NRPG: As the crazy compiler, I would just like to say ya'll are driving me nuts posting on multiple days. Didn't I say, I had a dream. A dream where all of us posted on one ship and one day. Look one ship. Can't we do one day! I know I read it somewhere, you're all supposed to be on the same day. I'm not nuts, I tell 'ya. I saw it, I did. Hey, what's that noise? *ting* *ting* *ting* *ting* Space..... The Final Frontier..... These are the trials of the Battleship Boudicca. Its continuing mission To survive the war To bring peace to the galaxy To thwart Doenitz once and for all Start soprano on wailing that might be mistaken for the new red alert sound. You can use Frederika Von Stade if you like. Uh Oh.. Oh Oh Oh Oh Oh. Uh OH OH OH OH OH OH oh. http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x1hoj_star-trek (for the curious) Today's Compile Index is brought to you by the Greek Letter B. Day 21 (USS Kitty Hawk, Sickbay, ACMO Josh Caskie - 0940) Day 22 (USS Boudicca - Ten Forward - ACEO Ensign(jg) Lorimar - 2150) (USS Boudicca, Ten Forward, TAC/ASC Ensign(jg) Lorak Laroon, 2154) (USS Boudicca, Ten Forward, Bar Manager Mei Ling Hikaru, 2155) (USS Boudicca - Desk 3 corridor - TAC/SC/2O Lt. Cmdr. Aleksander Stolev - Day 22 - 2159) (USS Boudicca, Personnel Quarters, MCO, Lt. Colonel Eva Straton, 2200) (USS Boudicca - Personal Quarters - MCO Straton and TAC/SC/2O Stolev – Day 22 - 2201) Day 23 (USS Boudicca - Rivers' personal quarters - Champlain CO Captain Susan Rivers - 0010) (USS Boudicca - Ten Forward - ACMO Josh Caskie - 2005) (USS Boudicca - Ten Forward - Bar Manager Mei Ling Hikaru - 2006) Day 25 (USS Boudicca, StratOps Center, MCO Lt. Colonel Eva Straton, 0805) (USS Boudicca - Bridge- CEO- Lt. Matthew McLaren-- 1600) Day 1 (USS Boudicca - Observation Lounge - Capt Sevant - 0924) (USS Boudicca - Bridge - TAC/ASC Ensign(jg) Lorak Laroon - 0926) (USS Boudicca - Observation Lounge - Capt Sevant & Flt Admiral LoDona - 0928) (USS Boudicca - Cargo Bay 1 - Capt Zachary Falthgood - 0945) (USS Boudicca - Observation Bay - Capt Zachary Falthgood & Admiral Sevant - 0952) RPG: >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Mission: The Anointed, Day 21 Stardate: 2407.03.14 <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< (USS Kitty Hawk, Sickbay, ACMO Josh Caskie - 0940) "I'm not too sure that that is such a grand idea, Josh. Obviously having had him near her did not stop her from her overreaction. In fact, his presence may have aggravated the situation, if we assume that she felt ashamed by her actions on the planet it is easy to extrapolate that having someone very close to you nearby would only increase the feeling of shame. An interesting reaction, though. From one moment to another deciding that death is the appropriate punishment and acting on it, disregarding any other side-effect the punishment may have. Almost a panic reaction, it would seem. And easily countered, I think, asking her what Sasha did that was so wrong that he has be so severely punished. Not to mention her children. What have they done that they deserve an immediate death? The only problem is that I find it very convenient that such an attempt was made in one of the safest places on the ship. Anywhere else, and we might have been too late to save her. But here? Hooked to a machine that will warn everybody as soon as even the smallest hints of problems occur? Convenient. And quite safe." Josh shook her head minimally, not in a negative way but more in a habit she had of trying to sort out various thoughts. "Actually Sir, I wasn't thinking about Colonel Straton, more that the Commander might feel more comfortable being near her. But if you don't think it's such a good idea I'll send him back to the Boudicca for now. As for your comments regarding the Colonel, well, yes, I quite agree very convenient and very safe. Now if I could just train everyone else not to become ill unless they are in sickbay I for one, would be a lot happier." Oggie sighed. "Assumptions, assumptions. Did we witness the sincere desire of a woman to pay the ultimate price for her crimes? Or did we watch the greatest show on Earth since Lieutenant Folicker taught his targ to bark in four different languages? To be honest, I don't know." This time Josh laughed, "Now that might be something I would pay good money to see. If only to raise a laugh." Oggie watched the now still laying MCO. "But I'll find out, one way or the other." "I'm sure you will Sir." (No reply needed) (Posted by Marilyn) >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Mission: The Anointed, Day 22 Stardate: 2407.03.15 <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< (USS Boudicca - Ten Forward - ACEO Ensign(jg) Lorimar - 2150) Bob had been leaning casually on the bar waiting for his turn to ask Mei Ling for a coffee refill when he heard the loud and unmistakable sound of Zzt from across the room. "BOOB! BOOB!" Zzt yelled, waving his paw holding the chunk of raw meat over his head oblivious to the blood he was throwing around. "Boob want some!?" He asked, holding out the honey covered hunk of raw meat. Bob paled a bit, forgetting for a moment that it was his friend Commander Zzt, instead thinking there were a huge and wild carnivore loose in the lounge. He *almost* reached for his phaser before rational thought returned. He stared a moment at the display, mouth agape. Recovering quickly, he waved back in Zzt's direction. He held up one finger and mouthed the words "With you in a moment" before turning his attention back to Mei Ling and Lt. Johnson. "Pardon me, Mei Ling... might ah trouble ye for a refill before I try and tame the bear?" asked Bob with a huge grin on his face. (Reply Mei Ling IYW) Taking his fresh mug of coffee, he walked over toward the dining officers, taking care of where he stepped as he approached. "Evenin' lads... fun with food night is it?" he asked with a grin. He took a step closer, evidently not watching quite closely enough, as he felt his boot stick on something with a soft squishing sound. He debated looking down, thought better of it when he realized he best keep his eye on the food... lest he get some *in* his eye... "What are ye eatin' lads? Smells like... raw meat? It cannae be... can it??" (Reply Any) (Posted by Russ) (USS Boudicca, Ten Forward, TAC/ASC Ensign(jg) Lorak Laroon, 2154) "You two had nothing to do with this so you don't have to help clean it up. But if I find ONE IOTA of mess after you have finished your cooking, I'll - I'll shut Tommy in your quarters with a bowl of oranges!" Lorak looked at the women then to Tommy, and a small smirk crossed his lips as he licked them. "Please do leave it in my quarters such a gift would be welcome" he said as he looked back at Mei Ling. (reply Mei Ling, Zzt, Donald, Any) (Posted by Jay) (USS Boudicca, Ten Forward, Bar Manager Mei Ling Hikaru, 2155) Lorak looked at Mei Ling then to Tommy, and a small smirk crossed his lips as he licked them. "Please do leave it in my quarters such a gift would be welcome" he said as he looked back at Mei Ling. Mei Ling smiled. "Clearly you have no idea what effect oranges - or for that matter any citrus fruits - have on a psammead, Lorak. I wouldn't recommend Tommy as a snack, though." Hearing his name again, linked with his favourite word, Tommy stopped eating the honey-dipped peanuts and peeked around the corner of the bar at Lorak. The large felinoid didn't seem to have any oranges though, so he returned to eating his peanuts. (USS Boudicca - Desk 3 corridor - TAC/SC/2O Lt. Cmdr. Aleksander Stolev - Day 22 - 2159) Sasha walked slowly down the corridor on which the senior officers' quarters were found, absentmindedly fingering the small box that he carried with him. It was the first time he had been here since he had left for the Kitty Hawk, and he barely noticed that almost all of the damage that had been done by the boarding parties from the Exeter had been repaired. Instead, he mulled over what to say and how to say it when he arrived at Eva's quarters. Since Eva had discovered what had happened on the planet, and attempted suicide in the sickbay of the Kitty Hawk, she had refused to even look at Sasha, much less speak to him. Even through the fog of the telepathic suppressants and Eva's own resistance to communicating with him, he was able to sense her deep shame and despair at the extent to which her actions had violated the legal and moral obligations that she ordinarily held so dear. But what happened on the planet was no ordinary circumstance, and the sooner she realized this the better. She must have come to some level of realization of this, whether on her own or with the counselor's help, as she at least had not tried to kill herself again. As he approached the door to her quarters, which prior to her departure from the ship had been *their* quarters, he decided that the best approach was one of compassion and forgiveness. She could get the tough love, chin-up-and-bear-it treatment from any number of others on the ship -- Sevant, her fellow marines, even Stakes. He was, however, uniquely suited to provide an alternative, and so it was with this thought in mind that he reached for the door chime and pressed it. (USS Boudicca, Personnel Quarters, MCO, Lt. Colonel Eva Straton, 2200) After the visit from Sevant, which she had expected eventually just not so soon, she had stood staring with narrowed eyes at the closed door for several minuets, turning Sevant's words over in her mind. Eventually, she had stripped off her uniform, tossed it down the recycling chute, and went to take a shower. She now laid on her bed, naked, her hands on her belly rubbing her small baby bump, still reflecting on what Sevant had said. She had been acting a fool, so consumed with guilt and shame over what had happened on the surface, and her hand in it, that she hadn't given any thought to the fact that they were still at war. She had been so consumed in beating herself up over events she couldn't even remember much less have prevented that she'd lost sight of the present situation and what the future was likely to bring. She still had a duty to do. Oaths to uphold. She would answer for what had happened on the planet and her part in it when the time came, but for now she had to clear her mind of those past sins and focus on the task at hand. Death was an old, but despised, companion and she was sure they would be seeing a lot more of each other in the months to come. She closed her eyes then and turned her mind to Sasha, unsure of what to do on that subject. ~We will need to talk about this sometime soon. We will have a lot of hard decisions ahead of us to make. Will he react like Rivers did? Did I hurt him too while that damned Anointed freak? How could I ever look him in the eye again knowing I hurt or betrayed him?~ Then the door buzzer sounded. She sighed. ~That will be Ensign Marsh coming to check up on me again.~ She thought, as she stood, grabbed her robe and quickly threw it on. (USS Boudicca - Personal Quarters - MCO Straton and TAC/SC/2O Stolev – Day 22 - 2201) "Come," She said, moving from the bed room toward the living room, trying her robe closed as she did. She stopped in the doorway stunned as she saw that it was not Ensign Marsh at all. Her mouth opened and closed several times as she tried to find her voice. "Sasha," She finally managed to whisper as tears blurred her vision. Sasha smiled tenderly at her, glad that she hadn't simply shut the door on him and locked it as he feared she might have done. "May I come in? If it helps, I've brought some Antarean chocolates with me," he added, offering her the box of treats that he knew she enjoyed. Eva only nodded, not moving from the bedroom doorway. She took the box Sasha held out toward and turned it absently in her hands, but didn't immediately look at it. Her eyes stayed on Sasha as he stepped into the room and the door closed behind him. Sasha walked into the room, quite conscious of Eva's state of attire, and looked around the room without really seeing it, before turning to face her again. "So, we haven't really spoken since you found out about what happened on the planet," he began, deciding against beating around the bush, knowing that Eva would likely be annoyed with inane small talk. He sighed. "I've been trying to think of how to get you to talk to me about it. You can, you know. I know it wasn't you who did those things on that planet. I don't blame you, or want to see you broken, because of it. I want to help you come to terms with it, and get past it. As I've told anyone who will listen, I knew you'd be harder on yourself than any of us could possibly be." He shrugged. "I just want you to know that I love you, and that I'm here for you, no matter what happened or what will happen." "Sasha, I could have killed you," Eva replied taking a single step forward then stopping. "I could have killed all of you. I left the ship so that I wouldn't hurt or kill anyone by accident. I ended up becoming an even greater threat and the architect of the deaths of who knows how many innocents. Now I will have to stand before a court martial to answer for what happened, and you may very well have to raise our children without me." She tilted her head back and closed her eyes unable to hold back the tears that now rolled down her cheeks. "I don't know what hurts more. The knowledge that I have violated every oath I ever took and held so dear my entire life, or that I've nearly killed you twice now unintentionally. Maybe..." She paused and took several deep breaths before looking at Sasha and continuing. "Maybe you should...leave me...for your own safety." She turned away from him suddenly, sobbing. "I don't want to hurt you again." Sasha shook his head. "You won't get rid of me that easily," he said with a half-smile. "Leaving you would hurt me worse than anything I can imagine you doing. And if the court martial doesn't go well..." He shrugged. "We'll deal with whatever comes. I'm confident that you won't be held responsible, as everyone who witnessed it can attest to your altered mental state," he said, implying a confidence that was rooted more in hope than in actual knowledge. He recognized his own bias in the matter, and couldn't reasonably expect an impartial tribunal to come to the exact same conclusions, however much he hoped that they would. "I don't know," She said, "Rivers seemed pretty sure I was a threat. I'm sure she'd rather lock me up and throw away the key." Eva was silent for a few moments as she got her emotions back under control. Finally, she turned back toward Sasha. "Captain Sevant was here shortly before you," She continued, "He said that a court of inquiry will be held within a weeks time. However, he said that no matter the findings he would be suspending the charges until after the war. A temporary respite, though I think I'd rather get it all over with. In 48 hours I am to report for duty on the Bridge. We still have a war to fight after all. I have to get my head on straight in that time and put this behind me for now. I can't fight a war with something like this clouding my mind. To do that, you and I must come to terms with this, at least between us, and we have to do it in the next 48 hours." Sasha nodded. "I understand. I too will need to be able to focus on my duty. But I think, whatever we do to get past it for now, we must resolve to deal with everything fully and completely after the war, once you are exonerated of the charges against you. Hopefully we will be able to do that on Betazed." He turned and looked out at the stars, as though they contained some secret wisdom that would guide them through the emotional minefield laid before them. "I think that my difficulty lies not in coming to terms with what happened on the planet, but rather that since we don't really understand what happened, we don't know if or when something like that might happen again." He sighed heavily before turning back to look at Eva with a searching gaze. "Have you come up with anything that might explain it?" Eva took a deep breath, held it for a moment then let it out slowly. She then moved over to the couch and sat down, motioning for Sasha to sit as well. He moved to sit next to her on the couch and gazed expectantly at her. "I can only speculate at this point," She said, "From what I've been able to gather talking with Ensign Marsh, and what the doctors have told me. The two weeks I spent alone had caused a chemical imbalance in the telepathic centers in my brain. It caused my telepathic and empathic ability to go hay wire. I didn't remember at first but I now believe I was experiencing telepathic and empathic equivalents of hallucinations before I ever left the moons surface. I was an emotional wreck. Betazoid's are a highly social species. We require mental contact with other sentient's, be that other Betazoid's other races, for good health. The very act of interacting with others releases hormones in our brains that we need to maintain physical and emotional well being. Now I've gone over a month before without having any problems, but apparently pregnant Betazoid's are even more prone to developing this hormonal imbalance, I did not know that. I never expected to *be* pregnant let alone have to spend any time completely alone while pregnant." She paused and took another deep breath before continuing. "The imbalance on it's own will not cause amnesia though, just emotional instability and telepathic, empathic hallucinations. Eventually, if not corrected for long enough, it will cause death, but not amnesia. In this day and age it never happens any more as the cure is readily at hand and the condition is easy for a any doctor worth a credit to diagnose. I never imagined it would happen to me in such a short time so it never even occurred to me what was happening." She shook her head. "I can only speculate that the amnesia was a result of the hormonal imbalance in conjunction with the blow to the head I took in the crash. Can't say I ever expected a planet to pop into the universe right in front of me either, not like that is a common every day thing. The hormonal imbalance probably compounded the amnesia making it worse. Once I awoke I would have naturally picked up on the thoughts and emotions of those around me and took my sense of identity from them. I believed I was what they believed me to be. With no sense of self what else could I have done? The likely hood of this ever happening again? Extremely small to none. Now I know how being pregnant effects me in that regard and will know to take steps to prevent it, if necessary. The likely hood of me every remembering what happened on that planet? Also virtually nil, and I really don't think I want to. What I saw in your memories was more than enough." Sasha sighed again, but this time it was a sigh of relief. He took Eva's hand and gave it a reassuring squeeze. "I am glad to hear that. I had tried asking Marsh and the doctors but of course they wouldn't tell me anything, due to doctor-patient confidentiality. And now that you know what's happening and how to take care of it, I feel much better about it. And as for remembering what happened... well, I don't know if the counselor would agree, but I question what value that would have. You know what happened, or at least enough to know how to deal with it going forward. And what's important to me is the knowledge that it won't happen again," he added with a smile. Eva smiled back at him and squeezed his hand in return. "It won't," She promised, lifting her free hand to his cheek and stroked it gently. Having him sitting so close and the physical contact had filled her with desire. She lowered her shields causing their link to flare to life despite the suppressants. She looked him in the eye briefly before leaning forward and brushing her lips against his gently. "Five weeks," She whispered as she pulled back a little, looking him in the eye again. "This is the first time in five weeks we have been alone. I don't want to waste it." She then leaned forward again and kissed him fully on the lips, wrapping her arms around him. (Reply Any, none) (posted by Aaron and Wes) >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Mission: The Anointed, Day 23 Stardate: 2407.03.16 <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< (USS Boudicca - Rivers' personal quarters - Champlain CO Captain Susan Rivers - 0010) "Sir" was all Laroon had said to the Captain of the Boudicca as he looked around the room. Susan listened impassively as Sevant explained the circumstances to the TAC/ASC, and informed him that Captain Rivers was to have a security escort whilst aboard the Boudicca. When he finished, she stood up. "Ensign Laroon, I will give you all the information you need tomorrow morning to pursue the remaining spies on the ship. I don't have any leads for you, I'm afraid. Commander Stolev can fill you in too, when he's back on duty. Our one advantage is that so far, the rest of the group don't know their leader is dead. We can't keep that a secret forever, obviously, but if it could be kept as quiet as possible for a while, that would help." A thought struck her. "Captain Sevant - would it be possible to say that Casely left on the Kitty Hawk? If so, then the others wouldn't know he was dead and it might be that in their confusion as to what their orders are some of them may give themselves away." (reply Sevant) Susan looked at Laroon again. "Ensign, if you can manage to search Casely's quarters tonight, and also look into the logs of his computer use, you may find clues to some of his partners in crime." (Reply Laroon, Sevant, Drizzt, any) (Posted by Liz) (USS Boudicca - Ten Forward - ACMO Josh Caskie - 2005) As the doors to Ten Forward swished open Josh was glad to see various other people walking around or congregating in small groups. ~Thank goodness. At least I'm not the first to arrive.~ Sauntering over to the drinks table she asked for a glass of chilled white wine. With that in hand she made her way across to the buffet and her gaze ranged over all the different items there. Looking up at one of the people behind the table she grinned. "I have no idea what half of these foods are. What would you recommend?" (Reply any behind the buffet or anyone wishing to say goodbye to Josh) (Posted by Marilyn) (USS Boudicca - Ten Forward - Bar Manager Mei Ling Hikaru - 2006) "I have no idea what half of these foods are. What would you recommend?" asked Josh Caskie. Mei Ling smiled. "Well I do recommend the goat's cheese souflees, and those odd-coloured eggs are actually lizard eggs and both were supplied by Donald Johnson, the new OPS? The lizard eggs have an interesting taste. Then there's hasperat, although since that's for Susan I made it very spicy. Andorian redbat, roasted and stuffed. Groatcakes topped with syrup of squill. Koganka pudding. Larish pie. Mapa bread . Uttaberry crepe. Plomeek soup. Pok tar Chicken a la Hikaru, rice salad, blinis with smoked salmon, rice cakes with chickpea pate..." As she listed the foods Mei Ling indicated them, first the savouries, then afterwards the sweet dishes. "So, what can I get you, Josh?" (Reply Caskie, any) (Posted by Liz) >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Mission: The Anointed, Day 25 Stardate: 2407.03.18 <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< (USS Boudicca, StratOps Center, MCO Lt. Colonel Eva Straton, 0805) "You will pick an officer to lead them, you will maintain defacto command for now." Sevant said. "It's a choice between one hundred and twenty Marines, or fifty Starships." Eva looked around the empty room and the various work stations that had been set up as she considered the situation briefly. Finally she nodded. ~Not like this is a request after all, and I'm not exactly going to be able to actively lead Wolf Pack in combat any way. SFMC doesn't make BDU armor in maternity sizes.~ She thought looking back at Sevant "I will need to review all past fleet strategic and tactical data," She said evenly. "As well as meet with the StratOps staff. I'll need a day or two to get fully up to speed on current fleet status." She paused, and looked around the room once more before looking back at Sevant. "Can start immediately, if you wish. Is there anything else I might need to know, like the reason Commander Casely is no longer performing this duty? If he was removed for security reasons then the security of the fleet may have been compromised. Steps will need to be taken, in that case, to ensure the security of the ship and the fleet." (Reply Sevant IYW, any) (Posted by Wes) (USS Boudicca - Bridge- CEO- Lt. Matthew McLaren-- 1600) Matthew stepped onto the Bridge. As expected everything seemed to be running smoothly and as he knew to be true, Commander Stakes was sitting in the center chair. McLaren crossed the short distance carrying the PADD with the immigration forms. He and Arania had filled them out together. Matthew had checked and double checked each one. In the end, Arania had opted for Federation Citizenship. They had asked Doctor Jahlen to perform the necessary tests and examinations. Which Arania passed with flying colors. For witnesses, to the date and intention of Marriage, he selected Francesca dela Rosa and Tollian Yalix. The date was set every piece of paper work in order. "Commander Stakes." Matthew said as he came alongside the command chair. "I know you're busy sir, but I wanted to give you the courtesy of handing you the 243/D-3 forms and the Civil union documents that you had requested in person sir." Matthew was technically off shift, and he had forced himself to stay away from anything engineering related during his entire 48 hours of forced leave. Still it hadn't been all bad. He had spent a great deal of time with Arania, and had visited John and Francesca, at least once daily. There was a Catharsis in not working for those two days, and forcing him to think about everything that had happened on Iradon. (reply Stakes iyw) (posted by Daniel Greene) >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Mission: The Fires of Heaven, Day 1 Stardate: 2407.06.28 <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< (USS Boudicca - Observation Lounge - Capt Sevant - 0924) "We're at the coordinates, Captain." Sevant leaned forward in his chair, "All stop, and disengage the cloaking device." His CONN and Operations officer complied, bringing the Boudicca to a halt. Sevant waited a few moments and nothing happened... but he hadn't really expected it either. A lot of the rendezvous with the Flag Ship were taking place under situations like these. They could easily be in for a week long wait, even after taking so many months to get here. They'd been harassing the enemy, reaving along their supply lines. Sevant had been using his battle-group to destroy outposts, listening posts, small bases. No large battles had been fought, Boudicca had only been in a couple, but they were keeping the enemy in this area on their toes. The orders he had received had said to do just that, to harass the enemy, but to be at these coordinates on this Stardate. And so, they were. Sevant sat back in his chair again, "Maintain full sensor sweeps, be prepared to put us back under cloak and run at the first sign of a pro-" His Tactical officer interrupted with, "Ship decloaking off the port-bow! It's the Steel Talons!" The Captain quirked an eyebrow and stood, "Open a channel." The channel opened, briefly bypassing the holographic systems and reverting to a 'normal' flat screen image. Communications were one of the few things that the new 3-D main viewscreen didn't do well. The picture of a Bajoran woman filled the screen, her hair-cut severe and her expression no less hard. "Starfleet Vessel, prepare to receive a communiqué and a package." The Captain's eyebrow quirked slightly. She was obviously trying to protect communications security, just in case someone was listening in. Even so, her tone was brisk. He nodded even so, and sat back down in his command chair so he could read it on his screen. It was a short message, just a quick set of instructions. Sevant looked up from it after a moment, and then turned to his tactical officer. "Arrange for a momentary disruption in our shield harmonics along the 440 frequency band at exactly 0927. We'll be receiving a visitor." (reply: tactical, if desired) Sevant tapped his fingers; the time ordered was only a couple of minutes off. But it was a long two minutes. Finally, at the allotted time, his tactical officer said, "We've got a beam-trace..." Sevant was already standing up to head to Transporter Bay 1, so he was in a great position to see two security guards beam in, already in position in front of the door to the Observation lounge. His Tactical officer finished unnecessarily with, "... and they beamed into the Observation lounge and bridge." At least one of the bridge guards within range of Sevant's vision had pulled their weapon in response to this new unexpected threat, yet the beamed-over guard had only put his hand on a weapon in response. Apparently he was used to this reaction. "Everyone, drop your weapons." Sevant growled. "Mr. Stakes, you have the bridge." (reply: Stakes, any) (posted by Trout) (USS Boudicca - Bridge - TAC/ASC Ensign(jg) Lorak Laroon - 0926) "Maintain full sensor sweeps, be prepared to put us back under cloak and run at the first sign of a pro-" Sevant was saying when Lorak chimed in. "Ship decloaking off the port-bow! It's the Steel Talons!" He said to the Captain as he was looking at his tactical screen's and layouts. "Arrange for a momentary disruption in our shield harmonics along the 440 frequency band at exactly 0927. We'll be receiving a visitor." Were Lorak's next orders, He nodded and replied "Yes Sir shield harmonics will be disrupted along the 440 Frequency band at 0927 just long enough to obtain this package sir" Lorak was taping his screen here and there as he spoke. At the time given Lorak seen a blip on his tactical relay screen and quickly said "We've got a beam-trace..."... and they beamed into the Observation lounge and bridge." But he was a little to late in saying were the beam trace was going to as he said it anyways out of habit. Lorak looked up and was going to go for his weapon when he heard the Captain say "Everyone, drop your weapons. Mr. Stakes, you have the bridge." (reply Any) (posted by Jay) (USS Boudicca - Observation Lounge - Capt Sevant & Flt Admiral LoDona - 0928) Robert LoDona, Admiral of Starfleet and Commander of the 52nd Fleet, looked out upon the stars. They were Stars he knew, Stars he loved... Stars he was bathing in blood. He had been beamed directly into the observation lounge, his rank allowed him to bypass normal procedure... especially in times of war for his own protection. Two guards had come with him; both were now standing outside the doors to the Observation lounge, though he hated to do that. As a Captain, he'd have ripped the tongue out of any Admiral who'd tried to establish a beach head in any room on his command But, there was no choice. Already two officers had tried assassinating him. The doors opened, Robert just caught the reflection in the windows, but he didn't turn. From the far side of the room, a man cleared his throat and stepped forward. "Admiral, Welcome to the Boudicca." LoDona turned and looked at Sevant. The man's face was a maze of twisted scars; he'd gained a few more since the last time they'd spoken face to face. But then, so had they all. "Commodore Sevant, my compliments on your ship." He turned back to the Stars, "And on keeping her together so far. I trust she's in fighting shape?" There was a small rustle of material behind him, probably Sevant had settled into parade rest or something like it. It didn't matter; formality meant little to warriors on the Line at the moment of truth. Sevant said, "Given the time constraints, those in charge of her emergency refit did a commendable job. We have repaired what else we could, while harassing the enemy. The Boudicca is ready to fight." Robert continued looking out the window as he asked, "How do you like commanding a battle group?" The Vulcan remained silent for a few moments, and then said. "I think I am adequate to the task. Whether I like it or not is irrelevant, we're at war and my desires take second place to the greater good." LoDona's lips twitched in something dangerously resembling a smile, but it died quickly and he turned to face the combat Captain again. ~Adequate.~ he thought, coldly amused. ~You probably love it, follower of Sybok.~ "Good." Robert said. "Then you'll understand perfectly when I say you're getting a temporary promotion to Admiral and being put in command of the 19th Task Force." He pulled a small package out of his pocket and placed it on the observation room table Caladryll Sevant blinked once in reaction as he took the package, but that was about it. Robert did crack a smile this time, and said: "Your Task Force is gathering, it will be ready in one week. I have a mission for you to complete, one in which you will be more then simply 'adequate' at. It is, in fact, right up your alley. You will have that one week to formalize a plan." He pulled a PADD out of a small pocket in his jacket and handed it to Sevant, who placed it under his arm and nodded once for the Fleet Admiral to continue. "While you're waiting and planning, your old battlegroup will continue to harass the enemy, break their supply lines in preparation for an advance on Tellar and the rest of the unclaimed Core worlds. We have another fleet sitting at Andor and Vulcan, they're all too close to ignore. Don't let up on the forces in this area until our convoys are assembled and the troops ready to deploy. You have my full authorization to land convert away teams and destroy communications; to engage the enemy at will by any means possible, to use every dirty trick your Vulcan mind can conceive to tie the enemy up and keep them off balance for seven days. After that... things start getting interesting." He turned again and pointed, "That's the Tellarite system, that bright star at five o'clock. We're already so close to home..." he broke off for a moment, in thought. "Most of Doenitz's forces have bled away, sickened at his actions. Most of those left are the fanatical, his personal army of sorts. They will not give up, they will not surrender. In their hands, this is as personal as a Jihad- a holy war." He crossed his arms behind him, "We must never let up, never stop moving forward, or they'll rip out our throats. Even with the Klingons, our advantage in ships... we can't let up. He's got a lot of special projects brewing against this day..." The Admiral paused for a couple of seconds then said "In fact, you will be taking on a single passenger. We've got reports of a couple special ships in this area; you'll need to be aware of them and how to destroy them. This man is singularly suited to dealing with any other issues that might arise. He will have... some baggage to bring aboard. He'll brief you on it all when he arrives, which will be in twenty minutes standard." LoDona paused again, before saying, "You will show him every courtesy." "Aye sir." Came Sevant's response, almost predictably. "Anyway, Admiral." LoDona said as he turned. "I won't tell you congratulations, your orders would turn such a platitude to dust in my mouth- yours too, once you've read them. I'm fairly sure you'll be cursing my name once you're done reading. This one last week of raiding you'll be undergoing will seem like a picnic compared to your Task Force's ultimate goal. Instead, let me say this... do not fail." "Aye, Sir" Sevant said, coming to attention. The Fleet Admiral nodded, and then tapped his badge. "LoDona to Talons, beam us out." Sevant remained silent in the room for many long minutes, considering his situation, before tapping his own badge. "Sevant to Bridge, There will be a visitor within the next twenty minutes from the Steel Talons, show him directly to the observation lounge." He paused, "And I'm not to be disturbed for those twenty minutes for anything short of an invasion." (reply: any on the bridge) Caladryll placed his mission orders to the side and gently opened the package he had been given. There was a single PADD, which a quick glance showed were his official orders and promotion to Flag rank, and a small case. Sevant closed his eyes for a moment, then picked the case up and cracked it open. The rectangle surrounding a single pip - the rank insignia of a one star rear admiral, lay inside. He wasn't dreaming, though he could have wished he was. And if he hadn't dreamed LoDona promoting him, he could only imagine the Orders he had been given to plan for. His fingers played with the PADD holding his mission orders for many long moments before swift self-recrimination forced him to pick it up and face the destiny that had been chosen for him and his. (reply: FO, any) (posted by Trout) (USS Boudicca - Cargo Bay 1 - Capt Zachary Falthgood - 0945) Zach jumped off the largish piece of equipment he was standing on just as soon as the transporter beam let them go. Zach wasn't the only man who'd been beamed over with the multi-meter sized object under a heavy shroud; a small tactical team had gone with him, all of them in Tactical BDU and their weapons ready. "Alright, assume your positions." Zach growled a few seconds later. He looked up at the Officer of the Deck and bellowed, "You there, get your skinny butt over here!" The abused officer stepped up, looking haughty, and glancing at whatever Zach had under the shroud. Zach growled to himself, he'd seen that look far to many times over the last few months. "I'm under direct orders from LoDona. You know, the Fleet Admiral?" Zach said without preamble. "If anyone touches this here thing," he said as he patted the shrouded object. "Then I get to eat that person for lunch. Since red meat gives me gas, I'd rather not... but god help the person that goes against these orders. These soldiers have a License to kill; I trust I'm clear on that?" The officer of the Deck looked like he was trying to decide whether to be frightened or affronted. Zach shook his head and stood to his full seven and a half foot height. "Now," he said before that lowly officer could say much. "Take me to your Leader." (USS Boudicca - Observation Bay - Capt Zachary Falthgood & Admiral Sevant - 0952) "Admiral, good to see you again." Falthgood mouthed the platitude as he flopped down in one of the chairs in front of Sevant. Though there was little of the jokester left in him, and hadn't been for months, he still didn't care much for protocol. That was one thing that he had NEVER fooled around on. His personality might have been hollow and forced for years (well, he HAD grown fond of it), but some things never changed. Sevant, who had been reading a PADD, quirked his left eyebrow ever so slightly. "Falthgood," he said after inspecting the officer. "I expected you to have been pulled off the Nimitz. However, I never expected to see you on a ship of mine again." He didn't mention that one of the last times he'd really seen Falthgood; he'd been driven crazy with grief over the death of his wife and family. In fact, Falthgood might have been reading his mind, for the man said. "Last I really saw of you, Captain, we were kicking off this nice little war. By the way, you'll be happy to know the Nimitz is in good hands after you and Rivers left. Sash is more then competent, though he didn't take well to me and my... personality." "Neither did I." Sevant said. "However, I know Sash and we've worked together in the recent past." He quirked his head and looked at Falthgood, "Captain Rivers regained her rank; she's now in command of the Champlain." "I know." Falthgood said. "I've been kept abreast of just about everything happening in the fleet, which is probably one of the reasons LoDona decided to put me on your back, I can get you caught up quick in the next week before you take your Task Force on it's little errand." His smile was wan, "And if you run into things you can't deal with, I'm your insurance policy." "Care to explain?" "Nope." Falthgood said. "Need to know. You'll be given a brief later, when the rest of my effects have been beamed over from the Talons. I'll need to talk with most of the Senior Staff as well; there are a few things we'll need to go over." He folded his hands behind his head, "I'm not trying to be glib with you Admiral, these are orders from on high, and I've been operating under the highest secrecy possible for months." "I can well imagine." Sevant said, dryly. "Very well then," he said... but before he could continue, the door opened and his wife Victoria stepped in. She handed him a PADD with all due efficiency and professionalism, though a very gentle mental touch sent a small loving caress deep into his mind. He took the PADD with a nod and turned back to Falthgood, whose eyes were as wide as saucers, and his mouth was jacked open. If it was possible, his normally tan skin had turned almost paper white. The Admiral quirked an eyebrow, then he sucked in a breath and nodded once in understanding. The last time Falthgood had seen Victoria had been her funeral on the Nimitz. "That Victoria is from an alternate Universe." he said, with patient understanding. "Oh, I know." Falthgood said hoarsely. "I was the one who pulled her into this universe. But... I'd never seen her; I had only heard the name. I'd never connected her to you. Until now, she was just one of nineteen names of those pulled aboard the Mystique." The big man wiped his face with his paw-sized hands and visibly tried to get a hold of himself as Sevant's brow furrowed. He had been given almost no information on how Vicki had been pulled into this universe. But... that was a problem for later. "Alright, Mister Falthgood. We will arrange for a meeting between you and me later. In the mean time, I'm planning a Senior Staff meeting at 1200 hours, once I've had a chance to digest our orders. Is this agreeable?" Falthgood stood to his monstrous height and nodded, "Perfectly. Thank you Admiral." Sevant didn't move as the man ambled off, probably to speak with the Quartermaster and arrange for some quarters. Sevant looked back down at the PADD and closed his eyes; there was so much to be done. But first, he tapped his badge. "Sevant to Stakes, report to the Observation Lounge immediately. All Senior Officers, report to the Observation Lounge for a briefing at 1200 hours." (reply: Stakes, all) (posted by Trout) NRPG: That guy's certifiable. And why did he have to change the compile names? Huh? *shhhh* Come closer. No closer... Little closer Woah Too close, back off Okay, well as long as it's just you and me, I bet you he's not who we think he is. But don't tell him that.