NRPG: Compile Index: Mission Wagon Train Amongst the Stars Stardate 2408.06.17 Day 11 (USS Mithrandir- Engineering- Crewman Morgan Randell-1500) (USS Mithrandir - Deck 6 - SecO CPO 'Gil' Gilder - 1504) (USS Mithrandir - Counselors Office - Counsleor- Lt. Alosar - 1510) (USS Mithrandir - Bridge - FO Cmdr. Olorin Okita - 1629) (USS Mithrandir - Bridge - TAC/SC Lt (sg) Joan Shrekt - 1630) (New Eden - Planet's Capital City, Red Mansion - Prime Director, Dak Osiris - 1630) (USS Mithrandira - Engineering - ACEO Lanista - 1630) (USS Mithrandir - Personnel Quarters- ATac Ensign Ben Soma- 1632) (USS Mithrandir - Bridge - FO Cmdr. Olorin Okita - 1640) (USS Mithrandir - Engineering - ACEO Lanista - 1641) (USS Mithrandir - Bridge - TAC/SC Lt (sg) Joan Shrekt - 1645) (USS Mithrandir - Deck Three, Security - TAC/SC Lt (sg) Joan Shrekt - 1650) (USS Mithrandir -Outside Transporter Room 2-ATac Ensign Ben Soma-1650) (USS Mithrandir - Transporter Room 2 - ACEO Lanista - 1652) (USS Mithrandir, Main Security Office, Deck 3, Ensign sg Sanok, 1652) (USS Mithrandir - Deck Three, Security - TAC/SC Lt (sg) Joan Shrekt - 1653) (USS Mithrandir - Transporter Room 2 - ATac Ensign Ben Soma- 1654) (USS Mithrandir, Deck 3, Security, Ensign sg Sanok, 1654) (USS Mithrandir-A - Transporter Room 2 - ACEO Lanista - 1655) (USS Mithrandir-A - Transporter Room 2 - ATac Ensign Ben Soma -1656) (SS Wanderlust -Transport Room - ACEO Ens (sg) Lanista - 1657) (SS Wanderlust -Transport Room - ATac Ensign Ben Soma - 1658) (SS Wanderlust -Transport Room - ACEO Ens(SG) Lanista - 1659) (SS Wanderlust -Transport Room - ATac Ensign Ben Soma- 1700) (USS Mithrandir - Deck Three, Transporter Room Two - TAC/SC Lt (sg) Joan Shrekt - 1701) (New Eden - Red Mansion, Transporter Conduit One - TAC/SC Lt (sg) Joan Shrekt - 1703) (New Eden - Red Mansion, Transporter Conduit One - CoSF  Col. Troy Reville - 1704) (New Eden, Red Mansion, Transporter Conduit One, Ensign sg Sanok, 1705) (USS Mithrandir - Two-Port - OPS Ensign Kit Spero and Tommy Tucker - 1805) RPG: >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Mission Wagon Train Amongst the Stars Stardate 2408.06.17 Day 11 <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< (USS Mithrandir- Engineering- Crewman Morgan Randell-1500) Morgan was finishing a diagnostic on the computer core, just wanting to make sure everything was as it should be. He was still getting used to the differences between the Dennison and the Mithrandir and there were quite a few, he speculated that you could put a dozen Nova class ships like the Mithrandir into the Dennison and still have a little room left over. Other than a few minor things the ship was ready to face whatever was out there, he hoped that this mission would be unlike the mission to Maltoria. Things hadn't gone very smoothly with that mission. They had lost the saucer section in an attempt to pursue a ship that held Commander West. Engineering was not as spacious on their new ship as on the previous ship, everything was crammed into a smaller room, it functioned just as efficiently but somehow didn't feel the same to him. They had lost many of their staff and Morgan could only guess as to how he managed to remain on board. He figured that Chief Freeman and maybe Ensign Lanista requested that he remain as part of the team, he was a competent engineer with his head on straight. He never had top marks at the academy but he did know how to punch a hard day’s work. He looked around Engineering taking notice to how empty the area seemed, he was used to seeing more people moving around. Just another thing he was going to have to get used to. At least on this new ship they would not be on the front lines, the Mithrandir was a scientific vessel, an explorer, not a battleship as the Dennison was. Glancing at the chronometer he noticed his shift was about to end, he had no plans for the evening so maybe he would check back in a few hours to see if there was anything that he could do. He looked forward to a shower and a couple hours to catch up on some of the technical manuals that he had subscribed to, it was always a good idea to keep on top of things. (reply any) (posted by Milo Young) (USS Mithrandir - Deck 6 - SecO CPO 'Gil' Gilder - 1504) Gil strolled along the corridor. It was his off-duty period and he had hoped to ask Kit for a game of racquetball in the holodeck but she wasn't in her quarters. When he'd sounded the doorchime a strange voice had squawked (there was no other word for it) "nuqneH" through the intercom, but he had been unable to make further sense of it. In the end he'd given up and walked away. He rounded the corner and was almost knocked flying by something furry moving very fast. Catching his breath, Gil looked down at his assailant. "Oops," Montro said, looking up at Gil.  "Sorry, are you okay?" "I'm fine," Gil said to the Operations crewman. He had met Montro a couple of times, and found him likeable, although by all accounts very nearly as accident-prone as Abu Nighy. Gil had had the somewhat dubious pleasure of being rostered with Nighy a few times. He looked at Montro curiously, the Logren's eyes kept flicking back down the corridor in the direction he had come from. "Are you OK?" he asked. "Is someone chasing you?" Gil asked. The he frowned and stared behind Montro. "Uh, Montro, is that a squirrel behind you?" Just then, the squirrel leapt in the air and vanished. A few seconds later there was a squawk and the squirrel reappeared, chittering. Gil blinked, but he knew what he'd seen. And squirrels didn't just vanished into thin air, so that meant something was going on. What, he had no idea, but he was going to find out. Of course, squirrels didn't usually stroll along the corridors of starships either. Putting his hands on his hips, Gil said sternly, "Something you want to tell me, Crewman Montro?" (Reply Montro, any) (Posted by Liz) (USS Mithrandir - Counselors Office - Counsleor- Lt. Alosar - 1510) Alosar had been going through the psychological profiles that had been arranged for him.  He really hadn't been at it that long, only three hours, when he had his first interruption.  A lesser Vulcan might have been... irritated.  However, Alosar had come to the conclusion that humans prided themselves at their ability to interrupt important work.  So he simply accepted the interruption as inevitable. =^=Captain Stakes to Counsellor Alosar. Counsellor, how good are you with funny?=^= The question quite caught the Counselor off guard.  It was, perhaps not the last, but pretty close to the last question that he would have expected anyone to ask him. He tapped his comm badge, "Funny Captain? I am uncertain as to your meaning.  Humor is such an emotional state.  It is difficult to know whether one is being humorous or not at times as it often requires the use of misdirection or untruths.  I would have to say that in that frame, I am not very good with funny.  Did you have a joke that you wished my input on?  I could direct you to some crewmen who have a rather highly, almost overly, developed sense of humor." (reply Stakes) (posted by Al Muir) (USS Mithrandir - Bridge - FO Cmdr. Olorin Okita - 1629) Olorin was pleased with the exchange so far.  The Captain was busy, so he had been forced to speak with the director.  When it came to the request to get engineers onto the freighters, the director said, =/\=I have no objection, Commander.  Have you discussed it with your Captain?=/\= "Yes, I have.  But I felt it simply polite to speak with you first, Prime Director." replied Olorin.  "I shall have a team sent out to see what they can do about making the freighter engines more efficient and stable." Olorin then proceeded to bring up the disturbance they had detected.  He could understand the director not wanting to be forthcoming, but he was impressed with his candor.  He exchanged glances with Lieutenant Shrekt, who also seemed to be keenly interested in this part of the conversation. When the director finished speaking, Olorin nodded.  "Might you be willing to speak with my Security chief?  She will need to be appraised of the situation in the event that it escalates while we are in transit." inquired Olorin. (Reply Dak, room for as much as you want Sal) =/\=If my presence aboard your ship is required, I will be happy to oblige, Commander.=/\= said Dak. "It is not, Prime Director.  I do not wish to disturb you in your evacuations.  If there is any way that we can be of assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us." said Olorin. (Reply Dak) When the conversation came to an end, Olorin sat back and stared at the planet that now filled the Main Screen.  After a moment, he told Lieutenant Shrekt, "I'm sending Ensign Soma and Lanista over to the freighters to do an inspection of their engines and to get a sense of the climate there." Shrekt nodded, "I will inform Ensign Soma." "And I, Ensign Lanista. Seventeen hundred hours in transporter room two, Lieutenant." Olorin stated. "Understood," said Shrekt, who turned back to her console. Olorin activated the comm and said, "Okita to Lanista." (reply Lanista) "Ensign, I need you to do a survey of the freighter fleet.  You are to find out the state of their engines and to see what modifications can be made within our time frame.  We are scheduled to depart in three days, Ensign, so don't go overboard.  Take an extra pair of hands, you'll be joined by Ensign Soma at 1700 hours in transporter room two.  Any questions?" asked Olorin. (Reply Lanista) "Report to me as soon as you have completed your survey." said Olorin. (Reply Dak, Lanista, Any) (posted by Kaweo Kanoho) (USS Mithrandir - Bridge - TAC/SC Lt (sg) Joan Shrekt - 1630) Shrekt sat pensively in her seat, as she listened to the conversation between Okita and the Prime Director.  She was particularly concerned about the Director's characterization of the incident that she had detected.  It did not seem like a small incident and a life was lost.  Granted on a planet that was ending its life, one life may have seemed small in comparison, but Shrekt would not easily brook such a loss, however small. When the conversation was over, the commander told her his plan.  She returned to her console and activated the comm system. "Shrekt to Soma," she said. (Reply Soma) Shrekt said, "Ensign, I need you to escort Ensign Lanista on a tour of the colonial freighters.  I want you to assist her in her endeavor, but I also wish you to keep your eyes and ears open.  I need you to ascertain the climate on the freighters.  We detected an incident on the planet that would seem to imply that it may not be a smooth ride should tempers flare while we're in transit.  Any questions?" (Reply Soma) "Be at Transporter Room Two by 1700 hours.  Do not do anything foolish, this is a sightseeing expedition only.  Understood?" asked Shrekt. (Reply Soma) (Reply Soma, Any) (posted by Kaweo Kanoho) (New Eden - Planet's Capital City, Red Mansion - Prime Director, Dak Osiris - 1630) Commander Okita told Dak he'd spoken with Stakes about the freighters needing repair and that he'd send out a team to see what they could do about making the freighter engines more efficient and stable. Gratefully, the Prime Director smiled and thanked him after which they discussed what Okita thought had been a riot, Dak disagreed that it had been a riot, to him it was a protest gone haywire and unfortunately a teenage girl had been killed.  He also expressed his thoughts that it was engineered by his political opponents to undermine him, in order to wrest his position from him. When Dak finished speaking, Okita nodded.  =/\= Might you be willing to speak with my Security chief?  She will need to be appraised of the situation in the event that it escalates while we are in transit. =/\= He asked. "I see.  Well if you think it is necessary of course I will speak with her, but be assured that whether or not more hostility occurs, the Transporter facilities and freighters are well guarded, no harm will come to your away team.  I recommend that you have them beamed directly to Transporter Conduit 1 in the grounds of the Red Mansion." Dak really didn't see what talking to the security chief could do, he already had his own top notch security forces taking steps to investigate matters and prevent things from getting out of hand, but if it would keep Captain Stakes and Commander Okita satisfied, he would do whatever they asked, providing he felt it was acceptable. "When can we expect your team to arrive?" (Reply Okita RFM) "I will have my Chief of Security Forces, Colonel Raville await their arrival."  Dak told the Commander and then he remembered that Okita had asked if he wished to go to the ship and talk things over.   "If my presence aboard your ship is required, I will be happy to oblige, Commander." said Dak, prepared to do whatever was necessary, however his presence was not required, but Okita offered their assistance if he should need it. Dak nodded, "Thank you Commander, be assured I will not hesitate to do so, if necessary.  Farewell." Leaning forward, Dak pressed the 'end transmission' switch and the screen went blank and slid back down into its recess in his massive desk.  He then pressed another switch that linked him with his personal Aide, Richard Onest. "Richard, have my chief of security made aware that an away team of engineers is due to arrive shortly to look over the freighters systems, he is to make sure they're well taken care of, I don't want any harm coming to any of them.  They will be beaming down to TC 1." =/\= Of course, Prime Director. =/\= Came the reply and the connection was severed. (Reply Okita, Any) (posted by Sal) (USS Mithrandira - Engineering - ACEO Lanista - 1630) Lanista was in her glory. There were things to do and not enough time. If there were not enough supplies and the equipment with which she had to work were faulty, things would have been even more like Back-Home. She was alternately signing an opera and cursing (in Klingon and Vulcan, and occasionally in Vulgon - a combination of the two languages she'd grown up speaking). The projects to hand included the holo-effort's back-up generator, the microprobe 'starburst' launcher, various reconfigurations of compartment space, gamma-welding Dr. Gemill's quarters shut (with him inside, if that could be achieved) and of course disabling the Brig before playing a prank on the Doctor... The RCS thrusters had been fixed long ago, then again, then again after that. "Whoever designed this piece of ... equipment ... should be shot, buried, exhumed, then shot again!" (Reply any in Engineering, if any) This was what Lanista was dealing with when she heard: =/\=Okita to Lanista.=/\= ~Which will it be this time?~ she wondered. ~More power to shields, or Even more power to shields.~ Those were common Bridge-made requests. As it turned out, neither of those requests were voiced. =/\=Ensign, I need you to do a survey of the freighter fleet. You are to find out the state of their engines and to see what modifications can be made within our time frame. We are scheduled to depart in three days, Ensign, so don't go overboard. Take an extra pair of hands, you'll be joined by Ensign Soma at 1700 hours in transporter room two. Any questions?=/\= "Questions? Yes, sir. Wouldn't going overboard require an EVA suit?" Lanista joked. She immediately regretted it. Olorin didn't seem to have much of a sense of humor to the ACEO. "No problems, sir. I will handle it. Regulations require checking in at least once every 24 hours. I will keep you informed." (Reply Okita, any) (Posted by Frank) (USS Mithrandir - Personnel Quarters- ATac Ensign Ben Soma- 1632) Ben had been staring at the computer terminal in his quarters digesting whatever information that was available about their current mission as well as the task of training the new holo security officers. He was about to grab a cup of coffee from the replicator when his comm badge signalled an incoming call, =/\=Shrekt to Soma,=/\= "Go ahead Lieutenant. " =/\=Ensign, I need you to escort Ensign Lanista on a tour of the colonial freighters.  I want you to assist her in her endeavor, but I also wish you to keep your eyes and ears open.  I need you to ascertain the climate on the freighters.  We detected an incident on the planet that would seem to imply that it may not be a smooth ride should tempers flare while we're in transit.  Any questions?=/\= "Shall I leave the phasers in the armoury?" Ben asked knowing the answer to the question but just asking it to be throughout. =/\=Be at Transporter Room Two by 1700 hours.  Do not do anything foolish, this is a sightseeing expedition only.  Understood?=/\= asked Shrekt. "Loud and clear Lieutenant." Replied Ben glancing at the chronometer, he had twenty minutes to get to the transporter room. (reply Shrekt iyw) Ben hadn't officially met Ensign Lanista and decided to pull up her record to see just who it was he would be escorting on the away mission. Ensign Lanista was a Klingon/Vulcan hybrid, her height was 7'4", Ben would have to look up to speak with her. She was also the assistant chief engineer on the Mithrandir which explained why she was going to look at the freighters rather than another engineer. Glancing quickly over her background information Ben deactivated the terminal and headed out to the Transporter room. (reply any) (posted by Milo Young) (USS Mithrandir - Bridge - FO Cmdr. Olorin Okita - 1640) =/\=When can we expect your team to arrive?=/\= asked Dak. Olorin glanced over at Shrekt and she raised a solitary finger.  He nodded and said, "She will be there within an hour, Prime Director." Their conversation continued and soon came to a conclusion.  When the screen went blank, Olorin began issuing orders. =/\=Questions? Yes, sir. Wouldn't going overboard require an EVA suit?=/\= asked the assistant Chief Engineer. Olorin blinked a bit a little surprised and replied in mock seriousness, "You may wish to take an EVA suit, Ensign.  I do not know that the Freighter Captains or Engineers have my patience.  But rest assured that should you find yourself out an airlock, we will send someone for you....eventually." (Reply Lanista) "Then get to it!" ordered Olorin. =/\=No problems, sir. I will handle it. Regulations require checking in at least once every 24 hours. I will keep you informed.=/\= When the line went dead, he turned to Shrekt. "Be careful Lieutenant.  No starting any wars.  I am certain the Prime Director has a capable crew and he is ultimately responsible to his people.  But during this jaunt across the expanse they are our responsibility.  Do not be too intrusive.  Just get what you need and be as helpful as possible." Olorin said, sternly, knowing the Lieutenant had a reputation for being a little hard headed and hot tempered at times. "Of course," said Shrekt accompanied with a bow of her head, as she rose to head to security. Olorin nodded as he turned his attention back to the freighters.  The situation was not quite what they had expected from the initial briefing.  As if the expanse would not bring its own challenges, it was possible that a mutiny aboard the freighters could endanger the ragtag fleet.  He began to review the data that was being collected so that the captain could meet with the freighter captains to inform them the procedures of going through the expanse. (Reply Lanista, Any) (posted by Kaweo Kanoho) (USS Mithrandir - Engineering - ACEO Lanista - 1641) Lanista grinned at the evident facetiousness in Olorin's response: "You may wish to take an EVA suit, Ensign. I do not know that the Freighter Captains or Engineers have my patience. But rest assured that should you find yourself out an airlock, we will send someone for you....eventually." "Don't worry. Should it come to it, I won't be going out an airlock alone. But that's not what this assignment is about, is it?" Lanista said. "I'll go over, fix whatever's busted and get back." "Then get to it!" ordered Olorin. Lanista tapped her combadge. =/\=nuqneH=/\=, it said. The ACEO had reprogrammed hers to cease its tribble-like chirping. "Lanista to Soma, I'll see you in Transporter Room 2, Deck 03, Port/Forward." (Reply Soma. NRPG: I believe Lanista knows already who she's going on an away mission with. If not, this can be amended.) "Lanista to Medical," she said, tapping the only Starfleet communicator that said "What do you want?" in Klingon when you touched it. "Can someone come down here and look at the biological components of the ANPF? I'll be off-ship, shortly and indefinitely, and I require an estimation by a Medical professional." (Reply Nymes/LMH/Any in Medical) With that, Lanista made for Transport Room 2. (Replies: Soma; Medical; Any) (Posted by Frank) (USS Mithrandir - Bridge - TAC/SC Lt (sg) Joan Shrekt - 1645) Shrekt walked along the corridor for the turbolift.  As she did so, she tapped her commbadge and said, "Shrekt to Sanok" (Reply Sanok) "Meet me at Security.  We're going planetside.  Shrekt out." she said, as she stepped into the turbolift.  "Deck Three" (USS Mithrandir, Personal Quarters, Ensign sg Sanok, 1646) "Shrekt to Sanok." In his quarters meditating, Sanok slowly opened his eyes. "This is Sanok." "Meet me at Security.  We're going planet-side.  Shrekt out." "Aye, Lieutenant," said Sanok.  Getting up from his knees, Sanok blew out his meditation candle and removed the robe he was wearing. Smoothing his rumpled hair, he left for the main security office. (USS Mithrandir - Deck Three, Security - TAC/SC Lt (sg) Joan Shrekt - 1650) Shrekt arrived at security to see one of her officers at station.  She nodded in his direction, as she went to sit at an empty console.  She reviewed the pertinent data on the planet once more while she waited for Sanok to arrive. ~I suppose a phaser rifle would be inappropriate,~ she thought, as she considered various options in quelling a possible riot onboard a freighter. (reply Sanok, Any) (posted by Kaweo Kanoho) (USS Mithrandir -Outside Transporter Room 2-ATac Ensign Ben Soma-1650) Ben was approaching the door to the transporter room when his commbadge signaled an incoming message, =/\=Lanista to Soma, I'll see you in Transporter Room 2, Deck 03, Port/Forward.=/\= Ben tapped his comm badge and replied, "I'm just about to enter Transporter Room 2, I'll see you when you arrive." Ben tapped his badge again cutting the link with Ensign Lanista. He was curious as to how this assignment would proceed and how the freighter crew would react to her. This was the first time that he was sent on a mission as the lone security officer. But seeing there was no foreseeable danger the extra security was probably unnecessary, they were only going over to observe and make whatever repairs would be necessary. The convoy could only be described as "rag tag". The ships were not chosen on the basis of speed only cargo capacity. He stepped into the range of the doors sensor and stepped through when it entered. Nodding to the crewman on duty he stepped up onto the transporter platform and awaited the arrival of Ensign Lanista. With a little luck they would complete the necessary repairs without incident and return to the Mithrandir without any trouble. (reply any) (posted By Milo Young) (USS Mithrandir - Transporter Room 2 - ACEO Lanista - 1652) =/\=I'm just about to enter Transporter Room 2, I'll see you when you arrive,=/\= came Soma's voice from combadge. Lanista didn't acknowledge the signal since Soma had been responding to her in the first place. She proceeded to the XPRTR. When she entered the room she grinned at prospect of being able to get cracking at the barely self-mobile space junk she had earlier looked at from one of the portals on the lower decks of the Mithrandir. "Ready?" she said to Soma. "They don't build 'em like they used to, huh? Remember, shoot first as questions via spirit medium." She smiled a big Klingon smile and chuckled. (Reply Soma) (Posted by Frank) (USS Mithrandir, Main Security Office, Deck 3, Ensign sg Sanok, 1652) Sanok entered main security and spotted Lieutenant Shrekt at one of the consoles, studying a report.  Stopping in front of her, he reported in. "I am ready to transport to the planet." (Reply Shrekt) (Posted by Bob) (USS Mithrandir - Deck Three, Security - TAC/SC Lt (sg) Joan Shrekt - 1653) The ensign was quite efficient and now stood before Shrekt ready to go.  He seemed almost eager, which she could understand.  Although she was surprised by his lack of curiosity regarding their trip down to the planet. "Have you had an opportunity to review the information on New Eden, Ensign?" asked Shrekt, as she looked up at him. (Reply Sanok) "We recently detected a riot on the planet.  The Prime Director assures us it is a minor squabble and that his own security forces have it under control.  However, during this journey the Mithrandir will be responsible for the overall safety of the fleet.  Commander Okita wants us to meet with his security forces to get a better understanding of the situation.  While I am certain the Prime Director has a top notch security team, they will be divided over the numerous ships and may have greater difficulty in dealing with dissidents once we are underway." said Shrekt. She paused as she retrieved two tri-corders and handed one to Sanok. "It's an information gathering expedition, Ensign.  I have sent Ensign Soma to gather similar information aboard the freighters.  Hopefully the situation is not as bad as it appears and that we shall have nothing to do but keep a watchful eye.  Any questions?" Shrekt asked, as she stood. (Reply Sanok) (USS Mithrandir - Transporter Room 2 - ATac Ensign Ben Soma- 1654) "Ready?" she said to Soma. "They don't build 'em like they used to, huh? Remember, shoot first as questions via spirit medium." She smiled a big Klingon smile and chuckled Ben regarded the tall ACEO for a moment before responding. Ben hadn't figured Klingon's to humorous and knew Vulcan's were not, so why was Lanista smiling and chuckling? "We are to observe and complete the necessary repairs, Ensign, not look for a fire fight. Unless I misunderstood our orders.  And as for "not building them like they used to", if you are referring to the freighters I'd say thank God or Kahless or whatever deity you like to pray to that they do not." Ben said not sure as to how his remarks would be taken by the Klingon/Vulcan hybrid. He knew that Klingon's often used such statements to gauge an individual’s worth as a warrior or possible prey. (reply Lanista) "Very well, Shall we beam over and begin our inspection of the Convoy?" He asked motioning to a vacant spot beside him, hoping he hadn't gotten off on the wrong foot with the rather large female standing in front of him. (reply Lanista) (posted by Milo Young) (USS Mithrandir, Deck 3, Security, Ensign sg Sanok, 1654) "Have you had an opportunity to review the information on New Eden, Ensign?" asked Shrekt. "Of course, Lieutenant.  I read the entire file," said Sanok. Shrekt went on to explain that there had been a riot in one of the refugee camps in the capital city.  The Prime Director of New Eden had given assurances that things were under control, but Shrekt wasn't taking any chances.  They were responsible for the safe removal and transfer of the populace. Shrekt paused and handed Sanok a tricorder. "It's an information-gathering expedition, Ensign.  I have sent Ensign Soma to gather similar information aboard the freighters.  Hopefully, the situation is not as bad as it appears and that we shall have nothing to do, but keep a watchful eye.  Any questions?" "No, sir.  No questions," said Sanok. (USS Mithrandir-A - Transporter Room 2 - ACEO Lanista - 1655) Soma looked confused, or dismayed, or both, at Lanista's making light of the situation. He said, "We are to observe and complete the necessary repairs, Ensign, not look for a fire fight. Unless I misunderstood our orders. And as for "not building them like they used to", if you are referring to the freighters I'd say thank God or Kahless or whatever deity you like to pray to that they do not." "I think I'm supposed to complete the necessary repairs. I think you're along to make sure I don't kill anything or steal anyone," she said with a wink, still with reason to smile. Soma hadn't missed the point of her joking. "Very well, Shall we beam over and begin our inspection of the Convoy?" He asked motioning to a vacant spot beside him, hoping he hadn't gotten off on the wrong foot with the rather large female standing in front of him. "Personally, I prefer Kortar, the ferryman of the Barge of the Dead. You?" asked the ACEO as she moved to the pad Soma had indicated. (Reply Soma) (Posted by Frank) (USS Mithrandir-A - Transporter Room 2 - ATac Ensign Ben Soma-1656) "Personally, I prefer Kortar, the ferryman of the Barge of the Dead. You?" asked the ACEO as she moved to the pad Soma had indicated. Ben thought back to what he knew of Klingon mythology, Kortar- the barge of the dead- oh yes, he ferried dishonoured Klingon souls to the gates of Grethor. Why would anyone with Klingon blood coursing through their veins pray to him. "Interesting choice, not one I would choose myself. To each their own I guess." Ben said in reply. "I do not pray to any deity perse, I consider myself a free spirit. Whoever claims my soul after my passing is of little consequence to me." Ben nodded to the crewman to begin the transport cycle, glancing at Lanista he added, “Perhaps this would be a conversation to pursue at a later date." (reply Lanista iyw) (posted my Milo Young) (SS Wanderlust -Transport Room - ACEO Ens (sg) Lanista - 1657) Lanista and Soma materialized on the first ship to be inspected just after Soma had said "Perhaps this would be a conversation pursue at a later date." And Soma had commented on Lanista's mention of Kortar just before that. "Why pursue it later?" The ACEO looked down toward Soma and said, "I know what you're probably thinking. Why would a Klingon worship Kortar? Believe me, I heard that all through the Academy. Well, in the first place, I don't exactly worship anyone. But, since I doubt I have any chance of getting into Sto-vo-Kor,.. this colony we're to save is called 'New Eden' I figure that's as close as I’m going to get to QI'tu'... I figure occasionally making some metaphysical overture to the ferryman makes sense. If I'm not getting into Sto-vo-Kor, maybe I can appease him enough to keep me out of Gre'thor." Lanista approached the nearest freighter crewperson. "Your engineering?" she said. (Reply Wanderlust Personnel) (Reply Soma, Wanderlust Personnel, any) (Posted by Frank) (SS Wanderlust -Transport Room - ATac Ensign Ben Soma - 1658) Ben and Lanista had materialized on board one of the freighters, it was nothing like he expected. The placed seemed untidy with tools lying over the floor and a bunch of cables hanging out of an access port. It seemed that the crew had their work cut out for them keeping this crate flying. "Why pursue it later?" The ACEO looked down toward Soma and said, "I know what you're probably thinking. Why would a Klingon worship Kortar? Believe me, I heard that all through the Academy. Well, in the first place, I don't exactly worship anyone. But, since I doubt I have any chance of getting into Sto-vo-Kor,.. this colony we're to save is called 'New Eden' I figure that's as close as Iâ'm going to get to QI'tu'... I figure occasionally making some metaphysical overture to the ferryman makes sense. If I'm not getting into Sto-vo-Kor, maybe I can appease him enough to keep me out of Gre'thor." “It was my understanding that if a warrior does not enter Sto-vo-Kor that only left Gre'thor, or perhaps I am mistaken." Ben said as Lanista approached a crewman who upon seeing her was unsure whether he should run or cower in her presence, perhaps this would be a very interesting assignment.  "Your engineering?" she said. The poor crewman could only point in the appropriate direction, it appeared that he could not trust himself to speak for fear that he would somehow enrage her. Ben stifled a chuckle into his uniform sleeve hoping to cover it up as a cough. He began to follow Lanista as she headed off in the direction indicated. “Tell me, do you often invoke that response in others?" Ben asked looking to change the subject to something other than the afterlife. He turned around and noticed the crewman was still staring at them as they left the area in search of the freighters engineering section. (reply Lanista, any on board SS Wanderlust) (posted by Milo Young) (SS Wanderlust -Transport Room - ACEO Ens(SG) Lanista - 1659) Lanista noted that Soma had seemed a bit surprised upon arrival aboard and she spent a while silently musing about the cause for that. The freighter itself couldn't be the issue for him. He'd almost certainly been more a freighter before. (The scattered work implements and hanging cables struck Lani' as perfectly normal, owing to her privateering days aboard her father's ship the Chalche'yon. So it didn't occur to the ACEO that this could be what Soma found odd.) Soma reacted a bit to Lani's gruff approach with the Wanderlust Crewman. Certainly Soma wasn't surprised by her gruffness. It was rather obvious she was Klingon, and Klingons were not known for pleasantries. Lani noticed Soma cough into one of his sleeves. She sniffed the air but could detect nothing particularly unusual. Perhaps the SEC Officer had an allergy... As Lanista and Soma walked, she considered her respons to Soma's saying, "It was my understanding that if a warrior does not enter Sto-vo-Kor that only left Gre'thor, or perhaps I am mistaken." Lani' had explained why she venerated Kortar, at least in part. "Well," she said, "you're right as far as the whole duality of Heaven and Hell. But there are other aspects to the Klingon paranormal than most people know. More than even some Klingons will acknowledge. I like the idea of the Black Fleet. Whatever is done under the naked stars is remembered forever. That sort of thing. The Black Fleet is ... a space-faring Terran Valhalla. I always fantasized about leading a mutiny on Kortar's Barge, taking over the ferryboat, and going 'a-viking' through the afterlife." (Reply Soma) The TAC/SEC Officer then added, "Tell me, do you often invoke that response in others?" Ben asked, referring to the Wanderlustman's reaction. "What? The fight or flight response? Yes," Lanista answered, holding her right hand near her hairline. "Comes with the heritage." Lani' grinned. She was proud of her size, and had never hidden that fact. Of course, her size made hiding things difficult generally. She tapped her combadge then and said, "Lanista to Mithrandira, we're aboard. Lanista out." (Reply Soma, Wanderlust Personnel, any) (Posted by Frank) (SS Wanderlust -Transport Room - ATac Ensign Ben Soma- 1700) "Well," she said, "you're right as far as the whole duality of Heaven and Hell. But there are other aspects to the Klingon paranormal than most people know.  More than even some Klingon's will acknowledge. I like the idea of the Black Fleet. Whatever is done under the naked stars is remembered forever. That sort of thing. The Black Fleet is ... a space-faring Terran Valhalla. I always fantasized about leading a mutiny on Kortar's Barge, taking over the ferryboat, and going 'a-viking' through the afterlife." Ben considered that statement for a while, a mutiny aboard the Barge of the Dead, that would be something to see. “I would like to see the result of that mutiny." Ben said. ”How would you dispose of Kotar, you can't kill what is already dead." (reply Lanista) "Tell me, do you often invoke that response in others?" Ben asked, referring to the Wanderlustman's reaction. "What? The fight or flight response? Yes," Lanista answered, holding her right hand near her hairline. "Comes with the heritage." Lani' grinned. She tapped her combadge then and said, "Lanista to Mithrandira, we're aboard. Lanista out." Ben looked around at the disarray strewn around the freighter, his family's freighter was never like this. His parents made sure that everything was in peak operating order before they left orbit. There had only been a couple occasions when an access panel had to be pulled, mostly just to replace a relay or data shunt. Ensign Lanista seemed to take everything in stride, he had heard that Klingon's were less then meticulous with their domestic habits. Ben had never been aboard a Klingon ship before so he could only take the stories at face value. He would not insult her by asking if she was comfortable is such a mess. "You do appear somewhat intimidating on a first meeting. That poor crewman back there will probably have nightmares tonight when he turns in, no disrespect intended." Ben said hoping he hadn't offended Lanista, one does not offend a Klingon without consequences, but on the other hand one cannot offend a Vulcan, so maybe she would dismiss the remark. (reply Lanista) (posted by Milo Young) (USS Mithrandir - Deck Three, Transporter Room Two - TAC/SC Lt (sg) Joan Shrekt - 1701) The engineering team with Soma had already left and Shrekt stepped onto the transporter padd.  Once Sanok had joined her she said, "We're headed to the Transporter Conduit One at the Red Mansion." The transporter operator entered in the coordinates and looked up when she was ready. "Energize." Shrekt said. The image of the transporter room disappeared as she was surrounded by sparkling light. (New Eden - Red Mansion, Transporter Conduit One - TAC/SC Lt (sg) Joan Shrekt - 1703) The planet unfolded before her, as Shrekt solidified.  When the transport was complete, she found someone standing in front of her. "Lieutenant Shrekt of the USS Mithrandir, this is Ensign Sanok," Shrekt said. (Reply New Edenite) (Reply Sanok, New Edenite, Any) (posted by Kaweo Kanoho) (New Eden - Red Mansion, Transporter Conduit One - CoSF  Col. Troy Reville - 1704) "Energizing now Colonel."  The transporter operator informed him, to which Reville gave a curt nod, his gaze never wavering from the transporter pad before him. Behind him and to his left, six security guards were lined up and standing at ease, though prepared for anything. At 53 years of age, he stood tall and erect at 6' 4" with a compact, muscled body that didn't have one ounce of extra fat on it due to his rigorous work out schedules and hands on service.  He kept himself in tip top condition and expected the same of his subordinates.  His close cropped and once dark brown hair, was now silver with traces of darker hair that ran in a stripe from the middle of his forehead to the nape of his neck.  His face was craggy, square chinned and deeply tanned and lined from spending as much time as possible outdoors.  He was a career man through and through who had worked his way up through the ranks from the age of 18 when he'd joined up as a lowly private. Slung from his shoulder was a phaser rifle and he looked casual enough, but he was also prepared for any trouble. When the transport was completed, he found a good looking woman standing before him, almost a head shorter than him, with auburn hair and vivid blue eyes.  She had a determined almost stern look to her face and looked to be about his age, probably a few years younger.  Beside her stood a Vulcan male, he looked young but Troy knew all too well that Vulcans aged much more slowly than humans.  He was almost eye to eye in height with the Colonel. The woman wasted no time introducing herself and her companion. "Lieutenant Shrekt of the USS Mithrandir, this is Ensign Sanok," She said. Reville thrust out his right hand to shake her's and then lifted his hand in the traditional Vulcan salute, he also knew that almost all Vulcans didn't take kindly to physical contact. "Pleased to meet you Lieutenant Shrekt, Mister Sanok.  Welcome to New Eden, it's a shame you couldn't have seen her in her glory days, she truly was an Eden before this moon falling business." He turned and nodded to his six man detail as he led the guests away from the transporter conduit and they fell in to honorary guard position on either side and to the rear. "I have been ordered to aid you in any way I can, Lieutenant, just let me know in what ways." (Reply Shrekt, Sanok, Any) (posted by Sal) (New Eden, Red Mansion, Transporter Conduit One, Ensign sg Sanok, 1705) Sanok and Shrekt materialized on New Eden.  Sanok studied the surroundings, without making it obvious that he was.  Everything seemed in order. After introductions and greetings were made, the man in charge, Colonel Reville said, "Welcome to New Eden.  It's a shame you couldn't have seen her in her glory days.  She truly was an Eden, before this moon-falling business." Sanok never understood why so many species spoke of inanimate things, as a he or a she.  It just wasn't logical. "I have been ordered to aid you in any way I can, Lieutenant.  Just let me know in what ways," said Reville. So far, no need to be concerned, thought Sanok.  It was logical, of course.  Those governing wanted and needed the help the Mithrandir was bringing.  They wanted things to go well.  Anyone that had ulterior motives, would not be part of that inner group.  Sanok wanted to see the refugees camps for himself.  He wanted to mingle with the general populace.  Perhaps he could learn why there had been a riot.  He would 'disappear' at his earliest opportunity. (Reply Shrekt, Reville, Any) (Posted by Bob) (USS Mithrandir - Two-Port - OPS Ensign Kit Spero and Tommy Tucker - 1805) Kit thanked the waiter as he brought her tray to the table, carefully chosen by Kit to position herself with her back to the bottle mounted on the wall commemorating the Dennison. She had no wish to be reminded of the ship; she had spent very little time on there, none of it particularly enjoyable. So far, the Mithrandir was more interesting; with fewer people aboard she had got to know most of them pretty well by now. Her fellow-officers she was of course familiar with from meetings, and the rest of the crew she had met in off-duty hours, mostly in Two-Port, the new mess-hall. Or as most people now referred to it since a sign had mysteriously 'appeared' on the wall, Hard2Port. Kit had her own ideas who had placed it there but since no one had admitted it, she wasn't about to say what they were. So far she had managed to roster Montro onto shifts other than her own on a fairly regular basis. It wasn't that she disliked the Logren, far from it, but it made for a more peaceful duty shift if he was 'assisting' elsewhere. Still he was a cheerful off-duty companion and Kit was quite fond of him, actively seeking him out if she saw him in Hard2Port when she came in. He had an odd habit of vanishing though, and Kit was puzzled as to where. Or why, for that matter. She put the orange and banana she had selected for dessert to one side for later, and her glass of ch'altha juice next to it, and tucked in to the lime-dressed cous-cous and salad on her plate. It was delicious and as she ate, Kit read a story she had brought with her on a PADD. She was absorbed in it and at first didn't notice the small brown paw reaching up and feeling around on the table. The paw found the orange and it vanished under the table. A short while later a hiccup from somewhere near the floor attracted her attention however, and she noticed the paw grope around before disappearing under the table again. Bending over, she looked to see what it was and a pair of large eyes looked back at her, protruding a little on stalks from the brown furry head. "It's Tommy, isn't it?" said Kit. She'd seen the psammead before, usually sitting on the bar eating peanuts. Right next to the big sign Mei Ling had put up saying 'Do not feed citrus fruit to the psammead'. Tommy grinned at Kit and climbed up onto the chair next to her. He removed a large piece of half-eaten orange from his mouth and offered it to her. "Share?" he said. "Euwww, no thanks!" Kit said. Tommy shrugged and put it back in his mouth, sucking noisily. "Does Mei Ling know you're eating that?" Kit asked sternly. Tommy shook his head and hastily swallowed the remains of the fruit, reaching to pick up the banana.  Kit was too quick for him, however, and he gave her a sorrowful look. "That isn't going to work," she told him. "You already had my orange." Tommy shrugged, slid off the chair and waddled a little unsteadily towards another table to try what he could pick up there. (Reply any) (Posted by Liz)