NRPG: Compile Index: Day 185 (USS Dennison- Transporter Room 1- Crewman Morgan Randell- 2235) Day 186 (USS Dennison – Transporter room - CMO Dr Nymes – 0817) (USS Dennison – Transporter room - ATac Ensign (jg) Ben Soma- 0819) (USS Dennison – Transporter Room 1, Saucer – ACEO Lanista – 0820) (USS Dennison – Bridge – CONN – Ensign Night– 1146) (USS Dennison – Deck 18, Lower Engineering, Chief Engineer's Office – ACEO Lanista – 1146) (USS Dennison ­ Sickbay ­ CO - Captain Archibald Stakes ­ 1149) (USS Dennison - Lower Engineering Section - Deck 20, Battle Bridge - TAC/SC Lt (sg) Joan Shrek - 1200) (USS Dennison - Lower Engineering Section - Deck 20, Battle Bridge – CONN Ens. Night - 1201) (USS Dennison – Sickbay – CMO Dr Nymes– 1201) (USS Dennison - Secondary Hull (Upper engineering section) - Deck 12, Battle Bridge - CO - Captain Archibald Stakes ­ 1202) (USS Dennison – Main Engineering - ACEO Lanista - 1203) (USS Dennison - Upper Engineering Section - Deck 12, Battle Bridge - CO Captain Archibald Stakes - 1721) (Starbase Geneva - Debriefing area, Deck 82, CO Captain Archibald Stakes - 1826) (Starbase Geneva - Debriefing area, Deck 82, Admiral Hesper Linden and CO Captain Archibald Stakes - 1830) (Starbase Geneva – Deck 82 – Personal quarters - CMO Dr Nymes –2100) RPG: >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Healer in the Tower Stardate: 2408.01.10 Day: 185 <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< (USS Dennison- Transporter Room 1- Crewman Morgan Randell- 2235) Morgan listened to the ACEO as she issued her instructions. He headed to the console to begin a level two diagnostic on the system. He wondered why they were doing the diagnostic as the problem with the missing away team was external, the transport had been redirected from the planet’s surface. He had discovered the signal himself. Since the ACEO ordered the diagnostic he would do it. He watched as the diagnostic ran through its routine and made adjustments and input data when necessary. This would not be a quick process as the diagnostics he had ran previously in engineering, this would take time to complete. He settled himself in for the work that was to come. (reply any) (posted by Milo Young) >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Healer in the Tower Stardate: 2408.01.11 Day: 186 <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< (USS Dennison – Transporter room- CMO Dr Nymes – 0817) “Welcome back, ensigns, crewmen. Before you deliver your full reports, we have the formalities to go through.” Nymes said, as he entered the room, seeing the away team back in one piece behind the forcefield. “Full Bioscans please, chief.” Within moments the scan completed, the chief reported nothing amiss, and Nymes nodded that the field be deactivated. “Ensigns, what happened down there? Where is the commander and 2O?” (reply “away” team) (posted by GC) (USS Dennison – Transporter room- ATac Ensign (jg) Ben Soma- 0819) “Ensigns, what happened down there? Where is the commander and 2O?” Asked Nymes after the force field was released. Ben step down towards him and said, "We materialized of target on the planet and spent the evening breathing in the dust of countless Maltorian dead. Some civil uprising caused the annihilation of a town eight years ago, every living thing was reduced to dust. Under the cover of night we traced a public broadcast to a power station, avoiding patrols along the way. We gained entry and contacted the First minister who sent a rescue party to our location. Lt. Bracken managed to get through to the Dennison before the rescue party arrived. We boarded their transport craft and headed to a tunnel they called the gate, but after entering we blacked out." Ben said and remained silent for a moment and then continued. "When I woke up the Commander and Lt. Bracken were gone and the Maltorians were not forth coming with the details of their disappearance. " Ben head dropped slightly, he felt responsible for the loss of West and Bracken. As a security officer it was his duty to safe guard and protect the lives of the away team and now two members of the crew were missing. He had tried to warn everyone but it was futile, maybe if he had been a little more forceful with his opinion of the mission to Commander West this loss may have been avoided somehow. (reply any) (posted By Milo Young) (USS Dennison – Transporter Room 1, Saucer – ACEO Lanista – 0820) In response to Soma’s report Lanista mused, “Breathing the dead? Intriguing,” as the Doctor and the recovered away team exited the Transporter Room. (Reply any/none) The ACEO, along with Freeman and Randell, had finished their work in XRPTR RM 1. It was Morgan’s diligence that had enabled Lanista to find the evidence that the transport beam had been different from the norm. That had led to discovering the warp signature of the alien vessel. She would leave word of commendation in Randell’s file, and she told him so. (Reply Randell iyw) Lanista made sure she was the last to leave the room as all departed for different sections of the Dennison, no doubt most of them following Doctor Nymes’ lead – to quarantine in Sickbay. The ACEO was glad she was not among them. As exciting as inhaling the deceased sounded, Lanista disliked the company of medical personnel. For several reasons, not the least of which being she blamed surgeons for the death of her mother. Then, and far less importantly, Starfleet doctors wore blue -- the dishonorable color of the equally dishonorable Morath. No, Sickbay was best avoided. Turning to her own people, she said, "Freeman, Randell, you’re relieved. I believe I’ve kept you up all night and then some.” Lanista herself would return to Lower-Engineering. It was, after all, where her office was... (USS Dennison – Bridge – CONN – Ensign Night– 1146) "Status?" Archibald barked at the CONN-officer. "We are gaining on them, Sir. They have lost momentum, when they came too close to a gravitational eddy. If this stays the same we will intercept in 22 minutes." "Good" Archibald responded, "It's about time, we are nearly out of the sector. In five minutes we should have no trouble catching it. Oh, Mister Night. I counted seventeen violations against the Starfleet codes and regulations so far. Good show. Now keep at them." ~It’s actually been 37~ Night smirked as she heard the captain’s remark. Then everything happened at once; the scout ship turned in a feat that Night knew would be easy in such a craft, and was a “standard” illegal move in Fleet Ops. But to do so and navigate through the subspace eddies in the space surrounding the two ships, now that was impressive. “Evasion pattern Delta-Four. Can’t shake it, sir.” Minutes passed. Archibald pressed the ship-wide communication button. "Hear this, hear this. This is the Captain speaking. We are engaging Tri-vector assault mode. All crew on the Saucer section are to transport to the other sections immediately! This is not a drill! Abandon saucer section! Abandon saucer section!" Night turned round, not incredulous, but knowing what she had to do next. “Ops, transfer ops control to station.” She ordered, getting the final duty that Acting CONN had to do finished. “Sir, entering autopilot coordinates, programme is 98% completed... done. Saucer section will manoeuvre on my mark, and is ready for remote control.” With that, Night was the second last to leave, as she headed to the Battle bridge, with the Tac/Sec. (USS Dennison – Deck 18, Lower Engineering, Chief Engineer's Office – ACEO Lanista – 1146) =/\=Hear this, hear this. This is the Captain speaking. We are engaging Tri-vector assault mode. All crew on the Saucer section are to transport to the other sections immediately! This is not a drill! Abandon saucer section! Abandon saucer section!=/\= came the announcement. Lanista hurriedly gathered her things from right where she’d stowed them when she came aboard, then taken her possessions to her office. Reporting aboard seemed like forever-ago though it had been only days since setting boots on the deck of this vessel. Lanista’s personal belongings were still contained in 2 heavy satchels and 1 large weapons case. She’d never had time to unpack them – not even to get her pet qaryoq'a' out of its small stasis capsule. NRPG: a qaryoq’a’ is essentially a Klingon parrot. RPG: And that remained the case. With the CO’s ship-wide announcement … … meant Lanista would be busy assisting Ops in managing the Multi-Vector Separation. Lanista had never participated in a real M-VAM Sep, only simulations of the action. “If this doesn’t work,” she grumbled, “this will be the shortest Starfleet career ever.” (Reply any/none Engineering) (Posted by FT) (USS Dennison ­ Sickbay ­ CO - Captain Archibald Stakes ­ 1149) "Commence separation!" Archibald barked as he watched the remaining crew still hard at work. “Ops, transfer ops control to station.” Night ordered. “Sir, entering autopilot coordinates, programme is 98% completed... done. Saucer section will manoeuvre on my mark, and is ready for remote control.” Archibald nodded and originally made it to the door when he spotted the OPS still at her station. With two steps he reached the woman and lay a hand on her shoulder. "NOW, Mr Spero," She got up and walked over to the Turbolift. Archibald followed her but then halted and allowed Night and Shrekt to leave the Bridge before him. "Tradition," he said more to himself than to the others and he wasn't sure that they had actually heard him. He took one look around the now empty Bridge and shook his head slowly. It wasn't the end of the mission as he had imagined it to be. And it had started so promising. But somehow they had lost two crewmembers and a whole section of the ship was soon to follow. Archibald sighed and looked around once more. Somebody was going to pay for this. He didn't know who or why or how, but somebody WOULD be paying for this. With a last sigh, Archibald turned himself around and walked towards the turbolift. (USS Dennison - Lower Engineering Section - Deck 20, Battle Bridge - TAC/SC Lt (sg) Joan Shrek - 1200) "Status report!" Shrekt ordered, as her eyes were focused on the main viewer, which held the image of the saucer section diminishing in size by distance and explosion. Reports were shouted out and Shrekt acknowledged each with a nod. The long range sensors were damaged and they had lost track of the scout ship already. Shrekt's fist pounded her chair in frustration, hardly believe what had transpired. "Notify the Captain of our status." she said to the officer at OPS. "Mr. Night, bring us around and match the heading and speed of the Captain." "Engineering, give us all you've got!" she ordered, as she wished to be closer to the other third of the ship. As it was the ship was a bit more vulnerable and according to the briefing the Maltorian ships were equipped with superior firepower. If the Maltorian scout intended, it could easily come back around and finish the job it had started. "Maintain red alert, full power to the shields. Keep an eye out for any sign of the scout." she said, as she leaned back into the chair. She fought the urge to fidget in the chair. "Lieutenant, the captain has lost the scout ship and is abandoning the pursuit for now." said the officer at ops. "Understood, his orders?" Shrekt asked. The OPS officer turned to her console and said, "Return to base." "Acknowledge receipt of the order. Helm plot course back to Geneva, best possible speed." she said. (Reply Any) (posted by Kaweo Kanoho) (USS Dennison - Lower Engineering Section - Deck 20, Battle Bridge – CONN Ens. Night - 1201) “Sir, systems online, umbilicals detached, trivector engaged in 5...4...3... engaged. Uplink to other sections live; Starting remote flyby of saucer section; transferred on screen.” The screen winked on, with a view of the saucer’s ventral side spiraling away into the bleakness of Maltorian space, before being engulfed in a bright cloud of smoke and debris. As the light faded away into nothingness, the only reminder of the Saucer’s passing was the debris cloud. ~farewell, fair chariot~ (reply any) (posted by GC) (USS Dennison – Sickbay – CMO Dr Nymes– 1201) Nymes nodded at his staff as the final separation sequence completed, and the final head counts were ratified. Everyone was off the saucer section, and barring the normal scrapes expected in an emergency separation, everyone was alright. The ill crewmembers seemed to be coming around too, the mysterious malady that had afflicted them resolving in the same odd way that it had started. A full bioscan of the ship was completed, including the last telemetry of the old saucer section. Nymes asked the staff to file reports of patients, and was relieved that none were in a serious condition, and only two needed follow up care. One of those being the captain; the other being the crewman that had presented with headaches. Both were stable, but it was an academic point that the pathology was discovered and dealt with. For the captain this was easy, but Nymes needed a full scan just to be on the safe side; a scan that would wait until the ship was out of immediate danger, but not as long as the limp back to base. The crewman was delegated to Dr Porter, a man whose initial days on the Dennison had been marred by daydreaming and inattention to authority. It was a shame, but Nymes had made it clear that he needed to focus on his job, a discussion that had led to the mutual agreement that Dr Porter was more prepared for Medical Academia in SFM. When the ship docked at the starbase, Dr Porter was to be transferred back. It was sad that the Dennison had been devastated, and Nymes felt the loss of a third of the ship almost as much as the loss of his friend Dee. He hadn’t had long to come to terms with it, but she was, like West, Missing presumed dead. The war was over, so why were more crew being lost? (reply none) (posted by GC) (USS Dennison - Secondary Hull (Upper engineering section) - Deck 12, Battle Bridge - CO - Captain Archibald Stakes ­ 1202) Archibald's jaws were clenched as he regarded the field of debris. He shook his head once and cleared his head. "Did the others make it out alright?" he asked to no-one in particular. "Yes Sir," someone said and Archibald didn't look to see who it was. "Send a message to them. It's time to go home." Archibald looked around the battle bridge for a second. "Mr. Spero, plot the course of the scout as best as you can. The trail is probably already getting cold but we will need something when we get home. Mr. Simmons, lay in a course for Starbase Geneva, best speed. Engage." (Reply by ALL) (Posted by Adrie Geuken) (USS Dennison – Main Engineering - ACEO Lanista - 1203) Lanista dropped her PADD-corder on her desk and fidgeted somewhat in her too-soft, standard-issue Starfleet chair. She stood up and paced a bit. The Klingon-Vulcan had finished reading 2/3 of the compiles of her first posting, and now she was aboard 2/3 of that ship. ~Two thirds of Dennison is Denni and 1/3 of the S,~ she thought. The Ensign spent only a few seconds pondering what 33-and-change% of the 19th letter of the Federation Standard alphabet would look like before concluding it didn't matter and that what she really needed was some sleep. Still, there was work to be done, even before arriving at Starbase Geneva. The Bridge had called for best speed. To Lanista that meant best performance - from herself and the Engineering staff. (Reply any/none) (Posted by FT) (USS Dennison - Upper Engineering Section - Deck 12, Battle Bridge - CO Captain Archibald Stakes - 1721) "Any updates on communication?" Archibald asked, as he regarded the sparse crew on the battle bridge. "No, Sir," it came from the OPS station, "No updates." Archibald grunted. Apart from one very brief communication from Star Fleet Head Quarters that had arrived little more than four hours ago, there had been complete silence on the 'waves' at least with regards to the Dennison. Well, communication was a grand word for a single message, even if it had been heavily encoded. "USS Dennison, return to Geneva, await further instructions. Standing Order 234/c in effect." It had come from Earth, they were sure about that but why to impose a complete ban on all outgoing communication without any further explanation was beyond Archibald. He could make a few educated guesses and none were very appealing. More to the point, they were closing in on the Starbase and surely they should be allowed to talk to the base so that they could enter it? "ETA, Mister Simmons?" "At present course and speed, fourteen minutes, Sir." Archibald shook his head. By now the starbase must have caught them already on the scanners, yet no word, no confirmation, no, approval to approach, nothing. Archibald was about to give the order to stop so that they could wait until someone had made up his mind, when suddenly the OPS-officer spoke up. "Sir, I'm picking up the Star Fleet news line. They are mentioning us." "What does it say?" "Notification: During an exploration of sector 4502 the Starship USS Dennison lost its saucer section in a gravimetric accident. All ships are to stay clear of sector 4502 until the investigation into the cause of the accident has been concluded." Archibald frowned heavily at the 'inaccuracies'. "What the ...," he started to say but then snapped his mouth shut. It was obvious, wasn't it? People were not to know what had happened. Which was a kind of a blessing because Archibald himself had no idea what actually HAD happened. Why two crew were missing and why they had been shot at by the Maltorian scout for one. His brows furrowed none the less and he was seriously considering breaking the standing order when suddenly a small Star Fleet vessel uncloaked off the port 'bow'. "Sir, incoming message, very weak. Stand by to receive boarding party and instructions." "Come to a full stop, Mister Simmons," Archibald ordered after thinking for a second. "Tell the others ...." Archibald fell silent. "What are the others doing?" Archibald asked. "They are coming to a halt as well, Sir." Archibald nodded. "Open a window in the shields to allow for a boarding party," he instructed. Almost as soon as that had been done, three Star Fleet officers beamed onto the bridge, the one in front with Commander markings carrying a PADD. The others were Lieutenants. Armed lieutenants even though their hands were sufficiently far away from their phasers. Before Archibald could say anything the Commander briefly nodded. "Captain, I have new orders for you from Admiral Linden." Archibald regarded the woman, who he did not recognise for a second, then stretched out his hand for the PADD, which he assumed would hold the orders. But to his surprise she did not hand them to him but looked around the battle bridge then nodded towards the door. "Turbolift, Sir?" she said. For a moment Archibald wanted to revolt but then, considering that although she was a 'mere' Commander, she was a Commander in the Admiral's staff, he gave in. "If we must," he said reluctantly as he led her to the door. As they entered she turned around and waved a small box over the control panel. "Ok, now we won't get disturbed. Captain, you are to proceed to Starbase Geneva and dock at the lower docking port. This PADD contains the communication protocols to do it automatically. Upon docking you and your crew are assigned to Deck 82, which has been cleared for this purpose. You will be transported there straight from the ship, the communication protocols will and under all circumstances you and your crew are to remain there and not to take up communications with anyone. You will remain on Deck 82 until the debriefing has been completed. ALL crew will be debriefed in separate sessions. We estimate that to take a week or so. After the debriefing you and your crew are allowed to enter the Starbase but you will remain on the base at all times. Failure to adhere to any of the before mentioned will result in immediate prosecution. Deck 82 has sufficient amenity providing facilities but you and your crew are not to discuss anything that happened in the past four days with anyone bar the debriefing team. We expect your and your crew's full and total cooperation with the debriefing. As for your missing crew, I am allowed to inform you that they are well but beyond that I cannot say anything else. At 18.30 you are to appear before the presiding magistrate... alone." She looked at Archibald's face for a second. "And that is basically it, Captain. Will you comply?" Archibald shook his head. "Do I have a choice?" he responded. "Not really," the Commander replied. "I thought as much. How do I notify the other section?" "Lieutenant Shrekt is receiving her briefing at this moment as well. Oh, and all information carriers are to remain on board this vessel for future investigation." "I expected nothing less," Archibald commented. "Do I get any confirmation of this? Not that I don't believe you, but...." The woman already accessed the PADD and brought a section up which she showed to Archibald. Recognising Admiral Linden's credentials as well as the sparkling Star Fleet shield was sufficient for him. "I guess I have a crew to inform, then," he said as he nodded towards the door. "Yes, Captain, you do," the Commander said as she used her little box again and the door slid open. (Reply by all) (Starbase Geneva - Debriefing area, Deck 82, CO Captain Archibald Stakes - 1826) Archibald came to a halt before the only desk in the small office. "Captain Stakes of the USS Dennison to appear ..." he said to the young man behind the desk but was interrupted by him. "First door on your left, Captain." the man said without as much of a look at him. Archibald frowned but as he was clear that the term debriefing was just a more polite word for interrogation, he realised he should have expected boorish behaviour. The loss of a ship, even if it was only a part of it, was an almost unforgivable sin in the eyes of Star Fleet Command. But Archibald still nodded to the man as he walked past the desk into a corridor that seemed to stretch out for miles. There were doors to the left and the right of him roughly twenty meters apart from one another and Archibald went for the first one on his left. He pressed the enunciator and in response the door slid open, showing him a spacious room that was unoccupied. In the middle of the room there was a large desk with three chairs behind it and two in front of it. Apart from a computer console in front of the central chair, the desk was bare apart from one carafe with colourless liquid and two crystal glasses standing next to it. Archibald entered the room and then noticed that there was a second door to the right of the desk. The door was closed and didn't open when Archibald stood in front of it. Nor was there an enunciator so Archibald walked towards the desk and stood there, waiting for events to unfold. He only had a few minutes to wait until he heard the door to his right slide open. Archibald came to attention and, looking straight ahead, he started. "Captain Archibald Stakes of the ...." "Yeah, yeah," he heard a female voice respond. "of the erstwhile USS Dennison. Tell me, Captain, do you derive some perverse pleasure from badly damaging our ships? First the Boudicca and now the Dennison?" Archibald caught himself and just allowed his head to move to his right until he looked into the eyes of Admiral Linden. (Reply Linden, any) (Posted by Adrie Geuken) (Starbase Geneva - Debriefing area, Deck 82, Admiral Hesper Linden and CO Captain Archibald Stakes - 1830) Admiral Linden's clear blue eyes looked directly into those of Captain Archibald Stakes. She was considerably shorter than the man awaiting her but she had a presence that negated any difference in height. She regarded him for a moment before saying tartly, "In my day, young man, when an admiral asked a question of a captain, particularly about the loss of his ship, it was considered not only polite but mandatory to reply." Archibald sprang to attention facing forward again. "Sir, yes Sir. No, Sir. Where's my missing crew?" Hesper pursed her lips. "According to the information I have been able to get hold of, your two crewmembers are safe. I am afraid I do not know where, as SFI have not seen fit to inform anyone else. I can tell you that West will not be returning to your crew, or indeed for the time being to any crew. As for Lt Bracken, they indicated that she would return to active service in due course but where is, for now, up in the air." Her eyes flashed with momentary anger. "It seems that as usual, SFI did not see fit to inform Starfleet Command that they had a presence on Maltoria." 'SFI' was spoken with evident disdain. It was clear that Linden at least had little regard for the shenanigans they pulled nor a great belief in anything they told her. "Apparently they blame you, Captain, for almost causing a war with the Maltorians. A war, I need hardly remind you, that we cannot afford at the moment." Archibald shrugged. "I guess they would. But our records will clearly indicate that there was no hint of animosity until after both officers were retrieved." "Your records, Captain, have been sealed. I am doing my best to have them unsealed but until I succeed, humour me by telling me what happened. I do not intend to see a good captain's career flushed away because SFI wishes to cover up its involvement. I can't do that if I don't know what happened." She walked over to the desk and sat down in the middle chair of the three. "Sit down, Captain," she said, indicating the chairs on the other side of the desk. "I see no point in either of us standing around like unwanted guests at a wake." Stakes nodded and sat himself down in the indicated place. "As you may have been made aware, the transfer into Maltorian space had temporarily incapacitated me. So most of my information will be second-hand." He then started to give an account of the actions that took place. He finally concluded with, "The timing of the escape of the Maltorian scout indicated to us a likely link with the abduction of the crew and it was decided to give chase. During the chase the flying ability of the pilot was less than previously witnessed, suggesting that it had not been flown by Maltorians. Regardless of that, when we were just about to catch it, the ship opened fire upon us with a weapon of unknown design which led the shields of the front section of the primary hull to accumulate power. We could not halt this and to save the other two sections it was decided to separate the vessel and attempt to escape with the still-unaffected parts. We were then ordered to cease all communication and the rest you know. Reviewing everything I believe the Maltorians to be technologically advanced, but not sociologically. Their usage of weapons against their own population clearly signifies an unstable regime that has extremely potent means to assert their vision upon others. There is a wish to change in some sections of the society but whether that will be for the benefit or the detriment of the other races has yet to be established. If they have no qualms using their advanced weapons against their own population it is likely they would not refrain from using those weapons against others. It would be in our best interests to foster the current ties with the Maltorians with extreme care. One of the factions needs us, the other can only see us as dangerous and we would need diplomatic contacts more than Starfleet contacts, for they are better equipped to deal with it." Linden had listened without expression or interruption until Stakes finished speaking. Without saying anything, she poured two glasses of water from the carafe on the desk and slid one towards Stakes. She took a sip from her own glass, and then said, "Thank you, Captain. Your suggestions are valid; however I must remind you of the Prime Directive which forbids us to interfere in any way with the development of their society. Should the Maltorians request an exchange of diplomats with the Federation, that is a different matter and would be addressed by the Federation Council, not by Starfleet. I agree that Starfleet should not be involved in Maltorian affairs on any level whatsoever, including covert operations, and that is the recommendation I shall be putting forward to Starfleet Headquarters. I will also recommend that Maltorian space be interdicted until such time as diplomatic relations are established." She frowned slightly as she continued. "Of greater concern to me at the moment is the implication that SFI has apparently got its hands not only on a Maltorian vessel but on a Maltorian vessel containing weapons technology far superior to anything we possess at this time." Her frown deepened as she continued, half to herself and half to Stakes, "It seems they learned nothing from the Doenitz fiasco. Well, *this* is not going to be pushed under the carpet and worked on in secrecy by a covert few. The vessel must be returned to the Maltorians as soon as possible." She looked directly at the man sitting on the other side of her desk. "But that you can leave to me, Captain. It does not concern you. What does concern you is your command. This is, as I mentioned at the beginning, the second vessel you have almost destroyed in six months. Really, Captain, I don't know that Starfleet can afford an attrition rate like this. If I give you another ship, how do I know we won't be back here in another six months?" Archibald blinked a few times, not having expected that question; although perhaps he should have, regarding her first words. "In my defence, neither of those ships were lost. Damaged, yes. Lost, no. But with all due respect, Sir, I am the wrong person to ask that question. Regulations clearly state that after loss or severe incapacitation of a vessel a board of inquest is to be convened whose purpose it will be to determine faults and failures. I, of course, will fully co-operate with such proceedings and it will be up to the board to decide if I have been negligent in my duty with regards to Starfleet, the crew and the vessel." Archibald fell silent and then looked up again, his eyes briefly resting on the still-untouched glass in front of him. "I do not intend to give promises I can't keep because I do not know what situation I will be in in a month or two month's time, or in a year. But if there is any failure to be attributed to me I will take the consequences. And that is the only answer I could give - that any law-abiding captain could give." "They told me you were a by-the-book man," Linden commented, refraining from mentioning the exact term that had been used. "Nevertheless, it is a good answer." She paused, noting his glass was still untouched. "There cannot be a board of enquiry until all the information is available and that will take time. However, if what you have told me is substantiated by your officers and crew, the outcome of the enquiry should not be in doubt. I cannot make promises, but I think it likely you will be assigned to another vessel. Whether it will be a ship of the line I can't say. But to my mind you're too good an officer to lose." She smiled at him for the first time, a genuine smile with a hint of approval in her eyes. "Lydia will tell you I am a woman of my word, Archibald. If you had cause to worry I would tell you. Unfortunately I can't let you see or speak to her until the debriefings are done with but as soon as they are, you and your crew may move to more general quarters on the starbase. In the meantime I will assure her you are well. Naturally I will ensure that your crew's families are informed of their well-being too. Is there anything else I can do for you? Within the limitations set until after the debriefings are concluded, of course." Archibald thought for a moment. "There is one thing. As my status as a captain is currently in question it would not be proper for me to recommend certain officers in my crew to receive promotions due to their exemplary service. I would appreciate it if you would suggest some names to BuPers in my stead." Linden nodded approvingly. "Consider it done, Captain. Give the names to my orderly on your way out and I will ensure that they receive the proper attention. There's nothing else you want?" "No, Admiral. Nothing at the moment." "Very well. For now you can go back to your temporary quarters. But if you do think of anything, please don't hesitate to ask. I realise the terms of your stay on this deck are restricting and I will try to ensure the debriefings are concluded as soon as possible." There was a very slight pause, so slight as to be almost unnoticeable, before she added, "You will inform me personally if you or any of your people are approached by SFI for any reason whatsoever. My orders were most explicit; this is a Fleet matter not an intelligence one. I will take the dimmest view of SFI interfering. Consider that an order, Captain." She stood up and held out her hand. "Goodbye for now, Archibald. I hope we can get this mess cleared up as soon as possible." "Understood, Sir," Archibald said as he got up and shook her hand. Then he turned smartly and left the room. Hesper watched him go, smiling slightly, and then frowned. Someone - maybe more than one someone - was going to be hauled over the coals for this and she would make sure that this time SFI would be held to account. (reply none) (Posted by Adrie and Liz Geuken) (Starbase Geneva – Deck 82 – Personal quarters –2100) Nymes sat back on his bed, idly reading his PADD. It was a book he had never finished, even in all his lifetimes, and one that he always struggled with the premise. It was Tolkien’s masterpiece, The Lord of The Rings, and had been described as a classical piece of fantasy writing from the human home world. That it was critically acclaimed, he had no doubt. That it was genre-defining on that planet, again, there was no problem with that either. The fact that it had overly emphasised mankind in the war, and the outlandish elves and orcs... well, the trill just gave up. It was a book from another era – one where mankind was completely assured of its uniqueness as a species in the cosmos. The Trill had had the first downtime in what seemed like years, the last mission having drained the Trill of his usual vigour; having had to juggle the responsibilities of CMO and diplomatic liaison. It could have gone completely wrong – with people suffering bad medical care, and a war between the technologically superior Maltorians and the Federation. In all honesty, losing just 2 crew was, given the amicable split with Maltoria, good news. The situation of genocide on the ground was proof enough of that. Isolationism, with that firepower, was probably the only safe recourse that the Maltorian government could adhere to, and if they had internal power struggles it at least kept the weapons pointing away from the alpha quadrant. The door chimed, and the too-familiar face of Commander Falkirk, SFI Medical liaison walked in, his greying hair distinguishing the human from the goon-like security guards flanking him. He was a man of fifty or so human years, his dark hair matched by his eyes, his face sternly set. He walked with a slight limp, a mannerism that Nymes had never seen before, but wouldn’t be surprised if it was an act. “Dr Nymes, I presume. Finally we meet in person.” “Commander Falkirk.” Nymes replied, politely acknowledging the man’s rank; last time the trill had been berated for daring to contact such a highly ranked official from SFI-Medical, and had to argue – eloquently – that as a fleet CMO, he had the need to see medical records that had previously been classified in order to best treat his patient. “You’ve been busy, Doctor.” Falkirk replied, before motioning to his guards. “Seal the door, I want a word with the doctor; Leave us.” Nymes looked ahead, not sure what to make of the situation, but aware that this was probably a debrief; as such he would answer the questions honestly and accurately, if he could answer them at all. “Ensign Lewis Nymes, Trill, CMO Dennison. Graduated SFA (Medical) 2406.12.30, second of his class. Assigned ACMO Dennison, assistant to Admiral Gri’ann; promoted Ensign and CMO. Promoted to Lt junior grade and acting 2O. Then two days later busted down to ensign and a2O privileges removed. Has seen the transfer of 2 first officers, 6 CEOs, 2 CSOs and two second officers. Has seen two of the command staff disappear on away missions.” “All correct, commander. You missed the times I saved lives though.” Nymes said, drawing a chuckle from the commander, the mood in the room lightening somewhat. “As you were duty bound to do, ensign.” Falkirk responded. “And a duty I have performed, Sir.” “Quite so. In your latest mission, you were assigned as diplomatic liaison to Maltoria, were you not?” Nymes paused before replying. “Not as accurate, I am afraid commander. Captain Stakes asked me to the bridge to talk about my past as a diplomat, but was taken ill during the transit to Maltorian space. As such he did not have the capacity to give that order. With the other command staff MIA on the away team, it fell to myself to instigate the normal procedure in such a case, and relieve the captain and instate the highest ranking officer as temporary CO. That officer would be the TACSEC, Lt Shrekt.” “Carry on, please.” Falkirk was sitting opposite the trill at the table in the sparse room, reviewing a PADD than no doubt contained Nymes’ record of service. His face was impassive, but contained a trace of humour rarely seen by the trill in his dealings with Intel’s Medical division. “Such was the Maltorian’s displeasure with women, it was sensible that I was the diplomatic face of the Dennison during the captain’s absence. Thus day to day running of the vessel and command decisions were left to the TACSEC, and I would attempt to use diplomatic channels to locate our away team and further relationships with the Maltorian regime.” “What happened this morning, doctor.” “This morning, I was checking on the Captain’s condition, along with the medical conditions of approximately 100 of our crew who had been struck down with an unknown malady, which I believe has resolved since the transition back into normal space. The captain was neurologically stable, though his condition requires follow up care; care which I would wish to deliver after this discussion – if I am permitted.” “We will see. Please continue” Falkirk prompted. “As the captain recovered, he admitted to some short term amnesia, which would be appropriate considering his injuries. In my capacity as CMO, I considered him to be fit for command, especially considering the situation with our command staff missing. This is a justified decision and has numerous preceding cases.” Falkirk nodded his assent, and tapped a control on the PADD “I agree. Continue.” “A message arrived from First Minister Aleth, purporting the disappearance of two of our newly located team. We knew about one of the disappearances – Commander West, FO Dennison – But the second officer, Lt Bracken, was also missing. These crew are missing, presumed...” Nymes paused... “Dead.” Falkirk tapped further commands into a PADD, before looking up and prompting the trill once more, neither confirming or denying the facts surrounding the missing crew. “After departure, Sickbay was alerted to an emergency evacuation of the saucer section, one that was carried out with minimal casualties. I remained on the middle section, main sickbay, whereas my understudy, Dr Porter, reported to the lower engineering section. There were no medical alerts during the travel to the Starbase.” “The same Dr Porter who is transferring shortly?” Falkirk paused, shaking his head before asking the next question. “Tell me, what is your opinion of the Maltorian regime.” “The regime? Maltoria is an enigma. Its existence was believed to be mythical before our contact was made; historically it is believed that the planet was destroyed in a civil war, now we know that it was hidden in a subspace bubble. As such, it has developed away from military conquest, and it has flourished technologically. Sadly, it is believed that the governing body has turned that technology against its own people, causing a caste-divide between male, female and primary genders. The fact that this technology has reduced a city’s population to ash is a worrying development. If provoked, Maltoria may decide to return to normal space, and begin attacking local planets to produce an empire.” “You believe that this is imminent?” “No, but I have the impression that First Minister Aleth is not as powerful as he professed to be.” Nymes replied. “Whilst Aleth seems progressive and intent on bringing Maltoria back into the interstellar fold, I think he has problems with his people who enjoy the status quo.” “Interesting.” Falkirk paused once more, before changing track. “Captain Stakes has commanded the Dennison for a few days now; yet he returns from his mission without one third of the ship. How would you classify his command.” “The Captain is an able officer, and in my limited knowledge of him and his judgment, I consider his command to be exemplary.” Nymes answered. “...and that would be in comparison to Captain Davis...” “Both captains I have had the pleasure to be assigned to as CMO have been first rate officers, commander. Captain Davis had to unite a crew separated in time, and endeavour to win a war. Captain Stakes has had to turn a warship into a diplomatic vessel.” Falkirk half smiled before continuing, “Let’s talk about your previous missions, doctor. Tell me what you know about Ensign Ash Divay.” “Ash Divay – he was an assistant Tac/Sec. Transferred just after I did from the academy, had an intriguing medical history involving Intel and Borg-exercises. Since then he was involved in the holodeck incident that claimed the lives of some of the crew, and was transferred away at our last stop off at Geneva. He is a friend of mine,” “Indeed. You remember talking to myself about him, I presume.” “Of course. As CMO I needed access to his entire medical file, sir. I believe you had some trouble with that request from such a low ranked CMO.” “As well you should. Now talk to me about Commander West.” Falkirk said, as he stood and walked to the replicator. “Water, Lewis? Or Trillian tea, I believe is your drink of choice.” “Thank you, sir.”Nymes replied, pondering his words. “Commander West was assigned FO after McDermott was transferred off ship – he himself was a replacement for Will Banowsky. Initially he was XO and Intel. It was his decision to destroy the wormhole that placed the lives of those trapped on the holodeck in danger, a decision that was, in hindsight, rashly made. As I was a2O at the time, I made a suggestion that it could be dealt with in a peaceful way, but was shouted down and subsequently demoted. Since then, he has remained a good FO, until his disappearance on Maltoria. While He and I have not necessarily seen eye to eye on how to accomplish missions, he was a good officer and an asset to the fleet.” “Now tell me about the last time you were based at Geneva, ensign.” “I got headhunted for a small ship, CMO and 2O. I declined. I was working with the Medical centre here, part of the duty roster, and was late for my first meeting with Captain Stakes due to a medical emergency. Not much else to tell.” “Headhunted?” Falkirk tapped commands once more. “Ah yes, that officer had some trouble filling those posts – he took a CPO as his CEO - where do you see your future, Lewis?” “Somewhere I haven’t thought of yet. I’ve already spent longer than expected on one ship – due to the war – most doctors are transferred through rotations before given a CMO job, but that is responsibility I was ready to take on given my symbiote’s memories.” “So you expect to remain on the Dennison?” Falkirk said, with as much disinterest as he could muster. “I expect to serve where I am told to serve. I will be CMO of the Dennison until ordered otherwise; career wise an ACMO job would not compare to this though.” Was the response, in such a matter-of-fact way that was becoming Nymes’ trademark in the conversation. “I agree. You have gained in confidence and experience since I last berated an ensign for daring to communicate with SFI Medical. You have lost some of your naivety, Ensign, and look to becoming a great officer. I am sure that your past involvement in Intel has its risks...” Falkirk was showing a crack in his armour, his humour returning from his strict Intel persona, he now seemed to be playing the affable uncle. “Like being framed by the very people that Intel told me were no longer able to try and clean up a failed mission, attempts on my life?” quipped Nymes, correctly reading the signs that this wasn’t a strict conversation. “Those scenarios, yes. Also that your prior experience and missions may need to be tapped by ourselves in the future. We won’t be strangers, ensign. Good evening.” Falkirk made to stand, and walked to the door. Nymes nodded as the man walked out of the room, and chaperoned by his two guards left the deck by the locked down turbolift. “Oh, and doctor... There’s a gift waiting for you.” The commander said, cryptically, before the doors closed. (reply any/none) (posted by GC) -USS Dennison Star Trek: Freedom - http://www.startrekfreedom.com