Compile# May 01-09 (USS Rosenante) --------------------------------------------------------------------- Mission: Into the Darkness, Go I Day 2 Stardate: 2408.08.02 Compile Summary (USS Rosenante – Jeffries Tube, Junction Node A1C3 – ACEO Lt. T’Kron, NPC OPS Crewman Jacob Coombs - 0900) (USS Furious - Captain's Ready Room - FO- Cmdr. - Erin Sloane Day 2 , 1715) ISS Furious - Ready Room - CO, Captain Saleke (MU) - Day 2 - 1720) (Boronite Mining Facility - Control Room - FO - Cmdr Josh Caskie - 1746) (USS Rosenante - Sickbay- Head Nurse - Ensign (jg) Kitty Fisher - Day 2 - 1759) (USS Rosenante - Sickbay- SO - Ensign Mike Rosenbauer - Day 2 - 1759.2) (Boronite Mining Facility – Computer Center - FO - Cmdr Josh Caskie - 2 - 1834) (Boronite Mining Facility - Corridor - Technician - Talia Lorenzo - Day 2 - 1836) (Boronite Mining Facility – Computer Center - COPS - Lt Tom Jackson - Day 2 - 1837) (Boronite Mining Facility - Computer Core - ACEO - Ensign (jg) Mitena Rixx - Day 2 - 1838) (Boronite Mining Facility - Computer Centre - FO - Cmdr Josh Caskie - Day 2 - 1839) (Boronite Mining Facility - Corridor - Technician - Talia Lorenzo - Day 2 -1840) (Boronite Mining Facility - Corridor - COPS - Lt tom Jackson - Day 2 - 1843) (Boronite Mining Facility - Computer Centre - COPS - Lt Tom Jackson- Day 2 - 1845) (USS Rosenante - Transporter Room 1 - Technician - Talia Lorenzo - Day 2 - 1848) (USS Rosenante - Transporter Room 1 - SO Mosh & T'Vyr - day 2- 1849) (USS Rosenante - Transporter Room 1 - FO - Cmdr Josh Caskie - Day 2 - 1850) (USS Rosenante - Bridge - CO - Captain Ahmed Ibn Salid - Day 2 - 1850.5) (USS Rosenante - Ready Room - FO - Cmdr Josh Caskie - Day 2 - 1851*) (Bardon Mining Colony – Corridor Outside of Control Room – 30.CCOUNS Lt. (jg) Jon Nayati -1852) (USS Rosenante - Bridge - CO - Captain Ahmed Ibn Salid - Day 2 - 1852.5) (USS Rosenante - Sickbay - Technician - Talia Lorenzo - Day 2 - 1854) (USS Rosenante, Bridge, CO, Lieutenant Chance Raschen, Day 2, 1917) (Boronite Mining Facility – Corridor Outside Of South Storage Bay – ATAC Ensign (jg) V’Shera – 1923) (USS Rosenante - Sickbay- CMO- Lieutenant Aleesa Wyler- Day 2 - 1925) (USS Rosenante, Transporter Room 1, ACMO Esn Kimiko Ichijo- Day 2 - 1926) (USS Rosenante- Holoodeck 3- CSEC- Lieutenant Chance Raschen- Day 2- 1927) (USS Rosenante - Morgue- CMO- Lieutenant Aleesa Wyler- Day 2 - 1928) (USS Rosenante - Bridge - OPS NCOIC - SCPO Phil Sheridan - Day 2- 1930) (USS Rosenante- Bridge- CO- Captain Ahmed Ibn Salid- Day 2- 1931*) (USS Rosenante - Morgue- ACMO- Ens Kimiko Ichijo- Day 2 - 1932) (USS Rosenante- Bridge- CSEC- Lieutenant Chance Raschen- Day 2- 1955) (USS Rosenante - Bridge - CO - Captain Ahmed Ibn Salid - Day 2 - 1956) (USS Rosenante- Bridge- CSEC- Lieutenant Chance Raschen- Day 2- 1958) (USS Rosenante- Bridge- CO-Captain Ahmed Ibn Salid- Day 2- 1959) (USS Furious - Bridge - CO, Captain Saleke - Day 2 - 2008) (USS Rosenante - Bridge - CO, Captain Ahmed Ibn Salid - Day 2 - 2015) (USS Furious - Bridge - CO, Captain Saleke - Day 2 - 2016) (USS Rosenante - Bridge - CO, Captain Ahmed Ibn Salid - Day 2 - 2017 ===================================================================== Mission: Into the Darkness, Go I Day: 7 Stardate: 2408.08.07 Compile Summary (Hexikor Alpha- Development Lab Three- Doctors 01110 & 01100- Day 7- 0600) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante – Jeffries Tube, Junction Node A1C3 – ACEO Lt. T’Kron, NPC OPS Crewman Jacob Coombs - 0900) T’Kron walked through the tube followed by Crewman Coombs, the pulse of power reverberating mutedly all around them. Entering the small junction room that served as a power nexus for this portion of the ship, T’Kron ordered, “Pull up the latest readouts for the power outlays, Mr. Coombs. I will start scanning the junction node and its hookups for any abnormalities.” “Yes Sir,” replied the crewman. He put down his bundle and toolkit, tapped on the console and began checking through the power logs, his console chirping dutifully in response. T’Kron pulled his Tricorder from his toolkit and began scanning the node and its associated areas. He pulled a panel free and continued his scans. Finding some shorted out connections, he began repairs with the supplies that Crewman Coombs had carried. “T’Kron to Chief Jackson.” (Reply Tom Jackson, or any) “We have reached the junction and are beginning to make repairs,” reported T’Kron. ”We are also attempting to find the reason for the power build up.” (Reply Tom Jackson) “Yes Sir. We will be reporting in again as soon as we find out more,” replied T’Kron. “I found something Sir,” called out Mr. Coombs a few minutes later. T’Kron nodded and replaced his panel cover, joining the crewman at the console. “There was an odd backlash of power at this point here, Sir,” said the crewman, pointing at the logs. “It came through the coupler up at the front of the node. Power was rerouted from the bridge here at this point in the log.” T’Kron nodded again. “Before I reactivate the repaired area, I would like to know why and how it happened. We must attempt to find out to prevent it from reoccurring. Run some diagnostics while I do some more scans.” “Running a level 3 diagnostic now Sir,” replied the crewman, pressing buttons. T’Kron went to another panel and pulling it off, he began to scan it. (Reply Tom Jackson, Any) (Posted by Sheila) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Furious - Captain's Ready Room - FO- Cmdr. - Erin Sloane Day 2 , 1715) The Vulcan laced his fingers once again as her expostulations began to run out of steam, after she had finished her point he spoke. "Commander allow me to make something perfectly clear, I do not demand nor do I expect you to follow me blindly. As you have very pointedly referenced that was the very reason why the bulk of the fleet continued to follow a self-serving and willful autocrat who used excessive force to quell a peaceful demand for justice and equality. The questioning of the man and his directives was the very reason I joined with the 52nd fleet and continued that service into open rebellion. Should you find my logic faulty and/or my behavior questionable it is your sworn duty to question my motivations and if necessary take steps to rectify the situation even if that means removing me from command whether on medical grounds with the agreement of the CMO or by having me placed under arrest with the support of the senior staff and command officers of this ship." Lowering his hands he leaned forward, his eyes boring into hers. "At this time we still have no incontrovertible evidence on the identity of those who attacked the mining facility, I find the phrase 'a federation starship calling herself the Rosenante' to be insufficient grounds for a conclusive identification." he drew in a slow breath. "And it is questionable whether the attacking ship will be there when we arrive." Standing up from the chair he moved to the window and looked out at the passing stars, the Doppler shift changing the colors of those approaching from blue/white to red/white as they slid past. "Since a cry for aid was sent the ship responsible will logically be expecting the arrival of support craft at the earliest possible opportunity." "Even if we find that the Rosenante is responsible..." He turned back towards her. "It's captain or current commanding officer will be given every chance to explain their actions before a fleet tribunal." He cupped his hands behind his back then in his customary stance. "The captain of a Federation starship is not judge, jury and executioner commander but a sworn keeper of the peace and I will resolve this situation peacefully if possible. The preparations we are undergoing at this time is for the worst case scenario and not my preferred mode of operation but I will take every precaution I find to be necessary to insure the survival and success of this ship and crew." Erin nodded, she could completely agree with the captain's stance. "I understand, sir. I just wanted my thoughts on the record, should it prove necessary to review them later." she added. "As for the device in question." He moved back to the desk and sat down then activated the touch display and tapped in a series of commands, there was an electronic whir as he slid an isolinear chip taken from a drawer into a welcoming slot. After a series of tones followed by a click it popped back out. Taking it then he placed it on the desk within her reach. "Should I become incapacitated or worse during the course of this mission it will be your responsibility to see the directive is satisfied. This chip contains my command codes and should I be logged as dead or incapacitated your voice-print will be sufficient to use them, it will give you access to the files on the Omega device." "The omega device." she repeated. "Even the name sounds final." He nodded. "Do you have any other questions or concerns you wish to voice at this time?" "No captain. I believe I've said everything that I needed to say. With your permission I'll make myself useful now and see to it that the preparations that you've ordered are being handled." (reply Saleke iyw) Daniel Greene --------------------------------------------------------------------- ISS Furious - Ready Room - CO, Captain Saleke (MU) - Day 2 - 1720) The vulcan's monitor was on and moving through the information he had requested however his eyes were not on the screen, this use of the Omega device by the Imperial edict of Regent Doenitz was troubling, it denoted a fear or at least a concern by the human that the fleet would be insufficient to eliminate the threat of the Klingon/ Cardassian alliance. According to all the data in the captain's possession the move was unnecessary and foolhardy as the events of the last few days had shown, while the device had performed perfectly that much power in the hands of one man could tip the balance within the empire precipitously. When the chime sounded his eyes returned to the screen. "Computer end program." [Acknowledged.] As the screen blanked he spoke. "Come." The door opened immediately then and Holis walked into the room, his eyes moving about the chamber fearfully and finally settling on the captain. In his hands was an isolinear chip which he held out as he neared the captains desk. His voice was properly subservient as he spoke. "The scans you ordered have been completed captain and the results are here." Saleke watched carefully as the betazoid set the chip down upon the desktop, as he turned to leave he said firmly. "Stay." Picking up the chip he inserted it into the slot beside him on the right side of the desk, there was a momentary muted hum as the computer built into it absorbed the information. Holis waited as the vulcan made his preparations then looked back at him. "This data is late doctor, I was beginning to lose patience." Holis' head dipped in apology as he stammered. "I'm sorry captain but I worked as quickly as I could, it took quite some time to reconstruct the scene and make the proper extrapolations. I believe you'll find the detail quite enlightening." Saleke said nothing as the computer gave a tone that indicated the data was ready for viewing. "Computer display program." [Acknowledged, 3/D imager online.] Above the desk the Sunali star system came into being in a 4' by 4' cubic area, its sun centralized along with its accompanying planetary system. A blue tubular energy field sprang into being at the very edge of Sunali space, as it grew the image enlarged to take in more surrounding space in order to show what followed. "This was the Sunali star system before it was destroyed." Holis guessed the captain wanted his narration and at his nod he continued. "The energy field you see is where the ISS Rosenante's spiral geometry warp field was activated according to the evidence I found." The warp field expanded for a few seconds as Saleke watched, behind it the solar system began to break up, the crest of destruction nearing its location. "Apparently they were slow in leaving the system for whatever reason." Holis opined, "The energy wave that destroyed the Sunali star system imploded the warp tunnel here..." He pointed as the energy wave caught and collapsed the field which then imploded, unraveling and dispersing as it gave in to the devastating waveform. "I don't know what that weapon was..." The scientist grated. "But it's too damn powerful to be used, no wonder we were sent here to hunt down the Rosenante." The look Saleke gave him silenced the scientist instantly though he wanted to give vent to his fear and frustration, now was not the time though. "The weapon is not our primary interest doctor, what of the Rosenante, was it destroyed?" "No." Holis stated firmly. "I've found no evidence of debris which would have been left of its destruction. Had their warp drive been damaged its possible they would still have gotten off a signal to let the empire know of their location, I've searched their known vector according to the scans but there is no sign of the ship, it has quite literally disappeared." The captain leaned back in the chair, his eyes hooded. "Possible permutations." Holis shook his head. "There are quite a few possibilities, a temporal warp perhaps or rip between universes, it's happened before." "Had it moved them in space and time backwards it would have produced temporal ripples that would already have been noted." The vulcan mused. "Had they been thrown into the future it will be impossible to know the time of their return. If they have been thrown into an alternate reality or universe of course they will attempt to return." "Your thoughts dotcor." Holis shrugged, "It's impossible to know for sure but if they are alive and do mean to return then they will most likely try using the very means that was used to throw them from our universe of course." The captain nodded. "I assume then captain even though this is a great secret you are aware of what it will take to recreate the event that led to their departure." Saleke's eyes were like brown agate as they bored into the betazoids eyes. "Of course however it will be unnecessary to chase after the Rosenante to their targets since they will be returning here." Holis' eyes were wide as it hit him. "As you said doctor they will want to recreate the circumstances exactly which will mean returning here to the Sunali sector before detonating the weapon and when and if they do return we will be waiting for them." "Why?" Holis gasped. "What if they didn't make it in one piece? What if they won't be able to return? More importantly why be here? Are you planning on destroying them because they were accidently detained?" He didn't really expect an answer and was surprised again when it was revealed. "It depends doctor on captain Salid." He crossed his arms which gave him an even more menacing air. "He and I are going to come to an agreement once again ... or the Rosenante will be destroyed with all hands." (Reply: None) (Posted by Charles) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (Boronite Mining Facility - Control Room - FO - Cmdr Josh Caskie - 1746) “If you'll forgive for saying it commander,” Jon said, “I'm afraid that if we stay here much longer we're going to be having a close encounter of the shooting kind with those Federation ship that will arriving behind us.” We need to activate what ever screens, shields and defences the Rose has now to defend, or conceal, ourselves, should either of the options become necessary.” Josh nodded. "I agree, although we need to beam our away teams up first." It was at this time Jon heard Lt. Jackson’s excited voice come over Commander Caskie’s comm badge. =^=Commander, we're done, however we something interesting I think you should look at.=^= As soon as Josh had acknowledged Lt Jackson's message she turned to Jon. "As soon as you are finished here beam back up inform the Captain regarding what we have found and make sure that he knows that other ships could already be on the way here. Have the transporter room ready to beam the rest of us up at a moments notice. I will be with Mr Jackson and his team. Inform V'Shera when you are beaming up please." (No reply needed) (Posted by Marilyn) Cmdr Josh Caskie --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante - Sickbay- Head Nurse - Ensign (jg) Kitty Fisher - Day 2 - 1759) Kitty was quite happy to let Dr Reynolds organise the nurses around the survivor that had been beamed up. Although she was curious as to what had happened planet-side she had her own ways of finding out the information she wanted so rather than bustle round about the newcomer Kitty decided to treat Ensign Rosenbauer. Playing her tricorder over him she immediately noticed that he had a cut to his head and that both the bones in his right forearm were broken. "You have a laceration on your head and have broken both your radius and your ulna Ensign. What on earth happened to you?" "Our technician over there tried to crush my skull with a hyper spanner, and when that failed he decided to use it on my arm, where he was a great deal more successful I'm afraid." Kitty flashed him a smile and flicked a quick glance over at the patient at the other end of Sickbay. "Well, it looks like you've been lucky this time. There's no major damage and nothing I can't fix in a few minutes. First let me give you something for the pain and then I'll set your broken arm and treat your head wound." As she was speaking she began loading her hypospray with enough painkiller to alleviate the pain Mike was feeling but not enough to possibly send him to sleep since that wasn't advisable for any head wound, no matter how minor it seemed. Pressing the hypospray against Mike's neck she smiled at him. "We'll give that a moment or two to kick in and then I'll fix your arm for you." Gently lifting his arm up Kitty looked at him and smiled. "I need to realign the bones before I can fix the break. You'll feel it. It shouldn't be painful, but it will probably be slightly uncomfortable for a few seconds. Ready? Ok, here we go." With a deft twist of her wrist Kitty managed to realign the bones together. Checking her tricorder to make sure, she smiled at the readings. Picking up the osteoregenerator she began playing it up and down Mike's arm until she was happy with what it was telling her. "That's it. I just need to put a half cast there to make sure that it doesn't come apart again until it's healed. Two to three days should do it and then you can come back to Sickbay and we can remove it." "Now I'll fix that scalp wound. Again, it won't be sore just uncomfortable whilst I clean it out so if you could hold as still as possible I would appreciate it." Cleaning and sterilising the wound took very little time since thankfully it was fairly shallow. Once that was done Kitty picked up a dermal regenerator and closed it neatly. "There we go, all done. It thankfully isn't a major wound although I do have to give you the obvious lecture about head wounds. If you begin to experience headaches, dizziness, loss of vision or any unexplained symptoms you do need to come back here immediately and tell us about them. I'm fairly sure you know the drill but you would be amazed at the number of people who ignore symptoms and assume that they will just disappear." "You are going to need pain meds for your arm so I'm sorry to say that I cannot let you leave until one of the doctors has checked you over and prescribed them. I'll do my best to make it as soon as possible, but I'm afraid you are just going to have to be patient until then." (Reply Mike) NRPG: If anyone in Sickbay wants to add anything to this post then please feel free. But if not, then Daniel can consider this character as being finally discharged. RPG: (Posted by Marilyn) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante - Sickbay- SO - Ensign Mike Rosenbauer - Day 2 - 1759.2) Mike listened and watched as Kitty, tended to his injuries. The sensations that he experienced were exactly as she had explained them, more of a discomfort rather than a pain. Still it was better than the alternatives. The very thought of what would have happened if he hadn't managed to doge that first spanner blow in time, or if he hadn't blocked the second one with his arm were not pleasant. He complied completely with Nurse fisher's commands. Finally she seemed to be finishing up. "There we go, all done. It thankfully isn't a major wound although I do have to give you the obvious lecture about head wounds. If you begin to experience headaches, dizziness, loss of vision or any unexplained symptoms you do need to come back here immediately and tell us about them. I'm fairly sure you know the drill but you would be amazed at the number of people who ignore symptoms and assume that they will just disappear." "You are going to need pain meds for your arm so I'm sorry to say that I cannot let you leave until one of the doctors has checked you over and prescribed them. I'll do my best to make it as soon as possible, but I'm afraid you are just going to have to be patient until then." Mike shook his head. "Actually I wouldn't doubt that people try to ignore such things. But I couldn't do that even if I was inclined. I'd have not only you but Jennifer to deal with if I did." Mike replied with a smile. "I'll be alright to return to duty after the doctor checks it out?" Kitty refrained from answering, knowing that Mike was trying to get her to commit to something that only a doctor could order. Instead she smiled at him and headed over to let one of the doctors know that he needed a follow-up exam before being released back to duty. (reply none needed) Daniel Greene --------------------------------------------------------------------- (Boronite Mining Facility – Computer Center - FO - Cmdr Josh Caskie - 2 - 1834) " It seems Commander some ship masquerading as the 'Rosenante' ordered a load of Boronite beamed to their vessel." Josh watched as Lt Jackson replayed the logs for her and simply nodded her head. "Agreed Lt. The logs from the Administrators Office confirm this. Josh allowed the whole log to play through watching as her twin stalked through the facility and finally killed the facility administrator. Wincing as she watched it she turned to Jackson. "I need every piece of information here uploaded to the ship as soon as possible. We only have so much time before the other ships in this quadrant respond to the emergency and I want every single piece of information from this station on our ship asap." (Reply Jackson, Rixx and any) Josh had been hoping that they could simply retrieve all the information they needed and then move on and everything seemed to be on course for that until a voice from above stopped everyone in their tracks. "Nobody moves." Talia demanded. "or he dies." Josh looked up at the upper catwalk to see a technician holding one of her security guards hostage. Trying hard to hide the flicker of annoyance that crossed her face, since they really did not have time for this, Josh tried her best to smile at the woman. "I am Cmdr Caskie of the USS Rosenante. We are here in response to the distress call that was sent out from this station. Please don't be afraid. We are here to help you. Throw down your phaser please and we will have you beamed across to the Rose." (Reply Talia, Jackson, any) (Posted by Marilyn) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (Boronite Mining Facility - Corridor - Technician - Talia Lorenzo - Day 2 - 1836) "I am Cmdr Caskie of the USS Rosenante. We are here in response to the distress call that was sent out from this station. Please don't be afraid. We are here to help you. Throw down your phaser please and we will have you beamed across to the Rose." the woman in red commanded. Talia scoffed at the woman's nerve. "What do you think I am, stupid?" She replied back, now just a little irritated that the woman would think that she was so gullible. "I saw what you did to Alix. I saw it with my own two eyes. On that screen." She shifted the phaser away from the Bolian's temple in a gesture born of second nature. It was a terrible mistake. In a moment, the Bolian, had forced her arm away from him and she found herself suddenly weightless as she arced up over his back and down on the decking. His left foot was pressed against her throat and her right arm, the one holding the phaser, was forced upwards and extended at it's full extension. The Bolian was removing the phaser from her grip even as her mind was struggling to figure out what had just happened. Her face was pressed against the catwalk decking and she could just barely see the Vulcan rapidly climbing the steps to aid his colleague. She was breathless. Her arm hurt and her hip was bruised. When the Vulcan arrived, the Bolian released her. Talia withdrew her arm and rolled over so that she could massage the bicep and shoulder with her other arm. "Please get to your feet." The Vulcan said. "Why so you can kill me standing up?" she asked. "No one here is going to cause you harm, or kill you. We are here to render aid only." he replied. "Then how do you explain her killing Alix?" she asked, pointing at Caskie. "It is physically impossible for Commander Caskie to have killed anyone. When this facility was attacked the Rosenante and Commander Caskie were over two hours away. " Talia pulled herself to her feet. She looked at the Bolian, then the Vulcan before turning her attention to the rest of the away team. "Okay, then" she finally stated. "If that's really the case, I'd much rather be aboard your ship rather than here." (reply Caskie, Rixx, Jackson, Smith) Daniel Greene --------------------------------------------------------------------- (Boronite Mining Facility – Computer Center - COPS - Lt Tom Jackson - Day 2 - 1837) Cmdr Caskie had at last arrived. Tom, Robbie and Mitena all wore looks of bewilderment. Wincing as she watched it she turned to Jackson. "I need every piece of information here uploaded to the ship as soon as possible. We only have so much time before the other ships in this quadrant respond to the emergency and I want every single piece of information from this station on our ship asap." "Aye, aye Commander" Tom replied and as he nodded to Robbie to get as much data as possible, he jumped when he heard "Nobody moves." Talia demanded. "or he dies." Josh looked up at the upper catwalk to see a technician holding one of her security guards hostage. Trying hard to hide the flicker of annoyance that crossed her face, since they really did not have time for this, Josh tried her best to smile at the woman. Josh spoke to the woman "I am Cmdr Caskie of the USS Rosenante. We are here in response to the distress call that was sent out from this station. Please don't be afraid. We are here to help you. Throw down your phaser please and we will have you beamed across to the Rose." Jackson froze his hand which had been moving to the phaser at his side. This AWAY mission was taking some weird twists and turns. WHat next? He wanted to get back on board the Rosenante ASAP! Lieutenant Thomas J. Jackson --------------------------------------------------------------------- (Boronite Mining Facility - Computer Core - ACEO - Ensign (jg) Mitena Rixx - Day 2 - 1838) Being as perplex as her shipmates, Mitena had been hoping that the First Officer would shed some light on the data that was being displayed on the screen when she arrived. In fact, she deeply hoped the FO would have an explanation that would completely nullify the data's validity. An evil twin sister, perhaps... With concern she watched as the FO reacted to the data. It wasn't looking like the much desired response was going to be forthcoming. "I need every piece of information here uploaded to the ship as soon as possible. We only have so much time before the other ships in this quadrant respond to the emergency and I want every single piece of information from this station on our ship asap." Mitena nodded her agreement to the orders and was about to ask Lt. Jackson about if a secondary memory storage would be necessary to retrieve all the data when a mixture of movement and speaking drew her attention upwards into the catwalk. "Nobody moves. Or he dies." She felt as though her breath was caught in her throat. Mitena looked from the assailant to the First Officer and then back again. "I am Cmdr Caskie of the USS Rosenante. We are here in response to the distress call that was sent out from this station. Please don't be afraid. We are here to help you. Throw down your phaser please and we will have you beamed across to the Rose." The First Officer's voice was calm and reassuring. It certainly was not deserving of the open contempt that the young woman before them were displaying. In the time that it took her to look back to the console and consider again what they had just been reviewing there was a flurry of movement. Just as quickly as that, the security officer was once again in control of the situation. Slowly she allowed the breath she'd been holding to escape through her lips. "It is physically impossible for Commander Caskie to have killed anyone. When this facility was attacked the Rosenante and Commander Caskie were over two hours away. " Mitena resisted the urge to nod her head in agreement. "Okay, then" the woman finally stated. "If that's really the case, I'd much rather be aboard your ship rather than here." Mitena felt as though the woman had said something that they all could agree on, but ventured that it was likely that the reasoning wouldn't be the same for all of them. Looking to the Lieutenant, she wanted to make sure they could return to the ship as quickly as possible. Anything that he needed her to help with to make sure that happened, she was more then willing to help with. (reply none) (posted by Ruby) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (Boronite Mining Facility - Computer Centre - FO - Cmdr Josh Caskie - Day 2 - 1839) "What do you think I am, stupid? "I saw what you did to Alix. I saw it with my own two eyes. On that screen." Josh watched as unemotionally as she could whilst this stranger berated her. She could hardly argue, after all, she had seen twice now someone who certainly seemed to almost all appearances to be herself personally kill the facility Administrator. If this woman had in fact seen it too then simply protesting her innocence to her was hardly likely to convince her. The thought crossed her mind then that protesting her innocence anywhere within the sphere of Starfleet's influence was probably not likely to convince too many others either and would more than likely simply get her a life sentence in a Starfleet Penal Colony. As the woman had gestured slightly towards the screen with the hand holding her phaser Enisgn Mosh reacted as he had been trained to do and within seconds he had flipped the woman over his back, pinned her to the catwalk and disarmed her. As the Vulcan security officer closed in to help Mosh the woman got to her feet and listened as he spoke to her. "It is physically impossible for Commander Caskie to have killed anyone. When this facility was attacked the Rosenante and Commander Caskie were over two hours away." "Okay, then. If that's really the case, I'd much rather be aboard your ship rather than here." Josh allowed her mouth to crook into a one sided smile. "Well I rather doubt anyone here would argue with that sentiment." "Mr Jackson. Let's get that information and get out of here. Pronto if you please. Ensign Mosh please escort our guest down here so that we can all beam back to the Rose as soon as Mr Jackson gives us a go." (Reply Jackson Rixx, Talia) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (Boronite Mining Facility - Corridor - Technician - Talia Lorenzo - Day 2 -1840) "Then how do you explain her killing Alix?" she asked, pointing at Caskie. "It is physically impossible for Commander Caskie to have killed anyone. When this facility was attacked the Rosenante and Commander Caskie were over two hours away. " Talia pulled herself to her feet. She looked at the Bolian, then the Vulcan before turning her attention to the rest of the away team. "Commander, I would like to add something here" Tom interjected. Getting the go ahead the lieutenant continued. Turning to face the technician, Tom spoke "I am Lt Jackson. I have downloaded the station's logs and have evidence that a ship masquerading as the Rosenante attacked your facility". ~Masquerading?~ she thought. "Okay, then" she finally stated. "If that's really the case, I'd much rather be aboard your ship rather than here." Smiling and speaking softly, "I think your decision to beam up with us is wise. We'll take care of you I promise" Tom said. Josh allowed her mouth to crook into a one sided smile. "Well I rather doubt anyone here would argue with that sentiment." "Mr. Jackson. Let's get that information and get out of here. Pronto if you please. Ensign Mosh please escort our guest down here so that we can all beam back to the Rose as soon as Mr. Jackson gives us a go." (Reply Rixx, Jackson) Talia nodded and allowed Mosh to direct her down the ladder leading from the catwalk down to the lower level of the computer core. Once at deck level, she waited patiently as the rest of the team finished their assigned tasks, before they were all beamed up to the Rosenante. --------------------------------------------------------------------- (Boronite Mining Facility - Corridor - COPS - Lt tom Jackson - Day 2 - 1843) As the First Officer spoke to the disarmed technician, Jackson re-read the logs. After it had been explained to the technician that Josh Caskie could not have killed the technician's friend, Jackson spoke up. "Commander, I would like to add something here" Tom interjected. (reply: Cmdr Caskie) Turning to face the technician, Tom spoke "I am Lt Jackson. I have downloaded the station's logs and have evidence that a ship masquerading as the Rosenante attacked your facility". (reply: Talia Lorenzo, any present) Smiling and speaking softly, "I think your decision to beam up with us is wise. We'll take care of you I promise" Tom said. NRPG: No Jackson is not flirting lol RPG: (reply: Talia, any present) (posted by: Bill West) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (Boronite Mining Facility - Computer Centre - COPS - Lt Tom Jackson- Day 2 - 1845) Tom breathed easier the facility technician had been disarmed and they had convinced her to beam aboard the Rosenante. Things were rapidly taking a downturn that Jackson did not like. Cmdr Caskie finally sort of smiled, something she had not done a lot of late and allowed her mouth to crook into a one sided smile. She proceeded to order "Mr Jackson, Let's get that information and get out of here. Pronto if you please. Ensign Mosh please escort our guest down here so that we can all beam back to the Rose as soon as Mr Jackson gives us a go." Tom turned and looked at Robbie Smith. Robbie nodded indicating he had taken care of the request already. "Commander, Ensign Smith has taken care of that for us. We're set to beam up at your discretion" Tom added. (reply: Robbie, Josh) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante - Transporter Room 1 - Technician - Talia Lorenzo - Day 2 - 1848) As soon as the team materialized on the transporter the commander stepped down and began giving orders. "Ensign Mosh, Ensign T'Vyr please escort our guest to Sickbay. I want one of the doctors to check her over and make sure she is unharmed. Notify security that I want her to have a permanent security escort until either the Captain or I rescind that order, and if Sickbay gives her a clean bill of health have someone there liaise with Ops and have her assigned guest quarters." "Yes Ma'am" The Bolian security officer replied. The Vulcan turned and gestured for her to accompany them. Talia nodded, following alongside the two security officers. It made her feel odd, going to sickbay, a place that she always avoided at all costs. There was a nearly primal fear that was building inside her, although she managed to suppress it well enough. --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante - Transporter Room 1 - SO Mosh & T'Vyr - day 2- 1849) The two Rosenante security officers had escorted the technician down to the lower level of the computer core to await for transport back to the Rosenante. The data that they had seen, however limited had left them both feeling somehow dirty, although the Vulcan half of the team would have considered that very thought to have been illogical. When they had finally rematerialized aboard the rosenante's transporter room, Commander Caskie had quickly given them additional orders. "Ensign Mosh, Ensign T'Vyr please escort our guest to Sickbay. I want one of the doctors to check her over and make sure she is unharmed. Notify security that I want her to have a permanent security escort until either the Captain or I rescind that order, and if Sickbay gives her a clean bill of health have someone there liaise with Ops and have her assigned guest quarters." "Understood commander," Mosh replied, knowing that once they arrived in sickbay, that T'Vyr would handle the arrangement of a more permanent security detail as well as make arrangements for the survivor's quarters. With their orders understood the two security officers headed to sickbay, escorting the survivor all the way. (reply none needed) Daniel Greene --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante - Transporter Room 1 - FO - Cmdr Josh Caskie - Day 2 - 1850) As soon as the team materialised on the transporter Josh stepped down and began giving orders. "Ensign Mosh, Ensign T'Vyr please escort our guest to Sickbay. I want one of the doctors to check her over and make sure she is unharmed. Notify security that I want her to have a permanent security escort until either the Captain or I rescind that order, and if Sickbay gives her a clean bill of health have someone there liaise with Ops and have her assigned guest quarters." "Mr Jackson, have you team download all the information you gathered into the computer and have it disseminated to all the relevant departments for study. I will be in the Ready Room informing the Captain regarding the information we have retrieved." (Reply Mosh, T'Vyr, Jackson Rixx, Smith, Talia) Tapping her comm badge Josh took a deep breath before she spoke. "Caskie to Captain Salid. I have the preliminary results from the facility. Would it be possible to confer with you in the Ready Room as soon as possible." (Reply Salid) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante - Bridge - CO - Captain Ahmed Ibn Salid - Day 2 - 1850.5) "All members of the away team have now returned to the ship, captain." Sheridan reported. "Good chief, thank you." the CO replied and returned his attention to considering what he would do knowing the capabilities of a Rosenante class starship. His thoughts were placed on pause when his commbadge chirped. =^=Caskie to Captain Salid. I have the preliminary results from the facility. Would it be possible to confer with you in the Ready Room as soon as possible?=^= "Of course commander," Ahmed replied tapping his own commbadge instinctively. Once the line was closed, he took a look around the bridge. "Mister Sullivan, you have the Bridge." (reply Sullivan if able) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante - Ready Room - FO - Cmdr Josh Caskie - Day 2 - 1851*) Josh strode into the Ready Room and simply grimaced at the Captain instead of smiling at him. She placed the padd she had downloaded her information onto in front of him. "You need to look at this Sir. We have a very serious problem here and you are not going to like it. I would suggest that we leave this vicinity as soon as possible. You will understand why once you have reviewed the padd. Further I need to mention that for whatever reason you decided to hold information back from us at the last briefing, it is my thought that this is now no longer relevant. However, I also suggest that given what you will find on that padd, you will need to confine Ensign Rosenbauer, Dr Wyler and myself in custody to face serious charges." (Reply Salid) (Posted by Marilyn) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (Bardon Mining Colony – Corridor Outside of Control Room – 30.CCOUNS Lt. (jg) Jon Nayati -1852) Jon had just stepped out into the corridor that lead down to where FO Caskie and Lt Jackson were, when he was informed that she and Jackson were back on board the Rose. A moment latter, Jon tricorder showed that the remainder of the security forces that had been part of security Away Team were gone as well. Before Jon requested a beam up he did a quick mental inventory to see if he had ALL the data from colony computer had even him all relevant data relating to the supposed Rose’s attack on the mining facility. He had. Next he did a tricorder and telepathic life scan to see if that were living causalities in the Bardon Colony. There were none. Before Jon requested beam up he offered up a brief but fervent prayer the lost souls of the miners so violently murdered by the renegade star ship falsely called the Rose. ~Surely the Great Spirit will take these poor murdered souls into the Happy Hunting Ground, whether they be human or alien. ~ Jon also prayer that the Great spirit would help him find a way avenge those poor souls lost in the cowardly attack on theBardon Complex. With his heart felt prayers completed, Jo tapped his commbadge. “Rose, this 30 Nayati, ready to beam up from these coordinates.” In less than a minute, Jon’s chripped back, =^=Transporter One here, Prepare o beam up.=^= As a Jon was clicking on the safety for his heavy duty phaser weapons there was the usual tinkling sound and swirling light-show of a standard transporter beam up. There was the brief but not unpleasant tinlking of his atoms as the transporter began the beam up process. An eye blink later there was either mind, body orconsciousness. A moment of utter non-existence – ni mind, body or soul – nothing at all. An eye blink later, Jon was standing on the transporter Padd along with the last few security people that had beamed up just before him. Addressing those round him Jon said; :”You guys did a great job, too bad we were a little too late..” There was a low, general grumbling around Jon. The angry grumping was not dirfected at him as much as it was directed the villainous ship that killed the mining complex hadn’t implicated they and the star ship. Jon left the room and headed for the bridge. Hoping that Rose wouldn’t be leaving just a little too late! (Reply none) (Posted by Jim) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante - Bridge - CO - Captain Ahmed Ibn Salid - Day 2 - 1852.5) Salid had just settled into his seat when the doors opened admitting a very perturbed Commander Caskie. He looked up at her and she scowled at him in silent reply. She placed a PADD on the desk in front of him. "You need to look at this Sir. We have a very serious problem here and you are not going to like it. I would suggest that we leave this vicinity as soon as possible. You will understand why once you have reviewed the PADD. Further I need to mention that for whatever reason you decided to hold information back from us at the last briefing, it is my thought that this is now no longer relevant. However, I also suggest that given what you will find on that PADD, you will need to confine Ensign Rosenbauer, Dr Wyler and myself in custody to face serious charges." Ahmed picked up the PADD and quickly scanned through it's contents silently. He placed the PADD back on the desktop and rose to his feet. For a few moments he turned and just looked out the window , regarding the distant reflected crescent of the second planet in the Bardon System. He took a deep breath after a few moments of consideration before replying. "Commander. What I'm about to tell you, I am absolutely forbidden by regulation to reveal to you. I will most likely be removed from my position as Captain of this ship just for revealing this information to you. While I don't see a direct connection to the original reason that we are in this sector of space to the immediate data on that PADD, I feel that it's too coincidental to be anything but a direct relation." He turned back to face her. "Computer disable all recording devices, and internal sensors in the captain's Ready room. Then disable all verbal computer command recognition control in the same area." [Working- command authorization required to disable verbal command functions] "Authorization, Salid- Sierra-Lima-Nine-Nine-Nine-Echo" [Verbal command functions are now disabled in the captain's ready room. Command level input requests must now be input through the terminal console in this compartment.] Satisfied that the computers innate recording systems were now completely disabled he looked up at Caskie. "Have you ever heard of the Omega Molecule?" he asked her, already knowing the answer. (reply Caskie) "That doesn't surprise me in the slightest commander. The Omega molecule officially does not exist. At least not in any way that you would ever be able to reference. The existence of the Molecule is only revealed to officers of Flag Rank and above. Not even the Federation President or his council know of the Molecules existence." "The Omega Molecule was first Theorized as a super-energetic molecule that was present at the creation of the universe. In the late 23rd century a federation Physicist named Ketteract managed to synthesize a single omega molecule. It was done in the hopes that the super energetic nature of the molecule could power entire worlds, such was it's potential." "The molecule was unstable and only lasted for a few milliseconds before it exploded with enough force to kill 127 of the federation's top physicists and destroyed and entire star system. As a side effect of the explosion, a large swath of space was rendered a navigational hazard." "You've heard of the Lantaru sector?" (reply Caskie) "Of course you have. As a region, it is one of the most hazardous areas in the Quadrant. The area is riddled with subspace fractures, which make travel by warp drive and even subspace communication in or through the sector impossible. The area is, as you know, several light years in area." "Everyone is told that the region's subspace fractures are a natural phenomenon. The truth is that they are a side affect of a creation that could very well herald in the end interstellar civilization as we know it." (reply Caskie) "Of course all research was immediately banned, and all data rigorously suppressed. The concept was that if people didn't know about the molecule they wouldn't try to create it." (reply) "Consider what kind of weapon could be made from the ability to create or even stabilize a single Omega molecule. Just one of them used in the wrong place could render an entire civilization unable to ever achieve warp travel, or to utilize subspace communications. A few could cripple any single civilization in the alpha or beta quadrant. A half dozen or so could be used to render the majority of those quadrants back into the pre warp era. The federation, Romulan Star Empire, Klingon Empire, you name it, not a single one of them could stand against such a weapon. Their fleets would be neutralized and they'd be unable to communicated across their own sovereign space. It would be the end of galactic civilization as we know it." (reply Caskie) "The danger is so great that there is a directive that supersedes all others in the general orders. It's called the Omega Directive and it basically states, that Starfleet captains and Flag officers are to ensure the safety of the quadrant from the Omega threat. No information may be relayed to the ship's officers and crew. All other priorities are rescinded until the threat is neutralized. The prime directive may be compromised during such a mission, if necessary. If violation of the prime directive is even minimally anticipated, it is authorized and advised. If Starfleet Command cannot be contacted for any reason, the primary priority is the destruction of all Omega molecules detected." He paused for a moment. "Boronite is used in the creation of an Omega molecule if refined enough, and since the very existence of the molecule is limited to members of the federation of the Rank of captain and above, it smacks of a conspiracy. Add to that an encrypted communication that I received from the Vulcan Ambassador to the Dominion indicating that the Dominion believed that a faction of the Starfleet admiralty were developing a weapon that utilized the omega molecule, as well as the fact that they sent a Dominion war ship deep into federation space to provide me with data directly, despite the risks and you can begin to see why I suspected that there was a high level conspiracy taking place." (reply Caskie) "The very risk that there was an omega weapon being developed meant I had no moral choice but to take the Rosenante to investigate. If it turned out false, I lose my command and possibly serve time in a penal facility. If it's true I have to figure out a way to stop it. If I don't investigate and it turns out to be true, and a high-level conspiracy is in place, we lose the UFP, because no government would risk the chance that anyone possessing such a weapon wouldn't use it. Basically the UFP or any other power in the quadrant becomes held hostage by anyone willing to use the weapon even once." (reply Caskie) "The additional complication of another Rosenante class ship, only leads me to believe that there is indeed an organized and well funded faction at work here. Enough so that they could have built a second Rosenante class ship. The very type of ship that would best be suited to deliver such a weapon." (reply Caskie) "As for this..." he said motioning to the PADD. "I know and you know that there is no possible way that you, Rosenbauer or Wyler could have done this. It isn't a matter of ability, it's a matter of availability. Someone realized that we were on to them, and obviously arranged us to become a wanted vessel. I wouldn't doubt it if they were sending a ship to destroy us even as we speak. I'll not be placing you under arrest, it's apparent those files are forged." (reply Caskie) "As for leaving as soon as possible. I agree entirely, but I need to know where to go. I can't just guess. I'll have Raschen look at the data and see if he can see anything. Right now I have very close to nothing to work with. In fact it's even likely that the raider is still in this system hiding nearby in possession of Boronite pure enough to be used to develop that weapon. I can't take the risk that we leave without being certain that they are not simply hiding waiting for us to leave so they can continue their raid." (reply Caskie) He sighed. "You are not to discuss this with any other member of the crew. This stays completely between us. I am only telling you this because it is likely that at some point we will find ourselves elbows deep in a conflict. I can not be the only one that knows what is at risk here." (reply Caskie) "Now do you understand my secrecy?" Ahmed asked. (reply Caskie) Daniel Greene --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante - Sickbay - Technician - Talia Lorenzo - Day 2 - 1854) Talia stepped through the door, followed closely by the two security officers. There was a man sitting on a Biobed nearby. She thought she recognized him, but decided it was better not to acknowledge any sign that she might know him. She was still a sort of prisoner here and didn't want to raise any particular attention to herself. A brief look around the sickbay confirmed that this compartment was much different from any other medical ward she had ever been in. It seemed somehow inviting and sterile. The equipment was similar, although slightly more advanced than she remembered. Those things somehow gave her a sense of solace. "What have we got here, gentlemen?" a woman's voice sounded. Talia turned and saw a beautiful woman standing there smiling at her. "A second survivor doctor." the Bolian security officer, Mosh replied. "She took a nasty fall." Doctor Wyler, nodded and smiled then gestured towards a biobed. "Well, let's take a look at you shall we." Fighting down a shock of fear, Talia went to the biobed as indicated and mentally prepared herself for the examination to come. (reply none) Daniel Greene --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante, Bridge, CO, Lieutenant Chance Raschen, Day 2, 1917) =^=Lieutenant Raschen to the captain's ready room. =^= There was something in the skipper’s voice that made him feel uneasy. Rushing over to the ready room door without even replying to the captain’s summons, some of the personnel on the bridge looked at him as if to ask ‘what’s wrong with him?’ A few moments later the door to the ready room slid open and Raschen stepped into the room. “You wanted me captain?” Chance asked once he went to the position of parade rest after the door closed behind him. "Indeed I do Lieutenant." Ahmed answered. "I have here on this PADD the entirety of the data concerning the attack on the Mining facility. It's all external sensor data at this point. Mister Nayati is still working on the internal sensor logs. They are poor quality because of the Boronite interference." He looked Chance in the eyes as he handed him the PADD. "Raschen, I want you to analyze the attack. I want a pirate’s opinion. Why are they doing what they're doing for one, tactically speaking, and where might they be headed if possible. I need something to go on." Raschen took the PADD and just looked at the tiny computer before using it to point out viewport “You do understand that out there is one big damn haystack, right sir?” he asked with a raised eyebrow and a touch of sarcasm before lowering his arm. "I know it's a hard request to fulfill, but I need to know. You'll understand more once you start looking at the data.” Chance looked into Salid’s eyes then understood why he was being asked to accomplish the task at hand. “I’ll be in Holodeck-3 sir.” Without waiting for anything else, Raschen turned and left the room. (Reply Salid iyw) (Posted by Charlie) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (Boronite Mining Facility – Corridor Outside Of South Storage Bay – ATAC Ensign (jg) V’Shera – 1923) V’Shera and her security people were guarding the perimeter where AMCO Esn. Kimiko Ichijo and the other medicals were treating the wounded they’d found after their beam down. V’Shera found herself growing increasingly apprehensive and uncharacteristically impatient as she waited for the medicals to finish as time passed. Her trepidation was not based on impatience with Ichijo’s medical people. Rather it was based on the growing concern that other Federation star ships had heard the Rose designated as the ship that had attacked Boronite Mining Colony. The Rose had arrived first to render aid and assistance to injured miners there. But if other Federation vessels arrived before the Rose could find out what was going, then it would logical to assume that they might, shoot first and ask questions later. ~This is especially true, since our ship has already violated the perimeters of its assigned mission.~ V’Shera felt her tall, lanky body shiver in spite her hot green Vulcan blood. V’Shera was about get a progress report from Ens. Ichijo, when her commbadge chirped first. It was ACMO Ichijo speaking. =^=Ichijo to V'Shera.=^= “V’Shera here Ens. What is your status, ACMO Ichijo?” =^=I and Chief Fuller are aboard.=^= “That’s a relief, Sir. I’ll bring those troops with me up, V’Shera out.” V’Shera tapped her commbadge and notified those security forces with her that the medical team was back on the Rose, and be prepared for imminent beam up. After her security troops had acknowledged her orders, V’Shera tapped her badge again. “Rosenante, V’Shera here, five to beam up from these coordinates.” There no auditory response from the Rose. Instead there was the familiar sound-and-light show that signaled the beginning of the Rose’s transporter beam. There was a moment of utter non-existence. A moment later, V’Shera and the other five security with her dematerialized from the Boronite Mining Facility, to rematerialize on the pad of Transporter room 1. “Glad to be back, Sir,” V’Shera spoke out relief and to no one in particular. (Reply Ensign Ichijo, Any in the transporter room) (posted by Jim McCrary) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante - Sickbay- CMO- Lieutenant Aleesa Wyler- Day 2 - 1925) Aleesa was observing as Doctor Lopez was operating on the survivor from the facility with the precision and skill of a trained surgeon. The sterilization field was the only thing between her and the patient, and although she was a qualified Doctor, she was not a surgeon. So she relegated herself to observing, much like a med student does with their first autopsy. =^=Ensign Ichijo to CMO Wyler=^= Alee was so engrossed by the work that was being conducted before her that the sound of her ACMO's voice from her commbadge startled her. With a mild annoyance she tapped her commbadge to reply. "Wyler here." =^=My team has returned aboard ship, unfortunately I was not able to locate any survivors. However I have found two individuals that do not appear to be part of the base' compliment. At Commander Caskie's behest, I have had the remains transported to the morgue immediately.=^= "Understood. Anything stand out about their injuries immediately?" she asked, her curiosity drawing her away from the surgery being performed and towards the morgue. =^=Yes Ma'am, I have noticed some identifying features in the injuries, that I think are significant, when you have a moment=^= "I'm on my way to the morgue now. Meet me there." Alee stated as she turned the corner and headed for the morgue. =^=Thank you, Ichijo out=^= --------------------------------------------------------------------- USS Rosenante, Transporter Room 1, ACMO Esn Kimiko Ichijo- Day 2 - 1926 Dr Ichijo finished speaking to Dr Wyler and hefted the kit on her shoulder, stepped off the pad, and heard the familiar sound of a transporter activating, she turned around and saw a group of people transporting in. The doctor heard a dark-skinned Vulcan? say, “Glad to be back, Sir,” She thought of her vulcan instructor of xeno-epidemiology becoming unhinged enough to say that he was glad anything, even tenure. ~there must be a story in that~ She smiled politely and bowed “Hi, I am Kimiko Ichijo and am pleased to make your acquaintance” (Reply V’Shera) At that point the doctor ‘s comm. chirped and the CMO’s voice was heard "I'm on my way to the morgue now. Meet me there." (Posted by Jack) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante- Holoodeck 3- CSEC- Lieutenant Chance Raschen- Day 2- 1927) =^=Right. I'm aware of that Lieutenant. What's the correlation here? Why is this important to our present situation? =^= the skipper asked. As Chance watched the reply again, this time adding maneuvering readings around the mystery ship, he began explaining “Sir, according to the data I have, our hitter had a sudden 45 degree change in course just as the warp drive kicked in.” (Reply Salid iyw) As Raschen read the readings about the ship, he became more and more concerned “The only reason I ever did that after a successful raid was when enemy ships bearing down on my position, otherwise I would head for somewhere on the nav-charts that I could use to throw off my pursuers. Considering there were absolutely no ships within the vicinity, which would only leave one option sir.” (Reply Salid, Sheridan iyw) “Roger that sir; could Chief Sheridan get Stellar Cartography to interface with Holodeck-3 so that I can lay out the navigation based on the charts the station pulled from the hitter?” (Reply Salid, any) The more he talked, the more he walked around the Holodeck looking and thinking about the hunt he was starting to embark on. “I have a hunch sir and I want to check it out first; Raschen out.” (Reply Salid iyw) (Reply Salid, any, Sheridan iyw) (Posted by Charlie) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante - Morgue- CMO- Lieutenant Aleesa Wyler- Day 2 - 1928) Alee had arrived well before Ichijo, since the latter was coming from the transporter room and she had only to cross sickbay. She had pulled on a surgical uniform, complete with mask, gloves and hairnet, before stepping through the full body sterilizing field. The two bodies had been beamed up immediately and unlike the others that were arriving, they had not yet been bagged in the shrouds. They were oddly familiar, but in an unfamiliar way. Their clothing was quasi-Starfleet, although there were some distinct differences. The uniform colors, if such could be trusted were indicative of either medical or sciences, but the addition of some sort of sash worn around the waist and the presence of a dagger told her that these people were closer related to Swashbuckling pirates than Starfleet officers. Before she could go into any real investigation, Aleesa heard the sterilization field hum and she turned to see Ichijo arriving. (reply Ichijo) Daniel Greene --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante - Bridge - OPS NCOIC - SCPO Phil Sheridan - Day 2- 1930) Phil Sheridan was manning the OPS station and wondering what the heck was going on. He had not heard from Tom Jackson and that troubled him. Phil's thirty years of SF duty and his senses were screaming RED Alert!! Sheridan had sent Raschen the updated requests concerning stellar charts. Seems the Mining Facility had had a request for updates not long ago. Chance Raschen and the CO were discussing the surface events. Sheridan was listening closely when Lt Raschne asked the CO "“Roger that sir; could Chief Sheridan get Stellar Cartography to interface with Holodeck-3 so that I can lay out the navigation based on the charts the station pulled from the hitter?”. "I'm on it Sir - wait one" as Phil linked the holodeck and had stellar cartography link up and the feed sent to the holodeck. "Data is being sent to you Lieutenant" Sheridan replied. (reply: Salid or Raschen) Sheridan was curious as to what Chance was up to - then in a flash of inspiration, Phil began to see what Raschen was driving at. (reply: None) (Posted by: Bill) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante- Bridge- CO- Captain Ahmed Ibn Salid- Day 2- 1932) "Right. I'm aware of all that Lieutenant. What's the correlation here? Why is this important to our present situation?" Ahmed asked. =^=Sir, according to the data I have, our hitter had a sudden 45 degree change in course just as the warp drive kicked in.=^= Raschen replied. "Okay, that's a little bizarre. Why would the vessel do something like that?" Ahmed asked, very confused. it was apparent however that Raschen was working on a theory. =^=The only reason I ever did that after a successful raid was when enemy ships bearing down on my position, otherwise I would head for somewhere on the nav-charts that I could use to throw off my pursuers. Considering there were absolutely no ships within the vicinity, which would only leave one option sir.=^= "They're looking for a hiding place or a navigational hazard to interfere with our sensors and ability to track them." Ahmed said now completely understanding Raschen's theory. The captain turned to his display and tapped in a few commands pulling up all the known navigational data in the sector, starting with the immediate vicinity. it didn't take a tactical genius to realize that their plotted course took them through the asteroid belt between the third and fourth planet in the system. To make matters worse, cursory scans indicated the presence of Magnesite ore. that would make sensor scans nearly impossible, especially when coupled with the cloaking abilities of the ship, provided that they were the same or similar to those possessed by the Rosenante. “Roger that sir; could Chief Sheridan get Stellar Cartography to interface with Holodeck-3 so that I can lay out the navigation based on the charts the station pulled from the hitter?” "I'm on it Sir - wait one" Sheridan replied as Salid gave him the nod. "Data is being sent to you Lieutenant" Sheridan added a moment later. "Any idea where they may be headed next?" Ahmed asked. “I have a hunch sir and I want to check it out first; Raschen out.” "Very well lieutenant, please keep me informed." Salid replied. He looked up at the main view screen suddenly feeling as if her were being watched. He understood the likely outcome of a battle if he stumbled into the enemy blindly if they were waiting for them in the asteroid field. He also understood how things would look if he stayed put and another federation starship should happen upon them in their current position. Neither aspect was particularly appealing. Yet there was little he could do until he had more to work with. He couldn't just leave the system without data. to do so would cause any aspect of the trail to go completely cold. no, it was clear that the Rosenante would have to remain where she was until there was something more to go on. (reply none) Daniel Greene --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante - Morgue- ACMO- Ens Kimiko Ichijo- Day 2 - 1932) Kimiko walk through the door of the morgue and saw the CMO standing beside one of the bodies. “Good Evening, Ma’am” the doctor greeted. (Reply Wyler) “Yes, actually the where two significant finds.” The ACMO began as she pulled out her padd, she pulled up the relevant information as she stepped up to the doctor. “First thing, was the unusual use of bladed instruments. I found that the attackers used energy weapons, so there was no ritualistic quality that I could find and there was no discernable pattern of use of either weapon. Speaking of the energy weapons, they left burn patterns that I am not familiar with and not in the medicinal database on the tricorder. Second….” Dr Ichijo glanced down at her padd. “Case ID 08-3156-00129, showed signs of a sharp blade tracing several major nerve paths and bisecting a number cluster, indicating the aggressor had strong knowledge of human physiology and, I hope, is quite insane” (Reply Wyler) Kimiko grimaced “Because, if that person is displaying acceptable behavior in his/her/neuter culture, then far more than a single base or ship is in danger. This creature is not just showing a disregard of life but glorying in wholesale destruction” Kimiko gave a half-shrug and said “Perhaps, not particularly relevant, but may give us a insight into the attackers motivations” (Reply Wyler) “Yes, I do have training in forensic pathology and rotation at Tokyo. Not to mention that I am fairly interested to see what they” Kimiko motions to the prone bodies “have to say” (Reply Wyler) “Thank you, I’ll start on this immediately, ma’am” The doctor watched that CMO leave the room and walk to the small alcove that contained the surgical clothing. After preparing herself, Kimiko walked over to the first body and took a deep breath and cleared her mind of any preconceptions and extraneous thoughts. ~These victims deserve nothing less.~ Dr Ichijo started “Computer, began full recording of procedure on table 3” [recording] “I am Dr. Kimiko Ichijo, assistant medical officer stationed aboard the USS Rosenante, performing autopsy on Case 08-3156-00136. Humanoid general description is as follows………” (No Reply) (Posted by Jack) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante- Bridge- CSEC- Lieutenant Chance Raschen- Day 2- 1955) The turbo-lift doors opened and Raschen stormed onto the bridge making a beeline for the helm. “Captain; that arrogant gutter snipe pointed out his intended destination.” Raschen angrily stated aloud. (Reply Salid, any iyw) “I know where he’s heading sir.” Chance said as he reached the helm. (Reply Salid, any iyw) Raschen turned and looked at the skipper and realized that he was about to seriously overstep his bounds. So walking over to the command seat, Chance handed Salid the PADD and calmly stated “That ship is heading for an area known as The Mill sir.” (Reply Salid, any iyw) “Sir, I know that area of space sir. I used to pilot through there a lot while running from the Cardassians sir.” (Reply Salid, any iyw) (Reply Salid, any iyw) (Posted by Charlie) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante - Bridge - CO - Captain Ahmed Ibn Salid - Day 2 - 1956) Ahmed was once again on the bridge, still trying to come up with a good manner to detect the Rosenante's cloaking device. ~The damn thing is perfect.~ He thought as he studied his own ship's schematics, looking for some tell-tale that would allow him to possibly track the raider. Suddenly the turbolift doors opened and Lieutenant Raschen stormed onto the bridge. Ahmed looked up as his chief of security animatedly explained. "Captain; that arrogant gutter snipe pointed out his intended destination." Raschen angrily stated aloud. "How so Lieutenant?" The captain asked, finally being pleased that he was finally getting a break of some sort. Raschen turned and looked at Ahmed. He paused for a moment in some sort of personal contemplation before walking over to the command seat, Chance handed Salid the PADD and calmly stated "That ship is heading for an area known as The Mill sir." "The mill?" Ahmed asked, "I don't follow." "Sir, I know that area of space sir. I used to pilot through there a lot while running from the Cardassians sir." Raschen explained. "I see." Ahmed replied, still trying to determine the likelihood that the raider was still in the system and if this could possibly an intricate ruse. "Tell me more." (reply Raschen) Daniel Greene --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante- Bridge- CSEC- Lieutenant Chance Raschen- Day 2- 1958) "The Mill?" Ahmed asked, "I don't follow." "Sir, I know that area of space. I used to pilot through there a lot while running from the Cardassians." Raschen explained. "I see; tell me more." The skipper said. Chance walked back over to the navigational portion of the Helm station and found the chart for the area that Salid asked about and displayed it on the main viewer. As Raschen began his briefing of The Mill, a file video started running “On the viewer you see a section of space that had once been a planet that could no longer hold itself together. I don’t know why, but according to scientist it just simply crumbled apart long ago and was now a field of asteroids that gently bounce off one another. Don’t be fooled though sir, these asteroids are still large enough and close enough together to destroy a ship.” (Reply Salid, any iyw) “Well sir, one good thing about these asteroids is that their patterns are predictable as long as nobody hits one; the bad thing is that there are elements of some kind in them that makes all sensors and shields ineffective if not totally useless.” (Reply Salid, any iyw) “In order to pilot the area you need to have Hyper-accurate charts and be able to physically see out or use cameras to see where you were going. That is why Starfleet always went around the area and the I.F.F. used it as an escape.” (Reply Salid, any iyw) “During the war when the Cardassian’s gained control of an artificial binary world and moon called Hexikor Alpha. Starfleet coded it as EB-355 until Federation control was re-established there a few weeks later by Commodore Heatherby. He chose The Mill as the staging point for the Starfleet/Privateer Joint Task Force siege that forced the Cardassian’s to surrender that instillation.” (Reply Salid, any iyw) “One last thing sir, I recommend a speed course that will take us around the Mill at warp 9 so we can try to catch them on the other side.” Chance said as he pointed out his suggested course on the viewer. “Or would you I navigate and pilot the Rose through myself, sir?” (Reply Salid, any iyw) “Roger that sir.” Chance said acknowledging his orders. (Reply Salid, any iyw) (Posted by Charlie) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante- Bridge- CO-Captain Ahmed Ibn Salid- Day 2- 1959) Chance walked back over to the navigational portion of the Helm station and found the chart for the area that Salid asked about and displayed it on the main viewer. As Raschen began his briefing of The Mill, a file video started running "On the viewer you see a section of space that had once been a planet that could no longer hold itself together. I don't know why, but according to scientists it just simply crumbled apart long ago and is now a field of asteroids that gently bounce off one another. Don't be fooled though sir, these asteroids are still large enough and close enough together to destroy a ship." Ahmed nodded, indicating that this chief of security should continue. "Well sir, one good thing about these asteroids is that their patterns are predictable as long as nobody hits one; the bad thing is that there are elements of some kind in them that makes all sensors and shields ineffective if not totally useless." "Magnesite ore" The Captain added. "In order to pilot the area you need to have Hyper-accurate charts and be able to physically see out or use cameras to see where you were going. That is why Starfleet always went around the area and the I.F.F. used it as an escape." "Makes sense." Ahmed agreed, "The lack of accurate sensor data would most assuredly make the area a considerable risk to navigation. Go on." "During the war when the Cardassians gained control of an artificial binary world and moon called Hexikor Alpha. Starfleet coded it as EB-355 until Federation control was re-established there a few weeks later by Commodore Heatherby. He chose The Mill as the staging point for the Starfleet/Privateer Joint Task Force siege that forced the Cardassian's to surrender that installation." "I remember some of those details now." Ahmed replied, The Commodore took the Cardassians completely by surprise and retook the system with little to no organized resistance. He was promoted to Rear Admiral for his efforts if I remember correctly." Chance nodded. "One last thing sir, I recommend a speed course that will take us around the Mill at warp 9 so we can try to catch them on the other side." Chance said as he pointed out his suggested course on the viewer. "Or would you I navigate and pilot the Rose through myself, sir?" "Plot us the best course around the area and then be prepared to pilot us through the field should it prove necessary. I'm not yet certain that our Mystery ship has left the immediate vicinity. Once I know within a reasonable margin of error, I'll et you know which option we'll be taking. Assume the navigational station for the moment Mister Raschen. Have someone assume your security station for the moment." "Roger that sir." Chance said acknowledging his orders. (reply None) Daniel Greene --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Furious - Bridge - CO, Captain Saleke - Day 2 - 2008) "We're about to enter the system sir, five minutes to arrival." Saleke nodded at the helm officers report, the engineers had done a notable job of tuning the matter/anti-matter intermix to push the ship faster than its established norms which would be noted in his report along with his commendations. "Acknowledged." He tapped the intership comms button. "Doctor Gralen to the bridge." While waiting for the scientist to arrive he turned his head toward the Betazoids replacement. "Mr. Tsoumada I want a complete scan of the system ready before we enter it, full sensor sweep." The young asian science officer answered crisply. "Yes captain, full sensor sweep activated." He finished the series of commands and leaned closer to the viewer, his eyes glued to it as the fingers of his right hand were tapping buttons to fine tune the telemetry flow. Holis arrived only a moment later and hurried to the science station but stopped behind the man, nodding in appreciation of the job he was doing, seeing as he wasn't needed at the moment he turned to the captain. "My compliments captain on the quality of your officer corps, I've been pleasantly surprised since coming aboard." Saleke nodded slightly but took a different verbal tack. "How many of the torpedoes have been converted doctor?" "Five." Holis made a sour face. "You didn't give us as much time as promised. The yield won't be great as we noted due to the power curve but Commander McLaren has them rigged as efficiently as possible, they'll flash into phase cloak just before hitting their shields." The vulcan noted the comment. "Conditions dictated a loss of that time doctor which is preferable, five will be enough to deal a telling blow should it be necessary." Holis shook his head slightly as he turned back to the science station just as ensign Tsoumada jerked his head up in excitement. "Wha..?" "Captain I'm reading a ship in orbit above the mining facility!" The vulcan twisted the chair around and noted the officer's excitement. "What ship ensign? Report." Tjou shook his head as Holis leaned over him. "No way to know yet captain, looking for it's navigational transponder signature, it's profile however is unusual." "Entering the system now captain." "Reduce speed to warp factor five." "Aye sir." Holis caught the flash of surprise from his subordinate as he himself saw what was coming up on the monitor. "By the goddess!" "Captain I'm reading the USS Rosenante in orbit!" Saleke's glance at the young man was full of meaning. "Double check that Mr. Tsoumada, are you certain?" "Absolutely sir, there's no mistake." The vulcan stood to his feet as he turned back toward the nav/ops console. "Hail the Rosenante." (Reply: Any) With his left hand he tapped a button on the arm of the chair which activated the red alert klaxon and brought the ship to its highest level of readiness."Arm weapons only on my order." (Reply: Andrus) "Damn!" Holis growled as he motioned the young man aside. "Who would have thought it, Why the hell are they here?" (Reply: Any) Saleke said nothing but waited for a response to the hail, logic appeared this time to have need of modification. His mind calculated the variables along with his responses, emotional beings tended to react rather than consider carefully before acting but his responses would be predetermined long before they were needed, a byproduct of his vulcan heritage which he had honed while an officer. When the reply to the hail was noted he was standing in the center of the bridge before the command chair, his hands cupped behind his back as he looked directly at the monitor. "On screen." The screen wavered for only an instant before the bridge of the USS Rosenante swelled into existence, its commanding officer Captain Salid obviously still in command and well in control. "Captain Salid." The vulcan's tone was level and without inflection as he greeted the man. "I am captain Saleke of the USS Furious answering a distress call from the mining colony." His eyes looked emotionlessly into the eyes of Ibn. "Explain the presence of yourself and your ship captain." (Reply: Ibn) (Posted by Charles) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante - Bridge - CO, Captain Ahmed Ibn Salid - Day 2 - 2015) Now certain that they had not missed any survivors and also now completely aware that the most critical part of the data that they had retrieved from the station indicated that the mysterious Rosenante look-alike had indeed acquired boronite pure enough to make an Omega device and would there froe have no tactical need to remain in the system, Ahmed was finally ready to have the ship break orbit and pursue. "Captain I am detecting a ship entering the system at warp." Sullivan reported. "Is it our mysterious attacker?" Ahmed asked. "No sir, the Transponder is showing it to be a Federation Vessel, Prometheus class... The USS furious." ~The Furious,~ Ahmed thought, ~I'm not familiar with that ship.~ "Put her on screen." The main view screen shifted from the gentle curve of the planet to the sleek lines of the Prometheus as she slipped into the system. She was a predator, built for one reason, and used to deadly affect in countless conflicts during the civil war. "We're being hailed." Salid nodded and stood, taking a few steps forward. "Mister Sullivan keep us at red alert. weapons on ready standby." "Aye Captain." "Open the channel." he then added. Once again the main viewer shifted images, this time to the interior of the Prometheus class. The sleek warship's bridge was impressive, although Ahmed often thought that no bridge was as lovely as his own. Of course, he was biased. Standing in the center of the bridge, mirroring Ahmed's relative position on the Rosenante Bridge was captain Saleke. ~Of all the people they had to send.~ Ahmed thought. =^=Captain Salid.=^= The Vulcan's tone was level and without inflection as he greeted the man. =^=I am captain Saleke of the USS Furious answering a distress call from the mining colony.=^= His eyes looked emotionlessly into the eyes of Ibn. =^=Explain the presence of yourself and your ship captain.=^= Knowing that things were about to become suddenly very dangerous and exceptionally complex, Ahmed mentally sighed before replying. "Captain, we are also here investigating the distress signal from the colony. " he replied, telling the truth, but still knowing that the Vulcan would not settle for that. "I'd like to point out that I know how this looks Captain and remind you that not everything is as it appears to be." He paused for a moment. "Of all the people that I thought they'd send, I never suspected you Captain Saleke." (reply Saleke) Ahmed knew what was going to happen next. They both did. The Furious would do the same thing that the Rosenante would do if the situation was reversed. They'd order the other ship to surrender. Then they'd find the planted evidence on the station, review the logs and talk with the survivors. In the end, Salid and his entire crew would find themselves vilified and locked away in the darkest penal colony that the Federation could find. He owed his crew more than that, he owed them a fighting chance at clearing their names. Still something inside him found it hard to believe that Saleke would be knowingly tied up in this conspiracy; A hero of the Civil war, who served with distinction. Maybe his logic was twisted, or maybe he didn't realize he was being played. Salid turned and walked back to his command seat and assumed it. He immediately tapped in a command to Lieutenant Dralar. [Break orbit. Use the curve of the planet to keep us as hidden from line-of-sight as possible. Head for the asteroid field.] The Rosenante sped up, and began to maneuver, Ahmed could not afford to allow the Furious into weapons range while the Rosenante was still constrained to orbit. (reply Saleke) Daniel Greene --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Furious - Bridge - CO, Captain Saleke - Day 2 - 2016) Saleke watched Ibn Bin Salid carefully as they faced one another, the man made no change in expression or stance but his eyes showed something which the vulcan couldn't quantify, a knowing perhaps or resignation. =^= Captain, we are also here investigating the distress signal from the colony. I'd like to point out that I know how this looks Captain and remind you that not everything is as it appears to be.=^= He paused for a moment. =^= Of all the people that I thought they'd send, I never suspected you Captain Saleke.=^= That remark was puzzling, an inference that Saleke himself had been directed here by some other, possibly malignant agency. The vulcan cocked his head slightly at an angle and lifted an eyebrow in response as captain Salid turned and walked to his command chair. That expostulation in its entirety had not been expected though it could very well be insinuated into a misdirection of blame though there was little in the way to logically extrapolate from it. Still the unexpected could be expected when dealing with illogical beings. After sitting Ibn's hand moved over the interface on the arm of his command chair, to the uninformed it might have appeared as though he were idly tapping his fingers but Saleke knew better. Evidences from his mannerisms were continuing to mount though they would have to be considered later along with the rest it would be necessary to investigate, at this time though there was nothing to do but attempt to defuse the inevitable. Saleke knew from what he had seen thus far it would not be accepted. "I am uncertain as to your inference captain however due to circumstantial evidence I must insist you stand down and cooperate with the investigation that it will be necessary to conduct. You have my word that all findings will be impartial." His arms that had been behind him came up to cross his chest. "As you appear to have knowledge of me you will have also have noted that my word as a vulcan and starfleet captain is binding and can be trusted. If you are innocent in this matter it is the only way to clear yourself and ship of possible charges while any provocation on your part will only add weight to the initial evidence." (Reply: Salid) Saleke turned to his own command chair and turned, looking back at Ibn as he sat down. "Of course you are aware captain that you force me to damage or destroy your vessel along with your crew because of your refusal, should you be innocent of the charges as you say you have an illogical way of showing it." He returned the mans look flatly. "You have time to reconsider your stance captain but do not take too long, my ship has the advantage of manueverability due to its vector into this system and any attempt to evade will end in failure." (Reply: Salid) After the communication was terminated Saleke began issuing orders immediately. "Mr. Williams arm all phaser banks and standard quantums at this time." Initial volleys would be done at long range, he would save them if necessary till they had closed on the Rosenante. (Reply: Andrus) "Doctor Gralen..." Holis had worked with Saleke long enough to anticipate what the captain wanted. " Their orbital vector is taking them around the planet, after they put it between us and them they'll be able to manuever at will." "Possible defensible positions Doctor." Holis had anticipated that as well. "Scans are showing a high concentration of magnacite ore in the asteroid belt captain, chances are they'll try to use it to shield them from us." "Logical doctor. Helm lay in an intercept course and initiate." "Aye captain." The ship leapt ahead as it accelerated into an intercept coursre to catch the Rosenante before she could enter the field based on her probable vector, all weapons systems were armed and shields ready. At red alert it was only a matter of time before the conflict started. "Open a channel to starfleet command and notify them we are in pursuit of the Rosenante within the system, conflict appears imminent." (Reply: , any) (Posted by Charles) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante - Bridge - CO, Captain Ahmed Ibn Salid - Day 2 - 2017) =^=I am uncertain as to your inference captain however due to circumstantial evidence I must insist you stand down and cooperate with the investigation that it will be necessary to conduct. You have my word that all findings will be impartial.=^= His arms that had been behind him came up to cross his chest. =^=As you appear to have knowledge of me you will have also have noted that my word as a Vulcan and Starfleet captain is binding and can be trusted. If you are innocent in this matter it is the only way to clear yourself and ship of possible charges while any provocation on your part will only add weight to the initial evidence=^= "Captain Saleke, " Ahmed replied, "I I know that there is more happening here that neither you nor I can fully understand at this point. I know what you will find when your beam down to the planet to conduct your investigation. You'll find exactly what you will need to justify whatever action the people who sent you here will want you to perform." "I want you to consider something very important, before we take the next step of this journey. And that is that very step toward the goal of justice requires sacrifice, suffering, and struggle; the tireless exertions and passionate concern of dedicated individuals. I genuinely believe that Captain, And I am prepared to undergo whatever tribulations I must to see this through. " =^=Of course you are aware captain that you force me to damage or destroy your vessel along with your crew because of your refusal, should you be innocent of the charges as you say you have an illogical way of showing it.=^= Saleke returned the mans look flatly. =^=You have time to reconsider your stance captain but do not take too long, my ship has the advantage of maneuverability due to its vector into this system and any attempt to evade will end in failure.=^= "I am aware captain that you will do your duty just as I must do mine. I appreciate your candid statements and your allowance to reconsider my stance. I assure you, you'll have my answer soon enough. Rosenante out." Ahmed cut the communication, then took a deep breath. He tapped his command console and brought up the Holographic display ring. "Saleke's ship is fast and maneuverable and well armed, but if he's carrying standard compliment, he won't be able to stop us before we reach the asteroid belt. He'll be unable to get through our shields." He said aloud He deactivated the ring and started issuing orders. "Saleke will be forced to drop to impulse when he gets a little closer. The Gravity well variants will rip his ship apart if he doesn't. Mister Raschen, as soon as the planet is between us, we need to head for the asteroid field. We'll activate the SEDIS and have the sensor ghost diverge from us along a different vector. That should buy us a few additional moments. Once we're at optimum distance Chance you're to activate the SEDIS and vector us into the Mill." (reply Raschen) He turned in his chair and looked at his tactical officers. "Mister V'Shera and Mister Sullivan, you will not fire on the Furious unless we are fired upon first, and only then with the intention to cause her to lose bearing and intercept us. Watch your weapon fire closely and focus on forcing her to deviate course just long enough to buy us some time. That should start Saleke thinking." (reply V'Shera) "Understood captain." Sullivan replied. He turned to Commander Caskie. "Now you know what we're facing and why we're doing it. If we're captured now, without evidence, you know what the outcome will, be. I don't see we have any other choice." he said quietly. (reply Caskie) Ahmed nodded solemnly. "Commander Caskie notify Sickbay to prepare for wounded. And notify Engineering to dispatch Damage control teams." he then said in a louder voice. (reply Caskie) "Mister Jackson, shift additional power to shields and weapons, be ready to initiate the HISS when we reach the Asteroid field. Stay on top of Damage control coordination." (reply Jackson) "Mister Nayati, tell me what you saw from Saleke while he was on the screen." (reply Nayati) (reply Jackson, Caskie, Raschen, V'Shera, Nayati) Daniel Greene ===================================================================== (Hexikor Alpha- Development Lab Three- Doctors 01110 & 01100- Day 7- 0600) 01110 entered the lab with 01100 by his side. The two Bynars had been exchanging data for the last several minutes detailing the results of the latest round of testing on their paratrinic shielding device. The Starfleet technical officer, whom they only knew as designation Romeo was standing in the laboratory waiting for them. He was a tall human, uncharacteristically so, measuring nearly seven feet tall. His stature was even more phenomenal when you factored in the measurements of his shoulders. He was a broad man, strongly muscled and coupled with his height, this caused him to literally cause the two average height Bynars to be dwarfed in comparison. Romeo was reviewing data on a PADD, something that as of late, he had been doing quite a bit more frequently. The man was amiable enough, although both 01110 and 01100 often thought about the sheer possibility of brutality that the massive framed human could command should he choose to do so. "Good morning Doctors," he said without looking up from his PADD. "your test results from yesterdays trials look very promising. The ability of the Shields are impressing me more and more with every passing day." "Yes, well" 01100 began, only to have 01110 finish, "we're still a long way off from perfecting the generators." Romeo forced a smile and then gave a single quick nod. "I don't know about that. with the exception of a few power consumption problems it looks like the work here is mostly finished." "A few...." "...power consumption problems?" 01100 completed, "Are you..." "...insane? The energy matrix isn't stable. And the..." "...shield field harmonics are anything but steady..." "We still..." "...have a lot to work on with this..." "...project. Not to mention the -" 01110 went silent. Romeo raised his hand. indicating that the two should stop speaking. "You know I hate it when you finish each other's sentences." he said simply. "you really need to be more considerate of those you work with doctors. We went to a great deal of trouble to see to it that your research was well funded and isolated from the central computer core of this planet, because of the nature of your work. Without me, you're project would still be a supposition." The large man turned to look at the device that was presently connected to all sorts of wires and other diagnostic equipment. ::[what is he driving at?]:: 01110 asked his compatriot through their shared network link. ::[Perhaps something has happened that they are moving up the timetable.]:: his companion replied. 01100 spoke next. "Mister Romeo, we understand all that you and Starfleet have done for us. We understand that the project would never be this far advanced without your support." "But the truth is still the truth" 01110 continued, "We do not yet know what sort of effects this field will have on subspace, plasma flow, warp bubbles or organic materials." 01100 nodded. "At this point we don't even know if we can stabilize the field or if we can solve the power consumption problem. Let alone if it is safe. these projects take years to finalize." Romeo nodded again and then spoke, "I understand all of that doctors, however, I was informed early this morning that we may not have years. This shielding system is an integral part of a program to protect a probe to collect data from a dying star as you well know. That project can save hundreds of millions of lives. data is coming in that indicates that we may not have as long as we first thought. These shields are essential to the success of the probe. We'll make the power consumption problem work, one way or the other, but we can not delay any longer. My orders are to take control of the device and prepare it to be moved. The USS Templar will be here tomorrow to convey it to the assembly point." 01100 nodded as 01110 spoke. "I see. So we should prepare to depart as well." he said simply. "No you shouldn't." Romeo replied. "Why not? Won't we be needed to fine tune the device?" 01100 asked, giving words to 01110's facial expression. "You can't be risked, you're too valuable. We need you to continue your work and perfect this device." Romeo replied with a shake of his head. ::[Something isn't right here.]: 01100 messaged to his companion. ::[I agree, but what can we do? This research would not have been allowed because of the possible subspace weapons potential, without Romeo's help]:: They both nodded once, their co-joined minds made up. "Well then we should prepare the device for transport." 01110 said aloud, even as 01100 was putting in the work order to have the technicians begin the process." Romeo nodded. "We'll need the Class 11 computer as well. It's the only one that can control the shield device." This announcement was of course true, but it was not something that either 01110 or 01100 had considered. "I see," 01100 replied. "Of course, we'll prepare the Class 11 computer for transport as well." 01110 finished. "It will be ready to move before the midday cycle begins." the first Bynar concluded. (reply none) -- Daniel Greene --------------------------------------------------------------------- End Compile ---------------------------------------------------------------------