Compile#11 May 27-31 (USS Rosenante & USS Boudicca Joint) --------------------------------------------------------------------- Mission: Once More Into The Breach Day: 3 Stardate 2414.01.17 Compile Summary (USS Rosenante - Ready Room - CMO, Lt jg. Kimiko Ichijo, - Day 3 - 0950) (USS Rosenante, Ready Room, Captain Ahmed Ibn Salid, Day 3 0955) ======================================================= Mission: Once More Into The Breach Day: 4 Stardate 2414.01.18 Compile Summary (USS Boudicca - Observation Lounge - CO Captain Durand - 0150) (USS Rosenante - Observation Lounge - CEO - Lt. Steven Matrix - 0155*) (USS Rosenante - Observation Lounge - Science Officer - Ensign Andrew Maddox - 0156) (USS Boudicca - Observation Lounge - ACEO Ensign(jg) Henry Jacobs - 0158) (USS Rosenante - Observation Lounge - Science Officer - Ensign Maria Holly -Day 4 0159) (USS Rosenante Bridge Lt. Tom Jackson 2O/COPS Day 4 0202 ) (USS Boudicca - Observation Lounge - ATT Lt Cmdr Matthew McLaren - Day 4- 0205) (USS Boudicca - Observation Lounge - Pilot- LMaj Brandy Shea- 0206*) (USS Boudicca - Observation Lounge - CO Captain Durand & ATT LCDR Lorimar - 0208) (USS Rosenante - Observation Lounge - Science Officer - Ensign Andrew Maddox - 0214) (USS Rosenante, Bridge, Lieutenant jg Sanok, 0247) (USS Rosenante, Bridge, CTAC/SEC Lt. jg Ben Soma, 0249) (USS Rosenante- Bridge- CSEC- LT Chance Raschen- 0251) (USS Boudicca, Main Sickbay, ACMO Candle, Day 4 , 0711) (USS Rosenante - Science Lab 2 - Science Officer - Ensign Andrew Maddox - 0735) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante - Ready Room - CMO, Lt jg. Kimiko Ichijo, - Day 3 - 0950) Basil added his part, “Dr Ichijo is right but they must be aware of the side effects of Therbuterol. From what I can remember and its very vague it affects a bodies red blood cell account which, in some way, accounts for some of the slowness of the assimilation process. How it would affect a lot of other races is unknown. Whoever decides to take this could be taking a big risk. There are other forms of neural suppressants that will have unknown affects if combined with the Therbuterol. One final option could be a cortical suppressant , that inhibits certain brain activities but again unknown combinations could have severe repercussions“ “As to the administration there may be another way. I have developed a bracelet that can monitor an individuals vital signs. My idea was to be able to inject something into a person’s body when assimilation is taking place. The assimilation process has many associated changes to a bodies system. Trouble is I don’t have many. It could easily add the Therbuterol and mix with the Triaculate if we go with that. Trouble is I don‘t have many.” Kimiko listened to Dr Candle about his idea ~Blood pressure~ Kimiko thought "Ah, I think that you may be thinking of Tharbutesol. Kimiko turned to the Captain and stated. "I honestly think that they are running out of names for new drugs and engendering confusion all around." Turning back to Dr Candle she stated,"Therbuterol inhibits a certain range of neurotransmitters that are responsible for the upper range exo-alpha wave pattern, prevalent with extrasensory episodes." She thought for a moment,"As for a cortical suppressant, activities would be severely limited while utilizing the device. I hesitate to say that with any external device such as the wristbands or cortical stims, we run into two issues; first, we don't have enough to go around, so who gets them? Second, they become a constant, visible reminder of the potential threat that the Borg hold and would be extremely detrimental to moral." Kimiko shrugged. "Any other suggestions?" (Reply Salid and/or Candle) (Posted by Jack) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante, Ready Room, Captain Ahmed Ibn Salid, Day 3 0955) Ahmed listened to Doctor Candle and to Doctor Ichijo as they discussed the situation that he had brought forward. An interesting case of one-upmanship seemed to develop, and Ahmed sighed mentally for a few moments. Once there was enough of a calm in the conversation Ahmed broke in. "Doctors." Ahmed replied, "I'm not here to discuss the finer points of playing doctor. What I'm interested is a clear indication whether this or any other related research could be useful in slowing the potential physical and psychological damage that could be wrought on our crews should the worst case happen." "I have some medical training, and while I am not by any means a fully certified Doctor, I am not ignorant on this subject either. that said, can Therbuterol potentially aid our people if they are exposed to Borg nanoprobes? That is the question, and that's the one I need answered at this moment." "I understand that there are complications and that it won't be good for everyone. So semantics and inability to conduct clinical trials aside what I need to know is whether it's a potential benefit to the crew? If not, another suggestion was put forward. Is that substitution a better choice? For that matter is there any better choice at all?" (reply Candle and/or Ichijo) "Barring an inability to have a medic or medical person available to distribute this to each patient, the monitor bracelet isn't a bad idea at all. I'd imagine that it is something that can be replicated easily. If the dosage can be calibrated quickly then I see no reason why it can't be distributed for the purpose of aiding of people. But before that happens I need you two to agree and tell me if we should even bother with the plan." (reply Candle and/or Ichijo) "Doctor candle, since we're going to have the Boudicca Engineering team tasked soon enough on another project, I want you to turn over the design specifications to Lieutenant Matrix here on the Rosenante so that he can start the replication process. Then you and Doctor Ichijo will figure out which and how much Neural Suppressant, assuming any at all is to be used, but do so quickly, so that the engineering teams will be able to get them built, and so you can adjust dosage before operations can distribute them. Do I make myself clear?" (reply Candle and/or Ichijo) "Good, you have 16 hours. Dismissed." (reply Candle, Ichijo) Daniel Greene ======================================================= (USS Boudicca - Observation Lounge - CO Captain Durand - 0150) Durand took a seat at the head of the long table in the OL, settling comfortably into the deeply padded chair. Everyone had arrived more or less on time, and he took a sip of his coffee before he began. “Good morning everyone. You may or may not have surmised the reason I’ve called you all here. Before we begin, I must emphasize that this particular assignment is strictly a voluntary one; no comment or record will be made if anyone does not wish to go along. Having said that, I’d like anyone who does not wish to volunteer to please leave the room. Now.” (Reply Any. Anyone not able to write their SPC, please bow out here.) After that was done, he looked around at each of the remaining faces in turn. “Thank you. Now, as to why we are all here...” he tabbed a control and the holographic display flicked to life, showing the Dovek system, the two Borg vessels, the Rosenante, Boudicca, and a not-to-scale image of the Runabout Lorimar. “These are the estimated dispositions when we achieve orbit of Dovek II. Captain Salid has elected to deploy some low observability probes to try and get data on the Borg activities. Frankly, given the sensor interference we are encountering, we are not especially confident that we will be successful in getting all we need from the probes.” He tabbed another control, and the image of the Lorimar grew to huge proportions, changing from an exterior visual to a planform cutout. “Our two ATT officers,” he gestured at McLaren and Lorimar, “designed this improved runabout with modular adaptability in mind, so I’ve been informed. We are about to utilize that capability.” Once again the view changed, the holographic runabout rotated, with the ‘general service’ aft module sliding out, only to replaced by one packed with scientific instrumentation. “One of the prepared modules is an enhanced sensor platform, with multiple instrument pallets and data processing equipment. You engineering types will be making the requisite modifications.” He worked the control pad again, and the image of the runabout shrunk to scale -- it was barely visible in the display now -- and a flight plan projected out. “This is merely a suggested course that I have generated. Your objectives are these: First, approach -- no closer than *absolutely* necessary -- the Borg vessels, and gather all possible data on their activities. Second, observe and report. DO NOT, under any circumstances, engage the Borg. Escape and evade if necessary. You people are *not* expendable, nor is the technology aboard that runabout. Safety and success of the mission are paramount.” He looked around the room again. “Make no mistake... you are the backup plan... the contingency. If the probes fail, it will be up to you to find out what the Borg are up to, so the task force can respond appropriately. I need you to have all preparations made to depart -- if a launch is needed -- as soon as possible. Comments or questions so far?” (Reply All at meeting. More to come, when we see just who is available.) (Posted by Russ) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante - Observation Lounge - CEO - Lt. Steven Matrix - 0155*) Matrix reviewed the meeting schedule and decided he might get some relevant information about the Borg and what was going in with the sciences department so he decided to attend the meeting. It was unusual for an engineer to attend such a meeting, but he was there to server the crew, sciences included. Ensign Andrew Maddox was well respected and his family tree preceded him, reputations were still admired and coveted. Maddox was a name that many knew and it seemed, a burden to carry for those offspring. Still Andrew carried himself well, was confident and was a striking resemblance to Dr. Bruce Maddox. “Good morning everyone. You may or may not have surmised the reason I’ve called you all here. Before we begin, I must emphasize that this particular assignment is strictly a voluntary one; no comment or record will be made if anyone does not wish to go along. Having said that, I’d like anyone who does not wish to volunteer to please leave the room. Now.” Second, observe and report. DO NOT, under any circumstances, engage the Borg. Escape and evade if necessary. You people are *not* expendable, nor is the technology aboard that runabout. Safety and success of the mission are paramount.” Maddox was as precautionary as his father. Keen on obtaining any information deemed vital to any mission, but precious to the safekeeping of human life nonetheless. Matrix respected that and admired the Ensign's command of authority and inspiration. As the meeting unfolded Matrix appeared to be noticed by those attending. He didn't speak, but took note of any requirements of his engineering crew. (Reply none, any) (Posted by Steve) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante - Observation Lounge - Science Officer - Ensign Andrew Maddox - 0156) “Good morning everyone. You may or may not have surmised the reason I’ve called you all here. Before we begin, I must emphasize that this particular assignment is strictly a voluntary one; no comment or record will be made if anyone does not wish to go along. Having said that, I’d like anyone who does not wish to volunteer to please leave the room. Now.” (Reply any) "I'm not giving up a chance to study that pyramid up close, sir. I'm in." Maddox stated. “Thank you. Now, as to why we are all here...” he tabbed a control and the holographic display flicked to life, showing the Dovek system, the two Borg vessels, the Rosenante, Boudicca, and a not-to-scale image of the Runabout Lorimar. “These are the estimated dispositions when we achieve orbit of Dovek II. Captain Salid has elected to deploy some low observability probes to try and get data on the Borg activities. Frankly, given the sensor interference we are encountering, we are not especially confident that we will be successful in getting all we need from the probes.” He tabbed another control, and the image of the Lorimar grew to huge proportions, changing from an exterior visual to a planform cutout. “Our two ATT officers,” he gestured at McLaren and Lorimar, “designed this improved runabout with modular adaptability in mind, so I’ve been informed. We are about to utilize that capability.” Once again the view changed, the holographic runabout rotated, with the ‘general service’ aft module sliding out, only to replaced by one packed with scientific instrumentation. “One of the prepared modules is an enhanced sensor platform, with multiple instrument pallets and data processing equipment. You engineering types will be making the requisite modifications.” He worked the control pad again, and the image of the runabout shrunk to scale -- it was barely visible in the display now -- and a flight plan projected out. “This is merely a suggested course that I have generated. Your objectives are these: First, approach -- no closer than *absolutely* necessary -- the Borg vessels, and gather all possible data on their activities. Second, observe and report. DO NOT, under any circumstances, engage the Borg. Escape and evade if necessary. You people are *not* expendable, nor is the technology aboard that runabout. Safety and success of the mission are paramount.” He looked around the room again. “Make no mistake... you are the backup plan... the contingency. If the probes fail, it will be up to you to find out what the Borg are up to, so the task force can respond appropriately. I need you to have all preparations made to depart -- if a launch is needed -- as soon as possible. Comments or questions so far?” "I assume, sir that you are going to want us studying the sensors up to the very moment we might be needed for this back-up plan?" he asked the question that he hoped was on everyone's mind. (reply Captain Durand, any present) (Posted by Todd) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Boudicca - Observation Lounge - ACEO Ensign(jg) Henry Jacobs - 0158) After finishing up the mission briefing Captain looked around the room and added, “Make no mistake... you are the backup plan... the contingency. If the probes fail, it will be up to you to find out what the Borg are up to, so the task force can respond appropriately. I need you to have all preparations made to depart -- if a launch is needed -- as soon as possible. Comments or questions so far?” Jacobs looked to his side to see if Gesar was going to comment, without seeing him move Jacobs raised his hand to begin asking questions. "Sir, how much difficulty have the ships been having with receiving the telemetry from the probes, is it something we can fix without leading to this 'contingency' plan?" (Reply Durand) "I would also like to know if an engineer is required on the away mission should we need the mission, if so I would gladly volunteer, to help make sure the Lorimar stayed in one piece and made it back?" (Reply Durand) Henry looked across the room to the other engineers and began his thought process on how to install the enhanced sensor platform. ~ Always good to compare notes and thought processes with fellow engineers, this shouldn't take long at all to accomplish~ (Reply any) (Posted by Darryl) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante - Observation Lounge - Science Officer - Ensign Maria Holly -Day 4 0159) Maria was sitting quietly in back of the lounge. She had not said much to anyone. Her assignment to the Rosenante was a bit of a surprise. She had been posted to SB 989 but had been re-assigned to the Rose due to a lack of Science officers The Rose's captain had used his command authority to get her posted to his ship. Maria was small and quiet. He dark brown eyes usually flashed with amusement but today they were filled with worry. She had not had a chance to socialize with her crew mates. She was somewhat of a loner. Maria smiled as others joined the group. Captain Durand spoke and Mzria turned her attention to the senior officer “Good morning everyone. You may or not have surmised the reason I’ve called you all here. Before we begin, I must emphasize that this particular assignment is strictly a voluntary one; no comment or record will be made if anyone does not wish to go along. Having said that, I’d like anyone who does not wish to volunteer to please leave the room". Silence passed and no one left. Maria wanted to but was glued to her seat She istened as the Captain continued the briefing. “Our two ATT officers,” he gestured at McLaren and Lorimar, “designed this improved runabout with modular adaptability in mind, so I’ve been informed. We are about to utilize that capability.” Once again the view changed, the holographic runabout rotated, with the ‘general service’ aft module sliding out, only to replaced by one packed with scientific instrumentation. “One of the prepared modules is an enhanced sensor platform, with multiple instrument pallets and data processing equipment. You engineering types will be making the requisite modifications.” He worked the control pad again, and the image of the runabout shrunk to scale -- it was barely visible in the display now -- and a flight plan projected out. “This is merely a suggested course that I have generated. Your objectives are these: First, approach -- no closer than *absolutely* necessary -- the Borg vessels, and gather all possible data on their activities. Second, observe and report. DO NOT, under any circumstances, engage the Borg. Escape and evade if necessary. You people are *not* expendable, nor is the technology aboard that runabout. Safety and success of the mission are paramount.” He looked around the room again. “Make no mistake... you are the backup plan... the contingency. If the probes fail, it will be up to you to find out what the Borg are up to, so the task force can respond appropriately. I need you to have all preparations made to depart -- if a launch is needed -- as soon as possible. Comments or questions so far?” Maria didn't know quit what to ask so she remained silent. (reply; none) (posted: by Bill) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante Bridge Lt. Tom Jackson 2O/COPS Day 4 0202 ) Tom had resumed his OPS duties. The ship was tensed as the probes had been launched. His readouts indicated some data transmission back to the Rose. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary. The data link suddenly stopped. "Sir, data transmission has been terminated - all efforts to re-initiate have failed" Jackson reported to the Captain and first officer. (reply: Captain or fo) The backup plan was now being implemented. The Lorimer class shuttle on the Boudicca was being prepped for a sensor run near the Borg cube and pyramid. The tactical cube was pretty standard in its set-up. The pyramid was another matter. Tom, as the 2O, was privy to the attempt to gain data by doing a fly by. He knew the odds were long against getting much but they had to try. Despite being newly married, Jackson wanted some action. He smiled as he remembered his training assignment on SB Geneva. Ahmed Salid, himself and a couple others underwent a tactical fight - an urban assault/rescue action. Tom seemed to react instinctively. He thought of the Rosenante's jr science officer maria Holly and her volunteering for the mission. Tom had met the young officer when she reported aboard. He had been in his early days as 2O. She seemed quiet and a bit insecure. She had volunteered for the fly-by telling the command team she felt she need 'some practical experience. Tom watched as the action unfolded (reply: anyone on bridge) (posted by: Bill) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Boudicca - Observation Lounge - ATT Lt Cmdr Matthew McLaren - Day 4- 0205) Matthew had reported as ordered to the Observation Lounge on the Boudicca, which wasn't particularly difficult considering that he and Bob had been working hard on the Anti-proton burst device that they had discussed aboard the Rosenante earlier. Of course, they had relocated it to the Boudicca because that ship had an available cargo bay that they could use to jettison the device if something went drastically wrong. Of course, at this stage neither Bob nor Matthew, at least as far as he knew had discussed the potential for the device with either of their commanding officers. Mostly because they didn't really know if it would be an option in the first place, since everything was so theoretical. While Matt had tried to work out some of the kinks that they had encountered on that project, Bob had been successful in completing the Antimatter device that he had been ordered to construct. Now Matthew sat at the table listening to the briefing with a growing sense of dread. The mission that they were discussing would be dangerous, to say the least, maybe not as dangerous as the Iradon mission or the Planet Killer mission, but dangerous enough to make Matthew consider his odds of returning alive. When Durand turned the briefing over to the two, designers, although Matthew still insisted that Lorimar had done the lion's share of the work, it was he, with a brief nod from Bob that rose to give the basic ship data. "Hello everyone, for those of you that don't know me, I'm Matthew McLaren. I am currently serving aboard the Rosenante, but I served as the Boudicca's Chief engineer for a good while. I am, as you heard the junior partner in the Lorimar Class Runabout design project," "As i wasn't told ahead of time what this briefing is about, I don't really have anything prepared. But I can give you some of the basics. The Lorimar Class is larger, better armed and better shielded than the more familiar Danube Class. She offers greater mission flexibility in the form of mission refit modules and is more maneuverable as well. She possesses a redundant Trojan Drop Ship computer core, which allows her to conduct more detailed data comprehensive mission profiles." "In the extended science configuration, she has six science stations with independent wide array sensor relays, 1 mission operations station which also doubles as a tactical station, an engineering station and the pilot and co-pilot's station." "Each pair of lateral stations is built into its own emergency escape pod, as is the pilot's compartment. So science stations one and two are paired, as are stations three and four. Science five is paired with the operations station and science six with the engineering station. The pilot and copilot are also paired." "In the event that the ship should suffer severe damage, and the abandon ship is called, retractable bulkheads will deploy separating the escape capsules, which will then jettison. The pods are designed for minimal maneuvering and so are best used to land on an inhabitable planet. In this case, Dovek II. " "I'm telling you this should we find it necessary to evacuate the vessel during the mission. The remainder of the ship's specifications and the science modules capabilities are available to you prior to mission departure." Matthew paused, "Are there any questions that I can answer directly?" (reply Any at the briefing) Daniel Greene --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Boudicca - Observation Lounge - Pilot- LMaj Brandy Shea- 0206*) When Brandy recieved the message that she had to be at a meetig onboard the Boudicca, she wasn't sure if she was going to make it do to the fact that she would have to beam over from the Rosenante. Fortunately her skipper off of the Tranquility was also the Chief of Security for the Rose, and he was able to assist in her getting to the Boud without being detected by the Borg; or so she hoped. When she entered the Boudicca's Observation Lounge one of the first things she saw was a hologram of Maddox and her first thought was ~F*** ME RUNNING!~ but muttered to no one in particular "If I had know that was all I had to do..." Then she saw Captain Durand sitting at the head of the conference table and swiftly came to the position of attention and saluted sounding off with "Lieutenant Major Brandy Shea reporting as ordered sir." (Reply Durand) "My appologies for my tardyness sir. Lieutenant Raschen helped me get beamed over from the Rosenante without aparent detection by the Borg using, um, unorthodox methods shall we say." (Reply Durand) "Thank you sir." Shea said politely as she sat down in the indicated chair. Once Brandy was brought up to speed on the briefing she seemed to lock her focus on the holo-image of the runabout she will be piloting as well as the prescribed flight plan. Once the skipper of the Bouddica opened the floor for questions, Brandy quickly raised her hand. "Has the Runabout that we are using had any major modifications to its exterior? The reason I ask is that if I might be able to use the planet's gravity well to glide the ship in manually without engines." (Reply Durand, McLaren and/or Lorimar) "Also if I may sir," Brandy started saying as she ran her finger over the image of the planet "If we follow a path that the Borg ships had already passed over, that may decrease our chances of being discovered. Especially if we shut down almost every system until we are well into the atmosphere." (Reply Durand, any iyw) "And for my last question sir, because I think I missed this part; who will be in command of the away team, and who is providing security? I just want to know for my passenger list sir; you understand." (Reply Durand) (Reply Durand, McLaren and/or Lorimar, any iyw) Posted by Charlie --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Boudicca - Observation Lounge - CO Captain Durand & ATT LCDR Lorimar - 0208) Alan listened to the questions posed by each of the assembled officers in turn, and then noted and responded to the arrival of Lieutenant Major Shea. “As ease, Lieutenant Major, have a seat. Now as to the questions at hand...” He turned toward the holographic image of Maddox aboard the Rosenante. He was at once a touch irritated, and yet understood the confusion. They had conducted so many meetings of late using this technology that it was easy enough to presume the next one (this one) would be done that way as well. No matter. “Ensign Maddox, I would like everyone not otherwise engaged to study all available data up until the launch. *If* a launch is necessary. Let’s hope we might gather some critical data without having you folks leave your ships.” (Reply Maddox iyw, Any) “As to the difficulty of receiving probe telemetry Mister Jacobs, I can say that the interference levels so far are near the high limit. That is to say, if it increases much more we may lose contact altogether. That is precisely why Captain Salid ordered me to put this contingency together. As to fixing it... compensating for it, whatever... if engineering or sciences can come up with something on short notice, I’m all for it. However I’m not expecting miracles. Not yet anyway.” (Reply Jacobs, Any) "I would also like to know if an engineer is required on the away mission should we need the mission, if so I would gladly volunteer, to help make sure the Lorimar stayed in one piece and made it back?" inquired Jacobs. Bob Lorimar coughed theatrically. He was keenly aware of the deadly seriousness of the mission, and he took the chance to lighten the mood a bit. “Laddie... are ye suggestin’ that Commander McLaren an’ ah are nae sufficient tae keep the lassie held together?” He poked McLaren in the arm lightly with his fingertip. “Did ye hear that, Commander? We’re nae engineers anymair!” He winked at Jacobs to rob his words of any possible offense. (Reply McLaren, Jacobs, Any) Lorimar grew serious once more. “Kiddin’ aside lad... we could use a bit of help getting the sensor module installed. We’ve got tae swap it oot wie the general service module, and then make some fine tunin’ adjustments tae the sensor suites. There’ll be room enough ah think for some help there before we launch.” He almost added the requisite ‘if we launch’, but thought better of it. He knew the capabilities of the probes as well as anyone; and he and Matt had first hand experience with anti-proton weaponry and subspace interference from their encounter with the Planet Killer. They were, more likely than not, going to be needed. ‘When’, rather than ‘if’, he reasoned. (Reply Any) Durand turned and fixed his gaze on Lorimar then, and favored him with a thin smile. “I’m glad that you spoke up, Commander. In answer to one of our Lieutenant Major’s questions, *you* will be in command of this little soiree.” Bob began to protest immediately, but wisely dropped it when Durand gave him ‘the look’. “Yes. Commander McLaren is senior; and yes, you are an engineer. You were the Second Officer of this ship prior to my taking command, and after. The question is settled. You are it.” Bob acquiesced with good grace. He knew the Captain was not a man to brook an argument. “Aye aye sir,” he responded reasonably. Durand turned back to Shea. “As to your security question, specific assignments I’ll delegate to your mission commander; but I’m sure prudence will dictate taking at least one tactical/security officer along with you. Call it an insurance policy... as this is *not* a tactical mission.” (Reply Any) Durand looked around at the assembled faces both present and represented holographically. He fervently hoped he was not going to have to order them out; but he knew this was more than a contingency... more likely a near certainty. “As to the specifics of the flight plan, and the technical discourse on the runabout and its capabilities, I leave that to the men who built her. Gentlemen?” (Reply McLaren, Lorimar, More to come) (Posted by Russ) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante - Observation Lounge - Science Officer - Ensign Andrew Maddox - 0214) “Ensign Maddox, I would like everyone not otherwise engaged to study all available data up until the launch. *If* a launch is necessary. Let’s hope we might gather some critical data without having you folks leave your ships.” Andrew wondered if the last bit was a barb at him. Maddox being the only one who was represented at the meeting by hologram, if there was a facetious bent to the end of the address it was definitely pointed at him. Who were they to shoot him down because he had thought of an idea and no one else had? That cemented in Maddox's mind who was the creative center of the group. He kept this revelation to himself. He found out that if one pointed out other's creative short-comings they tended to react badly. Maddox's attention turned back to the Captain, after the engineers quibbled over who was where on the pecking order of building and designing the runabout and Durand himself made absolutely clear who was in-charge. Durand turned back to Shea. “As to your security question, specific assignments I’ll delegate to your mission commander; but I’m sure prudence will dictate taking at least one tactical/security officer along with you. Call it an insurance policy... as this is *not* a tactical mission.” ~Not a tactical mission? We could get shot at and it's not a tactical mission. So it's a recon mission sprinkled with tactical issues?~ Maddox again wisely kept his mouth closed. (Reply any at briefing) (Posted by Todd) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante, Bridge, Lieutenant jg Sanok, 0247) "I wouldn't have it any other way, my friend," said Ben. "Indeed," said Sanok. He thought back to the adventures the two security officers had together. Tough spots, scrapes, sticky situations, and outright trouble, seemed to follow them wherever they went. They had fought side-by-side and back-to-back. They had saved each others' lives and rescued others together. Sanok never would have imagined having such a friend in his life. With everything they had faced together, the threat of the Borg was greater than all of them combined. Pushing them out of his mind, he remembered the time Ben had been accused of murder on Axtis III and subsequently almost hanged..... Sanok spotted a cluster of fires from torches, dancing amongst the trees along both sides of a narrow path. Heading in that direction, he heard angry voices debating on what to do with the murdering Human. Reaching the location, there were about a fifteen men from various races, with the sounds of more coming. Ben was barely standing, slumped forward in the iron grip of the Klingon, Klagth. A small rivulet of blood dripped down one cheek. "What is the meaning of this?" Sanok's loud, authoritative voice, immediately silenced the crowd. Everyone looked at him, uncertain expressions on their faces. A few newcomers stopped in their tracks and waited a safe distance away. "I said, what is the meaning of this?" "Your friend killed Kavol," said Klagth. "According to our rules, he can be put to death for his crime." Sanok saw the large, motionless body of the Nausican, Kavol, lying further up the path. Moving forward carefully, he did a quick visual inspection. He looked back at the group. "Is there proof of this? Were there any witnesses?" said Sanok. Murmurings spread through the crowd as they looked at each other. Finally, Klagth spoke again. "There were no witnesses, but Shren there found your friend lying unconscious, a bloody knife on the ground next to him." Sanok turned to face the Andorian, Shren, the most serious expression on his face. "Well?" "It's just like Klagth said. I was coming back from Bral's cabin after collecting my winnings for the day, and I found both of them." "Did you touch anything?" "No, but your friend woke up, and tried to escape, so we grabbed him. The knife is still over there on the ground." A Human man stepped forward. Sanok recognized him as one of the officials of the martial arts tournament Ben had entered. "It's Sanok, right?" Sanok nodded. "Look, we're showing you a courtesy, since it's your friend and because you're new here, but our rules are clear. All the evidence points to him, and he's going to hang for what he did." "Rules?" said Sanok. "Don't you mean, laws?" "Rules," said the man. "This world is registered as an unclaimed planet, so there's no official government. There have been tournaments and wilderness survival trips here for fifty years, so the Federation pretty much leaves us to ourselves, as long as we don't violate anything major." That was all Sanok needed to hear. Reaching into his tunic, he produced his Starfleet identification badge. "I am Ensign Sanok, a Starfleet security officer from the USS Mithrandir. According to Starfleet regulations..." He quoted the numbers. "...I am assuming the position of law enforcement officer. This is now an official investigation." Sanok had arrived just in time to stop Ben from being strung up. The two conducted the investigation and discovered the identity of the true murderer. It had been a close call for Ben there, but it also turned out to be one of the best times in his life; in both their lives. It's also where Ben met Marah. Actually sighing, Sanok conducted another diagnostic on his secondary station. He needed to dismiss these thoughts and concentrate on the task at hand. There would be plenty of time to deal with the past once the Borg had been thwarted. (reply any) (posted by Bob) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante, Bridge, CTAC/SEC Lt. jg Ben Soma, 0249) "Indeed," said Sanok. Ben thought back to their past skirmishes, both had been ensign jg's when they had first met. Having been assigned to the USS Dennison for his first post had been exciting for him, fresh out of the Academy and already posted to a warship. The Denny wasn't a pretty ship but she had firepower, multivector assault mode, she was built to fight. The one time they separated the ship was a disaster, that ill fated mission to Maltoria had marked the end of the Denny's service. While awaiting reassignment on Geneva Sanok had suggested volunteering for a couple duty shifts, Ben agreed as it would help pass the time. On their first shift the unthinkable happened, there was a fire in the Hyperion. Sanok and Ben had charged into the inferno to pull out whom ever they could find, when everything had seemed to settle down and life returned to normal Sanok had been abducted. There was an investigation and eventually Ben had been able to track Sanok's location and rescue his college, they had become close friends after that. They had shed blood together, fought back to back, and had been through more then either of them cared to admit. Then the unthinkable happened, Ben wound up being abducted. His abductors pulled him into a phased universe, he was sure he'd never see his friend again. Things went from bad to worse, he had been treated well but he attempted to escape, which didn't go over well. He eventually was recaptured and subjected to experimentation, that cased Ben to slip into a coma. At the time he was unaware that the crew of the Mith had followed them and were planning a rescue, his friend had come to find him. Ben remained in the coma for quite some time, when he finally woke he found Sanok had been transferred. Having lost both Sanok and Marah proved to be to much for him so he request a leave of absence and set out to think things through. Once again he was captured and imprisoned, little did he know that once again his friend would be in the rescue party, but it wasn't until later that they were actually reunited. Serving together once again, he was glad for that. Turning his attention back to the display on his terminal he monitored the progress of the probes, so far it seem as if the Borg was paying them any attention. He wondered how this would play out, would they fight the Borg? He wasn't looking forward to a confrontation, the Borg stirred feelings in all but for Ben they brought back some painful memories. The Borg had taken his family from him, something he could not forgive. He knew it was illogical to think that way but he couldn't help it. The Borg were like a storm on the horizon, one did what they could to avoid it and stay out of it's way. Now they had been sent to investigate the Borg's presence and figure out why they had come. (reply any on Bridge) (posted by Milo Young) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante- Bridge- CSEC- LT Chance Raschen- 0251) The former privateer sat at his station of the bridge watching the probe on it journey toward the planet; praying that it would successfully do what it was supposed to do. He felt bad enough that he helped Brandy make it over to the Boudicca so she could pilot a ship for an away team incase the probe failed. But he didn't want to have to return to Starbase 939 and tell one of his old war buddies (Terry Walker) that the Borg had killed, or worse yet, assimulated the love of his life. The more Raschen watched the screen, the more he wanted to do something. He was smart enough not to call his security troops, yet again, and ask for a status report. Even the most level headed of his people sounded as if they would go to the bridge and kill him if he so much as thought about asking for a status report again before any real action began. Chance looked around the bridge of the Rosenante. He was only a lieutenant, but he had had a long full life. The looks on everyone's faces showed to some degree just how scared they really were. Even Sullivan, though Chance doubted she would admit it to anyone. ~Must be a Vulcan thing.~ he thought Then out of the blue, Raschen started talking just loud enough for everyone on the bridge to hear. "Sitting here, waiting like this reminds me of the Siege of Placidity..." (Reply any) "Placidity is the Federation name for a planet just the other side of the Cardassian Neutral Zone. During the war we had a base there that was about to be overrun by enemy ground troops. Starfleet High Command had given orders to abandon the base in order to fall back and regroup. The Irregular Federation Forces were given orders to protect the retreat." (Reply any iyw) "Unfortunately, the hospital was full of wounded whose health was so bad that moving them by any means would have killed them." (Reply any iyw) "Well, I was one of the IFF captains there. When myself and others had recieved word that a small group of enlisted medical personnel disobeyed orders and remained on Placidity to take care of the wounded we took action. I took charge of the Privateer Fleet and, then, Major La Croix took command of the Mercenary Troops." (Reply any iyw) "He was my Military Liason Officer aboard the Star Hawk. Anyway, with a force of less than one third of what we were facing; the privateers and mercenaries of the IFF held off the Cardassians and defended the Placidity Ground Fort for the better part of three weeks. Our losses were devistating. When Federation reenforcements started to arrive and the campaine to retake the planet began that was when we learned that the siege was just a diverginary tactic." (Reply any iyw) "Come to find out, the Cardassians were keeping us busy while they evacuated from the far side of the planet." (Reply any iyw) Just then a flash on the Operations Console caught Raschen's attention "We are getting something from the probe." he reported as he returned to checking the readouts on his own console. (Reply any iyw) Posted by Charlie --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Boudicca, Main Sickbay, ACMO Candle, Day 4 , 0711) Basil was confused. Not an uncommon feeling for him but disconcerting non the less. He had three active screens in front of him. One was continued research into anti-assimilation techniques that, for the moment, he was taking a break from. One was feeding scientific information gleaned from initial studies from the anti-proton beam, it was there just for curiosity. He couldn’t help having a nose, it was the scientist in him. The information on the third screen, particularly the absence of it was what was confusing him. In some spare moments he was trying to figure out more from Cullodnal’s research. He tried, after his stint in astrometrics, pinpointing this planet in conjuction with what was known of the T’kon empire. In some way he hoped seeing it may inspire him, give him some mystical insight, into what could be buried there. It only inspired a headache caused by staring at the revolving planetary systems for too long. During his other research there was part of his mind ticking away at the problem. He was looking at it all wrong. He needed to understand the man, the researcher that may throw a light on what he and so the Borg were looking for. Xer Na’s profile was curious because it was so … normal. He was a Cygnian, joined Starfleet and became a archaeologist. Nothing remarkable, potential mental abilities which isn’t that surprising in a Cygnian. The more that Basil stared at the profile the more he was confused. ~No-one can be that boring~ The more he stared at the profile, the more he started getting a feeling that there was more to Xer Na Cullodnal Basil thought, ~ Professor Xer Cullodnal what in the darkest depths were you working on~ (No reply needed) (Posted by Warren Simkins) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante - Science Lab 2 - Science Officer - Ensign Andrew Maddox - 0735) Maddox had offered to give the whole department some much needed rest as he monitored all the currently on-going experiments. Not surprisingly only a handful stayed. Remey, Stevenson and a few others. Maddox was on his fourth shift since the mission started, and it was showing. Security wasn't the only one pulling double and triple shifts. "Anti-protons, why did it have to be anti-protons?" he mumbled under his breath. "What did you say?" Stevenson asked as she brushed a blond lock out of her face. "Anti-protons." He repeated, "Essentially the precursor to the very antimatter we hold in our storage tanks. A nasty weapon that leaves heavy radioactive isotopes and ions in it's wake. I don't even want to think of what that weapon could do to the planet at higher levels, not to mention of what it would do to a starship." "Oh, well I'm just a xeno-biologist and xeno-botanist..." she said meekly. "I'm sorry, I forget sometimes people didn't grow up around particle accelerators and robotics labs." he apologized. "So how is the computer simulation tracking what the Borg weapon is going to do to the local planet's fauna?" he said quickly changing the subject on his insensitivity. "Well there isn't a lot of fauna to begin with. It's almost a dead planet. Most of what is left are mosses, lichens and proto-plant bacterial colonies. Some of them are used to being bombarded with 98% UV from this planet's sun. They last a little longer then most. Over 98% of the scenerios end with total plant death with in seconds of being with in one mile of the beam...." she said pouring over the results. "Says here there is apploximately a point zero, zero, zero three percent chance of the undergound lichens that are with in one to three miles adapting to low level radiation bombardment. Interesting." ~Interesting but currently irrelevant.~ "If this planet survives the Borg assault and we are alive to request it, you should collect a sample and maybe it could be named after you, the Stevensen's Lichen. Nice ring to it." he said. "Yeah..." she said trailing off. "What's wrong?" even a social clueless wonder such as Andrew could tell something was bothering her. "Andrew it's the Borg!" she said. "I know." he said. "Aren't you scared?" she asked. "Yeah, of course." he replied, now facing her. "Why are you acting like a statue? You don't look scared." she asked him truely not believing that he was scared at all. "The Borg, can we fight them off single handedly?" he asked. "No, they would just keep coming..." she said. "I've learned long ago that if something bothers you and you can't do anything about it, then just don't think about it. Find something else to occupy your thoughts." he said. "...but..." she said in disbelief. "I've been in Star Fleet for some years now, not as long as most of the bridge crew, but the one thing I've learned is for us to come out of this, for us to have a chance, I, we, everybody has to do their part. Because I can do something, I can analyse their weapon and find a weakness, that will give Engineering a chance to find a way to counter act it. Which will give tactical a fighting chance. Which will give Captain Salid the ability to bring most of his crew home. Do you get it?" "Yeah, I think I do." she said as she wiped a tear away she hadn't even noticed. "Good, now take a look at that thousanth of a percent and see why they could survive so close to the beam, while I take a look at the beam it self." "Okay." she said and they both set to work. (Reply any, none) (Posted by Todd) --------------------------------------------------------------------- End Compile ---------------------------------------------------------------------