============================================= ============================================= Mission: Time After Time Day 24 Stardate: 2413.10.01 ============================================= ============================================= (USS Boudicca – QV – Bar Manager, Arania – Day 24 - 1322) During the time Arania had been busy meeting Denise's Aunt Ginny and getting both theirs and Bob's and her own lunches, she had pondering over Bob's apparent concern for her well-being and how she had reacted to it. Normally Arania was a mild and gentle mannered person; yes, she could be riled to anger and had displayed it at least twice during her time on Boudicca; her reaction to Bob's query about overworking herself earlier, being the second time. Consequently by the time she returned to their table with their meals, she was feeling badly about her display of angst, as it wasn't Bob's fault; really he was just displaying that he cared enough about her to be worried about her. Neither was it Cy's fault for she was certain it had been Cy who was the 'wee bird' that Bob had mentioned; he also was concerned and had frequently asked her to go home and rest, telling her she spent far to many hours at work on several occasions. So, Arania was determined to make it up some how to her friend and remembered his earlier suggestion about the quarters she occupied, when she'd snappily told him she was considering a move due to the memories her present quarters brought back, of happier times that she'd rather forget. He had told her she didn't have to move, that he or one of his engineers could help her redecorate and make the place look so different even Silky wouldn't recognize the place. She was tempted to tell him that would be fine but unfortunately was sure that she needed to have new surroundings and even if the quarters were redecorated, she would still know that they were previously shared with the husband she was separated from. Besides, her quarters were in fact the CEO's official quarters and by right he should be accommodated in them, not her and Silky, so she vowed to tell him of her decision during their meal together, but there was also a niggling question she wanted to ask him, having just seen Denise Lebranski acting as if she didn't know that Bob was there, as it was apparent to anyone with eyes in their head or Betazoid empaths, that Denise was highly attracted to the CEO, and it popped out just as he began to chew the onion ring. "Thought I did, that you and Denise were going to be a couple, mistaken I must have been, no?" The look on his face was of utter amazement which told Arania that he was completely taken aback by her question, that and the fact that his face turned a bright red while he obvioudly choked on the onion ring. For a few seconds, Arania was uncertain whether she should get up and pound him on the back or not, and dropped her napkin on the table preparing to jump to her feet when he took a sip of his milk and recovered. Now that his choking fit was over, it was really quite amusing and Arania dropped her eyes to her plate to study the contents as she struggled not to smile. “Errmm… couple? Us? What made… ummm… what made ye think that? Friends we are, as ye might say… we were supposed tae go tae dinner the night of Detron’s right of ascension, but ah screwed that up, ah fear.” Lifting her head to look at him, she tilted it slightly to one side. ~ Why would he blame himself for what happened? Not his fault but Parami's. ~ Now she had another question to be answered. He paused as if considering what else to say. “Do ye mean tae say that ye think she is *interested* in me… other than as a friend ah mean?” ~ Could he really be so guileless as not to have seen it? He really is quite adorable, so gentle and unassuming... and not unattractive. I see what Denise also sees in him. Arania smiled at him and shook her head in disbelief. "A jest you are making, no? Any blind man would see the feelings she has for you, and seemed to others and me that dates you were having together, success of them is irregardless." (Reply Lorimar, Any, RFM) (Posted by Sal) ********** (USS Boudicca – QV – a2O/CEO Lt Lorimar – 1325) Arania smiled at him and shook her head; he briefly wondered if she was making fun of him, but he doubted it and hoped not. "A jest you are making, no? Any blind man would see the feelings she has for you, and seemed to others and me that dates you were having together, success of them is irregardless." His lips curled slightly in confusion, and he pinched the bridge of his nose between thumb and forefinger while he briefly closed his eyes, as though shutting out the world might help him form a sensible answer to her question. He opened them as quickly and carefully placed both hands flat on the table in front of him, palms down. “Nae joking Arania, honestly. Ah must be blind indeed for ah dinnae see it until ye hit me over the head with the concept just now. Dates? Breakfast, coffee… if those are dates, then aye, we did date. We were supposed tae have dinner the night of Detron’s Rite of Ascension, but ah wound up in sickbay and then ah really screwed it all up after the surgery when ah woke up.” He went on to recount the events of that night in sickbay, including his near violent emotional outburst and being intercepted by Dr Jahlen. The only part he omitted was the precise *reason* for it, his reaction to the suggestion that he be placed in Matthew’s gravity chair. The last thing she needed, he judged, was to be reminded yet again of her husband-in-absentia. He frowned and glanced across the table. “A bloody fool ah ah’m, lassie. I can fix the most technical of things, even build complex machines, create wonders of engineering… but the simplest of social things ah completely destroy. Hope- less ah suppose eh?” (Reply Arania, Any, Room for more) (Posted by Russ) ********** (USS Boudicca – QV – Bar Manager, Arania - Day 24 – 1326) Bob looked confused; he pinched the bridge of his nose between thumb and forefinger and briefly closed his eyes. When he opened this eyes he carefully placed both hands flat on the table in front of him, palms down, causing Arania to think she'd upset him and he was about to get up and leave, but instead he stated he wasn't joking but that he hadn't seen that having breakfast, coffee, and having plans to have dinner the night of Detron’s Rite of Ascension were dates until Arania had brought his attention to it. He went on to recount the events of that night in sickbay, including an almost violent emotional outburst from him and being intercepted by Dr. Jahlen. Arania was surprised upon hearing this, as violence or near violence and Bob Lorimar were just not a equation she ever thought she'd hear about, he simply wasn't an aggressive man. Still she'd just had an out of char- acter fit of temper which was very out of character for her, and she hadn't been poked in the backside with a pain stick, so as far as she was con- cerned he wasn't quite himself period, that night. She remained silent and listened intently as he told her his story, giving a little nod of under- standing every now and then. When he finished he frowned and glanced over at her. “A bloody fool ah ah’m, lassie. I can fix the most technical of things, even build complex machines, create wonders of engineering… but the simplest of social things ah completely destroy. Hopeless ah suppose eh?” With a soft chuckle Arania reached to pat one of his hands. "Is quite often the case, no? That genius and social skills do not always bed companions make. Do not worry yourself about such things my friend, for Arania is here to help, and my first advisement is that you are, how you say?...." She stretched her hands before her, palms facing her..."up here! Out here!" Arania rolled her eyes and sighed with frustration. "Umm it is a strange expression meaning be honest and clear......Ah!" It popped in to her head what she wanted to say. " Be up front, that is it! Be up front with Denise about your feelings that concern her. Do not let her be confused or mistaken." (Reply Lorimar, Any, Room for more) (Posted by Sal) *********** (USS Boudicca – QV – a2O/CEO Lt Lorimar – 1328) Bob listened intently to what Arania had to say, his delicious meal – and his hunger for it – totally forgotten. She chuckled then patted one of his hands, dispensing her advice and opinions as she did so. She was so earnest and caring with her advice that he barely noticed her peculiar manner of speaking. She seemed to struggle a bit more than usual with the exact phrasing, but soon enough she got it right. “Up front? Fine advice indeed. The only problem bein’ ah hae nae clue at all how ah dae feel about her.” He paused a moment, trying to organize his thoughts. Ever the engineer, he was formulating a mental checklist of pros and cons. ~As if it were that simple! An engineering problem its nae…~ He rubbed his beard for a few seconds, and then went on. “Ah ken she is a fine, fair lassie an’ all. She’s lovely, intelligent, funny in her own amusing way… all in all a wonder indeed. The problem is… ah dinnae think we fit, really. Ah suspect her social life – specifically her relation- ships – move at a different speed than ah dae. She’s in warp drive all the time, goin’ at best possible speed wie her hair on fire… while ah’m still at the dock, warming up the engines. We travel in greatly different circles… or tae continue the starship analogy, we follow different courses. Perhaps a bit too different. Ah doubt she would be satisfied with someone as…. Pedestrian… as ah am.” He took a sip of his milk and looked across at Arania. (Reply Arania, Any) (Posted by Russ) ********** (USS Boudicca – QV – SPC Bar Manager, Arania - Day 24 – 1329) “Up front? Fine advice indeed. The only problem bein’ ah hae nae clue at all how ah dae feel about her.” He paused a moment and rubbed his beard before continuing, listing Denise's finer points, lovely...intelligent and funny, then came the big, bad *but*. He didn't think they were a 'fit'. Arania assumed he meant he didn't think they would make a good couple, and as he continued to speak he gave her his reasons for thinking that. “.....She’s in warp drive all the time, goin’ at best possible speed wie her hair on fire… while ah’m still at the dock, warming up the engines. We travel in greatly different circles… or tae continue the starship analogy, we follow different courses. Perhaps a bit too different. Ah doubt she would be satisfied with someone as…. Pedestrian… as ah am.” He took a sip of his milk and looked across at Arania who smiled and then lowered her eyes to study her hands for a few seconds as she mulled over his words, and then she nodded and looked up into his eyes. "Yes, Bob. What you say I do see. She is a different one for sure. Not in a bad way of course but understand I do, how you would think she is not for you romantic inclinations. However there is an expression on Iradon... Though fire and water mix not; working together makes the hearth a home... Sure I am that humans have similar anecdotes. You have to admit that time spent with fire would be interesting, no, and often two different elements do work with each other in an agreeable manner? Even so, if you desire just friendship with her, then your choice must be known to her at the soonest." Arania dug her fork into the food on her plate. "Now eat please while talking, our food is getting cold." (Reply Lorimar, Any) (Posted by Sal) ********* (USS Boudicca - Probationer Candle - Day 1 - 1771) “Knee Lock on” said Basil. “Well get ta’ it ,boy” declared the voice resonating through his helmet. Basil resisted looking over his shoulder, part out of the effort involved, mostly because it would annoy seeing the man sitting on a (Basil was sure) and non requisitioned garish chair locked firmly onto the metallic surface. Slowly moving to the harness attached to his side he grasped the rag hooked over it in his gloved hands and pulled it out. The ‘rag’ was special it contained little pores that exuded the specific sub- stance need for his task. “Are you sure this is safe the knee locks are …” “…. Perfect for this type of job boy. How, by Stake’s bristling’ beard, are ya supposed to reach the surface? you hidin’ some freakish leg bones that allow ya bend over and stay magnetically sealed? Thought not so mag-knee locks or ya’re be making the last space waltz.” Basil stopped his rubbing the ship’s surface and looked up. Directly over his head blinked the stars of a so many systems .If it wasn‘t for the ship thrumming beneath him, reminding Basil it was still there, he could imagine doing that final dance as he drifted off towards the distant lights. “Quit daydreamin’ boy the ship’s not going to polish itself” Basil thought, not for the first time where Stakes had found him or maybe he was always on the ship deep in the bowels. He shrugged and carried on shining the white surface though he did wonder that because this was the underside would anyone get to see it. (Reply none) (Posted by Warren Simkins) ******** (USS Boudicca - Trei's Quarters - TAC/SC Lieutenant(SG) Detron Trei - 1800) Detron replicated some dinner at his quarters instead of going to QV. He need to talk with his family on what has happened on Betazed over five years and any family news in general. Detron replicated a pitcher of Iced tea since it was consumed quite often on Betazed and a mid size plate of Gagh as an appetizer. Rowina probably will pick at it but he expected Mindia to dive in. The main course was a nice steak with mushrooms and varrious vegetable on the side. Desert was a fantastic fruit pie usually made by Ariana. Detron told the computer to play Ariana's music to the enjoyment of everyone. She is quite talented. Rowina and Mindia agreed with Detron of her talent. They talked about the time passed. Rowina and Mindia told stories of Detron's life on Betazed with smiles on their faces. Detron had to laugh at some of the stuff he got into. (Reply None) (Posted by Edward) ============================================ ============================================ Mission: Time After Time Day 25 Stardate: 2413.10.02 ============================================ ============================================ (USS Boudicca – CEO’s Quarters – a2O/CEO Lt Lorimar – 1115) After acknowledging the Captain’s orders, Bob had quickly finished up and sent a report via the computer to engineering that the environmental control issue had been working on could be cleared from the trouble list. He quickly attended to a couple of other small matters, then returned to his quarters to shower and change for lunch. He briefly pondered what to wear then as quickly decided. ~She wants me *off* duty… then off duty ah shall be!~ He pulled on a comfortable pair of blue jeans and a sweatshirt emblazoned with the UFP logo. Beneath that was a quotation from a famous Captain: "A dream that became a reality and spread throughout the stars." Finishing the ensemble with a pair of polished but worn boots, he headed for QV… by way of engineering. (posted by Russ) *********** (USS Boudicca - Main Engineering - aCEO Ens(Sg.) Anton Gesar - 1130) Anton walked into Main Engineering and looked around. Another quick shower and a fresh uniform, plus his hangover remedy, and he was ready to go. He looked around to see if the chief was anywhere to be found and at the moment he was no where in sight. ~Just as well,~ he thought. He walked over to one of the consoles and brought up the list of repairs that were still oustanding. ~Guess it's time to get to work.~ The easiest way was to bury the emotion and bury himself in work. His father thought him many things, how to win from a tactical position of weakness, how to dissasemble and re-assemble a phaser rifle. But not how to deal with loss. He never had to deal with the death of his parents whom he does not even remember. Boris was the only man he knew as a parent and now he was gone. As the door to his office opened Anton pushed the thoughts out of his head. Peaking inside he grabbed the pack with his tool and headed out. (Reply Any hanging out in Main Eng. who feel like having a conversation) (Posted by Oleg Kislyuk) ******** (USS Boudicca – Main Engineering – a2O/CEO Lt Lorimar – 1136) Bob walked in to Engineering and cast a glance about, quickly locating the very man he was looking for. He made his way over to where ACEO Gesar appeared to be starting a repair job and smiled at him. “Mornin’ lad… ah see ye are hard at it, as usual! Ah just stopped in tae let ye know that ah’ve been ordered tae take a spot of accumulated leave time. Effective immediately, ye are in charge for the next twenty four hours. If ye need anything ah’m available… but ah’m quite sure ye can handle things without me. Any questions?” (Reply Gesar, Room for more iyw, Any) (Posted by Russ) ********** (USS Boudicca – Main Engineering – aCEO Ens.Gesar – 1136.5) Anton had a few of his tools out having found one of them to be slightly out of calibration when he noticed that Lorimar had come into engineering. “Mornin’ lad… ah see ye are hard at it, as usual! Ah just stopped in tae let ye know that ah’ve been ordered tae take a spot of accumulated leave time. Effective immediately, ye are in charge for the next twenty four hours. If ye need anything ah’m available… but ah’m quite sure ye can handle things without me. Any questions?” "No sir. If you don' t mind my saying so, I see you take your orders very seriously." (Reply Lorimar, iyw) "Are you going to visit the Starbase at all?" (Reply Lorimar) (Posted by Oleg) ********** (USS Boudicca – Main Engineering – a2O/CEO Lt. Lorimar – 1137) Bob had a good laugh at Gesar’s comment. “Aye. Any order from the Captain has tae be taken seriously!” "Are you going to visit the Starbase at all?" Anton asked. Lorimar pondered that for a moment. Truthfully, he hadn’t planned on it, and yet… “Ah hadn’t given it much thought, honestly. Ah’m nae much of the shore leave type. Planet side might be a different thing, although ah’ve spent mair than mah share of time off the Boudicca already of late. Have ye been over? Anything of special interest there?” (Reply Gesar iyw, Any) (Posted by Russ) ********** (USS Boudicca – Main Engineering – aCEO Ens. Anton Gesar – 1138) Lorimar seemed to ponder Anton's inquiry into whether he was going to visit the Starbase for a brief moment. "Ah hadn’t given it much thought, honestly. Ah’m nae much of the shore leave type. Planet side might be a different thing, although ah’ve spent mair than mah share of time off the Boudicca already of late. Have ye been over? Anything of special interest there?” Now it was Anton's turn to ponder. He wasn't on the Starbase long, but it was long enough to have remembered something yet Anton was drawing a blank. "Uh... they have nice... uh.. bars. Well lit, though... apparently not all that memorable. Sooo... yeah. Not much to see there... then... I guess." An uneasy feeling washed over Anton as he began to wonder at what point exactly he blacked out and what really happened the night before. (Reply Lorimar iyw, Any) (Posted by Oleg) ============================================== ============================================== Mission: Exchange of Command Day: 1 Stardate: 2413.10.07 ============================================== ============================================== (USS Boudicca - Ready Room - CO, Captain Lydia Stakes - Day 1 - 0900) The Boudicca was scheduled to depart at noon, and Lydia had already said her farewells to Arc and Esme on the starbase. Arc had just had his assignment there as Assistant Security Chief confirmed, and Lydia hoped to see him again before too long. It would, she considered, make a nice change not to have to spend too long apart. But now she was busying herself reading reports and, a little impatiently for there was not much time before their departure, awaiting their new orders. The doorchime sounded and the door to the Ready Room opened auto- matically. Lydia looked up to see who had entered, and her eyebrows rose in surprise. "Captain Rivers!" Susan nodded at the woman who had replaced her as the CO of the Boudicca five years ago. "Captain Stakes," she said, holding out her hand, which Lydia shook. "I'm glad to meet you. Sector command have sent me with your orders for your next mission." "Do sit down," Lydia said, making an effort not to frown. *Someone* could have warned her. She'd been talking to Sector command herself only ten minutes ago and they hadn't mentioned it. Only that she would be receiving her orders 'shortly'. Susan did so, managing not to look as if she would rather be behind the desk instead of in front of it. "Can I offer you some refreshment?" Lydia asked. "Coffee, black, no sugar please," Susan said, noticing that her coffee machine had disappeared and resigning herself to replicator coffee. Lydia rose and ordered the drink from the replicator, and an Idaarian spiced tea for herself. She set the drinks down on the desk and sat back down on her chair, back rigidly straight. "They must be important orders for Sector Command to send a Captain with them," she commented dryly. She considered it a distinct possibility that those orders were for Rivers to take over the ship again. Susan hid a smile as she sipped her coffee, she hadn't known Captain Archibald Stakes for long but she could see that Captain Lydia Stakes was apparently from the same mould. "Sector Command didn't send me," Susan said. "I was sent here by the direct order of Starfleet Headquarters. What I have to tell you will come as a surprise, and must not be divulged to your crew before we depart from the starbase." Lydia raised her eyebrows again. "You intrigue me, Captain. And are you allowed to divulge any of it to *me* before we depart from the Starbase?" Susan nodded. "But first I need you to secure this room," she said. (Posted by Liz) ********** (USS Boudicca - Bridge - CO, Captain Lydia Stakes - Day 1 - 1000) Lydia and Susan stepped onto the Bridge together, to the slightly comical dismay of the Ensign in the command chair. "Captain....s on the Bridge!" Susan hid a grin as Lydia took her seat. "Thank you for your time, Captain Stakes," she said. "And for the permission to speak to some of my former friends and crewmates." Lydia gave the other woman a tight smile. Not much she could say against it really, even if she had wanted to. "You're welcome, Captain Rivers." She watched the other woman leave the Bridge and then tapped her commbadge. "Stakes to 'cha Nooras. Dorga, you have a visitor incoming. And please arrange for a meeting of the senior staff in the Observation Lounge one hour after we depart the starbase." (reply Dorga iyw) Subconsciously the fingers of Lydia's left hand drummed lightly on the arm of her chair as she considered the information Rivers had given her. All in all it promised to be interesting. ~In the worst possible sense of the word!~ (Reply Any) (Posted by Liz) *********** (USS Boudicca – Observation Lounge – a2O/CEO Lt Lorimar – 1254) Bob Lorimar had managed to make it to the meeting his customary few minutes early, and he nodded politely to the officers already present, but opted not to start any conversations. Instead, he got a tall tumbler of sparkling Altair water from the replicator, eschewing his normal coffee. He then did what he had been doing a great deal of lately: stared out at the stars. He wasn’t exactly sure *what* was drawing him to them, but he felt a sense of confinement that only the grandeur of the stars could relieve. All too soon, the meeting was about to start, so Bob took his custo- mary seat near the opposite end of the table from the Captain’s chair. Ayslin Rel was next to him at the very end of the table. He nodded politely at her and gave a half smile, but he was too dis- tracted to be chatty. With effort, he pulled his thoughts back into some semblance of order, and reviewed the departmental status report so he would be ready to answer questions if asked. (Reply Any iyw) At precisely 1300, the door swished open and Captain Stakes entered. Reflexively, he sat up straight in his chair. He hadn’t realized he had been slumping forward while reading the data files on his PADD, but bad posture simply wouldn’t do during a meeting. The Captain began with an almost superfluous introduction of Captain Rivers. Bob was intrigued; would Captain Rivers be resuming command? ~Ah ken what those bleedin’ boxes are, judgin’ by the size and shape. At least ah’m sure tae be safe, since ah’ve climbed the ladder as many rungs as ever ah will! Some… or rather several, poor sods will be getting’ promoted at some point here… ah’m pleased ah’m not going tae be in the crosshairs today!~ His relief was extremely short lived, however, as Captain Stakes called him forth. ~For the love of… what are they thinkin’???~ For the first time in his career he was far more surprised than embar- rassed. He was a little irritated as well, but he had done this enough times to suppress any outward sign of emotion. He came to perfect attention, just as the Academy taught; and firmly shook Captain Stakes’ hand. He did not so much as crack a smile, keeping his face neutral and totally expressionless as he took the boxes containing the dress uniform and also his one extra hollow pip back to his seat. ~There’s one bleedin’ tradition that should stop… this white uniform non- sense! Are we a bunch of bloody fish in an aquarium, for all the world tae gawk at?~ He was so absorbed by his displeasure that he never even considered the implications of his promotion. That would come later. He applauded with enthusiasm and a broad and genuine smile when the others were announced. As soon as his hands were free, he texted a quick message to Denise’s PADD. ‘You will look lovely in those whites!’ When she returned to her seat, he gave her an amused glance and tapped his finger on his own PADD so she might notice his message. He turned to Lieutenant Rel and beamed another broad smile to her. “Congratulations my friend,” he whispered happily to her. (Reply Any) (Posted by Russ) ********* (USS Boudicca - Observation Lounge - CSO Lieutenant (jg) Ayslin Rel - Day 1 - 1259) Ayslin walked into the Observation lounge just before the meeting started and quickly found her seat on the far end of the table, where she was less likely to get in anyone's way. Her hair was pulled back into a neat bun on the back of her head, and her uniform was pristine, and it should be this was the first formal meeting since before they'd been thrown through time. Ayslin looked around the room as the Captain got started and noted a number a eager faces, all ready to get back into the swing of things. Ayslin wished she felt like that, but couldn't muster the energy, or enthusiasm. Five years, all that time passed and left her and her department behind. She'd spent two days trying to get a handle on the recent developments in Subspace dynamics and Quantum String entanglement, and realized she needed four new pieces of equipment. She'd pulled nearly all of the teams off of their regular research to simply work on upgrading the computers algorithms, and programs that came in with the database update. She was going to have to corner Bob and get him to upgrade the departments terminals with newer designs, and get spec for faster processors. Ayslin brought her attention back to the room, when the Captain called Bob up and promoted him and made him official second officer. Ayslin smiled for her friends achivements, although she didn't envy him having to wear his dress whites all day. She politely clapped when Denise got her promotion, she didn't know the Chief of Ops all that well. However, he head snapped up when the Captain called her name. She knew she wasn't up for a promotion, she'd just gotten one a month ago. She stood and walked forward. "Lieutenant Ayslin Rel, I have pleasure in confirming you as Chief Science Officer of the USS Boudicca." Again she shook the hand of the officer, and passed her a parcel. "Your dress whites, Lieutenant. Wear them with pride." "Thank you, Ma'am," Ayslin said, resisting the urge to say something dispariging about having to wear her dress whites. She supposed accidentally spilling something caustic on them in the lab was out the window, she'd just have to replicate another pair, so she smiled and walked back to her seat, putting the package down on the table in front of her. She had to admit it felt good to be out of limbo, and confirmed as official head of the department, and not simply acting head. She was the last promotion and once she was seated the Captain turned the room over to Captain Rivers for the mission briefing. (Reply none/any) (Posted by Patrick D.) ********** (USS Boudicca - Observation Lounge - CO, Captain Lydia Stakes - Day 1 - 1300) At 1300 precisely, Lydia stepped briskly into the Observation Lounge. She walked to her chair but remained standing. Rivers was already sitting to one side of the Captain's place, looking as though she wanted to be in that chair. ~Not yet, my girl, not yet.~ "Good afternoon, Ladies and Gentlemen," Lydia began. "I believe all of you know Captain Rivers, who will be giving our mission briefing later. But first I have some pleasant business of my own to perform." She glanced to one side. The packages she had requested were there piled up on the table. "Lieutenant Lorimar, step forward." (reply Bob) "It is my duty, but more than that it is my pleasure to promote you to the rank of Lieutenant Commander, and to confirm you in the position of Second Officer of the USS Boudicca. Congratulations, Commander." She shook his hand and then picked up one of the parcels and handed it to him. "I believe you are already familiar with the custom followed by my husband when he was in command? Well, Commander, I follow that custom too. You will wear dress whites for one day to mark your promotion." She smiled briefly. "You may of course wait until after the meeting to change, Commander." (Reply Bob) Once the newly-confirmed 2O had returned to his seat, Lydia spoke again. "Lieutenant Denise Lebranski, step forward." (Reply Denise) "Lieutenant Lebranski, I have pleasure in promoting you to the rank of Lieutenant (sg)." She shook her hand and passed her another parcel. "The parcel contains your dress whites which you will wear for one day to mark your pro- motion. Congratulations, Lieutenant." (reply Denise) "Lieutenant Rel, step forward please," Lydia said when the OPS had re- turned to her seat. (reply Ayslin) "Lieutenant Ayslin Rel, I have pleasure in confirming you as Chief Science Officer of the USS Boudicca." Again she shook the hand of the officer, and passed her a parcel. "Your dress whites, Lieutenant. Wear them with pride." Lydia waited to allow the murmur of congratulations to the three officers to subside, before continuing. "I will now had over to Captain Rivers, who will brief you on our mission. Captain Rivers?" Lydia took her seat as Rivers stood. she had heard it all earlier of course, and she and Rivers had discussed things in great depth, but she was interested to see how her officers would react to the news. (Reply ALL) (Posted by Liz) ********** (USS Boudicca - FO's Quarters - SPC CIVs Parami & Rivers 'cha Nooras - Day 1 - 1300) ~ Five days already! Five boring days I've been on this ship! ~ A sullen Parami was standing with arms folded tightly across his chest, his back arrow-straight, staring out the 'porthole' of his bedroom at Starbase 47, already regretting his decision to stay on the USS Boudicca instead of returning to Vulcan with his grandparents, back to the life he had grown accustomed too during the five years his mother had been MIA and presumed dead; a decision he had made mainly because he couldn't imagine not having his twin sister around, they'd been inseparable since birth, but he was missing the few close friends he'd made during that time, especially T'Sar. Oh how he wished that Rivers hadn't been so adamant about being with their mother again; why couldn't she have also wanted to return to Vulcan. ~ At least *she* gave us *that choice. ~ He grudgingly acknow- ledged, now finding that he was beginning to resent Rivers for emotionally forcing him to go against his own desires, as well as resenting Dorga for insisting that they make a choice instead of just sending them back with their grandparents. ~ I should have just gone back! Why did I care about whether or not I stayed with Rivers? She sure the heck doesn't give a damn whether I stayed with her or not!!...All she cares about was being with *her* ~ "Hey Parami!" His sister's voice coming from the entrance to his room brought Parami away from the porthole as he spun around to face her. His face contorted with the anger he was feeling to- wards her and their mother. "Get OUT! This is MY room!" He shouted as he advanced towards her, a fist clenching tightly and raising in menace as he grabbed her arm with his other hand and thrust her roughly out the door, causing Rivers to wince and gasp as his fingers dug painfully into her flesh. "Owww!" She complained, rubbing her upper arm where bruises were already beginning to form and staring at her brother in dis- belief, wondering why he was being so territorial about his bed- room as he'd never been like that before. "And stay *out* in future unless you want me to hurt you! " Parami's voice cracked, changing in scale from his child voice to that of adolescence that always made him feel so embarrassed. His face was a mask of rage and his blue eyes blazed as he shoved her aside, causing her to lose her balance and fall hard against the hall bulkhead as he pushed past her. "What the blue blazes is wrong with you??" Rivers demanded as she followed in his wake, his baleful look as he glared back at her causing her to stop dead in her tracks. Not bothering to reply, Parami stormed out of their quarters and trotted towards the turbolift and inside, the doors sliding closed just as Rivers peeked around the door frame to see where he'd gone. Still rubbing her arm, Rivers stepped back in to their quarters, lock- ing the door behind her, feeling a mixture of emotions about what had just happened; confusion over her brother's strange behaviour as he'd never been physically aggressive towards her before, nor had he ever minded her entering his bedroom as she pleased. She was also feeling a little scared for she had been certain that he would have punched her if she'd followed him. Certainly he had on rare occasions been angry but not to this degree. Curling up on the couch, Rivers considered telling her mother about what had happened, but she knew that Dorga was in a staff meeting and knew better than to disturb her under those circumstances, and really she didn't want to get Parami into trouble for she had noticed how things didn't seem to be quite right between him and their mother. With a hefty sigh, she picked up an e-magazine and began flicking through it. No, she wouldn't tell Dorga after all. ~ It's got to be hormones or something, making him act like that; he'll grow out of it soon, he has too! ~ Rivers attempted to convince herself that her beloved brother would soon be back to his usual self again. (reply none necessary) (posted by Sal) ********** (USS Boudicca - Observation Lounge - aCEO Ensign Anton Gesar - Day 1 - 1301) Anton was already seated in the Observation Lounge when Stakes walked in and headed for her chair. As he sat in his chair he was certain that everyone else was pondering the presence of Captain Rivers sitting in the chair next to the one where the CO would typically sit. Until he walked into the room he did not even realize that Captain Rivers was even on the ship. He suspected that perhaps some of the others new due to the lack of chatter going on in the room. His train of thought was interrupted when Captain Stakes stepped briskly into the Observation Lounge. "Good afternoon, Ladies and Gentlemen," she began. "I believe all of you know Captain Rivers, who will be giving our mission briefing later. But first I have some pleasant business of my own to perform." "Lieutenant Lorimar, step forward." Anton paid attention as the chief approached the captain to receive his pro- motion. Following the chief, the captain promoted Lebranski and Rel. Anton was happy for his crewmates, happy that this time around he would not have to wear the dress whites. "I will now had over to Captain Rivers, who will brief you on our mission. Captain Rivers?" Anton took out his PADD ready to take notes should it become necessary, as he wondered why it was that Captain Rivers had to come on board to deliver their orders (Reply Any) (Posted by Oleg) *********** (USS Boudicca - Observation Lounge - FO/CDR Dorga 'cha Nooras - Day 1 - 1303) Dorga had been thrilled to see Susan again; it had been a pleasant surprise and five years of aging hadn't changed Susan much at all, just a few laughter lines around the eyes and the twins had also been delighted, in fact Dorga couldn't help compare Parami's enthusiastic greeting and spontaneous hug of his Godmother, to the very cool one she had received from him. Once they'd exchanged stories about what had occurred since they'd seen each other last, Dorga had then messaged Shadow, Lorimar, Lebranski, Trei, Ayslin Rel, Arania, ManyHorses and Dr. Jahlen, inviting them all to dine with her and then had taken Susan to lunch in QV, where she had received more warm welcomes. After acknowledging Stakes' heads-up and order two hours previously, Dorga had then messaged all the senior officers immediately upon receiving her communication. Once lunch was over she had made her way to the Observation lounge to await the arrival of the rest of the senior staff and the CO and also ensure that beverages and snacks were available just should some not have eaten lunch yet. For herself she had replicated a cosmic size iced cappuccino and took a chair two seats to the CO's right, respectfully relinquishing her custo- mary seat to Captain Rivers. On the dot of 1300 hours, Captain Stakes walked in and pro- ceeded the meeting by introducing Susan although most there already knew her, stating that Rivers would be giving their new mission briefing after she had concluded some pleasant business of her own. The Captain glanced to one side where several packages were neatly stacked and then began calling out names and doling out new ranks, new positions and brand new dress whites. First up front and centre was Bob Lorimar, and Dorga was thrilled to hear him made permanent 2nd Officer with a pro- motion to Lieutenant Commander. In her eyes it was greatly deserved and she applauded enthusiastically, just as she did for Denise Lebranski and Ayslin Rel, although Lebranski didn't look too happy about the promotion. ~ She will just have to get used to them, like it or not! ~ The FO thought. Once the congratulations died away, Lydia Stakes told them Rivers would brief them on the new mission and sat down. Susan stood up and Dorga leaned forward expectantly, waiting silently to hear what she had to say. (Reply ALL) (Posted by Sal) ********* (USS Boudicca - Observation Lounge - Probationer Candle - Day 1 - 1303) Basil had tried to slip into the Observation deck unobserved but his probationary duties had kept him delayed or was that he had delayed his probationary duties. Whatever the reason he was late so when he arrived everyone else had arrived too. Therefore he had the unfortunate awkward feeling when the door opened of everyone looking his way. Admittedly they all turned back to the table as basil grabbed a seat. Throughout all the initial talk he kept himself quiet and focussed inwardly. As the promotions were given out Basil drifted back to last time he was in front of the Captain “Explain yourself” “I wish I could, Captain. I tried to explain this to the councillor, its like I’m here but not in my own skin. I am in space yet … it doesn’t feel right. I went over my actions down on the planet everything that Chief Enginneer Lorimar reported and, quite frankly, wouldn’t do anything different.” The frown on Captain Stakes face was deep, her voice steady but calm as she said, “Your behaviour was …. not what I would expect from a Starfleet officer it was …” “Insubordinate? “ Basil interrupted, Stakes' face deepened, “ .. see I cannot help it. Captain thisis not an excuse … no maybe it is. I have over 20 years of spacer life imprinted into me. I feel I am like a bird on a leash - expecting to walk in the open air instead of flying. Starfleet academy tried its best to cajole me out of my habits and it did, for a time, but I’m back in Space, Captain, now returned I’ve thrown off my jacket and stuck my feet on the furniture. Perhaps, .. Perhaps I shouldn‘t really be here” “Nonsense, Candle, now listen this is what I propose ….” That was when she explained he would be on probation and as well as his normal duties would also work in the lower decks helping out where he could. He shook off the memory and focussed back onto the mission briefing (Reply any) (Posted by Warren Simkins) ********* (USS Boudicca - Observation Lounge - PO2 Shadow to Sretalles - 1304) Shadow was always happy to see Captain Susan, even if the two had kept in contact in the times since the Boudicca's disappear- ance. She might even have been forgiven now for the balled of "Captain Susan's Grumpy Old Cat" that she'd sung at a certain captain's birthday. A twenty seven verse song of the misadven- tures of one captain and one non-sentient pet felenoid which insinuated the captain was the pet had caused much laughter and threats of dire consequence. "I have managed to learn enough Bajoran to translate 'that song' to your childhood language, if you like.." Shadow had teased over lunch, causing interest in what 'that song' was. Shadow was still deliberating between threats of having her tail plucked bare by a certain annoyed captain vs entertaining a whole new crowd. She'd had to excuse herself from lunch after polishing off a turkey linguini salad, which she knew had started Dorga to see her eat and socialize. Ah well, she could explain to the counsellor she'd found happiness and grounding in the years inbetween, but she was pretty sure Dorga could tell all on her own. She'd had time to prepare Denise's collection of snacks and drinks, put out PADDs and set-up the table before taking her old post beside the windows. ~So much has changed, and nothing at all.~ She'd thought as the officers came in, talking amongst themselves. Though, Chief Bob seemed more interested in stars than ship. ~I wonder what chews on his tail?~ Hopefully the ever observant Dorga noticed and cornered him later. She could fix anyone. Promotions swirled around her, Denise scenting of resignation more so than irritation, perhaps the now- Chief-of-Ops had given up the battle? But then when she read her PADD she scented of surprise and.. well, Shadow wasn't quite sure how she'd explain the scent to a furless, but like someone had just hit her in the face with a week- old-dead-kill. She made a note to ask Parrr how he would relay that. They had endless fun coming up with ways to explain to the weak- sensed furless. They got bonus points if the furless they beta tested on turned green. Her tail snuck a cookie from under Captain Susan's elbow and she nibbled on it thoughtfully as she continued to make observations and notes of the meeting. (Reply any) (Posted by Lorna) ********* (USS Boudicca - Observation Lounge - TAC/SC Lieutenant(SG) Detron Trei - 1305) Detron listened to all the promotions and responded as usual with great applause especially Bob and Lebraski since he has formed a relationship with them over time. Detron wondered why he did not receive a pro- motion in rank but brushed it off as coming soon. Detron was excited to go on another adventure and wondered what that adventure might be. Detron turned to Bob's seat and gave him the Klingon warrior chest thump in honor of his promotion. He did the same to Denise even though she won't understand the gesture. Detron waited for Captain Rivers to brief them on the mission. (Reply Rivers) (Posted by Edward) ******** (USS Boudicca - Observation Lounge - Lieutenant Denise Lebranski - 1306) Denise was not really paying more than an ear of attention to the meeting around her. She was trying to figure out why they were getting a 0.136% power loss from the anterior starboard relays on deck seven. Engineering insisted that nothing hardware had changed, so what power usage was changing the available load? She looked up as Bob got promoted into the big wig leagues and handed his dress whites over. "You may of course wait until after the meeting to change, Commander." ~So much for the entertainment part of this meeting.~ Denise thought wryly, before going back to trace usage routes. Once the newly-confirmed 2O had returned to his seat, Lydia spoke again. "Lieutenant Denise Lebranski, step forward." "I didn't do it, nobody saw me, you can't prove a thing." Denise said with a tired smile, standing up and approaching the captain with a careful eye. "Lieutenant Lebranski, I have pleasure in promoting you to the rank of Lieutenant (sg)." The Captain shook her hand and passed her a parcel. "The parcel contains your dress whites which you will wear for one day to mark your promotion. Congratulations, Lieutenant." "I wonder what I have to do *now* to stay in 'Fleet and get busted back down to enlisted.. three ranks in one blow is quite the challenge.." Denise murmured while looking at the package of dress uniform. She wondered if it was the traditional hand tailored model or if it was the replicated she probably wouldn't get shot for accidently leaving in an airlock model. Fortunately she was freed from further attempts at wit when the Captain turned attention to their chief of science. ~And next up on the sacrificial block..~ Denise thought as she returned to her seat. Her PADD flashed an incoming message as Bob caught her attention and tapped his own PADD. 'You will look lovely in those whites!' he'd sent. ~Is he frelling KIDDING ME?~ Denise thought in a wonderful whirlpool mix of frustration, irritation and disbelief. She sus- pected her expression was a nice mix of disbelief and shock. She yanked her brain around to Rel's promotion before she started beating her head against the table and added her congratulations, knocking her thoughts of Bob to the back burner to simmer. Captain Rivers looked like a cat who was stalking a canary. Five years was a long time to be apart from one's ship, would Starfleet put her back or did Starfleet have other plans? The Captain had been tight lipped about things professional over lunch. ~Which reminds me, find out something to bribe Shadow with.~ Bob seemed to expect some sort of response. ~Oh well.~ She thought, ~What does it matter?~ and sent back, 'I'll be sure to drop a stylus to pick up.' (Reply any) (posted by Lorna) ********** (USS Boudicca - Observation Lounge - SPC CCOUNS/LCDR Jerome 'Hoss' ManyHorses - Day 1 - 1308) ManyHorses smiled with genuine pleasure as the promotions were handed out and clapped politely in honor of the recipients, but his dark eyes kept returning to Susan Rivers. ~ She hasn't changed a bit in the years since I last saw her. Well almost, just a few more laugh lines around her eyes but they suit her; she's still as beautiful as she was then. ~ He wondered if she'd given him a second thought during that time, or if she'd been saddened at his loss when Starfleet had assumed him to be dead along with the rest of the ship's crew. Although it had only been a couple of months for him since he'd seen her last, she had been on his mind constantly and he'd been very upset that he hadn't got to say goodbye to her when she had left the Boudicca in such haste. ~ Hopefully everything was resolved at home for her. ~ Unfortunately he'd been unable to attend the get together in QV that Dorga had arranged, having had previous counseling appoint- ments to attend too, so he had not been able to speak to Susan yet. With any luck he could have a word after the meeting finished. At his right, Doctor Jahlen spoke to him and he dragged his gaze from Susan to look at Jahlen. "I'm sorry Doctor, what did you say?" He asked, leaning closer. Jahlen gave him a soft smile, "nothing too important, I just com- mented on how well deserved the promotions were, that's all." Jerome gave a nod of agreement. "Yes, but I must say they have my sympathies, having to wear those dress uniforms." "Indeed." Jahlen replied, "makes me quite grateful that I'm not one of them." The congratulations subsided and the room hushed as Captain Stakes called upon Captain Rivers to brief them all on what lay ahead. (reply any) (posted by Sal) ********* (USS Boudicca – Observation Lounge – 2O/CEO Lt Cmdr Lorimar – 1311) Bob was still trying to figure out Denise’s reaction to his TXT message; he feared that his rotten track record of misreading, misinterpreting, or just plain misunderstanding her mood(s) was about to continue. She had a way of making him feel like a complete idiot… a foolish, clueless, schoolboy. He had speculated at length of late if she could possibly do such a thing purposefully. He fervently hoped not, but he was so confused he truthfully had no idea what she might or might not do. His conversation with Arania several days before had hardly helped. Rather than make things more clear, his friend’s insight had merely muddied an already cloudy mental picture. 'I'll be sure to drop a stylus to pick up,' was her reply. ~WHAT is that supposed tae mean? Ah mean ah ken what it * could* mean… but surely mah friend isnae bein’ that crass is she?~ His mind devolved into a maddening swirl of thoughts, none of which made much sense at all. Least of all those pertaining to Denise Lebranski. He glanced around the room at the assembled officers, lingering for a beat on each one’s face. He wondered what they might each be thinking? When his gaze fell upon his friend Lt. Trei, he pulled his thoughts back to the here and now. His impassive Klingon features betrayed nothing outward, but Bob saw some- thing in the man’s eyes which defied description. ~Is he troubled by something? Personal issues? Professional ones? Should ah even pry so much as tae ask him? Perhaps ah will manage tae bump into him somewhere unofficial… ah might then get a better idea if anything is troublin’ the man. He’s a guid lad, and a fine officer as well. Ah hope everythin’ is alright wie him…~ Commander ManyHorses, for his part, seemed keenly interested in something, or perhaps someone at the head of the table. Nothing overt or obvious, but when scrutinizing the interplay of all those present it seemed to be so. ~Perhaps when ye get yer head oot of you-know-where ye notice these things… Fool!~ Speaking of ManyHorses, Bob made a mental note to speak with him after the briefing concluded. There was an issue that he would like, and probably should, speak with Dorga about as well; but first, ManyHorses. He glanced back down at his PADD and waited for the briefing proper to begin. (Reply Any) (Posted by Russ) ********** (USS Boudicca - Bridge - Lieutenant Denise Lebranski - 1400) "Uh, ma'am?" the confused ensign said, looking up at her as she came to relieve him of bridge duty. Denise smiled her happy smile and said, "Yes, Tez?" "Uh.. Nothing." He slipped out of the chair and past the new senior Lieutenant whose dress whites were black. "They were like this when I opened the package." Denise said to his retreating back and shot the same all-is-right-with-the-universe- because-I'm-in-it smile to the CONN officer. One thing Ms. Lebranski excelled at, well, besides organization, was research. It didn't take a very long to research what would cause dis- colouration in dress whites. It didn't take much longer to narrow down particular colours and what would affect the whole set. While she'd been tempted for a heartbeat by the pastel oil wash the trimi- dular radiation would cause, she wasn't quite sure that wouldn't get her tossed in the brig. Black, however, a nice tarnish effect from samish polar plasma radiation, was quite doable. Especially since an engineering team was currently working with a science team to see if said radiation could be employed in a more energy efficient method of camouflaging shuttles. She'd thought she'd seen red hair disappear down the hallway as she stepped out of the turbolift to get to the lab. Perhaps the Chief of Science had the same idea she'd had. Of course, the scientist being more aware of scientific research and what was going on with them on the ship could have leapt there faster. The cheater. Denise was pretty sure while Rel *might* be a sneak, Bob would suffer in his whites looking mopey and miserable for the next two days. No way in heck she was going to do the same. The problem with most officers was they didn't think outside the box. Or maybe they were just afraid of having their cushy rights taken away from them. Or having the Captain yell at them. Oh well, the worst they could do would be send her home in a box to explain to her mother why she was grounded. She'd probably survive that. In the meantime, she had that power drain to figure out.. (Reply any) (posted by Lorna) ********* (USS Boudicca - Bridge - aCEO Ensign Anton Gesar - 1403) Anton looked around the Bridge as he stepped off the turbolift and headed for Lebranski's direction sopping short when he noticed her uniform. "Decided to go with the not-quite-so-white dress whites Lieutenant?" (Reply Lebranski) "I'm here about the 0.136% power loss from the anterior star- board relays on deck seven that you reported a while ago. I read the report you got from our diagnostics team but I don't like to just tell people it's not our fault and then throw the problem over the fence as it were." Anton put on his most serious face and tone of voice, "You see, someone put into the complaint log that engineering did not respond quickly enough to a logged failure the other day and well... I take those kind of things personally. Fortunately in this case the ship did not blow up. Though someone's heart was broken because of a ruined dinner caused by a severely mal- functioning replicator. Love can be fickle that way." Anton shook his head as if he was holding back a painful memory. "Anyways, I'm here to help. Perhaps if we tackle the problem to- gether we can solve it more quickly. Two heads are better than one, as my father used to say." A pang of pain shot through Anton's chest. He meant to be lighthearted and humorous. But the simple comment caused his mind to drift to his father. Taking a deep breath he smiled and looked at the Lieutenant and raised his right eyebrow, "Shall we begin?" (Reply Lebranski) (Posted by Oleg) *********** (USS Boudicca, CSO's Office - CSO Lieutenant (jg) Ayslin Rel and Yeoman Tanna Slain - 1404) "Hey, stop fiddling with your bars," Tanna said slapping Ayslin's hand away. "You can't do this upside down, so stop trying." Tanna said. "I hate having to wear these things, they're so fidgety," Ayslin said muttering. Tanna was standing in front of her fixing the bars and ribbons on her chest, making sure she looked perfect. "There, done. And you really don't need to complain, they look good on you," Tanna said stepping back. "The pure white and the red of your hair make your eyes stand out." Tanna said with a smile. "Oh don't get me wrong, I look good in them, it's hard not to, but they're not exactly comfortable, they chafe," Ayslin said. She walked over to a mirror on the wall, fixing her hair, tucking a loose strand back into the braid. Satisfied that she looked her best, she nodded and turned back to her yeoman who had taken a seat on the couch and had a canary eating grin on her face "So, I noticed you were spending quite a lot of time with the Trill Doctor while he was here. Old friends or new?" Tanna asked raising an eyebrow. "A little of both. We missed an opportunity when we were in school, looks like we might have a second chance now. We'll see what happens, we won't have a lot of time together, but we'll take advantage of the time we do get." Ayslin said with a shrug, sitting down in her chair. "Did he at least get to see you off, ply you with flowers and gifts, promise to write every day?" Tanna asked, running her fingers through her dark brown hair, as she leaned back. Ayslin "No, sadly, he had to leave yesterday, but he still promised to write," Ayslin said, then smiled a little bashfully, "it was kind of cute, really. He's a good guy, in school he was so nervous, he's calmed down since then. Being joined helped a lot. What about you, you finding any new love interests?" "No, and I'm not looking," Tanna said. "After the last one ended just this side of apocalypse, I'm just going to focus on work and friends, and let love find me for now." "How's the new roommate?" Ayslin asked, knowing that the roommate issue stemmed from the last relationship issue. "Much better, she's nice, and quiet, and we seem to get along," Tanna said, then stood up. "However, I should probably get back to work. "Yeah, I know, me too," Ayslin said standing up, "I can't hide all day. Can you make sure to contact who ever needs to be contacted about my change in position and title. I'll be on the bridge." "No problem, and just remember, no matter how annoying the dress whites are, you look great." Tanna said as they both left the office and went about their business. (Reply Any) (Posted by Patrick D.) ********** (USS Boudicca - Bridge - FO/CDR Dorga 'cha Nooras - Day 1 - 1405) "Decided to go with the not-quite-so-white dress whites Lieutenant?" Dorga heard somebody say, bringing her head up from the Ship Reports PADD she'd been reading. A frown of irritation furrowed her ridged brow as she saw the state of the dress whites that Lt. Lebranski was wearing. ~ By the stars what happened? ~ Her frown deepened as she con- sidered what she knew about Lebranski's character. Dorga wouldn't put it past Denise to deliberately sabotage her dress whites but could she prove it? ~ Doubtful for she's no idiot, she *knows* how to cover her behind...with armor plating! ~ However there was no reason why the disgraceful look of her dress whites should continue. As Gesar and Lebranski were talking professionally and not just chit chat, Dorga waited until they appeared to be finished and then got up and walked over to where Lebranski was seated. "What happened to your whites, you are out of uniform Lieutenant?" She asked as her dark eyes scanned Denise from top to toe. (Reply Lebranski) "I see." The FO replied as she was thinking ~ pure genius! ~ She admired Lebranski's ingenuity and creativity however, she disapproved of the apparent lack of respect for Captain Stakes and for the uniform she was wearing, by her continuing to wear the ruined clothing. "Then I suggest, Lieutenant, that you replicate new ones immediately and change into them." Dorga replied coolly, "and then I expect no further accidents to happen, is that clear?" (Reply Lebranski) (Posted by Sal) ********** (USS Boudicca - Bridge – Lieutenant Denise Lebranski - 1406) "Decided to go with the not-quite-so-white dress whites Lieutenant?" "They came out of the package like this," Denise replied serenely. Anton told her about how he'd been aware of her quest to find power drain answers. She'd thought she was the only one OCD about such things. "Anyways, I'm here to help. Perhaps if we tackle the problem together we can solve it more quickly. Two heads are better than one, as my father used to say." A pang of pain shot through Anton's chest. He meant to be lighthearted and humorous. But the simple comment caused his mind to drift to his father. Taking a deep breath he smiled and looked at the Lieutenant and raised his right eyebrow, "Shall we begin?" "You okay, Anton?" She asked, concerned. She hoped he'd forgive the familiarity, but.. (Reply Gesar) "Why don't I meet you down at the site in twenty and we can backtrace it. Climbing through Jeffrey tubes and scanning is a job of joy that should definitely be shared," Denise said, maybe the ensign would want to talk once they weren't surrounded by people. She didn't think she could offer anything useful, the time disruption hadn't disrupted much of anything for her, but she could certainly listen. (Reply Gesar) She turned to summon Ensign Taz back to the bridge and when she turned back, Ensign Gesar had turned into a very irritated looking Klingon Warrioress. "What happened to your whites, you are out of uniform Lieutenant?" She asked as her dark eyes scanned Denise from top to toe. Denise blinked, "They came out of the package that way, Commander." Simple and truthful. "I see." The first officer looked like she was contemplating painting her uniform with red. Probably a good thing Starfleet officers didn't typically walk around armed. "Then I suggest, Lieutenant, that you replicate new ones immediately and change into them." Dorga replied coolly, "and then I expect no further accidents to happen, is that clear?" "Yes Ma'am." Denise said, setting her station to standby. She got up and walked to the replicator at the back of the bridge and summoned a new dress uniform. She was going to have to pay for it, she really didn't see what the big deal was - black dress uniform certainly looked snazzier than white, and the radiation seemed to have also destroyed the itchy. The material was soft and felt almost velvety under touch. She picked up the uniform from the replicator and frowned. She hoped the first officer wasn't watching too closely. She shoved the uniform back in the slot and told the computer to reclaim the black dress uniform. The material had been correct, but the colour wrong. She summoned a new uniform, muttering to herself about the cost. The second uniform was also black. "Commander.." She said carefully, "Can you assist me please?" (Reply Dorga) "I may have jinxed the uniform the Captain gave me, I'm not admitting or denying, but I promise you, I didn't jinx the programming. Two uniforms are black, can you try your access and summon one for me? I'll transfer the credits over." She hoped that Dorga believed her. She might try to bend the rules, or even follow spirit instead of letter, but she wouldn't out and out act against an order! Especially when it came from a tired, cranky, commander! (Reply Dorga) Unfortunately, Dorga's summoning also came out black. "Uhm. Can I wear an undress uniform until I can fix this? I promise, I'll wear dress whites for the prescribed two days as soon as I get the replicator cooperating." (Reply Dorga.) Denise tried not to sigh, but she couldn't say the Commander wasn't fair. (Reply any) (posted by Lorna) ********* (USS Boudicca - Bridge – aCEO Ens. Anton Gesar - 1407) "Shall we begin?" "You okay, Anton?" She asked, concerned. She hoped he'd for- give the familiarity, but.. Subconciously Anton had been keeping himself occupied with work since he count out about his father a few days prior. He dealt with it the only way he knew by burying it and putting it out of his mind keeping his emotions in check by focusing on the job at hand. He had not realized the brief moment of emotion was that visible. Not until Denise had asked. Anton smiled knowing that it was pointless to pretend like the emotional slip did not happen. "I'm fine, but thank you for asking." As he was speaking Anton realized that the next subject changing move would be way too obvious but changed the subject anyways. "So, do we have a plan of attack?" "Why don't I meet you down at the site in twenty and we can back- trace it. Climbing through Jeffrey tubes and scanning is a job of joy that should definitely be shared," Denise suggested. "It certaintly is. I'll meet you there." Denise turned to summon someone on her communicator as Anton turned and headed out. Out of the corner of his eye he caught the FO moving in Denise's direction. (Reply any) (posted by Oleg) ******* (USS Boudicca - Bridge – FO/CDR Dorga 'cha Nooras - 1407.5) Dorga's dark gaze took in the dress blacks that were supposed to be dress whites adorning the new Chief of Operations. She was not thrilled by what she considered to be a display of disrespect on Lt. Lebranski's part and asked what had happened to cause it. Denise blinked, "They came out of the package that way, Com- mander." She stated. The first officer had no choice but to believe Lebranski even though she had her doubts; innocent till proven guilty was still how the justice system worked, so she suggested that Lebranski replicate a new uniform to wear and any further 'accidents' would be a mistake. "Yes Ma'am." Denise said and setting her station to standby, got up and accessed the replicator at the back of the bridge to do so, while Dorga resumed her seat in the command chair, Captains Stakes and Rivers being holed up in the Ready Room with the door locked. She'd just sat down and resumed reading the ships' status reports when she heard Denise calling to her for assistance. ~ What now? She needs help to work the replicator? ~ She thought irritably as she got up and strode over to join the COPs. "I may have jinxed the uniform the Captain gave me, I'm not admit- ting or denying, but I promise you, I didn't jinx the programming. Two uniforms are black, can you try your access and summon one for me? I'll transfer the credits over." "It won't be necessary to transfer any credits, Lieutenant, if the machine is malfunctioning then you won't be charged." Dorga informed her as she punched in her codes and ordered another uniform for Denise. When she saw that it also was black she swore softly under her breath. "What in Kahless' name is going on here?" Dorga growled with annoy- ance. If the replicator was malfunctioning it meant that the Bridge crew couldn't use it for refreshments while on shift, and she already felt like having a cappuccino. This was most aggravating. "Uhm. Can I wear an undress uniform until I can fix this? I promise, I'll wear dress whites for the prescribed two days as soon as I get the replicator cooperating." Dorga relieved Denise of the replicated clothing and together with what she had replicated, popped them in to the recycler. "I think that's the best course to take for now, rather than be out of uniform in that!" The FO had to admit she rather liked the black but regardless of preferences, the whites were what the CO ordered and Lebranski *would* be wearing them sooner or later, and if Dorga had anything to do with it, it would be sooner. "Whoever packaged the three uniforms had to have known your set were black. It can't have been Captain Stakes it would be completely out of character." Dorga thought aloud. "Usually it's the YOC who does that stuff." Dorga looked at Denise. "Find out." She demanded before she returned to the command chair and immediately contacted the second officer via a text message. << Please meet me in my office at 1530. >> Sitting back in the chair, she thought about what she'd learned during the briefing meeting and wondered why the Captains were ensconced in the Ready Room behind locked doors, and why wasn't she also in there with Commander Lorimar. What was going on? (Reply Lebranski, Heads up Lorimar, any) (posted by Sal) ******** (Boudicca - Candle’s Quarters - Probationer Candle - Day 1 - 1419) Basil had been avoiding it for some time. He knew that once started he had set his course, made a decision. ~Not necessarily the pursuit of knowledge is usually seen as a positive~ he tried to reason in his mind. In truth he knew that a part of him would be giving up, succumbing to the thought that he was still going to give being a Starfleet officer a go. He had already begun to accept that this was not a holo-suite joke and five years had gone by in a blink. He knew that deep down when he woke up each morning there was a brief moment that he believed it had never occurred and even being encased in the ship’s social sphere you could pretend as well. As soon as conversations were heard or even a quick look at the Stardate would shatter that illusion. He was sitting at his desk in his room looking at the various options avail- able to him. Five years of research and discoveries of new races, planets and whatever else had been stumbled across by Starfleet’s expansionist policies. Again he knew that once he had decided to look at this and go back over his own studies he had made the decision to stay. So far that he is still an, allegedly, an unwilling participant only here because the Captain had deemed it so. He stared at the screen taking regular sips from his mug held in both hands, as if a free one would absently brush the screen launching him down a particular path. He made a decision, “Computer ……. Screen off” ~Not today.~ (Reply None) (Posted by Warren Simkins) ******** (Starbase 47, Docking Bay - ACMO/Ens(Jg) Hakroy - 1420) After arriving by ship from earth to Starbase 47, it was a long journey and took about a month or so travel. After teleporting onto starbase 47, he found the arrangement a little interesting but gathering himself he quickly made his way to the docking bay upon orders that the Boudicca was in Dock, touching up his uniform. The ship that had flown to Starbase 47 had entered warp travel and quickly jumped out from view, and Hakroy was in the docking bay room minutes later. "How do you feel?" the control officer remarked. "I am doing well, just need to get acquainted with everything, this ship is new to me, just arrived from starfleet academy." Hakroy replied. "Well, if you're going to need to speak with your ship's first officer, they will have information for you about what equipment you need and what orders you have, from here I hope you have a pleasant stay on the USS Boudicca" the officer remarked, then continued his steady watch over the docking bay terminal. "Thank you, I will do my best, I shall be going now." Hakroy replied then walked out from the docking bay and into the Boudicca. (posted by Sean Ivey) ********* (USS Boudicca - Jeffrey Tube 7-21 – Lieutenant Denise Lebranski - 1425) Denise was in a duty uniform and trying to figure out who had jinxed her uniform database when Anton caught up to her. "THAT CAT!" she bellowed in irritation at her PADD. She then looked up to see the engineer joining her. Denise turned a beautiful shade of red, "Er, sorry.. just figured out the answer to a problem.. Unfortunately, not the one at hand." (Reply Anton) "So, my brilliant idea is to follow the power relay in each direction until we find where the drain goes to which doesn't seem very efficient. Since this is much more your department, and I KNOW you're more experienced at this than me, what's your plan?" (Reply Anton) (posted by Lorna) ********** (USS Boudicca - Jeffrey Tube 7-21 – aCEO Ensign Anton Gesar - 1426) The pack Anton was carying made him travel a bit slower so Denise was climbing ahead of him. That and maintainging a bit of distance made it easier to look ahead to where he was going and maintain being a gentle- man at the same time. He had just caught up to her when she yelled out loud "THAT CAT!". She then looked up realizing Anton had caught up and turned a beautiful shade of red. "Er, sorry.. just figured out the answer to a problem.. Unfortunately, not the one at hand." "No need to apologise. Now that it's out of the way you don't have to split your concentration between two problems." "So, my brilliant idea is to follow the power relay in each direction until we find where the drain goes to which doesn't seem very efficient. Since this is much more your department, and I KNOW you're more experienced at this than me, what's your plan?" "Well, what were you doing when you discovered the power drain?" (Reply Denise) "Which is what led us here, because that amongst other ship functions runs specifically through these power relays. The diagnostics of the power relays says they are all functioning correctly, which does not mean you still can't see a power drain. I'm a bit of a visual guy so I thought that we can simulate activating some of the systems that run through this relay here and see if the relay output is what it should be or not. At the same time I can also scan the relay to make sure internal function is correct but I suspect it's not the problem. I am guessing that one of the systems is malfunctioning and is drawing power even when it is not supposed to be. For efficiency when you activate a system only the power necessary to operate is alocated. If something else is con- stantly drawing power it would just alocate more power and the computer would simply generate a report that for some reason it had to allocate additional power during this function. It would have eventually been repaired along with other small things that get automatically reported. In your case howerer this system must be really malfunctioning because it actually caused the function you were using to operate under a power drain. Once we finish here we can check on the power relay hub further down that way and see if it can tell us where the power drain is coming from. And if that isn't it well then I'm stumped. Of course it could also be..." Anton stopped and mentally berated himself as he realised that he was rambling. "Yes well...uh... sorry... didn't mean to ramble here. You didn't ask for an engineering lesson." ~ (Reply Denise, iyw) "I'll tell the power relay that systems are being activated. Monitor the input and output to the relay with this scanner, we want to see what it does as we activate the different systems," he handed the device to Denise. (Reply Denise) (posted by Oleg) ********* (USS Boudicca – FO’s Office – FO/CDR ‘cha Nooras & 2O/CEO Lt Cmdr Lorimar – Day 1 - 1527) Bob Lorimar had arrived three minutes early for his meeting with the FO. Her summons was as unexpected as it was puzzling. He wondered exactly *what* was going on. ~One way to find out…~ He pressed the door chime. “Lieutenant Commander Lorimar, reporting as ordered.” Dorga gave the 2O a welcoming smile and waved him inside. He entered quickly, thankful that he was going to be in Dorga’s private office, away from the comical encounters, gazes, and low voiced comments he had been enduring because of his white uniform. As the doors shut behind him, he reflexively gave his uniform a trademark *tug* to make sure it was as pristine as possible. Once he'd cleared the doorway Dorga ordered the door locked, this would be a private session. “Ye wished tae see me, ma’am?” "Indeed and I'm glad you could make it." Dorga replied gesturing towards a chair. "Sit down please, make yourself comfortable." ~ Well as comfortable as you can be dressed in that uniform. ~ She was sure he'd had his share of leg pulling by the crew since having to don the dreaded whites, though she had to admit he did look very smart; they suited him. Bob took the seat he had been offered, sitting straight up in the chair. All the while he felt very out of place wearing the uncomfortable and gaudy whites. He still felt like a fool, and he was certain it would show in his demeanor if he was not extremely careful. “So what can ah dae for ye today, Commander?” "Well you can start by calling me Dorga in private, Bob. This is an informal meeting to discuss matters... Mainly I'd like your thoughts and any ideas you have regarding the ship in general, however I just received a message from Captain Stakes informing me that both Captain Rivers and her, have been ordered to a closed door meeting on SB47 with Starfleet Intel, and are not to be disturbed under any circumstances, so it looks like we'll be kept out of the loop for some time, depending how long that meeting lasts." “Closed door meeting eh? Ah suspect we will in fact be kept out of the loop. Ah’m amazed they dinnae invite ye, as the first officer and all…” Bob rubbed his beard thoughtfully. “Ah so shall we deal with current events first? Or would ye prefer tae take on the recent past, then our new circumstances?” Dorga's smile grew. "Everything actually, it certainly won't hurt for the two of us to be on the same page when/if we ever learn all we should know.. By the way, I took the liberty in having some food and real coffee sent up from QV." She informed him as she rose from her armchair and brought an anti-grav serving trolley, that had been tucked into a corner, closer to where they sat in the small conversation setting she'd set up in another corner of her office. The First Officer's office was almost as big as the CO's Ready Room, and Dorga had enjoyed furnishing it to her taste while stationed at Laatstekans Station. It comprised of two contemporary style armchairs and an ancient travel trunk she'd purchased at a antiques store on the station that not only could be utilized as storage, but also as a coffee table. She knew that Bob was fond of coffee so she poured them both each a large mug full and placed it on the coffee table; she then handed him an oversized napkin she'd replicated and told him what there was to choose from, to eat. "What can I get you? We can talk and eat." Bob frowned before replying. "Unless ye had a giant bib replicated and sent up, Dorga, ah'm scared tae death tae either eat or drink in this silly white uniform..." The FO chuckled, "that's what the extra large napkin is for. Don't forget I have worn the whites too." He thought it over a moment, and decided he could hardly refuse her thoughtful kindness. "Ah appreciate the gesture, and ah can hardly refuse such kindness... " He rose and selected something that he believed was a waterfowl... Duck, perhaps? Dorga placed it on a plate and he sat back down, taking a careful and experimental sip of his coffee... managing somehow not to spill it on his uniform or anywhere else. That fact alone made him smile contentedly. Handing him a plate with his choices on it and a fork, she helped herself and then sat down in her chair again. "Let's go over what we learned during the briefing so we know we're both on the same page so to speak." Dorga looked directly at him and her expression was more sober. "I have a gut feeling that we don't have all the details. Both Captain Stakes and Captain Rivers were holed up in the Ready Room with the door locked for quite some time right after the staff meeting." He took a forkful from his plate and tasted it, savoring the texture and flavor. It *was* duck, at least that is what it tasted like. Not normally a favorite but enjoyable nonetheless. He chewed and swallowed before continuing. "Well... if ah'm tae speak frankly about the briefing... let me say ah'm nae particularly keen on this alternate universe stuff." He gathered his thoughts and took another sip of coffee before going on. "Ah'm nae the theorist that many folk are -- being mair of a practical engineer -- but the whole concept of interacting with an alternate universe makes me verra uncomfortable. Ah know that they exist, perhaps even an infinite number of them co-existing with us in space-time. But ah think a risk is taken anytime one contacts with another. The interaction of forces so dynamic as those of the time stream... its a risky proposition at best. Newtonian physics sometimes apply even in a situation this complicated. That makes me afraid of the 'equal and opposite reaction' to whatever we might dae. Suppose something we do, or *they* do... has some unforeseen effect on *our* universe?" "I am of a like mind, Bob, and that is partly why I have requested to meet with you. It scares me half to death even thinking about it." She picked up a crunchy beetle and munched on it, at least it didn't affect her appetite. "Hopefully our ship and crew won't be put in any dangerous position, but I can't help wishing they'd given the mission to a ship that hadn't just jumped through time." Bob nodded thoughtfully, and took another tasty bite of lunch. "Having said all that, it is *our* mission... and like it or not, we've been tasked to ah suppose, investigate, and likely help these people. Mah first concern, even before the broader sense of the universal/dimensional interaction, is the safety of the crew and the ship." Dorga gave her one curt nod, "agreed, that is always our uppermost concern." He looked thoughtfully across at his friend Dorga, and put the question. "How are we supposed tae insure the safety of our people? Or are we expected tae subordinate that concern tae the overall goal? Which, incidentally, is what, exactly? We had our own wee fracas that is still freshly concluded... and now we may be expected tae jump into another? Again... wie all respect tae the powers that be... ah'm verra uneasy with this whole thing." "Truthfully, we can never be sure of insuring that our people are safe, all we can do is try. This is a dangerous occupation but isn't that why we do it? The sense of achievement for a job well done, the sense of adventure and the challenges we surmount to fulfill our goals? Yes, these kind of circumstances are more of a challenge than the normal missions but we are not allowed to pick and choose what we do, we do what we're ordered to do and must have faith that HQ picked us because we were the best choice." Dorga winked at Bob and smiled, "and let's face it, we *are* the best." Bob didn’t return her smile. “Or the most expendable…” ~ Hmmm I didn't think of it that way, but I suppose it's possible that some Admiral has an axe to grind with Stakes, Kahless knows Rivers has her enemies in the top ranks. ~ A disconcerted frown furrowed Dorga's brow. "Now let's go through what needs to be done in order to get this mission started. You know your Department's job... in a way it's simple, you keep the old girl purring at optimum efficiency, the same for Operations, mine is to make sure everyone else is doing their job right, but it's hard to do when I don't have all the facts." He nodded thoughtfully. “Ah dinnae envy yer job, tae be sure. However, ah would not describe engineering’s job as ‘easy’, Dorga. There is no tellin’ just what effect the journey will hae on the ship or her systems. Ah’d like some more details in terms of the exact method we will be using tae go where we must. It’s nae exactly like nipping next door tae borrow a cup of sugar, is it?” "I'm sorry I really didn't mean that being in engineering is an easy occupation, just that the concept is, but that is neither here nor there, we have to set things in motion in order to get this mission underway." The FO interjected; she hadn't meant to demean Bob's work in any way; she knew if the Bridge was the brain then Engineering was the heart of the ship and without a heart, a ship was dead. “In mah opinion, we need any available technical information, and we need it as soon as possible. Need-tae-know personnel must have it tae make preparations. Ah need tae brief in mah senior engineers, and we need tae coordinate wie the science department as well ah should think. Perhaps operations as well. We’ll need some hard answers from the Captains, Dorga. Just what are we getting intae? What information can we distribute? What is oor mission objective?” Dorga sipped her coffee as she thought about the what Bob had just said. "Our mission objective from what I ascertained during the briefing, is that we help the visitors (for lack of a better word) in any way. Whether that is conceivable or not is another matter, who knows what they actually want help with? Certainly not you or I!! Hopefully we will discover the answer to that question in short order. Meanwhile Science can find out everything known about parallel universes and the methods available for traveling between, plus the overall effects that have occurred to ships and people when two universes and another have come together, or rather when there's been some interaction between the two, which obviously is happening as we speak! Operations and Engineering should work together to keep our systems at optimum, and given the data from Science, perhaps there is something extra we can do for the Boudicca and her crew too make things less precarious. Obviously there's a rift or wormhole between the two universes some- where and I am assuming that there is a high likelihood that we are going there, so I want the ship as a whole to be prepared... If there is some way we can enhance shields, communications, sensors and scanners then our people will find a way." Commander 'cha Nooras sighed deeply; she'd have preferred a more mundane mission for their first one after the time jump, as she felt it had been traumatic enough on the crew and their families already, to lose 5 years in a flash, now here they were about to fly into the un- known and unless the Captains divulged more information about exactly what was going on and what was expected of the crew, they were literally flying blind. "As for the Captains, you and I both know how stubborn they both can be but I will try to get more information out of them. However they *will* follow orders and if we're not meant to know certain facts then we won't get to know them." He took a sip of his coffee, but his absorption in the discussion had him leaving his lunch largely untouched. “In a general sense, ah’d say the ship is as ready as she can be, mechanically anyway. We’ve had so much extended downtime, short of a few niggling gripes that we could only address at a federation shipyard, we’ve cleaned up all the engineering issues possible. The crew, ah think, is as ready as well. Ah get the sense they are raring tae go… we *need* a mission – even a dangerous one like this tae keep our edge.” With a curt nod, Dorga agreed, dangerous or not any mission was welcome. It wasn't as if they hadn't risked their lives before time and time again. “As far as the ship’s second officer goes… ah’m not sure he is exactly ready however. The Chief Engineer is just fine of course… but the 2O…” Tilting her head inquiringly, Dorga asked Bob what he meant about the 2O not being ready, the 2O and CEO were one and the same. “Ye read the reports, ah’m certain. Ah did a fair job at bungling the Runabout test flight… mah ‘first command’ as it were. It’s due only tae good fortune and the skill of the away team that things turned out as well as they did ye know.” An eyebrow raising with surprise, Dorga saw that her friend and fellow officer was going through another low self-esteem period which had been triggered by what exactly? It looked as if her working meal meeting was about to become a counseling session. "What do you mean by bungling? That's completely ridiculous! I read the reports, Bob...all of them from every member of that test flight, and I concluded from them that it wasn't your fault the Lorimar crash landed any more than it was your fault that civilian ship crashed. Be fair to yourself; treat yourself as you treat others... it was hardly your fault that a highly technical probe caused massive systems failure, but it was your actions and knowledge and ingenuity that diverted fatal consequences. Using the shields to form cushioning wings was pure genius, so don't give me this bull about being incompetent because if you were, you would *not* be Lieutenant Commander and Second Officer!" Dorga was also aware of Ensign Candle's disagreement with Bob's command decisions on the planet, but Candle was new to the ship and she was certain that he'd come to see how essential, knowled- geable and brilliant the second officer was in due time. Lorimar considered what she had said, he wanted to reply, and was about to when his thoughts were interrupted before he could voice them. The FO's commbadge chirruped and she pressed it. "Yes, what is it?" =/= Bridge here Commander, we are receiving very urgent SOS messages. Two of them! =/= Dorga stood up quickly with the grace of a cat. "I'll be right there!!" She stated and closed the link. "Come on." She told Bob, "let's find out what this is all about." He followed on the Commander’s heels, the plate of food and half a mug of coffee long since forgotten. (Reply None, Heads Up ALL) (Posted by Sal & Russ) *********** (USS Boudicca, Krolar Family Quarters - Master Chief Petty Officer Laurence Krolar and Olivia Krolar - 1430) Laurence walked into their quarters and looked around, he figured Olivia would be home from school and figured he'd take her break and see how her first day was. He was correct and found her curled up on the end of the couch with a large-ish pad of paper and pencil. He watched her drawing for a few moments, her focus on that so completely she hadn't heard the door open. He couldn't see what she was drawing, but she was paying attention to nothing else. Laurence picked up her shoes from where they'd been discarded in the middle of the floor and put them next to the door. Olivia's long hair obscured her face, and she was dressed in fairly casual clothes. It was still taking Laurence some time to get used to the fact that a month ago he had a daughter who still wanted him to brush her hair and wanted to ride around on his shoulders, to a girl who was independent and growing up, who had hobbies and interests of her own. Walking across the room and waiting until her pencil was off the paper, he cleared his throat and Olivia looked up with a start. "Hey Cadet, what'cha up to?" Laurence asked, walking over and kissing her on the top of his head. "Just doodling, nothing important," Olivia said with a shrug. "Looks pretty good to me," Laurence said, getting a good look at the stylized pencil drawing of the star field outside the hull. "You've got some skill there." Olivia just shrugged and pushed the hair out of her face, but Laurence could see her smile a little at the compliment. "I like to draw, it's finding things to draw that's hard here on the ship," she said, putting her pad down and sitting up on the couch. "What are doing back so early? Do you have to work a night shift tonight?" "No, just swinging through to see how your first day of school was," Laurence said collapsing down into a chair across from his daughter. "I'll be home for dinner." Olivia shrugged again. "It was ok, I guess. It was weird being in with kids who I barely remember, but seemed to remember me from the younger classes. To see kids who barely had time to miss me but now I'm five years older than them, is kind of strange. I mean everyone's nice, and I'm sure I'll be ok, but it's going to take some getting used to." "It's going to be ok, but if you need to talk, I'll be here, and if you think it would help, we can get you an appointment with Commander ManyHorses." Laurence said. "I'll be ok, but thanks," Olivia said, pulling her legs up under her and sitting up. Dad, can I ask you a question?" Olivia asked in a quieter voice. "Of course you can, sweet heart, what's up?" Laurence answered sitting forward in his chair. "I was wondering, do you have any photo's of mom? I mean ones where she isn't in her uniform. All of our albums were here on the ship and the only photo's I could find where from her service record, and I just want to be able to remember her face." Olivia said, looking down at her hands. Laurence got up and moved to sit next to his daughter on the couch. "Of course, I'll put the whole album in your directory, you can look at everything I've got, but I think I've got the picture you're looking for right here," he said, pulling out his PADD and quickly accessing his personal directory. He pulled up a picture of Abigail, her long dark hair hanging down around her shoulders, held back from her face with a headband. She was wearing a long casual dress and had the radiant smile on her face that she shared with her daughter, who she held in her arms. She was pointing towards the camera, trying to get the two year old Olivia to look at her father who had been taking the picture. Laurence remembered it well, it had become nearly comical the efforts that they were going to to get a good picture of Olivia, and the efforts she was going to the avoid looking at the camera ever. "I took this on Odessa Colony when you were two. It was our last real vacation before the war started. Despite what it looks like, you loved it there. Odessa still has a lot of unclaimed land and wilderness areas and I can't tell you how much you loved running around in the woods and on the beaches," Laurence said quietly, then zoomed in on Abby's smiling face and handed the PADD to Olivia. "Your Mother was an amazing woman, and I still miss her sometimes." "She's beautiful, and we have the same smile," Olivia said slowly drinking in the picture. "It's so hard to remember her sometimes, I know I was young but I still dream about her, mostly just her watching me, smiling, I don't think she's ever really talked in the dreams, but she looked just like this." "I'm really sorry you never got to know your mom," Laurence said but Olivia interrupted him before he could continue. "It's ok, Daddy, it wasn't your fault, it wasn't Mom's either. I miss her, but...it's just ok." Olivia said with a faint wistful smile. Laurence gently grabbed her by the chin and turned her head so he could look into her eyes and studied them closely. "Just how old are you in there?" He asked in a mock seriousness before letting go of her chin. Olivia broke her moodiness and giggled like the nearly eleven year old she was, elbowing him in the ribs. "That's better, now I'm going to make a deal with you, you can keep the PADD and even throw that picture up on the rooms holographic projectors if you want, but in return I want you to sign that picture you were working on and let me have it." "Why? It's just a silly drawing." Olivia said looking at the picture of the stylized star field. "Hey, it's very good, you don't put yourself down like that. And I need it so I can give it to someone I need to thank. It will do the job nicely I think." Laurence said and handed Olivia the pencil. "Unless you'd rather keep it, I understand artists don't always like giving their stuff away." "No, you can have it, if you really like it. I can draw another, I was just doodling like I said." Olivia said while she scribbled her name on the bottom corner, running it along the edge of one of the stars so it blended in a little. She tore it off the pad and handed it to her father who gently rolled it up so he didn't crease it. "Thank you, now I have to get back to work, take a look through the albums and we can talk over dinner if you want." Laurence said, although he assumed she was going to spend the afternoon drawing her mother's face. "Give me a hug before I go." Laurence said and promptly received one. He headed for the door intent on saying thank you before he started working again. (Reply None) (Posted by Patrick D.) *********** (USS Boudicca, FO's Office, ACMO/Ens(Jg) Hakroy - 1440) He was now through the deck hallway then into one of the turbolifts. Hakroy then replied "Bridge" as the turbolift shot off with amazing speed, he waited for it to arrive. With the doors opening, he saw crew steadily working and the viewport ahead of him, Walking down the way he saw a door labeled "FO" tapping it he saw the door open, and saw a person motion for him to come in. He was told to have a seat. As Hakroy began to be seated he handed his PADD to Commander Nooras to review before she had some words to say to him. (Reply from Commander Nooras) (Posted by Sean Ivey) ********* (USS Boudicca, FO's Office, FO Dorga 'cha Nooras - Day 1 - 1443) Dorga had just finished ordering some refreshments to be prepared for her meeting with the second officer, telling Arania to have it delivered by 1530 hours, and had reached for a PADD from her 'IN' pile that her yeoman had left for her, when there was a tap at the door to her office. Because she had an open door policy most of the time, the door auto- matically opened to allow whoever was outside to enter. The FO placed the unread PADD on the desk before her and looked up to see who was there knowing it wasn't Bob Lorimar because even he wouldn't be *that* early. Not recognizing the young man, an ensign in blue; medical or science, Dorga guessed he was new to the roster. Whoever had greeted him aboard would have known that the Captain was not available and send him to report in to her. Seeing that he was waiting to be invited inside she motioned to him to enter. "Have a seat, Ensign." She told him and reached for the PADD he handed to her as he sat down, opening it immediately and read it while he waited. ~ Medical! Good!....That will please Doctor Jahlen immensely, she's had quite a turnaround of staff and has been working understaffed for some time. ~ Looking over at the young man she gave him a friendly smile. "Welcome aboard, Ensign. I see you're a medical officer. You will find our Sickbay is very up-to-date and if you like doing research we also have laboratories. Doctor Jahlen is very keen on research and experiments. She will be happy to see you I am sure. Excuse me a moment." Accessing her computer, Dorga soon found the information she was seeking and transferred it to the PADD before handing him back the PADD. "You will find your allocated quarters location on that PADD now and I am sure that any luggage you brought with you will be there waiting for you. Do you have any questions before you report in to your immediate superior, Doctor Jahlen?" (Reply Hakroy) (Posted by Sal) ********* (USS Boudicca – CEO’s office – 2O/CEO Lt Cmdr Lorimar – 1446) Bob was sitting at his desk, making addenda entries to the depart- mental status report for the month. He paused a moment, looking up from his desk terminal and stared at the not quite steaming mug of coffee sitting atop his desk. The rich aroma was killing him. The fact of the matter was, he was terrified to take a sip of it, lest he dribble coffee on himself and stain his pristine white uniform. He silently cursed the *stupidity* of this particular tradition yet again, as he gave serious thought to replicating a napkin… or perhaps even a bib so he could drink his coffee without fear. He had wanted one… badly… and ordered it from the replicator almost out of habit before he gave any consideration to the technical challenge of actually drinking it. ~Tradition is well and good, in certain times and certain places… but to Blazes wie these silly white uniforms!~ Still and all, he would never disobey or subvert a direct order, so he was stuck in his clown suit (as he (dis)liked to think of it) for the duration it would seem. Now all he needed was the wig, oversized shoes and nose and he would be all set to perform. The very thought of being a clown brought a touch of perverse amusement to his thoughts as he reached for his coffee mug. “Looking in the mirror again, *Commander*?” inquired Stacey Enright from the open doorway. Her voice startled him enough to spill some of the mug’s contents on his desk, but he did manage effective evasive maneuvers and preserve his uniform, standing up quickly as he did so. He must have been quite an amusing sight indeed as his friend Stacey could scarcely control her laughter. “Here let me help you with that… *Sir*,” she quipped as she stepped quickly to his desk From somewhere she produced a polishing cloth and used it to sop up the spill. She smiled broadly at him as the cloth as quickly disappeared. He couldn’t help but smile back at her. Something about her eyes always captivated him, just as they did now. He pulled himself back to reality. “Ah suppose ye plan on torturin’ me aboot the promotion and this silly bloody uniform endlessly, aye?” Her eyes really twinkled now. “That is my current plan, yes *Sir*.” “Well have fun at mah expense lassie… t’will be your turn soon enough if ah hae anything tae say aboot it!” She blushed. He watched, fascinated as the red coloration crept up from the neckline of her uniform, quickly turning her ears a lovely shade of crimson. “Bob… are you *threatening* me with a *promotion*?” It was his turn to blush. “Nae threatening… just saying ah suspect yer over- due. When ah hae time tae check the personnel files ah’ll get the answer for certain. While we are on the subject… ye did well after the explosion, ah’m told.” She looked down at the deck. Clearly this was an uncomfortable subject for her as yet. “The whole staff did, sir. Master Chief Krolar was terrific. Talk about the right man with the right experience in the right place, at the right time. He and Mister Gesar got things pretty well organized pretty quickly. If I were wearing a hat, it would be off to them, really.” Bob shook his head slowly. He had read all the reports, and had spoken with all the key players, and knew it was very much a team effort. She was of course donning the de rigueur cloak of humility. He was not going to let that sit without comment however. He reached out slowly with his fingers and cupped her chin with them, very gently raising her face so he could look directly in her eyes. “Lassie, please listen. Ah know the story… the whole story. Dinnae insult yersel’ by mini- mizing yer importance in what happened, alright? Yer a fine engineer, fine officer… and one of the finest folks ah’ve ever known… so dinnae sell yersel’ short, please?” She looked back at him, with a look in her eyes that he couldn’t even begin to guess at. They moistened a little, and she wrapped her hands around his wrist, slowly lowering his arm and removing his touch from her face. Some- thing else appeared then, almost a shadow passing across and lifting from her eyes. When it was gone, she smiled once again at him, a hint of the normal sparkle coming back Her hand slid unobtrusively into his, and she gave a light squeeze with her fingers before breaking contact. She smiled, and walked out without another word. He stared after her for a beat, not understanding what he was thinking or feeling. For the first time he noticed his heart was thudding like a drum in his chest. He quirked an eyebrow and sat down once more, considering how he might attack that elusive mug of coffee. (Reply Any, None) (Posted by Russ) *********** (USS Boudicca, CEO's Office - Master Chief PO Laurence Krolar - 1500) Laurence walked into the Chief's office and looked at the man and waited for the door to close before he spoke. "Commander, why do they have you trussed up like that?" Laurence asked, unable to move past the sight of the Commander in his dress whites. (Reply Lorimar) "Ah, well, that's reasonable, I guess," Laurence said before moving on to why he was really there. "Firstly, I wanted to bring congratulations from the enlisted crew on your promotion. We'd throw you a party, but we wouldn't want to spill punch on your dress whites," Laurence said, using every ounce of will not to laugh. "You're a good commanding officer, and the crew is behind you. And in case you're worrying about the whole responsibility thing, don't, the chief's won't let you screw up too bad." Laurence said with a grin. (Reply Lorimar, room for more) "Secondly, there's some scuttlebutt going around that you've been spending a fair amount of time star watching, not sure if it's true, but still thought I'd address it. And with a quarter century of service comes a few privileges, so I'm going to speak frankly. "There's something that happen with some of the best engineers, and usually only officers. It happens at the point in their career where they get up there in rank, and they start thinking too much and looking for reasons why, why they're doing the job, why they got promoted, why people trust them. The only real visible symptom is that they start spending more and more time watching the stars. I've seen it happen to some damn fine officers and I'd prefer if I could head it off at the pass with you, if it's happening at all. I've spent twenty five years in this service, I've served on ships, and stations and dock yards, I've built ships and I've repaired them and in that time I've had more superior officers than I can count, and I still count you among the best. I can't help you find whatever you're looking for, and the reasons you're sitting behind that desk in those dress whites, but I can tell you this, the men and women out there are your crew, not mine not Ensign Gesar's or Enright's , and if you asked them they'd perform miracles of science to make you happy. They'd do this because you believe in them and you make them believe in themselves. You treat them like people, with hopes and dreams and fears. They'll always be your crew, and no matter how far up the ladder you climb, you'll always be the Chief Engineer on this ship. So know this, as much as you believe in them, even when they don't know why, they believe in you. I believe in you." Laurence said putting the drawing Olivia did down on Bob's desk. "Two weeks ago, you made it personal, you helped me when I was in a bad place, and I wanted to thank you somehow. It's not much, but maybe it will help you remember that the stars aren't just outside the window, and that when a member of your crew needed you, you were there." Laurence said, he really didn't know if he was making a fool of himself or not, maybe the Chief just liked watching the stars, maybe they just helped him relax, but he really did owe Bob a lot. Bob had let a lot of stuff slide in the past few weeks and when Laurence needed something, some sign of hope, Bob gave it to him, so he only hoped Chief Lorimar would take this improvised pep talk in stride. "I'm proud to serve under you Sir, so's everyone out there." (Reply Lorimar) (Posted by Patrick D.) ********** (USS Boudicca – CEO’s Office – 2O/CEO Lt Cmdr Lorimar – 1505) Bob looked up once again from his desk terminal as he heard the office door close. He smiled when he saw MCPO Krolar, who imme- diately inquired about the white uniform. What he *wanted* to say about the uniform was not exactly what he *did* say, out of respect for the person who had ordered him into it. “Ah suspect ah’m one third of the ship’s entertainment for the day,” he began. He went on to relate the fact that Lebranski and Rel had both been promoted as well, and they too were wearing the uniforms as part of ‘tradition’ by order of the Captain. Krolar replied that it was reasonable, but Bob suspected he was struggling not to laugh. After all, he was fighting that battle himself, when he wasn’t annoyed by the uniform at any rate. Laurence then offered congratulations on behalf of the enlisted crew for Bob’s pro- motion. When he quipped about not throwing a party for fear of staining the uniform, Lorimar could see that Krolar really was strug- gling not to laugh. ~So much the better! Ah hate parties anyway… at least ones where ah’m the guest of honor…~ "You're a good commanding officer, and the crew is behind you. And in case you're worrying about the whole responsibility thing, don't, the chief's won't let you screw up too bad." Laurence said with a grin. Bob chuckled at that. “Ah’d *define* that as a good part of a Chief’s job… keeping officers from hurting themselves with tools or other sharp and shiny bits!” (Reply Krolar iyw) Krolar then began a long -- and Bob suspected -- very heartfelt, talk about the interplay… the *faith* between officers and crew. He listened intently, and with some surprise, as he certainly hadn’t expected such personal analysis from the Master Chief. He found it both interesting and insightful… not to mention deeply touching. As Krolar went on, he found himself focusing not only on the man’s words and the intent behind them, but also how they resonated within his own mind. ~Have ah been that obviously distracted? Surely it’s nae impacting mah job performance… or is it? If it is, ah’m sure he’s going tae make it clear. The thing is… its nae really mah job that has me distracted. Ah have the verra best job in the fleet. Chief Engineer of a Starship! There *is* nae finer spot… tis’ far better even than being a Captain, at least in mah mind…~ As Krolar went on, Lorimar couldn’t help but feel an immense sense of pleasure and pride. What the Master Chief was laying out, was pretty much exactly how Bob felt about his relationship with, and responsibility toward, the crew. It was very, very gratifying indeed to realize that his sense and sensibilities were shared, at least among the Chiefs. He looked away from Krolar’s face for the first time when Laurence set down the drawing. Bob took it and carefully unrolled it at the edges and gave it a long, appreciative look. "I'm proud to serve under you Sir, so's everyone out there," concluded Krolar. Bob took a moment to process all that the Master Chief had said, but he realized it might take a while for the entire meaning to settle in. He cleared his throat and looked up from the drawing. He decided to venture a guess, hoping he would be near the mark. “Did your daughter draw this? Or are ye hiding still more talent?” (Reply Krolar, Room for more iyw) “I think she may be just a touch psychic, lad… or perhaps she’s been sneaking looks over mah shoulder when ah look oot the windows,” Bob chuckled quietly. “Ah thank ye ever so much for the gift… Laurence. It was hardly necessary, but ah greatly appreciate it. Ah just need tae find a place of honor for it though.” He stood up and very carefully placed PADDs on the corners of the drawing to keep it from curling up. He took another long look at it as he did so. “This job always has been… and always will be, personal for me. I hae a great responsibility tae take care of the folks who take care of me. After all… any officer worth his salt knows that he is only as good as the crew he works wie. Without all of ye, ah’d be nothing, really.” He paused a moment, and walked around to sit on the corner of his desk, gesturing toward the empty chair in front of it. “Please Chief… drop anchor. Care for a coffee or anythin’?” (Reply Krolar iyw) “Ah verra much appreciate yer concern… and ah trust that if ah seem distracted tae the point it would affect… or does affect, mah job perfor- mance ye will be kind enough tae let me know, aye?” (Reply Krolar) “In any case… ah dinnae mean tae be the cause of concern, really. Ah’ve just been a bit restless of late. Ah think it may have somethin’ tae dae wie the time jump. Ah suspect everyone is taking time tae adjust though, so we’ll all get through that together. Speaking of which … how is Olivia managing, if ye dinnae mind me asking? Is she doing okay wie the whole thing?” (Reply Krolar, Any, Room for more) (Posted by Russ) ********* (USS Boudicca – CEO’s Office – Master Chief PO Laurence Krolar – 1508) “Did your daughter draw this? Or are ye hiding still more talent?” "That drawing is all Olivia, Sir," Laurence said, pointing to the semi-hidden signature on the drawing. "Swung by to check on her half an hour or so ago, and found her looking out the window drawing. I told her that if she didn't mind parting with it, I might know someone who would appreciate it, I'll let her know you liked it." Laurence said, “I think she may be just a touch psychic, lad… or perhaps she’s been sneaking looks over mah shoulder when ah look oot the windows,” Bob chuckled quietly. “Ah thank ye ever so much for the gift… Laurence. It was hardly necessary, but ah greatly appreciate it. Ah just need tae find a place of honor for it though.” He stood up and very carefully placed PADDs on the corners of the drawing to keep it from curling up. He took another long look at it as he did so. “This job always has been… and always will be, personal for me. I hae a great responsibility tae take care of the folks who take care of me. After all… any officer worth his salt knows that he is only as good as the crew he works wie. Without all of ye, ah’d be nothing, really.” He paused a moment, and walked around to sit on the corner of his desk, gesturing toward the empty chair in front of it. “Please Chief… drop anchor. Care for a coffee or anythin’?” "Coffee's fine sir, thanks." Laurence said, taking the proffered chair. “Ah verra much appreciate yer concern… and ah trust that if ah seem distracted tae the point it would affect… or does affect, mah job performance ye will be kind enough tae let me know, aye?” "No detriment to your work sir, and I will point it out if it happens, it was just some hints dropped from Des and Mo, Mo especially, that you were starting to display signs some of the senior guys recognized. Trust me, it happens, were locked away in small spaces surrounded by dangerous equipment for hours on end, and asked to perform miracles on an hourly basis, we make this ship go, but we rarely see the stars go by. We all go looking for them eventually, or we find something else to drive us." Laurence said “In any case… ah dinnae mean tae be the cause of concern, really. Ah’ve just been a bit restless of late. Ah think it may have somethin’ tae dae wie the time jump. Ah suspect everyone is taking time tae adjust though, so we’ll all get through that together. Speaking of which… how is Olivia managing, if ye dinnae mind me asking? Is she doing okay wie the whole thing?” "Honestly, I'm not sure, she seems fine to me, or at least as fine as can be expected. She said school is a little odd, she was one of the few kids off ship when everything happened, and her friend that was with her left when her father requested a transfer to a ground facility. It's a small enough ground of kids on a ship this size that the older kids remember her as a six year old and she's just too old to really enjoy hanging out with the kids she used to." Laurence said, taking a sip of her coffee. "I honestly expected her to be mad at me, or at least mad in general, and she'd have every right to be, but I think she's taking the opposite road, I think she blames herself or something." (Reply Lorimar) "Maybe she really does understand what happened, maybe she's dealt with things and moved on. She spent the last five years on Betazed, and I couldn't ask for a better place than a planet full of telepaths to deal with a child in need of therapy, I guess. We'll see, I'll probably end up being the "over protective Father" by the end of this." Laurence said with a shrug. He wasn't sure he could handle loosing his daughter again, even if it was just her hating him. (Reply Lorimar) "You really should come by for dinner some time, Ashley, Olivia and I would love to have you." Laurence said, convinced that his boss spent significantly too much time alone or fiddling with the ship. "Besides, Olivia needs to meet my boss again, give her someone to blame when I'm overworked," he said with a grin. (Reply Lorimar) (Posted by Patrick D.) ============================================= ============================================= Mission: Heads or Tails Day 1 Stardate: 2413.10.07 ============================================= ============================================= (Freighter SS Horatio - Bridge - CO Helen Summersby - 1525) ~Curse this damnable ion storm!~ She had requested permission several hours ago to alter course around the storm, but had been denied. The company sited 'unjustifiable fuel consumption' as the reason. That was patently ridiculous, and Helen knew it. The delay would have cost the company credits in late delivery fees, and all they cared about was the bottom line. ~Well, its going to cost them anyway! I'm not tearing my ship apart just to keep a schedule!~ They were running 'into the teeth of the gale' as the saying went. Con- siderable particulate turbulence, massive sensor and shield disruption, and a generally very rough ride. She looked at her helmsman as he wrestled with the manual controls to try and smooth the freighter's flight. It was more than a passing concern for the crew's comfort -- some of the cargo they carried was shock sensitive, and easily damaged. She frowned as the ship lurched heavily. She refrained from comment to Fred at the helm, as he was doing his best. She could see the perspiration as it dripped down his neck. Clearly, the concentration and effort required were taking thier toll on him. She toggled the intercom to the engine room. "Danny, can you give us any- thing more for the intertia dampers? This storm is getting worse as we swing through the system." The cacophony of noise from engineering blasted through the bridge speaker. Clearly things were not going well there, either. There was a long pause, then the Horatio's engineer shouted loudly enough so his voice could be heard above the din. "I have a suggestion! Steer around this storm!" Helen shook her head sadly even though he couldn't see the gesture. "Already tried and got vetoed. What can you do for us?" A stream of curses followed, some clearly audible, some not. Several clangs and assorted metallic sounds were heard, then the engineer's voice again. He sounded resigned to the situation, and his frustration was somewhat subdued. "Captain... can we at least slow down? Things are coming apart down here... I've got all the auxillaries on line, and everything is running flat out. The only place I could steal any more power from is the shields, and we can't do that, can we? If you slow down, she'll ride a bit smoother, and I can take power from the drive for the dampers." She temporized for a moment, thinking quickly. She was thinking of quitting after this run anyway... and her first duty was always to the crew. Company profit be damned! "Fred, take us out of warp. Steady on this course, one half impulse." Fred Donner did as told. Without acknowledging he disengaged the warp drive and the ship immediately settled into a more tolerable flight. The noise coming from engineering dropped down as well, so much so that Danny Gansvoort could be heard without having to shout. "Thanks Helen, I really think--" Whatever he thought, those on the bridge would never know. The screech of the navigational proximity alarm drowned him out. "What the...? Cap'n, massive object, close aboard! Sensor range and resolution are nearly zero in this storm!" She cut him off, fear's icy grip touching her spine. "Emergency evasive! Get us--" She was tossed to the deck, smashing her head on a console. She could feel the warm sticky taste of blood in her mouth as her world went black. --------------------------- Helen awoke a few minutes later. She groaned and sat up, groggy but alive. She crawled to a nearby power console and felt for the override. Toggling it, the dim red glow of emergency lights filled the bridge. It was, barely, enough light to work by. The still open intercom channel to the engine room was silent. "Danny, report! Danny!" She made her way to the helm console, where Fred was slumped over, unmoving. She gently shook him, and he started to stir. She noticed then his right arm was hanging at an unnatural angle. She shook him again, gently, and his eyes opened, trying to focus on her. "Cap'n... what..." "Shh.. Don't try to talk. I think something hit us... proximity alarm, remember?" "Ugh. Right." He groaned softly, then took a hissing intake of pain filled breath as he tried using his arm. He cradled it gently and slid it onto the arm of his chair, then started working controls with his left hand. "Not much working skipper... looks like we are pretty much on batteries. What's left of internal sensor show... Gawd. Engine room, number four, number five, number six holds all vented to space..." Helen immediately realized the implication of his report. With nothing like the fancy automatic emergency equipment on a starship, there were no emergency forcefields to plug the breaches. Danny and the other enginemen were very likely dead. ~And so will we be... if we dont get help fast~ She made her way to the communications station and sent a brief and urgent distress call on the emergency frequency. ~If only someone hears it....~ (posted by Russ) ************ (USS Boudicca – Bridge – FO Dorga ‘cha Nooras - Day 1 - 1542) Her feet no sooner hit the Bridge deck when Dorga barked out an order for comms to play back the SOS messages. By the time she reached the command chair, the Lieutenant left in charge had vacated and resumed their usual station and one of the two messages was filling the air. She listened carefully to the panic-stricken voice of a freighters' captain and the mechanical voice of a freighter's computer before turning to Com- mander Lorimar who was seated at her side in her usual chair, to confer with him in hushed tones, having heard that the freighters had collided. "Our Captain is unavailable but I think we should respond to this situation, agreed?" She fully intended to do so but would rather have the support of Bob than not, and she didn't want to waste time talking it over with him in the Ready Room. Time was of the essence as the manned ship was com- pletely incapacitated and was heading towards a star, out of control. They were doomed to incinerate if they weren't rescued. (reply Lorimar) "It's obvious their situation is life or death, if we don't respond as the closest starship to them, then both ships are doomed. From what I heard the SS Winston is an automated vessel and the SS Horatio is manned." Dorga looked up and requested clarification on the crew numbers aboard the distressed ships. (Reply any, Lorimar iyw) "Well that's not so bad, just a handful of crew on the Horatio and none on the Winston. Still, we must get there as quickly as possible. You are my number one now, Commander, I'm taking over command of this ship for the time being." She spoke quietly in an aside to Lorimar. Raising her voice to be heard on the Bridge, gave her orders. "TAC put the ship in Red alert...CONN set course for the co-ordinates given by the freighters, Warp 5 as soon as we're clear of the Starbase and traffic ....Open a channel to the freighters!" "SS Horatio, SS Winston...this is Commander 'cha Nooras of the USS Boudicca, we are on our way to assist you." (reply) Dorga knew it would take an hour or more to reach the stricken vessels at impulse, but it would be a matter of minutes at warp. She also knew that already the various departments on the Boudicca were preparing for worst case scenarios. (reply any, all) (posted by Sal ********* (USS Boudicca – Bridge – CSO Lieutenant (jg) Ayslin Rel - Day 1 - 1543) Ayslin happily stood up from the center chair and returned to the science station when the Commanders returned to the bridge. She started pulling up information from the database on the two ships and when Commander asked for the crew numbers she had the numbers in front of her. "Sir, the SS Winston is fully automated and has zero crew on it's registry, and the Horatio only has ten crew listed on it's manifest," Ayslin said, forwarding the crew list as well as what records they had on the ten to the Commander as well as medical so they could be prepared if there were any wounded. (Reply any) (Posted by Patrick D.) ********** (USS Boudicca - Bridge - 2O/CEO Lt Cmdr Lorimar - 1544) ~A collision? What are the odds? How in the world did *that* happen? A mystery soon to be solved... but first the other job...~ He had watched Lt. Rel vacate the command chair when Commander 'cha Nooras had returned. He in turn had taken the chair normally occupied by the FO, if only to facilitate communication for the moment. He immediately began reviewing information from the dockmaster as related to the other vessels at the starbase, which was easily accessible from the command console. He was calling up data on the involved vessels as the FO addressed him. "Our Captain is unavailable but I think we should respond to this situation, agreed?" He had just finished reviewing the first portion of the data, and he half turned toward Dorga as he continued reading. "Without question, Com- mander. Ah've just checked wie the yard status database... The St. Kitts is doon wie an engineering casualty; thier warp drive is under repair and they cannae get underway anytime soon." He punched a button on the console and scrolled the data back several pages to be certain. "The Dresden has just started transferring anti-deuterium fuel, and that will take at least half a day tae complete. The only other vessel in range is the freighter SS Barnard, and they are twelve hours from the incident at thier best speed... tae say nothing of being rather ill equipped tae mount a rescue. Ah'd say it's us, or... well... us, Commander." She responded immediately. "It's obvious their situation is life or death, if we don't respond as the closest starship to them, then both ships are doomed. From what I heard the SS Winston is an automated vessel and the SS Horatio is manned." She then requested clarification on the manifest of the vessels in distress. Lt. Rel immediately replied, confirming that the Horatio had only ten crew aboard, and the Winston was an unmanned freighter. Dorga then quietly told him she was assuming command. He had gathered that; in fact, as soon as the Captain had debarked for the station, Dorga was the de facto CO. Regulations however required she 'officially' assume command, and so notify the staff... which he was certain she would do as time permitted. Once she had issued her flurry of orders, he returned to studying the avail- able data. As he did so, he whispered to her very softly. "Ye look good in that chair, Commander." (Reply FO iyw) He turned to her and asked a much more serious and pertinent question. "Mah normal battle station is in engineering of course. Dae ye wish me tae report there, or remain here for the time being?" (Reply FO, Any) (Posted by Russ) ******** (USS Boudicca - Security - TAC/SC Lieutenant(SG) Detron Trei - 1545) Detron heard the orders from the Bridge to go to Red Alert. Detron sounded Red Alert in the department. He immediately deployed 2 teams of 6 security officers to handle any security problems on the ship. Detron turned to Ens. Stakes and put him in charge of the security teams. Detron told Stakes to inform him of anything unusual by COMM Badge on the Bridge. With the orders given, Detron set off for the Bridge at his posted battle station. (Posted by Edward) ********** (USS Boudicca - Bridge - FO Dorga 'cha Nooras - 1546) "Our Captain is unavailable but I think we should respond to this situation, agreed?" "Without question, Commander. Ah've just checked wie the yard status database... The St. Kitts is doon wie an engineering casualty; their warp drive is under repair and they cannae get underway any- time soon." He punched a button on the console and scrolled the data back several pages to be certain. "The Dresden has just started trans- ferring anti-deuterium fuel, and that will take at least half a day tae complete. The only other vessel in range is the freighter SS Barnard, and they are twelve hours from the incident at thier best speed... tae say nothing of being rather ill equipped tae mount a rescue. Ah'd say it's us, or... well... us, Commander." Dorga responded immediately. "It's obvious their situation is life or death, if we don't respond as the closest starship to them, then both ships are doomed. From what I heard the SS Winston is an automated vessel and the SS Horatio is manned." She then requested clarification on the manifest of the vessels in dis- tress and was quickly informed by Lt. Rel, confirming what she'd con- cluded from the SOS messages... that the Horatio had ten crew aboard and the Winston was an unmanned freighter. Dorga then quietly told Bob she was assuming command to make it official in the records, she planned on informing the ship's crew and civilians aboard soon, but for now she wanted to get things underway for the rescue mission; that was her priority. Once she had issued her flurry of orders, Commander Lorimar whispered to her very softly. "Ye look good in that chair, Commander." "Thank you, but I believe this is the closest I will get to ever being a captain." He turned to her and asked if she wanted him to report to Engineering or remain on the Bridge and she replied that she'd prefer he remain on the Bridge for the time being, knowing he had some highly talented and resourceful people, like Chief Krolar, Ensign Enright and Ensign Gesar in his department who could cope very well without him, and then she sent a message to the stricken freighters so they'd know the Boudicca was on its way to aid them. Dorga knew it would take an hour or more to reach the stricken vessels at impulse, but it would be a matter of minutes at warp. She also knew that already the various departments on the Boudicca were preparing for worst case scenarios. Static hissed from the bridge speakers, =/\=..oudi...this...s...ratio. We've.... uffer..d...a...col...ision....I...ending coord...tes....ave sev..re dam..ge....the ...shi......Say...gain.....ave co...ided...with....obje....eavy...d...mage...nd.... asual..ies. Eng...oom breach...zero man...ering..bility. Sens...orthless.... in the...........tense ion st....m,...........cau....in.... star...grav......... movin.... ward it. Tot..ower fail...ife su...ort on bat...ies only. Re..est immed..... sistance! =/\= "See if you can clean that transmission up, please and open channel to reply." Dorga requested of COMM. Getting the nod from the COMM, Dorga replied, "SS Horatio, this is the USS Boudicca. We are on our way to assist, I repeat...We are on our way and should arrive shortly." She made the throat cut signal that told the COMM she'd done with the message and then asked for an all stations link which would include civilians quarters and QV. "This is Commander 'cha Nooras. I have officially taken over command of this ship temporarily with Commander Lorimar as acting FO. Do not be alarmed by the red alert, we are on a rescue mission there is no immediate danger to this ship. All civilians remain in your quarters or QV. Thank you, 'cha Nooras out." The TAC/SC stepped on the Bridge and took his battle tactical station, called out to Dorga that he was awaiting orders. Dorga held up one finger to him to tell him 'one moment' as the message from the Horatio was played back again, only this time it was much clearer. The Horatio had collided with a heavy object and was severely damaged. Their captain had sent the coordinates and informed them that the engineer ing deck was breached and they were unable to manouver the ship. Their sensors were useless as they were in an ion storm. The captain thought they were in a star's gravity well. There was total power failure and life support was being sustained by batteries. All-in-all, the Horatio was in an extremely bad situation. "Increase warp to 6." Dorga ordered and then turned her attention to Detron. "We may need to use our tractor beams and you may have to send some people over to the ships with away teams, as it is highly probable that we'll be unable to use our transporters to beam those people over here. Run short and long distance scanners and be prepared for anything, Lieutenant." She told Detron. "I wonder what's going on with the SS Winston?" The automated freighter hadn't replied to Dorga's message. (Reply Any) (Posted by Sal) ********** (USS Boudicca, Main Engineering - Master Chief PO Laurence Krolar - 1547) "It's all right, sweet heart, we're not in any danger, we're just responding to a distress call," Laurence said, trying to calm Olivia down a touch. He had to remember that it was her first red alert in 5 years, and she was rightfully a little jumpy. "From the reports I'll still be home for dinner, but if I'm not go ahead an eat, and I'll treat you to dessert to make up for it. You still remember our Red Alert Drills?" =/\=I go with my teacher to the school room and wait for you there, and do exactly what my teacher says.=/\= Olivia said, dutifully. "Right, except now that you're older, I think you're ok to stay in our quarters, in the future if anything goes wrong, someone would come and tell you what to do," Laurence said. "If you'd feel better going to the school you can, just stay out of everyone's way while you get there." =/\=No, I'm ok, I'll stay here.=/\= Olivia said. "Ok, just message me if you need something, but I might be busy, so if I don't respond, message Ashley," Laurence said, smiling at his daughter who smiled back on the screen. Laurence felt someone walk up behind him and Olivia's face lit up suddenly. =/\=Hey Chief Dessy,=/\= "Great Maker, is that Olivia?" The Andorian Chief Petty Officer said leaning over Laurence's shoulder to look at the screen. "Not possible, the Olivia Krolar I know could stand upright in a Jeffries Tube, and still have room to spare above her head. You're significantly too tall to be that Olivia." Chief Dessen said with a mock seriousness. Olivia giggled, =/\=That was five years ago, Dessy, I grew up.=/\= "You sure did, kid, and looking good. You still like Andorian red fruit ice cream?" =/\=Oh yeah, I love it, but it's hard to get on Betazed.=/\= Her eyes widening. "Good, then after all this is over I'll see you're dad and you in QV for some. However right now, I need to borrow your dad, he needs to kick our butts into gear. You stay put and I'll have your dad back to you in no time." =/\=Okay, Bye Dessy. Love you dad, stay safe.=/\= "I will, Love you too, Dear," Laurence said and Olivia cut the line and Laurence turned to Dessen. "Seriously? Sugar loading my daughter?" "She's a good kid, kids like desserts," The Andorian shrugged as he started to walk out of the room with Laurence right behind. "She's also the only one, in addition to my nieces that call me Dessy, try it yourself and I'll hang out off the core by your toes," he said without looking back. The two chiefs grabbed a few more and a petty officer or two and found a corner of the room to conference. Laurence gave out what few details he had about the incident and then started making preparations. "I want all teams breaking out their pressure suits. We know this was some kind of hard object collision, which means a good possibility of hull breach. Until we get breaches fixed we're going to need to work in vacuum. For now I'm assuming we're going to try and save the ships, Des, work with the officers and be ready to stabilize warp engines. Mo check the manifest and get some portable shield generators ready to patch the hull breaches and seal off compartments while we work." "How in the universe did two freighters collide in open space anyway?" Des asked crossing his arms, his antenna twitching. "Well, you weren't at the helm, so that leaves that option out," Lother said, her Bolian face, deathly serious, even if her eyes were dancing with joy. "I'll have you know, I'm a good pilot, the dock worker cut me off." Des said feigning more wounded pride than he was probably feeling. "All right you two, save it for over drinks in the goat locker, for now, lets just get ready until someone tells us what the plan is." Laurence said, and dismissed the ad hoc meeting so they could gather their teams together and start working. (Reply Any) (Posted by Patrick D.) ********** (Freighter SS Horatio - Bridge - CO Helen Summersby - 1548) Static hissed from the bridge speakers, then something more recognizable as a signal. She punched several buttons, hoping against hope that between the damage to her ship and the interference from the storm she could communicate. "SS Hora---tio, SS Wi---on...this is Com---der 'cha Nooras of the USS Boudicca, we are on our way to ----ist you." ~Thank You, whoever you are!!!~ She fiddled with the controls, maxing out the gain on the Horatio's trans- mitters. Whatever the batteries had left, she'd use it to get the message out. "Boudicca, this is the Horatio. We've suffered a collision. I'm sending coor- dinates now. We have severe damage to the ship." She'd had time to check what few working instruments and systems they had left, none of which reported good news. She went on with what little she knew. "Say again, we have collided with an object, heavy damage and casualties. Engine room breached, we have zero maneuvering ability. Sensors worthless, we are in the midst of an intense ion storm, believe we may be caught in the star's gravity well and moving toward it. Total power failure, life support on batteries only. Request immediate assistance!" ~Please, please, please let them hear that transmission!~ (Reply Boudicca) (Posted by Russ) ********* (USS Boudicca - Bridge - TAC/SC Lieuetenant(SG) Detron Trei - 1550) Detron stepped on the Bridge and took his battle tactical station. Detron called out to Dorga sitting in the Captain's chair for orders. "TAC/SC Lieutenant(SG) Detron Trei here awaiting orders sir." (Reply Dorga) (Posted by Edward) ********** (USS Boudicca - Bridge - TAC/SC Lieutenant(SG) Detron Trei - 1551) Detron heard the order to use short and long range scanners to watch for anything on the way to intercept the USS Horatio. Detron gave Dorga a distinctive nod and proceeded to work the scanners. Detron also understood that EVA suits may be required for an away mission. Detron noted that on his PADD to be prepared for the situation. "Understood Sir. Scanning in progress." (Reply Dorga iyw) (Posted by Edward) ********** (USS Boudicca, Bridge - CSO Lieutenant (jg) Ayslin Rel - 1554) Ayslin was continuing to do calculations on the crash and the space around it, she confirmed the ion storm and quickly moved on to tracking the two ships. "Sir," Ayslin said speaking up when she finally had the data, which she wasn't all that fond of. "I have trajectories on the Winston and the Horatio. Their collision took place in the Tal Yori system, the SS Horatio is headed directly for the system's primary and the Winston is heading for the fourth planet...which is inhabited by a pre-warp civilization according to the database. The Winston should have course corrected by now, assuming it's systems are working, seeing that it hasn't I have to assume either it's nav systems are down or it's AI was corrupted in the accident." (Reply 'cha Nooras) Ayslin dug into the records, which were surprisingly dense. "Sir, the Horatio is carrying basic construction parts, bound for a new colony in the Keltar system, nothing amazingly valuable, or irreplaceable." Ayslin said then brought up the Winston's manifest and stopped dead. "Sir, we have a very serious problem, the Winston is carrying a shipment of Tripolar Vuridium processing waste, there's a reason that ship was unmanned. Even with the best shielding those compounds will kill in close quarters and cause serious problems long term. If the hull breaches when the Winston crashes, and the waste disperses into the atmosphere and ground water, it could obliterate life in a matter of years if not faster." Ayslin said, even as he hands were flying over the terminal to bring up the current waste treatment procedures to see if there was anyway to deal with Vuridium poisoning. (Reply 'cha Nooras, any) "The populace, they call themselves the Atarins of the planet is still very primitive, and is confined to the two large land masses in the Northern hemisphere. They are semi-aquatic, being able to breath both under water and above," Ayslin said, rotating a few pictures of the lithe, blueish-green skinned beings. They were almost completely hairless, from the reports, and, fitting that they spent most of their time in the water, amazing swimmers. "It seems that while they can tolerate salt-water they prefer freshwater lakes and rivers. They spend most of their time under water but do hunt and gather on land to a degree, which varies from tribe to tribe. Calculations show that the Winston will crash somewhere in the Southern hemisphere, and with the populace confined to the more water rich Northern Hemisphere...for now, there's a chance they could survive, but only if the freighter hits land away from a watershed, and we get clean up teams to the site time. But there's no way to tell what's going to happen when the ship hits atmo, if it vents or there's any number of weather patterns it could dump in the Ocean and the waste could enter the water cycle, once it's there, it won't take long for it to begin to filter into the food chain and rain cycle." Ayslin said. Her heart was pounding in her chest, the thought of the death that population would see was sickening if they didn't stop it. "I'm forwarding the info on the Winston, it's cargo, and the Atarins, Sir." (Reply 'Cha Nooras, Lorimar, any) (Posted by Patrick D.) ********** (USS Boudicca, Bridge - aCO Dorga 'cha Nooras - 1555) They were almost at the coordinates given them by the captain of the SS Horatio, just a few more minutes and the ship would drop out of warp. At the Science station the CSO was busy with her scans and sub- sequent feedback from them. "Sir," Ayslin got Dorga's attention and proceeded to tell her that she had the trajectories of the two stricken freighters and that they'd collided in the Tal Yori system. She went on to inform Dorga that the Horatio was headed for the system's primary and the Winston was heading for the fourth planet which was inhabited by a pre-warp civilization. That was *not* good news! Dorga was certain that something had to be wrong with the unmanned freighter's AI. She cursed softly under her breath. "....The Winston should have course corrected by now, assuming it's systems are working, seeing that it hasn't I have to assume either it's nav systems are down or it's AI was corrupted in the accident." "Can you tell me what the freighters are carrying?" Dorga asked, pretty sure that whatever the Winston had in it's cargo holds couldn't be anything good if the ship was unmanned, and Ayslin's reply con- firmed her worst fears. The Horatio was carrying basic construction parts, bound for a new colony in the Keltar system, nothing valuable, or irreplaceable and the Winston was carrying a Tripolar Vuridium processing waste. ~ So I was right! Damnations!! ~ "there's a reason that ship was unmanned. " Ayslin voiced Dorga's thoughts and continued to do so. "Even with the best shielding those compounds will kill in close quarters and cause serious problems long term. If the hull breaches when the Winston crashes, and the waste disperses into the atmosphere and ground water, it could obliterate life in a matter of years if not faster." Ayslin said, even as her hands were busy flying over her terminal. "And it will be a most unpleasant way to die." Dorga mused aloud, for death by Virudium poisoning was ten times worse than the radio- active poisoning that killed millions on Earth a few centuries earlier. "Do we have anything on that pre-warp civilization?" The aCO asked, though why she did not know, whoever they were, whatever they looked like, she would endeavor to save them from such a fate. Her hands clenched into fists as she listened to what Ayslin had to say. ~ Why couldn't things go without a hitch? Nothing is *ever* easy! ~ "The populace, they call themselves the Atarins, of the planet is still very primitive, and is confined to the two large land masses in the Northern hemisphere. They are semi-aquatic, being able to breath both under water and above," Ayslin said, rotating a few pictures of the lithe, blueish-green skinned beings. They were almost completely hairless, from the reports, and, fitting that they spent most of their time in the water, amazing swimmers. "It seems that while they can tolerate salt-water they prefer fresh water lakes and rivers. They spend most of their time under water but do hunt and gather on land to a degree, which varies from tribe to tribe. Calculations show that the Winston will crash somewhere in the Southern hemisphere, and with the populace confined to the more water rich Northern Hemisphere...for now, there's a chance they could survive, but only if the freighter hits land away from a watershed, and we get clean up teams to the site time. But there's no way to tell what's going to happen when the ship hits atmo, if it vents or there's any number of weather patterns it could dump in the Ocean and the waste could enter the water cycle, once it's there, it won't take long for it to begin to filter into the food chain and rain cycle." Ayslin said and it was apparent that she was distressed about the possible fate of the population if they didn't or couldn't stop it. "I'm forwarding the info on the Winston, it's cargo, and the Atarins, Sir." "Thank you, Lieutenant." Dorga replied as a soft beep on her arm console let her know some data had been received, followed by one from the FO's arm console. "What is our ETA and what is the distance between us and those two ships? I am hoping we will be able to assist both ships." (Reply Ayslin Rel, Lorimar, all) (Posted by Sal) ********** (USS Boudicca - Bridge - TAC/SC Lieutenant(SG) Detron Trei - 1556) Detron listened to the information of the Astans and the fate of their planet when impact occurs. Detron made notes of that in the ship's computer as well as his PADD. Detron made tactical notations should the situation call for it. He hoped that it was not needed. "Tactical notations have been made sir. Lets hope that is not needed. Information has been entered for an away team when needed sir." ~Amphibians. Interesting.~ (Reply Dorga) (Posted by Edward) ******** (USS Boudicca - Main Engineering - aCEO Ensign Gesar - 1555) "Master Chief," Anton called out toward Krolar as he entered Main Engineering. (Reply Krolar) "Has a damage control team been put on standby?" (Reply Krolar) "I'll lead team to the Horatio should it becomes necessary to go. What I would also like you to do is put together a secondary damage control team and equip them with environment suits. The Winston is carying Tripolar Vuridium processing waste so let's be prepared. If the bridge can't get control of the ship remotely I will take the second team to the Winston and you will then take the first team to the Horatio, so please have them bring a suit for me as well." (Reply Krolar) (posted by Oleg) ********** (USS Boudicca - Main Engineering - Master Chief PO Laurence Krolar - 1556) "Master Chief," Anton called out toward Krolar as he entered Main Engineering. "Yes, sir," Laurence said moving over to the Ensign. "Has a damage control team been put on standby?" "Two, sir, outfitted and geared up, awaiting orders," Laurence said, handing the briefing PADD to the Ensign." Laurence said. "I'll lead team to the Horatio should it becomes necessary to go. What I would also like you to do is put together a secondary damage control team and equip them with environment suits. The Winston is carying Tripolar Vuridium processing waste so let's be prepared. If the bridge can't get control of the ship remotely I will take the second team to the Winston and you will then take the first team to the Horatio, so please have them bring a suit for me as well." "Of course sir," Laurence said, unaware that Commander Lorimar had relinquished command of Engineering to the Ensign. Still, they were sound orders so Laurence got to work. (Reply Gesar, any) (Posted by Patrick D.) ********** (USS Boudicca – Bridge – 2O/CEO Lt Cmdr Lorimar – 1557) Bob listened intently to the information from the Boudicca’s Chief Science Officer. The more he heard, the less he liked. ~That’s another fine mess for us tae clean up! Ah only hope we are in time…~ The core of an idea was forming, and he quickly rose from his seat and went to the aft engineering station. He entered a quick series of commands into the console, and called up a set of very seldom used software. He started a diag- nostic running and then moved to stand next to Lt. Trei. “Lieutenant, would ye please see if ye can pull up the command prefix codes for the Winston, if ye would?” (Reply Trei, Room for more) He glanced forward of the tactical station to the command chair and addressed the CO, loudly enough so that everyone on the bridge could hear and comment on his idea if they had any input. “Commander, ah’ve a thought. Ah concur wie Lieutenant Rel… the Winston *should* have righted her course by now, and according tae our sensors she hasnae done so. There could be any number of causes related tae the storm, the collision, both, or neither. We cannae be sure until we get closer of course. If memory serves, regulations require all Federation registered freighters tae list their command override codes in the secure tactical database.” He turned quickly back to the engineering station and checked to see that the software he had called up was running. It was, and was reconfiguring itself for the task at hand. He turned back to face the command chair. “As ye heard, ah’ve asked Lieutenant Trei tae pull up the codes for the Winston. When we get close enough, *if* we can establish communication with her control systems, we *should* be able tae order course correction(s) as needed. Ah know it’s all a wee bit indefinite, but ah just cannae be sure without more data. Ah just wanted tae be ready wie the option if it’s viable, and if ye decide we should try it ma’am.” (Reply ‘cha Nooras, Trei, Any) (Posted by Russ) ******** (USS Boudicca – Lower Decks – Maintenance Bay – Ensign/Probationer Candle - 1601) “Hey Basil how does it feel to be out of a job?” Tyrone Delkalb boomed across the maintenance bay. Basil had met him on one of his early days as a probationer when he blatantly declared to he was part-klingon and so would take no messing from anyone. Maybe it was self preservation that kept Basil‘s tongue in check that day, Tyrone was one of the larger built technicians and, Basil was sure, he wore a smaller uniform just to highlight this fact. Ever since Tyrone had always tried to make a comment to Basil indicating how low Basil’s lot in life has reached. Basil ignored him wanting to get to whatever task was set before him, “Hey Doctor Vampire your bat ears listening?” Somehow everyone had heard of the name that Shadow had called him, coupled with the fact that everyone thought he was “battier than a church steeple” it now seemed appropriate to call him that. “What?” said Basil hoping to get this over with quickly. “Your job - what was it Doctor?” a few laughs from the other technicians. “What about it?” replied Basil “Looks like they have a replacement” Before Basil could reply the alarms went off. Everyone, as they have drilled, ran to their appropriate areas to await orders. Basil stood itchy, awaiting what was happening up above. Once details were explained Basil couldn’t stop himself, “Ensign Candle, probationer to Acting Captain Dorga, sorry to bother you but if I may I have served on a lot of Freighters for a lot of my life. I am sure you have things in hand but perhaps I can help?” (Reply Dorga, Any) (Posted by Warren Simkins) ********* (USS Boudicca, Bridge - aCO/CDR Dorga 'cha Nooras - Day 1 - 1603) One thing any commanding officer desired above most anything else, even over the type of vessel they commanded, was knowing they had a top notch crew working with them in whom they could rely on entirely and without doubt of their abilities and Dorga was very thankful to have that kind of crew. especially during the times she had to captain the ship. Every department was working as a unit similar to a nest of ants or a beehive, each with their own designated functions that combined intricately to make a cohesive whole that smoothly kept the ship functioning and its live inhabi- tants as safe as possible depending on the circumstances. Dorga was ruminating on some worst possible scenarios that might crop up during their SAR mission(s) while her aFO got up and went to the Enginee- ring console to do some work. Her thoughts were interrupted by a message. =^=Ensign Candle, probationer to Acting Captain Dorga, sorry to bother you but if I may I have served on a lot of Freighters for a lot of my life. I am sure you have things in hand but perhaps I can help?=^= ~ At this rate he'll remain a probationer for life! ~ Dorga thought. She didn't mind being called by her given name by those under her while under informal circumstances but she was on the Bridge and supposedly in charge of the ship and all the crew, so she felt that neither the time or place made it acceptable to her. "Ensign Candle, you will address me as Captain or even Commander while I am on duty in future." She stated up front and matter-of-factly; it wasn't that she was angry, just surprised by what might be construed of as being disrespectful, and she thought he'd have learned his lesson with his behavior towards Commander Lorimar on the planet, for which he was 'on probation'. Were they not teaching cadets the proper etiquette in the Academies any more? "As for your expertise with freighters, it may very well come in useful to us. I will bear it in mind." She stated and closed the link as Bob turned towards her to speak. “Commander, perhaps we could use another physician? We have certain casualties on the Horatio… and depending on how successful we are wie the Winston… shall we have our Doctor Candle join the rest of the medical staff in sickbay?” Dorga nodded her usual, curt one nod. "Good thinking number one, relay that order to him. Dr. Jahlen will be glad of the assistance I am sure." (room for more iyw) The Boudicca was coming in to sensor range of the last known position of the Horatio, though Dorga anticipated that it would have traveled quite a distance since they'd received the distress call and the last known co- ordinants, but hopefully they wouldn't have to much trouble finding the stricken freighter. She heard her aFO talking to the CSO about the ion storm strength and smiled inwardly. Technical scientific stuff was not something she was very good with; phasers and other weaponry, holodeck programming, peoples' mindsets and problem solving she was proficient with but machines etc. was not her forte, which was one reason why she didn't think she would ever be more than an efficient first officer... ~ But Bob is something else...One day he will be an outstanding Captain I am sure of it. ~ She thought, listening to him talking. “Lieutenant Rel, mah readings are showing that ion storm tae be at least a force six, possibly seven, can ye confirm that?” (Reply Rel, Room for more) “In any case it will surely degrade our sensor performance, tractor beam efficacy, and transporter operation as well. All in all, not going tae help us wie a rescue,” he said, bringing another nod of assent from Dorga. She felt that he certainly had everything under control as he gave out his orders and asked questions in preparation for the upcoming SAR, first to Lieutenant Trei about a prefix code and then to his own department - engineering and then to Lieutenant Lebranski at the OPS station. “Did I overlook anything for now, Commander?” Bob asked, causing her to laugh softly. "No Commander, you have everything well in hand, just as I've come to expect from you. Good job!" (reply Rel, Lorimar iyw, any) (posted by Sal) ******** (USS Boudicca – Bridge – 2O/CEO Lt Cmdr Lorimar – 1604) The software was all set up, he was tired of waiting. Bob had returned to the vacant First Officer’s seat, and was reviewing what data was available. Not any of it was good… not good at all! =^=Ensign Candle, probationer to Acting Captain Dorga, sorry to bother you but if I may I have served on a lot of Freighters for a lot of my life. I am sure you have things in hand but perhaps I can help?=^= ~*Probationer* Candle? Ah, that must have been the punishment meted out by the Captain. It had probably been noted in the daily reports that he hadn’t yet managed to read, or perhaps the information hadn’t yet made it through the normal channels. In either event…~ He turned to Dorga. “Commander, perhaps we could use another physician? We have certain casualties on the Horatio… and depending on how successful we are wie the Winston… shall we have our Doctor Candle join the rest of the medical staff in sickbay?” (Reply ‘cha Nooras, Room for more) He turned his attention back to the data panel on the arm of his… rather, the first officer’s chair. The Boudicca was coming in to sensor range of the last known position of the Horatio. Given the damage they had reported, their position estimate would likely have some error built in. Coupled with the buf- feting effects of the storm some searching might be required. He was checking the repeated sensor display and frowned when data on the ion storm was coming in. “Lieutenant Rel, mah readings are showing that ion storm tae be at least a force six, possibly seven, can ye confirm that?” (Reply Rel, Room for more) “In any case it will surely degrade our sensor performance, tractor beam efficacy, and transporter operation as well. All in all, not going tae help us wie a rescue,” he said aloud to no one in particular. He glanced at the other program which was running. It only lacked three things; an active comm.-link with the Winston, approval of the Captain, and the classified command codes he had already asked for. “Lieutenant Trei, how are ye making oot wie that prefix code? Is it in the database or no?” (Reply Trei, Room for more) As he ticked off items on his mental checklist, he got to engineering. “Engineering, this is Lorimar. As ye know we are mounting a search and rescue. We’re aboot tae run intae the brunt of an ion storm, which looks like at least a force six, perhaps stronger. Ah’m sure ye’ve started organizing damage control parties, have them gear up and standby. Ah’m nae certain just how much interference we are going tae have from the storm or anything else… so have the lads and lassies be ready tae go by shuttle or transporter, that’s yet tae be determined. We’ll also need yer best on the shields, sensors, perhaps the tractor beams as well.” (Reply Engineering, Room for more) He turned toward Denise then and raised his voice just enough to be clearly heard above the noise of the bridge. “Operations, let’s plan for a worst-case scenario, shall we? Ah’d like the outline of a recovery plan, in the unlikely event that we have tae deal with a crash of the Winston. Ye can get the relevant data from science, please work wie Lieutenant Rel and see what ye two can plot out. While yer at it, work wie engineering, see what can be done about sensor/tractor/transporter performance. If ye need another set of hands, ah’m right here.” (Reply Lebranski, Room for more) He had come to the end of his mental checklist for the time being at least. He would have much preferred being in engineering where he belonged… but the Captain (Commander, technically, but whoever occupied that chair was Captain, legally and morally) had told him to stay. Short of a change in that order, here he would stay and do his best to help without getting in anyone’s way. “Did I overlook anything for now, Commander?” (Reply ‘cha Nooras, ALL) (Posted by Russ) ********* (USS Boudicca - Bridge - TAC/SC Lieutenant(SG) Detron Trei - 1605) Lorimar asked Detron to enter the prefix code as an option for the cur- rent situation. Detron worked the code in the computer as ordered. Detron made some tactical notes in the computer as well just to be prepared. "The code is entered as ordered sir. Other tactical notations have been entered as a precaution sir." Detron heard of the strength of the ion storm. He never seen an ion storm before no less a force 6. It should be a rough ride. (Reply Lorimar) (Posted by Edward) ********* (USS Boudicca - Main Engineering - aCEO Ensign Gesar - 1605) =/\=Engineering, this is Lorimar. As ye know we are mounting a search and rescue. We’re aboot tae run intae the brunt of an ion storm, which looks like at least a force six, perhaps stronger. Ah’m sure ye’ve started organizing damage control parties, have them gear up and standby. Ah’m nae certain just how much interference we are going tae have from the storm or anything else… so have the lads and lassies be ready tae go by shuttle or transporter, that’s yet tae be determined. We’ll also need yer best on the shields, sensors, perhaps the tractor beams as well.=/\= "Ok everyone, you heard what needs to be done. Chief," he called Krolar over, "Ensign," he motioned to Enright. They settled next to the main con- sole in engineering. "Chief, send a few Petty Officers to put a set of damage control team gear each on two shuttles, if we have to go it won't by trans- porter. Ok we need to boost shields, sensors and the tractor beam. This is my first ion storm but I know enough that I would like to avoid having to take a shuttle into a force six. We need ideas on how to keep the shield going while keeping the targeting sensors and tractor beam up long enough to pull those ships out. Has either of you been on a ship in a force six ion storm?" (Reply Krolar, Enright) (Posted by Oleg Kislyuk) ******** (USS Boudicca – Bridge – CSO Lieutenant (jg) Ayslin Rel – 1605.5) Ayslin worked away at her station monitoring the storm, it wasn't something she was looking forward to experiencing. She'd seen some bad storms, and seen data on even worse ones, but she'd never actually flown through one as bad as they were about to. “Lieutenant Rel, mah readings are showing that ion storm tae be at least a force six, possibly seven, can ye confirm that?” Commander Lorimar asked. "Yes, sir, it's big enough to have some variable strengths, the edges are a solid six with pockets of seven throughout the body of the storm." Ayslin said, glad she was on the Boudicca and not on one of those freighters. Soon enough they were close enough to see that the two freighters were drifting in opposite directions and were farther apart than they'd anticipated, sped on by the storm. Commander 'cha Nooras soon was giving out assignments. "Lieutenant Trei, you will also take a shuttle and transport the survivors off the Horatio, you will have to dock with the freighter and search it for those who are still alive. Take any security you require and Doctor Jahlen so she can treat the injured during transport back, and anyone else you think will be of use." Dorga ordered, turning away from Detron to glance over at the Science Station. "You will also go with Trei, Lieutenant Ayslin.... Now get on it people!" Ayslin stood up and followed Trei, unsure of what exactly what purpose Ayslin was going to have on a rescue mission. (Reply Any/None) (Posted by Patrick D.) ********** (USS Boudicca, Main Engineering - Master Chief PO Laurence Krolar - 1606) Just as he was being called over to meet with Ensign Enright and Gesar, Lorimar called for Laurence and a damage control team to meet him in the shuttle bay. Laurence nodded to the two Ensigns and signaled to his damage control team who followed him out the door. Stopping suddenly he sent the team on ahead, and ran to the nearest turbo lift. (posted by Patrick D.) ********** (USS Boudicca, Bridge - aCO/CDR Dorga 'cha Nooras - Day 1 - 1607) The worst case scenario was a nightmare, and that was an under- statement as far as Dorga was concerned, and now she - together with the assistance of her officers, had to figure out a way of saving the crew of the Horatio and divert a major disaster with the Winston in a matter of minutes, because every second took the Winston further away from the Boudicca. The only good news was that they had passed through the storm with no damage to the ship and now were midway between the two. It was decision time. Dorga prayed that she was making the right decision to keep the Boudicca in this area of space. At least for now. "Number One, I think it best that you immediately take an away team including Ensign Candle and Chief Krolar and anyone else you deem fit and catch up with that darn Winston! Use the Lorimar it's our fastest isn't it? We will catch up with you asap." (reply aFO) "Lieutenant Trei, you will also take a shuttle and transport the survivors off the Horatio, you will have to dock with the freighter and search it for those who are still alive. Take any security you require and Doctor Jahlen so she can treat the injured during transport back, and anyone else you think will be of use." Dorga ordered, turning away from Detron to glance over at the Science Station. "You will also go with Trei, Lieutenant Ayslin.... Now get on it people!" (Reply ALL) (posted by Sal) ********* (USS Boudicca – Bridge – aFO/CEO Lt Cmdr Lorimar – 1608) Bob was a bit taken aback, and very uncomfortable being addressed by the title ‘Number One’. He knew that was often given to a ship’s First Officer by the CO, but he was only acting, after all. It made him more uneasy than he would ever admit, though he did his best not to let his disquiet show outwardly. He listened carefully as Commander ‘cha Nooras gave orders for the two separate away teams. He was not at all thrilled with the disposition of personnel, nor was he happy about not using the Boudicca herself more directly for the rescue attempt. He paused half a heartbeat, think- ing things over. Time *was* indeed of the essence. Now was neither the time nor place to quibble over details. The decision(s) he would have made might perhaps have been different; but he was not in command, and never would be. ~A hearty ‘Amen’ tae that!~ He rose quickly from the chair, acknowledging his orders as he did so, then issuing some of his own. “Aye aye, Captain.” He was already halfway to the turbolift as he tapped his commbadge. “Ensign Candle, report immediately tae the main shuttle- bay for an away mission. Chief Krolar, join us as well, wie a damage control party. Ensign Selek, we need a pilot, join us in the main shuttlebay, post haste please.” (Reply Candle, Krolar, Any) (posted by Russ) ********* (USS Boudicca - Bridge - TAC/SC Lieutenant(SG) Detron Trei - 1609) Detron heard the orders given from Acting Captain Dorga for Lorimar to take a shuttle over to the Winston and contain that situation. Detron was ordered to take a shuttle over to the Horatio and rescue any survivors then bring them to the Boudicca. Detron had his orders so he made notes in his PADD. Detron looked over to Asylin. "Understood sir. You heard the orders people. Asylin you are with me. We will pick Jahlen up on the way to the shuttle bay. Lets go." Detron was excited to go into action and command a rescue mission. (posted by Edward) ********** (USS Boudicca, Lower Decks – Maintenance Bay – Ensign/Probationer Candle - Day 1 - 1611) "Ensign Candle, you will address me as Captain or even Commander while I am on duty in future." echoed the Acting Captain’s voice. Tyrone Delkalb was smiling smacking his hand in a mock ’naughty boy’ whilst others were openly laughing. Basil swore under his breath then realised the comm link was still open "As for your expertise with freighters, it may very well come in useful to us. I will bear it in mind." Basil sighed hoping that the acting captain hadn’t heard anything. She cut off communications, obviously focussing on the task ahead. “Guess your going nowhere Doctor” laughed Tyrone Suddenly a message came through the terminal asking for Basil’s help in a rescue mission. Time was of the essence - Basil left the message on the screen and dashed off to medical to get the appropriate kit. (posted by Warren Simkins) ********* (USS Boudicca, Family Quarters - Master Chief PO Laurence Krolar and Civilian Olivia Krolar - 1612) "Daddy, what are you doing home?" Olivia asked, standing up off the couch and putting her drawing pad down on the table. "Hey, sweet heart, I'm sorry, I just wanted to let you know in person. I've been assigned to an away team, so I probably won't be home for dinner, unless we eat really late." Laurence said looking down at Olivia. "It's not dangerous, is it?" Olivia asked, a concerned look crossing her face. Laurence knew which freighter he was heading, and it was the more dangerous of the two. "It's not that bad, but any mission I go on is going to be a little dangerous. But I'm taking Des, and Petty Officer Geller with me, and Commander Lorimar is leading the mission, I talked with Ashley on my way up, she's going to come over after she gets relieved." Laurence said quietly. Olivia leaped at him and wrapped her arms around his neck. He caught her and hugged her tight. "If you have to go, just promise me you'll be safe and come home." "I promise," Laurence whispered, before setting his daughter back down on her own feet. "Nothing will keep me from coming back to you, no matter what." "I love you Daddy," Olivia said looking up at him with her big gray eyes. Laurence brushed her long dark hair out of her face and smiled down at her. "I love you too. Don't worry, I promised you I'm coming back, I don't break promises, especially to my daughter. I give you permission to stay up past your bedtime if I'm not back before then. Now I've got to go save the world, I love you." Laurence said with a smile, and a squeeze of Olivia's shoulder, before moving back out the door. (posted by Patrick D.) *********** (USS Boudicca – Main Shuttlebay – aFO/CEO Lt Cmdr Lorimar – 1613) Bob had arrived, unsurprised to see that Selek had already made an appear- ance. “Happy tae see ye again lad,” he began. “Let’s hope that this flight ends in a bit better fashion, aye?” Selek turned to address him, wearing his usual impassive look. “I submit, Commander, that it is logical to prefer a safe return of both the craft and crew over an emergency landing on a planet. May I also take the liberty of offering congratulations on your promotion, sir.” Bob smiled at the young Vulcan, too preoccupied to be embarrassed. “Thank ye lad, ah appreciate it. Yer aware of the situation ah presume?” “Indeed sir, unless there is ‘eyes only’ information to which I am not privy.” “Not really. We’ll be making a close approach tae the SS Winston in order tae evaluate the situation. We’ll mitigate the crisis by whatever means will be most effective, pending our findings.” He paused a moment as he was skinning himself into a radiation suit. He wanted to be prepared just in case direct intervention became necessary. A standard EVA suit would not be sufficient shielding in this particular case, so he and anyone else going aboard would need the additional coverage. He wasn’t about to don a bulky EVA suit until/unless it was absolutely sure he would need it, but the thinner and more comfortable rad suit was another matter. Incidentally, it nicely covered his dress uniform, which he had not had time to change out of. As he finished up donning the suit, he looked back at Selek. “Would ye please commence the engine start sequencing, and make all preparations for getting under way? Ah’ll be aboard tae help in a moment, and we’ll brief the full team as they arrive.” “Acknowledged,” replied Selek simply as he boarded the runabout. (posted by Russ) ********** (USS Boudicca - Shuttle Bay - TAC/SC Lieutenant(SG) Detron Trei - 1615) Detron ran through pre launch instructions before they boarded the shuttle. Detron grabbed 6 of his best security officers along the way and gave them specific instructions. Detron gave Jahlen the orders from Dorga so she was ready for the situation. Detron waited for everyone to let the instructions process for them. Just in case, Detron replicated 8 extra EVA suits if the situation needed it. That gave them a total of 12 EVA suits to use if neces- sary. The supplies were loaded on the shuttle. (Reply Asylin, Jahlen) (Posted by Edward) ********** (Runabout Lorimar – aFO/CEO Lorimar – Lt Cmdr Lorimar – 1619) Lorimar and Selek were deep into the engine start checklist, and all was proceeding normally. They had resisted the temptation to hurry, even though both were keenly aware of the urgency of the mission. The fact was, they couldn’t depart until the rest of the away team arrived and stowed their gear. This was going to be a ‘rough ride’, that much was certain. Bob heard a voice he instantly recognized calling out from the hatchway. ~Will he *ever* get the concept of ‘chain of command’? The question is reasonable, tae be sure… but junior officers report tae their seniors, nae the other bloody way around!~ He took a breath then replied in an even and professional tone. “Glad ye could join us, Doctor. All the relevant data is loaded for the mission, ah’d suggest ye get yersel’ up tae speed while we wait for the damage control party. When they arrive, we will launch and brief. In the meantime, ah’ve been told yer somewhat of an expert on freighters, so ah’d appreciate any input ye have, alright?” (Reply Candle, Any, Room for more) (Posted by Russ) ********* (USS Boudicca - Shuttle Bay - Ensign Candle - 1619.5) Reaching the shuttle bay he could see one shuttle already had gone whilst those using the Lorimar were ready. Basil stepped up the those near the shuttle, started getting in and asked, “What’s the latest on the Freighters?” (Reply any at the Lorimar) (Posted by Warren Simkins) ******** (USS Boudicca – Main Shuttle bay -Runabout Lorimar – Probationer Candle – 1620) “Glad ye could join us, Doctor. All the relevant data is loaded for the mission, ah’d suggest ye get yersel’ up tae speed while we wait for the damage control party. When they arrive, we will launch and brief. In the meantime, ah’ve been told yer somewhat of an expert on freighters, so ah’d appreciate any input ye have, alright?” Basil nodded eager to see the details. As he prepared the medical station he perused the information. “By the stars …” he exclaimed as he read about the two freighters. “Sir, as you are aware the Horatio is run by a Summersby. If there is such a thing as nobility amongst the Freighter ‘families’ then the Summersby are one of them. Also, depending on the attitudes of the Captain, a lot would consider the crew first, cargo second and their own life last. Never met Helen Summersby so unsure how she will be but worse case she won’t be leaving that ship until the cargo is off.” (Reply Lorimar, any) “The Winston is different. I have notice there are no indications of escort craft. The trouble with unmanned ships is they are rife for attach by pirates or rivals. They tend to use the registered freighters command override codes. Those codes are only as secure as the people guarding it. Chances are the tactical database is secure but once the codes are on the ship then ….” he shrugged, the murkier business of transporting goods was something the acting first officer didn’t want to hear, (Reply Lorimar iyw here, any) “So they sometimes escort the ship. If it wasn’t then just be aware that there maybe safeguards to make sure the codes are sent by a legitimate source. Not a guarentee, of course, but just in case expect extra security. Engineers are renowned for tinkering, freighter engineers included.” (Reply Lorimar, Any) (Posted by Warren Simkins) ********** (Runabout Lorimar – aFO/CEO Lt Cmdr Lorimar – 1621) Bob continued working through the checklist as he heard Candle settle in at the nearby medical station. He heard the softly muted sequence of beeps and clicks as he activated the medical station, and, Bob presumed, began to peruse the available data. Lorimar gave no further thought to it, being absorbed in his own tasks. “By the stars …” he heard Candle exclaim. Bob guessed that this was in reaction to something the Doctor had read in the database. His suspicion was confirmed when Candle began commenting on the Captain of the Horatio, and her family history in relation to the cargo transport business. He turned in his seat, pausing his work to give Candle his full attention. “…Never met Helen Summersby so unsure how she will be but worse case she won’t be leaving that ship until the cargo is off.” He nodded thoughtfully, then commented. “Good information tae have lad. Would ye forward that tae Lieutenant Trei please? His team is headed for the Horatio. In the meantime, what can ye tell us about the Winston?” “The Winston is different. I have notice there are no indications of escort craft. The trouble with unmanned ships is they are rife for attach by pirates or rivals. They tend to use the registered freighters command override codes. Those codes are only as secure as the people guarding it. Chances are the tactical database is secure but once the codes are on the ship then ….” Bob nodded thoughtfully. "Again, fair points, all of them. However, ah think the average cargo would be a far more likely target. Somethin' as dangerous as what the Winston is loaded wie is far less prone tae being pinched... unless of course the thieves were quite sophisticated. Possible, still and all... and we shall keep that in mind for all our sakes." He mulled the rest of what Candle had put forth, processing it fully before commenting further. "As for the prefix codes... unless Starfleet security has slacked considerably in the... five years... we were away," his voice softened just a bit as *that* sunk in yet again. "The tactical database is ruthlessly protected by multiple levels of security, hardware, software, and living per- sonnel. Not that it *can't* be breached, but information security was a lesson hard learned from the Civil War. Ah think it unlikely, but ah must of course concede the possibility. *If* there were a vulnerability, ah should think it would be more toward the other avenue ye suggested... that of being less secure once personnel are on board." He rubbed his beard thoughtfully, then turned back to the pre-launch pro- cedures. "All in all," he smiled thinly in Candle's direction, "Good observa- tions, and things we shall be wary of. We shall see what is what when we get over there. Any further observations, ah'd like tae hear them straight away, please." (Reply Candle, Any) (Posted by Russ) ********** (USS Boudicca, Shuttlebay - Master Chief PO Laurence Krolar - 1622) Laurence jogged up to the shuttlebay door to find his damage control team standing around outside, gear piled around them. Des nodded to Laurence and tossed him his suit without a word. "All right you lousy lot, pick up your gear and lets go, the boss is here and we're now fashionably late," The Andorian said in his booming parade ground voice, then turned to Laurence and with a nod an overly dramatic bow, signaled for Laurence to lead the way. Laurence rolled his eyes and hoisted his suit in one arm and his kit over his other shoulder and walked through the door, followed, in step, by five more enlisted engineers all carrying various pieces of gear. "Des, get them loaded up and secured, and make sure everyone's suits are checked again, that includes yours. I'm going to check in with the commander." Laurence said with a nod and walked onto the shuttle to find Commander Lorimar. "Sir, the Damage Control team is loading now, we'll be ready to go inside three minutes. I'll need your EVA suit to check, sir while we're in transit." Laurence said. (Reply Lorimar, Candle iyw, any) (Posted by Patrick D.) *********** (Runabout Lorimar – aFO/CEO Lt Cmdr Lorimar – 1623) Bob was pleased to see Krolar come aboard; that meant that the rest of the damage control party must be right behind him, and he and Selek had just completed the pre-launch checklist. In fact, he could hear the muted whines and hums of essential equipment such as the gravity generators spinning up. Beneath that, he could also detect the deeper and more muted thrumming of the Runabout’s warp core idling. They were nearly ready to launch. "Sir, the Damage Control team is loading now, we'll be ready to go inside three minutes. I'll need your EVA suit to check, sir while we're in transit." Laurence said. Lorimar smiled warmly at the man as he replied. “Ah, welcome aboard Chief. Ah’m hoping we dinnae need tae go aboard, but it’s stowed in the number two port gear locker in any case. Need a hand getting the gear aboard and stowed?” (Reply Krolar iyw, Any) He tabbed a control on the console in front of him and then addressed the next issue. “Boudicca launch control, this is the Lorimar. We are nearly loaded; request permission tae depart in three minutes.” (Reply Bridge) He quickly turned his attention back to the business at hand. (Reply Any) (Posted by Russ) ********* (USS Boudicca - Dorga's Quarters - TAC/SC Lieutenant(SG) Detron Trei - 1830) Detron stood at the door and pressed the door chime. Detron showed up on occasion just to see how Dorga's kids were doing. He enjoyed the enthusiastic affection he received from Rivers and the quizical nature from Parimi. He didn't deserve being called Uncle Detron but took the title in stride. Detron wanted to see what the kids looked like after 5 years. Detron waited for the door to open. "TAC/SC Lieutenant(SG) Detron Trei here to see how the kids are doing." (Reply Dorga and family) (Posted by Edward) ********* (USS Boudicca - Dorga's Quarters - FO Dorga 'cha Nooras & Rivers 'cha Nooras - Day 1 - 1830.5) Rivers was helping Dorga tidy up the living room when the door chime sounded and familiar voice announced that it was TAC/Security Chief Lieutenant(Senior Grade) Detron Trei there to see how the kids were doing. "Enter!" Dorga called, which activated the door to open and reveal Detron who stepped inside. "Uncle Detron!!!" Rivers squealed, dropping the armful of clothing and books she had been about to carry back to her room back on the couch, and bodily throwing herself at the security chief, wrapping her arms around him and squeezing him tightly with all her might. "How lovely to see you again!" She beamed up at him as she stepped back and with a giggle she added, "you haven't changed a bit since I last saw you, except you're a lot shorter now!!" (reply Detron) Dorga chuckled and apologized for the untidiness of the place, "I'm afraid my offspring take after me and leave their stuff lying around, the only difference is that I usually have to tidy it all up, except now she's older, Rivers has decided she can lend a hand... If you've come to see 'Rami... he's not here right now but I expect him home for dinner later on." With a nudge of her chin towards the dropped pile on the couch, Dorga prompted Rivers to pick it up. "Take it to your room and you can tidy it up later after we've visited with Detron." Quickly Dorga grabbed a few things adorning an armchair and indicated that Detron could sit down if he wished before handing the items to Rivers who'd returned from her bedroom lickety-split and asked her to take them to Parami's room. Rivers took a step back, her face paling significantly; she shook her head. "No, I can't do that Mother." "What are you talking about, why can't you?" Dorga asked, puzzled that Rivers had refused and was looking as if she was afraid. "I just can't that's all! He doesn't want me to go in his bedroom and I don't want too anyway!" "Hmmmph!" Dorga snorted; was that a hint of panic in her girl's voice? "Well then just take his stuff and put it on the floor outside his door; he can clear it up when he gets home. I suppose now he's getting older he wants more privacy." Dorga handed the stuff to her daughter and then gave Rivers a one-armed hug. "You'd know more about adolescent boys than I do, Detron, having been one. What do you think that was all about? Is it normal?" (reply Detron) The FO listened to what he had to say as she went to the replicator and ordered some Earl Grey for Detron, an iced cappuchino for herself and some fizzy water for Rivers who returned once again from the vicinity of the bedrooms and perched on the edge of the couch where her mother joined her after handing out the drinks. (Reply Detron) (Posted by Sal) ******** (USS Boudicca - Dorga's Quarters - TAC/SC Lieutenant(SG) Detron Trei - 1833) Detron was immediately pounced by Rivers when he entered the room. Detron instinctively thrust his arms up in self defense but it was too late because Rivers was wrapped around his tight. Detron reciprocated the gesture and took a seat that Dorga pointed to. Rivers said something about Parimi not wanting her in his room. Detron sensed fear from Rivers and apprehension in her voice. Rivers also said that he was shorter than before and that made him laugh for he knew that meant she was growing and he was not. When Detron took the seat, Dorga asked if he knew what to make of Parimi's behavior. Detron thought for a moment then said. "My you are growing up to be a beautiful young lady. I have missed you and Parimi more than you think. As far as Parimi goes, it might be he is trying to assert his independence or need privacy as Dorga mentioned. I can have a talk with him if you want? So how is everything going with you Rivers? ~Parimi is going to be a problem even my bones feel it.~ (Reply Dorga and Family) (Posted by Edward) ********** (USS Boudicca - Dorga's Quarters - FO Dorga 'cha Nooras & Rivers - Day 1 - 1836) "My you are growing up to be a beautiful young lady. I have missed you and Parimi more than you think. As far as Parimi goes, it might be he is trying to assert his independence or need privacy as Dorga mentioned. I can have a talk with him if you want? So how is every- thing going with you Rivers?" Rivers blushed and smiled shyly for she wasn't used to being told she was beautiful. Her brother called her squirt because she was shorter than him, and the boys in school hadn't ever given her a second glance, but then they *were* Vulcans, who knew what they were thinking except them, unless they mind melded. "We missed you too, Uncle Detron and we cried for you when we thought you were dead, 'Rami even roared like a Klingon!" She informed him, suddenly feeling a bit sad that the closeness she'd shared with her twin appeared to be dying. She shrugged, "I'm fine, thank you for asking." Dorga gave a nod of approval, at least one of her children remembered their manners. "I am hoping 'Rami will settle down soon. I think he's acting out because he misses his friends and grandparents, but thank you for your offer, I may take you up on it if he continues acting with hostility." The FO glanced at the chronometer. She'd left the Bridge approximately twenty minutes previously to check on the twins but now she should be getting back. "If you will excuse me, I must return to the Bridge." She told Detron and then to her daughter, "you sure you'll be okay? You can always go to the schoolroom and be with the other kids." "I will be fine, don't worry Mother. I'm not a kid any more and I am sure 'Rami will be back soon." Satisfied that Rivers would be safe enough, Dorga told her to contact Mrs. Askew or go to the schoolroom if she got scared, bringing an exasperated sigh from her daughter, that caused Dorga to chuckle as she quickly drank her cappuchino. "Bye for now then." She said as she headed to the door. ~They'll be wondering what's keeping me. ~ (Reply Detron iyw) (Posted by Sal) =============================================== END TRANSMISSION ===============================================