USS Rosenante Compile Through the Looking Glass 6 ==================== Through the Looking Glass Day 1 Stardate: 2414.06.11 ==================== (Rosenante, Cargo Bay 1, Lt. Tom Jackson , 2O/COPS, Day 1, 1820) Tom sent out a message to those he had selected to go on the Mission. "Lt. Jackson to Ensigns Anderson, Gomez, Maddox and LCDR Matrix - report to Cargo Bay at 1830 hrs for a pre-mission briefing - Jackson out"the link was closed. (Reply: Any named) Tom sat alone for the moment with his thoughts and memories. The destruction of the Grissom's shuttle ran once again in his mind. A cold shiver ran through Tom s body ~Oh god not now not here~ Tom begged silently Those summoned began to filter in. (Reply: None) (Posted by: Bill W.) ----- (USS Rosenante - Sickbay - Ensign (jg) Ailyn Andersen ACMO - Day 1 - 1823) Typing in time after time the same thing only to get to 'no clearance' made Ailyn furious at the computer console. For a moment she entertained the thought of bashing the console with her hands. Not that it would solve anything, but would definitely help her feel better. Snapping the console shut, she sighed and sat casually on the chair. The sickbay was in typical shape right before the away mission. Even though there weren't any direct commands for the medics, they were all in here. It felt as if they are prepared for anything, no matter how bad it seemed. Ailyn was only the Assistant Medical Officer but she would often use the Chief's console and the chair, it was comfortable and besides - in her long researches and at the late shifts, she would often find herself alone many times as well. This gave opportunity for other things, than just using the Chief's chair and the console. Ailyn leaned to the left, studying what some of the medics were doing. She was uncertain what they were doing with some of the crates. Andersen frowned ~How hard can it be to find the supply room?~ It was another reason she loved being right in the center of the sickbay, she could see anything going on. The two unlucky souls slowed down after one almost fell. It seemed to amuse Ailyn, she resisted the urge to pick herself up and tell them what they're supposed to be doing. Besides, this was a lot more fun. =/\= Lt. Jackson to Ensigns Anderson, Gomez, Maddox and LCDR Matrix - report to Cargo Bay at 1830 hrs for a pre-mission briefing - Jackson out.=/\= the intercom broke the silence. She didn't reply just yet. Instead, she positioned her right hand on the badge and continued watching what the duo was doing with the simple crate. They were a few moments away from entering the supply room. Finally pressing her combadge, Ailyn said "Acknowledged sir." and pressed the combadge again. When she scanned the sickbay again, the duo was already gone. Glancing on the rest of the sickbay, she picked herself up from the chair. She noted something on her PADD, and continued out of the sickbay, to find the nearest turbolift. (Reply: None) (posted by Lani) ----- (Rosenante, Security Office, Ensign Heath Gomez, Day 1, 1824) Heath had returned to the security offices after leaving the cargo bay, he wanted to make sure everything was ready and his team had all they would need for the upcoming mission. They were going to get the Commander back, of that he was certain. He had served with both the Commander and the Captain when they had worked as SO's, both had saved his bacon more than once. Now it was his turn to pay one back. Sanok and Soma had trained him well and he had paid attention, he would do everything in his power to get both of their missing crew back. =/\=Jackson to Ensigns Anderson, Gomez, Maddox and LCDR Matrix - report to Cargo Bay at 1830 hrs for a pre-mission briefing.=/\= Heath tapped his combadge. "On my way Sir." He said as he turned to leave. (Rosenante, Cargo Bay 1, Ensign Heath Gomez, Day 1, 1833) Heath entered the Cargo bay to see Jackson talking with Doc Anderson. "Hope I'm not interrupting." Heath said as the door closed behind him. (reply Jackson, Anderson) "Beta squad is ready to deploy Sir." Heath replied. "We have enough firepower packed to crack a bunker, rifles, charges, grenades, what ever we thought might be of use." (reply Jackson, Anderson) "The Captain and Commander trained me to always be prepared, I don't want to leave anything to chance." He said. (reply Jackson, Anderson, any) (posted by Milo Young) ----- (USS Rosenante - Science Lab 2 - Science Officer - Ensign(JG) Andrew Maddox - 1825) Andrew had heard the call by Lt Jackson. A thought occurred to him, something that might give them the edge, or at least some leverage. ~ OK, this might take a while to set up. Better get started. ~ He pulled up one of his pre-written nanite programs, and began loading four batches of self-replicating nanites. While the program was loading into the nanite batches, Andrew began the replication of the liquid neon needed to fill the four cryo-containers. [Nanite Programming complete. Inert gas replication complete.] The computer announced. He loaded the nanites into the containers, each one half liter in volume, and placed the containers in a carrying rack. He put the rack and containers into the replicator slot and initiated the filling. A slight overfill and an automatic seal once the units were full, and Andrew was ready to go. ~1829, crap I'm going to be late. ~ Andrew assembled his equipment on the way out the door. (Reply none) Todd Holladay ----- (USS Rosenante - Cargo Bay 1 - Ensign (jg) Ailyn Andersen ACMO - Day 1 - 1829) Getting right in the cargo bay, she nodded at the Jackson that was already there. She wasn't the first to get here, but she was still on time. She was walking forward to Jackson, with a smile on her face. Extending her nodd to the man, she stood right in front. (Reply: Jackson) "Copy that, sir." she said. Her throat getting dry. Ailyn wasn't the one to shy away from a command, although at this moment, she felt a little bit lightheaded. The design of the newer runabouts never ticked away with her, but she was sure the crafts were ready and able for the mission, but there was this bad gut feeling of going into the unknown that was present no matter how much she tried not thinking about it. (Reply: Jackson iyw, None) (Posted by: Lani) ----- (USS Rosenante - Main Engineering - LCDR Steven Matrix - Day 1 - 1830) Matrix was deep in thought and didn't immediately here the page. A few minutes passed and the computer reminded him of the page. The second reminder Matrix finally realized the request. =^= Matrix here. Acknowledged. =^= he replied almost annoyed with the interruption. "Computer.away team attire and equipment. Include weapon option delta two-three. Cargo bay One. " ordered Matrix. [Acknowledged} was the reply. Still poring over the log details, Matrix transferred the details to one his PADDs and proceeded to the cargo bay for away team deployment. (posted by Steve) ----- (USS Rosenante - Cargo Bay 1- 2O/COPS - Lt. Tom Jackson - Day 1 - 1831) Tom was deep in thought when Doc Anderson entered Cargo Bay 1. She greeted him with a nod and Ton smiled at the young woman and said "Ready for a chance to save the day?". She replied with " Copy that,sir". Jackson went on a bit "the others are running a bit late duties don't wait nor understand schedules at times". (Reply: Doc) The two crewmates chatted idly. (Reply: None) (Posted by: Bill W.) ----- (USS Rosenante - Cargo Bay 1 - ACMO Ensign (jg) Ailyn Andersen - Day 1 - 1832) Andersen and Jackson were filling in the time with chitchat waiting for the rest of to show up. "the others are running a bit late duties don't wait nor understand schedules at times". Ailyn shook her head and smiled. "I'm sure they're just double checking everything before the mission." said Andersen. "It's that kind of a mission you don't want to be caught unready." explained Ailyn. Jackson seemed to agree. Ailyn was just about to say something when the doors of the cargo bay behind her opened. It was Ensign Gomez. "Hope I'm not interrupting." Ensign said as the door closed after him. Tom smiled and replied "Not at all Mr. Gomez. Are you and your squad ready?" Ailyn looked back at the Ensign. He smiled and answered "Beta squad is ready to delpy Sir." "We have enough firepower packed to crack a bunker, rifles, charges, grenades, what ever we thought might be of use." "Let's hope we won't need the artillery" Tom added. Andersen looked at the Ensign. "Sounds like you prepared for another civil war." she said as a half-joke. "The Captain and Commander trained me to always be prepared, I don't want to leave anything to chance." Gomez explained with a bold voice. Tom Jackson seemed to nod in agreement and added "always good to be safe I suppose." "Yeah, we don't really know what we're going to find there." Ailyn quickly agreed. It seemed her opinion was shared among the two. (Reply: Gomez) Ailyn could hear the doors opening behind her again, as the rest of the crew were arriving. (Reply: None) (Posted by: Lani) ----- (USS Rosenante - Cargo Bay - LCDR Steven Maix1 - Day 1 - 1833) Matrix entered the cargo bay and picked up the dispatch of equipment the computer beamed by his request. He then reported in. "Commander Matrix reporting as ordered." As he slung his equipment bag over his right shoulder. (Reply any, none) (Posted by Steve) ----- (Uss Rosenante,Cargo Bay 1,Lt. Tom Jackson, 2O/COPS, Day 1, 1834) Tom and Dr. Anderson had finished chatting when Ens. Gomez entered. "Hope I'm not interrupting." Heath said as the door closed behind him. Tom smiled and replied "Not at all Mr. Gomez. Are you and your squad ready?". Gomez smiled and answered "Beta squad is ready to deploy Sir." Heath replied. "We have enough firepower packed to crack a bunker, rifles, charges, grenades, what ever we thought might be of use." "Let's hope we won't need the artillery " Tom added. (Reply: Anderson Iyw) Gomez added" "The Captain and Commander trained me to always be prepared, I don't want to leave anything to chance." He said. Jackson nodded in agreement and added "always good to be safe I suppose". Tom hoped there would be no fireworks on his watch. (Reply: Anderson and Gomez( Steve Matrix had entered and grabbed his gear. Tom waived his old friend over to the group. "Hi Commander" Tom said in greeting. (Reply: Steve) "We will begin the briefing soon. Ens. Maddox has let nt know he's enroute". (Reply: any present) NRPG: Todd this way Maddox can finish his project and not be late. RPG: (Reply: None) (Posted by: Bill W.) ----- (Uss Rosenante, Cargo Bay 1, LCDR Steven Matrix - CEO, Day 1, 1835) Matrix swung his backpack over his right shoulder, briefly looked up and noticed his old friend waving him over. Matrix walked briskly over. "Tom Jackson!" said Matrix putting his hand out to Tom. "Hi Commander" said Tom. "Tom, good to see you. When do we get this field trip under way?" asked Matrix. (Reply Jackson) "Good I'm ready to get going. Do I get to shoot something this time?" said Matrix smiling. (Reply Jackson) (Posted by Steve) ----- (USS Rosenante - Cargo Bay 1 - Science Officer - Ensign(JG) Andrew Maddox - 1837) Andrew strode into the Cargo bay ready for the away mission. He was carrying his newly acquired package; four cryo-containers secured in a carrying rack, not too much larger than a standard briefcase. He also wore his holstered tricorder and type II phaser. Andrew was well aware he was walking in seven minutes after the deadline. "Sorry I'm late." Andrew apologized (Reply Lt Jackson) "Is it not customary when visiting new neighbors to bring a 'house warming gift'?" He asked patting the cryo-containers. "It took a while to prepare but I think the ones who took our people are going to like the gift I've prepared for them." (Reply Jackson) "An aggressive version of nanites. The liquid neon they are suspended in keeps them inert until the containers are opened, the neon flash-freezes and the nanites touch atmosphere which activates them." (Reply Jackson) "What ever I tell them to do. We can have them sabotage any computer system, or any system for that matter, and also with a quick scan from a tricorder the nanites can disable biological beings as well." Maddox explained. (Reply Jackson) "No sir. They have protocols that will not allow them to kill. I know you are asking in regards to Star Fleet regulations involving technologies used as deterents against sentient beings, it falls well with-in those regulations." Maddox reassured him. (Reply Jackson, any) (Posted by Todd) ----- (USS Rosenante – Cargo Bay 1 – 2O Officer / COPS - LT. Tom Jackson – 1839) Andrew Maddox arrived and joined the group clustered around Jackson. “Sorry I’m late.” Andrew apologized No problem Mr. Maddox. I knew you were finishing up s few things" Tom replied. Andrew wrnt on “Is it not customary when visiting new neighbors to bring a ‘house warming gift’?” He asked patting the cryo-containers. “It took a while to prepare but I think the ones who took our people are going to like the gift I’ve prepared for them.” " You're quite correct Andrew. That is a very old custom on earth. What type of gifts have you prepared for a friends? " Jackson inquired. “An aggressive version of nanites. The liquid neon they are suspended in keeps them inert until the containers are opened, the neon flash-freezes and the nanites touch atmosphere which activates them.” "Good job Mr. Maddox" Jackson said in praise. "Any specifics on what they are created to do?" Tom asked. Andrew replied " What ever I tell them to do. We can have them sabotage any computer system, or any system for that matter, and also with a quick scan from a tricorder the nanites can disable biological beings as well.” Maddox explained. Tom's brow furrowed in worry. "They wont' kill a being will they?" Jackson asked. Maddox explained. “No sir. They have protocols that will not allow them to kill. I know you are asking in regards to Star Fleet regulations involving technologies used as deterents against sentient beings, it falls well with-in those regulations.” Maddox reassured him. "Well done Mister" Tom replied. The briefing would begin shortly. (Reply: Any Present) (Posted by: Bill W.) ----- (Rosenante, Cargo Bay, Ambassador Joanne Turner, Day 1, 1840) It had been two months since the Veil of the Sky had taken over Beta Aquillia IV, thus forcing the Federation, Starfleet, and non-Aquillians off their world. It had been two months that Jo had remained on the Rosenante, rather than returning to the diplomatic corps for reassignment. Jo had loved BA4, so what the Veil did hurt her deeply. She knew she would need to move on with her career, but she just couldn't do that yet. She had taken some leave time to consider her future and all her options. Perhaps she was still clinging to the hope that they would be able to regain diplomatic relations with her beloved Beta Aquillia. After finishing all her reports and paperwork, and forwarding them to the Federation, Jo had decided she would relax, read, enjoy the holodecks, and just meet new people and get to know them. The time had passed quickly, and to her surprise, she was having a nice time on the Rosenante. Things changed with the Tesla rescue mission and the appearance of the wormhole. Two officers from the Rosenante had also been taken. Jo resolved she would do what she could to help. Stepping into the cargo bay, things fell silent as everyone saw her. "Lieutenant Jackson, I'm volunteering to go on the rescue mission." (reply Jackson, any) (posted by Bob B.) ----- (Uss Rosenante,Cargo Bay 1,Lt. Tom Jackson, 2O/COPS, Day 1, 1841) Tom looked ar all his shipmates. He devoutly hoped they'd return in one piece! Taking a nervous deep breath Jackson began the briefing. "Here's how I see things " Tom said. "By the way, feel free to ask questions as we go along" Jackson added. (Reply: any present) "We'll split the Security squad between the two shuttles.Mr Gomez, I'll leave that to your discretion" Tom stated. (Reply: Gomez) "I also would like Cmdr Matrix one shuttle and Mr Maddox on the other. Doc Anderson you're with me" Ton added. (Reply: any named ) "If there is nothing else let's headout to the shuttles". Tom paused allowing for any last minute questions. (Reply: any) (Posted by: Bill W.) ----- (USS Rosenante, Cargo Bay 1,LCDR Steven Matrix, CEO, Day 1, 1842) Matrix was eager to get into the new mission. He had a renewed energy and ready to contribute in any way possible. He noted Tom's nervousness, but listened intently. He knew Tom was an extremely competent and capable officer. He'd serviced with him before and was ready to help him in any way possible. "Here's how I see things " Tom said. "By the way, feel free to ask questions as we go along" Jackson said. "Are we armed for this mission or is this more of a scout and report routine LT?" asked Matrix (Reply Jackson, any) "I also would like Cmdr Matrix one shuttle and Mr Maddox on the other. Doc Anderson you're with me" Ton added. Matrix raised his hand, "Am I driving?" asked Matrix smiling. (Reply Jackson, any) (Posted Steve) ----- (Rosenante, Cargo Bay, 2O/COPS, LT. Tom Jackson, Day 1, 1844) Tom was just about to sent everyone to shuttle bay 1. He was busy entering notes in his paaf when the bay door swished open. Jackson and tge others looked up and saw Ambassador Turner. Tom had a bad feeling about this sudden appearance. Before Jackson could say a thing the Ambassador. spoke. "Lieutenant Jackson, I'm volunteering to go on the rescue mission." Tom's gut feeling was realized. Taking a breath Jackson said " i'm not sure its a good place for a civilian to tag along". (Reply: Turner) Turner was very insistent and wasn't about to back down. (Reply: Any present) (Posted by: Bill W.) ----- (USS Rosenante - Cargo Bay 1 - ACMO Ensign (jg) Ailyn Andersen - Day 1 - 1846) Tom Jackson split the away team to two shuttles, it seemed as a logical thing to do, seeing the shuttles could only take that much of the crew. There was also the fact they would be harder to shoot down if it came to that, in which case one could draw fire for the other one to escape. Ailyn’s gut felt like it was all over the place. Truthfully she was affraid of this mission. It felt like a pretty bad idea altogether, and while she knew they had to go back and save their two officers, she was also sure something will go bad at the end of it. Her gut feeling rarely ever lied to her. However, she was ready for this mission. She also packed some additional stims in her bag which was conviniently picked and stashed with the other medical equipment. No matter the duration and what would happen, she was sure to feel alright and be herself. Almost patting her shoulders, she concentrated on the talkings at hand that were currently happening in the cargo bay. "I also would like Cmdr Matrix one shuttle and Mr Maddox on the other. Doc Anderson you're with me" Tom added. Ailyn nodded while looking at Tom. Matrix raised his hand, "Am I driving?" he asked while smiling. Ailyn chuckled "Sounds like a fine idea, everything's better then me driving." and laughed out loud. While Ailyn had basic flight licence, she was all but proficient in it, she knew others knew that as well. "If there is nothing else let's headout to the shuttles." Tom said. Behind Ailyn, an unknown voice was heard. "Lieutenant Jackson, I'm volunteering to go on the rescue mission." the voice said. It was Ambassador Turner. Tom Jackson took a long breath, saying "i'm not sure its a good place for a civilian to tag along." (Reply: Turner) It seemed Ambassador was really interested in this mission, she wouldn't take no for an answer. Ailyn looked back at Tom, his face pointing out he wasn't all happy with Ambassador tagging along. It seemed he had his reservations, perhaps based upon his earlier experience. Ailyn tried to take it light to let him know her opinion. "Sir, we could always use another extra hand, I suppose." said Ailyn trying to help. (Reply: Jackson, Any) "Who knows, it will be a first contact situation. Having an Ambassador would surely help with the talks, if it comes to that." Ailyn explained. For a moment, it really felt Jackson didn't want Ambassador Turner to go. Ailyn was sure he had reasons of his own, but she thought Ambassador surely had a place, although ultimately it was Jackson's choice whom to pick. (Reply: Jackson, Any) (Posted by: Lani) ----- (Alien Station, ACEO Lieutenant Tho'var Kevras - 1847) Tho'var back hurt. The fall had been quite a high one. There was so many objects filling the room, he slipped on them as he would have on blue ice. His feet had decided to go slide on the left side of the room, forgetting they were carrying a body of 160 lbs, which rather decided to go the other way. The poor little feet were simply too small to win that fight, and were soon pulled violently in the opposite direction. At first glance, the room seemed like a cargo hold....but a rather empty one. Aside from all the weird and unknown objects located in it, there was nothing. Tho'var examined the objects, but none were useful. They were piece of junks or alliage. There was nothing electronics, or electrics....nor anything sharp or light enough to serve as a weapon. Examining the door, there was also nothing to open it....nor was it any door access or panel. Tho'var took another look at every piece of metal present in the room. Examining every one carefully, there was really nothing he could use. If he had something to cut through the alliage, that would have been great....but he had nothing of this sort. Looking at the roof, the air duct was impossible to reach.....for now. If he could move the pieces of metal, he could maybe climb back into it and continue his search. Trying to move the smallest pieces, it was so heavy Tho'var almost spent all his energy moving it. Examining the pieces, he realized the only way to move them was to find ways to minimize their weight using the laws of physics. Without any padd....he needed to calculate everything in his mind. After several minutes, there was perhaps a way to move them. ~Let's get to work~ he thought. (Reply no one) (Posted by Nick) ----- (Rosenante, Cargo Bay 1, Ambassador Joanne Turner, Day 1, 1848) "I'm not sure it's a good place for a civilian to tag along," said Jackson. Inwardly, Jo was not pleased that Jackson had said her presence on the rescue mission was tagging along. However, being the seasoned diplomat, she showed no outward reaction. Starfleet officers always thought they were the best ones for any job, that anyone outside their ranks just wasn't up to their levels. She had encountered that mindset many times over her career. There were more ways to get things done, than by the power of the phaser. "Lieutenant, I appreciate your position and the responsibility placed on you," said Jo. "However, my skills may be just as valuable as anyone else's here. It would be irresponsible to not take advantage of everything available to you. "Two officers from this ship were kidnapped. It's probable the crew of the Tesla was taken as well. My experience and ability to negotiate, may be the only means we have to get them all back safely." "Sir, we could always use another extra hand, I suppose," said Dr. Andersen. "Who knows? It will be a first contact situation. Having an ambassador would surely help with the talks, if it comes to that." Jo appreciated that someone else saw the value of her being part of the team. She tilted her head slightly to one side, fixing her eyes on Jackson. It was a posture she had found over the years to be effective in getting her point across to the other person. "I assure you, Lieutenant, I'm quite capable. I'm not just someone interested in a stroll through the looking glass." (reply Jackson, any) (posted by Bob B.) ----- (Rosenante, Cargo Bay 1, Sec/Tac Petty Officer Mike James, Day 1, 1849) When Ensign Gomez had chosen him to be part of the rescue team, Mike had been both honored and surprised. Several dozen members of the crew had volunteered, and with only eight going, he hadn't thought he'd be one of them. Mike was 28 and had risen through the ranks as an enlisted man. His record was good; he had several commendations, but at 5' 9" and 150 pounds, he was smaller than the typical Sec/Tac type. His specialty was as a marksman, so he had brought a phaser rifle, as well as a hand phaser. He also excelled in karate. Whatever Gomez had seen in him, he was glad it was there. While the team was meeting in the cargo bay, Mike had been studying Lieutenant Jackson. Mike had never been on a team where Jackson was the leader, and based on the scuttlebutt about the man, he was wondering if being with him now was a good thing. Jackson had left the Rosenante to be the FO on another ship, but had returned after it had been discovered that his stepfather had bought him the position. Now, in prepping for the mission, Jackson was noticeably nervous. Mike was unsure, but he thought he may even have seen some self-doubt. If that was the case, it was something that could get someone killed. He was glad he had been assigned to the second runabout and not to the first, with Jackson. Mike had a question he wanted to ask about the station they would be going to after they passed through the wormhole, but the appearance of Ambassador Turner put that on hold. It was clear Jackson didn't want her on the team, but the ambassador wasn't having any of that. She was about the same age as his mother, and clearly a capable and strong woman. He could see a case for her being part of the team. If she could negotiate the release of their people, it could prevent bloodshed, which was always a good thing. Mike was beginning to get fidgety. They needed to get moving before the wormhole closed. (reply none) (posted by Bob B.) ----- (Rosenante, Cargo Bay 1, Sec/Tac Petty Officer Dave Allen, Day 1, 1850) Dave was standing silently in the cargo bay, watching and listening to everything that was happening. Before arriving, he had spoken briefly with Mike James about them being chosen for the rescue mission. Neither had expected to be on the team, but both were glad they were. Dave was a recent transfer to the Rosenante, so this was his first mission since coming aboard. He was 26, six feet tall, and a solid 180 pounds. He hadn't really made any friends yet, though he was more on the quiet side. He was already fitting in with the other guys, but he could sense there wasn't that full acceptance yet. He had a good record, but he had yet to prove himself on the Rosenante, so he understood how they felt. In Sec/Tac, you had to know you could count on the other person to have your back. No matter what you'd done in the past, your current mates had to know they could trust you. That's why Dave had eagerly volunteered to go on the mission, and was glad Ensign Gomez had given him the chance to show what he could do. Dave was initially surprised at how casual the prepping for the mission had been. Maybe it was Lieutenant Jackson's command style; he didn't know, but it was 100% different from his last assignment. The CSec there, Lieutenant Commander Pedro Sandoval, had a tough command style. He led with a strong hand and a demeanor that wouldn't take anything from anyone. Someone had given Sandoval the nickname of Kung Fu Panda, a cartoon character from a few hundred years ago on Earth. Dave had looked it up and realized the name was the complete opposite of what the CSec was, so he wasn't sure why the name had been given. Making the mistake of using the name while not realizing Sandoval was there, was why Dave was now serving on the Rosenante. Glancing at Mike, Dave could see he was beginning to get antsy. Mike was like that. Impatient. Not laid back, like Dave. They would be leaving soon enough. (reply none) (posted by Bob B.) ----- (Uss Rosenante Cargo Bay 1 – Lt. Tom Jackson –2O/COPS 1852) Tom had enough worries with a civilian wanting to tag along. He did have to admit she presented a strong argument in her favor. Besides she could,in this case,‘force’ him to take here along. Tom sighed as he knew the others were watching his reaction closely. Taking a breath Tom responded. “Ambassador,you have the power to force your way onto this mission but I appreciate your asking first. Ok you are on the second shuttle with Cmdr. Matrixwho is in charge of the shuttle. If diplomacy fails,the Commander is empowered to make any military decisions necessary= Is that clearly understood?” Tom added. (reply: Ambassador and/or Matrix) “OK folks lets get to the shuttles and get moving. It isn’t good to have the Calvary arrive late you know!” Jackson added smiling. (Reply: Any on the teams) (Posted by: Bill W.) ----- (Rosenante Cargo Bay 1, Ambassador Joanne Turner, Day 1, 1854) Jackson said, “Ambassador, you have the power to force your way onto this mission, but I appreciate your asking first. Okay, you are on the second shuttle with Commander Matrix, who is in charge of the shuttle. If diplomacy fails, the commander is empowered to make any military decisions necessary. Is that clearly understood?” "Of course. Thank you, Lieutenant." Jo had noticed Jackson sigh, then take a deep breath before saying she could join the team. This told her he still did not want her. That was something she filed away, but the important thing was that she was going. Though she had taken leave time from diplomatic duties, it would be good to get back into it again. Jackson announced that it was time to head to the runabouts so they could leave. Jo maintained her neutral composure, but inwardly, she was smiling. (reply any) (posted by Bob B.) ----- (Rosenante, Bridge, CO, Captain Ben Soma, Day 1, 1855) Ben was on the bridge reviewing the information they had on the alien station, it wasn't much at this point but it was something. Tom was in the Cargo Bay prepping the teams for the rescue mission, sending them over had a double purpose. They would learn more about who had taken their crew and hopefully they would be able to make contact and negotiate their release. If that weren't possible he was certain Gomez had enough firepower packed to make things interesting. He had to admit this mission had taken a turn he hadn't expected, they were responding to a distress call and they found a deserted vessel. He had expected to find the ship damaged from a storm similar to the one that had previously damaged the Rose, fate had other plans. He wondered how Sanok and Kevras were, were they injured, what were they being subjected to. Why had they been taken in the first place. The only commonality was the fact that both were telepathic, Ben wasn't certain how telepathic Kevras was but Sanok was a touch telepath. Though he had heard in certain circumstances Vulcan's could communicate telepathically. Were the Aliens they were dealing with telepathic, was that the only way they could communicate? He hoped he would have some answers soon. (reply any) (posted by Milo Young) ----- (USS Rosenante, Cargo Bay 1, Ensign Heath Gomez, Day 1, 1857) Heath looked around at the assembled officers, most seemed eager to get underway. Mike seemed a little fidgety, eager to get in on the action. The younger man was a good addition to the team, he was an expert marksman and trained in martial arts. His skills could be quite handy and he could use the experience. Dave was a little more composed, and also a good addition to the team. Heath had reviewed both of their records and found both to be competent and good under fire. Heath himself was well versed in multiple fighting styles and had even spared with Soma when he was CSec. He was also pretty handy with a phaser as well as an explosives and demolition expert. They would all have their chance soon enough, he anticipated that the briefing would end soon and they would get underway. What ever they found over there he was sure they were prepared. From what he could gather they had all the basis covered, they even had a diplomat on the team. He wasn't familiar with Turner but he knew her file, she may be able to communicate with the aliens on the station and avoid any unnecessary bloodshed. (reply any present) (posted by Milo Young) ----- (Rosenante, Shuttle Bay 1, Ambassador Joanne Turner, Day 1, 1900) The eight members of the rescue team had arrived in shuttle bay 1 and were ready to head aboard their ships. They were taking Anaconda class runabouts, a ship Jo didn't know much about, though she was aware they were smaller, sleeker versions of the original Danube class. Something with more speed and more punch. They would be facing an unknown station that had the power to open wormholes, so she was thankful for any advantage they had. Jackson, Andersen, Maddox, and Gomez were heading out in the first one. Jo was on the second, with Matrix, Allen, and James. Once on board, Matrix took the helm position, while Allen sat next to him at tactical. James covered the back up stations. Jo stood watching the three men do their final pre-launch checks. She was still calm, but that was because they hadn't left yet. This was going to be her first time going through a wormhole. "Are you ready for what's ahead, ma'am?" said James as he nodded to her. "As ready as can be expected," said Jo. "Do we know anything about the station itself?" "We sent a probe through the wormhole after it first appeared," said James. "We were able to scan it for a short time before whoever's on the station fired on it and blew it up." "Anything that may be of use?" "Any information is useful, if you know what to do with it." Jo certainly understood that. There had been times she had gone into a diplomatic situation knowing barely anything at all about who she was facing. Knowledge truly was power. James grabbed a PADD and uploaded the information on it to the computer at his position., bringing up an image of the station on his screen. "See that dish at the bottom?" "Yes." It was the first time Jo had seen what the station looked like. "That's what they use to generate and maintain the wormholes." "It must take a lot of power." "It's also a type of energy we've never seen before," said James. "The station has thirty energy weapon arrays and is extremely well-armored. The probe didn't detect any shields, but that might be because they can't use shields and generate a wormhole at the same time. The energy from keeping the wormhole open was so intense, it blocked our probe from doing an internal scan of the station." "So, we don't know who they are, why they did what they did, what they want, or anything about what's inside," said Jo. "Pretty much, ma'am." "Why make things easy?" Jo chuckled. "Strap yourselves in," said Allen from the front of the runabout. "We just got clearance to head out." Jo sat down and fastened her seatbelt. A few moments after that, she felt the runabout gently lift from the deck. She took a deep breath and let it out slowly. ~Here we go~, she thought. (reply any) (posted by Bob B.) ----- (Alien Station, ACEO Lieutenant Tho'var Kevras - 1903) Not without some huge efforts, Tho'var finally succeeded reaching back the ventilation duct. He could felt his hearth beating very fast, as he was catching his breath. Without any clock and without any computer to ask the question to, he was unsure how long he had been trapped in that room, but he estimated it was close to an hour. That was already more time than he wanted to spend. He was suppose to go on reconnaissance....not to get stuck into a room and loosing time climbing back up. Crawling back through the duct, Tho'var arrived back at their cell. He knew Sanok was still there as he could felt it...but as he refused to violate his privacy, he didn't risked a mind projection. What Sanok had done during his absence....and what happened, he didn't know. To be sure the situation was right, he peeked at the room, but didn't see any guard. "I'm back. Is it safe" murmured Tho'var to Sanok (Reply Sanok) Okay, I'm going down. Tho'var jumped on his feet. His hearth was still palpitating. "I found nothing interesting for the moment. I got trapped in one of the other room, but managed to climb back. But I lost a lot of time." said Tho'var, then catching his breathe. "Have the guards come yet?" (Reply Sanok) (Posted by Nick) ----- (USS Rosenante Shuttle Bay 1 - LT.Tom Jackson 2O/COPS Day 1 1907) Tom and his fellow shuttle occupants entered and took their seats. Tom took the Command Pilot's seat. Hr needed a co-pilot and turned and spoke to Gomez "Mr. Gomez please take the co-pilot's seat please?". (Reply: Gomez) Tom and Heath Gomez went through the pre-flight checklist. Jackson thumbed a comm channel open and sent " Shuttle Ticonderoga requesting permission to launch". =^= Ticonderoga you are cleared to launch - Best of luck Sir =^= came the prompt reply. "Thanks Rosenante - cross your fingers - Ticonderoga out =^= and Tom closed the channel. . Jackson turned and looked at his crewmates. He asked "Any last minute questions?". (Reply; Shuttle Occupants) Tom and Heath swiftly had the shuttle lifting off and heading toward the wormhole at a slow at a cautious rate. Transmitting to the second shuttle Ton radioded "Commander Matrix assume the six o'clock high position - keep a judicious distance from us in case of any firings on us- understood?" (Reply: Matrix) As an ancient writer once said "the adventure is afoot". (Reply: Any) (Posted by: Bill W.) ----- (USS Rosenante - Shuttle Bay 1 - ACMO Ensign (jg) Ailyn Andersen - Day 1 - 1908) Andersen was to board the shuttle with with the other three gentlemen, Jackson, Maddox and Gomez. She was the last one to get in, stopping right before entering to look around, as if it's her last time she would see Rosenante. Sighing deeply, she finally got in, and took the last seat. Strangely, the occupants didn't seem to be nervous at all - except Ailyn of course, or perhaps they were just really good at hiding it. Jackson took the Pilot's seat, asking Gomez to take the co-pilot's. Other then Jackson requesting permission for a launch, the shuttle was silent. Jackson turned and looked at Ailyn and the other occupants. "Any last minute questions?" he asked. Ailyn nodded her head, negative was the answer. She really had questions about the mission, but nothing Jackson was able to answer because he knew nothing then she did. The shuttle lifted off, exiting the Rosenante and slowly heading towards the wormhole. Tom radioed to the second shuttle, telling them to keep some distance fromthem, then misteriously added "the adventure is afoot". For a moment, it seemed that at least a part of Jackson is enjoying in this. She couldn't help herself but to remember the saying her mother would use to explain adventures. ~Adventure is just bad planning.~ she almost laughed out loud. This was not the time nor the place, but was it still funny. How much can someone plan the unknown, though? For sure, calling it adventure made moresense at the moment. Slowly, the Ticonderoga was nearing the wormhole, and what appeared to be mere seconds felt like whole minutes. It was silent, it seemed the pilot and the co-pilot were trying to do their best navigating and entering the wormhole. Jackson murmured something, but Ailyn could not hear, she was captured by the beauty infront of the small shuttle view screen. Artificial or not, the spiraling madness of colors circled around the smaller darker hole in themiddle in an inviting fashion. Ailyn was completely mesmerized by it's terrible beauty. The next few seconds, and the shuttle would enter the wormhole, swaying first to the right then back to the left, as if impacted something but it would soon stabilize. Andersen didn't knew what happened but it seemed Jackson and Gomez had it covered. They were inside. The small viewscreen of the shuttle didn't gave the right to the beauty around them. It seemed like a neverending tube with the blue energy streaks all around. They looked like lighnings, only much bigger, bigger then any of the ships Andersen ever saw. Occasionally, a red streak of energy would fly at one of the sides of the shuttle, and it would make the shuttle bounce, again, as if it hit something. It wasn't a pleasant ride, but so far they were managing. Second after a second, there seemed to be more red energy streaks. Again, Ailyn couldn't help but feel how long mere seconds are lasting. The silence of the shuttle and it's occupants morphed into a dark texture with deep sporadic impacts and a strange occasional crystal-like sounds. As if the sound reflected back upon the runabout, it felt as if the sound wrapped around the small shuttle, squeezing until the dark pulsing would be heard inside and then releasing. The further they went, the further a drone-like sound was prevailant, as if it was further reverbated by the shuttle itself. ~Am I loosing it?~ a quick switch to the present felt like cold shower andAndersen finally concentrated on the inside of the shuttle, putting her hands over her ears. She wasn't sure if she was the only one to hear this impacting voice of the wormhole, but she was definitely sure she was hearing it. It felt like... horror. ~Wormholes aren't supposed to feel alive.~ she told herself. She didn't even have the will to look up and ask others if they heard the same, she toyed in her head with the idea she made it all up, and it wasn't an inviting piece of reality. Was definitely not something she would say it loud to the others. The sound, however, was only dampened by her hands over her ears, she could still hear it, more faint, only as echo of it's original power, but it was still there. (Reply: Any) (Posted by: Lani) ----- (USS Rosenante- Shuttle Bay 1 - Ensign Heath Gomez- Day 1 -1909) Heath entered the shuttle behind Jackson along with the others, Jackson took the pilots seat and turned to him. "Mr. Gomez please take the co-pilot's seat please?." "Aye Sir." Heath replied as he slid into the copilots seat and began going through the preflight checklist, once they had finished up they got word they could get underway. As Jackson piloted the shuttle Heath monitored the systems for any signs of trouble. All systems were in the green, so far so good. He sat back as they set course for the wormhole, wondering what it would be like once they entered. Jackson asked if there were any last minute questions and since Heath didn't have any he remained silent. Then Jackson sent instructions for the second shuttle to move into position, Heath watched as Matrix's shuttle moved to the six o'clock high position and matched their heading keeping a good distance between them in case of trouble. As they neared the horizon of the wormhole Heath was amazed by the colors and shades he saw, he had heard that wormholes were beautiful sights but he hadn't expected this. All the colors of the rainbow and some he couldn't identify swirled around before them. Moments later they began to feel the gravitational forces and alarms began to sound and warning indicators began blinking. Jackson was doing a fine job piloting but every so often the shuttle would shake so Heath transferred some extra power to the structural integrity and inertial dampening fields. When they entered the wormhole things didn't improve any, the shuttle was still being rocked by the tidal forces and Heath wondered if this was just an effect felt in artificial wormholes of if this was typical of any singularity. He did everything he could to aide Jackson in keeping the shuttle steady. He also became aware of something, it was a slight buzzing at first and gradually increased. He tried adjusting the deflector screens to filter it out and adjusted the acoustic filters in the cabin but it didn't help much, he hoped they would exit the wormhole soon. He wasn't sure what side effects could manifest from what he was hearing, in the least he suspected a mild headache was likely. After what seemed like an eternity the shaking and noise ceased, they had exited the wormhole. In the distance he could see the alien station growing in the forward view port. His training kicked in as his mind shifted gear to Sec officer again. "Raising shields and activating scanners." He said to Jackson. He had read the report about the probes destruction, he couldn't help but wonder if they would share a similar fate. He had a feeling they wouldn't have to wait to long to find out. (reply any) (posted by Milo Young)