Compiled by Calvin Capps ======================================================================================================================== Mission: Interlude Day: 1 Stardate: 2407.01.20 ======================================================================================================================== (USS Paladin, Ready Room, CO Captain Eva Straton, 1416) (USS Paladin, Ready Room, ATAC Ensign K'ran, 14:17) (USS Paladin, Ready Room, CO Captain Eva Straton, 14:18) (USS Paladin Ready Room ATAC Ensign K'ran, 14:20) (USS Paladin Cheif Tactical/Security office ATAC Ensign K'ran, 15:00) (USS Paladin - Security - TAC/SC Kerge - 15:02) (USS Paladin Lt. Kerge's Office Ensign K'ran 15:05) (USS Paladin - Deck 51, Main Engineering - CEO's Office - LT Steven Matrix - 1535) (USS Paladin - Deck 51, Main Engineering - Ensign JG Christopher Adams - 1536) (USS Paladin - Deck 51, Main Engineering - CEO LT Steven Matrix - 1536) (USS Paladin - Deck 51, Main Engineering - Ensign JG Christopher Adams - 1538) (USS Paladin - Deck 55, Personal Quarters Ensign JG Adams - Ensign JG Christopher Adams - 1543) (USS Paladin - Deck 10, Ten-Forward - Ensign JG Christopher Adams - 1904) (USS Paladin - Deck 10, Ten-Forward - CEO LT Matrix - 1904) (USS Paladin - Deck 10, Ten-Forward - Ensign JG Christopher Adams - 1906) (USS Paladin - Deck 10, Ten-Forward - LT Matrix - 1906) (USS Paladin - Deck 10, Ten-Forward - Ensign JG Christopher Adams - 1908) ======================================================================================================================== (USS Paladin, Ready Room, CO Captain Eva Straton, 1416) “Ensign K’ran reporting for duty, Captain,” A female voice said suddenly over the intercom shortly after Ensign Adams had left. Eva frowned and pressed a button on her desk top terminal. "Front and center Ensign," Eva snapped into the open comm-channel. (Reply K'ran) Eva watched as a Klingon woman came into the room and snapped to attention in front of her desk. "Orders," Eva said, holding out her hand. She took the PADD and pressed her thumb against the PADD's scanner decrypting the Ensign's orders and the subsequent command codes. Eva took a moment to look over the Ensign's record. ~Klingon\Betazoid hybrid? Got two of those onboard now. Interesting.~ She thought to herself as she placed the PADD down on her desk. She looked at the Ensign up and down with a cold expression. ~She trying to shield herself from empathic scans. Wonder why?~ "Tell me Ensign," Eva said coolly, "What prompted you to join Star Fleet? I see you were born and raised on Qonos, so why Star Fleet and not the Klingon Defense Force?" (posted by Wes) ======================================================================================================================== (USS Paladin, Ready Room, ATAC Ensign K'ran, 14:17) “Ensign K’ran reporting for duty, Captain,” K'ran said, waiting with some impatience as she wanted to get this interview over with as quick as she could. "Front and center Ensign," Eva snapped into the open comm-channel. "Yes, Ma'am," K'ran said. The Klingon hybrid stepped into the room to stand in front of the captain's desk at a stiff attention. Eva watched as a Klingon woman came into the room and snapped to attention in front of her desk. "Orders," Eva said, holding out her hand. She took the PADD and pressed her thumb against the PADD's scanner decrypting the Ensign's orders and subsequent command codes. . Eva took a moment to look over the Ensign's record. K'ran kept her mind focused as she stood in front of the Betazed captain. She masked her agitation with disciplined thoughts of what her uncle would expect from her. She'd learned over the years she'd trained under him how to keep distractions like personal feelings from interfering with what she had to do. Captain Straton placed the PADD down on her desk. She looked the Ensign up and down with a cold expression. "Tell me, Ensign," Eva said coolly, "What prompted you to join Star Fleet? I see you were born and raised on Qonos, so why Star Fleet and not the Klingon Defense Force?" K'ran took a moment to consider the question. There were two very good reasons why she'd chosen to join Star Fleet but she wasn't willing to expose both. "My uncle recommended that I join Star Fleet, Ma'am," the Klingon hybrid said in a steady tone. ~Never mind that my grandfather had forbidden me to join Klingon Defense as I'm not truly a Klingon~ she thought with some pain. Again, she mentally kicked herself and refocused on the captain in front of her. That was none of the captain's business in K'ran's eyes. "He felt I would learn much in Star Fleet," K'ran said, her eyes steady as she looked into Captain Straton's eyes. ~and they'd be more accepting of my Betazoid blood.~ The thought slipped through her mind then was pushed down once more. (posted by Carol) ======================================================================================================================== (USS Paladin, Ready Room, CO Captain Eva Straton, 14:18) "He felt I would learn much in Star Fleet," K'ran said, her eyes steady as she looked into Captain Straton's eyes. Eva eyed the Ensign coolly for several seconds. ~She not telling the entire truth, but that's her right I guess.~ Eva thought as she leaned back in her chair taking a closer look at the Ensign's record on the PADD. After a moment, she tossed the PADD back onto her desk toward the Ensign. "Very well, Ensign," Eva said, her voice cold. "Welcome Aboard. Get your gear stowed in your quarters and report to Lt. Kerge, your direct superior for duty assignment. This is a ship of war, I expect you have no problems with that, or with following my orders. Am I correct?" (Reply K'ran) Eva watched the Ensign leave the Read Room and shook her head. ~I've got a tactical department full of Klingon's. Next thing you know they will be serving gagh in the officers mess.~ She shook her head and went back to looking over the fleet reports. (posted by Wes) ======================================================================================================================== (USS Paladin Ready Room ATAC Ensign K'ran, 14:20) K'ran could see Captain Straton was eyeing her. The Klingon hybrid was beginning to see this Betazoid woman wasn't quite what K'ran had expected. Still, the true test of a warrior was on the battle field. The ensign would reserve her judgement till she'd actually seen the captain in battle. Eva tossed the PADD back onto her desk toward the ensign. "Very well, Ensign," Eva said, her voice cold. "Welcome Aboard. Get your gear stowed in your quarters and report to Lt. Kerge, your direct superior for duty assignment. This is a ship of war, I expect you have no problems with that, or with following my orders. Am I correct?" "I'm prepared for that, Captain Stration," K'ran repled, her voice cold and confident. K'ran turned sharply to walk out of the Ready Room. The captain shook her head and went back to looking over the fleet reports. (posted by Carol) ======================================================================================================================== (USS Paladin Cheif Tactical/Security office ATAC Ensign K'ran, 15:00) On this size a ship, the Klingon hybrid had gotten turned around on her way to her quarters making her later than she liked. Having stored her gear in her quarters, K'ran wasn't sure she was glad that her direct superior was a klingon. She went up to the door of the office and pressed the button on the console. "Ensign K'ran reporting for duty, sir," the klingon hybrid said. She stood in the hall with a cool look of confidence in her eyes. (posted by Carol) ======================================================================================================================== (USS Paladin - Security - TAC/SC Kerge - 15:02) Kerge was having yet another of his headaches, why was it that no Starfleet medicine was ever good enough to quell the pain in a Klingon skull? Perhaps it all had something to do with the metal plate now sitting beneath his ridged cranium holding it together! It was neither here nor there however, the workload that had piled up upon the Security chiefs desk since his return was just another annoyance in his already irritated day & the sound of the chime at his door had simply added to it all. "Dor-sho-gha!", cried the Klingon as he allowed his head to fall heavily upon the table in a loud bang before raising it up again to look sullenly at the door. "Come!", said Kerge, whilst wishing that he could just send whoever it was away. The funny thing was however, that head butting his desk had rather strangely relieved his headache somewhat. ~Ugh, so much for that Doctor of ours~ "Ensign K'ran reporting for duty, sir", said the Klingon female standing there in his doorway. Was she a pure blood? Kerge wasn't entirely sure, she certainly looked Klingon but there was something else there as well that he couldn't quite put his finger on. He chose to ignore it anyway.... "Ummm", said Kerge looking down for his PADD which had been placed somewhere upon the mess of his desktop. It took him a few seconds to find it, but after pushing most of the stuff amassed there upon the floor, he finally held it aloft. "Q'Apla", he cried as he reached up briefly to rub at his ridged forehead, noting as he did so that he had flattened one of them slightly from slamming his head so hard onto his desk beforehand. He muttered something to himself under his breath, then he returned his attention to the new Ensign as he bade her sit opposite him whilst he surveyed the info he held on her. By all respects she certainly looked to be an impressive fighter if her record was anything to go by, many times during her training she had got into fights whilst at the academy & if this was being read now by anybody other than a Klingon, K'ran may have been judged to be trouble from the start. As it was though, Kerge respected the ability to defend oneself & stand up when needed so that much went in her favour at least. "Tell me about your time in the Academy, you fought a great deal it would seem", said Kerge. (Reply K'ran) "It is not so important that you fought, it is more important that you won & that you did so honourably", said Kerge, "the test of a warrior is their ability to stand proud & victorious with the blood of their enemy upon their fists & blades, untainted by dishonour", he added reminiscing of past times on the Klingon homeworld. (Reply K'ran) Kerge nodded & then turned his attention back to the PADD. "Your grades were exemplory & you are a good engineer also", said Kerge, "why did you choose security over Engineering?", he added. (Reply k'ran) "Then it is Engineering`s loss & Security's gain", said Kerge suddenly noting that the new ensign was rather well formed in the upper body region, though why he hadn't noticed this before was beyond him. Probably something to do with the fact that his head was, not quite right...... "So Ensign K'ran, are you ready for duty immediately or do you need time to arrange your quarters?", said Kerge. (Reply K'ran) "Then consider yourself on duty immediately, you may report to the bridge on Tactical one", said Kerge looking around his office at the floor as he spoke, "I on the other hand must clean my office of this mess", he added as he stood to officially welcome the new Ensign. "Welcome to Security Ensign K'ran, you are dismissed", said the chief. (Reply K'ran) Kerge then set about picking up the mess that he had haphazardly thrown onto the floor beside his desk. (posted by Alan) ======================================================================================================================== (USS Paladin Lt. Kerge's Office Ensign K'ran 15:05) K'ran took several deep breaths to steady her nerves. She wanted to make a good impression on the Chief Tactical office. More so because he was a Klingon. The Klingon hybrid went over what she'd learned on Q'uonos about Klingon warriors. She wanted to show she deserved to be in tactical. Her mind went to her strict grandfather bringing a shudder down her spine. Those thoughts were to painful to consider and she quickly forced them to the back of her mind. Her face a study of cool strength, K'ran activated the intercom by the door. She heard mumbled Klingon then a muted thump making her wonder what was going on in the office in front of her. "Come!", said Kerge, "Ensign K'ran reporting for duty, sir", said the Klingon female standing there in his doorway. The first thing K'ran noticed was that the Klingon before her was studying her face. The ensign kept on her coolest face staring straight ahead with the sincere hope Lt. Kerge didn't figure out that she wasn't a pure Klingon. Finally, his eyes came back to stare into hers. "Ummm", said Kerge looking down for his PADD which had been placed somewhere upon the mess of his desktop. It took him a few seconds to find it, but after pushing most of the stuff amassed there upon the floor, he finally held it aloft. "Q'Apla", he cried as he reached up briefly to rub at his ridged forehead, noting as he did so that he had flattened one of them slightly from slamming his head so hard onto his desk beforehand. He muttered something to himself under his breath, then he returned his attention to the new Ensign as he bade her sit opposite him whilst he surveyed the info he held on her. By all respects she certainly looked to be an impressive fighter if her record was anything to go by, many times during her training she had got into fights whilst at the academy & if this was being read now by anybody other than a Klingon, K'ran may have been judged to be trouble from the start. As it was though, Kerge respected the ability to defend oneself & stand up when needed so that much went in her favor at least. "Tell me about your time in the Academy, you fought a great deal it would seem", said Kerge. "Yes, sir," K'ran said, her mind going over ever fight she'd found herself in while in the Academy. All had been fights of honor and won fairly as her uncle would've expected. "It is not so important that you fought, it is more important that you won & that you did so honorably", said Kerge, "the test of a warrior is their ability to stand proud & victorious with the blood of their enemy upon their fists & blades, untainted by dishonor", he added reminiscing of past times on the Klingon home world. "There is no honor in defeating one weaker than you, sir," K'ran said, her mind picturing each male she'd battled and the one female Klingon cadet that had been a pure Klingon. She'd taken joy in taunting K'ran for K'ran's Betazoid blood. That was one fight where the Klingon hybrid had truly enjoyed the victory over a worthy opponent. Kerge nodded & then turned his attention back to the PADD. "Your grades were exemplary & you are a good engineer also", said Kerge, "why did you choose security over Engineering?", he added. " "Then it is Engineering`s loss & Security's gain", said Kerge, "So Ensign K'ran, are you ready for duty immediately or do you need time to arrange your quarters?" "I'm prepared for duty, sir," K'ran said, a note of excitement in her voice. "Then consider yourself on duty immediately, you may report to the bridge on Tactical one", said Kerge looking around his office at the floor as he spoke, "I on the other hand must clean my office of this mess", he added as he stood to officially welcome the new Ensign. "Welcome to Security Ensign K'ran, you are dismissed", said the chief. "Thank you, sir," the Klingon hybrid, her heart soaring that she'd made a good impression on this pure Klingon. K'ran left the office to head for the bridge in a light step. She hoped her time on the bridge went as well. (posted by Carol) ======================================================================================================================== (USS Paladin - Deck 51, Main Engineering - CEO's Office - LT Steven Matrix - 1535) The ensign's enthusiasm was contagious and Matrix hoped it would rub off on the rest of the engineering crew. One thing they all needed was new energy aboard ship. "Well Mr. Adams I'll give you a brief tour of engineering." said Matrix as he and the young ensign left his office. "Main engineering spans nine decks, 43 through 51. We have three warp cores, the primary computer core, most of the weapon power generators, matter/antimatter storage, deflector generation, the works. It all starts and usually ends right here." Matrix pointed to the various systems as they walked through deck 51. (Reply Adams) "The Paladin has 70 decks, about 8600 crew, but we can accommodate over 15,000 personnel. We have 15 standard transporters, 7 combat, 2 medical and about 45 cargo transporters. We can move people and equipment in a hurry. Our replication capacity is staggering too. Just about anything we need we can replicate, food, equipment, you name it." gloated Matrix. (Reply Adams) "We have the firepower too. Around 200 photo torpedoes, around 400 quantum MkII's, and an array of phaser strips with rotating turrets in many locations. We can fire in any direction. The Paladin is fast for its size too. We can do warp 8 for about 30 hours and warp 9 in short durations." Matrix leaned toward the ensign, "...and we're working on improving that as well. Something I'll share with you in due time." (Reply Adams) "Yes, its a fine ship. You drew the best one in the fleet dare I say." said Matrix. (Reply Adams) "It all revolves around engineering ensign. If we don't get it running and keep it running we're all in trouble...and the Captain demands perfection. So do I. Anything less could get people killed." Matrix smiled slightly. (Reply Adams) "Any questions so far ensign?" asked Matrix. (posted by Steve) ======================================================================================================================== (USS Paladin - Deck 51, Main Engineering - Ensign JG Christopher Adams - 1536) Ensign Christopher Adams followed closely behind his commanding officer, Lieutenant Steven Matrix, while he gave the new ensign a tour of the USS Paladin's engineering section. They boarded one of the open lifts on the far side of engineering and it rose up to one of the upper catwalks. Several engineering techs walked by nodding at the chief engineer as they passed. "Main engineering spans nine decks, forty-three through fifty-one. We have three warp cores, the primary computer core, most of the weapon power generators, matter/antimatter storage, deflector generation, the works," Matrix explained as they passed by several transparent windows showing different areas of engineering. He turned back to the open area with the three pulsing warp cores. "It all starts and usually ends right here." "Wow. Impressive," Adams gawked at the immenseness of it all. "Earlier I was thinking you could fit a small starship in here. Big ship. Big crew, I assume?" "The Paladin has seventy decks, about 8600 crew, but we can accommodate over 15,000 personnel." Matrix continued as Adams gave a whistle and the amount of people that could fit on this starship. "We have fifteen standard transporters, seven combat, two medical and about forty-five cargo transporters. We can move people and equipment in a hurry. Our replication capacity is staggering too. Just about anything we need we can replicate, food, equipment, you name it." Matrix and Adams continued their walk on the upper catwalk and boarded another open lift on the opposite side of the open area. "I heard that the Meredith class starship had the latest in regenerative shield technology, but what about the weapon systems? With a ship this large is it hard to get attacking ships targeted?" asked Adams glancing in the chief engineers direction as the lift started to descend. "We have the firepower too," the chief engineer confirmed. "Around 200 photon torpedoes, around 400 quantum MkII's, and an array of phaser strips with rotating turrets in many locations. We can fire in any direction. The Paladin is fast for its size too. We can do warp eight for about thirty hours and warp nine in short durations." Matrix then leaned closer to Ensign Adams as they reach deck 51 once again and exited the lift, "…and we're working on improving that as well. Something I'll share with you in due time." "All very impressive," Adams replied. "It sounds like a big job, but she's looks like a fine ship." "Yes, it's a fine ship," Matrix confirmed. "You drew the best one in the fleet dare I say." "It appears so," said Adams with a smile and looked up at the center warp core pulsing along. The lieutenant followed Adams's gaze. "It all revolves around engineering Ensign. If we don't get it running and keep it running we're all in trouble…and the Captain demands perfection. So do I. Anything less could get people killed." "Agreed, sir" confirmed Adams looking back in his CO's direction. "Any questions so far ensign?" asked Matrix. "Yes, but so many I don't know where to begin," Adams replied. "I always thought the best way to answer engineering questions is with actual work. After all how are you going to get experience without first breaking a few things?" (reply Matrix) "The best question I can think of right now is: when do I start?" Adams asked with a smile. (posted by Jason) ======================================================================================================================== (USS Paladin - Deck 51, Main Engineering - CEO LT Steven Matrix - 1536) "Any questions so far ensign?" asked Matrix. "Yes, but so many I don't know where to begin," Adams replied. "I always thought the best way to answer engineering questions is with actual work. After all how are you going to get experience without first breaking a few things?" "Ah, that's what the holodeck is for." said Matrix. Matrix continued, "Listen to your fellow crew members, work in teams whenever possible, and always follow the safety protocols. I'd also take note of whatever your enlisted crew tells you. These folks know their craft better than most, especially the master chief and petty officers." (Reply Adams) "The best question I can think of right now is: when do I start?" Adams asked with a smile. Matrix stopped and turned to the young ensign, "I think you've got the job ensign. For now, take the rest of the day to get acquitted with the ship and your quarters. Call me if you get lost or have any questions. I'll be your guide until you get familiar with everything." (Reply Adams) "Oh, Ensign. One more thing. Stay off the bridge unless you're invited. The Captain doesn't like the extra traffic up there...something no one told me when I came aboard for the first time. Its a good way to get noticed, but your might get volunteered for something you didn't bargain for. Like cleaning the windows from the outside." said Matrix smiling. (Reply Adams) "I need to get some work done before the shift change. If you'd like to join me for dinner I'll be in Ten-Forward around 1900. If I see you great, if not report to engineering tomorrow at 0900. Dismissed." said Matrix. (posted by Steve) ======================================================================================================================== (USS Paladin - Deck 51, Main Engineering - Ensign JG Christopher Adams - 1538) Ensign Christopher Adams and Chief Engineer Lieutenant Steven Matrix walked along the base of engineering talking about the USS Paladin. The three warp cores pulsed in the background of the cavernous engineering deck of the Meredith class starship. Several engineering techs going about their regular duties, passed by the two officers. "Listen to your fellow crew members," cautioned Matrix. "Work in teams when ever possible and follow the safety protocols. I'd also take note of what ever your enlisted crew tells you. These folks know their craft better than most, especially the master chief and petty officers." "Understood, sir," agreed Adams. "Sometimes it's hard to remember the enlisted crew when I've just spent four years in school among my fellow officers. The best question I can think of right now is: when do I start?" A smile appeared on Adams's face. Matrix stopped and then faced the ensign, "I think you've got the job, ensign. For now, take the rest of the day to get acquainted with the ship and your quarters. Call me if you get lost or have any questions. I'll be your guide until you get familiar with everything." "Thank you, sir," Adams acknowledged. "Oh, Ensign. One more thing," Matrix warned. "Stay off the bridge unless you're invited. The captain doesn't like the extra traffic up there…something no one told me when I came aboard for the first time. It's a good way to get noticed, but you might get volunteered for something you didn't bargain for. Like cleaning the windows from the outside." Adams noticed a smile creep up on his commanding officer's face. Adams gave a nervous chuckle. From what he had read about Captain Straton, she seemed a bit of a hard ass. When the captain had confronted him about killing his fellow Starfleet officer, it had scared him to death. However, he had learned in the Academy that you should stand your ground when in those types of situations. He had every intention to heed the chief engineer's warning. "Don't worry," Adams confirmed. "I'm planning on staying clear of the bridge." "I need to get some work done before the shift change," Matrix continued. "If you'd like to join me for dinner, I'll be in Ten-Forward around 1900. If I see you great, if not report to engineering tomorrow at 0900. Dismissed." "Thank you for the tour of engineering, sir," said Adams. "I'd love to meet you in Ten-Forward. Besides the Klingon Ensign I met on the runabout on the way here, I don't know a single person on board. I'll see you around 1900." With that Adams left the chief engineer to his work and headed down the hall to the turbolift. (posted by Jason) ======================================================================================================================== (USS Paladin - Deck 55, Personal Quarters Ensign JG Adams - Ensign JG Christopher Adams - 1543) Ensign Christopher Adams entered his quarters and looked around. The duffel bag he threw down in his chair still sat there. He picked it up and started to unpack his personal items. First, he retrieved a few picture frames which contained pictures of his parents. He smiled down at the pictures as he placed them on his desk. Next he retrieved a football from the bag. He gripped the laces, faked a throw down the length of his quarters, and then just tossed the ball on the bed. He placed his hand in the bag again and pulled out a few books: Technical Guide to Ships of the Fleet, 2403 Edition; Power System Theory of the Modern Starfleet Vessel; and a novel called Anslem, and placed them on a nearby shelf near his desk. Finally, he retrieved an isolinear chip from his bag. He insert the chip into the replicator and created extra uniforms and other miscellaneous articles clothing, which he stored in a couple of the drawers in his quarters. "Computer," stated Adams to the empty room. "Plot a tour of the ship which will take me to as many places as possible that an ordinary engineering officer might want to see. Exclude Main Engineering…and…the bridge." Adams decided to heed the chief engineer's warning. "Also, end the tour at Ten Forward at 1900 hours." The computer terminal sitting on his desk came to life showing a map of the ship and a line running through several areas ending at the bow of the ship. "Computer. Transfer this tour to the PADD sitting on my desk." Ensign Adams picked up the PADD and headed out on his tour of this ship. (posted by Jason) ======================================================================================================================== (USS Paladin - Deck 10, Ten-Forward - Ensign JG Christopher Adams - 1904) The large double doors parted as Ensign Christopher Adams entered Ten-Forward. Several officers, crew, and civilians milled about, a few seated at the bar enjoying various kinds of synthehol. Glancing around he spotted Lieutenant Matrix seated near a window, the familiar streaked warp star pattern flying by outside. (reply Matrix) "Thank you, sir," replied Adams, throwing the PADD he was carrying on the table and pulling out a seat. Seeing that the chief engineer's guest had arrived, the waitress in their section approached the table. "Would you gentlemen like a drink? Will you be eating tonight?" questioned the waitress. (reply Matrix) "I'll have a steak with a baked potato and green beans," stated Adams. "To drink, I'll have a root beer." The waitress tapped the two officers' orders into the PADD she was carrying and then walked off towards the bar. (reply Matrix) "It went well," responding Adams. "I settled into my quarters. I only took a few of my personal items with me. With the replicators, it's almost not necessary to carry much around anymore. "I then had the computer map me a tour route," continued Adams showing his PADD to Lieutenant Matrix. "My tour started with the Botanical Gardens on the deck below my quarters, which was really nice. It's amazing that we produce so much of our fresh fruit and vegetables on board instead of replicating it. After that, I saw some of the Repair and Rebuild Facility on deck 59. I took a tour of Sick Bay and, finally, I saw the transporters and offices up here in the Bridge Module. I'm sure I only scratched the surface. It was after all only a three hour tour." (posted by Jason) ======================================================================================================================== (USS Paladin - Deck 10, Ten-Forward - CEO LT Matrix - 1904) Matrix hadn't been in ten-forward for more than 10 minutes. As usually he had PADD in tow and was working on the efficiency reports for the crew. He noted the young ensign enter and stood up to greet him. "Good to see you ensign, please have a seat." said Matrix as he sat down too. "Thank you, sir," replied Adams, throwing the PADD he was carrying on the table and pulling out a seat. Seeing that the chief engineer's guest had arrived, the waitress in their section approached the table. "Would you gentlemen like a drink? Will you be eating tonight?" questioned the waitress. "Yes, I'll have another drink please and my usual for dinner." replied Matrix "I'll have a steak with a baked potato and green beans," stated Adams. "To drink, I'll have a root beer." The waitress tapped the two officers' orders into the PADD she was carrying and then walked off towards the bar. Matrix put down his PADD, "So how did the tour of the ship go this afternoon?" "It went well," responding Adams. "I settled into my quarters. I only took a few of my personal items with me. With the replicators, it's almost not necessary to carry much around anymore. "I then had the computer map me a tour route," continued Adams showing his PADD to Lieutenant Matrix. "My tour started with the Botanical Gardens on the deck below my quarters, which was really nice. It's amazing that we produce so much of our fresh fruit and vegetables on board instead of replicating it. After that, I saw some of the Repair and Rebuild Facility on deck 59. I took a tour of Sick Bay and, finally, I saw the transporters and offices up here in the Bridge Module. I'm sure I only scratched the surface. It was after all only a three hour tour." Matrix smiled as the ensign outlined his day in so much detail. ~I hope he works this methodically.~ "Excellent idea to get the computer to map out a tour for you. I'd never thought of that when I got aboard." (posted by Steve) ======================================================================================================================== (USS Paladin - Deck 10, Ten-Forward - Ensign JG Christopher Adams - 1906) Ensign Christopher Adams sat at a table with his commanding officer, Lieutenant Steven Matrix. Reflections of the stars streaking by as the Paladin headed as fast as it could to the Romulan Neutral Zone. "Excellent idea to get the computer to map out a tour for you," complimented Matrix. "I'd never thought of that when I got aboard." "Thanks," responded the ensign. "The Paladin is like a floating city. I knew if I didn't have help finding my way around I was going to get hopelessly lost." Ensign continued talking about the details of his tour while Matrix listened on. After several minutes, the waitress returned with their food and drinks. Adams picked up his silverware and started cutting his steak. "So, tell me more about the crew. You warned me about the Captain, which is the only other senior officer I've met, present company excluded. What about the others?" Adams asked as he placed a piece of the steak into his mouth and started crewing. (posted by Jason) ======================================================================================================================== (USS Paladin - Deck 10, Ten-Forward - LT Matrix - 1906) As the young ensign relived his tour of the ship Matrix noted the waitress returning to their table with their food. Matrix wasn't all that hungry, but he thought he'd better eat anyway. He didn't want to appear rude. The ensign took a bite and started again... "So, tell me more about the crew. You warned me about the Captain, which is the only other senior officer I've met, present company excluded. What about the others?" Adams asked as he placed a piece of the steak into his mouth and started crewing. Matrix smiled. "Don't take my advise as a warning Ensign. The Captain is one of the finest officers in the fleet. The advise was just to keep out of the way, especially on the bridge. If you've not been on a starship before the bridge is probably the most stressful place one could be. Extra people about won't help things when the plasma hits the launchers." Matrix took a bite of his pasta and looked at the ensign, awaiting his response. (Reply Adams) "The senior officers are the finest I've worked with also. The first officer is a driven, precise officer who expects the best from his subordinates. Just like the Captain does with her senior teams and the entire crew. My best advise is to always do you best, ask questions when you're unsure." replied Matrix. =^= Ensign Cohen to Lieutenant Matrix.=^= "Excuse me for a second Mr. Adams. Go ahead Pete." "Sir, I've completed the programming refit to the engineering mains. We're online and everything checks out." said Ensign Cohen. "Excellent Pete. If you're free now and haven't had dinner I'd like you to meet our newest ensign." said Matrix smiling a bit. "Oh, great I'm starving. Ten-Forward say 15 minutes?" said Ensign Cohen. "That would be fine Pete. See you shortly. Matrix out." Matrix knew Peter would like to meet the newest engineer and would probably have a few opinions. Matrix sat back in his chair. "Sorry Ensign. Pete Cohen is someone you should meet soon, he's the best programmer in the fleet and you'd do well to listen to any advise he has." said Matrix. (Reply Adams) "The senior officers, oh yes, as I was saying, Captain Straton is simply one of the finest officers in the fleet. She's fair, but demanding of her crew. Our FO Lt. Commander Capps is equally respected, talented, never shies away from a fight and expects excellence from the crew. Our second officer Lt. Brownlee, is coming up through the ranks. His experience is growing, but the FO is keeping an eye on him. He's a good man too." said Matrix. (posted by Steve) ======================================================================================================================== (USS Paladin - Deck 10, Ten-Forward - Ensign JG Christopher Adams - 1908) Ensign Christopher Adams ate his dinner in Ten Forward while his commanding officer Lieutenant Steven Matrix talked about the other senior officers on the Paladin. "Don't take my advise as a warning, Ensign. The captain is one of the finest officers in the fleet. The advise was just to keep out of the way, especially on the bridge. If you've not been on a starship before the bridge is probably the most stressful place one could be. Extra people about won't help things when the plasma hits the launchers." Adams chuckled at the chief engineer's last sentence, "Understood, sir. My first impression of the captain, wasn't the best. Right off the bat she asks me if I'm ready to kill fellow Starfleet officers. I understand it's a civil war, it wasn't easy getting here from the Academy, but come on. The first thing she says to me? Anyway, she seems very intense." "The senior officers are the finest I've worked with also," Matrix continued. "The first officer is a driven, precise officer who expects the best from his subordinates. Just like the Captain does with her senior teams and the entire crew. My best advise is to always do your best, ask questions when you're unsure." Sudden a voice came over the lieutenant's comm badge, =^=Ensign Cohen to Lieutenant Matrix.=^= "Excuse me for a second, Mr. Adams. Go ahead Pete." Ensign Adams continued eating his dinner and drinking his root beer while the chief engineer talked to one of the other officers. The steak wasn't too bad for replicated, but he was definitely going to have to get used to it. It's not like he's back on Earth anymore. A couple of weekends a month he used to use his transporter credits to beam from the Academy back to Houston and eat at his grandmother's house. Real steak beats this replicated stuff hands down anytime. "Matrix out," said the chief engineer sitting back in his chair. "Sorry, Ensign. Pete Cohen is someone you should meet soon, he's the best programmer in the fleet and you'd do well to listen to any advise he has." "Sounds good. I can't wait to meet him," replied Adams. "The senior officers, oh yes," Matrix continued remembering where he was. "As I was saying, Captain Straton is simply one of the finest officers in the fleet. She's fair, but demanding of her crew. Our FO Lieutenant Commander Capps is equally respected, talented, never shies away from a fight and expects excellence from the crew. Our second officer Lt. Brownlee, is coming up through the ranks. His experience is growing, but the FO is keeping an eye on him. He's a good man, too." "Nice," said Adams. "I can't wait to meet them all. What are my regular duties going to be as Assistant Chief Engineer? When do the duty shifts start? You mentioned 0900 this afternoon. Will we be assigned to the same shift?" (posted by Jason) ======================================================================================================================== Hope you enjoyed!