Compile break down: Day 183 (USS Dennison - Bridge - MCPO Freeman - 2255) Day 184 (USS Dennison - Captain's Ready Room - TAC/SC Lt (sg) Joan Shrekt - 0915) (USS Dennison - Ready Room - CO- Captain Archibald Stakes - 0918) (USS Dennison - Phaser Range - TAC/SC Lt (sg) Joan Shrekt - 0935) (USS Dennison - Phaser Range – 2L Leola Bracken - 0936) (USS Dennison - Shrekt's Office -TAC/SC Lt (sg) Joan Shrekt - 1205) (USS Dennison – Science Laboratory One – CSO/a20 Dale Bracken – 1450) (USS Dennison – FO Office – CSO/a2O Bracken – 1501) (USS Dennison – FO Office – Commander Trevan West– 1502) (USS Dennison – FO Office – CSO/2O Dale Bracken – 1503) ( USS Dennison- Armory- ATac Ensign (jg) Ben Soma- 1510) ( USS Dennison- Ben's Quarters- ATac Ensign (jg) Ben Soma- 1545) (USS Dennison - Main Engineering - MCPO Freeman - 2000) (USS Dennison - Ten Forward – Bar Manager Mei Ling Hikaru - 2048) Day: 185 (USS Dennison - Bridge - Counselor- Lt. Alosar - 0659) (USS Dennison - Bridge - Captain Archibald Stakes - 0908) (USS Dennison - Intelligence Office-Commander Trevan West, 0909) (USS Dennison- Bridge- ATac Ensign (jg) Ben Soma- 0910) (USS Dennison - Bridge - CO - Captain Archibald Stakes - 0910.5) (USS Dennison - Bridge - ATac Ensign (jg) Ben Soma- 0911) (USS Dennison, Bridge, Commander Trevan West, 0912) (USS Dennison - Ready Room - CO - Captain Archibald Stakes - 0913) (USS Dennison - Ready Room - CO - Captain Archibald Stakes - 0920) (USS Dennison - Ready Room - CO - Captain Archibald Stakes - 1404) (USS Dennison – Bridge – CSO/2O Dale Bracken – 1405) (USS Dennison - Bridge - Captain Archibald Stakes - 1405.5) (USS Dennison – Bridge – Commander Trevan West– 1406) (USS Dennison – Bridge – CSO/2O Dale Bracken – 1407) (USS Dennison – Bridge – OPS - Ensign Cattia Spero – 1408) (USS Dennison – Bridge – CONN Ens.sg Elenor Night – 1410) (USS Dennison – Bridge – CSO/2O Dale Bracken – 1411) (USS Dennison - Bridge - CONN - Ensign Elenor Night - 1730) ********************************************************* Mission: The Healer in the Tower Stardate: 2408.01.08 Day 183 ********************************************************* (USS Dennison - Bridge - MCPO Freeman - 2255) "Unfortunately for them I know the rules for political games too. As for your question, Chief, I expect to see Chief Atwood returning soon, now that the Dennison is under full power again. I would suggest waiting for him in Main Engineering. You know the way. Dismissed, Chief Freeman. Oh, and Mister Freeman? Welcome on board." Butch stifled a grin and inclined his head slightly at the Captain. "Very well sir, and thank you." With that, he turned and left the bridge, wondering how he was going to get his personal gear aboard the ship without getting arrested. ~I'll figure that out when I get to it... like I always do...~ ********************************************************* Mission: The Healer in the Tower, Stardate: 2408.01.09 Day 184 ********************************************************* (USS Dennison - Captain's Ready Room - TAC/SC Lt (sg) Joan Shrekt - 0915) Shrekt remained at attention as the captain issued a rather brief tirade on his time management. She bristled at the implications contained within his berating her. She had thought that as a matter of course she would be polite to the captain, as he was the superior officer. But again, as Shrekt had found in her recent experience, a captain who may have been promoted too soon. At least he's old enough to have a grown child, not like some of the grown children she'd met due to the losses in the war. Physiology lessons crept into her thoughts, as Shrekt restrained herself from attempting to educate the Captain first hand. When the captain finished with a question, Shrekt felt it only natural to reply in kind. "Captain, this is by no means a social call. I have already spoken with your yeoman regarding your schedule and it was she who admitted me to your ready room. I merely was giving you the option of meeting with me now or at another time of your own convenience. While your yeoman schedules your meetings, your day is not composed entirely of those, but with other duties as well. Now, as for wishing to see you and needing to see you, they are not mutually exclusive." stated Shrekt. "I wish to see you because I need to see you. As your chief tactical officer, it is my duty to go over the mission objectives with you to better prepare for whatever we may encounter with the Maltorians, as well as to ensure any departmental efforts may be properly focused in the interests of ship security. Sir." Shrekt replied in an even, but intense and professional tone. Her eyes never leaving Stakes. When she finished, Shrekt stared hard at Stakes, not wishing to give any ground. Finally, after a moment of tense silence, she said, "May I continue?" (Reply Stakes, cause I know you want to) Shrekt nodded, "I currently have Ensign Soma working with engineering to develop some kind of defense on the anti-matter weaponry that the Maltorian's employ. While Commander West feels a confrontation should be avoided at all costs, we do not have the luxury of assuming that we will be able to. I would also like to suggest that should the Dennison encounter a hostile Maltorian force, that we utilize her tri-vector formation to escape. I propose that we leave a skeleton crew onboard the saucer section, while the majority of the crew escapes at high warp in different directions out of the system to rendezvous at pre-designated coordinates. The saucer section would remain to keep the Maltorian's occupied for as long as possible. I understand that it would most likely be suicide for those remaining on the saucer, but I do not see another viable way given the speed of the Maltorian vessels. Of course, I would volunteer to remain on the saucer section. A minimal crew would be needed, perhaps a hundred. Certainly no more." (Reply Stakes) "If we are allowed to send an away team to meet face to face with the Maltorians, I would propose a male only away team for initial re-contact. Given the Maltorian's male-centric tendencies, I think it wise not to shove our differences brazenly in front of them, especially if we hope to re-establish friendly contact. In this vein, I am having both Ensign Sanok and Soma prepare to lead the security officers, as you decide." reported Shrekt. (Reply Stakes) === (USS Dennison - Ready Room - CO- Captain Archibald Stakes - 0918) Archibald had listened to the Lieutenant with calm demeanor but constantly maintaining eye contact with her. Push and you will be shoved, he considered, if the opposite party has any backbone, that is. And truthfully, he had never considered Shrekt not to have one. It came almost guaranteed with the family name, or so he had been told. But then again, he had been told a lot about that family and about their behaviour. Enough to make him careful. But the best way to find out if there was any measure of unruliness was to push and see how they shoved back. Not that they shoved back, that was a given, but just how. And so far she spoke with controlled passion, or controlled anger. It was hard to know which one because of the control, the evenness of the voice. But at least it showed she was controlling herself. "I wish to see you because I need to see you. As your chief tactical officer, it is my duty to go over the mission objectives with you to better prepare for whatever we may encounter with the Maltorians, as well as to ensure any departmental efforts may be properly focused in the interests of ship security. Sir." Shrekt finished, with almost a defiant look. With reason Archibald did not respond. All that was being communicated was via the eyes. A tug of war, in a sense. "May I continue?" Archibald narrowed his eyes. "Now that we have established that there is a need for you to see me, Lieutenant, by all means." he responded as evenly as she had spoken. Shrekt nodded then continued outlining what her department was working on, ending with a possible plot to keep as many people safe when they would encounter a hostile force. Archibald waited for the Lieutenant to finish. "Thank you, Lieutenant. I will discuss this with Commander West. However, I feel I must warn you that I have grave reservations about the effectiveness of this plan. For one, it does not consider the special spatial features of this sector. Inside 4502 with its many gravity wells and sand banks and what else, trying to fly at Warp would be utter suicide. And flying below warp in these surroundings will definitely benefit the smaller craft. Also we have to consider the time needed to vacate the saucer section, one that holds currently most of the 1400 men that we have on board. I believe that we would be able to squeeze thirteen hundred in the two engineering sections but it will take time and I seriously doubt that if the Maltorians were to become hostile, they would oblige us with holding the attack back in order for us to complete the evacuation and the separation. And finally, Mister Shrekt, there is the point that this sector with all its traps is new to us. For the Maltorians it is their backyard and they will have found routes already for fast travel that we haven't even considered looking for, hoping from one well to another. No, I do not feel that this is a good plan, especially considering the fact that we would have to give up the one remaining trump in our hands. Now personally I have no desire to find out how the gravitational fields in this sector are going to interfere with the phase cloak, but I will have no hesitation using that to make our escape and run the chance of a possible or perhaps probable loss of ship and crew as opposed to a definite destruction at the hands of the Maltorians. But for the moment we believe that they need our assistance and although I think it is prudent to consider possible scenarios, we must maintain the right balance. And plans born in desperation seldom fit. But, by all means, continue looking into other possibilities." Archibald looked at Joan, wondering how she would take this rebuke. (Reply Joan) "If we are allowed to send an away team to meet face to face with the Maltorians, I would propose a male only away team for initial re-contact. Given the Maltorian's male-centric tendencies, I think it wise not to shove our differences brazenly in front of them, especially if we hope to re-establish friendly contact. In this vein, I am having both Ensign Sanok and Soma prepare to lead the security officers, as you decide." Archibald nearly sighed. "Yes, I understand that the in-your-face diplomacy is apparently not the right choice in these circumstances. Too bad, I'm quite good at that. But I feel that these points should be raised with Mister West as he will be leading the awayteam, if there is ever going to be one. I will mention them to him, but his say will be final. But I guess we will have to abide by their cultural requirements if we visit them. Obviously when they come to visit us, they will have to abide by our cultural believes." Archibald listened to his words then shook his head. "Perhaps too much in-your-face." he considered. "A pity...." He suddenly looked up. "Anyway, Lieutenant, that will be my concern, not yours. Any questions or comments?" (Posted by Adrie Geuken) === (USS Dennison - Phaser Range - TAC/SC Lt (sg) Joan Shrekt - 0935) After her meeting with the Captain, Shrekt went to her meeting with Lieutenant Bracken. She entered to find a tall woman practicing. Shrekt regarded her for a moment, much as a wolf does sizing up its prey. ~She would make for a good fight.~ thought Shrekt, as she said, "Lieutenant Bracken?" (Reply Bracken) === (USS Dennison - Phaser Range – 2L Leola Bracken - 0936) Leola’s senses were alerted to another presence halfway through her final set, However, Leola was not about drop her rifle immediately, to do so would be to admit that she were in some way subservient to the TAC Officer. A few short rounds later, she lowered her rifle to rest, and switched it to safe. Storing it properly on the rack provided, only then did she turn, to see a woman sizing her up. Leola had been in more than her fair share of fights to know the look, one that said nothing, but spoke volumes. She smiled against the look that she was receiving, even despite the woman’s two inch and twenty pound disadvantage, if Shrekt were to think that she had something of a chance of taking her then let her, it would make beating her all the more interesting. "Lieutenant Bracken?" Leola dipped her head slightly, “Lieutenant Shrekt. I took the liberty of reading your service report, your reputation precedes you.” (Reply Shrekt) Again Leola nodded, “Enough, lets both agree that it would be one hell of a fight and that we’d both come out saying that we won, agreed?” (Reply Shrekt) “I don’t beat around the bush Lieutenant, I’m a Marine and have been since i was sixteen, it saves lives. We can put all the fancy talk on to the brass, but we both know what the job really entails. Tell me, how do you really feel about Intel?” (Posted by Mark) === (USS Dennison - Shrekt's Office -TAC/SC Lt (sg) Joan Shrekt - 1205) Soma and Sanok had arrived promptly to begin their tour of the ship's tactical and security assets. "I am ready to conduct the tour, Lieutenant," said Sanok, "though I'm sure there isn't anything I can show or tell you, that you don't already know." "Lead the way, ensign." said Shrekt, as she followed him out the door. Their tour began on Deck Seven, as that was where Shrekt's office was located and moved on to the sizeable Brig area. Shrekt had concerns that the brig would be located in such a heavily populated area with crew quarters, as well as holding one of the ship's fusion reactors. She would have preferred a more isolated location, but that would have to wait. It was rather small given the size of the ship, with four separate cells, each being able to hold four or five prisoners each. She was pleased to see that the prisoners necessities could be delivered and administered from a central console without lowering the forcefield. From there they headed up to Deck Four to see the primary photon and quantum torpedo launching systems, followed by a visit to the rear facing quantum torpedo launchers on Deck Nine. Sanok guided them efficiently and dispassionately, much as one would expect from a Vulcan. She was surprised however that the level of detail did not meet her expectations of her previous experience with Vulcans. Shrekt had read that Sanok was a Vulcan who had tried to live with emotion, but had recently tried to conform with the more traditional Vulcan attitude toward emotion. She wondered how that was affecting his performance and made a note to inquire further along those lines. From Deck Nine they went to Deck Ten and another torpedo storage facility that was directly connected to launchers on Deck Eleven. As Shrekt met with the various operators, she introduced herself, as well as indicating that she expected their best. Their next stop was Deck Sixteen, which contained a tactical planning facility as well as a phaser range. Shrekt found it most unusual for the way things were so spread out. She would have wanted the tactical planning facility to be closer to her office and where other security officers were, instead of in the middle of engineering. Once they had finished with the Upper Engineering Section, they headed to the Lower, which contained Phaser maintenance on Deck Nineteen and finally the security section on Deck Twenty One along with the armory. This was where the majority of her department would be found and she was looking forward to getting to know those serving in tactical and security. Things were certainly spread out and while it made sense that there were two battle bridges, Shrekt was amazed at how little duplication there was on the ship in terms of independent systems. The tri-vector system while thirty years old was just something Shrekt had encountered rarely in her career, but she knew that it was not as successful as it had been hoped at its initial unveiling on the Prometheus. At the end of the three hour tour, Shrekt said, "Thank you for the tour, Ensign. It was most enlightening. I shall see you both at 0800 in my office. Good day." (posted by Kaweo Kanoho) === (USS Dennison – Science Laboratory One – CSO/a20 Dale Bracken – 1450) =/\=West to Dale Bracken, please report to me in the First Officer's office please.=/\= Dale’s attention had been deep in the report in front of her, the summons surprised her to say the least. “Acknowledged, I’ll be straight there, Bracken out” “Computer Close and Lock down all current work. Authorisation Bracken-iota-delta-three..” The computer beeped an acknowledgement, and the door closed and locked behind her as she left. “Lock, Voice and iris ident required for project reopen” Once again, the computer beeped an acknowledgement. === (USS Dennison – FO Office – CSO/a2O Bracken – 1501) Dale reached the door, and hit the chime, upon hearing word from inside, she entered. “You wanted to see me sir?” She looked puzzled, worried almost. "Hey Dale," he said, "grab a seat will you?" he said being polite. "Don't worry, you aren't in trouble. Quite the opposite actually. With Commander McDermott now gone for medical reasons, I have been moved into the First Officer position and I need a good and permanent Second Officer, so you are the best choice for that spot," he explained. Dale was stunned, truly. She had assumed that the Second Officer was a temporary, at least until a more senior officer could be found for the position, especially with the advent of a new Captain. “I’m stunned sir, that you and the Captain even consider me vaguely appropriate for the role.” "Well it was an easy choice for me and the Captain thinks you have what it takes and I do as well. Do you accept?" he asked. “Of course Sir. It would be an honour to continue serving the ship and the Fleet in a position of Command.” "Good! Then I will make an official entry in the database. We work well together and I want that to continue as it would benefit the ship and crew to have a good team." “Thank you sir, I’m...honoured by your praise.” She paused, “You know, when i left the academy, only a year ago, being a rather clever, if very green Ens jg, I would never have imagined that I would be stood here only a year later, in this position. That said, I couldn’t imagine doing it without your guidance and being posted to this wonderful, wonderful ship.” (Reply West) Dale smiled. “Thank you Sir, I’d better get back to it. With your permission?” (Reply West) She nodded in reply and turned toward the door, headed back to the door. Before she reached it, a passing thought crossed her mind. “Computer, lock door.” She turned again, seeing the confused look on West’s face. “Sir...there’s something that we’ve never spoken about, How high does your clearance go?” (Reply West) Dale nodded, this was very dangerous territory; A misspoken word would have them both shot. “Sir, are you and the Captain aware of what’s currently in Science lab One at this very moment?” (posted by Mark) === (USS Dennison – FO Office – Commander Trevan West– 1502) “Thank you sir, I’m...honoured by your praise.” She paused, “You know, when I left the academy, only a year ago, being a rather clever, if very green Ens jg, I would never have imagined that I would be stood here only a year later, in this position. That said, I couldn’t imagine doing it without your guidance and being posted to this wonderful, wonderful ship.” Trevan smiled at her, "I do what I can to help, you know that." Dale smiled. “Thank you Sir, I’d better get back to it. With your permission?” Trevan replied, "Permission granted." She nodded in reply and turned toward the door, headed back to the door. Before she reached it, a passing thought crossed her mind. “Computer, lock door.” ~What the hell~ was the thought that passed through Trevan's mind. She turned again, seeing the confused look on West’s face. “Sir...there’s something that we’ve never spoken about, How high does your clearance go?” "High enough. Level ten," he said meaning that he had the highest clearance for an officer, but not the one level higher to grant him full access to everything. Only Intelligence could let him get that when it was needed, "Level eleven if Intelligence requires me to have it." Dale nodded, this was very dangerous territory; A misspoken word would have them both shot. “Sir, are you and the Captain aware of what’s currently in Science lab One at this very moment?” ~She knows about that?~ he thought, "I am," he said seriously, "and I would like to assume the Captain does as well, since it's his ship, but it's not a topic for discussion as you know. How do you know about it, and, most importantly, why are you asking me?" he asked. (posted by Kerry Fletcher) === (USS Dennison – FO Office – CSO/2O Dale Bracken – 1503) “Computer, lock door.” ~What the hell~ was the thought that passed through Trevan's mind. She turned again, seeing the confused look on West’s face. “Sir...there’s something that we’ve never spoken about, How high does your clearance go?” "High enough. Level ten," he said meaning that he had the highest clearance for an officer, but not the one level higher to grant him full access to everything. Only Intelligence could let him get that when it was needed, "Level eleven if Intelligence requires me to have it." Dale nodded, this was very dangerous territory; A misspoken word would have them both shot. “Sir, are you and the Captain aware of what’s currently in Science lab One at this very moment?” "I am," he said seriously, "and I would like to assume the Captain does as well, since it's his ship, but it's not a topic for discussion as you know. How do you know about it, and, most importantly, why are you asking me?" he asked. Dale paused, “Just after i was first assigned here from the Academy, I was appointed ACSO to Lieutenant Trewe, who was part of the Project Darkstar team. He then brought me into the fold on that team, I don’t know why. Suffice to say, I was, am, in on most, if not all of the details of the project. After his... departure, I think the project stalled somewhat, but, we still have all the design specs about the ship. The reason that I mention it now and not before, is that only the CSO, FO and CO have clearance to know about any of it. Intel want us to go to the Maltorians and somehow get hold of some of their technology, I was wondering if Fleet Intel would go for a tech trade?” Dale paused once more, “I don’t think that it’s as crazy as it first sounds. Sir, we could never get the structural integrity of the nacelle struts high enough to cope with the stresses from the nacelles, the power created was so high, nothing we did throughout 250 odd revisions to the design would help. (posted by Mark) === ( USS Dennison- Armory- ATac Ensign (jg) Ben Soma- 1510) At the end of the three hour tour, Shrekt said, "Thank you for the tour, Ensign. It was most enlightening. I shall see you both at 0800 in my office. Good day." After Lt. Shrekt had left Ben turned to Ensign Sanok and said, " That was very informative, thank you." Ben looked around the armory for a second and looked back at Ensign Sanok. " I think I'll go back to the phaser range for some target practise, if you'll excuse me. I'll see you at 0800, enjoy the rest of your day." With that Ben turned about and exited the armory. As he walked down the corridor he thought back to the tour, the tactical department was spread throughout the ship. It was not what Ben had expected, he had thought that most of the tactical systems would be located on a few decks. The brig was located in a populated area and not isolated as one would think, if prisoners happened to escape innocent people would be endangered. Ben entered a turbo lift and stated his destination as Deck 16. When the lift stopped and Ben stepped out he headed back to the phaser range and stepped in side. The layout of the ship was puzzling, it seems as if the ships designer just placed everything randomly throughout the ship. Ben assumed it was because of the tri- vector mode, that each section of the ship had a bit of security located in it. Ben picked up a phaser rifle and selected a target, took quick aim and fired, scoring a direct hit. After fifteen minutes had passed Ben decided to turn his attention back to the mission. ~ Time to get back to reviewing the information on the Maltorians~ === ( USS Dennison- Ben's Quarters- ATac Ensign (jg) Ben Soma- 1545) Ben walked over to the replicator and said, " Tomato soup and a BLT." [ There are 17 varieties of tomato soup, please specify] " Plain." Ben was about to wait for the food to materialize when he figured that the replicator would ask him what bread he required so he said, " White bread for the sandwich." Ben removed the food when it was ready and returned to the table and began reading through the information on the PADD. He took a bite from the sandwich and spooned a little soup in his mouth and nearly spat it back. " 17 varieties and you can't even get plain right!" Ben recrossed the room, placed the soup back in the replicator and hit the recycle button. Returning to the table he resumed reading and eating. ~ This mission is going to be very interesting to say the least~ Ben thought as he read about the Maltorian social structure, wondering what they would think of his peoples social structure. ~ Lt. Shrekt was right about having an all male away team, the presence of a female could be quite unsettling to these people. Best to hold our ways for a while until the right time to reveal our differences~ (posted by Milo Young) === (USS Dennison - Main Engineering - MCPO Freeman - 2000) It had taken some doing, but Butch had managed to get his gear aboard the ship, and managed to avoid any... unfortunate entanglements as he had done so. Wrangling paperwork had taken some time in itself, though Butch was also well versed in the fleet red tape parade. The job was done, at least for the time being. Now... time to see the boss. He approached CEO Atwood, whom he had met during the refit. ~Never hurts to start off on the right foot.~ He came to attention, and addressed the CEO. "Lieutenant Atwood? I'm sure you remember me, Master Chief Freeman from the repair detail? I'm reporting for duty under your command sir. It seems Captain Stakes thought it best that I work for the Dennison... at least on a temporary basis." He stopped, wondering just how the Lt. was going to react to having a shanghaied chief working for him... (Posted by Russ) === (USS Dennison - Ten Forward – Bar Manager Mei Ling Hikaru - 2048) "Yum!" Mia said with a smile, "How you managed to get that kelp so fresh I'll never know!" Mei Ling smiled back. "Trade secret," she said. "Is Tommy with you?" Mia asked, teasingly, "The place seemed to have come as a mess, so hard to tell if his presence has been involved.." 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. (reply Mia) "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. The kind of expression that assured the recipient that a whole kilogram of butter could be stored in his mouth in perfect safety with absolutely no danger whatsoever of it even beginning to approach softening point, never mind melting point. (Posted by Liz Geuken) ********************************************************* Healer in the Tower Star Date: 2408.01.10 Day: 185 ********************************************************* (USS Dennison - Bridge - Counselor- Lt. Alosar - 0659) Alosar had spent a majority of the evening researching what he could about the Maltorians, so when the CO asked him about his opinions he was more than ready to respond. However, this Captain Stakes seemed to feel the need to be overly expressive at times. "I would hesitate to project what to expect captain," Alosar began. "However, with the information available, or lack of information available I have been able to draw some conclusions about them. Most communities profess to exclusionary principle tend to be from a more of a dictatorial political system. Most Xenophobes tend to consider themselves better than those they wish to exclude from their culture. And there in lies the issue. Most consider that Xenophobes are attempting to exclude themselves. This is not true. It is actually the opposite. Separation is due to there desire to keep their own culture pure. Which is why I believe that their communication with us is illogical. They either need something that they cannot provide for themselves, or they have come to the conclusion that we are culturally equal to them. I seriously doubt the latter would stand to reason." "The Maltorians are not the first culture to consider one gender, or the other, second class citizens. I believe that in human history the same was true. So there really is little I can deduce from that, other than, perhaps, socially, they are not as advanced as humans, or Vulcans. I do believe, however, that having a female in command when we approach the Maltorians would be a bad idea. I am not even certain we should allow females to be on the initial contact party. Dropping our culture on them would only lead to conflict, unless it is conflict that you are attempting to cause." "The "hastles" that might arise later, as you call them, could be placated by the initial adherence to their own customs. From there we would be working from a point of understanding, rather than forcing our own social values on another species. That is, of course, my opinion, albeit born from logic and based on my analysis of information that is over 150 years old. For all we know, the social climate of the Maltorians has evolved as your own did." (posted by Al Muir) === (USS Dennison - Bridge - Captain Archibald Stakes - 0908) Archibald regarded the silent bridge as the ship sped to sector 4502. The bridge crew was doing their work with an air of confidence and Archibald had no trouble believing that this confidence was linked to their competence. He looked around until his eyes fell on the face of his daughter. He nearly winked at her. "Sir?" ~Always proficient,~ Archibald mused, remembering the tearful farewell they endured late last night, saying goodbye to the rest of the family. He wondered when they would be able to see each other again and where. It looked like they were back to the one holiday spent together each year routine, which he knew Esme hated. Not that it was his favourite setup but with both parents commanding their own ship, finding time to spend one week together was an amazing achievement. But so far they had managed to have a holiday together every year. "A coffee, Yeoman," he said. It was a ritual that they both had developed, a sign for the bridge crew that if the Captain had time to relax in his chair with a mug of coffee, nothing bad was going to happen. Well, it was less likely. "Yes, Captain." Archibald heard her step way into his ready room and he expected her to return within two minutes but he started frowning slightly when after 5 minutes she still hadn't returned. He was about to call after her when the door slid open and she appeared with a steaming mug. "Sorry, it took so long, Sir. It took me a while to prepare properly." She offered the Captain the mug and took a step back to resume her position as Archibald carefully sniffed the coffee, which wasn't part of normal routine. His eyebrows were suddenly raised. "Not instant?" he asked, thinking the coffee would have been replicated. "No Sir, Mei Lin..... Uhm Miss Hikaru supplied me with real Terran coffee beans. They are Coffea robusta. It took me a while to make the coffee." One eyebrow lowered. "Nice," the CO said as he took a careful sip from the hot drink. "Very nice. Please pass my ..." =/\=West to Captain Stakes, can I see you for a moment sir?=/\= Archibald heard Trevan's voice through the comm badge. Archibald regarded the mug of coffee for a second before replying. "This better be worth it, Commander," he responded via the comm link. "My ready room?" (posted by Adrie Geuken) === (USS Dennison - Intelligence Office-Commander Trevan West, 0909) "West to Captain Stakes, can I see you for a moment sir" =/\=This better be worth it, Commander," he responded via the comm link. "My ready room?=/\= "Yes sir. I am on my way." === ( USS Dennison- Bridge- ATac Ensign (jg) Ben Soma- 0910) The aroma of fresh coffee drifted past Ben's nose as Yeoman Stakes exited the captains ready room. ~ God, that smells great. That's actually fresh coffee and not what the replicator considers coffee~ Ben thought as as he took in the aroma. Yeoman Stakes explained about the fresh coffee to Captain Stakes and where it had come from.~ Guess I'll have to visit 10 forward later for some real coffee~ Ben returned his attention to the tactical station in front of him. The Dennison was still a few hours from Sector 4502 and Ben was using the time to become more familiar with the tactical station. Yesterday he had been given a tour of the system by Ensign Sanok, the young Vulcan was very thorough and explained all the systems to himself and Lieutenant Shrekt. Ben just wanted to be sure that everything he learned from the tour had sunk in. He didn't want to make any mistakes when they met with the Maltorian's. A comm call broke the silence, and Ben's train of thought. =/\=West to Captain Stakes, can I see you for a moment sir?=/\= Archibald regarded the mug of coffee for a second before replying. "This better be worth it, Commander," he responded via the comm link. "My ready room?" With that Captain Stakes rose from the center seat and headed towards his ready room. ( posted by Milo Young) === (USS Dennison - Bridge - CO - Captain Archibald Stakes - 0910.5) Archibald regarded the cup of coffee in his hands. For a second he had considered taking it with him, but that would not look professional. The 'session' on the bridge had been acceptable because that was about creating an atmosphere of calm and collected actions. But not for a one to one session. As he walked towards his Ready Room he passed the tactical console when a thought came to him. "Mister Soma, do you like coffee? Well, I hope you do, because I can't give this mug of coffee the attention that it is indebted to. Enjoy, Ensign. And that is an order." (Reply Ben) Archibald pushed the mug into the hands of the ATAC and walked on, turning back before the door. "You may return the properly cleaned receptacle to the Yeoman when you have finished with it, Ensign." he stated and then looked over at Esme, shaking his head at the question in her eyes. Until he knew what West was going to tell him, he didn't know if a scribe would be required or even allowed. "Mister Bracken, you have the Bridge," he said as he opened the door and walked in. === (USS Dennison - Bridge - ATac Ensign (jg) Ben Soma- 0911) "Mister Soma, do you like coffee? Well, I hope you do, because I can't give this mug of coffee the attention that it is indebted to. Enjoy, Ensign. And that is an order." Captain Stakes said as he paused by the tactical station. " Yes Sir, I do like coffee and I will enjoy it. Thank you Sir." Ben replied as Captain Stakes pushed the mug into his hand. "You may return the properly cleaned receptacle to the Yeoman when you have finished with it, Ensign." Captain Stakes said."Mister Bracken, you have the Bridge." As Captain Stakes entered the ready room Ben took a sip of the coffee.~ That tastes even better than it smells~ He thought as he savoured the flavour and the aroma. Ben then turned to Yeoman Stakes and said," I will return the mug after the end of the shift, and my compliments Yeoman this is great coffee." ( reply Esme, iyw) Ben returned his attention to the tactical display, he had just run a level 5 diagnostic to ensure the station was running correctly and was satisfied that it was. As he enjoyed the coffee he adjusted the colour and contrast controls to find the perfect mix that would give him the right information at a glance. The tactical sensor display being the brightest, torpedo compliment and phaser batteries a little darker, targeting scanners just a bit brighter than the torp/phaser display, and the rest of the interface controls slightly below the torp/phaser display. Now at a quick glance Ben could see the necessary information more easily than he could before. Satisfied with the result Ben saved the settings as his personal settings, he was not sure if the rest of the security personnel would like the settings but Ben preferred them to the standard settings. He finished his coffee and monitored the sensor display for anything out of the ordinary, or anything that may pose a threat to the ship. ( posted by Milo Young) === (USS Dennison, Bridge, Commander Trevan West, 0912) The lift doors popped open and Trevan continued around the back of the Bridge towards the Ready Room without even looking at anyone. He was in too much of a hurry to get tangeled in a converstaion. Trevan rang the door chime and waited for permission to enter. (posted by Kerry Fletcher) === (USS Dennison - Ready Room - CO - Captain Archibald Stakes - 0913) "Enter," Archibald commanded, opening the door. As West entered, Archibald wondered briefly about a better system. He was expecting the Commander, he knew the Commander was coming, so why the need for acknowledging allowance to enter. And for that matter, shouldn't he be available to all if and when required? If the CO really didn't want to be disturbed, he should have an away sign or something. West cleared his throat and Archibald looked up at him. "Yes, Commander?" he asked and Trevan started telling him how 'certain' files had been retrieved from his contacts. Archibald nodded. "Good, Commander, pass the files along to anyone who needs access to them. Seeing the difficulties you had obtaining them, make the group as small as possible. We don't want to run the risk of alienating the hand that feeds us with vital information. Even *if* we feel that that information should have been made available to us in the first place." Archibald fell silent for a second. "It is vitally important that we remain friends with all sides concerned, Commander. The Maltorians AND Starfleet Intelligence." (Reply Trevan, room for more) (USS Dennison - Ready Room - CO - Captain Archibald Stakes - 0920) After West had left, Archibald remained in his ready room, ordering his thoughts, until he remembered his previous thoughts. He tapped his comm badge. "CO to Lieutenant Atwood. Report to my Ready Room, please." Rather than to instruct the CEO via badge, he wanted to see him face to face as there was another file that had landed in his inbox that he needed to discuss with the Engineer. (posted by Adrie Geuken) === (USS Dennison - Ready Room - CO - Captain Archibald Stakes - 1404) "I fully understand the implications, Admiral." Archibald said with a dead-pan expression as he responded to Rear Admiral Shonessy who was looking at him through his computer screen. The Rear Admiral was one of the junior Admirals in the Admiralty and tended to be used for communication for other Admirals who did not want to appear in person. For a second, Archibald had allowed himself to consider the possible Admirals but then gave up on it. The ways of Admirals were so muddy, that anyone, including Merriweather could be behind it. "And I can assure you, Sir, that all will be done by the book." For a second Archibald got the impression that the Rear Admiral looked disapproving but that it could as easily have been Archibald's wish to read anything from the Rear Admiral's reaction. "Then we are clear on that point," Shonessy finally responded, "Thank you ... Archibald." The CO refrained himself from showing any reaction to this indecency. Surely his psychogram would be known well enough by the Admiralty for them to know that Archibald abhorred using first names in official communication. It was too 'unprofessional'. "You are welcome, Admiral," he responded, resisting the urge to stress the rank. "Just doing our duty." Shonessy inclined his head slightly, but seemed disappointed. "Of course .... Captain. You have your orders. Shonessy out." The screen went dark and Archibald pursed his lips, considering the conversation. In reality no orders had been given during the 'discussion'. Only a quite noncommittal: 'we are concerned' speech. But in itself it had shown Archibald that their current mission was being discussed at the highest level of Starfleet Headquarters. It didn't sound right. Like there was a lot of pushing and pulling going on behind the scene. A game of chess for stakes unknown. NRPG: pun intended. RPG: Archibald sighed. A game of chess with him, West and the Dennison acting as pawns. And that thought was not very inspiring. =/\= Captain Stakes to the Bridge please,=/\= West's voice suddenly came out of his badge. "On my way, Commander," Archibald responded, pushing his feelings back as he got up from behind his desk. === (USS Dennison – Bridge – CSO/2O Dale Bracken – 1405) They had finally reached the edge of sector 4502, and the subspace map had been finally finished to the highest accuracy possible. West turned to her and rose out of his seat, "Dale, about these anomalies....how slow do we need to get, how close are these things going to get to the ship and how long to reach our destination at that speed?" These were all good questions that needed to be answered. Dale looked briefly at the screen, nodding as she read off the data that she needed, “I’d recommend one quarter impulse, but we can use some of teh wells to slingshot round, vectors won’t be to hard to calculate. We can also increase to one half in some places though, that should take the pain away. As to distance,” Dale paused, running through some mental calculations, “we’re going to feel an amount of drift toward these wells, but keeping the thrust and vectors as close as possible to our model, then safely we’re talking 100,000km, i’d recommend running a 150,000km berth of each of them.” Again, she paused, looking at the screen briefly. “ETA to the rendezvous point, 4 hours if we push it, 4 and a half with the recommended care.” (Posted by Mark) === (USS Dennison - Bridge - Captain Archibald Stakes - 1405.5) "Sir," Trevan said as soon as Archibald had entered the bridge. "We are now at the edge of the sector and we have received coordinates to the exact location the Maltorian's want us to be in. It was just sent to me from Command." Archibald eyed the man for a second then nodded. Seeing that they were now themselves closing in on the target, it would do for themselves to become the recipients of any Maltorian communication. Apart from the loss of time, which in itself could be crucial, you always had to wonder what communication had been forwarded and what communications had been held back for whatever reason. "Share the data, Mister West," Archibald said as he took his seat, bringing up the sector map on his console screen. "Aye sir," West replied and moved to the aft station behind the Captain. "Coordinates transferred to helm sir," he stated. Again Archibald nodded as he reviewed the information given to both departments. He looked up when the newly appointed 2O gave an overview of possible running modes. “ETA to the rendezvous point, 4 hours if we push it, 4 and a half with the recommended care.” For a second Archibald considered the options. The difference in time was not that great but if it meant they could gather data for an additional half hour, so much the better. But he decided to let the Commander decide, it was his 'show' after all. So Archibald simply nodded and was happy to see the Commander came to the same conclusion. "Helm, lay in the course specified by Mister Bracken at one quarter impulse and engage," Again Archibald nodded as he regarded West in action. He was a bit disappointed with Trevan's usage of a mixture first and last names. He always considered that to create a possibility of discrimination. The first names group could be regarded by the last names group as being favoured. But he knew well enough that his views were not the only ones possible. If someone else had a different system that worked, he had no grounds to complain about. Nor should he. Just as long that nobody expected Archibald to change his ways. (Posted by Adrie Geuken) === (USS Dennison – Bridge – Commander Trevan West– 1406) Dale looked briefly at the screen, nodding as she read off the data that she needed, “I’d recommend one quarter impulse, but we can use some of the wells to slingshot round, vectors won’t be to hard to calculate. We can also increase to one half in some places though, that should take the pain away. As to distance,” Dale paused, running through some mental calculations, “we’re going to feel an amount of drift toward these wells, but keeping the thrust and vectors as close as possible to our model, then safely we’re talking 100,000km, I'd recommend running a 150,000km berth of each of them.” Again, she paused, looking at the screen briefly. “ETA to the rendezvous point, 4 hours if we push it, 4 and a half with the recommended care.” Trevan looked at the Captain for a moment, seeing him nod Trevan turned around to face the Bridge, "Helm, lay in the course specified by Mister Bracken at one quarter impulse and engage," "Mister Shrekt, shields up and go to yellow alert," (reply Shrekt) Trevan then turned his attention back to Dale, "Dale, what will these wells do to our systems, have you talked to Atwood about it?" (reply Bracken) "Very well," replied West. Trevan noticed the ship slowly roll to port, probably to avoid the first of many obstacles on their path. "Status report, all stations." he announced to the Bridge, " "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." Then he announced to the Bridge that they had four hours until they reached the rendezvous and he wanted everyone to be ready before then, "Kit, if you would like more time on that matrix you can have it, just make sure OPS is fully covered." Trevan looked around, happy to see the crew working together to solve the problems. The viewscreen did not show the anomalies, but he knew they were out there, and that they were close to the ship. Too close for his liking. (Posted by Kerry Fletcher) === (USS Dennison – Bridge – CSO/2O Dale Bracken – 1407) "Dale, what will these wells do to our systems, have you talked to Atwood about it?" “Sir, They’ll have an effect on power systems, due to the affect of high gravity on the matter/antimatter annihilation, possibly a 20-25% reduction in efficiency, also reduce engine efficiency by anything up to 25%, I’m certain that it won’t damage the actual integrity of the ship sir. Rather like being at the bottom of a steep valley sir, you can get out, but you’ll have to work a whole lot harder. I’m contacting Lieutenant Atwood as we speak sir.” "Very well," West Replied, his attention drawn elsewhere. “Lieutenant Atwood this is CSO Bracken, We’re entering 4502 now, should we get too close to one of these anomalies we could experience reduction of engine efficiency and power systems by anything up to 25%, we may need everything that you can give us.” (Reply Atwood) === (USS Dennison – Bridge – OPS - Ensign Cattia Spero – 1408) Kit stepped forward to the Captain as soon as the opportunity arose. She had come direct from the OPS office, having been working on the data and the matrices almost non-stop and she was exhausted. She was also as certain as she could be using all the data that had been made available to her at various times that she had succeeded in doing what the Captain had asked of her. West was busy issuing orders but she desperately wanted to get some sleep and so took the opportunity to address the Captain. "Excuse me, Sir, but I thought you and Commander West should see the report I have compiled on the working matrices for the Maltorians." Kit handed him one of the PADDs she carried; the other was for West. Both contained a full report on the matrices she had been working on all this time. "In brief, Sir, I am as confident as I can be that they will work as you requested; however, you should be aware that until it is used with 'live' data - that is, in conversation - I cannot give you an absolute guarantee. Transmitted data there should be no problem with, it is possible to specify High Maltorian or Common Maltorian before the data is transmitted." Stakes nodded for her to continue. "Permission to go off-duty, Sir? I have been working non-stop since 5 am yesterday and I would appreciate the chance to get a few hours sleep." "Granted, Ensign. Just make sure the OPS station has access to the information." "Yes, Sir, thank you." Kit made her way over to the OPS station and smiled at Chrystine. "I have those matrices I was working on, PO Nicklaus," she said, and tapped in the codes that would give the OPS station access to all her work and instructions. "There you go, I'm off to get some sleep now." She stifled a yawn. "Kit, if you would like more time on that matrix you can have it, just make sure OPS is fully covered," West said as she straightened up. Kit stared at the FO blankly for a moment. ~You did *not* just use my nickname on the Bridge?! No, I must have misheard. Overtired.~ Aloud she said, "Sir, I have completed the work on the matrices and I have a report for you." She handed West a duplicate of the report she had just given the Captain. "I am about to go off-duty to get some rest. But PO Nicklaus is at the OPS station and I will be back on duty in a few hours." (Posted by Liz Geuken with help from Adrie) === (USS Dennison – Bridge – CONN Ens.sg Elenor Night – 1410) [...Map transferred. Calculating optimal route... Complete...] Ele nodded as she tapped in the final commands for the route, checking the computer's assessment of the map before continuing, and noticing something disturbing about the scan before finalising the course. "Lietuenant Bracken; Can you upload a new version of the scan, please? Comparison check." (reply Dee) "The data on the scan you sent me shows a number of "sandbars" and other such phenomena. Some of them seem to be mobile, drifting. Best idea about them so far is something resembling a tide, sirs." (reply any) "To get a proper course, I'll need synchronised scan data." (reply) "That said, I can initiate the course, the first anomaly is in 15 minutes fly time." (Posted by GC) === (USS Dennison – Bridge – CSO/2O Dale Bracken – 1411) [...Map transferred. Calculating optimal route... Complete...] "Lieutenant Bracken; Can you upload a new version of the scan, please? Comparison check." Dale nodded, and hit the combination of keys that would forward the newest data to all stations. “With you now Ele, alter the course to whatever you deem fit, keeping in mind the safe vectors needed.” "The data on the scan you sent me shows a number of "sandbars" and other such phenomena. Some of them seem to be mobile, drifting. Best idea about them so far is something resembling a tide, sirs." “Agreed, alter course accordingly, increase safe distance to 200,000 km, maintain one quarter impulse.” "To get a proper course, I'll need synchronised scan data." Dale turned away again, tapping the keys that would forward live data to everyone. “Live data is now with all stations. Tactical, do we have anything in this system – anything at all...excuse the expression, man-made? (Posted by Mark) === (USS Dennison - Bridge - CONN - Ensign Elenor Night - 1730) "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. " (reply any) "Looks big enough for a single seater craft, sirs." Ele said, waiting for a response and for orders. (posted by GC) ******************************************************************** Th.th.th.th.th.th.th.th.that's all, Folks!