Compile break down: Day: 184 (USS Dennison - Ready Room - TAC/SC Lt (sg) Joan Shrekt - 0920) (USS Dennison - Phaser Range - TAC/SC Lt (sg) Joan Shrekt - 0938) (USS Dennison - Ten Forward - Ensign Mia Simmons - 2049) (USS Dennison, Personal Quarters, Commander Trevan West.FlOps Mia Simmons, 2055) (USS Dennison, Turbolift, Commander Trevan West, FlOps Mia Simmons, 2102) (USS Dennison,Holodeck 2, Commander Trevan West, FlOps Mia Simmons, 2104) Day: 185 (USS Dennison - Bridge - CO - Captain Archibald Stakes - 0702) (USS Dennison, Main Engineering – CEO, Lt. Harry J Atwood – 0913) (USS Dennison, Bridge – CEO, Lt. Harry J Atwood – 0915) (USS Dennison - Bridge - TAC/SC Lt (sg) Joan Shrekt - 1408) (USS Dennison – Bridge – CO - Captain Archibald Stakes – 1413) (USS Dennison - Sickbay - CMO Nymes - 1415) (USS Dennison - Personal Quarters - Ensign Mia Simmons - 1415.5) (USS Dennison - Bridge - CO - Captain Archibald Stakes - 1416) (USS Dennison - Bridge - Ensign Mia Simmons - 1420) (USS Dennison - Auxillary Helm Control - Ensign Mia Simmons - 1425) (USS Dennison - Bridge – CSO/2O Dale Bracken - 1731) (USS Dennison - Bridge – Commander Trevan West- 1732) ( USS Dennison- Bridge- ATac Ensign (jg) Ben Soma- 1733) (Maltoria, Science Ministry, Science Director Malwer, 1735) (USS Dennison - Bridge – CSO/2O Dale Bracken - 1736) (Maltoria, Science Ministry, Science Director Malwer, 1737) (Maltoria, Presidents Office, First Minister Aleth, 1757) (Maltoria, Science Ministry, Science Director Malwer, First Minister Aleth, 1845) (USS Dennison - Bridge - CO - Captain Archibald Stakes - 1852) (USS Dennison - Personal Quarters - OPS - Ensign Cattia Spero - 1853) (Maltoria, Science Ministry, Science Director Malwer, 1853.5) (USS Dennison, Bridge, Commander Trevan West 1854) (USS Dennison - Bridge - Counselor- Lt. Alosar - 1854.5) (USS Dennison - Auxillary Helm Control - Ensign Mia Simmons - 1855) (USS Dennison - Primary Engineering - MCPO Freeman - 1856) (USS Dennison - Bridge - OPS - Ensign Cattia Spero - 1858) ( USS Dennison- Bridge- ATac Ensign (jg) Ben Soma- 1900) ********************************************************* Healer in the Tower Stardate: 2408.01.09 Day: 184 ********************************************************* (USS Dennison - Ready Room - TAC/SC Lt (sg) Joan Shrekt - 0920) Shrekt stood at the ready as the Captain addressed her. She listened carefully examining his evaluation of her suggestions. ~The phase cloak~ thought Shrekt. ~I had not thought of that. They are so rare and how would it function in the environment the captain feels would interfere with the warp drive. Still it is something to consider.~ When he had finished, she nodded, her anger cooled a bit. "I was as yet unaware of the exact nature of the spatial issues we would be encountering, I trust this data will be made available to my department as it becomes public knowledge. I will admit that I had not thought of the phase cloak, but I shall re-evaluate the department's efforts once I have reviewed this newest data that you have brought up." she answered as professionally as she could. He continued on discussing her suggestions regarding the away team and she was not terribly encouraged. It sounded like the commander was in charge of this mission or was it Star Fleet Intelligence. When the Captain had concluded his comments, he opened the floor to her questions. "I shall contact the commander regarding these issues, as you command. But Captain I know that during the briefing this morning you did not wish this discussed publicly, however, I am concerned that we are serving two masters now and possibly a third. Star Fleet, of course, and the Intelligence services, and possibly even unknowingly the Maltorians as we are answering their summons. When push comes to shove, who are we most beholden too?" wondered Shrekt. (Reply Stakes) (USS Dennison - Phaser Range - TAC/SC Lt (sg) Joan Shrekt - 0938) Shrekt nodded her acknowledgment of Lieutenant Bracken's greeting. She remained silent as the marine continued. She considered the next statement that was made and finally responded, "I do not believe that anyone would benefit from a confrontation between ourselves. Although I doubt any outcome would be called a victory." Finally Bracken came to her point. Rather bluntly, in Shrekt's opinion. She studied the Lieutenant trying to gauge the sincerity and purpose of the statement and question. Given the briefing earlier in the morning, Shrekt decided to err on the side of caution. "SFI has its place in Star Fleet, although the secrecy it holds so dear also lead to the recent conflict. So I am not their largest supporter, but take what they say at face value and weigh it against what is known. They have a purpose, but it needs to be balanced with everything else. Why do you ask?" queried Shrekt. (posted by Kaweo Kanoho) === (USS Dennison - Ten Forward - Ensign Mia Simmons - 2049) Hearing his name, Tommy reached up and tugged at Mia's jacket with his free paw. Once he had her attention, he bared his teeth in an approximation of a smile and extended his eyestalks to look at her better. He then held his paw out politely. Mei Ling had impressed on him emphatically that he was to be on his best behaviour. "Why, hello Tommy." Mia said crouching down so she could look at him his eyelevel. Well, so to speak. She took his hand and gravely shook it. "This is his first time in here," Mei Ling explained. "And he's been told to behave, " she added sternly in Tommy's direction. In response, Tommy turned a hurt, innocent expression onto Mei Ling. Mia had seen similar expressions on children who had just been caught painting the windows of the city with fish guts. "I never doubt for an instance than Tommy is always behaving." She said solemnly. It wasn't much of a defence, since she didn't specify if it was good or bad behaviour. (Reply Mei Ling, Trevan, Tommy) "Now, I would think a good boy like yourself would know where to find the cookies.." Mia suggested with innocence. (Reply Mei Ling, Trevan, Tommy) Standing, Mia smiled back to Mei Ling, as if wondering why her halo was slipping slightly. "How are you settling in?" (Posted by Lorna) === (USS Dennison, Personal Quarters, Commander Trevan West.FlOps Mia Simmons, 2055) After riding the turbolift to his quarters, Trevan and Mia walked in to the usual mess of things, "Sorry Mia, I really haven't had the time to clean up" he said eyeing the stack of PADDS and several empty mugs, "I wasn't expecting company. I am going to change my pants, YOU STAY HERE and look out the window or something," he said. Mia raised an eyebrow at that, "I hadn't planned on taking pictures, Commander." "Mmm hmm..." was all that he muttered with a smirk. "Not like I'd get a lot for them anyway," she added, teasing. "Thanks for the confidence boost Mia," he said. "There's a reason you won't find my in counsellor's blues." She continued to tease as she studied Trevan's quarters. Coming out of the back room, Trevan brushed the lint off his pants as he walked back out into the main living area. "Okay, now we are off to the holodeck for that program I promised you." "Should I be pestering you for information?" Mia asked, "Perhaps asking if I'm appropriately attired?" "You will see, I think it's something you would like," he repied to her smiling for the second time in the evening. "I'm a fairly easy going customer, Commander. I think you'll find it difficult to find things I don't like." She said returning the friendly smile. The two of them walked back down the dimly lit corridor, as it was ships night, and only passed a few crewmen comming off duty, on their way to the lift. Stepping inside, Trevan allowed her to go first, "'After you," he said gesturing with is hand. (USS Dennison, Turbolift, Commander Trevan West, FlOps Mia Simmons, 2102) "Deck 8." Mia told the computer once they were both in , still finding it a bit strange even after several years, to be issuing voice commands to inanimate objects. It amused her to watch Starfleet personnel wandering around seemingly talking to themselves all day long. She supposed it was faster than touch input, but still. Trevan just stood in silence like a wooden puppet, pretending not to be uncomfortable in the silence. Finally the lift reached the desired location *note I will change this once the site is back up* Silence had never really much bothered Mia, she was as happy in her head as she was out of it. (USS Dennison,Holodeck 2, Commander Trevan West, FlOps Mia Simmons, 2104) Mia looked at the closed doors as the Commander entered his instructions via the console. "I think its your turn to go first." She said with a bow. Trevan bowed his head, "Why thank you," he said to Mia and then asked the computer to run his West Five program in standard configuration. The large holodeck doors slid open to reveal nothing but a forest in mid summer, "Follow me," he said to Mia. As they walked, he could feel the warmth of the sun on his face, and the light trickled down through the tree tops. Up ahead was a clearing where there lay a cottage. It was a bungalow style cottage, brown painted wood on the exterior with a slightly weathered look. The cottage was long, and sat at the bottom of a small hill. "This is where I grew up as a kid, it's still there on Earth and it is exactly the same." he stated. The two walked up the front steps and opened the door, a faint mildew smell could be detected, "Yes, even the smell I replicated." "'Fraid I have a pretty lousy sense of smell and taste." Mia said, admiring. "I'm not sure if it was part of the genetic adaptations or just from generations living in an aquatic environment. I almost failed the 203 Chem final because I couldn't smell the sulphur." Inside, they were standing in the small kitchen. It had the basics for a mid twenty-third century cottage, a fridge, sink, and a stove surrounded by cabinets. "When replicators became the norm, my family never got one. They kept this place as it was, the only changes made over the years was the addition of a geo-thermal power unit, a small communication system and water reclamation system," "Well, you already know my bias against cooked food," Mia said with a smile, "I don't think I used a replicator for anything other than industrial production previous to my arrival on Earth." Upon exiting the kitchen they were in the main room of the building. A large white table with twelve blue chairs was in front of them, with a long hallway at the far end leading to the bedrooms. The living room, on the opposite side of the kitchen, contained a large red oval shaped rug, two worn in couches and a stone fireplace. "Big Family," Mia said, looking at the number of chairs. "Used to be," he said without emotion. Mia wondered if she should comment or not, but in the end decided to let it go and let the Commander continue with his tour. "There are five small bedrooms down that hall, along with the washrooms. But this," he said opening the curtains that faced west, "is what I wanted you to see." The curtains opened to reveal a large outdoor deck that lead down a smaller hill to a large lake and a concrete building built into the hill. "The lake is the largest in the area, clear and cool," he said. Then pointing to the concrete building, "That used to be a boat house to store our boat, but we just use it for storage now," "I needed to relax, so I was just going to sit on the dock, but if you want to swim feel free. Swimsuits are in the first bedroom and I am sure there is something that would fit you," he said, "I haven't been swimming in years. Almost fifteen I think, my parents used to call me a fish when I was a kid." he said, not being sure how that description would go over with Mia. "This is my place to relax, late summer and nothing but quiet all around. The loons should be out soon," ~Swimsuit? Bleh.~ Was Mia's thought, but she wasn't about to turn down the gift offered. "If you haven't been swimming in fifteen years, what's stopping you now? I promise I wouldn't let you drown." Trevan shrugged off the answer, "Don't know really," he said. Mia retreated to the bedroom and just ordered up her home gear of a shark leather half top and long shorts and wiggled into them. She doubted there was much in the Commander's holographic lake that she needed to protect her skin and vitals from, but wearing one of the flimsy outfits most humanoids wore in the water just seemed silly to her. It wasn't like she wasn't used to the privacy and taboos of her cousins and other races after her years in the academy, it just never ceased to amuse her every time she encountered them. She headed back out to the back of the cabin to find Trevan. Trevan, who had a quick change inside the little boat house, was now looking even more out of place. Instead of being in this beautiful environment in his Starfleet uniform, he now wore a pair of purple bathing shorts, and a simple summer shirt with his comm. badge attached to it. Not noticing Mia coming back down to the lake, he turned to see her in her swimwear, if you could call it that. "What is that exactly?" he asked trying not to stare, "Not too many great white's or other killers in this lake. Just Perch, and the odd small mouth bass," he stated. "What's what?" She asked, wondering what he was talking about. It wasn't like she was hauling around a harpoon. "OH!" Mia realized he was frowning at her clothes and wrinkled her brow, "I think Terran swim gear is silly and impractical. Its either functional or nothing, and since I don't want to offend your delicate sensibilities, Commander Purple Shorts, I went with functional." "Thanks," he said sarcasticly, "I usually wear this, but I don't normally have an audience." Trevan smiled, turned, and started to walk to the end of the orange wooden dock, "Careful on the second section, it's a little wobbely" he cautioned. Mia managed not to point out that it would take a bit more than loose planking to cause her to lose her balance. Sitting down on one of the wooden chair at the end of the dock, he closed his eyes and took in the peacefulness of it all. "Beautiful," he said outloud. " I programmed this myself. Sure the computer can do most of the work, but this is a different kind of program. I have spent years perfecting it, getting everything just so." Trevan explained what he actually did, "It's the sound that really drives it home for me. Not a sound. Listen, all you can hear is nature." A large crow had flown overhead and the wind being pushed by its wings could be heard in the silence, "This is a pretty populated area, but I have eliminated that factor." He opened his eyes again, sensing that he was starting to brag, he suddenly stopped talking. Trevan, not one to be a quiet person had to break it, "What's the matter Mia?" "Huh?" The Aquadrian pilot had been staring off at the lake, not thinking about anything in particular. "Nothing, was just sleeping with my eyes open, mostly." She hopped off the dock into the water, welcoming the temperature if not the lack of salt. Holding her breath until she surface, flipping hair out of her eyes, she carefully kept her gills free of the water so she could continue talking. "This seems a little.. well, anti-social, is all. I mean, I can understand you wanting to escape twelve hundred people all calling you boss, but this seems kind of .. lonely.." (Posted by Kerry & Lorna) ********************************************************* Healer in the Tower Star Date: 2408.01.10 Day: 185 ********************************************************* (USS Dennison - Bridge - CO - Captain Archibald Stakes - 0702) Archibald listened to the Counsellor as he gave his assessment of the Maltorian situation. He agreed with Alosar that it was unlikely that the Maltorians would have matured enough, or considered the Federation matured enough to warrant further contacts. He did not however feel that well at ease with the bit about not confronting them with their culture. They (the Federation) had somehow a position of power over the Maltorians. They knew something or were able to do something that the Maltorians did not or could not. And that allowed the Federation to claim a position of equals if not more. By their request to meet, the Federation had gained an invaluable foothold over the Maltorians. And Archibald wouldn't be Archibald if he didn't want to build on that foothold and strengthen it. On the other hand, the Counsellor had received more training on this subject than Archibald had so his words had to be taken into consideration, even to the point of superceding his own wishes or strategies. After a few seconds of contemplation Archibald inwardly shrugged. "Conflict?" he responded. "I never engage in conflict that I am unlikely to win. Famous last stands are for those that were stupid enough to squander away their options. I guess without first seeing them and talking to them I have no way of determining how far we can go. Which means that we probably have to go in softly softly. That is unfortunate. I am a great believer in in-your-face diplomacy, the diplomacy of strength and purpose. But I heed your words. And in a sense I am glad that it will most likely be Commander West who will do the first contact. He would be more open to other alternatives than I would." Archibald looked around, seeing if anyone was paying too much attention to what was being said in the center ring. He nodded after a few seconds. "I guess the like-it-or-lump-it approach does have its drawbacks. I will inform the Commander of your considerations, Lieutenant. Thank you." (Reply Alosar IYW) (posted by Adrie Geuken) === (USS Dennison, Main Engineering – CEO, Lt. Harry J Atwood – 0913) As Harry walked into Engineering after escorting one of his teams down to deck 11, his comm. Badge chirped and the captain spoke. =^=CO to Lieutenant Atwood. Report to my Ready Room, please=^= Harry instantly turned around and sped out of engineering, “Yes, Sir. On my way.” (Reply CO iyw) He quickly made his way back to the Turbolift he had just come from. Upon entering he instructed the lift to take him to his destination. (USS Dennison, Bridge – CEO, Lt. Harry J Atwood – 0915) Harry stepped onto a rather un-familiar sight, it was a rarity that he came to the bridge and didn’t send another engineer to man the post on the bridge. He nodded to the officers standing working at their stations and walked through the bridge to press the chime outside of the CO’s ready room. (Reply CO) As he was instructed to come forth the door slid open and he walked in, he respectfully nodded to the captain before saying, “Reporting as ordered, Sir.” (Posted by Jono) === (USS Dennison - Bridge - TAC/SC Lt (sg) Joan Shrekt - 1408) Shrekt had been standing at her duty station monitoring the various systems as the ship sped on its way toward their rendezvous. It had started early with at the captain's behest, in the meantime, she had to meet with her department to implement the various decision that had been made from the day before with the additional information that had been given sporadically throughout the day. It felt like they were going in blind and Shrekt did not like it one bit. Her father had always impressed upon her to never enter into an engagement where there was no clear exit strategy. And so far they had not really developed one. They had been working on it and were continuing to do so. But time was coming up on them and soon, far too soon for her tastes. As with all her siblings, regardless of whether they entered the marines, she had learned that there were times to step to the line and this was one of those times. She would not shy from her duty and she would stand at the ready to do that which was required of her. Her thoughts were interrupted by the commander ordering the shields to go up and to go to yellow alert. By instinct she initiated the orders setting the shields to full and the yellow alerts on. ~What's going on?~ she wondered, as her eyes slid over her monitors. She looked over her shoulder to the main view screen to see if there was something of interest being displayed there. "Shrekt, I want full resolution scans. I want to know what is out there, if anything. No matter how insignificant it may be, co-ordinate with OPS and Science to make sure." ordered West. "Full scans, Aye." replied Shrekt as her fingers moved to execute the orders. The scans went out sending forth its feelers and returning the data that was needed yesterday. “Live data is now with all stations. Tactical, do we have anything in this system – anything at all...excuse the expression, man-made?" asked Bracken. Shrekt went through it as it came in and diverted the information as was appropriate. "The information is inconclusive at the moment. I am trying to refine the parameters to get clearer data. It is possible there is something out there." stated Shrekt, as she worked at reconfiguring the sensors to take into account the spatial issues in the area. (posted by Kaweo Kanoho) === (USS Dennison – Bridge – CO - Captain Archibald Stakes – 1413) Archibald had listened to the discussion involving the CSO and the CONN and realised that traversing this expand of space was even trickier than progressing through a 'normal' cloud of interstellar matter. He had seen the shields taking a beating already as they were flying into the area but so far they were holding up fine and the drain didn't seem to be too much on the systems. Of course that could change as soon as they neared a spot of gravitational activity. "That said, I can initiate the course, the first anomaly is in 15 minutes fly time." he suddenly picked up from the CONN and after a few seconds he tapped his badge. "Ensign Simmons to the Bridge." He waited for her to arrive then nodded. "Ensign, Mister Night is currently starting to engage the soup of gravitational fields that we have to cross. Shadow her, a fresh pair of eyes might be needed if we reach an area of high activity. Also learn from her. If we have to split the ship, I want you to be as familiar with the surroundings as Mister Night is." (Reply Mia, Ele, any) After another thought, Archibald tapped his badge again. "Stakes to Doctor Nymes, what is the status of Ensign Lane? If he has been cleared for duty I want him on the bridge, pronto. He needs to see this." (Reply Lewis, any) (Posted by Adrie Geuken) === (USS Dennison - Sickbay - CMO Nymes - 1415) =/\= Stakes to Doctor Nymes, what is the status of Ensign Lane? If he has been cleared for duty I want him on the bridge, pronto. He needs to see this. =/\= Nymes looked up from his final report on the Maltorian Intel he had received on the physiology. After all the hours of reading, something was feeling familiar to the Trill, but the crucial point was escaping him. A recollection of fleeting memories. Ensign Lane was finally sitting up, wincing regarding his operation. He was on the way to recovery, and with a couple more days of recuperation he would be fit enough for discharge from Sickbay, and ready for minimal duty within a week. "Nymes here." he replied, walking over to the Ensign's biobed, where the sandy haired human was sitting up, reading a book; one of his quirks was that he despised holonovels, but loved the written word. Currently he was reading Shakespeare, a play or two, catching up with a play to get through his downtime. "Ensign Lane is awake, sir, but still recuperating..." Lane motioned his eagerness to go to the bridge, but Nymes shook his head with sympathy. "I do not recommend that he returns to full duty at this moment, and suggest that a data-feed be set up at his biobed. The alternative is 30 minutes on station." (reply Stakes) "Understood, sir." (posted by GC) === (USS Dennison - Personal Quarters - Ensign Mia Simmons - 1415.5) Mia was lying on her back, floating in her tub of salt water. No reeds, sea weed or kelp as of yet, and no other life in the water to keep her company, but it was still heads and tails above sponge bathing herself in a sonic shower. Her brain was mostly floating along with her body as she recharged from a strange and long day when the computer vibrated the Captain's words through the water. =/\= Ensign Simmons to the Bridge. =/\= Rolling over, Mia hit the prerecorded, "on my way" and let her lungs empty of water, taking a few tentative breaths before climbing out. Grabbing a towel she dried off quickly, tied her mass of braids out of her way with a quick towel rub to dry them to damp from dripping, and she was off to find a uniform. She wondered if Captain Stakes would shoot her if she showed up without boots. With a sigh she sat on the couch and tugged them on. Off to the bridge she went. (USS Dennison - Bridge - CO - Captain Archibald Stakes - 1416) =/\= Ensign Lane is awake, sir, but still recuperating... =/\= Archibald nearly sighed. =/\= I do not recommend that he returns to full duty at this moment, and suggest that a data-feed be set up at his biobed. The alternative is 30 minutes on station. =/\= Archibald bit his lips. "He needs to be here on the Bridge, Doctor. To witness and work together with the others, getting a feeling for this soup we are currently flying in. To discuss things with his fellow pilots. He might soon have to fly a section himself through it. OK, half an hour then on the bridge but be prepared that he may need to be pressed into service at short notice. I'd rather have experienced command line CONN's doing the flying than stand ins. It may be all that stands between escape and a quick death for all. The needs of the many, Doctor." (posted by Adrie Geuken) === (USS Dennison - Bridge - Ensign Mia Simmons - 1420) "Ensign, Mister Night is currently starting to engage the soup of gravitational fields that we have to cross. Shadow her, a fresh pair of eyes might be needed if we reach an area of high activity. Also learn from her. If we have to split the ship, I want you to be as familiar with the surroundings as Mister Night is." ~Mister Night?~ Mia wondered and then realized that the head pilot must prefer the supposedly gender neutral term. ~How can it be gender neutral if it has been used the refer to men for thousands of years?~ "Aye sir." She replied, wondering where exactly she was supposed to do that from. It wasn't like the bridge had spare helm controls kicking around. As the Captain turned to take care of other matters Mia waffled between using one of the bridge stations which really weren't set up to mimic the navigational centre and leaving the bridge to go down to Auxillary Helm Control and use one of the sim stations. She doubted the Captain would call her all the way up here if he just wanted her to leave again, but on the other hand, if he wanted her to learn and shadow Ensign Night, he'd want her to do it right. Deciding she'd rather get yelled at for trying to learn as much as she could rather than being seen under a commander's eyes, Mia left the bridge for auxillary helm control. (USS Dennison - Auxillary Helm Control - Ensign Mia Simmons - 1425) Sitting into the helm simulator, Mia slaved it to the bridge so the holograms around her would show her what was going on on the bridge. "Hooked in," she informed her superior, "And following along." This environment was certainly her idea of a fun section of space to fly through, but she could see how a non-pilot might disagree! (Posted by Lorna) === (USS Dennison - Bridge – CSO/2O Dale Bracken - 1731) "Bridge to all hands; the ship is about to turn across the subspace wake, and may roll. Bridge out." Ele sighed as she closed the channel for what seemed like the umpteenth time, before commenting to the officer of the watch. "Waypoint sixteen completed, course laid in for waypoint seventee-" "Sirs, sensor ping 400,000km away." PO Nicklaus had piped up, reporting with ease rather than in trepidation. "Small... blip, centered on one of the subspace anomalies. " “I see it, confirm contact.” "Looks big enough for a single seater craft, sirs." Ele said, waiting for a response and for orders”. “Confirm Sir, size and mass is comparable to a single seater.” Dale spoke from the main science station. “Scans show that it’s consistent with what we know about Maltorian ships sir, this looks like a scout vessel.” She looked once more, watching the ship move closer to the Dennison. Dale saw the blip on the screen turn and shift direction, headed back toward the same point that it had appeared from, where it disappeared. Dale had been looking closely at the terminal when it had disappeared, no sign of a warp signature, nothing. “Contact has disappeared Sirs, No warp trace. Recommend we maintain current speed and heading toward waypoint seventeen . Newest ETA to contact point is 2 hours, repeat ETA 2 hours.” (posted by Mark) === (USS Dennison - Bridge – Commander Trevan West- 1732) “Confirm Sir, size and mass is comparable to a single seater.” Dale spoke from the main science station. “Scans show that it’s consistent with what we know about Maltorian ships sir, this looks like a scout vessel.” She looked once more, watching the ship move closer to the Dennison. Dale saw the blip on the screen turn and shift direction, headed back toward the same point that it had appeared from, where it disappeared. Dale had been looking closely at the terminal when it had disappeared, no sign of a warp signature, nothing. “Contact has disappeared Sirs, No warp trace. Recommend we maintain current speed and heading toward waypoint seventeen . Newest ETA to contact point is 2 hours, repeat ETA 2 hours.” ~Scout ship eh?~ Trevan thought to himself, ~Interesting~. "Very well, Night, maintain current speed and heading to waypoint seventeen," said West. Trevan turned around to face his Science Officer, "Where did they go Dale?" he asked. Turning back to face the forward viewer, Trevan only saw stars that slightly rolled as the Dennison maneuvered herself around the gravitational anomalies in this region of space. "Anything new on these gravity wells?" he asked to no-one in particular, "What is causing them?" (Posted by Kerry Fletcher) === ( USS Dennison- Bridge- ATac Ensign (jg) Ben Soma- 1733) "Bridge to all hands; the ship is about to turn across the subspace wake, and may roll. Bridge out." Ele sighed as she closed the channel for what seemed like the umpteenth time, before commenting to the officer of the watch. "Waypoint sixteen completed, course laid in for waypoint seventee-" Ben braced himself as best he could against the ship rolling. He was unsure as to how hard the ship would toss him around, but the last thing he wanted was an abrupt meeting with a bulkhead or console. "Sirs, sensor ping 400,000km away." PO Nicklaus had piped up, reporting with ease rather than in trepidation. "Small... blip, centered on one of the subspace anomalies. " Ben turned his attention to the sensor display and tried to focus in on the sensor hit. "Looks big enough for a single seater craft, sirs." Ele said, waiting for a response and for orders. ~ A craft that small should be getting tossed around like a cork on the ocean~ Ben thought as he focused the scanners on the small craft. ~ If this is a Maltorian craft we can learn a thing or two from them~ Ben would not want to be the pilot in that small ship in this soup. The Dennison was having enough trouble manoeuvring through the area, but maybe the smaller craft had an advantage somehow. Ben knew that a shuttle craft could withstand certain spacial anomalies better than a starship, but somehow he doubted that in this situation that would be true. So he waited to see what would happen to the ship and what orders were going to be issued. ( posted by Milo Young) === (Maltoria, Science Ministry, Science Director Malwer, 1735) Malwer, young for a person in his position, had never had a mission like this before. The new First Minister had ordered him to send out a science scout, something they never did before, and he was anxious to know what was going on. "Open communication," Malwer stated. On his table, a small image of the scout captain appeared, "Yes Director?" "What is your status?" Malwer asked. "One contact, proceeding slow. Still a good distance away, do you want me to investigate?" Malwer thought about that for a moment, "No, transmit your findings and withdraw back home. I will contact the First Minister." "Yes Director, transmitting now. I will be home in twelve minutes," said the scout captain and then closed the channel. Malwer saw the incoming data on his display. It was the help that they were looking for. (posted by Kerry Fletcher) === (USS Dennison - Bridge – CSO/2O Dale Bracken - 1736) Trevan turned around to face his Science Officer, "Where did they go Dale?" he asked Dale briefly half turned, then returned her attention to the screen in front of her. “Unknown sir, I’m already on it.” She was genuinely puzzled, there was no trace at all of the ship that had just appeared and scanned them. No warp trace, nothing. There wasn’t even any trace of any kind of explosion. There was an odd reading, one that looked oddly familiar, annoyingly it eluded her for the moment. “Nothing on scanners, still no sign of a warp trace, no sign of anything, there’s one or two odd readings, I’m still working on it. (Reply West) "Anything new on these gravity wells?" he asked to no-one in particular, "What is causing them?" “Again unknown Sir, newest scans are showing that...a new well has appeared at the last known location of the scout ship.” Dale paused in her delivery, “it’s entirely possible that the appearance of this and the disappearance of the ship are in some way linked, though I have no idea at the moment how.” (Posted by Mark) === (Maltoria, Science Ministry, Science Director Malwer, 1737) Malwer had been waiting on hold for the new First Minister for over ten minutes when he finally appeared on the screen in the tabletop, "First Minister, good to see you again. Have you read the findings from our science scout?" First Minister Aleth nodded, "I have. It seems our message has been heard and responded to. I for one am interested in meeting these Federation people," he said excitedly, "I will be speaking to the President shortly and I will contact you with further instructions," Aleth said and closed the channel. === (Maltoria, Presidents Office, First Minister Aleth, 1757) Aleth now had a private meeting with President Lefkin in the Presidential Office, "President Lefkin," he said as he approached the desk near the windows. Lefkin had heard the man come in, but made no effort to acknowledge his presence, he was still looking out the windows, looking down on the city, "Yes. I know all about the contact with the ship from the Federation," Aleth was not surprised by this, the Information Ministry had no doubt been monitoring, and had contacted the President the moment the contact was made. Perhaps, even before that. "Then you are aware of how slowly these Federation people are moving through the system. Perhaps they think we intend to attack?" Aleth asked. Lefkin turned in his chair to face the First Minister, "Perhaps," he said, "but perhaps they do not have the ability to go faster in their fragile ship." Lefkin again thought about the first few contacts made centuries ago, "These people are cautious creatures I must say. I think we need to encourage them." Aleth disagreed, "No offence President Lefkin, but that would speed up the process. Do we not want to make sure they are truly here to help?" Lefkin did not take offence to the question. He had expected this type of response from Aleth, "If they did not want to help, they would not have come this far." "Open the rift, I wish to speak to them directly." Aleth again was not in agreement, "Sir, is that wise? What about the population, surely they would not agree to this." "The people do not concern me in these matters. They are the ones making us take these actions!" Lefkin stated, "I find the idea of communicating with outsiders distasteful, but it is required." "I understand sir. But for clarity, I believe Science Director Malwer should be the one to make the initial contact. He is more familiar with this culture and knows what to expect." Lefkin agreed. "Very well, see to it at once." and turned his attention to other matters. Aleth bowed his head, "Thank you Mister President sir." === (Maltoria, Science Ministry, Science Director Malwer, First Minister Aleth, 1845) Aleth had been to the Science Ministry only a few times since starting this job, and was overwhelmed by the sheer complexity of the building. Fortunately he was able to find his way to the Science Director's office, where Malwer had been waiting for him. "It is agreed. You will make contact," said Aleth. With a slight change in his colour, Malwer nodded, "Agreed," he said. Aleth responded with his own colour change. Although it was unusual to change ones colour in conversation, it was still a good way to communicate ones intentions without being overheard. "I will be in my office, please see no-one disturbs me," Malwer said to his guards and proceeded into his office. While the office itself may not look like a typical Director's office, it had an advantage of being closed off from the rest of the building in the event of an emergency. Malwer pressed a few controls on his desk that activated a small field surrounding the office. This allowed him, he found, not to be monitored directly by the Information Ministry. A signal sent from his desk, was transmitted to one of the orbiting satellites. The satellite aimed itself at a certain point in space and a small rift was opened to allow passage of the communication. "Reshon'ls. Yu'wsa jorpo'rt Malwer Maltoria'hwii dowgi. Vua'qo xiid?" was the message he sent out. Although he was using the standard translator, he was certain the message was being sent properly. "Greetings, I am Science Director Malwer of the Maltorian Science Ministry. Are you responding to our calls?." (posted by Kerry Fletcher) === (USS Dennison - Bridge - CO - Captain Archibald Stakes - 1852) "Op speaker, Crewman," Archibald ordered as they were told of an incoming message. =/\=Greetings, I am Science Director Malwer of the Maltorian Science Ministry. Are you responding to our calls?.=/\= Archibald looked rather stupefied at Trevan. That was it? "Mister Bracken, take that message apart," Archibald barked. "Check for everything that you can and everything that you can't. Do we know the bearing?" (Reply by Dale, any) "Roughly, Sir, Nicklaus responded. "Hard to pinpoint in these conditions but I would say it came from an area near the target coordinates." Archibald nodded than slapped his badge. "Stakes to Ensign Spero, report to the bridge, on the double! The Maltorians have sent a direct message!" "Mister Nicklaus, have the following response sent to the likely point of origin. Use all frequencies and as wide a band as possible. Use the High Maltorian translator first then repeat it in Federation standard and cycle through the messages ten times. Message reads: Greeting, this is Captain Archibald Stakes of the Federation Star Ship USS Dennison. We are answering the Maltorian request for contact. Please advise." Archibald wanted to nod to the OPS-officer but suddenly felt Alosar looking at him. Archibald sighed. "Make it a male voice, crewman." (posted by Adrie Geuken) === (USS Dennison - Personal Quarters - OPS - Ensign Cattia Spero - 1853) The cat on the wall, basking in the sunshine, looked at Kit and opened its mouth. =/\=Stakes to Ensign Spero, report to the bridge, on the double! The Maltorians have sent a direct message!=/\= ~Huh? wha?~ Kit opened her eyes, then rubbed them hard, yawning as she did so. She glanced at the time and pulled a face as she fumbled for her commbadge on the bedside table. "On my way Sir," she replied, managing not to yawn again as she spoke. "Computer, lights." Swinging her legs over to sit on the edge of the bed she reached for the clean uniform she had placed there before she slept and dressed quickly, not forgetting to fix her commbadge onto her top. She dragged a comb through her short dark hair and then grabbing her boots she ran out of her quarters and half hopped, half ran down the corridor towards the turbolift pulling her boots on as she went. (Maltoria, Science Ministry, Science Director Malwer, 1853.5) " Greeting, this is Captain Archibald Stakes of the Federation Star Ship USS Dennison. We are answering the Maltorian request for contact. Please advise." Science Director Malwer was ecstatic, finally direct communications. "Dennison, I am honoured to be communicating with you. Thank you for coming, it is urgent. Bring you vessel to a stop please and lower shields," (reply Dennison) "The reasons will be made to you, after you travel through the rift. It is required to visit our world. Please hurry." (reply Dennison) "Thank you Captain Steaks of the Dennison. May many males inhabit you." Malwer closed the channel and made sure the rift would remain open until the ship went inside. (Posted by Kerry Fletcher) === (USS Dennison, Bridge, Commander Trevan West 1854) "The reasons will be made to you, after you travel through the rift. It is required to visit our world. Please hurry." Trevan looked over at Captain Stakes, he knew that the Captain didn't like unanswered questions, but perhaps, like Trevan, he wanted to help these people and would wait for answers later. (reply Dennison) "Thank you Captain Steaks of the Dennison. May many males inhabit you." Malwer closed the channel and made sure the rift would remain open until the ship went inside. As the viewscreen winked off, Trevan looked over with raised eyebrows at the Captain, "May many males inhabit you?" he asked, "What the hell does that mean?" (reply Stakes) "Cattia, did that translate properly?" he said to his OPS officer. (reply Spero) Trevan was reluctant to give the order, but they had to move on, "Stand down from Yellow Alert, lower shields. Helm...." was all he managed to get out before a small shudder hit him. The small escort craft had locked a type of tractor beam onto the Dennison and was dragging her into the spatial rift. In mere moments, the Dennison had reached the edge. As it did, the ship started to shake and a blinding white/pink light filled the Bridge. Trevan was totally blinded, but it only lasted a moment. When the shaking stopped, his vision didn't seem to return properly. Looking at the viewer he could see a brilliant white background and the small ship that had brought them here. The main viewer again filled with the image of the Science Director, "Welcome to Maltoria! I trust the passage was not to rough?" (reply Stakes) "Apologies, your power systems are not configured to travel in the rift. Your shields would have broken your hull. Our tractor beam can shield you from the most unpleasant effects, however now that you are here I am sure you have many questions. Please adjust your sensors to monitor the gamma range of frequencies, our planet will appear shortly." (reply Stakes) "Ahh yes, but we are not in normal space. We exist within the sub-space domain, or a pocket of it at least," said Malwer, "it is how we choose to avoid being detected. Now, once you are in orbit I will provide you with the location to transport into the President's office. They must be precise in order to pass through the security field surrounding it." (posted by Kerry Fletcher) === (USS Dennison - Bridge - Counselor- Lt. Alosar - 1854.5) Alosar looked at the Captain with a raised eyebrow. Although it was not completely expected to ask them to lower their shields, it was also not completely unexpected. They were obviously looking for a sign of good faith. "Captain," he said, "I would find it highly illogical for the Maltorians to go through the trouble of contacting us and bring us this close to their location, just to have us drop our shields and get destroyed by them. I would recommend that we follow the directions of this Science Director Mawler. But I also recommend caution and being prepared to raise shields at the first sign of trouble." He thought that would be sufficient for all sides of this discussion to feel that they were getting what they needed. (posted by Al Muir) === (USS Dennison - Auxillary Helm Control - Ensign Mia Simmons - 1855) The simulation was happily relaying the information from the bridge. Conversations, personnel locations, orders, were all faithfully relayed. Every so often the holographic projection flickered when the ship's systems became stressed, but the data on the console and the audio remained faithful, so that was all that really mattered to Mia. "Thank you Captain Stakes of the Dennison. May many males inhabit you." Said the Science minister person. ~Kinky!~ Mia thought with amusement. Apparently the aliens needed to work on their translation protocols. Although, she wasn't quite sure what that well-wish could have been instead. Also wasn't quite sure she wanted to know. What she WAS glad of, was as a female, and a secondary pilot, she probably wouldn't have to deal with them directly in any shape or form and there for, didn't have to worry about it at all! "Cattia, did that translate properly?" West said, looking towards the woman at the Operations console. ~How can we tell, silly? It was their feed, not ours. We can't translate their use of Standard into Standard.~ Mia shook her head, and double checked the comm. readings, yup, untranslated. Not really helm's job to monitor what Ops was up to, but really, if you just sat in your chair and did nothing but navigate the whale, you got kind of bored. Of course, if one COULD translate one's non-standard into standard, it would probably save a lot of headaches in the negotiation chambers. Not to mention Ten Forward! The Commander had carried on, "Stand down from Yellow Alert, lower shields. Helm...." was all he said as the ship shuddered and the holo flickered and restabilized. ~Helm what?~ Mia asked, checking the logs for what Commander West had or hadn't said. Nope, that was it. Not particularly helpful there! Apparently they were in a tractor beam from the tiny little scout ship! ~On my tides, I WANT ONE!~ Mia thought with mental drool. The flash of light blinded her eyes and left her blinking and rubbing her eyes, sometimes the computer could be a little too faithful in its reproductions.. unless that went through the whole ship. The hold of the main viewer showed the Science Minister again, "Welcome to Maltoria! I trust the passage was not to rough?" ~Masters of the bad translation and the mild understatement!~ Mia thought, rolling her eyes. As soon as she'd heard about the antiquated 'women are second class creatures' nonsense she'd decided she didn't like much this close minded, narrow viewed race that had come begging for help. So far, this Science Minister wasn't doing much to dispel her dislike. ~I'm just glad I'm not on the bridge or Captain Stakes having to deal with these yahoos. I'm sure he'll have fun at any potential first meetings without Esme!~ She couldn't see him risking his daughter's safety unnecessarily, and she didn't think a yeoman's job often fell under the ranks of necessary presence. (posted by Lorna) === (USS Dennison - Primary Engineering - MCPO Freeman - 1856) Butch Freeman was standing his regular watch in Primary Engineering. He stood poised at the Master Situation Monitor overlooking the work of two crewmen. They had just been finishing up a level three diagnostic on the warp engine secondary controls. This had been one of the systems that Butch had not personally repaired during the recent layover, and he wanted to observe just how well things were going. That, and he hoped to pass along a few lessons as he supervised. He turned to the youngest of the two crewmen, Frank Dailey, and gestured with his hand at the results displayed on the panel. "So as you can see Dailey, diagnostics at the level we are dealing with don't require the system be taken off line entirely. The manual says so, but the manual in this case is wrong. You simply bypass the secondary circuitry, double it up with the primary while you and the automated routines check the circuit. No harm done, no efficiency impaired... and the job is done more quickly and easily." He paused a second, drawing out the lesson. "But... and this is a but as big as the one on my second wife --" he chuckled to himself as he let that image settle in -- "If you are running off the secondaries... say the primary is off line due to battle damage or what have you... then DO NOT try it this way. You'll cause a feedback surge that will burn out half the system. All of it if you are having a bad day. Engineers are *not* allowed to have bad days by the way... the whole ship depends on us doing our thing the right way, all the time. Don't forget that." He was just about to turn to the second crewman to make sure he got the concept as well when the Dennison shook under his feet. He grabbed the edge of the console to keep his balance. He heard as well as felt various systems whining in complaint as readings fluctuated then stablized a few seconds later. He cast a glance around the room and raised his voice to carry clearly in the engineering space. "Anyone hurt?" A brief pause, while he processed the muttered replies and groans as people picked themselves up and got reoriented. "Report!" he barked out once people had gotten back to thier stations. The reports of extremely light damage drifted in. The rest of it was not so encouraging. He ran a rapid series of commands on the diplays before him and frowned. He double checked them, then frowned again. ~What the....~ "Lieutenant Atwood, would you take a look at this with me please?" He paused a second and then tapped his commbadge again. "Bridge, this is Chief Freeman. Whatever just happened up there, we lost eleven percent of our reserve power. Whatever it was, our energy systems are not compatible with it. We saw inertial dampers and structural integrity power consumption nearly jump off the scale. Its settled down now, but we still have the reserve power loss to deal with." He checked the engine logs quickly, then spoke again, voicing his surmise. "Bridge, did someone tractor us? If so, you might want to rethink that. If it happens again we might have some real systems damage." (Posted by Russ) === (USS Dennison - Bridge - OPS - Ensign Cattia Spero - 1858) By the time the turbolift doors opened to admit Kit to the Bridge, she was neat, tidy and presentable. ~Five minutes, a personal record from bed to Bridge~ "Ensign Spero reporting as ordered, Sir," she said to the Captain as she headed to the Ops console. "Can you fill me in?" she asked Chrystine quietly as she took her seat. Chrystine brought Kit up to speed and Kit nodded her thanks, looking over the message that had been received, and the reply that had been sent. (Posted by Liz) === ( USS Dennison- Bridge- ATac Ensign (jg) Ben Soma- 1900) "Thank you Captain Stakes of the Dennison. May many males inhabit you." Said the Science minister person. ~ May many males inhabit you, what could he possibly mean by that~ Ben wondered as he heard the statement. He hoped that the translator had missed something in the translation of the message, if not this was about to become really interesting. "Cattia, did that translate properly?" West said, looking towards the woman at the Operations console. The Commander had carried on, "Stand down from Yellow Alert, lower shields. Helm...." was all he said as the ship shuddered and the holo flickered and restabilized. ~ They have us in a tractor beam~ Ben realized, ~ we dropped our Shields and we are now at their mercy,...........~ Ben never got the chance to finish the thought as a light blinded him and the ship began shaking, he grabbed for something to hold on to but miscalculated the distance to the bulkhead hitting his head in the process. The shaking and the blinding light only lasted for a moment, after it subsided Ben raised a hand to his head to survey the damage, he winced as he touched the spot where his head connected with the bulkhead. He pulled his hand back and looked at his fingers, they were slightly blurred but he could see no blood, ~Just a bruise~ "Welcome to Maltoria! I trust the passage was not to rough?" Said the science director. ~ No, not rough at all~ Ben thought as he again touched his head, ~ That's gonna be tender for a while~ (posted by Milo Young) ******************************************************************** Th.th.th.th.th.th.th.th.that's all, Folks!