Veil of the Sky, Compile 16 ========== Mission: Veil of the Sky Day 4 Stardate: 2414.04.25 ========== (Beta Aquillia IV, Refugee Camp-ATAC Ensign (sg) Jessica Signos- Day 4 - 1532) (Beta Aquillia IV, Refugee Camp, 2O/CSec Lt. Sanok, Day 4, 1533) (Beta Aquillia IV - Refugee Camp - Emergency Sickbay – ACMO – Lt Jg Tayla Fraiser - Day 4 – 1546) (Beta Aquillia IV - Refugee Camp - Emergency Sickbay - MO - Lt (sg) Kitty Fisher - Day 4 - 1549) (Beta Aquillia IV – Veil Outpost- Operative Tzir- Day 4 -1600) (USS Rosenante – Sickbay – ACMO Lt Tayla Fraiser – Day 4 – 1601) (USS Rosenante – Stellar Cartography – ACMO Lt Tayla Fraiser – Day 4 – 1611) (Beta Aquillia IV, Veil Outpost, Federation Ambassador Joanne Turner, Day 4, 1630) (Beta Aquillia IV - Central Supply Depot - FO- Lt. Cmdr Ben Soma - Day 4 - 1632) (Beta Aquillia IV - Central Supply Depot - COPS- Lt. Tom Jackson - Day 4 - 1634) (Beta Aquillia IV - Veil Outpost- Operative Tzir- Day 4 -1635) (Beta Aquillia IV - Central Supply Depot - CMO - Cmdr Josh Caskie - Day 4 - 1637) (Beta Aquillia IV, Veil Outpost, Ambassador Joanne Turner, Day 4, 1638) (Beta Aquillia IV - Central Supply Depot - Niambh McNulty - Day 4 - 1639) (Beta Aquillia IV, Veil Outpost, Operative Tzir, Day 4, 1640) (Beta Aquillia IV - Central Supply Depot - COPS - Lieutenant Tom Jackson - Day 4 - 1641) (Beta Aquillia IV, Veil Outpost, Federation Ambassador Joanne Turner, Day 4, 1642) (Beta Aquillia VI - Central Supply Depot - CEO LCDR Steven Matrix - Day 4 - 1644) (Beta Aquillia IV - Central Supply Depot - FO - Lt. Cmdr Ben Soma - Day 4 - 1650) (Beta Aquillia IV - Central Supply Depot ACMO Lt Jg Tayla Fraiser - Day 4 - 1652) (Beta Aquillia IV - Central Supply Depot - Niambh McNulty - Day 4 - 1653) (Beta Aquillia IV - Central Supply Depot- FO - Lt. Cmdr Ben Soma- Day 4 - 1654) (Beta Aquillia IV - Central Supply Depot - CMO - Cmdr Josh Caskie - Day 4 - 1655) (Beta Aquillia IV - Central Supply Depot - FO- Lt. Cmdr Ben Soma - Day 4 - 1657) (Beta Aquillia VI - Central Supply Depot -FO- Lt. Cmdr Ben Soma - Day 4 - 1704) (Beta Aquillia IV - Central Supply Depot- COPS - Lt. Tom Jackson - Day 4 - 1707) (Beta Aquillia IV - Central Supply Depot - CO- Captain Ahmed Ibn Salid - Day 4 - 1710) (Beta Aquillia IV - Central Supply Depot - ACEO Lt Eian O'Neill - Day 4 - 1711) (Beta Aquillia IV - Central Supply Depot - COPS- LT. Tom Jackson - Day 4 - 1712) (Beta Aquillia IV, Refugee Camp-ATAC Ensign (sg) Jessica Signos- Day 4 - 1713) (Beta Aquillia IV - Central Supply Depot - CO- Captain Ahmed Ibn Salid - Day 4 -1714) (Beta Aquillia IV - Central Supply Depot - CMO Josh Caskie - Day 4 - 1715) (Beta Aquillia IV - Central Supply Depot - CEO - LCDR Steven Matrix - Day 4 - 1717) (Beta Aquillia IV - Central Supply Depot - FO- Lt. Cmdr Ben Soma - Day 4 - 1718) eta Aquillia IV - Central Supply Depot - CO- Captain Ahmed Ibn Salid - Day 4 - 1719) (Beta Aquillia IV - Central Supply Depot - CO - Captain Ahmed Ibn Salid - Day 4 - 1720) (Beta Aquillia IV - Central Supply Depot – ACMO Lt Jg Tayla Fraiser - Day 4 - 1721) (Beta Aquillia IV - Central Supply Depot - CEO LCDR Steven Matrix - Day 4 - 1723) (Beta Aquillia IV – CENTCOMM- FO- Lt. Cmdr Ben Soma - Day 4 -1726) (Beta Aquillia IV, Joba City, Park, 2O/CSec Lt. Sanok, Day 4, 1730) (Beta Aquillia IV, Joba City, Park - ACSO Lt. Viskhard - 1732) (USS Rosenante - Main Engineering - CEO LCDR Steven Matrix - Day 4 -1733) (Beta Aquillia IV, Joba City, Park, 2O/CSec Lt. Sanok, Day 4, 1734) (Beta Aquillia IV, Joba City, Park, 2O/CSec Lt. Sanok, Day 4, 1735) (Beta Aquillia IV, Joba City, Park, - ACSO Lt. jg Viskhard - 1736) (Beta Aquillia IV, Joba City, Park, 2O/CSec Lt. Sanok, Day 4, 1737) (Beta Aquillia IV - Central Supply Depot - COPS LT. Tom Jackson - Day 4 - 1738) (Beta Aquillia IV - Central Supply Depot – ACMO Lt Jg Tayla Fraiser - Day 4 - 1739) ========== (Beta Aquillia IV, Refugee Camp-ATAC Ensign (sg) Jessica Signos- Day 4 - 1532) Sanok nodded. "The captain and FO are holding a briefing in an hour. I was going to have you remain in charge here while I attended. However, I have since learned assistants are to attend as well. Help here at the entrance, and when it is time for the briefing, we will go together." "Sir" Jessica said softly. "I don't think that a wise ideal. We are only just getting control of the situation and are security forces are spread thin enough has is without pulling the command element from the officers. If it's to your agreement I would like to stay here. I will link into the meeting via my tactical circlet." (Reply Sanok) (Posted by Matthew Locke) ---------- (Beta Aquillia IV, Refugee Camp, 2O/CSec Lt. Sanok, Day 4, 1533) Signos said, "Sir. I don't think that a wise idea. We are only just getting control of the situation, and our security forces are spread thin enough as is, without pulling the command element from the officers. If it's to your agreement, I would like to stay here. I will link into the meeting via my tactical circlet." At first, Sanok wanted to roll his eyes, but Signos was right and he agreed with her. One of them should stay here at the entrance and command the situation. Sanok never understood why assistants were to attend department head meetings anyway. "Very well, Ensign. Remain in command here and monitor the briefing." (reply Signos iyw) (posted by Bob B.) ---------- (Beta Aquillia IV - Refugee Camp - Emergency Sickbay – ACMO – Lt Jg Tayla Fraiser - Day 4 – 1546) “…We need fresh food and water for the entire camp . Run that past Ops, the will probably be working on it already and it might be a good idea to have some fresh food set out for the meeting at the Central Suppy Depot too. Other than that, just whatever you think we need." Nodding, Tayla replied simply, “I can certainly do that. If it’s one thing my mother taught me, it was how to play the good hostess.” (Reply Caskie) Standing tall now, Tayla gazed around her for a moment and then said, “I’ll go seek out Lt Raschen. I believe he should be able to assist me with what I need. That and I think it’s about time I finally met the Quartermaster.” (Reply Caskie) Tapping her combadge, Tayla said, =/\= Fraiser to Transporter room, one to beam up.=/\= (Reply Caskie, Raschen, any) (Posted by Jackie Smith) ---------- (Beta Aquillia IV - Refugee Camp - Emergency Sickbay - MO - Lt (sg) Kitty Fisher - Day 4 - 1549) As Kitty watched a tired and weary Josh trudge back into Sickbay she immediately headed her off from going back to work. Handing her a clean set of scrubs Kitty looked her up and down. "I couldn't requisition a fresh uniform but you at least need a clean set of scrubs if you're going to be attending a mission briefing." Watching Josh take the scrubs and nod in acknowledgement Kitty carried on. "When was the last time you had any sleep?" Waiting until Josh though it out and answered she watched the lines on Josh's forehead become more prominent and stay there. "The night before last I think." was all the answer Kitty needed. "Ok, you have half an hour to clean yourself up and change before you attend the mission briefing after that I want you to take some down time yourself. Before Josh could even begin to argue with her Kitty held up her hand. "You've spent all night supervising CentComm and then all of today either rescuing people or patching them up. You need a break and I am insisting you take one. As the senior doctor in charge of this facility once you leave for the briefing I am ordering you, in advance, to take a break. Do I have to make it official by contacting Lt Frasier and insisting she put your name at the top of the list?" Watching Josh shake her head Kitty smiled. "Fine, come back here and I will at least have a bed set up for you to get a couple of hours sleep and that way, if we really need you, we can wake you." Waiting until Josh had capitulated Kitty pulled her next trick. Bringing a hypo out of her pocket she injected it into Josh's arm before Josh even knew what was going on. As Josh turned back to Kitty, outrage written all over her face, Kitty smiled. "You're still getting the headaches aren't you? You can fool everyone else except me. I know you too well. Now whilst I realise that you may not wish to speak to Fraiser about them, you WILL speak to me since I know you just as well as you know yourself. That should see you fine for a few hours but you and I need to talk later when we have the time." Watching as Josh simply stalked away to wash and change without answering her Kitty was about to turn to her next patient when Josh stopped and spoke to her. "You know something Kitty, I preferred you as a Chief Nurse." Kitty just grinned. "Of course you did. I didn't give you any back chat then and simply obeyed orders. Sadly for you, you are now stuck with me as a doctor and you're just going to have to learn to live with it. Doesn't life just suck?" As Josh burst out laughing Kitty finally grinned. "Now that is the Josh I know. Welcome back, go to your meeting and then get some rest. Ok." Watching Josh finally agree with her Kitty bustled off to check on the next patient. (No reply needed) ---------- (Beta Aquillia IV – Veil Outpost- Operative Tzir- Day 4 -1600) Tzir and a few of his people had paid a surprise vista to the Small Veil outpost that held the federation Ambassador. He strode into the central control room, from which every prisoner could be watched by a minimal staff of personnel. Of the twenty five people here, three of them were known supporters of Alaya. They had been involved in the raid on the Embassy. They were the enemy. As Tzir reached the door of the commander's office, his two companions stopped in flanking positions to either side of the commanders door. Tzir reached up and pressed the chime. A moment later, the door slid open and Tzir stepped into the office occupied by the Outpost commander, Krin "Major Tzir" Krin said with a sense of surprise. A large plate of hard-to-get food was laid out on the desk in front of him. "Commander." the major replied, "Don't get up. I wouldn't want to disturb your meal." Krin glanced down at his excess guiltily. "It's just… I mean…" "I understand, It's a privilege of rank." Trir replied, "I have business." "Yes of course," the commander replied. He placed his glass on the tabletop with a heavy thud and used his hand to slide the bulk of the partially consumed food to the side of the table. "What do you have?" he asked then as he reached out his hand to take the offered data devices. "Arrest warrants." Tzir replied. Krin's hand trembled. His eyes darted down to the food arrayed before him. Then to his desk drawer. He knew that the excessive hoarding of food was in violation of Habrii's rationing laws and could be punished by imprisonment. "Relax commander, none of them are for you…" Krin relaxed. "Provided you cooperate fully…" Tzir added. A few moments later the three members of Alaya's support team in the compound were arrested and detained in one of the cells. Tzir and his two-man team had set up some communications equipment in one of the interrogation room under the pretense of conduction another interrogation session with the Ambassador. Of course that was not their intention at all, but the staff of the facility didn't need to know that at all. The equipment would relay the signal through a dozen relays before connecting to the federation. And Tzir had been careful to disconnect all monitoring devices in the room. In addition he had one of his men making certain that the pole in the operations center would not be able to track or trace the upcoming communication. The other man was leading Ambassador Turner to him even now. A moment after everything was confirmed, the door to the interrogation room slid open and Ambassador turner was led through the door. She was restrained. Egri closed the door and looked up at Tzir. "This is her. Ambassador Joanne Turner." "Unbind her," Tzir ordered, "she is not our enemy." Egri complied. "My name is Tzir, Ambassador. I am here to help you." (reply Ambassador Turner) Daniel Greene ---------- (USS Rosenante – Sickbay – ACMO Lt Tayla Fraiser – Day 4 – 1601) Walking into the sterile sickbay, Tayla shivered. Having worked down in the warmth of the planet and the conditions down there, it had never made the atmosphere in Sickbay more apparent than it was there and then. Feeling a lot more refreshed since her quick shower and change of uniform, she headed for Dr Johnson and said, “Where’s Ensign Blake?” Johnson, looking up from his patient, pointed to one of the biobeds and said, “She’s resting. Whatever you did down there for her is working. She needs to go to a starbase to get her condition treated but she’s out of the woods for now.” Smiling, a wash of relief crashed over her. “We need some more medical supplies, could you arrange to have what is on this list,” She handed him a Padd, “… beamed down to the planet asap.” Johnson took the Padd from her and nodded, “Consider it done.” (Reply Caskie, Raschen, any) (Posted by Jackie Smith) ---------- (USS Rosenante – Stellar Cartography – ACMO Lt Tayla Fraiser – Day 4 – 1611) Having finally located Lt Raschen, Tayla walked into the Stellar Cartography lab and stood, regarding the man for a moment. This was someone she hadn’t had much contact with and now, standing watching him work, she felt a little annoyed at herself. (Reply Raschen) Smiling, Tayla held out her hand and said, “Sir, I believe you’re the person to talk to about fruit.” (Reply Raschen) Laughing for a second, Tayla grinned and said, “Lt Fraiser, Tayla Fraiser at your service.” (Reply Caskie, Raschen, any) (Posted by Jackie Smith) ---------- (Beta Aquillia IV, Veil Outpost, Federation Ambassador Joanne Turner, Day 4, 1630) "Proxima Centauri is the nearest star. The celestial bodies that follow are: Alpha Centauri A, Toliman, Barnard's Star, Wolf 359," sang Jo. "Lalande 21185, Sirius A, Sirius B, BL-Ceti, UV-Ceti, Ross 154, Ross 248, Epsilon Eridani, Lacaille 9352, Ross 128, EZ Aqaurii A, EZ Aqaurii B, EZ Aqaurii C, Procyon A. Those are the stars that are nearest to me." When Jo stopped singing, the room again became eerily silent. With a sigh, she plopped back down onto her cot. This was the sixth day she'd been held in this cell, and except for her initial interrogation, and the time Alaya demanded Jo ask McNulty to surrender Atlantis Station, the only people she saw, were those that brought her meals, and they never spoke. To help pass the time, Jo tried to keep her mind as active and as sharp as possible. She reviewed her past assignments. She recited the Federation constitution. She repeated past conversations with people. She sang songs. She quoted scripture and poetry. She tried to see how many places she could figure pi. She named the prime numbers until she couldn't think anymore. Now, she was singing a song she had learned a long time ago about the stars closest to Earth. She was bored beyond description! With her elbows on her knees and her chin in her hands, Jo sighed again. There was a noise. Someone was coming. She didn't have a clock, so Jo didn't know how close it was to another meal, but it didn't sound like the shuffling of her waiters. The footfalls sounded harsh, like the person coming was there for a serious purpose. When she heard the door opening, Jo stood up. A large, Aquillian male stepped inside. He was dressed in the Aquillian equivalent of a suit, but his motions and bearing told Jo he was military. He produced a set of handcuffs from a pocket, stopped in front of her, and without saying anything, began to put them on her wrists. "Where are you taking me?" said Jo, her voice firm and without the fear she was beginning to feel. The Aquillian did not respond. He grabbed one of her arms and began leading her. Jo tried to resist, but he was too strong. A squeeze of her arm that caused her to grunt in pain, ended the resistance. She would find out where they were going, soon enough. The two moved out of the cell and into the corridor. Jo memorized the route that led to another room. Inside was another Aquillian male in nice clothes. This one was not just military. He exuded authority. "This is her; Ambassador Joanne Turner," said the Aquillian that had brought her. "Unbind her. She is not our enemy." Now this was an unexpected turn. The Aquillian that had brought her, removed the cuffs and stepped to the side. "My name is Tzir, Ambassador. I am here to help you." Jo didn't know what to think. Was he truly trying to help her, or was this a new tactic to try to gain something from her that would help the Veil? She studied his face, his stance, and his body language; her time on Beta Aquillia IV had enabled her to read many Aquillians. This one, however, was not to be read. He was too well-trained for that, indicating he was more than just military. Perhaps the secret police? Whichever was the truth, she had to be careful. Jo had to play this right. She kicked into diplomat mode. "It's nice to meet you, Tzir." Jo made the Aquillian gesture that indicated the proper social greeting. "I appreciate that you're here to help. Is there anything I can do for you?" (reply Tzir) (posted by Bob B.) ---------- (Beta Aquillia IV - Central Supply Depot - FO- Lt. Cmdr Ben Soma - Day 4 - 1632) When everyone had assembled Ben took a moment and looked everyone over, all were in need of a sonic shower and a change of uniform himself included. At least everyone appeared uninjured, echoing Niambh's sentiments earlier he thought thank god for small mercies. He moved towards the center table and activated the multi monitor located in it's center for those who were not able to make it in person. He gave everyone a moment to be seated before speaking. "First off I want to say it's good to see you made it relatively unscathed." He said calling to briefing to order. "I've spoken with Ambassador Tzorn who insures me Habrii was not responsible for the recent bombings but Alaya his lieutenant was. Currently Habrii's security forces are attempting to apprehend her and her compatriots. Tzorn also informed me that Habrii had no knowledge that the Skorrian Ambassador had been taken hostage, those responsible are also being sought out. He's agreed to arrange a video com link with Ambassador Turner, I'd like to have that link monitored in an attempt to determine it's source and possibly the location where she is being held." He paused for a moment and leaned down placing both hands on the tables surface. "Tzorn has agreed to help us in exchange for asylum." He stated. "If we agree he's prepared to give us Alaya or those responsible for abducting the Skorrian Ambassador. I don't have to tell you the risk he is taking or the dire consequences he's facing, we have to consider his offer carefully." Ben turned to Salid. "Captain," He said. "I recommend we accept Tzorn's offer, the final say is of course yours." (reply Salid) "I'll inform the Ambassador when we've concluded the briefing." Ben replied. Turning back to the rest of the assembled officers he opened the table. "Habrii has ordered the shelling of Atlantis station to be stopped as well as ending the harassment of anyone seeking aide at the refugee centers." He said. "Where to we stand on other fronts?" (reply ALL) (posted by Milo Young) ---------- (Beta Aquillia IV - Central Supply Depot - COPS- Lt. Tom Jackson - Day 4 - 1634) Tom sat toward the back as the briefing kicked off. Ben opened the briefing. He reported on the Ambassador's offer. Tom agreed with Ben suggestion to accept it. The man had been forced to work for the veil from all appearances. Then the FO opened the meeting for individual reports. Tom was tired and spoke up first. "Captain, Commander I respectfully request we set up an R & R schedule for our folks. Let's be honest we can all use a shower and downtown time. We have a lot left to do and we all need rest" Tom said. (Reply: CO / FO) (Posted by: Bill W.) ---------- (Beta Aquillia IV - Veil Outpost- Operative Tzir- Day 4 - 1635) "It's nice to meet you, Tzir." Jo made the Aquillian gesture that indicated the proper social greeting. Tzir returned it. "I appreciate that you're here to help. Is there anything I can do for you?" "Yes, we can begin by getting acquainted a bit before we get down to the details of our situation. I understand that you have been here since the revolt. Is there anything you would like to eat or drink from the replicator? If so you can help yourself." He gestured to the device positioned on the wall. (reply Ambassador) "Suit yourself, have what you like or forego it if you prefer, it makes no difference to me." Tzir replied. "When you are prepared, and are seated we can begin." It didn't take long before the ambassador settled into her chair. It wasn't the most comfortable of chairs to sit in, but it was what they had. Tzir had been careful to make certain he was seated in the exact same sort of chair to promote the image of equality to the Ambassador. "I will not insult your intelligence Ambassador. I have read your file, what little bit was available to me, and I understand that you are very intelligent and instinctively capable in matters of diplomacy and politics. That said you certainly realize that there have been significant changes that have taken place and that you being isolated are unaware of the current situation beyond the confines of your holding cell." (reply Ambassador iyw) "I will begin by 'bringing you up to speed' I believe is the Federation term. The government of Beta Aquillia has changed hands, although the process of governing is not yet completely stabilized. The Veil under Habrii has supplanted the more pro-Federation government of President Koloth, who seems unable to even show himself or put up any sort of fight. Those persons key in the previous government are branded as traitors and corrupt. And those who have been seen to support them have found themselves similarly branded. As the Ambassador to the Federation you have been placed into the same category as those that support president Koloth's regime. " (reply Ambassador) "There is no reason to be concerned just yet, Ambassador. You are a very valuable individual. In fact Habrii would like to use your release as a bargaining chip to gain recognition of the Veil as a legitimate government of this planet. He wants the federation to legitimize the takeover and in return, you are not to be tried as a traitor and will be released to return to the Federation. That is the plan that the Veil has for you. But there is a faction of the new government that may be in a position to help you. I am aligned with the latter and therefore your ally." (reply Ambassador) "Do you remember Ambassador Tzorn?" he asked simply. (reply Ambassador) "He has been ordered by the Veil to negotiate with the Federation for the recognition that Habrii desires. He is not a loyal member of the Veil and does not believe in their self-stylized isolation. Neither, frankly do I." He paused for a moment. (reply Ambassador) "Tzorn has managed to gain permission for you to speak with the federation Captain or his designated personnel by video link. There are conditions of course." (reply Ambassador) "You must not attempt to reveal your location. You may tell them your general state of health. You may speak to them and answer questions, but you must understand that these transmissions will be monitored by the Veil and that if you say the wrong thing, my friends and I will be unable to protect you from any reprisals." (reply Ambassador) "The goal of this video conference is two-fold. First it is a show that you are alive and unharmed. Secondly it will solidify Tzorn's rapport with the federation, which will benefit us all. And Third it will give your people an opportunity to attempt to trace the communication, although I cannot make it too easy for them to find you because I am responsible for preventing them from locating you and would be subject to punishment should I fail. " (reply Ambassador) "There is something I would like for you to arrange to help us solidify our position and make it easier for us to operate within the new order of things." (reply Ambassador) "A Prisoner exchange. We will release the Embassy personnel in our custody, with one exception, in exchange for President Kolath. Major Stone and all the other captured Federation personnel would be returned to the Federation controlled zone. Only you would remain for the time being. If I were to release you right now, things would go very badly for me and my associates. But rest assured it is our intention to release you soon and have you returned unharmed to Federation control." (reply Ambassador) "Oh yes, excellent question. Forgive me for not telling you sooner. The federation starship that was sent to rescue you is the USS Rosenante. It's captain is a Captain Ahmed Ibn Salid and his first officer is Benjamin Soma." He regarded her. "I will answer whatever other questions that you have as I am able. What else do you need to know?" (reply Ambassador Turner) Daniel Greene ---------- (Beta Aquillia IV - Central Supply Depot - CMO - Cmdr Josh Caskie - Day 4 - 1637) Josh had listened quietly as Cmdr Soma opened the meeting. She had nothing to add regarding the negotiations, thankfully she hadn't been tasked with that. However when Tom spoke up and mentioned downtime she jumped in as soon as he finished. "I agree with Tom, everybody who has been working on site is going to need downtime and soon. The emergency sickbay is now treating stage 4 survivors, the second wave of the walking wounded who stayed to help and are now coming to us to have minor injuries treated. Stage 5 sadly, comprises of the dead and we don't need a whole emergency sickbay to deal with them. I've already asked Lt Fraiser to organise a downtime rota for the medical staff and I'll let her speak for herself regarding that. However I can't see it being much of a hassle for her to extend this to include everyone. I you want she can liaise with all the department heads and organise it and then run it passed the FO before implementing it. I know that we are overstretched somewhat but to be honest, from a medical standpoint at least I'm fairly sure that the rescue part of this mission is almost over now sadly and it's virtually all about the 'clean up' operation." (Reply Tayla, any) (Posted by Marilyn) ---------- (Beta Aquillia IV, Veil Outpost, Ambassador Joanne Turner, Day 4, 1638) After the polite greetings, Tzir began by offering Joanne something to eat and drink. The Veil had been feeding her, so she hadn't been going hungry, but the food selection was less than desirable, consisting mostly of bland soups, something akin to oatmeal, and a bitter juice. She'd have loved a hearty sandwich or a good cup of coffee, but she declined anything, preferring to portray an image of strength. She sat in the empty chair that was obviously for her, calmly resting her hands in her lap. Tzir began to speak in earnest. "I will not insult your intelligence, Ambassador. I have read your file, what little bit was available to me, and I understand that you are very intelligent and instinctively capable in matters of diplomacy and politics. That said, you certainly realize, that there have been significant changes that have taken place, and that you being isolated, are unaware of the current situation beyond the confines of your holding cell." This was an overstatement. Much had indeed happened, and Jo had been completely out of the loop. She knew the Federation would send at least one ship, but as far as she knew, they had come and gone, failing in their mission. "I will begin by, 'bringing you up to speed', I believe is the Federation term," said Tzir. Jo let herself smile, not bothering to hide how relieved she was to get any news she could. She listened intently as Tzir told her about the coupe by The Veil of the Sky. She frowned at the prospect of being branded as a traitor to Beta Aquillia IV. Tzir continued, telling Jo about the plan Habrii, the leader of the Veil, had for her. She shook her head and sighed softly. Holding an ambassador as a hostage to get what you wanted. How many times has that been played out in the history of the universe? She supposed, that once the bad guys found something that usually worked, why do something else? "Do you remember Ambassador Tzorn?" said Tzir. "Of course," said Jo. "We worked closely together for years. He was instrumental in forging the alliance the Federation and Beta Aquillia IV have enjoyed." "He has been ordered by the Veil to negotiate with the Federation for the recognition that Habrii desires. He is not a loyal member of the Veil, and does not believe in their self-stylized isolation. Neither, frankly do I." And there was the crack in the armor Jo needed, and thus the reason she was brought before Tzir. For the first time in a week, she could now see the light at the end of the tunnel. "Tzorn has managed to gain permission for you to speak with the Federation captain, or his designated personnel, by video link. There are conditions, of course." "Of course." With all her abilities, Jo managed to mask the bubbling enthusiasm she was now feeling. This was the first step to gaining her freedom. She would just need to play along as best as she could. "You must not attempt to reveal your location. You may tell them your general state of health. You may speak to them and answer questions, but you must understand, that these transmissions will be monitored by the Veil, and that if you say the wrong thing, my friends and I will be unable to protect you from any reprisals." "I understand." Jo didn't like the conditions, but she understood them. There also had to be some way the Starfleet vessel that was here, could track her location through the link. Tzir was clearly in the world of secrecy and espionage, so this is how it was to be done. Tzir went on to say that there were three purposes to setting up a link. The first was to show Starfleet that she was alive and doing reasonably well. The second was to benefit Tzorn and his position with the Federation. This told her that Tzorn was trying to find a way of escaping the Veil, if they were to remain in charge. She supposed she couldn't blame him for that. It then dawned on her. The Aquillians had a custom of naming males in the family, variations of the names of respected relatives. Tzorn and Tzir were related. That explained why they were working together so closely to make this happen. "Third, it will give your people an opportunity to attempt to trace the communication," said Tzir. "Although, I cannot make it too easy for them to find you, because I am responsible for preventing them from locating you, and would be subject to punishment, should I fail. " So there it was. The three of them, herself, Tzorn, and Tzir, had their agendas and roles to play, and if all went as planned, and things often didn't, they'd all get what they wanted and the day would be saved. Their fates depended on how good the Starfleet people sent to help, were at doing their jobs. "I understand, Tzir." "There is something I would like for you to arrange to help us solidify our position and make it easier for us to operate within the new order of things." "What's that, Tzir." There was always a price to pay. No free lunches anywhere in the galaxy. Tzir wanted a prisoner exchange. "We will release the embassy personnel in our custody, with one exception. In exchange for President Kolath. Major Stone and all the other captured Federation personnel would be returned to the Federation controlled zone. Only you would remain for the time being." Jo understood why she had to be held, but how could she, in good conscience, negotiate for President Kolath to be turned over to the Veil? He would certainly be executed. Tzir assured her that his long-range plans were to see that she was released eventually, but how could she continue as a diplomat, if she brokered an agreement that led to the death of the rightful leader of BA4? She was beginning to wonder if this was all an elaborate ruse. "What ship did the Federation send?" said Jo, changing the direction of the conversation. "Oh, yes. Excellent question. Forgive me for not telling you sooner. The Federation starship that was sent to rescue you is, the USS Rosenante. It's captain is a Captain Ahmed Ibn Salid, and his first officer is, Benjamin Soma." "I don't know them," said Jo, with a shake of her head. She was certain the Federation would send the best, knowing how important BA4 was. "I will answer whatever other questions that you have, as I am able," said Tzir. "What else do you need to know?" Jo thought about this for a moment. He had told her the basics, so she pretty much knew what she needed to know. However, in her time here, she had come to love the Aquillian people and their culture. She had wondered often over the last week, how the common people were doing. That's what she wanted to know. "How are the people doing? Were there many deaths? Was there a lot of destruction in the fighting? When leaders get hungry for power, they always claim to be for the best interests of the people, but the people are always the ones that bear the brunt of everything bad that happens." Jo's eyes began to tear. "What exactly is happening out there, Tzir?" (reply Tzir) (posted by Bob B.) ---------- (Beta Aquillia IV - Central Supply Depot - Niambh McNulty - Day 4 - 1639) Niambh has stayed quiet and listened as the briefing evolved around her. When the woman whom Niambh assumed to be the chief medical officer began her briefing Niambh winced when she mentioned stage 5 casualties. ~How on earth could she be so cool and calm when talking about the dead, but maybe~ Niambh thought, ~it comes with the job.~ She then began to speak about downtime and that was something that Niambh understood, so, when she finished her report Niambh immediately began speaking. Looking across at the Captain she smiled. "Normally captain I would be willing to offer you and your crew full use of the facilities in Atlantis Station for any R and R they might need, however I was notified just after we came back from speaking to Ambassador Tzorn that our desalinisation plant seems to be on the blink so sadly we have no fresh water at present." (reply Salid, Soma, any) Niambh smiled and shook her head. "Sadly no, it's just to much of a co-incidence to be a co-incidence, if you take my meaning. I have engineers attempting to fix it and security is looking into the matter, but at present we don't have any fresh water and if we don't either fix it soon or get water from elsewhere the refugee camp will shortly have an new influx of people looking for help." She let that matter drop and taking a deep breath she looked straight at the captain. "There is however one other matter that I need to raise here and need an answer too. President Koloth is still in residence in the Station with my blessing. However much his presence there caused or exacerbated the shelling by the Veil I won't insist that he leave. That would be tantamount to handing him over to the Veil and we all know what would happen to him after that. I certainly wouldn't care to wager on him staying alive until sunset should they get their hands on him and I need to know what your position is on this." (Reply Salid) (Posted by Marilyn) ---------- (Beta Aquillia IV, Veil Outpost, Operative Tzir, Day 4, 1640) "How are the people doing? Were there many deaths? Was there a lot of destruction in the fighting? When leaders get hungry for power, they always claim to be for the best interests of the people, but the people are always the ones that bear the brunt of everything bad that happens." Jo's eyes began to tear. "What exactly is happening out there, Tzir?" Tzir nodded, one of the universal traits shared by Humans and Aquillians. "The death toll is unknown currently. For the most part those deaths were confined to military and Veil soldiers, fighting for strategic control of vital areas. There have been some incidents where cities, particularly in the Outer Provinces have armed themselves. Those cities are effectively under siege and it is unknown how many deaths there have been." He sighed, another universal trait common to both species present. "Earlier today there was a bombing. It is believed that two individuals wearing explosive vests entered into the federation Refugee camp and detonated themselves. We do not know how many were killed, but indications are that the majority of those killed and injured were Aquillians, not Federation personnel. Shortly after that a runabout was destroyed by a bomb, but there were no injuries. Alaya was responsible for those attacks and is being sought for arrest. Habrii has stated that he did not authorize nor condone those attacks. It is impossible right now to determine if that is true or not." Another sigh, " There have been some beatings, but no reported deaths upon Aquillians seeking shelter in the Federation Safe-zone. Several off world people have been arrested and some killed when they resisted arrest. The Skorr Ambassador is also missing, believed kidnapped, although Habrii claims to know nothing of that, stating that he ordered the Ambassador exiled only." "Every hour, we see Military forces loyal to President Kolath surrendering in the face of a very well provisioned and organized Veil militia. If things continue on their current course, I believe that the Veil will control 75% of the planet in less than two days. Unlike most conflicts of this sort, I would categorize this one as a revolution that is less destructive than those I have read about." (reply Ambassador iyw) "I suppose that you are reluctant to ask for Kolath's extradition?" he asked then. (reply Turner) "I understand your concern. Let me give you some information that may help you decide. Since the revolution began, the president has retreated to Federation controlled space. We have no reason to believe that he has been in contact with the survivors of his government or military forces. He has not attempted to communicate with Habrii's government and he has done nothing except request asylum from the Federation. I have contacts on Earth that have told me that the federation Starship is not to intervene in the civil war taking place here. They are to focus only on rescuing you and finding out who is supporting the Veil. They have been disallowed from assisting Kolath in regaining control of his government. You can ask the Federation Captain about this if you like. As long as Kolath is free he is a symbol of hope to the military who will most likely continue the fighting. I do not particularly want the Veil to win this conflict, but I also could see a way that the vast majority of the fighting could be stopped if Kolath were to be surrendered. I do not know if he would be executed. He may be, but not before a very public trial to give the appearance of justice. If such a trail were to take place, there are those in a position to see to it that the President escapes from whatever fate the Veil has planned for him." (reply Ambassador Turner) Daniel Greene ---------- (Beta Aquillia IV - Central Supply Depot - COPS - Lieutenant Tom Jackson - Day 4 - 1641) Josh echoed his comments about R & R. There were several people -natives as well as SF personnel - who were automatons going through the motions but not efficiently. His thoughts drifted to his young family safe on the Rose. His twins were sure to be growing like weeds. And there was his beloved Dahlia. Inspite of his feelings about Pez and the Boudicca fiasco the man had brought them together Finally realizing what Dahlia And his mom Chris had been trying to tell him was true - Pez loved Tom in his own weird way. Tom made a vow to make peace with the Ferengi his number loved. Tom's attention was brought back to the present by a lul in the meeting. Each of his shipmates made their report. The situation was serious but manageable. He wondered how the Veil was going to react. Would there be armed conflict? Who was behind this mess?. (Reply: None Needed) (Posted by: Bill W.) ---------- (Beta Aquillia IV, Veil Outpost, Federation Ambassador Joanne Turner, Day 4, 1642) "I suppose that you are reluctant to ask for Kolath's extradition?" said Tzir. Jo nodded her head, not fully hearing what Tzir had asked. After hearing him tell her about the fighting, the death, and the injured, her heart felt like it would break. She loved the Aquillian people, and knowing what was happening while she was incarcerated, ripped at her emotions. It took all her strength to not openly weep for them. Tzir went on to explain why handing President Kolath to the Veil, was a good thing for the greater good of Beta Aquillia IV. Some of it made sense, though she wondered if she was thinking clearly at that moment. Though Tzir was promising that everything possible would be done to keep Kolath alive, the plan just made her stomach churn sour. The part that surprised and disappointed Jo, wasn't that there was a proposal for Kolath to be given to the Veil, or that she had been asked to play an active role in it. It was that the Federation had not allowed the Starfleet vessel they sent, to help restore the legitimate government. She felt like she was being betrayed, and that everything she had done on BA4, was being swept aside like it was dust on a table. There was no way she would be a pawn in whatever chess match the Federation Council was now playing. "I do not know if he would be executed," continued Tzir, in his plea for Jo to aid in giving Kolath to the Veil. "He may be, but not before a very public trial to give the appearance of justice." At that point, Tzir's voice was nothing more than noise to her. Though he was working against the Veil, and he was helping the Rosenante people rescue her, he clearly had his own agenda. After what she had just learned, maybe it was time to end this part of her career, and move on to something else. "I appreciate that you're helping me, Tzir, but I can't, and I won't, help anyone send President Kolath to his death, and that's what the Veil would bring him. He is the lawful leader here, and I won't betray him, the law, or what's morally right." Once Jo committed to making a stand, especially if it was something she felt so strongly about, that was the end of it. She would take that stand to wherever it led. Wherever. (reply Tzir iyw) (posted by Bob B.) ---------- (Beta Aquillia VI - Central Supply Depot - CEO LCDR Steven Matrix - Day 4 - 1644) Matrix simply listened as the others expressed what he was experiencing and already thinking. He was exhausted and needed to rest and recover. Commander Caskie expressed heroic concern for everyone including those like him who were wounded by helping wherever possible. As he listened to everyone's input he took the opportunity to sit down and take in some water. He touched the bandage on his head and looked back at his hand. The blood on his fingers said his head wound was still bleeding slightly. Matrix simply wiped his fingers on his pants and continued to listen to everyone. Matrix stood up and cleared his throat. "I would agree with what's been said here. Many of us need a little time to recover so we can get back and help. There are fresh personnel that could work in shifts for the moment and help offload the work and assist with the recovery." said Matrix. "The recover seems to be going as well as can be expected, but I am concerned how the Veil will respond. As far as I know we haven't figured out who staged this horrific act. I'd like to get back to the ship and help determine that and help the Captain posture a response." continued Matrix. (Reply any, none) (Posted by Steve) ---------- (Beta Aquillia IV - Central Supply Depot - FO- Lt. Cmdr Ben Soma - Day 4 - 1650) "Captain, Commander I respectfully request we set up an R & R schedule for our folks. Let's be honest we can all use a shower and downtown time. We have a lot left to do and we all need rest" Tom said. There seemed to be a unanimous agreement to the fact, and Ben couldn't argue with it either. Glancing at the Captain he received an approving nod. "Mr. Jackson I'll leave it to you to set up a rotation, those who need it most should be given priority." Ben replied. "For the mean time I'll remain on the surface, just keep an updated list at Centcom so we know who's available at any given time. Doctor have Tayla work out a rotation for the medical personnel and have her coordinate with Tom. " (reply Jackson, Caskie) "Normally captain I would be willing to offer you and your crew full use of the facilities in Atlantis Station for any R and R they might need, however I was notified just after we came back from speaking to Ambassador Tzorn that our desalinisation plant seems to be on the blink so sadly we have no fresh water at present." Niambh stated. More trouble, just what they needed. The desalination plant picked a rather bad time to go on the blink. "Do you think it's a coincidence that the desalination plant went down now?" Ben asked. Niambh smiled and shook her head. "Sadly no, it's just to much of a co-incidence to be a co-incidence, if you take my meaning. I have engineers attempting to fix it and security is looking into the matter, but at present we don't have any fresh water and if we don't either fix it soon or get water from elsewhere the refugee camp will shortly have an new influx of people looking for help." She then mentioned president Koloth. "I'm no more inclined to handing the President over then you are." Ben said. "For the time being he's safe where he is and in light of Habrii's recent concessions I don't believe he'll choose this time to storm Atlantis station in an attempt to get his hands on the president. Ambassador Dralar has agreed to send more security forces, we'll send some of those to Atlantis to augment it's current security detail. Commander Matrix may be able to spare a couple engineers to help your people get the desalination plant up and running again, Mr. Matrix see what you can do and requisition what ever supplies are necessary to complete repairs." (reply Matrix) "Sanok I'd like you to coordinate with the Skorrian security forces and ensure the president has ample security." (reply Sanok) Ben knew he was handing out work assignments to already overworked officers but it had to be done. "We'll also need a contingency plan should the repairs at Atlantis be more extensive then we're aware of." Ben said. "We'll need to move the people that are there now and distribute them throughout the other centers. Doctor Caskie I'll leave the evac protocol in your hands, coordinate your efforts with Sanok and enlist what ever help you deem necessary." (reply Caskie, Sanok) "Mr. Lanista I want to call on your engineering ability." Ben stated. "Accompany the engineers to Atlantis and help with the repairs, keep your eyes open for any signs of sabotage and if possible determine who's responsible should sabotage be the cause of the breakdown. Atlantis is our main base of operations and if it's been compromised I want to know who's responsible and how deep the station has been compromised." (reply Lanista, as above and any not tagged feel free to chime in) (posted by Milo Young) ---------- (Beta Aquillia IV - Central Supply Depot ACMO Lt Jg Tayla Fraiser - Day 4 - 1652) After listening to the various views on their situation, Tayla spoke, “Sir, if I may?” (Reply Soma) Leaning forward, Tayla pushed a Padd towards him and said, “I’ve taken the liberty of constructing a rota for downtime for the medical staff but the premise is sound for the other departments. We all need to take some time to rest up before we continue our jobs here.” Pausing for a moment, she continued, “I understand that it’s hard seeing what’s happened here but we need to take care of ourselves otherwise mistakes will be made.” (Reply Any) (Posted by Jackie Smith) ---------- (Beta Aquillia IV - Central Supply Depot - Niambh McNulty - Day 4 - 1653) "I'm no more inclined to handing the President over then you are." Ben said. "For the time being he's safe where he is and in light of Habrii's recent concessions I don't believe he'll choose this time to storm Atlantis station in an attempt to get his hands on the president. Ambassador Dralar has agreed to send more security forces, we'll send some of those to Atlantis to augment it's current security detail. Commander Matrix may be able to spare a couple engineers to help your people get the desalination plant up and running again, Mr. Matrix see what you can do and requisition what ever supplies are necessary to complete repairs." Before anyone else could speak Niambh jumped into the conversation again. "I beg your pardon Commander but I disagree. Whilst I thank you and am quite willing to accept any extra security and engineering help you can give me. I disagree that the President is safe where he is on Atlantis given the fact that we are pretty much all in agreement that the problem with the desalinisation plant is probably due to sabotage. Someone there is working for the other side and until we find out who, I cannot guarantee the President's safety. I have no other option at present but to ask for your help in this matter and to be honest I think he should be moved sooner rather than later since the longer we wait, the easier it will be for the Veil to learn of it. That then begs the question of where do we move him and when." (reply Soma) "When, I would say immediately before anyone can get the information out. As to where, I am looking for input from you. I would have suggested the Refugee Camp bit given what has happened today, it's highly unlikely that the camp is secure either. The Veil has managed to infiltrate itself everywhere it seems and every single one of us have been left with egg on our face today." (reply Soma) "No, you misunderstand me. I'm not suggesting you give him asylum on the Rose but, correct me if I am wrong, there are other ships in orbit are there not?" (reply Soma) (Posted by Marilyn) ---------- (Beta Aquillia IV - Central Supply Depot- FO - Lt. Cmdr Ben Soma- Day 4 - 1654) After hearing what the others had to say about some down time Lieutenant Fraiser spoke up. “Sir, if I may?” "Of course Lieutenant." Ben prompted. Leaning forward, Tayla pushed a Padd towards him and said, “I’ve taken the liberty of constructing a rota for downtime for the medical staff but the premise is sound for the other departments. We all need to take some time to rest up before we continue our jobs here.” Pausing for a moment, she continued, “I understand that it’s hard seeing what’s happened here but we need to take care of ourselves otherwise mistakes will be made.” "Point taken." Ben said looking the Padd over before passing it to Tom. "Medical is covered Mr. Jackson, work this into your rotation and see that everyone gets at least six hours to get a shower, fresh uniform and some down time." Ben knew everyone could use some time to unwind, Tom had been away from his family for days and that was stressful for him. He would like to spend a couple hours with Marah to assure her he was safe but it would have to wait, he'd remain on the surface until the Captain ordered him back to the Rose or Caskie decided he was medically unfit to continue. Thankfully Sanok had taught him a couple meditation techniques he could use to recenter himself, along with a few exercises he learned along the way. (reply any) (posted by Milo Young) ---------- (Beta Aquillia IV - Central Supply Depot - CMO - Cmdr Josh Caskie - Day 4 - 1655) "Mr. Jackson I'll leave it to you to set up a rotation, those who need it most should be given priority." Ben replied. "For the mean time I'll remain on the surface, just keep an updated list at Centcom so we know who's available at any given time. Doctor have Tayla work out a rotation for the medical personnel and have her coordinate with Tom." Josh nodded. "Tayla has already worked out the medical rotation since I asked her to have it ready for this meeting. She can work with Tom and have a full rota set up as soon as possible. Do you need to see it before they implement it or should they just go ahead? (Reply Soma) "We'll also need a contingency plan should the repairs at Atlantis be more extensive then we're aware of. We'll need to move the people that are there now and distribute them throughout the other centers. Doctor Caskie I'll leave the evac protocol in your hands, coordinate your efforts with Sanok and enlist what ever help you deem necessary." Josh made some notes on her padd and then looked up again. "Sir, if you have no problems with this I will organise this through CentComm rather than Sickbay. However I do have one question. Would you prefer that I put all the Federation personnel in one place so that we can evacuate them 'en masse' if needed?" (Reply Soma) Posted by Marilyn ---------- (Beta Aquillia IV - Central Supply Depot - FO- Lt. Cmdr Ben Soma - Day 4 - 1657) Before anyone else could speak Niambh jumped into the conversation again. "I beg your pardon Commander but I disagree. Whilst I thank you and am quite willing to accept any extra security and engineering help you can give me. I disagree that the President is safe where he is on Atlantis given the fact that we are pretty much all in agreement that the problem with the desalinisation plant is probably due to sabotage. Someone there is working for the other side and until we find out who, I cannot guarantee the President's safety. I have no other option at present but to ask for your help in this matter and to be honest I think he should be moved sooner rather than later since the longer we wait, the easier it will be for the Veil to learn of it. That then begs the question of where do we move him and when." Maybe Ben was feeling the pressure more than he thought, Niambh was right. With the desalination plant down and clean drinking water now being a problem the President was not exactly safe nor were any of Atlantis' occupants. "When do you suggest he be moved and where do you suggest he should be moved?" Ben asked. "When, I would say immediately before anyone can get the information out. As to where, I am looking for input from you. I would have suggested the Refugee Camp bit given what has happened today, it's highly unlikely that the camp is secure either. The Veil has managed to infiltrate itself everywhere it seems and every single one of us have been left with egg on our face today." She did have a point, it seemed that nowhere on the surface was safe. "Are you suggesting be grant the President Asylum?" He inquired, doing so would cause them more trouble. One of the Veil's demands was that the President be turned over to the Veil. Ben didn't like the idea but it was something that had to be considered. "When, I would say immediately before anyone can get the information out. As to where, I am looking for input from you. I would have suggested the Refugee Camp bit given what has happened today, it's highly unlikely that the camp is secure either. The Veil has managed to infiltrate itself everywhere it seems and every single one of us have been left with egg on our face today." "The only other ship is Ambassador Dralar's worldripper." Ben replied. "A military vessel not designed for no Skorrian guests, and I'm not sure if they would be willing to entertain the thought of having a guest on board. Though it may be possible to persuade Ambassador Dralar to house the President for a short time." (reply Salid iyw) Then Doctor Caskie spoke up. "Tayla has already worked out the medical rotation since I asked her to have it ready for this meeting. She can work with Tom and have a full rota set up as soon as possible. Do you need to see it before they implement it or should they just go ahead?" "They can go ahead." Ben replied. "Just be sure to have a copy of the rotation at Centcom Alpha so we know who's on station." Then he mentioned a contingency plan. Josh made some notes on her padd and then looked up again. "Sir, if you have no problems with this I will organise this through CentComm rather than Sickbay. However I do have one question. Would you prefer that I put all the Federation personnel in one place so that we can evacuate them 'en masse' if needed?" Ben considered what she asked and deemed it a wise precaution. "That's a good idea Doctor." Ben replied. "I have no problems with what your proposing, your clear to proceed as you see fit." (reply any) (posted by Milo Young) ---------- (Beta Aquillia VI - Central Supply Depot -FO- Lt. Cmdr Ben Soma - Day 4 - 1704) Ben listened as Tom posed a couple questions and Doctor Caskie gave her views on the matter. The times she gave were accurate but there were exceptions, and he hoped this was a case where the exceptions were more present. "Doctor Caskie is right." Ben said. "We'll continue our efforts but time unfortunately is the enemy, we can request help but by the time they arrive it would no longer be a rescue mission but one of recovery only. Given the current demands of the Veil having more federation ships arrive likely wouldn't go over well, there were only a couple sites targeted so for the time being we'll have to manage as best we can." Then there was speculation about whether or not the explosions were accidental or intentional. "It's unlikely the explosions were accidental, if other places experienced explosions I might be incline to think differently. Since our camps were singled out along with one of our shuttles I'd say we were targeted. As for outside interference I'm not ruling anything out at this point, the Romulans may be behind this or it may be the Cardassians, it could also be several other races and until we have something to implicate or exonerate any of them neither can be excluded." Ben said. (reply any) (posted by Milo Young) ---------- (Beta Aquillia IV - Central Supply Depot- COPS - Lt. Tom Jackson - Day 4 - 1707) Ben Soma answered Jackson's two questions. He pointed out that more help might take forever. The political aspects had to be considered too. Ben pointed out more Federation forces would aggravate the tense scene further. Tom reluctantly agreed Ben was considering the whole picture. Tom spoke up about the R&R schedule. "Following the skipper and FO wishes, I, along with Medical have set up a schedule. Six hours downtime per crew member". Tom paused to allow for discussion. (Reply: any present) Tom continued speaking. " I have taken the liberty of beaming down more rations, mobile replicator units and a portable sonic shower unit". ( Reply: any present ) Turning to the doctors, Tom asked "Did I forget anything? " (Reply: Any Doctor present) (Posted by: Bill W.) ---------- (Beta Aquillia IV - Central Supply Depot - CO- Captain Ahmed Ibn Salid - Day 4 - 1710) Ahmed was pleased to know that Soma could and would assume complete command of the Rosenante should the event ever arise. The captain of the Rosenante found it comforting that his new First Officer had what it took to run the briefing if he should ever be incapacitated. It allowed Ahmed to focus on the broader picture of what was unfolding all around him, the senseless attacks were tactically untenable, there couldn't be any way that the Veil could believe that such attacks would do anything other than strengthen the resolve of the Starfleet officers on the ground. Forcing a confrontation with the Rosenante crew on a military level would be harmful to the peace process, certainly, but Habrii had to realize that military action at this point would be very one-sided. Ahmed and his ship controlled the high ground. That meant that someone other than the Veil was behind the attacks. Certainly they seemed to be perpetrated by the Veil, and certainly there was a strong belief that Alaya was behind them at the most surface level, but Ahmed was willing to bet that the actual agenda was not being controlled by the Veil or Alaya, and that same agenda was being dictated to them. The more that things progressed the more it seemed that the goal had nothing to do with ruling Beta Aquillia IV, and more to do with provoking the Federation and/or the Skorr into conflict. A wasteful action that would tie up personnel, resources and create possible sympathy for the Veil and possibly give their supporters the ability to openly support their cause. The more he thought about it, the more likely it seemed that conflict would be the inevitable outcome if he didn't keep a tight handle on things. Tomorrow he had a briefing with Rosenbauer, Raschen and a native informant and maybe then he'd have a clearer picture of what was transpiring. NRPG: The meeting is on Day 5, so it has not happened yet. However, I am also going to assume that the detonator on the rooftop was reported to Salid off-screen. Once there was a suitable break in the conversation, Ahmed interjected. "Duty rotas to include downtime are approved. We cannot have our personnel collapsing from exhaustion. All personnel will comply with required down time. Personnel are not permitted to leave the secured zone during off time, and all Federation personnel are to remain armed at all times. All outer perimeter patrols are to be beefed up to platoon sized operations once the Skorr have arrived. I want them placed on inner perimeter duty and building security. The last thing we need is for a group of Skorr to go on a genocidal rampage against the Aquillians and escalate this into a full-blown war." "Sanok have you had an opportunity to conduct a search near the site of the sabotaged runabout? I want to know everything we can about how it was done and who may be behind it. Use whatever resources you decide are necessary." (reply Sanok) "Tom, I want you to lead a security team to escort someone from medical to the site where the Runabout was destroyed. I want to see if there is any DNA that we can find to help identify the species of our bomber. Commander Caskie will assign someone to your team for the operation. Minimize your time outside the perimeter." NRPG: It is my intention that the team here find some 'planted' Cardassian DNA. In addition here's your chance to help run an operation Bill. (reply Jackson, Caskie) "Ben, I agree with you on Tzorn. If he comes through even with the contact with the Ambassador, I will approve his status as a protected refugee. I also want you and Sanok to work on a way to speak with president Kolath. I want to see if he would agree to be turned over to the Veil. If so, see if we can work something up where we can track him and have a team ready to grab him at the first sign of trouble. It's my thought that the president would be given a public trial as a form of legitimization. He could very well be held in the same location as Ambassador Turner. If so, we may be able to get a stronger lead as to where she may be." (reply Soma) "It would need to be completely voluntary. If he prefers, we can speak to one of the captains of the freighters that Signos freed and see if they would be willing to transport him to a neutral planet for his own safety. We can not evacuate him and in fact each minute that passes where we harbor him makes our diplomatic state more difficult. I also don't see it as a wise idea to place him with the Skorr at this stage. I have a strong suspicion that if I consult command on his situation, they will tell me to turn him over to the Veil and I don't want to be in a position whereby I have no choice but to do so. I want you in charge of bringing Tzorn in when the time comes." (reply Soma) "Sanok, I need you and Matrix to work on a means to monitor and possibly track the communication between the Ambassador and us. I suspect that they will run through several relays, so it might be very difficult. Maybe you can tie into the orbital cloud of sensors we deployed earlier, the sensor net should be complete by now. Mister Matrix, I need you to see if you can figure out a way to identify locations that possess transport inhibitors. If there are very few of them, maybe we can use those locations as possible starting points for a systematic search for the Ambassador." (reply Sanok, Matrix) "Eian, I need you to take charge of the repair of the water system on Atlantis. I also want you to head up the investigation and find our saboteur. Work with Miss McNulty and her head of security. I want that station cleared of security threats. As you are aware it is our nerve center. I we lose it now, it will significantly hinder our planetary operations." (reply O'Neill) "Jessica, I want you to help with the saboteur on the station and then I want you to be ready to do a detailed tactical analysis of the presidential government building. I want to know that we can get to Habrii if I decide to do so." (reply Signos) "Parker, I want you to Assist Jackson. I need you to try to work up a psychological profile of the person that destroyed the runabout. I want to know why they didn't destroy it when it was occupied. Investigate the scene collect what clues you can." (reply Parker) "Nayeli, I need some legal precedent to impose military or diplomatic force to this world if needed. I want to know the boundaries of my authority where this situation is concerned. My legal liability as well as what interstellar laws I can fall back on if needed." (reply Nayeli) "Viskhard, I need you to use the use the sensor net to locate isolated groups of non-Aquillians. I will speak with the Skorr about running rescue operations. I can only imagine that there have to be pockets of off-worlders who are unable to escape without aid. It's time to take a more proactive approach." (reply Viskhard) "Lieutenant Xim will take command of CENTCOMM beginning Immediately. Once I have completed the briefing with Rosenbauer and Raschen tomorrow morning, it may be prudent to take the Rosenante out to seed the area with a gravitic sensor net to look for cloaked ships. If that becomes the case, Ben, you will assume complete command of the ground operations here until the Rosenante returns to orbit." (reply All) Daniel Greene ---------- (Beta Aquillia IV - Central Supply Depot - ACEO Lt Eian O'Neill - Day 4 - 1711) During his time as head of CENTCOM, Eian had been constantly occupied with a new task every moment and a backlog of tasks accumulating every now and then. He had never had a moment when his opinion wasn't needed, when it was time to listen instead of engage, and it was a role that he took to like a fish took to water. Briefings, however, were hardly his favorite environment. Attempting to pay attention through most of it, Eian wondered every other minute about what was happening back at CENTCOM. He eventually began taking notes to keep himself focused. Then Salid gave him his specific orders. "Eian, I need you to take charge of the repair of the water system on Atlantis. I also want you to head up the investigation and find our saboteur. Work with Miss McNulty and her head of security. I want that station cleared of security threats. As you are aware it is our nerve center. If we lose it now, it will significantly hinder our planetary operations." ~How am I going to do that and run CENTCOM?~ was Eian's immediate thought, but then it occurred to him that this was completely impossible. He was being relieved of his post as head of CENTCOM. ~What did I do wrong?~ was his next thought, and he forced himself not to analyze that right now—there would be time for that later. For now, he needed to figure out what had happened to take down the salination plant in Atlantis station. “Yes, Sir,” he responded. He hardly listened during the rest of the briefing. (Beta Aquillia IV – CENTCOM – ACEO Lt Eian O'Neill - Day 4 – 1916) It took about a half hour to transition CENTCOM to Lt. Xim, and that was when he was contacted by the Head of Security at Atlantis Station. =^=Lt O'Neill, Ensign Signos. David Roskoff here, head of security on Atlantis Station. Ms McNulty has informed me that you have both been assigned to help us with our recent difficulties. Please let me know if there is any information you might need before we meet and I will do my best to arrange it. I look forward to meeting you both. David out.=^= “Acknowledged, Mr. Roskoff. Please provide Ensign Signos and myself with the technical and security information from your initial investigation, if any has been conducted, and any scans of the sanitary system that may have been completed,” Eian requested. “Let’s meet in five minutes at CENTCOM at a secure location in Atlantis Station to discuss the matter. Can you suggest such a location?” (reply Roskoff ) “Very well. We’ll see you in about five minutes. O’Neill out.” (Beta Aquillia IV – Atlantis Station secure location– ACEO Lt Eian O'Neill - Day 4 – 1921) When the time finally came, to leave CENTCOM’s command center, Eian thought, ~This must be what a parent feels like when he has to leave his child for the first time in the care of a babysitter.~ He allowed himself a moment to marvel at this strange emotion of connectedness he felt with his first “command”, and then turned and left to meet with Roskoff and Signos. Thoughts of awkwardness at working with Signos didn’t even enter his mind as he entered their secure location. His mind was entirely on their task at hand, as there was much information provided and very little certainty about anything. They had their work cut out for them. “Hello, everyone,” Eian said upon arrival, catching a hint of his ‘in control’ tone that he had only very recently adopted while running CENTCOM. He liked it. “I’ve been asked to coordinate the effort to not only repair the water system on Atlantis station but also discover who the saboteur was and guarantee the continued safety of all personnel here. After reviewing the information Mr. Roskoff sent, I have to say we have a pretty hefty task ahead of us. If any personnel can be spared to help us out, then we’re going to have to pull them—but from our communications records in CENTCOM, I know Miss McNulty has some personnel who are looking for work. I’d be very grateful for their time if she's still willing to offer their service--if you could please pass that message onto her, Mr. Roskoff.” (reply Signos, and/or Roskoff) (posted by Morgan G) ---------- (Beta Aquillia IV - Central Supply Depot - COPS- LT. Tom Jackson - Day 4 -1712) Jackson listened as the others spoke. Search and rescue was winding down. Investigation time had arrived. Ahmed Salid had acted as he always did - decisive and trusting his crew to do their job. He looked at Tom and spoke. "Tom, I want you to lead a security team to escort someone from medical to the site where the Runabout was destroyed. I want to see if there is any DNA that we can find to help identify the species of our bomber. Commander Caskie will assign someone to your team for the operation. Minimize your time outside the perimeter." "Understood Sir" Tom replied. His mind was working out the things he needed to do. NRPG: anyone up for a bit of exploring ? RPG: Parker was once again assigned to work with Tom. Jackson had come to respect the man. He gathered the team together and considered his words carefully. "You've heard the skipper. We know what we gave to do. I am open to suggestions folks" Tom admitted. (Reply: Any on team) Tom listened carefully to each member. He was at last feeling useful and that softened his attitude towards Ben's success. Jackson spoke once more. "We'll be armed of course. Fire only in self-defense. Please be careful. I hate writing those next of kin letters people " Tom added. (Reply: medical, security) (Posted by: Bill W.) ---------- (Beta Aquillia IV, Refugee Camp-ATAC Ensign (sg) Jessica Signos- Day 4 - 1713) =/\= Jessica, I want you to help with the saboteur on the station and then I want you to be ready to do a detailed tactical analysis of the presidential government building. I want to know that we can get to Habrii if I decide to do so.=/\= Jessica nodded as the Captain's voice came over the headpiece of Jessica's tactical circlet."Sir, I'll get it done." It was a simple answer that had a multitude of meanings. Jessica's alternate persona Lily had hunted LoDona supporters many of which were deeply imbedded. Lily had more than enough practical experience in tracking her prey and getting into difficult places to make the Captains wishes a reality. The only thing that concerned her was the fact that she would have to work with Eian again. The trust between the two of them now was near completely gone. Would Eian trust her to do what needed to be done, or was he gonna be afraid that Lily would take over. Jessica could not deny it that was always a possibility, and she understood Eian's concern but that did not mean she had to like it. She listened to the rest of the briefing has she made she rounds around the compound checking the security positions and starting to task the Skorr security forces with what needed to be guarded with in the secure perimeter of the compound. Which allowed for more federation Security along the perimeter. About the time the Captain finished Jessica found a small area where she was out of ear shot of anyone who might be listening. She pushed a small switch on the side of the circlet that would allow the mic to pick up her voice even if she whispered. To everyone at the meeting place she would sound normal. "Captain, If I may," Jessica interjected. "With the concern about the president in exile. There might be another option, I know that turning him over to the veil is not on the top of anyone's I want to do list." She paused for a moment as she searched for the right words to outline what she had planned. "What I would like to propose is that we remove the president from the Atlantis station and move him to the space dock in orbit around this planet. Once there the president can assume command of the station. What this does is that it places the recognized government back in control of a state loyal to that government. It would also allow the president to formally announce the Veil has an active terrorist group and formally ask the Federation and Skorr to intervene on their behalf. It would also put the President out of the Veils hands."Again she paused she knew what she proposed was a giant risk, but sometimes big risk had big gains. Jessica continued again softer this time. "If this works it could also work to force to flush out the saboteur on the station and whoever is working behind the veil, by forcing each to act before they could be ready to do so. The fact is this would be something unexpected to all parties involved, and as long has the unseen forces at work here continue to be unseen we will get no where. These people know how to work from the shadow and the longer we don't force them to act, and to play this game at our pace the more of our people we place in harm's way and the more that will die, For this I ensure you..." Jessica let the last two words hang on her tongue those that knew who and what she was would be able to fill in the blank... 'from experience.' (reply any at meeting) (posted by Matthew Locke) ---------- (Beta Aquillia IV - Central Supply Depot - CO- Captain Ahmed Ibn Salid - Day 4 - 1714) =^=Sir, I'll get it done.=^= Jessica replied. There was a short delay and then she offered some additional suggestions. =^=Captain, If I may?=^= "Of course, continue." Ahmed replied. =^=With the concern about the president in exile. There might be another option, I know that turning him over to the Veil is not on the top of anyone's I want to do list.=^= She paused for a moment then continued, =^=What I would like to propose is that we remove the president from Atlantis Station and move him to the space dock in orbit around this planet. Once there the president can assume command of the station. What this does is it places the recognized government back in control of a state loyal to that government. It would also allow the president to formally denounce the Veil as an active terrorist group and formally ask the Federation and Skorr to intervene on their behalf. It would also put the President out of the Veil's hands.=^= "Interesting thought." Ahmed admitted, then he glanced at Soma to see if he could gauge his First Officer's feelings on the matter. Jessica continued again softer this time. =^=If this works it could also work to flush out the saboteur on the station and whoever is working behind the Veil, by forcing each to act before they could be ready to do so. The fact is this, this would be something unexpected to all parties involved, and as long has the unseen forces at work here continue to be unseen we will get nowhere. These people know how to work from the shadows and the longer we don't force them to act, and play this game at their pace the more of our people we place in harm's way and the more will die, For this I assure you...=^= "You're suggestion bears merit. I will discuss your plan with Commander Soma and we will determine if it is a good idea to bring forward to president Kolath." (reply Signos, iyw) Daniel Greene ---------- (Beta Aquillia IV - Central Supply Depot - CMO Josh Caskie - Day 4 - 1715) "Tom, I want you to lead a security team to escort someone from medical to the site where the Runabout was destroyed. I want to see if there is any DNA that we can find to help identify the species of our bomber. Commander Caskie will assign someone to your team for the operation. Minimize your time outside the perimeter." Josh made a note on her padd and nodded to the Captain. Turning to Tom she smiled at him. "I'm going to assign Lt Frasier to your team Tom since she is already working with you on the down time." (Reply Jackson and Frasier) (Posted by Marilyn) ---------- (Beta Aquillia IV - Central Supply Depot - CEO - LCDR Steven Matrix - Day 4 - 1717) Fairly well rested and adequately clean of the debris, dried blood and a fresh set of bandages Matrix was free to focus on assisting the mission in whatever capacity he could be of the most help. For the past 36 hours he had been assisting in rescuing countless victims of the bomb blasts. His mind was still on that little girl he helped get to the medics realizing he hadn't really heard anything from Lt Fraiser. He made a mental note to follow up with her once things settled down…if they ever did. The Captain had assembled his officers and he listened intently on his requests. "Sanok, I need you and Matrix to work on a means to monitor and possibly track the communication between the Ambassador and us. I suspect that they will run through several relays, so it might be very difficult. Maybe you can tie into the orbital cloud of sensors we deployed earlier, the sensor net should be complete by now. Mister Matrix, I need you to see if you can figure out a way to identify locations that possess transport inhibitors. If there are very few of them, maybe we can use those locations as possible starting points for a systematic search for the Ambassador." Matrix smiled as the suggestions, "Excellent idea sir! It should be rather easy to identify the electronic signatures of any transport inhibitors. I'll need access to the Rose's sensors and the new sensor net will do nicely to isolate and systematically sequence a search algorithm. " replied Matrix. (Reply Salid, IYW, Sanok, any) (Posted by Steve) ---------- (Beta Aquillia IV - Central Supply Depot - FO- Lt. Cmdr Ben Soma - Day 4 - 1718) The briefing continued and everyone stated their opinions on various points as everyone gave their reports. The Captain waited until everyone had their say before speaking himself, Ben wondered if Salid were testing him to see if he could manage. This wasn't the first time Ben had lead a briefing, Sullivan had also done the same as FO, perhaps Captain Salid preferred it that way. Then everyone was given new instructions and Ben was no exception. "Ben, I agree with you on Tzorn. If he comes through even with the contact with the Ambassador, I will approve his status as a protected refugee. I also want you and Sanok to work on a way to speak with president Kolath. I want to see if he would agree to be turned over to the Veil. If so, see if we can work something up where we can track him and have a team ready to grab him at the first sign of trouble. It's my thought that the president would be given a public trial as a form of legitimization. He could very well be held in the same location as Ambassador Turner. If so, we may be able to get a stronger lead as to where she may be." "I'll see to it." Ben replied. "A subdermal transponder might do the trick." "It would need to be completely voluntary. If he prefers, we can speak to one of the captains of the freighters that Signos freed and see if they would be willing to transport him to a neutral planet for his own safety. We can not evacuate him and in fact each minute that passes where we harbor him makes our diplomatic state more difficult. I also don't see it as a wise idea to place him with the Skorr at this stage. I have a strong suspicion that if I consult command on his situation, they will tell me to turn him over to the Veil and I don't want to be in a position whereby I have no choice but to do so. I want you in charge of bringing Tzorn in when the time comes." "Understood." Ben stated. "Sanok and I will speak with the President and propose our plan to him, having him leave on one of the freighters is likely our best option. I'm expecting to hear from Tzorn soon, the news should brighten his day." Assignments continued to be handed out as Ben thought about how to contact the President, McNulty may be able to arrange a meeting between them. Then he had to work out the details of getting Tzorn out of the spotlight and hopefully not draw to much negative attention from the Veil. Habrii may not appreciate losing his Ambassador, and on the other hand he may he more then happy to see him go. (reply any) (posted by Milo Young) ---------- eta Aquillia IV - Central Supply Depot - CO - Captain Ahmed Ibn Salid - Day 4 -1719) "Excellent idea sir! It should be rather easy to identify the electronic signatures of any transport inhibitors. I'll need access to the Rose's sensors and the new sensor net will do nicely to isolate and systematically sequence a search algorithm. " replied Matrix. Ahmed nodded as he replied, "After the meeting, beam back up to the Rosenante and do what you can to narrow down our options and improve our chances. The sensor net should be capable of supporting both you and Viskhard working on different projects." (reply Matrix, Viskhard iyw) Daniel Greene ---------- (Beta Aquillia IV - Central Supply Depot - CO- Captain Ahmed Ibn Salid - Day 4 - 1720) "Alright." Ahmed replied at the end of the briefing, "We all have our jobs to do, so you are all dismissed. Carry out your orders." The captain rose from his seat, and watched as the majority of his officers exited the relatively small hut that had served as their makeshift meeting room. He turned to Ben and Sanok. "I am beaming back up to the Rosenante. If we have a cloaked ship or more out there, I want to be on the bridge when and if we discover them. Keep me advised of new developments." (Reply Soma, Sanok) Ahmed nodded then stepped a few feet away and tapped his commbadge. "Salid to Rosenante, one to beam up." A moment later Ahmed's molecules were being disintegrated and beamed towards the his starship. (reply Soma, Sanok) Daniel Greene ---------- (Beta Aquillia IV - Central Supply Depot – ACMO Lt Jg Tayla Fraiser - Day 4 - 1721) "I'm going to assign Lt Frasier to your team Tom since she is already working with you on the down time." Tayla smiled at Lt Jackson and said, “I’m excited to work with you finally, Mr Jackson.” (Reply Jackson, any) (Posted by Jackie Smith) ---------- (Beta Aquillia IV - Central Supply Depot - CEO LCDR Steven Matrix - Day 4 - 1723) Ahmed nodded as he replied, "After the meeting, beam back up to the Rosenante and do what you can to narrow down our options and improve our chances. The sensor net should be capable of supporting both you and Viskhard working on different projects." "Understood Captain." replied Matrix. He punched up his duty roster on the Rose and issued Peter Cohen a request to put the sensor net schematics in the primary display corridor in Engineering. He wanted to get a jump start on the configuration testing as soon as he was aboard the Rose. Moments later Peter acknowledged the request. ~Sensors at your disposal Steve. I'll be in engineering upon your arrival and will be available to assist. Peter. ~ =^= Matrix to transporter chief. One to beam up. =^= A few moments later Matrix materialized on the transporter pad. "Thank you chief." said Matrix as he stepped off the pad and made his way to engineering. (Posted by Steve) ---------- (Beta Aquillia IV – CENTCOMM- FO- Lt. Cmdr Ben Soma - Day 4 -1726) The briefing was proceeding and everyone was getting brought up to speed, everyone had their say on certain points and all agreed that some down time was in order. Ben's combadge chimed and he stood moving from the group so he wouldn't interrupt the meeting. =/\=Hello this is Ambassador Tzorn. I wish to speak with Commander Soma.=/\= Ben tapped his combadge. "Ambassador Tzorn this is Commander Soma." Ben answered. "Have you been able to arrange for me to speak with Ambassador Turner?" (reply Tzorn) "Excellent." Ben replied. "I have the authority to grant your request for asylum Ambassador." (reply Tzorn) "I thought that might brighten your day." Ben said. "How soon can I speak with Ambassador Turner?" (reply Tzorn) "I understand you'll need to take precautions." Ben stated. "If the Veil learns of what you are doing your life will be in danger, after I've spoken with Turner I'll make arrangements to get you out. In the mean time do what you can to cover your tracks and we'll have you out as soon as we can." (reply Tzorn) (posted by Milo Young) ---------- (Beta Aquillia IV, Joba City, Park, 2O/CSec Lt. Sanok, Day 4, 1730) Captain Salid had spoken with Ambassador Dralar, and Skorr troops were coming to the camp to aid in security. This would enable more of the Starfleet personnel to work in search and rescue. The captain had also called a sit-rep meeting for all department heads. While attending, Sanok had left Ensign Signos in command of security. It took him a while to shake the image from his head of the diminutive Signos standing firm against any large Skorr that didn't respect her authority. Once the meeting had ended, Sanok left to investigate why their shuttle had exploded. It was logical that the explosion was nothing more than Veil sabotage, though there was the possibility, however remote, that it could have been some sort of systems failure. Sanok still wondered why the Veil would bother destroying it. There was nothing strategic or tactical to be gained from it. Until something else could be found to explain it, he dismissed it to nothing more than the antics of the fanatic. "Has this site been secure since you've been here?" said Sanok to the two security officers he had sent earlier to guard the scene. "Yes, sir," said one. "When we got here, we had to chase off people scavenging through the wreckage, but no one else has been here since." Sanok nodded, and with tricorder in hand, he began scanning. (reply any) (posted by Bob B.) ---------- (Beta Aquillia IV, Joba City, Park - ACSO Lt. Viskhard - 1732) Viskhard didn't want to go to the blast site that he had beamed down to, so he'd chosen to head to the shuttle explosion site. ~At least I can attempt to be of help.~ He saw the Vulcan Security Chief speak to the Security surrounding the site and his subsequent pulling of a tricorder. That told Visk all he needed to know. "Mister Sanok, I wonder if you could use a scientific eye on the scene?" (reply Sanok) "My specialty is geo-sciences, I might be able to pull information from the rocks beneath our feet." Visk looked around, his mind thinking of the possible composition of the mantle in this location. (reply Sanok, any) (posted by Lori) ---------- (USS Rosenante - Main Engineering - CEO LCDR Steven Matrix - Day 4 -1733) Matrix entered engineering motivated by the mission and the strong desire to help track down whomever was responsible for this despicable act of terrorism. Matrix always found the act of killing innocent peoples reprehensible. Defending one's self is one thing, he thought, but killing for no apparent reason was something else. Either way his job was to help figure this all out. "Peter…what's the status of the sensor net? Are we online yet?" asked Matrix. As he walked to the main display console in engineering. The tact board as they liked to call it could be configured to accommodate a multitude of mission perimeters and provided the engineering crew the flexibility to customize the work area and bring any necessary support tools in a configurable and dynamic environment. The area could also be configured into a secure and sealed room to accommodate any special mission needs and tactical requirements. Matrix watched the large display populate with a detailed three dimensional map of the planet. As the planetary image populated with the known sensor readings it moved off to the left side of the display and another image of the area of focus became larger and took up center screen. The map started to show all scannable electronic signatures present in real time. Matrix noticed what appeared to be background interference in the displays depiction of the area around the north of the refugee camp. The distortion was represented in purple. "Can we isolate the interference in section B3? See the distortion there?" asked Matrix. Lt. Peter Cohen was working the sensor array console, "Aye sir, that appears to be a parallax echo from the sensor net caused by out relative orbit above the planet. The sensor scan is sheering through the rock formation to the south causing the echo and the sensors can't detail that area. It should clear up in a few minutes as our orbit changes." "Bring up the communication traffic in the area. Good…can we isolate the Ambassador's communication signature?" asked Matrix. "That will be difficult at best." replied Peter. "The Captain suggested they might be running their communications through a series of relays. We should be able to track those relay points by isolating their communication frequencies and have the scanners search for patterns. Those patterns might align with any relays they have both on the planet and off. " said Matrix as he punched the comm system on the auxiliary console. "Hmmm…okay…I've initiated a routine to look for the communication frequencies of the Ambassador…should appear in yellow in the display as the computer and sensor net figure it out." continued Matrix. "How did you determine the frequency pattern? asked Peter. "I tapped into the communication logs between the Captain and the planet. The Ambassador's frequency is part of the log file. Even if the communication pattern changes we should be able to pull out a range. The sensor net can then keep tabs on that range and fill in the display output accordingly." said Matrix. A few moments passed and the display started to show a distinct pattern in the overall communication activity. Before long the patterns identified with the Ambassador was represented in yellow in the main display. Within 15 minutes a clear image of possible relay points were visible on the display. Matrix had the computer isolate those locations and market them as relay points. The computer confirmed the probability of relay points at 77%. The margin of error was attributed to the terrain of the planet, natural phenomenon and 'unknowns.' Matrix wondered if the unknown might coincide with artificial interference or surveillance. =^= Matrix to Sanok. I think we may have figured out a method of monitoring the Ambassador's communications, but I'd like to test that theory some how. Would you have any suggestions short of tipping off the Ambassador of our discovery? =^= (Reply Sanok) "If we could get the Ambassador to contact the Captain for something minor we could confirm our findings. I'll leave how to accomplish that to you Lieutenant." (Reply Sanok) "Understood and standing by." replied Matrix. "Okay Peter…let's keep an open scan going and we'll see if this works as soon as Lt. Sanok figures devises a test." said Matrix. (Reply Sanok, any) (Posted by Steve) ---------- (Beta Aquillia IV, Joba City, Park, 2O/CSec Lt. Sanok, Day 4, 1734) Sanok was in the middle of his search pattern in the park where their sabotaged shuttle lay in pieces. His comm badge chirped. =^= Matrix to Sanok. I think we may have figured out a method of monitoring the ambassador's communications, but I'd like to test that theory somehow. Would you have any suggestions short of tipping off the ambassador of our discovery? =^= "I do not, Mister Matrix," said Sanok. "I trust in your skills to accomplish that task." =^=If we could get the ambassador to contact the captain for something minor, we could confirm our findings. I'll leave how to accomplish that to you, Lieutenant."=^= "I am currently investigating the cause of our sabotaged shuttle. Please see to this yourself," said Sanok. "If you learn anything, please let me know." =^=Understood and standing by.=^= Sanok resumed his search. (reply Matrix iyw) (posted by Bob B.) ---------- (Beta Aquillia IV, Joba City, Park, 2O/CSec Lt. Sanok, Day 4, 1735) "Lieutenant. Someone is coming." Sanok stopped his scanning and looked in the direction one of the security men was pointing. The person was wearing a Starfleet uniform, but Sanok couldn't make out who it was. Scanning the person's comm badge told him it was Viskhard. Sanok waited for the Denobulan to arrive. "Mister Sanok, I wonder if you could use a scientific eye on the scene?" said Viskhard. "My specialty is geo-sciences. I might be able to pull information from the rocks beneath our feet." "I do not know if geology will aid us, but I welcome your assistance," said Sanok. "If you could search and scan the wreckage, it will free me to scan the area around the shuttle for any evidence of the person that was here." (reply Viskhard) Posted by Bob B.) ---------- (Beta Aquillia IV, Joba City, Park, - ACSO Lt. jg Viskhard - 1736) "I do not know if geology will aid us, but I welcome your assistance," said Sanok. "If you could search and scan the wreckage, it will free me to scan the area around the shuttle for any evidence of the person that was here." Visk nodded, "I will do what I can, Mister Sanok." (reply Sanok iyw) Visk worked diligently, scanning the wreckage sight and filing certain completed scans into a variety of categories as he went. Some he found to be interesting from a geological standpoint and he made specific notes when he found those. (reply any, none) (posted by Lori) ---------- (Beta Aquillia IV, Joba City, Park, 2O/CSec Lt. Sanok, Day 4, 1737) Viskhard began studying the remains of the shuttle, and Sanok began scanning and searching the surrounding area. He moved in a circular pattern, but did not find anything. It was likely that the explosion was detonated by remote, and that could have been done from any of thousands of nearby locations. Sanok needed to think like the saboteur. Why destroy the shuttle and not cause any loss of life? The Rosenante had plenty of shuttles, and after having one attacked, would more carefully secure the rest. There were only two reasons he could think of. Simply to harass the Starfleet personnel. To plant 'evidence'. If the first reason was the case, Sanok and Viskhard were most likely wasting their time. If it was planting evidence, the evidence should be easy enough to find, though not too easy. Sanok began to study the scenery around the park, and something caught his eye. On the city block, there was only one building tall enough to give a person a clear view over the other buildings, and through the trees in the park. If this was a remote detonation, that was likely where it was done. Sanok addressed the two security officers guarding the area. "I am going to that building. Please assist Mister Viskhard as much as you can." "Yes, sir." Sanok left the scene of the damaged shuttle and began walking towards the building. Upon arriving, he began scanning again with his tricorder. An old saying from Earth popped into his mind. Bingo! Dropping to one knee, Sanok looked at the small device he detected. It certainly looked like a detonator. Using a stick, he picked it up.... (reply any) (posted by Bob B.) ---------- (Beta Aquillia IV - Central Supply Depot - COPS LT. Tom Jackson - Day 4 - 1738) Tom was glad to have a doctor accompany them. This mission had so far had enough twists and turns to suit Jackson. Josh turned to Tom and said "I'm going to assign Lt Frasier to your team" Tom smiled and said "Welcome aboard Doc. Nothing petsonal but I hope you'll not be really busy. By the way, how are you are at forensics? " Tom said. (Reply: Frasier) "Once our Security folks arrive I'll brief on what the skipper wants from us ok?" Jackson added. (Reply: any present) ( Posted by: Bill West) ---------- (Beta Aquillia IV - Central Supply Depot – ACMO Lt Jg Tayla Fraiser - Day 4 - 1739) Tom smiled and said "Welcome aboard Doc. Nothing personal but I hope you'll not be really busy. By the way, how are you are at forensics? " Jackson asked, Tayla smiled back and said, “Not too bad. It’s been a while but I think, together, we should cope pretty well.” (Reply Jackson, Any) (Posted by Jackie Smith) ========== Compiled by Bob B.