USS Champlain Compiles: February 2007 Mission 1: Worlds Once Lost Mission 2: The Hephaestus Principle Total Posts: 115 Compiled by Connie Francisco Summary of Posts: Worlds Once Lost Day 11, Stardate 2407.03.06 (Below Ivor Prime - Matter/Antimatter Generation Station - ACEO - Ensign Gabe Suvik - 1857) (Below Ivor Prime - Matter/Antimatter Generation Station - ACEO - Ensign Bird - 1858) (Below Ivor Prime - Matter/Antimatter Generation Station – ACEO Ensign Gabe Suvik-Bertorelli - 1859) (Below Ivor Prime - Matter/Antimatter Generation Station - ACEO - Ensign Paul Bird - 1900) (USS Champlain – Morgue – Coroner MO Lt. Vladimir Goldmark - 1921) (Ivor Prime – Research Complex; Reactor Room – SO Ensign Ro'Dal – 1924) (Ivor Prime – Research Complex; Reactor Room – SC/TAC – Lt. Jono Janeway – 1928) (Ivor Prime – Research Complex; Reactor Room – NPC Hamalki, Prime – 1930) Day 12, Stardate 2407.03.07 (USS Champlain - Deck 1 - Corridor just outside Main Bridge - ACEO Ensign Gabe Suvik-Bertorelli - 0828) (USS Champlain - Readyroom- CO - Captain Edward Wolfe - 0845) (USS Champlain - Brig Infirmary – Doenitz Intelligence Operative Lt. James Alexander- 0853) (USS Champlain - Brig Infirmary - Security Chief, Lt. Jono Janeway - 0857) (USS Champlain - Bridge - CO Captain Edward Wolfe - 0859) (USS Champlain - Brig Infirmary - Ops - 0900) (USS Champlain - Sec Chief Office - Security Chief, Lt. Jono Janeway - 0920) (USS Champlain - Security Department - SO Ensign Ro'Dal - 0921) (USS Champlain - Brig Infirmary - SO Ensign Ro'Dal - 0929) (USS Champlain - Sec Chief's Office - Sec Chief, Lt. Jono Janeway - 1203) (USS Champlain - Brig Infirmary - SO Ensign Ro'Dal - 1204) (USS Champlain - Sec Chief's Office - Sec Chief, Lt. Jono Janeway - 1300) (USS Champlain - Deck 3 - Personal Quarters - Tactical Chief - Lieutenant JG T'Larah Sullivan - 1300) (USS Champlain - Personal quarters - SO Ensign Ro'Dal - 1605) (USS Champlain - Science lab 6- SO- Ensign (SG) Derrick LaQua -1836) (USS Champlain - Ten Forward- SO- Ensign (SG) Derrick LaQua -1847) The Hephaestus Principle Day -6, Stardate 2407.03.07 (USS Champlain – Main Engineering – ENG – Crewman Chuss – 0752) (USS Champlain – Counselor’s Office – COUNS – Ensign (SG) Olen Rhinehart – 0845) (USS Champlain – COps office – 3O Lt. Bree Frazier - 1005) (USS Champlain - Sec Chief Office - Security Chief, Lt. Jono Janeway - 1009) (USS Champlain - COps Office - Sec Chief, Lt. Jono Janeway and 3O Lt. Bree Frazier - 1011) (USS Champlain - Deck 3 - Turbolift - Tactical Chief Lt. JG T'Larah Sullivan - 1045) (USS Champlain - Corridor · 3O Lt. Bree Frazier - 1047) (USS Champlain – Holodeck 1 – 3O Lt. Bree Frazier - 1120) (USS Champlain – Holodeck 1 – 3O Lt. Bree Frazier - 1200) (USS Champlain - Readyroom - CO Captain Edward Wolfe - 1202) (USS Champlain - Brig Infirmary - Tactical Chief Lieutenant JG T'Larah Sullivan - 1202) (USS Champlain - Brig Infirmary – Doenitz Operative Lt. James Alexander - 1204) (USS Champlain - Brig Infirmary - Chief Field Medic - SCPO Nathan A. Fuller - 1207) (USS Champlain - Sickbay- Doctor Erskine - 1209) (USS Champlain - Brig Infirmary - Chief Field Medic - SCPO Nathan A. Fuller - 1212) (USS Champlain - Readyroom – 3O Lt. Bree Frazier - 1215) (USS Champlain - Readyroom – CO Captain Edward Wolfe - 1218) (USS Champlain - Readyroom – 3O Lt. Bree Frazier - 1220) (USS Champlain - Theatre One - Dr Erskine - 1220) (USS Champlain - Deck 10 - Ten Forward - Ops -Ensign Smith - 1321) (USS Champlain – Holodecks – Tac Chief Lt. JG T'Larah Sullivan and 3O Lt. Bree Frazier – 1400) (USS Champlain - Theatre One - Dr Erskine - 1730) (USS Champlain - Sickbay- Dr Erskine - 1905) (USS Champlain - Sickbay - Dr Erskine - 1916) Day -5, Stardate 2407.03.08 (USS Champlain - Private Quarters - ACEO Ensign (SG) Bird - 0238) (USS Champlain - Sickbay - CSO - Lieutenant d'Kla's'turr - 0258) (USS Champlain - Sickbay - CMO - Doctor Mor'rel - 0407) (USS Champlain - Sickbay - ACEO - Ensign Bird - 0731) (USS Champlain – Quarters – EO – Ensign (SG) James Hudson – 0745) (USS Champlain - Sickbay -EO/Ensign SG James Hudson - 0755) (USS Champlain – COps office - 3O Lt. Bree Frazier - 0815) (USS Champlain - Sickbay - Chief Field Medic - SCPO Nathan A. Fuller - 0820) (USS Champlain – Ops Office – 3O Lt. Bree Frazier - 0822) (USS Champlain - Ops Office - Chief Field Medic - SCPO Nathan A. Fuller - 0827) (USS Champlain – Personal Quarters – HELM Ensign Leesa Stanton - 1410) (USS Champlain – Personal Quarters – ENG Crewman Chuss – 1836) (Cargo Transport ship Traveler - Mr. & Mrs. Bird's Private Quarters – Unknown - 2255) Day -4, Stardate 2407.03.09 (USS Champlain –Personal Quarters – HELM Ensign Leesa Stanton - 0615) (USS Champlain – 3rd Officers Office – HELM – Ensign Leesa Stanton and 3O Bree Frazier - 0622) (Supply Shuttle Ares - Temporary Quarters – ACops Ensign David Hawk - 0700) (USS Champlain - Bridge – CO Captain Edward Wolfe - 0700) (USS Champlain – Transporter Room – 3O Lt. Bree Frazier - 0702) (USS Champlain - Transporter Room 3 - Sec Chief, Lt. Jono Janeway - 0704) (USS Champlain – Transporter Room – ACops Ensign Hawk - 0715) (USS Champlain – Transporter Room –3O Lt. Bree Frazier - 0717) (USS Champlain – Transporter Room – Ensign Hawk - 0718) (USS Champlain – Transporter room – 3O Lt. Brianna Frazier - 0718) (USS Champlain – Transporter room – Sec Chief, Lt. Jono Janeway - 0719) (USS Champlain – Transporter room –ACMO, Ensign JG Henna-star - 0720) (USS Champlain – Turbolift – 30 Lt. Brianna Frazier - 0720) (USS Champlain – Transporter room – Sec Chief, Lt. Jono Janeway - 0723) (USS Champlain – Transporter room – ACMO, Ensign JG Henna-star - 0724) Day -1, Stardate 2407.03.12 (USS Champlain, Sec Chiefs Office - Security Chief, Lt. Jono Janeway - 0900) Day 1, Stardate 2407.03.13 (USS Champlain – Corridor outside Engineering – EO Ensign (SG) James Hudson – 0745) (USS Champlain - Sick Bay - Chief Field Medic - SCPO Nathan A. Fuller - 0750) (USS Champlain - Sick Bay - Chief Field Medic - SCPO Nathan A. Fuller - 0751) (USS Champlain – Main Engineering – ACEO Ensign Gabe Suvik-Bertorelli – 0900) (USS Champlain – Outside Counselor Rhinehart’s office – ACEO Ensign Gabe Suvik-Bertorelli – 1100) (USS Champlain – Counselor’s office – COUNS Ensign (SG) Olen Rhinehart – 1102) (USS Champlain - Jeffrey's Tube near main engineering - ACEO Ensign Bird - 1246) (USS Champlain - Bridge – Sec CPO Kohlass - 1255) (USS Champlain - Security/Tactical Office - Lieutenant JG T'Larah Sullivan - 1300) (USS Champlain - Holodeck One – FO Lieutenant Commander Ulia Mason - 1303) (USS Champlain - Bridge - CO - Captain Edward Wolfe - 1305) (USS Champlain - 10 Forward - Ops - Ensign Smith-1306) (USS Champlain - Sec Chief Office - Security Chief, Lt. Jono Janeway - 1307) (USS Champlain - Quarters – 3O Lt. Bree Frazier - 1309) (USS Champlain - Quarters – CSO Lieutenant d'Kla's'turr - 1310) (USS Champlain - Bridge – COUNS Ensign (SG) Olen Rhinehart – 1316) (USS Champlain - Bridge – ACOps Ensign Hawk - 1317) (USS Champlain - Bridge – COUNS Ensign (SG) Olen Rhinehart – 1317) (USS Champlain - Bridge – Ops - Ensign Smith - 1317) (USS Champlain – Bridge – 3O Lt. Brianna Frazier – 1318) (USS Champlain - Bridge - CO Captain Edward Wolfe - 1320) (USS Champlain - Bridge - Security Chief, Lt. Jono Janeway - 1321) (USS Champlain - Bridge - Tactical Chief - Lieutenant JG T'Larah Sullivan - 1324) (USS Champlain - Bridge - Security Chief, Lt. Jono Janeway - 1327) (USS Champlain - Bridge – 3O Lt. Bree Frazier - 1328) (USS Champlain - Bridge - CO Captain Edward Wolfe - 1328) (USS Champlain - Bridge – ACOPS Ensign Hawk - 1329) (USS Champlain - Bridge - Security Chief, Lt. Jono Janeway - 1329) (USS Champlain - Bridge – COUNS Ensign (SG) Olen Rhinehart – 1330) (USS Champlain - Bridge – Ops - Ensign Smith- 1330) (USS Champlain - Bridge – 3O Lt. Bree Frazier - 1331) (USS Champlain - Bridge - Sec Chief – Lt. Janeway – 1331) (USS Champlain - Bridge - CO Captain Edward Wolfe - 1332) (USS Champlain - Bridge – COUNS Ensign (SG) Olen Rhinehart – 1334) (USS Champlain - Bridge - Security Chief, Lt. Jono Janeway - 1335) (USS Champlain – Bridge ACEO Ensign Gabriele Suvik-Bertorelli - 1336) (USS Champlain - Bridge - Sec Chief – Lt. Janeway – 1337) (USS Champlain – Main Engineering – ACEO Ensign Gabe Suvik-Bertorelli – 1839) [Compile Begins] Worlds Once Lost Day 11, Stardate 2407.03.06 (Below Ivor Prime - Matter/Antimatter Generation Station - ACEO - Ensign Gabe Suvik - 1857) Gabe was moving toward the device before he had fully materialized. Paul came over to join him. “So, what‘s this idea you got?” “We’re going to vaporize the power relays. Do you have a phaser?” Paul looked at Suvik and shock his head " I'm sorry Sir , what you say will work , only I don't have a phaser , I'm just a junior grade engineering ensign on his first away mission , I didn't get issued one , But I'm sure we can get someone from security here ." “No matter. I have mine. Paul, Scan the relays. Give me a precise reading of their location within the device.” (Reply Paul) Gabriel made sure his phaser was on the vaporize setting and set the beam width to the narrowest setting. He looked at Paul’s scan and took aim. “Paul, you might want to take cover.” (Reply Paul) Gabriele pressed the fire button and a narrow beam of angry, orange energy hit the first power relay. (Reply Bird) (Posted by Matt) (Below Ivor Prime - Matter/Antimatter Generation Station - ACEO - Ensign Bird - 1858) Gabe was moving toward the device before he had fully materialized. Paul came over to join him. “So, what‘s this idea you got?” “We’re going to vaporize the power relays. Do you have a phaser?” Paul looked at Suvik and shock his head " I'm sorry Sir , what you say will work , only I don't have a phaser , I'm just a junior grade engineering ensign on his first away mission , I didn't get issued one , But I'm sure we can get someone from security here ." “No matter. I have mine. Paul, Scan the relays. Give me a precise reading of their location within the device.” Paul took out his tricorder, altering the bandwidth on it slightly, and scanned the relays as requested, a job of but a moment. Paul then held up the result and showed the fellow engineering ensign “Here you go, the scans are fairly accurate, but tight” Gabriel made sure his phaser was on the vaporize setting and set the beam width to the narrowest setting. He looked at Paul’s scan and took aim. “Paul, you might want to take cover.” “Aye, Sir.” With that, Paul turned and moved swiftly behind a nearby support column. “Ready when you are.” Gabriele pressed the fire button and a narrow beam of angry, orange energy hit the first power relay. Paul carefully watched as Gabriele fired his phaser at the relays, impressed with his accuracy. The job soon over Paul got up, crossed to Gabriele, and took a new set of readings. “Everything looks fine; it looks like you've done it. What now? " (Reply Suvik) (Posted by Paul) (Below Ivor Prime - Matter/Antimatter Generation Station – ACEO Ensign Gabe Suvik-Bertorelli - 1859) Gabriele pressed the fire button and a narrow beam of angry, orange energy hit the first power relay. Paul carefully watched as Gabriele fired his phaser at the relays, impressed with his accuracy. The job soon over Paul got up, crossed to Gabriele, and took a new set of readings. "Everything looks fine; it looks like you've done it. What now? " “Let’s take some final readings and get the hell out of here. What do you say?” (Reply Bird) (Posted by Matt) (Below Ivor Prime - Matter/Antimatter Generation Station - ACEO - Ensign Paul Bird - 1900) Gabriele pressed the fire button and a narrow beam of angry, orange energy hit the first power relay. Paul carefully watched as Gabriele fired his phaser at the relays, impressed with his accuracy. The job soon over Paul got up, crossed to Gabriele, and took a new set of readings. "Everything looks fine; it looks like you've done it. What now? " “Let’s take some final readings and get the hell out of here. What do you say?” Paul again took some readings with his tricorder, and then smiled at Suvik, "The readings do indeed agree , we have done it , so yes , lets get back up to the ship , as , by the way , I've still got to unpack and get accustomed to the ship " .With that , Paul pulled out his communicator and after getting authorization from his Superior , got himself beamed up on ship . ~ Ah, home sweat home ~. (Reply, Gabe, None) (Posted By Paul) (USS Champlain – Morgue – Coroner MO Lt. Vladimir Goldmark - 1921) Vlad sat at his desk in the morgue, carefully and lovingly carving a block of wax about the size of his forearm into a freeform sculpture to be cast in metal. His pet Pyrithian bat Vesna perched on his shoulder, nuzzling close to his neck. The place was quiet; as usual, the lights dim as per Vlad’s preference. But Vlad was not bored or lonely. It would not do to allow himself to become so, because when he was busy, that meant lives were being lost… and boredom would dull his edge. So, he had long learned to keep his skills, and his carving tools, as sharp as his teeth in relative isolation. Nevertheless, he was somewhat startled as an alert came through the intercom… a body was being beamed to the forensics lab from the planet’s surface. Vesna chirped unhappily, as Vlad deposited her in the small cage he kept for her in the morgue… she preferred the roomy aviary in the ship’s small horticulture lab near Vlad’s quarters. But she complied, as she quite trusted her master… and Vlad knew the cage would keep her safe while he worked. Vlad slipped into a fresh lab coat, sterilized his hands, and then proceeded to the section of the morgue designated as the forensics lab. The body that materialized on the exam slab was severely deteriorated… not much left but a dusty skeleton… but Vlad raised an eyebrow on sight of the remains of a lab coat. At least the body was not a member of the Champlain’s crew, much to Vlad’s relief… but it’s obvious age would pose quite a challenge, especially considering that the transporter’s action sometimes obscured evidence at the molecular level. However, Vlad had more than one kind of tool at his disposal to seek out the truth of this being’s demise… so he set to work. First, he examined the physical evidence presented by the corpse, logging his findings as he went. Then, using his clearance codes as Coroner and thus an adjunct to Security, he studied the ship’s records regarding Ivor Prime. As yet, little new information was available aside from the newly opened personnel files from Ivor Prime that had been forwarded… but he did discover that the corpses’ physical data matched the time stated for the disappearance of the colony that had existed there 34 years ago, and he was able to achieve a DNA match. This man, a Vulcan by the name of Patris and head of a classified project canceled by Starfleet, apparently died before the rest of the colonists vanished… by all appearances, only moments before. ~ Interesting. ~ Vlad had already noted some anomalies in the tissues of the corpse’s left arm, and there was evidence of extreme thermal damage radiating from that point. Soon, he would call in one of the lab techs to help with bagging and tagging, but he wanted just a few more moments in private with Dr. Patris first. He centered himself as he approached the corpse… then he laid both hands across the area of injury, and opened his mind. ~ Pain… the crackle of energy overload… the smell of burning flesh. :: Dr. Shell, what are…? Laura, no, it’s not ready, we don’t know…: blackness…~ Vlad jerked away. It was always like this… never pleasant, but always informative. Of course, the evidence he gathered by his limited psychometry was still not admissible in court without supporting evidence, but it gave him a sense of direction. He felt now that he knew what had taken place, but it would be up to cooperative efforts of his department and Security to bring charges against this man’s murderer. He paged the on-call lab tech, and then blinked his yellow-ringed eyes as he turned up the lights out of consideration for the young human’s needs. When the two had properly processed the evidence, he left her to finish storing it, and returned to his dimly lit desk, rescuing Vesna from her prison on the way. Her soft white fur felt warm against his neck as he proceeded to log his report. [Coroner’s Report, Stardate 2407.03.06, 1955: MO Lt. Vladimir Goldmark. Examination of corpse sent via transporter, same date, 1926. My examination of the corpse positively identified as one Dr. Patris, Vulcan, head of deactivated classified Starfleet research project on Ivor Prime, indicates that Dr. Patris may have been a victim of foul play, shortly before the colonists thereon were taken from the surface. There is evidence of fatal electrical shock, administered through a burn wound on the left arm. Positioning of the wound, along with other evidence, rules out intentional self-inflicted injury. Accidental death is unlikely, as the burn points indicate forcible insertion of live electrical conduits. Bruising patterns inconclusive due to decomposition of soft tissue, but scorch marks on the bones indicate deep penetration from two different angles, almost simultaneously, as would be the case if a being of average humanoid size and height, possessing upper limbs, articulated hands, and sentient intelligence, deliberately plunged the conduit points into the victim’s arm, causing electrical shock and mortality within seconds.] “Computer, pause”, Vlad said, as he stopped to think. His little “conversation” with Patris had given him a pretty clear idea of what had occurred, and he knew from experience that his impressions were reliable, but the names he had heard were not directly admissible as evidence. But someone in Security needed to know, off the record at least… because this ‘Laura Schell’, who according to the Ivor Prime personnel files, was the second in command, a theoretical scientist, was a murderer. Vlad had no idea whether she was among the small group of colonists reported as rescued… that part of the file was still sketchy at best… but if she was, she would have to be prosecuted, as no statute of limitations applied to murder, even after 34 years in stasis. “Computer, resume.” [Conclusion: Dr. Patris was a victim of murder. For further discussion, please consult with Coroner. End report.] Vlad forwarded his reports to Security, Medical, and Command, then stroked Vesna, who by this time was fussing at him for attention. Further action on the case would likely have to wait until the next day, when the mission on Ivor Prime was complete and the senior staff had returned to duty. Meanwhile, there was no rush… Dr. Patris wasn’t going anywhere tonight. (Reply Janeway, Wolfe, any who received the report) (Posted by Connie) (Ivor Prime – Research Complex; Reactor Room – SO Ensign Ro'Dal – 1924) There really wasn't much for Ro' to do in the Reactor Room besides watch over the people busily at work, and keep an eye out for anyone who might decide to go wandering off. The Hamalki were helping out as much as they could, and things were developing nicely when Ro' got a message. =^=Janeway to Ensign Ro'Dal. Are you with the Hamalki? =^= "Yes, Sir. I am in the Reactor Room with them.” Ro' replied, somewhat puzzled as to why her superior wanted to know. =^= I would like to speak with one, Can you ask them if this is acceptable? =^= Janeway asked. ~That's very polite of him, ~ she thought, "most certainly, Sir.” Ro' responded and turned her head to look enquiringly at Prime who had resumed her perch on Ro's shoulder. "Is that alright with you, Prime?" She asked the Hamalki, knowing the spider being had overheard her conversation. "That is acceptable, Takaran friend.” Prime told her. "Did you hear that, Sir?” Ro' asked Janeway. =^=Thanks, I am on my way=^= Came the response, and a few minutes later Janeway walked into the room of active engineer's. He smiled slightly and moved over to where Ro' and the Hamalki were gathered. "Ensign?" He said to Ro'Dal. "Hello Sir.” She nodded a greeting. "This is the Hamalki spokesper...err… ” Ro' chuckled, "well, she speaks for her race. This is Prime, Sir; Prime, this is our chief security officer, Lieutenant Jono Janeway.” The Takaran politely introduced them. "I see," He turned to the Hamalki on Ro'Dal's shoulder. "Prime is it?" He asked softly and gently. "Greetings,” The crystal being said in its musical voice, "my name is long and so I choose to be called Prime by your people.” She said, her two front legs tapping at Ro's shoulder rhythmically, something she found relaxing, and as she assessed the biped, she was talking too. "I would like to extend the whole crews gratification for your help and MY personal thanks to you for helping us." "The Klingon, Kohlass and this Takaran, Ro'Dal vouched for our safety and for the respectful behavior of your kind, Lieutenant. If we had not found them respectful and trustworthy we would not have aided your people and in turn would not now be learning more about your kind. So I and my siblings are pleased to have done so. It has been of benefit to us all.” The spider being replied. (Reply Janeway) (Posted by Sal) (Ivor Prime – Research Complex; Reactor Room – SC/TAC – Lt. Jono Janeway – 1928) "The Klingon, Kohlass and this Takaran, Ro'Dal vouched for our safety and for the respectful behavior of your kind, Lieutenant. If we had not found them respectful and trustworthy we would not have aided your people and in turn would not now be learning more about your kind. So I and my siblings are pleased to have done so. It has been of benefit to us all.” The spider being replied. Jono nodded, "That it has, Prime." He said looking around the room. "Again, I am glad to you decided to aid us in our time of need. If there is ever anything your species needs or any help, I will promise you I will do as much as I can do to make sure what you ask for becomes a possibility." Jono said quickly. (Reply Prime, none) (Posted by Jono) (Ivor Prime – Research Complex; Reactor Room – NPC Hamalki, Prime – 1930) "The Klingon, Kohlass and this Takaran, Ro'Dal vouched for our safety and for the respectful behavior of your kind, Lieutenant. If we had not found them respectful and trustworthy we would not have aided your people and in turn would not now be learning more about your kind. So I and my siblings are pleased to have done so. It has been of benefit to us all.” The spider being replied, watching the biped intently. Jono nodded, "That it has, Prime." The male human said looking around the room. "Again, I am glad to you decided to aid us in our time of need. If there is ever anything your species needs or any help, I will promise you I will do as much as I can do to make sure what you ask for becomes a possibility." He said quickly. The Hamalki dipped her head in a little bow. "Your offer is noted and appreciated, human Janeway.” Prime replied and in an instant, sprang from Ro'Dal's shoulder on to Janeway's to place her two front legs against his right cheek, giving it a gentle stroke before skittering down his body to the floor. Immediately her siblings crowded around her and all began to sing their chiming song as they exchanged information and received further instructions. (Reply Janeway iyw, none) (Posted by Sal) Day 12, Stardate 2407.03.07 (USS Champlain - Deck 1 - Corridor just outside Main Bridge - ACEO Ensign Gabe Suvik-Bertorelli - 0828) “What sort of Vulcan training did you have in mind? With all that I am versed in some things would be inappropriate to teach you until you have controlled your emotions." Gabe was embarrassed. He hardly knew any of the Vulcan teachings. “I’m not sure, Sir. I was only ever taught by my father…and he died when I was young.” Gabe felt uncomfortable. He couldn’t remember the title of the lesson and the myth connected to it so he quoted it instead ‘“Alchemy is a necessary, indispensable art and Vulcan is its artist. He who is a Vulcan has mastered this art; he who is not a Vulcan can make no headway in it. Flat and Flexible truths are beat out under a Vulcans hammer to make those truths his amour.’” T‘Larah didn’t seem impressed. In fact, she appeared to ignore him altogether. "Before I will teach you, attend two sessions with Counselor Rhinehart, and then I will begin instruction." “Ok.” "Good day to you, then. I have many new responsibilities to attend to." “Er, ok. Thank you.” T'Larah walked off to attend to her new responsibilities. “Good day to you too,” Gabe said into thin air. (Reply none) (Posted by Matt) (USS Champlain - Readyroom- CO - Captain Edward Wolfe - 0845) Edward groaned inwardly as he continued to work on duty rosters and peruse orders/instructions and advisements from engineering about the dissembling of sensitive items on the planet surface. He knew they'd be there for a few days, and in a sense that was good, but this wasn't exactly what he had signed on for. However, checking the Starfleet orders queue he noticed... nothing... at least for now. Smiling inwardly, he dared to think that they might have some time purely to explore. [To Captain Wolfe, from Lieutenant Brianna Frazier. I would like to speak with you in private, if possible, at your convenience. Please return message at your discretion.] came a message into his console. Edward raised an eyebrow. The new 3O didn't seem to be wasting any time... he supposed that was a good thing overall. He tapped his intercom key on his desk. "Lieutenant Frazier, this is Captain Wolfe. Be here for 1200 hours for lunch and we can discuss whatever concerns you have," he responded and waited for a reply. (Reply Frazier) (Posted by Jeff) (USS Champlain - Brig Infirmary – Doenitz Intelligence Operative Lt. James Alexander- 0853) The random pains in Alex’s head started to coalesce into a single mass and radiate throughout his raw nervous system as Janeway attempted to grill him. "Interesting," Janeway said, apparently moving to where Smith was. "Any idea on how you were going to do it?" The Lieutenant did not wait for Alex to answer before rambling on. Alex could feel his incredulity as he continued. "I see you have some type of way out..., or at least you did have. Suicide? I have to say, pinning it on Ensign Smith here. Clever, but you left too many trails behind… you knew we were going to find you, didn’t you? Perhaps you wanted us to find you? To stop you?" Alex sighed, wincing as he tried to pull his thoughts together enough to follow the man’s eager, but somewhat disjointed line of questioning. ~ Just answer one question at a time… get it over with… ~ “Yes, Sir, I knew exactly how I was going to do it. I’m a trained intelligence officer, Sir,” he began, not even trying to hide the annoyance in his own voice. For once, the master spy had neither the energy nor the desire to be slick… he was just being himself… ~ whoever that is… ~ Following Janeway’s pattern, he continued without waiting for a response. “Of course I had a way out. We all do… we are supposed to kill ourselves if we are caught. Just one of the little drawbacks of being a ‘hero’ to the good Admiral’s people,” he said bitterly. “I blew it when the lights burned out my eyes down on the planet. I left no trail, and you know it. It’s quite possible for one well-trained, properly equipped spy to bring down a ship… I’ve done it before.” He paused briefly, sighing again as the pain increased, fed by the anger of the two men hovering near him. “I admit, maybe I was loosing my edge… I’ve seen a side of the ‘rebel’ fleet I didn’t know existed on this ship. But I did not “want” to get caught… at least… not this way…” A vicious wave of pain washed over him, making his voice weaken as he filled in the last details. “I was fitted with cyberware to allow me to send telepathic signals to the Wyvern… but I needed to use ship’s system to amplify them. I had the codes for it. I was born telepathic… that’s natural; my training just taught me to use it. But with the cyberware frying out, I can’t control… anything…” Finally, Smith interrupted, apparently unable to hold back any longer. "Why me?" he said, the words seeming to come from him unbidden. Alex groaned. He had hoped Smith would understand… perhaps foolishly, but Alex was a little desperate at this point… “Like I said, I was just doing my job. I knew what you were trying to do… I can read you like a book… I’m a telepath, whether I like it or not. Your hacking into the system gave me an easy mark. I took it. It was my job! Look, think about how it would be if it was the other way around, and I was working for you to bring down the Wyvern. Would you want them to torture me if they caught me? I’d probably be some kind of hero to you!” Alex’s outburst burned up the last of his resistance. He barely heard Smith’s inquiry as to how he had hacked into his PADD as spasms of agony crushed his ability to respond. “Please”, he whispered, using the word sincerely for the first time in years. “Give me a break… and see if the medics could get me some painkiller…” (Reply Smith, Janeway) (Posted by Connie) (USS Champlain - Brig Infirmary - Security Chief, Lt. Jono Janeway - 0857) "Yes, Sir, I knew exactly how I was going to do it. I'm a trained intelligence officer, Sir," Alexander was obviously annoyed. It came through very apparent in his voice. Janeway made sure he was recording everything down for the record as James continued. "Of course I had a way out. We all do. We are supposed to kill ourselves if we are caught. Just one of the little drawbacks of being a 'hero' to the good Admiral's people," he said bitterly. "I blew it when the lights burned out my eyes down on the planet. I left no trail, and you know it. It's quite possible for one well-trained, properly equipped spy to bring down a ship. I've done it before." Janeway smiled slightly as he listened to Smith. He shook his head at Alexander's statement even though the crewman couldn't see him. "I admit, maybe I was loosing my edge. I've seen a side of the 'rebel' fleet I didn't know existed on this ship. But I did not "want" to get caught. At least not this way... "I was fitted with cyberware to allow me to send telepathic signals to the Wyvern. But I needed to use ship's system to amplify them. I had the codes for it. I was born telepathic. That’s natural; my training just taught me to use it. But with the cyberware frying out, I can't control… anything." Jono shrugged. ~Should have thought about that first. ~ This was the first break James took in his speech and Smith took full advantage of it by bursting out at him. Alexander replied quite quickly. "Like I said, I was just doing my job. I knew what you were trying to do. I can read you like a book. I'm a telepath, whether I like it or not. Your hacking into the system gave me an easy mark. I took it. It was my job! Look, think about how it would be if it was the other way around, and I was working for you to bring down the Wyvern. Would you want them to torture me if they caught me? I'd probably be some kind of hero to you!" Smith then asked how James had hacked into his PADD; But Alexander gave no response apart from whispering, "please, give me a break… and see if the medics could get me some painkiller." This was when Jono stepped into the 'little' conversation again. "It doesn't matter if those tables were turned and you were working for us now does it?" He asked as he brought himself to the same height as the crewman. "You're not," He said slowly. Savoring every word. Knowing James was in pain and the pain would be hurting quite badly. "And you're certainly no Hero." He said standing back up. "Crewman James Alexander, You are being arrested. For treason and conspiring to take this ship. You do not have to say anything but anything you do not say may be used against you as evidence. Until your court martial, you are under my custody. You're request to speak with the captain has been registered and will be treated as any other request." Jono said as he looked pitifully down at Alexander. "Doctor." He shouted. "Treat this man. Contact me when he is fit to be moved to the brig" He said to the doctor on duty. "Yes, Sir." The Doctor said as Janeway turned and headed out of the cell turning once to say, "I'll be back. And we will discuss your orders in more detail. Then" He said firmly. He then looked to Smith, "Ensign. When you have time, I could do with an official report from you about what has just happened. You were here. You saw and heard everything." Jono said. He then moved through the door, quickly left the brig, and headed to his office. When there he sat down at his desk and began filing the security reports and logs necessary to let the right people know about Alexander's arrest. As he relaxed a little, he tapped his comm. badge and said, "Lt. Janeway to Captain Wolfe." (Reply Wolfe) "The matter of our spy has been solved, Sir. Crewman James Alexander. Had cybernetics implanted within him to advance his telepathic abilities and was filtering information to the Wyvern. He also had a suicide way out planned, but never got a chance to use it. He is currently in the brigs infirmary being treated. I have arrested him and he has come clean about everything, Sir." (Reply Wolfe IYW) "One more thing, Sir. He wishes to speak to you... in private. If you plan on going ahead and talking with him, May I request that either I or one of my security guards come along?" He said over the comm. link. "Alexander's primary goal was to capture you. In that line of thought I would assume killing you fall's under that category also, Sir." (Reply Wolfe, Smith, Alexander, any) (Posted by Jono) (USS Champlain - Bridge - CO Captain Edward Wolfe - 0859) Edward continued his work, getting thing back on track for their mission of exploration, when a communication came through to the bridge. =^=Lt. Janeway to Captain Wolfe. =^= "Go ahead," came Edward stolid reply. =^=The matter of our spy has been solved, Sir. Crewman James Alexander. Had cybernetics implanted within him to advance his telepathic abilities and was filtering information to the Wyvern. He also had a suicide way out planned, but never got a chance to use it. He is currently in the brigs infirmary being treated. I have arrested him and he has come clean about everything, Sir. =^= Edward felt himself redden with anger as he listened. Slowly he nodded, "I understand. Once treatment is over, he'll be transferred to the brig, where he'll stay until our next docking at DS5. At that point he'll be transferred for trial." =^=One more thing, Sir. He wishes to speak to you... in private. If you plan on going ahead and talking with him, May I request that either I or one of my security guards come along? Alexander's primary goal was to capture you. In that line of thought, I would assume killing you fall's under that category also, Sir. =^= "I'll consider it. For now, I'm not interested in being too close to him as I may have difficulties not wrapping my hands around his throat. He can sit and stew for the time being. Once I have a few days or weeks logged in on the bridge, then we'll see," stated Edward closing the matter, "I don't want anyone else he was connected to seeing him either." (Reply Janeway iyw) (Posted by Jeff) (USS Champlain - Brig Infirmary - Ops - 0900) Robert watched as Janeway read Alexander his rights and contact the doctor. He saw Janeway look at him. "Ensign. When you have time, I could do with an official report from you about what has just happened. You were here. You saw and heard everything." He nodded as Janeway turned and headed out of the brig. He watched as the doctor administered the medication. He looked at Alexander as he got some release from the painkillers. He turned and began to leave the brig. He was trying to work out how he felt about what had just happened. He realized that his over riding emotion was pity towards Alexander. ~Lets get back to work. Bree said that she wanted someone at Ops~ He headed towards the turbolift that would get him to his destination. (Reply any) (Posted by Robbie) (USS Champlain - Sec Chief Office - Security Chief, Lt. Jono Janeway - 0920) After Janeway's talk with the Captain, he had continued logging things and sending files to the 52nths headquarter... Or at least setting documents up to be ready for sending when the Champlain was in range of a transmitter. He checked the time and then hit his comm. badge. He had been waiting for a certain Security officer's shift to start and apparently, it had according to his logs. "Lt. Janeway to Ensign Ro'Dal" (Reply Ro'Dal) "Ensign, Our current 'spy' situation has been resolved. Crewman James Alexander is currently in the brig's infirmary. Don't tell anyone, I don't want masses of people trying to get into the brig to 'deal with him'." He said to the sec officer, He knew she would know the protocols and the fact that he was giving her this assignment showed that he trusted the sec officer. "I need you to go stand guard by him. He is a high priority prisoner and there will be a fair bit of traffic coming and going from his cell. Your assignment is to guard Prisoner James Alexander and once the doctor deems fit, you will need to move him into the actual brig." Jono said just repeating Ro’Dal’s orders. (Reply Ro'Dal) (Posted by Jono) (USS Champlain - Security Department - SO Ensign Ro'Dal - 0921) It looked like an uneventful day lay ahead of her and after the chaos and excitement on the planet, Ro' was quite happy to have it that way. She had her report finished long ago concerning what transpired planet-side, which was a relief, as she hated 'paperwork', now she could look forward to some training time on the holodeck later on. As she checked her schedule, her boss messaged her. =^=Lt. Janeway to Ensign Ro'Dal=^= Ro' sighed and hoped Janeway didn't have anything planned for her that would disrupt her otherwise mundane day. "Ro'Dal here, yes Sir?” =^=Ensign, Our current 'spy' situation has been resolved. Crewman James Alexander is currently in the brig's infirmary. Don't tell anyone, I don't want masses of people trying to get into the brig to 'deal with him'. =^= Ro’ glanced around, luckily nobody was close enough to overhear the conversation. She waited, knowing he would give her orders and she had a good idea what they would be. When he told her he wanted her to stand guard over the spy, her guess was confirmed. =^=...He is a high priority prisoner and there will be a fair bit of traffic coming and going from his cell. Your assignment is to guard prisoner James Alexander and once the doctor deems fit, you will need to move him into the actual brig. =^= ~Simple enough, make sure nobody kills the spy! ~ "Understood, Sir. I will go there right away.” The link was closed and Ro' marked the changes to her schedule so that the others in the department would know where she was, grabbed a coffee-to-go and headed to the brig infirmary. (Reply none) (Posted by Sal) (USS Champlain - Brig Infirmary - SO Ensign Ro'Dal - 0929) The medical team was working on the prisoner when Ro' and the second security guard arrived. They quietly moved to stand on either side of the doors and watched the proceedings, hands clasped behind their backs, standing easy. The spy wasn't going anywhere; he looked as if he was in bad shape. Ro' cared not whether he lived or died but she was here to ensure he was secured and safe from harm. There was nothing more boring than standing guard duty. Time passed, the medics had gone, just Ro' and Ens. Senogles remained, and the two security officers had taken turns having a short break part way through the morning and now it was noon. The doors opened and the Tactical Chief, Lt. Sullivan strode in and straight to the patient. Ro' and Senogles exchanged glances, something about the woman's stance showed she was agitated. Ro'Dal gave a signal for Ens. Senogles to remain at the door and quietly moved closer to her charge and listened to the interchange between the CTO and the prisoner. She was beginning to feel uncomfortable with how things were developing; the hostility from Sullivan was almost palpable when suddenly alarms began to sound. ~My heavens! She's killed him! ~ Ro’ could hardly believe what had just happened. The on shift medic ran to the scene. "What did you do, Sir?" asked one of the medics. Checking systems and vital signs as he brought out his tricorder. "Nothing I was talking to him, admittedly it was a heated discussion..." Sullivan said trailing off, "We didn't exactly see eye to eye," she said. ~Heated! Good description! ~, "Fine, fine," he said waiving her off, "By vessel protocol signed by Dr Mor'rel, Sir, I'm going to have to ask you to leave while I deal with this." With out a word the CTO left the room, leaving Ro' wondering if she should have intervened in some way to prevent what happened, but how was she to know the spy would stop breathing. Quietly she tapped her COM badge and informed Janeway of the occurrence. ".....Sir, I feel that access to Alexander should be restricted if he survives. We can't have everyone who feels like it, coming in here and he could give us valuable information about Doenitz's espionage plans.” She stated, having given him a full report. (Reply Janeway) (Posted by Sal) (USS Champlain - Sec Chief's Office - Sec Chief, Lt. Jono Janeway - 1203) Once Jono had arrived at his quarters, he had decided to have a shower to wash all of the sweat of his body. Sword fighting wasn’t the most active of 'sports' but fighting Bree had been one of the more invigorating fights he had ever had. She was truly an awesome fighter, one he hadn't come across in quite a while. Once he had sorted himself out, he had headed back to his office to finish up on some paperwork. By the time he checked the time again it was 1200, he decided to go get some dinner from Ten Forward and return in an hour or so. If duty permitted him to. He stood up and walked to the door and then his comm. badge chirped. It was Ro’Dal; she quickly filled him in on what had happened between Sullivan and Alexander and then finished her report with; =^=...Sir, I feel that access to Alexander should be restricted if he survives. We can't have everyone who feels like it, coming in here and he could give us valuable information about Doenitz's espionage plans.=^= ~If he was high enough to know any~ He replied quite quickly, but had sat back down at his desk to listen to Ro'Dal. "I would have to agree with you. I'll give the order for him to be isolated once he has been treated. You have my permission to move him once that has happened to one of the isolation booths. I'll forward the details to the brig infirmaries computer. Understood?" (Reply Ro'Dal) "Anything else you need to bring up, Ensign?" Jono asked quickly. (Reply Ro'Dal - room for more if you wish, Sal) After the conversation finished Jono said, "Janeway out" and tapped his comm. badge. He quickly set up for Alexander to be transferred to an Isolation room; he forwarded the 'needed' documentation to Ro'Dal. Before he left for dinner, he sent T'Larah Sullivan a quick note asking her why she had visited Alexander, and if she could put together reports of her findings. (Reply Ro'Dal, T'Larah iyw) (Posted by Jono) (USS Champlain - Brig Infirmary - SO Ensign Ro'Dal - 1204) Ro'Dal's brief report to Janeway and her unspoken suggestion had the desired effect. The prisoner was to be isolated once he'd received treatment; that was, if he survived. =^=Anything else you need to bring up, Ensign? =^= Janeway asked quickly. "That is all for now, Sir. I will keep you updated.” Ro' replied and Janeway cut the link. The security officer then received the required documentation, and resigned herself to the possibility of a dull day of babysitting Alexander. From all accounts, he was dead. Now it was up to the doctors to bring him back from the gates of Hades if they could, and it was up to her to watch and wait, and make sure Janeway's orders were carried out. (Reply None) (Posted by Sal) (USS Champlain - Sec Chief's Office - Sec Chief, Lt. Jono Janeway - 1300) Jono had finished with his 'spy' reports and such and had even had time to get some lunch before returning to his office to tackle the next major report which was waiting for him. He stepped into his office and before going to his desk stepped behind it looking at his sword; wondering if T'Larah remembered about their match on the holodeck. It had been a while since he had thought about it. He shrugged and sat down to read a report from the coroner. One name continuously popped up, Janeway wasn’t sure what to make of the peculiar case; however, he still needed to talk to the coroner and sort things out with him. He tapped his comm. badge and said, "Lt. Janeway to MO Coroner Vladimir Goldmark" (Reply Goldmark) "Could you come to my office ASAP, Please? I need to discuss your report with you," Janeway said. (Reply Goldmark) (Posted by Jono) (USS Champlain - Deck 3 - Personal Quarters - Tactical Chief - Lieutenant JG T'Larah Sullivan - 1300) When T'Larah got out of the sonic shower and finished her meditation period, she opened her eyes and saw two messages were on her terminal. One from Lt. Janeway questioning her recent visit to the Brig infirmary. She inputted a quick message to him. [Lieutenant: My visit to Mr. Alexander was not a professional visit. My visit was of a personal nature. I wished to speak to him of his motivations for his assignment in spying on the Champlain. I have no qualms however of giving you a full report on my conversation with your prisoner. As such, I will write a legal statement and it will be on your desk as soon as my duties permit. Sullivan END MESSAGE] After sending off the message to the Security Chief, she checked the second, a message from a Senior Chief Petty Officer Fuller. [Stardate: 2407.03.06 From: Senior Chief Petty Officer Fuller To: Ensign T'Larah Sullivan Subject: Your house pet. During your mission on the planet your Felinus domesticus "Norman" was found 6 decks ventral of your quarters skulking around the ventilation ducts. His time of egress from your quarters is at this time unknown, though it is believed to be after your being called down to the mission on Ivor Prime. We have caught him and we are keeping him in quarantine for you to pick up. Medically he is quite fine, but he is probably very scared, we would appreciate you retrieving him sooner rather then later, as we have individuals on board that are allergic to cat dander. We the medical professionals of the Champlain would also appreciate you taking greater steps in keeping him confined when you are un-able to supervise him. Stay Star Fleet, SCPO Fuller. END MESSAGE] She sent this return message. [From: Ensign Sullivan To: SCPO Fuller Subject: Re; Your House Pet. Chief Fuller; Thank you your prompt action in this matter is appreciated. I will retrieve him when my duties permit. Sullivan. END MESSAGE] (Reply None) (Posted by Todd) (USS Champlain - Personal quarters - SO Ensign Ro'Dal - 1605) It had been with the utmost relief and greatest of pleasure, that Ro'Dal relinquished her babysitting duty to her Beta shift colleagues. The day had dragged by, what a bore! The only interesting part was when the prisoner had died, and that had been just a temporary thing as one of the doctors had brought him back from the nether world and fixed his injuries. Now he was safely behind a force field where no further unwanted visitors could get to him. The Takaran security officer walked in to her quarters and began taking off her clothes, it was time for a nice sonic shower and some loungewear; a bite to eat and then curling up all snug on her bed with a decent book to read. (Reply none) (Posted by Sal) (USS Champlain - Science lab 6- SO- Ensign (SG) Derrick LaQua -1836) Derrick listened to Fiacie's replies to his questionsand then decided to ask the commanding officer here if he could in fact take a break. After the officer said yes, Derrick headed out the door and to Ten Forward to have a drink by himself and work on his personal thoughts about the mission. He walked out the door and down the hall and decided to take a shower first and then head to have a drink so he went to his quarters to freshen up. >> (USS Champlain- Ten Forward- SO- Ensign (SG) Derrick LaQua- 1845) Derrick strolled in to Ten Forward with 3 missions in mind. One to have a few drinks, cool down, and relax. Two see if he could find someone to talk to. Three finish his personal notes on the mission, but not in that order. He walked over to the bartender, got himself a white wine, went to the nearest table, and sat down. ~Gabe has not replied to my question yet so I'll take it, as he is busy. I'll give him another hour and start on this report to see if he can free some time up. ~ LaQua went to his PADD and started writing down all his personal thoughts on the mission. He made notation of how Janeway basically told him to leave when the Borg showed up. He was under the impression that was why he was brought along and Janeway just shoved him aside like a piece of rotten meat and told him he wasn't wanted and to go do something else. He also included how he felt about the Professor doing what he did and that LaQua owed him a big one. LaQua sat the PADD down and thought to himself, ~Man you never really know anyone until they do something you don't expect. I really do owe the Professor a big one. I think when he is up to seeing guests I will give him one of my family's best bottles of wine I have in my room, as a token of thanks. I don't know as him being the race that he is will understand it but I feel I owe him that much at least.~ LaQua picked up his PADD again and went back to finishing his report. (Reply Gabe, Anyone) (Posted John Merriott) (USS Champlain - Ten Forward- SO- Ensign (SG) Derrick LaQua -1847) As LaQua was working on his personal report, he found himself drifting into himself and a memory of childhood came to surface. It was his older brother his sister and himself all playing out in the vineyards where they were not supposed to be. They were playing hide and seek and Derrick was it. He ran threw the tall vines wrapped around support poles to hold the vines up off the ground. As Derrick fervently searched, he was also thinking of things he wanted to be when he got older. Smiling and looking everyplace he could, he did not notice the rock in the ground and tripped and fell flat on his face. He stood up, brushed himself off, and focused on finding his sister. As he turned a corner to start in the next row his sister popped out and said,” Scared ya didn't I?” Derrick stood there for a moment and smiled back at her and replied,” Yes you did." It was getting time for dinner so they called the game off and headed back to the house. On the way Derrick's older brother Francois blurted out,” Derrick you will never be good at anything. You lack the determination to do what it takes to get the job done. Always thinking about what you are going to do and never what you are doing now. I will never believe that Starfleet will ever accept you into their ranks and as far as ever doing anything important forget that. You are a dreamer and dreamers always loose. You need to stay here and do the family business and just accept that that is all you will ever be good for." They approached the house and went in. Their father was in his den, which was the first room off the main hall to the right. Derrick was about to go upstairs when his father called his name, and asked him to come into his study for a chat. Derrick walked in and sat down as his father looked at him with a worried but loving face. Dominick LaQua cleared his throat and addressed Derrick. "Son I must tell you that I have been thinking about you wanting to go to Starfleet and then serve out there in space and I must say I am split on how I feel about this. One side of me is telling me that when it is time I will sign giving you permission to go. The other side wants to be the protective father and keep you safe here at home. I know you have no interest in doing the family business and I can respect that but I still need you here by my side. I feel very distant from your older brother and yes, I know he would run things very well but he lacks passion and unwillingness to change that you need when you run a business. You on the other hand I feel very close to. I do not want to loose that or you Derrick. I love you very much my son. And I would die if anything ever happened to you. But I have decided to let you follow your dreams and go if that is still what you want to do. I have just two other things to say. One, please try to at least learn to bear with your older brother and be there for him when he needs you. I love you both, you are my boys and it pains me to see you two always at opposite ends all the time. Second, keep dreaming son. Never let anyone or anything ever steal your dreams." Dominick stood up walked over, picked Derrick up, and hugged him very tightly. They looked at each other, smiled, and agreed it was time for dinner. They walked out together oblivious of the fact that Derrick's older brother Francois was in the shadows of the hallway and heard everything that was said. LaQua snapped back to Ten Forward and he thought to himself ~, why the bloody blazes did that come up. LaQua remembered all the fights and such that his brother and him had from that day until he went to Starfleet Academy. He even remembered his brother even saying that he would rather have the flesh torn from his body before he would ever have anything to do with him. And pretty much for those years till and up to now Francois has lived up to those words.~ LaQua said under his breath, "Father I have failed you. But how can you talk to one whose ears are closed? How do you penetrate someone’s hatred and at least have them listen when all that comes from their mouth is venom anger and intense disgust." LaQua actually thought his brother’s eyes glowed red one time and if it was possible, I'm sure they would have. Looking up from the table a lone tear rolled down his cheek and feel into his drink that he was holding. LaQua decided that he would finish his report then go do what he felt lead to do. There was a few people he needed to talk to and he needed to do it now before the next mission. He downed his drink and went back to his report. (Reply anyone iyw) (Posted John Merriott) The Hephaestus Principle Day -6, Stardate 2407.03.07 (USS Champlain – Main Engineering – ENG – Crewman Chuss – 0752) It had been a long, quiet, boring night. Chuss shifted her weight between her aching feet as she stood at her station, monitoring intermix ratios. Fatigue caused her eyes to drift in and out of focus, and her mind wandered here and there, but, knowing that the computer ought to catch any anomalies well before they became a problem, she didn't berate herself too sharply. It had been a strange day, after all. More than anything, her mind wandered back to the mission of the previous evening. Chuss had beamed out of the Ivor Prime facility armed with as many questions as she had answers. From her perspective, it had been all but impossible to tell just what was going on. In the heat of the moment, she had simply followed her orders, gone where she was told, done the things she was told to do. She was a crewman; explanations were a rarefied luxury. She frowned in puzzlement at that thought, though, recalling the moment that Lt Delzar had sought her input. ~’any ideas Chuss?’ ~ She thought, hearing the lieutenant's singsong tones in her memory. How strange to be an extra pair of hands one moment – an integral team member the next. Typically, it seemed, there would be no debrief for her, no explanation of what had occurred. If she was lucky, she might get a glimpse of a copy of the chief's mission report, or pick up some scuttlebutt as to what had actually happened – but for Chuss, it was simply 'back to work'. And literally, at that. She had adjusted with little difficulty to the night shift that Ensign Frazier had placed her on, but she had to admit, she was surprised to see her name still listed on the duty roster for tonight after pulling what amounted to a full day's shift on the planet's surface. No sooner had she made it back to her quarters for a bite and a catlick than she was out again, making her way into the vessel's guts, where the real work was done. Delzar, obviously, was in no fit state to work, but on arriving in engineering, she was surprised to find that Hudson, the other ranking officer, was nowhere to be found either, and no revised orders had been left for her shift, at least not that she could find. A double-check of the roster revealed that he was out sick as well. Vaguely, she wondered if it might be catching, and if so, how she could get it. Chuss had looked around. The department seemed to be running quite smoothly, and nobody seemed inclined to direct her to one task or another, so she headed for the vacant station she had occupied over the past few evenings, and sank, once more, into her familiar mental fugue, strewn with battle, blood and other disquieting images. And there she had stayed, yawning discreetly, conceding the occasional refreshment break, only her personal chronometer to indicate the passage of the night, the intermix ratio remaining stubbornly immobile, refusing to give her anything to think about. Orders were orders, and she was happy to accommodate Frazier's wishes, but she hoped she wasn't going to see out her career in this position. Blinking hard, she glanced down at the chronometer once more. She was coming up on her 20th hour awake. ~Just ten more minutes...~ she thought. (Reply any, none) (Posted by Noel) (USS Champlain – Counselor’s Office – COUNS – Ensign (SG) Olen Rhinehart – 0845) He had stood outside the observation lounge for a good few minutes, turning possibilities for the day over in his mind. He could visit the holodeck, perhaps, or take himself over to Ten Forward for a relaxing libation. On second thought, he frowned; perhaps it was still a /wee/ bit early for that. The sun wasn't even over the planet yet, never mind the yardarm. He could take the air, he thought. The canned, recycled, starship air. He flashed back on the intensity of last night's sunset. Suddenly a stroll through this armored metal warren didn't seem all that appealing. He thought briefly of visiting the planet once more, perhaps to see Laura. The thought made him smile... but he doubted he would get leave for such a trip. There was too much to be done aboard the ship. He was left with a choice between doing some work on his much-neglected written project, and attempting to marshal the chaos of his still only half-unpacked sleeping quarters. One day, he was going to have to get around to doing something about that... The thought clinched it. Grimly, he turned around and trudged off to the counseling offices. At least there was plenty to do there. As he walked, he passed bright, cheerful people. It was difficult not to feel the smallest bit of jealous resentment towards them. They looked like they'd stepped right out of a recruitment poster. How was it that /they /all had their affairs in order? How could it be that /they/ knew exactly how to respond to their whims and moods so as to produce satisfaction? Why didn't they seem to wrack themselves with doubt and questioning? He passed a man holding forth to a small group of civilians, enraptured by the no-doubt thrilling tale he was telling, his head thrown back in a caricature of a belly laugh, showing pearly teeth that were model-straight, and his wavy blond coif shining in the starlight. Rhinehart, not normally a violent man, suddenly felt a clear and distinct urge to stick his fist down the man's throat. He imagined the man sitting in perfectly ordered quarters, a picture postcard family ranged around him, all smiles a mile wide, after spending a full and satisfactory day doing whatever people like that did. Extreme sports or being effortlessly brilliant at science or something, probably. He was grateful for the solitude that enveloped him when the turbolift doors slid closed, separating him from Captain Amazing, space explorer. When you got right down to it, Starfleet could be utterly /nauseating/ at times. He set his jaw as the turbolift deposited him on deck twelve. In some ways, his work as a counselor eased his own insecurities. It was an opportunity, if nothing else, for him to twitch back the veil of utopian perfection that Starfleet and the Federation often portrayed, to see the ugly, all-too-human truth that lay beneath. Somehow, he had the feeling that if he were to pull Admiral Lantern-Jaw's files, he'd find one or two skeletons in the closet. For all the clean lines and hyper-efficiency of the world Rhinehart now inhabited, there wasn't a person on this ship that wasn't imperfect. The thought made him feel a little better as he sat behind his desk, activating his terminal. Looking around the office, it felt like a lifetime since he'd been here last – and he still couldn't think of it as 'his'. He wondered if maybe he shouldn't think about trying to personalize the place a little bit... but then he thought about the 'personalization’, under which his quarters currently suffered and thought better of the idea. He glanced over towards Alosar's dusky alcove. He couldn't see the Vulcan, but that didn't necessarily mean he wasn't there. (Reply Alosar iyw) As his terminal screen faded into life, Rhinehart took a moment to consider what there was to do. Clearly, he would have to file a report of his action on Ivor Prime, but he had the whole day for that. Then he remembered his combative interview with Ensign Suvik-Bertorelli before the mission and their brief conversation as they walked between the landing site and Ivor City. He had requested a follow-up appointment. ~No time like the present, ~ thought Rhinehart. He tapped his COM badge. “Counselor Rhinehart to Ensign Suvik-Bertorelli,” he said. (Reply Gabe) “About our conversation yesterday... I just wanted to let you know I'll be in my office all morning,” he said. (Reply Gabe) “Understood, Rhinehart out.” Sighing, he stood up and crossed to the replicator, dialing up a cup of black Darjeeling. He had found the young engineer strangely intense for a Vulcan, but something about him piqued the counselor’s curiosity. He settled back behind his desk, and, using half his brain, began mechanically to bash out the required report. (Reply any, none) (Posted by Noel) (USS Champlain – COps office – 3O Lt. Bree Frazier - 1005) Bree returned to her office after her trip to sickbay and checked for new reports. She found one of particular interest, just forwarded to her newly opened Command channel. It seemed that one of her helmsmen, crewman James Alexander, had been injured, and then placed under arrest for suspected espionage when medical scans had detected possible neural cyberware of the kind used by Doenitz intelligence operatives. He had subsequently made a full confession to Janeway, but the specifics of that were not in her report. She sighed sadly. ~ So he was the one who set Robert up. ~ Bree had been uncomfortable with the man from the first… he was too slick, he knew too much to be just a lowly crewman… and he didn’t project emotion normally. She had never actually tried to “read” him, but she suspected that if she had, it would have been like hitting a brick wall. It was as though he had no emotions at all. Not carefully suppressed emotions like the Vulcans… just… nothing. She would have liked to talk to this spy… but she knew that with her temper, she might have a little trouble maintaining her self-control in the presence of a man who had willfully put her ship and its crew at risk. She had wanted an excuse to talk to Janeway anyway… he might be willing to fill her in on some of the details of Alexander’s confession… but really, she wanted the chance to get a feel for how he had taken her being promoted past him. She knew he had worked with Edward on previous assignments, and had a long and friendly association with him… he was obviously loyal to his Captain and would accept his decisions… but he was a proud young man. She wanted a chance to try to make right any hard feelings he might harbor toward her, but she knew he would never come to her… if he were suffering; he would do it in silence. This seemed like as good an opportunity as any. She tapped her com badge. “Lieutenant Frazier to Lieutenant Janeway. If you’re available, I’d like to meet briefly with you. Would that be possible sometime within the next hour?” (Reply Janeway) (Posted by Connie (USS Champlain - Sec Chief's Office - Sec Chief, Lt. Jono Janeway - 1009) Jono had gone uninterrupted for nearly 30 minutes when Frazier contacted him by comm. link. He was on a roll with the 'spy' paperwork and was looking forward to getting it finished and sorting the whole Alexander situation out. But not now, His uninterrupted role had been diminished and the newly appointed 30 wanted to speak with him. He could only wonder what about. He tapped his comm. badge after sighing slightly and said, "I am in my office now Lieutenant. If you wish to join me at your disposal, I have no problem with that." He said over the comm. link. "However if you wish me to come to you, It maybe sometime around 1120 hours. It's your decision." He decided to leave when she wanted to talk to him up to her. He spoke as well mannered as he could as he spoke to her. (Reply Frazier) As he closed the comm. link down, he stood up and stretched before sorting his office out quickly to make it look slightly more presentable. He looked up at his sword resting on the wall behind his desk; He reached up and took it down. Reflecting on the time when T'Larah took the sword and offered a small challenge on the holodeck, He looked forward to the time when he was able to prove his sword mastery to the Vulcan and wondered if she had given it any more thought since then. (Reply Frazier) (Posted by Jono) (USS Champlain - COps Office - Sec Chief, Lt. Jono Janeway and 3O Lt. Bree Frazier - 1011) =^= I am in my office now Lieutenant. If you wish to join me at your disposal, I have no problem with that. However, if you wish me to come to you, it maybe sometime around 1120 hours. It's your decision. =^= Janeway’s reply to Bree’s hail was polite enough, but she could hear the strain in his voice. ~ This won’t be easy… but it needs to be done. ~ She tapped her com badge. “I’ll be there right away, Lieutenant. Frazier out,” she replied, as she dropped everything on the spot and headed for the Sec office. On the way, Bree considered the young officer. Despite all that had gone down, he was still in the command line and Bree was convinced that he belonged there. He might have a little growing up to do, but he WAS a capable officer with real command potential. She made up her mind to find a way to show him that she respected him, without wounding his pride… if there was any way at all to do that, she would find it. When she reached Janeway’s office, she tapped the door chime, and waited for him to respond. After speedily making his office look more presentable, Janeway had sat back behind his desk. He heard the door chime go off. “Come.” he announced, and watched as Frazier walked in. To Jono she looked to be in a good enough mood, and he hoped she wasn’t coming to start ‘lecturing’ him about the away mission. He already felt bad enough and had been trying to reconcile himself ever since. He stood up and straightened himself out before moving around his desk towards Frazier. “What is it I can do for you this morning, Lieutenant?” he said, with a bright smile on his face. To Bree, Janeway’s smile seemed a little forced… but she accepted the gesture for its intent, and returned his smile. Inwardly, however, she tuned in to his feelings, and began to scan the room subtly. “Good morning!” she began, matching his cheerful tone. Then, as was appropriate to the subject, she became more serious. “I just received a report that one of my Helmsmen, James Alexander, has been arrested for espionage. I can’t really say I’m surprised… but my report didn’t give much detail. Would you mind to fill me in on what he did, and how he did it? You talked to him, right?” Janeway smiled again. He gestured to the seat on the opposite side of his desk as he took his seat back. Firmly, he sat down and interlaced his fingers, then placed his hands on the desk. “Oh yes.” He said quite softly, “I definitely talked to him” He continued, then speaking a little louder. “Crewman James Alexander has been arrested, as he admitted clearly to espionage of the ship. He had a built in cybernetic system that amplified his telepathic abilities, and he was able to communicate with the USS Wyvern. His mission and goal was to bring down the Champlain and take Captain Wolfe into custody for ‘war crimes’ against Admiral Doenitz.” Jono stopped for dramatic effect before carrying on. “Alexander is currently being held in the brig’s infirmary, as he is injured. The only thing that gave him a way was having to be treated in the Champlain’s sickbay… something he seems to have managed to avoid since arriving on the vessel. He is also charged with espionage because he clearly admits to carrying out similar orders before his assignment on the Champlain. I have yet to question him on this matter, though.” Janeway finished and breathed in slightly as he looked at Bree. He smiled slightly. “Why aren’t you surprised? Did you suspect Alexander all along?” he commented. It was an unusual choice of words she had used beforehand, and he was a little confused as to why she hadn’t notified him, IF she had suspected Alexander of espionage. “No, Jono…” she paused, seeking his reaction to the use of his first name. After all, they were, for all intents and purposes, equals now… he still outranked her by half a grade, but she edged him by her assignment as 3O. She continued, truly interested in what he was saying, but inwardly more so in what he was feeling. “I didn’t really suspect him of any wrongdoing… but he just felt… wrong to me. You know what I am… I don’t have to invade anybody’s mind to know how they feel… but with him, it was like he had no feelings at all. He may have been blocking me, but I can usually tell when someone is doing that. If he was blocking, he was REALLY good at it… or maybe he’s just one heartless SOB. Anyway, he knew stuff a crewman pilot shouldn’t know… but I didn’t put it all together until I got the report.” Bree wanted to keep him talking a little more. She was sensing some sort of longing in him. Her eyes followed the source to a sword that leaned against the wall behind him as she asked, “Do you think he was working alone, or are there more snakes to stomp?” Jono shrugged, “Now that, my friend, is a question.” He said, trying to control his emotions. He didn’t want them splaying over into Bree’s mind… he had taken the warning, when she was talking about her empathic ability. He wasn’t trained in blocking and such. So he just tried to keep a calm exterior to hide his inner emotions. Whether it was working or not, he couldn’t tell. “I… think,” he said slowly, “that Alexander may have been working alone. Whether he is the only spy on board, I could not say. If I were a tactician on Doenitz’s side, yes, there would be a small number of spies placed onboard the Champlain. But anonymous to the rest, so none of them could ‘rat’ each other out if they were caught.” He shrugged, “But then again… what do I know of Doenitz’s tactics?” He looked at Bree quite sincerely, “Do you believe there are more of them out there, Lieutenant?” He said quite quickly, posing the same question on her as she had on him. “Bree is fine,” she replied, trying to set him at ease as much as possible. She could tell he was trying to hold back on his feelings, and she didn’t blame him. But a good working relationship between the Champlain’s senior officers was critical, and she would do whatever it took to see that happen. “I really don’t know, Jono. If the activity stops, then I guess we caught our only spy… but that’s not a real good feeling, having to wait until more problems to come up to deal with them, is it? You know, I’ll do all I can to help… I do have a few, ah, special talents for reading people. If there is ANYTHING I can do, please don’t hesitate…” she trailed off, then paused. ~ Go for it… now… ~ “Jono, that’s a beautiful sword there behind you. Know how to use it?” she said with a slightly arched eyebrow and an inviting half-smile, hoping he would take to her friendly challenge. She knew quite well that he did, having read his records before even coming on board… but it seemed to her that the chance to swing it at her in a little sparring match might be just what the amateur counselor ordered. Besides, it just sounded like fun, and they had both earned some R&R. Jono listened to Bree offer her services and nodded when she did so. But then she turned her eyes turned to the sword behind him. That’s when he truly got interested in what they were talking about. He raised his eyebrow as he said, “Beautiful still doesn’t define my sword.” He smiled slightly… in fact, he was extremely proud of it. “And yes. Of course, I can use it,” he said, nodding. “I don’t suppose you’re able to fight with a sword?” he said, smiling slightly. At that present moment in time one thing that he hoped Bree would say was ‘Yes.’ He felt an uncontrollable urge of ‘gladness’ surged through his body… sparring with Bree sounded like a lot of fun to him. Bree felt the delight rise in her fellow officer, matched by her own. ~ Bingo! ~, “Well, I’m not really used to live steel… I usually use rattan… but I do have a piece, and I think I could manage with it,” she said, grinning. “What say we meet at the holodecks in ten minutes, and we can find out if I’m as good as I think I am?” Jono nodded, “Agreed. Just out of curiosity. How good do you think you are?” He asked light-heartedly. “We’ll see,” Bree said, as she all but danced out of Janeway’s office to pick up her armoring bag from her quarters. >> (USS Champlain – Holodeck 4 - Sec Chief, Lt. Jono Janeway and 3O Lt. Bree Frazier - 1024) Jono turned up with his sword, and holstered onto the belt around his waste. He had diminished his usual Security uniform for a more maneuverable type of clothing. He had his comm. Badge pinned on top of a rather tight fitting gray vest top, which made it easier for him to move his arms. He was wearing black bottoms, which had his belt buckled around them. On the way up to the Holodeck, he had received several odd looks, but no one had dared ask him what he was doing. After all, he was carrying his sword… and he was also the Chief of security. As Bree entered the corridor outside the holodecks, she spotted Jono immediately. He had gotten there a little ahead of her, which considering his simple, somewhat oriental style fighting garb, was understandable. She was sure he’d been noticed… but she doubted if he had gotten anywhere near the odd looks she had as she came. She had armored up in her quarters to save time, and to avoid carrying her heavy armoring duffle. The sight of the tall, red-haired Celtic chieftain’s daughter in simple, practical, hand-fitted armor, her battered fighting heater strapped to her left arm, Hastings-style Norman helm tuck under her right, and her live steel Claymore slung over shoulder on it’s strap had turned more than a few heads, not to mention sending a few souls running for the hills. Bree’s sword had no history, nor was it especially elegant compared to Jono’s… but it was well made, tailored to her strength and her long reach, by an old friend who was a master weapon crafter. In fact, it had been his gift to her when she graduated from the academy. She had used live steel only a few times… but this would be her new Claymore’s virgin battle. She smiled as she reached her eager opponent. “Shall we?” she said. With that, the combatants entered Holodeck 2. Bree nodded at Janeway… since she was the challenger, it was his privilege to choose the scenario. Jono had followed Bree into Holodeck 2. Her armor had alarmed him slightly. It looked like if he ever managed to hit her, she wouldn’t be fazed by it. However, he was relying brutally on his own body’s muscle… something he hoped he had enough of. He walked over to the Holodeck arch and pondered on what scenario to pick. He brushed through the lists from a busy New York mid 20th century setting to a starship bridge. He couldn’t make up his mind, so he decided to use a little bit of trickery. He crossed two programs so that the Holodeck would at be split down the middle… on one side there would be the rooftop of a skyscraper in the old city of New York and on the other side – A simulation of the Champlain’s very own bridge. “Ready?” He asked Bree as he nodded to her. As soon as she replied he said, “Computer, Initiate Holodeck surroundings Janeway74Frazier,” he said as he relayed the program’s file name to the computers processor. Suddenly the surroundings shimmered into view. Bree was on the New York side while he was still on the Champlain’s Bridge. He walked towards her looking to see what her reaction was. It would be up to whoever led the battle to which field they fought on. Bree watched as the split scenario appeared. I made no difference to her which side they fought on… both might be used eventually. She unslung her sword, then wound up her hair and quickly but expertly arranged it as extra padding as she fitted her helm into place and strapped it down. The Claymore was actually a modified hand-and-a-half, a little large to use with her long heater… but she wanted to get a feel for his style. She had worn her gauntlets so that she could toss it aside at need. But for now, she slipped her left arm into the straps, and then hefted the Claymore, letting it turn a time or two from the wrist, feeling its excellent balance. ~ This might work…~ Bree had sensed Jono’s concern at the sight of her armor. So, she took a moment to explain to him how she fought. “Mr. Janeway, I fight by the honor system. If I receive a blow from you that should do damage, I am constrained to call it as such. But be warned… I do not pull my blows. If you desire to fight me unarmored, you do so at your own risk.” With that, she took one step back and adopted the classic sword-and-shield stance… left foot pointed toward the opponent, the right back at a 45- degree angle, knees loose and unlocked, allowing her to rock and move freely… shield arm at 90 across her chest… sword cocked back over her left shoulder, her right hand near her cheekbone, letting the wrist remain loose and flexible as the big sword swayed menacingly, ready to shoot forward faster than the eye could follow. “Ready, Mr. Janeway?” she said, loving the way her voice resounded out of her helm. When she received clearance from her opponent, considering the lack of any marshals, she took it upon herself to cry out, “LAY ON!” Then she watched his eyes, read his body, and waited for him to make the first move. ~ Let the Steel-Shod Dance begin! ~ she thought, her warrior’s heart singing. Janeway had nodded silently as he pulled his sword out of its sheath. The cold metal touching his fingertips had been a sensation he had forgotten of late. He let the sensation wash over him as he readied himself for the battle. He blocked his mind so any pain the Bree’s sword might cause when it hit him was dulled. He searched his surroundings for things that could help him as Bree readied herself and shouted. He took up both hands on the black and gold hilt of the sword while he played it forward, its tip hanging magnificently in mid-air. The sword was brilliantly balanced, and had been wrought from the finest of metals by the finest of sword makers back on earth. Custom made for Jono’s specifications, the sword’s hilt fitted his hands like a cozy glove. Jono quickly analyzed Bree. Her sword was long. Longer than his, so she had the far-reach… he would need to get in close to her to inflict any real damage. But first, he needed to find what type of style she fought in. He was considered a ‘master’ in four different styles of swordplay, so he hoped to confuse her throughout the battle by changing styles fluently. He moved his sword swiftly through the air towards Bree in a quick movement. His sword sang for him as he wielded it towards the 30. Bree looked past Janeway’s exposed sword tip to his eyes. It would have been so easy, at that angle, to just swat it away, out of his hands, and end the battle before it began… but this was a contest of honor. So, she waited for the blow. It came soon enough… a huge, artful but inefficient high arc aimed at her. She effortlessly stepped into it, catching his pretty sword on the top edge of her heater and deflecting it harmlessly into the air, using Janeway’s own considerable strength against him. Then she brought her own sword forward in a straight, fluid motion from the wrist, twisting slightly to bring the flat of the blade around, smacking it soundly against the back of his left thigh, just below his hip. Had she not intentionally flatted the blow, it might have crippled him… but it was too soon for that. As the blade bounced back, she let its momentum carry it into the backswing, a high, tight shot that caught his dangerously raised sword and knocked it down and to her right with a metallic screech, being careful not to catch his unprotected face. The twin cracks of her classic duel strike rang out in less than a second… then she jumped back to the edge of her superior reach, swaying like a cobra, waiting to see what he would do next. ~ He’s gonna have a nasty bruise on that thigh… ~ The pain in his thigh wasn’t bad… it wasn’t bad at all but he knew he would regret letting it happen in the morning. He grasped his sword harder this time and circled Bree, waiting for an in. It took a while but it finally happened… he took advantage and closed in on her. Swinging his sword in series of maneuvers, in hope she wouldn’t be able to tell where he was going to strike and at the same time keeping a good eye on her weapon so he was able to defend any strike she posed against him. Bree essentially ignored the wild swings of Jono’s sword, concentrating on his eyes, the total movement of his body as he moved in for his next strike. An absurd vision of the night she had waltzed with the much shorter Olen flashed through her mind for a split second… she chuckled wickedly as she reflected upon how similar sword fighting was to dancing, if one were good at it. However, Jono’s circling while she remained almost stationary, just pivoting to match him, put him at a disadvantage. It was like an unarmored motorcycle threatening an ancient tank with a popgun. ~ This just isn’t fair… ~ She dodged and deflected his flurry of blows, once again moving in for the wrap shot, making sure she hit him in exactly the same spot, again with the flat. But this time, she put all her power into the first blow, letting the sword’s weight in the follow-through transfer to his unprotected and already bruised thigh, not going for the second blow. She drew her sword straight back into the strike position and jumped back again… but this time, she straightened up, kept retreating, and shouted, “HOLD!” When she felt sure that he was going to hold honorably, Bree spoke. “This is not an even fight. Chivalry demands that I discard my shield,” she announced, as she tossed the shield clear of her gauntleted hand, and then placed it firmly upon the modified Claymore’s long hilt. Then, again she cried, “Lay on!” bringing her sword out in front of her, her hands low, the blade swaying slightly from her loosely pivoting wrists. She would soon see how it was to fight as Jono did. If it weren’t for Jono’s pain therapy, the pain in his thigh would be unbearable. But for him, at the moment – he had dealt with worse in earlier missions. He watched as Bree discarded her shield and once again awaited him to attack her. He shook his head… he didn’t really want to attack her. He wanted her to attack him so she would force him to play a defensive play, which would allow him to slip into a different style of fighting. One he much preferred. He stood still with his sword bent low and his arms hanging ready to defend anything Bree could throw at him. He watched her body movements and studied everything she did. Bree watched as Jono changed his tactics. ~ Good! ~ she thought approvingly, as he waited for her to make a move this time. Her main advantage, really her only one now, was her longer reach… and on the attack, she could do him real damage if she wasn’t careful. She had no wish to seriously hurt him… but she did want to resolve the battle. Finally, she just waded in, mostly in defensive mode, fielding his blows… but several times, she felt the sting of his blade as it scraped along her arms. He wasn’t flatting his blows, so she didn’t dare let him get a solid hit… but she could not land one either, not without seriously injuring him. Soon, she found herself locked sword to sword, hilts straining against his superior strength, face to face, much too close to use her reach advantage… but she could see that the quick weariness of battle was getting to him, too. She could have broken back, maybe disarmed him. But she had no more wish to humiliate him than to injure him… and she sensed that he felt the same. They had come here to work off some tension, and perhaps to find understanding between two equally competent officers, not to best each other. So, she said softly, still holding out against the locked swords, “I believe, sir, that we have reached an impasse. Shall we call it a draw, honorable opponent?” Janeway breathed heavily. He began to understand why Bree had challenged him to the fight… he was much more at ease with the officer in front of him now. She didn’t pose so much of a threat as she did before the fight. He sighed, “I believe,” he said, repeating the start of Bree’s sentence… “Bree,” using the name she had told him to use for the first time, “that you may be correct.” He backed off slowly and carefully set his sword in its sheath. Then he walked back towards Bree. “Good battle” he said, as he extended her hand and shook hers. Then he checked his chronometer. “I should be going, I have things to do. You are definitely an honorable opponent… you and your monstrous sword. Let’s hope I don’t get on the wrong side of you without my sword,” he said, smiling comfortably. “Maybe we could make this regular? It would give us chance to stretch our muscles and keep fit. You never know, there maybe other offices on board, who we can set up matches with,” he said, as he relaxed into a rather talkative side of himself. As Bree felt Jono relax, she did too. She shook out her hair, now free of the helm but a bit heavy and stringy with sweat, and laughed lightly. “I’m pretty sure we could manage that, Jono… especially since I do the personnel rosters…,” she said, as visions of tournaments danced in her head. Bree had a warrior’s heart, as she figured she had now demonstrated adequately, to Jono, at least… but a victory like this one, which resulted understanding, perhaps even friendship, was still sweeter to her than any military victor she could imagine. “I would offer you a celebratory drink or something, but I haven’t the time today, I’m afraid. Maybe another time?” He offered as he made for the door. “Of course! I have stuff to do too… but I’ll hold you to that, Jono!” she replied, smiling, as she followed him back into her everyday world. Jono nodded and left through the door. As soon as the doors closed, he took a painful breath in and headed of to his quarters to change and to rest before going back on duty. Bree slipped through the doors just behind Jono. As they closed, he took a deep breath, signaling a certain amount of… discomfort. But, she was sure he’d be fine, now. He might just limp a little for a day or two... Bree’s armor did not include solid plates on the forearms… too restrictive and heavy… so she was not precisely unscathed either, as the stinging of her scraped skin reminded her. But, like Jono, she would be fine… a shower and a little emu oil would set her back to rights, well enough. She strode through the corridors toward her quarters, smiling a little as the light of the victorious warrior shone from her eyes, sending the less martially oriented members of her beloved crew scurrying to get out of her way. (Reply any, none) (Posted by Jono and Connie) (USS Champlain - Deck 3 - Turbolift - Tactical Chief Lt. JG T'Larah Sullivan - 1045) Thoughts of the mission, the altercation with Suvik-Bertorelli, all swimming in her head. To clear them out of her mind, she had decided it was time for some training. She walked out of the doors to her quarters, walked down the corridor, and saw Bree in full armor. "Let me guess, historical re-enactment?" she asked quizzically. T'Larah admittedly felt somewhat under-dressed. Only in her standard white 'Fleet issue athletic attire. (Reply Bree) "Really I wish you two would have told me, he has yet to duel me. Once I found out he could use that Terran ferrous historical replica I wanted to see how good he was, so tell me, how was he?" (Reply Bree) "Interesting, I shall take that into consideration, and this as well...” she said indicating Bree's historical attire, "Shall we at a later date schedule a duel?" she asked. (Reply Bree) "Good well, as you have that briefing and I've got some physical training to do... when did you need me at the holodeck?" she asked. (Reply Bree) "OK, see you there." she said and walked off to train. (Reply None/Bree) (Posted by Todd) (USS Champlain - Corridor · 3O Lt. Bree Frazier - 1047) Bree met T’Larah on her way to her quarters after her duel with Janeway. "Let me guess, historical re-enactment?" T’Larah said. Bree chucked. “Yeah, well, I do that, but this time it was more of a present-day battle of the wills” Lieutenant Janeway seemed to need a chance to take a few swings at me, so I obliged him.· "Really?· T’Larah said. ·I wish you two would have told me· he has yet to duel me. Once I found out he could use that Terran ferrous historical replica, I wanted to see how good he was. So tell me; how was he?" “Not bad· more flash than substance, but he can hold his own.” · "Interesting. I shall take that into consideration· and this as well," T’Larah said, indicating Bree's historical attire. "Shall we at a later date schedule a duel?" “We plan to schedule some regular sparring sessions, open to all comers. I’ll let you know what we come up with, OK.” · "Good. Well, as you have that briefing and I've got some physical training to do, when did you need me at the holodeck?" “1400 would work for me· how about you?” · asked Bree. "OK, see you there." T’Larah said, and then walked off to indulge in some PT of her own. Bree smiled, anticipating sparring with her. ~ Fencer verses hack-and-slasher· should be interesting· ~ she thought as the door to her own quarters slid open, and she started unharnessing her armor. She has a full day ahead of her. She considered wryly that the doctors might have done better to simply release her to duty· she would have gotten more rest on the bridge· (Reply None) (Posted by Connie) (USS Champlain – Holodeck 1 – 3O Lt. Bree Frazier - 1120) Bree needed some time to just think. So much had happened in the last two weeks, she wasn’t even sure who she was anymore. She’d gone from being a rather old cadet to being the third officer on a Federation dreadnought caught on the “rebel” side of a covert civil war. She’d seen crewmates hurt; commanders withdraw from command, trained officers fall apart, seeming to loose their focus in the midst of a critical mission. The lost souls still on Ivor Prime had haunted her dreams in the night. On top of that, there was Olen… and Edward… When she first arrived at the holodeck, she had intended to walk her beloved Old New Orleans streets… but then she had changed her mind. She called up the scenario she had shared with Edward, the one in the mountains of his boyhood home. Now, for a while, she sat perched on that same hilltop alone, looking out across the lilac-tinted landscape, feeling the peace of the place, and trying to take a little of it into her soul to keep. She knew the crew was still green… hl, even Edward was new to the Captaincy, despite his extensive previous experience as a second in command. But during the battle with the Wyvern, they had seemed to gel so well… hence, her concern over how the mission yesterday had gone. What had happened? What went wrong? True, they had ultimately succeeded… but it had hardly been a smooth operation. She hoped that the training sims she and T’Larah had planned would help… but since she did not know how long they would have to complete them, she couldn’t be sure. She felt she couldn’t be sure of anything anymore… not even of her own heart. Of course, she knew what the Betazoid term “imazadi” meant… she had studied all the major cultures extensively at the university… but she had no idea how it would manifest for her, being half-human, and raised with no knowledge of her Betazoid heritage. She wondered, with just a tint of bitterness, if for her, it would mean loosing the power to freely choose who she gave her heart to. She thought she had chosen Olen… and he had chosen her… but now, she feared a little guiltily that she had only been running away from Wolfe that night at the party, such a short time ago, seeming now as though it were in a previous lifetime. She cared deeply for Olen… of that she was sure… but he seemed to have turned her away. She knew he wasn’t blind… he had seen how she reacted to Edward… but she wondered if he understood that she hadn’t asked for it. She wondered if it made any difference anyway. Edward was human, fully human… he felt the same connection she did, that she knew, but perhaps he had more choice in the matter than she… and perhaps he would not choose her. She felt torn in half… no matter what she finally decided, it looked like somebody was going to get hurt. It just figured that the moment she finally found someone worthy of giving away her long-guarded heart, there would be collateral damage… She let her frustration swell through her, then let it go; brushing away a few tears… it would do no good to be agitated when she met with the Captain. If this was life on a starship, then she had better get used to it… because she would never give up the stars willingly. When the time came, she took a deep breath, left the violet sky behind, and headed towards Edward’s ready room. (Reply none) (Posted by Connie) (USS Champlain – Holodeck 1 – 3O Lt. Bree Frazier - 1200) Right on time, Bree tapped the door chime to Edward’s ready room. When he answered, and the door slid open, she entered. Again, it was so good to see him in one piece she couldn’t hide her smile… but then, she didn’t try very hard. “Hello, Sir”, she said warmly. (Reply Wolfe- room for more) After they had settled in, Bree unapologetically produced her PADD and brought up her List of Concerns. She glanced at Edward over it and briefly explained, “Saves time… and memory capacity.” She hoped he wouldn’t find her approach annoying… but there was no way to find out unless she tried. (Reply Wolfe, IYW) “OK, I’ll start with the easy stuff. When and how will our rank pips be dispensed? I just had a little… ah… misunderstanding with a medical ensign this morning because I knew I’d been promoted, but he didn’t…” Bree couldn’t help but chuckle a little as she spoke, feeling the humor of the situation dancing around in her eyes. But, she still felt it needed to be said. (Reply Wolfe) “Sir, I don’t know how much of this is in the reports so far, or what you might have heard, but Mr. Rhinehart and Mr. LaQua both made considerable contributions to the final success of the mission yesterday after you were beamed up. And… Sir… where was Mr. Kohlass this morning? He was a critical part of the mission’s success, in my opinion”, she said frankly but evenly. (Reply Wolfe, room for more) “I’m concerned about Commander Mason, Sir. She beamed down with a small team, I thought to take command of the mission… but she didn’t… in fact, she sort of… disappeared. I didn’t see her at the briefing this morning, either. Is she all right, Sir? (Reply Wolfe) When that discussion was over, Bree set her PADD aside and pulled out the message viewer that Stanton had handed her, then turned it over to Wolfe. “Mr. Stanton showed me this in sick bay this morning, Sir. She was hysterical… on the floor, sobbing. Frankly, I’m concerned about her fitness to serve on a starship… I mean, we all have losses, but we can’t just fall apart like that, not if we want to be able to rely on each other. And the message, Sir… how did it find us? If this father of hers has all these “contacts” in Doenitz’s office, then can we trust him? Has our security been compromised? And anyway, how the hell are we supposed to get her to Starbase Geneva?” (Reply Wolfe) Finally, Bree came to the point in her questioning that was closest to her heart. She had been reluctant to ask… but she was not a child, and there was more than one reason she needed to know. This wasn’t just about her… she also wanted to be alert to any possible hazards to the ship, if Edward had taken damage during his ordeal the day before that had not been immediately apparent. She leaned forward very slightly, and focused on him, opening her mind to him. “Edward”, she said, deliberately changing her form of address to signal that she was speaking to him as a man now, not just as the Captain of the Champlain, “how much do you really remember of what happened yesterday?” (Reply Edward) (Posted by Connie) (USS Champlain - Readyroom - CO Captain Edward Wolfe - 1202) Edward heard his door chime go off right on cue. That would be Bree... Brianna... Lieutenant Frazier... he suddenly didn't really know what to call her or how to address her. This was official, after all, but still... “Hello, Sir”, she said warmly. "Good afternoon Lieutenant. I had the ship's chef prepare us a real meal instead of replicated. I hope southern friend chicken and some of the fixings are good for you," stated Edward. He hoped that he hadn't made a tactical misstep. He had checked her file to see where she had hailed from. Nothing in her file screamed vegetarian or anything like it, so he assumed this would be okay. After they had settled in, Bree unapologetically produced her PADD and brought up her List of Concerns. She glanced at Edward over it and briefly explained, “Saves time… and memory capacity.” Edward nodded and waited for her report. “OK, I’ll start with the easy stuff. When and how will our rank pips be dispensed? I just had a little… ah… misunderstanding with a medical ensign this morning because I knew I’d been promoted, but he didn’t…” Bree couldn’t help but chuckle a little, as she spoke. "Everyone received them at the briefing. That's what the boxes I put out on the table were. You didn't take yours. Here it is," stated Edward sliding a small box across his desk. “Sir, I don’t know how much of this is in the reports so far, or what you might have heard, but Mr. Rhinehart and Mr. LaQua both made considerable contributions to the final success of the mission yesterday after you were beamed up. And… Sir… where was Mr. Kohlass this morning? He was a critical part of the mission’s success, in my opinion”, she said frankly but evenly. "Good, their contributions will be logged. As for Kohlass, he's finalizing security for the few engineers remaining on the planet. He'll join us soon," stated Edward. Was she questioning the decisions he made in terms of promotions? Edward hoped not, they were well thought out, a good deal of time always went into such deliberations and certainly nothing would be changed at this point, however she could always log information like this to impact the next round of promotions. “I’m concerned about Commander Mason, Sir. She beamed down with a small team, I thought to take command of the mission… but she didn’t… in fact, she sort of… disappeared. I didn’t see her at the briefing this morning, either. Is she all right, Sir? "Don't worry about the commander. She isn't your problem," stated Edward with finality and perhaps a bit too forcefully. He knew she had been having problems lately and didn't need anyone poking around her. He suddenly felt slightly defensive towards her, which he supposed was a good sign; however, at the same time he knew that she was unwell. She had a lot to work out. His immediate plan was to get Alosar to look at her, to talk to her. When that discussion was over, Bree set her PADD aside and pulled out the message viewer that Stanton had handed her, then turned it over to Wolfe. “Mr. Stanton showed me this in sick bay this morning, Sir. She was hysterical… on the floor, sobbing. Frankly, I’m concerned about her fitness to serve on a starship… I mean, we all have losses, but we can’t just fall apart like that, not if we want to be able to rely on each other. And the message, Sir… how did it find us? If this father of hers has all these “contacts” in Doenitz’s office, then can we trust him? Has our security been compromised? And anyway, how the hell are we supposed to get her to Starbase Geneva?” "We aren't, our operation orders do not include going near Starbase Geneva. We won't be going there, period and even if we wanted to we're months away. The best she can hope for is DS5 in about 6 to 8 months, that's our next regular maintenance and swap out. I've received no official orders to the contrary, so no Starbase Geneva. If she wants to get out and walk, that's her choice, but otherwise she's stuck here with us. As for her father's contacts, that's actually a compelling reason NOT to do what he wants. Do you believe she should be pulled from active duty? Put under watch?" (Reply Frazier) Finally, Bree came to the point in her questioning that was closest to her heart. She had been reluctant to ask… but she was not a child, and there was more than one reason she needed to know. This wasn’t just about her… she also wanted to be alert to any possible hazards to the ship, if Edward had taken damage during his ordeal the day before that had not been immediately apparent. She leaned forward very slightly, and focused on him, opening her mind to him. “Edward”, she said, deliberately changing her form of address to signal that she was speaking to him as a man now, not just as the Captain of the Champlain, “how much do you really remember of what happened yesterday?” "Too much, and not enough. Things happened rather quickly and were disorienting. There are huge gaps in my memory overall. I'm sure they'll return, but it will take time," replied Edward sighing slightly. (Reply Frazier) (Posted by Jeff) (USS Champlain - Brig Infirmary - Tactical Chief Lieutenant JG T'Larah Sullivan - 1202) T'Larah arrived in the Brig Infirmary, after receiving the report on her desk of the apprehension of the spy who had been living among them for so long. It appeared as if no one was in attendance except the two guards that Janeway probably put in place. ~Good thinking Jono, don't want to leave him un-attended. ~ "So you are the one," she said simply. (Reply Alexander) "In a way, I just came to look the man in the eye who was attempting to cold heartedly murder over a thousand people." she said anger creeping in her voice, though still at low tones. (Reply Alexander) "Don't try to lie to me, in the report, you said that you had taken down a starship single handedly before, how many people died that time Lieutenant?" she asked her voice icy cold. (Reply Alexander) "Your feelings are irrelevant, what you've chosen is at hand. You chose to disable a starship at the very least you are possibly an accessory to murder." she said. (Reply Alexander) With that, the man's face went slack and alarms started going off all around. The on shift medic ran to the scene. "What did you do, Sir?" asked Nate. Checking systems and vital signs, he brought out his tricorder to get more pinpoint information. "Nothing I was talking to him, admittedly it was a heated discussion...,” she said trailing off, "We didn't exactly see eye to eye." she said. "Fine, fine," he said waiving her off, "By vessel protocol signed by Dr Mor'rel, Sir, I'm going to have to ask you to leave while I deal with this." With out a word T'Larah left the room, she couldn't help but feel a little bit guilty. (Reply Nate) (Posted by Todd) (USS Champlain - Brig Infirmary – Doenitz Operative Lt. James Alexander - 1204) Alex lay quiet, trying not to think. It only hurt, and it did no good… not right now. He only tortured himself by it. He wondered if they were just going to let him remain blind… deny him reconstructive surgery as some sort of sadistic punishment. He would rather they just shoot him. He sensed someone entering… anger, under tight reign… ~ Vulcan. ~ "So you are the one," came a cold female voice. “The one what?” Alex said, his voice little more than a pained whisper. But she continued as if he had said something else. He tried to ignore her and let her ramble. "In a way, I just came to look the man in the eye who was attempting to cold heartedly murder over a thousand people." Her voice remained low, but Alex could both hear and sense that her control was slipping. Alex said nothing, but again, she continued as if he had. He knew he was trying to goad him… maybe even to kill him in such a way as to make it seem to be an accident. "Don't try to lie to me. In the report, you said that you had taken down a starship single handedly before. How many people died that time Lieutenant?" she asked, her voice icy cold. Normally Alex could easily have just blown this crazy woman off, not gone where she was trying so clumsily to lead him. But his tortured mind was stripped of its usual defenses, and he felt an answering anger growing in him. "Your feelings are irrelevant, what you've chosen is at hand. You chose to disable a starship at the very least you are possibly an accessory to murder." she said. ~ What do my feelings have to do with it? I never said anything about my feelings, ~ thought Alex… but since this woman was so determined that she knew what he would say whether he said it or not, he figured he might as well tell her what she wanted to hear. He sucked down a painful breath, then hissed, “Accessory, h*ll! You have no idea what my feelings are, b*tch… they’re none of your G*d*md business. Murderer? Oh, yeah, I’m one of the best fang assassins you’ll ever… NOT lay eyes on. If I wanted any of you dead, even your precious Butcher Wolfe, you… would be on a… slab… in the… morgue by… now… White-hot agony swallowed Alex’s halting voice. He tried to fight, but suddenly, the pain stopped. Surprised, he opened his eyes, and found that his sight had suddenly returned… but what he saw made no sense at first. He wasn’t on the biobed anymore, but then again he was… he could see himself on it as he seemed to be suspended in midair, the same medic who had helped him twice before frantically working on the other Lex that lay there, burned face slack, totally unmoving. ~ Am I dead? ~ he wondered. Then a swirl of something like cloud behind him caught his attention. He turned toward it, and a tunnel formed, inviting him in. Somehow, he felt that he wanted to go… and that he could easily drift along the soft walls. Soon, he saw a bright warm light far ahead. He moved toward it… but as he approached, the scene around him began to change. The soft tunnel walls began to grow rigid… almost magnetic, dragging Alex back, away from the light he was trying to reach. Even the light itself changed from a welcoming glow to something more like a burning eye, threatening more pain instead of offering comfort. Alex tried then to back away, but now the tunnel seemed to collapse, wrapping around him like a constricting snake. He caught only a brief glimpse of the infirmary bed he’d just vacated before he felt himself being slammed back into his wrecked body. For a few seconds, he could hear the sounds around him… Fuller’s voice, the frenzied chittering of electronics. Then, he managed to find a relatively safe spot deep in his damaged mind, and he retreated to it. He was trapped. They had not let him die, but he wasn’t quite alive either. He couldn’t move or speak. So, having no other choice, Alex began to wander the paths of his unconscious mind to fight for his life. (Reply any, none) (Posted by Connie) (USS Champlain - Brig Infirmary - Chief Field Medic - SCPO Nathan A. Fuller - 1207) Nate fumed as he worked on the officer he had thought was a crewmember just yesterday. It didn't matter that he worked for the enemy; Nate still had a job to do. ~What is with Security always poking their noses where it don't belong? ~ he thought as he worked. The Lieutenant's blood pressure plummeted, as Nate found the answer to the crash, the malfunctioning cyberware had managed to not only to mess with his psionic abilities, but also the area just above the area in his brain stem responsible for his cardiopulmonary activity. He needed a doctor now. "Computer initiate Code Blue, the nearest physician needs to report to this area immediately!" he said his voice rose. ~Funny yelling at a computer won't do that much good. ~ [Acknowledged, Code Blue initiated at zero nine zero eight hours.] He began reacting to what the patient was doing and tried to stabilize him. ~A-B-Cs, Nate; keep him alive. ~ He checked his patient's airway, clear. ~Good; he isn't being choked by his own tongue, but he's not breathing. ~ Nate applied the bio bed frame on his patient so he could initiate the proper procedures per the code blue protocols. He initiated the mechanical breathing apparatus and checked heart functions. Ventricular Tachycardia, his heart was wildly spasaming from lack of oxygen. "Computer, begin external defibrillation, 200 joules, now." [Stand clear of the patient.] ordered the computer for safety reasons. An imperceptible charge went through Alexander's body tensing every muscle. ~Still V-Tach, dang it. ~ "Charge to 300 joules and discharge on my mark, increase patient ambient inhaled oxygen to 92%, monitor expired CO2 for signs of improvement, and administer 100cc Inaprovaline." (Reply MD or Mor'rel) "The spy crashed, Sir, complication with the implants, I need you down here now!" (Reply MD or Mor'rel, same as previous) "Understood, sir, I'll hold the fort till you get here, computer now!" he said continuing his work and hoping he could hold this guy together long enough for surgery. (Reply any) (Posted by Todd) (USS Champlain - Sickbay- Doctor Erskine - 1209) Erskine was looked at the console in front of him. The toxin screen was negative. ~Good it saves a lot of problems~ Erskine stiffened as the code blue call came through. "Dr Erskine." =^=The spy crashed, Sir, complication with the implants, I need you down here now=^= "On my way." =^=Understood, sir, I'll hold the fort till you get here, computer now=^= He saw two medical techs at a workstation. "You to get a gurney and move it to the Brig Infirmary.” He dashed out of sickbay, scooping up a medical kit as he did. >> (USS Champlain - Brig Infirmary - Doctor Erskine - 0911) Erskine sped into the brig infirmary. The door just had enough time to open as he piled through. He saw Chief Fuller working on a person. ~Looks like this is the place~ He hurried over to Fuller's side. "Chief talk to me." (Reply Fuller) Erskine nodded. He looked at the patient and listened to what Fuller had told him. "We need to get him to surgery. Get him on the gurney" He tapped his comm badge. "Erskine to sickbay. We have a medical emerging prep the theatre. Well be there shortly." With out waiting for a reply he turned back to Fuller. "Right Chief lets go." (Reply Fuller) (Posted by Robbie) (USS Champlain - Brig Infirmary - Chief Field Medic - SCPO Nathan A. Fuller - 1212) Soon the Doctor rushed into the room. "Chief talk to me." said Dr. Erskine. "Approximately 34 year old male in cardiac and respiratory arrest secondary to hyper-stimulation of the brain stem near the third cervical vertebrae.” stated Nate in his clinical tone. "I have him on 100cc Inaprovaline, standard dose cardio stimulant per protocol, as you can see the bio bed frame is in place. He is on full respiratory support, and I have managed to de-fibrillate him to a viable hemodynamically stable rhythm, but Sir, I'm fighting his body for control. I've seen similar cases, with other cranial implants, and I am confident that if the implants come out his own body will pick it up.” Nate continued to monitor the patient's vital signs and paid particular attention to his brain wave activity. ~There are spikes all over the place, looks like he's dreaming. ~ "We need to get him to surgery. Get him on the gurney" said the Doctor. Chief Fuller motioned to the two medics to assist in lifting Alexander's unconscious form. Fuller put him in a temporary stasis for transfer to the gurney. Once on the gurney with the medic's assistance, Fuller had one of them transfer his stasis to the portable unit on the antigrav stretcher for transport to the surgical suite in the sickbay. "Right Chief, let’s go," said the Doctor simply and the four hurried to sickbay for surgery. (Reply None) (Posted by Todd) (USS Champlain - Readyroom – 3O Lt. Bree Frazier - 1215) After sampling with considerable delight the fine meal of Southern comfort food Edward offered, Bree continued to nibble occasionally as she gave her report, largely just listening as Edward responded to her concerns. She didn’t even try to hide her mild embarrassment when he handed her the rank pip that she had overlooked earlier that morning… he might well sense it anyway, and a little blush now an again was supposed to be good for the complexion… But she grew more concerned as he reacted to her harder questions. She sensed his doubts, as though he thought she was questioning his decisions regarding the promotions dispensed this morning, when she only wanted to make sure he was informed. Now that she knew he had been, she was quite satisfied… she determined to make sure he knew that, as soon as she got the rest of her list out of the way. But his defensive reaction, almost snapping at her when she inquired about Commander Mason’s condition, startled her a little. It was well that he wanted to protect his officers, but Bree was not the enemy. She considered this inwardly as she finished her business, handing Edward Stanton’s viewer. “Do you believe she should be pulled from active duty? Put under watch?" Edward finished. Bree thought about that briefly, and then shook her head. “No, I think that would only make the matter worse. Let her keep her life as normal as she can, for as long as she can. If we do have to deal with that shuttle coming in though, I’ll see what I can do to arrange proper security. It might only aggravate the problem to rock that boat, too.” Then, she asked the million-dollar question, and listened carefully with her inner ears as well as her outer ones as he told her what he remembered of his experience the day before. Edward sighed as he admitted that a full recovery of his memory would take time. Hers, on the other hand, was almost frighteningly clear… and it seemed to her that the time had come to stop trying to dodge what could not be denied forever. Bree had never been a coward, and she was not about to start now… even though, at the moment, a barrage of phaser fire sounded less threatening than the vulnerability honesty would carry with it. “Edward,” she began gently, almost shyly, if such a thing were still possible for her, “I trust you. I hope you can learn to trust me, too. I’m no use to you if I don’t tell you what’s on my mind. This ship stands or falls by her crew… and that makes their welfare my problem. But that’s not really what I was…” she trailed off, sighing slightly in her turn. Then she quietly rose and came around the table, knelt beside him, and gently placed her hand on his arm… partly just to reassure herself that he was at least physically whole again, and also to steady herself, which still seemed to be a requirement whenever she was this close to him. “I remember. I almost wish I didn’t, because it… scares me”, she said, struggling against the impulse to back away, to guard the long-held independent pride she was about to lay on the line. “But yesterday, when we got you back… that wasn’t the Captain of the Champlain I was holding, it was… you. I knew I had to stop running…” Her voice was becoming a little unsteady, so she let it go, and just looked into his eyes and spoke directly to his mind, hoping that he could ‘hear’ more of her heart there than her voice could ever convey. ::What’s happening here, Edward?:: (Reply Edward) (Posted by Connie) (USS Champlain - Readyroom – CO Captain Edward Wolfe - 1218) Edward looked at the red haired woman across from her. He knew what she had said and what she was proposing. Edward found it hard to admit that he hadn't been feeling the same way himself. "Trust isn't the issue, really. You need to understand, people were talking about me as if I were dead. They were making line decisions as if I were dead. I do remember that. Some were more than happy to jump in and try to take over almost immediately. You were more reticent and I appreciate that, but if I'm defensive or pensive, it’s because the level of insecurity that someone feels when that happens is... intense. The residual is still there and there is a part of me screaming, 'I am in charge of this ship, so step off!' I can't help it. Over time, I'm sure I'll be able to put it in perspective. I'm worried about my FO, not because I ever particularly liked her... or even disliked her. She's proven herself to be a valuable member of the crew, I'm seeing her... well, she's having difficulty holding herself together. I don't know how much longer she'll be able to. She strong but she's proud and not prone to taking anyone's help. She's taken some time off, but how far can you run in a Galaxy Class starship? She's big, but not that big," said Edward sighing. He was tired of many things at this point, tired of trying to pretend that nothing was going on and tired to pretend nothing was wrong. The ship was the thing, but there were obviously other factors. (Reply Frazier) "As for your other statement, you don't have to keep running. I don't know what's happening, that's something we need to decide together." (Reply Frazier) (Posted by Jeff) (USS Champlain - Readyroom – 3O Lt. Bree Frazier - 1220) Bree listened as Edward finally opened up a little. She could feel how hard it was for him. In fact, he hardly even seemed to notice that by the time she spoke of what was going on between the two of them, she had come around to his side of the table and was kneeling by his side, her hand against his arm. Touching him, besides steadying her, made her impressions that much clearer. He spoke in a steady stream, almost seeming desperate. He sighed as he finished, but Bree could feel what he did not say as clearly as she heard the words he spoke. She stayed silent until he added, “As for your other statement, you don't have to keep running. I don't know what's happening, that's something we need to decide together.” Bree raised her free hand, and gently but firmly reached up to his face, turning his head so that he was looking straight at her. “Edward… I knew you weren’t dead… you know that. And no one could possibly be happier than me that you were, and are, still in charge”, she said with a soft, sincere smile. “I did what I thought I had to do to get you back. This ship needs you…” she took a breath, decided to be as honest with him as he had been with her… “and I need you, too. Not just as my Captain… you’re more than just that. You have to remember that, or you’ll loose your mind, Edward. Loose it all. I love this ship too… but I think I can find room in my heart for… other things, too. Can you? She didn’t wait for an answer as she slid the hand on his arm down to find his hand. “Edward, I have no idea what ‘Imazadi’ really means. Not for me, anyway. I thought maybe I’d never have to find out, being half-human, but… well, I’m not sure I get much choice in the matter. You do, though. If my heart has chosen you as my Imzadi, then I accept that gladly. You don’t have to, though….” she said, a little fear niggling at her. “If you want me to leave you alone, I will.” Then she grinned a little more openly… she had to do something to lighten the mood, of SHE would be the one loosing it. She squeezed his hand slightly and added, “But I’d really rather stay and finish lunch. This food is wonderful!” (Reply Wolfe) (Posted by Connie) (USS Champlain - Theatre One - Dr Erskine - 1220) Erskine rushed into the theatre after the speeding gurney. “Get him on to the table.” He began to get on his surgical gown as the patient was transferred. He saw the anesthetist intubate and hook the patient up to the machine. “How is he doing.” “He’s holding but only just.” ~That’s good. Need to get those implants out fast~. “Computer, conduct a full cranial scan. Isolate any implantations.” He crossed looked at the scrub nurse who was already waiting. “I am going to do a craniotomy to get access to his implants. Get every thing you need.” He turned back to the screen as the information he had requested appeared. ~Okay, the main ones are here, here and here. Once they are out every thing should be okay~, He moved the sterilization screen over the patients head and turned it on. ~Okay, let’s get going~ He looked up at the scrub nurse who nodded. “Okay every one. Starting. Scalpel to me please.” There was a satisfying hum as he activated the laser scalpel and started. He cut down to the hairline above where the scans had showed the first implant was. “Toothed Forceps.” He picked up the scalp and cut it away until there was a small circle could be seen underneath. “Scalpel.” ~Better not go to deep with this cut~ He carefully cut a small circular hole in the scull. “Toothed forceps.” He slowly picked up the disk of bone that he had made and placed on a tray. “We will need it for later.” He looked back into the hole that he had made and saw the patient’s brain underneath. One of his surgical lectures had once told him the brain had the consistence of soft cheese. He always felt the desire to get some when he was working on the brain. “A soft retractor and a non-toothed forceps please.” And so it began. He slowly parted the brain matter ashen moved down towards where the implant was. He kept checking with the information on the console to make shore that he was not wandering. He suddenly felt some thing hard through his forceps. ~Looks like I have found it.~ He began methodically parting the brain matter from the implant. “Soft clamp.” He gripped the implant with the clamp and slowly pulled it out. He placed it on a try and handed it to the scrub nurse. “Better keep an eye on that. I’m shore Lieutenant Janeway will want to look at it.” The scrub nurse nodded gave it to his runner. Erskine looked at the anesthetist who was had down concentrating on the readouts and inserting medication and fluids. “How is he doing.” He got a thumbs up from the anesthetist. Which was good enough for him. He looked at the chronometer and saw that it had taken almost an hour just to one. He placed the bone disk back in its hole and healed the bone. He then ran a dermal regenerator over the scalpel wound. ~One down more to go~ With a quick pause he checked his orientation with the computer he started again. (Reply any) (Posted by Robbie) (USS Champlain - Deck 10 - Ten Forward - Ops -Ensign Smith - 1321) Robert sipped at his drink and looked at the small girl who was shoveling food beside him. "Hannah." The little face turned up to him. "You will make your self sick if you eat like that." "Won't." She turned back and carried on. Robert smiled to him self. ~Glad I'm only looking after her. Rather have her for a week then a fortnight~ "So Hannah what have you liked most?" The spoon paused half way to her mouth. "I liked the engine room ow and the hospital ow and the place where the little ships stay. The room with all the stars was good." Robert waited until the torrent of words had stopped. ~Dose she actually breathe when she talks~ On the planet he had promised her a tour of the ship. She had collected on his promise. He had also underestimated the energy this little girl had. "Is there any where else that you want to look at." She looked at him. "Where you work." She saw the uncertain look on his face. "Ow please Robert I'll be good. I'll stay out the way and be quiet as a teeny-weeny mouse. Please Robert please." ~Geez, she should be a... He looked sternly at her. "Okay but a very quiet mouse okay. If anything happens we will both be in trouble and your mother will not be very happy." ~Neither will the captain~ She nodded her head so much that he thought it would falloff. She then hopped off her seat and headed towards the door. Leaving her food discarded on the table. "Come on Robert." He smiled to him self as he followed her out. ~What have I gotten my self into~ (reply any) (posted by Robbie) (USS Champlain – Holodecks – Tac Chief Lt. JG T'Larah Sullivan and 3O Lt. Bree Frazier – 1400) T'Larah arrived at the holodecks. It had already been a long day, but there was still much left to do. She thought that she would be the first one there, but Bree was already there waiting for her. "I thought I was the early one. It seems your grade and positional promotions have made you a little more prompt," she said with a serious voice, but a toying grin. Bree grinned openly. “Well, your new grade and position doesn’t seem to have done any damage to your punctuality. You’re right on time… and congratulations, T‘Larah.” Bree had wanted all day to say that, but she just hadn’t had a good chance until now. Knowing of her friend’s private nature, she had been reluctant to say very much in a public place… but here, in the confines of the holodeck’s control room, she felt it was safe to express herself. More seriously, she added, “You deserve it.” "Thank you. At first, I thought that you didn't want your promotion… you left the rank sitting in the observation lounge… but I see you've found it. Change of heart?" Bree chuckled warmly. “This is the second time today I’ve been embarrassed about that… but don’t tell anybody, OK? I guess I was more shook up than I realized at the time…” “Did you get my message about my ideas for the simulation?" T’Larah said quickly, changing the subject. For some reason, she was very modest about her rapidly quick accomplishments. Bree smiled. She understood T’Larah’s reluctance to focus on herself, and so took no offense at her abrupt shift in direction. “Yeah… sounds good to me. In fact, I was thinking that a variation on one of my favorite sims on the streets of old New Orleans might serve the purpose. What do you think?” T'Larah thought for a moment, "Sure, as long as it's pre-warp New Orleans, and it is changed sufficiently that the language algorithms will have to work to translate." she said smiling, "Don't want to make it too easy." “Oh, no, heaven forbid! We can’t have that,” said Bree, returning T’Larah’s smile. ~ It is SO good to be working with her again like this… ~ “So… how about letting the fine folks of pre-warp N’walins’ speak Cajun French? Even Derrick would be hard put to understand that dialect. It’s as thick as molasses in January,” she said, merrily allowing a little of her own childhood accent to slip through. "How is language like a 19th century confectionary?" T’Larah asked quizzically. Bree laughed aloud, and then caught her breath. “It’s a colloquial simile common to the area, T’Larah. It’s about comparing unlike things based on a single similarity, to illustrate that similarity in a colorful and entertaining way. It’s a useful way to extend the capabilities of one’s language, and can introduce a subtle tint of humor into the conversation. Molasses is thick, especially in cold conditions. We consider dialect with an accent that is so distinct that it is difficult for most who are unfamiliar with it, even if they know the base language, to understand, to be “thick” with colloquialisms, specific expressions and speech patterns, etc. So, we call the accent ‘thick’… like molasses in January… knowing that the two are dissimilar, but enjoying the absurdity of the comparison.” With anyone else, Bree would not have even considered offering such an explanation. But she knew that T’Larah was seriously trying to study the finer points of human interaction, so she deserved a real answer. “Make sense?” she added, after she paused for a much-need breath. "Yes it does," T’Larah replied, then said, "We should get going… we do have a deadline right?" “Indeed,” Bree said, nodding. When it came to getting work done, T’Larah didn’t fool around… and Bree was ready. “Let’s do it. "We can start with your New Orleans program protocols, so we don't have to program everything, then we can mess with things like gravity," she said slightly amused. Bree chuckled softly, sharing openly the amusement that T’Larah preferred to keep in tighter check. “OK, I’m pulling up the program sequence now,” she said as she entered the command line for the base program. Suddenly, the open panel crackled, and then showered Bree and T’Larah with very bright, but apparently harmless sparks. ~ Good thing these uniforms are fire retardant, ~ T’Larah thought. Then all the lights on deck 11 went out. "Um… I think we have a problem," said T'Larah “No sh*t”, Bree mumbled as she jumped back from the crazed console. When the sparks died down in a second or two, she went back to it… it still worked, but she found that she could not get the program editor to function. As she tried a series of work-arounds, without success, she said to T’Larah, “Ah, what the hell do you think is happening here?” "First hypothesis would be, power overload, but what? Standard preventative maintenance would rule that out,” T’Larah said calmly. “Second hypothesis?” Bree replied shortly, still attempting to get into the programming editor, but finding even the most basic command line procedures ineffective, giving her no access to the LCARS for the editor. "Second hypothesis; a build up of neutrinos from the recent power transfer that was shunted to the secondary power conduits, resulting in a back flow and short circuit of the holodecks and corresponding power nodes, resulting in the black out conditions." T’Larah said, wishing she still had her palm beacon from the away mission, her eyes struggling to adjust. Bree sighed. “Shouldn’t engineering have taken care of that by now?” As T’Larah’s eyes adjusted, she took out her tricorder and began scanning to confirm her suspicions. She then replied to Bree, "Perhaps that is a job for our serendipitous new Third Officer… to investigate a possible problem in engineering, and ask why the maintenance isn't getting done?" At first, Bree thought that T’Larah was taking an unexpected jab at her… then she caught the twinkle in her Vulcan’s friend eye and smiled. “Yeah… I suppose…” Bree muttered under her breath. ~ What IS going on down there? ~ She tried once more to bring up the programming sequence… nothing. The existing programs still responded normally, but it was clear to her that until the problem was fixed, no new programs could be created. ~ Great! ~ Bree sighed again. “T’Larah, looks like we’re dead in the water. It may take a few days to fix this… I’d estimate about a week… we can’t create new sims until it’s done.” Bree then reported the power outage to Engineering, asked them to do a series of maintenance checks; informed her own department of the nature of the problem, so that they could begin reconstructing the programming editors as soon as Engineering had restored the hardware… then, reluctantly, told the Captain what had happened, hoping he would not be overly annoyed with the delay. (Reply any, none) (Posted by Todd and Connie) (USS Champlain - Theatre One - Dr Erskine - 1730) Erskine looked closely at the scans. He had gotten every bit of cybernetic implants out of his patients head. His back hurt for being hunched over and he had a massive craving for cheese on toast. The anesthetist had told him the patients vitals had stabled to a satisfactory level. He had pulled up the patient’s medical file and found that he was suffering from damage to his eyes. ~Okay then. The final slog~ He looked at the scrub nurse who had changed during the operation. “Okay while we have him here we should see about his eyes. Will you get the kit ready and well get started.” He watched as the scrub nurse issued her orders to the two runners as they went off to get the necessary kit for the job. While they were getting ready, he moved the sterilization screen over the patients face. ~Let’s see what’s happened here. ~ He pulled open the patient’s eyelids and had a careful look. “Hmm could have been a lot worse. It looks like the he has got flash blindness. The build up of scar tissue over his corneas are preventing him from seeing. We will have to remove the scar tissue first and see if there is any damage underneath.” He looked up at the scrub nurse to see if she was ready. ~Okay, let’s get this finished with~ "Okay starting. Skin hook re-tractors please." He retracted the eyelids back until he had total access to the eye ball. "Micro scalpel and non toothed forceps." He carefully began to peal the scar tissue from the cornea. ~Lets see what's underneath~ "The lens and iris are intact. The retina and the back of the eye look okay." He paused as he saw something. "It looks like the optical disk has taken some damage. Let’s go for that. Okay pass me the opticalre-generator." He fired the re-generator through the lens and on to the optic disk. When he had repaired it, he changed the setting on the optical re-generator and healed the damaged lens. ~Okay one down one to go~, He picked up the skin hook re-tractors and started on the other eye. (Reply any) (Posted by Robbie) (USS Champlain - Sickbay- Dr Erskine - 1905) Erskine had finally finished. He had seen the patient off the table and was now in recovery. He held the box of implants in one hand and a PADD with his operation report in the other. He put the PADD down and tapped his comm badge. "Dr Erskine to Lieutenant Janeway." (Reply Janeway) "Could you please come down to sickbay. I have matter about a patient which I need to discuss with you urgently." (Reply Janeway) ~Good now while I wait. Where is that cheese on toast~ Erskine turned and went on the hunt. (Reply Janeway, any) (Posted by Robbie) (USS Champlain - Sickbay - Dr Erskine - 1916) "There is a lovely place for him in the brig, once he is recovered enough. I will be sending security officers too watch over him night and day, while he is in sickbay. NOBODY is to see him or visit him. Am I understood? That is the captains wish as well as mine." “Not a problem Lieutenant. He will be out of it for a bit yet. The pain killers and anesthetics will see to that.” “ Then keep me updated on, Alexander's situation. I’ll expect you too call me once he has made a full recovery. I want to be present with his transfer from here to the brig" “You will be the first to know when he wakes up Lieutenant.” He watched as the lieutenant walked away. He walked over to the nurse at the nurse’s station. “No one goes into isolation room with out my say so understood.” His stomach grumbled again. “I’m heading to ten forward to grab a bit to eat. Call me if anything happens but I’ll only be a couple of moments.” ~Right lets get that cheese toasty~, He turned and headed quickly out the door. (Reply any) (Posted by Robbie) Day -5, Stardate 2407.03.08 ( USS Champlain - Private Quarters - ACEO Ensign (SG) Bird - 0238 ) " My God Ensign , what have you done ? By turning on that reactor, you've killed the captain and others ! You’re a murderer ! Killer , Killer . You've Killed Me " , the face of a Coridanite male shoved his into Paul's , and “You’ve Killed Me” it hissed . Paul suddenly woke from his vivid dream , with sweat matting his hair and a scream choking his throat . After taking a few gasps of air to calm himself down, he got up, crossed to hi refresher, and dabbed some water on his face. ~ By Khan's bad grace , what was that ~ . Feeling only slightly better , he crossed other to the replicator and ordered himself an 'Ummach' , a hot bitter/sweet drink his Grandpa had taught him to like . As he sat there , drink in hand , he thought about the dream and what it meant ~ let's not put this of any more , let's do it right now ~ . Putting down his drink and quickly getting dressed in his off duty clothes , Paul crossed over to his door and strode purposefully out of his quarters . ( USS Champlain - Main Sickbay- ACEO Ensign (SG) Bird - 0256 ) Paul entered the sickbay warily , as he realized that being as it was nearly AM ship-time , every one would be sleeping , but this would make no difference to the man he had come to see. Looking around the ward ,he saw the bed he was looking for and crossed over to it . A nurse had seen him enter and had started to cross over to him to ask what he thought he was doing here at this time in the morning , when she saw the look on his face and whose bed he was aiming at , and guessed correctly, who he was and decided to let it slide . Paul looked down at the unconscious man lying on the bed surrounded by a restraining force field , his face covered in his mask , Paul could only guess what professor D’Kla’s’turr looked like behind that thing. He stood there for a good while just looking at ,trying to emphasize with D’Kla , and understand what he was going through . After an age Paul finally plucked up the courage to speak to the man he had put here ," I'm sorry Professor ". Another long pause in witch he nearly just turned away , before guilt made him stay and say , " They say people in your condition can still hear what people say to them although they show no reaction, I hope this is true as , this is hard enough for me like this . I just wanted to say I was sorry , and I know that turning on the reactor as I did at that time was a grave mistake , but it was just my inexperience , and I promise to make it up to you by becoming a good officer , as well as doing your bidding when you come back .You may like to know that you saved the captain and the colonists by your actions , and you work , so again I'm in your debt . I don't know what else to say , just that I'll come back and apologies properly to your face when you're awake ." With that, Paul turned and strode out of sickbay back to his quarters , and he hoped a sleep with no more bad dreams . ( Reply None ) ( Posted By Paul ) (USS Champlain - Sickbay - CSO - Lieutenant d'Kla's'turr - 0258) Darkness and light. The world had exploded into darkness and light. The pain had long subsided... d'Kla now existed in a strange in-between place. It was strange, but it was comfortable. Only occasionally had his slumber been interrupted, mostly by the loud, uppity chief of operations, poking about in his brain and telling him things. They needed him back... they wanted him back... the captain wasn't dead, a relief but hardly the be all and end all of importance to him right now... for the present time, he felt more than comfortable where he was, nowhere. In his present state, in his present location, he only had to ruminate about his existence and he had a wonderful choice ahead of him, he could take or leave it if he pleased. The doctor's worth notwithstanding, he was damaged goods, damaged goods he knew he could will back into the real world or inter the netherworlds forever. Most beings didn't understand that ability, although d'Kla knew that the Vulcans did as did his people. Then, d'Kla heard a young man speak in his presence. He vaguely heard the voice and could barely make out the words... but he could hear the desperation. He could hear Bird. "I'm sorry Professor." A long pause "They say people in your condition can still hear what people say to them although they show no reaction, I hope this is true as , this is hard enough for me like this . I just wanted to say I was sorry, and I know that turning on the reactor as I did at that time was a grave mistake, but it was just my inexperience, and I promise to make it up to you by becoming a good officer, as well as doing your bidding when you come back. You may like to know that you saved the captain and the colonists by your actions, and you work, so again I'm in your debt . I don't know what else to say, just that I'll come back and apologies properly to your face when you're awake." Then, nothing. D’Kla only estimated that the young man had left, his piece said. Sometimes, choices can't be made based on what is comfortable or easy. Sometimes, they needed to be based on what was right, even if difficult, even if painful. Sometimes, it wasn't possible to make choices based on what we want but what other people need. Bird needed him to wake up. Bird needed not to carry that guilt for his entire life. In truth, d'Kla knew that this guilt wasn't worth it, he wasn't worth it. With that, d'Kla began to will himself into the task of waking up. (Reply none) (Posted by Jeff) (USS Champlain - Sickbay - CMO - Doctor Mor'rel - 0407) Mor'rel entered sickbay to check on his prize patient, the one that completely confused and stymied him. By all rights, d'Kla should have been awake days before. His injuries had been healed, the problems repaired. Everything was hooked up properly, his mask long since reattached, even the scar was faded. For some reason, beyond Mor'rel's understanding, d'Kla had not woken up. Had the Vulcan not had such keen control over his emotions, it would have created a great amount of frustration on his part. However, Mor'rel WAS a Vulcan and did behave as so. In the meantime, Mor'rel continued to run tests and not show his increasing frustration as to d'Kla's lack of response. When Mor'rel entered sickbay, he saw a collection of medical personnel around the Chief Science Officer's bed and advanced on them. It seemed he would have to shoo them away. He suppressed an almost human sigh as he opened his mouth to speak and then noticed, d'Kla's eyes were open. "You're awake," Mor'rel said softly at first. "Yessss, and I have work to do. Pleasssse get me out of here assss fassst asss possssilble Doctor," hissed d'Kla, albeit weakly. "I'll see what I can do," replied Mor'rel and then almost absently he tapped his comm badge and opened a general hail, despite the fact that it was scarcely 4 o'clock in the morning, "Doctor Mor'rel to all concerned. Professor d'Kla's'turr is awake and recovering. He will be alright." The last words caught in Mor'rel's throat, displaying a most uncharacteristic amount of emotion, despite himself. (Reply any, none) (Posted by Jeff) (USS Champlain - Sickbay - ACEO - Ensign Bird - 0731) Nervously , Paul entered the sickbay and crossed to the bed of Professor d'Kla's'turr , who was awake , as Paul new he would be as he had Dr Mor'rel's earlier announcement . " Hello Sir , you don't know me , but I'm ensign Bird , and it was my mistake that caused your injuries . Please accept my apologies, and my heartfelt promise to make it up to you , however you deem fit " . ( Reply d'Kla ) The professor's words were good to hear , but the guilt that was plaguing the young ensign still weld in him , like a knife to his soul . " I know that I am young and inexperienced , and that as well as the circumstances lead to my error , but I must carry the blame for this for no-one else but I is at fault . I don't know if you heard or remember but I came in the night and spoke to you of a promise to become the best I could be and never make a mistake like this again , and to also do your bidding until you deem this debt paid , I again make this promise to you " ( Reply d'Kla ) " Interesting , But Sir I don't make this promise easily , it is in full earnest and something that I must do " . ( Reply , d'Kla , any medical staff ) ( Posted By Paul ) (USS Champlain – Quarters – EO – Ensign (SG) James Hudson – 0745) James had woken with the happy feeling that he would be finally back at his job. Time had passed since his incident in sickbay, and his incarceration in his quarters was over - his recuperation aided by the lack of a cat to send him back over the edge. It was news to him that such creatures existed; he'd never seen one, nor did he know that he would react the way he did. He hadn't glanced over his records, and was blissfully unaware of the ruckus that had been instigated over his care - or lack thereof. Taking his cue from his alarm clock, he ate in silent thought, pondering what the day would bring; before heading to Engineering to see what the boss would want him to do today. (Reply any) (Posted by GC) (USS Champlain - Sickbay -EO/Ensign SG James Hudson - 0755) "Morning, sir, sorry to inconvenience you like this, but its protocol. I'm just going to run a few scans document the findings and then have the Doc OK it as calling you fit for duty, well unless we find something of course." he said with a joking smile. "This is a joke, Chief. The whole situation is a joke." Hudson replied. "Just get on with it - I really don't like sitting around doing nothing." >>(USS Champlain - Sickbay - EO/Ensign SG James Hudson - 0757) "The last thing we need is a blood sample to run a few quick lab tests on sir." James just proffered an arm in response. He had really had enough with all the medics. They already had these scans, all the information to hand. A Doctor's verbal order was fine for the EO, and so when it was given then he had no problem with getting off the coffi...- the biobed and leaving the god-forsaken room. "There you go sir, labs should be done in a few minutes then if everything checks out, well have you back on duty soon enough, if you need anything don't be afraid to ask either myself or one of our medics." "I was back on duty, chief. There’s no rhyme or reason for this: you already have days of tests on me, and the last tests were taken about 2 minutes before I left." A silent few minutes passed, with Hudson just tapping his feet against the side of the biobed. " Here you are sir, the Doc has cleared you for RTD status, and we have input the feline allergy into your record so your future commands will know, if you desire we can set you up with a prophylactic medication to prevent the anaphylaxis in the future." "No medications. Just give me medical orders to shoot any cats on sight." he winked at the Chief. "If that's what they are called?" (Reply Nate iyw) "OK, just a thumb print there and we can send you back to doing your job." "Honest to heaven, I was fine before all of these damn tests." He pressed his thumb into the PADD. "Thank-you. Finally I can get away from here." (USS Champlain – Engineering - EO/Ensign SG James Hudson - 0815) Hudson walked into the duty office in engineering, looking for the duty roster. "Come on, I'm on the list somewhere..." he said to the room, as he searched through the list displayed across the wall. “ Computer, display duty roster for "Hudson, J."." [...Working... Complete...] [Hudson, J. Ensign SG; Duty shift Charlie. 2130 hours to 0630 hours] =/\=Ensign Hudson, this is Lieutenant Frazier. I’m sorry, but I’m going to have to insist that you return to your quarters immediately until your case has been fully assessed, including a psychological evaluation. Please remain there until given further orders from me, Commander Mason, or Captain Wolfe. You will be contacted by a member of the counseling staff… please give them your full cooperation.=/\= "Ensign Frazier. I am afraid that I fail to see the need for a psych evaluation, though if I keep getting messed around like this, I will need a padded cell somewhere." he said, purposefully using her old rank. After all, he hadn't been awake when the promotion had been given. (Reply Frazier) >>(USS Champlain - Quarters - EO/Ensign SG James Hudson - 0820) Was there any reason in this? No. Once again, Hudson was imprisoned, this time through no action of his own. ~Perhaps being conscientious and checking the up to date duty roster was going to get him a formal reprimand this time. Who knew that ship-duty would be so non-common-sensical?~ Picking up the baseball on his desk, he sat with his back against the bulkhead opposite his door; throwing the ball against the wall and catching it again - a throwback to his academy days and his preparation for finals. "It concentrates the mind!" he'd told Nymes, back in the day. "It isn't helping you perform a great escape though," the trill had said, oblivious to the ancient film he had cited. ~Where is this counselor then...?~ (Reply any) (Posted by GC) (USS Champlain – COps office - 3O Lt. Bree Frazier - 0815) Bree sat in her office, frowning at the reports. ~What a way to start the day… ~ The situation in Engineering was chaotic enough. Now, there was… this. It seemed that there were several conflicting medical reports on Ensign Hudson… but that he had been released to duty, despite the fact that a full psych eval had been ordered before the situation was resolved. And besides, this was not even his shift! ~ Does ANYONE around here really know what they are doing? ~ She sighed, and tapped her com badge, opening one channel at a time. “Ensign Hudson, this is Lieutenant Frazier. I’m sorry, but I’m going to have to insist that you return to your quarters immediately until your case has been fully assessed, including a psychological evaluation. Please remain there until given further orders from me, Commander Mason, or Captain Wolfe. You will be contacted by a member of the counseling staff… please give them your full cooperation.” (Reply Hudson) “Lieutenant Frazier to Counselor Rhinehart. Please begin an assessment on Engineering Ensign James Hudson as soon as possible. He will be confined to his quarters until this has been completed, so if you choose to have him meet you in your office, let me know so that I can release him to you.” (Reply Rhinehart) “Third Officer Brianna Frazier to CPO Nathan Fuller. Mr. Fuller, I want you in my office… now!” As she waited for Fuller to respond, Bree took a few deep breaths and willed her temper to subside. (Reply Fuller) (Posted by Connie (USS Champlain - Sickbay - Chief Field Medic - SCPO Nathan A. Fuller - 0820) =^=Third Officer Brianna Frazier to CPO Nathan Fuller. Mr. Fuller, I want you in my office… now!=^= came Frazier's obviously angry voice. Nate tapped his comm badge, "Aye sir. I'm on my way." he responded and closed the channel. ~She's sure in a tiff about something.~ he mused and headed out the door. "Wellington, cover my patients while I'm gone? Thanks." he said and out the door. (Reply Wellington, none) (USS Champlain – COps office - Chief Field Medic Nathan A. Fuller - 0825) The door chime sounded as Nate approached the doors of the Lady Dragon's den. He waited for the call from inside to enter. He walked into the door taking precisely practiced 30-inch steps to approximately two feet directly in front of her desk and snapped to attention. "Senior Chief Petty Officer Fuller reporting as ordered, Sir.," he said. (Reply 3rd Officer) (Posted by Todd) NRPG: Well I can't field questions with out questions to answer. So, Connie, what does our new 3rd Mate have for me today? (USS Champlain – Ops Office – 3O Lt. Bree Frazier - 0822) As soon as Fuller replied and the channel closed, Bree regretted her tone. ~ GOT to get this temper under control… ~ in less than five minutes, he arrived, strode into her office in perfectly measured step, snapped to attention in front of her desk, and reported in crisply. Bree looked up at the handsome, capable silver-haired medic and suppressed a sigh, hoping she didn’t look as silly as she felt. It didn’t take much empathy to tell that he thought he was about to get dressed down. She rose, smiling wryly, and said, “At ease, Chief. Please, take a seat.” (Reply Fuller) “Listen, Chief, I’m, ah, sorry I snapped at you. I’m not upset with you… from what I’ve seen, you know your business. I am, however, pretty concerned about the situation is sickbay.” Bree paused briefly, and then continued, sitting back down so that she wouldn’t be towering over the SPCO. “In my experience, if you really want to know what’s going on, you talk to the folks who do the real work, on the ground. I’ve only been in Starfleet for a short while… but at the hotel I worked at in New York, if I really wanted to keep up with things, I learned to breeze right on past the offices and go find a good housekeeper to talk to.” Bree grinned a little, hoping this experienced enlisted man would not think she was an idiot. However, she was tempted to giggle at the mental image of this guy in an apron, with a feather duster… “So… what happened on this deal with Ensign Hudson?” She asked calmly and conversationally. (Reply Fuller) After Fuller explained the situation as he saw it, Bree nodded. “I see. Mr. Fuller, if you would be so kind, I’d like you to keep in touch with me as to what’s going on in sickbay… and if you have any more problems like this, please don’t hesitate to talk to me about it. I don’t want to stick my nose in where it doesn’t belong, but I do need to stay on top of things, so y’all can do your job in there. OK? (Reply Fuller) When her conversation with Fuller ended, Bree dismissed him with a respectful nod, and then sat back down at her desk. As she thought again about the value of the often-overlooked value of the ship’s enlisted personnel, she felt a sudden little stab of guilt. According to the personnel records she had checked through a couple of days ago, Chuss, the Klingon crewman in engineering, had ended up essentially pulling a double shift, right after the away mission. Bree had intended to speak to her earlier, but what with trying to get the blasted holodecks repaired and reprogrammed, it had slipped her mind. She glanced at her chronometer… 1835. ~ Probably just getting ready to go on shift… ~ Bree tapped her badge. “Crewman Chuss, this is 3O Brianna Frazier. I’d like to talk to you, at your earliest convenience. Please respond.” As she sat back to await Chuss’ response, it occurred to Bree that she had not taken the time to eat all day. ~ Hmmm… wonder if she’s hungry? ~ (Reply Chuss) (Posted by Connie) (USS Champlain - Ops Office - Chief Field Medic - SCPO Nathan A. Fuller - 0827) After he was called into the office that he believed she was ready to yell at him, and tell him how to do his job, she didn't look as angry as she sounded on the comm. Standing up she said with a smile, “At ease, Chief. Please, take a seat.” He quickly sat down in the offered seat as requested. ~All right lady, where is this going?~ He thought but kept his mouth shut. “Listen, Chief, I’m, ah, sorry I snapped at you. I’m not upset with you… from what I’ve seen, you know your business. I am, however, pretty concerned about the situation is sickbay.,” she said just before she sat down. ~She is attempting to build a more familiar bond by 'coming down to my level' so as not to intimidate me and make me feel like they are coming down on me,~ he thought to himself. ~Works on the newbies, I'm a little more seasoned then that though, just talk to me straight Lieutenant, that is all it takes to earn my respect.~ “In my experience, if you really want to know what’s going on, you talk to the folks who do the real work, on the ground. I’ve only been in Starfleet for a short while… but at the hotel I worked at in New York, if I really wanted to keep up with things, I learned to breeze right on past the offices and go find a good housekeeper to talk to.” ~So she thinks I'm a maid now? Why don't you just give me one of those little dresses and a feather duster and I'll get straight to work, Ma'am.~ “So… what happened on this deal with Ensign Hudson?” she said finally cutting to the chase. "Hudson, Hudson, oh, him." he said. "Ensign Hudson's chief complaint, originally was an anaphylactic reaction to a stray pet feline that, Lord knows how, made it to engineering." ~That's a smart kitty.~ "Funny thing is that that violent of an allergy wasn't listed in his medical file. Allergies usually develop overtime, as they get worse. In the off chance that he hadn't been exposed repeatedly and it quickly developed into full-blown anaphylaxis, he would have to be exposed at least once. Because anaphylaxis is just an extremely exaggerated immune response. The body takes steps to limit exposure. Those steps, caused by overproduction of histamine, constriction of the bronchioles or the air passageways in the lungs, itchy watery eyes, and runny nose. These cause difficulty breathing, the person takes short shallow breaths, their pulse elevates. In Mr. Hudson's case, the problem was compounded by fear and his breaths were so quick that his lungs didn't have time to exchange the oxygen with the carbon dioxide in the deeper parts of his lungs. This caused him to pass out, or go unconscious. Upon arrival to the scene, I administered an anti-histamine and cordrazine, per standard operating procedure. We put him on a stasis gurney, and I sent the two EMTs to take him directly to sickbay so the docs could take a look at him and ensure that my interventions were working," he reported. He has been referred to counseling, for the phobia issue, but that shouldn't keep him from working, the Doc and I considered the matter closed," he said. ~She can read this all on the report...~ “I see. Mr. Fuller, if you would be so kind, I’d like you to keep in touch with me as to what’s going on in sickbay… and if you have any more problems like this, please don’t hesitate to talk to me about it. I don’t want to stick my nose in where it doesn’t belong, but I do need to stay on top of things, so y’all can do your job in there. OK?" "Sure, sir, when it's prudent, I will let you know what you need to know, but I can't tell you his entire medical history, nor can I tell you things told to me in confidence, unless of course the with holding of such information would be a harm to the patient or others." he thought for a second, "Yes sir, I'll keep you as informed as I can." Once he was dismissed, he left the office and was on his way back to work. He decided today the medics and he would check the emergency life support shelters and their medical supplies for serviceability, he wanted them to be ready for the upcoming mission. (Reply none) (Posted by Todd) (USS Champlain – Personal Quarters – HELM Ensign Leesa Stanton - 1410) Stanton had managed to recover somewhat from the shock of the message from her father and had progressed from grief to anger to depression and back again. It might have been easier for her to deal with the tragedy had she been able to return to her duties but she was still suffering from the after affects of her injuries. She was still wearing a cranial monitor, which was helping to monitor, regulate and return her brain activity back to normal from the blow she had suffered. Unfortunately, she was still suffering from blurred vision and frequent headaches, which made it impossible for her to go back to work. She also knew that it was still affecting her thought process because she still found herself confused at times and would lose her train of thought at others. She had even gone so far as to go through and read the various after action reports put in by the different department heads and officers that had been on the away team. Some of the information had surprised her. Some of it had amused her and some had enraged her. She has of course seen the changes, promotions and the placement of responsibilities. For a long time she had looked closely at the new arrangement of the power structure here on the Champlain and no matter how much she tried to become angry, the only thing she felt was depression, defeat and worry. As much as she didn't want to give her father any credit, his message could not have come at a better time. There was no place for Leesa on the Champlain now and in fact, she knew that if she stayed it would only end badly. She knew that if she stayed she would only be driven out of Starfleet, probably after a court-martial. The one thing that she was sure of was that she would not let it end that way. She would not give anyone the satisfaction of seeing her being court-martialed and broken. She'd resign first. Leesa knew that once she returned to Terra and after her mother had... after her mother no longer needed her. Her father would do everything in his power to prevent her from returning to Starfleet. Failing that, he would see to it that she was posted with one of his friends within the fleet. There was Chambers, Neville or Hanard. All were die-hard Doenitz supporters and all were old friends of the family. Leesa knew she could not go back to that. Not after knowing what she knew now. Sitting down at her desk, she pulled up her personal finances and began pondering her next moves. When she'd been a girl, growing up it had often been her and her mother against her father. Demora had married Victor due to an arranged marriage and had never been happy. Once Leesa had become old enough to understand the reasons for her mothers unhappiness, she too had come to despise her father. Victor was from what many would call, old money. The Stantons had assets in almost every major industry in the Federation including extensive assets in shipping. Victor had grown up sure in his own superiority to the majority of the human race and acted as such. Arrogant and condescending, he had little patience for those who he felt were beneath him and that was nearly everyone. While Leesa had been in college, she’d spoken to her mother about a marriage that her father had been arranging for her upon graduation, and had told her of her desire to join Starfleet. Her mother had quietly and carefully diverted money into various accounts for Leesa as both had been sure that Victor would cut her off when he learned of her plans. Since joining Starfleet Leesa had not used the accounts, as she’d wanted to make her own way. Now though she knew that she would need that money to make her way back to Beta Quadrant after her mother was gone. After nearly an hour of work, she had made her decisions on what she was going to do with the various accounts. She’d been a little shocked by the amount of money her mother had set aside for her. Leesa estimated that she had roughly enough to buy her own starship if she really wanted to. After making plans to transfer a majority of the money to various other financial institutions that were cropping up in the Beta Quadrant, she left herself only enough in the accounts set up by her mother so that she would be able to escape. Her father was going to be in for a big surprise when he tried to prevent her from leaving again. Even if she had to come back as a civilian, she would do so. She was not going to be forced to live her life according to some blue print of her fathers devising and she certainly was not going live in a Doenitz run Federation. By the time she had shut off her workstation her head was pounding again and she could barely see two feet in front of her. She quickly dimmed the lights in her quarters and took a dose of the painkillers the doctors had prescribed. She knew that the little electronic tattletale on her forehead was already informing Medical of her increased pain levels and she absolutely did not want a visit from a doctor right now or to be returned to sickbay. At least in her own quarters she could sleep. (Reply: If anyone wants to jump in feel free.) (Posted By: Ken Thacker) (USS Champlain – Personal Quarters – ENG Crewman Chuss – 1836) =^=Crewman Chuss, this is 3O Brianna Frazier. I’d like to talk to you, at your earliest convenience. Please respond.=^= Chuss twisted, craning her neck over her shoulder. The vibrations from the sonic shower had distorted the sound from her COM badge, but she thought she recognized the name of the Ops chief who'd approached her a few days ago. “Computer, deactivate shower,” she said, stepping out of the cubicle. [Acknowledged.] She moved quickly through her austere, spartan quarters. The lines of her personal space were softer than those of many of her fellow Klingons, but the warrior's influence could still be detected here and there. While it sometimes suited Chuss to be seen as intimidating by her colleagues, the disproportionate battle lust that occasionally caused her concern about her mental fitness for duty was something she tried to keep private. It was one thing to inspire respect through an imposing bearing; it was quite another to be considering some of the things she routinely found herself musing upon. Chuss was as moved by the idea of the swift, hot, honorable evisceration of a mortal foe as the next person, but she had chosen to spend her career creating, repairing – not destroying. And, like any Klingon, she could plainly see that the prejudices and old grudges of past centuries had not completely evaporated, perhaps never would. Avoiding stereotypes was just one way of neutering those prejudices; making one's quarters resemble something other than an armory was just one way of going about it. Plucking the COM badge from the rough tablecloth, she tapped the activation plate with a fingernail. “Crewman Chuss here, sir,” she said, simply. (Reply Bree) (Posted by Noel) (Cargo Transport ship Traveler - Mr.& Mrs. Bird's Private Quarters – Unknown - 2255) Alma crossed back from the replicator with the hot cocoa, in her hands, sat down in front of her computer screen, and activated the message from her son, Paul. She had received the communiqué a little while earlier , but wanted to enjoy it at leisure . Her son's face came on the screen , and she noted that he looked a little peaky . " Hi , mum , It's me Paul , how is everybody ? All well, I hope .Well I've been on board my new ship for nearly two days now and it’s amazing I can tell you . Within an hour of arriving on board ship , I was sent on an away mission ! Exciting or what ? That’s why I haven't written before now . I can't tell you everything that happened but I can tell you that I don't know how I got through it . Due to a mistake I made early in the mission a fellow , officer was badly injured , please don't fret yourself as he is doing nicely , I think , any way I'm going to see him soon after I finish with this message . " The mention caused Alma to take an involuntary gasp , and she came close to spilling some of her drink . The message continued , " Later in the mission we saved loads of colonists , and I suppose this made up for it as , wait for it , I was promoted to Ensign SG , tell grandpa , its easy this life on-board ship , I don't know what he was on about . " with this a big grin broke out across Paul's face , and a matching on crossed his mother's , although she did shake her head as well . " Whilst we were on the mission we came across a race of crystal spiders called the Hamalki , natural engineers , who are mostly woman I think . There are few men and they are treated like ' royalty ' , sounds good to me , ha ha . Now I've made acquaintances amongst the crew and they've made feel at home , but I just naturally clicked with these spiders and their leader , who I call Prime , and I hear that a few of them may come on board as guests or some think . Anyway, that's about it for now , but I'll let you know how things go , bye mum and say I love you to all on board . " With that the transmission ended . Alma re-watched the message , before putting aside her drink and composing a return message " Dear Fluffball... ( Reply None ) ( Posted by Paul ) Day -4, Stardate 2407.03.09 (USS Champlain – Personal Quarters – HELM Ensign Leesa Stanton - 0615) Leesa had awoken at 0433, which would normally result in better irritation on her part, but the first thing that she’d noticed was a complete lack of pain. This was not to say that she still did not have a few aches and sore spots but the crushing headache was gone and her mind was completely clear. After a quick shower and the first decent meal she had eaten in some time, she felt almost human again. She spent almost an hour meditating, felt both refreshed, and centered for the first time in a long time. A chime from her terminal got her attention and when she read the notice, she was rather stunned. A supply shuttle had arrived for the Champlain carrying needed gear and a new crewmember. She was to leave on it immediately after it had completed its business to return to Geneva. Leesa was more than a little stunned as she had not expected to be able to leave for some time considering the Champlain’s mission profile and how far out they were from everything. Leesa didn’t waste time and immediately got to packing her belongings. Not that it took her long as she’d barely had time to settle in anyway. She tried to ignore her feelings, as they were more than a little confused at this point. She knew that she had gotten very lucky to even get this posting and now less than a week after getting it she was leaving it behind. Finishing her packing she went back and looked over her orders again to see who it was she needed to report to before her departure from the Champlain. (Reply: Any) (Posted By: Ken Thacker) (USS Champlain – 3rd Officers Office – HELM – Ensign Leesa Stanton and 3O Bree Frazier - 0622) Leesa arrived outside Lt. Frazier’s office in full uniform, with her orders under her arm. She was not looking forward to this interview and was hoping that it would be over with quickly. Reaching up she touched the announcement chime and waited. Bree had arrived at her office early… she was excited about meeting the new ACops. But she was a little nervous about meeting with Leesa. She had meant to speak to her sooner, but had not had the chance. ~ Sad… I didn’t really get to talk to her until she’s on her way out… ~ But she seemed eager to go, if her reporting in over a half an hour before the shuttle was even due to arrive was any indication. Bree wondered very much why she had done that… she had her orders, Bree knew it, there was no need for an interview. ~ Maybe she just wants to talk… ~ When the door chime sounded, she called out for Leesa to enter. As she did, decked out in full uniform with her orders at hand, Bree sensed her discomfort as well as being able to see it on her face. She stood and came around her desk, smiling warmly and genuinely, hoping to help put Leesa at ease. “Morning, Mr. Stanton,” Bree said. “You’re up early. Ready for your trip?” she inquired, gesturing towards a chair while ordering hot chicory coffee from the replicator. “Oh, and would you like anything?” Leesa shook her head at the offer of refreshments. “No thank you Lieutenant. As for my trip…not really, this whole…situation…presents me with a lot of problems and losing my mother is just one of them.” She shook her head not really wanting to go into details but she couldn’t just leave Frazier with no information at all either. “The likelihood is that once my mother is gone my…father is going to do everything in his power to keep me from coming back. He’s…I suppose unscrupulous would be the kindest word that I could use…and will stop at nothing to keep me under his thumb.” Bree listened as Leesa spoke, curling into a chair across from her, not with the desk between them, and sipped her coffee. ~ I was afraid of something like this… should have talked to her sooner… ~ After a second of contemplative silence, Bree said gently, “Yeah, I kinda got that impression. I’ve been there, at least a little. It’s not easy growing up with people who think they own you. At least mine didn’t have the bucks to come after me…” Bree didn’t know how much Leesa knew of her history, but it didn’t matter. All that mattered was to send this woman off as prepared as possible. “And Leesa, I’m not Lieutenant anything to you right now. That’s over for a while. I’m just Bree. Please?” Leesa noted Frazier sitting down and the position that she was taking. Taking the cue, she relaxed from a position of attention to that of at-ease. At Frazier’s request for a first name basis, she responded simply with, “As you wish Lieu- I mean Bree.” She paused for a moment considering the other woman’s words and then said, “Oh he owned me Bree, have no doubt about it. For years, I was nothing more than a showpiece. A doll to be dressed up and showed off at family functions, parties, meetings, you name it.” Stanton’s face took on a look of extreme distaste. “My wardrobe probably cost more than my yearly salary here in Starfleet. I went to the best private schools, ballet, classical music, and opera. I went to Harvard University, I actually made it on my own, and dear daddy didn’t have to buy a spot for me and what did I do? I majored in Literature just like he wanted me too. It was the respectable thing a woman of breeding would take, he told me.” Leesa’s eyes had gone cold as she remembered, “He was enraged when I refused to marry Percy like he wanted me to. He tried at least four times to have me expelled from the Academy after he learned I had gone there. Then he tried to get me assigned to a nice staff position at Star Fleet Command. He even talked to good old Uncle Rodrigo,” Leesa sneered at this point. “The only way I managed to get the posting I wanted was by moving fast, not giving him time to set up roadblocks in front of me.” She looked up at Frazier and flushed, not having meant to be so open. After a moment she said, “I’ll make it back out to the Beta Quadrant when…mother no longer needs me and I’ll be back to the 52nd. This time though I’m probably going to have to fight every step of the way. I think Daddy is going to have a rather rude shock when he finds out his little girl has grown fangs.” She shook her head, “Besides. I can’t stay there, not knowing what I know now.” Bree listened as Leesa spilled out her story. She knew the woman really hadn’t intended to say so much… but apparently, it had all been bottled up far too long. Bree knew well what it was to feel so alone. She nodded slowly, and then allowed herself a wry, but understanding smile. “Well, Leesa, some of the best of us are known for their fangs. Sometimes that’s just what it takes to keep the wolves at bay…” Bree shook her head in turn, and took a breath. It was her turn to come out into the open… she owed Leesa that much. Leesa, I know we haven’t been on the best of terms. I won’t lie to you, there have been a few times when I wondered whether you were really suited to be a Starfleet officer. But now that I know a little more about what’s really going on… I think I was wrong. I think the 52nd needs you as much as you want to be a part of it. If there is anything I can do… any strings I can pull, whatever it takes… you can count on me to do whatever I can to see that you get back in when this mess is over. Maybe not on the Champlain, but somewhere in the 52nd. You aren’t alone any more, Leesa. You’re one of MY people… and unless you change your mind and don’t want to come back, that isn’t going to change.” She took a sip of her coffee, then got back to Leesa’s last statement. “What do you mean, ‘knowing what you know now’? You mean about your Dad’s buddies hangin’ out with dear ol’ Doenitz?” Bree was truly starting to relax now, dropping her own Harvard accent and comfortably slipping back into her lazy native Southern idiom. Leesa snorted at Frazier’s comments and said, “Oh yes. I’m no longer daddy’s civilized little girl. If he only knew some of the things I’ve done…and I’m just getting started.” When Bree commented on her not thinking that Leesa was suited to be a Starfleet officer, Leesa actually laughed and said, “That’s funny because it was just two days ago I was thinking the same thing about you.” She winced after she said it. She really didn’t want to engage in a fight with Frazier at this point but it had just popped out. When Bree went on to ask about Doenitz she responded hoping the subject would change. She was thoughtful for a moment as she tried to come up with an answer that didn’t involve her exploring the outer limits of profanity. “Daddy truly believes he’s better than almost everyone else. He believes we Stantons…aristocratic and above and beyond mere commons, like you for example.” When Leesa said it, it was obvious she was ashamed, “He’d be ready to have a stroke right now if he knew I was talking with you like this. He would never understand that I’d rather talk with you, even with our…problems, than I would with any of those he considers proper equals.” Leesa shook her head, “When Doenitz started moving up within Starfleet Daddy got to know him. We have a lot of assets in various shipbuilding corporations so it was only natural that they’d end up meeting. Daddy was, enthralled with him. He thought he was the best thing to happen to the Federation since replicators!” Leesa sighed and said, “Needless to say he’s thrown his full support behind the man. It wasn’t till I was transferred to the Comm station and had lots of time to read and lots of…communications to…sneak peaks at that I found out more about that man than I ever wanted to. That’s when I found out what a monster Doenitz is.” Leesa looked down tears burning in her eyes, “And my father supports that…thing.” It was clear that she’d not used to word she wanted to. Finally looking back up she said, “Mother set some money aside for me in a number of hidden accounts. I might have to burn through quite a few credits but I’ll get back out here. One way or another. “I know you will,” Bree replied, her voice thick with answering tears of her own. She had laughed with Leesa, taking no offense at her frankness… but the story she told broke Bree’s heart. She knew the kind of people Leesa had been trapped with… many of her ‘clients’ had been from that world. They were caged people, hopelessly locked into prisons of their own making. But Bree had not been forced to live with them… she could get away, run free, when she had fulfilled her… obligations. All Leesa really wanted was to be free… to be a person, the person SHE wanted to be, not a cold, empty symbol of a world long gone. But there was nothing more Bree could say that would help much… she knew Leesa had to win her freedom on her own, or it would become valueless. After a few moments to allow herself, and Leesa, to collect themselves, Bree simply said, “Leesa, I want to go down to the transporter pad and meet the shuttle. Would you mind coming with me? I’m a little nervous… I could use some company.” Leesa was a bit surprised by the request, and by the way this whole conversation had gone. Despite the antipathy she had felt toward Bree, she felt more at ease talking with her than she’d ever felt with anyone else. She began to wonder if this were simply a situation where while they might be able to be friends, working together might not be a good idea. Perhaps they were simply too different or maybe they were just too much alike. Leesa nodded and said, “I’d like that Bree.” She hesitated for a moment feeling a bit shy but then saying, “Would you mind if I…stayed in touch with you?” Bree smiled. “I’ll be disappointed if you don’t, Leesa”, she said sincerely, standing as Leesa did. Once again, as she had after her sparring match with Jono, Bree felt she had found a new friend. The two women made surprisingly similar gestures as they straightened their uniforms, lifted their heads high, and left the office. They then proceeded toward the transporter pad in companionable silence, each with her own thoughts… but not alone. (Reply any, none) (Posted by Ken and Connie) (Supply Shuttle Ares - Temporary Quarters – ACops Ensign David Hawk - 0700) David stared into the mirror of his temporary quarters on the supply shuttle. He adjusted his red collar, letting his neck get a little air. It didn't matter that he'd been an Ensign (JG) for a month, it still looked odd each time he saw it. Hawk looked down at the PADD that held his orders. He had been reading up on the USS Champlain since he got his assignment and felt excited to get back out onto a ship. "In a couple minutes I'll be on a Galaxy-Class starship," David said to himself. Hawk shook his head, adjusted his collar again, and then walked over to his bunk. On it, he had his bag already packed. He grabbed his bag and put the PADD inside of it. ~Now all I need is the Captain of this shuttle to say its time for me to leave,~ David thought. ~Wonder what the Captain of the Champlain is like.~ =/\=Ensign Hawk, we're ready to beam you over to the Champlain,=/\= the shuttle Captain said over the communicator. David tapped his COM badge. "Thanks, Captain. I'll be right there." Hawk grabbed his bag and headed out the door. After walking the entire length of the shuttle, he made it to their transporter room. He walked through the door and saw the transporter operator standing at his post. "Just take your post, Sir," the operator said. David took position on the transporter and waited to de-materialize. ~Okay,~ Hawk thought. ~I'll get there and report in to the CO and then find the Chief of Ops and introduce myself.~ (Reply Captain Wolfe) (Posted by Brian Dusel) (USS Champlain - Bridge – CO Captain Edward Wolfe - 0700) Edward was tapping his fingers on his console and looked at the display monitors. They had detected the Ares coming towards them some time ago. Deep space missions often required deep space supply runs. In this case, they were still close enough to have a shuttle come out and transfer medical supplies aboard... medical supplies that had run seriously short as a result of d'Kla's repeated surgeries. "Sir, there is an Ensign onboard that is being transferred to our crew. His name is David Hawk and his stations are tactical and operations," stated the Ensign on the communications board. "I understand. For now, Ensign Hawk will take Ops, as Lieutenant Frazier is bound to be busy with other issues. However, make a note in his duty file that security and tactical can borrow him if necessary," stated Edward nodding. He then touched his comm badge, "Lieutenant Frazier, we have an Ensign Hawk coming on board, can you see that he gets properly taken care of before reporting to me. And 'help' Ensign Stanton and Ensign Hudson make her way to the Ares for departure." (Reply Frazier) (Posted by Jeff) (USS Champlain – Transporter Room – 3O Lt. Bree Frazier - 0702) Bree had already been waiting at the transporter pad for some time, saying her remarkably emotional goodbyes to Leesa, when her com badge chirped. Hudson had been brought in, accompanied by two security guards. As she had done for a week now, she ignored his insubordinate sputtering. ~ Doesn’t pay to argue with a crazy person…~ =^= Lieutenant Frazier, we have an Ensign Hawk coming on board, can you see that he gets properly taken care of before reporting to me. And 'help' Ensign Stanton and Ensign Hudson make her way to the Ares for departure.=^= Edward did not identify himself, but of course, she knew his voice… almost too well… “Already on it, Sir,” Bree replied simply. Then Janeway came rounding the corner into the room. Apparently, he wanted to oversee the personnel and supply transfers for himself. Considering the touchy security issues involved with this shuttle’s presence, Bree was glad to see him. She nodded a greeting as quietly came alongside her and Leesa, and then he gave the transporter chief tacit clearance to proceed. The medical supplies were beamed aboard first. Bree, Janeway and Leesa all worked together to clear the pad, Hudson still occasionally shooting off his mouth in the background. After about ten or fifteen minutes, finally, the new ACops materialized on the transporter pad. “Goodbye, Leesa, and good luck,” Bree said one final time as Stanton climbed onto one of the pads, and Hudson was… escorted onto another. Then she turned to the tall, longhaired young officer. She approached him, extending her hand. “Welcome aboard the Champlain, Ensign Hawk. I’m Lieutenant Brianna Frazier, Chief of Ops and Third Officer.” (Reply Hawk) After Hawk had introduced himself, Bree continued, smiling warmly, “I’m here to see that you get settled in, then introduce you to Captain Wolfe. Shall we get moving?” (Reply Hawk, any) (Posted by Connie) NRPG: Brian, remember that you posted your transport at around 0715… so you need to post your response for after that, not just after the timestamps on this series. I slowed it down for you as best I could, but it seems like the rest of the crew were a little overeager to get started… heh… (USS Champlain - Transporter Room 3 - Sec Chief, Lt. Jono Janeway - 0704) Jono had been alerted about the new crewmember arriving aboard the Champlain a few days previously. He knew that Lt. Frazier would probably be in the Transporter room to greet the new arrival. Especially since the young man was in her department. Jono had felt like it was his duty as Chief of Security also to be there. To make sure nothing went wrong with either Ensign Stanton's leaving of the crew OR the arrival of Ensign Hawk's arrival. He had come from the opposite side of the corridor from which Bree and Leesa had come from. As he had rounded the corner, he had noticed them walk in the Transporter room. Once he had arrived at the door, he had slipped into the room, silently. He made no motion to show the two women he was alongside them at that time but when the transporter chief looked too him, he nodded to the man and approved the transport of Ensign Hawk. Janeway looked at the transporter PADD as the Ensign de-materialized. He waited for someone to make the first move, after all, he was jus there to make sure the proceedings went to plan. (Reply Frazier, Hawk, Stanton) (Posted by Jono) Jono Bradley (USS Champlain – Transporter Room – ACops Ensign Hawk - 0715) Hawk arrived onboard surrounded by the light of the transporter effect. He instantly noticed a few officers standing there before him. “Welcome aboard the Champlain, Ensign Hawk," a woman said, as David stepped down off the transporter. "I’m Lieutenant Brianna Frazier, Chief of Ops and Third Officer.” "Looks like I'm working for you then, huh?” Hawk smiled letting everyone know he was making a joke. "I'm Ensign David Hawk, reporting for duty." After one of the women had entered the transporter and beamed off the ship, Lt. Frazier turned back to Hawk. “I’m here to see that you get settled in, then introduce you to Captain Wolfe," she stated. "Shall we get moving?” "That would be great, Sir," David said pulling his bag up on his shoulder. ~Just keep telling yourself that this is a good move, David,~ Hawk thought to himself. ~More respect and more responsibilities.~ (Reply Lt. Frazier, Lt. Janeway) (Posted by Brian Dusel) (USS Champlain – Transporter Room –3O Lt. Bree Frazier - 0717) After Bree greeted the new officer, he said, "looks like I'm working for you then, huh?” Then Hawk smiled as if he were making some kind of joke. ~ What’s so funny about that? ~ Bree thought, raising an eyebrow as he continued. "I'm Ensign David Hawk, reporting for duty." Bree smiled, albeit rather coolly. “Yes, Mr. Hawk, you will be working for me. I hope you continue to find that so amusing in the future”, she replied, feeling the same approaching annoyance nipping at her heels that she had when she first encountered Janeway’s cocky exuberance. ~ Well, he got it knocked out of him soon enough… wonder how long it will take for this one to get bucked off his high horse? ~ Bree thought a little sadly, as she remembered how only a week ago the young Lieutenant had paid a high price for his tendency to speak or act first and think later… if ever. As the two left the transporter room, Bree tapped her com badge. “Captain, Frazier here. I’ve collected Mr. Hawk. We’ll get him quartered than I’ll bring him to you… ETA about twenty minutes.” (Reply Wolfe) Bree glanced at her new assistant Chief, assessing him as they entered the turbolift to visit the quartermaster’s office. She looked him up and down, and then she spoke. “Ensign Hawk, I think you’ll find your duties here stimulating. The Ops department serves mostly as a coordination center for the other, more specialized departments on the ship. We’re Jacks-Of-All-Trades, but masters of one… seeing to it that all the other ‘masters’ can perform their ‘trades’ smoothly. I‘d suggest that in the next few days, you learn everything you can about the Champlain, top to bottom… and not just the hardware. Meet the crew. No matter how advanced the technology, it’s nothing without the sentient minds and hands that manage it.” She paused briefly, and then continued. “And… uh… one other thing, Mr. Hawk. I might as well tell you up right front that I have a very low tolerance for glory hounding. We are a team on this ship… no one is any more or less important than anyone else. I won't say that there are no heroes here, because we are ALL heroes, as far as I'm concerned. Nonetheless, no one individual… and I mean no one… is indispensable.” Bree smiled pleasantly all through her little speech, but she left no room for doubt as to whether SHE was joking… for she was not. (Reply Hawk) (Posted by Connie) (USS Champlain – Transporter Room – Ensign Hawk - 0718) Lt. Frazier told the Captain that she would take David to find quarters and then up to meet him. Hawk looked around taking in the Galaxy-Class starship. ~You can definitely tell this ship is much bigger than anything I've served on in the past,~ David thought to himself. Hawk listened closely to everything Frazier was saying. As his new supervisor, David didn't want to do anything to make a bad impression. “And… uh… one other thing, Mr. Hawk," Lt. Frazier continued. "I might as well tell you up right front that I have a very low tolerance for glory-hounding. We are a team on this ship… no one is any more or less important than anyone else. I won't say that there are no heroes here, because we are ALL heroes, as far as I'm concerned. Nonetheless, no one individual… and I mean no one… is indispensable.” "I understand, Sir," David said. "And believe me, I'm here to be a part of a team. I'm not here to be a hero, I'm here to work to better this ship, Starfleet and the Federation. I learned valuable information as an enlisted crewman and I think that knowledge will be invaluable as a young officer." Hawk kept pace with Lt. Frazier as they exited the turbolift and continued walking through the passageway. (Reply Lt. Frazier) (Posted by Brian Dusel) (USS Champlain – Transporter room – 3O Lt. Brianna Frazier - 0718) As Hawk materialized, Bree was surprised to see another woman, a lovely Orion in medical blue. ~ What’s she doing here? No one said anything about her… ~ considering the security issues already surrounding this shuttle’s very presence, Bree was concerned… but her quick empathetic reading of the woman seemed OK. She glanced meaningfully at Janeway, hoping he would sort it out while she greeted her new assistant Chief of Ops. Before she left the room with Hawk, however, she stopped, and turned to the woman as she stepped off the transporter pad. “I’m sorry, I was not told that you would be joining us, Ensign. Welcome aboard… perhaps Lieutenant Janeway here will take care of you. He’s our Chief of Security,” Bree said with a smile. (Reply Henna-star) When Bree was sure that the new officer would be taken care of, she continued to conduct Hawk on his way. (Reply any, none) (Posted by Connie) (USS Champlain – Transporter room – Sec Chief, Lt. Jono Janeway - 0719) Jono watched from the rear of the transporter room as two Ensigns beamed in. One of them Frazier spoke to almost immediately ~Ensign Hawk~ Jono thought to himself. As he and Bree spoke, his eyes lay on the female Orion who had beamed across. He turned to the transporter chief, "I have no records saying we were receiving two personnel?" He said quite confused. The chief shrugged, "That what my orders say and they're from the shuttle. They obviously knew" Jono nodded, it wasn’t the first time he had seen communications about personnel ravaged and not turns up. He shrugged and became a little concerned about having another spy onboard. Bree turned to Janeway and looked at him. He nodded and stepped forward just as Bree introduced him. “I’m sorry, I was not told that you would be joining us, Ensign. Welcome aboard… perhaps Lieutenant Janeway here will take care of you. He’s our Chief of Security,” Bree said with a smile. (Reply Henna) Jono nodded to Bree allowing her to leave with her new ensign. "Ensign Henna-star. Once again, I must express how sorry I am for not knowing of your arrival. I take it by your uniform you will be serving as our new Asst. Chief Medical Officer?" He asked the blue woman in front of him. (Reply Henna) (Posted by Jono) (USS Champlain – Transporter room –ACMO, Ensign JG Henna-star - 0720) As Lt. Frazier talked to Hawk, Henna stood still. ~What happens now surely they should know who I am~ Lt. Frazier turned to face Henna. Feeling uncomfortable under her gaze Henna tried to look elsewhere when the Lieutenant began to speak. “I’m sorry, I was not told that you would be joining us, Ensign. Welcome aboard… perhaps Lieutenant Janeway here will take care of you. He’s our Chief of Security,” Lt. Frazier said to her. She then smiled which suggested to Henna that this was some inside joke. “Thank you, Sir. It’s ok about the…mix up, I’m sure it happens all the time.” She replied politely to her. With that, the Lieutenant turned to Hawk and they walked out the Transporter room, together, leaving Henna with Lt. Janeway. Lt. Janeway turned his head to look at Henna. She felt his eyes piercing into her to see if he could find out what she was thinking. ~What am I doing still standing here? Why did no one know I was coming?~ she thought to herself. He opened his mouth as if to say something important so she snapped out her train of thought to listen to him. "Ensign Henna-star. Once again, I must express how sorry I am for not knowing of your arrival. I take it by your uniform you will be serving as our new Asst. Chief Medical Officer?" She studied the man before her more carefully. He seemed truly sorry about the whole situation. “Indeed, yes I am the new assistant. Chief Medical Officer and I are looking forward to starting work.” (Reply Janeway?) (Posted by Becky) (USS Champlain – Turbolift – 30 Lt. Brianna Frazier - 0720) Bree warmed up a little more as the young officer spoke. She chuckled. “Oh, you’ll likely get your chance to be a hero, right along with the rest of us… but believe me, it’s not always all it’s cracked up to be! Anyway, I do know well how valuable enlisted experience is. I have an enlisted medic on board, Chief Field Medic Nathan Fuller, who I trust as much or more than some of the docs. And I agree, enlisted experience can make for a better officer… and it’ll be kinda nice to work with someone who’s not a kid, who’s been around a little…” she added, almost as much to herself as to Hawk. It didn’t take long to get Mr. Hawk logged in with the quartermaster, and since he had not brought much gear, he soon found his quarters and dropped off his duffle. As the two headed for the Bridge at about 0735, Bree tapped her badge again. “Captain, this is Frazier. Ensign Hawk and I are on our way now… where do you want us to meet you?” (Reply Wolfe, Hawk, any) (Posted by Connie) (USS Champlain – Transporter room – Sec Chief, Lt. Jono Janeway - 0723) “Indeed, yes I am the new Asst. Chief Medical Officer and I am looking forward to starting work.” The ensign quickly said. Jono smiled slightly, "I'm sure you are." He said. "Maybe we should get you settled in first? Then you will need to report to the Captain." He said more professionally. "Shall we find you some quarters?" (Reply Henna) "Well then. Follow me." He walked out of the transporter room and quickly led the young ensign down the corridor into a small room with a few computer terminals. "Computer, Bring up crew quarter listings please." He said out-loud. "I'm going to see if you've been assigned any quarters. Since we weren't expecting you, I highly doubt you have. If not. I can do that now." He said smiling, He wasn’t trying to be over friendly. But he didn't want to scare the Ensign. (Reply Henna IYW) As he trailed through the names on the computer he looked up and said, "Is this your first time on a Galaxy Class?" (Reply Henna) "What do you think... So far I mean?" He asked her quickly. (Reply Henna) ~Hamm~ "Well it seems you don't have any quarters assigned. Let me assign you some." Janeway said quickly. ~I wonder what will happen to her bags since her quarters haven't been assigned yet. Better get too it and sharpies too.~ He brought up the Champlain's ship schematics and began looking for somewhere to place her. ~Junior Officer's quarters, Deck 3~ He thought to himself. He brought the layout of that deck up onto the main viewer. He noticed several rooms free. He assigned her to one of them and then quickly stored the Champlain's deck plan on a PADD. "Ensign. I have assigned you to some quarters on Deck 3. I would take you to them now, however I deem it necessary to pass you over to the Captain. For your help I have provided the Champlain's deck plan on this data PADD for you. I have also highlighted your quarters. I hope this is some use for you," He said handing her the PADD. (Reply Henna) He quickly tapped his comm. badge, "Lt. Janeway to Captain Wolfe, Sir." (Reply Wolfe) "I have an Ensign Henna-star with me. She would like to report for duty to you, Sir. Where would be suitable for her to meet with you?" Janeway asked. He quickly wondered whether Wolfe would yet know of the Orion Ensign standing in front of him. He smiled at her and nodded. (Reply Wolfe) (Posted by Jono) (USS Champlain – Transporter room – ACMO, Ensign JG Henna-star - 0724) Henna fidgeted slightly while trying to listen to the lieutenant. He made her feel uncomfortable to be left alone with him. Lt. Janeway started to talk "I'm sure you are. Maybe we should get you settled in first? Then you will need to report to the Captain. Shall we find you some quarters?" He stared at her waiting for a reply. “Of course. I would love to get settled in.” She replied to him politely. ~I hope it’s not far. I really need a sit down~ She thought to herself. "Well then. Follow me." He said as he quickly turned around and flew down a corridor. Leaving Henna behind in his tracks, she ran to keep up with his pace. He turned and walked straight into a room with computer terminals in. She walked in a few seconds later to hear the lieutenant say "Computer, Bring up crew quarter listings please." He said aloud to the computer. Then with a swift movement of his head, he turned to face her, "I'm going to see if you've been assigned any quarters. Since we weren't expecting you, I highly doubt you have. If not. I can do that now." He said smile at her as if you reassure that everything was going to ok. He turned back round to look at the names on the computer. Then like before he looked up to her and said, "Is this your first time on a Galaxy Class?" “Yes, Sir, it is.” She reply politely back to him. "What do you think... So far I mean?" He said really quickly as if he really wanted her opinion. ~How do I know whether I like something or not when I haven’t done anything yet~, she thought to herself but didn’t think it was professional to say so. “It’s been an interesting journey, so far.” She added. Not looking like he was listening to her he continued with his task, turned to look at her, and said, "Well it seems you don't have any quarters assigned. Let me assign you some." Janeway said quickly. He went back to looking on the computer. He then brought up a layout of what looked like the ship they were on. He took out a PADD and quickly stored something on to it, and then he turned to face Henna. "Ensign.” He said to her “I have assigned you to some quarters on Deck 3. I would take you to them now; however, I deem it necessary to pass you over to the Captain. For your help I have provided the Champlain's Deck plan on this data PADD for you. I have also highlighted your quarters. I hope this is some use for you" He said this whilst holding out the PADD in front of him. “Thank you Sir.” As she took the PADD from him. He quickly tapped his comm. Badge and said, "Lt. Janeway to Captain Wolfe, Sir." She stood staring at Lt. Janeway waiting for him to tell her where she should be going. "I have an Ensign Henna-star with me. She would like to report for duty to you, Sir. Where would be suitable for her to meet with you?" He looked at her while he spook then he smiled at her and nodded his head in her direction. (Reply Janeway, Wolfe) (Posted by Becky) Day -1, Stardate 2407.03.12 (USS Champlain, Sec Chiefs Office - Security Chief, Lt. Jono Janeway - 0900) Jono had woken up bright and early that morning, he had allowed himself time to get dressed and washed thoroughly. Once he was in full uniform, he had marched down to his office to begin the morning’s proceedings. He assigned his department's officers to where they should be for the day. Sorted through his office and stood up to go for a stroll around the ship, Make sure everything was ok. As he reached the door of his office, the console on his desk began bleeping. ~Now what?~ He thought to himself. He sat himself back down in front of the console and opened up the message, which had just come through. It was addressed, 'Jonathan Janeway, USS Champlain: Forwarded by Geneva.' Jono blinked and read the subject line once over and then opened the message, He instantly wished he hadn't as when he did 'HAPPY BIRTHDAY' popped up on the screen in big red and gold letters. ~Birthday, Surely not? Not for another month.. ~ He thought to himself. He quickly went over through the months and almost hit himself for forgetting his own birthday. Mind you, it wasn’t like anybody else was going to know that it was. He re-looked at the message and found that there was more to the message than just 'HAPPY BIRTHDAY'. He scrolled down the document to read, 'Dear Jonathan, This message is just a small note to wish you a HAPPY BIRTHDAY from all your friends and family back on Earth. We hope you are OK and that we hear from you soon. Your mother wanted us to remind you that we all love you and to make sure you don't go out and go anything reckless, OK? We hear you've been promoted to Lieutenant. Good for you, I always knew you had what Starfleet needed. Love DAD' Jono continued to scroll down to find that there in fact was actually more than just a message from his father. 'Jono! Hope all is going well with you at the moment. My business is booming and everyone is loving my new recipes (Find some of them attached to this message, Maybe you can introduce some of your starship friends to fine cuisine), Mum's still in space.. We haven't heard from her in over a week. But that is nothing compared to your silence my brother.. How long has it been? Obviously too long. Ian turned up a few weeks ago, dropped out. Not the thing for him, He's gone back to his old job at the engineering clinic and has become a Head engineer there. But DAD says you’re a Lieutenant now on a Galaxy Class, Maybe you could bring it by sometime? Let me have a ride. NO only joking, I hope the good fight goes well. Talk to you soon, Christy' Jono actually found himself smiling after reading the messages left for him by his Sister and Dad. He shrugged it of, He knew 28.. He knew it wouldn't feel any different than 27, but still another year older.. Maybe it would make him a little wiser? Well one could hope. He smiled and closed the letter down and saved it. He would contact them later on in the day, say thanks to them. Though now, He was going for a walk. He walked to the door and as he walked through it, he thought ~Happy Birthday, Jono~ He smirked slightly and continued on. (Reply any that want to wish Janeway Happy Birthday, None needed though) (Posted by Jono) Day 1, Stardate 2407.03.13 (USS Champlain – Corridor outside Engineering – EO Ensign (SG) James Hudson – 0745) "Hey, Jimmy!" The voice was welcome relief for the young engineer, the lack of sound in his last few days was thankfully over, as the Duty Chief of the Night shift caught up with the EO. "What kept you from our Velocity game? I'm sorry, but comatose or not, you forfeit, sir.," the chief laughed. "Well, I'll see if I can get a sick note, or something." =/\=Sickbay to Ensign Hudson. Sorry to bug you Sir, their seems to be a little problem with your discharge paper work.=/\= "Always is a problem," he said, shaking his head in disbelief, before tapping his COM badge to open the channel.” Understood, Sickbay. Whom am I talking to?" (Reply Nate) "That’s fine, on my way. Hudson out." James turned to the Chief. "Seems that duty will never call at the moment... anyway, I'll see you on the court." (Reply Nate) (USS Champlain - Sickbay - EO ENS/SG James Hudson - 0755) "Right, where’s this paperwork then?" he asked the room. (Reply any) (Posted by GC) (USS Champlain - Sick Bay - Chief Field Medic - SCPO Nathan A. Fuller - 0750) Nate started his shift a little earlier then required he liked to check with the off coming shift before he assumed responsibility for the new. He sipped his Kona blend of coffee, enjoying the taste. ~It's nice to try something new every once in a while.~ He began to look over the reports. Checking those over the last couple of days. It was boring but he wanted to make sure that everything was good before the CMO or even one of the MDs saw it. Then he found something that troubled him. He checked the signature on the electronic form. ~one of the rookies, figures,~ he thought to himself. "Jones, come here for a second will you?" he said staying formal but letting a little of the annoyance slip into his voice. "Yes, Chief?" he said a little fearful. The man snapped to parade rest, his arms tightly folded behind his waist. Nate took a sip of his coffee, some how between this and the last sip it lost its flavor, and he set it down. "You saw to this patient right?" he asked already knowing the answer. "Y... yes Chief, I did...,” he said hastily and stuttering a little, he was nervous as he didn't know where this line of questioning was going. "Are you a Doctor, Crewman?" he asked. "No Chief." the kid said muted. "How bout a medical officer? Are you one of those?" Nate asked building tension. "No Chief." he said, face with a steely look, it seemed that he knew where this line of questioning was going now. "So being as those are the only two people, who can discharge a patient, then why is your signature the last one on this form?" he said culminating the line of questioning. Obviously taken by surprise, "I, I don't know Chief, I think that the Doc ordered it but I never got the PADD to him.." he said panicked but slightly muted. "Well you talk to the young Ensign in question, you get your body over there and talk to the doc and I don't know get him to back date the order, or something. Clear?" "Crystal, Chief am I going to be punished?" he asked as he swallowed hard. "We'll see, I'll probably just put a little something in your counseling file, unless I can't get a hold of one," he paused and looked at the PADD, "Ensign Hudson." The young man scampered off to speak to the physician. ~Hudson, that was the allergy that was in bio bed four...~ he thought wearily. "Sickbay to Ensign Hudson." he said activating the sickbay's comm unit by voice. ~Here goes nothing.~ (Reply Ensign Hudson) "Sorry to bug you Sir, there seems to be a little problem with your discharge paper work." (Reply Hudson) "Well it seems we let you go with out an MD's OK. We may need to have you come in to finish it up, Sir.," he said. (Reply Hudson) (Posted by Todd) (USS Champlain - Sick Bay - Chief Field Medic - SCPO Nathan A. Fuller - 0751) =^= Understood, Sickbay. Whom am I talking to?=^= came Hudson's voice. "This is Senior Chief Petty Officer Fuller, it seems we let you go with out an Md's OK. We may need to have you come in to finish it up, Sir.," he said in a professional tone. =^=That's fine, on my way. Hudson out.=^= came the voice again and the channel closed. Nate looked at the crewman, "When Ensign Hudson comes in, I want you to come get me, then I'll talk to him get a few readings and we will give that to the Doc, and hopefully we will send him on his way." he said. "Aye chief," he said. A few minutes later Ensign Hudson indeed walked into sickbay and inquired about the paperwork. The young crewman came and informed Chief Fuller. Walking across sickbay to meet him. "Morning, sir, sorry to inconvenience you like this, but its protocol. I'm just going to run a few scans document the findings and then have the Doc OK it as calling you fit for duty, well unless we find something of course." he said with a joking smile. (Reply Hudson) Nate began his scan using the hand sensor of the tricorder to take precise readings of his thoracic region. Vital sign readings and other medical information ran across the little screen on his tricorder. "The last thing we need is a blood sample to run a few quick lab tests on sir." (Reply Hudson, room for more) Nate took out a small device and took a small 0.3 ml sample. "There you go sir, labs should be done in a few minutes then if everything checks out, well have you back on duty soon enough, if you need anything don't be afraid to ask either myself or one of our medics." (Reply Hudson) Nate finished his conversation with Ensign Hudson and then went about his work and the time drudged by, when the results were complete a small one tone alarm went of indicating that they were done. Nate finished the report with the information and brought it to the Doc. "Here you are Sir, the information on Hudson.," he said. When the Doc cleared him, Nate took the now signed form and brought it over to Hudson. " Here you are sir, the Doc has cleared you for RTD status, and we have input the feline allergy into your record so your future commands will know, if you desire we can set you up with a prophylactic medication to prevent the anaphylaxis in the future." (Reply Hudson) "OK, just a thumb print there and we can send you back to doing your job." (Reply Hudson) (Posted by Todd) (USS Champlain – Main Engineering – ACEO Ensign Gabe Suvik-Bertorelli – 0900) Gabe walked form the turbolift t find engineering as it should be. Chuss had clocked off not too long ago. It was then he saw a little blue person sitting on the primary display console, seemingly u-noticed by any of the engineering staff on duty. There, sitting in the centre of the engineering console, was a very podgy, male Bolian child. No more than 4 human years old, the child was large for its size. Gabriele approached with caution, not wanting to frighten him. Unaware of Gabe’s presence, the boy pressed his fat fingers against the console display. The resulting beeps made the child giggle and made the child press the buttons with more gusto. [To access the primary environmental system please enter the necessary command code to unlock this console] The child laughed when he heard the computer and Gabe knew it was time to intervene. “Hello,” he said in Bolian. The child most likely spoke Federation Standard but Gabe needed only the flimsiest excuse to flex his language ‘muscles’. It didn’t really matter; the Universal Translator would translate as necessary. The child looked around and up at Gabe. His grin was wide and his eyes bright with innocent mischief. “The funny voice,” said the child in Bolian. “That’s the computer. You shouldn’t be down here, you know? What’s your name?” “Trix Ipliks.” “I am Gabriele Suvik-Bertorelli. You need to get off that console, Trix.” The child shuffled along to the edge of the console and beeps issued from it, much to the annoyance of the computer it seemed. [Warning: A failure to input an authorized command code will initiate security counter-measures.] Trix laughed again and dangled his legs over the side of the console. “Help down please,” he said. Gabe did as he was asked and put the child on the floor. “Now, you just wait there. I need to check this console.” Gabe went to work making sure Trix hadn’t set off any security sensors or done anything potentially dangerous. “Trix, where is your mother or father, or you co-mothered or co-father?” Gabe knew Bolians and he knew that their relationships often were made up of three people, sometimes mixed gender and sometimes single gender. He couldn’t imagine what such a relationship was like but it worked for Bolian society and that’s what counted. “Trix, I asked where - ” The child was rounding a bulkhead and moving toward the turbolift he had just come from. Gabe secured the consol and ran after the child but, despite being overweight, Trix had managed to sprint on his little legs to the turbolift. What Gabe saw was the little child standing in the lift petting a cat. A cat of all things! The child saw Gabe, grinned and waved just as both of the doors closed. It was too late; the lift had gone before he could press the call button. He tapped his COM badge. “Suvik-Bertorelli to Security.” (Reply anyone is Security) “I have just had a Bolian child in engineering. He couldn’t be anymore than four or five standard Terran years. His name is Trix Ipliks. I am uncertain as to whether he lives on the Champlain or he is from Ivor Prime.” (Reply anyone is Security) “He left Engineering by the main turboshaft. And he had a cat with him. Please let me know if you find him.” (Reply anyone in Security) “Right. Thank you. Suvik-Bertorelli out.” Knowing that Security would handle the situation but still interested in how the child got to a restricted area like Engineering, he tapped his comm. badge again. “Suvik-Bertorelli to Crewman Chuss.” (Reply Chuss) “Sorry to bother you. I understand you were on the night shift. You didn’t happen to see a Bolian child or a cat down here during you shift, did you?” (Reply Chuss) (Reply Chuss / Security) (Posted by Matt) (USS Champlain – Outside Counselor Rhinehart’s office – ACEO Ensign Gabe Suvik-Bertorelli – 1100) Gabriele pushed the comm. panel and waited for an invite to enter. The doors swished open and Gabriele walked in, feeling slightly uncomfortable. The last session he had did not go well and he feared that this one may go the same way. (Reply Rhinehart) “Thanks,” said Gabe as he sat in a plush arm chair; the sumptuous, comfy kind that would seem out of place on any other starship but the Galaxy class. (Reply Rhinehart) Gabe wasn’t sure where to start so he took a couple of deep breaths while he sorted his thoughts. He was aware that the Counsellor was looking at him in that intense way that only a counsellor could. “I guess I’ll start with Ivor Prime, specifically T’Larah Sullivan.” (Reply Rhinehart) (Posted by Matt) (USS Champlain – Counsellor's office – COUNS Ensign (SG) Olen Rhinehart – 1102) Rhinehart blew the steam off the top of yet another cup of tea and sipped, engrossed in the reports that spooled up his terminal screen. So much so, in fact, that he almost missed the blinking alert in the corner of the panel, reminding him that the time for Ensign Suvik-Bertorelli's second session was approaching. At almost the same instant that the blink caught his eye, his door chime sang out. “Come in,” he called. Gabe entered, his posture held rigid. Was it Ivor Prime, he wondered, or their previous session that was bothering him? He'd said he didn't like counselors, Rhinehart recalled. Swiftly, he powered his terminal down, leaving a blank, black screen, then turned to smile at Gabe. He stood up. “Good morning, Mr. Suvik-Bertorelli,” he said. “Please, have a seat.” He indicated an armchair close to his desk, and waited until Gabe was seated before re-taking his own chair. “Thanks,” the Vulcan replied. Rhinehart paused a moment, allowing Gabe a second to relax, then he took up his PADD and accessed his notes. “Last time we talked like this, Gabe,” he said, “you seemed to be harboring some deep resentment toward the Borg. That was where we left off. Where would you like to pick it up today?” “I guess I’ll start with Ivor Prime,” replied Gabe, “specifically T’Larah Sullivan.” Rhinehart hoped his momentary surprise didn't show on his face. He'd anticipated another angry outburst, or a further exploration of Gabe's feelings towards the Collective. What he hadn't expected to hear was Lt Sullivan's name mentioned. “I guess Ivor Prime surprised us all, Gabe,” he said. “Why don't we start with the mission itself? How do you think it went overall? How do you feel YOU performed?” He put the PADD to one side, and settled back in his chair to listen. (Reply Gabe – room for more) “Okay,” said Rhinehart, nodding. “Now let's talk about Lt Sullivan. Are you having problems working with her?” (Reply Gabe) (Posted by Noel) (USS Champlain - Jeffrey's Tube near main engineering - ACEO Ensign Bird - 1246 ) Paul felt quite comfortable lying in the enclosed Jeffrey tube , with an open panel of the environmental controls in front of him . He felt at home as he slow scanned each isolinear chip for any glitches , ~ its certainly no away mission strewn with possible disaster and every corner , mess up here and deck seven get a few degrees warmer ~ . Paul had kind of enjoyed the away mission , but he had also liked the routine job he had done in the last week , although this job was starting to annoy him . It had started just over an hour ago , when he had run a routine level 4 diagnostic of the environmental systems , and the computer had found an anomaly . Paul had then run a level 3 diagnostic which had come up clean , and when he ran a second level 4 , that had also come up clean , but on a hunch he had run a third level 4 diagnostic , and again the computer had found an anomaly , which Paul had managed to track down to the panel he was now in front of , only he had already checked it once and found nothing wrong . Paul had nearly finished his second run at the chips when he found the problem with one of the chips . ~ That's odd , it was perfectly OK a moment ago , gremlins I suppose ~ , he chuckled to himself at the thought of the mischievous creatures his grandfather had told him about , as he changed the chip with one of the spares, he had with him . After scanning the last few chips , he replaced the panel cover and slid out of the confining tube . >>( USS Champlain -Main Engineering - ACEO Ensign Bird - 1321 ) Paul crossed to work terminal and ran a several level 3 and 4 diagnostics and the system he had just worked on , which all showed that everything was running fine . He then ran his tricorder over the faulty chip, " Khan's unholy beard ! " Realizing that he had cursed aloud , Paul looked around him and then let out a sigh of relief that no one had heard him . His curse had been at the fact that his readings had shown that the isolinear chip was in perfect condition , although mere minutes ago it had shown as faulty . This was too much for Paul , and so crossed Engineering to where Lieutenant Dealer was working . " Excuse me Sir , but we have a problem that I think you should know about " , he then quick explained what and how he had found , " Sir , this could be a one of or the whole ship could have faulty chips , which may seem okay unless caught at the right moment . " ( Reply Dealer ) " Yes Sir , I agree that maybe the case " ( Reply Dealer , Any concerned ) ( Posted By Paul ) (USS Champlain - Bridge – Sec CPO Kohlass - 1255) Kohlass had pulled bridge duty. In normal circumstances, as least as the humans counted normality, the presence of a security guard was not considered necessary on the Bridge… but in time of war, they followed what would have been for his own people everyday protocol, and kept at least one guard on the bridge at all times. It was not his favorite posting, but it did have some advantages… at least he would be there if anything interesting happened. However, for the last week, nothing particularly interesting had happened. At first, after the stress and confusion of the mission the week before, Kohlass had been grateful for that… and it was good that none of his charges had been put at risk. But now, with his shoulder fully healed, Kohlass was growing a bit restless. Soon, however, Kohlass’s sharp ears pricked up as the woman operating the sensor array spoke to the Captain. Seemed she had picked up something that could not possibly exist. Kohlass, however, was experienced enough to know that the only really impossible thing out here was NOT to run across the impossible. When Wolfe’s jaw dropped and he called up his senior staff, Kohlass suppressed a smile… then he continued to watch and listen quietly from his post as the situation developed. (Reply none, any) (Posted by Connie) (USS Champlain - Security/Tactical Office - Lieutenant JG T'Larah Sullivan - 1300) T'Larah sat in her half of the office catching up on the paper work she had generated with all the work she had accomplished over the week. The Holodeck being down made it so they couldn't get the simulations the Captain wanted up and running. Frustrated she buried herself into her work. She had the Tactical crews running drills every other day on every shift to prepare for the, she thought, eventual return of the USS Wyvern. She had some theories about how to improve their output or response time. When they were ready, she would turn them in to the CO for approval. She even got some time in the holodeck, and ran an existing program on one crew fighting craft, in case it is needed. She felt prepared. =^=Senior bridge staff, please take your stations,=^= came the Captain's voice. ~Just in time.~ she thought wryly. She exited and proceeded straight to the bridge. (Reply any on turbolift, room for more) Exiting the lift, she took two long strides to her post the panel on the large arch behind the captain’s chair. She typed a command into the station requesting all tactical stations to report in. Moments later all stations reported in, the Captain had not called any alert, but arriving on station she liked to know that anything the Captain desired could be brought to bare in a timely manner. "Tactical ready." she said simply. (Reply Any) (Posted by Todd) (USS Champlain - Holodeck One – FO Lieutenant Commander Ulia Mason - 1303) Ulia sat on the promenade of Starbase Geneva, her eyes unblinking. This was home, not the moving bucket of bolts she was serving on. She missed home. She missed her captain as well and her crew. They understood her and her ways. They sometimes got upset with her, but always understood she had their best interests at heart. This was frustrating, being on this ship. She knew she'd made unpopular decisions and was showing the strain of several things, but everything she'd done was in the line of duty and in proper accord. Then, Wolfe had insisted that she take leave. That had been an absolute moment of anger for her. He was officially dead and then came back. He was back to duty in a matter of a couple days and she was off duty for a week. "Issues about psychological strain" he had said. He was under as much strain as she was and he knew it. =^=Senior bridge staff, please take your stations.=^= Ulia sighed, it was time for her to finally get back to work. ~Have to make sure that uppity new 3O doesn't get in my way and steal my thunder,~ she thought as she left the holodeck and to enter the bridge. (Reply any, none) (Posted by Jeff) (USS Champlain - Bridge - CO - Captain Edward Wolfe - 1305) Edward had breathed a sigh of relief when they finally left Ivor Prime. He had breathed a larger one when no orders had come in from Starfleet. This left the Champlain free to pursue its own 'agenda' for a while... exploration. They had catalogued several anomalies and inhospitable planets since they broke orbit from Ivor Prime. Nothing overly exciting, but still exhilarating in a way. To see what few had seen before was exciting and what he really had become a Starfleet Officer for. Now they were moving towards a 'new' solar system. One previously uncharted. The view of the stars, planets and other celestial bodies was wondrous. "Umm... Sir? There appears to be a strange reading. An energy surge," stated a young woman operating the sensors. Edward's attention snapped to the station, "Do you mean on the ship Ensign?" They had certainly been through their fair share of 'trials' lately. It wasn't unreasonable to find something out of alignment somewhere. These sorts of missions often taxed engines and other systems. "No... It appears to be out there... in fact... it appears to be a rudimentary warp engine coming online... warp one, no more. Almost like a... test flight," she replied. Were they on the cusp of discovering a society about to reach warp speed for the first time? This was an exciting first contact opportunity to be sure. Edward felt a momentary surge of excitement. These sorts of first contacts came around only once in a lifetime, if that. The fact was, he could be about to meet the newest race to join the Federation. He hoped they would be friendly and willing to work with them. "Ummm... sir... in fact, it seems to be the same signature as standard Starfleet warp engines," she continued. ~The same? Impossible... the odds of two races coming up with the same signature was beyond calculation.~ "Surely Ensign, you mean it’s similar," stated Edward fighting to keep a patronizing tone out of his voice. "No Sir... it’s the same. I've sent you the specifications. It’s running roughly at the same modulation as the standard 23rd Century configuration, although without the capability of higher warp speeds," she said. Edward felt his jaw drop. Even at his most optimistic, he couldn't believe it could be a coincidence, but how could it be possible. They were tracking a first warp flight that seemed to be certain, but to have exactly the same signature... impossible. "I believe this warrants some investigation," stated Edward and tapping his comm badge, "senior bridge staff, please take your stations." (Reply senior bridge staff) (Posted by Jeff) (USS Champlain - 10 Forward - Ops - Ensign Smith-1306) Robert was wonder not for the first time if giving food to small children was a good idea. Hannah was doing her very good impression of shovel. He was surprised that she could even breathe at the rate she was eating. ~She is going to pop and its going to be a terrible mess~ =^=Senior bridge staff, please take your stations.=^= ~Better go~ "Hannah We need to go. I need to take you back to your mummy." She looked up from her food with a deep frown. "Why Robert." "Well you know you have to do what mummy says." Hannah's head bobbed up and down. "Well I have to do what Captain Wolfe says. He has said that I need to go to the bridge." She thought about it for a moment and then hopped off the chair. "Okay let’s find mummy." Robert got up and headed after Hannah who was going to the door. "Robert." "Yes Hannah." "Dose that mean that Captain Wolfe tells you when you have to have a bath?" Robert had a sudden dread that he was going to regret starting this conversation. (USS Champlain - Bridge - Ops - Ensign Smith - 1312) Robert entered the bridge and saw that the Captain was there. An image of what Hannah had said flashed through his mind. He felt him self begin to blush but stopped. ~Not now. You have work to do~, He quickly crossed over to the Ops console and relieved the crewman there. He entered his access code and scanned the data. He waited to be told what the Captain or be relieved by Hawk or Bree. (Reply any) (Posted by Robbie) (USS Champlain - Sec Chief Office - Security Chief, Lt. Jono Janeway - 1307) Jono's birthday had gone by without a hitch. And half way through the day after, it looked to him like he was going to have another day free of anything major happening. He was openingly smiling while finishing off one of the last documents he had to sign. BUT then came the call. =^=Senior bridge staff, please take your stations.=^= It was Wolfe's voice. Something was wrong, Jono had heard that type of call too many times before. He dropped everything shot up, pulled a phaser of the wall and placed it on his body. He quickly maneuvered himself through the Security department keeping a calm face before getting to the turbolift and ordering it too the bridge. (USS Champlain - Bridge, Main Sec Terminal - Security Chief, Lt. Jono Janeway - 1311) Jono stepped onto the bridge, everything seemed calm. For now. He walked in quickly and silently to his station before logging in and checking the status of what was happening. He frowned at the warp signature which the Champlain was tracking, ~Starfleet?~, It didn't sit well with him. But he wasn’t in a position to just ask the Captain what was happening, He was confident all would be explained soon. Although he didn't want to interrupt Wolfe in the middle of the Bridge, he needed to make him aware of his arrival. He opened up a message and tapped in a quick note. Lt. Janeway, Sec Chief. Reported on board the USS Champlain's Bridge. Sir. Ready for any orders you may have. He knew it was un-orthodox BUT to him it looked like the Captain was trying to concentrate on something. (Reply all) (Posted by Jono) (USS Champlain - Quarters – 3O Lt. Bree Frazier - 1309) One of the Ops crewmen had Bridge duty for the afternoon, so Bree had taken some time for a bit of pell work on the holodecks over lunch. She was busily washing away the inevitably sweaty results of such training when the com badge that she had laid aside on the sink chirped… fortunately, loudly enough to be heard over the sound of running water. =^= Senior bridge staff, please take your stations. =^= ~Figures… ~ Bree stepped out of the shower, dried off in record time, and dove into her uniform, hastily tying her hair into a slick, damp knot at the back of her head as she headed for the turbolift. ~ Might not be a fashion statement, but by God, I’ll be there…~ (USS Champlain - Bridge – 3O Lt. Bree Frazier - 1315) Bree reached the bridge about the same time as Professor d’Kla. ~ Hmm… he’s feeling unusually defensive today, ~ she thought as he hobbled in on his cane. She made a special effort not to stare, and judiciously avoided offering him any help… he seemed to prefer to do it himself, thank you. Most of the senior staff had already arrived. As she strode to her station, already manned by Robert, ~bless his punctual heart,~ she took quick but deep note of the mood on the bridge. ~ Where’s Olen?~, she thought as her eyes brushed the empty counselor’s chair. Mason was once again holding forth in the FO’s spot, but the sensations Bree got from her did not bear dwelling on. From Edward, she felt a piquant mix of concern, confusion and excitement. ~ The wolf is on the scent… the hunt is up! ~ As Bree relieved Robert at the Ops console, she said in a quick, low aside, “Stick around, Robert. And get Hawk up here for me too, woudja?” (Reply Smith) She logged in quickly, and then swiveled around to face Edward, ignoring Mason’s rather baleful stares. “OK, Captain, what have we got?” She said shortly. It was good to be running with the pack again. (Reply Wolfe, any) (Posted by Connie) (USS Champlain - Quarters – CSO Lieutenant d'Kla's'turr - 1310) D’Kla was in his quarters, fumbling with his uniform. His accident and subsequent surgery had left him weak and feeling awkward. This was frustrating, all of it frustrating. He'd spent way too long off in his opinion and he was ready to return. Suddenly when the comm call had come, those assumptions of his readiness had withered and his predicament and the truth of his situation came crashing back upon him. D’Kla sighed despite himself while attaching his rank pips. Suddenly he wasn't sure that this was what he wanted, that this career was something he wanted to continue to pursue. That thought in mind, he grabbed the cane that Mor'rel had given him and hobbled out the door to his quarters and towards the bridge. He avoided the redoubled stares. He had become used to being stared at, he was freakish compared to most humanoids in terms of appearance. That he'd always worn like a badge of honor. Now, this was difference. The stares of wonder, amazement and fear had been replaced by those of pity, pity directed at the strange alien who had to hobble around on a piece of timber. For the first time, he felt anger towards those who would give him such attention. Soon, d'Kla found himself on the bridge and addressing his captain. "Professor DKla'ssss'turr reporting for duty sir," he stated as he took his station and waited to find out why the captain had called him here. (Reply any, none) (Posted by Jeff) (USS Champlain - Bridge – COUNS Ensign (SG) Olen Rhinehart – 1316) Re-adjusting his uniform, Rhinehart caught sight of his face in the mirror. It was flushed red, his expression harried, embarrassed. Why did these things always happen at the most inopportune moments? Swiftly he turned, activating the door, hoping its whisper would cover the hiss of the vacuum-flush. He glanced around the bridge. Nobody seemed to be looking in his direction. ~Thank God.~ The captain was just beginning his rundown of the situation as Rhinehart walked briskly from the head to the counselor’s seat he had hurriedly vacated a moment earlier. That familiar strawberry scent was on the air, fresher than usual, and, without even looking, he knew Bree had come onto the bridge in his absence. Vaguely, he wondered when – if – they would get a chance to talk again, just as they had that distant night in his quarters. It seemed so long ago, now. He pushed the thought out of mind as the captain came around to his point. “So... the good news is we have a potential first contact on our hands," the captain said. "Now, the concern... from everything we can figure out, the warp signature is identical to a Starfleet warp signature. We have yet to ever find another culture that produces exactly the same warp signature as another. The odds would be astronomical of this happening, yet there it is." Wolfe paused a moment, presumably to allow for questions. Logically, then, the vessel was most probably of Starfleet origin. Therefore, it made sense to eliminate the most obvious possibility first. “Is there any possibility it could be the Wyvern, sir?” Rhinehart said, voicing the first thought that crossed his mind. He had almost choked the words back, the sting of the captain's rebuke during the initial briefing still clear and present in his heart. He steeled himself to receive the abrasive side of the captain's personality. (Reply Wolfe, any) "What exactly do we know about this species, sir?" Lt Sullivan asked, "The more we know the better we can understand what their responses would be. If they would become violent knowing that a group of people were 'spying' on them from light years away? That may put them on edge. "Also, if they have the capability of producing our warp signature then they have access to antimatter, so weapons that can harm the Champlain could be a possibility." Rhinehart listened carefully to the reply. In his opinion, it made little sense to assume the vessel was crewed by a non-human species, given what the captain had said – but it made even less sense to rule out any possibility at this stage. Shortly, the captain resumed his rundown of the situation. "First off, we are going to need data, we should be scanning the heck out of them at each and every opportunity. Secondly, we need some hypotheses, bearing in mind that it could be a strange coincidence as a possibility, we also have to figure out what could have caused this. Finally, I need several plans of action for each one of those possibilities. I'll also want volunteers for the First Contact mission, Mr. Janeway you'll be in charge of security of course. I'll review the list of volunteers and make some decisions, we're usually best off keeping the numbers low. Meanwhile, we might want to... investigate... with another team covertly as to exactly what is going on with this society," stated Edward. “Naturally, I would volunteer for any first contact mission, sir,” said Rhinehart, his hand rising to his beard. Hypotheses... those were always more tricky, especially when furnished with so few facts. He settled back into his seat, losing himself in thought. “To my mind, in light of what the captain has said, we have to assume that the vessel is Starfleet until we observe data to the contrary,” he said, carefully. “The probabilities in play make any other course of action foolish, in my opinion.” “With that in mind, two immediate possibilities spring to mind. First, we may have another mole aboard this vessel, our position may be compromised, and the warp signature could belong to another Doenitz craft tasked with our interception, or perhaps it's the USS Wyvern herself. Perhaps they are disguising their true capabilities from us in some way.” (Reply any) “The second possibility I can see, and I admit this could be far-fetched...” he said, “but could Doenitz be covertly arming, training, or otherwise supplying arms to other societies, inciting them to agitate against us? Fighting the war by proxy, if you will. It would be a clear violation of the Prime Directive, but I don't think we'd put that past him, would we?” Rhinehart sat back, awaiting any answers to his ideas, his mind already probing ahead for more possibilities. (Reply any) (Posted by Noel) (USS Champlain - Bridge – ACOps Ensign Hawk - 1317) The turbolift doors slid open and Hawk walked onto the Bridge. He saw Lt. Frazier sitting at the Ops station and walked over. "I heard you wanted me up here, Sir?” David said with a quizzical tone. (Reply Lt. Frazier) (USS Champlain - Bridge - ACOPS - Ensign Hawk - 1321) The Captain had just finished explaining the mission the ship was about to undertake. A First Contact Mission with a new warp-capable species. ~This is what Starfleet exists for,~ David thought. ~Okay, the Captain asked for volunteers to be a part of the mission. But which do I ask to be a part of? Do I want to be one of the first people to talk to this new species, or do I want to try and be a part of that covert mission?~ "Captain, if it's okay with Lt. Frazier, I'd like to volunteer my services," David said confidently. "I would be happy to be on either team, Sir." Hawk looked to Lt. Frazier for approval. (Reply Lt. Frazier, CO, any) (Posted by Brian Dusel) (USS Champlain - Bridge – COUNS Ensign (SG) Olen Rhinehart – 1317) “If this is a true First Contact mission,” said the captain, “we can't be overly suspicious in our dealings with whatever species this is. Imagine meeting the people of Betazed with suspicion or misgivings on our mind. These are concepts that will shape the decisions to be made for the two teams.” “With respect sir,” said Rhinehart slowly, feeling as if the limb beneath his feet was growing more slender by the second, “with the data we have so far, suspicion is surely the only reasonable response we can have? As you so often remind us, sir, we are, in fact, at war. Even under the best of circumstances, in my opinion, any species that approached a first contact /without/ a sense of suspicion would be credulous at best, at worst inviting their own destruction. I think the good people of Betazed would be sympathetic to that point of view, even notwithstanding the terrible things Doenitz has done to their homeworld in the name of the Federation.” Unconsciously, he cut his eyes across the bridge to Bree as he spoke, as if seeking her support in this contention. She nodded soberly as if urging him on. He looked back to the captain, a trembling in his nerves becoming more pronounced by the second. (Reply Wolfe, any) “The data we have,” said Rhinehart, “to my mind, in no way supports the need to prepare for a first contact. As you said, sir, the probability of an independent warp flight exhibiting the same signature as our own engines is infinitesimally tiny.” His eyebrows creased in a frown of puzzlement as he spoke. “Why, then, do we conclude that we are dealing with an as-yet unknown species? It pays to be prepared, I agree, sir, but I think my suspicions are both reasonable and warranted. “With that in mind, sir,” Rhinehart continued, “I don't believe you have responded to my second idea yet; that Doenitz may be supplying alien cultures with weapons, training and technology in violation of the Prime Directive. I think it's a theory that also fits the facts as we see them.” He took a deep breath past the nervous thumping of his heart, unsure of how the captain would respond. (Reply Wolfe, any) (Posted by Noel) (USS Champlain - Bridge – Ops - Ensign Smith - 1317) Robert got up as he saw relieved by Bree. “Stick around, Robert. And get Hawk up here for me too, woudja?” Robert nodded. "No problem Bree." He moved to one of the aft consoles behind tactical. He pinged Hawk's come system and informed him that Frazier wanted to see him on the bridge at his earliest convenience. He accessed the ops information and brought it up on his console. ~Wow, this is interesting. It is just like a Federation warp signature its unreal~ He realized that the Captain was talking about volunteers for an away mission. He noticed Hawk who had arrived, had quickly volunteered. He smiled to himself. ~Good for him~ He wanted to volunteer himself but if Hawk and Bree went on an away mission then he would be the only ops officer left. This meant that he probably get left behind. He decided that he would quietly ask Bree what assistance he could be and see what happened from there. He listened as the captain continued. (Reply any) (Posted by Robbie) (USS Champlain – Bridge – 3O Lt. Brianna Frazier – 1318) Hawk had just entered the bridge and approached Bree. He interrupted the flow of conversation by saying, “I heard you wanted me up here, Sir?” in a quizzical tone. ~Hmm… how did he hear that? ~ Bree wondered to herself. As far as she knew, Robert had not called him to the bridge yet… and there was nothing in his file about him being telepathic. ~ Robert probably did call, and I missed it… ~ Bree just nodded and said quietly, “We have a situation. Be quiet and listen.” Of course, so far, Hawk had shown little sign of being willing to pause long enough to listen to her… (Reply Hawk) Bree, however, listened quietly along with Robert, watching the scans he was running and sharing the amazement she sensed in him at what he saw, as Edward’s explanation of the situation touched off an avalanche of ideas and questions from his staff. She recalled the last mission with a slight shudder… at least, this time, they were talking, trying to make plans. She only hoped they were really listening to each other. In the midst of the discussion, Hawk piped up. "Captain, if it's okay with Lt. Frazier, I'd like to volunteer my services," he said confidently. "I would be happy to be on either team, Sir." Bree could sense the amusement and acceptance of some of the other staff members at Hawk’s eagerness… but for her own part, she was less amused. She appreciated his enthusiasm, but she felt as if he had thrown her a bone. ~ ‘If it’s OK with me'? If you cared about that, you should have consulted with me before opening your big mouth to the Captain! ~, she though, feeling the familiar rise in her blood pressure as her temper threatened to kick in. She brutally suppressed it and kept her face neutral, once again grateful that she was the only empath on the bridge. ~ Going to need to have a long talk with that young man… ~ Then she returned her focus to the discussion at hand. After the din died down and there was a lull in the conversation, Bree finally spoke up. “Sir, I could be wrong,” she prefaced, nodding respectfully in Olen’s direction, “but I have a hunch that this isn’t a Doenitz trick. And from what we can see so far of the vessel in question, I’d assess the builders to be humanoid, or at least humanoid in size and life support requirements. I’ve studied xenosociology extensively. I also have First Contact training, and a certain amount of… diversified street experience,” she said, mostly for the benefit of those potential team members who might not know, not because Edward needed a reminder. “If we can collect a reasonable amount pictorial and technological data, I can cross reference it with known cultures well enough to give us an overall feel for what’s down there… and to create a basic equipment set for the advance team, Sir.” ~The only way we’re really going to get any answers is just to go down there… again… ~ (Reply Wolfe) (Posted by Connie) (USS Champlain - Bridge - CO Captain Edward Wolfe - 1320) Edward watched as his people flooded onto the bridge and took their stations. It was good to see d'Kla return to active duty. It also pleased him to see Mason walk onto the bridge, despite her recent problems. He nodded in turn as each one stepped up, vaguely he heard someone ask what was going on, in one form or another. He suppressed a frown as he sorted out the various things working their way through his mind. "There's a ship out there that has just broken warp speed. It seems like a prototype style by the configurations. There are no warp capable cultures that we knew of out here, of course, the last mission that would have come even close probably would have been seventy or a hundred years ago, so it’s hard to say. I'd have to go back to records to be absolutely sure. We know that there is little charted and that there were no indications of any cultures breaking warp speed. So... the good news is we have a potential first contact on our hands," Edward paused for a second and inhaled a quick lungful of air, "Now, the concern... from everything we can figure out, the warp signature is identical to a Starfleet warp signature. We have yet to ever find another culture that produces exactly the same warp signature as another. The odds would be astronomical of this happening, yet there it is." Edward then stopped and waited for questions. (Reply any, all) "First off, we are going to need data, we should be scanning the heck out of them at each and every opportunity. Secondly, we need some hypotheses, bearing in mind that it could be a strange coincidence as a possibility, we also have to figure out what could have caused this. Finally, I need several plans of action for each one of those possibilities. I'll also want volunteers for the First Contact mission, Mr. Janeway you'll be in charge of security of course. I'll review the list of volunteers and make some decisions, we're usually best off keeping the numbers low. Meanwhile, we might want to... investigate... with another team covertly as to exactly what is going on with this society," stated Edward. (Reply any, all) (Posted by Jeff) (USS Champlain - Bridge - Security Chief, Lt. Jono Janeway - 1321) "There's a ship out there that has just broken warp speed. It seems like a prototype style by the configurations. There are no warp capable cultures that we knew of out here, of course, the last mission that would have come even close probably would have been seventy or a hundred years ago, so it’s hard to say. I'd have to go back to records to be absolutely sure. We know that there is little charted and that there were no indications of any cultures breaking warp speed. So... the good news is we have a potential first contact on our hands," Edward paused for a second and inhaled a quick lungful of air, "Now, the concern... from everything we can figure out, the warp signature is identical to a Starfleet warp signature. We have yet to ever find another culture that produces exactly the same warp signature as another. The odds would be astronomical of this happening, yet there it is." Edward then stopped Sullivan was then first to bring a question up, "What exactly do we know about this species, sir?" she asked, " The more we know the better we can understand what their responses would be. If they would become violent knowing that a group of people were 'spying' on them from light years away? That may put them on edge." she added almost as an after thought, " also if they have the capability of producing our warp signature then they have access to antimatter, so weapons that can harm the Champlain could be a possibility." A small conversation continued including Wolfe, Rhinehart and Sullivan after they had finished Wolfe awaited any more questions and then concluded his small brief. "First off, we are going to need data, we should be scanning the heck out of them at each and every opportunity. Secondly, we need some hypotheses, bearing in mind that it could be a strange coincidence as a possibility, we also have to figure out what could have caused this. Finally, I need several plans of action for each one of those possibilities. I'll also want volunteers for the First Contact mission, Mr. Janeway you'll be in charge of security of course. I'll review the list of volunteers and make some decisions, we're usually best off keeping the numbers low. Meanwhile, we might want to... investigate... with another team covertly as to exactly what is going on with this society," stated Edward. As Wolfe mentioned his name, Jono nodded to show he understood, He looked around the Bridge and noticed Kohlass. ~Pain in the ass, but good.~ Janeway thought as he saw him. He frowned and then looked back to the bridge, the newest member of the crew offered his services to Wolfe. Hawk had decided he wanted to help out, Janeway could understand that. New crewmember, wanting to gain his rank. Wolfe quickly told him he would consider it while picking teams with Ulia and Bree, Jono quickly wondered if he would be called upon to help with that matter then decided he probably wouldn’t, He was sure Wolfe, Ulia and Bree would take security into account when they put the teams together. Sullivan then spoke up again, mentioning the Romulan territory the Champlain was treading close too. That again pursued a conversation where Rhinehart offered his services for the first contact mission. Janeway thought back to his first first contact mission on the Planet Terrelia with the Nimitz crew. He had spoken up as a civilian stumbled into their landing site, it hadn’t gone well for Janeway. On that mission, he had been captured by Pastor’s guards and had to fight his way to his equipment so the Nimitz could beam him out. "I actually both agree and disagree with that assessment. Once again, and as previously stated, regulations are relatively clear. I believe we proceed with caution but plan for defensive action AND a First Contact Mission. We will observe the data carefully, but proceed with caution as regulations dictate, even if it does make my course of action seem foolish we run this one by the book. If it is a hidden ship, we have a certain responsibility to deal with that anyway. However, I'm worried about the suspicious mindset that this is placing us into. If this is a true First Contact mission, we can't be overly suspicious in our dealings with whatever species this is. Imagine meeting the people of Betazed with suspicion or misgivings on our mind. These are concepts that will shape the decisions to be made for the two teams." Jono nodded as Wolfe concluded that conversation, He ran through some of the scans that the Champlain had already made. None of the information added up. He wasn’t the most brilliant of scientists or astrophysics. But he knew it wasn’t right. Jono didn’t want to place himself forward in any of the teams, if any of the teams he would have preferred to go with the Captain. But that was if he WOULD be going down to the planet, After the mess he made last time he wouldn’t have been surprised if Wolfe, Ulia and Bree all went down and left him on the ship. He shrugged it off, Wolfe would be making the decisions. He would see, either way he was happy where he went. (Reply any) (Posted by Jono) (USS Champlain - Bridge - Tactical Chief - Lieutenant JG T'Larah Sullivan - 1324) "Now, the concern... from everything we can figure out, the warp signature is identical to a Starfleet warp signature. We have yet to ever find another culture that produces exactly the same warp signature as another. The odds would be astronomical of this happening, yet there it is." the Captain paused, perhaps waiting for input or suggestions. "What exactly do we know about this species, sir?" she asked, " The more we know the better we can understand what their responses would be. If they would become violent knowing that a group of people were 'spying' on them from light years away? That may put them on edge." she added almost as an after thought, " also if they have the capability of producing our warp signature then they have access to antimatter, so weapons that can harm the Champlain could be a possibility." (Reply Wolfe, any) "First off, we are going to need data, we should be scanning the heck out of them at each and every opportunity. Secondly, we need some hypotheses, bearing in mind that it could be a strange coincidence as a possibility, we also have to figure out what could have caused this. Finally, I need several plans of action for each one of those possibilities. I'll also want volunteers for the First Contact mission, Mr. Janeway you'll be in charge of security of course. I'll review the list of volunteers and make some decisions, we're usually best off keeping the numbers low. Meanwhile, we might want to... investigate... with another team covertly as to exactly what is going on with this society," the CO said. ~Well at least he knows his stuff.~ "Captain, if it's okay with Lt. Frazier, I'd like to volunteer my services," David said with an air of confidence, "I would be happy to be on either team, Sir." ~If Captain Wolfe follows his same 'command style' as the last away mission, he will definitely get his chance.~ she thought wryly. (Reply any, Wolfe) "Also sir, I would like to point out that we are close enough to Romulan territory as not to rule out the possibility of them building a replica of the Phoenix or even one of the old NX classes, to create the warp signature to lure us in." T'Larah pointed out. (Reply Wolfe, any) (Posted by Todd) (USS Champlain - Bridge - Security Chief, Lt. Jono Janeway - 1327) Jono had stood at his security console for a few more minutes after Wolfe had closed down his discussion with Olen Rhinehart. Janeway was still pondering his earlier First contact mission, he had fond and more... un-fond memory's of that planet. It was a nice planet he would give it that much credibility. It's political and religious system however, needed readjustment in his eyes.. “Sir, I could be wrong,” Frazier said after a minute of silence, nodding respectfully in Olen’s direction, “but I have a hunch that this isn’t a Doenitz trick. And from what we can see so far of the vessel in question, I’d assess the builders to be humanoid, or at least humanoid in size and life support requirements. I’ve studied xenosociology extensively. I also have First Contact training, and a certain amount of… diversified street experience,” she said, it almost sounded like Bree was bragging a little. Jono smiled and tried to catch Bree's eye. He thought back to their sword fight, days earlier... “If we can collect a reasonable amount pictorial and technological data, I can cross reference it with known cultures well enough to give us an overall feel for what’s down there… and to create a basic equipment set for the advance team, Sir.” Jono nodded, He decided it was time for him to speak up. So far it had been deadly silent, listening and taking in everyone else point of views. "I would tend to agree with, Lt. Frazier." He said quickly, "I can help her with some of the things she mentioned" He said looking to her. Offering her his help, "Also, I am trained for first contact situations and have been on first contact missions before" Janeway said ~Even if I did screw it up.. A little ~, He thought to himself. "I am also street worthy and battle ready if the time arises. I can have security sorted and ready to go with any sizes of teams down from a one-man job to a whole squadron. On your command, Sir." Janeway said to Wolfe. He then turned back to Frazier, "Lt. I can help you with the pictorial and technological data, and I have a small amount of expertise in different cultures and could possibly be of help to you." Jono said. He didn't want to jump the gun to much, But wanted to make sure he had everything covered he could do covered. (Reply Wolfe, Frazier, any) (Posted by Jono) (USS Champlain - Bridge – 3O Lt. Bree Frazier - 1328) The conversation had gone on for almost ten minutes when Bree said her piece. Then, for a moment, a rather uncomfortable silence fell over the Bridge as all waited for the Captain to respond. He, however, seemed to be caught up in his own thoughts. Bree’s senses twitched, and she felt a growing unease about the fullness of Edward’s recovery… after all, he had been through two major traumas in the last month, what with his illness on Geneva, and his near-death experience only a week ago on Ivor Prime, not to mention the stress of a brand new command. Mason, also, sat in stoic silence. ~ Both of them? With no second officer? Oh, Lord, help me… ~ Soon, predictably, Janeway seemed to feel the need to break the silence. As he babbled on, stating the obvious, Bree could feel his nervousness. ~ What’s he hiding? Why is he unsure of himself? ~ But even if she had been a telepath, Bree would not have invaded his mind for answers. ~ Maybe I can talk to him later… alone… ~ "Lieutenant, I can help you with the pictorial and technological data. I have a small amount of expertise in different cultures and could possibly be of help to you," he offered finally. Bree smiled tolerantly, much as she would have at an overeager teenager. “Thank you, Mr. Janeway. But I have a Master’s degree in xenosociology, and it would be the province of my people, and our science officers, to collect the required data.” She glanced aside at the command chairs, a little nervous… but Olen was there… he had tried… at least he might understand. “Perhaps it would be better if you concentrated on arranging security for the First Contact team that the Captain has suggested, and allow us to do our jobs. I only hope we can do them as well as you do yours.” (Reply Janeway, Rhinehart, any) When he had finished, once again, the rather eerie silence fell. ~ I guess someone has to do something… ~ Bree cleared her throat. “Ah, Lieutenant d'Kla's'turr, would you be so kind as to begin to run scans on the planet, see what kind of tech they have down there, and relay your findings to all stations? Mr. Smith, please stay here, and get all the snapshots you can for me. Mr. Sullivan, please keep a close eye on that ship… see if you can find out if it has any weapons, and what kind. If you can extrapolate from that, and from any other date, what kind of weaponry might exist on the planet’s surface, let me know… and watch for any incoming unfriendlies, while you’re at it,” Bree said with a grin, knowing that her clever Vulcan friend was more than capable of multitasking. “Everyone, make sure you share everything you find with everyone else. We need to work together here.” Then she paused for a second. ~ I need someone who looks human… I think… ~ “Mr. Hawk, would you please come with me to my office, as soon as we are dismissed?” she said rather softly, as he was standing right beside her. She knew he had training in tactical and security operations, and also that he knew what it was to be a ground-pounder. Despite her initial reactions to his eagerness to impress, she suspected that he was just the kind of officer she wanted by her side for this kind of operation. (Reply d’Kla, Smith, Sullivan, Hawk) Bree looked again in Edward and Mason’s direction. “Sir, with your permission, I’ll begin to organize a covert away team now… and I will lead it.” (Reply Mason, Wolfe, Any) (Posted by Connie) (USS Champlain - Bridge - CO Captain Edward Wolfe - 1328) Lieutenant Sullivan was the first to bring a question up. "What exactly do we know about this species, sir?" she asked, " The more we know the better we can understand what their responses would be. If they would become violent knowing that a group of people were 'spying' on them from light years away? That may put them on edge." she added almost as an after thought, " also if they have the capability of producing our warp signature then they have access to antimatter, so weapons that can harm the Champlain could be a possibility." "In terms of what we know about them? The answer is nothing yet. Hence, the reason we have to scan a great deal before we get there. If their technology is of the level we believe it is, it seems doubtful that they would detect us 'spying', and it is imperative that we learn something about them before we proceed. The last thing any of us wants is to arrive there to embark on first contact without gleaning at least a rudimentary understanding. There have been too many First Contact disasters. Protocol is relatively clear, scan, get rudimentary information from a distance, move closer and then proceed with direct contact and/or with covert investigations. Your idea about the weapons is astute and well noted. I'm hoping that if they have just developed warp, however, they're lagging behind us in terms of weaponry. We'll have to see and proceed with caution. Of course, it’s your job to plan for those contingencies," stated Edward. “Is there any possibility it could be the Wyvern, sir?” Rhinehart said. "I suppose so, although it would be quite an engineering feat. Again, we do have to plan for the possibility that it is a trick or trap and investigate before we actually arrive. Currently, the mandate and regulations of Starfleet is relatively clear. We have to investigate and then initiate First Contact if we believe it to be safe and proper. Hopefully this isn't a Wyvern trick... or a trick by anyone else but I'm sure Lieutenant Sullivan will make sure we're ready if it is," stated Edward nodding slowly. (Reply any) At the end of his briefing, the first person to pipe up was the newest member of his crew. Edward grinned despite himself. "Captain, if it's okay with Lt. Frazier, I'd like to volunteer my services," Hawk said confidently. "I would be happy to be on either team, Sir." Edward nodded, "Understood and appreciated Ensign. I'll keep that in mind and discuss the matter with the FO and 3O when we assemble the teams." The young man seemed plucky and eager, not bad qualities at all in a Starfleet Officer. However, after the last mission, Edward was somewhat concerned. He had seen those who had those qualities broken by what they experienced. "Also sir, I would like to point out that we are close enough to Romulan territory as not to rule out the possibility of them building a replica of the Phoenix or even one of the old NX classes, to create the warp signature to lure us in." T'Larah stated. "I agree that possibility exists. Once again, look to the viability of it. We'll do what we can to get you the scanning information you need. It seems doubtful however, but anything is possible," stated Edward nodding. “Naturally, I would volunteer for any first contact mission, sir,” said Rhinehart, his hand rising to his beard. Hypotheses... those were always more tricky, especially when furnished with so few facts. He settled back into his seat, losing himself in thought. “To my mind, in light of what the captain has said, we have to assume that the vessel is Starfleet until we observe data to the contrary,” he said, carefully. “The probabilities in play make any other course of action foolish, in my opinion.” “ With that in mind, two immediate possibilities spring to mind. First, we may have another mole aboard this vessel, our position may be compromised, and the warp signature could belong to another Doenitz craft tasked with our interception, or perhaps it's the USS Wyvern herself. Perhaps they are disguising their true capabilities from us in some way.” Edward raised an eyebrow and then he shrugged. "I actually both agree and disagree with that assessment. Once again, and as previously stated, regulations are relatively clear. I believe we proceed with caution but plan for defensive action AND a First Contact Mission. We will observe the data carefully, but proceed with caution as regulations dictate, even if it does make my course of action seem foolish we run this one by the book. If it is a hidden ship, we have a certain responsibility to deal with that anyway. However, I'm worried about the suspicious mindset that this is placing us into. If this is a true First Contact mission, we can't be overly suspicious in our dealings with whatever species this is. Imagine meeting the people of Betazed with suspicion or misgivings on our mind. These are concepts that will shape the decisions to be made for the two teams." (Reply any) (Posted by Jeff) (USS Champlain - Bridge – ACOPS Ensign Hawk - 1329) David watched as other senior members of the crew offered their advice and opinions on the idea of a First Contact Mission. He stood close and quiet as his own supervisor, Lt. Frazier began to speak. When she was done, he noticed she turned a little toward him. “Mr. Hawk, would you please come with me to my office, as soon as we are dismissed?” Frazier asked in almost a whisper. David nodded and replied, "Of course, Sir," keeping his tone low to match hers. (Reply 3O, none) (Posted by Brian) (USS Champlain - Bridge - Security Chief, Lt. Jono Janeway - 1329) “Thank you, Mr. Janeway. But I have a Master’s degree in xenosociology, and it would be the province of my people, and our science officers, to collect the required data.... Perhaps it would be better if you concentrated on arranging security for the First Contact team that the Captain has suggested, and allow us to do our jobs. I only hope we can do them as well as you do yours" Janeway nodded to her, Smiling slightly. "On that note. I suggest that the first contact team has 2 - 3 security members with it and I would also like to be part of that team." He said quite loudly. "As for the covert team I would like at least 1 or 2 security members to be with that team." He said to the whole bridge. (Reply any, Rhinehart) “Ah, Lieutenant d'Kla's'turr, would you be so kind as to begin to run scans on the planet, see what kind of tech they have down there, and relay your findings to all stations? Mr. Smith, please stays here, and gets all the snapshots you can for me. Mr. Sullivan, please keep a close eye on that ship… see if you can find out if it has any weapons, and what kind. If you can extrapolate from that, and from any other date, what kind of weaponry might exist on the planet’s surface, let me know… and watch for any incoming unfriendlies, while you’re at it,” Bree said with a grin, knowing that her clever Vulcan friend was more than capable of multitasking. “Everyone, make sure you share everything you find with everyone else. We need to work together here.” Then she paused for a second. “Mr. Hawk, would you please come with me to my office, as soon as we are dismissed?” she said rather softly. (Reply d’Kla, Smith, Sullivan, Hawk) Bree looked again in Edward and Mason’s direction. “Sir, with your permission, I’ll begin to organize a covert away team now… and I will lead it.” (Reply Wolfe, Mason) (Posted by Jono) (USS Champlain - Bridge – COUNS Ensign (SG) Olen Rhinehart – 1330) Rhinehart's silence remained unbroken as the crew shuffled their feet and awaited orders, mulling over his borderline insubordinate exchange with the captain. In no small way, he was responsible for the awkward tension that blanketed the bridge... at least that was how he felt. He had wanted to help, wanted to be needed... instead, it seemed he had thrown the team into a sulk. He was supposed to be an enabler, not a hindrance. He listened as Janeway offered his security expertise, somehow envying the man the apparent black and white nature of his job, even though deep in his heart he knew that to face the kind of decisions the security chief had to face would likely freeze him up like methane on Mars. Rhinehart crossed one leg over the other, his gaze fixed on the viewscreen, a distant point in space, wondering which of those specks represented the vessel they were hurtling towards. “Perhaps it would be better if you concentrated on arranging security for the First Contact team that the Captain has suggested, and allow us to do our jobs,” Bree was saying. “I only hope we can do them as well as you do yours.” Rhinehart smiled gently, turning the prospect of the first contact over in his mind. He still didn't think the assumption was warranted, regulations or not, but maybe... maybe that was because he didn't want to hope too hard. First contact was the counselor’s arena; his training had simulated dozens of variations on the scenario, and indeed, his final examination had focused on it. But if it were true... this would be his first real go at it. Something about the prospect thrilled him and terrified him in the same exact moment. “Mr. Janeway, sir,” he said, after the security chief had replied to Bree. “I'd appreciate it if you could suggest a reliable empath to be included in the potential first contact team, sir. And might I recommend Mr. Kohlass...” Rhinehart said, nodding towards the Klingon standing guard on the bridge, “...be included in the security detail. I think he would be ideal for the role. If Lt Sullivan is in agreement, of course.” Rhinehart recalled his meandering conversation with the crewman upon the surface of Ivor Prime. He knew the fascinating Klingon would relish the prospect of first contact, and he would be delighted to see him given the opportunity. (Reply Janeway, Sullivan, any) He sat back in his seat again, listening as Bree attempted to give some shape to the crew's activities over the next few hours. There was apparently nothing immediate he could do... but he still wanted to help. After the various officers had been dismissed to their tasks, he stood, crossing quickly towards Bree, short swift steps that would give him no time for pause, no time to change his mind. It would be the first time he had faced her since... Mere days before they had been equals, and they had been close, or at least getting there. He recalled the scene he had witnessed on the holographic mountaintop days before, the moment, in his mind, that it had all changed for them. He had gone looking for her, seeking solace and reconciliation. Instead, he had found her comforting the captain in his private idyll, while he was left by himself to seek his relief in the bottom of a lowball glass, and the erratic chaos of his lonely quarters. He swallowed hard. He had felt like she'd started to drift out of his grasp then, and he hadn't known – still didn't – the first thing to do about it. Watching her advance past him, promoted to Ops chief and then 3O within two weeks of her assignment, giving orders on the bridge while he still struggled to get out of Alosar's shadow, still paying for his eagerness in that first briefing, was more like gazing up at her atop that mountain, remote and unreachable, than he knew how to express. Glancing back at the captain's chair, he wondered if some of these thoughts weren't influencing his attitude towards the man in command. “Hey,” he said, in a bright voice. “Uh, I mean 'Hey, sir',” he added hastily. He'd risked his pips already today. Once was enough. (Reply Bree) He stood beside her seat for an awkward moment, wondering what to say, wanting to look serious, but unable to prevent the small smile on his face. Something about her presence just made him feel okay. He glanced around, waiting until there was enough of a gap between them and any others to afford a small amount of privacy. “Look,” he said, squatting down on his haunches, bringing himself to her eye level. “I know it's not the best time... but we need to talk. We've needed to for a few days now. I can see you've moved past me... in more ways than one,” he said, his eyes alighting on her collar pips momentarily before darting back to meet her green eyes. “I guess I just want to know... what happened. Why. So I can move forward too. Can we find some time, later, do you think?” (Reply Bree) “I want to be... useful to you, Bree. A friend. A good one. I want to you to be able to rely on me just like you do... Janeway or... um... you know, the captain.” The words were hard for him to say. He cleared his throat gently, looking down at the floor. “What I mean to say is, I have nothing /immediate/ to do, besides trying to find my dress uniform in the bombsite I like to think of as my quarters. If you can use me, I'm here. I want to help.” On the surface, he'd made it about the mission, but he knew she could see his core, could discern the layered meaning in his words. (Reply Bree) (Posted by Noel) (USS Champlain - Bridge – Ops - Ensign Smith- 1330) “Ah, Lieutenant d'Kla's'turr, would you be so kind as to begin to run scans on the planet, see what kind fetch they have down there, and relay your findings to all stations? Mr. Smith, please stay here, and get all the snapshots you can for me. Mr. Sullivan, please keep a close eye on that ship… see if you can find out if it has any weapons, and what kind. If you can extrapolate from that, and from any other date, what kind of weaponry might exist on the planet’s surface, let me know… and watch for any incoming unfriendlies, while you’re at it,” “Everyone, make sure you share everything you find with everyone else. We need to work together here.” He saw Bree say something discreetly to Hawk as he sorted out the console he was using. “Aye Sir.” ~Looks like I won’t be going planet side. Well I have enough to keep me out of trouble. Lets see what the Prof has in store ~ He then assessed the scan data that d'Kla's'turr was getting. He liked to look at the scan data raw and unfiltered. He new that he would not be able to see houses and people, they were still to far away but he would be able to get an idea of terrain. The planet was the fourth in a seven-planet system. From what Robert could make out the planet had one orbiting body a small moon about 70 percent smaller. ~What is that?~ He scrutinized it carefully some thing did not look right. He checked the live data with the previous scans. ~This is strange?~ “Computer enhance grid 45 by 39 by 21.” As he watched, the grid enhanced to show a strange spidery object appearing from behind the moon. “Computer what is that?” [Insufficient data] ~Looks like I have a challenge~ He washed the image through a couple of optical and graphical systems and finally had a clear image. He checked again with the computer and got a definitive answer. ~Ow my~ He immediately saved the image for Bree and downloaded it on to a PADD. He then quickly crossed over to d'Kla's'turr and Sullivan. “Prof d'Kla's'turr, Lieutenant Sullivan. Sorry to bother you both but would you mind taking a look at what I have found. From what I can gather it looks like a small space station similar to the ones we had on earth around the 21st Century.” (Reply d'Kla's'turr, Sullivan) Robert nodded. “It looks like it was made by boosting the modules up from the planet and fixing it into place on orbit. Maybe they built the ship in orbit rather then launching it from the planet like we did on earth.” (Reply d'Kla's'turr, Sullivan, any) (Posted by Robbie) (USS Champlain - Bridge – 3O Lt. Bree Frazier - 1331) Bree could feel the slight confusion from the other officers on the bridge as Edward’s contemplative silence continued… but Bree was beginning to understand it. She had nodded, but otherwise judiciously ignored Janeway’s ridiculous blustering earlier as he shouted out the obvious, completely unnecessarily, considering the Bridge was hardly the size of an ancient Greek amphitheater, as he seemed to believe. She was already planning to do as he suggested, and she had thought it best under the circumstances not to encourage him to any more such outbursts until she could speak with him privately. ~ Can’t let the briefing get out of control… ~ But she hadn’t been able to help feeling a little nervous as she had stepped in to try to give the crew some sense of direction. She knew Edward would be all right in time. He was tough… a survivor who had been through far worse. But she also knew that sometimes traumas add up, and for a while, all the older ones might fall into the mix with the newer, intensifying them. For all she knew, the horror of System 663 was taking this opportunity to make a return appearance and torture him. But despite their growing closeness, she wasn’t about to prod him, even via their mental connection, to find out. If he wanted to talk to her, he would… she’d just make sure she was available, leave it at that, and do her best to make sure his orders were followed. Meanwhile, considering that Mason wasn’t quite herself either, it was clear to Bree that it might fall to her to make sure this exciting new mission got off to a good start, and would be conducted as per her upline’s orders, even if they gave them primarily through her for a time. ~Don’t let them down, Bree… ~ she thought to herself… but somehow she knew she wouldn’t. However, the strange atmosphere on the Bridge seemed to be having some effect. Bree was a little startled as Olen approached her and began to speak. Softly, yes, but they had not been dismissed yet… nevertheless, she turned to him and listened as he addressed her with a slightly forced brightness. Hawk and the others seemed to understand… anyway, they distanced themselves slightly as he knelt beside her to speak. “I want to be... useful to you, Bree. A friend. A good one. I want to you to be able to rely on me just like you do... Janeway or... um... you know, the Captain.” Bree could feel him struggling to get the words out. He cleared his throat gently, looking down at the floor, and then continued. “What I mean to say is, I have nothing /immediate/ to do, besides trying to find my dress uniform in the bombsite I like to think of as my quarters. If you can use me, I'm here. I want to help.” Bree smiled at him as she listened. There it was again, the warmth that his presence always woke in her… when he was present. But, despite his obvious sincerity, and the depth of meaning his words carried beyond the expediency of the mission, Bree had grown wary of his apparent tendency to blow hot and cold without warning. Of course, there were times when Edward was no better… like now… “Thank you, Olen”, she replied softly, quite unconcerned about how anyone would react to her use of his first name. She was in no way ashamed to be associated with him as a friend as well as a co-officer, by anyone. She hoped he could see in her eyes that she understood his full meaning, and that she was just as grateful for what he had not said as that which he had. Maybe more so. “I’d like you to meet with me too, in my office, along with a couple of other key people, as soon as we get clearance, OK? Fact is, I could use a little help…” she smiled again. (Reply Olen) The silence fell again, but this time it didn’t seem so eerie. Somehow, Bree felt that everything would be all right… besides, according to the scans that Robert was still dutifully running, they had a couple of days to prepare before the planet was reached. After giving Olen’s shoulder a light, encouraging squeeze, she rose and approached Janeway, again speaking softly. She wasn’t trying to hide anything from anyone… there was just no need to shout. “Mr. Janeway, would you be so kind as to join me and a few others in my office, so we can pull a few ideas together before we meet with Commander Mason to start getting organized?” Despite the silence from both command chairs, Bree thought it safe to assume that such protocol would be followed. Besides, she had a little agenda of her own… and she wanted to make sure Janeway was in on it. ~ No matter what happens, Edward is still in command of this ship… ~ Bree meant to make sure no one forgot that, no matter how silent Edward was. And, she knew that, whatever else HE was, Lieutenant Jono Janeway was loyal to his Captain. ~ He’ll help… ~ (Reply Janeway) After Jono responded, Bree glanced around the bridge. Everyone seemed to be digging into their work… those she had invited to her office were waiting. ~ I can talk to T’Larah and the others later, one at a time… give them some time to see what they can find out. ~ But Bree did stop to wonder where Derrick was… it wasn’t like him to miss a staff meeting. She resolved to check on him when she got to her office… something about his absence wasn’t setting right. Then, once more, she approached Edward. “Sir”, I would like, if I may, to meet with a few of our officers briefly and brainstorm before getting down to business with Commander Mason,” she said evenly, nodding respectfully at Ulia. “If that’s acceptable, I will return in one hour, and report what we have so far.” Then she waited for his acknowledgement, in whatever form he chose to deliver it. (Reply Wolfe) (Posted by Connie) (USS Champlain - Bridge - Sec Chief – Lt. Janeway – 1331) “Mr. Janeway, sir,” Rinehart said, after the security chief had replied to Bree. “I'd appreciate it if you could suggest a reliable empath to be included in the potential first contact team, sir. And might I recommend Mr. Kohlass...” Rhinehart said, nodding towards the Klingon standing guard on the bridge, “...be included in the security detail. I think he would be ideal for the role. If Lt Sullivan is in agreement, of course.” Jono noted Rhinehart by nodding at him and quickly said, "Thank-you, Mr. Rhinehart. Your recommendations have been duly noted. I will find a reliable empath within my security department and make sure they are up for the job." He said. He quickly wondered what a 'reliable' empath was. Someone who Rhinehart could rely on of somebody who was strong with their empathic prowess. Janeway wasn’t sure, however he DID know that having Kohlass on his team would provide useful as the Klingon was a formidable warrior and would probably make the natives think twice before attacking. (Reply Sullivan IYW) Jono turned back to the main bridge and then Bree went about shaping the crew's orders out for them. After that, she asked Wolfe if she could lead the advanced team, Janeway smiled. He knew she would make a great leader, He wasn’t going to say anything about leading the first contact team. He knew it would be most likely that Wolfe or Mason would be leading that. Although he had requested that, his presence be on it. (Reply any) (Posted by Jono) (USS Champlain - Bridge - CO Captain Edward Wolfe - 1332) Edward took in a deep breath. This man obviously hadn't listened to a word he'd said. What was more, he didn't realize that questioning a superior officer publicly was generally against protocol and good sense. Ask questions, give suggestions, but this style of questioning, that was usually done in private. "Mr. Rhinehart, I already agreed that caution is in order. However, there is no way I'm going to flub a chance at a first contact mission by behaving in an overly suspicious manner. We're Starfleet, not the Romulan Empire. We can, and will, have it both ways. We will, as I've already suggested scan the area and planetary transmissions. We will assemble a second team to do intel. We will take all those precautions. But we will also behave, according to regulations, as if this is a First Contact Mission." Edward then listened as Noel went on about Doenitz. That was, of course, in character and possible. In fact, he'd fought a battle because of it and almost died along with a lot of other people. "Mr. Rhinehart, that is, of course, a possibility and again we don't discount it. Hence the emphasis on scanning ahead including broadcasts and sending an advanced team. I still will maintain and even go as far as to order, that the direct First Contact Team is to behave in a normal way," with the Edward stopped abruptly. This was going into territory that he felt uncomfortable with for a multitude of reasons. (Reply any) (Posted by Jeff) (USS Champlain - Bridge – COUNS Ensign (SG) Olen Rhinehart – 1334) "Mr. Rhinehart, that is, of course, a possibility and again we don't discount it. Hence the emphasis on scanning ahead including broadcasts and sending an advanced team. I still will maintain and even go as far as to order, that the direct First Contact Team is to behave in a normal way," said the captain before stopping abruptly. “Aye sir,” the counsellor replied simply, in the most professional voice he could muster, and said no more. Rhinehart took in a deep breath. This man obviously hadn't listened to a word he'd said. Clearly, he realized that questioning a superior officer publicly was generally against protocol and good sense, but he'd pressed ahead anyway. He had been invited, as had the rest of the crew, to posit his hypotheses. He had done so, clearly and conscientiously, and felt that they had been summarily dismissed. His response to that had been respectful, well intentioned and, to his mind, supported in rational thinking. He sat back in his seat, wondering why it had even been installed in the first place, effectively removing himself from the discussion. It was abundantly clear to Rhinehart that his attempts to plumb the depths of the captain's murky reasoning would yield no catch; indeed, he had felt as if he was overstepping his bounds even as he spoke, and he knew when to cut bait. But he was a counsellor... wasn't it his /job/ to try and point these things out? If not, what was the point of him being on the bridge instead of in his cozy office drinking tea by the bucketload? It wasn't as if he didn't have a pile of dull-but-worthy casework to be getting on with. The captain had asked his crew for reactions and recommendations, not blind obedience. Still, the matter was settled, apparently on the captain's hunch. He turned his mind to the preparations he would need to make for the first contact - assuming he hadn't just bought himself a shift of cosmic barnacle detail - trying to recall if he'd bothered to send his dress uniform to be pressed after the dimly-remembered launch party or not. (Reply any, none) (Posted by Noel) (USS Champlain - Bridge - Security Chief, Lt. Jono Janeway - 1335) Janeway watched as the scene unfolded on the bridge. He knew that he himself would be one of the very few senior members of the crew to have been on a 'first' contact mission before. The last one he was on hadn't gone very well for him, He had mumbled the mission up quite a lot. But that was way back when he was and Ensign Junior Grade. When he thought about it, it was only a couple of months ago. He was quickly astounded with the amount of ground he had managed to cover in a few months, although he knew he was coming to a bit of a stand still for the moment. "Mr. Rhinehart, that is, of course, a possibility and again we don't discount it. Hence the emphasis on scanning ahead including broadcasts and sending an advanced team. I still will maintain and even go as far as to order, that the direct First Contact Team is to behave in a normal way," Wolfe had said. All was silent for the time being. Jono looked at the counsellor, it seemed he might have been trying to formulate a response? Possibly not though. Jono quickly wondered whether Wolfe knew the details of the mission on Terellia. If he did, He would probably have doubts with if he could put Janeway on the 'first contact' mission. In his own mind, Jono had doubts whether he would be put on either team. Of course, he wouldn't mind wherever he was put, As long as he would be doing something to contribute towards the mission. He shrugged it off and waited for someone to respond to the captain. (Reply any) (Posted by Jono) (USS Champlain - Bridge – ACEO Ensign Gabriele Suvik-Bertorelli - 1336) Only a short time on the Champlain and he was already acting Chief Engineer while Delzar was in sickbay. The prospect of being in charge of a load of personnel who were, in some cases, older and more experienced than him was scary - as was the prospect of being in charge of the all the complex systems on the starship. He hadn’t seen Delzar since she was beamed aboard but he had asked a nurse to pass on his regards and hopes that she would feel better soon. What more could he do for her besides making sure the holodecks got repaired and the Champlain stayed ‘ship-shape Bristol fashion’? Absolutely nothing – and he didn’t even seem to be managing that. Since being called to the bridge and taking the engineering station he hadn’t said much. There was a potential first contact mission with a culture that seemed to have a Starfleet warp ship of some kind. It was puzzling but it didn’t require his direct input. He had continued working on the bridge, checking repair status updates of the holographic systems, waiting until he was needed. There had been a complete failure of the holodeck matter conversion system, materialization errors were showing across the board and the spatial orientation systems weren’t up to orientating squat. As holodeck technology employed elements from transporter, replicator and defensive shield technology a problem with the holodeck system could indicate an underlying fault within one or more of those systems. With half-concentration, he listened to the discussions on the bridge. They wanted to plan a mission to the planet; two teams. After Ivor Prime, he hoped he wouldn’t be ordered to the planet. But perhaps it would prove more interesting than over seeing holodeck repairs… A while later he was brought into the conversation. The Captain was addressing him so he spun round and walked to the security station so he could see the Captain. “Ensign Suvik-Bertorelli, study the warp scans we have and any other technological data. I want you to look for ANYTHING that could show this to be a trick by Doenitz or any other interested party. Work with Ensign La Qua on this. I need their science studied and unraveled." “Yes, Sir. I can best achieve that down in Engineering. With your permission I’ll head down there now.” (Reply Wolfe) “I will give you report as soon as possible.” Gabe headed into the turbolift, his head already full with holodeck problems now filling with ideas and theories about magnetic-interlocks, alignment between ODN matrixes and phase inducers as well as post 21st century pre-stage flux chillers. (Reply Wolfe) (Posted by Matt (USS Champlain - Bridge - Sec Chief – Lt. Janeway – 1337) Since everything had once again fallen silent on the bridge, Janeway had taken up to working on his security teams for the mission. He watched as others got on with their work also in silence and he also noticed Rhinehart get up and walk over to speak with Bree. After several minutes, Jono looked up to see Bree walking in his direction. She began speaking in a rather soft voice. “Mr. Janeway, would you be so kind as to join me and a few others in my office, so we can pull a few ideas together before we meet with Commander Mason to start getting organized?” Jono nodded slightly and smiled, rather nicely surprised. "I'll make sure I'm their." He said pulling up all his information and began closing his console down and logging off, Ready to head over to Bree's office. Frazier then went over to Wolfe, “Sir”, I would like, if I may, to meet with a few of our officers briefly and brainstorm before getting down to business with Commander Mason,” she said evenly, nodding at Ulia. “If that’s acceptable, I will return in one hour, and report what we have so far.” (Reply Wolfe/Ulia) (Posted by Jono) (USS Champlain – Main Engineering – ACEO Ensign Gabe Suvik-Bertorelli – 1839) Gabriele was up to his eyeballs in grease. He needed to finish this shift. Ivor Prime felt like it was a second ago rather than almost 24 hours. He needed some R&R while he could get it. He touched the panel nearest to him. “Suvik-Bertorelli to LaQua. Derrick, are you in Ten Forward?” (Reply LaQua) “OK, cool. Sorry it’s taken me a while to get back to you. My day has been manic. I’ll tell you all about it.” (Reply LaQua) “Yes. I can be finished here in about twenty minutes and on Deck 10 shortly after that. Mine’s a Rigelian Surprise. Double.” (Reply LaQua if appropriate) (Reply LaQua) (Posted by Matt) [Compile Ends]