Compile#3 May 05-06 (USS Rosenante & USS Boudicca Joint) --------------------------------------------------------------------- Mission: Once More Into the Breach Day 1 Stardate: 2414.01.15 Compile Summary (USS Boudicca - Ready Room - CO Captain Durand - 2208) (USS Rosenante - Ready Room - FO - Commander T'Larah Sullivan - 2216) ======================================================= Mission: Once More Into the Breach Day 2 Stardate: 2414.01.16 Compile Summary (USS Boudicca - Observation Lounge - ATAC/SC Jessica Signos - Day 2 - 0011) (USS Rosenante - Observation Lounge - CO Captain Ahmed Ibn Salid - Day 2, 0031) (USS Boudicca - Observation Lounge - ATAC/SC Jessica Signos - Day 2 - 0032*) (USS Boudicca - Observation Lounge - aCEO Anton Gesar - 0036) (USS Boudicca - Corridor - ACEO Ensign(jg) Henry Jacobs - 0038) (USS Boudicca - Main Security Office - aFO - Cmdr Josh Caskie - Day 2 - 0040) (USS Boudicca - Observation Lounge - ATAC/SC Jessica Signos - Day 2 - 0041) (USS Boudicca - TAC Offices - ATAC/SC Jessica Signos - Day 2 - 0042*) (USS Boudicca - Main Sickbay - aFO - Cmdr Josh Caskie - Day 2 - 0043) (USS Boudicca - Main Engineering - aFO - Cmdr Josh Caskie - Day 2 - 0047) (USS Boudicca - Main Engineering - aCEO – Ensign Anton Gesar - Day 2 - 0048) (USS Boudicca - Bridge - aFO - Cmdr Josh Caskie - Day 2 - 0050) (USS Boudicca - Observation Lounge - CO Captain Durand - 0052) (USS Rosenante - Observation Lounge - FO - Commander T'Larah Sullivan - 0055) (USS Boudicca - TAC Offices - ATAC/SC Jessica Signos - Day 2 - 0100) (USS Rosenante - Main Engineering - ACEO Lt JG Eian O'Neill - Day 2 - 0110) (USS Boudicca - Trei's Office - TAC/SC Lieutenant(SG) Detron Trei - 0111) (USS Rosenante - Bridge - CO Captain Ahmed Ibn Salid Day 2 - 0112) (USS Rosenante, CSec Quarters, LT Chance Raschen, 0115) (USS Rosenante Bridge 2O/COPS Lt Tom Jackson Day 2 0116) (USS Boudicca - Observation Lounge - ATAC/SC Jessica Signos - Day 2 - 0117*) (USS Rosenante - Captain's Ready Room - ACEO Lt JG Eian O'Neill - Day 2 - 0118) (USS Boudicca - Trei's Office - TAC/SC Lieutenant(SG) Detron Trei - 0120) (USS Rosenante, Phaser Control Room, CTAC/SEC Lt. jg Ben Soma, 0121) (USS Rosenante, Security Office, LT Chance Raschen, 0125) (USS Boudicca - Transporter Room - Rose FO - Commander T'Larah Sullivan - 0137) (USS Boudicca - Holodeck 2 - ACEO Jacobs - 0140) (USS Boudicca - Main Engineering - ACEO Ensign(jg) Henry Jacobs - 0200) (USS Boudicca - Deck 13, ATT Lab - ATT LCDR Lorimar - 0241) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Boudicca - Ready Room - CO Captain Durand - 2208) “Have a seat, Commander. Sadly, no rogue comets this time.” (Reply Caskie iyw) He tabbed a command on his desk panel, and a smaller version of the wall mounted viewer in the Observation Lounge glowed on the bulkhead to the left of his desk. He allowed the full transmission of Admiral Richardson’s briefing to the two Captains to play, including the commentary by both himself and Captain Salid. He made no comment, as he didn’t wish to interrupt. He had debated, briefly, the decision to let Josh see the entire exchange. He had quickly decided to give her every scrap of information that he had available. After all... in the highly probable event that he were killed or incapacitated, she *must* be able to carry the mission forward. Individuals were of little import; for there was a far greater good hanging in the balance. When the entire exchange had played, he looked her in the eye. “That’s the deal commander... all of it. We’re not sure what the Hell they are up to, but I can guarantee you that its not good. Captain Salid will be in overall command, and we will be briefing the senior staffs simultaneously at 2400. I’d like to hear any thoughts you have. Now is the time to be completely frank.” (Reply Caskie, Room for more) He cleared his throat quietly after she was done speaking. “In the interest of full disclosure, I think I should tell you that I have encountered them before, fourteen years ago.” He went on to briefly relate the encounter, leaving out many of the details that he had shared with Salid. They simply didn’t have time for his full maudlin recollections. He did, however, give the salient facts in detail. After he finished, he brought up the next important point. “You can see now why I took the almost unprecedented step of evacuating all the civilians from the ship. That includes pets as well. I’m truly sorry to separate folks from them, but there is no other choice. I trust you understand. Do you have pets yourself?” (Reply Caskie, Room for more) “I see. We have no choice at all really. Some of my actions -- our actions, really -- will be dependent upon the orders given us in the briefing by your former Captain. Absenting that however, we will retain command authority aboard the Boudicca of course. I’d like you to coordinate the efforts of all departments. Whatever Salid orders us to do, we still must make all our preparations. I’m hoping to avoid conflict, but realistically you know that is very unlikely given the Borg’s normal behavior. If... *when* the shooting starts, we need to be as ready as we can possibly be. I’m sure you understand that the overall mission goals are more important than any of us, our crews, or the ships. We *must* find out what they are doing, and stop it at any costs. Now... let’s hear your thoughts. I want to know whatever you may be thinking, no matter how wild or unorthodox. On second thought... the wilder and more unorthodox the better. If we are going to defeat them, it will be by using means and methods that they have never seen before. We have to retain the advantage, and beat the bastards before they can adapt. We *must* keep them off balance. If we play the game by their rules... then I’m afraid we are lost before we begin.” (Reply Caskie, Room for much more) (Posted by Russ) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante - Ready Room - FO - Commander T'Larah Sullivan - 2216) Ahmed nodded. "I agree. In fact, I'd say Captain Durand's experience is essential. Even if he was a junior tactical officer at the time, the very fact that he has a direct personal encounter with the Borg makes him an invaluable asset." He turned to face his First Officer. "This is going to get nasty T'Larah. a lot of people are going to die on this mission. We're going to have to achieve our goals here regardless of our personal sacrifices. No one is too valuable to commit and the Borg have to be stopped. I don't know what they are up to, but it simply can not be anything good for us. We'll stop them or we'll die trying. We do not retreat, we do not surrender. We fight until there is nothing left, is that understood?" "Understood, sir." she said with conviction. "If there is nothing further, there are preparations.." (Reply Salid) Once he was finsihed, "I will see you at the meeting then." she then left to prepare for the meeting. (Reply none needed.) (Posted by Todd) ======================================================= (USS Boudicca - Observation Lounge - ATAC/SC Jessica Signos - Day 2 - 0011) ~May the fates protect us.~ Jessica thought has the briefing went bad to worse. It all made sense now, her shoulders sunk, she knew the up and coming orders were bad but she had no ideal that they would be this. ~What to do?~ She thought her father had taught her never panic, you can always find a solution if you look hard enough. That what she did now, she searched all the information she had learned of the borg during her academy, and from the horror stories she's was told from her father. When a thought came to her, a daring, and somewhat suicidal thought, but this was however a suicidal mission. She outlined the details for her insanity in her PADD has she listened to the mission breifing. "Does anyone here have any questions or concerns that they need to voice?" Captain Salid voiced. Jessica stood, she was sure that the room was gonna either be flooded with question or completely silent. She motioned to the Captain Durand "With your leave sir." (reply Durand) Jessica looked over the combined meeting rooms, her experience in starfleet many times out shown by the experienced officers gathered before here. She felt how she often looked small, weak, frail. "Has there been any thought on how we will engage two borg ships, when this goes south." She voiced her option. She closed her eyes to collect her thoughts "Lets face facts the Borg are not gonna take kindly to two federation ships interfering with their plans. How will we fight two borg vessels when it normally takes an entire fleet to take one borg cube down. These are all fears we share." She paused to catch her breath and to stop herself from rambling. "I do have an ideal, a small team to beam aboard the borg cube or other key tactical location, push has far as possible into the structure has a teleport signal can allow. Drop and arm an antimatter mine and blow it from the inside." (reply any who wish.) She watched the looks on the other officers faces, she was more concerned with the Captain looks however. She took a deep breath. "Also there is the matter of Borg drones adapting to our phasers, which highly lowers there effectiveness. I propose instead we use hyper sonic impact rounds." Again she glanced around the room. "We know there adaptive shields are effective against energy based weapons, but when faced with high speed rounds... they fail." She sat letting what she said sink in, it was after all her insanity. She wondered how the rest of the crews would look at her after her little speech. Either way they would find a way to overcome the trials before them or die trying. (reply any in the meeting who wish) (posted by Matthew Locke) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante - Observation Lounge - CO Captain Ahmed Ibn Salid - Day 2, 0031) "I understand sir; I have a couple ideas that I want to ask about. But first, one quick question sir. Where do you want LMaj. La Croix and LMaj. Shea to report?" Ahmed gave it a moment to consider his answer. "Have La Croix report to Rosenbauer for assignment, I think that temporary inclusion into his squad will provide them with an additional combatant. However, Rosenbauer retains command there Lieutenant." "As for Shae, if she is qualified to fly a ship this size have her report to Lieutenant Dralar on the bridge for duty assignment. If she is not, I could use her in the shuttle bay, insuring that all the runabouts are secured prior to our engagement with the Borg." (reply Raschen) Chance continued. "For defense, I want to set up some Kill Zones with EMP mines throughout the ship. For offense, Major Shea had the idea of using one of the support craft to drop EMP bombs on the Borg vessels." Ahmed raised an eyebrow. "Denied Lieutenant. First off any EMP mine strong enough to harm a Borg drone, would be powerful enough to kill personnel as well as disrupt ship's systems. I'm afraid it can not be risked." he replied with a shake of his head. "And I am not about to risk any support craft in such an insane one-way operation. Capital ships are going to have enough trouble dealing with a Tactical cube, let alone a support craft. You'll have to come up with a better alternative than that. I want to minimize secondary damage to ship's personnel and systems, and I will not authorize any sort of cowboy suicide missions. Is that clear Lieutenant Raschen?" (reply Raschen) Daniel Greene --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Boudicca - Observation Lounge - ATAC/SC Jessica Signos - Day 2 - 0032*) The meeting was over, They all had their orders and has all the other officers exited the meeting to about their respected task. Jessica waited till all but the ones that were requested to stay remained, has she made her way to the door. "Sir." She stopped before Captain Durand. "Here is my PADD with all preliminary notes on what I spoke of, hopefully with we might better find a way out of this." She spoke softly has she handed it over. With in was notes on antimatter mines, and a list of high velocity weapons, and stats. Jessica took note of one weapon in particular, the rail-gun. NRPG: I am assuming that since 2008 the US has successfully test a rail cannon that by this time the teck would exist to reduce the heating and capacitor issues that keep it from becoming a valued weapon. (reply Durand) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Boudicca - Observation Lounge - aCEO Anton Gesar - 0036) Anton listened as the Captain laid out why they had all been recalled from their leave. He watched the screen he saw the two Borg ships appear on the screen. As he listened, Anton wondered how many people in the room have had actual encounters with the borg. Personally he has never had the chance but looking at the two ships on the screen he had an instant understanding of why people spoke about them the way they did. He focused on the oddly shaped ship. ~I thought they all used cubes.~ “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. Anton focused his attention even more on the strange ship. “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?” Anton looked around the room to see who would speak first as he tried to formulate his thoughts. Signos was the first to speak. She had the typical concerns one might have when dealing with borg. First there were the two ships so an all out attack was a bad idea. A small team to go in and drop and antimatter mine. Anton considered the idea of the Antimatter mine. They were powerful, built to be attracted to a ship's hull via magnetics. Able to move through shields and causing severe damage to hulls. It would do a great deal of damage from the inside.Of course there was the matter of the borg adapting to phaser frequencies so using high speed rounds was suggested. Trei spoke up next. It was a bit odd for Anton. The man had been reprimanded by the captain and yet Anton still felt a pang of anger when faced with him. Anton had to hold back his comment when Trei volunteered to go blow something up. "Captains, if I may." Anton observed Sanok speak through the view screen as he stood next and pretty much shot down most of Signos’s ideas. Captain Salid diplomatically accepted both views. The Rosenante ACEO was next. "I have an idea," Eian said. He stood, still looking at his PADD. "I think...yeah, if we can manufacture the images of people, we can also manufacture false life signs. It's possible that we could have a boarding team 'beam in', manufacturing their image but in reality beaming in just the mine with anti-gravs attached to it. Then, using the holodeck technology I developed last December, we could have them control the mine on the holodeck as if they were actually on the Borg cube. It would mean we'd have to beam holo-emitters over with the mine, but it wouldn't be so hard to do. We could also attempt to modify our weapons to display a false holo-signature, masking the inherent signature with a subspace mask." Now excited, he put the PADD down and used his hands to animately describe his idea. "It'd be like having a secure conversation, only we could potentially even tap into interspace channels. The only issue is the power drain, but it's possible we could piggyback a signal off of their own node system. It would simultaneously draw power from their ship and give power to our holo-emitters, which would also carry the signal that would mask the mine signature. And if we could somehow get that signal over to the Rose or the Boudicca, we could transfer them to our own weapons in the event of them boarding us." "But it might take too much time," he continued. "So as a backup plan if they try to board us, we could rig the holodeck to do pretty much the same thing. Masking the signature of our energy weapons so they would have to spend time attempting to find it to adapt to it. It would buy us time if nothing else," he finished. ~Wow, he certainly has an active imagination.~ Anton thought as he observed the engineer come off of his excitement high now that the idea was out of him. Captain Salid dealt with the jumble of thoughts just as diplomatically. Telling the ACEO to better formulate his idea and have the others review. "Now to answer Ensign Signos' earlier question concerning a battle plan, Captain Durand and I will be discussing our options and will have a general plan of action prepared prior to our arrival at the Dovek system. As of this moment we are still reviewing the most recent tactical engagements with the Borg, that we can get our hands on, in the hopes of familiarizing ourselves with the most recent advances in Borg offensive and defensive technology and tactics." Ahmed paused for a moment. He looked around the room. "Now I've got to ask a question that may make some of you very uncomfortable. I need to know who among us has had any direct experience with the Borg. By direct I mean first hand contact, not stories, not what was taught in the academy. This is important, because that experience could be helpful in coming to a better understanding of how the Borg think, or how they may react to our actions once we've arrived." Anton looked around the room. Looks like his own question was about to be answered. Once all the remaining questions and comments had been presented, asked and answered, Captain Salid dismissed everyone. As usual, Anton chose to observe rather than participate. If they were to enter battle he would be busy enough keeping the ship together. So volunteering for a crazy mission was second on his priority list. (Reply None) (Posted by Oleg Kislyuk) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Boudicca - Corridor - ACEO Ensign(jg) Henry Jacobs - 0038) After being dismissed from the group meeting Jacobs began rethinking all suggestions made previously while he walked back to Engineering. The idea of dealing with the Borg had not crossed his mind since talking about them back in Starfleet Academy. Having to actually think of ways to deal with them seemed to be overwhelming. Even more impossible was the idea that two ships would be able to do it alone. History told stories of how entire fleets fell two single Borg cubes, and now the crews had to deal with a tatical cube and some new configuration of ship that had never been seen before. Jacobs left the meeting and headed to holodeck two. He was going to get the upper hand on the Borg his crew were about to encounter. Until he was needed he planned on sitting in the holodeck and reviewing any and all information on the Borg and hopefully he could come up with some strategy he could offer to save the lives of both crews and the mission at hand. (Reply none) (posted by Darryl) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Boudicca - Main Security Office - aFO - Cmdr Josh Caskie - Day 2 - 0040) Since Captain Salid had ordered that every member of both crews be armed from now on it was obvious that Josh's first port of call should be Security so she made her way directly there to speak to both Trei and Signos. Finding both of them in the Security Chief's office she quickly tapped on the door and entered. "Good Morning Lt Trei, Ensign Signos. I'm doing the rounds of all the departments making sure that everyone knows where we are and what we are doing and since Captain Salid ordered us all armed from now on I thought I would kill two birds with one stone, so to speak and visit, you first." "I have some updates for you and some questions. Captain Salid has decided to split the Rose's Tac/Sec department into two for this mission. Raschen will be heading their Security and Soma their Tactical. If you think that this might be a good idea here then by all means run it passed Captain Durand and if he agrees then by all means split it however you see fit. However you will need to keep everyone in the loop about it. Captain Salid has designated the chain of command as follows. Himself, Captain Durand, myself, Cmdr Sullivan and Lt Jackson. Should all of us be unfit for command it will then fall to the next senior officer on either ship to take charge." (Reply Trei, Signos) "Also Captain Salid has tasked me to take charge of the preparations aboard the Boudicca and report to him in approximately seven and a half hours. Lt Jackson is doing the same for the Rose. You have six and a half hours before I need a report from you stating your mission readiness. I want a detailed report of everything you have accomplished regarding weapons, charging facilities and anything else that springs to mind. Also I would urge you to keep in close contact with both Rachen and Soma on the Rose. They might come up with an idea that you might not have considered and vice versa. We are going to have to work as if we were one ship here." (Reply Trei, Signos) Hearing their replies Josh nodded. "Fine, now if someone will issue me with a phaser I will be on my way." Securing the phaser to her hip and using her thumbprint to acknowledge receipt of it she smiled at both of them. "Good luck to both of you." (Reply Trei, Signos) (Posted by Marilyn) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Boudicca - Observation Lounge - ATAC/SC Jessica Signos - Day 2 - 0041) The meeting was over, They all had their orders and has all the other officers exited the meeting to about their respected task. Jessica waited till all but the ones that were requested to stay remained, has she made her way to the door. "Sir." She stopped before Captain Durand. "Here is my PADD with all preliminary notes on what I spoke of, hopefully with we might better find a way out of this." She spoke softly has she handed it over. With in was notes on antimatter mines, and a list of high velocity weapons, and stats. Jessica took note of one weapon in particular, the rail-gun. (reply Durand) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Boudicca - TAC Offices - ATAC/SC Jessica Signos - Day 2 - 0042*) She sat before a console correlating the reinforcements being made to the ship. Marking places where stockpiles were being made, strongholds, choke points, and flanking areas. She looked away from the screen to rub her eyes. Tactical fire teams were already recalled, armed, and in rotation. Jessica remembered telling them ~When you find yourself with whatever precious little spare time you might have, send a message to your loved ones, tell them your sorry, and that you love them.~ She barely noticed the aFO enter the Tactical offices. "Good Morning Lt Trei, Ensign Signos." The Commander spoke " I'm doing the rounds of all the departments making sure that everyone knows where we are and what we are doing and since Captain Salid ordered us all armed from now on I thought I would kill two birds with one stone, so to speak and visit, you first." Jessica moved to another console, this one was the one that posed the most problems how to engage not one but two borg ships, and survive... Simple, it seemed couldn't be done. So she changed her strategy and the screen went blank how to find what they are looking for. "Computer, I want all know knowledge of the Tkon Empire, especially dealing with technological advancements, weapon bases, and components." The computer voice responded disembodied...=/\=processing=/\= She then turned to the Commander Caskie "welcome to Chaos central." Jessica said with a slight smile. "I have some updates for you and some questions. Captain Salid has decided to split the Rose's Tac/Sec department into two for this mission. Raschen will be heading their Security and Soma their Tactical. If you think that this might be a good idea here then by all means run it passed Captain Durand and if he agrees then by all means split it however you see fit. However you will need to keep everyone in the loop about it. Captain Salid has designated the chain of command as follows. Himself, Captain Durand, myself, Cmdr Sullivan and Lt Jackson. Should all of us be unfit for command it will then fall to the next senior officer on either ship to take charge." Caskie continued. "I see no problem with it, would help share the work load a bit." Jessica replied running over it in her mind. ~Just what I need another thing to think about.~ "Also Captain Salid has tasked me to take charge of the preparations aboard the Boudicca and report to him in approximately seven and a half hours. Lt Jackson is doing the same for the Rose. You have six and a half hours before I need a report from you stating your mission readiness. I want a detailed report of everything you have accomplished regarding weapons, charging facilities and anything else that springs to mind. Also I would urge you to keep in close contact with both Rachen and Soma on the Rose. They might come up with an idea that you might not have considered and vice versa. We are going to have to work as if we were one ship here." Jessica nodded to the Caskie's order's. "I'm not quite sure how yet but We'll get it done, it might help having a tactical liaison with there ship one person to compile and send messages back and forth. That's how we're not stepping on each others toes, and wasting comm time." Jessica commented almost has a side note. Then it hit her. "Computer" Jessica called. "Compare all available Tkon technology with all known Borg advancements." She watched the files compile and the numbers roll in. Before turning back to the Caskie "Sorry, about that." Hearing their replies Josh nodded. "Fine, now if someone will issue me with a phaser I will be on my way." Securing the phaser to her hip and using her thumbprint to acknowledge receipt of it she smiled at both of them. "Good luck to both of you." Jessica returned to the console, after issuing the aFO with a phaser. She was looking for something holes in the technological advancements of both races and where if any of those holes where filled with technology from the other race. Has she found things of note she moved them to a separate PADD for further analysis. ~Maybe they don't have a super weapon but the needed research to make on. ~ The thought sent chills down her spine but a smile on her face. If they could track the research they might have an ideal what the borg would be after. After all why come all this way for a brownie recipe. (reply none but are welcome) (Posted by Matthew Locke) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Boudicca - Main Sickbay - aFO - Cmdr Josh Caskie - Day 2 - 0043) Josh's next stop was Medical and as she walked through the doors she immediately spotted Doctor Candle. Crossing over to him she gestured towards the CMO's office and asked him for a minute of his time. (Reply Candle) Repeating almost the same message she reminded him to work closely with his counterparts on the Rose and told him that she expected a full report on Sickbay's readiness within six and a half hours. (Reply Candle) Finally telling him that someone from Security would be round soon to issue everyone with phasers she was just about to wish him luck and leave when something that had been nagging away at the back of her mind finally surfaced and she turned back to him. "One final thing Doctor. I would suggest that we do not set up any auxiliary sickbays or triage points aboard ship since if we do get into a situation where we are boarded by the Borg that would simply make it easier for them to assimilate our personnel." (Reply Candle) Finally wishing him the best of luck Josh headed off to engineering. (Reply Candle) (Posted by Marilyn) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Boudicca - Main Engineering - aFO - Cmdr Josh Caskie - Day 2 - 0047) Entering Main Engineering Josh immediately sought out Gesar and asking for a private word she led the way to his office. Trying hard to project a confidence that she really didn't feel anymore she went through her speech for a third time telling him what was happening regarding both ships, reminded him to keep in touch with his counterparts on the Rose and asked for a full report within the next six hours. (Reply Gesar) Telling him that Security would be down soon to issue everyone with phasers she reminded him that his department would be one of the most vital and as such one of the most heavily defended. As with every other department head she wished him luck and finally headed back to the Bridge. (Reply Gesar) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Boudicca - Main Engineering - aCEO – Ensign Anton Gesar - Day 2 - 0048) Anton was giving out assignments as he noticed the aFO approach him and asked him to speak privately, turning and heading toward his office. Anton followed. She began by telling him what was happening regarding both ships, reminded him to keep in touch with his counterparts on the Rose and asked for a full report within the next six hours. “Yes sir, I was just about to contact Lieutenant Matrix. If you need a readiness report than I can tell you right now that we are operating at our peak at the moment and are running battle ready drills. Was there anything else you whished for me to report on?” (Reply Caskie) She then continued telling him that Security would be down soon to issue everyone with phasers she reminded him that his department would be one of the most vital and as such one of the most heavily defended. As with every other department head she wished him luck and finally headed back to the Bridge. Anton watched her depart. He wondered if there are others on the ship who are as worried about the encounter. (Reply Caskie) (Posted by Oleg Kislyuk) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Boudicca - Bridge - aFO - Cmdr Josh Caskie - Day 2 - 0050) Sitting down in her chair beside Captain Durand she reported her progress and asked if there was anything else that she could do whilst she waited for the departmental reports. (Reply Durand) (Posted by Marilyn) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Boudicca - Observation Lounge - CO Captain Durand - 0052) Just after Captain Salid had asked for anyone with previous encounters with the Borg to speak up, Durand interjected with some observations of his own. “I’ve heard some innovative and excellent suggestions, all have merit I’m sure. However, I believe Mister Sanok is absolutely correct. I can vouch for the Borg’s ability to adapt from personal experience. They are as capable of it as you have been told... and more. That’s the nature of their collective intelligence.” He paused a moment, fighting back the memories. They didn’t have quite the impact now as they had even a few hours before. The chat he had with Salid was more helpful that Alan realized. “While direct combay may, and likely will, become unavoidable... I think it best that we keep them at ‘arm’s length’ just as long as possible. Close combat risks assimilation... and I think you all realize the implications of that.” (Reply Any) After considerable further discussion, Salid dismissed the assembled personnel, with select exceptions. He then went on to handing out specific assignments to some of his people. "Captain Durand, who do you want my personnel to coordinate with on the Boudicca?" “Commander Caskie,” he replied without hesitation. “She will be coordinating all our departments efforts, she is the logical choice for liason, Captain.” "You have your responsibilities. That will be all gentlemen." Salid then tasked him with tactical preparations, along with the Rose’s first officer. “Aye Captain. We’ll have something for your consideration just as soon as possible. I have a few thoughts along those lines already, in fact. Commander Sullivan, I’ll meet with you at your earliest convenience, either here or aboard the Rosenante.” (Reply Sullivan, Any) Salid went on to lay out the precise chain of command for the mission, then asking for input. Durand spoke up with the only comment he had on the subject. “Captain... I submit that our crews will no doubt carry out the mission no matter who leads them. If command falls below the officers you’ve listed, then we have to assume something went very wrong. However I have no issue with the chain of command as you have set it up.” (Reply Any) "Very good. You have your orders. Captain Durand, a moment please. Everyone else is dismissed." Alan waited until the remaining officers departed before he looked expectantly at Salid. He listened intently as Salid laid out his concerns about the antimatter bomb, and what the Borg might actually be up to. “Captain, I can endorse the ‘scorched earth’ approach without reservation. If we can ascertain the what and why of the Borg’s objective, we may be able to blunt them with some sort of lateral move. I’m no coward Captain... but if we can avoid conflict at all I’m for it. You realize, of course... if things come to a fight, none of us may survive. Our orders are clear enough... but I’m not keen on any of this ‘Horatio on the Bridge’ stuff. Having said that... where the Borg are concerned, anything goes in my mind. No matter the cost, we *have* to stop them.” (Reply Salid, Room for more) “I’ll have Lorimar get on the device construction right away... along with anything else our engineering or tactical people come up with. Will there be anything else, sir?” (Reply Salid, Again room for more) (Posted by Russ) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante - Observation Lounge - FO - Commander T'Larah Sullivan - 0055) “Aye Captain. We’ll have something for your consideration just as soon as possible. I have a few thoughts along those lines already, in fact. Commander Sullivan, I’ll meet with you at your earliest convenience, either here or aboard the Rosenante.” Captain Durand stated. ~Did he just ask if I wanted him to come to me?~ "Captain, I would not presume to even imply that the senior officer should come to the junior, I will report to you on your vessel." (Reply Captain Durand) "0145 if you are available." she said. (Reply Captain Durand, any) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Boudicca - TAC Offices - ATAC/SC Jessica Signos - Day 2 - 0100) She sat before a console correlating the reinforcements being made to the ship. Marking places where stockpiles were being made, strongholds, choke points, and flanking areas. She looked away from the screen to rub her eyes. Tactical fire teams were already recalled, armed, and in rotation. Jessica remembered telling them ~When you find yourself with whatever precious little spare time you might have, send a message to your loved ones, tell them your sorry, and that you love them.~ She moved to another console, this one was the one that posed the most problems how to engage not one but two borg ships, and survive... Simple, it seemed couldn't be done. So she changed her strategy and the screen went blank how to find what they are looking for. "Computer, I want all know knowledge of the Tkon Empire, especially dealing with technological advancements, weapon bases, and components." The computer voice responded disembodied...=/\=processing=/\= When an thought hit Jessica so profound that she almost hated herself for not thinking it before. "Computer compare all available Tkon technology with all known Borg advancements." She watched the files compile and the numbers roll in. She was looking for something holes in the technological advancements of both races and where if any of those holes where filled with technology from the other race. Has she found things of note she moved them to a separate PADD for further analysis. ~Maybe they don't have a super weapon but the needed research to make on. ~ The thought sent chills down her spine but a smile on her face. If they could track the research they might have an ideal what the borg would be after. After all why come all this way for a brownie recipe. (reply none but are welcome) (Posted by Matthew Locke) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante - Main Engineering - ACEO Lt JG Eian O'Neill - Day 2 - 0110) Eian sat in a small area of Main Engineering, in front of a console that was relatively isolated from the rest of the room. He had six screens in front of him--five of which were on the console, and one of which was his PADD. Music played just loud enough for him to hear it, and as he thought about the engineering problem in front of him. He listened to ChrisTENdom, one of four major humanoid Christian bands who recorded fast-paced, bass-filled music that reminded Eian of the old artists who recorded something called 'hip-hop.' The members were actually all civilian personnel aboard Starbase 873, and Eian had gone to a concert as a teenager when his family's ship was docked there. The anti-matter mine problem and the phaser problem turned out to be the same, Eian realized. The basic idea was what he was calling the "blanket" theory. As the anti-matter signatures and energy frequencies of the mine and weapons (respectively) changed, they would be masked by a holo-emitter-induced "blanket". It would create an image, much like the new holo technology did for humanoid eyes, except the image would fool most sensors in the same way that a traditional cloak did. The holo-emitters, instead of projecting an actual image, would project false frequencies and signatures that modulated at the exact same rate as the actual frequencies and signatures did. The Borg would be one step behind at all times because the blanket would give the phasers a chance to change frequencies before the Borg detected the next frequency, or the anti-matter mine the chance to change signatures before they detected the next one. The ship's computer could easily handle picking random numbers for every phaser on board, so that no phaser would operate at the same frequency at the same time. The false frequencies would also be unique for each weapon. A simple holo-emitter, about the size of Eian's thumb, would take care of creating the blanket for the weapon. The problem he was facing was actually the holo-emitters that would go on the anti-matter mine. At this point it was a problem of sheer space. The anti-matter mine itself was about the size of his stool, and it would need four holo-emitters to create the blanket to cover it completely. Then it would need one anti-grav, which would add another foot onto the bottom of the mine. By the time it was complete, it would be the size of a ten-year-old child and clearly detectable to the naked eye. Any transport that occurred would have to get it extremely close to its target before it was spotted. But what if this technology could help them find the exact place to put the mine? He sat back for a moment, and thought. Captain Salid had said that after Quol Nor's murder scheme, it was illegal to use this technology to physically transport a holo-signature to another location and then solidify the signature, much like 'turning the safeties off' on the holodeck, in any case other than within a holodeck. The potential for disaster was just too high, to give the average Starfleet officer the ability to transport himself to a location but not actually be there, to make his signature 'solid' for a few moments and then phase out again. He could get away with virtually anything he wanted to. But if done properly, this technology could allow a group of officers to remain in the safety of the holodeck as their holograms went into the Borg cube and disabled the shielding around an area where an anti-matter mine could beam in. He finished his report on the phaser idea, sent it off to all of the senior engineers, and then tapped his combadge. "O'Neill to Captain Salid." (reply Salid) "I have an idea, Sir, but I think it may come with some legal concerns. Do you have a moment?" (reply Salid) "Yes, Sir," Eian answered. This idea could be just the thing that would give them the advantage over the Borg. They had the technology already, it would require virtually no extra time to rig, and its only disadvantage was that once used, the Borg would attempt to use it themselves. (reply Salid, any) (posted by Morgan G) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Boudicca - Trei's Office - TAC/SC Lieutenant(SG) Detron Trei - 0111) Detron looked at the display set up to figure out how to handle the Borg situation. He was impressed with the structure of the plans. CDR Caskie came in and said good morning to both of them before being issued a phaser. She informed Signos of the chain of command and the way the joint operation will work. She turned back to the structure map. "Your structure map is very impressive. We must be as prepared as this for the engagement to come. Well done. I want to run an idea by you. In one encounter with the Borg. Telepathic contact was able to be established. When contact was established, a suggestion of sleep was spread through the whole collective rendering them dead of inactivity. I believe with the help of the Borg officer on the Rosenante I can achieve contact again. This time the suggestion will be bugs. Make them think there are bugs crawling all over and they have to kill them all causing them to fight themselves. What do you think?" (Reply Signos) (Posted by Edward) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante - Bridge - CO Captain Ahmed Ibn Salid Day 2 - 0112) Ahmed was standing at the rear of the bridge alongside Lieutenants Xim and Dralar, both of which had direct experience dealing with the Borg. Xim surprisingly enough had served as an ensign aboard the Sarasota during the Battle of Wolf 359 and then again at the battle of Sector 001. It never dawned on Ahmed that his Betelgeusean Gamma Leader was that old. As for Dralar, he had served against Borg incursions in Skorr Space three times, prior to his assignment in Starfleet. His battle record was impressive, and Ahmed knew that the Skorr Prince had more combat experience than most officers in the 52nd fleet. "Direct assaults are most assuredly out of the question." Xim was saying. " Even assuming that the Borg have not advanced significantly technologically, which we all know is unlikely, that tactical cube is still more than a match for these two ships. The last data we have involving a conflict with a single Borg Tactical cube dates from a conflict between the Borg and the Romulan Star Empire." "Just three years ago, a single Borg Tactical cube attacked a Romulan research facility in the Delta Hydra system, only 45 light years from the Dovek System. The Romulans responded with a fleet of 40 starships. They lost three fourths of their fleet at the Battle." The Betelgeusean looked right at the screen. "I'd say tactically speaking that this ship is equivalent to maybe two or three Romulan D'Deridex class vessels in terms of firepower and defensive capabilities. If we assume that the Boudicca in her present configuration is similar, at best we can equate our capabilities to six heavy Romulan starships. That leaves us short the equivalent firepower of roughly 34 starships." The Skorr officer bobbed his head as Xim finished. "He's correct captain. To engage one of these Borg vessels with our present force is suicide. There is no discernible chance of victory. Our best option is to deny the Borg their goal while minimizing their ability to engage us on a tactical level. It's possible that if we remove the object of their desire that they may simply leave. They've been known to do stranger things." Ahmed nodded his head, still looking at the display where the pair of Borg ships stood frozen on the screen for a moment in time. "Then we'll have to figure out exactly what it is they are after. I'll pass your suggestions back to Captain Durand and see if he's come up with anything to help us even the odds. Return to your stations." =^=O'Neill to Captain Salid.=^= "Go Ahead Lieutenant." Ahmed replied as he tapped his commbadge. =^=I have an idea, Sir, but I think it may come with some legal concerns. Do you have a moment?=^= "Meet me in my ready room Lieutenant." Ahmed answered. =^=Yes, Sir,=^= Once the channel had closed Ahmed turned to look out across his Bridge. Officers were huddled in small groups working diligently on the problem. He wondered how many of them would survive a few days from now. He pictured the bridge and corridors of his ship littered with debris and empty of personnel. It was not an image that he liked to consider, but he had a strong sense of dread that was greater than anything he'd ever felt before. "Mister Jackson, you have the CONN. I want a progress report on the shield and weapons modifications within the hour." (reply Jackson) "Very good Lieutenant. I'll be in my ready room." Ahmed crossed the floor and stepped into his ready room. Once the doors closed behind him, he muttered, "Allah preserve us all." (reply Jackson, O'Neill) Daniel Greene --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante, CSec Quarters, LT Chance Raschen, 0115) After the brief, Raschen went to his old stateroom and got quarters arranged for Lucien and Brandy on the Rosenante before showering and climbing into a uniform. =^=Lt Jackson to Lieutenants Raschen and Soma. I need an update on the weapons options you’re preparing=^= Tom asked. Tapping his comm-badge, Raschen looked up towards the overhead and said "I'm on my way to get updates from my department and I'll let you know." =^=O.K. thanks – Jackson out=^= and Tom closed the channel. Chance needed a little time to mentally shift gears and bring his fear of the Borg under control if he was going to be any good at his job. He headed toward the door of his quarters and stopped just before it opened automatically. He just stared at the door for a moment just to breath deeply. Raschen kind of snickered to himself as he thought back to the first time he, an ex-privateer, was made the Chief of Security by Ahmed. Salid made an outlaw the sheriff. Raschen didn't know how many tricks he had left to use in order to turn death into fighting chance to live. After taking one more deep breath, he stepped forward and walked through the doorway as it opened up all the way. --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante Bridge 2O/COPS Lt Tom Jackson Day 2 0116) Tom was working the OPS Main console. The atmosphere on the bridge was subdued but active. Groups of officers and enlisted personnel were working on their various assignments. Tom had just sent a message to Ben Soma and Chance Raschen requesting an update on their tasks. He was sure the CO and FO would want to where things were. Lt’s Dralar and Xim were talking to the Captain. Seems each man had experience fighting the Borg. Tom listened with one ear to the conversation. Jackson silently agreed that the frontal assault would not work. He was also concerned that two star ships were not a lot against the Borg. T.J. knew that the two crews would die if necessary to stop the oncoming hoard. Lt O’Neill asked to see the CO. O’Neill was ordered to meet the captain in the Ready Room. The CO spoke to Tom next. He ordered Jackson to take the Conn and have a readiness report ready in an hour. Tom walked behind the center seat.. The Captain vacated it and Tom sat down. The sense of responsibility he had always sensed when sitting their returned. Quickly scanning the readouts Tom continued his tasks. “Engineering, this is the Bridge. What is the status of the modifications to the shield modifications the CO wanted?” he asked. (reply: any available Engineer) “Understood, Bridge out” and Tom closed the channel. Weapons were the next item on Tom’s agenda to check on. Tom was sure Ben Soma and Chance would have some ‘novel’ ideas ready. “Lt Jackson to Lieutenants Raschen and Soma. I need an update on the weapons options you’re preparing” Tom asked. (reply: Ben and Chance) “O.K. thanks – Jackson out” and Tom closed the channel. Tom looked at the list of things he’d been given to do. Musing silently ~I need to get the strong points setup at the most critical locations and get everyone armed~ (reply: any on departments mentioned) (posted by: Bill) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Boudicca - Observation Lounge - ATAC/SC Jessica Signos - Day 2 - 0117*) She was working hard, and what she was learning scared her. As Lt. Trei came up to her. "Your structure map is very impressive." He commented. " We must be as prepared as this for the engagement to come. Well done. I want to run an idea by you. In one encounter with the Borg. Telepathic contact was able to be established. When contact was established, a suggestion of sleep was spread through the whole collective rendering them dead of inactivity. I believe with the help of the Borg officer on the Rosenante I can achieve contact again. This time the suggestion will be bugs. Make them think there are bugs crawling all over and they have to kill them all causing them to fight themselves. What do you think?" Jessica pulled her eyes from the screen and waves of data that pulled across it. She rubbed her eyes while she contemplated what was said. "If you can establish contact it could work but only for a short period of time and it could only be used once. However if this tactic has been used before I would not be surprised if they implant that connect them to the hive also now have a neural dampeners to stop contact from being made. With that being said and with what we are about to be going into anything is better than nothing." Jessica spoke before retuning to her console, and it was some time before she spoke again. "By all that is holy they can't..." Jessica blurted out, running across an disturbing piece of information. "Lt. Trei, I want you to look at this." (reply Lt. Trei.) "You see, the Tkon empire from what I have been able to discover were rumored to be able to move entire star systems. If the Borg got hold and assimilated that technology..." She let the ideal hang for a moment before continuing. "Borg cube's will be the last of our problems, if the Borg could move entire planets they control into key places who could stop them. We have enough problems stopping a Borg cube, how would we even attempt to stop a Borg planet or entire system." Has she spoke her hands deftly flew over the panels before her. "We need to get this information to Commander Caskie and the Captains." (reply Trei.) "I'm not sure yet if this is the information the Borg are after but it is damaging enough." She continued once all the information was transfered to the PADD. She held it close. Her body trembling slightly at the possibility of a Borg planet laying sedge to Earth. (reply Trei) (posted by Matthew Locke) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante - Captain's Ready Room - ACEO Lt JG Eian O'Neill - Day 2 - 0118) Eian approached the Captain's ready room with a PADD in his hand that detailed his plan. He had actually put it together on the way to the turbolift, during the ride on the turbolift, and finished it up on the quick walk to Salid's ready room. It was largely already compiled because most of the engineering was completed during the murder investigation, and he just copied and pasted the engineering reports from then. With a few minor modifications, he had a completed plan. Now to see if it was legal... He rang the chime, and entered when told to do so. "Sir," he said once he stepped inside and the door closed behind him, "A thought occurred to me while I was writing up my report on the holo-emitter technology I mentioned in the briefing." (reply Salid) Eian went on to explain the concept of using Quol Nor's technology, coupled with his own program, to create a program that would allow a team on the holodeck to 'transport' into the Cube or Pyramid, solidify themselves momentarily so that they could sabotage tactical systems or disable shields in specific areas, and then 'transport' back out when danger approached. "We would need to be able to beam holo-emitters over before we had our holograms 'transport' in, because otherwise they of course wouldn't show up. And the only two main issues I see with this, Sir, are the obvious legal ramifications of using this technology outside of a holodeck, and the risk of the technology somehow falling into the Borg's hands." In fact, he thought, if he were assimilated himself, they would be in real trouble. His recent work with holograms and the fact that he knew how to very easily rig an average holodeck and holo-emitters to turn a Borg drone into a disappearing assassin would spell certain doom for any ships in future encounters with the Borg. This is probably why Starfleet's Legal department had declared the technology illegal outside of a holodeck. But on the other hand, if executed properly, this plan could turn the advantage to their side and enable a fast and nearly painless victory for Starfleet. (reply Salid) (posted by Morgan G) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Boudicca - Trei's Office - TAC/SC Lieutenant(SG) Detron Trei - 0120) Detron heard the new information and was concerned over the implications of it. Detron heard Signos take his suggestion and consider it for the plan. "Yes that is troubling to think about a Borg planet. We will beat them somehow. We have to. It is your place now to give the information to CDR Caskie since I am on probation. Good work." (Reply Signos) (Posted by Edward) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante, Phaser Control Room, CTAC/SEC Lt. jg Ben Soma, 0121) Ben had been in the phaser control room programming a series of alternating frequencies that he could manipulate from the bridge, he wanted to make as many adjustments as he could now so he wouldn't have to later. He wasn't sure how much fighting they would have to do with the Borg but he didn't want to have to readjust the phasers frequencies during a fire fight. He knew that he would eventually have to make adjustments in battle but the pre-programming now would lessen his work load later. He had checked with the Boudicca's Tac officer to see what frequencies they planned on using so they didn't overlap. =/\=Lt Jackson to Lieutenants Raschenand Soma.I need an update on the weapons options you’re preparing=/\= Tom asked. "I'm just finishing up pre-programming the phasers firing frequencies, hopefully there's enough of a variation to keep the Borg from adapting to our weapons." Ben replied. "As soon as I'm finished here I'll move on to the shields." =/\=O.K. thanks – Jackson out”=/\= and Tom closed the channel. Ben continued the final series of frequencies and tapped his commbadge. "Soma to Sanok." He said. "How are the adjustments coming with the hand phasers?" Retuning the hand phasers was a little more involved then tuning the ships phasers, the Rosenante had a lot of side arms and phaser rifles. Ben knew his friend was busy with his task and was probably thankful to have such a time consuming assignment that wouldn't afford him enough time to dwell of the coming fight with the Borg. Ben had noticed that the crew were keeping themselves as busy as possible so they wouldn't be thinking about the conflict anymore then necessary. He wasn't looking forward to it himself, the Borg had deprived him of his family and he wasn't happy about facing them now. (reply Sanok, any) (posted by Milo Young) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Rosenante, Security Office, LT Chance Raschen, 0125) As Chance entered the office he smiled at the first face he saw saying "How've you been Nun?" (Reply Nunez) "Well I'm once again the sheriff of this here town.". He said in an exaggerated southern accent with a smile on his face. (Reply Nunez iyw) Then looking around the room Chance noticed a lot of faces he didn't recognize so he announced "I am the new Chief of Security (Again), LT Chance Raschen; and I need to know were we stand on weapons mods, plans to repel boarders, and everything else this department is responsible for." (Reply any/all) (Reply Nunez, any) Posted by Charlie --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Boudicca - Transporter Room - Rose FO - Commander T'Larah Sullivan - 0137) T'Larah materialized on the transporter pad of the Boudicca. As she coalesced, and her sight came to her, she saw much of what she expected. A modern transporter room run with extreme efficiency, except it wasn't the same shade of gray she expected. As soon as she fully materialized she stuck to protocol, "Commander Sullivan, requesting permission to come aboard." (Reply any) "Thank you, but please time is imperative, please show me to Captain Durand." she said. (Reply any) (Posted by Todd) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Boudicca - Holodeck 2 - ACEO Jacobs - 0140) The better part of the hour had been spent scanning multiple images and clips of previous Borg encounters and engagements. Henry's eye began to feel the fatigue as he watched multiple images appear and disappear. ~If only I could assimilate this information as fast as they would. Minus the pale skin and probing.~ As Jacobs continued his exhaustion made it increasingly difficult for him to concentrate and locate any tactical advantage. Any new information he processed he typed into a padd. Every simulation that played he began to notice a particular pattern. The Borg are encountered. They boast about how powerful they are and what they are going to do. Once conflict begins they concentrate on the leading aggressor and then after the conflict they continue with their mission. ~If anything were to go down, being the aggressor and not giving them time to rant may be a tactical advantage.~ Jacobs had all that he could take in the holedeck. He decided he would go to Engineering and see if Ensign Gesar needed help there. "Computer save and end program 'Jacobs-tac1'" [Program saved] With padd in hand Jacobs left and headed towards Engineering. (Reply none) (Posted by Darryl) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Boudicca - Main Engineering - ACEO Ensign(jg) Henry Jacobs - 0200) Henry entered Engineering to find Ensign Gesar and lend him a hand. It seemed that everyone else in Engineering had received their orders and were busy at work. Henry walked towards Ensign Gesar's office and tapped on a glass pane to grab his attention. (Reply Gesar) "Sir, where do you need me? I've spent some time in the holodeck studying response times of the Borg. I think with the modifications we are making we can somewhat react faster and be prepared for whatever the Borg have in store." (Reply Gesar) "Very well sir, I will get right to it." Jacobs left his padd on Ensign Gesar's desk and moved to begin working on his assignment. Jacobs wondered how the modifications were coming along in the other departments and on the Rosenante. (Reply Any) (Posted by Darryl) --------------------------------------------------------------------- (USS Boudicca - Deck 13, ATT Lab - ATT LCDR Lorimar - 0241) Since getting the assignment from Captain Durand, Bob had been tinkering non-stop in his workshop. Completely oblivious to the passage of time, he was nonetheless keenly aware of the pressure of time. He and the rest of both ship’s companies were laboring under enormous pressure, and very short deadlines. Like most engineers, he excelled that way. Fortunately, he had little time to consider the enormity of the task in its broadest sense. He was ordered to construct a weapon of immense power, which if incautiously deployed could do untold damage to the fabric of space (subspace as well) itself. ~Technology is supposed tae be neutral laddie... but it isnae always true is it? Those bloody Borg... they pervert it, assimilate it... turn it from a thing of beauty tae a abhorrent thing indeed...~ He was studying a particular set of data when he stopped in mid-thought. His body froze, stark-still with only his gentle respiration breaking the illusion. After a moment, he moved again, reviewing a particular passage twice. His thought was a wild, possibly insane long shot... but that was precisely what might be needed. There was one man alive that he knew for certain would have a special and intimate insight into the problem he was considering. ~An we’re blessed tae hae the lad wie us right here!~ He carefully encrypted the data he was working on, eyes only, then downloaded it to a PADD. He would never, ever consider waking the CO at such an hour... but he knew damned well that Durand would be awake and running full tilt, no doubt. He glanced at the chronometer on the bulkhead out of habit anyway before making the call. “Lorimar tae Captain Durand.” The answer was immediate. The man was either wide awake, or he did that command thing where one always *sounded* awake even when you broke them from a deep slumber. =^=Go ahead Commander.=^= “Sir, ah’ve a working theory aboot something that might just prove useful against the Borg if a fight breaks oot. Ah need tae consult a man wie particular expertise though tae see if ah’m completely crazy or not. May ah hae permission tae beam aboard the Rosenante and see Commander McLaren sir?” =^=Is there something wrong with our engineering staff? Or the comm system?=^= “No sir, of course nae. As ah said though... ah’m in need of particular, and very narrow, expertise. Ah’m quite certain Commander McLaren has it. As tae the comm system... well sir, this is a bit tae hot... ah’d rather nae transmit, even encrypted.” Again, the answer was immediate. Clearly Durand wasn’t in the habit of mulling over decisions for any longer than need be. =^=Permission Granted, Mister Lorimar.=^= “Thank ye sir. Ah’ll keep ye advised directly.” “Lorimar tae Commander McLaren.” (Reply McLaren) “Matt, ah’ve verra sorry tae bother ye at this hour, but ah need yer help. Ah’ve gotten mah skipper’s permission tae beam over. May ah meet ye somewhere... ah need your expertise?” (Reply McLaren, Any) (Posted by Russ) --------------------------------------------------------------------- End Compile ---------------------------------------------------------------------