Compile break down: Day: 183 (USS Dennison - Ready Room - Counselor - Lt. Alosar - 2209) (USS Dennison - Bridge - CO - Captain Archibald Stakes - 2249) Day: 184 (USS Dennison - Briefing Room - TAC/SC Lt (sg) Joan Shrekt - 0645) (USS Dennison - Briefing Room - Counselor - Lt. Alosar - 0646) (USS Dennison - Shrekt's Office - TAC/SC Lt (sg) Joan Shrekt - 0757) (USS Dennison-Shrekt's Office- ATac Ensign (jg) Ben Soma- 0802) (Dennison, Shrekt's Office, Ensign (jg) Sanok, 0803) (USS Dennison - Counselor's Office - Lt. Alosar and Ensign Soma- 0831) (USS Dennison- Ben's Quarters- ATac Ensign (jg) Ben Soma- 0900) (USS Dennison – Ready Room – CO - Captain Archibald Stakes - 0901) (USS Dennison – Ready Room – 2L Leola Bracken – 0902) (USS Dennison – Firing Range – 2L Leola Bracken – 0910) (U.S.S. Dennison-Quarters-Ens (sg) Nymes & Ens (jg) Chance Raschen-1130) (USS Dennison - Shuttle Bay - CMO Nymes & Ops Temerarious - 1145) (USS Dennison- Sickbay- ATac Ensign (jg) Ben Soma- 1600) (USS Dennison - FO Office - Commander Trevan West- 1626) (USS Dennison, Sickbay, Commander Trevan West, 1646) (USS Dennison - CO's Yeoman's Office - Bar Manager Mei Ling Hikaru - 1728) (Starbase Geneva- Sickbay - CMO Dr Nymes - 2100) (USS Dennison, Darsons Quarters, Lt. Haley Darsons/Lt Alosar, 2320) Day: 185 (USS Dennison - Personal Quarters - CO - Captain Archibald Stakes - 0613) (USS Dennison - Briefing Room - CO - Captain Archibald Stakes - 0625) (USS Dennison - Bridge - Captain Archibald Stakes - 0652) (USS Dennison, Bridge, CO Captain Archibald Stakes, 1005) (USS Dennison, Intelligence Office, CO, Captain Archibald Stakes, 1011) ********************************************************* Healer in the Tower Stardate: 2408.01.08 Day: 183 ********************************************************* (USS Dennison - Ready Room - Counselor - Lt. Alosar - 2209) "Thank you, Lieutenant, that was most enlightening. As I expect to see Doctor Nymes relatively soon, I will remind the Ensign of his failure to comply with a Star Fleet directive. I assume that you will wish to engage me in a one to one, which is acceptable to me. Unfortunately I have to request to postpone it for a few days, starting on a ship generally leaves little time for less immediate requirements." Alosar nodded. "When ever you have the time Captain," he said. "There is no rush, unless you have something more pressing to discuss with me, than the time you have allotted." (reply Stakes) "Then I will await your confirmation of an appointment," Alosar went on. "Is there anything else that you wish to discuss with me?" (posted by Al Muir) === (USS Dennison - Bridge - CO - Captain Archibald Stakes - 2249) Archibald's eyes narrowed as he listened to the Engineer's response. As with Raschen, he had himself detached from the situation, concentrating on the words, not the implications. It was something that according to him a CO had to be able to do. You could not reach a fair decision if you let personal matters influence you. He noted a certain lack of respect in the Engineer's words but he considered that partly refreshing. People having backbone did not bother Archibald. They said what they thought and were dependable, if not annoying. "Sir. If you can accept my frank assessments, clearly stated opinions, and dedication to duty, then in return I offer you my skill, experience, and dedication. You may find sir, that I respond exceptionally well to orders. As master of this vessel Captain, the choice is in fact entirely yours. If you still wish to have me attached to your command, then I am proud and happy to accept. If not, would you kindly notify security to come and escort me to my quarters aboard the station, sir?" Archibald licked his lips. "Thank you, Mister .... Freeman? OK, first off, I can not offer you a position on board this vessel. That would be against the regulations without a transfer listing signed by the Dock master. And he can't sign it if a crew member is under investigation. So, I am afraid that *my* hands in that respect are tied...... *however* as *my* vessel has just undergone a lengthy repair and I have reason to assume that not all repairs were undertaken to the level of quality required, I *do* have the option to commandeer one of the crew working on the repairs at the time to remedy any issues that arise during space flight if it is my understanding that the issues are or can be related to the full period of repairs. I quote from the Star Fleet Repair Dock Quality Control Manual." Archibald shot the Engineer a humourless smile. "All legal." he said. "And as you yourself admitted, some of the repairs done were of a questionable level. That you improved the quality afterwards is in itself not relevant. There may have been one or two jobs that you missed or that were missed when you were not available or for whatever reason. Can you truly state that you have never made a mistake?" Archibald regarded the Engineer. "It is my intention to commandeer you, Chief, because I feel that that would be in both our interests. And like I said, because I can. Do you have a problem with that?" (Posted by Adrie Geuken) ********************************************************* Healer in the Tower Stardate: 2408.01.09 Day: 184 ********************************************************* (USS Dennison - Briefing Room - TAC/SC Lt (sg) Joan Shrekt - 0645) Shrekt sat silently as her last question seemed to be ignored. Her eyes narrowed watching the presentation continue. After the captain's outburst, Shrekt thought it better not to cause any further disturbance. ~Keeper of the peace.~ thought Shrekt derisively. ~That's me.~ Her mind drifted a bit trying to quell the fury that was slowly building within. When her mind had fully returned to the meeting, she caught Lieutenant Bracken say, ".... touched on how to defend ourselves from the antimatter torpedoes, Engineering, we’re going to need all the help that you can give us. .." ~They what?!?~ thought Shrekt, as she scanned back through the data on the padd. She cursed herself inwardly for not having paid attention. === (USS Dennison - Briefing Room - Counselor - Lt. Alosar - 0646) Alosar had sat silently through the entire briefing. It seemed as though this were a meeting filled with illogic. West was merely the messenger from SFI, and stated that on several occasions. However it was clear that some of the senior staff seemed to resent him for it. Although SFI has, in the past, shown that they can be less than trustworthy, Alosar had never seen West in that manner. In fact, he rarely acted in a manner less than honorable. There were several opportunities that he tried to get a word in, but then he would be spoken over, and so he decided to wait, expecting to, at the least, be addressed, as this was a first contact mission. However, neither he, nor his department was even brought up. And before he knew it, the meeting had been adjourned. The crew started to leave the room and Alosar looked to see that it was obvious that Stakes was busy and there were others who appeared to have more pressing business with him waiting. It was apparent that he was going to have to mention something to the CO about the necessity for the involvement of the counseling department on a first contact mission. It surpised him as Stakes seemed to be an man who lived by the regulations. It was refreshing change for the Vulcan. Still, he didn't think that the need was immediate as they had thirty two hours until the arrived at sector 4502. That was plenty of time. He stood and left the briefing room. He had others he was expecting soon at his office. (posted by Al Muir) === (USS Dennison - Shrekt's Office - TAC/SC Lt (sg) Joan Shrekt - 0757) Shrekt sat behind her desk reviewing personnel records on department staff. The hour had been well spent calming down and reviewing the padd that had been given out at the meeting before turning to the department itself. The ennunciator sounded and Shrekt looked up and said, "Come." The doors slid open to admit Sanok and Soma. The two spoke and Shrekt responded, "Take a seat, Gentleman." Once they had done so, Shrekt regarded them a moment before continuing. "Your thoughts on this current mission? Be honest. I need solid opinions." said Shrekt candidly, not wanting to waste any times with pleasantries. She wasn't sure what they thought of her, but as the head of the department, she wasn't there to be liked. She was their to ensure the safety of the ship from without and within. (Reply Sanok and Soma) Shrekt listened attentively as the two assistants spoke their minds. "What did you think of their suggestion on defending from those anti-matter weaponry?" asked Shrekt. (Reply Sanok and Soma) "Ensign Soma, I'd like you to contact Lieutenant Atwood to see what will be done to enact this defense system. See if you can assist them in anyway." said Shrekt. (Reply Soma) "Ensign Sanok, since you have been onboard the Dennison longer than myself and Ensign Soma, would you be so kind as to give us a tour of the tactical and security systems, areas, and personnel. This afternoon? Say 1200 hours?" asked Shrekt. (Reply Sanok) "Additionally, I want you both to read up everything on that padd that was given out at the briefing. Undoubtedly, an away team will be sent and I want you both prepared to go. If the information on this being a patriarchal society, having a woman there will only be problematic." stated Shrekt. (Reply Sanok and Soma) "Now, I would like to establish a daily security briefing at 0800 that I would like both of you to attend. In addition, you will both be serving on the alpha shift, as I would like to evaluate your skills at the tactical systems on the bridge. In the event that the ship engages its tri-vectored mode, I will expect each of you to be on one of the sections coordinating with me on the main bridge. Is that understood?" said Shrekt, her eyes regarding them closely. (Reply Sanok and Soma) "Very good, any questions?" asked Shrekt. (posted by Kaweo Kanoho) === (USS Dennison-Shrekt's Office- ATac Ensign (jg) Ben Soma- 0802) Ben sat in a seat that Lieutenant Shrekt offered him and Ensign Sanok. "Your thoughts on this current mission? Be honest. I need solid opinions." Lieutenant Shrekt said not wasting any time on pleasantries. ~ Straight to the point~ Ben thought to himself. ~Lieutenant Shrekt dosen't seem to dapple in shooting the breeze, thats fine by me~ " Sir," Ben started, " these antimatter weapons are a cause for great concern. We currently have no defence against them and I think it should be a high priority to see what we can do to alter that."~She wants honest she'll get it from me~ " All due respect to Starfleet command, but I don't like entering into a situation where we have no defenses against possible attacks." ( reply Sanok) "What did you think of their suggestion on defending from those anti-matter weaponry?" asked Lieutenant Shrekt. Ben Answered by saying, " Sir, I think we should review any possible means for protecting ourselves from those anti-matter weapons." ( reply Sanok) "Ensign Soma, I'd like you to contact Lieutenant Atwood to see what will be done to enact this defense system. See if you can assist them in anyway." said Shrekt. "I will do that as soon as I leave this office. " Ben answered happy to have something to do to prepare the ship for the mission. "Ensign Sanok, since you have been onboard the Dennison longer than myself and Ensign Soma, would you be so kind as to give us a tour of the tactical and security systems, areas, and personnel. This afternoon? Say 1200 hours?" asked Shrekt. (reply Sanok) "Additionally, I want you both to read up everything on that padd that was given out at the briefing. Undoubtedly, an away team will be sent and I want you both prepared to go. If the information on this being a patriarchal society, having a woman there will only be problematic." stated Shrekt. " Of course Sir, I will prepare for the away team and review all the information we have on the Maltronians." Ben replied. (reply Sanok) "Now, I would like to establish a daily security briefing at 0800 that I would like both of you to attend. In addition, you will both be serving on the alpha shift, as I would like to evaluate your skills at the tactical systems on the bridge. In the event that the ship engages its tri-vectored mode, I will expect each of you to be on one of the sections coordinating with me on the main bridge. Is that understood?" said Shrekt, her eyes regarding them closely. " Understood Sir." Ben answered. (reply Sanok) "Very good, any questions?" asked Shrekt. " None at this time." Ben said, " If I think of anything I will contact you." (reply Sanok) (posted by Milo Young) === (Dennison, Shrekt's Office, Ensign (jg) Sanok, 0803) Shrekt said, "Your thoughts on this current mission? Be honest. I need solid opinions." Soma went first and stated his concern over the Maltorian anti-matter weapons, expressing the same feelings others at the meeting had, about trying to find a way to defend against them. When he had finished, Sanok spoke. "Lieutenant, I believe Commander West and his loyalties on this mission, are unclear. He stated that SFI had ordered him to take Maltorian technology. When questioned about this, he tried to deflect what he had said. Though the captain declared he will enforce Starfleet regulations, it is still Commander West's ordered mission, to take Maltorian technology. I believe Commander West will eventually be forced to choose who he obeys and who he disobeys." "What did you think of their suggestion on defending from those anti-matter weaponry?" asked Lieutenant Shrekt. Again, Soma went first, repeating that the need to find some defense, was vital. "Sir, logic dictates, that a defense must be found, as we are unsure if the Maltorians will be friendly or not," said Sanok. "However, if none can be found, we must devise other means of protecting ourselves. If that means we send one shuttle, with a very small crew, to investigate, while the Dennison remains well back, that is what should be done. The ship and the crew must be secure." "Ensign Soma, I'd like you to contact Lieutenant Atwood, to see what will be done to enact this defense system. See if you can assist them in any way." said Shrekt. "I will do that as soon as I leave this office," said Soma. "Ensign Sanok, since you have been on board the Dennison longer than myself and Ensign Soma, would you be so kind as to give us a tour of the tactical and security systems, areas, and personnel? This afternoon? Say 1200 hours?" asked Shrekt. "Lieutenant, I will conduct the tour as ordered, at whatever time is best," said Sanok. Shrekt went on to order, that she wanted him and Soma to study everything on the Maltorians that was given at the briefing. Since the information was vast, it would be impossible to read it all in the seven hours that it would take to reach the appropriate sector. Still, being a Vulcan, Sanok would be able to assimilate much more than the humans, so he would need to spend as much time as possible studying. Perhaps a tour would be illogical, as it would take time away from studying. Shrekt also announced her desire to have daily security briefings, and also assigned him and Soma to man the tactical stations if the Dennison was ever separated into tri-vector mode. She concluded the meeting by asking if they had any questions. Soma had no questions. "No, sir," said Sanok. He was looking forward to this mission. Somehow, he knew it wasn't going to be something routine and uneventful. (Posted by Robert Brown) === (USS Dennison - Counselor's Office - Lt. Alosar and Ensign Soma- 0831) Once again, Alosar heard the chime sound, denoting that someone had entered the waiting area. Looking at the chronometer he had a suspicion of who it might be. He had requested that several crewmen come to see him before they began their shift. However, his experience had been that most humans, for a race that prided themselves in their emotions, had to be dragged to a counselor to discuss them. Why was it that they seemed so ashamed of the same feelings that they considered a strength to them. Clearly, the confusion in them was only another sign of the illogical thinking they had on the subject. Stepping into the anti-chamber he was not surprised to see Ensign Ben Soma. He nodded to the young officer. "Ensign Soma, thank you for coming," he said plainly, "please, some into my office." Soma followed the counselor to the office. Alosar offered him a seat and sat down in a chair next to the offered seat. Small talk did not come easily to the Vulcan but he knew how humans, especially, needed it to relax in new and unusual circumstances. "How are you settling in, Ensign?" he asked. Ben regarded the Vulcan counselor for a moment. ~Is this his attempt at small talk before he gets to the hard questions or is this how he plans to get the information he seeks~ Ben thought to himself before answering. "I am adjusting to ship and its crew. They all seem quite eager to begin the mission, as am I." Ben responded to the Lieutenants question. "This is my first post and I am feeling that I have an important duty to carry out as a security officer aboard the Dennison. I look forward to the challenges that await me." Ben looked to the Vulcan for a response to the statement. He knew that there would be no expression on the Vulcans face to indicate any sort of hidden agenda as to the meeting. Alosar looked at him and leaned forward slightly. "Do you feel there is anything that I or the CO should know, before allowing you to take post on the Dennison?" Ben again regarded the Lieutanant before speaking. "Well Sir," Ben began, "other than having a little residual baggage from my parents death I feel that I am fit to assume duties aboard the Dennison at this time. I shall perform my duties to the best of my ability, and follow the orders of my superiors to the letter." Alosar nodded, "Indeed? Tell me about your parents death?" Ben leaned ahead a bit in his seat and interlocked his fingers. After a moment he began to speak. "My parents were on a routine supply run to a near by colony. I stayed on Earth to attend a martial arts tournament; my father had introduced me to the sport at an early age." Ben said to the Lieutenant, "They were carrying various medical supplies, power cells and replicator units. You know the usual cargo. A few days later someone showed up at my door with a PADD containing a very brief report. It stated that a starship, I forget its name, had intercepted a distress call for my parents freighter and proceeded to its last known location. When it arrived there was no sign of the freighter but they picked up a Borg warp signature. It was concluded that my parents were attacked and taken by the Borg. At the time I had no contacts with which to seek further explanation for my parents' disappearance. So I had to accept what the report stated." Alosar looked at the PADD on his desk briefly, then back at Soma, "Yes, that would have been from USS Galahad. And did you accept it, really?" "At the time I accepted it," Ben said, "I found it hard to accept. I would have preferred that wreckage of the freighter was found. At least then my parents and the freighter's crew would have been spared the experience of assimilation. That would have been a more acceptable explanation of the events. I know how that must sound, wishing that my parents committed mass suicide rather than live the rest of their lives as Borg drones ....but it would have been easier for me to accept." "Not at all," Alosar said flatly. "It is quite logical considering what a violation Borg assimilation is. Better dead than Borg... I believe is the phrase used by certain groups in the Intelligence corp. How about now Ensign? What do you think now?" Ben leaned back in his seat again and considered his response for a moment. "I now think that something was left out of the report that I received." Ben stated. "There seemed to be holes in the report, it was vague almost to short. Maybe that was what was intended, a brief report to spare me from the details. Those details would have been more helpful to me than the omission of them, if that makes any sense to you." "Now that you are older you may well feel that you can handle the graphic details more easily," Alosar nodded. "That is a most logical conclusion. However, I might add a caveat, that knowing the full truth would not change anything about how you ... feel. A loss such as you had to face, and supposedly pointless deaths are rarely easily dealt with, even in a Vulcan. However, if you like I will help you find the answers that you seek, after your shift this evening." Ben looked the Lieutenant in the eye and said, " Thank you Sir, I would appreciate that. A little more information would help me more than you know. It was a great loss for me and I would like to understand the situation that caused that loss." Ben paused for a moment and then added, "Is there anything else you would like to ask me?" "I believe that will be sufficient Ensign," Alosar said. "I will see you after your shift." As he watched Soma leave he wondered how he might handle being in a situation in which he might lose someone that is close to him. Would that mean he would not allow himself to be close to anyone? It will be intriguing to watch this young human mature over time. (reply none) (posted by Al Muir and Milo Young) === (USS Dennison- Ben's Quarters- ATac Ensign (jg) Ben Soma- 0900) Ben sat in his quarters reviewing the information on the Maltronian's. After a few moments he decided that it was time for a little break to clear his mind. ~ Now would be a good time to contact Lieutenant Atwood~ Ben tapped his comm badge opening a link and said, " Ensign Soma to Lieutenant Atwood. Sorry to bother you Sir, but Lieutenant Shrekt would like me to work with you on the defensive systems. When would be a good time to meet with you?" Ben asked while awaiting Lieutenant Atwoods reply. ( posted by Milo Young) === (USS Dennison – Ready Room – CO - Captain Archibald Stakes - 0901) Archibald looked up as a marine entered his office and saluted. “Second Lieutenant Leola Bracken reporting as requested Captain.” Archibald nodded, and lay the PADD that he had been reading on his desk, and watched the door close. It was just his way to tell Bracken that he wanted the meeting to be treated as private. When it had done so he got up and offered the Marine his hand. "At ease, Lieutenant. Today I am in need of your brains, not your brawns. Sit down." Archibald sat himself down and looked at his computer screen for a moment, which had the personnel file of the Lieutenant displayed. "You were at the meeting," he started. "Comments?" Archibald listened to the woman and nodded a few times. "I am having a problem," he stated when she had finished. "I trust Commander West," he said. "But as he has Intel connections, I can't say the same for his contacts. I did not expect him to be this open with his connections at the meeting but I can only assume that this is known to SFI. He needed to make his position clear, but by doing so, he must be of less importance to SFI now. A spy is only usable if only a limited number of people know that he is one. And I wouldn't put it past SFI to have known this in advance and therefore I expect some 'countermeasures' to have been taken. With the Commander as a known front man, they could easily slip someone in who is to ensure they get what they want whilst everybody is watching the Commander for any wrong moves." Archibald gave the Lieutenant a stare. "I noticed it during the meeting. I don't think there is anybody who did not notice it. But the Commander needs to concentrate on the success of the mission. So we need someone to watch his back for him. Which will be me. Unfortunately I have limited, or no experience actually, dealing with SFI. But you do. AND you have experience in counter-intelligence. Perfect for the job, I would say. So I want you to work with Lieutenant Shrekt and see if you can find any traces or hints of another SFI-agent being on board or find the way they are going to lay their hands on their priced technology and stop it from happening. You will report directly to me and me alone. Tell Shrekt as much as you need to or want to. But keep it hush-hush." Archibald nodded. "You may wonder why I entrust you with this mission as you yourself have ties with SFI. But because you have, you would be the first one to suspect, therefore it is very unlikely that you are. It's a risk, I accept, but a good gamble. Now, do you have any questions, Lieutenant?" (Posted by Adrie Geuken) === (USS Dennison – Ready Room – 2L Leola Bracken – 0902) Archibald nodded, and lay the PADD that he had been reading on his desk, and watched the door close. It was just his way to tell Bracken that he wanted the meeting to be treated as private. The Captain nodded, and laid the PADD down that he had been reading, He sat there in silence until the door closed behind her. Only then, did he move. Offering her his hand, which she reading the man’s firm shake. "At ease, Lieutenant. Today I am in need of your brains, not your brawns. Sit down." Archibald sat himself down and looked at his computer screen for a moment, which had the personnel file of the Lieutenant displayed. Leola sat opposite him, her manner impassive, her face almost unreadable. "You were at the meeting," he started. "Comments?" Leola smiled, and nodded slightly, she had perhaps expected that question. “There’s some that don’t believe that this is anything but an intel job. You know who those are as well as I do. You have problems Sir. Intel will be determined to access some of the Maltorian technology, by fair means or foul. Now, if we don’t do it by fair means, then others will do it the other way, if there aren’t already others on the way to do just that. We have a head start, mainly because of the abilities of the crew, but that lead is tenuous at best. Archibald listened to the woman and nodded a few times. "I am having a problem," he stated when she had finished. “Sir? I don’t understand.” "I trust Commander West," he said. "But as he has Intel connections, I can't say the same for his contacts. I did not expect him to be this open with his connections at the meeting but I can only assume that this is known to SFI. He needed to make his position clear, but by doing so, he must be of less importance to SFI now. A spy is only usable if only a limited number of people know that he is one. And I wouldn't put it past SFI to have known this in advance and therefore I expect some 'countermeasures' to have been taken. With the Commander as a known front man, they could easily slip someone in who is to ensure they get what they want whilst everybody is watching the Commander for any wrong moves." Leola snorted, “Ah yes, the murky world of SFI, I believe the old saying is... quis custodiet ipsos custodes? I know it’s not directly appropriate, but close nonetheless. Problem is Sir that there are those who hold Intel in such disdain that West is tarred by association, despite any statement that he may have made. Archibald gave the Lieutenant a stare. "I noticed it during the meeting. I don't think there is anybody who did not notice it. But the Commander needs to concentrate on the success of the mission. So we need someone to watch his back for him. Which will be me. Unfortunately I have limited, or no experience actually, dealing with SFI. But you do. AND you have experience in counter-intelligence. Perfect for the job, I would say. So I want you to work with Lieutenant Shrekt and see if you can find any traces or hints of another SFI-agent being on board or find the way they are going to lay their hands on their priced technology and stop it from happening. You will report directly to me and me alone. Tell Shrekt as much as you need to or want to. But keep it hush-hush." “I understand, I’ve not met the Lieutenant properly, I’ll decide how much to tell her once i’ve got the measure of her.” Archibald nodded. "You may wonder why I entrust you with this mission as you yourself have ties with SFI. But because you have, you would be the first one to suspect, therefore it is very unlikely that you are. It's a risk, I accept, but a good gamble. Now, do you have any questions, Lieutenant?" “No questions as such sir, only to say that, yes i do, or did have intel connections, but they were so beyond classified, that most people do not know i existed. Any agent that they send here, in all likelihood, will not see past the 40 something year old Marine XO” (reply Stakes) “Yes sir i understand, don’t worry, i know what i’m doing. With your Permission, I need to see Lieutenant Shrekt” (Reply Stakes) Leola stood from the chair, pulling her tall, trained frame to attention, then turned away, leaving the ready room and crossing the bridge. As she reached the turbolift, he hit her commbadge, “Lieutenant Shrekt, this is Marine XO Bracken, please report to the Phaser range on deck 16.” (Reply Shrekt) === (USS Dennison – Firing Range – 2L Leola Bracken – 0910) The range was empty, save for one marine at one end of the range. He pulled himself to attention as he saw her approaching. “At ease corporal, Guard the door please, I’m expecting Lt. Shrekt, we’re not to be disturbed under any circumstances. Anyone else is not to be allowed in here. Understood?” “Sir Yes Sir.” He then paced out of the range, and stationed himself at the door. As the doors closed behind him, Leola picked up one of the heavy rifles that he had been using, and hitting a few buttons on the small control unit next to her, began a set of practices. (Posted by Mark) === (U.S.S. Dennison-Quarters-Ens (sg) Nymes & Ens (jg) Chance Raschen-1130) Chance left the door to his quarters open while he was packing the rest of his personal belongings into a bag for him to carry down to the flight deck and load onboard the Star Hawk before his departure for the Rosenante and a second chance at a fresh start when he heard a voice coming from behind him. When he turned around, he saw Doc Lew standing in the doorway; Chance couldn’t help but snicker a little because it seemed like the doctor was the first to greet Chance when he first arrived on the Dennison, and it almost seemed fitting that he be the one to see Chance off for some reason. “Care for a drink Doc? I’m just about ready to head out.” Chance said as he reached into his bag a pulled out a bottle of his mom’s homemade whiskey and offered the bottle to the Trill. Nymes shook his head, but less sternly than he expected himself to. "I can't, Chance; pulling double days today," After all, his duty was over the top for the current time; he had to overview an entire race's medical history and advances in medical science, some of which seemed to be hundreds of years more advanced than the Federation. He had been asked to do a final medical evaluation of the transferring Ops-man, but it would be unofficial - after the six months downtime, and Chance's recent incarceration, the man had already had a bio-scan in the last two hours, even if it was from security. "Even if it is good stuff" Nymes continued. “Keep it; I have another case on the Hawk. I figured that would be enough to keep the DTs at bay for awhile ya think?” Chance said laughing before taking another look around the room to make sure he didn’t forget anything. "Thanks, Chance." Nymes said, with more conviction than he expected. Despite the differences that the two had had, Nymes was less demanding of the human now. Chance had proved to the trill that he would continuously flirt with the law, usually running and jumping over the line at the first opportunity, but six months after the JAG corps had handed down the judgment to both of them, Nymes was realizing that Chance was just that kind of person, one who couldn't help but get into trouble. Even if he did sometimes drag others down with him. "The Hawk; isn’t that still at the museum on Earth?" Nymes questioned. “No; Starfleet, thru Commander West commandeered her from me using the ‘Or Else’ rule.” Chance explained. Deciding he packed all his belongings the former privateer asked “Care to join me for lunch then walk me down to the flight deck? I’m sure it will scare the hell out of the powers that be to see us getting along.” Chance whimsically commented. "Of course, Chance." Nymes finished, as the two walked - if not as friends, then at least amicably - out of the room to the shuttle bay. === (USS Dennison - Shuttle Bay - CMO Nymes & Ops Temerarious - 1145) Nymes looked on in amazement, as he had expected some people to be present when Chance had left, but there was no one in the shuttle bay except the officer of the watch. Nymes watched Chance's reaction closely, wondering what this perceived disinterest was doing to the man. “Ahhh; I get to slip out the back while everyone else is hard at work.” "I'm sure that they just don't know, Chance." “Thanks, but don’t worry about it. When the Brackens, Night, Sanok, and Ash have a moment, tell them that I wish them the best. And as for you;” Chance paused as he held his hand out to the Trill “May fortune smile favorably upon you always.” Taking a more formal attitude, Nymes took the PADD from his hands, and tapped a few commands down in the medical section of the transfer orders. "Ensign Temerarious, I hereby authorize you as fit to fly, and finalize your medical record, at this time, at this place." Chance had a worried look on his face when he heard what the doctor said, and then as he read the PADD smiled when it said Raschen after all. "Fair wind and following seas, Chance." Nymes said, watching the man board the vessel and leave the shuttle bay, the force fields coalescing around the shuttle as it burst through them. Standing in thought for a moment, Nymes sighed, before contacting the captain, to say that the ensign had left the vessel. Afterwards, Nymes turned, and walked back to his Sickbay, and back to the workload. (posted by Charlie and GC) === ( USS Dennison- Sickbay- ATac Ensign (jg) Ben Soma- 1600) Ben entered sickbay and looked around. The medical ward of the Dennison was much different than he expected, other ships medical bays seemed darker than this one. He stepped further into the room and looked around at the bio beds and various displays around the room. Ben then headed to the CMO's office to tell Doctor Nymes he was ready for his medical exam. "Doctor, " Ben said," I am Ensign Soma. I believe it is time for my medical exam." (posted by Milo Young) === (USS Dennison - FO Office - Commander Trevan West- 1626) Now with all the official headaches out of the way, Trevan, now the ship's First Officer, decided to head to most of the departments to see how operational things really were on the Dennison. Leaving the office, Trevan headed down the corridor towards the turbolift, occasionally stopping to talk to one of the crew in the hallway. Personally, he liked doing that as it kept him with constant feedback on how people were generally doing. Of course it was impossible to know how every single member was doing, or all their names for that matter, but he felt that they really liked seeing a command level officer taking an interest in their lives no matter what the subject matter they discussed was. "Mister Goodwin," he said patting the man on the back, "how are things with the family?" he asked the man. "Pretty good sir, no complaints. Although the switch to gamma shift in stellar cartography is killing my time with Lanna" he explained, "We can only manage a few hours a week to spend talking when our shifts overlap." Trevan sympathized, "I know the feeling." he said, "I'll see what I can do for you, although it is life in Starfleet so I can't promise anything," replied West, "When you see Lanna, tell her I say hello," he said, and with that continued his way to the turbolift. "Sickbay" he stated to the computer, and was whisked off towards his destination. === (USS Dennison, Sickbay, Commander Trevan West, 1646) Upon entering Sickbay he could see a few nurses, "Nurse, can you let Doctor Nymes know I am here please," he said. "Yes sir," she replied and left the main room. "Lewis, how are things here in Sickbay.Is there anything you need and are you fully operational?" he asked the Doctor. (Posted by Kerry Fletcher) === (USS Dennison - CO's Yeoman's Office - Bar Manager Mei Ling Hikaru - 1728) " I believe he is expecting you, or perhaps hoping," she said then smiled apologetically. "Unfortunately he isn't here at the moment. He is in a meeting with the Dock master on the Starbase. But what authorisations would that be? If they are purely administrative ones, I am supposed to handle them." "I had a little.. difficulty with the quartermaster," Mei Ling explained. "I asked him to get, well quite a lot of stuff really, for Ten Forward. He seemed to think that the Captain needed to approve them before he could do anything." She handed Esme the PADD. "There's a lot there, I know, but it's all needed. At least, if I'm to make Ten Forward the place the crew of this ship deserve, then it's needed." Esme peered at Mei Ling then tapped the button on her desk and spoke to the quartermaster. Mei Ling couldn't help smiling at they way Esme dealt with him. Finishing with the Chief, Esme flicked the switch and the comm system was deactivated. "He won't give you any more trouble, Miss Hikaru," she said with a nod, then suddenly added, "Oh, does that mean that Tommy is here as well?" Mei Ling nodded. "Yes, he's in my quarters at the moment. But I would prefer to have him with me when I'm working. He really needs company, he gets bored on his own. That was something else I wanted to clear with Captain Stakes. I would like to operate under the same rules I did on the Boudicca: that Ten Forward is basically my territory, and I make the rules. Like first names only, no rank, do not give the psammead citrus fruit..." she gave Esme a slightly rueful smile. "I'm sure you remember the last time he got hold of orange juice," she added. "I just needed to confirm that the Captain has no problems with me running things my way before I start putting the fear of the deity-of-choice into some of those lazy so-and-sos that allegedly work in Ten Forward. Have you been in there?" she asked in a slightly indignant tone. She had not been impressed with what was on offer. (reply Esme, if she can get a word in edgewise, room for more if you wish) "As for the food - I would like to use the hydroponics labs, until it's possible to get a couple of proper hydroponics bays installed and running, who should I speak to about that?" "Proper hydroponics bays could keep the mess hall supplied with fresh food, as well as Ten Forward," Mei Ling explained. "Replicated food is fine but I'm a strong believer in fresh produce as well. As for an arboretum or botanical garden, their effects on the well-being of the crew are well documented and ..." she broke off. "I'm sorry," she said. "I tend to run on a bit. I just want to do my best for the officers and crew of this ship!" (Posted by Liz) === (Starbase Geneva- Sickbay - CMO Dr Nymes - 2100) Nymes left the the holodeck happier than he had entered it, and walked off the ship to his final job on the Starbase, reviewing the ACONN, Ensign Lane. The sickbay had been quite quiet for the day, the opposite to the Dennison, and Nymes walked in to be greeted by the duty ACMO. "Ensign Lane is okay, sir." "Thanks, David. Can I see his notes before I see him?" "Sure, sir." Nymes took his time, reviewing the notes thoroughly before heading into the Ward to see him, Lane was sitting upright and talking, resting but concerned that he wouldn't be able to make his posting to the Dennison. The trill stepped in, comforting the man, reassuring him that he would indeed be joining the crew. "You are not fit to serve on duty, Joeseph, but I am happy to look after you on board the ship, if thats what you want? You can join the Pilots after you fully recover." Lane looked on in something approaching awe. "That would be fantastic, sir." "Any time, Joe. Any time. Nymes to Dennison Sickbay, ACMO Porter." (reply porter) "Please can you finalise transfer orders for Ensign Lane, the ACONN assigned to the ship, currently on board the Starbase?" (reply porter) "Doctor? Can you help me?" Nymes looked around, and saw one of the psychiatric nurses appealing to him. One of the patients was agitated, tapping at the frosted glass that made up his secluded room. He was dressed in white, a grubby set of clothes that more resembled grey than the original colour. "What can you tell me about this gentleman, nurse?" "Not much; he was transferred here from Admiral Stakes' quarters, after throwing a set of plates at the yeoman, and trying to hit him repeatedly." ~Admiral Stakes... This is who Esme was talking about~ "Whats being done for him?" "Nothing, sir. he's refused meds, and CBT hasn't touched him since the war finished, looks like he went through hell." Nymes thought for a moment, and took the time to enter the room to talk to the man, quietly, alone, getting a feel for why he had gone off the rails, understanding some of the pain that the man was obviously still suffering to this day. Finally, he got to his feet, sighed as he left the room, and nodded to the nurse. "Start antipsychotics, hypospray, not tablets. I'll need updates on this patient whilst I am away from the base, now I have started medications, he is under my care. Let the ACMO that he is going to be reviewing this case but reporting to me." "Aye sir." Nymes nodded and left sickbay, writing the notes before he returned to the Dennison. (posted by GC) === (USS Dennison, Darsons Quarters, Lt. Haley Darsons/Lt Alosar, 2320) Haley has just about had it. She couldn't sleep at all, even though the doctors on Geneva had given her a sleeping agent. ~Must be a light dose~ she thought to herself. Getting up she walked over to the mirror to brush her hair and then screamed as the image in the mirror was showing the disgusting creature she had seen die in her dreams, instead of her own. Falling to the floor, she managed to curl up into a fetal position. Rocking back and forth she tried to tell herself that it was just fake and wasn't really there in the mirror, "I need this to stop!" she shouted to the empty room, "Darsons to Alosar, I NEED to see you," =^=Very well Lieutenant, can you come to my office?=^= "No, I can't leave. I just can't" she replied =^=I am on my way, Alosar out. =^= A few minutes later Alosar gained access to Darsons' quarters using his emergency access codes. The room was quiet. The only sound the counselor could hear was the sound of something moving back and forth. As he followed the sound he found Darsons laying on the floor of her bathroom, mostly undressed, rolled up into a ball, and rocking. He stepped over to her, "Lieutenant Darsons?" Kneeling by her he put a light hand on her shoulder, "Haley, are you alright?" The touch was enough to register her emotional state. Her abject horror ran through the Vulcan, and it took him but a moment to master it. It was followed by a sense of dread and self-loathing. He quickly withdrew his hand, as if he'd been burned. With a quick shake of the head he cleared the emotions and got back to action. His left hand hovered over his comm badge, but then dropped as he knew she was not injured, physically. He sat down beside Darsons. "Haley, I know you can hear me. What happened?" "I...I....I..s...sa...sa..saw.." she stuttered before going silent. Trembling like it was forty below zero, Haley felt the presence of the Vulcan but could not come out of the state she was in. There was little he could do for Darsons without getting more from her. The slight touch he'd gotten from her before had given the Vulcan a little insight, and he knew what he had to do. As touch telepath he was able to read others a bit more easily, and without the necessity to rearrange blood flow and neural pathways. A simple touch was all it took. He gently placed his left hand on Darsons' cheek and closed his eyes. He let his mind slip gently into synchronization with Haley's/his mind. Their thoughts intertwined until he was able to gain control of him/herself in the meld. They did not require the usual mental chant that often occurred in a meld. Their minds were already as one. He/she felt the anguish and emotional distress. It was almost a physical reaction to them. Then they replayed the memories directly before they fell to the floor. The sight of the face that was theirs, and yet was not theirs, was disturbing. The face was familiar, and yet they did not know what it was. It was Haley, and it was not. And they were afraid of it. Fear was not logical. An image cannot harm them. Alosar's control began to take affect and they could feel their bodies relaxing, and breathing become more regular. The fear was still there, but it no longer ruled them. Alosar's mind turned to meld a little deeper, but soon came upon a wall the prevented much further probing, without causing other issues. The immediate danger had passed and their minds began to separate. They could feel the distance, as if Alosar had taken a physical step away. Alosar managed his own emotions but could sense that Darsons was having a little trouble with the separation. He knew that she would soon recover her equilibrium. He also knew that she was calm enough to talk about what had happened, and that he had, perhaps, stopped her from slipping into a catatonic state. Removing his hand from her face Alosar looked down at the teary eyes of Haley Darsons. "Would you care to explain what just happened?" Haley opened her eyes, seeing Alosar looking down at her. ~Did she shrink, or was he always that tall~ she thought not realizing she was on the floor. Finally after a moment, she managed to sit up and figure out where she was and what had just happened. While she was no longer shaking, she was still terrified of the memories and said so to him. "They, they did things to me. That....thing....was there," she said and shook for a moment as that image came to the front of her mind again. "I saw it before, about ten days ago. When I was on Geneva, I was walking and then I had this memory. The next thing is that I woke up in sickbay," she relayed to him, unsure if he was aware of that. He looked at herself, and noticing she was not really dressed she moved quickly to the couch and placed a blanket around her waist, "You could have told me I was almost naked!" she yelled at him. Alosar went over to the couch and stood beside it. He knew that her lashing out was only a defense mechanism to hide her own embarrassment. However her state of dress was irrelevant to the situation. He opened his mouth to speak. She shook her head at his reply, "No, I don't want to tell you, yet I do. I can't bring myself to tell you but I know if I don't you can't help me." Then, in a voice that was so soft that she was sure he didn't hear her, "Help me," and then began to cry once again. Alosar sighed. He never understood why humans insisted in saying things that they simply did not mean. Gently he pulled the blanket up to cover her shoulders. Then he sat on the arm of the couch. "I cannot help you, Haley," he said plainly, "if you do not want me to. But in order for me to help, you must be willing to share what is on your mind. There must be an element of trust between us. If you cannot trust me, then there is little I can do." He stood, ready to leave. "Alosar," she said, "I do trust you. I...I just don't trust anyone else anymore." "I was tortured by those...those...people!" she shouted. "How can this happen in this day and age in the Federation! Starfleet!" "They did things to me, horrible things. I...I don't even know where to start Alosar, it's all just come back to me" "The war produced some of the most horrendous results," Alosar said quietly. "It's gratifying to know that you trust me so. And I am obligated to keep this all confidential. I cannot be ordered by anyone to reveal anything that you tell me." He paused. "With that said, just tell me the first thing that comes to your mind. We can go from there." Haley reached over to grab a glass of water from the table, she took a sip and then reluctantly swallowed it ~how long has that been sitting there~ she thought, "I remember being re-assigned from Boudicca to the Beowulf, and taking a shuttle to Markus VI because the Beowulf was still a few days from picking me up so I took shore leave." Then closing her eyes she remembered. The strange but handsome attendant that greeted her on the planet, the several nights they spent together talking about life. Then there was blackness, a cold damp feeling was all around her. Voices. Lots of voices around her we talking but not in a language she understood or recognized. Then there was light. "I remember pain," she said wincing at the thought. Haley remembers being stripped and tied. Someone was kicking her, hitting her, on the back. "They kept at it because I wouldn't say anything," she said, "They beat me for what could have been days. I don't recall how long though. When the older wounds were just healing, they hit me on them again. I remember being sliced or something," "Once I remember I managed to grab the knife and slice wildly into the darkness around me. After that they had me on a table so I couldn't move. There was a creature that was there, they had beaten it so badly." She paused taking a sip of the stale water and closing her eyes to try and think of more. "They wanted something or me to do something and I wouldn't, that's when they got mad I think and started to make me do things. Things I couldn't stop because I was held to the table." Now crying she pulled Alosar closer, not caring that Vulcans have an aversion to being touched, "Alosar, there was someone." "He...he..." she tailed off into sobs. "Because I couldn't move, he.." "He raped me," she finally admitted to him, to herself and just started crying uncontrollably. Alosar took a deep breath. He was well aware how so many cultures used sex as a weapon, but few, like humans, actually used sex in order to violate some in such a physical manner. It was completely illogical. The act of rape was no more an act of passion or love as it was an act of power. Most rapists are trying to exert their power over others or to show that they are not as powerless others perceive them to be. It just did not make any sense to him. Although he was not completely comfortable with the display of emotion, he also knew that he had to be able to counsel humans while they made their emotional exhibitions. He reached out with a hand and sat closer to Darsons, who promptly took full advantage of his new proximity. She quickly wrapped herself around the counselor, buried her face into his shoulder and let loose a series of racking sobs. After three minutes and forty-eight seconds he could tell that the emotional onslaught was passing and Darsons was getting control of herself again. He also knew how hard it was for someone to admit, readily, to such a violation. They often suppressed it, hiding the memory even from themselves. But something had happened to awaken the memory of what had occurred and this was the next step. She had already taken the hardest step, now he had to help her be able to cope with the memory. "Haley, you have done well to share this memory with me," he said. "I think however, that you should rest before we go any further. I will come by tomorrow morning, first thing. But for now you need to get some rest. Now that you have faced your fear, I believe you should be able to sleep. Call me if you feel you need anything during the course of the night." Haley simply hugged the Vulcan in a pure emotional act, "Thanks," was all she said before he departed her quarters. (posted by Kerry Fletcher, Al Muir) ********************************************************* Healer in the Tower Star Date: 2408.01.10 Day: 185 ********************************************************* (USS Dennison - Personal Quarters - CO - Captain Archibald Stakes - 0613) Having finished breakfast with Esme, Archibald was clearing up the dishes and cups as Esme had gone back to the bedroom to have a long bath, one of the few perks of being the daughter of the ship's captain. Having a sonic shower was sufficient to refresh and get clean but a soak in actual water was so much more relaxing and soothing. He placed the family crockery on the work surface in the kitchenette and was about to give the old china a quick sonic squirt when his badge suddenly beeped. =/\=Ensign Spero to Captain Stakes and Commander West. Sorry to disturb you so early, sirs, but I have something I'd like to show the two of you. Would it be possible to meet in the Briefing Room in ten minutes?=/\= Archibald frowned and looked at the plates and saucers and cups then shook his head. He tapped his badge "I will meet you there, Ensign. Stakes out." He then walked to the door leading to the bedrooms and rapped his knuckles on it. "Do the washing up!" he shouted through the door. "I am needed." Hearing a soft growl from inside he grinned for a second before he walked outside. (USS Dennison - Briefing Room - CO - Captain Archibald Stakes - 0625) As Archibald entered, he saw the OPS-officer already being there. "Mister Spero, you had something you wished to show us?" he asked. (Reply Kit, Trevan) (USS Dennison - Bridge - Captain Archibald Stakes - 0652) "Helm, lay in a course for sector 4502 and engage at warp 8." As the ship picked up speed Archibald took the central chair. "ETA to sector 4502 is seven hours Captain." Archibald nodded then looked at the Commander. "Take your seat, Commander," he said, nodding to the chair on his right. His head then turned to the left and he started to frown when the Counsellor's seat was empty. His hand neared the comm button on his chair but he refrained from pressing it as he remembered his thoughts at the meeting that the Vulcan would be fully aware of the requirements of a first contact mission, namely that the counsellor would take his seat on the bridge at the Captain's left hand side. But why wasn't here there then? He immediately rejected the idea in his head that it may have slipped his mind. Could it be that the Vulcan actually wanted to be asked? It would be highly illogical unless Alosar had ulterior motives. Finally Archibald shook his head as he pressed the button. "Lieutenant Alosar to the Bridge!" he spoke into the comm system the looked straight ahead. Regardless of what the rational was, Archibald considered that he should treat everybody the same. (reply Trevan, Alosar, any) (USS Dennison, Bridge, CO Captain Archibald Stakes, 1005) =/\= Sir, Commander West here. New information from Starfleet regarding the Maltorians, you should see it sir. =/\= Archibald looked at the hustle and bustle of the Bridge before he responded. "On my way, Mister West. Stakes out." He then got up and nodded at the CSO. "Mister Bracken, you have the conn." (Reply Dale, any) (USS Dennison, Intelligence Office, CO, Captain Archibald Stakes, 1011) Archibald shot the guard a look as he walked past him to enter the office. For a second it had looked like the guard was actually going to stop him from entering. Shaking his head, Archibald looked around and nodded to the Commander. "Mister West?" he asked. (Reply Trevan, any) (Posted by Adrie Geuken) ******************************************************************** Th.th.th.th.th.th.th.th.that's all, Folks!