USS Rosenante - The Third Law - Compile #2 - February 7th - 13th Mission: The Third Law Day: 1 Stardate: 2414.03.15 ========================= (USS Rosenante - Ready Room, CO, Captain Ahmed Ibn Salid, Day 1 -1144) (USS Rosenante - Captain Ready Room, ATAC/SC Ensign (sg) Jessica Signos, Day 1 - 1146) (USS Rosenante - Sickbay - CMO's Office - CMO - Cmdr Josh Caskie - Day 1 - 1307) (USS Rosenante - Sickbay - CMO's Office - Marah Neru - 1308) (USS Rosenante - Tradewinds - CMO - Cmdr Josh Caskie - Day 1 - 1320) (USS Rosenante - Tradewinds - Marah Neru - 1321) (USS Rosenante - Tradewinds - CMO - Cmdr Josh Caskie - Day 1 - 1323) (USS Rosenante - Tradewinds - Marah Neru - 1325) (USS Rosenante - Tradewinds - CMO - Cmdr Josh Caskie - Day 1 - 1327) (USS Rosenante - Tradewinds -Marah Neru - 1329) (USS Rosenante – Brig – Crewman Andrew Maddox – 1607) (USS Rosenante – Brig – Science Department – Crewman Andrew Maddox – 1613) (USS Rosenante - Brig - Science Officer Ensign (sg) Willowbrook - Day 1 - 1610) (USS Rosenante - Brig - Science Officer Willowbrook - Day 1 - 1615) (USS Rosenante – Brig – Science Department – Crewman Andrew Maddox – 1617) (USS Rosenante - Brig - Science Officer Ensign JG Joseph Willowbrook - Day 1 - 1620) (USS Rosenante - FO's Office - CMO - Cmdr Josh Caskie - Day 1 - 1900) (USS Rosenante - ~CMO's Quarters - CMO - Cmdr Josh Caskie - Day 1 - 2110) (USS Rosenante - Signos' Quarters - ACEO Lt Eian O'Neill - Day 1 - 2120) ========================= (USS Rosenante, Ready Room, CO, Captain Ahmed Ibn Salid, Day 1 -1144) The door chime sounded and was immediately followed by the door sliding open to admit Ensign Signos. The woman looked somehow uncertain as to why she had been summoned, but Ahmed realized well enough that looks can be deceiving especially where Signos was concerned. "Signos reporting as ordered sir." She said. He gestured to the empty chair opposite him, and forced himself to relax despite the understanding that Jessica, as lily, was still a potential threat. "Have a seat ensign." he stated evenly. "What is it that you'd like to discuss?" (reply Signos) Daniel Greene ------------------------- (USS Rosenante, Captain Ready Room, ATAC/SC Ensign (sg) Jessica Signos, Day 1 - 1146) The Captain gestured to the empty chair opposite him, Jessica could tell he as tense who wouldn't be when dealing with someone trained to do what Jessica... Lily accomplished. "Have a seat ensign." he stated evenly. "What is it that you'd like to discuss?" "Sir, if I might be so bold, why am I here? You probably better than most know what I am and what I am capable of. I can see the tension inside you has you sit before me. You've placed me in a position to lead, train, and be accountable for the lives of others on this ship. Yet you have no trust in me because of what lives with in me. Sooner are later people are gonna figure out what I am, and when that happens do you think they are gonna follow someone with Lily's reputation." Jessica stopped there, she knew the longer she stayed on the Rosenante the longer she was putting the ship at risk. Hundreds of questions flowed though her head but she figured that this was a good place to start. (reply Salid) (posted by Matthew Locke) ------------------------- (USS Rosenante - Sickbay - CMO's Office - CMO - Cmdr Josh Caskie - Day 1 - 1307) "Nothing for me thanks." Marah replied. "And thank you for seeing me, I'm sure your very busy." Josh grinned at her. "Well, at the present moment, not so you'd notice. Kitty and I made sure that Sickbay was fully functional before the Rose was ready to depart and at present I'm simply catching up with all the paperwork that tends to chase department heads around most of the time. "Doctor Caskie. I was wondering if there was any way I could help you and your staff? I know I have no formal training and I'm not a starfleet officer but I do have basic understanding of medical practices, I can help with some of the minor injuries freeing up yourself and your staff for more severe cases." Josh blinked since this was not something she had seen coming, but her instincts had always told her to never turn down offers of help since a great deal of times they came from surprising quarters. Checking the time to see if she had anywhere to be Josh realised that she had a free hour at least. So she smiled at Marah. "Marah, do you mind me calling you that? I don't know about you but I was up early this morning and my stomach is telling me that it is way passed lunch and I could certainly do with something to eat. If you have the time would you consider continuing this discussion over lunch in Tradewinds." (reply Marah) I am certainly not against civilians working in sickbay, but I would need a lot more detail regarding your medical background before I take this to the FO, since both she and the Captain would have to sign off on it, so how does lunch sound to you right now and we can take the time to go into detail and if I'm happy then I can speak to Cmdr Sullivan." (Reply Marah) (Posted by Marilyn) ------------------------- (USS Rosenante - Sickbay - CMO's Office - Marah Neru - 1308) "Marah, do you mind me calling you that? I don't know about you but I was up early this morning and my stomach is telling me that it is way passed lunch and I could certainly do with something to eat. If you have the time would you consider continuing this discussion over lunch in 10 Forward." Now that she thought about it she was a little hungry, she had breakfast with Ben before he reported to duty but that had been hours ago. "I prefer being called Marah." She replied. "I was never found of my given name Neru. I have more time then you can imagine, I've never spent much time aboard a star ship and I'm at a loss for something to do." "I am certainly not against civilians working in sickbay, but I would need a lot more detail regarding your medical background before I take this to the FO, since both she and the Captain would have to sign off on it, so how does lunch sound to you right now and we can take the time to go into detail and if I'm happy then I can speak to Cmdr Sullivan." "I'd like that." Marah replied. "I haven't eaten since breakfast either and I could use a sandwich or a salad. I wasn't aware you had to clear this with the FO and the Captain, but I guess since this is basically a military vessel it makes sense." Marah stood up then. "After you Doctor." (reply Caskie) (posted by Milo Young) -------------------- USS Rosenante - Tradewinds - CMO - Cmdr Josh Caskie - Day 1 - 1320) Marah and Josh entered Tradewinds and Josh turned to Marah. "Why don't we take a table over in the corner. That way we are less likely to be disturbed?" (Reply Marah) Sitting down facing the room so that she could see if anyone approached them Josh picked up a menu and began to read it. Wincing at some of the more esoteric delights on offer Josh decided on her choice and looked across at Marah. "I think I'll simply go for the tuna salad and what about you? (Reply Marah) Nodding her head to the person who was obviously waiting to serve them Josh gave their order and whilst they were waiting turned back to Marah. "The one thing I will warn you about when working in Medical is that you always need to get as much food and as much sleep as and when you can. You never know to be honest when you will be called on and you have to be ready as and when needed." The waiter brought their food over and Josh immediately began eating. "Now, how about you fill me in on how you think you can fit into medical and if I agree I will take it up with the FO." (Reply Marah) (Posted by Marilyn) ------------------------- (USS Rosenante - Tradewinds - Marah Neru - 1321) Marah and Josh entered Tradewinds and Josh turned to Marah. "Why don't we take a table over in the corner. That way we are less likely to be disturbed?" Marah nodded. "That's a good idea." She replied and followed the Doctor over to the corner table and sat. Marah picked up the menu and began to look it over, there was a lot to choose from but she wasn't sure what most of it was. There were items listed that she had never heard of, she decided to go with her first thought back in sickbay. "I think I'll simply go for the tuna salad and what about you?" Marah put the menu down. "I'll have a tossed salad and some iced tea." Marah replied. The waiter came over and the orders were taken, Marah took a moment to look around the room. It was a big place with a lot of people, some were just drinking or having a meal, several were playing 3D chess, and up by the windows there was a group engaged in what looked like a private meeting. Padds were being passed back and forth as some nodded agreement or others shook their heads and pointed at something or other. "The one thing I will warn you about when working in Medical is that you always need to get as much food and as much sleep as and when you can. You never know to be honest when you will be called on and you have to be ready as and when needed." Marah turned her attention back to Doctor Caskie as the waiter returned with their food. Marah began nibbling on her salad while Doctor Caskie took several bites of hers. "Now, how about you fill me in on how you think you can fit into medical and if I agree I will take it up with the FO." Marah swallowed what was in her mouth before speaking. "As I said, I have no formal training in medical but I have helped the Doctor back on Axtis during tournaments. I helped him set bones, dress various degrees of lacerations and helped stitch up more fighters then I can remember." Marah began, she knew all of this probably sounded barbaric to someone who had all the modern technologies at their finger tips but medical knowledge was medical knowledge. "On a few occasions that I left Axtis and found a more modern clinic I got used to using the dermal regenerator, several times I used the osteostimulator on fractures. I can use sterilization equipment, medical scanners, I've only used lazer scalpels a couple of times." Marah continued pausing to take a bite of her salad. "With a little studying I'm sure I can learn about your medicines and equipment so I can help. I'm a quick study and I've aided a couple doctors during surgery, passing tools and cleaning wounds." She opted to leave out the references to osmotic eels and leeches that she had used on Axtis, they were eating after all. (reply Caskie) (posted by Milo Young) ------------------------- (USS Rosenante - Tradewinds - CMO - Cmdr Josh Caskie - Day 1 - 1323) They settled into their table and Marah, looking at the menu mentioned that she had decided to go for the tuna salad and, as the waiter came over to take their order Marah ordered the salad and some iced tea. As he turned to Josh and waited, she scanned the menu. "I'll have the tuna salad too please but with a pot of Lapsang Suchong to accompany it, no milk or sugar thank you." Once their meal arrived Josh listened as Marah began to explain the extent of her medical experience. Listening to her Josh realised that whilst the woman had no formal medical training per se her experience has gained her a fair amount of knowledge, probably the equivalent of a medical technician at least and Josh could certain use her and would if the First Officer and the Captain agreed. Whilst Marah had more 'frontier' experience than actual StarFleet Sickbay experience Josh was wise enough to realise that this kind of medical knowledge was actually worth it's weight in gold since there were times when you simply did not have the resources of an entire medical sickbay at hand and if you could set a bone or stitch a wound without those resources then you stood a far better chance of keeping your patient alive until you got them to a sickbay. Waiting until Marah stopped her explanation Josh stopped eating and smiled across at her. "Well, you've certainly convinced me that you could be a big help in Sickbay, and as much as you don't have much experience of Sickbay work, you certainly have enough medical experience to convince me that you could indeed be an asset. What is needed now is for me to speak to Cmdr Sullivan and get her and the Captain's agreement for this. I will speak to the Commander today and I will get back to you as soon as I have their decision. Is that ok with you?" (Reply Marah) "Now tell me, how are you settling into life on a Starship? I know it's not the easiest thing in the world to do." (Reply Marah) (Posted by Marilyn) ------------------------- (USS Rosenante - Tradewinds - Marah Neru - 1325) Marah wasn't sure what to expect but the smile Doctor Caskie offered her was very reassuring. "Well, you've certainly convinced me that you could be a big help in Sickbay, and as much as you don't have much experience of Sickbay work, you certainly have enough medical experience to convince me that you could indeed be an asset. What is needed now is for me to speak to Cmdr Sullivan and get her and the Captain's agreement for this. I will speak to the Commander today and I will get back to you as soon as I have their decision. Is that ok with you?" Marah was at a loss for words, she was so happy that Doctor Caskie thought she would be a big help was more then she hoped for, of course it had to be cleared with the FO and the Captain first but she was still happy. She returned the Doctors smile. "That's more then ok, thank you Doctor Caskie." Marah replied. "I'm glad you think I'd be able to help, I wasn't sure what to expect after telling you what my experience had been." (reply Caskie iyw) "Now tell me, how are you settling into life on a Starship? I know it's not the easiest thing in the world to do." Marah took a sip of her iced tea before speaking. "It's a big adjustment when your used to living on the surface of a planet." She said. "The air is different, I can't feel the wind and there's no rain or sun or even snow." She took a forkful of salad and chewed and swallowed it. "Ben says I'll be fine after a couple weeks, but it's easy for him to say considering he spent most of his life on a ship of some kind." Marah continued. "All the crew are very friendly though and everyone's polite, that's not something I'm used to either. Axtis had more then it's share of rude and mean people, don't get me wrong I'm not complaining but it is going to take some getting used to." (reply Caskie) (posted by Milo Young) ------------------------- (USS Rosenante - Tradewinds - CMO - Cmdr Josh Caskie - Day 1 - 1327) "That's more than ok, thank you Doctor Caskie. I'm glad you think I'd be able to help, I wasn't sure what to expect after telling you what my experience had been." Josh smiled over the table at Marah. "To be honest I would rather have one person who knows how to set a broken bone and stitch up a wound without the benefit of modern technology because, to be honest, you never know when that knowledge will come in useful, and believe me, it always does." (Reply Marah iyw) Josh then began to listen to how Marah was settling in on the Rose. "It's a big adjustment when your used to living on the surface of a planet. The air is different, I can't feel the wind and there's no rain or sun or even snow. Ben says I'll be fine after a couple weeks, but it's easy for him to say considering he spent most of his life on a ship of some kind. All the crew are very friendly though and everyone's polite, that's not something I'm used to either. Axtis had more then it's share of rude and mean people, don't get me wrong I'm not complaining but it is going to take some getting used to." Nodding Josh smiled across at Marah. "Yes it's somewhat of a closed community and more like a family than anything else and I understand how daunting it can be for new people, especially civilians to fit in because they don't have a specific role in it's structure. To be honest the best advice I can give you is to talk to as many people as you can, get to know them and arrange to meet them socially. In a few weeks you'll look back on this time and wonder why you were worried." (Reply Marah iyw) "As to the difference between living on a planet's surface versus living on a ship, even as a civilian you still have holodeck privileges. You can visit any planet you want in the database and believe me the crew are only too happy to share their personal programs with everyone else. For instance, I usually walk my dog on Holodeck 2 every evening around 2100 hours. Your welcome to join me anytime or borrow the program if you simply want some time alone." (Reply Marah) "Oh and while I remember my name is Josh when we are off duty and not Commander or Doctor." (Reply Marah) (Posted by Marilyn) ------------------------- (USS Rosenante - Tradewinds -Marah Neru - 1329) Josh smiled over the table at Marah. "To be honest I would rather have one person who knows how to set a broken bone and stitch up a wound without the benefit of modern technology because, to be honest, you never know when that knowledge will come in useful, and believe me, it always does." Marah was happy that she would be able to help out, it would give her something to help pass the time and keep her occupied. "I didn't think that would be of much use." Marah replied. "But I guess you don't always have everything you need at your finger tips." Marah told Caskie about how she was adjusting to ship board life, what she missed about living on the surface of a planet and how people in general seemed different. Nodding Josh smiled across at Marah. "Yes it's somewhat of a closed community and more like a family than anything else and I understand how daunting it can be for new people, especially civilians to fit in because they don't have a specific role in it's structure. To be honest the best advice I can give you is to talk to as many people as you can, get to know them and arrange to meet them socially. In a few weeks you'll look back on this time and wonder why you were worried." Marah smiled. "I hope your right." She said. "I've often heard Ben talk about freighter crews being more like family, I guess it's no different on any ship where you spend so much time around everyone that you work with. I'll have to take your advice and speak with as many people as I can." "As to the difference between living on a planet's surface versus living on a ship, even as a civilian you still have holodeck privileges. You can visit any planet you want in the database and believe me the crew are only too happy to share their personal programs with everyone else. For instance, I usually walk my dog on Holodeck 2 every evening around 2100 hours. Your welcome to join me anytime or borrow the program if you simply want some time alone." Marah felt a little foolish, she hadn't thought of the holodeck. "I didn't even think about the holodeck, not every ship has one and I've only been in two or three. Ben did recreate my village on the Grant when we returned from Axtis the first time." Marah replied. "Maybe I will join you for a walk some time, as long as your dog doesn't mind." "Oh and while I remember my name is Josh when we are off duty and not Commander or Doctor." "I'll try to remember that." Marah smiled. "As I said it's going to take some getting used to." Marah finished her salad and sipped on the remainder of her iced tea. "The Rosenante is a beautiful ship," Marah stated, "and so big. I haven't seen much of her since I came aboard, I know there are some area's I'm not permitted to enter but if I do get to help you I'm going to have to take some time to familiarize myself with the rest of the ship. How many medical bays are there?" (reply Caskie) (posted by Milo Young) ------------------------ (USS Rosenante – Brig – Crewman Andrew Maddox – 1607) Maddox had realized after the first week or so that being in the Brig a lot gave him time to think. Thinking usually revolved around what he was going to do when he was not in the brig, when he was not thinking about why he was there. Andrew heard the guard conversing with someone. He did not expect Joseph to walk around the corner. "Hi, Andrew," he said, nervousness causing his voice to rise slightly. “I’m sorry Joseph.” He said with remorse but simply. (Reply Willowbrook) “I’ve realized that my delusions not only tried our friendship, but it also very nearly killed you. I haven’t had enough time to tell you that and I just wanted you to know, that I’m sorry.” He explained. (Reply Willowbrook, iyw, room for more) (Posted by Todd) ------------------------- (USS Rosenante - Brig - Science Officer Ensign (sg) Willowbrook - Day 1 - 1610) Joseph was never good at verbal communications, and he it was far from him to judge someone else's social skills. But he honestly didn't expect Andrew to apologize as a greeting. He couldn't say 'it's okay' because it wasn't okay--Andrew had accepted the Borg's offer to be their liason, he had allowed himself to be used to carry out an attempted assassination of Captain Salid, and he had nearly killed Joseph. Though Joseph believed it was an accident. "I've realized that my delusions not only tried our friendship, but it also very nearly killed you. I haven't had enough time to tell you that and I just wanted you to know that I'm sorry," Andrew concluded. Joseph nodded slowly. Characteristically, he was silent until he had something valuable to say. "I forgive you, Andrew," he said honestly. "I believe what you did was wrong and directly against what we've been trained to do in situations just like that one. However, acknowledging that, I forgive you." (reply Maddox iyw) "Do you want some company? The guard said we had fifteen minutes." Joseph pulled up a nearby chair and sat down, not waiting for Andrew's affirmative and hoping that the forward action would prompt his friend to agree. (reply Maddox) "What's this like?" he asked, gesturing around him at the brig and wondering in earnest if it was terrifying or simply boring to be locked in a box. (reply Maddox) (posted by Morgan G) ------------------------- (USS Rosenante – Brig – Science Department – Crewman Andrew Maddox – 1613) Joseph nodded slowly. Characteristically, he was silent until he had something valuable to say. "I forgive you, Andrew," he said honestly. "I believe what you did was wrong and directly against what we've been trained to do in situations just like that one. However, acknowledging that, I forgive you." “Thanks, that means a lot.” He said. The following silence was palpable. "Do you want some company? The guard said we had fifteen minutes." Joseph pulled up a nearby chair and sat down. “Actually, yeah. It gets kind of boring in here.” He said honestly. "What's this like?" he asked, gesturing around him at the brig. “Besides boring?” he asked. His mood was genuinely improving. (Reply Willowbrook) “Well I get quite a lot of time to think,” he chuckled. “Not many visitors.” He admitted. “You are to date the third. The second for social reasons.” (Reply Willowbrook) “Well this is just the beginning, I’ve got a long sentence in front of me.” He said. (Reply Willowbrook) “A while, I don’t have any free time, anything not sleeping or on mission is in here.” Andrew said. (Reply Willowbrook) “Yeah pretty dreary, huh?” (Reply Willowbrook) (Posted by Todd) ------------------------- (USS Rosenante - Brig - Science Officer Willowbrook - Day 1 - 1615) "What's this like?" Joseph asked, gesturing around him at the brig. “Besides boring?” Andrew asked. His mood was genuinely improving. Joseph smiled slightly. "Yes, besides boring." “Well I get quite a lot of time to think,” he chuckled. “Not many visitors.” He admitted. “You are to date the third. The second for social reasons.” He nodded sympathetically. "I'm sorry no one's been stopping by." ~Trying to kill the captain doesn't do much in the way of winning friends and influencing people.~ “Well this is just the beginning, I’ve got a long sentence in front of me.” He said. "How much time do you have to spend in here?" “A while, I don’t have any free time, anything not sleeping or on mission is in here.” Andrew said. ~Wow~ Joseph thought. ~I can't imagine being an animal in a cage...~ His facial expression must have given him away, because Andrew's response was “Yeah pretty dreary, huh?” "Yeah," Joseph answered. "I guess that's sort of the point..." He looked around at the small accommodations. "I think I'd go insane." (reply Andrew) "May I ask a personal question?" Upon an affirmative reply, Joseph continued, "I'm sure you're familiar with Commander Data. From what I understand, Data didn't require sleep. Yet you still do...why is that?" (reply Andrew) "How did your status as an...an android, make it past all your medical exams?" (reply Andrew) "Does it feel any different? Knowing that you're not human?" (reply Andrew) "I'm sorry for how some of these questions sound," he thought to say. "I'm not trying to be insulting. I just...I can't imagine being you right now." (reply Andrew) (posted by Morgan G) ------------------------- (USS Rosenante – Brig – Science Department – Crewman Andrew Maddox – 1617) "Yeah," Joseph answered. "I guess that's sort of the point..." He looked around at the small accommodations. "I think I'd go insane." “Well I pass a lot of time daydreaming or sleeping.” Andrew admitted. “Keeps my brain occupied.” "May I ask a personal question?" Joseph asked, Andrew nodded indicating the go ahead. "I'm sure you're familiar with Commander Data. From what I understand, Data didn't require sleep. Yet you still do...why is that?" “My design is different from Data’s. While Data was designed to be the pinnacle of human achievement, I was designed to mimic the pinnacle of human potential. Since I was designed to mimic human behavior, I require sleep. It gives my brain time to work through coding problems and my other systems down time.” Came his answer. "How did your status as an...an android, make it past all your medical exams?" “Bio-feedback algorhythms, handle deep scans, and I actually have a biological sheath around the skeleton you saw when the Borg revealed it to me. All of my systems are designed to mimic those of humans. The sheath was an alteration of my father’s DNA, I have real blood cells, real skin cells, so biopsies and the like will show me as a human.” (Reply Willowbrook, room for more.) "Does it feel any different? Knowing that you're not human?" he asked. “I feel the same. I get some different looks from a select few of the crew. I have just included that bit of information into what I am now.” He admitted. "I'm sorry for how some of these questions sound," he thought to say. "I'm not trying to be insulting. I just...I can't imagine being you right now." “Well I think that most of the crew would agree with you.” Andrew agreed. “I am really looking forward to this mission though.” (Reply Willowbrook) (Posted by Todd) ------------------------- (USS Rosenante - Brig - Science Officer Ensign JG Joseph Willowbrook - Day 1 - 1620) "Bio-feedback algorithms, handle deep scans, and I actually have a biological sheath around the skeleton you saw when the Borg revealed it to me. All of my systems are designed to mimic those of humans. The sheath was an alteration of my father's DNA, I have real blood cells, real skin cells, so biopsies and the like will show me as a human." Joseph nodded slowly. "What about feelings? Do you have the full range of human emotions? Do you dream?" (reply Maddox, room for more) "I feel the same. I get some different looks from a select few of the crew. I have just included that bit of information into what I am now," he said. "I'm sorry for how some of these questions sound," he thought to say. "I'm not trying to be insulting. I just...I can't imagine being you right now." “Well I think that most of the crew would agree with you.” Andrew agreed. “I am really looking forward to this mission though.” "I am too. I've always wanted to see a rogue planet. I wonder if I'll be selected to go on one of the missions. Probably not, considering that I'm a pion compared to some of the others in the science department. Are you permitted to go on away missions?" Joseph asked. (reply Maddox) (posted by Morgan G) ------------------------- (USS Rosenante - FO's Office - CMO - Cmdr Josh Caskie - Day 1 - 1900) After lunch Josh had returned to her office and made notes regarding all of Marah's medical experience intending to simply forward her request and her notes via the computer, but as her shift finished Josh decided to go speak to the FO in person. So here she was, standing outside the FO's office, pressing the door chime, padd in hand, waiting to be asked in. (Reply Sullivan) As the door opened Josh stepped into the room. "Good evening Commander. I wonder if I might have a moment of your time since I have a somewhat unusual request to make of you." (Reply Sullivan) "Marah Neru came to see me today to offer her services in Sickbay. After checking with her regarding her medical knowledge it seems that she could indeed be a help. However, since she is a civilian I thought that I should run this passed you and the Captain before I agreed to take her on. I've uploaded all the information that I thought you would need onto this padd so that you and the Captain can review it when you have the time and I have told her that both you and the Captain will have the final say regarding this. However, as stated on the padd my inclination would be to say yes to her, if I get the ok from yourselves." Placing the padd on the table she smiled at T'Larah. "If you could find some time to review it and bring it to Captain Salid's attention I would be grateful. I won't keep you any longer Commander, thank you for seeing me." (Reply Sullivan) (Posted by Marilyn) ------------------------- (USS Rosenante - ~CMO's Quarters - CMO - Cmdr Josh Caskie - Day 1 - 2110) After coming back from speaking to the FO Josh had spent the earlier part of the evening going through the ever growing pile of reports on her computer sent out from Starfleet Medical that Kitty has simply tagged for the CMO. To be honest Josh was tempted to send them all straight back to Kitty since she would have to read them anyway, but Josh, knowing Kitty as well as she did, realised that she had probably read them already. Trying her best to figure out who needed to be updated Josh finally came to the end of them and smiled. Finally, now she could have some 'me' time. Checking the computer to see what holosuite was free she clicked her fingers and smiled slightly as Lulu immediately came to heel. (USS Rosenante - Holodeck 2 - CMO - Cmdr Josh Caskie - Day 1 - 2112) After access her program Josh entered the holosuite with Lulu trotting at her heels and breathing in the fresh air smiled. Snapping her fingers she gave Lulu the command that told her she could run free and watched as she began to run through the surf chasing the waves. Josh took off her shoes and rolling up her trouser legs waded into the surf herself and strode along the beach allowing her toes to dig into the sand under her feet. This program was a copy of a beach near her home in Orkney and Josh tried to access it as often as she could. Although it was never often enough to be honest. Finally getting tired of walking around she climbed back up the beach until she reached the dunes and sitting down with her back resting against one of the dunes she simply watched Lulu frolic in the surf for a while. (No reply needed, but if anyone wants to join me then please feel free) (Posted by Marilyn) ------------------------- (USS Rosenante - Signos' Quarters - ACEO Lt Eian O'Neill - Day 1 - 2120) Newly energized by his conversation with his father, Eian strode with purpose to Jessica's quarters. He assumed she was off duty now, though he didn't know by how much time. He hadn't even checked the duty roster to see when she was on duty. He rang the chime and hoped she answered. It would of been a difficult time in anyone's life to be told that everything you thought you knew about yourself was a lie. Jessica sat on the couch in her room. A pomegranate blueberry tea in hand, it's steam rose from the cup. It was her mothers favorite tea, a small detail from her past that only recently resurfaced and it was one of the few things that she found comfort in. Then her the chime to her door rang. ~Who could that be.~ She wasn't expecting anyone after three weeks, and no one ever coming by she stopped expecting anyone. She threw on a long black sink robe to cover the small pink nightgown she was wearing. "Who's there." She said with a bit more bit than she meant, as she allowed the door to open. "It's uh...it's Eian," he replied, and the door slid open. He didn't smile, but his expression was slightly apologetic, and slightly nervous. He read her as being more than just a little indignant at his appearance, but he also read some relief. "Can I come in?" At seeing Eian, Jessica visibly relaxed. "Eian" She spoke softly. "Please do, and make yourself at home." She crossed toward the replicator. "Is there anything I can get for you?" Anger would of put it lightly for how she felt toward Eian. Jessica understood that Eian had been though a great deal, but she also knew that if she kept her past a secret she was doing him a greater injustice. Eian hadn't even bothered to come back and talk to her. To express his feelings, to give them a chance to work though there hardships together. Instead he left her, forcing them both to work though their hardships alone. Jessica hated not being there for him when she knew he needed her the most. "Well, um..." he uncharacteristically found himself lost for words. "No thanks, I just had a snack." "How have you been? You look well at least better than last time we spoke." She moved back toward her couch to take her seat the ends of her robe catching on the air flowing throughout the room and blowing around her. She sat and took a sip of her tea. "So what brings you here?" She was being civil, which Eian knew was partially an act. He decided to follow along, though. "I thought we should talk. At least discuss what's been going on in our lives, respectively." ~It sounds like you're giving a book report, Eian~ he chided himself. "Talk..." Jessica paused stunned. ~Talk now he wants to talk we should of been talking for the past three weeks. Is he only now figuring that out.~ "Yes we need to talk." She continued. ~Whether we want to or not.~ "However, I don't think you would want to know what my life has been like for the past few weeks." Eian frowned. "Look, getting into a pissing match over who's had a harder time isn't productive," he said, and then sighed at his own statement. "I didn't mean for that to sound harsh. I know you went through a lot. And I know you realize that's true for me too..." He looked at his shoes, and then looked up at her again. "I think this time would be better spent talking about our plans for the future instead of our pasts." Her eyes narrowed has she crossed her room and stood before the door way. She turned on Eian and unleashed her wrath. "A pissing match, How dare you." Her eyes bore into him, it was a natural instinct that has consumed many a human male that was simply referred to has 'the look.' "Yes your time would be better spent talking about the future instead of the past. There is only one thing wrong with that." Her voice grew in crescendo. "My future is my past! Every time I close my eyes I'm faced with some new horror from my past, from my parents' murder, reliving howSection 31 placed Lily into my head. How long or how many times do you think Section 31 violated my mind to accomplish what they did to me." Her voice then turned to the hardest Iron. "I have no future because I have no past--that's the way you left me." ~Don't get emotional,~ he warned himself. He paused purposely, giving her time to continue if she wanted and giving him time to take a deep breath. "That's unfair and you know it," he started. "We both went through more than we ever had before--rehashing it now only compounds the problem" ~You drive everybody crazy when you argue like it's 'debate team', Eian,~ he reminded himself. "And if you think you have no future because of me, then that answers my question. We can't be together if you're relying on me to be your future--*I* can't be with someone like that. Whether it's God or fate or the physics of the universe, you have to put your faith in something a little more dependable than a human being." ~You're doing it again...~ Jessica tried to calm herself, She started again slowly. "Eian even now your trying to be distant. You've might have reconnected with your faith since you speak openly of God but you still haven't reconnected with your emotion, you still don't know how to be honest with your own feelings." Jessica sat again. "Now, lets stop this game your playing with me. You've stayed away, at a time when you know we needed each other. Now after near a month of time and you ask about our respective futures. That's a lie and you know it, what you want is a release." Eian raised an eyebrow. "A release of what?" What actually popped into his mind, since it was always thinking of about five things at once, was a joke. ~I had a great release this morning after two glasses of orange juice.~ He had the tact not to say that, though. Jessica crossed over to sit next to him. "Logically you want to walk away from us. It's what makes sense, but you can't. So you hope to anger me to the point to let you go. How can you say you don't put your faith in people, you put your faith in your father don't you? Isn't though the kindness and acts of other people that one sees the work of the divine. If you can't put your faith in people then in a sense you shut out your own faith in that divine. Eian" She spoke softly. "Even now though all the horrors," Jessica reached tentatively for his hand. "I still love you, and I'm sorry it's been so long since you last heard that. I still hope that we can work though this, but this time together." Eian took her hand and held it, but didn't squeeze. "Jessica...I love you too. But...I don't love Lily. I can never love Lily." He looked at this woman who he had met in a bar, on New Years' Eve, just before they were attacked by Veralax insects. ~How charming.~ He didn't understand how she could put any faith in him at all. It was one thing to have hope for people, to be pleased at their actions...he loved his father deeply and expected a certain standard of love back from him. But he had no faith in his father...he knew his father was a fallible human being who would inevitably fail, disappoint, and die. If Jessica truly had faith in him, then she was sadly mistaken. And Eian couldn't move into that deep of a relationship anyway. Not when he had just rediscovered his own spirituality. "It's been three months since we met. And we both spent more of that time in Sickbay or firing a phaser than we did with each other. We barely know each other. How can we really love each other?" "No one will ever love Lily, that's not what Section 31 programmed her for, but I... we are no longer what we used to be. Notice how it was you that brought Lily into this conversation not I. This conversation is not about Lily. I thought it was about us." "That doesn't change the fact that we've both been through something that we're in the process of recovering from. It doesn't mean that we can't spend time with each other. But...until I understand who it is that I'm 'together' with, I don't think we can be 'together.'" He frowned. "Does that make sense?" "It makes sense, but your avoiding the point why did you bring Lily into this? True we've spent more time fight and recovering in Sickbay than being together, holding each other. But that's the way love is, it defies all common logic and until you can open your heart and be honest with your own emotions you won't understand that. I dared to hope that you above all could see me for who I am and not what Lily was. I am sorry that I can not live to your expectations and prove my worth to you. But what I wanna know is how you can insult me in such a way..." She lets her words sink in. "Unconditional love means to forgive unconditionally." ~How'd I insult her?~ Eian thought, completely puzzled. Conversations like this one always frustrated him, and generally occurred with women he was romantically involved with. ~These things always seem hopeless!~ "Jessica...I brought Lily into the conversation because she's a part of you. It's just...obvious. You've changed, I've changed, neither one of us is the same person we were when we met each other. If either one of us has any doubts as to who we're in a relationship with," he said, repeating himself, "then how can we even begin to love each other, and unconditionally forgive? If you don't even know who it is you're forgiving?" He shook his head. "You've got to realize that we're not talking about 'living up to expectations' like it's an argument about picking up dirty clothes off the floor. We're talking about a relationship that exists between two people who for all intents and purposes have probably spent less than a month with each other, and less than an hour with each other after substantial changes in both lives." He pursed his lips. "You want to know how I feel? I feel friggin' *confused*. I don't know who I'm talking to. When you say 'us' I don't know if it means you and Lily or you and I. And it's not a simple matter of semantics. If there's another *person* literally living in your body, then it's not just about the two of us anymore, is it?" "Unfortunately you are right, but Lily understands that this is my life. I know we both have changed, and I know you're confused, so am I. For now a goodly portion of my free time is learning how to control Lily, and to live with her. Freya help me, I wish you never turned your back on me. We could have had this conversation then and been three weeks more healed." Jessica held Eian's hand tightly looking deeply into his eyes, past the parts of him that were still Borg. Tears welled in her soft eyes. "Eian, what took you so long to come back to me? I know you still hurt. I hurt too, and there is still so much more that needs to be said, and it will be." Eian didn't say anything at first. He looked at Jessica, her eyes now a different color. He could tell she was looking at his implants, and the fact that they had caused tears to form in her eyes made him turn his gaze away in shame. When he answered, his voice was partially apologetic, and partially embarrassed. "I learned as a little boy that when you had a problem, you fixed it yourself before you burdened someone else with it. You tried everything you could to fix it yourself before you put it on someone else, because everyone else has their own problems to deal with." "I had every intention of dealing with my problems because that's how we better yourselves. But you are important enough to me that you needed to know. You were the first other than the Captain that knew about Lily and I went against his orders in telling you about her. I didn't mean to burden you so, but don't you think it was better to know about her sooner other than later? "Are you really spending a lot of time learning to control Lily? How so? What does that involve?" He still needed proof, or this would never work. "Yes, it seems for the past three weeks I had little other to do besides practice on how to control Lily. I've had to accept certain aspects of her and allow them into my life, but they help in learning to control her. Though deep meditation, martial art drills, dancing, and now singing. Anything that can cause an altered state of mind. They tell me that when I do this it slightly alters the chemicals in my head and makes it harder for Section 31 to gain control. Thus keeping Lily in the background of my mind. She knows better than anyone what she's done. She knows that if the Federation had its way she would be dead. Better to live in the back ground than not at all, is how he feels about it." Jessica continued as she went back to her tea taking sips along the way though her conversation. "Other than that I'm trying to reconnect my life, remove the memories and lies that Section 31 has placed in my mind and remember the facts of what actually happened in my life. It's gonna be a long process, I know that, but I keep trying to press forward." Eian nodded. He was genuinely surprised. She had spent a considerable amount of time and effort on this. "My training to help me focus uses some of the same philosophy," he said, referring both to his past training to control his ADHD and his current training. "Especially since I started working with Counselor Davis. He did some research on de-assimilated individuals and found a way for me to control the Borg's voice...apparently it will always be there, in some small way." He bowed his head. "So I suppose I sort of understand, in a way." Looking up, he met Jessica's eyes and asked, "You're really devoted to conquer this thing, aren't you? You really want to get your life back." "It's my life" Jessica answered simply. "Who else will fight for it if not myself, I've been alone so long I know no other way. I guess I'm just tired of it... being alone." She answered somberly. He nodded thoughtfully. He was silent for a few moments before he took her hand gently and asked, "Jessica...would you be willing to start over? No long-term commitments yet, no strings attached, no Borg and no Veralax Spoilers. Just...lunch. Or dinner." "Start Over." Jessica spoke thinking it over. "There never was any commitments, only Love and well see how far that can take us, but Yes I would like to start over. Only this time slower." Eian nodded. They didn't have to agree on everything...they didn't even have to see each other every day. All they had to do was spend some time together, to evaluate if they were really right for each other. "This feels...more responsible," Eian stated. "I think this is right." "This is right." Jessica responded. "We got involved, not ready for the chaos life was gonna throw at us. Like you said we've spent more time with a phaser in hand other than being with each other. We've both gone though a great deal. But you know what--I don't think anyone else would understand us as much as we would. We can relate to each other, and that will help us move forward." She continued. "Thank you for coming back." Jessica never believed in starting over. What's done is done, you can't chance that. She believed that she and Eian were still together, a couple. She also believed that because of how crazy both their lives had been, their relationship could use a time when they took a step back to better understand each other. Jessica knew they still loved each other--the fact that Eian was still there proved that much. She would have to trust in that love to carry them though this turbulent time and toward a brighter tomorrow. It was however, nice to have some closure in her life. For the first time in a long time, she no longer felt alone. (no reply necessary) (posted by Morgan G and Matthew Locke) ------------------------- ========================= Mission: The Third Law Day: 2 Stardate: 2414.03.16 ========================= (USS Rosenante - Observation Lounge- CSO- Lieutenant David M. Tamblyn- 0755) (USS Rosenante - Observation Lounge- Mgr T’Lela- 0757) (USS Rosenante - Observation Lounge- CO, Captain Ahmed Ibn Salid, Day 2 - 0758) (USS Rosenante – Observation Lounge - FO – Commander T’Larah Sullivan – 0812) (USS Rosenante - Observation Lounge, Lieutenant sg Sanok, 0837) (USS Rosenante - Observation Lounge, CO, Captain Ahmed Ibn Salid, Day 2 -0850) (USS Rosenante - Observation Lounge - CMO - Cmdr Josh Caskie - Day 2 - 0900) (USS Rosenante - Observation Lounge - ACEO Lt Eian O'Neill - Day 2 - 0902) (USS Rosenante – Observation Lounge – FO – Commander T’Larah Sullivan – 0905) (USS Rosenante - Observation Lounge, CTAC Lt. sg Ben Soma -0920) (USS Rosenante - Observation Lounge, CTAC Lt. sg Ben Soma -1000) ========================= (USS Rosenante- Observation Lounge- CSO- Lieutenant David M. Tamblyn- 0755) David entered the lounge with a glass of water in one hand and reading a padd in his other hand. When he looked up from his reading, he looked around the room and began feeling like the new man on a long term project. Come to think of it, he was one of the new additions on board. “How is everyone doing this morning?” (Reply any iyw) Tamblyn settled in to a chair across the table from Raschen and got himself ready for the meeting. Several minutes later Captain Salid entered the observation lounge with a PADD in his left hand, while in his right he carried a hot steaming cup of coffee that bore the logo of the United Federation of Planets and carried the Rosenante's registry. "Good morning everyone," He greeted them as he made his way to the head of the table. He settled into his chair, placing the PADD and coffee where they were both easily within reach. “Morning sir” David replied out of reflex before feeling embarrassed. Salid took a deep breath and then took a look around the table at those officers that were present. "As you all know we are undertaking shakedown requirements, on our way to sector 6309, which is a very large uncharted section of space located beyond the current Borders of the Romulan Star Empire, the Cardassian Union and the United Federation of Planets. It is 1000 LY long, and roughly 500 light years deep and as thick as it is deep. That is an area of 250 million light-years. Of that area, Starfleet command has given us a patch of 2.5 million light-years to survey." "This is likely to be a very long term mission, one that will probably keep us out here for a year or more, depending on what we discover and what we encounter out here. That said, we will be beginning our initial survey by making three navigational sweeps of our assigned area, so that we can get an idea of what we'd like to begin surveying first." "Starfleet command has passed us some partial maps based on inferred stellar cartography taken from the Dyson array; the same array that warned us about the Borg incursion into the Dovek System. Of that, I'd like for Sciences to help put together some work into setting up experiments and surveys to allow us to start collecting data as soon as possible. Operations will need to begin detailed stellar mapping, with tactical and security keeping their eyes open for potential threats. They will also be responsible for potential threat assessments of any and all species that we encounter on our journeys." David took notes as information for the Science Department was put out. Salid continued to speak "I will start us off by stating that the first object that I'd like to survey is an apparent rouge dwarf planet, roughly 1600 kilometers in diameter. It is currently moving through space, after I assume being thrown from its orbit by some unseen forces. We will adjust our course to intercept it and to begin surveys. To my knowledge this will be only the second time that a rogue planet has been surveyed by a federation vessel, the last time being over 200 years ago, so we have a fairly unique experience ahead of us. The Object has been temporarily designated Rogue One, until a more suitable name can be decided upon. Starfleet command has given us the option to name the planet once we've completed our survey of the body." ~I never liked naming things. Just coming up with a name that will be approved is a pain in and of itself~ Tamblyn thought as he made another note on his PADD. "At warp six, I estimate it will take us 4 days to arrive at the planets current location which is traveling at nearly 600,000 kilometers per hour. We're going to map its trajectory, conduct geological surveys and we will be conducting away missions on the planet's surface, so I'll need mission plans, personnel suggestions and equipment requests before we arrive." The captain paused. "Now let's hear where we are on our shakedown and departmental status." David still wasn’t used to being head of a science department, at least not in Starfleet. At the University of course he had. In Starfleet he had been a Yeoman, Chief of Operations, even a 2nd Officer at one time. Tamblyn waited until he was given an opening to give his report. “We have been conducting recalibration of our equipment and making preparations for a string of experiments that we would like to perform if possible. We have had a few issues with receiving data from the new experimental sensor array consistently though. I understand that is in the process of being ironed out however sir.” (Reply Salid) (Reply Salid, any iyw) (Posted by Charlie) ------------------------- (USS Rosenante- Observation Lounge- Mgr T’Lela- 0757) T’Lela waited outside the Observation Lounge for the vessel master. This was the first time that Captain Salid had ever made a point of her being present to a mission briefing. In the past they have rarely discussed almost anything face to face. The Romulan was hoping that that would change. When she saw Salid approach she stepped up to him and asked “Captain, I don’t mean any disrespect but I need to ask. Why did you want me at this meeting? I only ask because this is the first time you sent word for me to be here.” (Reply Salid) “I understand. I will do what I can, Captain.” She replied right before she slipped into the Lounge shortly ahead of Salid and found a place to stand by the large window and waited. Not only for the meeting to begin, but to be called upon also. If at all that is. (Reply Salid) (Posted by Charlie) ------------------------- (USS Rosenante- Observation Lounge- CO, Captain Ahmed Ibn Salid, Day 2 - 0758) Ahmed wasn't in the slightest bit surprised to see T'Lela waiting for him as he approached the mission briefing. The very fact that he had requested her presence alone would have insured her interest and no doubt had led to this encounter in the corridor. “Captain," She greeted him, "I don’t mean any disrespect but I need to ask. Why did you want me at this meeting? I only ask because this is the first time you sent word for me to be here.” He smiled at her. "I thought it time that you varied your workload a bit. I am led to believe that you have extensive intelligence training. It's a skill set I wish to employ during our upcoming mission if you're amiable to the idea." he explained. “I understand. I will do what I can, Captain.” She replied and then stepped into the lounge a few moments before he did." (reply none) Daniel Greene ------------------------- (USS Rosenante – Observation Lounge - FO – Commander T’Larah Sullivan – 0812) "Commander Sullivan I would like the opportunity to coordinate the next phase of the warp testing with you. Antimatter adjustments at the time of engagement lends itself to better feedback on the control programs. I suspect we'll find that the lower warp testing data will show the need for some significant adjustments in the power feeds and antimatter flow. I'd like to avoid retesting at the higher warps if we can coordinate our efforts in this next phase of warp testing." said Matrix. “That seems fine. My schedule is fairly open. Let me know when you want to conduct the propulsion tests, and the bridge will be ready and eager to assist.” She said. "I should point out too that there are a number of non critical systems that still need to be turned up and tested. For example, many of the food replicators below deck 15 haven't been connected or tested. I've got three crews working on just that task now. I also understand that the consumables storage on deck 23 isn't keeping the proper temperatures in the primary hold. It turned out that the refit crews didn't install a second cooling unit. Once we get the materials replicators calibrated we can fashion a replacement and get that installed. That should happen later today." continued Matrix. “I was unaware that the dry-dock crew missed so much. Is there anything else, Mister Matrix?” She said, slight annoyance creeped into her voice, but not directed at the Chief Engineer. ~I will have to send a report through the Captain to Starbase Geneva.~ "I have a laundry list of other items, but I can provide that information in the status brief report so everyone can review it at their leisure. Some of these will be an annoyance for some, but within a few days I'm sure between engineering and operations we'll have everything ironed out." replied Matrix. “Have a list of all the deficiencies on my desk by the end of Gamma Shift tomorrow. For now, create a priority of work schedule, down to the last task. First priority is anything that could cause significant damage to the ship, or cause a health problem with the crew, then by system. Propultion first, followed by shields, then weapons, the rest at your leisure, but work with operations to ensure you cover all the bases. Any Questions?” (Reply Matrix, Salid) (Posted by Todd) -------------------------- (USS Rosenante, Observation Lounge, Lieutenant sg Sanok, 0837) Sanok had taken a seat in the observation lounge for the staff briefing. Listening to the captain, he learned they'd be on a long-term assignment, surveying and charting a largely unexplored sector. On the surface, it sounded routine, but Sanok had learned a long time ago, that space, even known space, was often anything other than routine. It was likely most of what they did would be uneventful, but there was always the chance they'd encounter a species that didn't appreciate someone being on their turf. Sanok thought briefly about Ben and his parents. Though Marah had been allowed to remain on board the Rosenante, Sanok had suggested to Ben that his parents stay for a while as well. The Soma family had been separated for a long time, and they should have taken some time to be together. Mr. and Mrs. Soma had decided to go back to Earth, then eventually go back to the freighter business. Sanok had disagreed with this, and he had said so to his friend. Ben seemed to be okay with it, though Sanok wasn't certain if he truly was. The briefing went on, with various departments giving their reports. During the operations report, Lieutenant Raschen made a request of the security department. “While I’m thinking about it, if its okay with you, Lieutenant, I would like our hacker, Petty Officer Wang from cyber-crime analysis, to assist us with this project.” "Of course," said Sanok with typical, Vulcan brevity. The briefing continued some more, and Sanok found the opportunity to give his report. "The security department received a change in leadership, as well as a significant turnover in personnel. I have named three shift leaders, and we are in the process of working on the duty rosters and schedules. Training scenarios have begun, as well as holodeck simulations. It is unknown what we will encounter in sector 6309, but we will be ready, Captain." (Reply any) (Posted by Bob B.) ------------------------- (USS Rosenante, Observation Lounge, CO, Captain Ahmed Ibn Salid, Day 2 -0850) Ahmed listened intently as the reports and discussions were put out there for all the department heads to hear. Matrix's reports of yard engineers not doing a thorough job, and his testing regiment, were thankfully taken up by Sullivan, while the other reports were digested by the captain. It never ceased to amaze him how many little things went wrong throughout a ship as complicated as the Rosenante. Things like cooling units, replicators and laundry units to name just a small few. Of all the departments, Operations and Engineering had the greatest challenge where equipment was concerned. In manpower however, that onerous task fell to security and tactical. With the casualties that they had faced during their conflict with the Borg, the Rosenante had lost almost all their security personnel. The departmental figures were somewhere around 76%, yet Soma and Sanok were training integrating and improving on the security and tactical capabilities of those fresh recruits that had been assigned to their departments. Operations, led by lieutenant Raschen was running efficiently, and Ahmed had no doubts that his new chief of operations would get everything worked out and all the departments cooperating and sharing resources as needed for everyone to be ship-shape before too much longer. Sciences reported that they had a string of experiments on the table ready to go, but that some results with the new experimental sensors could be inaccurate since they were not working at best efficiency. Department by department, each of his senior officers gave him a clear overview of the ship's current status. There was still work to be done, but the Rosenante was ship-shapely enough to be out and about on her own for an extended period of time. Ahmed was confident that this crew could function perfectly well without him, which is the best compliment that a Captain could have from his crew. He trusted them to do their jobs and he knew that they'd get them done without his interference. When the last of the departmental reports had been recited, Ahmed resumed the floor of the meeting. "Excellent work everyone." he began, indicating that he was once again back in control of the briefing. "Commander Matrix, Please go forward with your work concerning the experimental sensor arrays. I want them either ruled out as a problem, or corrected so that they can be implemented as your best deem fit of your time. I also would like for you to carry on with your stress testing of ship's systems under Commander Sullivan's supervision. Coordinate any special requirements with Mister Raschen who will be your liaison to the other departments on the ship." (reply Matrix) "Mister O'Neill, I'd like for you to move forward with the installation of your additional weapons lockers, and once they are in have lieutenant Sanok stock them from the store in the ship's armory. I would like for you and Sanok to arrange preparedness drills so that the personnel most likely to use those weapons are well-versed in their acquisition and use. Do your best not to interrupt too many of our critical testing handled by commander Matrix. I'd also like you to oversee many of the smaller repairs pertaining to crew comforts and needs, it is important to ship's morale that we minimize these discomforts as much as possible. However, don't put a more critical system into a lower queue to get this done." (reply O'Neill) "Mister Tamblyn, I would like for you and lieutenant Viskhard to put together a survey and experiment package for our encounter with Rogue one, you have five days to be prepared. I also want two scientists stationed on the bridge at all times during this mission, I may need some quick analysis at any instant." (reply Tamblyn, Viskhard) "Mister Sanok, I would like for you to finish getting the security rotas handled and then I would like for you to start coordinating a weapons certification course for all personnel currently assigned to the Rosenante. I want at least level two training completed by all ship's personnel. I also would like for you to see to it that all ship's personnel are up to date on their EVA training. Mister Signos will be available to assist you if Lieutenant Soma can spare her." (reply Sanok, Signos) "Mister Soma, I want you to work closely with T'Lela, who has extensive intelligence training. I would like for the two of you to start profiling critical tactical data about the sector as we progress in our survey. Include socio-political affiliations, technologies, stellar points of tactical interest, and anything else that you feel useful. Between the two of you, I think you can put together a fairly comprehensive tactical assessment of this sector. In addition I want all bridge personnel cross-trained and certified in the use of the THIS; including counselor Parker. Continue with your training scenarios and feel free to coordinate that training with other departments to include their personnel as needed." (reply Soma) "Commander Caskie, please continue with your training and preparations. I'd also like for you to identify trouble spots that would make movement across the ship by medical personnel difficult. Once you've identified them, let's see what we can do to reduce the chances of that happening. I'd also like for you to consider the possibility of adding a smaller infirmary in various places throughout the ship, in order to stockpile additional medical stores and equipment so that they will be more readily available should we find ourselves in a similar situation as we did at Dovek II. You can coordinate any special needs or requests with Mister Raschen in Operations." (reply Caskie) "Mister Sullivan, institute all critical systems tests and have them complete and a summary to me by stardate 2414.03.21. I will permit you to deviate course and speed as needed, but I'd like to arrive at our rogue planet no later than midday on that stardate." (reply Sullivan) Daniel Greene ------------------------- (USS Rosenante - Observation Lounge - CMO - Cmdr Josh Caskie - Day 2 - 0900) "Commander Caskie, please continue with your training and preparations. I'd also like for you to identify trouble spots that would make movement across the ship by medical personnel difficult. Once you've identified them, let's see what we can do to reduce the chances of that happening. I'd also like for you to consider the possibility of adding a smaller infirmary in various places throughout the ship, in order to stockpile additional medical stores and equipment so that they will be more readily available should we find ourselves in a similar situation as we did at Dovek II. You can coordinate any special needs or requests with Mister Raschen in Operations." Josh nodded as she made notes on her padd. "Kitty's emergency scenario's should highlight any choke points that crop up as well are areas that we can use for Sickbays or triage centres, but I will go over the deck plans again to see if there are any other areas and to see if I can find any dead space that we can utilise for the other infirmaries. I'll have a preliminary report for you within twenty four hours regarding some of it but I won't have a full report for you until Lt Fisher has finished running her scenarios. Once I have that I will speak with Mr Raschen and we will report back to you." (Reply Salid iyw) (Posted by Marilyn) ------------------------- (USS Rosenante, Observation Lounge - ACEO Lt Eian O'Neill - Day 2 - 0902) "Aye, Sir," Eian answered the Captain's order. He made a note in his PADD to talk to Sanok about organizing drills for engineers to learn how to use the weapons lockers properly, and execute security protocols when necessary. He was actually looking forward to this type of training. It would allow him to utilize his tactical skills and simultaneously practice engineering and leadership. He was also looking forward to the investigation of this so-called 'rogue' planet. He had never seen one before, though he had heard of some with entire civilizations living on them, supported only by the geothermal activity and devoid of most light. They sounded eerie, but also fascinating. He felt in his chest the familiar glimmer of excitement he always associated with new destinations and places to explore. Now was a time to be thankful for all he had, and for this opportunity to step out into territories where no boot had tread. (no reply necessary) (posted by Morgan G) ------------------------- (USS Rosenante – Observation Lounge – FO – Commander T’Larah Sullivan – 0905) "Mister Sullivan, institute all critical systems tests and have them complete and a summary to me by stardate 2414.03.21. I will permit you to deviate course and speed as needed, but I'd like to arrive at our rogue planet no later than midday on that stardate." “I will make the necessary arrangements.” She responded simply. (Reply any) (Posted by Todd) ------------------------- (USS Rosenante, Observation Lounge, CTAC Lt. sg Ben Soma -0920) The Captain commended everyone on their efforts and told them to continue what they were doing, he suggested that Signos help Sanok if she could be spared. "Ensign Signos will be able to assist Lieutenant Sanok as required." Ben stated before the captain moved on to him. "Mister Soma, I want you to work closely with T'Lela, who has extensive intelligence training. I would like for the two of you to start profiling critical tactical data about the sector as we progress in our survey. Include socio-political affiliations, technologies, stellar points of tactical interest, and anything else that you feel useful. Between the two of you, I think you can put together a fairly comprehensive tactical assessment of this sector. In addition I want all bridge personnel cross-trained and certified in the use of the THIS; including counselor Parker. Continue with your training scenarios and feel free to coordinate that training with other departments to include their personnel as needed." Ben nodded. "I will set up a schedule for certifying the bridge crew including the counselor, it may be a good idea for Commander Matrix and Lieutenant O'Neil to take the certification as either may be on the bridge at any given time and may be required to man the tactical station." Ben replied. "I'll begin working with T'Lela once we begin our survey of the sector." Ben had a bit of work ahead of him once the briefing was over, he wanted to speak with Steve about the tactical systems testing, he had to come up with a schedule for certification on the THIS that wouldn't interfere with anyone's duties and he needed to speak with T'Lela about the tactical assessment. So far it was looking like a busy day, and the morning wasn't over yet. (reply any) (posted by Milo Young) ------------------------- (USS Rosenante, Observation Lounge, CTAC Lt. sg Ben Soma -1000) After the breifing was over Ben walked over to Steve to speak with him about the shuttles. "Commander." He said. "I'd like to talk about your shuttles for a moment." (reply Matrix) "I think it will be a very good test of the tactical systems." Ben stated. "Are you planning on having some kind of power source on the shuttles? I ask because a stationary will be the best thing for targeting the phasers but a mobile target would be best for testing the torpedo guidance systems." (reply Matrix) "I'll have the phasers set to one one thousandth of their rated output so we don't destroy the shuttle with the first shot, the torpedo yields will also be set to minimum to give us the chance for fine tuning the targeting scanners. Once we have everything set up we can increase the power and monitor the prefire chamber for variations and possible over heating." (reply Matrix) (posted by Milo Young) ------------------------- ========================= Mission: The Third Law Day: 3 Stardate: 2414.03.17 ========================= (Asrai Prime - Celdebrai City, Outcast Layeela, Day 3, 1900) ========================= (Asrai Prime, Celdebrai City, Outcast Layeela, Day 3, 1900) The cold wind blew in from the sacred mountain, bringing with it the touch of the harsh arctic air that was customary at the higher reaches of those peaks. The sleet and slush that filled the city was making her life miserable, and Layeela was beginning to grow desperate after a week of harsh weather and an even more difficult time acclimating to the harshness of the world that she had been cast out into. She had always been a member of the Order of the Sovereign Sphere, given to the temple even before she could walk. her life had consisted of celestial studies, religious paradigms and learning the basics of education that would mark her as a scholar. For her entire life, all 19 years of it, she had followed the teachings of the order, until she began to see discrepancies in those teachings. Then in the fashion of the greatest monks, she had begun to question. Now her questions had seen her cast out into the world of the ignorant, where the population struggled to survive the day-to-day rigors of existence without any formal education or any sense of common decency. There were social castes, people who were trained with specific skills to perform a very specific job in the world, but Layeela had little direct experience of these people, as they were not the sorts that had ever interacted with the members of her Order. And so she had struggled down the mountainside, nearly naked in the harsh weather, until she had come to the center of the ignorant masses, Celdebrai City. There the high walls bristled with enforcers, people whose caste kept the peace through force, although more often than not, that peace seemed to depend upon their own take upon the world. They had stood there on the parapets, watching her with hungry eyes as she clutched the tattered remains of the diaphanous garment against her breasts in an attempt to hold onto some modicum of decency. The gate leading into the city was unguarded, and no one tried to keep her from entering the city, so she had simply walked in. By the time that she had arrived, she was hungry, cold and thirsty, and having none of the things that she felt that she needed for her own survival began to search for those very things. She found it amazing how quickly she resorted to theft to sustain herself in those first days. First stealing a pair of heavy woolen breaches from a laundresses line, when there was no one present and then, managing to steal a similar tunic to cover her near nakedness. Then she turned her attentions to food and water. She quickly found that men here were quick to offer her food and drink for the price of her company in their beds, but she had some pride remaining and had so far managed to avoid that particular degradation. Yet the temptation and constant pressure to forego her dignity was always present, just beneath the surface of her new life. Water she had found beneath the sheets of ice covering rain barrels, but food was more difficult to be had. In these colder months, there was only the few meager scraps that had been thrown out for the dogs, who were far better scavengers than she. She had no knowledge of her parents, and even if she did, what would she do? They wouldn't take her into their lives, help her, teach her a trade or even feed her. Her very presence would tell them that she had been outcast, and such a fate was not desirable in the slightest. Outcasts had no rights, they belonged to no caste and they had no kin. they were lower even than criminals that preyed upon the weak or ignorant, and so Layeela found herself truly alone for the first time in her life. It had been seven days since she had eaten anything substantial, and her desperation was beginning to grow. For some time now she had noted that a particular tavern often threw out soup and a few soured dumplings nightly. The soup, of course was difficult to eat once it had been dumped onto the sidewalk for the rats to eat, or the dogs to lap up, but the dumplings would make a great prize if she could only score one for her evening meal. And so, shivering with cold, weakened by hunger, Layeela had waited near the tavern for the owner to throw out the leavings from the evenings meals. yet her luck was not so good tonight. Others, in similar circumstances had noticed that pattern of disposal and so had begun to gather in anticipation of a potential meal. Some were men, thick muscled, scarred, brutal looking beasts that eyed her, trying to decide if she would be worth the trouble to drag her off into an ally for a bit of fun. Others were women, skinny, pitiful things, covered in cold sores or blisters caused by the cold and lack of sanitation; and with them were children. poor pathetic waifish little things, half-starved, bruised and trembling in the cold. They were all, like here, desperate for whatever crumbs they could muster; for the slightest glimmer of hope that the tiniest scraps might hold for them. And while Layeela felt pity for them all, a deeper desire for her own survival made her realize that she must not give them any quarter. She must not allow them to take all the food that might be thrown out tonight, else, she would likely perish in the cold wet streets of Celdebrai City. It was with that thought on her mind that the owner of the tavern, a portly man with long white hair and a short mustache and beard ambled towards the street from the front of the shop. He carried stretched between his hands, a thick-walled metal pot, made of copper. The sound of sloshing soup could be heard in side as he walked. The man stopped at the street curb and glanced out at the small gathered throng of outcasts that crowded the opposite side. His lips were pursed in distaste as he removed the copper lid and placed it atop a small sign post near his position. He then quite purposefully and with an almost sadistic sense of glee, poured the thick brothed soup out into the street. It was still warm, and the steam rolled off the thick liquid like the fog upon a mountain lake in the early morning. Chunks of vegetables, probably proqua hearts and grobik leaves splattered out of the copper pot and into the gutter. These small morsels would be prized by those waiting at the other side of the street, as vegetables were rarely found in any sort of edible condition, and Layeela could sense the abnormally high degree of excitement amongst the assembled crowd. The last vestiges of soup splattered into the gutter, but the crowd did not move yet. They all understood that until the tavern owner was finished, all it took was a single shout of alarm and they would be hunted down and killed for their trouble. And so they waited patiently for the man to replace the lid on his pot and return to his business. yet even then they did not move to claim the small bits of vegetables that may have survived the deluge into the gutters. They needed, no wanted, to see if the tavern owner would return with any of the soured dumplings from the previous days meal. If they rushed forward now, he may not dump them and they would be lost to the assembled crowd. And so with more patience than was due a starving crowd of outcasts determined to pick whatever scraps of food they could find from the street gutters they waited. And just when it seemed that their collective patience was about to run out, the plump tavern owner exited his establishment bearing a single pan of roughly a dozen soured meat filled dumplings. He paused at the curb, as he had previously with the soup and eyed the listless hungry crowd that had only grown more impatient as he stood there. He smiled, a thin-lipped sneering pathetic little smile and then using his fingers, he plucked each of the prized dumplings from the flat pan one-by-one. As he removed them, he pinched them between his fingers breaking their soft outer layer and spilling some of the contents into the gutter, before dropping each of them at his feet. Still the crowd was patient, although quite despairing at the treatment of those prized dumplings. They understood the unwritten rule. The balance of their meager existence within a society that despised them and punished them with every sort of imaginable cruelty. It was as if they could not see beyond those governing rules, that stated that they had to wait, hovering on the edge of the curb, waiting for the man to torture them before they could then scramble like dogs for the few meager scraps that he had thrown out. She couldn't really remember what had prompted her to cross the street and approach the fat man as he made a show of destroying the little food that these people needed, yet somehow she managed to do just that. Layeela walked to where he was standing, and the man, not thinking himself in any danger lifted one of the dumplings up before her face and squeezed it between his fat little fingers. It was a gesture of disgust. Of complete and total contempt for those starving just the other side of the street, and Layeela, not understanding where the rage that she felt came from reacted in a manner unlike anything that she had ever experienced before. She slapped the flat pan from the fat man's hand, scattering the last few of the intact dumplings into the street, and when the fat man began to protest, she struck him. Every ounce of rage and frustration and desperation, broke loose in her as if they had been contained in an over wound spring that finally snapped under the strain. Her fists flew wildly, then her fingernails, crusted with blood and grime began to tear at the fat man's flesh. It was as if there was a sudden realization from the crowd that there would be no more chances to collect the spoiled food, and they surged forward, scrambling like scavengers to collect what morsels they could find to sustain them. And while they struggled for survival, Layeela clawed, bit and struck the fat man until he finally managed to escape her wrath. By that time the sound of his screams had roused the enforcers within the city, and the shrill sound of alarm whistles were sounding clearly through the sleet-filled night air. The promise of food faded as realization struck her, and Layeela suddenly understood what had happened. She panicked then, her feet slamming hard on the slush covered ground as the enforcers chased after her. She turned down an alleyway, littered with broken pottery shards and other useless items long ago discarded by their owners. Her feet were cut, her breathing came rough into her throat and her heart pounded in her chest like a kettle drum played at the religious festivals in the Golden Temple. She turned a corner, desperate to flee from the sounds of pursuing feet. The way seemed clear, although dark and she raced forward in the hope of gaining distance from her attackers. Instead, she came to a dead end. The sounds of footsteps behind her were too close to allow her to run. She had nowhere to go and so, in a final act of desperation she gathered up a broken brick to use as a weapon. A man came into view and her arm loosed the brick on instinct, although the throw was wide and therefore of no threat to the man. Still he skittered to a stop and put both his hands up into the familiar pose of supplication. "Wait!" he said. "I mean you no harm." The sounds of whistles in the background drew closer. "Who are you?" Layeela asked, "What do you want?" "I saw you at the street, what you did. My name is Adom and I know now that you are an outcast like myself. We haven't much time. You must come with me!" "Why should I?" she asked, suspiciously, as the man was not dressed in rags as were the other outcasts she had seen. In fact his clothes although simple were well tended. "Because if you do not, the enforcers will kill you for attacking the tavern owner. He will be able to describe you to them. I know a place where we can be safe." he answered, "but we must hurry." "I will not share your bed Adom." Layeela simply, "I do not trust you." "I understand, but that is not my intention. There are others like us, members of the orders cast out for questioning the teachings. You can join us, help us enlighten the world." "How do I know you tell the truth?" Layeela inquired. "You do not, but there will be warmth, food, camaraderie and study. No one will force you to adhere to the rules of the sacred orders. But we must hurry!" Layeela didn't know why she agreed, perhaps it was because there was no other option or maybe because she was desperate to escape the enforcers. But in that alley, she agreed and followed Adom through the streets of the city and to safety." (reply none) Daniel Greene ------------------------- ========================= Mission: The Third Law Day: 7 Stardate: 2414.03.21 ========================= (USS Rosenante - Bridge, CO, Captain Ahmed Ibn Salid, Day 7 -1100) ========================= (USS Rosenante, Bridge, CO, Captain Ahmed Ibn Salid, Day 7 -1100) "Approaching the dwarf planet sir," Ensign Harker the Helmsman reported. Ahmed looked up from his report, which he handed off to Rosenbauer, who was temporarily acting in the capacity of Yeoman, before he replied, "On screen, mister Harker." Almost immediately the main view screen shimmered as the magnification function brought the distant 1600- mile diameter planet into view. From this distance it seemed a dark, foreboding place devoid of life-giving light and warmth, yet the historical records showed that such a world could contain a very diverse biosphere, which seemed counter-intuitive. "Mister Viskhard, conduct a general geological survey of the planetoid. Mister Tamblyn let's get some readings on its atmosphere and climate. I'd like to know if we can send personnel down there." (reply Viskhard, Tamblyn) NRPG: I would like the planet to be visitable without too much protection, with some sort of biological life. The exact details of the climate, biosphere, geology and other details I leave to my players. I would prefer that there is no sentient life here currently, there could have been in the past if the party so desires.. RPG: Ahmed nodded. "Very intriguing. Mister Harker take us into standard equatorial orbit." "Aye sir" He turned to his first officer. "Mister Sullivan, let's put together three away teams. I would like specimens, surveys and data collected. organize the teams and let's get some of those experiments set up by our Science teams underway." (reply Sullivan) NRPG: Let's send down all the PCs, with the exception of the Captain. Give everyone a chance to write about some alien world. Anyone who would rather have their character remain aboard ship, should let Todd know on the nrpg list as soon as possible, otherwise I will assume that he's going to put together away teams for three different sites with three different tasks to perform. (reply Sullivan, Tamblyn, Viskhard, Any, All) Daniel Greene ------------------------- ========================= Compiled by Marilyn =========================