Compiled by Calvin Capps ======================================================================================================================== Mission: Errand of Mercy Day: 2 Stardate: 2407.01.18 ======================================================================================================================== (USS Paladin - Jefferies Tubes - Agent - 1710) (USS Paladin, Ready Room, CO Captain Eva Straton, 17:18) (USS Paladin, Ready Room, CSO Lieutenant (jg) Joran Matthew Brownlee - 17:20) (USS Paladin - Deck 17 - Agent - 1730) (USS Paladin - Deck 17, Transporter Room - Agent - 1750) (USS Paladin - Engineering Office - ACEO Ensign Zack Tristen - 1809) (USS Paladin - Deck 30-Power Generation - LT JG Steven Matrix - 1809) (USS Paladin - Engineering Office - ACEO Ensign Zack Tristen - 1809) (USS Paladin - Deck 30-Power Generation - LT JG Steven Matrix - 1810) (USS Paladin - Sick Bay - Nurse Mill - 1811) (USS Paladin - Deck 30-Power Generation - LT JG Steven Matrix - 1811) (USS Paladin - Deck 30-Power Generation - LT JG Steven Matrix - 1811) (USS Paladin - Sick Bay - Nurse Mill - 1831) (USS Paladin - Sick Bay - Steve - 1831) (USS Paladin - Sick Bay - Nurse Mill - 1832) (USS Paladin - Sickbay - ACEO LT JG Steven Matrix - 1844) (USS Paladin - Sickbay - Nurse Mill - 1845) (USS Paladin - Sickbay - ACEO LT JG Steven Matrix - 1845) (USS Paladin - Sickbay - Engineering Officer Lt Mike Goodman - 1846) (USS Paladin - Sickbay - ACEO LT JG Steven Matrix - 1846) (USS Paladin - Sickbay - Engineer Officer Lt Mike Goodman - 1847) (USS Paladin, Bridge, CO Captain Eva Straton, 19:04) (USS Paladin, Bridge, CSO Lieutenant (jg) Joran Matthew Brownlee and ATAC/ASC Ensign (jg) Rana Apar, 19:08) (USS Paladin, Deflector Control, CSO Lieutenant (jg) Joran Matthew Brownlee - 19:10) (USS Paladin, Bridge, ATAC/ASC Ensign (jg) Rana Apar, 19:16) (USS Paladin, Deflector Control, CSO Lieutenant (jg) Joran Matthew Brownlee - 19:18) (USS Paladin - Bridge - ATAC/ASC Ensign (jg) Rana Apar - 19:55) (USS Paladin, Bridge - COPS Ensign (sg) Michael Ian O'Connor - 1955) (Beta Aquari system - Mako Fighter - Pilot Officer Smith - 1955) (USS Paladin, Bridge, CEO Lt. Commander Sarouk, 1956) (USS Paladin - Personal Quarters - OPS Ensign Elizabeth Knightley - 2030) (USS Paladin - Personal Quarters - OPS Ensign Elizabeth Knightley - 2105) (USS Paladin - Brig - CO Captain Joseph Flanagan and Security Guard Crewman Thomas Dodge - 21:20) (Beta Aqauri III - 2nd floor - personnel offices - FO Lt Cmdr Calvin Capps - 2158) (Beta Aqauri III - 2nd floor - personnel offices - MCO Conner Tirrel - 21:59) (Beta Aquari III - 2nd floor, personnel offices - FO Lt Cmdr Calvin Capps - 2200) (Beta Aquari III - 2nd Floor, Personell Office - Gunnery SergeantRellam Tam - 2220) (Beta Aquari III – Hospital Offices – Ensign JG ACMO Nissa Whetari – 2205) (Beta Aqauri III - 2nd floor, personnel office - FO Lt Cmdr Calvin Capps - 2215) (Beta Aqauri III - 2nd floor, personnel office - Gunnery Sergeant Rellam Tam - 2216) (Beta Aqauri III - 2nd floor, personnel office – Ensign JG ACMO Nissa Whetari- 2217) (Beta Aqauri III - 2nd floor, personnel office - TAC/SC Kerge & MCO Conner Tirrel - 22:17) (Beta Aquari III - 2nd Floor, Personell Office - FO Lt Cmdr Calvin Capps - 2219 (Beta Aquari III - Stair Way - FO Lt Cmdr Calvin Capps - 2222) (Beta Aquari III - Stair Way - Gunnery Sergeant Rellam Tam - 2223) (Beta Aqauri III - 2nd floor coriddor – TAC/SC Kerge - 22:24) (Beta Aqauri III - 2nd floor, personnel office – Ensign JG ACMO Nissa Whetari- 2225) (Beta Aquari III - Hospital - Ensign JG ACMO Nissa Whetari - 2230) (USS Paladin - Sickbay - ACONN Ensign (jg) Christian Soval Brownlee - 23:05) (USS Paladin - Deck 7, Joran and Rana's Quarters - CSO Lieutenant (jg) Joran Matthew Brownlee and ATAC/ASC Ensign (jg) Rana Apar - 23:47) (USS Paladin - Sickbay - ACONN Ensign (jg) Christian Soval Brownlee - 23:56) ======================================================================================================================== (USS Paladin - Jefferies Tubes - Agent - 1710) The agent was on her hands and knees crawling quietly through the small cramp jeffries tube. With her ocular eye piece in place she had a good view of the layout of the vessel. She knew that she would be coming to the next turn soon. Once there she turned to her right to see an exit door. She took out a small circular device, and stuck it on to the exit hatch. "Begin scan," she said and the scan results were pictured in her ocular device. There was one crewman on the other side of the hatch confirmed the scan. She took the device off the door and placed it back into her pocket. She reached for a small phaser under her belt, and readied her self to use it. She opened the hatch, and peeked out. The crewman's back was turned to the door so she carefully opened the door the rest of the way as she crawled out with out making a noise. With out closing the door back she walked up behind the crewman until she got close enough to touch him. At that point she took her free hand and placed her first two fingers on the crewman's neck and the rest of her fingers were placed on the top of his shoulder. She sternly pushed her fingers into the skin of the crewman. Instantly the crewman went to sleep and began to fall. The agent caught him and placed him in the jefferies tube, and shut the door behind. After wards the agent began climbing up the ladder to get to deck 17. (posted by Calvin) ======================================================================================================================== (USS Paladin, Ready Room, CO Captain Eva Straton, 17:18) "I sincerely apologize, sir, but I thought that the Paladin could handle the stress of the atmosphere. We were there no more than 10 minutes, sir. I thought that if we descended into the atmosphere, then maybe we could have avoided a fight until the rest of the fleet got here to back us up. I already knew that there was a Doenitz fleet entering the system, and I saw that they were slightly closer to us than our own fleet. I calculated the risk according to available data, and found it manageable, or so I thought. If you feel it necessary, sir, I will submit myself to a court martial." Eva was silent for several long moments deep in thought as she considered the situation. "Under normal circumstances I would relieve you of duty and have you confined to quarters till a full investigation could be completed," She said, her voice cold and hard. "These are not normal circumstances though. I have a hostile fleet of unknown strength in the area. I will need your skills as science officer on the Bridge, assisting Ensign O'Connor cutting through any jamming the enemy fleet may use. However, you are hereby relieved of your position as Second Officer. You will remain as Chief Science Officer. Once things calm down, I will reevaluate your situation and take what steps I feel are warranted. Resume your station Lieutenant." She gestured toward the door, her disappointment obvious in her tone and posture. (Reply Brownlee) Eva waited till Brownlee had left and the Ready Room doors had closed before turning to her terminal screen. She quickly entered her command code and removed Lt. Brownlee's command authorization codes, and temporarily moved Ensign O'Connor up to acting Second Officer. Once finished, she turned her terminal off, took a deep breath and fought to calm her anger. Once she had regained her composure, she stood and headed back to the Bridge. (posted by Wes) ======================================================================================================================== (USS Paladin, Ready Room, CSO Lieutenant (jg) Joran Matthew Brownlee - 17:20) After Joran had finished his explanation, the captain began to speak in a very cold and harsh tone. "Under normal circumstances I would relieve you of duty and have you confined to quarters till a full investigation could be completed. These are not normal circumstances though. I have a hostile fleet of unknown strength in the area. I will need your skills as science officer on the Bridge, assisting Ensign O'Connor cutting through any jamming the enemy fleet may use. However, you are hereby relieved of your position as Second Officer. You will remain as Chief Science Officer. Once things calm down, I will reevaluate your situation and take what steps I feel are warranted. Resume your station Lieutenant." Joran's heart sank to his feet. He felt awful inside, but would not let it show through. He answered as calmly and rationally as he could. "Understood, sir." He then turned around, and walked out onto the bridge. "Ensign Belden, take Science II." She moved over, and he took her spot at Science I. He felt a tear run down his cheek. (posted by Spencer) ======================================================================================================================== (USS Paladin - Deck 17 - Agent - 1730) At deck 17 she reached the exit doors to get inside of the corridors of the ship. She opened the hatch and immediate began hearing officers voices. She quickly turned her body behind the wall so she could not be seen. A few seconds later the officers walked passed and she felt it was safe to exit. Once in the corridor she relied on her ocular device to guide her where to go. She had no idea which way her next location was. She followed the map carefully while avoiding to be seen by anyone. She went down a fairly long corridor which was not the safest way. There was no hiding places if an officer were to walk out. Fortunately no one did. She turned a right, another right, and then one final turn to the left on the deck. She began to wonder if the map was correct until she reached her destination. (posted by Calvin) ======================================================================================================================== (USS Paladin - Deck 17, Transporter Room - Agent - 1750) The doors opened for her, but she had to open them manually. The computer can't see her so the automatic doors would not open. Luckily for her there was no one manning the station at the time. She knew that someone would come any minute. She wasted no time and ran behind the controls. The system was already powered on so she just needed to enter exactly what she wanted the transporter to do. The clearance code was the first barrier she came across. She took out a isoleanier chip, and turned to the back wall. She bent down and pulled on two side bars to take the cover off. In front of her were many isoleanier chips and circuits. Part of her training trained her for this exact situation. With the chip she had she placed it into the slot, and switched out a few of the chips into different locations. It didn't completely cut out the security system, but it did delay them for a few minutes. Long enough to finish her task. She put the cover back on and stood to face the panel. She was free to put in the correct coordinates where she wanted to be beamed, an automatic control to initiate on her demand, and she shut off the security controls for banned beams to certain locations of the ship while under red alert. Suddenly the alarm went off which she was expecting. She went to the back of the transporter room and hid in an 3 by 3 foot storage closet. This would be her home until it was time to initiate the next part of her plan or if she was found. (posted by Calvin) ======================================================================================================================== (USS Paladin - Engineering Office - ACEO Ensign Zack Tristen - 1809) =/\=Zack, what happened to Lt Goodman?=/\= "According to Ensign Rosa while they were connecting two pattern flows back together an electric current was exposed. When Goodman went to touch the second pattern flow it gave him a nice shock." (reply Matrix) "A medical report has not been sent back to me yet, so I can only assume the doctors are still looking after him. I will go to Sickbay to see how he is doing." (posted by Calvin) ======================================================================================================================== (USS Paladin - Deck 30-Power Generation - LT JG Steven Matrix - 1809) =/\=Zack, what happened to Lt Goodman?=/\= "According to Ensign Rosa while they were connecting two pattern flows back together an electric current was exposed. When Goodman went to touch the second pattern flow it gave him a nice shock." Matrix put down his PADD and looked up in thought and concern, "Is he okay Zack?" "A medical report has not been sent back to me yet, so I can only assume the doctors are still looking after him. I will go to Sickbay to see how he is doing." "No, I need you to continue working. I'll get a report on Goodman shortly." (Reply Tristen) "Thanks Zack. I'll keep you posted. Matrix out." (posted by Steve) ======================================================================================================================== (USS Paladin - Engineering Office - ACEO Ensign Zack Tristen - 1809) "No, I need you to continue working. I'll get a report on Goodman shortly." "Very well. I will be leaving for deck 19 shortly." Zack said politely; giving his superior officer his report, but deep inside he wanted to go to sickbay to check on Goodman. ~Orders are orders.~ "Thanks Zack. I'll keep you posted. Matrix out." Zack shut off his monitor. He grabbed the closest engineering kit there was. "Hey," another engineer yelled at Zack, "that is my kit." "Oh, sorry." Zack said in disbelief at what he had just done. He placed the kit back on the table where he found it. "Here you go." He went to the lockers and signed his own kit out. He then left engineering to deck 19. (posted by Calvin) ======================================================================================================================== (USS Paladin - Deck 30-Power Generation - LT JG Steven Matrix - 1810) =^= Matrix to sickbay, can someone give me a status report on Lt. Goodman?=^= (posted by Steve) ======================================================================================================================== (USS Paladin - Sick Bay - Nurse Mill - 1811) "Yes doctor." Nurse Mill said impatiently. She walked over to the bio bed which had Lt Goodman as a resident. She looked at the his bio signs. "Heart beat dropping...he's going into shock." Nurse Mill yelled. "DOCTOR!" The doctor from the other side of the room ran over to the Goodman's bed. He began doing his magic. =^= Matrix to sickbay, can someone give me a status report on Lt. Goodman?=^= "Not at the moment sir. He has just gone into shock. Its not looking good." (reply Matrix, iyw) Nurse Mill turned her attention back to the injured officer. The doctor began barking orders. (posted by Calvin) ======================================================================================================================== (USS Paladin - Deck 30-Power Generation - LT JG Steven Matrix - 1811) =^= Matrix to sickbay, can someone give me a status report on Lt. Goodman?=^= "Not at the moment sir. He has just gone into shock. Its not looking good." ~Damn.~ said Matrix to himself, noting the tone in the nurses voice. Matrix turned his attention to his work, trying not to worry too much about the Lieutenant. ~We have the best medical facilities in the fleet onboard. He'll be fine...I hope.~ Matrix reflected back on his accident not that long ago. Most of the physical scaring had healed. Some still linger. The scar along the right side of this neck, face and hands were still visible, but no one ever commented about them. Plasma burns never completely heal. Matrix was lucky, he hoped Lt. Goodman would be as well. (posted by Steve) ======================================================================================================================== (USS Paladin - Deck 30-Power Generation - LT JG Steven Matrix - 1811) "That's good news and bad. Anything I can do?" Asked Steven "A friend of his would be helpful," replied the nurse. "I'd like to come down and see him. Is he in any condition to see visitors?" questioned Matrix. "That would be wonderful. He is still under a few medications, and his speech is partly back. I will let him know that you are on your way." Nurse Mill said excitedly. It always made her happy when friends and family would come see someone in sickbay. "Thank you for the update. I'll be up to see the LT in a few minutes. Matrix out." (Reply Mill, IYW) =^= Matrix to engineering teams. I've completed repairs on deck 30, power generation. I'm heading to sickbay to check on Lt. Goodman. I'll be back in engineering after than. Matrix out. =^= (posted by Steve) ======================================================================================================================== (USS Paladin - Sick Bay - Nurse Mill - 1831) "Nurse Mill to Lt Matrix" (reply Matrix) "Lt Goodman made it, but he is in no condition to go back to work. The electric current damaged many of his nerves. We weren't able to repair all of them. It is likely that he will have to go through physical therapy." (posted by Calvin) ======================================================================================================================== (USS Paladin - Sick Bay - Steve - 1831) "Nurse Mill to Lt Matrix" Matrix's heart jumped and worry filled his thoughts, "Matrix here. Go ahead." "Lt Goodman made it, but he is in no condition to go back to work. The electric current damaged many of his nerves. We weren't able to repair all of them. It is likely that he will have to go through physical therapy." "Thats good news and bad. Anything I can do?" (Reply Nurse Mill) "I'd like to come down and see him. Is he in any condition to see visitors?" questioned Matrix. (posted by Steve) ======================================================================================================================== (USS Paladin - Sick Bay - Nurse Mill - 1832) "That's good news and bad. Anything I can do?" Asked Steven "A friend of his would be helpful," replied the nurse. "I'd like to come down and see him. Is he in any condition to see visitors?" questioned Matrix. "That would be wonderful. He is still under a few medications, and his speech is partly back. I will let him know that you are on your way." Nurse Mill said excitedly. It always made her happy when friends and family would come see someone in sickbay. (posted by Calvin) ======================================================================================================================== (USS Paladin - Sickbay - ACEO LT JG Steven Matrix - 1844) Matrix entered sickbay with some apprehension. Sickbay was dark and quiet. The mood here when visiting wasn't much different than in a church or a memorial. When someone was seriously injured or sick the feeling was magnified. Matrix walked slowly, somberly with his hands together, he remained quiet while looking for nurse Mill. Matrix noted a figure approaching him, "Nurse Mill?" said Matrix in a soft, low voice. (Reply Mill) "How is the lieutenant?" said Matrix. (Reply Mill) "If it wouldn't disturb his rest and he's up for a visitor I'd like to speak with him for a moment." (Reply Mill) As they approached the lieutenant resting, Matrix became uneasy. (posted by Steve) ======================================================================================================================== (USS Paladin - Sickbay - Nurse Mill - 1845) "Nurse Mill?" said Matrix in a soft, low voice. The nurse looked up at the tall man. She looked at his rank pips and took that into consideration of who he might be. She was expecting an officer, so she had to conclude it was Lt. Matrix. "Yes, that is me," she continued the conversation in a low voice. "How is the lieutenant?" said Matrix. "He is continuing to recover well, but the stipulations we talked about earlier still apply," replied nurse Mill. "If it wouldn't disturb his rest and he's up for a visitor I'd like to speak with him for a moment." "Not a problem. He is resting in room B. Its to my right," the nurse said while pointing in the correct direction. She then watched the engineer officer walk away, and enter room B. A big smile came over her face, and she began working with another patient. (posted by Calvin) ======================================================================================================================== (USS Paladin - Sickbay - ACEO LT JG Steven Matrix - 1845) Matrix left the nurse and followed the light into the next room. Lieutenant Goodman was resting quietly. Matrix slowed and paused at his side and quietly said, "Lieutenant, I hope you're feeling better than when you entered. Ensign Tristen told me about the accident. How are you doing?" (Reply Goodman) "The nurse said you gave her a scare, but you'll be okay. Just need some rest. Anything I can do for you, someone to contact, bring you any personal items?" (Reply Goodman) Matrix smiled and pulled up a chair and sat with the Lieutenant for a while longer. (posted by Steve) ======================================================================================================================== (USS Paladin - Sickbay - Engineering Officer Lt Mike Goodman - 1846) Mike was lying in the bed with his eyes closed. He was in little pain, but nothing the medications couldn't take care of. He had his eyes shut, resting, trying not to move his body too much. "Lieutenant, I hope you're feeling better than when you entered. Ensign Tristen told me about the accident. How are you doing?" asked Steven. The lieutenant didn't quite recognize the voice. He was still under medications, but a few seconds later he remembered the nurse telling him who was coming to visit him. He rolled his head over, and opened his eyes. He tried to give a big smile. "I've been better." "The nurse said you gave her a scare, but you'll be okay. Just need some rest. Anything I can do for you, someone to contact, bring you any personal items?" "So they tell me. Maybe it was just my sub-conscious pulling another prank," Mike said. He then licked his lips because they were dry. "If you don't mind I have a cup of ice chips over there." (reply Matrix) Lt Goodman grabbed the cup with his hand, and began eating the chips one at a time. "Thank you. I don't really need anything else. The staff here has basically taken care of everything." Mike paused and shut his eyes. "You wouldn't happen to know a good joke would you?" (posted by Calvin) ======================================================================================================================== (USS Paladin - Sickbay - ACEO LT JG Steven Matrix - 1846) Mike was lying in the bed with his eyes closed. He was in little pain, but nothing the medications couldn't take care of. He had his eyes shut, resting, trying not to move his body too much. "Lieutenant, I hope you're feeling better than when you entered. Ensign Tristen told me about the accident. How are you doing?" asked Steven. The lieutenant didn't quite recognize the voice. He was still under medications, but a few seconds later he remembered the nurse telling him who was coming to visit him. He rolled his head over, and opened his eyes. He tried to give a big smile. "I've been better." "The nurse said you gave her a scare, but you'll be okay. Just need some rest. Anything I can do for you, someone to contact, bring you any personal items?" "So they tell me. Maybe it was just my sub-conscious pulling another prank," Mike said. He then licked his lips because they were dry. "If you don't mind I have a cup of ice chips over there." "Sure thing," said Matrix as he grabbed the cup and handed to Goodman. Lt Goodman grabbed the cup with his hand, and began eating the chips one at a time. "Thank you. I don't really need anything else. The staff here has basically taken care of everything." Mike paused and shut his eyes. "You wouldn't happen to know a good joke would you?" Matrix smiled, "Well its probably stupid enough to get you to laugh. Here it goes. What did Spock find in Kirk's toilet?" (Reply Goodman) Matrix let out a slight laugh, "The Captain's log!" Matrix just smiled, "I told you it was stupid." (Reply Goodman) "I'll let you rest LT. Put anything you need on my tab, I'm good for it. I know who programs the replicators." (posted by Steve) ======================================================================================================================== (USS Paladin - Sickbay - Engineer Officer Lt Mike Goodman - 1847) Matrix smiled, "Well its probably stupid enough to get you to laugh. Here it goes. What did Spock find in Kirk's toilet?" Mike listened to the joke. He immediately knew of the two people that Steven was talking about, but he had never knew there were jokes floating around about them. "I don't know," Mike said curiously. Matrix let out a slight laugh, "The Captain's log!" Matrix just smiled, "I told you it was stupid." Mike laughed with Steven. "I can honestly say I have never heard that one before." Mike shut his eyes again. The pain began to come back, and it must have be noticeable. "I'll let you rest LT. Put anything you need on my tab, I'm good for it. I know who programs the replicators." "Thank you. I will return to duty as slow as possible." He then turned his head, and attempted to go to sleep. (posted by Calvin) ======================================================================================================================== (USS Paladin, Bridge, CO Captain Eva Straton, 19:04) "Sir, the rest of our fleet is in range." Just then, the bridge trembled violently under another onslaught of enemy fire, Eva watched as Ensign Brownlee was thrown from his station which overloaded in a shower of sparks and flames. Ensign Brownlee laid motionless on the floor. "Medical team to the Bridge!" Eva snapped, turning her attention to the position of the enemy fleet relative to the position of the Paladin and the rest of the Battle Group. "Reroute CONN control to secondary station. Attack pattern theta five. Takes us right down their throats. Ready all weapons, concentrate fire on the lead Sovereign and Akira. Dragon Slayers and Praetor guard our port flank. Fighting Whatever's and Republic our starboard flank. Shark Bait our rear flank." Eva continued to snap out orders rapid fire, this was no time for politeness. Eva watched on her tactical display as the two fleets met and passed through each other exchanging weapons fire. In seconds the formations dissolved into mass chaos as ships exploded or were disabled. The Paladin shook under heavy weapons fire by no less than six enemy ships. "Keep those shields up!" Eva choked out through the smoke that was quickly filling the Bridge. She wiped sweat from her brow as the temperature on the Bridge rose as the climate control system struggled to compensate for all the fire and burnt out systems. At one point, Eva was thrown from her seat and her head struck the corner of a nearby console leaving a nasty gash on her forehead. She ignored the pain and the blood as she pulled herself back to her feet barking out more orders. It seemed like hours latter, but was actually closer to 45 minuets, what was left of the enemy fleet retreated, heading out of the system at warp. Leaving behind a large debris field of broken burnt out shells that use to be star ships with an untold number of dead bodies. "Damage report," Eva said as she slumped back into her chair placing a rag ripped from her uniform shirt against the gash in her forehead. "And get me a fleet status report as soon as possible." (posted by Wes) ======================================================================================================================== (USS Paladin, Bridge, CSO Lieutenant (jg) Joran Matthew Brownlee and ATAC/ASC Ensign (jg) Rana Apar, 19:08) The Paladin shook under heavy weapons fire by no less than six enemy ships. Joran held on to his panel to keep from sliding, and Rana did the same as she choked on the smoke that was quickly filling the Bridge. Her panel then started wailing as warning lights came up across the shield grid. "Keep those shields up!" the captain shouted her way. Rana looked grim. "Shields are completely down, I can't reassemble them from here. Someone has to go do it in the main deflector dish. The compartment is quickly flooding with radiation, though." Just then, the captain was thrown out of her chair and was knocked unconscious. Before anyone could say anything, Joran stood up, saying, "I'll do it. Ensign Belden, take over Science. Helm, keep us away from the firing lines. Ensign O'Connor, send a message to the fleet, and pull back. I'll radio up when I have the shields reassembled. I am the best one to do this: I designed the modifications to the deflector, I know them better than anyone. He stepped into the turbolift, and said, "Deflector Control." (posted by Spencer) ======================================================================================================================== (USS Paladin, Deflector Control, CSO Lieutenant (jg) Joran Matthew Brownlee - 19:10) Joran stepped out of the turbolift, and ran down the hallway. He opened a wall compartment, and grabbed a radiation suit and a repair kit. Once he reached the compartment, he quickly pulled on the suit, and went to work. (posted by Spencer ======================================================================================================================== (USS Paladin, Bridge, ATAC/ASC Ensign (jg) Rana Apar, 19:16) Rana, by this point, was becoming very anxious, when all of a sudden, she heard a familiar voice over the intercom. =/\=Lt. Brownlee to Bridge. I've almost got the shield geometry reassembled. Give my another minute or two, and then you can put the shields back up.=/\= Rana smiled. Soon after, her panel chirped green. "Sir, forward shields at 75%, aft, dorsal, and ventral shields at 60%." =/\= Hope that works,=/\= came Joran's voice. =/\= Now that's what I call working under pressure.=/\= (posted by Spencer) ======================================================================================================================== (USS Paladin, Deflector Control, CSO Lieutenant (jg) Joran Matthew Brownlee - 19:18) Joran heard the cheers from the bridge as he finished up recalibrating the shield geometry. But, he was distracted when his suit started to beep and an indicator flash red. He radioed the bridge again. "It seems my suits passed the tolerance level. I've got to go. If anyone needs me, I'll be in Sickbay. I don't think you want a CSO cooked well done with radiation poisoning." (posted by Spencer) ======================================================================================================================== (USS Paladin - Bridge - ATAC/ASC Ensign (jg) Rana Apar - 19:55) "Damage report," came the captain's orders. Rana's hands were shaking from all the adrenaline pumping through her system, but she managed to pull up the files on her console. "23 dead, approximately 200 wounded, 12 of which are in critical condition. Thermal damage to the secondary hull, hull breach in deflector control, the deflector dish itself is venting radiation. Shields are at 43%, but most systems are intact... mostly." (posted by Spencer) ======================================================================================================================== (USS Paladin, Bridge - COPS Ensign (sg) Michael Ian O'Connor - 1955) The battle had raged for nearly three quarters of an hour. The ship and the personnel had taken a beating that would leave it's marks and the recovery process had already begun. With Commander Capps on the surface and Brownlee in sickbay, Michael was handling the damage reports and repair issues as well as handling Ops. "Damage report," Eva said as she slumped back into her chair placing a rag ripped from her uniform shirt against the gash in her forehead. "And get me a fleet status report as soon as possible." "23 dead, approximately 200 wounded, 12 of which are in critical condition. Thermal damage to the secondary hull, hull breach in deflector control, the deflector dish itself is venting radiation. Shields are at 43%, but most systems are intact... mostly." Michael listened to the security officer pre-empt his report. "Updates are still coming in as well, sir," he said turning around and noticing the gash on the Captain's forehead. Tapping out a quick message on his console, he ordered a medic to the bridge, making it perfectly clear that it wasn't an emergency. "Secondary computer core took a jostling and I'm getting some error messages from the processors, Still waiting for a full report from Engineering. I was forced to vent cargo bay three to space during the battle. We couldn't risk the power to the containment field going, and letting the virus loose on the ship. I hope that Doctor O'Shea had his work backed up." Michael said, noticing the medic walk onto the bridge with his kit. He stood up and walked over to the captain. "You ok Captain, that gash looks nasty." He said, in a quiet voice. (posted by Patrick) ======================================================================================================================== (Beta Aquari system - Mako Fighter - Pilot Officer Smith - 1955) Jeniffer watched as the enemy fleet jumped to warp. ~That was close~ She realised that she was pulling ahead of the Paladin and throttled back. "Shark bait lead to all Sharkbait flights sound off." She half listened as the rest of her squadron reported in. Alpha flight had few bumps and bruises. Beta and Charlie flights a punch out but they had pulled clear. ~Better check they got picked up when I get back~ Jennifer looked out of her cockpit and watched as a hulk of a once proud galaxy class vessel drifted near. It had, had a hole right through the saucer section and was missing a nassel. ~All those people~ She shook her head as the vessel went out of view. ~Lets get back to work~ "Shark bait lead to all Sharkbait flights form up of the Paladin." She pulled a long loop and headed towards the Paladin. She saw the it had also taken a beating. ~Looks like they his deflector control among other things~ She opened her comm channel. "Sharkbait lead to Paladin." (Reply bridge) "Request permission to rearm, refuel and start CAP." (posted by Robbie) ======================================================================================================================== (USS Paladin, Bridge, CEO Lt. Commander Sarouk, 1956) Sarouk listened to the report from first the Tactical Officer and then Operations officer, never turning for the engineering station his hands working the entire time as he assessed the status of the ships various systems. He turned from his station only when he had finished his preliminary analysis "Secondary warp core is off line," Sarouk began, his voice calm and devoid of emotion. "Primary warp core is operating at 67%. Tertiary core is operating at 85%. Fusion reactors 4 through 9 are off line. Life support is operating on secondary back up on decks 21 through 37. Damage control teams have been dispatched. Hull breaches deck 30, 32, and 35. Emergency force fields are in place. Primary computer core has sustained damage from overloads and power surges. I have transferred primary system control to the secondary core until repairs can be completed on the primary core. I am still assessing the extent of the damage. I will have an estimate on repair time once that assessment is complete." Sarouk turned back to his station as he finished speaking. (posted by Wes) ======================================================================================================================== (USS Paladin - Personal Quarters - OPS Ensign Elizabeth Knightley - 2030) Elizabeth had just finished her late snack and was getting ready to go to bed. All of the operation officers were working over time. Elizabeth had just gotten off of a 16 hour double shift. She walked slowly from the eating area into her bedroom. She took her uniform jacket off and threw it on the floor. Elizabeth then landed on the mattress hard. After a few adjustments of her position she went to sleep. (posted by Calvin) ======================================================================================================================== (USS Paladin - Personal Quarters - OPS Ensign Elizabeth Knightley - 2105) The OPS officer was awaken abruptly by the shaking of the ship. She slowly opened her eyes and wasn't for sure what was going on. The ship shook again and before the inertial dampeners could compensate Elizabeth fell off of her bed and landed on the floor. She was now fully awake. She noticed the red alert was sounded. She must not have heard it because she was sleeping so hard. She got up on her feet and ran to the bath. She splashed a hand full of water on her face, and went to her closet. She grabbed a clean uniform jacket, put it on, and made her way her red alert post at shuttle bay 1. (posted by Calvin) ======================================================================================================================== (Beta Aqauri III - 2nd floor - personnel offices - FO Lt Cmdr Calvin Capps) The FO then saw Nissa sitting on a couch with no drink. Next he saw something he did not expect to see. Nurse Florence was standing against a wall with her hazard suit off. Calvin looked at her for a longer second than he did the others, but that issue was not the most important at the moment. He walked away from the transporter beam area and walked over to what seemed to be the best place to sit. Lt Tirrel and Kerge followed but took their own seats. "Yes I know Dr, we are late. We ran into a few...problems before we could get here." (reply any) "I want to thank all of you for coming. I didn't give any of you a lot of time to prepare. Before we move on to other issues that I am sure we need to talk about. I need a report from each of you first." Calvin stopped talking and looked over at Lt Tirrel. "If you could go first." Calvin gave Conner the floor. (posted by Calvin) ======================================================================================================================== (USS Paladin - Brig - CO Captain Joseph Flanagan and Security Guard Crewman Thomas Dodge - 21:20) Thomas walked over to the forcefield barrier that separated him from the enemy CO, who now had a look of despair on his face. "Don't worry, captain. I'm sure that your ship is alright, that is if your ship isn't a floating shell of what it was a few hours ago." Joseph cradled his head in his hands."Don't remind me." "Well, under normal circumstances, I wouldn't, but since when has this been normal cirucmstances?" He tapped a button on his PADD. "I took the liberty of accessing your Starfleet files. It says here you are involved with your helmsman, an Ensign Rebecca Dube. Very unprofessional of you." "That is none of your business." "Isn't it? Just think, what would happen if your ship was destroyed? And you lover dead?" Joseph looked at the young crewman with a look of shock on his face. "Last time I heard, your ship was going down in the atmosphere of the planet, with no heat shields. If you would be cooperative, I might just be able to discern the fate of the Oxford, and of Rebecca." Joseph couldn't help but visualize the bridge of the Oxford burning up, and his crew, especially his helmsmand, his love Rebecca, screaming in agony as the heat became so great that they began to spontaneously combust. He let out a cry of mixed agony and grief. Choking through his tears, he said, "What do you need to know?" "Just the name of the system in which your headquarters are in this sector, and your authorization codes to use to order a complete withdrawal from the sector." Joseph looked up in surprise. "That's all? Very well. The system is Sadalmelik, or Alpha Aquari. Now give me the information you promised me." (reply any who want to pick it up) (posted by Spencer) (posted by SPencer) ======================================================================================================================== (Beta Aqauri III - 2nd floor - personnel offices - MCO Conner Tirrel - 21:59) The offer from the First Officer for Conner to take the floor came as little surprise of course. As the man leading the marine deployement throughout the hostile areas of the planet, it was understandable that his input would be required first. Conner leant back into his chair, bringing the slow flipping of the metal ball within his hand to an abrupt halt as he did so. It was just something he did whenever he wanted to focus, nothing more than a foible. "For the moment we have relative calm Lieutenant commander", said the MCO beginning his report. "The marines are fully deployed in all key areas, we are at full strength & efficiency, there have been outbreaks of course as you already know but we have most of them contained", he added resuming the slow flipping of the metal ball in his hand once again. (Reply Capps, IYW) "There has been some concern from intelligence that the inner ranks of the Beta Aquari higher support structure have been compromised", said Conner, "if this is so then I`m not liking what is being fed back to me at all", he added. (Reply Capps) "I don`t want to have to fight this fight from sources within our allies ranks Lieutenant commander", said Tirrel, "we have enough to worry about already without that, I`m sure you`d agree", added. (posted by Alan) ======================================================================================================================== (Beta Aquari III - 2nd floor, personnel offices - FO Lt Cmdr Calvin Capps - 2200) "For the moment we have relative calm Lieutenant commander", said the MCO beginning his report. "The marines are fully deployed in all key areas, we are at full strength & efficiency, there have been outbreaks of course as you already know but we have most of them contained", he added resuming the slow flipping of the metal ball in his hand once again. "There has been some concern from intelligence that the inner ranks of the Beta Aquari higher support structure have been compromised", said Conner, "if this is so then I`m not liking what is being fed back to me at all", he added. "Understand. Have your intelligence agent work with Lt Kerge's investigation of the doctors death and the inner workings of the government. I myself am not for certain about the governor, but he has cooperated with us with no major interruptions." Calvin continued the conversation. "I don`t want to have to fight this fight from sources within our allies ranks Lieutenant commander", said Tirrel, "we have enough to worry about already without that, I`m sure you`d agree", added. "Agreed, thank you Lt," the FO finished. He then looked around the room at the other officers to see who would go next. (posted by Calvin) ======================================================================================================================== (Beta Aquari III - 2nd Floor, Personell Office - Gunnery Sergeant Rellam Tam - 2220) Rellam dashed down the hallway after the suspect in the bombing. The suspect had a decent head start, but not enough. The other Marines and security personnel were moving in to surround bomber. =/= Sergeant, the suspect's in the front stair well, probably heading for the exit on the first floor.=/= Came a response over his suits squad com. Rellam didn't even bother to respond as they came to the stairwell themselves, he quickly turned around and looked at the commander. "Sir, if you would keep him occupied as he descends and make sure he heads out the emergency exit, I have a plan." Rellam said as he slung his rifle over his shoulder. (posted by Patrick) ======================================================================================================================== (Beta Aquari III – Hospital Offices – Ensign JG ACMO Nissa Whetari – 2205) Nissa listened as Lieutenant Commander Capps obtained a report from a Marine. It relieved her to see other officers on the surface, though her mind kept drifting back to the patients upstairs. Noticing that the Lieutenant Commander was looking around the room, Nissa straightened up in her chair. She wasn't certain if Dr. Keller was going to give a report, but she wanted to alert the new arrivals to the people dying on the fifth floor. ~The very least I can do is tell their story,~ Nissa thought as she stood up. "May I give a report, Lieutenant Commander?" She asked, worried that she may be stepping on Dr. Keller's toes, though, looking over, he seemed interested. (Reply Capps) "We have made substantial progress organizing the hospital and medical facilities, mostly sue to Dr. Keller's work. Some progress has been made with regards to treating the symptoms of the plague, using combinations of medications. Nurse Florence, some Marines and I have been working on securing and stabilizing a ward on the fifth floor that contains some of the sickest patients. Many are in the last stage of the disease and we are doing our best to keep them comfortable and, in some cases, sedated." Nissa explained. (posted by Sarah) ======================================================================================================================== (Beta Aqauri III - 2nd floor, personnel office - FO Lt Cmdr Calvin Capps - 2215) The meeting was over, and not much information was obatined. It was concluded that it was time for 1/3 of the crew to change out with the rested crew aboard the Paladin. Calvin, Nissa, and Mr. Tam was part of the resting group. Each of them have put in many hours. Calvin turned to Lt Kerge. "Lt, you have command down here until I return. If you need anything don't hesitate to even think about calling me." (reply Kerge) Before Calvin could leave he had one more issue to deal with while on the planet. He walked over to Nurse Florence. "Nurse, how are you? Have you seen any signs of the diesease yet?" "No sir. I just want to say that.." she attempted to speak. Calvin interupted. "I don't want an explanation. Since you have been exposed you are unable to return to the ship. Stay here and assist Lt Kerge. You have been a great help. Keep it up." Calvin finished and walked away. He meet back up with Nissa and Rellam outside of the office. "Are you two ready to get some well deserved rest?" (reply Nissa, Rellam) "Me too." They continued to walk down the corridor until they got to the transport point. Calvin tapped his badge. Instantaneously the room the three officers just left exploded. Calvin ran back towards the exploded room, and Rellam and Nissa followed. "Mr. Tam grab that extinguisher!" (reply Rellam, Nissa) When the three reached the room they were met there by Lt Kerge and Lt Tirrel. (reply Kerge, Tirrel) "Was Doctor Keller still in there?" (reply any) Calvin looked through the now open door. There were sporadic fires in the room and Rellam was already putting them out. It was safe to enter. Calvin walked in and saw the body of the Doctor. He bent down beside the body. "Whetari, assist!" Calvin said loudly. He saw something in the cornor of his eye. He looked to his right out into the hallway. A black body figure ran across the hall. "There," Calvin pointed. "We need to follow," he said as he looked at the marines. (posted by Calvin) ======================================================================================================================== (Beta Aqauri III - 2nd floor, personnel office - Gunnery Sergeant Rellam Tam - 2216) Rellam waited in the hallway outside the offices for the Commander. The Doctor, XO and Rellam were being rotated back to the ship for rest. Rellam kept a discrete eye on Nissa as the waited. Eventually the Commander left the room and they started moving down the corridor. "Are you two ready to get some well deserved rest?" (reply Nissa) Rellam shrugged, he was used to long missions, wandering around a hospital for half a day wasn't what Rellam considered hard work, but Marines never said no to downtime when their bosses offered it to them so he kept his mouth shut. "Me too." They continued to walk down the corridor until they got to the transport point. Calvin tapped his badge. Instantaneously the room the three officers just left exploded. Calvin ran back towards the exploded room, and Rellam and Nissa followed. "Mr. Tam grab that extinguisher!" Rellam ripped the extinguisher off the wall and called in a red alert to all other Marines in the area. He quickly followed the Commander and the doctor. (reply Nissa) When the three reached the room they were met there by Lt Kerge and Lt Tirrel. (reply Kerge, Tirrel) "Was Doctor Keller still in there?" (reply any) Calvin looked through the now open door. There were sporadic fires in the room and Rellam was already putting them out. It was safe to enter. Calvin walked in and saw the body of the Doctor. He bent down beside the body. "Whetari, assist!" Calvin said loudly. "There," Calvin pointed at a figure that darted around the corner. "We need to follow," he said as he looked at the marines. Rellam tossed the extinguisher to another Marine that showed up, and looked at the commander. "I assume you want the suspect alive if possible," Rellam said as he unslung his sniper rifle. Following was one of the things he did best, and for once maybe he could just wound his prey. (posted by Patrick) ======================================================================================================================== (Beta Aqauri III - 2nd floor, personnel office – Ensign JG ACMO Nissa Whetari- 2217) "Are you two ready to get some well deserved rest?" Lieutenant Commander Capps asked as he, Nissa and Tam walked down the hall. With a big sigh as she picked up her kit, Nissa responded with a slight smile. “Very much so, sir.” Guilt immediately set in, as she though of the people suffering in the ward upstairs. “Though we still have much to do and many to heal, I am looking forward to a short rest.” She added. Sergeant Tam shrugged his stoic Marine shrug, which Nissa took to mean that he would accept the opportunity for rest, though he didn’t have to verbalize his pleasure regarding said rest. "Me too." Lieutenant Commander Capps replied. The three walked down the hall and reached the transport point. Nissa stretched her shoulders and her back as she watched Capps tap his combadge. Almost simultaneously, she tensed as the meeting room rumbled in an explosion. ~D**m it!~ Nissa thought as she ran after Capps and Tam as they rushed back to the room "Mr. Tam grab that extinguisher!" Lieutenant Commander Capps ordered as Nissa grabbed her medical tricorder in preparation. When they reached the entrance to the room, Lt. Kerge and Lt. Tirrel were there. (reply Kerge, Tirrel) "Was Doctor Keller still in there?" Commander Capps asked. Nissa nodded soberly, though she looked to Kerge and Tirrel for confirmation. (reply Kerge, Tirrel) Nissa peered into the room and had her tricoder ready to scan for lifesigns. Several, but all weakened. Tam was putting out most of the smaller fires that had broken out around the room and Nissa ran to the first body she saw as Commander Capps did the same. Nurse Florence was badly burned and suffered some head trauma, though she was still very much alive. "Whetari, assist!" Capps said loudly. Nissa rushed over to him to find Dr. Keller’s body. His lifesigns were weak and he had suffered extensive burns and internal trauma. Nissa immediately began emergency treatment, yelling for a portable stasis field that could help keep the area around the Doctor sterile. His suit had most likely saved his life, though, as most of it had been damaged in the blast, he had been exposed to the pathogen causing the plague. ~We need to get him to Sickbay and we just can’t now,~ she thought in frustration as Lieutenant Commander Capps and Tam worked to capture the suspect. As more assistance arrived, Nissa pointed to Nurse Florence and motioned for more help for Dr. Keller. (posted by Sarah) ======================================================================================================================== (Beta Aqauri III - 2nd floor, personnel office - TAC/SC Kerge & MCO Conner Tirrel - 22:17) "Lt, you have command down here until I return. If you need anything don't hesitate to even think about calling me.", said the First Officer as he headed off looking in need of some rest, hesitating only to discuss something with one of the nurses as he did so. "Yes sir", said Kerge bluntly as he looked about the room briefly before moving over to one of the windows to gaze out at the people now congregating down below. Grabbing one of the security officers nearby, Kerge then headed out into the coriddor looking every inch the aggrieved Klingon. "Your with me", he stated gruffly & the security officer followed blindly until they met up with the MCO & two of his men further on down the coriddor. "I have a feeling I want to break some heads", said Kerge in typical Klingon fashion, bored as he now was at not having expelled enough pent up energy in the last hour or so. "Klingons, your all the same", said Tirrel as he reholstered his sidearm after checking it over. "We need more of you guys in the military", he added just as an explosion suddenly rocked through the building from behind them someplace. "What the......", cried Tirrel as he imediately got on his comms link to call for reports from his section leaders whilst heading down towards the source of the explosion amidst the smoke now rolling up through it. "Do'Ha'", cried Kerge as both he & the security officer in tow joined him at the entrance to the now demolished room. "Was Doctor Keller still in there?", cried the FO returning down the coriddor with Rellam & Whetari. Nissa simply nodded to indicate that she assumed he was but looked to Kerge & Tirrel for confirmation before scanning the room with her tricorder. "I have no idea sir, I hope not", said Kerge as he quickly began wading into the room with the others, pulling aside smouldering chunks of plaster & steel sheeting from the floor as he did so in an attempt to locate anyone still alive. Whetari quickly found the nurse & began working upon her injuries to stabilise her & Rellam had by that point of course managed to put out most of the fires that had begun in the room. It was at that point though that the FO discovered the Doctor lying amidst the rubble & imediately called for Whetari`s assistance, but then he noticed someone running outside in the coriddor. "There, we need to follow", he cried. The marines were on it in no time at all of course, the ever efficient Tam having already picked up his sniper rifle & joining in on the chase also. "We better get the ordinance guys up here & scan for anything else that might go bang all of a sudden", said Tirrel as he glanced worryingly around the room before turning towards Kerge. "So, you were saying Lieutenant", said Conner in reference to his prior need for some action. Kerge however, simply scowled in responce whilst Whetari, upon realising that Kellers burns were now open to infection by the pathogen called for a stasis field to assist her in her work on the still unconscious Doctor. (posted by Alan) ======================================================================================================================== (Beta Aquari III - 2nd Floor, Personell Office - FO Lt Cmdr Calvin Capps - 2219) "I assume you want the suspect alive if possible," Rellam said as he unslung his sniper rifle. "Very much so," barked Calvin. He saw the Gunny move out of the room. He stood back up quickly and turned to Lt Kerge. "Do you mind staying?" Calvin knew the Klingon probably wanted some action, but his title also included security. And right now that meant the chief being here and checking on other security issues at the moment. Calvin waited for no answer from the chief and he immediatly left the room as well. He caught back up with Rellam as fast as he could. Before reaching the marine he took out his phaser and held it up right ready for use. There was some other marines present now, but Calvin didn't know them all because their faces were being covered by the helmets. They were now more than 3/4 down the hall. Every nook and cranny at least 2 people covered them, and yet no sign of the intruder. Calvin stayed close behind Rellam, giving him full discretion at the moment. (posted by Calvin) ======================================================================================================================== (Beta Aquari III - Stair Way - FO Lt Cmdr Calvin Capps - 2222) "Sir, if you would keep him occupied as he descends and make sure he heads out the emergency exit, I have a plan." Calvin looked through the Sergeants helmet and into his eyes. A certain gut feeling over whelmed Calvin and had to believe in the marine. "Very well. I'll take two men with me. Get going." Calvin and the two other marines ran down the stair way after their mystery person. While descending a glimpse of him would show, and shots would be fired, but non hit. The FO wanted the runner alive. The unknown runner was now very close to the first floor exit door, but for the Sargent's plan to work the intruder needed to leave out the emergency exit. Calvin quickly took a variable yield photon grenade from one of the marines. He set it to its lowest setting and threw it with great accuracy at the exit door. It bounced off the floor in front of the enemy and rolled and stopped at the door. Seconds later it detonated and blew the exit door and started a fire. The intruder was no longer able to exit. He turned and looked for the emergency exit. Calvin and his team ran after him, but he ran out of the emergency exit before they could reach him. (posted by Calvin) ======================================================================================================================== (Beta Aquari III - Stair Way - Gunnery Sergeant Rellam Tam - 2223) The Commander and two Marines dashed into the stairwell after the suspect, leaving Rellam to enact his plan. It was all very simple as Rellam looked out the window and down to the ground some forty feet bellow. Quickly and easily he put his hand through the glass window, shattering the glass and clearing his way. Taking two steps back he slung his rifle over his shoulder and dashed for the now open hole in the wall. Twisting sideways he barely fit through the window frame before he exited into open air, twisting to put his feet under him before he hit the rapidly approaching ground. ~~What I wouldn't give to see a heavy weapons grunt do that~~ Rellam though valuing the recon training that often put grace, speed and balance over sheer strength. Hitting the ground with a solid thud, Rellam quickly darted back to the wall of the hospital, behind the stairwell's emergency exit. He heard a small explosion as he readied his rifle, he had one shot at this, and he had to make it count. Within seconds the emergency exit crashed open and the suspect darted from the smoke filled area into the open. Before the man could look around, Rellam stepped up behind him and cold cocked him in the back of the head with the rifle stock, careful not to be too rough with the unarmored and unsuited man. The suspect fell to the ground in an unceremonious heap and Rellam quickly secured him. Grabbing the man by the back of the collar, Rellam started dragging the body back towards the stairwell and Commander Capps. As Rellam walked up to the Commander and the other Marines, he nodded. "We may want to hurry and get him back to the Doctor before he wakes up, he may have some kind of suicide devise on him." He said as the four men stood there. (posted by Patrick) ======================================================================================================================== (Beta Aqauri III - 2nd floor coriddor – TAC/SC Kerge - 22:24) "It looks like the explosive device was placed in one of the ceiling panels of the room", said Kerge, "the blast pattern is consistent with an overhead detonation emanating from the south west corner", he added as the ordinance officer nodded to confirm his suspicions. "Do we have any idea what kind of ordinance we are dealing with", asked the marine. "It is crude in comparison with that available to Starfleet.....but effective nonetheless", said Kerge as they approached the personel office once again to survey the damage that had been caused. Whetari was still working diligently on the Doctor`s wounds. "I have already scanned the adjacent rooms on this level for any signs of a similar chemical composition as that found hear", said Kerge, "so far I have found none", he added as the marine ordinance officer began examining the flash point more thoroughly. "Excuse me, Lieutenant?", said Nissa, "Would it be possible for you to assist me? I understand that your first priority is to secure the room, of course, but it would be helpful if you could look after Nurse Florence", she added. "If you could monitor her vitals and tend to her head wound, I can focus on Dr. Keller's injuries." "Of course Ensign", said Kerge taking the offered device & leaving the ordinance officer to his work now as he approached the injured nurse where she lay. "I am however not too familiar with medical tricorder readings other than the basics", said the security officer as he began scanning the nurse with the tricorder. The Klingon of course was no medic but so long as nothing complicated happened he felt sure he could manage as he placed a compress to the site of her head injury to contain any bleeding whilst overseeing the levels being displayed on the tricorder. (posted by Alan) ======================================================================================================================== (Beta Aqauri III - 2nd floor, personnel office – Ensign JG ACMO Nissa Whetari- 2225) Nissa continued to work on Keller as the Marines and Lieutenant Commander Capps went after the suspect. Lt. Kerge remained with her, though he was just standing around. She appreciated that her was a Security officer, but he could be of more use right now as an assistant. "Excuse me, Lieutenant? Would it be possible for you to assist me? I understand that your first priority is to secure the room, of course, but it would be helpful if you could look after Nurse Florence. If you could monitor her vitals and tend to her head wound, I can focus on Dr. Keller's injuries." Nissa explained. (posted by Sarah) ======================================================================================================================== (Beta Aquari III - Hospital - Ensign JG ACMO Nissa Whetari - 2230) Lt. Kerge was clearly apprehensive about assisting medically, but what few nurses that could be spared arrived very quickly with the stasis unit. While they worked on stabilizing Nurse Florence, Nissa tended Dr. Keller's wounds as best she could and got the stasis field set. ~They are both stable...for now.~ Nissa thought, wondering how long that would last. (posted by Sarah) ======================================================================================================================== (USS Paladin - Sickbay - ACONN Ensign (jg) Christian Soval Brownlee - 23:05) Christian slowly opened his eyes, and was surprised to find himself not on the bridge, where he last remembered himself to be, but rather in Sickbay. He tried to sit up, but found a restraining field around him. He growld, and cursed under his beath, when a young nurse came over. "Easy on now, ensign," she said, "You had quite a knock and burn up there." Christian's eyes widened. "Oh, my God, the battle! I need to get up there." He sat up, having forgotten the restraining field, and yelped when he hit it. She shook her head, "Sorry, you're not going anywhere right now. And don't worry about the battle. We've won, and the enemy is now at warp, fleeing from the system." "What about my friends?" "Fine, they're fine. We just released Lt. Brownlee about an hour and a half ago." "Released? What was he in here for?" "Slight radiation poisoning. He went into deflector control, which was completely flodded with radiation, and reassembled the shields. Your brother saved the ship." He slouched as much as he coud. "I miss all the fun, don't I?" "Well it seems to me that you had some fun of your own. Now, you've done well so far. If you keep up, we can probably leave here by 06:00 tomoorow morning. Now why don't you try to get some sleep?" "Alright, if you insist," he grumbled. He got back into a comfortable position, and drifted off to sleep. (posted by SPencer) ======================================================================================================================== (USS Paladin - Deck 7, Joran and Rana's Quarters - CSO Lieutenant (jg) Joran Matthew Brownlee and ATAC/ASC Ensign (jg) Rana Apar - 23:47) Rana had gotten off duty a while back, and was slouching in a chair, tired, but relived the battle was over. She stared out the window and looked down at the planet below. ~It seems so peaceful,~ she thought, ~hard to believe that we had a battle here just an hour or so ago.~ She looked over at the door as Joran walked in, smiling. "Reports of Christian's death are greatly exaggerated," he said, smiling. "That's a relief. He's alright, then?" "They just need to keep him overnight for observation, but he'll be fine." She got up, walked over to him, and wrapped her arms around his neck. "Oh, thank God you're both alright. I don't know what I'd do if I lost you, or what you'd do if you lost him. I was holding my breath the entire time that you were in Deflector Control, thinking what would happen if you died in there. It was foolish of you, and I don't know why you felt you had to do it." "I know those systems better than anyone else. I designed them, after all. I was the best person for the job. It was my duty." "But what if you had died? What of your duty to me? To our child? What would happen to us if you had died?" By this time, she was completely hysterical. Joran wrapped his arms around her, saying, "Sh, sh, you don't need to worry about it any more. It's over. I'm safe, and you're safe. That's all that matters now, Imzadi." He lifted her chin up to look straight into his eyes. "I promise you," he said, "this will be over soon enough, and we will all be alright. I promise." Rana began to dry her tears, saying, "I believe you. We'll all be fine. There's no need to worry. Hold me, Joran." "I am, Imzadi, and I'll never let go." (posted by Spencer) ======================================================================================================================== (USS Paladin - Sickbay - ACONN Ensign (jg) Christian Soval Brownlee - 23:56) After lying on his biobed looking at the hustle and bustle of Sickbay now that the battle was over, he finally was lulled into sleep. He drifted off, thinking that this sleep was the most welcome thing in the past few days. Soon after, he was sound asleep. (USS Paladin - Sickbay - ACONN Ensign (jg) Christian Soval Brownlee - 01:12) Christian woke up in a cold sweat, breathing very heavily. He didn't know why, but the dream he had just had shook him to the bone. He had dreamed that everything was soon going to change profoundly on the ship, but he felt that he had some sort familiarity with the new situation, but even still, he did not know how he felt comfortable with the unknown. He calmed down after a few minutes, and dropped back off to sleep. (posted by Spencer) ======================================================================================================================== (USS Paladin - Deck 13 Corridor - ACEO LT JG Steven Matrix - 1905) =^=Matrix to Ensign Rathyn. I'm heading back to Engineering. Lieutenant Goodman was hurt so I stopped in sickbay to check on him.=^= (Reply Rathyn) "I'll be there shortly, then we can head over to 10 Forward for dinner....or we can try one of those new places on deck 68?" (Reply Rathyn) "Just an idea, 10 Forward is probably busy and not as discrete." Matrix cringed when he spoke those words. ~Oh, damn I shouldn't have said that.~ (posted by Steve) ======================================================================================================================== (USS Paladin - Deck 13 Turbolift - ACEO LT JG Steven Matrix - 1907) =^=Matrix to engineering team leaders. Please report to main engineering for a briefing at 0730 tomorrow.=^= (Reply Tristen, Rathyn) "Computer, initiate 'Matrix Alpha 34'" The computer beeped in reply. Matrix enjoyed technology, "I love it when a plan comes together." The main special use holodeck on deck 16 became a buzz with activity at that instant. Matrix's plan was coming together, slowly. He hoped it prove useful to the Captain and her crew if needed. (posted by Steve) ======================================================================================================================== (USS Paladin - Main Engineering - ACEO Ensign Alura Rathyn - 1907) =^=Matrix to Ensign Rathyn. I'm heading back to Engineering. Lieutenant Goodman was hurt so I stopped in sickbay to check on him.=^= 'Lura's brow furrowed at the mention of Goodman. "Hope he's okay. You can tell me about when you get here." "I'll be there shortly, then we can head over to 10 Forward for dinner....or we can try one of those new places on deck 68?" "Either place sounds fine. I'm famished," she told him. "Just an idea, 10 Forward is probably busy and not as discrete." Matrix cringed when he spoke those words. ~Oh, damn I shouldn't have said that.~ 'Lura cocked an eyebrow. ~Interesting choice of words,~ she thought to herself, wondering if he'd just made a Freudian slip or was looking for something more than a friendly dinner. But she immediately pushed that notion aside. He hadn't expressed any real interest before except as a professional acquaintance. "I'm sure it is crowded," she answered after a few seconds. Deck 68 will be fine." (posted by David) ======================================================================================================================== (USS Paladin - Turbo Lift 34 - ACEO LT JG Steven Matrix - 1907) 'Lura cocked an eyebrow. ~Interesting choice of words,~ she thought to herself, wondering if he'd just made a Freudian slip or was looking for something more than a friendly dinner. But she immediately pushed that notion aside. He hadn't expressed any real interest before except as a professional acquaintance. "I'm sure it is crowded," she answered after a few seconds. Deck 68 will be fine." "I'll stop in to engineering and we can head over together. I'll be there in a few minutes. Matrix out." (posted by Steve) ======================================================================================================================== (USS Paladin - Deck 19 - ACEO Ensign Zack Tristen - 1908) Zack and a small crew was working on the control systems in the cargo bay. He ran the instrument through the panel door, and suddenly he heard a call for him. His hands were not free to push his badge. ~What an inconvenience.~ He looked over at one of the crewman working with him. "Do you mind?" The crewman looked at him puzzled until Zack motioned with his head at his badge. "Ah, of course." He reached over Ensign Tristen's chest and pushed in on the badge. Zack then began speaking. "Aye sir, Tristen out." ~As if we don't have one every morning,~ he thought sarcastically. He looked at the crewmen. "Thanks." (posted by Calvin) ======================================================================================================================== (USS Paladin - Main Engineering - ACEO Ensign Alura Rathyn - 1909) "Sorry about that I have a little programming project for Mr. Cohen." said Matrix. "Shall was proceed to dinner?" "You won't get a complaint from me," Rathyn told him sliding from her chair. She turned to the technician beside her. "Keep an eye on those conduits in case we need to replace anymore." She turned back to Matrix and waved her arm in a 'let's go' gesture. Matrix and Rathyn headed out of main engineering and into the turbo lift. "Alura, Ten Forward or Deck 68 and wherever it takes us?" "Deck 68," she announced more to the computer than to Matrix. Then looking back at the lieutenant she said, "I can live with discretion if you are worried about wagging tongues." Matrix frowned, "Alura, I didn't mean we need to be discrete, but you should know I find you attractive. I'm a bit worried about how you'd react to that and I shouldn't care what anyone else thinks, except you." Ensign Rathyn's brows lifted slightly above blank eyes that masked a cascade of conflicting emotions. She tried to swallow but her throat was dry. She swallowed again to make sure her voice didn't catch. "Thank you," was all she could think to say at that moment and the tone sounded rather bland in her own ears. What else could she say? She needed a few moments to digest this new revelation. (posted by David) ======================================================================================================================== (USS Paladin - Main Engineering - ACEO LT JG Steven Matrix - 1909) Matrix kept walking, "I'm sorry Alura, I didn't mean to spring that on you like that. Lets get some dinner and talk about this, not this, work, anything you want. Okay?" Matrix turned to her, grabbing her hand. "Please, just let me buy you dinner. No pressure, just dinner." (Reply Alura) Matrix smiled back. "We've to enough going on around here with keeping the ship together, fleet against fleet, no knowing what's going on. Our own taking the Paladin for a dip in an atmosphere. Matrix laughed at that, "Lets, lets, just forget about my comment for a while. I would like to spend some time with you outside of 'Engineering' and get to know you. If, if that's okay?" (posted by Steve) ======================================================================================================================== (USS Paladin - Main Engineering - ACEO LT JG Steven Matrix - 1911) Upon entering engineering, Matrix immediately when to his programming station and tapped in his security code. The yellow-orange display blinked with activity. The greenish-blue feedback indicated his program was working and testing had begun. "Computer, what is the status of Matrix Alpha 34?" The computer responded, "Alpha 34 is currently 85% complete, all simulations within expected parameters. There is a 9 percent margin of error." "Computer, any anomalies in the warp simulation, any in the weapons power feed?" asked Matrix "There is no indication of any anomalies in either simulation at this time." replied the computer voice. ~Excellent!~ Thought Matrix to himself. Matrix has been working on this simulation for almost a month. Back and forth, changing parameters, rebuilding the warp core systems, reprogramming the programming. It was tireless work, but it showed promise. Some on the staff wondered what Matrix was up to. Rumor had it that Matrix was just using an elaborate holodeck simulation for enjoyment, a getaway, for relaxation. Matrix did find the work relaxing, but stressful as he wanted to prove his theories, better the performance of the ship, increase weapon output. He didn't want the Paladin to be caught off guard, he wanted to be ready for anything. "Computer, run Matrix Alpha 35 Omega and display the results on this console." The computer beeped an acknowledgment and in a few moments the results were displayed. "Computer, is this reading accurate?" "Simulation 'Alpha 35 Omega' produced no increased results, output negligible from normal ship's parameters." replied the computer. ~Damn, I need the help of an old friend.~ thought Matrix. ~I'm not getting anywhere with this subsystem.~ "Time to grab some dinner with Alura." "Please rephrase the inquiry." replied the computer. Matrix laughed, "Disregard last comment computer. Save and end simulations." (posted by Steve) ======================================================================================================================== (USS Paladin - Main Engineering - ACEO LT JG Steven Matrix - 1912) =^=Matrix to Ensign Cohen=^= "Cohen here. Go ahead LT." replied the Ensign. "Peter, I could use your help on a programming issue when you have some time in the next day or two." said Matrix. Peter sat up from under the primary console, "Well Sir, I could give you a hand now if you'd like. I'm almost finished here." "No, just some time later, perhaps tomorrow would be fine. Where are you anyway?" asked Matrix. "I'm in the primary interrogation room, desk 27. I'm reprogramming the consoles as to keep better tabs on any bad guys the Captain may want to detain here." said Cohen. Matrix laughed, "That sounds like something you'd enjoy doing and probably volunteered for. " Cohen smiled, "Yes, my old friend you pegged that correctly. Something I was meaning to do and had some time." "Okay, please report to engineering tomorrow around 1300 and we'll get you looking at my pet project. Keep this under wraps too. Its a special project." said Matrix. "Aye Sir, mums the word. 1300 it is. Cohen out." replied Ensign Cohen. (posted by Steve) ======================================================================================================================== (USS Paladin - Main Engineering - ACEO LT JG Steven Matrix - 1912) Matrix as a bit preoccupied with his program issue and had just finished chatting with Ensign Cohen, then walked over to where Ensign Rathyn was working. "Sorry about that I have a little programming project for Mr. Cohen." said Matrix. "Shall was proceed to dinner?" (Reply Rathyn) Matrix and Rathyn headed out of main engineering and into the turbo lift. "Alura, Ten Forward or Deck 68 and wherever it takes us?" (Reply Rathyn) Matrix frowned, "Alura, I didn't mean we need to be discrete, but you should know I find you attractive. I'm a bit worried about how you'd react to that and I shouldn't care what anyone else thinks, except you." (posted by Steve) ======================================================================================================================== (USS Paladin - Main Engineering - ACEO Ensign Alura Rathyn - 1912) Matrix kept walking, "I'm sorry Alura, I didn't mean to spring that on you like that. Lets get some dinner and talk about this, not this, work, anything you want. Okay?" Matrix turned to her, grabbing her hand. "Please, just let me buy you dinner. No pressure, just dinner." Rathyn regained some of her wits and managed a thin smile. "It's okay," she said hoping to reassure him. "I don't feel pressured. You just caught me off-guard, and I don't respond well to surprises like that." She then added. "I'm not saying, that I'm not interested, I just don't want to make any hasty promises or say anything that might mislead." Matrix smiled back. "We've enough going on around here with keeping the ship together, fleet against fleet, no knowing what's going on. Our own taking the Paladin for a dip in an atmosphere. Matrix laughed at that, "Lets, lets, just forget about my comment for a while. I would like to spend some time with you outside of 'Engineering' and get to know you. If, if that's okay?" "I think that would be fine," she said, cautiously aware he held onto her hand. She didn't pull away. She thought maybe she should to show that she intended no commitments at this time. On the other hand she didn't want to discourage his advances completely and that thought suprised her. It had been a few years since she'd allowed herself a close relationship with anyone and even longer since she'd been involved with any man other than her late husband. (posted by david) ======================================================================================================================== (USS Paladin - Main Engineering - ACEO LT JG Steven Matrix - 1912) "I think that would be fine," she said, cautiously aware he held onto her hand. She didn't pull away. She thought maybe she should to show that she intended no commitments at this time. On the other hand she didn't want to discourage his advances completely and that thought surprised her. It had been a few years since she'd allowed herself a close relationship with anyone and even longer since she'd been involved with any man other than her late husband. Matrix smiled and released Alura's hand softly as they exited Engineering. Matrix was a bit perplexed by Alura's reaction, but decided a slow approach was best. As the turbo lift doors closed Matrix spoke up, "Deck 68." They were the only two in the lift, "I'm starving. I don't think I ate anything all day. What are you in the mood for Alura?" (Reply Alura) "I could go for a nice steak, sea food, Oh, perhaps some Vulcan Pok tar. I haven't had that in a long time. The Geneva's replicator's could never due it justice. Although I finally got them to replicate a very good Hawaiian Angus steak and Colorado Buffalo meat loaf. Hey, we're off our shift so perhaps a Romulan ale to wash it all down? Have you every tried Romulan ale?" Matrix was a bit giddy and noticed he was talking a bit too much and too fast. (Reply Alura) The turbo lift doors opened at deck 68. It had been awhile since Matrix had been down this far and had forgotten what he'd missed. Decks 68 and 69 were a marvel of shops, restaurants and bars. It was probably more popular than 10-Forward. Still he hadn't been here in months except for some maintenance work about a week ago. "Wow, I forgot how nice it is here. I should get down here more often." said Matrix as he walked behind Alura, touching her shoulder. Matrix's left hand was on Alura's right shoulder, he pointed with his right hand, "Alura, when did that shop open up? Perhaps after dinner we should do a little shopping. I need something to wear besides this damn uniform." Matrix smiled. (posted by Steve) ======================================================================================================================== (USS Paladin - Main Engineering - ACEO Ensign Alura Rathyn - 1915) "I think that would be fine," 'Lura said, cautiously aware he held onto her hand. She didn't pull away. She thought maybe she should to show that she intended no commitments at this time. On the other hand she didn't want to discourage his advances completely and that thought surprised her. It had been a few years since she'd allowed herself a close relationship with anyone and even longer since she'd been involved with any man other than her late husband. Matrix smiled and released Alura's hand softly as they exited Engineering. As the turbo lift doors closed Matrix spoke up, "Deck 68." They were the only two in the lift, "I'm starving. I don't think I ate anything all day. What are you in the mood for Alura?" "Anything edible," she said, not quite relaxing but trying to be friendly. She felt a little awkward, which she didn't like. "I could go for a nice steak, sea food, Oh, perhaps some Vulcan Pok tar. I haven't had that in a long time. The Geneva's replicator's could never due it justice. Although I finally got them to replicate a very good Hawaiian Angus steak and Colorado Buffalo meat loaf. Hey, we're off our shift so perhaps a Romulan ale to wash it all down? Have you every tried Romulan ale?" She smiled at him. His giddiness was rather charming in its way. She hadn't had a man -- at least not one she liked -- show a romantic interest in her for quite awhile. Maybe too long. Bajoran men allayed any tender feelings for her because of the obvious Cardassian mix in her parentage. Many non-Bajoran men seemed to look upon a Bajoran woman as either too brusque and unapproachable or a challenge to be conquered. The former attitude short-circuited any chance for a relationship while the latter typically led only to short-term flings which really didn't interest her. "Um -- maybe a little ale would be okay," she told him and realized her own tone was faltering. She took in a deep breath and added with more assertive volume. "Might be a good idea to keep a clear head. One never knows when an emergency could arise." The turbo lift doors opened at deck 68. It had been awhile since Matrix had been down this far and had forgotten what he'd missed. Decks 68 and 69 were a marvel of shops, restaurants and bars. It was probably more popular than 10-Forward. Still he hadn't been here in months except for some maintenance work about a week ago. "Wow, I forgot how nice it is here. I should get down here more often." said Matrix as he walked behind Alura, touching her shoulder. Matrix's left hand was on Alura's right shoulder, he pointed with his right hand, "Alura, when did that shop open up? Perhaps after dinner we should do a little shopping. I need something to wear besides this damn uniform." Matrix smiled. Alura looked down at her own dishevled appearance and suddenly realized she hadn't had a shower since that morning which made her even more aware of the dried clammy sweat stuck to her body. "Is there a lounge somewhere nearby with sonic stall?" (Reply: Matrix) "If this is going to be a date or whatever," she told him frankly, "then I would rather not smell like a marsh scamper. And a change of clothing wouldn't hurt me either." (posted by David) ======================================================================================================================== Hope you enjoyed!