Stardate:2407.01.30 (USS Nimitz - Bridge - StratOps - Lieutenant Commander Edward Wolfe - 1323) "Commander, please, at ease." Hyland said smiling finally. "Your orders please." Hyland reached for the padd as Wolfe handed them over. "Have you seen the quartermaster to acquire your quarters?" He said as he read briefly over the padd. Edward put his hands behind his back and spred his legs into the 'at ease' position. "Not yet Sir. Regulations say that I report to whoever is in command first. Captain Allen told me that Captain Sash is currently incapacitated, therefore, I reported to you." "How is Captain Allen anyways?" asked Hyland. "Captain Allen is fine, although she doesn't seem to be entirely looking forward to her impending retirement," replied Edward. Edward began to feel slightly uneasy with this. Captain Allen hadn't been overly... enthusiastic... about Hyland. Was he baiting him? "Retiring? I thought she would rather die in her command chair than retire. Oh, well, I hope that she is doing fine otherwise. She is one of the really fine Officers that I had the pleasure of meeting. Even if we didn’t see eye to eye most of the time and she thought my demeaner a bit gruff. Whoever would think my demeanor was gruff?" said Hyland in response. "Yes Sir, I don't know Sir," replied Edward, ~because I don't really know you.~ "Well, anyways, go get settled into your quarters and then report back to me. Dismissed." Hyland said smillingly. "Aye Sir," replied Edward, "is Strategical Operations set up Sir? I would like to see it after my quarters are arranged. I need to acquaint myself with the Nimitz's particular systems. Also, is there an Engineer available that could walk me through the systems and that I could discuss specific needs with?" (reply Hyland) (posted by Jeff) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Nimitz - Bridge - FO - Commander Jeff Hyland - 1325) "Aye Sir," replied Edward, "is Strategical Operations set up Sir? I would like to see it after my quarters are arranged. I need to acquaint myself with the Nimitz's particular systems. Also, is there an Engineer available that could walk me through the systems and that I could discuss specific needs with?" "Yes the system is setup as there was a Commander K'Ven working there up until recently when he had to return back to the Klingon High Council. I also think we can dig up an engineer that can run you through the systems to make sure they are tuned. You can see to it after you get your quarters arranged. Dismissed." Hyland replied liking the individual already. He liked the way the Lt. Commander had acted so far and hoped that he would continue to do so. It would be good to have someone else on the bridge to show the others what it is like to be professional. (reply Wolfe,iyw) (posted by Frank) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (ISS Nimitz - Ready Room- Captain Paul Casely - 1412) Sash turned, "Captain Casely, your ambition drove you to attempt to kill me, but how far will your ambition take you. Kill me now and take the Nimtz? Is that your final goal? Become and Admiral? How, you don't have the contacts. Do you think it was an accident that you wound up on the ship you did? I was certain that you'd have control of that ship within the quarter. But what now? Where will your ambition take you now? You now have an opportunity to become much more than an admiral. Think about that." "Captain Sash, are you finished pontificating? You have no idea what contacts I have. You have no idea what my plans are. You never did, you always thought small. For such a big man, you have small aims and plans. If you would stop up your pie hole for a few moments I would tell you that the whole reason I'm here and not trying to slit your throat is because I'm willing to give you a chance to see what it is you're planning. You go on with this holy than thou tirade, but you don't listen. Same old Sash, so in love with the sound of his own voice to even consider what anyone else has to say," stated Paul blandly, "Now get on with it. What is your grand plan oh great Captain? I will tell you, however, if it involves a white whale, I'm leaving." Paul sat back and put his feet on the table, waitng for old windbag to respond. Sash had always had a flair for the dramatic. It was good to see that neither Saleke or himself were playing along with it. (Reply Sash, Saleke) (posted by Jeff) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (ISS Nimitz- Observation Lounge- Rizoru- 1418) Riz thought about leaving, and wondered if her captain remembered she was there and invisible. She wasn't about to miss out on free information, so she didn't move. She kept her eye on Casely, and wondered what kind of man would say something like that. She had a feeling in the pit of her stomach, one that was like having a sour stomach, and she couldn't shake it. She couldn't believe that Sash had said that, and she wondered why he was being so daring. Nothing called for his actions, and yet he seemed very confident. Was it because she was there to help him if need be, did he really trust her that much? She wasn't sure, but she wasn't about to ask him. She wondered what Salek was playing at, and realized this was all a big game to see who was better. She wondered why they were playing such a childish game, but stood fast to her spot to see where this was going. She was getting the idea of who everyone was here, and she wondered who would win this little game. She noticed Sash tried another tactic, and she hoped it would work for him. --------------------------------------------------------------------- (ISS Nimitz- Observation Lounge- CO- Captain Saleke- 1419) Sash appeared to find humor in Salekes action. "Saleke, can you honestly say that I am wrong. I have put myself in your hands, really. I have laid out a plan that could, most likely, cost me my life and any who follow me. I'm not looking for open rebellion, as Doenitz does. he is a fool, destined to only kill needlessly. I'm looking at a ... restructuring from within. I can only offer you this, if I am willing to trust you, can you possibly consider the notion of trusting me. I ask you, has Devan Sash ever led you into a fools errand before?" The Vulcan turned as he reached his chair and sat down before meeting Sash's eyes, the Vulcans eyes were unreadable. "Devan Sash is not a fool. Unveil the details of your plan and we will decide how much credence to place in it." He settled back in the chair as his words hung in the air. (Reply: Sash, Casely) (Posted by Charles) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (ISS Nimitz- Observation Lounge- CO- Captain Devan Sash - 1420) Casely's animosity towards him was catching Sash off guard. And his reference to a white whale was totally lost on him. What the hell was a white whale anyway. He looked across at the table at his former FO and his eyes narrowed. "If you wish to hear no more," he said dangerously, "I can kill you now, without wasting any more of your time. I let you live once before, because I had a plan for you. If that was a mistake, let me remedy that right now. Keep a civil tongue in your head," he warned. The good news was that Casely hadn't just picked up and left, transmitting his mutinous plan to the empire as he left. Sash realized how bad of an idea that was. And it may have to come to him preventing that from happening. He began to wonder how much of Casely's bravado was truely his hatred of owing Sash his life, or if there was more. It was something he didn't have time to think about at the moment. He was in a little trouble. Out of the corner of his eye he saw Darteena. It was as if she were smiling at him, encouraging him. When he turned to look, she wasn't there. It was Zzt, looking hungry, and Gralen, looking disinterested, and Harrison, looking as if he were about to get something very juicy. He needed to get the attention away from himself for a moment to regroup his thoughts. After Saleke had finished telling of his own interest he turned to his technical help. "Zzt what's the condition of the generator?" (reply Zzt) "Dr. Gralen," he then turned to his scientific advisor, "how close to being ready for our first attempt at the improved trasdiminesional generator?" (reply Gralen) He turned back to the other captain's. "Gentlemen, I propose that a practical demonstration of what I have planned is much better than any explaination. Suffice it to say that Dr. Gralen has made some modifications, and improvements on the device that was so poorly utilized before. I recomend that we take a break and reconvene after dinner. Say 1930 hours." (reply Saleke, Casely) (posted by Al Muir) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (ISS Nimitz, Observation Lounge, CEO, Lt(sg) Zzt, 1421) Zzt had kneeled quietly in one corner feigning disinterest, but actually carefully listening to each and every word spoken. He was also aware of the lizard thing being in the room. He could smell it, even hear it moving every now and again. Zzt's sense of smell and hearing was far better than any humans. He had the ears and the nose of a predator, and despite the misconception that he was a dim-witted animal, a keen intelligence. He knew that the Captain had recruited the lizard thing. He didn't know what the Captain had it doing spying on a meeting he himself was a part of. Zzt could only speculate that the Captain was using it as an unseen bodyguard, as it would of been virtually invisible to nearly all humanoid races. Zzt, however, wasn't even remotely humanoid. Even Wolfe's pet telepath was useless when it came to Zzt. His neurology was so vastly different from a humanoids that all a telepath could hope to get was conflicting signals. So, Zzt sat and watched, listened, and smelled as the 3 Captain postured, threatened, and generally tried to get an upper hand over the other two. Sash seemed to be making some progress with Captain Saleke, but Vulcan's did tend to be swayed more by logic than emotion. Captain Casely, on the other hand, had been difficult from the very beginning. Which was to be expected. He had tried to kill Sash after all. "If you wish to hear no more," Sash said dangerously toward Casely, "I can kill you now, without wasting any more of your time. I let you live once before, because I had a plan for you. If that was a mistake, let me remedy that right now. Keep a civil tongue in your head," he warned. Zzt smiled an evil smile baring his fangs and licking them hungrily. ~Perhaps the Captain will let me feast on his entrails this time.~ Zzt thought as his eyes darted around the room and his muscles tensed in anticipation of action. Subtly, Zzt moved one of his forepaws down near his rear paw where he had a burning phaser concealed. He was not fool enough to move about the ship without an energy weapon or 4 on his person. Zzt excelled at building things. "Zzt what's the condition of the generator?" Sash said suddenly going on the defense. Zzt frowned. "There were some minor set back due to improper configuration parameters being entered into the generator," Zzt explained, still alert to any possible threat. "I have corrected the problem and the technician responsible for the error has been....dealt with." Zzt's grin broadened evilly and he licked his fangs once more with flourish. "The generator will be directly linked to the Nimitz warp core during the power up phase and the power channeled though the warp coils and focused using the deflector array. The exact parameters of the energy matrix is up to the science department." "Dr. Gralen," Sash said turning to his scientific advisor, "how close to being ready for our first attempt at the improved trasdiminesional generator?" (Reply Gralen, Sash, Any at meeting) (Posted by Wes) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (ISS Razorback - Bridge - FO, Commander Thlax - 1422) Thlax sat in the Captain's chair, the comfort of what would soon be his increasing, and looking through the logs for any signals between the ships. They were largely empty, nothing significant or important to report. So far, so good. He had no doubt that the Wolverine and probably the Nimitz was scanning his ship in the same way. You couldn't be too careful in this kind of situation. You didn't live long if you trusted people. Distrust and the knowledge of your enemies, allies and colleagues distrust kept everyone on their toes. There was, after all, no such thing as too much caution. The science officer had not been able to think of any way to monitor intraship communications, but Thlax had had his own ideas about that. Ship wide comms, like any form of communication depended on a particular frequency and a number of transmitters and recievers passing the signals around. Since these signals only had to travel around a ship, they weren't strong enough to pick up outside the vessel. If they could get something like, say, a probe - an essential piece of equipment created for the sole purpose of monitoring things like signals and relaying the information back - close enough to the Nimitz, it might be able to pick up that frequency. The engineering department had been working on modifying a probe over the last half an hour. Thlax's modifications should, hopefully, allow them to launch the probe from the Razorback without either of the other ships detecting it, and monitoring the frequency for the Nimitz' ship wide comms. True, the meeting would probably be over soon, but as long as his captain was over there, he was to do everything he could to monitor as many forms of communication as he could. You never knew when something useful would turn up. (reply any, none) (posted by James Batchelor) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (ISS Nimitz - SFI Office, Correction Room - SFI Officer - Lieutenant Commander Edward Wolfe - 1523) Edward looked at the PADD and read it carefully. "Ensign Don Yates, Support division, assigned under direct command of Lieutenant Miles O'Neill," read Wolfe aloud and looking at the young man in front of him. He chose to ignore the fact that Lieutenant Zzt was in charge of the entire department. O'Neill was someone Wolfe would love to see go down in flames. By all accounts he was lazy and self serving. The self serving Edward could live with, but there was no room for lazy. That would be something dealt with later. Wolfe licked his lips ferally and looked at the ensign, now confined to an agony booth. He had no reason to doubt that Yates would scream, Edward loved that sound. It made his spine tingle. The level of infraction from this young man would ensure that he wouldn't be leaving the booth alive. "Mr. Yates, it seems like you were found while in the middle of the act of sabotage. Now, we know what the punishment for that is, that isn't going to change. However, the speed of your dispatch is under some level of negotiation." "Wha... what do I have to do?" asked Yates, trying to put on a brave face, but failing spectacularly. Wolfe almost laughed aloud as a tear slid down the young man's face. Blood was in the water now. "Who else?" Edward asked, almost gently. "Who... else... what?" Yates asked, bursting into anguished tears. "Who else was in on the sabotage?" asked Edward looking over at Lronen. Lronen simply shook his head to the negative. Edward sighed, sometimes he wondered what the point was of having a telepath. He knew the excuses, his mind was too chaotic, he was too afraid. In this case, Edward would buy the afraid part for as he watched, Yates a small spot of wetness began to grow on the front of Yates' uniform. "No... no one," answered Yates, still wailing like a schoolgirl. "Now now, I have a nice little mindcop here with me. So there is no point in lying to me. Who else?" asked Wolfe, more forcefully now. At this point, Wolfe knew that one of two things would happen. Either the man would continue to deny that he was working for others, and then would die a slow and agonizing death, or the man would tell him who he worked for, or fabricate a list of who he worked for. The lie was almost more useful than the truth. All confessions, even those under duress, were admissable within the Empire. "Either tell me some names, or die a slow tortuous death. Believe me, it doesn't bother me either way. In fact, the slow way is often more satisfying for me." Edward's features took on an almost ferine glow now. The full baseness and bestial nature of the SFI officer began to shine through. Even Lronen, so used to working with Wolfe took a step back. There was no reason to doubt why the boy in the booth was so frightened. Finally, the Ensign beckoned Wolfe forth and whispered in his ear. Edward didn't know if the information was true or not. In fact, he didn't care. The wicked, savage smile spread across his face. "You did very well," said Wolfe as he flipped the switch and the boy screamed in agony, "Don't worry, just a few hours and it will be all over." "Buh... but you... said it would be... quick," said the boy amongst his screams and his writhing in agony. Wolfe licked his lips and looked at Yates, "I lied," was his only response amid the cacaphony of screams. (Reply none) (Posted by Jeff) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (ISS Nimitz - Readyroom - SFI Officer - Lieutenant Commander Edward Wolfe - 1742) Wolfe's time with Yates ended up being shorter than he would have hoped. The young man just didn't have the will to hang on. Still, two hours wasn't too bad Edward supposed. Now, time to bring important information to the Captain. Wolfe had decided to hedge his bets for now. He was definitely not Sash's man, however he would work for him until the Captain seemed weak enough to fall. Wolfe knew that Sash had an uncanny way of surviving and that was enough to give Edward pause. He reached the Captain's readyroom and rang the chime. Seconds later, entrance was granted and Wolfe walked in. "Captain, I dealt with Mr. Yates. He shan't be sabotaging any more of the Emperor's vessels. He did, however, impart some rather interesting information to me," said Wolfe, giving a toothy smile. (reply Sash) (Posted by Jeff) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (ISS Nimitz - Personal Quarters- Captain Devan Sash and Elizabeth and Gabriella Kirien- 18:20) Beth had returned to her Quarters after the time that she had spent with Master Gralen. It had been a time that she wasn't sure that she would ever forget, and she didn't know if the bargain that he had extracted from her in exchange for the gleaming silver collar in her hands, was worth the cost. She snuck into her bedroom, and quickly got dressed in the outfit that her Daddy liked her best in. She peeked out, where Ella was seated at the kitchen table, dressed in something that must have come out of her mother's closet, and something that her Daddy was going to love. While her Daddy liked Beth best in clothing as close to a little girl as possible, Ella had dared convention into the shortest little black dress that Beth had ever seen. Both jumped as the door slid open - the Captain , did not, of course have to use the courtesy chime. "Daddy!" Beth exclaimed jumping up and running over to hug her Daddy's legs. Ella, was of course a bit more restrained. "Master." She said softly, somehow managing to replicat e the voice that their mother used on Master Gralen. Then Beth remembered. "Daddy, I got you a present and Master Gralen helped me pick it out! I hope you like it!!" She stated, wondering what the price Master Gralen was going to exact from her for her silence, for surely it was going to be large... her Daddy would kill Gralen if he knew what had happened that afternoon. Sash looked over at the girls, and smiled. He wasn't exactly sure what he expected to happen here, or what the Sash of this universe expected from these children, but he had a pretty good idea, and it wasn't something he was planning to continue. However, he also didn't want to underestimate these two girls, and so he was going to have to play this one carefully. ~What the hell was I thinking, on agreeing to this.~ When he heard the sound of Gralen's name a chill ran down his spine. He wondered what the price of this "gift" had been, and then tried to push that thought from his mind. A smile grew across his face as Sash walked across the room with the younger girl still wrapped around his leg. As he stood in front of Ella he looked into her eyes. His hand came up and held up the girls chin as she tried to avoid his gaze. He couldn't help but frown a little. "Gralen, huh. Do you have any idea what this "gift" might be?" Ella tried to avoid her Master's eyes. "No, Master Sash. I have hopes as to what it might be, but I would never presume...Beth isn't like me." Sash chuckled. "Indeed she isn't." He released her chin and then reached down for Beth, who immediately released his leg. "A present from Gralen? You have me intrigued. Care to give me a hint?" "A hint, Daddy? It's what you wanted in your mind, so I got it for you. Don't you remember that dream you told me? You wanted one just like Michaella's...so I got you one, Daddy, and you can make Ella a proper slave, just like Michaella belongs to Master Gralen." And Ella's eyes shone with tears of joy as she listened to her sister speak. Sash was having trouble maintaining his focus. His mind was still trying to wrap around what he'd been told. Make Ella his slave? And yet, Ella did not seem to be opposed to this proposition. In fact, she seemed elated by the prospect. Sash tried to cover his own shock. He was amazed at his own naivety. He blinked, "Ella? For me?" He smiled, and stroked Ella's cheek. I don't know what to say. Actually, I do. Who's hungry. I think it's time to eat. Are you both ready?"Ella laughed at her Master. "If you still want to take us to dinner, Da... Master... I would like that. If you wouldn't be ashamed to be seen with me." Sash couldn't help looking surprised. "Ashamed, why would I be ashamed? I am proud to be seen with you, and to show others that I'm seen with you." Then he smiled again, "Besides, I think I'm going to need my strength." Beth regarded Sash with puzzlement. "Daddy are you feeling well ?" She asked confused. This didn't feel anything like the Daddy she knew and loved. Then her face brightened up. She knew it could only be because her Daddy had been around that evil Saleke and that horrid Casely. "Come on, Daddy!!" She said, grabbing his hand and dragging him out, pigtails bouncing. Ella followed, trying to imitate her mother's sexy gait and failing utterly. (ISS Nimitz - 10 Forward- Captain Devan Sash and Elizabeth and Gabriella Kirien- 19:30) The trip down to 10 forward was very interesting. Ella seemed to take every opportunity to touch Sash. She moved to hold his hand, but then only stroked it. She rubbed herself against him several times. Sash began to feel an uncomfortable stirring inside him. So he tried to ignore it and keep a conversation going with Beth. They were seated at the captain's table. At first Ella tried to sit on the floor next to Sash but he wouldn't have it. "Tonight is a special night. You will sit at the table with us." Ella nodded, taking the profferred seat. "Master, why is tonight so special ?" She asked in the soft voice she had observed her mother using. Sash just smiled at her as she sat, trying to act demure. It was hard not to be amused, or to feel honored that she'd want to act that way for him. To be honest, even in his world, he found the girls quite attractive. he just could never think of them in that way. But now, it was as if something had been removed fromhis minds and thoughts that he never imagined were coming to him. "Let's just see what the night brings us," he said vaguely. Then he tried to change the subject. "So tell me young lady," he said to Beth, "about this arrangement that you made with Dr. Gralen." Beth coughed, choking. "It was, uh nothing. I just asked him for some help, since he's an initiated priest into the Betazoid mysteries." Sash had the feeling that she was not beeing completely honest with him. "Gralen never does anything for the sake of his spiritual development. You're holding out on me young lady. That's not like you."Beth widened her eyes and tried to act innocent. "He asked for a price for the collar, Daddy, and I paid it willingly." She looked down at her hands, flushing with embarrassement. "I used to wonder why Ella wanted to be with you so badly, Daddy, and I guess now I know. I'm Dominant, like John was, and like moth... Michaella, isn't."She flushed again, and whispered, "A good part of me wants to go back. Now i know why the Mysteries speak of when they say the longing." Sash was silent for a moment. His mind was filled with images that he didn't want it filled with. Images of Gralen and Beth together, then images of himself and Beth. His face began to change hue, but he managed to contain himself. "You mean to tell me that you... and Gralen... were together? He ... with my princess?" Sash's eyes narrowed. "Well then, we will definitely have to deal with this situation, won't we." He said that last part more to himself than to anyone else. Then he addressed Beth. "I do NOT want you going back to that man. You may feel that way now, but before long he'll have you submitted."She looked down at her hands, "Yes, Daddy." She said. "We didn't do anything bad, Daddy...he said he would have to get your permission for anything serious." She knew that she had angered him, and somehow that made her sad. "And Daddy.... maybe it wouldn't be so bad if he did take me. You have Ella... " She flushed as this thought occurred to her....wondering where it could have come from. Her eyes widened and she covered her mouth with her hands. "Daddy..." And she began to cry, in confusion, longing and hurt. Sash wasn't sure what happened to himnext, but his mind exploded. "I said I forbid it. Damn it, if you you have an itch to scratch then I'll scratch it. I'll have Gralen's head on a plate if he touches you again. You're mine, do you hear me." He looked around the room at the other diners who had ceased their conversations and we staring at him. He calmed himself down and looked at the freighened child beside him. "I'm sorry love," he said softly, "I don't know what came over me. But please, stay away from Gralen, please." She sniffled, "Yes, Daddy." as Ella looked on in bemusement. Then their food came, and the girls settled to eating, both casting quick glances up at Sash. Finally Ella broke the silence, "Master, if you don't like Master Gralen, why did you give Michaella to him ? The reason that you gave, that she couldn't save Ketal's life, well, Master, no one bought it. There wasn't anything that she could do to save his life. " Beth chose that moment to unwisely chime in, "Yes, Daddy, People say that it was so that you could have us, and if that is true, then Daddy, I'm happy. You are so much a better Daddy than John EVER was." Sash smiled. "Girls, life is a trade off. However, I think it might be time to relieve Gralen of his hold on your mother. However, not tonight." He sat back in his chair, full from his meal, and his brain racing from his meeting with the other CO's. As his mind wrapped itself around this Sash he was beginning to see how his plan was coming about. Himself as the new emperor, Casely and Saleke as his Chiefs of Staff. It could lead to a very remarkable universe. He could sense eyes looking at him, and out the corner of his eyes he could see the evil green eyes and hear that laugh. But it didn't revolt him as much as before. He began to feel a very comforting feeling on his thigh, and enjoyed the sensation for a moment. Then he looked to see that it was Ella, who was stroking him. He straightened himself reflexively and stood. "I believe we're done here," he announced, "I have a meeting to attend, then I will see to your... bedtime needs." Sash escorted the girls aack to the personal quarters deck. They led the way to his own quarters and stopped. He looked a little puzzled, but they simply smiled, a strange and most evil looing smile. Sash was pretty certain what they were about, and he was going to have to figure a way past this, but right now he had other, more pressing, matters on his mind. "I will return after my meeting, girls," he said. "We can ... talk more then." With that he left the girls to do whatever it was they were planning to do, and headed for the bridge. He wanted to see what was going on before rejoining the other captains for the practicle demonstration of the new transdimensional portal generator. (reply Gabriella and Elizabeth) (posted by Al Muir and Melinda Martin) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (ISS Nimitz - Tagon's Personal Quarters - Rizoru - 1829) She had heard him and didn't like this. She gulped and thought over his words not doing or saying anything at the moment. She didn't want to agree to anything, especially if she hadn't decided what to do yet. She had a bad feeling about all this, and she wondered what she had gotten herself into now. She felt the pressure on her skull, but she decided not to show him she was in any discomfort. She didn't want to give him the pleasure of seeing him cause her pain. ~Fine condition? What, had he noticed something he wasn't willing to share?~ She thought, and left before he changed his mind. She got to thinking as she exited his room, and wondered what would happen if she paid Casely a visit. It wouldn't do to walk into a trap, but she didn't know how to get to him at the moment. She wasn't having any ideas come to her, and she wondered if there was a way to kidnap him, then it hit her. (ISS Nimitz - Transporter Room Two - Rizoru - 1840) She hoped this plan would work, and she had sent a message to the transport room officer that he was needed somewhere else. He left his station all to her, and she became visible when he was far enough away down the corridor. She searched for his commbadge, and found it easily. He had his officers around him, and she smiled hoping that this would work. She had managed to get her hands on a phaser, and now carried it with her on her waist. She had practised earlier drawing it until she was fast enough to do so. The weight of the phaser had been different than the weapons used on her home world, but she adjusted well enough. She wondered how long she would have to question him before his guards came rushing to his aide, but she put those thoughts aside. She quickly beamed him to her area, and saw he was surprised. She smiles triumphantly as she walks around the transporter station. "Welcome, Captain Casely, I have brought you here for a reason, oh and I wouldn't try anything. I beamed you in, but you don't have your phaser with you. I am not stupid, and do not wish you any harm. I want to know why Captain Sash left you alive after you attempted to kill him, and don't play coy with me." She said getting down to business, and remembering to keep a good distance between them. She didn't think he had any other weapons on his person, but she wasn't sure. She didn't want to be taken by surprise with anything, and she kept her eyes on him. (Casely) (Posted by Liz) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (ISS Nimitz - Transporter Room Two - Captain Paul Casely - 1845) Paul coldly regarded the little beast in front of him. "Screw you, you little animal. Go ahead and kill me. Then we'll see how the other ships respond to the Nimitz. I really don't have time for your stupidity. If you're too daft to get the answers another way, you certainly won't get them from me. Now get out of my way or kill me," responded Paul. He really didn't have time for this. (Reply Riz) "Well, this has been charming. Now, goodbye," stated Paul. He tapped his comm badge twice and then felt the transporter effect take hold as he beamed back onto the ISS Razorback. (ISS Razorback, Transporter Room, Captain Paul Casely, 1853) Paul walked off the transporter pad and immediately opened a channel to the bridge. "Target the Nimitz, bring weapons online. Open a channel from here to the Nimitz," stated Paul. Almost immediately his orders were followed. "Captain Sash, this is Captain Casely. I must say I'm a bit perplexed. You have a lizard being take my weaponry and transport me around the ship... and threaten me, right after you tell us to put our differences aside and work together. Why?" asked Paul with almost sugary sweetness in his voice. He was more than prepared to blow the Nimitz out of the sky or die trying. This was an affront not to be ignored. (Reply Sash) (Posted by Jeff) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (ISS Nimitz- Bridge- CO- Captain Devan Sash - 1854) Sash stepped onto the bridge and looked around. There was, maintaining his watch. Apparently he had observed the opportunity to stay in command as long as he could. Sash almost smiled. "Report," Sash said as he approached the FO. (reply Hyland) There was a beep from the tactical station and Sash looked up at Tagon. "The Razorback has powered up its weapons and targeted our warp nacelles. Shield's up?" "Negative," Sash called out, and the whole bridge stopped. It was unprecidentd. With shields up they might withstand the sudden attack from the Razorback, but without them they would surely be destroyed. "If Casely had wanted to destroy us he would have done so already. I know that trust is not at the top of our list of priorities, but I trust that Captain Casely has a reason for this." "Incoming message," Tagon growled. "It's Captain Casely." "Put it on screen," Sash ordered. Casely's face came on the main viewer, and he was looking a bit perturbed. =^=Captain Sash, this is Captain Casely. I must say I'm a bit perplexed. You have a lizard being take my weaponry and transport me around the ship... and threaten me, right after you tell us to put our differences aside and work together. Why?=^= Now it was Sah's turn to be perplexed. "Lizard being? I don't know what..." Then a sudden realization came over him. ~Gods, what has she done now. Perhaps I gave her more credit than I should have. I'm sure the Sash of this universe would just have killed her.~ He shook his head. Another mistake. "Captain Casely," he said, emphasizing the captain for the first time, hoping that Casely would catch the significance, "I assure you that Rizoru did not have authorization to commit such an act. In fact, I'm not sure how she got access to our transporters. Please hold for just a moment." He turned to Tagon. "I want Rizoru here, NOW!" Tagon nodded and accessed the STS transporters. Rizoru materialized in front of Sash. Before she could react, he pressed the control button and sent a new meaning to the word pain through her entire body. She cried out as she fell to the floor, writhing and convulsing. Sash's eyes narrowed, as he realized how little the scene afected him. He was beginning to acclimate himself to this universe. Satisfied that Rizoru wasn't going anywhere Sash returned his attention to Casely. "Captain Casely," he began again, "I cannot apologize enough for the conduct of a member of this ship. I can, however, offer her life to you as a means of atoning for its sins. This is the creature that acosted you?" (reply Casely) (reply Casely) "Shall I kill her for you now," he offered. (reply Casely, Rizoru, Hyland) (posted by Al Muir) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (ISS Nimitz- Bridge- FO- Commander Jeff Hyland - 1857) Jeff had hoped that the entire shift of his would be without the miserable Captain, but, he had not been so lucky before, so, why should tonight be any different. He would be glad when he could take the miserable Denebian Slime worm down and out. Just as he was thinking that, the turbolift doors opened and it walked out. The captain looked around and Jeff could see the smirk he had on as he settled on him. "Report," Sash said and Jeff reluctantly got up from the command chair to move to his own. "The transdimensional portal generator is ready for the practical demonstration at your order." Jeff replied although hating having to give him anything. But, Jeff kept in his mind that he had to stay first officer long enough to take Sash out. So, that meant having to do a little butt kissing to do so, no matter how much he hated it. Jeff then had to sit there and listen to Sash’s conversation with Casely. He also was amused at the treatment that Sash was giving to the Lizard. He had wanted to do the same thing, but, he left it to the Captain. When it came to possibly killing it, he really wanted to skin and tan the thing to put it as a wall fixture in his quarters. But, he kept to himself on the matter. (reply Sash, any) (posted by frank) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (ISS Razorback - Bridge - CO of ISS Razorback - Captain Paul Casely - 1903) After the communication, knowing that Sash was waiting for a response, Paul went quickly to the bridge of his ship. He looked over at Thlax, who quickly moved out of his way. "Well, Captain, you've offered that lizards life, take it. I'm watching. The sacrifice will be... acceptable," stated Paul looking at Sash on the viewscreen. Paul watched fascinated. He could see the varied response of the crew of the Nimitz, most expressed a good deal of pleasure by the prospect. Sash generally wasn't prone to the same kind of 'command decisions' the rest of the fleet was, it would be good to see him get his hands dirty. As an afterthought, he turned to is Operations Officer. "Lieutenant Alvinson, patch this through to the Wolverine, I'm sure they'd appreciate the show." Now, Paul knew he had created a situation where Sash had to act. If he failed to do so, it could mean the end to the fragile alliance Sash had built with Saleke and himself. (reply Sash, Saleke, any) (Posted by Jeff) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (ISS Nimitz- Bridge- CO- Captain Devan Sash - 1904) Sash looked down at the pathetic creature laying at his feet. There was obviously little choice in his course of action. Casely had demanded his orice, and he wanted it now. Sash's eyes looked quickly around the bridge. Even those who sided with him looked as if they expected the worst. Not expected it, but required it. Sash had asked a great deal of his people to trust him, and now, at a time when he could have used some of that support, he wasn't certain if he could count on it. Slowly he stepped forward and took the offered dagger from Cithy Dumas. He could see the blood lust in her eyes. She'd wanted to kill Rizoru at the start, and it looked like she was going to get her wish. Suddenly Zzt appeared in front of him, his big bear arms folded across his chest. "You no do," he said in his usual broken standard. "This wrong, not good for you." The sudden difficulty in Zzt's speach pattern made Sash pause. He blinked and Zzt was coming through the turbolift doors. How could that be. All that was between Sash and the view screen, now showing both Casely and Saleke was Rizoru. Sash manipulated the dagger so that it was at a better angle. He grabbed Rizoru by the ridge that ran down the back of her head and exposed her throat. He could feel Rizoru shiver under his grip. The dagger raised over Rizoru, as if it had a mind of its own. Sash took a deep breath and looked over at Bixx. She seemed to be frowning, even crying. Then he remembered the time that they were playing billiards in the holodeck, and she was wearing... the very dress she had on. That wasn't standard uniform, not even in this universe. His hand began the forward motion to drive the dagger into Rizoru, but even though he was using his full strength, it was as though he were moving through some kind of force field that had slowed down all motion. The corner of Sash's eye caught sight of the Kirien-Wilson girls, looking at him, at first with lust in their eyes, and then with fear and sadness. Behind them all was Kinkaid, who seemed to be to busy to notice what was going on. But you could sense the urgency in him, and the concern. As the dagger continued its downward, slow motion, course, Sash could feel as if he were loosing his mind. That was when he heard the laugh, clearly. It was a cold and evil laugh, that sent a chill through him. Then he saw her. Kestra Troi. But Troi was on Betazed, maybe even dead. But it wasn't his Kestra, it was the one from this universe, perverse and sadistic, with ability to kill with a thought. She stood back and laughed and laughed. Then, as if he woke from a dream, the trajectory of the kinfe changed and was flung at Kestra, who promptly disappeared. Sash looked around at everyone on the bridge. They all looked as if they were ready to pounce. The first to move was Hyland. With a swift motion, Sash drew his own knife from his boot and drove it into Hylands chest. He threw Hyand's dead weight into the advancing security team. Sash leapt over the conn station, only to be met by Tagon, whom, by all intent purposes, was grinning. Sash pulled something from his pocket and slapped it against the Brikar's back. It began to hum immediately. The hum turned into a whine and Tagon began to jerk, then fell to the floor as his internal organs began to turn to jelly. The mark of the mini-sonic generator he had developed for just such an occasion. As Sash tried to make his way to the turbo lift, Casely suddenly appeared in front of him. The smile on his face told the his whole story. An opportunity once lost, now regained. He fired his phaser, which struck Sash in the shoulder. Sash fell back against the bulkhead and fought to stay conscious. He dove for the floor, whipped his legs around and heard the sickening crunch as his boots drove through Casely's knees. With a cry, Casely hit the floor. The next sensation Sash felt was a burning sensation, he recognized as a knife stuck into his back. Sash fell to his knees, but managed to stay upright. He looked back to see the ensemble of his crew and Saleke, coming towards him. He turned to the turbo lift. The door opened and there were Kinkaid, Zzt, Hyland, Tagon and Bixx standing there waving him in. Sash tried to stand but stumbled forward on his knees. Everything, once again, moved in slow motion. The crew after him, and the crew waiting for him. Suddenly, with a massive effort, Sash threw himself towards the turbo lift. (reply anyone) (posted by Al Muir) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Nimitz- Bridge- CMO- Dr. BigWill Kinkaid- 1220) Kinkaid continued to work on the readings he was getting from the sickbays medical scanners. He began to notice a pattern in the captain's brain wave activity. Quickly switching the readouts he began to look through backlogs of Sash's past physicals, notign how sorely past due the Angossian was on his last physical. ~I''l have to rectify that.~ He realize how ambitiously hopeful he was being. He'd be sure to give the CO a full work up, if he survived this experience. Then he switched back to the current readings, and those over the past five minutes, and noticed the changes that had occured. Then his brain began to work, in the mysterious way it did. He was an excellent diagnostician, and worked a great deal from intuition, rather than logical process. But 99.5% of the time he was right. He looked over at Bixx, and then again at Zzt. His eyes narrowed as he thought. "Ms. Bixx, talk to the captain." "Okay Doctor, I'll try. But you do know that Hyland told me to go to the bridge and start my duty shift," replied Dartena almost bursting into tears. Dartena had even more reason to dislike Hyland now. "Devan, Devan, can you hear me? Its Dartena, I'm here with you." "Forget Hyland," he told her. "He can go order himself around, as far as I'm concerned. I need you here. Say something that would normally elicit an emotional response." Dartena considered this for a moment and then a smile crept along her mouth, "Devan, do you remember our first 'date'? What a silly pair we were that night. Me in a ballgown to play pool. You completely oblivious to everything going on around you." Dartena began to giggle slightly. Kinkaid tried to block out her words as he continued to scan the captain's brain functions. He noticed the activity increase in the lymbic system of Sash's brain, specifically in the amygdalla. It was fascinating. something was actually blocking the natural pathways of Sash's emotional responses. He watched as his brain functions fluctuated, then dropped even further. then his heart stopped. (reply Bixx, Zzt if you want, Hyland) (posted by Al Muir) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Nimitz- Bridge- CMO- Dr. BigWill Kinkaid- 1222) Kinkaid had come to the end of his skills and luck. There really was only one possible solution. The old Sherlock Holmes axiom. Eliminate all the possibilities, and whatever is left, no matter how improbible, must be the answer. Sash was trying to kill himself, but not through any means he knew of. He was simply willing himself to die. This battle needed to be fought on a different battlefield. He needed some help. Tapping his comm badge he called for the cavalry. "Dr. Kirien, Dr. Gralen, I need you in sick bay ASAP, sooner." Moments later Michaela Kirien-Wilson shimmered into the sickbay, using the STS transporters. he quickly explained the situation to her and what he thought needed to be done. He stepped back and let her do her work. Looking around, he could see that the sickbay had begun to crowd with concerned crewmen. Kinkaid made an effort to clear the room, finally resorting to threatening them all with complete physicals, including enemas. This cleared out all but the stout of heart. The command staff. He turned his attention back to the readouts, and Sash's heart continued to beat, only through the aid of the stimulator. Most normal men would be dead by now, but Devan Sash was made of stronger stuff. He held his breath and began to do something he hadn't done in a long time. Pray. Suddenly there was a beep on the monitor. This was followed by a second, and a third, until it was a clear and distinct heart beat. All of Sash's life signs began to return to normal. Slowly but surely, his brain functions began to return to normal. Then Sash's eyes flickered and opened. He looked out at the crew surrounding him, seeing them all alive and well. He almost wanted to cry. Instead he narrowed his eyes. "Why aren't you people at your posts," he croaked, and then smiled. (reply any and all) (posted by Al Muir) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Nimitz - Deck 10, Sickbay - ACMO Dr. Jonas Lemar - 1223) Jonas was a little frustrated at the amount of people gathering in sickbay. Many of the crew had gathered to see how the captain was bearing up, few of them realising quite how bad things had turned. Jonas gave out orders to the medical staff, trying to keep control of the rest of sickbay while Dr. Kinkaid devoted all of his time and skill to the captain. He would have loved to assist, to somehow help the captain himself, but he knew that BigWill was far more capable than he. Besides, who would keep control of sickbay if not him? As he stood at one of the medical computer consoles, he brought up some of the scan results from the captains bay. His heart sank as he saw the captains vital signs were at dangerously low levels. "Crewman Johnson, what shall I do for him doctor?" came a voice, drawing Jonas out of his sorrowful thoughts. He looked up to see the concerned but smiling face of the nurse. He had to keep positive, to stay focused. As he looked past the nurse to locate Johnson, he quickly noted which bed he was lying in then referred to the dataPADD at his side, "Bed four, administer a mild sedative and send him to his quarters for the rest of the day. I'll sign him off duty for the next 48 hours. He needs plenty of rest and relaxation." The nurse nodded politely then turned and returned to her patient, relaying the instructions of her superior. Jonas noticed voices over by the captain's biobed and approached to listen in. ~I hope this isn't it ... it can't be the end~ He heard the familiar whine of a transporter and looked a little shocked as he saw Dr. Kirien materialise behind the group. BigWill pushed aside the group of senior officers to get to Michaela, explaining to her something about her telepathic skills being desperately needed. Jonas tried to follow but had missed too much of the explanation, distracted by the crowd that was slowly growing due to the renewed commotion. BigWill then turned and tried to clear the area and Jonas moved in to assist him. It didn't take them long and soon this section of sickbay was clear, aside from the few members of the command staff that were present. Jonas then returned to look after the rest of sickbay and waited. Many tense minutes passed as Jonas tried to concentrate on the other patients present at the other biobeds. Then, there were sighs of relief as a familiar voice was heard. "Why aren't you people at your posts," croaked Captain Sash. ~Thank goodness for that~ he thought to himself, a smile spreading across his face. Doctor Kinkaid had done it again. With a renewed focus, Jonas said to two nurses standing beside him, "Right then, lets get these people fixed up and out of here!" and with that he marched to the first biobed, both nurses close behind him. "Medical tricorder" he called out, taking the piece of equipment from the nurse as she handed it to him instantly. With a quick scan of the crewman before him he announced, "Mild fracture to the Patella ... set the leg and use a dermal regenerator" He smiled and looked at the crewman, "You'll be fine, but I'd be more careful in those Jefferies tubes if I were you" He moved on to the next bed and repeated the process. He had a feeling the rest of the day was going to go very well indeed. Maybe it was just his good mood, but it didn't matter. Things were looking up now the captain was returning to normal health. (reply: none) (posted by Dave) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Nimitz, Sickbay, CEO, Lt.(sg) Zzt, 1224) "Why aren't you people at your posts," Sash croaked, and then smiled. "CAPTAIN!!" Zzt yelled, suddenly scooping the Captain up out of the bio-bed and into a huge hug, careful not to squeeze too hard. He licked the Captain repeatedly. "You fights it!" Zzt exclaimed, "You beats it! Zzt glad you back!" After a few more licks, Zzt carefully put the Captain back down on the bio bed much wetter than before and his hair a mess. (Reply Sash, Any) (Posted by Wes) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Nimitz, Sickbay, OPS, Lieutenant Dartena Bixx, 1226) Dartena watched on, face covered with a combination of a smile and tears as Devan's eyes flickered open. "Why aren't you people at your posts," Sash croaked, and then smiled. Before she could react, she watched as Zzt scooped him up yelling, "CAPTAIN!!" and licking him. At this point, Dartena did laugh out loud. "You fights it!" Zzt exclaimed, "You beats it! Zzt glad you back!" He then licked Devan again and put him back on the biobed. At this point Dartena advanced and took his hand. "You had us all very frightened," She leaned in and kissed him gently on the lips, "Don't do that again." Dartena smiled, knowing that he didn't have a choice in the matter, but still savouring the moment. "Where did you go for all that time?" (Reply Sash, any) (Posted by Jeff) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Nimitz- Sickbay- CO- Captain Devan Sash- 1227) Sash's head was still trying to clear when he felt himself being hefted up and pressed into Zzt's softy body. Then he felt something wet and slimey in his face. Zzt pulled him away, but his ears didn't really hear what he was saying. His brain was still swimming. when zzt put him back down, he mussed up his hair in an affectionate way. Sash couldn't help but smile at the outpouring of emotion from the Gerratlian. Although he wasn't, exactly certain why. Then Darteena picked up his hand and stroked it gently. "You had us all very frightened." She leaned in and kissed him gently on the lips, "Don't do that again." ~Umm, ok.~ Then she asked, "Where did you go for all that time?" "You wouldn't believe me if I told you," Sash admitted. Let's just say that you were all there, but you were very different." He looked over to see Hyland, who was still alive. "Glad to see you're still with us Commander." Hyland looked very perplexed but nodded back at the captain, who he was, apparently, glad to still see alive. "people, people," boomed the voice of BigWill Kinkaid, "if you don't mind, my patient still needs to be tended to, and clarified what actually happened, so, to put it gently, get the hell out of my sickbay." There were some chuckles and chortles, but slowly, one by one, the sickbay cleared of the unimpaired and Kinkaid was able to give Sash a thorough work over. he mumbled and grumbled about the things he needed to do to get the CO in for his annual check-up. After a half hour of poking and proding, Sash found his patience wearing a little thin. "I think that'll do, Dr," he said. "I'll tell you when I'm through Devan Sash," Kinkaid said sternly. "You can't just up and half die on me and not let me make sure you're functioning fully. Be lucky I'm not giving you and internal exam aswell." He emphasized the comment by wiggling his index finger in a very... suggestive and dangerous manner. "Well, could you at least tell me what happened," Sash asked. "I was on the bridge then I was on another bridge. Just what the hell happened." Kinkaid looked over at Michaela, who was resting on a biobed. "She'd probably be able to tell youmore than I can. From what I can gather though, some kind of psychic imprint was left in your mind. There's no telling how long its been there, nor do we know who left it. But who ever did, was a strong telepath, who had a flair for the cruel and unusual. Basically, the command was left for your mind to let your body die. The other unknown is what triggered the reaction. Its very unlikely that it was some kind of time release. it is my beleif that something happened to trigger it. So what was going on in there?" Kinkaid pointed to the captain's head. Sash began to tell the story of his experiences, that seemed to have been happening in his mind. He told about the parallel universe where the crew was cruel and sadistic. he left out a few details, such as the Kirien-Wilson girls, and Kinkaids own behavior. He also revealed his prior experience in that universe. Which led to the answer of one of his questions. That laugh, there was only one possible explanation. The evil Kestra Troi had planted that seed. Her final revenge. The other question, however, was more pressing. What set it off? Sash and Kinkaid talked about the underlying mission that the alternate Sash was doing. He wondered if there was a conection. It was odd that that was what he wanted to do. And that it tok precedence over everything else. Sash tapped his comm badge. "Sash to bridge, I need a full scan of this sector of space. I'm looking for some kind of subspace disturbance, that might become a rift. Some kind of transdimensional rift. And I need you to move on this. This could be a serious problem." =^=I'm on it.=^= Tagon's voice replied, and Sash couldn't help but feel grateful that the Brikar was still alive. (USS Nimitz- Bridge- CO- Captain Devan Sash- 1300) Sash had finally gotten the doctor to agree to let him out of sickbay, if, after this was over he spent the next two days off duty. Sash grudgingly agreed to his terms, dressed abnd headed for the bridge. As he stepped off the turbolift he could hear the voices all drop. the silence was defening, and he felt as if he had forgotten to put on his pants. Shaking his head clear he called out, "Report." "Initial scans do show some sort of subspace rupture and 238 mark 167," Tagon replied. He manuevered the view screen to show what he found. Sash recognized the anomoly immediately. It was the same thing he had been sent to check outbefore coming to the Nimitz. A shudder ran through him. "That's it," he called out. "Head there, full impulse. Lt. Dumas, prepare the emitter array to send out a subspace beam into that at this frequency." He tapped in the frequency into his command console. "It should disrupt the anomally and hopefully close the rift." "Yes, sir," Dumas replied and went to work. By the time they arrived at the site, she was ready. She tapped in the final sequence and an invisible beam was sent into the anomoly. Nothing happened. Then Sash remembered that they had made changes to the generator. "Increase the output and gain," he ordered. "Captain," called Tagon, "something's coming through." "It's working Captain," Dumas cried, "the rift is closing." Suddenly there was an explosion. "Red alert!" Sash ordered. "Brace for impact, shields up." The shock wave from the explosion hit the ship and then passed. The next sound was Tagon who was already scanning the area. "There is debris from the area of the closed fissure," he repoorted. "It looks as though a ship was in the process of coming through when we closed the gap." The view screen adjusted as they looked at the debris. Then everyone's breath caught as a piece of hull plating came into clear view. Words were printed on it. USS Nimitz. The bridge was once again silent. (reply none) (posted by Al Muir) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Nimitz - Bridge - Tallis Luxulyan - 13:01) As the debris of the alternate Nimitz came floating by the viewscreen, the reality of the situation began to dawn on Tallis as she occupied the Tactical console. ~What the hell is this~ "Am I seeing what I think I`m seeing?", said Tallis, "did that say Nimitz?", she asked. (Reply Any) Tallis furrowed her brow at this & returned to her duties of scanning the debris field that had just spewed forth from the fissure. "Indications are that the hull composition is identical to that used by starfleet", said Tallis turning to the CO, "it`s almost as though it were a piece of our own ship", she added. "But that can`t be of course", she said. (Reply Any, IYW) It seemed that the event would be one of those things that were to be classified as an anomoly, theories would inevitably fly in due course as to what they had encountered, the truth however would probably be forever lost in the annals of supposition. Indeed it was probably better if it were that way. (Reply Any) (Posted by Alan Reading) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Nimitz - Bridge - StratOps - Lieutenant Commander Edward Wolfe - 1357 Edward had finished touring his department, he could see several things that needed to be changed, updated and otherwise altered. Leaving a Klingon run StratOps was akin to leaving a bull run rampant in a China Shop. Edward had seen strange configurations to say the least. Almost every sneak attack scenario was disabled as well. ~Probably not considered 'honourable',~ thought Edward smiling slightly. No engineer had met him, so he toured the department alone and took notes on his PADD about what would have to be fixed. Edward figured they were busy with other matters, especially as the captain was gone. When he was satisfied he'd compiled a complete list, he had gone to the bridge to see his remote station. Edward had been going through his station, checking it over thoroughly and reinputting commands and configurations a bit more 'common' for Starfleet when a large man with captain's pips walked onto the bridge, an entourage of officers trailing him. ~Must be Captain Sash, he seems to have made a recovery.~ Almost as if he were heralding the apocolypse, things went out of control shortly after the man arrived. Rift detected, red alert, then something struck them. Edward suppressed a gasp at seeing the name and number of their own ship on the piece of ship hanging in the distance. Edward had activated his station subconsciously when the red alert sounded and was scanning. After so many years on the Augustus the behaviour had become a reflex action. He had scanners working the hull piece over. "Sir," Wolfe called out, "the... ship... has scorch marks consistant with phaser burns from standard Federation phaser banks. It appears to be a casualty of a battle with another Federation vessel. I'd need to have the piece of hull on board to do a more thorough examination. I will say, however, that metal density and composition is consistent with a Sovereign Class Federation starship." (Reply Sash, any) (Posted by Jeff)