Mission: The Quondam Season Day: 1 Stardate: 2408.12.22 ========================= (Xega III, Habitation Module, Doctor Otto Von Toenkampf- Day 1- 0750) ========================= (Xega III, Habitation Module, Doctor Otto Von Toenkampf- Day 1- 0750) Otto was smiling as he ducked under the low threshold the central habitation module that led into the central living and dining area for the four Xenoarcheologists that were working on the Xegan Third dynasty dig site. The other three, Rebecca, Svenik and Sarah; were already there and as usual he was the last to arrive for the morning discussion and breakfast. At a little past sixty five years in age, Otto was very much the aged German scientist. His once dark hair was only a remnant of a younger more vibrant version of himself. Now it was mostly gray, turning to a bright white at his temples. His rich blue-gray eyes took in details that most beings would have missed. Years of detailed archeological work had taken their toll on his eyesight and as a result on the doctor's narrow Aryan nose perched a pair of small lensed wire-frame glasses that he wore for detailed work. Like a very few other members of the human race, he was allergic to the main means of curing his near-sightedness, and so he wore the ancient pair of glasses with a certain type of pride, which had blossomed from the understanding that this difference made him that much more unique. He took his seat at the head of the table, an honor afforded to him by his younger colleagues. Rebecca Stokes sat to his right, her short cropped brunette hair more in style with a 1950's Terran jazz singer than a Starfleet archeologist on a distant and slowly dying world. Her dark eyes skimmed across the text of the data PADD that she was gripping firmly with her left hand. Her right automatically dipped a piece of wheat toast into a honey-sweetened cup of coffee that sat close to her right hand, then mechanically inserted the softened piece of tea-soaked bread into her mouth with a precision that would make an android cry. She was the newest member of the survey team, six-years now and twelve sites. At the age of only 38, she was also the youngest of the scientists gathered around the small table. Beyond her, farther right, was the only non-human member of their team. Svenik was a Vulcan of unusual characteristics. His rich black hair framed a lighter milk chocolate complexion. He had mismatched eyes, the left was a light blue color, a few shades darker than Otto's own icier blue color, but his left was as black as it could get. The color of the iris was almost the same as the pupil of his eyes, giving Svenik an appearance that was unforgettable and unsettling at the same time, but his peculiarities did not stop there. Svenik's left ear was missing. He claimed to have lost it in a fight with an Orion slaver several decades ago, when he was still an impertinent youth. His demeanor was also much different from any other Vulcan that Otto had ever met. He smiled, laughed and even occasionally got angry at things. And he did all of this without losing his ability to reason with the implacable logic that was undeniably Vulcan. His fifty-six years marked him as young for a Vulcan, although among this crew it placed him as its second oldest member. Presently, joining them at the table, to Otto's left, was the final member of their team, Sarah Parker-Redmond. At forty-seven, she was the oldest of the two female members of the team. Her hair was a rich auburn, and her fair skin was sprinkled with an irregular smattering of freckles. She had dark eyes, bordering on a black-gray color that was very uncommon among humans. A slight sprinkling of gray hair was scattered at both temples and crows feet marked her as a woman who had led a happy and fulfilled life out on the fringe of the Federation. Her smile was by far one of her best features and she wore it nearly all the time. It was the reason that Otto had hired her all those years ago as an assistant. Her specialty was Paleobotany and Paleoclimatology. She also served as the Surgeon and general Jacqueline-of-all trades for the small group of scientists. The structure groaned a bit as the wind picked up outside. The local sunrise was coming soon, and Otto imagined that he could hear the defensive force field beyond the small compound buzzing as small stones and other detritus were thrown against it. Of course that was impossible, since the force field was more than 25-meters away and well beyond the ability for his failing ears to detect even if it had been a clear day. As was the custom on Xega III, the small group gathered for the morning meal, for a discussion on the day's itinerary and waited patiently for the sun to come up enough that the wind would die down so that they could then make their way to the latest site where they were working. A truly remarkable planet, Xega had once been a Class M world, teaming with life. But at sometime in it's past maybe a half-billion years ago, the star that gave this world life suffered from a massive period of solar upheaval. Massive belts of invisible radiation reached out and scoured this once brilliant world nearly clean of life. It boiled away most of the planet's surface water, and drove most of the planet's native life into extinction. A few resilient species had survived, but they were harmless to Humans and Vulcans. A couple of insect species, a species of bird and a relatively unique winged rodent, that the crew had come to call Xegan Moongliders. At the height of the Xegan civilization, there had been nearly twenty billion beings living on this world. The radiation had killed them all, but in an odd twist of fate had preserved a good number of their artifacts and structures that were the objects of their study. In the nearly thirty years that he and his team had been surveying this world, they had catalogued wonders the likes of which had never been seen before. Incredible architecture, ancient scrolls, statuary, pottery, artistic pieces and even some machinery were all here to be studied. These had been categorized into three dynasties; each with innumerable sub-periods of development. He and his team were the only scientists to work with the Xegan ruins, cataloging and preserving the innumerable artifacts of a long-dead civilization. Today though, there was a pulse sense of excitement at the table. To those that were not familiar with the scientific party seated in the common room, they would not suspect that they had just a few days prior made a discovery unlike any other that they had ever seen. They would have missed the quickness of Rebecca's eye movements, or Svenik's hurried and impatient smile, or the doctor's own nervous habit of adding too may spoons of sugar to his cup of earl gray tea. Sarah placed the morning meal on the table, took her seat and smiled. "Okay doctor." she said simply and gave Otto a nod and a smile before assuming her seat and allowing him to begin his morning brief. Rebecca placed her PADD on the table and as she did so everyone fixed their eyes on the Federation's leading expert on the Xegans. "The results from the scanners looks good. There is, in fact, a massive open space behind the cover stone, although the pictogylphs are unlike anything else I've since in all the years I've been here." He began. "They could predate the first records we have from dynasty one, or they could be proof of a newer dynasty, perhaps one that was closer to the time of the event that destroyed the Xegan civilization." "What about my theory that it is a mechanical or technical language? "Svenik asked hurriedly, "have you found any indications that could be the case?" "No," Otto replied simply, "But that doesn't mean anything. We know that there are countless references to the balance machine. Detailed records that show that massive amounts of resources were being poured into the construction of one or more machines that would effectively act as giant energy dampeners and lightning rods for the radioactive particles that were bombarding the planet at the end of the third dynasty." He took a sip of his tea. "We also know that the records point to the device being underground, but we still don't know if this is the one or one of the balancing machines that those records refer to. It could be a technical or even religious language, similar to what we found at site six, but we just don't have enough information at this point." "Well, the soil samples indicate that the door stone was buried around the end of the third dynasty," Rebecca added, "So it's not ruled out yet either. We know that the chemical composition of the top most layers of soil changed as the radiation increased. These deeper layers, show a strong indication that this door was buried before the middle era of the third dynasty." "That's promising," Sarah added, "With a good cross section of soil, I could do a micro scan and see if I can find any seeds or pollens that will give us a much more exact time frame. I'm certain I could get us to within twenty years if we were to go inside and take samples." Otto nodded. "If this does turn out to be one of the balancers, we will finally be able to prove that the Xegans had the ability to produce very advanced scientific machines, and that they at least attempted to develop a sort of terraforming program with the hopes of saving their civilization." "Are we going to open it then?" Rebecca asked, her eyes sparkling. "Oh yes. We are most assuredly going to open it. But before we do we will need to prep the Argo and the rover for use." Svenik nodded, "I will see to it." he said simply. "Oh something else, before I forget," Sarah interjected. "Our yearly resupply and medical exams are coming up. We'll probably have a starship arriving within the next few days or so." Otto nodded, "As much as I dislike overly-inquisitive amateurs, I think having a little company and getting resupplied would be a good thing. Besides, I think we have a few pieces of equipment that need replacement parts and it never hurts to see to it that we are all in good health." Svenik nodded, then added, "The wind has died down now." "Good, let's finish our breakfast and get to work." (reply none) Daniel Greene ------------------------- Mission: The Quondam Season Day: 2 Stardate: 2408.12.23 ========================= (USS Rosenante, Cargo Bay Three, CO- Captain Ahmed Ibn Salid- Day 2- 1000) (USS Rosenante, Cargo Bay Three, COPS - Lt Tom Jackson - Day 2- 1001) (USS Rosenante, Shuttle Bay One, CO- Captain Ahmed Ibn Salid- Day 2- 1100) (USS Rosenante, Main Sickbay, aCMO Kimiko Ichijo- Day 2- 1144) (USS Rosenante, Main Sickbay, CO- Captain Ahmed Ibn Salid- Day 2- 1145) (USS Rosenante, Main Sickbay, ACMO Ensign Sam Lopez- Day 2- 1147) (USS Rosenante, Sciences, CO- Captain Ahmed Ibn Salid- Day 2- 1230) (USS Rosenante, Sciences, ACSO- Ensign Louis Remey- Day 2- 1232) (USS Rosenante, CTAC Office, CO- Captain Ahmed Ibn Salid- Day 2- 1350) (USS Rosenante, CTAC Office, CSEC- LT Chance Raschen- 1355) (USS Rosenante - Bridge - FO - Cmdr Josh Caskie - Day 2- 1400) ========================= (USS Rosenante, Cargo Bay Three, CO- Captain Ahmed Ibn Salid- Day 2- 1000) The doors to the cargo bay slid open with a heavy mechanical sound that reminded Ahmed more of a factory than a starship. The heavy-duty actuators were by design loud, and sometimes he hated that fact. Before him Cargo Bay Three was filled to near capacity with the resupply materials that the Rosenante was delivering to the Xega III archeological Survey team there. Crates of perishable medications in their specialized packing crates, a new habitation module and several mechanical and raw materials parts for the industrial replicator on the planet were just a few of the goods that were being inspected once again for anything that could be problematic for the scientists conducting their studies there. Lieutenant Jackson was busy organizing the shipment. It would need to be transported down by shuttle craft, since the ionized atmosphere of Xega III was too energetic to allow the use of a transporter for even the most routine of activities. Ahmed's eyes swept to the right side of the bay. Where the habitation module was being inspected by crewman Winters. The newer module was larger, stronger and lighter than the one that had been put into place so many years ago on Xega III. It's radiation shielding was better that it's predecessor's and that meant that it was a generally safer place to call home on such a hostile world. The Captain smiled. Today was one of those days where he loved being in Starfleet. Archeology was one of his hobbies, and at one point had almost become his career. The excitement of meeting the famous doctor Toenkampf, a person whose many books had greatly influenced the young Ahmed's life, was almost too much to bear. There was also the added benefit that the Rosenante was finally getting the opportunity to conduct some scientific studies. In this case of the planet's surface to aid the doctor's team in their location of potential sites. The good doctor had already sent Ahmed a request for several scientific studies, that he knew would be very exciting for members of his crew to conduct. "Mister Jackson." Ahmed called to his chief of operations. He waited for the man to come over before continuing. "How's it going, everything checking out so far?" he asked, knowing that there was still a good number of supplies that needed to be verified. After all a year's worth of supplies for four members was a lot of supplies. (reply Jackson) Ahmed nodded. "Good, I have one more thing that I'd like to ask you to handle, if you have the time." Ahmed said with a smile. (reply Jackson) "It seems that Doctor Toenkampf is an unofficial fan of Peppermint Schnapps. I was wondering if you could scrounge up a few bottles and have them included in the shipment in an unofficial capacity." (reply Jackson) "Good. Also, I understand that the Xega system is well outside the federation data network. Could you have someone from your department pull all the archeological papers that have been published since the last visit to Xega, also all news, entertainment and similar?" (reply Jackson) "I know that's a lot of data, and we only have a few days that we'll be here, but I thought it might be nice to give the scientific staff an opportunity to catch up on the last year's worth of life in the Federation." (reply Jackson) "Very good lieutenant. Carry on." After Jackson resumed his duties, Ahmed strode across the floor to the Habitation module, where Crewman Winters was doing her diagnostics. "Good morning crewman." The captain said. (reply Winters) "How is it going? Any issues with the module?" (reply Winters) "I see, well keep me informed. If you find anything that needs fixing, go ahead and see to it that it's taken care of. It's important that the Hab-unit is in impeccable condition. It's replacing a unit and will be in use for at least the next ten years." (reply Winters) "Very good. Carry on Miss Winters." (reply Jackson, Winters) Daniel Greene ------------------------- (USS Rosenante, Cargo Bay Three, COPS - Lt Tom Jackson - Day 2- 1001) Tom was in the middle of a busy cargo bay. The mission they were about to depart on seemed straight forward. I re-supply mission to a dying world called Xega. Being a history buff, once they had been briefed on the mission, Tom used some off duty hours to read over some articles on the planet. He knew the Co was an amateur archaeologist and was looking forward to the trip. T.J. was interested in the Civil Wat period of old earth but had on occasion read some of Dr Toenkampf's articles. "~At last, a mission of discovery~~ Tom thought pleasantly. His time in the fleet so far had been more directed toward conflict and less toward discovery. Looking up from his padd, Tom spied the CO approaching. Smiling at his old friend, Tom said " Good Morning Captain and how are we this morning?". (reply: Captain) "How's it going, everything checking out so far?" the CO asked, knowing that there was still a good number of supplies that needed to be verified. After all a year's worth of supplies for four members was a lot of supplies. Smiling a bit ruefully Tom answered "So far so good Sir, some things are not here as yet but SB OPS assures me they will be here well before we depart" Tom replied (reply: CO) His friend smiled and added ""Good, I have one more thing that I'd like to ask you to handle, if you have the time." Ahmed said with a smile. "Sure thing Sir, what do you need?" Tom replied. Captain Salid went on to explain how the good Dr liked Peppermint Schnapps. Tom helped up his hand and said "I will be glad to provide that. I have a few 'unofficial' sources here and we can comply with no problem. Would any of the others like something special - I have a few favors left outstanding an should be able to hook them up". (reply: Captain) Ahmed went on to suggest something, when Tom heard it mentally kicked himself for not thinking of first. " Also, I understand that the Xega system is well outside the federation data network. Could you have someone from your department pull all the archaeological papers that have been published since the last visit to Xega, also all news, entertainment and similar?" the Co asked. "Sure thing skipper. I'l try to get them some different videos and e-books, as well s the papers you asked for. The Starbase PIO should be able to give us a hand as well" Jackson replied. NRPG: PIO = Public Information Office RPG: (reply: Captain Salid) The CO let Tom return to his duties and walked to the habitat module. Jackson went back to work directing where to place things. (reply: any in Cargo Bay) (Posted by: Bill) ------------------------- (USS Rosenante, Shuttle Bay One, CO- Captain Ahmed Ibn Salid- Day 2- 1100) Like the doors to the cargo Bay the shuttle bay doors were designed to sound mechanical and to give the impression of danger. There was always something about Shuttle bays that was alive and enticing. Perhaps it was the subconscious feeling that you were standing on a threshold of a great adventure, or perhaps it was simply the energy and constant movement of the shuttle bay crews as they went about their business. Whatever the case, it was always exciting, even for a Starship captain. The reason that he was here was sitting in the middle of the hanger deck. An Argo class shuttle craft was positioned there, it's rover further to the left. The access panels were removed from the shuttle, revealing the inner workings of the machine. Engineers led by Ensign Rixx and Lieutenant Matrix were going over every system and subsystem with a fine toothed micrometer; checking every panel and bulkhead for micro fractures, every component for anything that could be a problem. This replacement craft was bound for the scientific team on Xega III. Their previous Argo shuttle, while still functional was beginning to show wear and tear after nearly twenty years in the harsh planetary environment. Similarly, the rover was getting the same once-over. It would be going to Xega as well, but not without detailed series of mechanical tests. Ahmed stepped over to the two engineers as they were overseeing some of the work on the shuttlecraft. "Good morning Lieutenant, Ensign. How's the work going?" (reply Matrix, Rixx) Ahmed nodded. "Good, how long then until you can finish the rest of the tests and get the shuttle reassembled?" (reply Rixx, Matrix) "And how long on the Rover?" (reply Rixx, Matrix) "That's good news." Ahmed replied. "I understand that the current base camp uses some environmental shields to protect it from flying debris in the twilight hours. As I understand it the change in upper atmospheric activity is pretty dramatic along the terminator for the planet. When we get there, I'd like for an engineering team to do a thorough test of those components and to conduct any repairs or upgrades as needed. I would also like to have someone do a diagnostic of the site's current Rover and see to it that it is well maintained and that any repairs or upgrades are performed on it as well. It will be staying at the site, for use by the scientists. Then there are several other pieces of machinery as well, such as the power core, computer core, and commstation to name a few that will need maintenance and possible repair or replacement." (reply Rixx, Matrix) "Excellent that's what I was hoping to hear. Carry on then." (reply Rixx, Matrix) Daniel Greene ------------------------- (USS Rosenante, Main Sickbay, aCMO Kimiko Ichijo- Day 2- 1144) Kimiko sat in the CMO’s office, still new enough for it not to feel like her office, she perched on the edge of her chair. She was listening to the medical logs as she scanned a professional publication. For the first month, Kimiko practically lived in sickbay trying to learn everything and familiarizing herself with the specific procedures and protocols for the ship. She pretended to not notice the long-suffering looks exchanged by the staff as she pumped them for minutiae about anything and everything in the sickbay, and tried not to look embarrassed when on several occasions the staff anticipated her requests and reduced her finely crafted plans with a simple ‘It might work better if….’ She was gratified that the leave was canceled after she had visited home and managed to socialize with the crew at a bar. (Though still for the life of her she could remember much about the altercation) She remembered going home but her father was at some meeting elsewhere the tiny apartment seemed much larger with no one there. Most of her friends had been busy with their own lives and the conversations were superficial, revolving around children and husbands. Since Kimiko could add to neither, there was a certain strain. Finally, after lunch with a favorite professor, the doctor returned to the ship. The acting CMO noticed the chime that indicated that doors to sickbay opened. “Computer” Kimiko stated while rising “stop playback and close routine” The computer chirped in response. The doctor walked out of the office to see the captain heading over. “Good afternoon, captain” Kimiko greeted "Hello doctors." Ahmed began. "As you know we are headed for Xega III, where we'll be resupplying a small archeological survey team. I take it that you've both received the data on the teams inhabitants?" "yes we have sir" Sam said as Kimiko nodded in agreement "Very good. I'd like for you to do a complete medical check up on each of the members of the team. Be exceptionally thorough and keep your eyes open for any symptoms or complications caused by radiation exposure. Xega III is not a particularly pleasant place. It shouldn't be an issue for anyone short term, but I want you ready to administer any inoculations to the team and I'll want at least one or two medical personnel with all the away teams at all times." “That should not present a problem, sir” Kimiko stated "I also will need someone to go through all the equipment and medical supplies in the Surgical Hab. If we need to supply them with anything, see to it that they get it, likewise for basic equipment." "Yes Sir I'll get right on it" Sam said. "Certainly" Kimiko agreed "A note; I noticed that the information on the original supply was sparse, if that info is available?” (Reply Salid) "Thank you sir" Kimiko watched as Captain left. (Reply Salid) (Posted by Jack) ------------------------- (USS Rosenante, Main Sickbay, CO- Captain Ahmed Ibn Salid- Day 2- 1145) the doors to sickbay parted with barely a sigh and Ahmed couldn't help but smile as he stepped through the doors and into the pristine bay. It was quiet here, and had been for some time, which was a good thing in his opinion. The captain didn't come here often, and so to see medical staff headed his way at warp one wasn't in the slightest bit surprising. (reply Ichijo, Lopez) "Hello doctors." Ahmed began. "As you know we are headed for Xega III, where we'll be resupplying a small archeological survey team. I take it that you've both received the data on the teams inhabitants?" (reply Lopez, Ichijo) "Very good. I'd like for you to do a complete medical check up on each of the members of the team. Be exceptionally thorough and keep your eyes open for any symptoms or complications caused by radiation exposure. Xega III is not a particularly pleasant place. It shouldn't be an issue for anyone short term, but I want you ready to administer any inoculations to the team and I'll want at least one or two medical personnel with all the away teams at all times." (reply Ichijo, Lopez) "I also will need someone to go through all the equipment and medical supplies in the Surgical Hab. If we need to supply them with anything, see to it that they get it, likewise for basic equipment." (reply Ichijo, Lopez) Daniel Greene ------------------------- (USS Rosenante, Main Sickbay, ACMO Ensign Sam Lopez- Day 2- 1147) Sam had been in the almost motionless sickbay all morning,but that all changed when the captain entered.I immediately went to him to see why he came. "Hello doctors." Ahmed began. "As you know we are headed for Xega III, where we'll be resupplying a small archaeological survey team. I take it that you've both received the data on the teams inhabitants?" "yes we have sir"Sam said. "Very good. I'd like for you to do a complete medical check up on each of the members of the team. Be exceptionally thorough and keep your eyes open for any symptoms or complications caused by radiation exposure. Xega III is not a particularly pleasant place. It shouldn't be an issue for anyone short term, but I want you ready to administer any inoculations to the team and I'll want at least one or two medical personnel with all the away teams at all times." Sam waited as aCMO answered that question. "I also will need someone to go through all the equipment and medical supplies in the Surgical Hab. If we need to supply them with anything, see to it that they get it, likewise for basic equipment." "Yes Sir I'll get right on it"Sam said. (Reply by Salid,Ichijo) (Posted by shawn) ------------------------- (USS Rosenante, Sciences, CO- Captain Ahmed Ibn Salid- Day 2- 1230) Ahmed stepped through the doors of the science labs still wearing that silly smile that he'd been infected with earlier this morning. His decision to walk through the ship and take a personal role in the preparations seemed to have been uplifting and somewhat liberating at the same time. His eyes fell upon Ensign's Remey and Benoit, currently working on some project or the other. There would be a great many things to study once they reached the Xega system. And he knew that if the two scientists weren't excited about the prospects then they were in the wrong line of work. It only took them a few moments to realize that he was there, and even then it was only because one of the junior scientists had pointed out his presence to them. The captain's smile grew as he realized that they had been that engrossed in their work. "Good afternoon gentlemen," The captain said when they had joined him. "I came by to see how you were doing?" (reply Benoit, Remey) "Excellent. Have you had a chance to take a look at the mission specific survey requests that Doctor Toenkampf put forward?" (reply Remey, Benoit) "Can I assume then that we will be able to accommodate the good doctor?" he asked. (reply Benoit, Remey) Ahmed's smile widened, "Excellent. Also I'd like to do some minor planetary surveys and some solar surveys while we're here, provided we can do so without interrupting the archeological team. After all it's very uncommon to find even a marginally inhabitable planet orbiting an K3II star wouldn't you agree?" (reply Benoit, Remey) Daniel Greene ------------------------- (USS Rosenante, Sciences, ACSO- Ensign Louis Remey- Day 2- 1232) Louis and the CSO had been studying the latest reported developements on Xega all morning and between the two of them had brainstormed out some ideas on what might be beneficial to the archaelogists on the planet which wasn't included in the manifest. Needed parts for their existing equipment was cut and dried, what they didn't have on hand was easily replicated and had been done through some of the techs in the department. Archaelogy wasn't a speciality of the scientist but it had always been of interest so he found the whole idea of paying a visit to Xega III to be exciting. He brushed back the dark hair of medium length from his rugged features as he looked at Benoit. "Those 'experimental' fusion reactors have proven to be very stable over the past several years and I don't see why we can't go ahead and make extensive use of the technology, we can use it to modify the power sources on their existing equipment and with a bit of recalibration improve the resolution on the scanners as well. The inclusion of an ancillary accoustic oscillation rectifier to their scanners will also give them a near 3-D picture of buried sites up to 100 meters below ground." (Reply: Benoit) Louis turned at the sound of someone nearing them and saw the captain approaching with a silly grin upon his face. ~Nah! He's not excited about the digs is he?~ He chuckled and gave the captain a similar smile as he walked up. "Good afternoon gentlemen," He said when he reached them. "I came by to see how you were doing?" (reply Benoit) "Very well captain." Louis added. "We have some ideas that will make the archaelogists work easier as well as more profitable and we have also come up with a plan for condensing and modifying some of their existing equipment and power sources. The replacement parts are standing by in the cargo bay. I'm really looking forward to the opportunity to add whatever I can to the studies of the system." ~Did that sound like I'm a kiss***? Hope not but I am more than ready to get this started!~ "Excellent. Have you had a chance to take a look at the mission specific survey requests that Doctor Toenkampf put forward?" "That's the next item on the agenda sir," Loius replied. "I've skimmed over it of course but need to go into deeper depth on the details. The solar radiation level surveys should be very cut and dried but I need to know how far they want to go out from the system with it which will of course depend on how far back in time they're looking. I've got a good idea though and those requests will be my first order of business once we're done here." (reply: Benoit) "Can I assume then that we will be able to accommodate the good doctor?" he asked. (reply Benoit) Louis nodded as his grin widened. "Will we ever! Our participation doesn't need to be limited to their requests though, I'll bet I can come up with any number of tests which will complement their findings." Ahmed's smile widened, "Excellent. Also I'd like to do some minor planetary surveys and some solar surveys while we're here, provided we can do so without interrupting the archeological team. After all it's very uncommon to find even a marginally inhabitable planet orbiting an K3II star wouldn't you agree?" Loius nodded again. "They're notoriously short on heavier elements to begin with and at this stage of developement most have swallowed up or scoured the surfaces of their planets. The atmosphere of Xega III has to have been modified or fortified in some fashion to have retained any kind of life-sustaining capability since there is no vegetation to speak of on the surface to regenerate it. That in itself points to an outside agent and some of the archaelogists earlier reports hint at it. If the Xegans did indeed find some way to aid in the protection of their biosphere the methods or technology will be invaluable to the federation to extend the lives of several planets which are currently threatened by imminent stellar events." "That takes pressure off of the need for expansion and gives us time to find habitable planets for the inhabitants of Alpha Setis five and Merisol two. The repercussions of such a find would be incalculable." (Reply: Benoit, Salid) (Posted by Charles) -------------------------- (USS Rosenante, CTAC Office, CO- Captain Ahmed Ibn Salid- Day 2- 1350) Ahmed was pleased to find that Sullivan and Raschen were in the same place for a change, no doubt discussing some new tactical or security point or maybe even duty rotations. He chimed the door and was surprised when it opened almost immediately. "Good afternoon." Ahmed began. "As you know we'll be reaching Xega III within the next couple of days. I wanted to make certain that you were aware of my intentions to send landing teams to the planet." (reply Raschen, Sullivan) "Very good. I understand that the station's phasers are overdue for replacement. Mister Raschen I'd like for you to see to it that they are provided new equipment from the ship's stores. We'll take possession of the old ones and have them rebuilt for our use. Also, It wouldn't hurt for you to have some of your security personnel do a detailed scan of the stations computer system to make certain that there aren't any unwanted viruses or malware that may cause issues for the station personnel after we leave. We also need to download all the official logs for the last year as they are too far out to handle the automatic updates from the relay beacons." (reply Raschen) Ahmed then turned his attention to his chief tactical officer. "As you know the Xega system is very close to Orion, Breen and Cardassian space. I'd like to do a detailed scan of the surrounding area to make certain that we don't have any unwanted visitors. I'd also like to place a couple of early warning satellites in the system to relay data to the survey team in case another ship should enter the system. Also we have a new orbital satellite to install in orbit to aid the doctor in their planetary surveys. I'd like for you to make certain that we'll be able to deploy it properly without complications." (reply Sullivan, Raschen) Daniel Greene ------------------------- (USS Rosenante, CTAC Office, CSEC- LT Chance Raschen- 1355) The door to T’Larah’s office slid open almost before the chime finished sounding it seemed. When Raschen saw who was entering the office, he just smirked and thought ~must be a special ‘It’s the skipper’ setting~. "Good afternoon." Ahmed began. "As you know we'll be reaching Xega III within the next couple of days. I wanted to make certain that you were aware of my intentions to send landing teams to the planet." Chance’s eyebrows went up “What; and I thought you engineered some really cool Harry Houdini trick up your sleeve to get all that gear down there.?.” the security chief stated in sarcastic surprise. Then as he smiled “Yes sir, scuttlebutt has gotten around.” "Very good. I understand that the station's phasers are overdue for replacement. Mister Raschen I'd like for you to see to it that they are provided new equipment from the ship's stores. We'll take possession of the old ones and have them rebuilt for our use. Also, it wouldn't hurt for you to have some of your security personnel do a detailed scan of the stations computer system to make certain that there aren't any unwanted viruses or malware that may cause issues for the station personnel after we leave. We also need to download all the official logs for the last year as they are too far out to handle the automatic updates from the relay beacons." “Most of that is no problem sir. I’ll have the hackers take care of the computer security and the logs. I’ll get the armor to check out the phasers. The only pause I have depends on what kind of shape the current systems are in. If we pull from the Rose itself, that could put us in bad shape till we return to dock; we might be able to SLEP the systems they have. If push comes to shove though, I can probably arrange for a delivery. As for the relay beacons….that is really out of my ‘lane of fire’ sir.” (Reply Salid iyw) Ahmed then turned his attention to his chief tactical officer. "As you know the Xega system is very close to Orion, Breen and Cardassian space. I'd like to do a detailed scan of the surrounding area to make certain that we don't have any unwanted visitors. I'd also like to place a couple of early warning satellites in the system to relay data to the survey team in case another ship should enter the system. Also we have a new orbital satellite to install in orbit to aid the doctor in their planetary surveys. I'd like for you to make certain that we'll be able to deploy it properly without complications." (reply Salid iyw, Sullivan) Posted by Charlie ------------------------- (USS Rosenante - Bridge - FO - Cmdr Josh Caskie - Day 2- 1400) Josh had spent the morning sitting in her chair on the Bridge going over all the padds that she needed to go over. She picked one up from the pile on her left hand side, read it, made some notes, initialised it and placed it on the pile on her right hand side. She watched the pile on her right side grow even bigger and begin to be top heavy and she was oh so close to simply kicking it over just to see what would happen, but had decided that doing that would simply be childish. However she felt somewhat childish at this moment since she had spent hours working her way through these padds. The Captain had disappeared, off to roam around the ship, speak to his crew and simply just have fun. Not that Josh didn't think it a bad idea, she was just annoyed that she had got stuck with all these padds. One of these days the Fleet would decide that they needed a yeoman. Josh grinned since as far as she was concerned, knowing Bloopers, that would probably be around the same time as hell froze over and then they would probably divert the yeoman back to fleet. She turned to pick up the next padd and saw a pair of feet standing beside them. Allowing her eyes to follow the body upwards she saw Lt Xim standing ready to relieve her. "Mr Xim. Is it that time already? My how time flies when your enjoying yourself." Josh immediately hopped out of the chair and smiled at him. "The chair is yours, the padds are yours, the Bridge is formally yours. Have fun and don't do anything I wouldn't do". (Reply Xim iyw) (USS Rosenante - Holodeck 2 - FO - Cmdr Josh Caskie - Day 2- 1415) Josh had simply made her way back to her quarters and put a lead on Luadhas and made her way to holodeck 2. She knew that she herself felt cramped and confined and she knew that if she did Lulu did too. Once they entered the holodeck Josh simply breathed a sigh of relief. The Atlantic Ocean stretched in front of her and Josh simply gave a huge sigh of relief before flopping down on the sand. Lulu began galloping in and out of the waves and Josh to be honest didn't pay too much attention to her simply because she knew that Lulu would come back when she was ready since Lulu needed this as much as Josh did. Lying back on the sand Josh simply decided to veg out for an hour. (Reply any, please do not be afraid to reply) (Posted by Marilyn) ------------------------- ------------------------- End Compile Compiled by Marilyn