Compiled by Calvin Capps ======================================================================================================================== Mission: Interlude Day: 1 Stardate: 2407.01.20 ======================================================================================================================== (USS Paladin - Primary Shuttlebay - Ensign JG Christopher Adams - 1400) (USS Paladin - Primary Shuttlebay - Ensign K'ran - 1405) (USS Paladin - Bridge - Ensign JG Christopher Adams - 1410) (USS Paladin, Ready Room, CO Captain Eva Straton, 1411) (USS Paladin - Ready Room - Ensign JG Christopher Adams - 1412) (USS Paladin, Ready Room, CO Captain Eva Straton, 1413) (USS Paladin - Ready Room - Ensign JG Christopher Adams - 1414) (USS Paladin - Ready Room - Ensign K'ran - 1415) (USS Paladin, Bridge, CO Captain Eva Straton, 1445) (USS Paladin - Bridge - CONN Lt Max - 1446) (USS Paladin - Deck 51, Main Engineering - Ensign JG Christopher Adams - 1530) (USS Paladin - Main Engineering - CEO LT Matrix - 1530) (USS Paladin - Deck 51, CEO's Office - Ensign JG Christopher Adams - 1532) ======================================================================================================================== (USS Paladin - Primary Shuttlebay - Ensign JG Christopher Adams - 1400) Newly appointed Ensign Christopher Adams stepped off the runabout which had just landed aboard the USS Paladin. The high-warp runabout, commanded by a crew loyal to LoDona, was able to sneak away from Starfleet's defenses around Earth and reinforce the crew of the flagship of the 1st Battle Group of the 52nd Fleet. Ever since the civil war started while he was at the Academy, you never knew who you could trust. He felt like a pawn in a giant chess game. He was very happy to have landed on the side of Admiral LoDona. From the reports he had read, it sounded like he was fighting to keep the original traditions of Starfleet intact, and that's where he wanted to be. The shuttlebay was a bustle of activity. Adams had never been on a Meredith class starship before. The immense size was astounding. ~I should get to the bridge and report to the captain,~ Chris thought to himself. Hiking his duffel back on his shoulder, he started to make his way through the sea of people off loading from the runabout and general crew on the shuttlebay deck. He approached the shuttlebay exit and headed into the hallway. Touching one of the hallway panels, Adams questioned the computer, "Computer. Locate Captain Straton." [Captain Straton is currently located in the Captain's Ready Room,] replied the computer. With a nod, Adams entered the nearest turbolift. "Bridge," Adams commanded. (posted by Jason) ======================================================================================================================== (USS Paladin - Primary Shuttlebay - Ensign K'ran - 1405) It seemed like the shuttle trip was going on and on. K'ran had made polite chat with another ensign assigned to the Paladin but it did little to help her mood. The Klingon hybrid had been surprised... even a little shocked... when she found out that the CO of the Paladin was a Betazoid, even a female Betazoid. It was going to take a lot of tact when the time came to meet the captain of the ship something K'ran was still learning. Her uncle had always told her that she must respect a commanding officer no matter what race that commanding officer might be. There was no room on a StarFleet ship for a lower rank officer to question a superior. K'ran thought of her uncle with one hand going down to the carrier holding her batletH. It'd been a present from her uncle when she passed the Academy. As a Klingon warrior, K'ran knew she had to show respect to any higher rank officer than her regardless of personal feelings. Still, to be under the command of a Betazoid didn't please K'ran. It was going to take a lot of self control on the Paladin. She wouldn't let her personal feelings show. Thinking of the challenging times ahead, K'ran had a gut feeling her patience and her temper were going to be tested. (posted by Carol) ======================================================================================================================== (USS Paladin - Bridge - Ensign JG Christopher Adams - 1410) The turbolift doors opened up on the bridge of the USS Paladin and Ensign Adams stepped out jaw open. The bridge was huge. ~Big ship. Big bridge, I suppose,~ thought Adams. He looked around and saw the door which lead to the Captain's Ready Room. He approached the door and touched the door chime. (reply Straton) The doors opened and Adams entered the room. Seated behind a desk was a fairly attractive woman with long red hair in a Starfleet uniform. Walking towards the desk, Adams set down his duffel back and stood at attention. "Ensign Adams reporting for duty." (posted by Jason) ======================================================================================================================== (USS Paladin, Ready Room, CO Captain Eva Straton, 1411) "Ensign Adams reporting for duty." Eva looked up from her terminal screen to see a tall heavy set human standing at attention in front of her desk, she raised one brow slightly. "Orders," She said smartly, holding out her hand with a snap of her fingers. She took the PADD the Ensign handed her and pressed her thumb against it's scanner, unlocking the encrypted orders contained thereon. She read the orders over quickly, taking time to verify the command codes to ensure the orders were not forged. "Ensign Adams," She said, not looking up from the PADD. "So, your to be the new Assistant Chief Engineer. I'm sure Lt. Matrix will be glad to have the extra help." She finally looked up at the Ensign, her face a stony mask. "So Ensign tell me, you going to have a problem fighting and killing our own, other Star Fleet personnel?" (posted by Wes) ======================================================================================================================== (USS Paladin - Ready Room - Ensign JG Christopher Adams - 1412) Ensign Christopher Adams looked straight ahead at attention while Captain Eva Straton looked up, her face a stony mask. "So Ensign tell me, you going to have a problem fighting and killing our own, other Starfleet personnel?" Adam's eyes narrowed and his brow furrowed, "No, sir. We are defending the very principles that Starfleet was founded on. We cannot just roll over while one man seizes control and bends the rules and regulations just to meet his whim. It has been very difficult being in the Academy during such dark times. You don't know who to trust. When Admiral LoDona broke away, I felt it was the right course of action, even if I did have to express that behind closed doors. We have no choice." Adams glanced down into the Captain's eyes. "We must defend our way of life and because of that I will defend my ship to the very end, sir." Adams returned his eyes to the wall at attention. (posted by Jason) ======================================================================================================================== (USS Paladin, Ready Room, CO Captain Eva Straton, 1413) Eva listened to the Ensign with an impassive face, her empathic senses clearly detecting the emotions behind the Ensign's words noticing that he looked her square in the eyes as he spoke. His eyes went back to the wall behind her as he finished speaking. Eva leaned back in her chair nodding slightly. "Good," She said, tossing the PADD with his orders onto her desk in front of him. "Because in the middle of a battle you won't have time to hesitate. You won't have time to debate the issues. You will have to act, and I will not have an officer serving on board my ship who is uncertain of their choice. See the Quartermaster about quarters and get your gear stowed, then report to Lieutenant Matrix, the Chief Engineer, for duty assignment. Welcome aboard Ensign. Your dismissed." (posted by Wes) ======================================================================================================================== (USS Paladin - Ready Room - Ensign JG Christopher Adams - 1414) Ensign Christopher Adams continued to stand at attention while Captain Eva Straton explained his next duties now that he was aboard the ship, "See the Quartermaster about quarters and get your gear stowed, then report to Lieutenant Matrix, Chief Engineer, for duty assignment. Welcome aboard Ensign. Your dismissed." "Yes, sir," Adams responded. "Thank you, sir." He did an about face, picked up his duffel bag and exited the Captain's Ready Room. (posted by Jason) ======================================================================================================================== (USS Paladin - Ready Room - Ensign K'ran - 1415) Knowing that Ensign Adams had been in with the captain, K'ran had taken a few minutes to talk to a crewmember about Cap. Straton and how she ran the ship. The Klingon hybrid got the feeling the captain was a fine and brave commander, seeming to care for her crew and ship. It was obvious that the Betazoid woman was well respected by her crew. This was something of a relief to K’ran. If what the crewman had said was true, Cap. Straton was sharp and witty with a gut of iron, a no nonsense commanding officer that deserved respect, and showed respect to those under her command. It seemed hard to believe that a pure Betazoid could be warrior enough to command a ship like the Paladin. K’ran steeled herself to meet this captain she would be serving under. The Klingon hybrid wouldn’t show any of the doubts she had. Knowing that the woman was a pure Betazoid, K’ran did her best to get all emotions under strict control to show nothing but respect for the captain of the ship. With luck, the Klingon hybrid’s own Betazoid blood wouldn’t come up in the conversation. Seeing Adams leaving the Ready Room, K’ran approached the door then took a deep breath before activating the intercom. “Ensign K’ran reporting for duty, Captain,” K’ran said, in a steady tone, her mind concentrating on respect for her commanding officer. (posted by Carol) ======================================================================================================================== (USS Paladin, Bridge, CO Captain Eva Straton, 1445) Eva looked at the smiling image of Governor Simmons on the main viewer as she rose from her command chair. =/\=Again, thanks to you and your brave crew for all that you have done for us,=/\= Simmons said, =/\=The plague has been nearly completely eradicated and things are beginning to return to normal. I only wish that you would allow us to thank you all appropriately." "Protecting the peace and saving lives is one reason we are here Governor," Eva replied, with a small nod. "Unfortunately, we do not have time to take you up on your gracious offer, this is a chaotic time for all of us and we are needed elsewhere. Perhaps next time we are in the area things will be different and we will be able to spend some time enjoying your hospitality. My First Officer has told me how beautiful your world is, and I would love the opportunity to see if first hand." Simmons simile widened. =/\=Next time you are in the area then. Good travels to you and your crew Captain and good luck.=/\= The image of Simmons dissolved as the channel was close and was replaced by a view Beta Aquari III turning gracefully below. "CONN take us out of orbit and set course 345 mark 43, half impulse," Eva ordered as she moved back to her command chair and sat down once more. (Reply CONN) "Signal the fleet to form up," Eva said, leaning back in her chair, bringing up the position of all fleet ships on her arm rest terminal. She watched as the Paladin silently broke orbit and moved away from Beta Aquari III. "Take us to full impulse," She ordered once they had cleared the planet. "Signal the fleet to match our speed." (Reply CONN, OPS) "We have cleared the system and are cleared for warp speed," Lt. Max said from the CONN station a few minutes latter. "Set course for Sector 426 warp 7," Eva ordered. She watched as the stars exploded in a burst of rainbow colors as the Paladin jumped to warp. She could feel the thrum of the warp engines through the deck plates. They were on their way to Sector 426 and the Romulan Neutral Zone. (posted by wes) ======================================================================================================================== (USS Paladin - Bridge - CONN Lt Max - 1446) Max sat comfortably in the CONN chair. He constantly read his sensors, but since the ship was currently still in orbit there wasn't too much information coming across his board. All parameters for standard orbit were stable, and the computer had no alerts to warn him of any danger either. "CONN take us out of orbit and set course 345 mark 43, half impulse," Eva ordered. Max began tapping commands on his console. "Taking us out of orbit. Turning about Captain." A few moments passed to allow the ship to fully turn. "Setting course to 345 mark 43 sir." He continued to read the normal amount of information that was now coming across his board. "Signal the fleet to form up," Straton said. "Take us to full impulse," She ordered once they had cleared the planet. "Signal the fleet to match our speed." (reply OPS) Max pushed another command. "Impulse achieved sir." He then laid his finger near the warp command waiting. "We can warp in 3 minutes sir." Max waited patiently for the ship to get to its destination. He looked up at the view screen and watched the stars momentarily. "We have cleared the system and are cleared for warp speed," Lt. Max said from the CONN station a few minutes latter. "Set course for Sector 426 warp 7," Eva ordered. "Aye sir," Max reported when he hit the engage command. The same intense but exciting feeling Max received every time he goes to warp covered his body. "Warp achieved." (posted by Calvin) ======================================================================================================================== (USS Paladin - Deck 51, Main Engineering - Ensign JG Christopher Adams - 1530) Ensign Christopher Adams walked into Main Engineering. He was amazed at the size: nine decks, three warp cores. It would take forever just to walk around and explore this area. ~I bet you could fit some of the smaller Starfleet vessels inside the engineering section,~ Chris pondered. Chris had met with the Quartermaster and was assigned quarters on Deck 55. He didn't spend much time unpacking, just threw his duffel bag on his desk chair and headed straight away to Engineering. Adams wandered around Engineering for a few minutes before discovering the Chief Engineer's office. He reached down to his sizeable belly and smoothed out his uniform before pressing the door chime. (reply Matrix) Adams entered the office. Seated behind a desk was a relatively tall, lean man in a yellow Starfleet uniform. Adams walked towards the desk and stood at attention. "Ensign Adams reporting for duty, sir." (posted by Jason) ======================================================================================================================== (USS Paladin - Main Engineering - CEO LT Matrix - 1530) Matrix was day dreaming when his office door chimed. Matrix sat up in his chair. "Enter." ~This must be the young ensign.~ "Ah, you must be Ensign Adams?" said Matrix. He watched the young ensign, stiff as a board, stand at attention at the other side of his desk. "Ensign Adams reporting for duty, sir." "At ease ensign, have a seat if it suits you." said Matrix as he stood up. The ensign relaxed slightly but seemed a bit nervous. Matrix walked around to the other side of his desk and sat on the edge. "Really ensign, relax. Glad to have you aboard. We are short handed here and glad to have the help." said Matrix smiling at the new ensign. (Reply Adams) Matrix made his way back to his chair. "Tell me a little about yourself ensign. What are your specialties, what do you expect to do here?" Matrix liked posing such questions to see how people react. (Reply Adams) "According to your file you're an academy graduate. Excellent, but don't think that will get you extra points out here in the fleet. Many of the people you'll work with know more that those academy instructors. This staff is the best engineering team in Starfleet. They all pull their weight and then some." continued Matrix. (Reply Adams) Matrix chuckled slightly, "Have you met any of the other engineering team yet or seen any of the ship?" (Reply Adams) "Well since this is your first day, I'd suggest you get acquainted with your quarters, take the day to see the ship, tour some of the departments. I would be happy to show you around a bit too...if you'd like." said Matrix. (posted by Steve) ======================================================================================================================== (USS Paladin - Deck 51, CEO's Office - Ensign JG Christopher Adams - 1532) Ensign Christopher Adams stood at attention in front of the desk of his new commanding officer, Lieutenant Steven Matrix. "At ease Ensign, have a seat if it suits you," said Matrix standing up and walking around to the other side of his desk. Adams exhaled and felt a little more at ease, though still nervous about being aboard his first starship after graduating the Academy. Adams pulled up a seat while Matrix sat on the edge of his desk. Seeing the Ensign was still nervous, Matrix continued, "Really Ensign, relax. Glad to have you aboard. We are short handed here and glad to have the help." Matrix smiled and returned to his chair while Adams responded, "Thank you, sir. I'm really glad to be here. I'm really excited to get started." "Tell me a little about yourself, Ensign," Matrix questioned. "What are your specialties, what do you expect to do here?" "Wow. Where to begin..." Adams said. "Well, I come from a long line of Starfleet. My great grandfather even served. I followed my fathers footsteps and became an engineer. While on Earth, I worked in the City of Houston Transporter Facility where I was one of the best and youngest techs on duty. That's where I discovered my talents for debugging power systems. Once in school, I explored different aspects of engineering: warp theory…transporter technology, but plasma power systems turned out to be my specialty. I'm really good at general starship maintenance because of my talent at figuring out why something isn't working and fixing it. Since this is my first post, the most I expect to do is learn. I had many team projects, but it's going to be nothing compared to working as a part of a starship crew. Especially an engineering crew the size needed to run a Meredith class starship." "According to your file you're an Academy graduate," Matrix responded. "Excellent, but don't think that will get you extra points out here in the fleet. Many of the people you'll work with know more than those Academy instructors. This staff is the best engineering team in Starfleet. They all pull their weight and then some." "Well, I have plenty of weight to pull," Adams responded with a smile referring to his oversized frame. Matrix chuckled slightly, "Have you met any of the other engineering team yet or seen any of the ship?" "No, sir." "Well since this is your first day, I'd suggest you get acquainted with your quarters, take the day to see the ship, tour some of the departments. I would be happy to show you around a bit too…if you'd like," said Matrix. "I would like that a lot, sir," Adams responded with a grin. "This place is huge. I'm constantly amazed at the size of this starship. Lead the way and I shall follow." (posted by Jason) ======================================================================================================================== Hope you enjoyed!