Compile#1 May 01-02 (USS Rosenante & USS Boudicca Joint) --------------------------------------------------------------------- Mission: Once More Into the Breach Day 1 Stardate: 2414.01.15 Compile Summary (Starbase 989, Auditorium, Captains Durand & Salid, Day 1, 2125) (USS Boudicca – Bridge – CO Captain Durand – 2157) (USS Rosenante, Bridge, CO, Captain Ahmed Ibn Salid, Day 1, 2200) (USS Rosenante-Crew Quarters- CTAC/SEC Lt. jg Ben Soma- 2201*) (USS Rosenante, Observation Lounge Lt Tom Jackson 2O/COPS Day 1 2205) (USS Rosenante - Ready Room - FO - Commander T'Larah Sullivan - 2207) (SS Tranquility- Crew's Mess- V/M- Lieutenant Chance Raschen- 2212) (USS Rosenante- Bridge- Lieutenant Chance Raschen- 2220) (Starbase 989 - The County Cork - ACEO Lt JG Eian O'Neill - Day 1 - 2230) (Starbase 989 - Promenade - ATAC/SC Jessica Signos - Day 1 - 2236) (Starbase 989 - Promenade - ACEO Lt JG Eian O'Neill - Day 1 - 2239) (USS Boudicca - Bridge - CO Captain Durand - 2328) (USS Boudicca - Observation Lounge - ATAC/SC Jessica Signos - Day 1 - 2358) ======================================================= Mission: Once More Into the Breach Day 2 Stardate 2414.1.16 Compile Summary (USS Boudicca - Observation Lounge - CO Captain Durand - 0000) (USS Boudicca - Observation Lounge - TAC/SC Lieutenant(SG) Detron Trei - 0005) (USS Boudicca - Observation Lounge - ACEO Ensign(jg) Henry Jacobs - 0006) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (Starbase 989, Auditorium, Captains Durand & Salid, Day 1, 2125) The lights in the auditorium were low; this time not a result of a station wide power failure, but by design. The hall was filled not with wounded or scared masses, but with civilians set on one purposeful event; The enjoyment of a play. In the center of the room, a stage had been erected, and a troop of Shakespearean actors had decided to keep their original scheduled performance dates despite everything that had transpired since their arrival. Bright stage lights illuminated the performance area, which interestingly enough resembled more closely the walls of an ancient medieval castle than a stage on a starbase at the edge of Federation space. Beside him, Captain Durand of the Boudicca sat- both men having decided that it would be a worthwhile enjoyment to take in some theater after the recent crisis. On the stage, the players had assembled. One man, tall, strong of limb and voice, was dressed as a soldier. He bore in his right hand a sword of the middle ages, all harsh lines, rough steel and violence. His party of players also looked menacing but only slightly less so. They stood clustered around him, some carrying siege ladders that would have been prevalent during the period, others brandished a banner or swords skywards as the premier among them spoke his well-rehearsed lines. "...But when the blast of war blows in our ears, Then imitate the action of the tiger; Stiffen the sinews, summon up the blood, Disguise fair nature with hard-favour'd rage; Then lend the eye a terrible aspect..." The man's voice was clear, strong and commanding, a good quality for a Starfleet officer let alone for a medieval king. "...Now set the teeth and stretch the nostril wide, Hold hard the breath and bend up every spirit To his full height..." He continued, the tenor of his voice rising as the moment built toward the climax of the scene. The room was disturbed by the sudden introduction of a shaft of light that reached hungrily towards the stage from the entry doors to the auditorium. Normally they would not permit entry once the play had started, so Ahmed was surprised by the sudden luminosity of the interruption. "...I see you stand like greyhounds in the slips," The actor declared, his voice rising in timbre, "Straining upon the start. The game's afoot: Follow your spirit, and upon this charge Cry 'God for Harry, England, and Saint George!'" With those words, the assembled cast pushed their way forward through the breached wall where an imaginary foe was thought to await them to test the very fabric of their resolve against a dangerous and complex foe. "Excuse me Captain Salid, Captain Durand?" a voice asked from the end of the row at Durand's elbow. Alan frowned immediately, though in the dim light it probably was not readily apparent. This *had* to be official. Not an emergency at least; both men wore their comm. badges and if either ship or station were under attack, they would have gotten the word that way. Best to not disturb the rest of the audience more than necessary. “I’m Durand… and this is Captain Salid,” he whispered. Ahmed just nodded in reply, since Durand had already done so verbally. "I'm very sorry to bother you sirs." The woman whispered. If Ahmed didn't know any better he'd think that the young ensign was embarrassed at the interruption. “Orders are orders, Ensign. We don’t shoot the messenger. Usually.” Durand smiled at her despite the interruption. She was only following orders after all. "I have orders to convey you to a communications point. There's a high priority Communication from Admiral Richardson for you. He's indicated that it is urgent sirs." Ahmed gave Durand a glance and then rose and followed the ensign and Captain Durand from the auditorium where the play continued on without them. They were led from the Auditorium and down the corridor, until they were shown into a small office. The ensign politely motioned them to the console and then sealed the door behind them. "Well this should prove interesting," Ahmed commented to his fellow captain. “From Starfleet? As interesting as Henry V? I seriously doubt it,” quipped the junior Captain lightly. In fact, he wondered just what the communication might be. Ahmed nodded as the view screen came to life. The symbol of the United Federation of Planets was replaced by the face of Admiral Richardson, whose chiseled jaw was a legend among junior officers who knew him. =^=Captain Durand, Captain Salid=^= The admiral began. Both captains greeted him. =^=I'm very sorry to bother you during the play, but I'm afraid I have an urgent assignment for you both.=^= ~*Another* rush job? Can’t we ever get a regular mission?~ Durand pondered, forgetting for the moment the long and dull patrol from which the Boudicca had so recently returned. He kept his own counsel, correctly estimating that Captain Salid would be much more diplomatic to the Admiral. "Duty never rests admiral, what can we do for you?" Ahmed replied. Richardson tapped something out on his desk top and the image split into two. The first was the admiral at his desk. The second was a long range image of some sort of pyramidal shaped vessel being accompanied by a Borg Tactical Cube. The admiral explained, =^= About three hours ago, these images were captured by the Darson Deep Space Array, about thirty-six light years from your position. As you can see, it shows quite clearly a Borg Tactical Cube accompanying another oddly shaped vessel.=^= Ahmed nodded. =^=Since these initial scans, Intelligence and science experts at command have identified this vessel as a Borg vessel, the likes of which we have never seen. They are calling it a Borg Pyramid. Both vessels are en route to the Dovek system. It's in the Beta Quadrant just outside of Romulan space.=^= Ahmed did not like where this was going. Neither did Durand, and all hints of jocularity in his mood were instantly dispersed. =^=Intelligence and Strategic Operations Command feel that this could be a prelude to renewed Borg interests in the sector. As a result I am ordering the two most combat capable and closest Federation starships to investigate.=^= ~’Most Expendable’ is what he is really saying,~ thought Durand. "I see," Ahmed replied. "And that would be the Boudicca and the Rosenante?" =^= I'm afraid so Captain. Your mission parameters are clear. Investigate the Borg presence at Dovek and ascertain any intelligence possible on what they're doing there. I personally don't like the idea of the Borg conducting some sort of operations in a dead star system so close to Federation Space. On top of which my science people are telling me that the system was once part of the Tkon Empire. That adds a whole new level to the problem.=^= Ahmed nodded. While not much was known about the Tkon, they knew that the empire was as advanced if not more advanced than the UFP, and that meant that any technology potentially uncovered by the Borg could be potentially very dangerous for the Federation. =^=Should you discover a clear and present danger to the Federation, you are to interdict and resolve it to the best of your ability. Since there are two of you..." The Admiral paused for a moment before continuing, "...Captain Salid, as senior Captain will have overall mission command authority.=^= “Admiral, if I may,” interjected Durand, “The Borg are *always* a ‘clear and present danger’ to anyone or anything they contact. But I presume from your rules of engagement you don’t want us to ‘shoot first and ask questions later’, correct?” A frown grew on the Admiral’s face, and then he evidently reconsidered the actual validity of Durand’s question, no matter how indelicately it might have been phrased. “*Captain* Durand, I believe I made my orders clear. But in the event they were not, you are correct. No ‘Cowboy’ moves Captain, I mean it. Investigate, and deal with the situation. Proceed as Captain Salid directs you.” "Understood Admiral." Ahmed replied. Durand accepted the mild rebuke without comment or reaction. The Admiral was correct, of course. But he wasn’t the one directly responsible for the Boudicca and her crew. If Salid were as clever as he was reputed to be, maybe there would be a viable, non-combat alternative. Durand hoped so. “Aye, aye, sir.” =^=How long until you can get underway captains?=^= Ahmed looked at Durand before replying. "As quickly as we can displace the civilian personnel from the ships and cast off sir." “Two hours Admiral, no more. Less if we can manage it.” =^= Very Good Captains. You have your orders. Richardson out.=^= The face of the admiral dissolved into the symbol of the UFP once again indicating that the line was closed. Ahmed looked at Durand. He'd seen enough to know that the captain could be depended upon to get the job done. He was a strong leader and no doubt his tactical expertise would be in high demand during the mission. "Let's speak frankly, shall we captain Durand?" Ahmed asked. Alan smiled without amusement. “I *always* speak frankly Captain… I’ve been told it’s one of my least endearing traits. And please, we’re alone… I don’t feel the need to stand on formality. It’s Alan, alright? What is on your mind specifically?” "Alright then Alan." Ahmed replied allowing the unfamiliar address to gestate in his brain. "We both know that encounters with the Borg have a nasty habit to end in a loss of life and have a solid chance of the destruction of one or more ships involved. So I'm going to voice the concern that we both probably have about this mission before we ever get under way. Admiral Richardson may want a more diplomatic approach, but if we get any inkling that there is any serious threat to the crew or the Federation, I fully intend to elevate this mission to a tactical level. Do you have any issues with that assessment?" Durand ran his fingers through his close cropped and graying hair before replying. “Absolutely no issues with that... I’m firmly in the ‘hope for the best, plan for the worst’ school of philosophy. With all due respect to the Admiral and his sterling reputation, I’ve often thought the view from behind a desk at headquarters is somewhat different than the one from the Captain’s chair. The immediacy of being on the line changes one’s perceptions. I consider the Borg a serious threat to the very existence of the Federation, in fact. I question the wisdom of the ‘Borg Task Force’ being disbanded in the first place.“ "You and me as well, Alan. But I can assure you that I have absolutely no intentions of allowing the Borg to became any more of a threat than they already are." Ahmed thought for a moment before continuing, "So now we need to determine some basic information. I for one have never dealt directly with the Borg. I have dealt with a mess originating from modified Borg nanoprobes that assimilated corpses, but not the Borg themselves. That said, what is your experience with them?" Reflexively, Alan's fists clenched as all the memories came flooding quickly back. He had of course anticipated the question – it was the next logical topic for Salid to broach – but the visceral reaction he felt was a surprise. “I've encountered them once before. Fourteen years ago, in the Beta Corvallis system. I was a junior tactical officer aboard the USS Denver at the time. I had hoped... foolishly, I know... that I would never see them again. They took the Captain and First Officer – assimilated them. We lost Commander Winters on the initial away team. The ship answered a distress call from the colony. It was garbled, bad... we had no indication of Borg activity in the area. Hell, there had been no reports of them anywhere in the sector even. Anyway... the Commander took an away team to the surface, it was an ambush, of course.” He paused a moment, as he could feel the sheen of perspiration starting to break on his forehead. Taking a deep breath and forcing himself to be calm, he pressed on. “Damned collective consciousness. They were immediately aware of our rescue plan, and when the Captain had us move the ship to a different orbit, they were waiting for us. Captain M’ubarek, he and Winters had been friends since the academy, let that cloud his judgment. We should never have risked the ship to recover the away team... but we did. I see now what a mistake that was... but not at the time. Anyway... as soon as we shifted orbit, they were on us. Only a Borg probe, but it was far more than a match for us. We were only an upgraded science ship after all. They grabbed us with a tractor beam, and immediately started draining energy from the ship. Engineering did what they could, but it didn’t buy us much time. The shields failed, and they started carving us up with that cutting beam.” He paused once again, willing the horror back into the darkest corners of his mind. “When the shields went, they beamed an assault force over. Five drones beamed onto the bridge, and took the Captain and our Chief Science Officer too. I managed to get one drone with my sidearm, then they adapted. I shifted the EM output on it as fast and far as I could, and got another drone. By that time they had our people and started beaming out. I went a little crazy then... well, a lot I guess. Took a piece of conduit that had blown out of the overhead and used it as a club. Might as well have hit a block of duranium for all the good I did. The drone tossed me aside like a rag doll and I crumpled against the bulkhead.” Durand exhaled a long, slow breath. The memories were not quite so visceral now. He hadn’t told this story in years, and found it a bit cathartic to do so now. “When I came to, a medic was working on me... I had both arms and several ribs broken. It hurt... but not so much as the sting of the lash I laid on myself for losing our people.” "I can imagine." Ahmed commented as he placed his hand on Alan's shoulder. “The Chief Engineer took over then – what there was left of the ship that is – and we managed to limp home. They had cut a portion of four decks out of the ship, and tractored our computer core. Speculation was, and I believe it, that they were looking for something. They are always purpose driven, goal oriented creatures... but they had a definite objective that night. We never found a trace of the away team... they must have all been assimilated too. Never figured out what the Hell they were after either. As a Tac officer I wasn’t privy to all the research we were doing... Heaven only knows what they might have gotten. Well, headquarters might know as well...” He stopped, winding down like an ancient spring driven mechanism that had run its course. “That, Captain, is what I know about the Borg, aside from the current Intel and historical data we have all seen. Keep in mind that I am sure they have evolved and adapted considerably since then... I’m not sure if my experience will be more asset or liability.” Ahmed looked the man in the eye. "Any experience is better than none at all. I have no doubt that you'll get your chance to try to set things right soon. I don't anticipate that the Borg are going to be forthcoming about their operations in the Dovek System. Ahmed paused for a few moments considering things before he pressed forward. "Okay then, I think it best that we recall all crew and start getting our civilians off the ships. I'd like to be underway no later than..." Ahmed checked the Chronograph before continuing. "2330 hours. We'll call a senior staff meeting at 2400 hours. I assume that the Boudicca has already installed the new communications equipment that Raschen delivered?" “It should be in place and tested. Engineering has had it for nearly two weeks now.” "Good, then we'll be able to link the meetings, so we can give one single briefing. I'd like for you to be prepared to brief us on the tactical aspects of dealing with the Borg, I'll have the area briefing for our crews. As you are more tactically minded than I am, I'll be depending on your expertise during this operation." "If you have no other concerns, I think it's time that we get moving, there will be more than enough time to rest when we're dead." (reply none yet) (posted by Daniel & Russ) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Boudicca – Bridge – CO Captain Durand – 2157) Alan had made his way back from the starbase as quickly as possible after leaving the meeting with Captain Salid. Several faces looked up in surprise when he exited the turbolift so late in the evening. The young officer at the science station recovered first, mostly because she happened to be facing the turbolift and saw Durand first. “Captain on the Bridge!” she sang out, partly in custom and partly as a heads up to the rest of the crew present. He stayed on the upper level of the bridge and addressed the duty officer that was in the command chair. “Ensign, institute an immediate recall of *all* personnel. All shore leave is cancelled as of now. Put me on shipwide.” “Ready sir.” “Attention all personnel, this is the Captain. We have just been given priority orders from Starfleet command. I’m not at liberty to detail them at this time. All non-starfleet, civilian personnel are to immediately disembark. Take only what belongings are absolutely necessary, you will be provided with essentials and quarters on the starbase until the Boudicca returns. There are *no* exceptions, *all* civilians are to disembark immediately. We will be getting underway at 2330; you *must* be off ship before we clear moorings. That is all.” He turned to the assembled officers on the bridge in turn. “Alright people, let’s move with purpose. Ask Commander Caskie to join me in the ready room. Operations, get moving with that recall order, we don’t have any time to spare. Engineering, make all preparations for getting underway; we have a deadline to meet. Bring all propulsion systems online. Security, assist in any way possible with the civilian evacuation. We have to get them all off before we depart. Do a shipwide sweep, compartment by compartment if necessary and get it done in as orderly and rapidly as possible. Sickbay… and all other departments for that matter… coordinate with operations, and make certain we have a full loadout of critical supplies and consumables aboard. That’s all for now… I’ll be in my ready room.” (Reply ALL Boudicca personnel, Any) (Posted by Russ) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante, Bridge, CO, Captain Ahmed Ibn Salid, Day 1, 2200) Ahmed stepped onto the bridge of then with a purpose of step that told everyone that saw him that something was underway. The normally quiet Gamma shift seemed to perk up at the sight of their captain on the bridge at such a late hour. Although it was his prerogative as commanding officer, he rarely made his presence on the bridge known at such a time unless there was a mission underway or some sort of emergency. Ahmed noted the increase in tension almost subconsciously as he took the broad circuitous route around the bridge to the center chair where lieutenant Xim was seated. The Betelgeusean started to rise from the command chair but Ahmed waved him down with a simple hand gesture. "Mister Xim, notify all crew that they are hereby recalled immediately. Preparations are to be made to displace all civilian personnel from the ship as quickly as possible, preferably in less than 2 hours from this time. All senior staff are to be assembled in the Observation lounge at 2400 hours. " Ahmed started towards the ready room , but stopped half way there. "Oh and have someone locate mister Raschen and have him report to my ready room inside the next 45 minutes, sober or otherwise." "As soon as all departments report all personnel on board and all civilians displaced to quarters on the Starbase, notify me immediately. There are to be no exceptions to the displacement order. It is also to include all animals whether they are in the labs or personal pets. " Xim replied as he always did, with a resolute and clear "Aye captain." "We are expecting a call from the Boudicca when they are ready to get underway, notify me when you receive it lieutenant." "Yes Captain." Xim replied. Ahmed headed for his ready room, he had a lot of work to do and a very short period of time in which to do it. "Salid to Sullivan, report to my ready room immediately, commander." he ordered as the door to his ready room closed behind him. NRPG: okay guys, consider this the post that recalls all Rosenante crew. I'd like to see posts with everyone detailing where they are so that I know you are ready to get underway. As an alternative, you can post into the Observation room, in preparation for the briefing." (reply All Rosenante Crew) Daniel Greene --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante-Crew Quarters- CTAC/SEC Lt. jg Ben Soma- 2201*) Ben was once again in his quarters meditating, or at least trying to. He found it difficult to concentrate, he couldn't focus. Where he was kneeling in the main living area of his quarters he had a clear line of sight to the holo image of himself and Marah. He was thinking of her more and more as of late, the party and the wedding had been more difficult on him then he had realized. He was happy for the newly weds, they looked happy together. Ben envied that happiness, he wanted the same. Where was Marah, was she ok, had she moved on? From her perspective they had been separated for five years, was she still waiting for him? Sanok had inquired how he felt, odd for a Vulcan but then his friend wasn't a typical Vulcan. He was pleased that he had once again been given the opportunity to serve with Sanok. They had forged a friendship shortly after they had met, something else that was a little odd for a Vulcan to do. Mostly Vulcan's tolerated humans and their illogical tendencies. They had been through alot together in a fairly short period of time, they had shed blood together and faced death together. This had served to strengthen the bond between them. Ben didn't have any family left but he would have considered Sanok a brother, and he'd give his life to save him if it came down to it. Now that the crisis on the station had been resolved it was time to look to the future once again, what was waiting for them out there in the void. What hazards would they face, would they discover something new. That was one of the things he enjoyed about being a Starfleet officer, you didn't know what you were doing from day to day. Sure there was the regular routine of duty shifts and reports but aside from that anything could happen. (reply any, none required) (posted by Milo Young) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante, Observation Lounge Lt Tom Jackson 2O/COPS Day 1 2205) To entered the room and took his seat next to Phil Sheridan and Robbie Smith. Each gave Jackson a 'What's up look?'. Tom did not know and simply shook his shoulders. ~So much for being in the loop~ Jackson thought ssomewhat ullenly. The others filtered in and took their seats. Th first officer and CO had not yet arrived. Tom, Phil and Robbie shipped their drinks. While waiting for the captain and FO to arrive, Phil Sheridan began to tease his friend and boss Tom about being an 'old married man' now. Tom knew that these two were not going to ease up. TJ shrugged bis shoulders and replied "Well, when you got it you got it" and smiled at the other two men. They huddled and reviewed the OPS status reports they all knew that Captain Salid would want. The ship was fully set to depart on a moment;s notice. Weapons, software and engineering areas were updated and fully loaded. (reply: None) (posted by: Bill) --------------------------------------------------------------------- Mission: Once More Into the Breach Day 1 Stardate: 2414.01.15 (USS Rosenante - Ready Room - FO - Commander T'Larah Sullivan - 2207) T'Larah heard immediately and so she responded immediately. She arranged for a kennel for Norman with the Starbase. Sullivan knew that if Captain Salid had given such an order, the likely-hood of them sailing headway into immediate danger was a certainty. She actuated the chime outside of the ready room signaling her presence. Once told to do so she entered. (Reply Salid) "So evacuating all civilian personnel including animals, immediate report in of all sections and a canceling of all shore leave, how bad is it?" she asked. (Reply Salid) (Posted by Todd) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (SS Tranquility- Crew's Mess- V/M- Lieutenant Chance Raschen- 2212) Chance and his crew of the Tranquility had just completed 16 hours of PMCS (nrpg: Preventive Maintenance Checks and Services) in addition to preparing for the 0930 Pre-Sail inspection by the Dock-Master. They had all just finished showering and changing into their virtually never outdated navy blue coveralls. Dinner was cooking and the first bottle of booze of the night was on the table. Raschen snickered to himself when the sudden memory of how Starfleet had insisted that every member of 'Project: Pony Express' wear matching uniforms. So all the crew members of the 15 ships (like the Tranquility) taking part in the experimental project agreed to the simple blue coveralls as a working uniform (or underway uniform); no names, no rank, no affiliation, but on the left arm would be tabs of the major campaigns the wearer had participated in. The tabs would be black lettering on grayish-green patches. Color of the undershirt and footwear were up to the wearers discretion. For his part, Raschen went with a brown undershirt with brown hiking boots, and usually kept his sleeves rolled up past his elbows. And the tabs on his left arm read EB-454, AR-558, Placidity. Brandy Shea, a Lieutenant-Major with Flight Command, had come in from the bridge "Hey Chance, what the hell did you do This time?" Everyone in the room turned around and looked at her with a questioning look. "We just got a message from the Rosenante. He skipper wants to see you right away no matter your condition." As he slouched a little in his chair, Raschen nodded his head "Alright, send word that I am on my way." After getting up out of his chair, he stopped and grabbed a cola out of the refer; Raschen then went over to one of the counters and opened a drawer. After pulling his comm-badge out, he tapped it saying "Raschen calling Rosenante; one to beam over." --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante- Bridge- Lieutenant Chance Raschen- 2220) Raschen walked onto the bridge, having not changed clothes yet, and received several strange looks from most everyone on duty. Chance mentally shrugged it off cause when the man in charge wants you Now, you 'do not pass go' and you don't collect 200 bucks. Walking up to the Ready Room door, he pressed the button and waited for it to open. Raschen didn't have to wait long at all. When the door opened, he started walking and talking at the same time "You wanted to see me sir?" and stopped in front of the captain's desk between the two chairs. (Reply Salid, any iyw) Posted by Charlie --------------------------------------------------------------------- (Starbase 989 - The County Cork - ACEO Lt JG Eian O'Neill - Day 1 - 2230) Eian carried Murphy toward the County Cork with purpose. In a small bag, he had placed the dog's leash, his dog bowls, his toys, and a PADD containing the instruction manual his Dad had sent him. The barkeep Sean had spotted Eian getting ready to evacuate his puppy to the station's Sickbay, which was temporarily taking all pets who were to be kenneled in one of the cargo bays. Sean insisted that Eian let him take the puppy as payment for Eian repairing the Cork's crock-pot. He couldn't help but feel sorry for Murphy. He was only two and a half months old and he had no idea what was going on. He was about to be left for some indefinite amount of time. Eian knew the puppy couldn't understand anything he said, but he wished he could reassure his dog that he would be back sometime soon. "I'm sure it won't be too long, Buddy," he told the little dog who looked up at his master. "I'll be back before you know it. Just be good for Sean. Try not to destroy the bar." He entered the County Cork. Sean was moving things around behind the bar, and he saw Eian enter and flagged him over. "Eian! I set up a little area for the wee one, right here. He won't bother the customers and he won't be outta my sight." Eian smiled. "You know, this really isn't nece--" "Nonsense! Hand him over, hand him over!" Sean insisted, and held out his arms. Eian turned to Murphy. "Now you be good, okay?" The puppy gave Eian an eager lick to the face, and he chuckled. He handed Murphy over to Sean. "Take good care of him." "He's safe under my care, lad, don't you worry," Sean reassured him, and held the puppy close to his chest. Murphy sniffed Sean, trying to figure out what kind of new person he was, and Eian handed the bag over to his new dogsitter. "He doesn't have any special needs. Just...sometimes he misses the absorption rug." Sean raised an eyebrow and the corner of his mouth twitched. "Lad, this is a bar. He ain't the only one missin' the absorption rug, if you know what ah' mean." Eian's expression was somewhere between amused and disgusted, and he nodded. "Well, then...I'll keep that in mind when I come back and accidentally drop food on the floor." "Take care of yourself, lad. Say hello to Jessica for me." "Will do, Sean. Thanks again." "Don' mention it!" Eian walked out of the Cork, hearing Murphy whimper behind him. He hit his combadge. "O'Neill to Signos." (reply Jessica) Eian smiled at the sound of her voice. "Just dropped Murphy off. How about you?" (reply Jessica) (posted by Morgan G) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (Starbase 989 - Promenade - ATAC/SC Jessica Signos - Day 1 - 2236) She rounded the corner when her commbadge chirped =/\= O'Neill to Signos. =/\= Jessica saw Eian walking out of the Country Cork, she could tell he was not in the best of moods. She hoped that she could of been there to drop off Murphy but that was not the case. Her shift ran late with evacuating none essential personal from the Boudicca. She ran to his side her footfalls quite, "Yes," Eian smiled at the sound of her voice. "Just dropped Murphy off. How about you?" "Long shift, I'm worried about these orders. Our Captains would not have ordered this if they did not have some sort of purpose behind it." She talked has they walked back to the gangway of both the Boudicca and the Rosenante. (reply Eian, iyw) "I don't know what is out there, but I've already started developing contingency plans and worse case scenario's." She turned and wrapped her arms around him in a deep embrace. "Please be safe." She spoke softly, not caring who saw them, she held Eian tightly. (reply Eian) (posted by Matthew Locke) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (Starbase 989 - Promenade - ACEO Lt JG Eian O'Neill - Day 1 - 2239) When Eian stepped out of the County Cork and tapped his combadge to call Jessica, it was only a moment later that she fell in step beside him. "Yes," she said, as if answering from across the station Eian smiled at the sound of her voice and turned to look at her. "Just dropped Murphy off. How about you?" Their original agreement was that they would meet before dropping Murphy out, but he certainly understood that she had work to do. The Boudicca's Chief of Security was officially not the chief of security, meaning that she was most likely acting chief. He didn't know if that was true or not, but he had no doubt that she would be assuming a considerable increase in duty. "Long shift, I'm worried about these orders. Our Captains would not have ordered this if they did not have some sort of purpose behind it." She talked as they walked back to the gangway of both the Boudicca and the Rosenante. Eian nodded, but was silent for a moment. He grew up on starships, and knew when orders like this came through, it wasn't because the ship was about to go rendezvous with the Good Ship Lollypop. Evacuating everyone right down to the animals and non-essential civilian personnel, even those in the Fleet who did valuable work as consultants, told him that there was a good chance they might not even come back. He slipped his hand into Jessica's. "I don't know what is out there," she said, "but I've already started developing contingency plans and worse case scenario's." "Of course you have," Eian said with a small smile, knowing that they thought very much alike at times. He, too, had developed a long series of worst case scenario situations in his head. He and Matrix had only just finished up getting Engineering combat-ready, which was an assumption but a valid one. Suddenly, when they were close to the gangway, Jessica stopped, turned, and wrapped her arms around him in a deep embrace. "Please be safe." She spoke softly, and held Eian tightly. Eian returned the embrace and bent down to kiss her. When they were done, he smiled at her and released the hug. "I love you," he said. "And I'm gonna kick your ass if you don't follow your own orders," he added with a smile. (reply Jessica) "We'll be looking out for each other out there, whatever this is. And when we're done, we'll meet back at the Cork, pick up Murphy and have a Guinness or two and maybe even dance. I believe you owe me a lesson on Coordination 101." (reply Jessica) (posted by Morgan G) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Boudicca - Bridge - CO Captain Durand - 2328) Alan had emerged from the ready room just a moment before, having taken time for the meeting with his First Officer and to pour over all available data pertinent to their mission. He wondered absently what the crews were going to think when they were told what was going on. A full bridge watch was present, as he knew was true throughout the Boudicca. They might not yet know what was going on, but Starfleet crews being what they were, they responded as professionals. Of course, he was certain speculation was running like wildfire throughout the ship. Roberts and Selek were seated side-by-side at the conn and ops stations forward of the command chair, and Doug turned to address the Captain. “Sir, all stations report ready for departure.” “Very well. Inform the Rosenante, and contact docking control. Advise them both we are ready to depart, and we intend to follow the Rosenante out.” “Aye aye sir.” (Reply Rosenante iyw) The Captain of the Rose was senior, and he would be in command of their little task force as soon as they were underway. Alan fully expected to retain tactical command of the Boudicca, but he was operating under Salid’s overall authority. It was almost like being First Officer again, but with more responsibility. ~Fine with me. I’m certain he knows what he’s doing... and we can work out any kinks as we go.~ “Docking control signals clear for departure sir. The Rosenante is getting underway.” The view on the screen confirmed that. The sleekly majestic form of the other ship could be seen maneuvering expertly away from the station, then pivoting slowly onto her departure course. “Take us out, Mister Selek.” “Aye sir.” The young Vulcan did not disappoint. He sequenced thrusters perfectly, and the mighty Boudicca slipped slowly free of the docking pylon. When they were well away from the station, he reported again. “Captain, we are clear, and free to navigate.” “Very well Mister Selek. Departure course. Match speed with the Rosenante, echelon right formation, cruise spacing. Impulse power at your discretion.” With that, the two ships pointed their bows toward the unknown, the Boudicca trailing aft and starboard of the flagship. (Reply Any/All) (Posted by Russ) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Boudicca - Observation Lounge - ATAC/SC Jessica Signos - Day 1 - 2358) Jessica entered the observation lounge, this was one meeting she was sure that one did not want to be late to. She found her seat and pulled out a PADD and a small recording device, not wanting to miss one detail of what would be discovered during this meeting. After all meetings held in the middle of the night are normally never good, She waited till the turn of the day and the start of the meeting. She listened to Captain Durand, and watched the video's has two borg ships appeared on the screen. Her mood changed, people died or worse when the borg were involved. Jessica listened intently, especially on the rise of a new borg craft, where they were going and what they might want going there. There was so much she had to research, study, and prepare for. The last thing Jessica wanted to see was people dieing because she was not prepared enough to save there life. She listened, now was not the time for idle chatter, Thankful every word, every image was being captured on her device for later analysis. (reply none needed but always welcome) (posted by Matthew Locke) ======================================================= (USS Boudicca - Observation Lounge - CO Captain Durand - 0000) He walked in at just few seconds before midnight, bringing with him the PADD with all the data available thus far. He tabbed open a secure channel to the Rosenante, and was immediately rewarded with a view of all those present at the meeting aboard her. He spoke clearly, but not loudly, so that all the assembled personnel could hear him. He didn’t take his seat, but rather carried the PADD to stand near the oversized display at the end of the room. Addressing Salid, he began simply enough. “Captain Salid, shall I begin?” (Reply Salid, assuming ‘yes’) “Right. Thank you all for joining the Captain and I at such a late hour, but I assure you we don’t gather you here in the wee hours lightly. As you all know, just over two hours ago, we received joint mission orders from Starfleet... of the very highest priority. Admiral Richardson sent us this data packet. I warn you, the implications are disturbing.” As he continued to speak, the images that he and Salid had seen earlier were put on the screen, minus Admiral Richardson’s image or his briefing. Durand continued, “These images came from the Darson Deep Space Array. For those of you unfamiliar with it, that’s an extremely sophisticated sensor platform which is tasked with border surveillance. Occasionally it catches things like this.” He gestured toward the screen. “I suspect most if not all of you recognize the image to the right... that’s a Borg Tactical Cube. For those that don’t, it’s an upgraded, specialized for killing starships version of the ‘ordinary’ Borg Cube.” He let the import of that settle in for a moment, then went on. “The *worse* news, is that pyramid shaped vessel that is with it. We have no idea what exactly that is... beyond the fact that it is a Borg vessel. No one in Starfleet, nor any of our allies have ever encountered this design before. Command is rather imaginatively calling it a ‘Borg Pyramid’. Let’s not ever say that command lacks creativity,” he quipped without humor. “Both of them are on a course to the Dovek system, which is in the Beta Quadrant just outside Romulan space. As to what they are up to, Captain Salid will address that issue shortly. Any questions thus far? Comments?” (Reply Any/All, Room for discussion) (Posted by Russ) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Boudicca - Observation Lounge - TAC/SC Lieutenant(SG) Detron Trei - 0005) Detron was busy getting civilians off the ship and on the base as ordered. It was a fairly simple operation with little problems. Detron then went to the Department Head meeting. He knew he was technically not the Security head while under probation, but he was the only ranking officer in the department pending the transfer of Signos over to the Roseanante so he went. Detron heard the briefing about a Borg cube shaped as a pyramid. He has never seen a Borg cube in that shape before or has he heard of an attack Borg cube before. Detron listened further to hear that the cube was heading for Romulan space. ~That is just Fantastic. I don't know who I hate more Romulans or Borg. Greeeeeeeeeeeeaat.~ Detron listened for more information as best to understand the situation. (Reply Durand any at meeting) (Posted by Edward) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Boudicca - Observation Lounge - ACEO Ensign(jg) Henry Jacobs - 0006) Jacobs was one of the first to arrive since he was unoccupied previously. He sat and awaited other department heads and assistants to arrive for the briefing being shared by both ships. Jacobs had just days before completed the communication upgrades and wondered what they would be used for. It had been made clear what they were for as the briefing began. The upgrades made it possible for both ships to participate in the briefing simultaneously in real time. Images, data and other intel populated the view screen as Captain Durand began discussing the orders recently received from Starfleet command. ~IF the Borg are involved then I know engineering will be quite busy. If anything goes down we better be ready to fight and or run.~ The Captain paused to entertain any questions. (REply none) (Posted by Darryl) --------------------------------------------------------------------- End Compile ---------------------------------------------------------------------