and let you know that I'll be sticking around here for a while longer, if that's alright with you?" Spectre seems to be a happening place."   (Reply Remae) (Posted by Al Muir) (USS Spectre, Ready Room – StratOps, Commander Tahlmari - 1332)   "Of course it is, Tahl, I am pleased that you decided to remain, I am going to rely on your expertise and I hope you will mentor and keep a close eye on my new First Officer, he is due here in an hour or so." Remae said. Tahl was a little caught off guard by the CO's reply. ~Who was this guy and what did he do with Captain Remae. He just seems so much more ... reasonable.~   "Ummm, of course," Tahl replied, "I'd be happy to help out." "Very good, carry on," Remae said dismissively. Tahl left the office a little confused, but feeling a little more positive about being on the Spectre for a while longer.   (Reply none) (Posted by Al Muir) (USS Spectre, Ready Room - CO, Captain Remae Ktell - 1335) Remae was meeting the STRATOPS for the first time since the refit. "I just wanted to check in," Tahl replied, "and let you know that I'll be sticking around here for a while longer, if that's alright with you?" Spectre seems to be a happening place.". he said smiling. "Of course it is, Tahl, I am pleased that you decided to remain, I am going to rely on your expertise and I hope you will mentor and keep a close eye on my new First Officer, he is due here in an hour or so,” asked Remae, hoping the experience of the Commander would rub off on his new FO. (Reply from Tahl) "Very good, carry on,” said Remae feeling better about what was to come, the more experienced people they had onboard, the better. (Reply from Tahl, Any) (Posted by Anthony Keen) (USS Spectre, Counsellor's Office - CO, Captain Remae Ktell - 1640) ".is there nothing good that you can see about your life now?" That question took the CO by surprised, it wasn't everyday someone asked him how he was or how his life was. Remae had to think about the question for a moment. "Life is uniform is always busy, Counsellor, septically at the moment when there is a war in the making. Personally, well, it's not as if there are a lot of Captain's or Admiral's to talk too these days, as for the crew, getting personally involved with their lives really isn't appropriate." Divon looked at the his CO and nodded, "How do you feel about Cardassians now?" "I don't hold the Cardassian Race a grudge, Counsellor, if that's what you mean. As for Dulon, he is dead and that's that, although his legacy continues to haunt me, especially when we ran across that medical facility where the computer, who ran the place, told me I was there before but I don't remember it." Remae thought about that for a moment, a soon as this mission is over, he was going to pay a visit to that planet once more and take down that computer; he waited for the Counsellor's next question. (Reply from Lronen) (Posted by Anthony Keen) (USS Spectre, Counsellor's Office - COUNS, Divon Lronen - 1643)   Divon listened to what the Captain had to say in both cases. ~Time to make a decision.~   "Sir, I want to go back to what you said before, about becoming personally involved with your crew. I do understand what you are saying. As a counsellor I frequently have the same problem. What I have had to decide to do is keep the counsellor and the Divon personaes separate," stated Divon looking the captain straight in the eyes.   (Reply Ktell iyw)   "Here is what I mean, Sir. We can have this session now, I can advise you or just listen, or do nothing at all but record the information and place it into your file. Then, I go onto the bridge of your vessel and follow your orders without blinking. Unless there is a danger to the crew or ship I don't use that knowledge and no one else hears about it as well. The bridge is your kingdom, and its where you take on a separate persona, as do I."   (Reply Ktell iyw)   Divon continued, "Then, if you and I happened to run into each other at dinner or in the recreation room, I would talk to you as a person, because at the end of the day, that's what we all are. What happens on the bridge stays on the bridge, what happens in the counselling sessions stays in the counselling sessions, what happens in the recreation area stays in the recreation area. I'm just concerned that in withdrawing yourself you're doing yourself harm. We all need social contact, we all need friends. Most people here are mature and intelligent enough to see the difference between on the job and off the job behaviour. You are allowed to have friends, you are allowed to have fun. In fact, with your job and with some of the stresses you've had in your life, I'd say its almost mandatory. I actually believe that the crew would be delighted to see you in that capacity and it might even grow a stronger working relationship between yourself and the crew as well. The larger than life Captain who is aloof is almost an anachronism."   (Reply Ktell) (Posted by Jeff) (USS Spectre, Counsellor's Office - CO, Captain Remae Ktell - 1645) "Sir, I want to go back to what you said before, about becoming personally involved with your crew. I do understand what you are saying. As a counsellor I frequently have the same problem. What I have had to decide to do is keep the counsellor and the Divon personas separate." Remae simply nodded at the Counsellor, he was happy that the man understood what it meant to lead people. ".The larger than life Captain who is aloof is almost an anachronism." He listened through the words of wisdom coming from the Counsellor, Remae wanted to believe what he was saying but he couldn't. "Divon, that probably works well for you, or anyone else on this ship but I am your Captain, I may have to order you one a mission where you could die, I can't let personal feelings stop me from making that choice and if the price of that is that I can't have any friends, then that is the way it is,” said Remae becoming frustrated with the process. "As for a working relationship between me and the crew, trust me, I want that relationship to run smoothly but in the end, we don't run a diplomatic process on this ship, I am the Captain and they are the crew and they follow my orders and I can't let anything get in the way of that." He stood and it became clear that this was going to be the end of this session. "I have to return to my duties Counsellor, I appreciate the time you've spent with me and I've got a lot to think about. Perhaps we can schedule for another session, tomorrow say?,” he said and he waited for a moment to see what the Counsellor was going to say. (Reply from Lronen) (Posted by Anthony Keen) (USS Spectre, Counsellor's Office - COUNS, Divon Lronen - 1648)   "I would be happy to see you again tomorrow. I do believe that this is useful even though it does seem to be frustrating you. I'm sorry for that, sometimes though we get frustrated when longstanding beliefs we have start to get challenged," stated Divon, "What time should I expect you tomorrow?"   (Reply Ktell)   Divon nodded. No matter what the Captain felt, they had made a lot of progress even in one session. Ktell was amazingly open and honest, much more than most commanding officers he had dealt with in the past. "One other thing, Sir, just consider, this line about not wanting to get close to anyone on your crew, is that for duty reasons, or is it because you just don't want to feel loss again like you have had to endure in the past? Perhaps you're so afraid of losing people that you're using duty as a defense. People will die in your life, they will leave, but you have to judge whether its better to have people in your life and enjoy them while they're around or to lock them out and feel disconnected all the time. Anyway, it really is your decision to make. Don't think I'm judging you, I don't have that right, I haven't lived with what you've had to. I just want you to consider the possibility," Divon trailed off at that point.   (Reply Ktell)   He knew that his captain was hurting. He also knew that everything he had seen pointed to a 'normal' captain. A normal captain with abandonment issues, with loss issues, with grief issues. Was he dangerous to himself or others? At the moment Divon still didn't think so, but a certain amount of 'friendship' or 'ownership' often helped most captains to avoid taking unnecessary and wreckless risks. Perhaps that was the issue?   (Reply Ktell) (Posted by Jeff) (USS Spectre, Counsellor's Office - CO, Captain Remae Ktell - 1650) ". I just want you to consider the possibility." Remae spent a few moments thinking about what the Counsellor had said, "I will,” and that was all he could think of. "I would be happy to see you again tomorrow. I do believe that this is useful even though it does seem to be frustrating you. I'm sorry for that, sometimes though we get frustrated when longstanding beliefs we have start to get challenged," stated Divon, "What time should I expect you tomorrow?" "The same time, Counsellor, 16.00,” and with that, he left the room without another word. (USS Spectre, Holodeck 1 - CO, Captain Remae Ktell - 1700) Remae had entered the holodeck and not for the first time, he ran a holodeck program with no name, but a sequence of commands. A figure appeared that was a Cardassian. He had made this facsimile of the Gul Dulon so that he wouldn't forget the face that had haunted him these past years, so he wouldn't forget the pain, the torture and what happened to him on Cardassia Prime, at least, what he remembered. He looked at the image for a moment before clearing the holodeck but then he said, "Computer, access Starfleet records, locate and display biographical data on Jana Bell." [working] An image appeared and the resemblance to his own memories was exact, this was the Jana he had known, "Display biographical data." The computer obliged and the information came up, the record read as normal, a Captain in Starfleet, of the Wraith, another sister of the Spectre. something caught his eye. 'While tracking down the USS Spectre at her last know coordinates just outside Sector 001, the USS Wraith was also lost. the entire area was declared off-limits in 2379' Stardate: 2379.01.19 (USS Firebrande, Bridge - CO, Captain Remae Ktell - 0240) "Transfer warp power to the defence systems and bring us around for another pass,” ordered Remae, getting shaken by more weapons fire. =^= This is the Lion, we've found a weak point on that monster, the shields are weakest here. fire at will! =^= "You heard them, fire!" Phaser fire and torpedoes flew out of all the ships of the fleet, slamming into one part of the battleship, weakening it, as the fire first got through the shields and made impacts on the hull. In the meantime, the second battleship was making its way over, it wouldn't be long before it was in range, but they gave the Romulans a chance to break from the their lines and take to the offensive on the smaller, Dominion fighters. Ships of the fleet were also being disabled and destroyed as the fighters knew that their battleship was in danger, concentrated their fire on the Federation ships, but it was too late. Internal explosions rocked the large ship. Stardate 2407.01.13 (USS Spectre, Holodeck 1 - CO, Captain Remae Ktell - 1715) ~ That's the last thing I remember ~ After the explosion, the Firebrande was pushed into this universe and out of their own, they also jumped 6 years into the future. ~ Is it possible that the Wraith was as well? ~ Remae considered the fact that there was another Spectre class ship, the USS Wraith from his reality out there, somewhere and did that mean, there was another Jana out there, his Jana? And that Starfleet had reassimilated her into her future? He headed out of the holodeck with this on his mind. would he tell the Counsellor what he had remembered? He would have to think about it. (Reply from Any) (Posted by Anthony Keen) (USS Spectre, Captain's Mess, CO, Captain Remae Ktell - 20.10) "Is everything ok sir?” said T'Vhor. Remae was snapped out his thoughts for a moment and he nodded to his First Officer, he wasn't been a great host and he listened for a moment after saying, "I was just thinking of Bajor,” he said, it looked like his sessions with the Counsellor were stirring him to think more of the life outside the Spectre. "I have harsh memories of the Cardassian occupation of Bajor also sir,” said T'Vhor, "I myself use various Vulcan techniques to control the emotions that sometimes surface within me", he added. "Perhaps I may teach you the way of achieving Venlinahr", said T'Vhor. "Interesting, I'll let you know,” said Remae. "As First Officer of this vessel, it is my duty to ensure that my Captain is helped in any way I may help him sir", said T'Vhor. "Don't call me Sir, while we're off duty, it's not necessary. Many Bajorans don't allow the use of their given name easily but I don't mind being called Remae." "So, tell me a little about yourself,” said Remae drinking some more of the wine. "Everything you would need to know is contained in my Starfleet record sir", he said eating, "Unless of course what you enquire of is of a time when I was not a Starfleet officer", he added. "In which case sir, we would probably need a lot more time than we have now for me to explain the events that have led me to this point", said T'Vhor. Remae smiled at that, it seemed T'Vhor kept his emotions in check as well as any Vulcan, the talk continued for a while before the FO turned talk back to matters of the mission. "Sir, I am curious as to why Starfleet command are withholding our mission details from us until the very last moment", said T'Vhor, "this does not imply confidence in our ships internal security", he added. "I doubt Command have a lot of problems with you or the crew of the Spectre, let's just say they have a problem with it's CO. they don't and won't trust me and that's the way it is,” said Remae indicating that was the end of that subject. "Are we to assume then that there may be forces loyal to Admiral Doenitz much closer to home then sir,” said T'Vhor. "We have people onboard who have families, friends on the other side, they was always going to be confusion and split loyalties amongst the crew, but so far, I've seen no evidence of problems and I hope not too,” said Remae. "Of course sir, I understand", said the First Officer as he drank a little more of the rare wine from the glass. The evening progressed on and the talk was pleasant and Remae started to get a feel for his First Officer, at a personal level, of course, he would have to test him at the professional level before his could promote him to the rank of Lt Commander, which would give him the authority of rank as well as position over the crew. He didn't remember T'Vhor leaving him because he was asleep, something he didn't do was sleep well but for the first time in a long while, he was asleep before midnight, on one of the comfy chairs in his dining area. (Reply from Any) (Posted by Anthony Keen) Stardate: 2407.01.14 (USS Spectre, Ready Room - CO, Captain Remae Ktell - 0945) "To be honest Captain, I really don't have too many details either. As you know, we'll be meeting up with the USS Asguard, the USS Bradley and the USS Ulysses, as well as the IKS Moctar. Captain Renfrew on the Asguard is a very experienced war veteran. He's a little long in the tooth, as they say, but he's still as sharp as they come. And he knows enough to carry an excellent FO. Jonathan Muldar, on the Ulyses is transplant from a defecting unit. He came over, before the attacks on the outlying worlds. I only know of Captain Stor by reputation." "He's tough in a fight but a little loose around the edges." "And as for Captain Kram, I couldn't tell you. Intelligence has gotten that far yet, or if they have, they haven't seen fit to inform StratOps,” said Tahl. Remae listened to the Commander, his situation report was much more detailed than he got from Starfleet, in fact, and it was more because he had received nothing from Command. "Computer, ETA at the border?” he asked, turning the computer terminal around so that he could see it. The answered appeared and Remae came to realise just how far Doenitz had come in controlling most of what the Federation was. "We'll arrive in about eight hours Commander, keep digging around and see what you can find out and please, liaise with the First Officer about the ships that are coming, perhaps you can put the new STRATOPS centre to work eh?” Remae said as he spun away from his computer screen. (Reply from Tahl) "Very well, thank you Commander, dismissed,” said Remae and a few moments later, he was alone again. "Computer, display the current positions for the following ships, the USS Asguard, the USS Bradley, the USS Ulysses and access Klingon records and display the IKS Moctar last know heading." [Working] Remae sat back, thankful for the Commander assuming he knew who was coming to the party, now; he began to work on why this select group of ships was coming together. (Reply from Tahl, Any) (Posted by Anthony Keen) (USS Spectre, Bridge – StratOps, Commander Tahlmari - 0948)   Tahl watched Remae as he gave out his information. He realized that he had given the CO new facts. It was a slight movement of the head, subconscious, but Tahl picked it up. Remae checked their arrival time at the border.   "We'll arrive in about eight hours Commander, keep digging around and see what you can find out and please, liaise with the First Officer about the ships that are coming, perhaps you can put the new STRATOPS centre to work eh?" Remae said as he spun away from his computer screen. "Sounds like a good idea Captain," Tahl nodded. "Very well, thank you Commander, dismissed,” said Remae with a tone of finality.   Tahl nodded, stood and headed to the bridge. There was something different about the CO. He seemed ... clamer. It was like a man who had finally decided to do something he'd been putting off, like suicide. He breathed deeply. It was not in Remae's profile to commit such an act, but a man under undue stress will do many thinkgs that people would not expect of them. And they often seem calmer than ever before they do something drastic.   Tahl shook hos head. He knew Admiral LoDona had a reason for leaving Remae on the ship. He just wished he shared inthe admirals optimism. ~Oh well, not much to do now. ~ He headed down to his new StratOps center.   (Reply none) (Posted by Al Muir) (USS Spectre, Sickbay - CMO Williams - 1054) "I will of course bear that in mind, for the time however I have gained some relief from the various meditatory techiques I learned during my time on Vulcan", said T’Vhor. "Well if you feel that you may need any extra help then please do not hesitate to return. I can not see any reason for keeping you here any longer. thank you for comming T'Vhor and I'll let you get on with your duties." He watched T'Vhor get off the bio-bed "Thank you doctor", said T’Vhor He watched T'Hor turning & leaving the sickbay to head out into the coridoor once again. ~Well that went well. Good now to find the others~ (Reply any) (Posted by Robbie) (USS Spectre, Personal Quarters - ACSO, Lt. Yayla Nollys - 1104)   Rolling over and flinging her arm out of the bed, she laid there like a limp rag doll.   [The time is 11:04]   "Oh do shut up already!" She said loudly into her pillow. The computer had been nagging her to get up for the past four minutes and she didn't want to. Yayla had always been a light sleeper and had a hard time reaching REM sleep, so when she did she took every minute she could get. Her old life habits before she joined Starfleet helped with the sleeplessness at night. She could remember back to the cold nights when she slept on the street because she had no where else to go.   [The time is 11:05]   "Argggghhhh..." Growling in frustration at the computer, she finally rolled back over and said, "Computer, disengage alarm." With the beeping of the computer, she knew it was now turned off and that annoying voice would disappear. ~At least until tomorrow,~ she thought dreadfully.   Finally dragging herself from the bed, she knew she didn't have to be on duty until 12:00. ~Thank the Profits I didn't have to be up for the early Alpha shift,~ she thought.   Getting a fresh uniform out, she laid it onto the bed, then headed to the bathroom. Turning on the sonic shower, she disrobed, then looked at herself in the mirror. ~Have I changed that much?~ She still wasn't used to seeing herself as a Starfleet officer, yet she was. Shaking her head, she got into the shower, hoping her day would go better than the day she arrived. (USS Spectre, Ten Forward - First Officer T’Vhor - 1130) Upon entering Ten forward, T’Vhor could see now that some of the tension that had been evident within the Spectres crew upon their departure from Geneva, had now lifted somewhat. Many of them had spent time communicating with family & loved ones & their manner now seemed a lot more relaxed as they sat here & there chatting amongst themselves. Some sat alone & apparently deep in thought, others simply gathered in small groups around the room. The FO had actually been heading back to the bridge when he had had that sudden urge for refreshment & with at least a half an hour to spare, he had decided to satisfy that urge by spending a short break, hence his current location in the ten forward lounge. After collecting a glass of fruit juice at the bar, T’Vhor walked over towards an empty table near to the viewing windows which looked out onto the vastness of space. Then sitting down, he took a slow sip of the juice as he watched the blurred photon star streaks shooting past as they travelled on towards their still undefined destination. Around him, he caught the inevitable snippets of information from those seated nearby as they discussed duty shifts, family members or just absent friends. Nobody knew what they were heading into & there was obviously still a certain amount of uncertainty over what the outcome of their mission might eventually be. This crew however was a well trained crew, they were ready for whatever fate might hand them & their spirits were nonetheless high. T’Vhor of course wished that he could have been more informative when he’d briefed the senior staff the night before, the truth of the matter however was that not even the CO himself knew the full details of their current mission. Within the relative calm of ten forward however, the first officers mind inevitably drifted to his own great loss. It had of course been brought to the fore of his thoughts by the brief discussion he had had with the Counsellor during his psyche evaluation. T’Vhor had often supressed his pain but if the truth were known, his loss had never been completely dealt with & the reliance he had upon his own Vulcan dicipline was at times simply not enough. When his wife & child had died, a hole had been left in his soul that he felt would never be filled again. And then there had been that brief meeting with the Ensign in engineering. She had her eyes, it was uncanny... Pushing the thoughts aside however, T’Vhor turned his attention once again to the star trails outside as he sipped at his cold refreshing drink, then, just like everyone else on the ship, he pondered for himself the nature of what they would soon be up against. (Reply Any) (Posted by Alan Reading) (USS Spectre, StratOps Center – StratOps, Commander Tahlmari - 1140)   Tahl had been working for nearly wo hours, without stopping. His stomach had begun to growl at about 1030 hours, but he managed to ignore it for a while. Bob would come out once in a whle to entice him to do other things, but Tahl managed to remain focused to his task.   "Fine," Bob said finally. "You're just not as much fun since you took this job." Then his imaginary friend disappeared.   Tahl sighed a long sigh and looked at the chronometer at his station. It was almost lunch, so a break wouldn't exactly kill him. He got up and stretched his back. With a groan he turned from his work station and headed for the door. Lunch was definitely in order. (USS Spectre, Personal Quarters - ACSO, Lt. Yayla Nollys - 1141)   Already dressed and with half a bagel left in her hand, she grabbed her PADD that contained her daily things to do. She was so used to being a 'spur of the moment' person, that if she didn't have her list she knew she'd be bound to forget something. Snatching it off the table, she swiftly headed out the door, leaving her bedroom a mess to clean up later. (USS Spectre, 10 Forward Lounge – StratOps, Commander Tahlmari - 1145)   Tahl walked into the room, and wondered, once again, why they called it 10 Forward when it was on deck 6. Looking around the room he could feel himself relaxing already. He remebered a time when he cringed at the idea of having to interact with others. He was no master of small talk, that was for sure. But since the disappearance of Alexandra, he just felt the need to be around others. Not to complain, or even talk, but just to feel their presence.   He noticed the new FO was sitting by himself by a window. Stepping over to the table he looked down at the Vulcan/Betazoid. Reading the man's file he thought that to be an interesting combination of emotions and control.   "Commander," he nodded, "may I join you?"   (Reply T'Vor) (Posted by Al Muir) (USS Spectre, Ten Forward - First Officer T’Vhor - 1146) Drinking down the last of the fruit juice from his glass, the FO was distracted by the arrival of the StratOps who had entered ten forward & arrived to stand before him. "May I join you?” said Cmdr Tahlmari. T’Vhor looked up into the commanders face & placed his glass upon the table before him. "Of course Commander", said T’Vhor & the StratOps imediately took a seat opposite him. There was a brief pause then as T’Vhor glanced again around the room at those therein, then he turned his attention to the Zakdornian opposite him. "The crew seem to be relaxing a little more now that we are en route", said T’Vhor, "there is much tension on this ship, it would help if we knew more of our mission", he added. (Reply Tahlmari) Imediately the man began speaking, T’Vhor felt that something else other than what he was saying was on his mind. He wasn’t scanning or anything, it was just surface emotions that most Betazoids never could fully screen out, just like those he had felt from the Engineer at the briefing. The Zakdornians emotions however were something more than that, they were kindred, a feeling of loss of someone dear, an emotion T’Vhor knew very well. It didn’t take long at all after that for the FO to know what it was that had been occupying the mans thoughts, but to ask a direct question in regards it might appear tactless. The StratOps simply looked out at the stars through the window as though deep in thought. "What of the USS Cochrane commander", said T’Vhor, "is there any more information regarding her status", he added trying his best not to be too obvious in his line of question. The First Officer had of course served on the Cochrane around the same time as Tahl & Captain Lowell had married, it was quite obvious now that the StratOps was missing her & the question, being unloaded would provide an opening for Tahl to talk about his thoughts if he so wished. It was then however that the Counsellor arrrived at their table also. "Excuse me gentlemen, mind if I join you?” said Divon. Both the seated officers looked up & nodded to affirm their agreeance & the Counsellor took a seat neaxt to them. "So is it good Commander?" said Divon adressing the StratOps in a manner that implied he might have messed with his food in some way. (Reply Tahl) The Counsellor then turned his attention towards the FO. "So, Commander, do you have any idea what sent an angry Andorian Engineer to my quarters yesterday complaining about telepaths? He rather rudely interrupted me when I wasn't feeling very well I'm afraid. I wasn't exactly welcoming to the intrusion,” said the Counsellor. T’Vhor raised an eyebrow quizically at the remark. "I can only assume that he may have been reffering to what I said to him when the second officer had been giving me a tour of engineering", said T’Vhor. (Reply Lronen) "The man has no control whatsoever over his emotions Counsellor, he was rude & arrogant, his thoughts project like a beacon", said T’Vhor calmly. "I was not scanning him as he may have suggested, I only perceived strong surface emotions from someone in the room & Ensign H’Chir simply confirmed their source in the way he carried out his tour of the engineering subsections", he added. "I can only apologise if the matter caused you any upset Counsellor", said T’Vhor, "it was not my intention of course" (Reply Lronen, Any) (Posted by Alan Reading) (USS Spectre, Ten Forward – COUNS, Divon Lronen - 1147) Divon, upon finishing his 'paperwork' from morning sessions decided to have a bite to eat. He had too often not had a chance to be social with his fellow crewmates. That was a problem that he was looking to rectify. Glancing over he could see Tahl talking to and getting ready to join their new First Officer. Divon couldn't help chuckling to himself remembering Tahl's joke. It had been annoying at the time, and a major inconvenience, but Divon knew he was going to enjoy himself with a prank of his own at some point. Of course, for now there was the anticipation that Tahl would no doubtedly have. The counsellor in him saw this as something enjoyable to milk.   Divon walked up to his superior officers, "Excuse me gentlemen, mind if I join you?"   (Reply Tahl, T'Vhor)   Divon nodded and sat down with them. He then looked over at Tahl's plate and grinned broadly. "So is it good Commander?" he said almost too kindly.   (reply Tahl)   In truth, Divon had done nothing to his food, but there was nothing wrong with making the commander think that he had. Divon then shifted his gaze to T'Vhor. "So, Commander, do you have any idea what sent an angry Andorian Engineer to my quarters yesterday complaining about telepaths? He rather rudely interrupted me when I wasn't feeling very well I'm afraid. I wasn't exactly welcoming to the intrusion."   (Reply T'Vhor, Tahl) (Posted by Jeff) (USS Spectre, Main Engineering – ACEO, Kyla Angeletti - 1147) After a somewhat boring start to her day, Kyla was quickly making her random rounds to keep check on all of Spectre's systems. With her mind trained on the task at hand, she didn't even notice her Academy buddy approach her. She nearly let out a scream when she turned to see Yayla staring at her intently whilst trying to chew and swallow the bagel she had in her mouth. But Yayla didn't wait to finish before she spoke. "So how's uh sysem's comin long this moring?" Kyla lifted an eyebrow, and looked at Nollys in a perplexed manner. "What? My sister? How would I know? I haven't spoken to anyone from my family since I left for the academy, you know that." "No, I said...." Yayla swallowed her mouthfull and repeated herself. "How's the system's coming?" "Oh. Everything seems to be in fine working order. With nothing to 'fix' it's been rather slow around here. But I've managed to keep myself awake," Kyla said jokingly. "Yeah well..gotta make my daily rounds of my own too ya know. Besides, I still have," glancing at a nearby chronometer, she finished, "about 10 minutes left before I'm on duty." "Ah, I see." Angeletti couldn't refrain from the coment lurking about in her mind. "You really should make it a point to talk after you've swallowed your breakfast! But, I was around you long enough at the academy so I should be able to understand you no matter what you say, or how you say it!!" "Well hey, if we don't get bombarded with stuff to do after our shifts end, I say we do something tonight. You know, girls night out?" Yayla paused briefly as Kyla had returned most of her attention back to the beeping workstation behind her. "So whatta you say?" "Sure. I'd like that. I'll pay you a visit later on, and we'll figure something out. I'm sure there's more than one way to stir up some fun around here. That is, if I don't fall asleep first!" Kyla laughed and again turned her attention to her work. "Good...and maybe we can invite that guy you've been eyeing lately," Nollys said, and then turned to walk away. Kyla's eyes widened and she whipped around to see Nollys' back. "What? What guy would that be? Do you know something that I should be made aware of?" Yayla was already out the doors. Angeletti's frustration grew as she realized Nollys had no intentions of answering her. She had a feeling Yayla had only said it to make her crazy, and as the doors slid shut she called out, "You know I'm gonna kick yer butt, right?" Kyla scowled at the doors for a few seconds before going back to her duties. This wasn't the first time Yayla had said something just to make her paranoid. In their academy days, Nollys had led her to believe that she had failed numerous exams and classes, or told her how difficult a particular examination would be to pass. Yayla even went as far as to tell Kyla that she had overheard professors talking negatively about her out in the open. Kyla always paid back the favors, of course, but Yayla always had something new up her sleeve. (Reply: Nollys, any) (Posted by: Sondra) (USS Spectre, Engineering - ACSO, Lt. Yayla Nollys - 1148)   Still having a few minutes before she technically went on duty, she decided to go check on her old friend Kyla.   As she breezed through the doors, she walked up to Kyla and said, "So how's uh sysem's comin long this moring?" Her mouth full of bagel.   <>   "No, I said...." Swallowing, she tried again. "How's the system's coming?"   <>   "Yeah well..gotta make my daily rounds of my own too ya know. Besides, I still have," glancing at a nearby chronometer, she finished, "about 10 minutes left before I'm on duty."   <>   "Well hey, if we don't get bombarded with stuff to do after our shifts end, I say we do something tonight. You know, girls night out?"   <>   Though there were people in engineering, everyone already on duty seemed to be away from the main part of engineering and working on other systems. Otherwise she wouldn't have come down in the first place.   "So whatta you say?"   <>   "Good...and maybe we can invite that guy you've been eyeing lately," she said as she turned and started to walk away. She was only teasing Kyla, but she knew her well enough to be sweating it the rest of her day. ~Maybe it'll make her work better,~ she thought as she chuckled to herself and strode out of engineering on the way to her post.   (Reply: Angeletti, any) (Posted by: Stacey) (USS Spectre, Corridor - ACSO, Lt. Yayla Nollys - 1154)   As she walked out of engineering, she just rounded into the corridor as she heard, "You know I'm gonna kick yer butt, right?!"   Smiling to herself, she was always the panic inducer making everyone paranoid. It was just what she was good at. (USS Spectre - Ten Forward - COUNS - Divon Lronen - 1156) Divon watched as T'Vhor raised his eyebrow in classic Vulcan repose. He couldn't help but find it somewhat amusing and then wondered if people saw all Betazoids as having certain regular characteristics as well.   "I can only assume that he may have been referring to what I said to him when the second officer had been giving me a tour of engineering", said T’Vhor. Divon nodded, "I see, what happened with that?" Divon calmly waited for a response while he chewed on a mouthful of food. "The man has no control whatsoever over his emotions Counsellor, he was rude & arrogant, his thoughts project like a beacon", said T’Vhor calmly. "I was not scanning him as he may have suggested, I only perceived strong surface emotions from someone in the room & Ensign H’Chir simply confirmed their source in the way he carried out his tour of the engineering subsections", he added. "I can only apologise if the matter caused you any upset Counsellor", said T’Vhor, "it was not my intention of course."   Divon looked at T'Vhor and considered this for a moment, "Sir, I hardly would say that you're to blame for the behaviour of H’Chir. In fact, I agree with you. He was definitely rude and arrogant in his interaction with me as well. I also agree his emotions were definitely on the surface and very clear... and quite annoying," Divon looked at Tahl and shrugged his shoulders in mute apology for commandeering the conversation, "I would also say that the interaction that you're having with H’Chir is rather typical of the rather strained and odd relationship Vulcans and Andorians historically have had."   (Reply T'Vhor and/or Tahl)   "Well, it must be difficult, Andorians are so often emotional, brusque, open, physical and Vulcans are detached, reserved, private and generally don't appreciate being touched or go out of their way to make physical contact with others. These of course are common stereotypes and I have met members of both species who don't conform, but still... you're almost polar opposites and both of you conform to many of the normal stereotypes of your species. I'm sure its as annoying for him as it is you, but for different reasons, of course," stated Divon thoughtfully.   (Reply T'Vhor and/or Tahl iyw)   "Well, he never should have spoken that way to a superior officer in the first place. I'm really quite surprised you didn't write him up... I'm really quite surprised I didn't write him up. Why didn't we write him up?" asked Divon with a mischievous glint in his eye. Divon was sure that some suitable type of reckoning could be dealt out.   (Reply T'Vhor and/or Tahl) (Posted by Jeff) (USS Spectre, Ten Forward - First Officer T’Vhor - 1157) "Sir, I hardly would say that you're to blame for the behaviour of H’Chir,” said the Counsellor in responce to T’Vhor’s apology. "In fact, I agree with you. He was definitely rude and arrogant in his interaction with me as well. I also agree his emotions were definitely on the surface and very clear... and quite annoying,", he added. "I would also say that the interaction that you're having with H’Chir is rather typical of the rather strained and odd relationship Vulcans and Andorians historically have had." The FO pondered the Counsellors words for a brief moment & then responded. "I have nothing personally against the Andorians Counsellor", said T’Vhor, "In my experience they have always tended to resent Vulcan reasoning & technology regardless of the fact that these things are neither unatainable to them or or indeed, difficult to grasp", he added. "Ever since their first attack on the P’Jem monastary, Vulcans have found it dificult to trust them granted, but it would be illogical for me to hold this against one Andorian engineer", said T’Vhor. "Well, it must be difficult, Andorians are so often emotional, brusque, open, physical and Vulcans are detached, reserved, private and generally don't appreciate being touched or go out of their way to make physical contact with others,” said the Counsellor. "These of course are common stereotypes and I have met members of both species who don't conform, but still... you're almost polar opposites and both of you conform to many of the normal stereotypes of your species. I'm sure its as annoying for him as it is you, but for different reasons, of course," stated Divon thoughtfully. "Possibly so", said the First Officer, "I maintain however that I have nothing personal against Ensign H’Chir or any member of his species", he added. "My only concern is that his brash nature does not affect his duties on this ship" "Well, he never should have spoken that way to a superior officer in the first place,” said Divon. "I'm really quite surprised you didn't write him up... I'm really quite surprised I didn't write him up. Why didn't we write him up?" he added with a smile. T’Vhor paused again to think. "Perhaps because we rose above Ensign H’Chir’s unreasoning", said T’Vhor, "I would only hope that he doesn’t have cause to make us reconsider this at a later date", he added whilst knowing full well that the Counsellor was already formulating ideas of retribution in his head. (Reply Lronen, Tahl, Any) (Posted by Alan Reading) (USS Spectre, Science Lab 2 - ACSO, Lt. Yayla Nollys - 1159)   Making it to her duty station one minute before she was supposed to be there was good timing. From the looks of it however, she had the other shift nervous she wouldn't arrive, as their faces started to soften a bit and not look so edgy.   She watched as the crew filed out and the new filed in. Taking her seat at Science 2, she put her PADD on the table in front of her and quickly got to work.   (Reply: Any, none) (Posted by: Stacey)  (USS Spectre, Ten Forward – StratOps, Commander Tahlmari - 1200)   Tahl took a seat opposite him the new FO. There was a moment of silence until someone came to take his order. Then Tahl noticed that T'Vhor was looking at him. "The crew seem to be relaxing a little more now that we are en route", said T’Vhor, "there is much tension on this ship, it would help if we knew more of our mission." "Yes, I'm sure it would help," Tahl said cryptically. "It's been my experience that a crew will relax and fall into their usual patterns when they have something to do. The tension you notice is most likely those who are off duty with nothing better to do than contemplate what's a head. perhaps the Counselor can find something to occuppy these people's minds."   He looked over at the FO, who had a distant look on his face. Tahl had a tendancy to be a little uneasy around telepaths. He knew that under the rules of conduct, telepaths were not allowed to arbitrarily read minds. However, especially Betazoids, had the uncanny ability to register emotions, and Tahl knew from his experiences with Alexandra, how much you can tell simply by empathy. His mind tried to push back his concerns about his wife.   "Commander?" he asked open ended. "What of the USS Cochrane, Commander?" T'Vhor asked, "Is there any more information regarding her status?" Tahl was caught a little flat footed by T'Vhor's question. Of course, he rembered T'Vhor from his Cochrane days, but he hardly knew the man. Actually, he appreciated the bluntness of the question. To many people might have danced around the issue. He's trying to feel out Tahl's emmotional state. It was something that he would have probably done himself, but most likely with less tact.   Before Tahl could reply Devon Lronen walked up to the table "Excuse me gentlemen, mind if I join you?" he asked.   ~Saved by the bell.~   Tahl and T'Vhor both nodded. Tahl's food came and he took a bite of his stew.   "So is it good Commander?" Lronen asked with an evil smile.   "Yeees," Tahl said cautiously, then looking down at the bowl again. What could the counselor have possibly done to his food. Tahl had been expecting a retaliation from the turbolift adventure, but to attack a man's food, now that was just low. Then Tahl decided that he was just trying to rattle him, and took another bite, in defiance.   The Counsellor then turned his attention towards the FO. They began to talk about a problem that the Counselor seemd to have with H’Chir. Apparently they had had a bit of a tiff. The Andorian CEO must have released his anger a bit. Then, apparently the FO had a similar incident. To Tahl, it sounded as if they had met their first Andorian. That was really just how they were. They tended to be a bit gruff, and teritorial. "Well, he never should have spoken that way to a superior officer in the first place. I'm really quite surprised you didn't write him up... I'm really quite surprised I didn't write him up. Why didn't we write him up?" asked Divon with a mischievous glint in his eye.   Tahl just about choked on his bite of lunch he had in his mouth. ~Perhaps because we're just over reacting a little.~ he was hoping that the counselor was just joking around. But it wa T'Vhor who spoke next. "Perhaps because we rose above Ensign H’Chir’s unreasoning", said T’Vhor, "I would only hope that he doesn’t have cause to make us reconsider this at a later date."   "Gentlemen, gentlemen," Tahl said, as he puched back his empty plate, "I have found H’Chir to be rude, disrespectful and at times, just plain annoying, but he is Andorian, after all. I have also found him to be a most excellent chief engineer, and his personality flaws aside, has never had a problem motivating his staff to perform to the best of their abilities. As gruff as he is when annoyed he is equally lavish in praise of good work."   Tahl was done with this conversation and felt it needed to move on. "I came here to kind of offer any advice I can for you Commander," he said to T'Vhor, "but I'm sure what you need most is information. I can only tell you what I told the captain. We will be meeting several ships at the rendez-vous point. I can give you more details if you care to join me in the Strat-Ops center later on."   (Reply T'Vhor)   "Of course, Counselor, if you'd like in you are inveited as well."   (Reply Lronen)   "Anything I can do to make your life easier," Tahl said with a smile.   (Reply Lronen, T'Vhor) (Posted by Al Muir) (USS Spectre, Ten Forward - First Officer T’Vhor - 1201) After talking for a while about H’Chir’s apparent rudeness & what should be done about it, Commander Tahlmari brought the discussion to a halt with an interject around it all being irrelevant anyway. H’Chir did his job well, that was all that mattered. He was correct of course.... The discussion then fell again on their current need for information in regards their present mission. "I came here to kind of offer any advice I can for you Commander," said the StratOps, "but I'm sure what you need most is information. I can only tell you what I told the captain. We will be meeting several ships at the rendez-vous point. I can give you more details if you care to join me in the Strat-Ops center later on." "I will be there Commander", said T’Vhor, "I need to review the StratOps centre anyway", he added. (Reply Tahlmari, IYW) "Of course, Counsellor, if you'd like in you are invited as well." (Reply Lronen) "Anything I can do to make your life easier," Tahl said with a smile. (Reply Lronen, Tahlmari, IYW) (Posted by Alan Reading) (USS Spectre, Counsellor's Office - CO, Captain Remae Ktell - 1605) This time, Remae was late, they were only a few hours from border and he didn't have a lot of time on his hands, but he made an effort to be here as promised. He had less than 30 mins before he had a meeting with Orde to discuss the Tactical Situation of the border but for now, he pressed the enunciator and he walked in. "Divon, how are you today?” he said and he took a place where he did yesterday. Remae hadn't seen the man for most of the day, occasional meetings on the Bridge and around the ship, but they hadn't talked a great deal. Remae could see that their working relationship was going to be quite different than there Counselling relationship. (Reply from Divon) "Me? Busy, preparing for a lot of meetings, briefings and arrival at the border, but then, there is always something, duty-bound to do isn't there?” Remae said with more than a slight sarcasm as he waited to see what was in store for him in this session. (Reply from Lronen) (Posted by Anthony Keen) (USS Spectre, Bridge - CO, Captain Remae Ktell - 1635) Remae arrived on the lift and walked onto the Bridge, his shorter than usual meeting over with the Counsellor, he spotted the TAC/SC at his station and he simply pointed to his Ready Room. (USS Spectre, Ready Room - CO, Captain Remae Ktell - 1638) "Mr Orde, we arrive at the border in less than 3 hours, how are your preparations progressing?” asked Remae sitting down behind his desk. (Reply from Orde) "Mr T'Vhor, would you join us in my Ready Room?” said Remae tapping his commbadge and a few moments later, the First Officer arrived. "Gentleman, we're adopting a war footing. As soon as we arrive at the border, the ship will be at Yellow Alert until further notice, side-arms are to be issued to all crewmembers and power consumption to all decks is to be reduced,” he said and then added, "I don't expect all the replicators to be turned off, but I want to see energy management procedures to be introduced to all departments and all decks,” he said. (Reply from Orde, T'Vhor) "Get started, we only have a few hours before we arrive. Dismissed,” said Remae pulling out the phaser and holster from his desk draw and placing on the desk, he stood and attached it and walking back on the Bridge. (USS Spectre, Bridge - CO, Captain Remae Ktell - 1921) The hours had passed quickly and Remae spent most of the time on the Bridge, the crew were performing their duties and they were constantly scanning for activity. "Captain, we're approaching the coordinates,” said someone on the Bridge. "Take us out of warp. Full sensor scans. Yellow Alert. Commander Tahl, any sign of our squadron ships?” he asked, Remae had expected the STRATOPS to be carefully monitor the sensors so that the Spectre could take it's position in the formation, depending of course, who was here and who they were waiting for. "Report?” he asked and anyone with pertinent information could speak up. (Reply from Anyone n the Bridge) "Bridge to Engineering, prepare 3 probes for launch, I want to see what on the other side of the border, just in case,” said Remae. (Reply from Engineering) "Launch when ready Mr T'Vhor,” ordered the Captain and he sat back as the preparations were made. (Reply from T'Vhor, Orde, Tahl, Engineering, Any) (Posted by Anthony Keen) (USS Spectre, Sickbay - CMO Williams - 1923) Andrew sitting at his desk glanced at the PADD again. "Well the Cetrazine crewman Johns was given worked, good" As he picked up another PADD the yellow alert alarm was sounded. he dropped the PADD back onto the table and left his office. "Okay people lets get started." He crossed over to the weapons locker and opened it. "Warm up the operation theater." He began to handed out the type two phaser to his staff. he grabbed a type one phaser and slipped it into his pocket. "Get out the emergancy medkits." He then picked up his medkit and placed it by the sickbay door so that he could grab it as he left. He looked around sickbay seeing that his staff was dealing with everything. ~okay we are ready for anything. I hope~ (Reply any) (Posted by Robbie) (USS Spectre, Bridge - StratOps, Commander Tahlmari - 1925)   After spending some time with the FO, Tahl decided that he liked the man. he was definitely an interesting joining of cultures. He laughed like a Betazoid, but had the mental sharpmess of a Vulcan. Unique and interesting indeed. When he had shown the Commander what he could they kept the company to go to the bridge.   Once on the bridge Tahl went to the bridge station that he had requested. He smiled as he was able to monitor both long and short range sensors, as well as access all of his databases. The 3-D display was perfect. he just wondered if that would transfer to the main screen. "Captain, we're approaching the coordinates," a voice announced. Tahl turned his attention to the view screen. He enjoyed the light show. "Take us out of warp. Full sensor scans. Yellow Alert. Commander Tahl, any sign of our squadron ships?" Remae asked.   Turning back to his sensors he nodded. "Captain, I have the Asguard and the Bradley on sensors, but no sign of the Ulyses, and the IKS Moctar." "Report?” he asked and anyone with pertinent information could speak up. Tahl started to make a more intense review of the short range sensors. That was odd. "Captain, I have some strange readings here. There has been energy discharge in this area, and recently. Also I have a sizable amount of debris, that is spread through out the region, centralizing around here." He pointed to a spot on the tactical display. "I can't say for sure, but I would say that the elemental make up and the shear mass, that it is the remains of a ... starship."   (Reply any) (Posted by Al Muir) (USS Spectre, Bridge - First Officer T’Vhor - 1926) The moment they had slowed to impulse, T’Vhor knew that something was wrong. The StratOps had run detailed scans of the area into which they had just warped & there was disturbing evidence of some kind of conflict that may, or may not have ended with the loss of one of their vessels. "I can't say for sure, but I would say that the elemental make up and the sheer mass, that it is the remains of a... starship,” said Tahl. The first officer imediately spoke at the alarming developments. "Hail the Asguard & the Bradley", said T’Vhor, "see what they know about this", he added. (Reply Tahlmari, Any) Then turning to Lt Nollys at the Science console he asked for a more detailed scan of a large debri field now sitting off their starboard bow. "See if you can disseminate the data & determine wether we are looking at the remains of a federation or Klingon vessel", said T’Vhor. (Reply Nollys, Any) (Posted by Alan Reading) -USS Spectre Star Trek: Freedom - http://www.startrekfreedom.com