Stardate:2406.10.02 (USS Nimitz - Conference Room 1 - ACEO Ensign (jg) Miles O'Neill - 1338) "Engineering," Sash looked at Zzt and O'Neill. "Mr. O'Neill I'm leaving Main Engineering in your capable hands. I want you to make sure that our engines are at full capacity and our shields are at full strength." "Yes sir, you can count on me." Miles said. ~If I'm leading Engineering, what's Zzt going to do?~ (Reply any) (Posted by Matt Kirk) Stardate:2406.10.02 (USS Nimitz - Conference room - CSO Saleke - 13:42) Saleke listened closely to the pros and cons of their mission with no outward show, it was indeed troubling that they would have to fight fellow members of Starfleet but everyone had taken their side in this civil war and logic dictated that at some point in time this very thing would happen. The fact that it was inevitable did not make it more palatable but their duty was clear and if they had any chance of overthrowing Doenitz it would have to begin here. "Very well then," Sash continued. "We will be setting a course for the subspace river immediately. Mr Wilson, since we are temporarily at a loss for an Ops Officer, I want you to cover that station. You can take your first watch tomorrow." Lt. Commander Wilson still appeared uncomfortable but was no doubt up to the duty. Sash turned to Tagon and Slytherwald. "Security, I want things tightened up. you will cordinate with Major Dorkin here for marine support. And Ensign Slytherwald, since you are so concerned I would like you to investigate a way to take over the trawler with the least amount of fighting." "Major Dorkin," he turned to the Tellerite. "I want your marines ready for boarding party. You have some shoes to fill after Lt. Lee." Getting all of the persons to work together it seemed would take some doing though the Tellarite appeared more than ready to lead the way. After these the Captain turned to Saleke . "Lt Saleke, I need you to see what you can do with the sensors. I'd like to squeeze a little more long range definition out of them." Saleke nodded. "Very well Captain it would be an easy matter to get a longer range at the sacrifice of definition however there are some avenues available that I will explore that may extend our range withoout a degredation of our epuipment. I will begin the calculations immediately." (Reply: none) (Posted by Charles) Stardate:2406.10.02 (USS Nimitz - Conference Room 1 - CO - Captain Devan Sash- 1359) Sash looked from Zzt to the table that he had just smashed. Everyone else seemed to be in shock. He smiled his approval of the CEO's enthusiasm. "Thank you Mr. zzt. Ummm... you will fix this table won't you?" (reply Zzt) "As for your value Counselor, you'd be surprising how valuable you may wind up being, especially in a highly volatile situation as we are going into. I'm certain that you will find yourself up to the task. What I would need most from you is your support, and your counsel. Especially your support." "Captain," Kinkaid spoke again, and Sash had to force himself not to groan, "I'm truly sorry for my uncandor remark. What I really meant by my last remark was that if we go forth with the mission we in turn could be put in the same predicament as my forefathers of old five and a half centuries ago in San Antonio, Texas at the real 'Alamo'; knowing this if there are no reinforcements to come to our aid then "the line has already been drawn in the sand" and we have to make every effort on survival at the same time in maintaining control of the anti-matter fuel, if our acquirement is a success." "Doctor," Sash replied coldly, "I understood what you were saying. And what I'm saying is that there is no "if". This mission is a certainty. it IS going to happen. And if I have my way, hopefully there will not be the loss of life on either side that they had back then. As far as control, you let me worry about that. You do your job and keep everyoone alive and that is all I want you to worry about. " He looked at Kestra, thankful for her comments. He winked at her, and then went serious again. He took his time looking into the face of every other person there. "I have said before and I'll say it agian. The time for waffling on your decission is past. It is time to stand up for what you believe. if you are not willing to do that, then you're of no use to me. this is your last chance. The next time you speak out against a mission insuch a manner I'll have to consider whether or not it is an act of mutiny and deal with it appropriately. Do I make myself clear?" He looked out at the stunned, silent faces, waiting for anyone to say anything. "Very well then, is there anything else that anyone wishes to discuss with me at this moment? Then go do your jobs. Dismissed." (reply any, if you want. The meeting is over, so anything from here on is retrospective, so so not ask Sash for any reply) (posted by Al Muir) Stardate:2406.10.02 (USS Nimitz - CSO's Office - CSO Saleke 14:33) Saleke was sitting at his desk as he digested the news from the meeting, the victory of the Nimitz was by no means assured considering the odds against them but the fact that they were going into this fight with the attitude of victory was a certainty thanks to several of the senior staff who had voiced their opinions. Due to the Vulcan's newness to the Command structure he had remained relatively silent, it would not do to seem overbearing to the others at this point, he wanted no one to think wrongly of him; that would not add to a spirit of cooperation among him and the rest of the staff. Saleke looked back at the computer he had already put into operation and said. "Computer calculate sensor efficiency at 120% range adjustment." [Sensor efficiency declines by 33%] "Computer reroute sensor grid around sensor failsafes 3 and 8 and recalculate." [Sensor effiiciency drops by 13.2%] ~ The sensors are routed through buffers and focusing arrays to give the greatest efficiency in the fastest possible information return, if there were some way to reset these... ~ Saleke leaned forward and looked at the sensor grid shown on the screen, it showed the various buffering structures built into the system. "Computer reconfigure buffer 5 to an ellipsoidable alignment and recalculate." [Sensor efficiency declines by 11.8%]. Saleke nodded his head at the computer's response, given enough time he would make this work though the actual work of reconfiguring the sensors would take some time, according to his calculations he could set up the correct model, meet with the Counselor this evening and do the required work afterward with 6.2 hours to spare before his next shift began. Stardate:2406.10.02 (USS Nimitz - Ready Room- CO- Captain Devan Sash & TAC\ASC Ensign JG TomSlytherwald- 1450) Sash sat in his ready room going over some of the reports he collected from the staff meeting. Technically the ships in good condition for the task they were about to undertake. He just hoped the crew were in the same shape. Too many of them seemed rattled by the propect of this conflict, and that made him nervous. The door chime went off. "Come," he called. The door opened and Slytherwald came in, stiff and uncertain. "Sir, I came with the ..." "Come in Ensign," Sash said, rising from his seat and coming around the desk. "Have a seat and tell me what you've come up with." "Well I was testing millions different scenarios in holodeck, and then I remembered an old diversion that Cardassians used to trick Klingons and Federation in the Dominion War. It's a simple diversion to get the Alamo off the trawler, nothing more!" Tom stopped to get some air, he was talking very fast, he was very upset. "I will need two runabouts and a volonteer. We will mask runabouts' warp trails into two Cardassian ships, given the idea that the Cardassian's have penetrated deep inside Federation territory. With a little luck, the captain of the Alamo will pursue us long enough for you to take the precious anti-matter." Tom stopped a little Tom noticed look on the Sash's face. He could tell that he wasn't very certain about this plan. He wondered if the captain though that the Ensign is not up to this task, but Tom was certain he could change his mind. "Now sir, I'm not saying that two runabouts are fairly match for an state-of-the-art warship such as Defiant class, but they are fast enough to trick Alamo who will pursue the runabouts deeply from the trawler. After you retake the precious anti-matter, we will meet at starbase Geneva, considering that Nimitz will definitely need some repairs. I estimated two days travelling at Runabout's full speed from Subspace River to SB Geneva." Tom stopped again, trying to gauge the look on the captain's face. All he saw was a smile. Sash decided to stop him there. "Ok Ensign lets go over this plan sofar. As I see it, you want to take two runabouts and trick the Alamo into chasing after them as an invasion plot, correct?" "No. The runabouts will wait for the Alamo, fifteen minutes travel. But yes, the idea was that runabouts trick Alamo and buy some great time for Nimitz." "Here's the problem I have with that. If it was the Nimitz, and we were charged with the safety of a cargo, do you think I would order us to chase after a threat that was not ordered. Instead, I would most likely inform Starfleet Command, and stay even closer to the trawler. It would also make me more careful. Unless I was a fool, and I assure you that Captain LeBeau is not, I would be ready for just about any kind of attack on the trawler." Sash could see the cretfallen Ensign, but he had to finish his thought, otherwise Slytherwald would never learn. "Secondly, you seem to think that Runabout's would easily outrun a Defiant class ship, where it is the opposite. The Runabouts would be in danger within minutes of this plan. Then I'd be short two runabouts and the crewmen that were flying them. Since I'm assuming you're taking the responsibility of the mission, I would be out one highly trained, valuable, Security officer." Then his eyes narrowed. "My last point is that you seem to think poorly of our ship Mr. Slytherwald. This is the second time that your assumed that we are not up to this fight. Once during the staff meeting and now, here. You don't seem to believe much in this mission. Can I ask why that is?" "Sir, do I have permission to speak freely?" Sash nodded ans spread his hands open, "Of course, tell me what you think." "Thank you sir. I don't think that ship itself is not up to the task, I haven't seen her in better shape since I've been onboard. I don't think you are not up to task, as I've heard, you've dealt with even harder problems. The thing that concerns me is that the crew are not up to task. I'm not saying about me, I'm certanly ready for anything, but other seems unwilling going against another Federation vessel, and if you ask me, then they definitely won't give us anti-matter just like that." "I would have to agree with you there. I beleive we will have to take what we want," Sash replied. "So what's your point?" "I'm worried for my friends, sir. They never did participate in mission like this. I don't know about their loyalty, but I'm sure that their morale will be equal to zero. And even if we put aside all this, I think it's wrong attacking another Federation ship. What if they inform the Starfleet that we are attacking them? They will consider us as criminals, rebels. Who knows what will happen then." said Tom with the Dark face. Sash couldn't help himself, he just started laughing. "Son, we are already branded criminals. And rest asured that if we come upon any ships of the Old Federation, they will have no qualms about firing upon us. Right or wrong is no longer the issue Ensign, it is just fact. Them against us, and that's the way it is." He stood up and walked around his desk, then sat on the edge. "Listen Tom, I can appreciate your concern for your fellow officers, but they all know the score aswell as you do. And like you, they have made the same committment to stay with us on this venture. So let me worry about their morale. You are my ASC/Tac officer, and I need your mind there, and your open support. That is the best way to keep morale up. Understand?" "Of course sir." explained Tom expressing his thoughts was one thing, but criticizing the Captain was something else Tom knew he made a mistake "Ensign," Sash smiled, "I want you to feel free to discus anything with me, but in the appropriate setting, like this." He stood up and nodded to his ASC/TAC. "Now let's look at this plan of yours." (reply none) (posted by Al Muir and Edward Marzich) Stardate:2406.10.02 (USS Nimitz - SFI Office - SFI- Lt Dru Tagon- 15:42) "TAGON!" John yelled. "Tagon, Tagon!" John yelled once more. Tagon was right there and wasn't sure why Wilson was yelling, but he managed to move his massive form over to the Lt. Commander's desk and look at him. It was still difficult for him to see the change of rank. He would never have thought that Wilson was capable of commiting an act that would cause him to lose a rank. "Yes, sir?" he asked."I want you to start pulling the crew manifest for the transport vessel and fighter escort. Find me weak chains in the link that might sympathise and turn in the tide of battle!" John commanded, his passion for the job began to flow through his veins once more. It was finally good to have a distinction between the good and the bad. "I'll get right on it," Tagon said. "Is there something you know?" "Captain LeBeau, I have some personal experience with," John stated grinning. "He was at the academy the same year as me. LeBeau was always determined and never gave up; he had to be the best at everything. He was a stickler for authority however he had several problems. His determination to be the best was followed by his refusal to settle for anything less than the best. This was followed by a massive ego, and I love manipulating people with big egos. He still has not forgiven me for an incident at the academy, I managed to destroy his base and kill 90% of his forces with 50% less men. All because I used his nature against him, that resulted in him finishing second in the class and myself 1st. So as you can Proberly guess he doesn't like me much? Added into that he is fanatical about our resident evil admiral," John stated grinning. Tagon smiled. "You seem to make friends everywhere you go." "What I plan on doing is bringing in Marines, Tactical department and Science to come up with some more options for Captain Sash. But Ill be dammed if the marines are to have all the fun!""You sound like you have something in mind already." Tagon's comment was as much an inquiry. (reply Wilson) (posted by Al Muir) Stardate:2406.10.02 (USS Nimitz - SFI Office - SFI/OPS/2O - Lt.Cmdr John Wilson - 15:50) "You sound like you have something in mind already." The manner in which Tagon spoke made it pretty obvious that he knew that he held a plan. John grinned and then spoke. "We are going into a heavily out numbered situation and we are going to be facing odds stacked against us. However we do have a number of runabouts that if properly configured we might be able to rig with holo tech to appear larger than they actually are. SFI has certain files that allow for a more convincing illusion, plus if phase two works they will think they are facing bigger opponents," John smiled. (Reply Tagon) "Phase two my good fellow is secrete never show your full deck of cards in the first round," John turned back to his work and began to hum. Things might not end up so bad after all. Stardate:2406.10.02 (USS Nimitz, Kirien Quarters, Elizabeth and Gabriella Wilson-Kirien, 1600) Beth and Ella had been ordered to spend their day unpacking. Yet again. As they had done so, they realized that their Mum wasn't going to be coming back anytime soon. And so they, in their inventive fashion had decided that they were going to be making some mischief. They didn't want a repeat of how their Mum had acted on the Geneva, but they really missed their Dad, who they had just begun to start to know. "It isn't fair." Ella began. Ella was generally the one that was the most practical, the most unemotional. She tended to be the voice of reason. That she was expressing disharmony was not a good thing. "No, it's not." Her twin, Beth, replied. Beth was the most like her father, and had the emotional side of her Mum's betazoid heritage to go with it. To say that she was a risk taker was not a good enough adjective. To say that she tended to forget the consequences...well, that was why she had Ella. "I hate this." Ella said, kicking a little round silver ball they had picked up on Geneva. Their Mum had said that when the Nimitz was in space, and not docked that they could pretty much have free reign of the ship - there wasn't anything that they could really get into trouble with like there was on Geneva, she had said. Michaella really should have known better. "Me too." Beth chimed in. She plopped down beside her sister. They had been here an entire day and their Dad hadn't come to see them. "He hates us." Beth sighed, looking completely grey and downcast. Her usually vibrant sister mirrored her attitude. "Yeah." Suddenly Beth perked up. "Remember what we did on Geneva, going..." And then she switched to mostly telepathic, showing her sister what she meant. "Yeah!" Ella replied, perking up. Their Dad hadn't told on them then..maybe he wouldn't now. The girls hurried out of their Quarters and down the hallway. When they found their Dad's, they found out that he had managed to secure the doors against them. Both seemed to droop yet again. "Computer, where is John Wilson ?" Ella asked, liking computers, a lot. =^= John Wilson is in his Quarters. =^= The computer politely replied. That got Ella flaming mad. She began to bang on the door, shouting at it, as Beth began to kick it. (reply Wilson, any) (pb melinda :-) Stardate:2406.10.02 (USS Nimitz - CSO's Office - CSO Saleke - 1625) Saleke glanced once more over the final configuration and nodded his head in satisfaction, the latest computer model showed a .08% loss in sensor effiency with a corresponding .35% loss in response time compared to normal operating specifications, considering the large edge the new configuration would give the Nimitz with a 20% greater range the losses were well within allowances. "Computer load new configuration onto PADD S5312268." Saleke activated the PADD and waited as it loaded, after finishing this evening's activities he would start on the new configuration. The calculations had been finished well ahead of schedule fortunately for it was at that moment that his combadge beeped. =^= Commander Troi to Lt. Saleke, would you be so kind as to report to my office. Thanks. =^= "Yes Commander," he replied and leaving the PADD upon the desk he entered the corridor and after locking the door he walked off to this unexpected appointment. (Reply: None) (Posted by Charles) Stardate:2406.10.02 (USS Nimitz - FO Quarters - FO Commander Kestra Troi - 1730) Kestra had made it to her quarters which she had yet to settle into. Her things had been placed in the living room and she needed to go through each one to see where she wanted to place them. She just was not in the mood really to get going, all she could think of was what had happened during the day. She had surprised Devan when she arrived to be his FO, She had met her new crew and been promoted to Commander. She had voiced her loyalty to Devan in the meeting and basically ordered them in so many words to put up or shut up about the mission. She dared them to help complete the mission successfully. She then had a meeting with SFI Lt. Commander Wilson and found him to be one that she would have to watch. Next came Dr. Kirien as she was the newest, besides herself, to the crew. She also had sent out negative vibes against one Lt. Commander Wilson and Kestra had wanted to understand what was going on there. As it turned out the two had a history and children together. Kestra had told Michaella to get counselling for the both of them. Then she had talked to the new Third Officer, Lt. Saleke, the Chief Science Officer. After their talk she was sure that he would be an asset to the command team. Maybe more so than Wilson but he had to be trained so he could become bridge qualified. This fell to her to ensure that he completed the training. She walked over to the replicator, "Sweet Tea, two ice cubes." Picking it up after it appeared, she walked to the couch to slump down on it. Kicking her shoes off, she put them up on the coffee table and leaned back. Swirling the cubes of ice, she thought about the away mission that was probably going to happen. Devan had said 'When, and I mean when, we take over this trawler, I will need someone to captain it back to spacedock.' and Kestra knew that they would take over the trawler and her team will come in handy to take it over. Putting her feet back on the floor as she leaned forward, she grabbed her PADD that she had the Crew manifest on. She started to look at who she could take without leaving the Nimitz short handed. She knew that she needed personnel from operations to help pilot the ship and to keep an eye on the systems. She needed an Engineer or more to make sure that the engines gave all they had to get them to the Subspace River as fast as they could. To think that everyone on the Trawler would just hand the ship over was foolharder so she would need the help of security and the marines to secure the ship. For the crew that got injuried and there would be some that would, she needed the help of a med team. Finally she could not run the ship alone so she needed a second in command to help her. She thought Lt. Saleke would be the perfect choice and it would give him some good training. Having made a list of the departments that she would need, it was time to get them together to put names to them. "Computer take a message and send department heads of Operations, Tactical/Security, Engineering, Medical, and Marines. Also to Lt. Saleke personnally." [recording] "As the captain has stated in the meeting, I am tasked with coming up with members of an away team. Department chiefs of each department that recieve this message will send a representative in the morning at 0800 to the observation lounge to discuss the mission. Lt. Saleke and I will be heading the meeting. Bring your thinking caps. signed FO Commander Troi." "Computer end and send" [message sent to recipients at 1745] Kestra sighed and once again leaned back on the couch to think a few moments about the mission. She then looked around at the containers that needed to be emptied and got up to start the task. (Reply all the departments listed) (Pb Frank Rogers) Stardate:2406.10.02 USS Nimitz - Bridge - SFI/OPS/2O - Lt.Cmdr Wilson - 1743) John stood at the operations consol; it had been 2 years since he had last stood in an operations station. Since his promotion to FO he had abandoned all bonds of the department, strange that now demoted he returned to the position. Running a systems check, it was pleasant to be apart from the betrayal and danger of SFI. As John grinned to himself the computer blinked with a message. John stretched his right hand and touched the consol, the recorded voice of the FO made John's eye shudder a little. =/=As the captain has stated in the meeting, I am tasked with coming up with members of an away team. Department chiefs of each department that receive this message will send a representative in the morning at 0800 to the observation lounge to discuss the mission. Lt. Saleke and I will be heading the meeting. Bring your thinking caps. Signed FO Commander Troi. =/= John paused for a moment, the conclusion came why was SFI not invited. However it was not surprising, since his arrival on Nimitz he had made many enemies so it was not unusual for him to be excluded. However since he had taken over operations he would at least have some input and he would drop his 2 cents into the meeting as SFI as well. (Reply Tagon, Any) (Posted By Richard Bowes) Stardate:2406.10.02 (USS Nimitz - Personal quarters - CSO Saleke - 1745) Saleke was deep in his meditations at his desk whe the computer in front of him beeped and the computer intoned. [Message from First Officer, Commander Kestra Troi.] " Play message." The Vulcan stated. "As the captain has stated in the meeting, I am tasked with coming up with members of an away team. Department chiefs of each department that recieve this message will send a representative in the morning at 0800 to the observation lounge to discuss the mission. Lt. Saleke and I will be heading the meeting. Bring your thinking caps. signed FO Commander Troi." "Computer return message to FO Commander Troi. This is Lieutenand Saleke acknowledging receipt of the message and I will be there, Saleke out." Having replied to the message he returned to his meditations. Stardate:2406.10.02 (USS Nimitz - Ten Forward - CSO Saleke 18:58) Saleke sat back down as the Counselor arrived at the table and spoke. "I'll just have a cup of tea for now," he said,sitting down. "By the way, congratulations on your promotion. I'm sure you'll do an excellent job." The Vulcan nodded at the pleasantry and said. "Why thank you Mr. Harrison, it was quite unexpected though the Captain and I had conversed and I plan on vindicating his confidence in me." Saleke motioned the waiter over and ordered tea for Mr. Harrison and water for himself. "A good way to start off our conversation Mr. Harrison, I believe is if you would tell me something about yourself, I will reciprocate later." Saleke sat back and listened to the Counselor as their drinks arrived. (Reply: John Harrison, any) (Posted by Charles.) Stardate:2406.10.02 (USS Nimitz - Ten Forward - COUNS Ensign John Harrison - 18:59) Harrison watched Saleke motion to the waiter and place the order, before turning once more to the counsellor. "A good way to start off our conversation Mr. Harrison, I believe is if you would tell me something about yourself, I will reciprocate later." Saleke sat back and listened to the Counselor as their drinks arrived. "Well," he began, "This is my first time in space. Not just for me, but for the entire family. My father's family were successful private doctors in London for at least seven generations. I was going to become a doctor myself, so i used to help out at his surgery." He sipped his tea. "Trouble is, I started doing something my father never had time for; reading! I became intrigued by accounts of starships in deep space, boldly going in the unknown. I applied to the Academy, hoping my experience at my father's surgery and psychiatric clinic would help, and sure enough, I ended up here." He took another sip. "So what about yourself? Been serving on the Nimitz long?" (reply Saleke, any) (posted by James Batchelor) Stardate:2406.10.02 (USS Nimitz - Ten Forward - CSO Saleke - 19.00) Saleke listened intently as Counselor Harrison began to give a short sketch of his route into Starfleet. "Well," he began, "This is my first time in space. Not just for me, but for the entire family. My father's family were successful private doctors in London for at least seven generations. I was going to become a doctor myself, so i used to help out at his surgery." He sipped his tea. "Trouble is, I started doing something my father never had time for; reading! I became intrigued by accounts of starships in deep space, boldly going in the unknown. I applied to the Academy, hoping my experience at my father's surgery and psychiatric clinic would help, and sure enough, I ended up here." He took another sip. "So what about yourself? Been serving on the Nimitz long?" Saleke considered the question only an instant before replying. "No Counselor Harrison I have been on the Nimitz a relatively short time which is much of the reason today's events were mildly surprising. I graduated from the Academy on 2406.06.17 so my term has been less than four months. My family however unlike yours had served with the Vulcan scientific fleet for several generations. I was born on Formdhaudt Nakrat while my parents were serving a research term there and they later served on the Vulcan Scientific Research Ship Nahru where I learned much about life aboard a starship though Starfleet has been vastly different. My interests in the scientific arena were honed while on the Nahru and I attended the Vulcan Academy of Arts and Sciences for three years before receiving my summons to Terra to begin my Academy term." Saleke took a drink of the water as he thought of the routine events that had led up to this time. "I of course heard what you had to say at the meeting earlier and I found your comments about loyalty to be very interesting. When dealing with emotion and its effects such sentiments may be very rallying however I have a question for you. Logic would indicate that in order to rid Starfleet of Doenitz and his cadre we must stay true to the Articles of the Federation and its founding pinciples, should not the loyalty you spoke of be placed therefore in these instead of in the Captain in such cases? I am not ruling out loyalty to the Captain in this instance however you must remember that the vast majority of those we will be fighting during our mission will have unswerving loyalty to their captains and to Doenitz as well as his corrupted vision of the Federation, therefore loyalty in this instance is emotional and subjective. This is where logic and an objective analysis of the facts may provide direction. What are your thoughts on this?" (Reply: Counselor Harrison, any) (Posted by Charles) Stardate:2406.10.02 (USS Nimitz - Ten Forward - COUNS Ensign John Harrison - 19:01) Harrison listened with interest to Saleke's history. The Vulcan had certainly led an interesting life so far. Then his companion presented him with a conundrum. "I of course heard what you had to say at the meeting earlier and I found your comments about loyalty to be very interesting," the Vulcan said, "When dealing with emotion and its effects such sentiments may be very rallying however I have a question for you. Logic would indicate that in order to rid Starfleet of Doenitz and his cadre we must stay true to the Articles of the Federation and its founding pinciples, should not the loyalty you spoke of be placed therefore in these instead of in the Captain in such cases? I am not ruling out loyalty to the Captain inthis instance however you must remember that the vast majority of those we will be fighting during our mission will have unswerving loyalty to their captains and to Doenitz as well as his corrupted vision of the Federation, therefore loyalty in this instance is emotional and subjective. "This is where logic and an objective analysis of the facts may provide direction. What are your thoughts on this?" Harrison thought about this "I think," he said after a while, "that it depends where you are. In any war, the fighters on either side believe that they are right. Every one in this Trawler incident will be completely loyal to their cause, but with two causes, it's hard to know which is right. I do question myself - am I loyal to Starfleet or Captain Sash? Are the two of them on the same side? Truth is, i think it's something that can't be solved easily with logic, and it does depend on your sentiment. It's not a case of logic, or which is right - it's a case of what you choose to do, and who you choose to support." Harrison went over his own words in his head. ~Did i make any sense at all?~ he thought with a smile. "Do you think we'll have many problems thanks to the moral dilemma this mission presents?" (Reply: Saleke, any) (Posted by James Batchelor) Stardate:2406.10.02 (USS Nimitz - Ten Forward - Ensign John Harrison, COUNS - 19:02) "Do you think we'll have many problems thanks to the moral dilemma this mission presents?" Harrison asked. His Vulcan companion sat deep in thought for a while before answering. "That question Counselor is one that can only beanswered under fire. Those of us that are sure not only of our goals but also our motives will have no trouble doing our duties with accumen but there will be others who will not be so fortunate. Logic tells me that due to the emotional nature of the people on board there will be those that will find their loyalties divided and whether from hesitation or a questioning of their cause they will affect the performance of this ship to a greater or lesser degree." A pause, presumably for more thought. "My greatest concern Mr. Harrison is that all saboteurs may not have been rooted from the ship. I calculate a 69.1% probability that there may be one or more on board who are hostile to our cause and may attempt to insure our defeat. Precautions will be taken to insure they are not given that opportunity." The Vulcan paused. "Have you eaten Counselor? We can continue our conversation after we order, it is said that they specialize in Italian cuisine which is a favorite of Captain Sash." "No, I'm starving," the counsellor replied, before adding with a chuckle, "It's amazing how hungry PADD-reading can make you!" His companion motioned to the waiter ordered a plate of vegetables, some Vulcan and some Terran and waited for Harrison to order. "Italian cuisine, eh?" Harrison said to himself before turning to the waiter, "I'll have some Ravioli di Carne, if you've got any going." John watched the waiter leave while Saleke leaned back in his chair and steepled his fingers. "It is fascinating is it not how we are formed by our environments? Please tell me something about your father's practice and what your long term goals are." "My father's surgery is pretty simple. It's only the simple operations he does, but he's got a library of books on more complicated procedures. About five years ago, he read a book on Psychiatry and opened up our study as a psychiatric clinic. I used to help out in the surgery, mainly when the nurse had the day off, but i spent the rest of the time reading. Ocassionally, I'd sneak into his study and nick one of his psychiatry books, his counselling guides, and read them. My home environment has basically formed me into a bookworm!" the counsellor chuckled. The waiter brought over the meals and Harrison waited before Saleke to begin before he tucked in to his meal. "I think the most important thing I learned from my father's practise is the value of life, and the importance of mental well being. He used to be devastated if a regular client came to tell him that he had a terminal illness or something, or if his counselling had no effect on their mental condition. And his disappointment wasn't because those clients wouldn't be able to pay him any more; it was because he felt disappointed in himself, because there was nothing he could do. If he came in after the day, laying on the couch with a forlorn look on his face, I would talk to him, using the tips i picked up from his counselling books. I would try to make him see the bright side." A pause while he ate a bit. "That's my main problem," he said, grinning at Saleke, "I'm an ignorant optimist!" (reply Saleke, any) (posted by James Batchelor) Stardate:2406.10.02 (USS Nimitz - Ten Forward - Lt. Saleke, CSO - 19.03) "I think," the Counselor said after a while as an answer to Saleke's question, "that it depends where you are. In any war, the fighters on either side believe that they are right. Every one in this Trawler incident will be completely loyal to their cause, but with two causes, it's hard to know which is right. I do question myself - am I loyal to Starfleet or Captain Sash? Are the two of them on the same side? Truth is, i think it's something that can't be solved easily with logic, and it does depend on your sentiment. It's not a case of logic, or which is right - it's a case of what you choose to do, and who you choose to support." The human paused again for an instant then posed his own question. "Do you think we'll have many problems thanks to the moral dilemma this mission presents?" Saleke considered the man's reply and return question carefully before answering, he had observed that most species tend to shy away from such deep questions at first and also often at subsequent meetings, preferring to stay in their comfort zone of shallow questions and inane greetings. The Vulcan however preferred to provoke deep thoughts and patient answers finding that it gave him a much more significant analysis and deeper understanding of the person seated across from him. It was through such a session of give and take that he had concluded that 2O Wilson was a fellow that could be trusted to a point and though basically a good man was thrust into a difficult position and they had parted from that meeting with a mutual respect. Counselor Harrison was obviously not afraid of deep thought and was not above self examination, his question of what was a subjective area needed a careful reply. "That question Counselor is one that can only be answered under fire. Those of us that are sure not only of our goals but also our motives will have no trouble doing our duties with accumen but there will be others who will not be so fortunate. Logic tells me that due to the emotional nature of the people on board there will be those that will find their loyalties divided and whether from hesitation or a questioning of their cause they will affect the performance of this ship to a greater or lesser degree." Saleke considered not telling the Counselor of his greatest concern but relented, it was this kind of open communication that he was attempting to foster. "My greatest concern Mr. Harrison is that all saboteurs may not have been rooted from the ship. I calculate a 69.1% probability that there may be one or more on board who are hostile to our cause and may attempt to insure our defeat. Precautions will be taken to insure they are not given that opportunity." The Vulcan halted his ruminations and looked about. "Have you eaten Counselor? We can continue our conversation after we order, it is said that they specialize in Italian cuisine which is a favorite of Captain Sash." (Reply: John Harrison.) After motioning the waiter over Saleke ordered a plate of vegetables, some Vulcan and some Terran and waited for the Counselor to do likewise. (Reply: John Harrison.) After John had finished ordering Saleke leaned back in his chair and steepled his fingers, having formed a favorable opinion about John he was ready to move to a lighter subject. "It is fascinating is it not how we are formed by our environments? Please tell me something about your father's practice and what your long term goals are." (Reply: John Harrison, Any) (posted by Charles) Stardate:2406.10.02 (USS Nimitz - Ten Forward - CSO Saleke - 19:05) The Counselor had ordered an Italian dish that Saleke had never heard of and he wondered what its taste might be and what its ingredients were, he wasn't averse to trying new dishes as long as they didn't contain meat as the meat tended to be harder to break down and not as nourishing as a properly cooked vegetable to the Vulcan. After their meals had arrived Mr. Harrison waited until Saleke had begun with his dinner and continued speaking. "I think the most important thing I learned from my father's practise is the value of life, and the importance of mental wellbeing. He used to be devastated if a regular client came to tell him that he had a terminal illness or something, or if his counseling had no effect on their mental condition. And his disappointment wasn't because those clients wouldn't be able to pay him any more; it was because he felt disappointed in himself, because there was nothing he could do. If he came in after the day, laying on the couch with a forlorn look on his face, I would talk to him, using the tips i picked up from his counselling books. I would try to make him see the bright side." A pause while he ate a bit. "That's my main problem," he said, grinning at Saleke, "I'm an ignorant optimist!" Saleke quirked an eyebrow at what was oviously a jest on the Counselor's part. " In my experience it is easier for one to be an optimist when the future is still uncertain, when the actual odds against the individual are well known they tend to change one's outlook or so I've heard." As the Vulcan finished his meal he checked his chronometer, in some circles it is quite rude to do so but the Captain's orders took precedence over his own plans. The chronometer read 19:20 so after retrieving his napkin and using it he said. "Mr. Harrison I do apologize for cutting our conversation short however I have work to do on the sensors this evening as per the Captain's orders. I have found our conversation quite stimulating and look forward to speaking with you again as well as serving aboard Nimitz with you." The Vulcan rose to his feet and bowed respectfully to the human. (Reply: John Harrison) After the Counselor had finished speaking Saleke nodded and made his way to the door, with the work on the sensors to do, studying for command training and a meeting in the morning he had quite filled his day, the talk with Counselor Harrison had been quite stimulating however and he was satisfied he had made time for it. (Reply: John Harrison) (Posted by Charles) Stardate:2406.10.03 (USS Nimitz - Observation Lounge - FO Commander Kestra Troi - 0750) Kestra had put together a PADD for each of the Departments with the Trawleys information. She had also put on them what she thought would be a beginnings of discussion. The needs that she thought the most important, securing the bridge and engineering at the very beginning and then securing the ship. How to accomplish that, was what she had wanted to discuss. She had gotten to the Lounge early to go over the notes and to place the PADDs out. She was like Devan, she liked to be at her meetings before the attendees arrived. It gave her time to reflect on the meeting and the direction it needed to go. Also she would be able to greet each one as they came in. She hoped that Lt. Saleke would arrive early also as she wanted to go over a few things with him. If he didnt she would just do it either after the meeting or during, she was not sure. After reviewing the meeting objectives she sat and waited for the personnel to arrive. (Reply all departments that was mentioned earlier) (PB Frank Rogers) Stardate:2406.10.03 (USS Nimitz - Observation lounge - CSO/3O Saleke - 0751) Saleke stepped through the Bridge to the door of the Observation Romm and as it slid open he entered, he noticed that the Commander had already arrived and was sitting at the head of the Conference table with several PADDs splayed out in front of her. The message he had received had said that he would be assisting in chairing the meeting and while he wasn't used to doing so in a command meeting he had done so several times in his department and fortunately the Academy had prepared him well for the eventuality. Saleke bowed slightly to the FO and said. "Good morning Commander, your message did not give many specifics so I arrived early so that you could brief me." Having spoken he sat down as she replied. (Reply: Commander Troi) (Posted by Charles) Stardate:2406.10.03 (USS Nimitz - Observation lounge - FO Commander Kestra Troi - 0755) Kestra was brought out of her thinking when she head the door to the lounge open. She watched as Lt. Saleke entered to bow slightly to her, "Good morning Commander, your message did not give many specifics so I arrived early so that you could brief me." She nodded to him as he sat down. "You are right Lt. I did not in the hopes that you would come early. We need to quickly gain the control over the trawler when we go over. We need at least two teams, one for the bridge and one for engineering. If we get lucky maybe an extra one, but, we don't want to deplete the nimitz just in case they need the manpower also. You will be my second in command while we are on the ship. We need to get the trawler into the river as fast as possible once we take over. Only one problem, the trawler is slow, not very high warp." She explained to him. "If there is anything you want to input to the meeting lets get what the departments have to say also. Once we do, you and I can put together the final plan of Attack. Your feelings Lt." (Reply Saleke, any) (Pb Frank Rogers) Stardate:2406.10.03 (USS Nimitz - Observation lounge - SFI/OPS/2O - Lt.Cmdr John Wilson - 0800) Meetings the one bane of the existence of his career, if it was up to him he would avoid meetings for the rest of his life however he was not in a position to argue at the moment. Since his demotion the realisation that he was on thin ice was only too clear. The arrival of the new FO was still placing his position on shaking ground of course since she obviously didn't like him was another thing. ~What is it with female FO's, and me ~ John thought to himself as he entered the room. The FO and 3O stood at the end of the room and the other eyes came to fall on him. Not smiling John paused and looked at the FO. "Commander, Lieutenant esteemed officers," John stated taking a seat. (Reply Kestra) "Well Commander im coving operations and I do believe you will be requiring SFI input as well and since I know the CO of the ship we are about to attack I might prove of use," John then leant back in his seat as he did he thought he might as well throw it in. "Ma'am," (Reply Kestra, Any) (Posted By Richard