Stardate:..3 (ISS Nimitz - Sickbay - Riz - 1015) She had heard what he said, and it upset her greatly. She didn't like being called a pet, especially by this neanderthal. "As if you know anything about where I come from, and I bet you wouldn't even have the faintest idea where to look for my home planet, not that I would give you that information. I am wondering if the captain here has a pet of some sort, and if he does, well I would think it would outrank you by ten degrees at least." She said hoping to have the last word on this. Hours later, she woke up wondering what had happened, and then she remembered clamping down on the moron's arm. She smiled at the memory, and then remembered that she had tasted his blood, which wasn't too bad of a taste after all. She wondered if she would have to do it again, or had he learned his lesson. She had also found he hadn't tasted that bad, and wouldn't mind eating him if need be. She also wondered if he would keep security guards around him now. She realized that she was still locked up, and she didn't like it. She had no idea how to contact the captain, or how long she would be locked up. A nurse noticed she was awake and hit a few buttons on the wall, and then she was talking. (Sash) (Posted by Riz) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (ISS Nimitz - Deck 10, Sickbay - ACMO Dr. Jonas Lemar - 1029) "Doctor Lemar, if it wouldn't be too much bother, we have need of your services." Sash's voice came from the secure section where the creature was being held. ~He's being very polite ... is that like him?~ thought Jonas to himself and he turned with a frown. He looked back to his patient, a man sitting up on a biobed. Jonas pushed him back, forcing him to lie down with a thud, "Wait here, I'll be back shortly" he said sharply as he walked toward the secure area, picking up a med kit on his way. As he passed the partition and entered the secure area he was a little surprised to find four other crew members here. ~I don't remember seeing everyone come in here~ he thought to himself as he looked over each person one by one. It didn't take him long to notice which of the group required his attention. Harrison stood cradling an injury in his arm. Jonas smiled and approached, "Been playing with the wild animals again have you John?" Jonas laughed quietly to himself as he grabbed the injured arm and stretched it out to fully see the injury. He noticed the creature crumpled on the floor but tried to ignore it. This was none of his business and he really needn't be asking questions. "Come with me" he said the Harrison as he marched back off to sickbay main area where he picked up a dermal regenerator and a hypospray. ~Now, should we use pain relief or not?~ He smiled and thought, ~Not ... teach him to play with dangerous animals~ and set to work on the commander. (reply: none) (posted by Davee) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (ISS Nimitz- Ready room - CO- Captain Devan Sash - 1148) "Edward Wolfe reporting as ordered, Sir," Wolfe said. "Not so much as an order as an invitation,Lt. Commander," Sash replied. "Please, help yourself to my replicator and have a seat." He motioned to the small coffe table and the sofa. (reply Wolfe) After Wolfe was done he got his own food from the replicator. He sat down with a heavy sigh. "I'm sure that you are aware of the aproaching ships for our joint mission against Doenitz and the "other side" of the Empire. I'm confiding in you, Mr. Wolfe, as I feel that I need an ally, and you appear to be the best candidate. You and I have no history together, and the others in my camp are, shall we say, less capable of motivating others to our cause." (reply Wolfe) "I am putting a lot on the line here with you. Things are not going well with this war, as you probably know. Our last attempts to get medical supplies fom the alternate universe did not end well, and we lost a lot of good people. It is imperative that we succeed at this effort." (reply Wofe, Saleke, Casely) (posted by Al Muir) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (ISS Nimitz- Ready room - SFI Officer - Lieutenant Commander Edward Wolfe - 1150) Wolfe sat nervously down as he was instructed. He hadn't counted on this angle. He had no idea what Sash was up to. Edward had heard that Sash was a bit of a maverick... a bit strange. He had heard other rumours too... like the reason Casely tried to kill him and take command, and why Sash had let him live. Wolfe snapped his mind away from the possible strange fetishes of Devan Sash and settled into the 'lunch meeting'. Sash returned, and got his food from the replicator. He sat down with a heavy sigh. "I'm sure that you are aware of the aproaching ships for our joint mission against Doenitz and the "other side" of the Empire. I'm confiding in you, Mr. Wolfe, as I feel that I need an ally, and you appear to be the best candidate. You and I have no history together, and the others in my camp are, shall we say, less capable of motivating others to our cause." Wolfe raised an eyebrow wondering when this became 'our cause'. "What is it you're looking for Captain?" asked Wolfe doing his best to keep his predatory nature from creeping into his voice. "I am putting a lot on the line here with you. Things are not going well with this war, as you probably know. Our last attempts to get medical supplies fom the alternate universe did not end well, and we lost a lot of good people. It is imperative that we succeed at this effort." "Quite frankly Captain, if they were good people, you wouldn't have lost them. I'm still waiting for you to tell me exactly what you're looking for. Do you have a general target or are you just shooting in the dark?" asked Wolfe, keeping his annoyance at the Captain's strange mode of discussion out of his voice. (Reply Sash) (Posted by Jeff) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (ISS Nimitz- Ready room - CO- Captain Devan Sash - 1155) "I'm still waiting for you to tell me exactly what you're looking for. Do you have a general target or are you just shooting in the dark?" asked Wolfe. Sash noted the annoyance in the SFI agent's voice and decided to get to the point. "Paul Casely," he said. "You probably know that there's history between us. And he's made it no secret about his desire to command the Nimitz. I want, in essence, to borrow your telepath. Since my last experience with Troi, I have been a bit hesitant to trust telepahts. But you seem to have a handle on yours. I'd like him to pay attention to Casely, and a lesser degree Saleke. Also, if he could scan Casely's "entourage". I wnat to make sure that the plan to invade the other side of the universal reality plane goes unhindered. The attack on Doenitz is a secondary mission, as far as I'm concerned." He looked over his plate to Wolfe, to see his response to this. (reply Wolfe) (posted by Al Muir) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (ISS Nimitz- Ready room - CO- Captain Devan Sash - 1248) =^=ISS Nimitz, this is the ISS Razorback. We're here to assist. Captain Sash, what are your present needs?=^= Sash could hear the lack of respect in the voice of Paul Casely. It surprised him, since Casely, apparently, owed Sash his life. Then he remembered that in this universe that might have seemed to to be an act of mercy, and thought of as a weakness. Casely probably wondered why Sash let him live after attempting to kill the captain. Sash was wondering it aswell, and had to figure it out before the two met face to face. "Ah, Captain Casely," he said, unperturbed, "I see you finally managed to get hold of a different command. One more suitable to your abilities I'm sure." There was a moment of silence as Sash let a small smile escape from his lips. He imagined Casely trying, unsuccessfully, to make a retort, and finally Casely spoke. =^=Any sign of Captain Saleke and the Wolverine yet?=^ He looked over at Tagon wjo nodded his affirmative. "I believe they've just come into long range sensors. If you like, I can have Zzt recalibrate your sensors for you." (reply Casely) "Well, then," Sash said with a tone finality, "I suppose we'll see you soon. Sash out." The screen went blank. An instant later, Cithy Dumas, sitting at the Ops station turned around stating that there was an incoming message from the Wolverine. "On screen," Sash saw another familiar face with a different look. "Captain Saleke, welcome to my little neck of the universe." =^=The Wolverine shall be in position in 43 minutes.=^= "Open a channel to the Nimitz." He had heard what had happened to his predecessor. (Reply: Nimitz) "The Wolverine shall be in position in 43 minutes." Saleke said simply. Straight forward and to the point, like a good Vulcan. "Very well, Captain," Sash replied. "We will convene with Captain Casely at 1400 hours, here on the Nimitz." (reply Seleke) He returned to Wolfe, and got his food from the replicator. He sat down with a heavy sigh. "As you can see, I am finding myself under the gun. I'm confiding in you, Mr. Wolfe, as I feel that I need an ally, and you appear to be the best candidate. You and I have no history together, and the others in my camp are, shall we say, less capable of motivating others to our cause." (reply Wolfe) "I am putting a lot on the line here with you. Things are not going well with this war, as you probably know. Our last attempts to get medical supplies fom the alternate universe did not end well, and we lost a lot of good people. It is imperative that we succeed at this effort." (reply Wofe, Saleke, Casely) (posted by Al Muir) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (ISS Wolverine - Bridge - CO- Captain Saleke- 1250) Saleke watched the screen change to a view in what was apparently Sash's ready room, Sash seemed uncharacteristally relaxed as he spoke. "Captain Saleke, welcome to my little neck of the universe." =^=The Wolverine shall be in position in 43 minutes.=^= The Vulcan said succinctly. "Very well,Captain," Sash replied. "We will convene with Captain Casely at 1300 hours, here on the Nimitz." Saleke considered quickly before replying. "Very well Captain Sash, Saleke out." The transmission was cut and returned to the starfield as he turned to his FO who had just stepped onto the bridge in time to see the brief exchange. "Mr. Dema I will not be needing a security detail." (Reply: Jason) (Posted by Charles) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (ISS Wolverine - Bridge - FO Jason Dema - 1251) Jason was heading up to the bridge, seeing the ending of a transmission between Sash and Saleke. "Mr. Dema I will not be needing a security detail." Jason walked around the Captain, looking down on him. "A shame, it would've been my pleasure to accompany you on your ~demise~.... visit." He then looked at the floor with the corpse still rotting away. "I see you've had a little fun while I was out, was he lacking again?" (Reply: Saleke) (Posted by Anthony Struelens) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (ISS Wolverine - Bridge - Ensign Jennah Winters - 1252) Jennah watched the exchange between Sash and Saleke and frowned. Something was just not right about Sash. She knew him well from her time aboard the Nimitz, under the training of Kestra Troi. Then she regarded Dema, almost hearing the thought of her Captain's demise. ~Not on my shift!~ But her Captain was shrewd, and knew the ways of Dema already. She frowned at the words that her Captain would not be taking security. She stepped out of the shadows and spoke...she had long ago learned the art of hiding in shadows. "Captain I do not believe it would be wise for you to go without a bodyguard and myself." She left out the fact that if she stayed on board, Dema would probably assassinate her. Assassinating the Captain's Telepath was often the first step in a coupe. The sixteen year old glared at Dema, but she had been the daughter of both the traitor David Dark, one of the most formidable marines in Starfleet, and a man of legends and of Vanyssa Winters, one of the strongest telepaths to survive the Telepathic War. Extremely empathic and moderately telepathic, she made a perfect Captain's Telepath, something she was very proud of. She continued, "I do not trust Sash. He is hiding something, his body language screams it. It is a shame that the Nimitz never got another Telepath after the mess with Winters and Troi. So few loyal to the Empire.... I suggest you bring along Mr. Herk as your bodyguard, Sir, S/he is the best that you have, and it would be.... undiplomatic... to show too large a force. After all, we should trust in Sash's Hospitality...but not too far." (reply Saleke, Dema, any) (posted by Melinda :-) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (ISS Wolverine - Bridge - CO, Captain Saleke- 1255) "A shame," The First Officer of the Wolverine said to Captain Saleke with an undercurrent running through his voice the Vulcan recognized. "It would've been my pleasure to accompany you on your .... visit. I hear you've had a little fun while I was out, was Daugherty lacking again?" "Lacking does not begin to adequately sum up the inadequacy of Ensign Daughertys work or attitude." Saleke said scrutinizing Dema minutely. "He seemed to be of the opinion his relationship with the ships first officer would protect him, he was enlightened... as will all those who consider themselves to be above the proper protocols of behavior concerning their commanding officer on this ship." The Vulcans calm green eyes locked with Lt. Commander Demas in an implicit warning. As the two watched one another one of the few the Vulcan could trust on the ship ... being his personal bodyguard stepped into their line of sight. "Captain I do not believe it would be wise for you to go without a bodyguard and myself." Jennah Winters Dark stated with an edge of fear in her voice the analytical Vulcan could detect. "I do not trust Sash. He is hiding something, his body language screams it. It is a shame that the Nimitz never got another telepath after the mess with Winters and Troi. So few loyal to the Empire.... I suggest you bring along Mr. Herk as your bodyguard, Sir, S/he is the best that you have, and it would be.... undiplomatic... to show too large a force. After all, we should trust in Sash's Hospitality...but not too far." Saleke considered her recommendation as he stared down Jason. He did trust her to a great extent but only so far, he was not overly concerned with her at any rate and Herk had proven hirself in the past. Her concerns about Sash also meshed with his analysis of one of his former Captains demeanor. "Very well make it so." He then addressed Jason. "You will also be accompanying me Mr. Dema." ~You will not be given an opportunity to set up an ambush while I and my bodyguard are away from the ship.~ (Reply: Jason) Despite the protestations of the human Saleke nodded back to Jennah. "Inform Herk to be ready to leave in one hour." (Reply: Jennah) (Posted by Charles) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (ISS Wolverine - Bridge - FO Jason Dema- 1257) Jason followed the conversation of Jennah and Saleke. The way it was going wasn't to his liking. He allready wanted her out of the way, and this conversation only gave him more reason to. "You will also be accompanying me Mr. Dema." Saleke concluded the conversation. This wasn't to his liking. "Sir, I greatly disagree, someone has to look after the safety of this ship, and if you leavy it to that clumsy Ensign Nevada, then we won't have a ship anymore till we get back." But Jason's remarks were just ignored. ~Damn, I hope you're listening Jennah, but I'll get you for this, I swear to you.~ Jason stood up, giving an evil glare at Jennah, and then headed towards the turbo-lift. The doors went open, and he stepped inside, dodging his sister Cassandra coming out. Cassandra winked at him. Though she was only 15, she was the perfect assasin. Young, beautifull, sexy, smart, and deadly. She stepped down the stairs as Jason got into the lift. Cassandra made her way down to the command chair, displaying her curves for all to see. The devilish look on her face was so misleading, you never knew what she was up to. She sat down on the armchair, and leaned against Saleke. As quickly as she sat, a knkife was at the throat of the Captain. "I've heard you were a bad boy again." She said, as she pointed the tip of the knife towards her, leading it over her neck, slicing a cleavage in her uniform. In the same seducive voice she continued. "When are you gonna do me?" And looked at Jennah, like a cat would look at another, invading it's territory (Reply Saleke) (Posted by Anthony Struelens) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (ISS Wolverine - Bridge - CO, Captain Saleke - 1258) "I've heard you were a bad boy again." Cassandra said, as she removed the knife from Salekes throat and began marking herself. "When are you gonna do me?" As her attention was drawn to Jennah the Vulcans hand shot out with inhuman speed and fingers with the strength seemingly of steel clamped on the wrist of her knife hand, his fingertips tightened on certain nerve endings in the soft spot in her wrist causing her to cry out and drop the dagger to the floor. Saleke kept his grip on her wrist as she tried to bend down for the dagger and jerked her against him as his other hand encircled her left wrist and drew her arm back and over her head with terrifying ease as he rose to his feet. With her arms now pinned behind her Saleke answered her question. "What I will do is break both of your arms and your legs before killing you Ms. Dema if you take out a weapon in my presence again." He pulled back harder causing her to cry out once again in pain. "But for now a visit to the pain booth should brand that lesson on your memory." He looked over to the security officer. "Ms. Keller give this one a five minute session." (Reply: Cassie) "Yes sir." The security officer said and took restraints and moved over to the two, Saleke released the squirming assassin only after the restraints were firmly in place and watched the female security officer take Cassandra away at phaser point. "If she attempts to escape kill her." "Yes Captain." The woman said and motioned to the turbolift. (Reply: Cassie) Saleke picked up the dagger she had dropped and passed it to Jennah. "Watch that one closely and intimately, if at any time she begins planning an assassination of me she is to be executed. I will not allow a loose cannon on my ship." (Reply: Jennah) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (ISS Wolverine - Bridge - Cassandra Dema - 1300) "What I will do is break both of your arms and your legs before killing you Ms. Dema if you take out a weapon in my presence again. But for now a visit to the pain booth should brand that lesson on your memory." Cassandra looked at Saleke, he was hurting her, but she enjoyed the pain. "Pain booth huh? hmmm, it gets me so... worked up in there." Cassandra was cupped and pulled along inside the turbo-lift. "See you later sugar." She said with a devilish look. Inside the turbolift, she looked at the officer. "Only 5 minutes? too bad." She snuggled up against him. "A little longer in there and I'll need taming, are you man enough for that?" (reply none) (posted by Anthony Struelens) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (ISS Wolverine - Bridge - CO, Captain Saleke - 1312) Saleke nodded at the call from Ensign Maloy. "On screen." =^= Captain Saleke, this is Captain Casely. Nice to see you at our little party. I just wanted to ask you, how do you feel about meeting on board the Nimitz? =^= The Vulcan considered the Captain on the screen and what information he had on Paul Casely was of a nature to make him suspicious, the man had been assigned to the Nimitz after Saleke had transferred off but it was widely known he and Sash had been mutually antagonistic, so much so that Sash had had him removed from the ship... that was intriguing and caused the Vulcan to wonder what he might have had on Sash. Saleke raised an eyebrow at the question. "My 'feelings' on the invitation are irrelevant Captain Casely since feelings are based on emotion... I can however give you a detailed analytical analysis on the pros and cons of such a meeting place. I do not believe however that an open channel is the proper vehicle for such a discussion." He saw the other turn to his crew. =^= Transfer this to my readyroom. I'll continue this discussion with you in a moment Captain, please bear with me,=^= Saleke nodded to Maloy. "Transfer the communication to my readyroom also Ensign." (ISS Wolverine - Ready Room - CO, Captain Saleke - 1314) Saleke activated the viewer in the Ready Room and Caselys visage came on quickly. =^= Captain Sash's record is less than exemplary. He is known for strange and erratic behaviour, he is also known for his occasional criticism of orders. Now he's attempting to assume control of this mission. What are your thoughts on this Captain? =^= Saleke was not one to withhold a punch. "As the senior Captain on this mission it is well within protocols for him to do so Captain Casely and effectively communicating a detailed mission plan is unwieldy and inefficient if done over the comm channels. Knowing your history of enmity with Captain Sash it is also well within the bounds of logic to ask how much of that antagonism is behind your questioning of his orders." (Reply: Casely) Saleke looked on impassively. "As for where I stand on the issue, both I and my telepath agree that his manner is unusual and suspicious and a high level of security should be implemented in transporting to the Nimitz." Salekes look was level as he probed Casely for more information. "Am I to assume from your wish to discuss the issue that you are interested in a temporary alliance at this time?" (Reply: Casely) (Posted by Charles) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (ISS Wolverine - Personal Quarters - CEO- LT. Comnder Herkimer 78-1300) Concentration was getting increasingly difficult. The pent up needs of the Hermat were not to be triffled with, but as a memeber of The Order, Herk was honor bound to maintain hir celebacy. Unfotunately, that require a great deal of solitude and contemplation. And Herk prefered to relax in the dark. S/he sat in the corner of hir quarters by a table that held a small statue of a humanoid looking cat, and three candles, which provided the only lihgt of the room. Hir eyes closed as she found the box in hir mind that held of of those primal urges. It was as if s/he could see it bursting at the seems for release, but with a sheer act of will, the bonds that kept the box together intensified and the box held fast. Outside, Herk could feel hir body relax, and hir mind refocus. Slowly s/he opened hir eyes and a smile of satisfaction crossed hir face. The sharp facngs gleamed in the candle light as s/he took a deep breath. S/he had lost count of how long it had been since the Hermat had been allowed to have a release, but it was certain that the time was drawing near. The release. Hours of unbriddled lust and pleasure. It was well worth the years of abstinance. Unfortunately, the last time Herk had been allowed a release, it resulted in the death of a young human female, as she had bled to death after Herk had unintentionally sunk hir fangs into the girls juglar in the midst of their lust throws. Fortunately it had been a civilian, so the matter was quickly dropped. Especially since herk was an officer of such outstanding accomplishments. There was a chime at the door and Herk moved quickly to answer the call. Hir lithe form was barely covered by a sheer material, that left little to the imagination. The dorr chime went again. ~Impatient little thing, isn't it?~ Herk gave a little purr in the back of her throat. "Computer, release door lock on my authorization, Herkimer iota theta phi," Herk ordered the computer. There was a beep of acknowledgement and the door slid open, letting light spill into the room. The initial light hurt Herk's eyes, but s/he forced hirself to stand hir position and focus hir sight. Standing in the doorway was Jennah Winters, the Captain's whore of a telepath. Herk didn't bother to mask hish feelings, since the duality of their personalities made them very difficult to read, telepathically. However, Herk smiled pleasantly and nodded. "Miss Winters," he said, as if seeing an old friend after a long absence, "and what do I owe to this unexpected pleaseure." (reply Jennah) "Forgive my rude manners," Herk said, "please, come in. "lights to three quarters." The illumination in the room rose as Winters entered. Herk looked at the Betazoid from head to toe and back, as if contemplating throwing her to the floor and having hish way with her. Then gestured to hirself. "Mind if I get dressed?" s/he asked. Without waiting for an answer s/he turned to go back to the bedroom to get hir uniform. "Pray, please continue with your purpose for your visit." (reply Jennah) Herk's head peered from around the corner of the doorway as s/he listened to Winters invitation to meet with the captain. S/he smiled and disappeared again. After a few silent moments s/he returned to the main room. Hir hips swayed slightly as s/he walked. "Interesting," Herk said, more to hirself than to Jennah. "So Captain Sash eh? He has been out of favor with the emperor for a long time. He has this uncanny sense of ... humanitarianism, that just seems to annoy others. Perhaps because they don't understand him." (reply Jennah) "The Angosian has a file that is quite extensive, and has solved many of the empires for them, but not always ending in a blood bath. In some ways I'd see him as quite ... Vulcan." A smile crossed herk's lips again. "Well, if the intrepid Captain Saleke wasnts to meet Captain Sash, then who am I to turn down the opportunity. Tell the captain that I will be ready." (reply Jennah) As Jennah left Herk watched her exit. He was fairly certain that she caught his last thought as the door closed. ~Perhaps that one would do well for my next release.~ (reply Jennah) (posted by Al Muir) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (ISS Razorback - Bridge - CO- Captain Paul Casely - 1311) Paul paced back and forth in front of his command chair, keeping a keen eye on his people. Most shrank back in fear whenever he approached too closely. He had his allies, those who were not his allies tended to disappear. The rumour had moved through the crew quickly that the Captain had a penchant for a final punishment involving the transporter and the bulkheads of the ship. After a few dissident crew crossed him, most of the crew decided not the test the rumour lest they find its hidden proof. ~Meet on the Nimitz? Is Sash out of his mind?~ "Open a coded channel to the Wolverine, I don't want the Nimitz listening in," stated Paul aloud. "Aye Sir." "Captain Saleke, this is Captain Casely. Nice to see you at our little party. I just wanted to ask you, how do you feel about meeting on board the Nimitz?" (Reply Saleke) "Transfer this to my readyroom. I'll continue this discussion with you in a moment Captain, please bear with me," stated Paul walking towards the door to his readyroom. (ISS Razorback - Ready Room - CO - Captain Paul Casely - 1213) Paul sat down in his chair and glared at his view screen to see Saleke staring back. "Captain Sash's record is less than exemplary. He is known for strange and erratic behaviour, he is also known for his occasional criticism of orders. Now he's attempting to assume control of this mission. What are your thoughts on this Captain?" asked Paul. He knew that Saleke, being a Vulcan, would give a logical and forthright reading of the situation. (Reply Saleke) (Posted by Jeff) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (ISS Razorback - Bridge - FO Thlax - 1312) Thlax watched from the First Officer's chair as his captain paced up and down the bridge. The rest of the bridge crew shrank as he approached, like pitiful rats that scurried away as danger neared. The denobulan sat rigidly attentive while his captain paced, like a cliff-face personified. He knew what was on the Captain's mind. Sash - a name that brought an involutary but heartfelt sneer to Thlax's lips - was clearly testing the boundaries of his authority again. Demanding that both Captains Casely and Saleke go over to his ship was an untrustworthy move, but then each captain would want to be on his own ship at this meeting. He had no doubt in his mind that Sash would be pacing in a similar fashion to Casely if the meeting was arranged for the Razorback. "Open a coded channel to the Wolverine, I don't want the Nimitz listening in," the Captain said. "Aye Sir," the OPS officer replied instantly. You didn't dally with Casely - Thlax had seen first-hand what had happened to the last person that had done so. Transporters could be such fun. He listened as Casely began discussing the imminent meeting with Saleke and showed no surprise as Casely called for the conversation to be transfered to his ready room. The Captain would not want the entire bridge crew knowing about his concern. Some of them would interpret that as weakness and the Captain's allies would diminish. Enemies, of course, would have to go through Thlax. He was impressively built for a Denobulan and the fact that he only required two to five days of sleep per year had made him the perfect choice for watching over his Captain. Casely's Transporter trick was fun, but Thlax had his own methods too. He felt no irritation at the fact that he was not prone to Casely's conversation. No doubt the Captain would fill him in once he had finished talking. (Reply Casely) (Posted by James) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (ISS Razorback - Ready Room - CO, Captain Paul Casely - 1318) Paul listened carefully to Saleke's question and nodded his head. "You're right about our 'problems', I have no affection for my former captain, but then... how much does any of us have for our former captains? However, this goes beyond that. I know you don't go in for feelings, however there is a logic at work here. His response to my presence was somewhat... muted... compared to what I would have expected knowing what I know about him and knowing him to the level I do. He traded jabs almost impassively. He should have been a lot more shaken up than he was," replied Paul, his eyes looking straight into the eyes of the vid image of Saleke. Saleke looked on impassively. =^=As for where I stand on the issue, both I and my telepath agree that his manner is unusual and suspicious and a high level of security should be implemented in transporting to the Nimitz. Am I to assume from your wish to discuss the issue that you are interested in a temporary alliance at this time?=^= "I have no quarrel with you Saleke. You do your job efficiently and admirably. You serve the Empire well. I have to believe you have reservations about the same things I do. Something is not right. I do believe we should go in with a uniform presence of mind. I do think we should be looking for the reasons for these anomolies. And I will also tell you that the information I am getting from others is that the Nimitz is very close to mutiny on several fronts. I have no desire for his weakness to jeaporadize our missions," replied Paul, "So yes, I do believe some amount of working together is in order." (Reply Saleke) (Posted by Jeff) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (ISS Wolverine - Ready Room - CO, Captain Saleke - 1319) Saleke observed Casely closely, watching for telltale clues in his demeanor as he answered the Vulcans question. =^= I have no quarrel with you Saleke. You do your job efficiently and admirably. You serve the Empire well. I have to believe you have reservations about the same things I do. Something is not right. I do believe we should go in with a uniform presence of mind. I do think we should be looking for the reasons for these anomolies. And I will also tell you that the information I am getting from others is that the Nimitz is very close to mutiny on several fronts. I have no desire for his weakness to jeaporadize our missions," Captain Casely stated, "So yes, I do believe some amount of working together is in order." Casely seemed to be sincere in his position, his body language and inflections were within tolerance but Saleke had learned over time that such could be fabricated by someone who was willing to learn how to do so... and compliments often concealed the others true intent. The Vulcan had already considered the question, logic having given him the answer, hence his question concerning Caselys interest in an alliance but when dealing with someone who could end up as ones enemy it was advisable to mask ones true strength and decision making process, he pretended to consider the matter for an instant before coming to a decision. "I see no logical reason we should not ... compare notes is I believe the correct nomenclature, anything I find toward that end I will share with you." Salekes eyes were unreadable. "I will expect the same courtesy of course from you." (Reply: Casely) "It is logical to expect you would still have contacts on the Nimitz from your time there, has there been any conjecture on the reason for Sash's change of behavior?" (Reply: Casely) If he knew anything in that direction he was not sharing it, once again he seemed sincere, so Saleke filed that away, the timing of the about face was so recent there was little to go on as of yet. "Very well Mr. Casely... " Since the other was purposely leaving out Salekes title at times he reciprocated. "I will see you shortly on the Nimitz and we will compare notes afterward." (Reply: Casely) (Posted by Charles) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (ISS Razorback - Ready Room - CO, Captain Paul Casely - 1322) =^=I see no logical reason we should not ... compare notes is I believe the correct nomenclature, anything I find toward that end I will share with you." Salekes eyes were unreadable. "I will expect the same courtesy of course from you.=^= "That is without question. That arrangement is suitable to me me," responded Paul. =^=It is logical to expect you would still have contacts on the Nimitz from your time there, has there been any conjecture on the reason for Sash's change of behavior?=^= Paul thought about this for a second and then slowly shook his head. "No, none at all. Sash wasn't the most popular Captain beforehand. His discipline was always somewhat lax and he sometimes lacked the will to carry out his orders. However, there was nothing overly major that had ever occured. Now, however, the entire crew seems to be on edge with him and no one seems to know why," replied Paul. =^=Very well Mr. Casely... I will see you shortly on the Nimitz and we will compare notes afterward.=^= "Agreed, Casely out," responded Paul as he cut the channel. With that Paul turned and thought on his conversation with the Wolverine's Captain for a moment. Vulcans had always made Paul's skin crawl. The logic often seemed to be used to shield a brutal streak that rivaled and perhaps even exceeded Casely's own. Paul tapped his comm badge. "Commander Thlax, would you come in here please? There are some things we need to discuss," stated Paul imperiously. A few moments later, Thlax entered the readyroom. Paul gestured to a seat in front of him and slowly stroked the scar across his face. He tapped his commbadge and opened a link to his 2O. "We are not to be disturbed. Ensure that we are not, you know the price for failure," stated Paul on the open channel. He then closed it and looked at his First Officer. "Thlax, if everything goes right, you will be Captain of the Razorback soon, and I will be back where I belong, Captaining the Nimitz. I believe the Vulcan will be sympathetic to our cause. We just have to figure out what Sash has been up to and deal with a few members of the Nimitz crew," stated Paul with a devilish wink. (Reply Thlax) (Posted by Jeff) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (ISS Razorback - Bridge - FO, Commander Thlax- 1324) The call came a little sooner than expected, but Thlaz wasn't about to complain. =/\=Commander Thlax, would you come in here please? There are some things we need to discuss=/\= the Captain's tinny voice came over the comm system. Thlax stood and walked into the Captain's readyroom. His commanding officer gestured to a seat in front of him and slowly stroked the scar across his face - a curious quirk that Thlax had soon come to learn meant that he was deep in thought. Paul quickly tapped his comm badge "We are not to be disturbed. Ensure that we are not, you know the price for failure," stated Paul on the open channel. He then closed it and looked at his First Officer. "Thlax, if everything goes right, you will be Captain of the Razorback soon, and I will be back where I belong, Captaining the Nimitz. I believe the Vulcan will be sympathetic to our cause. We just have to figure out what Sash has been up to and deal with a few members of the Nimitz crew," stated Paul with a devilish wink. The denobulan was unable to force down the smile at his captain's words. Captain Thlax of the Razorback. It was what he longed for. This ship was his home, the ship he'd served on the longest and to some extent, he already felt it was his ship, or at the very least, partly his. "Good," he replied, "We need Saleke on our side, if only for simplicity's sake. Sash's actions shouldn't be too difficult to find out - there's always someone for sale on the Nimitz. If it is me that you wish to accompany you, which crew members do you wish for me to deal with?" (Reply Casely) (posted by James) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (ISS Nimitz- Sickbay- CO- Captain Devan Sash - 1330) Sash stepped through the doors of sickbay, for the third time that day. He wasn't sure if he was getting used to the sense of gloom that seemed to permeate the section, or if it was just that he wasn't there as a patient. He shook his head to clear his thoughts. He knew that he needed allies, and the ones that knew the real Sash, in person, less, were the best. If this Rizoru was as good as she claimed to be, then this could be a good match. Once again, the staff seemed too involved in their activities to pay him much attention. Finally, one of the nurses saw him and ruched to his side. "Why Captain Sash, what a pleasure it would be to serve you," she said wwith a wanton gleam in her eyes. Sash rolled his own eyes and looked at the nurse. With a swift hand motion he backhanded the woman. "You presume to much," he said dangerously. "I want to see the creature Rizoru." The nurse was more subdued, and fought back tears as she lead him to small chamber. "They put it in here." "Thank you, Janet," he said as he recognized Janet Sanders. She smiled at his recognition and left him with a little bit of a skip in her step. Sash returned his attention to the task at hand. He entered the chamber to find a small metal box with breathing slots. He could see Rizoru inside, who ws managing to make herself as comfortable as possible. "You don't seem to be too uncomfortable," he said to her. The cage jostled a little as she startled. (reply Riz) Sash reached over and tapped the release code to the cage. The cover popped open and Rizoru was out in a moment. He could see the fire in the lizard eyes of the creature, and his finger rubbed the button to the pain control mechanism, but he didn't press it, yet. He watched as she made an effort to attack him, which he easily blocked, and pushed her away. She made another effort, that he side stepped and parried, but he did not counter the move, which seemed to confuse the Chamorian. Again she attacked, adn again Sash managed to defend his position, without having to return an attack. Finally Sash said, "I have no desire to fight with you right now. I'm here to see if you were serious about wanting to work for me. I had my people put some safety measures on you." He showed her the control device. "This is a tracking device. I can find you anywhere within the confines of this ship. within a hundred thousand kilometers of the ship. There is also a mechanism implanted in you, that if I feel you are becoming a danger, will introduce you to a new interpretation of the word pain." (reply Riz) "As we have that understanding," Sash said, "then I have a job for you. And if it works out, then you can have a permanent position with me. I do not want you to assasinate anyone or kidnap anyone. What I want is a spy, for lack of a better word. I am about to meet with two very dangerous men. One of them has tried to kill me before. I want you to use your abilities to see if they are looking to remove me from my position here." (reply Riz) "I also have another, call it a test," Sash continued. "One of these men, Captain Paul Casely, I once had an opportunity to kill him for his attempt on my life, and I let him live. Your test is to find out why I let him live. If you give me the correct answer then you may fulfill the other mission." (reply Riz) He handed riz a uniform that he had replicated and a comm badge. "For you to move freely on the ship, you must wear these. You note that you have no rank insignia, so nobody will follow your directives. You are on your own on this matter." (reply Riz) "Then I will leave you to your task," Sash told her. "Good luck." It was an automatic comment, that he instantly regreted saying. He had to be more careful. However he showed none of his anguish as he left Rizoru to change in her uniform and get to work. (reply Riz) (posted by Al Muir) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (ISS Nimitz- Sickbay- Riz - 1333) She didn't like the cage they had put her in, and once again wondered what these people were thinking. She realized then it was a safety precaution, because of her ealier attack on the babbling idiot. She had taught him a lesson, at least she had hoped she did. She wasn't one to be triffled with, and she hoped he wouldn't try that again. She is startled by the captain's voice. "Actually this metal sleeping box is a pain, and it is quite small for my size." She said wondering how long he would leave her in it, and discovered it wasn't a long wait at all. ~What could he be thinking, letting me out like this. Well I don't like to be caged like that, and I would have hoped he would understand why I attacked that crew memeber.~ She thought as the rage built up, and once it was built up enough, she wasn't thinking clearly, so she started to attack the captain. He seemed capable to block her moves, and after awhile she tired of trying to attack him. Her brain had also kicked back into gear, and she realized this wasn't the way to prove to him she was worthy to become one of his crew. "Captain, I still want to prove I am worthy to become a member of your crew, and will do whatever you deem necessary to do so." She said humbly not acknowledging the new devises he had installed. She didn't care what they did, so long as it would earn their trust. "Yes, sir." Was her only reply, and she stayed silent hoping there was more. "Yes, sir. I wouldn't need any rank, anyways, sir. I prefer to work alone." She said hoping this helped to shed some light on her character. She didn't realize until it was too late that she had spoken out of turn, and she expected to be hit because of her actions. Nothing came, which surprised her. As soon as he left, she changed into her uniform, and left sickbay to begin her new task immediately. (Reply any/none) (Posted by Riz) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (ISS Wolverine - Transporter Room 1 - CO, Captain Saleke - 1350) Saleke gazed closely at the three that were to accompany him to the Nimitz starting with his FO. Jason Dema was scowling and looking about nervously, never meeting his Captains eyes for long and gave the impression of being utterly dissatisfied with their current task. Herkimer 78 was little better, as the transporter chief inputted the coordinates for the beamover the Hermat snapped hir head in his direction and a snarl trickled from around the curled lips s/he was trying to hide hir fangs with. Saleke recognized the signs having added to his immense knowledge of alien species during his time in command and much more so for this being who had become his bodyguard. The Vulcan knew he was going to have to put the Hermat ashore on some planet soon which was home to a humanoid life form so that s/he could do hir own version of a mating hunt. While s/he was in this mood s/he would be far more dangerous which to some extent benefitted the Vulcan Captain, the time for this meeting was in some ways fortuitous. And then there was Jennah Winters who, while being terrified of both Jason and Herk was as trustworthy as anyone on the ship could be, having followed him from the Mystique to add her immense telepathic abilities to his service. "Be extremely observant on the Nimitz." He said. "Not only is Sash behaving strangely but Captain Caselys motivation is unclear at this time, both will bear watching." (Reply: Herk, Jason, Jennah) He stepped onto the transporter pad. "Energize." (Reply: Any) (Posted by Charles) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (ISS Nimitz-Ready Room- CO- Captain Devan Sash - 1355) Sash had prepared as best he could for this meeting. Fortunately, the Sash of this niverse was as anal as he was himself. There was a report on just about everything. Actually, there were two reports, on for the empire, and one for his own records. It was those that he found most helpful. Really, the only thing that he hadn't discovered was why his alter ego had allowed Casely to live, after his attempt to take over the ship. But he did notice that this Sash was a bit of a maverick, with his own ideas of how thins should be done. And it wasn't the usual brutality. With a heavy sigh he stood up from his desk and tapped his comm badge. "Mr. Derak, please go to transporter room one with a small escort squad and bring our guests to conference room 1." =^= Aye, sir.=^= Sash had discovered that Derak was looking to Sash to recommend him to the Trill counsel for a joining, and so he was fairly certain that he was trustable... to an extent. He stepped onto the bridge and looked around. There was a quick scurry of activity and everyone seemed to e doing their job. He nodded at Cithy Dumas, who left the Ops station to stand beside her captain. Then he looked over at Hyland, who, defiantly, remained in the CO's seat. Sash ignored this breach of protocal for the moment. "Commander Hyland," he said, "I will be in the Observation Lounge with the other captains. When I come back we WILL talk about protocal on the bridge. I think that we may need a demonstration of how the new neuralizers are working." Hylands eyes narrowed in hate and fear. Sastisfied that he'd made his point, he lead Dumas to the door leaving the bridge. He tapped his comm badge. "Lt. Zzt, Lt. Commander Harrison, Dr. Gralen, Lt. Commander Wolfe, meet me in the Observation Lounge, immediately. Be prepared to give full reports of your progress of the device." With that the door to the corridor closed. He tapped his comm badge again. "Sash to Rizoru, come to conference room 1, immediately." (reply Rizoru) As they walked Sash explained to Dumas howhe had recruited the Chamorian as a spy. Understandably, she was not happy about the arrangement, but she also saw the benefit to such an alliance, and appreciated the measures that he had already taken to assure her obediance. they entered the Observation Lounge and Sash took his seat. Dumas stood behind him, protectively, and they waited. (reply Rizoru, Wolfe, Zzt, Gralen, Harrison) (posted by Al Muir)