========================================== Mission: Piercing the Iron Curtian Mission Day: 3 Stardate: 2407.01.12 ========================================== (USS Paladin - FO quarters - Lt. Cmdr Capps & Ensign Knightley - 0700) (USS Paladin, Marine Holodeck - Gunnery Sergeant Rellam Tam - 0700) (USS Paladin - Marine Holodeck - 3rd Lt. Philip Hyde - 0710) (USS Paladin, Marine Holodeck - Gunnery Sergeant Rellam Tam - 0715) (USS Paladin - Holodeck - 3rd Lt. Philip Hyde - 0717) (USS Paladin - Corridor - Lt. Cmdr Capps - 0745) (USS Paladin - Security Chiefs Office - 07:47) (USS Paladin - Security Chiefs Office - Lt. Cmdr Capps - 0748) (USS Paladin - Security Chiefs Office - TAC/SC Kerge - 07:49) (USS Paladin - Security Chief's Office - FO Lt. Cmdr Capps - 0750) (USS Paladin, Bridge - COPS Ensign (jg) Michael Ian O'Connor - 0800) (USS Paladin -CMO's Office - CMO, Lt. (jg) Jared Keller - 0801) (USS Paladin, Bridge - COPS Ensign (jg) Michael Ian O'Connor - 0805) (USS Paladin, Holodeck 2, ACEO Ensign Alura Rathyn,0805) (USS Paladin- Strategic Operations - Commander Jenna Rulestaad - 0815) (USS Paladin, CSO's Office, ACSO Ens JG K'Palla, 09:10) (USS Paladin, Main Engineering, ACSO Ens JG K'Palla, 09:20) (USS Paladin, Main Engineering, CEO's Office, CEO Lt. Commander Sarouk,09:22) (USS Paladin, Main Engineering, CEO's Office, ACSO Ens JG K'Palla, 09:23) (USS Paladin, Holodeck 3, ACSO Ens JG K'Palla, 09:30) (USS Paladin, Holodeck 3, CEO, Lt. Cmndr Sarouk, 09:45) (USS Paladin, Holodeck 3, ACSO Ensign JG K'Palla, 09:46) (USS Paladin, Holodeck 3, CEO, Lt. Cmndr Sarouk, 09:47) (USS Paladin, Holodeck 3, ACSO Ens JG K'Palla, 09:48) (USS Paladin, Holodeck 3, CEO, Lt. Cmndr Sarouk, 09:49) (USS Paladin, Holodeck 3, ACONN Ensign (jg) Christian Soval Brownlee, 09:49) ========================================= (USS Paladin - FO quarters - Lt. Cmdr Capps & Ensign Knightley - 0700) Calvin woke up from his deep sleep exactly at 0700 hours like he normally does every morning. His internal biological clock seemed like it would never change. There were days when he tried to sleep in late, but his body forced him out of bed anyways. He rolled over to see the love of his life still sleeping quietly. He gave her a small kiss on the forhead softly trying not to wake her up. He pulled the sheets away from his body, and placed his feet onto the floor. He walked straight for the bath to take care of unsaid business, and to also take a shower. He went through his normal morning routine: take a shower, shave, and get dressed. He put his standard Starfleet uniform on, and went back through the bedroom to get to his kitchen. "Calvin breakfast meal 1," he said to the replicator. The replicator hummed with power and produced the meal. Two plates with eggs, link sausages, toast, grape and strawberry jelly, and two glasses filled with milk. Calvin picked up the tray that was holding everything and spreaded everything onto the breakfast table. He then completed it with forks, knives, and napkins. Calvin walked back into his bedroom, and sat down on the bed where Elizabeth was still lying. He took his hand and moved the hair out of her face so he could see her. He bent over to giver her another kiss, but this time it was on the lips. He was trying to wake her. "Elizabeth..." Calvin said softly at first. "Elizaabeth.." he said a little louder now. Elizabeth began to move, and she rolled over on to her back as she opened her eyes, and saw Calvin. She smiled. "Hello." "Hi, breakfast is ready," Calvin said trying to get her out of bed. Elizabeth did just that. She also pulled the cover off of her body revealing her legs since she only had on a night shirt to wear to bed. "Lets eat, I am starving." Calvin and Elizabeth both walked out of the bedroom, and into the kitchen where the table stood. The two sat down and enjoyed their food. The two of them did not like to talk about their task or assignments for the day while they were eating together. They wanted to keep their work outside of the living quarters, and on a more professional ground. So the two would only chat about friends, and tell stories. After they both were done eating Elizabeth stood up and took the plates and other dishes and placed them back into the replicator to be re-materialized. "Ok, I better be running off to get ready," Elizabeth said. "I am to be on duty in 20 minutes." "I must be going as well. But before I do I better brush my teeth." Calvin and Elizabeth both walked into the bath where Calvin brushed his teeth quickly. He then gave Elizabeth a kiss. "I will see you later. I love you!" "I love you too!" (posted by Calvin) =========================================== (USS Paladin, Marine Holodeck - Gunnery Sergeant Rellam Tam - 0700) Rellam walked up to the Marine holodeck, his rifle slung over his back. The transfer was in the hurry up and wait stage, and the other ships were taking longer than expected, although they would all end up on the Patton with plenty of time to spare. So Rellam decided to take in some time on the range. When he got there he noticed that the sniper range program was already in use. "Computer, which sniper range is the current program simulating?" Rellam asked out of curiosity. [Kaneohe Bay, Earth] "Is the holodeck currently reserved for training?" [Negative, holodeck is currently open for free use] Rellam shrugged and walked into the holodeck, the sun was out at full noon, and he could smell the salt water from the Pacific Ocean. He had only been to Kaneohe Bay once, as he had taken his training at the Sniper school on Andor. Looking around he saw another individual, rifle case in hand walking toward him. "Gunny," the corporal said, nodding and stopping, a smile on his face. "Corporal, I hope I wasn't disturbing you." "Not at all Gunny, just getting in some time on the range while I can. In fact I was just leaving. I don't think I have seen you around before Gunny. I'm Markus Wellman, 2nd Paladin Company, Silent Eyes Recon Squad." "Rellam Tam, 1st Paladin Company, Fire and Brimstone forward assault squad." "Ah, so it's your score we are all trying to beat on the range. I noticed it popped up a couple of days ago. We didn't know a Sniper was transferred over recently." The Corporal said. "We?" Rellam asked. 'We' signified more than just the snipers on the ship, at least it did the way the Corporal said it. "The snipers on the Paladin, there aren't a lot of us, so we tend to get together. We get together in Ten Forward once a week. I'll send you the next date, you should join us, always fun to add another face to the group." The corporal said with a friendly grin. "Sure, why not," Rellam said with a shrug and a small smile. Getting to know other snipers, people who knew what he did, knew what he went through, it would be good. "Let me know about the next date, I'll do my best to stop by." Rellam said. "Sounds good, Gunny. Well I need to get to a Platoon briefing, it's good to meet you, Gunny, happy hunting," The Corporal said, snapped to attention briefly, then headed out of the holodeck. Rellam smiled and walked down to one of the shooting stalls to get in some practice, and hopefully improve his score enough to keep ahead of the others. (posted by Patrick) ======================================= (USS Paladin - Marine Holodeck - 3rd Lt. Philip Hyde - 0710) Philip got up at 0500 hours that morning, and went through his normal morning exercise routine. The next task he set for his self was normally not his his routine, but since a battle was coming soon he thought he should put in a little more practice in at the range. He walked up to the Holodeck and saw that it was already running, and that the setting was set for Sniper and open to all participants. Philip wasn't needing to improve his sniper skills since his post was on the Paladin. He needed to work on his rifle aiming more than anything. He stepped in and at first could not see anyone else there. He walked in a few more feet,a nd then heard a shot. He followed the noise and found one of his marine comrads. He did not want to distract Rellam, so he stayed quiet. Philip then watched Rellam stop his current round, and start to view his points. Philip looked over Rellam's shoulder and looked at the points for himself. He finally spoke up. "Impressive! I am going to work to your left, but I am will be working with a rifle." Philip said. (posted by Calvin) ======================================= (USS Paladin, Marine Holodeck - Gunnery Sergeant Rellam Tam - 0715) Rellam was aware of someone standing behind him as he finished his shooting, the person didn't interrupt him, or make any attempt to get his attention, so Rellam ignored the person until he was done with the current round of shooting. Looking over his scores, he looked back to see Lt. Hyde standing there. "Impressive! I am going to work to your left, but I am will be working with a rifle." Philip said. "Sounds good and thank you, Sir." Rellam said, then looked at his lane's control panel. He quickly tapped out a few commands on the panel marking his targets in a orange rim, to differentiate them as specifically his targets. Moving back to a prone position, Rellam adjusted the range to a full kilometer. "Computer begin round on lane 4, standard scoring, standard target mode," Rellam said quietly, so as not to disturb the Lieutenant. Gazing through the scope, he took aim at his first target, watching as it made it's way from one area of makeshift cover to another. Without thinking he fell into the rhythm and patterns that came naturally after years and years of practice and experience. His breathing and heartbeat slowed, all of his thoughts stopped except for focusing on the target, a hair before it reached the next cover, Rellam slowly and gently pulled the trigger, hitting the target square in the 'head'. Rellam continued with the training run, without a word or sound other than the sound of his rifle firing. (posted by Patrick) ====================================== (USS Paladin - Holodeck - 3rd Lt. Philip Hyde - 0717) Philip walked over to the next shooting box. There was a window in front of him to shoot out, and there was a small counter about waist high to his left. Mostly the counter was used to place extra ammo, and the choice of weapon. A small console which had a few buttons on it was mounted on the wall a few feet above the counter. It controlled the target, and it had a list of weapons and ammo to use. He started by scrolling through the list until he came upon the weapon that he thought he would be using during the most of the battle. The Marine Rifle Mark III-C was his favorite choice. He chose it and instantly it appeared on the counter along with its correct ammo. Philip placed the ammo into the rifle quickly to practice loading. He then placed the gun up to his shoulder and aimed. The Lt. fired the gun one shot of energy at a time. Each shot hit the target with nearly perfect accuracy, but the skill level was set to low. "Computer increase level to 4." The computer complied to his request, and he again lifted the rifle up to his shoulder. This time the target was moving, so he switched the rifle to shoot multiple shots at a time instead of single ones. The target began to move, and Philip knew the faster he hit the target the better his score would be. Quickly he fired at the target, but missed. He kept his eyes opened and his mind focused and continued to follow it. He fired again, and the shots hit the target with excellent accuracy. Although his first shot was missed he still passed level 4 with great marks, but not perfect. "Computer...Increase to level 6." Level 5 was another stationary target, it was just further away so Philip felt no need to practice the certain level. Level 6 appeared in front of him. It was two moving targets that would move in front of each other every few seconds. They had no specific pattern at all. The targets began to move, and Philip lifted his rifle quickly. He waited a little longer this time before he shot. He waited until the two targets got closer together. At the right moment he shot the target on the left before it reached the second and as the second target passed his continuous shots hit it as well. He had hit both target successfully with one pull of the trigger. A perfect score in his book. He put the rifle back down on the counter and noticed the time. He needed to get to his post before Lt. Major Tirrel got a hold of him. The computer discarded the weapon and ammo for his. He quickly left the holodeck and went up to the first deck to speak with his fire team. (posted by Calvin) ======================================== (USS Paladin - Corridor - Lt. Cmdr Capps - 0745) "Computer, where is Lt. Kerge?" Calvin asked. [Lt. Kerge is in his office.] Calvin only had to walk a few feet to get to his turbolift. It was convenient, and a tactical move for the First Officers quarters to be close to one. As well as the Captain's. It was a little hard to believe, but Calvin and Lt. Kerge haven't been able to talk one on one, and the First Officer felt like that would need to change. As he rode the turbolift to the office he thought back of his old Security Chief T'Vhor. The two of them were good friends, but Calvin was extremely happy when he heard the new that his best friend was accepting a First Officers position. The turbolift doors hissed open, and Calvin walked out. He again only walked a few steps before arriving to the Security Chiefs door. He pushed in the chime and waited for an answer. (posted by Calvin) ======================================== (USS Paladin - Security Chiefs Office - 07:47) As a Klingon, Kerge was not your normal run of the mill ready for action kind of entity. In the morning he exhibited typically human characteristics, like being like a bear with a sore head when he first woke & woe betide any who rattled him. The sound of the door chime singing it`s announcement was just such an event & now was no different. "Come!, come now or not at all!", said Kerge rather abruptly, then he held his thoughts & tried to calm the storm raging in his head. The fact that he had succumbed to temptation & spent the last evening in the company of the bottle of blood wine didn`t help at all. The sight of the First Officer entering & looking somewhat pensive about the reply he had just received however certainly brought him to his attention. "Oh...", said Kerge rubbing at his temples, "I`m sorry sir", he added. "I had....a rough night", said Kerge... "What can I do you for you sir". (posted by Alan) ============================================== (USS Paladin - Security Chiefs Office - Lt. Cmdr Capps - 0748) "What can I do you for you sir". "Is something bothering you Lt?" Calvin decided to ask since he was given such an unusual welcome into some ones office. In turn he ignored his security chiefs question with no dis-respect. (reply Kerge) "I am not here to tell you how to run your department, but scaring away your officers from you office cannot be a smart tactic." Calvin did not feel that nothing more needed to be said. He did not want to hear anything else from Lt. Kerge either about the matter. "I came here on a peaceful visit, and a little business as well." Calvin motioned to the chair. He than sat in it. "I haven't really gotten to speak with you since you came to the Paldin, besides on the bridge." The First Officer shifts in his chair a little. He did not really think of anything to say before he got to the office. He had hoped that something would come to him once he was in the office. "I just wanted to say that I am happy to have you on board Lt. Kerge." Calvin stopped at that and then wondered if he should bring up the former Security Chief. (posted by Calvin) =========================================== (USS Paladin - Security Chiefs Office - TAC/SC Kerge - 07:49) "I sincerely apologise for my temperament sir", said Kerge, "it will not happen again", he added after the FO had basically welcomed him on board formally for the first time since he`s seen him arrive on the bridge. "If you are requesting an update as to the security status to date sir, then here it is", said Kerge sliding a PADD across the desk towards the First Officer. (Reply FO, IYW) "My teams are ready for the assault on Starbase 234, each of them know their duties, none will fail in those duties", said Kerge, standing up now to move towards the door. "Perhaps you would like to acompany me in my duties for a short while", said Kerge. (Reply FO) "Very well sir, I appreciate that your duties must take you elsewhere", said Kerge. "Perhaps another time then", he added as both of them then left the security office in order to atend their relevant duties. (posted by Alan) ============================================= (USS Paladin - Security Chief's Office - FO Lt. Cmdr Capps - 0750) Calvin watched Lt. Kerge take a PADD and slide over the desk toward him. He wanted to get right down to business for himself, but he had also done a huge favor for Calvin with out knowing it. Calvin took the PADD and quickly started looking over it. "My teams are ready for the assault on Starbase 234, each of them know their duties, none will fail in those duties", said Kerge, standing up now to move towards the door. At this time Calvin as well started to stand, and head for thd door. "Perhaps you would like to accompany me in my duties for a short while", said Kerge. Calvin gave a small smile to the Chiefs proposition. "I am afraid that I have other duties that will keep me from that." Calvin finished his way out of the office. "Very well sir, I appreciate that your duties must take you elsewhere", said Kerge. "Perhaps another time then", he added as both of them then left the security office in order to attend their relevant duties. (posted by Calvin) =========================================== (USS Paladin, Bridge - COPS Ensign (jg) Michael Ian O'Connor - 0800) Michael was sitting at his post on the bridge, looking over the Gamma shift reports, when the turbo lift doors hiss open near the back of the room. Looking over his shoulder, he watched a female Klingon in a science uniform walk down to the ready room door. She was attractive. As she got to the ready room door, Michael brought up the system that assigned quarters to those requesting new ones for what ever reason. A Klingon Science officer had just transferred over, he brought up her public record, and it was the Woman that just entered the Captain's ready room, a Klingon by the name of K'Palla. Shrugging, Michael got back to work. Once he had finished with the gamma shift reports. He settled onto his next task, working on coming up with a priority power distribution list. Before he could really do that, he would need reports from the various departments, so he knew what they needed, so he quickly wrote up a request. +++ To: Commander Rulestaad, Commander Sarouk, Lt. Brownlee, Lt. Kerge, Lt. Keller, Lt. Max From: Ensign O'Connor Subject: Resource Requirements In order to fully compensate for all of the variables that will be present in the upcoming battle, the Operations department, will need any extra ordinary power or resource requirements that your department will need for any special projects. Once my department receives your reports, I will be performing a final power stress analysis on the power grids, and making any needed adjustments to guarantee that all systems will remain operational throughout the battle. Thank you in advance for your cooperation, Sirs. Chief of Operations, Ensign (jg) Michael O'Connor +++ Michael re-read the message, then sent it to the department heads, hoping they would be able to get him a response in a reasonable amount of time. (Reply Rulestaad, Sarourk, Brownlee, Kerge, Keller, Max) There was a unique stress to being a department head as a Junior Grade Ensign, especially when all of the other Department Heads were at least Lieutenants, and on a ship as big as the Paladin. But he had to do his job which meant he had a little more leeway than other Junior Grade Ensigns usually did, when it came to running the department, he could do what was necessary, and that included making reasonable requests of other departments. Sighing, and settling back in his chair, and continued to monitor various functions, as well as running various diagnostics on the power and computer systems. (posted by Patrick) ============================================= (USS Paladin -CMO's Office - CMO, Lt. (jg) Jared Keller - 0801) Jared walked into his office from doing his rounds about sickbay and grabbed a cup of steaming hot tea from the replicator before turning toward his desk, the cream and sugar complement added to the blend was just right. He sipped it and savored the aroma after taking his seat. After a moment of drinking he set the cup down, it was then he noticed a blinking tell on the monitor. Saying. "Hmmm. What have we here?" He tapped the initiate button. +++ To: Commander Rulestaad, Commander Sarouk, Lt. Brownlee, Lt. Kerge, Lt. Keller, Lt. Max From: Ensign O'Connor Subject: Resource Requirements In order to fully compensate for all of the variables that will be present in the upcoming battle, the Operations department, will need any extra ordinary power or resource requirements that your department will need for any special projects. Once my department receives your reports, I will be performing a final power stress analysis on the power grids, and making any needed adjustments to guarantee that all systems will remain operational throughout the battle. Thank you in advance for your cooperation, Sirs. Chief of Operations, Ensign (jg) Michael O'Connor +++ "Well, well." Jared mused as he leaned back in the chair and placed his feet on the table with a sigh. "Unusual requirements he says... we'll need cargo bay three again of course if the captain expects us to act as a hospital ship." He realized he was speaking out loud and gave a barking laugh. "You haven't been that overworked Jared." He tapped several buttons in quick succession as he watched the monitor and quickly brought up a readout of current stocks of medicines and supplies, scratching his chin as he read through it. On a whim he brought up a schematic of the current layout of the beds and occupants in the secondary sickbay, there were a number of people already in recuperation that he wasn't going to be able to move yet which meant he needed more bed space. Primary sickbay was freed up for everyday activity, storage rooms were full. Deciding the wounded could be moved temporarily to the extra rooms off the medical labs if necessary thus freeing up Med 2 he said. "Computer take reply for Chief O'Connor." [Ready] "Chief O'Connor this is Doctor Keller, please insure the med labs on deck 14 are fully powered during the battle as we may have to use the space for recuperative patients and cargo bay three will be readied as before. Current medical supplies are satisfactory due to your diligence. In that vein please have 50 beds readied for the med labs. As always medical will expect any power required as per your ability to keep us functioning which I am happy to report has been excellent to date. Regards, Doctor Jared Keller" "Stop message and send." [Message saved and sent] With that Jared smiled and picked up his cup again, taking another drink. "Excellent." (posted by Charles) ========================================== (USS Paladin, Bridge - COPS Ensign (jg) Michael Ian O'Connor - 0805) Michael was sitting at the bridge station, when a reply to his request came in from Dr. Keller. Michael liked the man, he was a good guy. He tapped out the keys and the message was scrolled on his screen. +++ Chief O'Connor this is Doctor Keller, please insure the med labs on deck 14 are fully powered during the battle as we may have to use the space for recuperative patients and cargo bay three will be readied as before. Current medical supplies are satisfactory due to your diligence. In that vein please have 50 beds readied for the med labs. As always medical will expect any power required as per your ability to keep us functioning which I am happy to report has been excellent to date. Regards, Doctor Jared Keller +++ Michael brought up the Operation duty log, and added the 50 medical beds for the deck 14 medical labs, and then boosted the max allowed power feeds to the labs to let them serve as temp sickbays when needed. Cargo bay three was already set up, and ready from the day before, so he didn't have much more to take care of. "Computer, place power redirect lockouts on Cargo bay three and all med labs on deck 14, Override by Operation department, Chief of Engineering, or Command level officers," Michael ordered [Power redirect Lockouts in place] Micheal nodded as the simple but important task was completed. The lockouts would guarantee that power wasn't taken from the medical facilities without due consideration, nor could to computer take it automatically from the areas, which normally weren't protected areas, in normal power redirect processes. Once he was done with that he sent a confirmation message to Dr. Keller to let him know that everything was in the process of being taken care of that he had requested. (Reply Keller iyw) Michael looked over his board, and decided that while things were slow he would double check the power grids. "Computer do you have enough data to estimate the gravimetric distortions that will be encountered in a system occupied by a blue giant star, specifically the system we are currently underway to?" Michael asked. [Affirmative] "Taking that data into account, do you have enough accumulated data from past battle conditions to extrapolate the power stress levels the Paladin would encounter during a battle in a blue giant system under various maneuvers and other situations typical of battle?" Michael asked. [Affirmative] "Good, run simulations," Michael ordered the computer. [Simulations running, requested data will be available in one hour.] Michael nodded and smiled as he continued to work on the tasks that had been filed overnight and monitoring sensor feeds as they came in. (posted by Patrick) ============================================== (USS Paladin, Holodeck 2, ACEO Ensign Alura Rathyn,0805) Bajor was half a galaxy away with all of its familiarity, its homey sentiments, an all of her past. Alura felt more lonely than she had in a long time as she entered the holodeck. Her mother's home was not within an easy subspace call. Even if members of the fighting 52nd could afford to send messages to their families ... how long would it take to arrive. More importantly, what could she say? 'Hi everybody. Love ya' lots. About to go into a major engagement with and against fellow Starfleet uniforms. I'll likely die with some of them...a lot of them. Love you always, Lura.' She the mechanical echo of the closing doors only mocked her somber mood further. "Computer," she called out, as her own footfalls resounded against black walls that were highlighted with the holo-grid. "Run program Rathyn Bajor Gardens." Suddenly, the emptiness surrounding her was alive with the sound of unseen animal life and the lapping of a stream as it moved serenely through a colored landscape of flora. She walked along a laid stone path to the edge of the rippling current and paused to watch the small and somewhat distorted shapes of orange aquatic animals moving graceful by. She followed the bank a little further until she came to a deeper part of the stream, where the undisturbed surface gave a more clear view of what lay beneath. Walking a short piece the Bajoran sun was suddenly shadowed and she looked up to see one of the highest pinnacles of a temple reaching up to the sky. "Ah-lura." The familiar basso voice, though a computer replication of the real, flowed through her soul like a cool drink. Hearing the Bajoran inflection of her name was somehow refreshing. "Welcome Casra Ah-lura." "That's Ah-lura Rathyn, now, Uncle Simman," she said. It was only a hologram, a programmed analog of the man she'd loved and revered when he was alive and whose memory she would cherish always. His bulky reddish-orange Vedic robes wavered slightly as he moved to her. "Ah, yes, you married a Terran," he said, the voice carrying it's very realistic resigned acceptance of a union he hadn't entirely approved of before it was consummated. "He was a good man, a pity the Prophets decided to take him. And you so young." "I'm not as young as I may look, uncle," she corrected remembering her uncle had died a few years after the marriage he'd ultimately consented to officiate. And many years before her appearance had been changed which was why that knowledge hadn't been included in the holo-program. "So to what do I owe your presence, my darling girl?" he asked. "Come to seek advice from the Orb." Alura truly wished she could at that time. The facsimile of the Bajoran orbs were part of her program but no amount of Starfleet technology would ever duplicate their full reality. "No," she answered. "Just wanted to talk to a friendly face. Seems like I see so few of them, anymore." The wizened face smiled at her and waved a hand at a grassy patch of ground next to the water. "Sit!" said the analog in mild command. She obeyed. Why not? This was a nostalgic fantasy, and she had NEVER disobeyed her uncle - or almost never. "You could see more of them if you would only look for them," said the analog, now truly sounding like her uncle. "Remember, true friendship is not something found it is forged. Created between willing parties." "And not always made with ease," she finished for him. "You do remember," he said with a hearty laugh that made her smile with the memory of him. "I don't make friends that easily, uncle," she told him. "And that my dear is of your own doing," he chided her gently his brow furrowing in consternation. "You must learn to control your inner-turmoil. Learn to let your pah be at peace at all times." Alura sighed as she looked at the simulation. "You sure do talk like him," she mused. "Like whom, child." She shook her head. "Never mind." (posted by David) =========================================================== (USS Paladin- Strategic Operations - Commander Jenna Rulestaad - 0815) Jenna read through the message that was sent to her by the Operations Officer with a small frown. After a few moments she said, "Computer, dictate a reply." [Ready] "Strategic Operations has no special power needs for battle, excepting that power to communications and Stratops Command must be uninterrupted during battle to facilitate fleet-wide communications. Commander Rulestaad, Strategic Operations." She paused, "Computer, send that message." [Sent] The half-vulcan, in an unusual show of humanity, rubbed the bridge of her nose for a minute before turning back to the wall-sized screen in her office. "Bring up a strategic map of the area." (posted by Trout) ============================================ (USS Paladin, CSO's Office, ACSO Ens JG K'Palla, 09:10) "Yessir, what is the nature of the modifications and who will I report to in Engineering?" K'Palla asked. "Report to Lt. Cmdr. Sarouk, the CEO. He will explain what you need to know. Any other questions?" replied the CSO. "No sir, and thank you sir. It is an honor to be aboard." said the Klingon and took her leave. (posted by John) ============================================= (USS Paladin, Main Engineering, ACSO Ens JG K'Palla, 09:20) As before, it took the ensign some time to find her way to Main Engineering. When she did, K'Palla asked where to find LCDR Sarouk's office. She stepped up to the door and chimed to enter. ~~ Hmmm, didn't I just do this? ~~ she thought with a slight hint of frustration. She just wanted to get to work, but felt like she was being shuffled around a bit. The door opened and the Klingon woman approached the Vulcan behind the desk. "LCDR Sarouk, sir! ACSO Ens JG K'Palla, reporting per orders of Lt Brownlee, sir! I am here to assist with the computer modifications!" she said, standing at attention, looking forward, waiting for a response. (posted by John) ============================================ (USS Paladin, Main Engineering, CEO's Office, CEO Lt. Commander Sarouk,09:22) Sarouk sat behind his desk his hands moving over his console in a blur. He was rewriting several engineering subroutines to cross link sensors, and control directly into the impulse engines. He didn't look up from his work when the door chime went off. "Enter," He said in his typical emotionless bass voice. "LCDR Sarouk, sir! ACSO Ens JG K'Palla, reporting per orders of Lt Brownlee, sir! I am here to assist with the computer modifications!" Sarouk took a second to pause his work before looking up at the young Klingon female standing in front of his desk at rigid attention. He allowed one brow to rise slightly. "I am more than qualified to perform the computer modifications Ensign," He said, matter-of-fact, "However, since you are here, the new subroutines should be thoroughly tested before used," He paused for a moment as he typed something into one of the three terminal screens on his desk. "Holo-deck 3 is not in use. Proceed there and set up a series of simulations of gravimetric distortions that we might experience in the upcoming conflict and can use to test the modified subroutines once I have finished rewriting them. I will transfer the subroutines to the holo-matrix and join you in Holo-deck 3 when I am finished here. Questions?" (posted by Wes) ============================================== (USS Paladin, Main Engineering, CEO's Office, ACSO Ens JG K'Palla, 09:23) "LCDR Sarouk, sir! ACSO Ens JG K'Palla, reporting per orders of Lt Brownlee, sir! I am here to assist with the computer modifications!" Sarouk took a second to pause his work before looking up at the young Klingon female standing in front of his desk at rigid attention. He allowed one brow to rise slightly. "I am more than qualified to perform the computer modifications Ensign," He said, matter-of-fact, "However, since you are here, the new subroutines should be thoroughly tested before used," He paused for a moment as he typed something into one of the three terminal screens on his desk. "Holo-deck 3 is not in use. Proceed there and set up a series of simulations of gravimetric distortions that we might experience in the upcoming conflict and can use to test the modified subroutines once I have finished rewriting them. I will transfer the subroutines to the holo-matrix and join you in Holo-deck 3 when I am finished here. Questions?" K'Palla noticed that the Vulcan was working at three terminals at once, and was immediately impressed. She only wished that she could multi-task like that. For a brief moment, she envied the CEO for his advanced brain capacity and ability to process information so effortlessly, along with his ability to shut out emotions to aid in those processes. As a Klingon, she wore her emotions on her shoulder at times, and struggled nightly at the Academy, studying hard to make the grades needed to graduate with the high honors she received. She knew in her heart she would have to work even harder to earn this man's respect. "None, sir." she replied simply, but trying not to sound to loud. "I will await your arrival at the holo-deck." (posted by John) ================================================== (USS Paladin, Holodeck 3, ACSO Ens JG K'Palla, 09:30) When she was dismissed, K'Palla made her way to the holo-deck and entered. "Computer, program mode." she spoke out. || Working. Please specify required parameters. || "The bridge of the USS Paladin.... set the proximity of the vessel within the system of our destination, and close enough to the blue giant so that sufficient gravimetric distortions are experienced!" the ensign described. || Working. || In a few seconds, the bridge appeared around her, complete with generic crewmen at their stations. On the forward viewscreen, the blue giant was radiating in all its glory. The scene was frozen in time, awaiting for the order to run the program. || Program complete. Ready to run. || K'Palla decided to wait until the subroutines arrived from LCDR Sarouk before actually running the program. "Computer, hold this program until subroutines from LCDR sarouk have been downloaded. Inform me when that has occurred!" || Program holding pending downloaded subroutines. Audible notification will be made upon download. || The Klingon was feeling a bit anxious, waiting for the Vulcan CEO to arrive, and needed to relax a bit before diving into the assignment. There was only one thing that helped her to relax and concentrate. It was something she did at the Academy on the mornings when she had a big test. "Computer, have the personal files for Ensign JG K'Palla been received?" || Affirmative. Personal files for Ensign K'Palla are present. || A wry smile crossed the Klingon woman's face. "Excellent! Access music file, K'Palla-Kang-1957 and play that!" || Accessing. || Suddenly, music was heard and K'Palla fell into the persona of the "Kang", in the middle of the holo-version of the bridge. She then began to sing, swinging her hips and gyrating her body to the music as the great musical icon did centuries ago. "Oh baby, Let me be........You're lovin' Teddy Bear......." (posted by John) ================================================ (USS Paladin, Holodeck 3, CEO, Lt. Cmndr Sarouk, 09:45) Sarouk had completed the modifications to the engineering subroutines, now it was time to test them. He stepped into the holo-deck to find Ensign K'Palla in the middle of some kind of seizure while some horrible sound was being emitted from the holo-deck. His hand moved toward his comm-badge to call for a medical team when he realized that the noise filling the holo-deck was actually some kind of music. ~If that can be called music.~ Sarouk thought dryly to himself as he lowered his hand from his com-badge. "Computer discontinue music," Sarouk said evenly. Silence suddenly fell on the holo-deck and the simulated bridge of the Paladin. K'Palla stopped suddenly as she realized the music had stopped playing, she turned to face Sarouk. "Ensign," Sarouk said, his voice even and emotionless, "Are you planning to perform for Captain Straton and the rest of the Bridge crew?" (Reply K'Palla) "Have you prepared the simulation as I instructed you?" Sarouk asked. (posted by Wes) ============================================ (USS Paladin, Holodeck 3, ACSO Ensign JG K'Palla, 09:46) K'Palla had finished her rendition of "Teddy Bear" and was in the final chorus of "Hunka-Hunka Burnin' Love" when a voice called out. "Computer discontinue music," Sarouk said evenly. Silence suddenly fell on the holo-deck and the simulated bridge of the Paladin. K'Palla stopped suddenly as she realized the music had stopped playing, she turned to face Sarouk. ~~ qoH!! How did he sneak in??? ~~ thought the Klingon, feeling her face flush with embarrassment. K'Palla had instructed the computer to inform her when the subroutines were downloaded, so she could end her program before being caught. Then she realized that the Vulcan had brought them with him, so he could download them personally. "Ensign," Sarouk said, his voice even and emotionless, "Are you planning to perform for Captain Straton and the rest of the Bridge crew?" "If they wish it, sir, I would be most willing to oblige them!" admitted K'Palla. "I was indulging in a relaxation program while waiting for you to arrive, sir!" "Have you prepared the simulation as I instructed you?" Sarouk asked. "Yessir, all is in readiness for the subroutines!" she said eagerly, trying to put the incident behind her. (posted by John) =========================================== (USS Paladin, Holodeck 3, CEO, Lt. Cmndr Sarouk, 09:47) "Ensign," Sarouk said, his voice even and emotionless, "Are you planning to perform for Captain Straton and the rest of the Bridge crew?" "If they wish it, sir, I would be most willing to oblige them!" admitted K'Palla. "I was indulging in a relaxation program while waiting for you to arrive, sir!" "Have you prepared the simulation as I instructed you?" Sarouk asked. "Yes sir, all is in readiness for the subroutines!" she said eagerly, trying to put the incident behind her. Sarouk moved across the simulated bridge of the Paladin to the engineering station. "Computer," He said, as he entered a set of commands, "Upload engineering subroutines 3456765G through 7656784J and integrate them into this simulation." [Working. Upload and integration complete.] Sarouk turned from the engineering station and looked as the young Klingon officer. "Now we only require one other component to this simulation," Sarouk said, before he tapped his comm-badge. "Commander Sarouk to Lt. Max." (Reply Max) "Lieutenant. Ensign K'Palla and I are about to run a simulation on the modified CONN configuration. Could either you or Ensign Brownlee come to holo-deck 3 to assist with the simulation?" (posted by Wes) ============================================== (USS Paladin, Holodeck 3, ACSO Ens JG K'Palla, 09:48) Sarouk finished downloading the subroutines. Meanwhile, K'Palla inwardly chided herself for being caught. Hopefully, her singing wouldn't become the scuttlebutt of the ship. She knew that Vulcans never lie or bluff, and hopefully they didn't gossip either. The CEO turned from the engineering station and looked as the young Klingon officer. "Now we only require one other component to this simulation," Sarouk said, before he tapped his comm-badge. "Commander Sarouk to Lt. Max." (Reply Max) "Lieutenant. Ensign K'Palla and I are about to run a simulation on the modified CONN configuration. Could either you or Ensign Brownlee come to holo-deck 3 to assist with the simulation?" he requested. K'Palla was curious and needed to ask the obvious. "Sir, what other component will they provide for the simulation?" (posted by John) ============================================ (USS Paladin, Holodeck 3, CEO, Lt. Cmndr Sarouk, 09:49) Sarouk had just closed the comm-channel with Max when K'Palla spoke up. "Sir, what other component will they provide for the simulation?" She asked. "This is a simulation to test modified engineering subroutines tying the ships sensors to the CONN station," Sarouk explained. "This modification will enable the ships computer to detect and offer possible course corrections around gravimetric distortions likely to be encountered around Star Base 234. However, the officer at the CONN will still make the final decision in course change. Therefore, it is prudent to get the input of a CONN officer in case there are any adjustments that need be made." (posted by Wes) ============================================ (USS Paladin, Holodeck 3, ACONN Ensign (jg) Christian Soval Brownlee, 09:49) Christian made his way down to holodeck 3 to assist with the simulation, whichever part he would play in it, he wasn't sure. Once the computer had given clearance that it was clear to enter, he walked in, just in time to hear Sarouk explaining the simulation. "This is a simulation to test modified engineering subroutines tying the ships sensors to the CONN station," Sarouk explained. "This modification will enable the ships computer to detect and offer possible course corrections around gravimetric distortions likely to be encountered around Star Base 234. However, the officer at the CONN will still make the final decision in course change. Therefore, it is prudent to get the input of a CONN officer in case there are any adjustments that need be made." As soon as he had finished, Christian made his presence known, and said, "Reporting as ordered." (reply Sarouk) "Lt. Max is on duty, and could not make it at present. I have come instead. What do you need me to do?" (posted by Spencer) ========================================== Compiled By Calvin Capps