~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Mission: To Live and Die in Starlight, Day -6 - 2 Stardate: 2407.01.26 - 2407.02.02 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ List of Headers: (USS Boudicca - Ten Forward - TAC/SC Lt. Cmdr. Aleksander Stolev & ATAC/ASC Ensign Samantha Chandler - 1130) (USS Boudicca - Holodeck 2, Old Moscow - MCO Lt. Colonel Eva Straton & TAC/SC Lt. Cmdr. Aleksander Stolev - Day -6 - 2130) (USS Boudicca - Deck Ten, Corridor - MCO Lt. Colonel Eva Straton & TAC/SC Lt. Cmdr. Aleksander Stolev - Day -5 - 0200) (Earth - Cafe outside of Academy - Ensign (jg) Sarrik - 1325) (Academy – Ensign (jg) Sarrik’s quarters – Ensign (jg) Sarrik – 1410) (Earth – “Secret location” – Ensign (jg) Sarrik – 1750) (Beta Quadrant – Shuttle – Ensign (jg) Sarrik – 1342) (USS Boudicca – Main Engineering- CEO’s office – LT John Fredericks CEO/2O - 10:20) (USS Boudicca – Main Engineering- CEO’s office – LT John Fredericks CEO/2O - 10:20) (USS Boudicca-Sickbay-CMO Lt. Cmdr. Kaitlyn Mackenzie-12:13) (USS Boudicca - Sickbay - Engineer's Mate - Petty Officer Jason Miller -1214) (USS Boudicca - Main Engineering - Engineer's Mate - Petty Officer Jason Miller - 1220) (USS Boudicca-Conference Room 2-CMO Lt Cmdr. Kaitlyn Mackenzie-12:26) (USS Boudicca - Conference Room 2 - COUNS - Lt. (JG) Brian Rogers - 1236) (USS Boudicca, Conference Room 2, Capt Grailik, 1233) (USS Boudicca -Conference Room 2- CSO- Dr. Maddison Munroe - 1235) (USS Boudicca - Conference Room 2 - Capt Sevant - 1236) (USS Boudicca - Main Engineering - ACEO LT/JG Matthew McLaren - 1238) (USS Boudicca-Conference Room 2-CMO Lt. Cmdr. Kaitlyn Mackenzie-12:39) (USS Boudicca, Corridor outside Conference Room 2, Captain Grailik, 12:45) (USS Boudicca-Corridor Outside Conference Room 2-CMO Lt. Cmdr. Kaitlyn Mackenzie-12:47) (USS Boudicca-Sickbay-CMO Lt. Cmdr. Kaitlyn Mackenzie-13:42) (USS Boudicca - Sickbay - Triage Chief - Doctor Mor'rel - 1344) (USS Boudicca-Sickbay-CMO Lt. Cmdr. Kaitlyn Mackenzie-13:46) (USS Biddle – Observation Lounge – Ensign (jg) Sarrik – 1400) (USS Boudicca, Personal Quarters, StratOps, Lieutenant Commander Paul Casely, 1412) (USS Boudicca, Strategical Operations, StratOps, Lieutenant Commander Paul Casely, 1427) (USS Boudicca - Bridge, Ready Room - Capt Sevant - 1506) (USS Boudicca - Strategical Operations - StratOps - Lieutenant Commander Paul Casely - 1510) (USS Boudicca - Bridge - Capt Sevant - 1511) (USS Boudicca - Bridge - Commander Trevan West - 1512) (USS Boudicca - Bridge - TAC/SC Lt. Cmdr. Stolev - Day 1 - 1512) (USS Boudicca - Assistant chief Engineers Office - ACEO LT/JG Matthew McLaren - 1513) (USS Boudicca - Bridge - Senior Chief Melody Haverstaad - 1513) (USS Boudicca - Bridge - TAC/SC Lt. Cmdr. Stolev - Day 1 - 1514) (USS Boudicca - Bridge - Senior Chief Melody Haverstaad - 1518) (USS Boudicca - Strategic Operations - Capt Sevant - 1528) (USS Boudicca, Strategic Operations, Capt Grailik, 1531) (USS Boudicca, Strategic Operations, StratOps, Lieutenant Paul Casely, 1536) (USS Boudicca - Strategic Operations - Captain Sevant - 1536) (USS Boudicca, Engineering Workshop 1 - Warrant Officer Jerral Revan - 1545) (USS Boudicca - Brig, Cell 5 - CO Captain Sevant, MCO Lt. Colonel Eva Straton, & TAC/SC Lt. Cmdr. Aleksander Stolev - Day 1 - 1711) (USS Boudicca - Security Center - TAC/SC Lt. Cmdr. Aleksander Stolev - Day 1 -1721) (USS Boudicca, Security Center, MCO Lt. Colonel Eva Straton, Day 1, 1722) (USS Boudicca - Security Center - TAC/SC Lt. Cmdr. Stolev - Day 1 - 1723) (USS Boudicca, Personal Quarters, MCO Lt. Colonel Eva Straton, 1743) (USS Boudicca - Holodeck 2 - Capt Sevant - 1820) (USS Biddle – Ensign (jg) Sarrik’s temporary quarters – Ensign (jr) – 1900) (USS Biddle – Transporter Room – Ensign (jg) Sarrik – 1915) (USS Boudicca - Transporter Room - Chief Petty Officer Freedman - 1918) (USS Boudicca - Transporter Room - Ensign (jg) Sarrik - 1918) (USS Boudicca - Holodeck 2 - Capt Sevant - 1923) (USS Boudicca - Holodeck 2 - Ensign (jg) Sarrik - 1923) (USS Boudicca - Holodeck 2 - Capt Sevant - 1926) (USS Boudicca - Holodeck 2 - Ensign (jg) Sarrik - 1928) (USS Boudicca - Holodeck 2 - Capt Sevant - 1929) (USS Boudicca - Holodeck 2 - Ensign (jg) - 1930) (USS Boudicca - Tactical Interactive Holographic System Control Center - Senior Chief Petty Officer Melody Haverstaad - 1930) (USS Boudicca -Conference Room 2- CSO- Dr. Maddison Munroe - 1931) (USS Boudicca - Holodeck 2 - Capt Sevant - 1932) (USS Boudicca, Goat Locker - Weapons Systems Specialist Warrant Officer Jerral Revan - 1933) (USS Boudicca - Holodeck 2 - Ensign (jg) Sarrik - 1934) (USS Boudicca -Holodeck 2- CSO- Dr. Maddison Munroe - 1935) (USS Boudicca -Holodeck 2- Ensign (jg) Sarrik - 1936) (USS Boudicca - Holodeck 2 - CO Sevant - 1936) (USS Boudicca, Tactical Interactive Holographic System Control Center - Warrant Officer Jerral Revan - 1939) (USS Boudicca, Tactical Interactive Holographic System Control Center - Senior Chief Melody Haverstaad - 1940) (USS Boudicca, Phaser Range, TAC/ASC Ensign Samantha Chandler - 2010) (USS Boudicca - Phaser Range - ACEO LT/JG McLaren - 2011) (USS Boudicca, Phaser Range, TAC/ASC Ensign Samantha Chandler - 2012) (USS Boudicca - Phaser range - ACEO LT/JG Matthew McLaren - 2013) (USS Boudicca, Phaser Range, TAC/ASC Ensign Samantha Chandler - 2014) (USS Boudicca - Phaser Range - ACEO LT/JG Matthew McLaren, 2015) (USS Boudicca - COUNS Office - COUNS - Lt. (JG) Brian Rogers - 2016) (USS Boudicca, Phaser Range, TAC/ASC Ensign Samantha Chandler - 2016) (USS Boudicca - COUNS Office - COUNS - Lt. (JG) Brian Rogers - 2018) (USS Boudicca - Phaser Range - ACEO LT/JG Matthew McLaren - 2019) (USS Boudicca, Phaser Range, TAC/ASC Ensign Samantha Chandler - 2019) (USS Boudicca, Phaser Range - ACEO LT/JG Matthew McLaren - 2020) (USS Boudicca, Phaser Range, TAC/ASC Ensign Samantha Chandler - 2021) (USS Boudicca - Rec Lounge - ACEO LT/JT Matthew McLaren - 2025) (USS Boudicca, Rec Lounge, TAC/ASC Ensign Samantha Chandler - 2026) (USS Boudicca - Rec Lounge - ACEO LT/JG Matthew McLaren - 2027) (USS Boudicca, Rec Lounge, TAC/ASC Ensign Samantha Chandler - 2028) (USS Boudicca - Rec Lounge - ACEO LT/JG Matthew McLaren - 2029) (USS Boudicca, Rec Lounge, TAC/ASC Ensign Samantha Chandler - 2030) (USS Boudicca - Temporary Quarters - Lt(jg) Walker Isengard - 2045) (USS Boudicca, Personal Quarters, MCO Lt. Colonel Eva Straton & Lt Isengard, 0700) (USS Boudicca - Holodeck 3, Earth, Somewhere in the Himalayas Mountain Range - COUNS - Lt. (JG) Brian Rogers - 0721) (USS Boudicca - COUNS Office - COUNS - Lt. (JG) Brian Rogers - 0841) (USS Boudicca - COUNS Office - COUNS - Lt. (JG) Brian Rogers - 0843) (USS Boudicca - COUNS Office - COUNS - Lt. (JG) Brian Rogers - 0844)~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Start of Compile ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Mission: To Live and Die in Starlight, Day -6 Stardate: 2407.01.26 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ==================================== (USS Boudicca - Ten Forward - TAC/SC Lt. Cmdr. Aleksander Stolev & ATAC/ASC Ensign Samantha Chandler - 1130) ==================================== Sasha walked into Ten Forward and was relieved to see that it wasn't too busy yet. He usually tried to make it before the noon lunch crowd so that he didn't end up standing in line for the replicators. Waiting in line for anything had always been an anathema to him; his elementary school principal had reprimanded him more than once for cutting ahead of others in line. He took his tray of food from the replicator and looked around the room. He was about to head for an empty table in the corner when he noticed a woman in tactical yellow sitting near one of the viewports. He looked a bit more closely and realized it was Ensign Chandler, the assistant with whom he had yet to spend any significant time. Since they had returned from the planet of the Archons and Scions, she had been immersed in training to bring herself up to speed with the Boudicca, and he had been highly involved in getting the weapons caches restocked and the tactical systems inspected, so they had barely said more than a few words to each other since she had come aboard. Determined to change this, Sasha walked over to the table where the ensign sat. "Is this seat taken?" he asked her with a smile. Sam had been so deep in thought, she hadn't heard him walk up. She looked up at him. "Sure, go ahead and sit down," she told him. "Thanks," he replied as he sat down opposite her. He set his tray down on the table and laid his napkin in his lap, took a sip of coffee, then looked up at his ATAC/ASC. "So, how are you getting along so far here on the Boudicca?" "I've been pretty busy since I got here, but I'd like to think I'm getting along pretty well," Sam replied. "I'm adjusting pretty well, I think, to be on a ship. It's different than a starbase." Sasha nodded. "So Geneva was your first posting, eh? I can imagine it'd be quite a difference, although I come from the opposite angle -- my only postings have been to starships. I was once assigned to serve on the Cochrane Research Facility, but I never made it. I got injured on the ship that was transporting me there and ended up being reassigned... it's a long story. Anywaym suffice it to say I have plenty of shipboard experience." He paused to take a bite of his sandwich. "So anyway, we're going to be working very closely together, and as you know this is a dangerous mission coming up. I have always thought it best that in these situations, things work better if we get to know each other first. You know, establish a relationship beyond the superficial formalities of duty and rank. If we're going to have each other's backs, we need a level of trust that requires it. Don't you think?" Sam picked up her cup of coffee sitting on the table and took a sip of it, "I totally agree with that," she agreed. "Being able to trust your life to those you work with makes the job a lot easier." "Great. Well I'll start by saying that I would be pleased for you to call me Sasha. When people say Mr. Stolev, I still sometimes look around for my father," he said with a sheepish grin. "I am from Russia, as you can probably tell from my accent. I joined Starfleet straight out of university. I had always dreamed of travelling among the stars, probably in part because my parents were deathly afraid of it and I never had the opportunity as a youth. I have always been fascinated by military history, and have a number of ancestors who have served in defense of Russia, then Earth, and now the Federation. I guess this is what steered me towards security. I have served on the Discovery, the Nimitz, and of course, the Boudicca." Sasha smiled as he leaned forward over his tray. "So how about you? What prompted you to join Starfleet?" he asked as he took a spoonful of soup. "First of all, if I am going to call you Sasha, you should call me Sam. My friends and family have always called me that. I guess it came from growing up with all brothers in the family and being somewhat of a tomboy," Sam told him. "I come from a long line of Starfleet officers, mostly tactical officers and marines. My dad is a retired tactical officer. I decided at an early age to follow in his footsteps, much to the exasperation of my mother. She wanted me to be a scientist like her." Sasha chuckled. "Your mother's exasperation sounds a lot like my parents' reaction when I told them I was joining Starfleet. They are both professional classical musicians. Neither of them has a violent bone in their body, so my decision was taken as an act of lunacy. Add to that the fact that they have an ingrained mistrust of technology. Supposedly, one of their friends beamed to a concert with his violin, which was a Stradivarius, and he swears that after the reintegration the warmth and tonality had been totally altered, so much so that he nearly had a breakdown on stage and had to end the concert early. So my parents refuse to beam anywhere, refuse to travel in space, and are even reluctant to take shuttlecraft. They travel by rail or other ground transport whenever possible." He picked up his coffee and took another sip. "So, you have brothers... are any of them in the fleet as well?" As he took a bite of his sandwich, he studied Sam's reaction to his question. He had read of various civil wars on Earth that had pitted brothers and sisters against each other, and he hoped for her sake that Sam would not face the same situation here. "My two younger brothers are both still kids so they are too young to be in Starfleet," Sam answered. "Both of my older brothers, however, are in Starfleet. One is a marine and the other is a tactical officer. The hardest part for me is that I don't know where either of them are. For all I know one or even both of them could be on an enemy ship." "I can only imagine how difficult that must be," replied Sasha sympathetically. "Our goal will always be to simply disable any enemy ships, keeping casualities to an absolute minimum on both sides. So, if we are unfortunate enough to encounter a ship that one of them is serving on, at least you'll have that." Unsure of what else he could say, Sasha decided to switch topics. "So have you been in many combat situations before?" he asked. "I've been in a few," Sam replied, picking up her cup of coffee. "Starbase Geneva wasn't without it's share of conflict." Sasha nodded. "Of course, I'm sure it wasn't. I didn't mean to imply otherwise at all." He took the last bite of his sandwich and picked up his spoon, which contained the last bit of soup. "Well, if you ever need to talk, I have an open door policy. Whether it has anything to do with your duties, or not." He took his last bite of soup and smiled, then looked up at the chronometer. "I'd better get back to the bridge. See you around. Keep me updated on security preparations. Oh, and don't let Lieutenant Isengard boss you around. I let him know that he defers to you on departmental matters, regardless of rank." "I understand, sir. It was great talking to you," Sam said, with a smile. "I will definitely keep you apprised of the security preparations. And don't worry, I can handle Lt. Isengard." Sasha gave her a smile in response as he stood up with his tray. "I'm sure you can," he said as he placed the tray in a nearby recycling unit. Then he turned and headed out the door. ==================================== (USS Boudicca - Holodeck 2, Old Moscow - MCO Lt. Colonel Eva Straton & TAC/SC Lt. Cmdr. Aleksander Stolev - Day -6 - 2130) ==================================== "I do have a question I'd like to ask," Eva said as they started across the square under the moonlit facade of St. Basil's Cathedral. "When did you realize you were a telepath?" Sasha was startled by this question, and he turned his head to face Eva, an inquiring look on his face. "Telepath? What do you mean?" "Well you obviously have some ability," Eva said. "You have some mental shielding more than what would be expected from simple mental discipline or training to shield your mind from telepathic intrusion." "Oh, that?" Sasha's brow furrowed as he turned his head back in the direction they were walking. "Well, I've had a couple of severe head traumas in the past, and the most recent one caused me to forget everything that had happened since the first one. Since the first trauma happened when I was in secondary school, that was a pretty big gap. I got sent back to Earth and underwent some very specialized treatment that resulted in the complete reconstruction of some of my neural pathways. Fortunately, it recovered my memory and supposedly made me more resistant to future traumas having that same effect. "Afterwards, I was undergoing some neurological tests, and I guess the doctors noticed something unusual on my scans, so they asked if I knew any Betazoids. My roommate during my recovery, whose name was Andre, happened to be Betazoid, and we had gotten to be friends during our respective rehabilitations. So, they had me do some simple tests with him, where he would try to read my thoughts and send me telepathic messages. I discovered that I was able to sense that something was happening, and was able to make it stop by making my mind as blank as possible. I couldn't tell what it was or know what exactly I was doing, but I was later told that I was sensing Andre's attempts at telepathy. "After we had finished the tests, Andre mentioned that even before I 'threw up a wall,' he had been having a lot of trouble just sensing my basic thoughts, and had had to concentrate a lot harder than he usually did for humans." Sasha fell silent for a moment, then looked back at Eva, a surprised look on his face. "I always just thought it was just a side effect of the surgery. Do you think that I'm actually a human telepath, and that the surgery and trauma just somehow unlocked something that I already had?" "It is possible," Eva said, looking at Sasha. "Human telepaths, while rare, are not unheard of. Perhaps your head trauma and the resulting medical treatment only served to waken your latent ability. There is still a lot that is not fully understood about the human brain and telepathic ability." Eva fell silent for a moment, turning her attention to traversing the busy square. ::Maybe you just need a good teacher to help train you to fully utilize it,:: she sent telepathically, confident that Sasha would receive it. Sasha blinked as he heard Eva's voice but her lips had clearly not moved. He then broke into a wide grin. "Maybe so. I think the first thing I'd need to learn is how to respond in kind. You happen to know any good teachers for this sort of thing?" he asked with a wink. "I might know one or two," Eva replied sarcastically with a smile. "One thing I've always been curious about," added Sasha as they approached the other side of the square. "When I was blocking Andre's attempts to read my thoughts, I had to focus entirely on blanking out my mind. Is there a way to 'throw up a wall' while still being able to have other thoughts?" "What you did was the most basic form of mental shielding," Eva said seriously. "Another simple form of shielding your mind would be to recite poetry, sing a song, or something similar to throw up a wall of 'clutter' to prevent intrusion. Those two work with the majority of telepaths or against simple surface scans. They would do you little good against a powerful telepath and a deep probe. There are other, far more complicated, techniques for preventing intrusion while still allowing you some room to think freely. However, as with martial arts, one must first master the basic techniques before moving on to the more advanced techniques. We can talk more about it later. Right now we are almost to the theater." Eva pointed ahead down the road where the theater, with a line out front, could be seen. Sasha nodded silently as he pondered the implications of what he had learned. He had spent the past couple of years thinking he was simply resistant to telepaths. Until tonight, it had never occurred to him that he might be one himself. As the two drew closer to the theater, they moved to the end of the line and waited their turn. The line moved quickly with only a small delay while the patrons handed their tickets to the Doorman. When it came their turn, Eva reached into the small purse she was carrying and pulled out two tickets. She handed them to the Doorman, who looked at the tickets, nodded, ripped off the tickets stubs which he handed to Sasha and pointed them toward one of the private balcony seats. They walked casually across the lobby, admiring the ancient architecture, up a flight of richly carpeted stairs and down a small hallways till they came to their assigned balcony seats. They entered the small balcony and sat down while admiring the unobstructed view of the stage they would have. "I hope you enjoy the show," Eva whispered. "It wasn't easy finding an authentic holo-reproduction of tonight's performance." She nodded toward the pocket where Sasha had put the ticket stubs. Sasha had been so preoccupied with his sudden paradigm shift that he hadn't even glanced at the tickets before mindlessly stuffing them in his coat pocket. He pulled them out and looked down at them, and his jaw dropped in awe as he read the finely-written script. "The world premiere of Swan Lake?" he asked breathlessly, his eyes wide with excitement. "Where did you find this? It's magnificent!" "It wasn't easy," Eva said, smiling. "But I have a few connections. There was certain Ferengi quartermaster that owed me a favor or two. Never underestimate the resourcefulness of a Ferengi." Sasha chuckled as he leaned forward in his chair and took in the intricate decor of the interior of the ballet hall. "You know, the later revision of this was more popular, but I always preferred the original," he commented as the lights dimmed in preparation for the start of the ballet. "This is more representative of Tchaikovsky's unfettered genius." "I've never seen the original myself," Eva said. "So this will be a treat for both of us then." Eva settled back in her chair as the show began. The two watched the show in silence and only discussed the performance during one of the intermissions. When the performance was over the two sat for awhile talking about it. Finally, Eva rose from her seat and turned toward the exit. "I enjoyed myself," she said, "I hope you did as well. I really don't have anything else planned for tonight. Unless, maybe you want to stop by somewhere for a night cap, a non-alcoholic one of course. We can talk some more about your little talent you didn't know you had, or another subject if that doesn't interest you." She smiled as they walked out of the balcony and headed for the lobby exit. Sasha smiled in return as they walked out of the building and back into the Moscow night. The moon was nearly full and the sky cloudless, so it did not take his eyes long to adjust to the relative darkness. "I definitely enjoyed myself," he said. "It has been a magnificent evening, and I would love to continue it." He glanced up at an old-fashioned clock atop a pole on the side of the street supressed a yawn as he read the time: just after 0100. "Maybe we can find someplace that serves coffee," he said with a grin. After not much searching, they were able to find a small cafe that was still open. Sasha opened the door and allowed Eva to enter first, then followed her in. There were several other people in the cafe; judging by their attire, they had also just attended the ballet. They looked around and spotted an empty table for two. As they sat down, a server paused to deposit two small menus on the table on her way to deliver someone's order. Sasha glanced at the menu and noticed that it was entirely in French. He managed to shake the rust off of his knowledge of French enough to decipher the impressive selection of Italian coffees. He looked up to see the waitress who had deposited the menus earlier standing by the table looking at them expectantly. "Double cappucino, please," he said, then looked over at Eva. "Make it two," Eva said, looking at the waitress and handing her the menu. "Right away," said the waitress with a slight curtsey. "So," began Sasha, "I am certainly interested in talking about my... "little talent", as you put it. But I really don't know where to begin. I've never really even considered it as a talent, at least not in the scope that you describe." "Well as a latent telepath you probably will never be able to actually hear another persons thoughts," Eva said with a small smile. "Unless you are very close to them emotionally and they to you. More so if that person is also a telepath. When telepaths fall in love, it's more than physical or even emotional. Imagine a mingling of minds as well as bodies. Many times an actual telepathic bond forms between them allowing one to feel the others emotions or even thoughts over an extended range. Depending on the strength of their respective telepathic talents of course, but still they are able to 'feel' the other person in the back of their mind at all times." The waitress arrived with their drinks and Eva paused while she handed each of them their drinks before leaving them alone again. Eva lifted her drink and took a small sip before setting it down again on the table. "Give me your hand," she said, holding her hand out toward Sasha. "I promise it won't hurt," she finished with a smile. Sasha smiled in return and reached out to grasp Eva's hand in his. "Now," Eva said, wrapping her fingers around Sasha's hand. "Close your eyes and focus on my hand. Focus on the physical contact. My skin against yours. The warmth of my fingers over the top of your hand. That is your bridge. Concentrate on using that bridge to touch my mind. Shut the rest of the world out and focus on what you want to do." Sasha closed his eyes and tried to focus on the sensation of Eva's fingertips against his skin. He could feel the fledgling sensation of something more, a presence other than his own thoughts and memories, and he mentally reached out for it, trying to narrow his focus to this new presence. Then, unbidden, a memory of a golfing lesson his uncle had once given to him popped into his mind. "Narrow your focus to the exact spot on the ball that you want to hit," he had said. Angrily, Sasha tried to thrust this memory aside and relocate Eva's mind within his own, but the harder he sought it, the further from him it seemed, until finally his eyes popped open and he realized that his brow was beaded with perspiration. "I felt... something," Sasha said discouragedly, "but then I lost it." "You did pretty good for your first try," Eva said, freeing her hand before taking a sip of her cappuccino, "but you let yourself get distracted. It's a common mistake in beginners. I can show you some exercises to help train your focus," she finished before taking another sip. Sasha nodded. "I'd like that," he replied. Their conversation then detoured to more superficial topics, ranging from the impact of the coffee house on old-Earth culture to a variety of similarities between Terran and Betazoid cultures with regards to the use of refreshment venues as vehicles for social gatherings. Eventually they both glanced at a nearby clock and saw that it was nearly 0200, and mutually decided that if they were to be of any use in their duties the next morning, it was about time for them to return to the real world. ==================================== (USS Boudicca - Deck Ten, Corridor - MCO Lt. Colonel Eva Straton & TAC/SC Lt. Cmdr. Aleksander Stolev - Day -5 - 0200) ==================================== Sasha turned and smiled at Eva as they walked out of the holodeck and back into the sterile environment of the ship's corridors. He realized that he had smiled more this evening than he had in perhaps the entire past six months altogether. "May I escort you to your quarters?" he asked, ignoring the curious look they got from a night-shift crewman who was walking past. "Absolutely," Eva said with a smile. They entered the turbolift together. "Deck three," commanded Sasha as the doors shut, and the lift hummed to life. It was a short ride, then the doors opened. Deck three was much quieter, as it contained only the senior officers' quarters, and they were all likely asleep, resting up for the trials and tribulations to come. He paused as he realized that he was not entirely sure where on deck three Eva's quarters were, then he took his cue from her as she started to head to the right. They walked past his own quarters and a few others before arriving at the door with the display labeled with Eva's name and rank. Sasha glanced back towards his quarters -- the door was just out of sight around the curve of the corridor. "Ah, here we are," said Sasha, quite unnecessarily. The butterflies that had flown away or been napping returned in full force, as his stomach again began its tap dance against his lungs and diaphragm, and his palms began to sweat. "I had a wonderful time," he said as he turned to Eva, surreptitiously wiping his hands on his pants before taking her hands in his. "It was so thoughtful of you to arrange it all," he added as he gazed into her eyes. "We both needed the relaxation," Eva began, with a smile. Sasha's eyes drifted down to focus on her lips as she spoke. He knew he wanted to kiss her, to feel the warmth of those lips against his own, but what would that mean? Where else might that lead? And was he ready for that, with all its emotional implications? "With things the way they are no telling when we might get another chance for some relax..." Eva trailed off as she noticed the look on Sasha's face. She didn't have to be a telepath to know what it meant, even if she could feel the emotions warring within him. Desire with trepidation. Sasha suddenly realized that Eva had finished speaking and was looking at him expectantly. He felt his cheeks flush as he realized that Eva likely knew, if not exactly what he had been thinking about, the general gist of it. He shrugged mentally as he made his decision and then leaned in to kiss her. Eva took a step closer and met him halfway. She pressed her body against his as their lips met. She slipped her arms around him, turning him with her body so that his back was to the door. Then with one arm still around him, their lips never parting, she entered the lock code and the doors to her quarters slid open and she guided him through to the privacy of her quarters as the doors slid closed behind them. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Mission: To Live and Die in Starlight, Day -5 Stardate: 2407.01.25 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ==================================== (Earth - Cafe outside of Academy - Ensign (jg) Sarrik - 1325) ==================================== Sarrik decided he needed some food. It had been a hard day of packing to get all his stuff ready for his first assignment. He sat at a table watching the crowd when he heard a voice behind him. "So you just graduated the Academy, huh? Don't turn around! I have a proposition for you," said the voice. Sarrik fought the urge to turn and see who he was talking to. The stanger continued, "You were a top rated science student in the Academy. I assume that you are looking to be a Science Officer?" Sarrik thought for a moment. ~How does he know about my standing in the Academy? ~ "You assume correctly. Of course it would be totally illogical to assume otherwise," Sarrik replied. He turned his head slightly to try and catch a glimpse of the stranger in a glass or window. He immediately felt a sharp, stabbing pain in his lower back. "I said don't turn around. It is not only for my safety but also for yours. As I said, I have a proposition for you. You may or may not know but Starfleet is in the middle of a Civil War. There are those that are loyal to 'President' Doeniz and those loyal to Admiral LoDona." Sarrik just nodded his head. He had heard rumors about this 'Civil War' but they were nothing concrete. Apparently it was not just rumor, it was really happening. “Well,” continued the stranger, “there is more to this than meets the eye. Admiral LoDona did what he did for a reason, actually several, and now he is in need of the best and brightest that Starfleet can provide. Would you be willing to go and work in the 52nd fleet? I need a yes or no in the next 15 seconds.” Sarrik’s mind raced. ~Work for the rebels? Leave all that I have been taught for the unknown? What if they loose this war? ~ “What do they offer that Starfleet cannot?” Sarrik said aloud. “ACSO onboard the USS Boudicca. 7 seconds,” was the stranger’s reply. Sarrik thought some more, then simply said, “Yes.” There was a slight rustle behind him and then nothing. “Hello?” said Sarrik. There was no answer. Sarrik turned around and there was no one there. Nothing to mark that anyone had been there except for a PADD on the chair behind him. Sarrik picked up the PADD and thumbed it on. There was a quick note that said to read the rest of the contents in a more private area. Sarrik quickly thumbed off the PADD and stuck it inside his uniform blouse, finished his lunch, and headed back to his quarters. ==================================== (Academy – Ensign (jg) Sarrik’s quarters – Ensign (jg) Sarrik – 1410) ==================================== Sarrik sat on his rack, holding the PADD that he had ‘found’ and wondering what he had gotten himself into. He thumbed the PADD on and it came up to a password screen. Sarrik started blankly at the PADD. There was never any mention about a password, either by the stanger or by the note that appeared on the PADD when he first turned it on. While cryptography was a mathematical function, and he loved math, Sarrik had no burning love for cryptography, even though his instructors told him that he was very good at it. It took him a few minutes and then he thought, ~hmm, the note said to ‘read the rest of the contents of this device in a more private area.’ The Academy had a section of the main computer bank that allowed the students to keep private items in it, and it was protected by a private password. I wonder…~ He quickly punched in his old computer password and hit the submit key. The PADD loaded several different documents. The first was a brief synopsis of Admiral LoDona’s side of the war. The second was a quick run-down on the USS Boudicca. And the third was a list of instructions. This list included directions to a specific ‘ location’ that he was to report to at 1800 tonight, in civilian attire. It also stated that he was not to speak to anyone about any of this. Sarrik knew where this ‘secret location’ was, but it did not make any sense. He closed all the documents and the PADD immediately erased itself. “Hmm, looks like I have some time before I need to leave.” Sarrik then settled himself down into meditation. ==================================== (Earth – “Secret location” – Ensign (jg) Sarrik – 1750) ==================================== Sarrik arrived 10 minutes early to the location specified on the erased PADD. He was in his civilian cloths, as requested, and carried his other stuff with him. This was a private shuttle pad, and there on the pad was a shuttle. It had private registration numbers that Sarrik thought belonged to a shipping company. About three minutes later, Sarrik heard something off to his left in the shadows. It sounded like air escaping from a hole in a shuttlecraft. “ Pssst, over here,” came a voice. This voice was different than the other ‘person’ he had met at the café. He walked over. There was a figure in the shadows, dressed in dark clothing, and their face covered. They held out their hand and told Sarrik, “Here, take this and get on the shuttle. It will take you to where you need to go.” Sarrik took the object that was handed to him, looked at it (it was another PADD), and turned to head toward the shuttle. He climbed in and sat down. No sooner had he sat, then the shuttle door closed and the shuttle lifted off. But there was no one at the controls. Sarrik jumped into the pilot’s seat and tried to change the shuttles course, but the controls were locked out. There was nothing that he could do now, but to sit back and enjoy the ride. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Mission: To Live and Die in Starlight, Day -1 Stardate: 2407.01.31 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ==================================== (Beta Quadrant – Shuttle – Ensign (jg) Sarrik – 1342) ==================================== The shuttle came out of the subspace river and rapidly began to decelerate. When it had slowed to impulse speed, it changed course and headed toward one of the transport ships that was on station around a fleet of starships. The shuttle headed to one of the outer most ships and entered the shuttlebay with out incident. When the shuttle door opened, a cargo hand greeted Sarrik. “Welcome aboard the USS Biddle Mr. Sarrik. If you follow me please, I will show you to your temporary quarters. You will have about 30 hours before we can get you over to the Boudicca. I assume you will want to freshen up and rest after your long trip.” The cargo hand turned and started toward the nearest hatch with Sarrik in tow. Once Sarrik reached his quarters, sparse as they were, he went to the replicator and ordered a meal. Once that was done he quickly went to sleep. He awoke many hours later and then went into meditation. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Mission: To Live and Die in Starlight, Day 1 Stardate: 2407.02.01 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ==================================== (USS Boudicca – Main Engineering- CEO’s office – LT John Fredericks CEO/2O - 10:20) ==================================== While shuffling through reports on the various systems that were in his sphere of control as Chief Engineering Officer John had an idea. Reaching out and activating a memo feature on a PADD he began. TO ALL ENGINEERING PERSONELL: REQUIRED ALL PERSONELL WILL NOW BE REQUIRED TO PUT IN NO LESS THAN THREE HOURS A WEEK ON THE PHASER RANGE. THERE WILL BE A CONTEST IN FIVE DAYS. PRIZES WILL BE ISSUED TO THE TOP SCORERS PER SHIFT WITH A GRAND PRIZE FOR THE HIGHEST MARK. PRIZES HAVE YET TO BE DETERMINED BUT WILL BE POSTED L.T. JOHN FREDERICKS CEO/2O ~This should be fun he thought and get every ones scores up above “approved”. To bad I can’t join in on the contest though~ he thought with a little resentment. Rank hath it’s privileges but sometimes you got left out too. Now he needed to check with West to see what he could issue as prizes. John reached out to tap a stud on his desk. “Computer, send the this memo to First Officer West for approval and add a request for his recommendation for prizes”. ==================================== (USS Boudicca – Main Engineering- CEO’s office – LT John Fredericks CEO/2O - 10:20) ==================================== Trevan was busy studying his latest reports from the various duty stations and going over some of the personnel files of the new crewmembers that had come on-board recently. He took a sip of tea and continued to read when an alert tone sounded to an incoming report. TO ALL ENGINEERING PERSONNEL: REQUIRED ALL PERSONNEL WILL NOW BE REQUIRED TO PUT IN NO LESS THAN THREE HOURS A WEEK ON THE PHASER RANGE. THERE WILL BE A CONTEST IN FIVE DAYS. PRIZES WILL BE ISSUED TO THE TOP SCORERS PER SHIFT WITH A GRAND PRIZE FOR THE HIGHEST MARK. PRIZES HAVE YET TO BE DETERMINED BUT WILL BE POSTED L.T. JOHN FREDERICKS CEO/2O Trevan actually smiled while reading this, 'Hmm, not a bad idea indeed." "West to Lt Fredericks" "Permission is granted, please use your discretion as to prize allotments. I am willing to go whatever way you see fit for your department, however, the top score for the ship is 6780 and my personal best is 6524. Any of your officers beating my score will receive an extra 2 days leave on the next cycle and a rematch with me." Trevan chuckled, "also if the rematch is won by anyone other then myself, then another extra 2 days of leave. I look forward to seeing the scores. West out." ==================================== (USS Boudicca-Sickbay-CMO Lt. Cmdr. Kaitlyn Mackenzie-12:13) ==================================== "Doctor, how much longer do I have to be confined here? My legs feel quite fine. I think I could go on active duty now," Miller suggested. ~What is it with everyone thinking they know more about their medical condition than the doctor who's treating them?~ Kaitlyn thought sarcastically. Her thought processes were starting to take a negative turn because of the heightened tension an demand on her as well as the other staff. Walking up to Miller's biobed, she grabbed his chart to take a look. "Hmm.....well you did take quite a hit down there on the surface," she said. Putting the chart down and picking up a tricorder, she scanned over his legs, then closed the tricorder. "Your legs look to be healing quite fine. In fact I think getting out of here and doing some walking would increase the chances of helping them heal. So Mr. Miller, it looks like your lucky day. You get to get away from me.....for now," she said with a twinge of humor. <> "Ah, hold on now," she said as Miller tried to hurridly get up and flee sickbay like she was a plague in itself. "Before you go I need to administer this." <> Grabbing a hypospray, she pressed it to his neck and heard the hiss of it when the medication was administered. "This is a temporary neural blocker for your 'telepathic centers.' Though I know you aren't telepathic, this blocker with prevent any possible thought processes from impeding your own at any rate." <> "Yes, now you may go," she said, and smiled at the humor of it all. Miller was like a child begging his mom to go play with the other kids. Watching as he left, she sighed and took his chart back to her office to be filed with the rest. ==================================== (USS Boudicca - Sickbay - Engineer's Mate - Petty Officer Jason Miller -1214) ==================================== "Your legs look to be healing quite fine. In fact I think getting out of here and doing some walking would increase the chances of helping them heal. So Mr. Miller, it looks like your lucky day. You get to get away from me.... for now," Dr. Mackenzie said. "Oh thank you doctor," Jason said has he stood up for the first time in weeks, but Mackenzie stopped him. "Ah, hold on now. Before you go I need to administer this," She explained has she reached for a hypospray. Miller moaned. "What is this? Really, I don't need any more pain medication. Dr. Mor'rel's surgery was quite good," "This is a temporary neural blocker for your 'telepathic centers.' Though I know you aren't telepathic, this blocker with prevent any possible thought processes from impeding your own at any rate," Dr. Mackenzie explained. Jason nodded and sighed has she injected him with the chemical. From his nice biobed in Sickbay he had almost forgotten the mission the Boudicca was undertaking. His only information came from listening to the nurses' conversations and a few meetings with Lt. Rogers. "Can I go now, Doctor? I really need to meet with the Chief Engineer," Miller asked. "Yes, now you may go," she said politely. Miller nodded and hurried out the door and on his way to Engineering ==================================== (USS Boudicca - Main Engineering - Engineer's Mate - Petty Officer Jason Miller - 1220) ==================================== Jason was nervous has he first entered Engineering. The members of the Engineering staff were his crewmates, who he should have a good working relationship with after two weeks, yet he hadn't met any of them, save for Lt. McLaren who he knew from Geneva. He glanced around and spotted a young Ensign working on a console. "Excuse me sir, but where is the CEO?" Miller asked. "You want Lt. Fredericks," the ensign said, Miller thanked his superior officer and headed to the area where the lieutenant was. He pulled his uniform tight and adjusted the position of his comm badge has if he was meeting the Fleet Admiral, and then cleared his throat. "Lt. Fredericks, I am Petty Officer Miller. I am the Engineer's Mate, I transfered from Geneva a few weeks back, but I was injured on the trip," Miller explained ==================================== (USS Boudicca-Conference Room 2-CMO Lt Cmdr. Kaitlyn Mackenzie-12:26) ==================================== Scrapping her cup of coffee before she entered the meeting, she was always a few minutes early as not to tick the captain off. Her lab coat came to a halt as the wind stopped rushing into it as she slowed her pace down to enter. Coming into the meeting, she grabbed the nearest seat she could, then waited for others to arrive. Just like all meetings before, Sevant was quick and to the point when kicking off a meeting. "Ladies and gentlemen." He said without preamble, "This will be short, and without any of the theatrics of this morning. Status?" At the mention of theatrics, Kaitlyn and most everyone else knew what he meant. She really didn't feel the need to go through it again either. But as she sat back, she patiently awaited until it was her turn to speak. "As far as medical is concerned, the only thing I've had thus far injury wise are people getting hurt from practicing martial arts in the holodeck. Everyone's preparing for this mission the best they can, but I've spread the word that they shouldn't be doing to much to exert themselves as we'll need them at their best." "All right then." He folded his hands together, "We will need to start inoculating the crew for combat starting in the next ten hours, we will be within theoretical range of combat by then, we can't leave any of the crew open for attack. Those telepaths on the ship who believe they have the strength to withstand repeated psychic attacks without use of the drugs will report to Colonel Straton or Lieutenant Isengard for testing... once they wake up." Taking notes on her PADD, she thumbed a few commands, and then put it back down as Sevant finished speaking. "Starting 24 hours from now, all senior officers will be considered on-duty, so be prepared for that, I recommend getting a solid nights sleep tonight, who knows when any of us will get another." Raising an eyebrow, she thought, ~I'm not looking forward to this...~ Then her mind snapped back to attention as Sevant pointed towards both her and the counselor. "Be on the watch for anyone in critical areas, we don't need nervous breakdowns now, but it's all too likely." Nodding her head, she said, "Yes sir." "Are there any questions, or concerns, with what you have heard so far?" Not having any, they were all dismissed and she was on her way back to sickbay. ==================================== (USS Boudicca - Conference Room 2 - COUNS - Lt. (JG) Brian Rogers - 1236) ==================================== Brian watched Captain Sevant has he addressed Brian and Kaitlyn, "Be on the watch for anyone in critical areas, we don't need nervous breakdowns now, but it's all too likely." "Aye, sir. I'll make sure the crew stays in top shape, mentally, sir. I don't know if Dr. Mackenzie agrees, but studies I've read say that humanoids are more aware and can stay awake longer if the temperature is lower than average. I would suggest that we lower the temperature to 18 degrees Celsius in vital areas. It might help the crew stay more awake and aware, sir, if Dr. Mackenzie concurs, of course," Brian said, turning to Kaitlyn. Brian suddenly felt immature for suggesting such a thing has turning down the environmental controls to help the crew stay away. ==================================== (USS Boudicca, Conference Room 2, Capt Grailik, 1233) ==================================== Grailik sat quietly, watching each of the department heads as they gave their report. Of course, he didn't make it obvious he was watching. He sipped his cup of coffee seemingly completely at ease, but after what had happened at the last meeting he was keeping a closer eye on everyone, including Sevant. He did it discreetly however, not wanting to put any one on guard. For the first time, he silently wondered if maybe he and Robert had been in error when they chose the Boudicca for this mission. Uncertainty was something Grailik did not like feeling, and is was certainly not something he was use to feeling. Not in a very long time any way. For now he just watched, patience was something he had learned very well in his extremely long life. ==================================== (USS Boudicca -Conference Room 2- CSO- Dr. Maddison Munroe - 1235) ==================================== Maddie sat and listened to the other department heads give their reports. She'd never really felt comfortable as the CSO as she never considered herself a command officer. She joined Starfleet as a way to get to meet new and interesting species. After all she was a scientist, not a soldier. However, she had accepted the responsibility and lived with the choice. But now she was in this room with all of these highly qualified individuals. She couldn't help but feel a little intimidated. When there was a break in the reports she spoke out. "Well, science department is looking into the whole telepathy thing, and seeing if we can't find some sort of shielding for or non-telepathic species. If we can mask our thoughts then we might just keep our presence and purpose a secret just a little longer." The captain nodded then went on with the meeting. He explained that they'll be in danger within 10 hours, that didn't give them much time. The idea of having psi-nulling drugs pumping through her body was less than ideal. She wanted to be sharp, as the prospect of meeting a culture developed from complete telepaths was intriguing. However the captain's orders to get a full night's sleep were just as distressing. She understood what he was saying, but she wanted to get the work done on her project. ~10 hours. Damn I'm going to be up to the wee hours again.~ When he told the CMO and the counselor that they were to watch for nervous breakdowns, she couldn't help but wonder if they were going to come around the science department. Half her staff were always on the brink of some kind of mental illness. The true nature of genius. It's great to be smart, but it might just drive you crazy. "Are there any questions, or concerns, with what you have heard so far?" Sevant asked. Maddie wanted to ask how stringent he was going to be on his expectation that she get a good nights sleep, but thought better of it. After all, what was he going to do, come down and tuck her in under phaser. Obviously he was going to have to trust his officers. She chose to just shake her head negative. ==================================== (USS Boudicca - Conference Room 2 - Capt Sevant - 1236) ==================================== "Be on the watch for anyone in critical areas, we don't need nervous breakdowns now, but it's all too likely." "Aye, sir. I'll make sure the crew stays in top shape, mentally, sir. I don't know if Dr. Mackenzie agrees, but studies I've read say that humanoids are more aware and can stay awake longer if the temperature is lower than average. I would suggest that we lower the temperature to 18 degrees Celsius in vital areas. It might help the crew stay more awake and aware, sir, if Dr. Mackenzie concurs, of course," The Captain looked at the CMO as she said, "I don't see any problems with this, but I would at least wait until people are trying to stay awake. That's when it will be the most helpful," replied the Doctor. Sevant turned to his CEO, "See to it immediately Mr. Fredericks, we'll implement it at need." (reply: CEO, CMO, Couns, any) "Are there any questions, or concerns, with what you have heard so far?" ==================================== (USS Boudicca - Main Engineering - ACEO LT/JG Matthew McLaren - 1238) ==================================== Matthew walked back into engineering thinking about the diagnostic he was suppose to run on all the secondary systems. He walked up to a console. "Ok, computer, begin a level 3 diagnostic on all secondary systems onboard and feed the results to my terminal." The computer chirped in response. "Diagnostic in progress." Came the voice from a tiny speaker above his console. Immediately after he began checking the results. A level three diagnostic required that he check the computers work in case there was something wrong with the programming. Sensors, weapons and environmental controls all checked out, but there was a slight laps in power to the secondary shields. He noted it and continued through the process. When he was finished he closed down the console and was just about to turn away when a flashing memo appeared on the screen. He tapped a control and text began scrolling across the screen. TO ALL ENGINEERING PERSONNEL: REQUIRED ALL PERSONNEL WILL NOW BE REQUIRED TO PUT IN NO LESS THAN THREE HOURS A WEEK ON THE PHASER RANGE. THERE WILL BE A CONTEST IN FIVE DAYS. PRIZES WILL BE ISSUED TO THE TOP SCORERS PER SHIFT WITH A GRAND PRIZE FOR THE HIGHEST MARK. PRIZES HAVE YET TO BE DETERMINED BUT WILL BE POSTED I.TO. JOHN FREDERICKS CEO/2O Matthew grinned at that idea. He had been a pretty good marksmen before joining star fleet when needed and was looking forward to some practice. But for now he had shields to repair and he climbed into the nearest maintenance hatch to fix the problem. ==================================== (USS Boudicca-Conference Room 2-CMO Lt. Cmdr. Kaitlyn Mackenzie-12:39) ==================================== "Aye, sir. I'll make sure the crew stays in top shape, mentally, sir. I don't know if Dr. Mackenzie agrees, but studies I've read say that humanoids are more aware and can stay awake longer if the temperature is lower than average. I would suggest that we lower the temperature to 18 degrees Celsius in vital areas. It might help the crew stay more awake and aware, sir, if Dr. Mackenzie concurs, of course," Brian said, turning to Kaitlyn. As Brian mentioned her name, she looked over towards him as he spoke. "I don't see any problems with this, but I would at least wait until people are trying to stay awake. That's when it will be the most helpful," Kaitlyn replied, as she looked towards Brian. Since being on Geneva, they still hadn't consumated their old love interest for one another. Kaitlyn wondered if he still felt the same for her, as she started to wonder about her own emotions and feelings herself. ==================================== (USS Boudicca, Corridor outside Conference Room 2, Captain Grailik, 12:45) ==================================== Grailik exited the Conference Room with everyone else. He quietly moved up beside Lt. Commander Mackenzie. "Doctor Mackenzie," He said pleasantly. "I just wanted to let you know that the Anitriopoline has been stored in the Medical Departments secured pharmaceutical room. It can't be replicated, at least not yet, so we only have what I brought with me. I still need to get with you at some time to go over the proper handling and administering of the drug. When would you be free?" ==================================== (USS Boudicca-Corridor Outside Conference Room 2-CMO Lt. Cmdr. Kaitlyn Mackenzie-12:47) ==================================== As Kaitlyn walked out the doors after the meeting, she was startled by the touch of a hand on her elbow. Turning to face the person attempting to get her attention, she saw that it was Grailik. "Doctor Mackenzie," He said pleasantly. "I just wanted to let you know that the Anitriopoline has been stored in the Medical Departments secured pharmaceutical room. It can't be replicated, at least not yet, so we only have what I brought with me. I still need to get with you at some time to go over the proper handling and administering of the drug. When would you be free?" Kaitlyn didn't have to glance at a chronometer to tell him the answer to that question. "Right now works for me. Basically whatever time you want, sir," she said, knowing she had a ton of work to do, but also knowing she had to get this out of the way with before she could administer the medication. ==================================== (USS Boudicca-Sickbay-CMO Lt. Cmdr. Kaitlyn Mackenzie-13:42) ==================================== ~We will need to start inoculating the crew for combat starting in the next ten hours...~ Sevant's voice echoed in the back of her mind as she sat in her office, thinking about all the inoculations she needed to create. Not only did she need to do that, but she also needed to get a good night's sleep like everyone else. But they were in battle mode now, and from her own past experiences, she was used to staying up for hours upon end...not that it was good for her however, or for anyone else for that matter. Rising from her chair, she went towards the replicator to tap in some of the substances she needed it to create for her to prepare the inoculations. It only took moments, and she was instantly taking what she needed back with her into the lab area. As she layed everything out that she needed, she then glanced up seeing Mor'rel. He looked as if he were doing reports....she wasn't sure. She hadn't even spoken to him since her return from the conference, which she had meant to do. Kaitlyn just felt as if she were running out of time. However it comforted her to know that Mor'rel was familiarized with the ship's sickbay functions. If she needed help, it wouldn't be as if she were asking a freshly graduated cadet to do something of this extent in such short time....at least in this particular instance anyhow. Still glancing his direction, Kaitlyn finally got up and walked over to him. "Excuse me," she said, not knowing what she was inturrupting. "I meant to talk to you earlier, I guess I just got caught up in trying to get some work done but..." She paused. This was starting to sound like an apology, which wasn't intended. "We need to create inoculations for the crew....and it needs to be done within 10 hours so we can dispense them." <> At this, she saw him do the usual vulcan mannerism, raising of the eyebrow and clasping his hands behind his back in a calm mannor. "Well....it would go a lot faster if there were two of us at work," she said, smiling slyly. <> As they both headed back towards the lab area, she then explained to him that she had everything laid out. Now all they had to do was begin the creation process. ==================================== (USS Boudicca - Sickbay - Triage Chief - Doctor Mor'rel - 1344) ==================================== Mor'rel looked at Mackenzie and cocked an eyebrow. He was well aware of the battle to come and had been readying sickbay and the triage centre for a sudden influx of wounded. His new role would be that of taking care of battle wounded, and prioritizing their treatment, something that could easily be accomplished with Vulcan logic and efficiency. "I see," he responded simply to the CMO's need for innoculations, then he could tell she had been asking for help as she followed up the comment with the actual request. "It would be more logical for you to simply ask for my assistance when you require it. It is part of my duties to aid you after all. While mind reading is a capacity found within my species, I tend not to employ it unless absolutely necessary," Mor'rel finished without skipping a beat. He wasn't sure if the woman would find humour in this, for some reason they often mistook his delivery for gravity rather than levity. (Reply Mackenzie) "I do trust that you have a composition analysis to work off of for this innoculation?" asked Mor'rel calmly as he followed her to the laboratory area. ==================================== (USS Boudicca-Sickbay-CMO Lt. Cmdr. Kaitlyn Mackenzie-13:46) ==================================== "It would be more logical for you to simply ask for my assistance when you require it. It is part of my duties to aid you after all. While mind reading is a capacity found within my species, I tend not to employ it unless absolutely necessary," Mor'rel finished. Feeling slightly annoyed, she hadn't meant it to come out as it had. Yes, she was asking for his help, but she didn't feel like she needed the accompanied lecture just because of the way she had gone about it. However, she did nothing more than chalk it up to the fact that his species was known for their comments of this nature, and that this was some sort of twisted vulcan way of getting close to humor. Shrugging it off, she said, "I would hope not." "I do trust that you have a composition analysis to work off of for this inoculation?" asked Mor'rel calmly as he followed her to the laboratory area. "Of coarse, I'm a doctor," she said, sending a swing of her own humor out towards him. Whether or not he would get it or find it humorous was another story. <> As they both reached the laboratory, she handed him her PADD with her analyses on it. "I hope you find this...to your approval," she stated as she started gathering things to get ready for the replication process. ==================================== (USS Biddle – Observation Lounge – Ensign (jg) Sarrik – 1400) ==================================== Sarrik looked out of viewports toward the USS Boudicca. She was a sleek looking ship and there were a bunch of transport ship hovering around her like a brood of children around their mother. Sarrik was anxious to get aboard and start working. He sat down at one of the tables and pulled out the PADD he had been given. This was a much smaller and sleeker version of the PADDs that were used at that academy. He read through the material on the device and tried to familiarize himself with the information. The CO was Capt. Caladryll Sevant. The XO was Cdr. Trevan West. Sarrik’s department head was Lt. Madison Munroe. She was a doctor, but Sarrik could not find out a doctor of what. ~Well, I guess I’ll find out when I meet her,~ Sarrik thought. He put the PADD away and called up a chess game and started playing the computer at its highest difficulty setting. ==================================== (USS Boudicca, Personal Quarters, StratOps, Lieutenant Commander Paul Casely, 1412) ==================================== For the second time in his career Paul strapped on the webbing and attached his hand phaser. He had been the one himself that had called for mandatory sidearms when they were on Geneva, as soon as the hot war broke out. That decision had proven both unpopular and necessary on the station, the decision had saved lives including his own. Paul sighed, hoping that at some point he would be able to put the weaponry aside and get back to what he wanted from Starfleet in the beginning. "Exploration," Paul said aloud completing the thought, almost as if the thought was a dream. He thought about the pioneers of Starfleet, Archer, April, Pike, Kirk, Janeway, Riker and longed to be among them. Riker had only been able to switch to exploration though when the conflict of his time had ended. ~That too seems to be my fate.~ With that thought in mind, Paul spent a moment straightening his uniform and then walked out and headed towards Strategical Operations. ==================================== (USS Boudicca, Strategical Operations, StratOps, Lieutenant Commander Paul Casely, 1427) ==================================== Paul walked in and sat down at the conference table in the main room of Strategical Operations. He looked at the PADDs assembled in front of him apprising him of the readiness of his station and knew that soon a number of individuals would be joining him to discuss the fleet and its progress. He still was slightly worried about the Klingons, but overall he knew that the fleet was assembling and readying itself with no small amount of precision ==================================== (USS Boudicca - Bridge, Ready Room - Capt Sevant - 1506) ==================================== "Captains Log, Stardate 2407.02.01." Sevant said as he looked out his window, arms crossed and one hand fingering the phaser under his arm, as he caught his mental wind with the ship continued around him in a high-strung manner. "The Boudicca is prepared for war. The 2nd Task Force is geared for it. The Paladin has punched a hole in the fleet's outer defenses; we're continuing the stab deep into our former territory and ripping a hole that the rest of the fleet and the Klingons can pour through." He paused, "But we've got a high-profile mission, we're taking down one of Doenitz's special projects. And in so doing, we're putting the entire task-force up against a batch of genetically engineering telepaths. Our two greatest weapons, Colonel Straton and Lieutenant Isengard... are attacking each other. An erroneous command from me set the Colonel on Isengard, what resulted would have spelled the death of one of them had they not been stopped." He sighed quietly as he remembered the two being carried out to sickbay. "Both are recovering from stun-shots, neither have regained consciousness. We'll find out how badly they were hurt then. God help us if either one is injured, we're out-gunned enough as it is. If we have to rely on pure physical force, odds are we'll loose half the task force before we've had a chance to engage." There was no doubting the danger of the mission they were on. The enemy would be massing after the Paladin's attack, not to mention the telepaths. The Task Force hadn't even had a chance to practice working in concert, not entirely, a few ships had practiced maneuvers during the two-week resupply. "I trust my crew, I trust my ship, but we're stepping into a war I doubt we'll walk out of. Never let it be said, however, that we didn't give it our all. Our mission will be achieved... one way or another. End log." Sevant turned to his desk and picked up the mission padd, and looked at it for a few moments. "Sevant to Casely, prepare a secure room for a Strategic meeting in twenty minutes." He stood up, "Captain Grailik to Stratops." ==================================== (USS Boudicca - Strategical Operations - StratOps - Lieutenant Commander Paul Casely - 1510) ==================================== Paul had spent a good deal of his afternoon preparing his department and coordinating reports from the fleet. Everything seemed to be okay, old equipment, outdated starships and Klingon pride aside. Paul knew he was as ready as he'd ever be... he hoped the same would be true of the fleet. Then the call came in from Sevant, a meeting in twenty minutes. He thought it would never come. "Aye Sir, we're pretty much already ready down here, I could use updated tactical and strategical crew manifests from the ships of the fleet though beforehand. Don't know if you could light a fire under 'em for it. A few have sent them in, but not all of them," replied Paul. (Reply Sevant) "Aye, we'll be waiting for you," stated Paul as he went back to busy himself with the room and his report. ==================================== (USS Boudicca - Bridge - Capt Sevant - 1511) ==================================== =^=Aye Sir, we're pretty much already ready down here, I could use updated tactical and strategical crew manifests from the ships of the fleet though beforehand. Don't know if you could light a fire under 'em for it. A few have sent them in, but not all of them,=^= "I'll do what I can." Sevant said as he exited the ready-room. =^=Aye, we'll be waiting for you,=^= Sevant paused just outside, "Commander West, send a task-force wide message requesting updated crew manifests to TF Stratops, by order of the Commodore." ==================================== (USS Boudicca - Bridge - Commander Trevan West - 1512) ==================================== "I'll do what I can." Sevant said as he exited the ready-room. Sevant paused just outside, "Commander West, send a task-force wide message requesting updated crew manifests to TF Stratops, by order of the Commodore." Trevan turned to the Captain, "Aye sir. I'm on it," and sat down in the chair and started to send out his request to all ship in the task force through the panel on his chair. He swung around and faced his tactical officer, "Lt Stolev, I want battle readiness drills beginning at 2300 hours cycling through all shifts and co-ordinate your efforts with Casely just in case he would like to involve some of the ships in the sector." he paused looking at this status board, then tapped his badge, "Bridge to Engineering, I want a level 2 diagnostic run on all ship systems. Pull whatever crew you need to finish the job, this takes priority. Report to me when complete, West out" Trevan got up, stretched and walked around to the aft stations, "Lt. I want these two stations here," indicating with his hand, "devoted to damage control and this one here devoted to fleet communications and status, I want it manned at all times." Trevan then proceeded to make his rounds to the other stations on the bridge, making sure everyone was ready for anything. ==================================== (USS Boudicca - Bridge - TAC/SC Lt. Cmdr. Stolev - Day 1 - 1512) ==================================== Stolev checked again for any messages on his console. No change in the status of the "prisoners" had been reported. He had been anxious ever since he'd had to leave Eva and Lt. Isengard in the brig, unconscious, to attend to his bridge duties. He looked up as Commander West swung around in the command chair to face him. NRPG: fixed the rank ;) RPG: "Commander Stolev, I want battle readiness drills beginning at 2300 hours cycling through all shifts and co-ordinate your efforts with Casely just in case he would like to involve some of the ships in the sector." "Aye, sir," replied Stolev. West then tapped his badge and ordered a priority level 2 diagnostic, then got up, stretched, and walked around to the aft stations, behind where Stolev was standing at the primary tactical console. "Commander, I want these two stations here," indicating with his hand, "devoted to damage control and this one here devoted to fleet communications and status. I want it manned at all times." "Aye, sir" replied Stolev again. He glanced at Chief Haverstaad, who was manning the backup station. "Chief, see to getting those consoles set up, will you?" he asked. "And then man the fleet status one for now. We'll work out a shift schedule later." (reply Haverstaad) He then tapped his badge as West wandered off to check on another area of the bridge. "Stolev to Commander Casely. I'll be instituting battle readiness drills as of 2300 hours. Let me know if you'd like to coordinate any of these drills with the rest of the task force -- I'd be happy to meet with you and work out a plan if so." ==================================== (USS Boudicca - Assistant chief Engineers Office - ACEO LT/JG Matthew McLaren - 1513) ==================================== Matthew ordered up another glass of water from the replicator. He had been trying to cut down on coffee for a while now and was back to an acceptable amount each day. As he sat back down the overhead com unit beeped. =^=Bridge to Engineering, I want a level 2 diagnostic run on all ship systems. Pull whatever crew you need to finish the job, this takes priority. Report to me when complete, West out=^= Matthew tapped a control on the desk. "Affirmative commander, we'll have it done ASAP." He said before closing the channel. He leaned back in the chair and ran his hands through his thick hair. "Great, I seem to be doing diagnostics all day." He said to himself as he stood up and headed out into the main section of engineering and walked up to the chief. "Sir, what are your orders for the diagnostics?" He asked. ==================================== (USS Boudicca - Bridge - Senior Chief Melody Haverstaad - 1513) ==================================== "Commander, I want these two stations here," indicating with his hand, "devoted to damage control and this one here devoted to fleet communications and status. I want it manned at all times." "Aye, sir" replied the Chief as Melody looked up from the backup Tactical console. The joy of living and working on a battleship, her combat functions were always well covered. "Chief," Stolev said. "see to getting those consoles set up, will you? And then man the fleet status one for now. We'll work out a shift schedule later." "Aye Sir. Sir, how much do you want me to tap into Stratops for this?" (reply: Stolev) Melody stood from her chair and stepped over to the two consoles in question. The Damage-control station was easy, there was already a basic makeup in the engineering database for just such a console, and after a couple minutes there was a fair-double of the engineering consoles in place, this one devoted to damage and routing damage-control parties. Fleet Communications and Status was more difficult, any templates that existed had been created by Stratops for the Stratops Center. She pulled her chair over after a couple minutes and began working on routing the necessary subsystems. Communications, secure internal communications, and all the necessary setups to tap into the Stratops computer for fleet updates. She mused briefly that it would be best for a Strategic Operations Officer to man this particular console, but such things weren't her business. Neither did she have the power to straight up implement all the changes she had designed. She engaged the template and the LCARS computer brought up everything that it could, but the computer rapidly said, [[Security Clearance 1 required]] "Commander Stolev," she said as she gestured to the console. "She's set up, but I require the taps and routing to be cleared." ==================================== (USS Boudicca - Bridge - TAC/SC Lt. Cmdr. Stolev - Day 1 - 1514) ==================================== "Chief," Stolev said to Haverstaad, "see to getting those consoles set up, will you? And then man the fleet status one for now. We'll work out a shift schedule later." "Aye Sir. Sir, how much do you want me to tap into Stratops for this?" "Probably pretty extensively, as it sounds like that will be basically the bridge StratOps console." Stolev made a mental note to discuss the manning of this particular console with Lt. Cmdr. Casely. (reply iyw) Haverstaad stood and went about setting up the consoles. After a few minutes, Stolev heard a beep from one of the consoles and looked over to hear the computer announce: [[Security Clearance 1 required]] "Commander Stolev," she said as she gestured to the console. "She's set up, but I require the taps and routing to be cleared." NRPG: I assume Stolev would have the necessary clearance. If not, I can repost this part. RPG: Stolev walked over to the console and glanced at the configuration that Haverstaad had programmed. "Computer, enable specified console configuration. Authorization: Stolev oscar-bravo-nine-three." [[Authorization accepted. Console is now configured per specifications.]] "There you go," said Stolev with a smile. "I'll talk to Casely about the manning of this console, so don't get too comfortable there," he added with a wink. (reply Haverstaad) Stolev walked back to the main console and tapped his badge. "Stolev to Lt. Cmdr. Casely." (reply Casely) "Commander, we've configured a console on the bridge to be dedicated to fleet communications and status, sort of a 'bridge StratOps console', and as per Commander West's orders it is to be manned at all times. I wanted to ask you if you'd like someone from StratOps to man this console, or if you'd prefer someone from my staff to take it on." ==================================== (USS Boudicca - Bridge - Senior Chief Melody Haverstaad - 1518) ==================================== "Computer, enable specified console configuration. Authorization: Stolev oscar-bravo-nine-three." [[Authorization accepted. Console is now configured per specifications.]] "There you go," said Stolev with a smile. "I'll talk to Casely about the manning of this console, so don't get too comfortable there," Melody nodded once, sharply. "Very well Sir." ==================================== (USS Boudicca - Strategic Operations - Capt Sevant - 1528) ==================================== Sevant stepped into Stratops and looked around, taking in the 'air'. He'd served as Strategic Operations on Starbase 23, it was a world he fit into well. Although he could say officially that the short time he'd served officially had been as peaceful as any fleet-hub could be. The Captain thought Mr Casely was going to have his hands full in time of war. He walked up to Casely, "We'll begin as soon as Mr. Grailik has arrived." ==================================== (USS Boudicca, Strategic Operations, Capt Grailik, 1531) ==================================== Grailik entered Strategic Operations hand clasped loosely behind his back. He stopped just inside the door and took a moment to look around the room nodding approvingly before heading toward Captain Sevant and Lt. Commander Casely. "Captain Sevant. Commander Casely," Grailik said, nodding to each in greeting. ==================================== (USS Boudicca, Strategic Operations, StratOps, Lieutenant Paul Casely, 1536) ==================================== Paul bid both Grailik and Sevant hello when they did arrive. He stood up to face the pair and activated the viewscreen. A video image appeared of their part of the fleet. "Gentlemen, currently the fleet is finishing off its readiness procedures. Everything seems to be going to schedule. New formation information, as well as coordinates have been entered into their tactical computers," stated Paul. He paused briefly for question or comments. (Reply Gralik, Sevant, iyw) "Our only difficulty thus far has been with the Klingons and that has been minor. They're more concerned that we're not fighting and dying at the moment than anything else. I've been working on assuring them that our refits and prep work is designed to make the battle even more 'glorious'. We've also had some difficulty with some of the more outdated ships due to equipment interface problems in the upgrade process," continued Paul. (Reply Gravik, Sevant iyw) "Most of the problems have been overcome through the hard work engineers on the various vessels. I do believe we've got everything up to spec. Currently, we're looking at sending the fleet in, in stages to create enough a distraction to allow us to slip in to our primary objective and deal with it," reported Paul. The display changed to a galaxy map with three routes clearly marked on it. The last route showing a direct group headed by the Boudicca arriving where they believed the telepaths were held. ==================================== (USS Boudicca - Strategic Operations - Captain Sevant - 1536) ==================================== "Gentlemen, currently the fleet is finishing off its readiness procedures. Everything seems to be going to schedule. New formation information, as well as coordinates have been entered into their tactical computers," Sevant folded his arms in front of him and nodded to Casely for him to continue. (reply: Grailik, if desired) "Our only difficulty thus far has been with the Klingons and that has been minor. They're more concerned that we're not fighting and dying at the moment than anything else. I've been working on assuring them that our refits and prep work is designed to make the battle even more 'glorious'. We've also had some difficulty with some of the more outdated ships due to equipment interface problems in the upgrade process," continued Paul. "No Klingon will go into battle with a dull blade," Sevant said quietly. "If they raise more problems, bring that up to them." He paused a moment, "Are we going to have serious issues with the engineering readiness of the fleet?" (reply: Casely, Grailik, if desired) "Most of the problems have been overcome through the hard work engineers on the various vessels. I do believe we've got everything up to spec. Currently, we're looking at sending the fleet in, in stages to create enough a distraction to allow us to slip in to our primary objective and deal with it," Sevant looked at the change, and then reached out to point at the point in space they were about to pass. "Reports from the Paladin are incomplete, once we pass the line we might have stragglers from the crushed battle-group they engaged, put a couple cloaked ships on the extreme edge of the group as sentries." He crossed his arms again, "If all goes according to plan, then we'll be fully inoculated by tomorrow afternoon, we'll be within their strike-zone by early tomorrow evening." He turned to Grailik, "You will have to form your strike team for any practice by tonight, at the latest." ==================================== (USS Boudicca, Engineering Workshop 1 - Warrant Officer Jerral Revan - 1545) ==================================== Jerral sat down at one of the work benches and set the magnetic switching gate from one of the backup EPS submaster flow regulators. In preparation for the battle they had started to warm up replacement equipment so they could make quick repairs when needed. Earlier in the shift, a crewman had approached Jerral with a EPS submaster flow regulator that didn't pass it's reaction tests after being assembled. The entire regulator was too big to be easily replicated, so the crewman had approached Jerral to see if he could fix it, before they dumped the resources to make a brand new unit. Jerral had managed to narrow the problem down to one of the magnetic switching gates that regulated the plasma flow into the plasma distribution manifold before it got into the pre-fire chambers for the phaser emitter crystals. Jerral had been working as a weapon system specialist for close to 10 years at various ranks, and had served on Keltoi class ships since the USS Keltoi was launched 4 years ago. This all meant he had taken apart his fair share of Flow regulators, and the magnetic gates were always the most annoying part of the whole contraption. ~~I swear, you sneeze before you install these things, you depolarize the whole thing.~~ Jerral thought to himself as he pulled out his tricorder and scanned the gate. He found the segment that was partially depolarized and detached it from the rest of the gate. He picked up an ocular enhancer, a high tech and more powerful jewelers loop. He carefully inspected the segment, looking for any defects that would prevent him from simply repolarizing the segment and reinstalling the gate. On the external edge of the segment, he found a small nick, not visible to the human eye without help. ~~You have to be kidding me, someone dropped the unit before assembly,~~ Jerral thought more than a little angry. Things happen, even stuff that is marked fragile gets dropped sometimes, he just wished that the person who had dropped it had just put it in for a check right then and there. Standing up he walked over to the replicator, and tossed the segment in and tapped the button that would cause it to be dematerialized. Once it was gone Jerral spoke up, "Computer, replicate EPS submaster flow regulator, magnetic gate segment Beta 2." Jerral snatched it out of tray. [Warning: segment still needs to be polarized] "Yes, thank you, I know that," Jerral said, rolling his eyes. The replicators weren't set to replicate down to the quantum level which was necessary to polarize the segments, so they had to be done by hand, which was a simply 5 second procedure. Jerral walked back over to the workbench and picked up the polarizer and slid the segment into it. When he was done with that he reassembled the switching gate. He was starting to wondered when the medical department would be calling in the telepaths on the ships. Jerral was going to take the drugs, he didn't like it be he didn't have much of a choice in his opinion. He was a fairly strong telepath, and was fairly sure he could hold his own, but he wasn't willing to risk it. He spent a most battle situations alone crawling throughout the ship, and he had access to every single weapon system on the ship, and if they tried to get control of him when he was in a jefferies tube and they won, no one would be around to stop him. So he was going to take the drugs when they were offered to him. Sighing he picked up the working gate and headed back out to the repair bay where the regulator was waiting for the gate before it was tested all over again. ==================================== (USS Boudicca - Brig, Cell 5 - CO Captain Sevant, MCO Lt. Colonel Eva Straton, & TAC/SC Lt. Cmdr. Aleksander Stolev - Day 1 - 1711) ==================================== "When you decide to tell me how 'bringing someone to heel' requires a full blown telepathic assault that would have resulted in the death of one of you, had we not stunned you both to unconsciousness. If I'd wanted the man dead for his insolence and flagrant disregard for the telepathic laws, I would have shot him myself." His eyebrow fell flat again. "I, perhaps, did not fully consider the implications of two mammoth-strength telepaths brawling. But neither did I expect you to get into a life-or-death struggle when the mission requires both of you." "I had no intentions of killing him," Eva said, her voice still cold. "Did you expect him to roll over and play dead just because I asked nicely? Or perhaps you expected us to play the telepathic equivalent of Rock, Paper, Scissors to see who would win? Your order was 'Bring him to Heel.' that implies by force, at least as I see it." "Considering your position, I suppose I was under the assumption that you would have specific skills to negate him, in one way or another," replied Sevant. "In this I was mistaken, it will never happen again." Eva closed her eyes and took a deep breath and let it out slowly working to calm herself. "It's not like waving a magic wand," she said, her eyes still closed. "It is extremely complicated when dealing with someone of Isengard's natural strength. The only analogy I can use that you might understand, being of limited telepathic ability yourself, is like weaving. Each thread must be properly laid and brought together in unison. Though I admit, he put up a far stronger fight than I had first assumed. The outcome was inevitable he simply does not posses the same level of skill that I do." "Neither would he have let you control him without killing him," Sevant said. "I didn't know that before, so the mistake is as great or greater with me then it is with you." He took a breath and considered. "You two will have to work together or our mission could fail." "I am aware of that," Eva said, eyes still closed. "Perhaps you are correct. There is a lot of anger in that one. Anger and pain." She opened her eyes and looked at Sevant then over at Stolev for several heart beats then her eyes moved back to Sevant. "I suppose Mr. Isengard and I will have to work out our differences. Though I think he needs to learn more discipline." Stolev noticed out of the corner of his eye that Grailik had moved down the hall, presumably to check on Lt. Isengard. He was relieved that Eva seemed to be unharmed from their encounter, and he hoped that Isengard would be similarly well recovered. They were not only both critical to the mission, but Stolev was glad to have another highly experienced security officer on hand, for the coming events would surely require everyone to utilize the depths of their experience and abilities if they were all to survive. He turned to Sevant. "Telepathic discipline aside, Lt. Isengard has demonstrated himself to be a highly competent security officer in his limited time on board thus far. In light of our upcoming mission, do you have any particular assignments or duties you would prefer him to perform? I have already assigned him a bridge duty shift, as well as placed him in charge of coordinating shipboard defenses with the Marines." He stole a glance towards Eva as he wondered how this morning's altercation would affect that arrangement. "He will continue in that arrangement for now." Sevant said. "We don't have the luxury of maintaining shipboard squabbles." He quirked his head at the Colonel again, "Do we need to keep you two deadened while you have a chat?" Eva let out a small laugh. "Captain, we are both Star Fleet Officers. Not to mention, we are both seasoned warriors, if we really wanted to kill each other, you would not only have to keep us deadened but locked up in the brig under heavy guard. I have no ill feelings toward Lt. Isengard one way or the other. I was simply following your orders, as I understood them, to the best of my ability. If anyone is likely to hold a grudge, it will be Lt. Isengard and not me." "Good." He looked over at the Chief. "They can be released Chief." Stolev nodded. "Aye, sir." He quickly tapped in the commands to drop the force field on Eva's cell as he quickly gave her an apologetic look. He then looked down the hall and saw that Captain Grailik had already released Isengard. "Force fields have been deactivated," he reported. ==================================== (USS Boudicca - Security Center - TAC/SC Lt. Cmdr. Aleksander Stolev - Day 1 -1721) ==================================== Sasha followed Eva as she left the brig area and started to cross the main lobby. "Ev... uh, Colonel?" he corrected himself as he noticed several other security officers coming and going through the lobby in preparation for the round-the-clock security drills that were going to be a fact of life aboard for the forseeable future. (reply Straton) "Captain's orders were for the crew to be innoculated against psychic attacks, except those who are telepaths and believe they can withstand such attacks." Sasha lowered his voice confidentially, as he was still a little self-conscious about his newfound abilities. "I don't presume to think that I'm strong enough to do so, but I wanted to talk to you about it first. I also am a little worried that this innoculation might wipe out my abiliies altogether," he confessed. ==================================== (USS Boudicca, Security Center, MCO Lt. Colonel Eva Straton, Day 1, 1722) ==================================== "Ev... uh, Colonel?" Eva stopped and turned back, recognizing Sasha's voice. "Yes," she said, regarding him neutrally. Her brow rose slightly as he stepped closer to her. "Captain's orders were for the crew to be inoculated against psychic attacks, except those who are telepaths and believe they can withstand such attacks." Sasha then lowered his voice to almost a whisper. "I don't presume to think that I'm strong enough to do so, but I wanted to talk to you about it first. I also am a little worried that this inoculation might wipe out my abilities altogether." Eva was silent for a moment as she considered what to say, and settled for the straight truth. "You aren't," She said, evenly. Then lowered her voice as well before continuing. "I'm sorry, but I can't tell you for sure that they won't. I wouldn't think that the drug would have any permanent effects like completely wiping out your ability, but I'm no doctor." She paused and took a deep breath, then looked around to see who was in the area. Finally, she leaned in close to Sasha. "Domini would be better qualified to answer that question for sure. If you want, I can talk to her for you or you could ask her yourself. I trust her, so you can too." ==================================== (USS Boudicca - Security Center - TAC/SC Lt. Cmdr. Stolev - Day 1 - 1723) ==================================== "Captain's orders were for the crew to be inoculated against psychic attacks, except those who are telepaths and believe they can withstand such attacks." Sasha then lowered his voice to almost a whisper. "I don't presume to think that I'm strong enough to do so, but I wanted to talk to you about it first. I also am a little worried that this inoculation might wipe out my abilities altogether." Eva was silent for a moment before replying. "You aren't," she eventually said, evenly. Then she lowered her voice as well before continuing. "I'm sorry, but I can't tell you for sure that they won't. I wouldn't think that the drug would have any permanent effects like completely wiping out your ability, but I'm no doctor." She paused and took a deep breath, then looked around the bustling security center. Finally, she leaned in close to Sasha. "Domini would be better qualified to answer that question for sure. If you want, I can talk to her for you or you could ask her yourself. I trust her, so you can too." Sasha nodded. "Ok, thanks. I'll talk to her as soon as I can. I guess our lessons will have to be put on hold until after this is all over," he added with a rueful smile. "If we're still around," remained the unspoken postscript, as was likely the case with any conversation going on around the ship regarding post-mission plans. (reply Straton) After Eva left, Stolev went into his office and waited until the door shut, then tapped his comm badge. "Stolev to Counselor Alizara. I'd like to schedule an appointment with you at your earliest convenience. When would be a good time?" ==================================== (USS Boudicca, Personal Quarters, MCO Lt. Colonel Eva Straton, 1743) ==================================== Eva entered her quarters stopped once inside the door and took a deep breath. She held it as the doors closed behind her, then let it out slowly. It had been a bad day, very bad, and tomorrow didn't promise to be any better. She striped off her cloths and put them in to be recycled. Then she headed into the bathroom for a sonic shower. Adjusting the sonic shower, she stepped inside and activated it and closed her eyes and let the relaxing tingling feeling of the sonic shower ease the tension out of her body. She exited the shower some 20 minuets latter, feeling much more relaxed. She walked out into her living room not bothering to put on any cloths. She was Betazed and modesty had an entirely different meaning to her. She stepped into the adjoining room that would normally be used as a private office. Eva used it as a meditation room. A matt was laid out on the floor. Eva sat cross-legged on the mat and pulled an ancient box down from one of the shelves on the wall nearby. She pulled small block of incense from the box and an incense burner. She set the block of incense in the burner and laid it on to floor in front of her. Carefully, she lit the incense and closed the lid on the burner so that only the scented smoke could escape. The fire was too small to set off the internal sensors, and it was known, to those that needed to know, that she often used aroma therapy in her meditations. Closing her eyes, she inhaled the sweetly scented smoke and cleared her mind, to find her center. The usual buzz of stray back ground thoughts from her shipmates was absent tonight due to the suppressant sickbay had injected her and Isengard with. Eva found it odd, but knew that her abilities would return by the morning. She had been trained to use her abilities to protect and, if necessary, kill for her people and her world. She had also been trained not to relay on them like a crutch. She was a Star Fleet Marine and a trained Combat Engineer herself, even if she was no longer a CE. She still had all the training and made sure to keep it all current. She was still a very dangerous person, even with her abilities suppressed. ~But now is not a time to think of combat.~ She told herself as she eased into a meditative state. ~The mistakes of today must not be repeated tomorrow. Isengard and I must come to a common understanding. If we do not our world, the Federation itself, will burn and many innocents will die.~ She slowed her breathing, cleared her mind and worked to reset her subconscious disciplines and try to come up with a way to approach Isengard without it resulting in another fight. She had no desire to hurt him or anyone else. She would do her duty. To her ship and crew. To her world and her people, if that meant a little humility was needed then so be it. When she was finished, she felt drained physically and mentally. She dragged herself to her feet and made her way to her bed. She laid down and closed her eyes and drifted off to sleep knowing that tomorrow would bring a new set of challenges. ==================================== (USS Boudicca - Holodeck 2 - Capt Sevant - 1820) ==================================== Sevant, dressed in light Vulcan robes and gripping his bat'leth, glided in a katra he'd learned as a boy with his Klingon tutor, performing the graceful moves in an attempt to quiet his mind from the troubles that plagued him. The katra was simple and surprisingly elegant, having come from the Klingons. He'd been taught the bat'leth as a boy to learn self-control... one didn't hack with a bat'leth, one flowed. There were no sharp or jerky movements, the blade spun and swished in a never-ending glide in harmony with the body and surroundings. Sweat dropped off his brow from the simulated environment, a physical training area on Vulcan not unlike one at his former home. It was just after sunset, thus a tad bit cooler then it would have been had the sun still been in the sky. The Captain's face was one of concentration, more-so then this particular katra called for. The events of the day were running through his head in an endless loop, the mistakes made and the consequences that would have to be paid in the long-run. ... and, of course, the link. That blasted, beautiful, confounded link with the woman who may or may not be his wife. His head jerked to the side as the doors to the holodeck opened, admitting a single individual before they closed and the illusion of a Vulcan training arena deep within the Kolinar Mountains was replaced. Sevant stood up, apparently unfazed, and cradled the weapon in his arm as he recognized his visitor. It was an Andorian in a standard marine uniform; there were only two on board that fit that description. "Computer, replicate me a training kojoki." Drizzt called quietly. "Standard length and grip." A sword-like weapon appeared in the air near him, which the Andorian grabbed without second thought. The Vulcan quirked an eyebrow as Drizzt took a couple practice swings with it and then stepped up to the ring. "Captain." He said with a slight nod. "I was wondering if I might have a few words with you." The Marine's antenna twitched as he swung his weapon out and brought it up in an Andorian salute. Sevant considered the situation for a few moments, and then returned a salute before sliding into a standard fighting stance, slowly circling around the Andorian as he slowly twisted the bat'leth in lazy figure-eights. He grunted his assent as Drizzt took a couple experimental inside pokes at Sevant's defenses. Both were easily turned, there had been nothing particularly determined about them. "I'd like permission to speak freely." The Andorian continued, moments before swinging into a complicated attack pattern with the blade. Sevant didn't spare a moment for a reply as he blocked the attacks, Drizzt was too good a bladesman to take lightly according to his record, and the Vulcan was forced to take several steps back under the first onslaught before he was able to sidestep and take the offensive. Both styles of fighting were smooth and flowing, but the kojoki was lighter and longer, for all that it was a standard 'sword'. Drizzt was at a disadvantage at close range, so Sevant pushed forward and into the blades ineffective range. Drizzt, apparently by reflex, punched forward with his palm and caught the Captain in the chest, he used the seconds after to dance back out of range. Sevant coughed once and took note of the hit; his chest would ache for a while after this. He shook it off as his adrenaline started to pump and began another lazy sweeping pattern with his bat'leth, "You may." He answered in a steady voice as he began circling again. He took the initiative this time and swung the bat'leth mid-level, before reversing and pushing forward with the opposite-side tang. Drizzt had blocked the first strike; he spun and crouched on his heel to block the reverse. Sevant's eyebrow raised slightly as he continued the strike, his opinion of Drizzt's swordplay was increasing. It was entirely possible, in fact, that the Andorian was the superior. Drizzt had been a champion-level fighter before joining Starfleet and Sevant had never entered a tournament in his life, though he'd had years of training with a true master at the blade. "Battle nerves among the men are increasing, much as was expected. Everything before your announcement today was happenstance and chance, we all knew we were at war but we were only patrolling. Now we're stepping into the fire..." The Andorian said after many long seconds and dozens of traded blows. "I've had a talk with two marines with concerns that they were doing the right thing, that they weren't on the wrong side of the civil war." He paused again and took a leap at the Captain, and all talk stopped for another thirty-seconds as they traded blows that only ended when Sevant got close and side-chopped the Marine's neck, sending him sprawling to the ground. Drizzt wasn't done however, he'd rolled right back onto his feet in a defensive stance. ~Not bad.~ Sevant thought quietly as he again stepped into a lazy defensive pattern. Drizzt rolled his neck once, never taking his eyes off the Captain, before he continued again. "There are a number of uncomfortable rumors since the Colonel went down at the meeting today; the crewman telegraph is working over-time on it." The Marine paused, his emotions rippling over his face. The Captain wondered briefly just what it was Drizzt was wrestling with internally. Drizzt suddenly stopped and stood straight up, and placed his blade point-down on the training ring before leaning his hand on the pommel. "I've led a soldiers life, Captain, and I've never seen anything like I saw this afternoon... and I'm sure I don't know the half of what was really happening, both of them being telepaths. And those two aren't the only two, we've been on constant ops for ages, as has most of the fleet I would imagine... there are a lot of tensions and nerves. Can we win this?" Caladryll slowly stood up from his position and again cradled his bat'leth, looking at Leonal's face. Drizzt was a Combat Engineer, fanatical to the cause, deadly dangerous in all things. Sevant felt a moments pang that he didn't know the man better, even after all these months of serving together. The man was a solider, as was Sevant. As such, he deserved an honest answer. "We'll win," Sevant said. "No man can hold a populace imprisoned forever against their will, not with the methods he's been using, not with all the people he's killed. This is a lesson that dozens have learned over the course of history, Doenitz simply needs to be taught again." Sevant closed his eyes in thought for a moment. He took a breath and opened his eyes again, "We'll win, but only at great cost. And the odds that we personally will live to see the end of this war are small." He didn't have to say why, the man was a tactician; the Boudicca was the flagship of a task-force that had the duty of going into the federation as a vanguard. There were three battle-groups going in as a spearhead to the fleet. They would punch a hole for the rest of the 52nd and the Klingons to fly through, but that punch would likely be their doom. Drizzt's antenna twitched and he nodded, as if to himself. "I've had a good life, and I never wanted more then to do the job I loved..." he chuckled quietly and brought the sword in salute, "Thank you Captain, honesty never goes aimss." Sevant returned the salute and watched as the Andorian walked out of the bay, leaving him alone in the Vulcan night. He put the bat'leth back into the crook of his arm and looked out on the night silently. Never once had Drizzt asked if Sevant thought what they were doing was right, Sevant supposed that answer was obvious since Drizzt's homeworld had been devastated by Doenitz's forces. He'd only asked if they would win. He licked his lips and stepped into the middle of the ring again, and began again the katra that had been interrupted before. ==================================== (USS Biddle – Ensign (jg) Sarrik’s temporary quarters – Ensign (jr) – 1900) ==================================== After a rather long game of chess, much longer than usual, Sarrik had come back to his quarters to make sure that he had everything together. The comlink in his quarters chirped, =^= Ensign Sarrik to the transporter room on the double. =^= Well time to go. He went to the computer station in his room and punched up the quickest way to the transporter room, memorized the route, gathered up his stuff and headed in the direction of the transporter room. ==================================== (USS Biddle – Transporter Room – Ensign (jg) Sarrik – 1915) ==================================== Sarrik stood in the transporter room waiting to get on the transporter pad. There had been several groups of people transporting from here and he appeared to the last person to get transported. No matter, it was time to get on board and get started. “You’re up sport. On the pad so we can get you over there,” said the transporter chief. Sarrik walked over to the transporter pad and stood on the circle in the floor. The chief said, “Energize,” and Sarrik’s world went white. In the next instant he was standing in a different transporter room. He quickly gathered his composure and announced, “Request permission to come aboard.” ==================================== (USS Boudicca - Transporter Room - Chief Petty Officer Freedman - 1918) ==================================== "Request permission to come aboard." The Chief of the deck looked at the Ensign for a moment, one hand on his phaser and another on a PADD. "Orders, Sir." He said, not quite a request, waiting for the vulcan's assignment orders. (reply: Sarrik) PADD in hand, the Chief checked Ensign Sarrik's orders against his roster. After long seconds he handed the padd back, "You're the last of our crew replacements." He finally announced, satisfied as to his identity. "Permission granted, welcome aboard Sir." He came to attention, and then tapped his badge, "Chief Freedman to Captain Sevant, the last of the officer transfers has been finished, Ensign Sarrik has beamed aboard." A couple seconds passed before there was an answer, it was recognizably Sevant, though the Captain almost sounded out-of-breath. =^=Escort him to the holodeck Chief.=^= Came the voice. =^=Sevant out.=^= "Aye Sir," he said to the air. "Ensign Sarrik, if you will follow me?" ==================================== (USS Boudicca - Transporter Room - Ensign (jg) Sarrik - 1918) ==================================== A Chief with a PADD in his one hand and his other at his sidearm looked at Sarrik for a moment. "Orders, Sir." Sarrik handed the Chief his PADD device. "ACSO," was all Sarrik said. The Chief checked Sarrik's PADD against the one he held. After several seconds he handed the device backto Sarrik. "You're the last of our crew replacements. Permission granted, welcome aboard Sir." He came to attention, and then tapped his badge, "Chief Freedman to Captain Sevant, the last of the officer transfers has been finished, Ensign Sarrik has beamed aboard." Severl more seconds passed before there was an answer. The owner sounded almost sounded out-of-breath. =^=Escort him to the holodeck Chief.=^= Came the voice. =^=Sevant out.=^= "Aye Sir," the chief said to the air. "Ensign Sarrik, if you will follow me?" Sarrik followed the Chief through the ship. They ended up in front of the holodeck. The Chief said "Here you go sir, and again welcome aboard." "Thank you Chief," said Sarrik and turned to enter the holodeck. The doors opened with a swish and Sarrik found himself back on Vulcan. The doors closed behind him and he was now fully engulfed in his home world. It appeared to be an area somewhere inside the Kolinar Mountains. Sarrik guessed the time was early evening judging from the position of the sun. Before him was an imposing figure wearing light Vulcan robes and going through a katra with a bat'leth. Sarrik raised an eybrow slightly at the irony of one in the robes of a Vulcan using the weapon of a Klingon. He quickly adjusted his expression and announced, "Ensign (jg) Sarrik reporting as ordered." ==================================== (USS Boudicca - Holodeck 2 - Capt Sevant - 1923) ==================================== "Ensign (jg) Sarrik reporting as ordered." Sevant, well aware of the new arrival since the doors had opened, ignored the new-comer as he spun with the bat'leth and executed one of the last moves of this particular katra. His breath was now strained after an hour of solid movement in the hot and dry environment of Vulcan; it felt good to be back in the heat and gravity of his home planet, even if he was no longer accustomed to it. He stopped the Katra for the second time in a night and stood straight, letting the sweat run down his face and onto his robe. For long moments he looked off into the distance into the mountains, still ignoring the Ensign. Finally he put the bat'leth in the cradle of his arm and half turned so he could face the ensign. "Mr. Sarrik," he said in a voice that was calm and stable, regardless of the fact he had just finished exerting himself. Vulcan control, once learned, was hard to put aside. "Orders." (reply: Sarrik) Sevant took the PADD in his free hand and scrolled through the essentials, comparing them mentally to the information he had been sent earlier. Everything looked to be in order, which was just as well. He moved to the side of the training ring as he read, and gently laid the bat'leth on an empty rack. After a minute or so he deactivated the PADD and grasped it in both hands, behind him. He looked at the new Ensign for long moments, appraising him, until finally he said, "Welcome to the Boudicca, Ensign, Dr. Monroe could use the help." He took a seat on one of the hard-stone seats and placed the PADD beside him. He tapped the badge that was clipped to his robe, "Doctor Monroe to holodeck 2." (reply: Monroe) "You were recruited straight off Earth, so tell me, what do you know about our... situation?" Sevant asked, once the connection with Monroe had been closed. ==================================== (USS Boudicca - Holodeck 2 - Ensign (jg) Sarrik - 1923) ==================================== The Captain stopped his katra and stood up straight. For several long seconds the Captain stood there looking at the scenery. The Captain then cradled the bat'leth in his are a turned slightly so that he was able to face Sarrik. "Mr. Sarrik," the Captain said in a very calm and stable voice. ~Very calm for one that has just finished the katra,~ Sarrik thought. "Orders." "Aye, sir," Sarrik said and handed the PADD to the Captain. The Captain took the PADD in his free hand and scrolled through the data. Sarrik stood at attention while the Captain moved to the one side of the arena, carefully place his bat'leth in the rack that was there, and read the information on the PADD. After a few minutes the Captain deactivated the PADD and put his hands behind his back, and sized up Sarrik. "Welcome to the Boudicca, Ensign, Dr. Monroe could use the help." The Captain sat on one of the stone seats and put the PADD beside him. The Captain tapped a badge on his robe and said, "Doctor Monroe to holodeck 2." He turned back to Sarrik, "You were recruited straight off Earth, so tell me, what do you know about our... situation?" "Only what was on the PADD. I know that you are considered 'outlaws' and 'rebels' by some in Starfleet. I also know that there have been some unsuccessful attempts to disrupt this fleets activities. I assume that we are going to be heading into a battle soon, hence the need for all the transport ships. Other than that, I don't know much else." Sarrik waited a few seconds and then added, "But it would be helpful to know what is going on if I am too be of any use in my new position." ==================================== (USS Boudicca - Holodeck 2 - Capt Sevant - 1926) ==================================== "Only what was on the PADD. I know that you are considered 'outlaws' and 'rebels' by some in Starfleet. I also know that there have been some unsuccessful attempts to disrupt this fleets activities. I assume that we are going to be heading into a battle soon, hence the need for all the transport ships. Other than that, I don't know much else." Sarrik waited a few seconds and then added, "But it would be helpful to know what is going on if I am too be of any use in my new position." Sevant sighed quietly, this one was almost totally ignorant of current events. "Computer." He said. "Upload to Ensign Sarrik's quarters a fully updated list of events dealing with the 52nd fleet, suitable to one of his security clearance." [Done] "That will take care of the facts." Sevant said. He sat back in his stone seat and crossed his arms over the Vulcan robes. "I will leave most of your questions to your department head, however..." He paused and mused for a moment. "Yes, we're going to war. The Boudicca and her task-force is enroute back to Federation space with the Klingons in support. 'President' Doenitz and his regime are no longer to be tolerated, not after he and his flattened several core planets and are holding the rest in martial law. Odds are we will be killed in this endeavor... does that bother you?" he asked, with interest. ==================================== (USS Boudicca - Holodeck 2 - Ensign (jg) Sarrik - 1928) ==================================== "Yes, we're going to war. The Boudicca and her task-force is enroute back to Federation space with the Klingons in support. 'President' Doenitz and his regime are no longer to be tolerated, not after he and his flattened several core planets and are holding the rest in martial law. Odds are we will be killed in this endeavor... does that bother you?" asked the Captain. Sarrik looked directly at the Captain for the first time since entering the holodeck. "It is illogical to worry about a future that cannot be changed or predicted. If I am to die in the performance of my duties, then I have nothing to worry about. I am not bothered because it was something that I knew could happen when I applied to Starfleet. I would prefer that it did not happen, but logic dictates that it is nothing to worry about." ==================================== (USS Boudicca - Holodeck 2 - Capt Sevant - 1929) ==================================== "It is illogical to worry about a future that cannot be changed or predicted. If I am to die in the performance of my duties, then I have nothing to worry about." ~The Perfectly logical response.~ Sevant thought as the young officer continued with, "I am not bothered because it was something that I knew could happen when I applied to Starfleet. I would prefer that it did not happen, but logic dictates that it is nothing to worry about." Sevant remained silent for long moments as he considered Sarrik. There was something very perverse about throwing a young scientist on a battleship, in the midst of a fleet that was flying into the maw of destruction. But there was no help for it, they were walking into a situation where a scientist of any sort might be useful. Hurrah for the Glory of Starfleet, and all that. "Good enough." Sevant agreed. "Have you any specific questions before Monroe arrives?" ==================================== (USS Boudicca - Holodeck 2 - Ensign (jg) - 1930) ==================================== "I would prefer that it did not happen, but logic dictates that it is nothing to worry about." The Captain was silent for long moments. "Good enough. Have you any specific questions before Monroe arrives?" "Just my specific duties, which I am sure Dr. Monroe will answer. And maybe the curiosity as to 'Why me'." ==================================== (USS Boudicca - Tactical Interactive Holographic System Control Center - Senior Chief Petty Officer Melody Haverstaad - 1930) ==================================== Melody crossed her arms after putting her adjustment took back in its case, and looked hard at the brains for the Tactical Interactive Holographic System. Her face was dead-serious, and it had been since the Captain's announcement. Everything that had gone before was just practice, now they were at war... now she needed every wit about her as never before. She grabbed her phaser from the console she'd placed it on while maneuvering around the holographic and tactical processors and stepped back to look at it all. Finally, she tapped her badge. "Chief Haverstaad to Warrant Officer Revan. I require you in the Tactical Holographic Systems control center, as soon as you can." (reply: Revan) Melody stepped outside the doors and past the two guards that had been stationed there. Nobody got into the TIHS without some high permission; she was one of the few. She would have to lead him in. ==================================== (USS Boudicca -Conference Room 2- CSO- Dr. Maddison Munroe - 1931) ==================================== Lunch had been ruined thanks to the rescheduled meeting. Now, apparently, so was dinner. She had just sat down with Engtamn-Jensi for a nice, quiet meal when her comm. badge beeped. =^=Doctor Monroe to holodeck 2.=^= When the captain called , who was she to balk. She looked over at EJ and gave him a weak smile. "Sorry." Then she tapped her badge. "I'm on my way." When the the link died she sat for a moment. Then she picked up a forkful of the fettuccini and stuffed it into her mouth. It was hot, and delicious. "Mmmmm...," she said. Which was quickly followed by, "Ow, ow, hot." She waved her hand in front of her mouth to cool the fires in it, then took a gulp of water. "Rats, that is delicious." She moved to leave again, then returned to the table for another bit, followed by a yum, followed by the waving hand and the gulp of water, and yet another sorrowful look at EJ. Finally she put another mouthful in and then headed out the door. "We will get a chance to eat a meal together, some time." And the door closed. She made her way to the holodecks, grumbling about another interrupted meal. ~This never happened before I was CSO. Sometimes it's more work that it's worth.~ She finally arrived at the holodeck. The door opened as she approached. Stepping in she noticed that the captain was holding his bat'leth, and the holodeck was set up as some kind of workout room. Was this her bat'leth lesson? She wasn't really dressed for it. And after this afternoon, she knew she really needed it. Finally she noticed someone else in the room. It was a tall Vulcan, which seemed to be two words that usually went to together. More of interest to her was that he appeared to be a science officer. "Captain," she said stepping up to them, "you called?" ==================================== (USS Boudicca - Holodeck 2 - Capt Sevant - 1932) ==================================== "Just my specific duties, which I am sure Dr. Monroe will answer. And maybe the curiosity as to 'Why me'." Sevant folded his hands. "I can't answer that question, except to say that our... agents... on Earth have not yet made a mistake." He opened his mouth to say more when the doors to the holodeck opened, briefly breaking the serenity of the Vulcan mountains with the sounds and lights of the ship. The doors quickly closed, leaving Monroe bathed in the warm Vulcan night. "Captain," she said stepping up to them, "you called?" "Doctor." He said, standing up. "This is Mr. Sarrik, your new Assistant Department Head." He folded his arms behind him, "I am leaving him in your care to learn the ropes. And quickly, Doctor, we'll need every able hand." ==================================== (USS Boudicca, Goat Locker - Weapons Systems Specialist Warrant Officer Jerral Revan - 1933) ==================================== Jerral was finishing off a quick meal in the goat locker, the lounge for enlisted ranks, chief and up. Traditionally even the Captain of the ship had to ask permission to enter the Goat Locker, although one didn't generally deny the captain entry with out a seriously good reason. He was finishing a large roast beef sandwich when his comm badge chirped. =/\=Chief Haverstaad to Warrant Officer Revan. I require you in the Tactical Holographic Systems control center, as soon as you can.=/\= Jerral rolled his eyes, never a moments peace. "On my way chief, be there in five," Jerral said, "Revan out." Downing the last of his glass of milk, he worked his way back into his uniform jacket, and grabbed his tool kit. He had to stop by his quarters down the hall for some equipment he had just for the TIHS. He was a weapons systems specialist, but for the last four years he had been a WSS on Keltoi class ships, he was there when the USS Keltoi launched on it's first mission. He had served on the USS Night's Watch, and then received his warrant when he transferred to the Boudicca. He knew the weapons and tactical systems of Keltoi class vessels like the back of his hand, it was his job to know. Quickly stopping by his quarters, he grabbed some additional tools he might need to work on the TIHS. ==================================== (USS Boudicca - Holodeck 2 - Ensign (jg) Sarrik - 1934) ==================================== "I can't answer that question, except to say that our... agents... on Earth have not yet made a mistake." Just then the doors to the holodeck opened, breaking the holodeck scene with the sounds and lights of the ship. The doors quickly closed, leaving a new arrival in the warm Vulcan night. "Captain," the new arrival said stepping up to them, "you called?" "Doctor." The Captain said, standing up. "This is Mr. Sarrik, your new Assistant Department Head." The Captain folded his arms behind him, "I am leaving him in your care to learn the ropes. And quickly, Doctor, we'll need every able hand." Sarrik had turned to face the new arrival in the holodeck. ~So this is Dr. Madison Monroe,~ Sarrik thought. "Dr. Monroe, it is good to make you acquaintance. I look forward to getting to work and finding out what I will be doing." ==================================== (USS Boudicca -Holodeck 2- CSO- Dr. Maddison Munroe - 1935) ==================================== "Doctor." The Captain said, standing up. "This is Mr. Sarrik, your new Assistant Department Head." The Captain folded his arms behind him, "I am leaving him in your care to learn the ropes. And quickly, Doctor, we'll need every able hand." "Dr. Monroe," Sarrik turned to face her, "it is good to make you acquaintance. I look forward to getting to work and finding out what I will be doing." Maddie smiled a bright smile. She figured that it would be lost on the Vulcan, but she made the effort anyway. "Ensign Sarrik, welcome to the Boudicca." She held out her hand to receive Sarrik's orders. With them in hand she turned to the captain. "Captain, I'll have him whipped into shape in no time," she said smiling, wondering if this Vulcan would understand the colorful phrases that humans like to use, or if he really thought she was going to whip him. "Come along Ensign, and we'll get you settled into the science labs." As she left she turned to look at Sevant. She called back, rubbing her head where a small bruise had formed from her own experience with the bat'leht that morning. "I'm looking forward to our lesson Captain. I already have a bat'leth, by the way." (reply Sevant) The door closed as the two scientists walked down the corridor. Maddie waved the padd at Sarrik. "Are you going to make me read this? Tell me what your area of expertice is?" ==================================== (USS Boudicca -Holodeck 2- Ensign (jg) Sarrik - 1936) ==================================== "Captain, I'll have him whipped into shape in no time," Dr. Monroe said. Sarrik thought ~Strange choice of words. I wonder exactly what she has for me to do that requires whips?~ Dr. Monroe continued, "Come along Ensign, and we'll get you settled into the science labs." As they were leaving the holodeck, Dr. Monroe turned back to the Captain and said, "I'm looking forward to our lesson Captain. I already have a bat'leth, by the way." As Sarrik walked down the corridor with Dr Monroe, she waved the PADD and said, "Are you going to make me read this? Tell me what your area of expertice is?" Sarrik replied, "Astrophysics and metaphysics. I am also extremely proficient in astronavigation and complex mathematical computations. How about you?" ==================================== (USS Boudicca - Holodeck 2 - CO Sevant - 1936) ==================================== "I'm looking forward to our lesson Captain. I already have a bat'leth, by the way." "I will be here, Doctor." He replied equitably. He waited until they had left before taking position to train again, but he found his mind distracted. After several moments he stood straight again and cradled the bat'leth in his arm. "Computer, change of program. Load Sevant Nex 1." The computer complied; the ancient training grounds in the mountains of Vulcan were quickly replaced with the beaches and tropical trees of an island he had spent so many years on. As always, he was 'placed' right at the tree-line, looking at the impossibly blue ocean and the great stretch of beach. He placed the bat'leth aside and opened his Vulcan robes so they were flapping in the wind as he confronted the lush ocean breeze bare-chested. If there was any time in his life that he could call peaceful, this would have been it, a lush tropical island which provided all their needs with his family at his side. It was more a tomb now, and a replicated tomb at that, but it was as close as he was going to get. The family he once had was gone, though one seemed to have come back. That matter in itself was confusing, one of the many things on Sevant's mind... as it had been non-stop since her arrival 3 weeks ago. The war, the upcoming battle, the hundreds of souls in his hands as they walked into the jaws of death. The behavior of his crew, the battle between Straton and Isengard and the toll of a years worth of combat operations on the rest. All of it was weighing heavily on him, as it was on any Captain in the fleet at this time. He walked onto the beach, enjoying the fleet of sand under his bare feet, and stepped right up to the edge of the water. A pod of dolphins swam just in swimming range, if he had felt the need to join them, though he hadn't since creating this program... that was always something he had done with his children. Caladryll closed his eyes and let the warm, moist winds blow over him as he continued worrying into the night. ==================================== (USS Boudicca, Tactical Interactive Holographic System Control Center - Warrant Officer Jerral Revan - 1939) ==================================== Jerral walked down the hall towards the TIHS control center, and found Melody waiting for him in the hall. He had clearance for access to all of the weapons systems, all of them but that one room, which only a handful of people had. He could get temporary clearance when it was needed, but this system was restricted to a very close few especially when there was a battle ready to ensue. "Evening Chief," Jerral said with a friendly smile and a nod. "What can I do for you?" ==================================== (USS Boudicca, Tactical Interactive Holographic System Control Center - Senior Chief Melody Haverstaad - 1940) ==================================== "Evening Chief, What can I do for you?" Melody nodded to the Warrant Officer and then gestured with her head. "This one is on me." She said to the guards. "Sir, if you will." She said, gesturing again. (reply: Revan) Melody took one of the two seats on the room. "I would like an engineering expert to take a look at this, Sir." She said once she had settled, "I've done what I can, I am by no means an expert in engineering. This is to important to put to chance." ==================================== (USS Boudicca, Phaser Range, TAC/ASC Ensign Samantha Chandler - 2010) ==================================== Sam walked onto the phaser range with phaser in hand. She had decided, since she had some down time, to come here and practice her marksmanship. She was surprised to see that the room was pitch black. She really couldn't see anything except for the targets moving around on the walls. Someone was practicing in the darkness. She could hear and see the bright streak of the phaser fire. Whoever it was seemed to be doing it pretty well. "Nice shooting," Sam called out into the darkness. ==================================== (USS Boudicca - Phaser Range - ACEO LT/JG McLaren - 2011) ==================================== As another 3 targets came zooming at him Matthew fired quick shots in amongst them to split them up. This made it easier to pick them off one by one. Two were destroyed and he was in the process of swinging around to blast the third when he heard the soft swish of the doors opening. For the moment he ignored it, intent on the target in front of him. As he fired a precise burst of phased energy into the target he heard a voice call out that he immediately recognized, "Nice shooting," He swung around and shot down another target before replying. "Hey Sam, thanks. Sorry about the darkness." He called back in-between phaser shots. (Reply Sam) As he fired a sweeping beam into a pack of three targets the computer said. "Level 14 complete." The lighting returned to normal and he walked over to Sam. nrpg: Assuming your asking why it is in darkness, if not I can change it. rpg: "Oh, well before I got my sight back I used to have to fight a fair bit and just prefer to listen rather than watch, old habit." He said wiping sweat from his eyes. ==================================== (USS Boudicca, Phaser Range, TAC/ASC Ensign Samantha Chandler - 2012) ==================================== "Hey Sam, thanks. Sorry about the darkness," a voice called back, which Sam recognized as Matt McLaren. "That's alright, keep practicing," Sam called to him. She watched the bursts of the phaser fire found their targets. [Level 14 Complete] the computer intoned as the lighting returned to it's normal setting. Sam blinked her eyes a few times to readjust her eyes to the normal light settings. She saw Matt walking towards her. "So what's up with target practice in the dark?" she asked. "Oh, well before I got my sight back I used to have to fight a fair bit and just prefer to listen rather than watch, old habit," he answered. "Well, it definitely seems to be working for you. That was some good shooting," Sam stated. (Reply McLaren) "I could use some target practice. It would be fun to have someone else to do it with," Sam said. "How about a little contest?" ==================================== (USS Boudicca - Phaser range - ACEO LT/JG Matthew McLaren - 2013) ==================================== "Well, it definitely seems to be working for you. That was some good shooting," Sam stated. "Thanks." Matt said with a smile. "I could use some target practice. It would be fun to have someone else to do it with," Sam said. "How about a little contest?" Matt grinned. "Your on." He said. "And i'll even handycap myself and leave the lights on." He said knowing that Sam would understand he was only being sarcastic. He knew that she could easily beat him in marksmenship. Afterall she had trained to do this. He walked back over to the centre of the room. "Computer, save current match under McLaren 1 and reset the program for 2 players." The computer beeped in response and the targets began flying once again. ==================================== (USS Boudicca, Phaser Range, TAC/ASC Ensign Samantha Chandler - 2014) ==================================== Matt grinned. "Your on." He said. "And i'll even handycap myself and leave the lights on." Sam smiled, her blue eyes twinkling with mischief. She could tell he was being sarcastic. Matt walked to the center of the room, "Computer, save current match under McLaren 1 and reset the program for 2 players." Sam got her phaser ready as the computer beeped in response. Targets began flying around at once. She easily hit her targets. Matt was good too but she was an expert marksman. As she fired at the targets, "Having fun?" she asked Matt, without taking her eyes off the targets. (Reply McLaren) "I think it is good to have a friendly contest. It makes you work harder," Sam stated, as she continued firing at the targets. (Reply McLaren) [Level complete] the computer intoned ending the program. ==================================== (USS Boudicca - Phaser Range - ACEO LT/JG Matthew McLaren, 2015) ==================================== Matthew swung left and blasted a target coming at him from the side only to be swooped by 2 more on the other side. He was holding his own but Sam was clearly the better fighter. "Having fun?" Sam called, not taking her eyes away from the targets zooming around her. Matthew turned and looked at her while still blasting his targets just by listening to them. "Oh I'm just getting started!" He called back with a grin. "I think it is good to have a friendly contest. It makes you work harder," Sam stated, "Yeh for sure," Matthew called spinning and shooting down another target. "Especially when your against someone who has had tactical training." He said envying how easily Sam was able to take down the targets. (Reply Sam) "Level complete" The computer said the victor obviously being Sam. "Right next time we'll verse each other in rebuilding a warp core or something." Matthew said with humor wiping sweat from his face. (Reply Sam) All of a sudden Sam's com badge beeped and the voice of Councilor Rogers filtered through. =^=Lt. Rogers to Ensign Chandler,=^= (reply Chandler) =^=Hello Sam, I just wanted to know how you have been fitting in, since the transfer from Geneva and all,=^= Brian asked. Matthew inwardly groaned. He was having a good time. It was really the first time he had really socialized on the Boudicca and he was enjoying Sam's company. ~Typical bloody councilors~ ==================================== (USS Boudicca - COUNS Office - COUNS - Lt. (JG) Brian Rogers - 2016) ==================================== Brian sat in the chair, leaning back and looking at the desktop display. He sat back and touched the edge of his desk. He looked slowly at the black color of the desk, and pondered his earlier cryptic meeting with Doctors Engtamn-Jensi and Munroe. ~I can't focus just on them, there are other crewmembers I've got to worry about,~ Brian though to himself. Then, he rose from his desk and walked over to the replicator, "Computer, coffee, mocha-blend, warm," he instructed and waited a moment has the cup appeared. Brian usually drank the 'standard-issue' black coffee, but it was always important to try new things, or at least that was his opinion. He returned to his desk and sat and sipped the new coffee. It had a define difference from his usual selection. He put it down and thought for a moment, then tapped his comm badge. "Lt. Rogers to Ensign Chandler," (reply Chandler) "Hello Sam, I just wanted to know how you have been fitting in, since the transfer from Geneva and all," Brian asked. ==================================== (USS Boudicca, Phaser Range, TAC/ASC Ensign Samantha Chandler - 2016) ==================================== After the computer declared Sam the winner, Matt turned to her, "Right next time we'll verse each other in rebuilding a warp core or something." "We'll have to see about that one, Matt," Sam said with a smile. She was really having fun. She couldn't remember the last time she'd had this much fun. Before she could say anything else, her combadge beeped. =^=Lt. Rogers to Ensign Chandler,=^= Sam almost had to groan, ~Just when I am starting to have fun.~ She tapped her combadge, "Chandler here," she said. =^=Hello Sam, I just wanted to know how you have been fitting in, since the transfer from Geneva and all,=^= he asked. Sam rolled her eyes, "I think I am fitting in pretty well so far," she replied. (Reply Rogers) ~Counselors and their bad timing,~ she thought to herself. ==================================== (USS Boudicca - COUNS Office - COUNS - Lt. (JG) Brian Rogers - 2018) ==================================== Brian leaned back further in his chair has he listened to Ensign Chandler. =/\= I think I am fitting in pretty well so far, =/\= she replied. "Well, thats good, I suppose. Well, I know you've got duties and the sort, just remember, if you ever need a counselor or..." Brian paused at the next line. It was over used and sounded stupid, "... or a friend, you can come talk to me." (reply Chandler) "Rogers out," Brian ordered and the channel was cut. Brian finished the coffee on his desk and placed all the PADD's on the desk in their proper drawers. He hadn't realized it was past 20.00 and he had been in his office since the second staff meeting. He rose, walked to the door, ordered the computer to cut the lights, and walked out and headed to Ten Forward for dinner before some sleep. ==================================== (USS Boudicca - Phaser Range - ACEO LT/JG Matthew McLaren - 2019) ==================================== =^=Well, that's good, I suppose. Well, I know you've got duties and the sort, just remember, if you ever need a counselor or...=^= Brian paused at the next line. =^=... or a friend, you can come talk to me.=^= Came the voice of LT Rogers from Sam's badge. (reply Chandler) =^=Rogers out,=^= Brian ordered and the channel was cut. (reply Sam) "That was pretty nice of him." Matthew said slipping his phaser back into his holster. (reply Sam) "Well I've been practicing for a few hours now and don't really feel like getting my ass whipped again, do you want to go have a drink?" Matthew asked casually. ==================================== (USS Boudicca, Phaser Range, TAC/ASC Ensign Samantha Chandler - 2019) ==================================== Sam listened patiently as Brian replied, =/\=Well, thats good, I suppose. Well, I know you've got duties and the sort, just remember, if you ever need a counselor or...=/\= he paused at the next line. =/\=... or a friend, you can come talk to me.=/\= "I understand, thank you for your concern," Sam said trying to keep the annoyance in her voice to a bare minimum. =/\=Rogers out,=/\= came the reply. Sam was glad that channel was closed. ~Now I know why I've never like counselors that much,~ she thought herself. "That was pretty nice of him," Matthew said. "Yeah it was," Sam stated, holstering her phaser and turning towards Mathew. "But his timing really sucks." "Well I've been practicing for a few hours now and don't really feel like getting my ass whipped again, do you want to go have a drink?" Matthew asked casually. Sam smiled, "Afraid of a woman, eh?" she said. "But sure I'd love to." ==================================== (USS Boudicca, Phaser Range - ACEO LT/JG Matthew McLaren - 2020) ==================================== "Yeah it was," Sam stated, holstering her phaser and turning towards Mathew. "But his timing really sucks." "Hmm that it does. Well I've been practicing for a few hours now and don't really feel like getting my ass whipped again, do you want to go have a drink?" Matthew asked casually. Sam smiled, "Afraid of a woman, eh?" she said. "But sure I'd love to." "Not all women, only the ones with phasers and tactical training." He said back to her as they headed out of the room. (Reply Sam iiw) ==================================== (USS Boudicca, Phaser Range, TAC/ASC Ensign Samantha Chandler - 2021) ==================================== "Not all women, only the ones with phasers and tactical training." Matt answered her. Sam laughed at the comment as they walked off the phaser range. ==================================== (USS Boudicca - Rec Lounge - ACEO LT/JT Matthew McLaren - 2025) Sam and Matt walked through the double doors into the lounge and quickly found a table. over by the viewports outside of which the stars were streaming past at warp speeds. "So what will you have to drink?" Matthew asked after they were seated. ==================================== (USS Boudicca, Rec Lounge, TAC/ASC Ensign Samantha Chandler - 2026) ==================================== Walking into the Rec Lounge, they easily found a table by the viewports that offered a nice view. Sam took a seat across from Matt. "So what will you have to drink?" Matthew asked after they were seated. Sam thought for a moment, "I'll take an iced tea," she answered. ==================================== (USS Boudicca - Rec Lounge - ACEO LT/JG Matthew McLaren - 2027) ==================================== "I'll take an iced tea," Sam answered after thinking for a few seconds. Matthew motioned to a waiter and he quickly came over then Matthew gave him the order and after typing it into a padd, he left once again. Matthew sat back in his chair and looked across the table at Sam. "So how's the Boudicca treating you so far?" He asked. "Its a fair bit more up paced to Geneva." (Reply Sam) "Yeah it was an interesting place. You weren't on there very long though were you?" He said. (Reply Sam) As Sam was speaking the waiter returned with their drinks and placed them in front of them. ==================================== (USS Boudicca, Rec Lounge, TAC/ASC Ensign Samantha Chandler - 2028) ==================================== After the waiter walked away, Matt turned to her. "So how's the Boudicca treating you so far?" He asked. "Its a fair bit more up paced to Geneva." "It certainly is, but I think I am adjusting to life here," Sam replied. "I wonder how this experience here on the Boudicca will compare to Geneva." "Yeah it was an interesting place. You weren't on there very long though were you?" Matt said. "I wasn't there very long, but it was an interesting experience during the time I was there," Sam answered. As Sam spoke, the waiter appeared with their drinks. Sam nodded her thanks to the waiter before the man walked away leaving Matt and Sam to themselves again. Sam took a sip of her drink before looking across to Matt. "So what about you?" she asked. "You were on Geneva longer than I was. How does it compare to the Boudicca?" ==================================== (USS Boudicca - Rec Lounge - ACEO LT/JG Matthew McLaren - 2029) ==================================== Sam took a sip of her drink before looking across to Matt. "So what about you?" she asked. "You were on Geneva longer than I was. How does it compare to the Boudicca?" "Well its different for sure. I really wasn't directly working under anyone on Geneva, so i pretty much could do things my own way and that sort of stuff. But here i get to play with all the latest toys so i'm not complaining." He said with a slight grin. ==================================== (USS Boudicca, Rec Lounge, TAC/ASC Ensign Samantha Chandler - 2030) ==================================== "Well its different for sure. I really wasn't directly working under anyone on Geneva, so I pretty much could do things my own way and that sort of stuff. But here, I get to play with all the latest toys so I'm not complaining." Matt said with a slight grin. "Yeah, that is definitely a perk to being on a ship like this," Sam agreed. "We get to work with things that weren't on Geneva. It makes for an interesting time here." ==================================== (USS Boudicca - Temporary Quarters - Lt(jg) Walker Isengard - 2045) ==================================== Walker, long since released from the brig to 'sleep off' the headache that he'd gotten from the psychic attack and the phaser-stun, was doing anything but. He had taken the strongest drugs for pain that the replicator would let him have, and had since spent the entire time sitting back in a chair, unmoving, deep in thought. He did this more and more as the years went on, retreating to a time and place where he was happier. Tonight, however, his thoughts were anything but pleasant. Anger warred with indignation and depression, all wrapped tightly behind a shield set with all his strength. But there was no fear, there was never fear. Even after he had come so close to dying at the hands of a betazoid psychic scythe, he would have gone to battle again in an instant against her if need be. Walker kept coming back to the mission. Whether or not he could work with a woman who had tried bringing him 'to heel', or for a man who had so ordered it. He would be lying to himself if he said he had full command of his temper these days, his control had been steadily degrading since the war started. But then, as his control over his anger slowly eroded, his resolve had grown into something that would not be thwarted. But it was a bitter resolve. Bitter. In the end, his thoughts centered on the Captain's announcement and the knowledge that his home planet was being held by force. People were dying, many of them probably being left in tattered pieces as Walker had, so many years ago... and he found that to be intolerable. He had joined the Fleet to prevent just such incursions from every happening again, but now it was his own causing the grief. For that, if nothing else, he would work with Straton again. If for no other reason then to come within striking distance of the author of this calamity. He could work with the devil himself if that was the end result. Walker steeped his fingers and took a deep breath to calm his nerves. "The mistakes of today will not be repeated." He said quietly to himself. "I have aught else that is more important." He would deal with Eva later, if he needed to. For the time being she was one of the few people he needed to deal with in order to get close to his home again. And with that thought in mind, he quietly stood up and headed to his bed. Tomorrow was another day, he needed to be ready. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Mission: To Live and Die in Starlight, Day 2 Stardate: 2407.02.02 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ==================================== (USS Boudicca, Personal Quarters, MCO Lt. Colonel Eva Straton & Lt Isengard, 0700) ==================================== Eva had risen early and ate a reasonable breakfast. She was now dressed in a fresh uniform as she combed her long red hair into the pony tail she wore it in while on duty. Once that was done and her hair was firmly tied back she rose, grabbed her phaser and strapped it to her hip and moved to the door. She stepped out into the hallway and look both ways. She could see several other crewmen moving about their business some where preparing to go on duty while others where coming off duty. Typical life on a star ship. Eva noticed that the buzz of background noise was back to normal this morning. Evidence that the suppressants had worn off and her telepathic abilities were at the normal levels again. She moved down the hallway for sometime till she came to the cabin she wanted. Walker Isengard's quarters. She took a moment to collect herself. She lowered her emotional shielding so that Walker could easily pick up that she was not here looking for a fight. He would know that she only wanted to talk. Try to work out what had happened the day before. When ready, she pressed the chime and waited. Walker, again sitting in his chair after waking not long ago, didn't bother to open his eyes as the chime went off. The Chime went off a second time before he grunted lightly and opened his shields. The person at his door wasn't closed off, which was surprising when he figured out who it was, Eva was practically advertising herself. He slammed his shields shut with vicious strength and opened his eyes. "Come," he said in as calm a voice as he could manage. The doors slid open and Eva stepped into Walkers quarters letting the door close behind her. She regarded him for a moment in silence sitting in a chair leaning back. "We need to talk," She said simply. "And now is as good as later." Walker gestured to a chair, silently, and then refolded his hands. It was a chair furthest from him with a table between him, so there would be no physical attacks that couldn't easily be deflected in time. Both of them were trained warriors, her perhaps more so, but he wasn't a pushover... not when it had become his life for twenty years. He watched her take it before saying, "Yes, we do." "First," Eva said, as she took the offered seat while watching Walker with her eyes. "I will not apologize for following the orders of my Captain, but I will admit that it was a mistake. If an apology is really what you want then Sevant will have to be the one to give it. I personally harbor no ill will toward you." Walker waved away the thought, "I will ignore that whole episode. My interests are best served by ignoring it, as we have to work together." "As you wish," She said, nodding but not believing it. "In order to fully work together on this mission, we will need to establish a basis of trust. One that at present doesn't exist. How would you like to go about establishing that basis of trust?" The security guard took a breath as he considered that question. It was a good one, no doubt. "I have no reason to trust you, or your Captain, or anyone on this ship." He finally said in a tone of musing. "But I can do you one better then common trust, Guardian. I want the fools who rained death on our home; I want them with every fiber of my being. And for that I would work with the devil himself." He focused on Eva, "Those are my interests, and that is how they are best served by working with you. If we all die here in the next day or two, then neither of us can make our way back home to work our sworn duties... I have no intention of letting that happen. So I will mesh with you, and we'll protect this ship from whatever is thrown at it. I can die in that case knowing we will be punching a hole into the Federation for others to follow. What I won't abide is sitting in the brig, or in this room, knowing that we'll die and for no good reason." "And I have no reason to trust you," Eva replied, "But trust each other we must. Otherwise our world will pay the price. A price paid in the blood of the innocent. Sounds like you don't want that any more than I do. Good. Next point, if we are going to be going into combat together it would be prudent for us to be familiar with each other. A familiarity that can only come through training and experience. Major Drizzt will devise training simulations to test us on the physical aspects of the mission. As for the other aspect." Eva tapped her forehead. "Sparing matches would be the most useful. We will schedule them so that they don't interfere with either of our other duties. Unless you have an objection?" Walker settled back in his chair for a moment. "If we're being honest, let's lay down the cards. I'm a wild card, which should be just as obvious as the distrust if you are feeling people's emotions... I am -not- trusted, and I don't particularly care. I will do my job, and I will do it to the best of my ability. I don't need friends in this endeavor." He took a breath and put the cup back on the table, "If you can trust that I will not slip a psychic knife into your mind while we're engaged in battle, then that is all we require. It such assurance requires some sparing to establish, then schedule it." "I'm not interested in being your friend," Eva replied, "I'm interested in completing this mission successfully. Our chances of doing that increase considerably the more we are familiar with each other. The more we learn to work as a team. Teammates need to have a familiarity with each other otherwise they're not a team. I drill my marines mercilessly to force them to work as a team, because it increases their chances of surviving and completing their mission successfully. I'm not about to chance that practice now." "Very well." was his only reply. "I will have Major Drizzt send you a copy of the training schedule once it is finalized," Eva said, rising. "I will clear it with Lt. Commander Stolev as well to ensure that you are not scheduled elsewhere. Unless you have anything else to say Lt. I will see you at our first training session." Walker watched her go with cold analysis, and didn't move for many long minutes. He finished his drink with feeling and stood. "Ok then," he said to himself. "Once more into the breech..." ==================================== (USS Boudicca - Holodeck 3, Earth, Somewhere in the Himalayas Mountain Range - COUNS - Lt. (JG) Brian Rogers - 0721) ==================================== Brian stood on the edge of a huge canyon made of ice and looked down. It seemingly went on forever, ending with a void of darkness. He looked to the opposite side of the canyon, and back down to the 'bottom'. It was a good seven meters across. ~Too long to attempt a running jump,~ Brian thought with a sly smile. He reached into his holographic coat and pulled out a long 10 meter nylon cord with a large violent looking grappling hook on one end. Holding it above his head, Brian swung the grappling hook around many times until it reached a good speed, then released it. It sailed across the chasm and hooked into the ice on the far side, but, not on the ground, but in the cliff wall, roughly a half meter from the top. Brian sighed. He had hoped it would go all the way across. He shrugged slightly and backed up has much as the nylon cord would allow. He put both of his hands on the end of the nylon cord and looked down at his hands wearing the holographic gloves. He took a deep breath, taking in the cold moisture and looking around at all the snow and ice. Finally, without warning, Brian started running has fast as his legs would pump and when he reached the edge of the chasm, he jumped off with a great attempt and sailed through the air for a few moments, before the simulated gravity took affect and he slowly began to fall downwards. Finally, his full weight transferred to the nylon cord and to the hook engraved in the ice, and he swung down and put his legs out, keeping his hands tight on the end of the cord. His legs hit the ice wall hard, but he didn't feel much. Brian had set the holodeck settings to their lowest possible without turning them off. He would feel anything short of killing him. He leaned his head back and looked up. He was now roughly 11 meters down from the edge of the chasm, and the cliff wall was smooth without any footholds. ~To think, some people have fun on their time off,~ Brian thought to himself has he pushed his legs out to their full length and began slowly moving his feet up the ice. The bottom of his boots had several small sharp spikes on them, to allow traction in situations like this. After a meter of slowly moving upwards, the cord suddenly snapped. Brian looked up with panic and saw that the grappling hook, was now slipping from its nook in the ice. Brian glanced back and forth with fear, and pulled out a small ice pick in his coat. He hooked it into the ice nearest his right hand, then repeated the task with a identical ice pick in his left hand. He now had two handles for which to hold on if his grappling hook came loose... Just has Brian was congratulating himself mentally, he looked up just has enough to see the hook release fully form its nook and come down and hit him square in the forehead. The shock alone was enough to make Brian release his grip from the ice picks and he began to fall downward deeper and deeper into the dark void below him. The sunlight disappeared faster and faster and the sound of a unseen rushing semi-frozen river was coming up quickly below. He quickly shouted, "COMPUTER END PROGRAM!" The dark chasm walls, and the unseen freezing water below disappeared, along with the holographic clothing and climbing gear he had carried with him. Brian was now standing in the dull grid of the holodeck, wearing his duty uniform, back aboard the USS Boudicca. His forehead was sore from the hook hitting his head. luckily, it was the broad side, the sharp end would of killed him, or actually activated the safety. Brian sighed. That was enough excitement for one day. He strolled outside the arch doors and set off to his office to begin his sessions with various members of the crew. ==================================== (USS Boudicca - COUNS Office - COUNS - Lt. (JG) Brian Rogers - 0841) ==================================== Brian entered his office and looked around, ~Hmmm, just the way I left it,~ he thought before stepping over to the replicator. "Coffee, Black, Hot," Brian ordered, and it appeared. He took it and stepped back to his desk. He sat in his chair and leaned back, sipping his coffee. ~This damned thing makes it too hot,~ Rogers thought. He put it down on his desk, and was about to touch the button to activate his display screen, when he sat back and pondered how fortunate he was. After all, being a counselor, his duties were dependant on crewmembers coming in, and since he had a few 'regulars', that left most of his day free for called for evaluations of the rest of the crew. Of course, he had crew morale to worry about, so he could write off sitting in Ten Forward as 'motioning morale'. He pondered if they was something else he was forgetting to do, but the decided against it, that whatever he was forgetting to do, if there was anything, it would most likely make it self known to him, by way of a angry commanding officer, or an alert or something. ~Maybe I'll have to talk to Sevant if there is something I'm not doing, that I'm supposed to be doing...~ Brian put thoughts of his philosophy on his job out of his mind and say forward again and took another sip of his coffee and activating his display on his desk. The computer alerted him, [Alert, a crewman is over due for his mental health evaluation.] Brian pressed the key to make it appear on screen, and the file for a Vulcan science officer appeared. ~Sarrik? I don't remember his file,~ Brian thought as he looked over the file. He looked at one in particular on the file [Arrival Date on USS Boudicca: 2407.02.01] ~That's yesterday, no wonder, ~ Brian thought, before tapping his comm badge. "Rogers to Ensign Sarrik," Brian said. (reply Sarrik) "Ensign, first off, welcome to the Boudicca, I'm sure that you already heard that deal from the captain but..." Brian stopped, realizing he's a Vulcan and that his small talk has little effect, "anyway, I'd like you to come in some time and have a sort of orientation on you. What time is good for you, Ensign?" Brian asked. ==================================== (USS Boudicca - COUNS Office - COUNS - Lt. (JG) Brian Rogers - 0843) ==================================== "Rogers to Ensign Sarrik," chirped Sarrik's ComBadge. "Sarrik here," he replied. "Ensign, first off, welcome to the Boudicca, I'm sure that you already heard that deal from the captain but anyway, I'd like you to come in some time and have a sort of orientation on you. What time is good for you, Ensign?" Sarrik punched a few buttons on his console. ~I wonder who this is,~ he thought. The screen flashed the answer: Ltjg Brian Rogers - Chief Counsellor. NRPG: I hope I am reading the rank badges correctly. My apologies if not. RPG: "Lt. Rogers, thank you for your welcome. I still need to finish my schedule with Dr. Monroe, but as soon as I do, I will let you know and we can set that appointment up." ==================================== (USS Boudicca - COUNS Office - COUNS - Lt. (JG) Brian Rogers - 0844) ==================================== =/\= Lt. Rogers, thank you for your welcome. I still need to finish my schedule with Dr. Munroe, but as soon as I do, I will let you know and we can set that appointment up, =/\= Sarrik said. "Ah, very well, " Rogers thought back to Dr. Monroe and how he was asked to investigate her and Dr. Engtamn-Jensi. He made a note to get around to that, even though he didn't even know if Commander Casely was even concerned about them anymore. "Well, contact me when you are through with Mr. Munroe," Brian said. (reply Sarrik) "Rogers out," Brian said, and with that the communication channel cut. Brian turned back to his display and again, looked through the crew roster. He picked his next 'target' and tapped his comm badge. "Rogers to Lt. Fredericks, Lieutenant, I'd like to meet with you when your schedule will allow," Brian said. (reply Fredericks) "Well, I'd like to touch base with most of the crew, I'll only take fifteen minutes of your time, sir," Brian said to the Chief Engineer. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ End of Compile ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~