Compile#13 April 29-30 (USS Rosenante & USS Boudicca Joint) --------------------------------------------------------------------- Mission: Just Another Saturday Night Day: 3 Stardate: 2414.01.01 Compile Summary (Starbase 989, Corridor, ATT Matthew McLaren, Day 3, 0442) (USS Boudicca - Ready Room - aFO - Cmdr Josh Caskie - Day 3 - 0909) (USS Boudicca - Ready Room - LT Chance Raschen- 0911) (USS Boudicca - Ready Room - CO Captain Durand - 0915) (USS Rosenante, Corridor - SciO, Ens,jg Narvak - Day 3, 1718) (USS Rosenante, Ready Room, CO, Captain Ahmed Ibn Salid, Day 3, 1720) (USS Rosenante - Ready Room - Science Officer - Ensign Andrew Maddox - 1722) (USS Rosenante, Ready Room- SciO, Ens,jg Narvak - Day 3, 1723) (USS Rosenante - Science Lab 2 - Science Officer - Ensign Andrew Maddox - 1750) (USS Rosenante - Science Lab 2 - Science Officer - Ensign Andrew Maddox - 1845) ======================================================= Mission: Just Another Saturday Night Day: 7 Stardate: 2414.01.05 Compile Summary (USS Rosenante - Docked SB 989 Guest Quarters Lt Tom Jackson 2O/COPS Day 7 1900) ======================================================= Mission: Just Another Saturday Night Day: 8 Stardate: 2414.01.06 Compile Summary (Starbase 989 - RJs - aFO - Cmdr Josh Caskie - Day 8 - 1317) (Starbase 989 - RJs - SO - Ensign Mike Rosenbauer - Day 8 - 1320) (SB 989, RJs, CO, Captain Ahmed Ibn Salid, Day 8, 1502) (Starbase 989 - RJs -aFO - Cmdr Josh Caskie - Day 8, 1507) (Starbase 989 - RJs - SO - Ensign Mike Rosenbauer - Day 8 - 1510) (Starbase 989 - RJ's - LT Chance Raschen & T'Lela- 1530) (SB 989, RJs, Lieutenant jg Sanok, 1535) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (Starbase 989, Corridor, ATT Matthew McLaren, Day 3, 0442) “Right medical crew line up as we have been, I’ll leave ordering your men, Commander McLaren to you, by the way the names Candle, Dr Candle.” "Nice to meet you Doctor. I may have need of your services later." Matthew replied, he figured that Candle was more than capable of seeing the small cut on his forehead and the bruises on his face that he'd gotten from the jostling of the crowd. They continued onward, turning from the route they had originally selected to take on a new destination. Their journey, although tense proved to be uneventful. There were no indications of the starbase's inhabitants, which made Matthew feel considerably better about things. Although occasionally, in the distance the sound of the mob would surge loudly for a moment or two although there seemed to be no imminent threat from them. Eventually they reached a large entry with dark edged words etched above it declaring it to a balcony of the auditorium. Basil turned to McClaren, “Okay how do you propose we continue on? There should be some stairs leading down to the main auditorium but wondered whether we should have a look there first?” "I agree." Matthew replied, "Mosh, T'Vyr, check it out." The two security officers entered to compartment more in the style of a special forces unit than a standard security team. Matthew noticed that they communicated completely by hand gestures until the the darkness swallowed them up. The party didn't have to wait long before the two reappeared. "There are no signs of station inhabitants." T'Vyr, the vulcan in the two man team replied. "It is absolutely quiet. It should work out very well. The stage is up and all the seats are stowed, leaving us just a large empty space set on tiers." The Bolian security officer added. Matthew nodded and then turned to Candle. "I say we head inside then and start getting your plan active." (reply none needed) Daniel Greene --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Boudicca - Ready Room - aFO - Cmdr Josh Caskie - Day 3 - 0909) Josh settled into a chair and watched as Raschen decided to remain standing and simply asked for a glass of water. Turning to Captain Durand she requested her normal beverage. "A cup of Lapsang Suchang tea Sir if you please. No milk or sugar thank you." Josh simply sipped her tea and listened to the conversation between both men. However when Chance, as she had always called him began to explain why he had been asked to deliver the cargo she nodded realising that it did indeed make sense. She was just about to take another sip of her tea when his next comment took her off guard. "What; you want my resume? I thought you said that the specifics of my service were none of your affair." Josh very audibly allowed her cup to fall back into it's saucer and turning her head towards Chance she merely stared up at him with one of her eyebrows raised. It wasn't exactly that she wanted Chance to back down. No-one, well almost no-one would ever get him to do that, she just wanted him to realise that he was being disrespectful to a senior officer once again and perhaps ease off before it got him into trouble again. She paused for a moment as he looked over at her and Josh finally smiled at him. "Tell me Chance. I remember answering a question of yours just after I became FO on the Rose when I told you that eventually you would have to make up your mind what you wanted to be. Are we seeing the consequenses of that decision now or are you just being your usual pain in the ass self?" (Reply Chance iyw) "Because we still have a broken station to fix here and while I always enjoy verbally fencing with you, now is not the time to be honest. My Captain has quite happily offered to assist you in any way our ship can and to be honest you have been your usually arrogant and fairly rude self. Now fair enough to you, both Captain Durand and I have been up for well over 24 hours trying to fix this station, although I know that you were not aware of that fact. However you are now. Would you care to change your tone just slightly or should I just recommend to my Captain that he cuts your ship loose and you can go ask the Rose for assistance." (Reply Chance, Durand) (Posted by Marilyn) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Boudicca - Ready Room - LT Chance Raschen- 0911) Josh finally smiled as she spoke "Tell me Chance. I remember answering a question of yours just after I became FO on the Rose when I told you that eventually you would have to make up your mind what you wanted to be. Are we seeing the consequenses of that decision now or are you just being your usual pain in the ass self?" Chance looked at Caskie solmnly "I have been trying to be a Starfleet Officer and not a pirate. But my past sins continue to visit themselves upon me in the form of the unparraleled demands Starfleet makes of me. Remember how fleet security used me as a whipping dog while I was on probation? They would start off with a gentle smile, and make pointed demands for information in the guise of polite questions." And then turning back to face the captain "Sir, I apologize for my tone; I mean no disrespect to your rank, position, or hospitlity. Regardless of rank or position, nobody will ever treat me like that again . That being said; I would have handed that PADD over to you if you had but politely asked for it." (Reply any iyw) "...While I always enjoy verbally fencing with you, now is not the time to be honest. My Captain has quite happily offered to assist you in any way our ship can and to be honest you have been your usually arrogant and fairly rude self. Now fair enough to you, both Captain Durand and I have been up for well over 24 hours trying to fix this station, although I know that you were not aware of that fact. However you are now. Would you care to change your tone just slightly or should I just recommend to my Captain that he cuts your ship loose and you can go ask the Rose for assistance." Caskie had pointed out. "Being a pain not-with-standing; once my delivery to y'all is complete and I have the signatures I need, then if you want to cut me loose, then I will go. That is up to y'all though." (Reply Any) (Reply Any) (Posted by Charlie) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Boudicca - Ready Room - CO Captain Durand - 0915) Durand was briefly surprised at the exchange between Raschen and Caskie. Though he knew they had a history together, he was interested in the change from her normal demeanor. "Sir, I apologize for my tone; I mean no disrespect to your rank, position, or hospitality. Regardless of rank or position, nobody will ever treat me like that again . That being said; I would have handed that PADD over to you if you had but politely asked for it." Durand was peeved. Just what had he done to raise this man’s ire? One thing was certain; no one was going to get away with barking at him like a junkyard dog on his own ship, experience be damned. “*Mister* Raschen. You most certainly mean disrespect to both my rank and position, so you can secure your faux apology. That 'devil may care’ freebooter attitude might fly elsewhere, but rest assured that it will not here. I remind you that you are a guest on *my* vessel. As to your status within the fleet, I have little care what your function is, your service record is, or what axes you have to grind with command. You either *are* a starfleet officer, or you are not. Since you are wearing that uniform, when you are aboard this ship you *will* comport yourself accordingly. Do I make myself clear?” Without waiting for a reply, he gestured toward the PADD. “As to your orders, Commander Caskie will vet them, and give you whatever signatures you may require. Commander, it’s entirely up to you whether you escort this *gentleman* off the ship, or whether security does it. Frankly, I don’t care either way.” He listened as Caskie and Raschen exchanged further verbal barbs, but Alan had said his peace. For the moment. (Reply Caskie and/or Raschen iyw, but none needed) (Posted by Russ) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante, Corridor - SciO, Ens,jg Narvak - Day 3, 1718) Narvak dragged down the corridor, his joints felt like they had sand in them and a particularly rambunctious tot was playing the kleggs on his forebrain. He had not felt this bad since the pre/post graduation bender and then that night with the Orion... ~Thinking hurts~ Narvak thought "I killed the stupid thing" Good, talking didn't hurt as much as thinking, excepted he needed to do the talking thing a little quieter. "now what" he whispered He must have looked as bad as he felt, because people moved to the other side of the corridor when they saw him, which was good, except the annoying concern that some humans felt and then they felt that it was their solemn duty to find out how you were doing. So far it seemed to that glares were keeping them at bay. One of the many things the he missed of Teller was that everyone kept there mind on their own business and their business to themselves. If you had a problem that you needed help with, you asked, and if you didn't ask, then you didn't need help. Pretty easy to figure out, trust humans to make a mess of that concept. Narvek arrived at the door to the ready room after being accosted twice more. ~Good, I'm here.~ The ensign thought ~The faster I get done, the faster I can get back to bed~ --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante, Ready Room, CO, Captain Ahmed Ibn Salid, Day 3, 1720) Maddox was the first to arrive at the Captain's call. The door slid aside instantly when the junior office touched the enunciator. The man was one of the most efficient and yet quiet officer in his employ. He was almost an enigma among the crew, few extracurricular activities, but his service record held up under even the most rigorous scrutiny. He was one of the few officers under his command that Ahmed had not managed to get to know well. "You wanted to speak to me sir?" he asked as he placed his PADD away. "I did Ensign." Ahmed replied, then handed him the PADD containing the report that Narvak had sent forward concerning the destruction of the Vexarak Spoilers. "One of your junior officers was assigned the task of coming up with a solution to the current infestation on the station. This is what he put together. That said, it is a very quick and violent end to the situation. It will most assuredly work, but will result in a very big mess and the complete eradication of the creatures in question. I think its a viable solution, but I noticed that you seemed to be working on another option. Have you come across any thing that we could utilize instead of this?" (reply Maddox) "I see." Ahmed replied, "how do you feel about this option then?" (reply Maddox) "I understand that but we are working on a serious deadline here. At the rate of energy increase, within a few hours we will be unable to power the station sufficiently to keep the life support operational. Additionally any other alternative will need to contain or neutralize the threat without putting secondary ships or personnel at risk. We are also required to salvage the Starbase if at all possible. I can give you no more than two hours to give me a less aggressive alternative." The door opened again and Narvak entered the ready room. (reply Narvak) Ahmed nodded at the new arrival but continued to speak to Maddox. "You have that much time to provide me with the option and a way to implement it, otherwise I am going to implement Mister Narvak's solution. Any questions's mister Maddox?" (reply Maddox) "Very well then, you are dismissed." (reply Maddox) Once Maddox had left, Salid turned to Narvak. "we are about to open a conference channel with the Boudicca, to provide them with your data, in the hopes that their engineers can come up with a means to utilize it on the station. I wanted you present to answer any questions that may come up." (reply Narvak) =^=Captain Salid, I'm with our CEO, ACEO and our ATT Officer. Ready when you are.=^= Durands voice stated. Ahmed activated the display scree on the wall of his ready room and the officers from the boudicca appeared there. For them, they could see both Ahmed and Narvak aboard the Rosenante. "Thank you for getting back with me so quickly Captain." Ahmed replied. He took a deep breath and began to explain the reason for this short meeting. "Ensign Narvak, who is here with me, has presented me with a possible solution to our problem of the infestation on the station. HIs proposal is effective, but rather violent." Ahmed transferred the data from ship's central computer to the Boudicca so that they could see the report that had been submitted. "It involves Wilson's particles. As all of my engineering crew are occupied on the station or involved in some related work, I was hoping that your crew could come up with a way to deploy it, should it become necessary. In addition, I have another member of my science department that has a moral objection to this form of eradication of a life form. That said I have granted him two hours to give me an alternative solution." (reply any on Boudicca) "Have you come up with anything related to a way to handle the infestation?" Ahmed nodded, "Of course we want to have a variety of solutions available if possible. I would suggest that we continue to pursue those studies as well, but we have a rapidly narrowing window in which to continue our studies before we are forced to act." "I'm referring to the projection that we have roughly four hours before the station is damaged too severely to salvage at the current rate of consumption. Besides the fact that we'll be unable to power the station at the increased rate of consumption indefinitely." "Ensign Narvak is here to answer any questions, should there be any? Anyone?" Ahmed concluded as he wrapped up his miniature briefing. (reply Gesar, O'Neill, Narvak, Durand, Maddox) Daniel Greene --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante - Ready Room - Science Officer - Ensign Andrew Maddox - 1722) "I did Ensign." Ahmed replied, then handed him the PADD containing the report that Narvak had sent forward concerning the destruction of the Vexarak Spoilers. Andrew began reading the PADD until he saw the first paragraph of the information. ~I've seen this.~ he thought, and put the PADD down giving the Captain his full attention. "One of your junior officers was assigned the task of coming up with a solution to the current infestation on the station. This is what he put together. That said, it is a very quick and violent end to the situation. It will most assuredly work, but will result in a very big mess and the complete eradication of the creatures in question. I think its a viable solution, but I noticed that you seemed to be working on another option. Have you come across any thing that we could utilize instead of this?" "Yes, I have. While I'm not a biologist, some of the ideas I have been working on come from that discipline of science. Before the Eugenics Wars, similar more biological infestations were eradicated by using harsh poisons and neuro toxins. Once the danger of such substances were recorded being harmful to the general human and animal population. The similarities to our situation seem to me blindingly obvious, I'm sure they are to you as well." (Reply Captain Salid) "So much so, sir that I look into the historical documents and the chemistry. Now chemistry I can sink my teeth into. They found a natural alternative from a domesticated flower, evidently it's oils broke down the waxy coating that kept all the moisture in their exoskeletons, they died of dessication. The substance was completely harmless to humans and animals. I plan on trying something similar to that but our infestation's chemistry is radically different." he explained. "I see." Ahmed replied, "how do you feel about this option then?" "I need more time. I'm just beginning to analyze their metabolic processes, if I get this right, we can do this with out releasing hazardous aerosolized heavy metals into the station's atmosphere. They will then be safe to extract using the transporters, which is my secondary goal..." Maddox started to ramble. "I understand that but we are working on a serious deadline here. At the rate of energy increase, within a few hours we will be unable to power the station sufficiently to keep the life support operational. Additionally any other alternative will need to contain or neutralize the threat without putting secondary ships or personnel at risk. We are also required to salvage the Starbase if at all possible. I can give you no more than two hours to give me a less aggressive alternative." The Ensign that Captain Salid had just mentioned, entered in that instant, Salid acknowledged his presence but finished his address to Ensign Maddox. "You have that much time to provide me with the option and a way to implement it, otherwise I am going to implement Mister Narvak's solution. Any questions mister Maddox?" "Understood sir, and there are no questions, I will keep you updated." he said in all seriousness. "Very well then, you are dismissed." the Captain finished. Maddox then left abruptly and unceremoniously. He had work to do after all. (reply Salid, Narvak) (Posted by Todd) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante, Ready Room- SciO, Ens,jg Narvak - Day 3, 1723) Narvak entered the room, keeping tight reign on his annoyance. The guy could have him cleaning enviro filters for the rest of his tour. "Ensign Narvak, reporting. Sir" Ahmed nodded at the new arrival but continued to speak to Maddox. "You have that much time to provide me with the option and a way to implement it, otherwise I am going to implement Mister Narvak's solution. Any questions's mister Maddox?" Narvak listened to Maddox’s explanamation of his approach, although the science was solid, he held serious doubts about coming up with a neuro-toxin for these creatures. ~Kill them with flowers, not likely.~ However he did have a point about the release of heavy metals into the environment, but hard vacuum killed a lot more quickly than heavy metal toxicity. Salid’s comment brought him to the present. "Very well then, you are dismissed." Once Maddox had left, Salid turned to Narvak. "we are about to open a conference channel with the Boudicca, to provide them with your data, in the hopes that their engineers can come up with a means to utilize it on the station. I wanted you present to answer any questions that may come up." Narvak gave an abrupt nod, then realized that a verbal response was needed. “Yes Sir” =^=Captain Salid, I'm with our CEO, ACEO and our ATT Officer. Ready when you are.=^= Durands voice stated. Ahmed activated the display scree on the wall of his ready room and the officers from the boudicca appeared there. For them, they could see both Ahmed and Narvak aboard the Rosenante. "Thank you for getting back with me so quickly Captain." Ahmed replied. "Ensign Narvak, who is here with me, has presented me with a possible solution to our problem of the infestation on the station. HIs proposal is effective, but rather violent." Ahmed transferred the data from ship's central computer to the Boudicca so that they could see the report that had been submitted. "It involves Wilson's particles. As all of my engineering crew is occupied on the station or involved in some related work, I was hoping that your crew could come up with a way to deploy it, should it become necessary. In addition, I have another member of my science department that has a moral objection to this form of eradication of a life form. That said I have granted him two hours to give me an alternative solution." Narvak had found a chair and was half dozing; at the Captain’s mention of moral objections, he snorted “Sorry” he muttered (Reply Salid) (reply any on Boudicca) "Have you come up with anything related to a way to handle the infestation?" Ahmed nodded, "Of course we want to have a variety of solutions available if possible. I would suggest that we continue to pursue those studies as well, but we have a rapidly narrowing window in which to continue our studies before we are forced to act." "I'm referring to the projection that we have roughly four hours before the station is damaged too severely to salvage at the current rate of consumption. Besides the fact that we'll be unable to power the station at the increased rate of consumption indefinitely." "Ensign Narvak is here to answer any questions, should there be any? Anyone?" Ahmed concluded as he wrapped up his miniature briefing. (Reply Boudicca, Salid) (Posted by Jack) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante - Science Lab 2 - Science Officer - Ensign Andrew Maddox - 1750) The first thing Andrew did when he got back to the lab was obtain specimen of the Vexarak Spoilers. Knowing that the other science officers from both ships had run them through a complete gamut of sentience testing, he still ran it again. Star Fleet and the Federation had come to far to overlook something that could eventually become sentient and turn into another Tholian Empire. ~That's what I would have named them, Tholian Roaches.~ Narvak's plan was sound. Better then sound it worked. Andrew's father had always told him to stick to what works until you found something better. Something about just blowing them up didn't sit well with Maddox. It was like using C4 to get rid of a ground hog. For some reason an image of a half crazed grounds keeper at a golf course molding C4 and placing it in a hole in the ground popped into Andrew's mind. He seemed to remember that grounds keeper destroying exactly what he was trying to protect and the ground hog turning out to be 'all-right'. He quickly dismissed the image and set to the task at hand. Making some sense out of this creature's chemistry. Narvak's research and further examination under the science lab's micro-tomographic analyzer. Though Maddox's report was worded differently. [Vexarak Spoilers: Small non-sentient creatures ranging from 4 cm to as wide as 10cm. Magnesite alloy exoskeleton, which varies in absolute composition from individual specimen to specimen according to what that creature consumes. Procreation is achieved through asexual means. Individual spoilers consume materials until they attain enough mass and energy to split and then they do so. Digestive process accomplished with a primary and secondary catalyst system allowing the flash boiling of alloys and metals as high as 3600 degrees Celsius, but no upward limit has been established. Waste products are applied to the exoskeleton and as components to allowing the creature to grow. The process of the temperature increase allows the creatures to be easily tracked, but poses a secondary hazard. Recommend individuals approaching large colonies to wear heat resistant attire or a heat rated space suit. Sensory data is obtained primarily two large organs similar to compound eyes in Terran insects, while not sensing light, instead attracts the creature to heat and confirms the direction of further food sources. Once found the creature or creatures continue to consume the source until its depletion and then find another source.] That gave Maddox an idea. What can these things actually digest and what will attract them? He took his one specimen and while watching it gave it another magnesium alloy. The crawler quickly found it and consumed it. It's temperature rose several hundred degrees and began moving around the containment area rapidly supposedly in search of more material to consume. He through it another piece this time behind it's field of vision and some distance away. It didn't even take one second for the thing to turn around and head straight for the small piece of metal alloy. The process of consumption was repeated for the second piece. "Is it the alloy or the metal itself that this creature responds to?" He beamed a small quantity of elemental magnesium into the enclosure. Once the small chunk was materialized the crawler was on it, consuming it in a fraction of the time. The creature's temperature increased again. The seemingly frantic search for materials soon abated as well. ~Lets try a different metal. Sodium is more reactive, lets try that.~ A small amount of Sodium Chloride or 'table salt' was beamed into the enclosure. The creature broke down the salt into sodium and chlorine gas. The reaction of the creature to the sodium was similar to the magnesium only the temperature increase was greater. ~More reactive the compound the greater the temperature increase because the more violent the reaction. Lets try a more non-reactive metal.~ (Reply none) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante - Science Lab 2 - Science Officer - Ensign Andrew Maddox - 1845) Maddox had found an answer to the problem at hand. Since these creatures would not ingest anything that could potentially harm them, setting out large quantities of gold and platinum was not only expensive but also not feasible. Since these creatures worked by using two catalysts to react with any usable compound, Maddox decided that would be his plan of attack. ~ But which one?~ One broke down the material and created high energy ions. The second made the ions' energy usable to the creature. "Computer list the substances that are known that would halt the reaction of either catalysts." It came up with a rather large list. "Computer eliminate all substances that are volatile in a nitrogen-oxygen atmosphere." The list got considerably shorter, but not short enough. "Computer, eliminate all substances not available in the immediate area, not replicable or that cannot be gathered or replicated in sufficient quantities with in the next twenty minutes." [One match found.] "Display on this screen." he said. "Computer will this substance absorb into the creature from outside the exoskeleton?" [Negative.] ~There goes the neurotoxin idea. I should be able to outfit a nanite drone with the capabilities of delivering this. It will take considerable resources to complete it on time though.~ "Maddox to Captain Salid." he said. (Reply Captain Salid) "Yes I do, sir. I want to disable one of the catalysts the pests use to break down metals and use them for energy." (Reply Captain Salid) "They use one to flash boil the metals and break them down the other makes the resulting ions or any energy usable by the creature. It's the second that I want to target." he explained. (Reply Captain Salid) "Yes, sir, I want to give these creatures diabetes. Since their metabolism is so rapid, it will disable them in a few seconds, and no vaporized metal explosion. Once that is accomplished the vermin can be transported into containment or even as energy only and added to the stations reserve batteries." (Reply Captain Salid) "No sir, spraying the compound won't work. I have developed a minor alteration to medical nanite probes allowing each to use a mounted micro-tank of the substance which it will forcibly introduce to the creature then move to the next." (Reply Captain Salid) "That's the catch I will need resources from both vessels to create the appropriate nanites in time. We would have to shut off some systems working on minimal life support for a time, and by minimal I mean no gravity, just air and heat." (Reply Captain Salid) "At least five minutes of the twenty minute period. Of course if we go with out gravity for longer we can accomplish it faster. Also OPS may have more power distribution tricks that I don't know." he said. (Reply Captain Salid) (Posted by Todd) ======================================================= (USS Rosenante - Docked SB 989 Guest Quarters Lt Tom Jackson 2O/COPS Day 7 1900) Tom walked around his temporary quarters. Dahlia had had a hard time understanding the tradition of not seeing her mate until the ceremony. Tom's mom, Chris had explained it to her. Chris had stories his mom might tell about him and their pre-Pez time.ad stayed with Dahlia that night. Dahlia was more nervous than Tom was if that were indeed possible! Jackson smiled as he thought of the stories mom wold tell about their life before Pez had married his mom. Tom walked to the broad portal and looked out at the docking area. His thoughts turned to his late dad, J.D. and his memories of dad. Over the years T.J. had missed his gentle love and wisdom. He and Tom had been close and loved doing the 'manly' things. That pleasure had been rudely stripped from Tom's life when J.D. had died. Thinking to himself ~Pop, I miss you and love you. Why were you taken from mom and I?~ Tom suddenly felt as if is dad were somehow present and would always be there. He felt his dad's presence and it comforted him. Jackson smiled and said "Thanks Pop. I can always count on you" and returned to gazing out the portal. (reply: None) (posted by: Bill W.) ======================================================= (Starbase 989 - RJs - aFO - Cmdr Josh Caskie - Day 8 - 1317) "And what about the Boudicca? How are you getting on there?" Josh simply shook her head. "It's weird. I started my career off on the Boudicca as ACMO, and I know that ship back to front. Just as much as I know the Rose but it's like I know the ship and don't. I could walk down those corridors blindfold and still find my way around, but it's not the same ship. No-one that I knew is there now. Every single person has moved on. It would be like going back to the Rose without all the same crew. I feel like a stranger, an imposter almost." (Reply Mike iyw) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (Starbase 989 - RJs - SO - Ensign Mike Rosenbauer - Day 8 - 1320) "...I feel like a stranger, an imposter almost." She finished. Mike nodded. "I felt like that when I returned back to the Rangers after the Civil war. So many of my friends were killed or retired in disgust. It was the main reason that I chose to transfer to the fleet. I can completely relate." --------------------------------------------------------------------- (SB 989, RJs, CO, Captain Ahmed Ibn Salid, Day 8, 1502) Ahmed watched as the newly married couple took the honor of the first dance. He was pleased that he had been able to conduct the wedding of one of his oldest friends in the fleet. He had often mused that the majority of the duty decisions that a Command Officer made were always desperate or perhaps at the least usually potentially life threatening. This duty was more an honor than anything else. It was moments like this that made every bit of the stress of command finally fade away. The last few days had been difficult, not only from a command point-of-view, but as a personal one. He hated so much the fact that he had been all but tethered to the command seat instead of getting in there and doing what needed to be done with his own hands. After all Engineers were not known for delegating tasks to others, and he was by far an engineer to the core. Once the first dance had concluded, Jackson's parents danced with the new couple, Pez with Dahlia and Tom's mother with her son. The floor began to fill with other couples; O'Neill and Signos among them. Jackson came over after their dance and smiling broader than Ahmed had ever seen him smile in all their time in service together asked simply,"Sir, my wife has requested that she and you dance the next dance." Ahmed smiled, then passed off his glass of pomegranate and orange juice to the tabletop before turning to the lovely bride. "Mrs. Jackson, I would be honored if you would share the next dance with me." Dahlia smiled, blushed and allowed Ahmed to lead her out on to the floor. Unlike some of the other assembled members of the crews present, Ahmed was actually an accomplished dancer. After his first Academy social dance, in which he had performed miserably, he had actually taken lessons. As a result he was familiar with a variety of dances. And while he hadn't exercised that skill in some time, since before the civil war at the least, he was confident enough to know that he wasn't going to be the most graceless on the dance floor. No, that honor went to the Klingon Officer from the Boudicca, who despite his lack of grace more than made up for it with enthusiasm. Ahmed and Dahlia chatted lightly about the wedding, her husband and the nature of Ahmed's and Tom's friendship. Their long service was brought up and the detail of their parallel service as well. Dahlia seemed a very intelligent woman, one who would be a good match for Tom, and besides could she have been a bad match considering that they both really loved each other? Ahmed suspected not, and so he thought very well of the two of them. As with all good things, eventually the music ended and Ahmed released his hold on the young bride, so that she could either dance or not as she chose. He returned to his table, to collect his drink, which was oddly enough missing, probably cleaned up by a member of the establishments staff. He turned back to the center of the floor just in time to see Rosenbauer plant a kiss firmly on Josh's lips. As they were off duty and no longer under his direct command, it wasn't such a big deal but the captain would wonder what the scuttlebutt would be afterwards. He's certain that it would be interesting. It always was. (reply none needed) Daniel Greene --------------------------------------------------------------------- (Starbase 989 - RJs -aFO - Cmdr Josh Caskie - Day 8, 1507) Taking Mike's hand as he held it out Josh allowed herself to be guided onto the dance floor by him, and allowing herself to be finally enveloped in his arms she simply allowed herself to enjoy the moment. When the dance stopped and Mike kept a hold of her Josh didn't protest simply standing there wrapped in his arms and looking up at him smiled.. When the next dance started Josh simply began dancing again with Mike. He kissed her passionatly and Josh responded in kind knowing that the only moment that mattered was now. Given that they served on two different ships 'now' was all they would ever have, so now was all that was important. As they broke apart she smiled at him. "You know I have never envied Tom at all until today. He is a really lucky, lucky man. Dahlia as a civilian is free to follow him where ever he is posted. You and I both know that it doesn't always work like that for everyone in the fleet. I honestly don't think that anyone will notice if we sneak away so why don't we just leave now? (Reply Rosenbauer) (Posted by Marilyn) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (Starbase 989 - RJs - SO - Ensign Mike Rosenbauer - Day 8 - 1510) As they broke from the embrace she smiled at him. It was a sweet, slightly seductive smile, fueled by a happiness that seemed to glow on her face. "You know I have never envied Tom at all until today. He is a really lucky, lucky man. Dahlia as a civilian is free to follow him where ever he is posted. You and I both know that it doesn't always work like that for everyone in the fleet. I honestly don't think that anyone will notice if we sneak away so why don't we just leave now?" Mike smiled. He understood the need to be together, he had been feeling it ever since he had run into her at The County Cork. Actually since he heard that she was on the Boudicca and then the Boudicca was in port at the same time. But events had propelled them into a situation that had prevented them from more than passing in the course of their duties. Now, though, things were different. There was no crisis. There was nothing but the moment together. "Yes, lets." he replied. (Reply Caskie iyw, but none needed) Daniel Greene --------------------------------------------------------------------- (Starbase 989 - RJ's - LT Chance Raschen & T'Lela- 1530) With a solemn look on his face, Chance was standing outside RJ's in his dress white uniform. Simply watching everyone enjoying themselves at his friend's wedding reception. The reason he wasn't at the party is simple. Ever since his wife died years before, weddings have become a time of remembrance and mourning. After a few minutes, T'Lela walked up behind him, wearing a floor length form fitting yet Conservative dress, and wrapped her arms around him and kissed him on the neck. "Cosmic thoughts of someone special?" she asked with a smile. Raschen reached up, took her hands in his and kissed her wrists. "Mmm-mm" was all he responded with. He honestly wanted to talk to her about who he was thinking about, but he found it to be a little awkward. Not only did T'Lela look like his late wife, but she even had the same name. "I never got to say good-bye." T'Lela had a good idea of who he was thinking of. "But you got to tell her that you loved her before she died, correct?" she asked as she stepped around to face him with her arms draped around his neck. With a weak smile "Yes I did, as she died in my arms." he said as he put his arms around her waist. Leaning in and giving him a small kiss on the lips, T'Lela started saying "If she loved you as much as you loved her. I don't think T'Lela would want you to remain alone and miserable. Would she?" "No; she wouldn't." Chance answered as he focused on the Dragon tattoo on her face and gently kissed her. "I love you Chance, but I don't know how long I can wait for you." Just then Chance remembered what he dreamed his late wife said to him while he was in a coma, "...happiness is within your grasp if you seek out the Dragon. Love her as you loved me. Be a cornerstone in her life and allow her to be a cornerstone in yours...". He then looked T'Lela in the eyes ~I did finally get to say good-bye to her. I also got her blessing to move on.~ he thought before saying "I don't want you to wait for me..." T'Lela got a hurt, sad look on her face "...I want you to be with me because I love you as well." He then kissed her passionately, and she returned the kiss. After breaking the kiss, they decided to join the others in the party. (Reply any iyw) (Reply any iyw) Posted by Charlie --------------------------------------------------------------------- (SB 989, RJs, Lieutenant jg Sanok, 1535) Sanok and Ben had taken the seats at the bar in RJs that Rupert had reserved for them and spent the time talking and meeting other Starfleet personnel. After a while, Ben left to talk with someone, leaving Sanok alone at the bar. He was joined by Rupert, who was clearly tired from the hectic day. "You will probably be glad when this day has ended," Sanok said simply. "You think?" said Rupert. "I've catered weddings before, but this one has been the busiest ever. You Fleeters sure know how to party." "Indeed," said Sanok, one eyebrow raised. "So, did you tell your friend yet?" said Rupert, nodding toward Ben. "I did not. There is nothing concrete to tell yet. If I told him Marah may be held by the Orion Syndicate, he would run off and try to find her." "Of course he would. Wouldn't you go after the woman you loved?" Rupert stared at Sanok for a moment. "Never mind." "I would also go. Vulcans do not love as Humans do, but that does not mean we would allow people that are important to us to suffer without trying to help." "I suppose." There was a pause between the two men before Sanok spoke again. "Is Jack ill today? I noticed that he is not here." Rupert's face wrinkled and he began wiping the bar, though it did not need to be. It seemed Sanok had struck a nerve. "Jack left the station after those stupid bugs were taken care of." "I can understand that," said Sanok. "It was a very bad night." "Ah, that was just an excuse. We've been making some business contacts that were going to bring us into some serious latinum, but Jack wasn't comfortable with who they were." "Perhaps you should feel the same as well." Sanok knew Rupert was involved in some illicit activities, but since he cooperated in the investigation of the Taylor murder, he was given a pass. Sanok could probably have taken some sort of legal action, but since he and his shipmates would be leaving soon, and because he had established a rapport with Rupert, he let it go. He just hoped that Rupert did not get into something over his head. "A man can make only so much running a restaurant on a station like this." "There are many opportunities elsewhere. You don't need to walk that path." Rupert chuckled. "You're in Starfleet, so there are a lot of things about real life you don't understand." "Perhaps, but please reconsider." Rupert chuckled again. "The happy couple looks good together. I hear the groom was adopted by Pez." "Indeed." Sanok remembered he was going to ask Ben about the bride wearing a white dress. Since his friend was not there, perhaps Rupert could help. "I have a question I'd like to ask you." (reply any) (posted by Bob) --------------------------------------------------------------------- End Compile ---------------------------------------------------------------------