The_Veil_Of_the_Sky_Compile_1 =============== Mission: The Veil of the Sky Day: -3 Stardate: 2414.04.19 =============== (Beta Aquillia IV, Federation Embassy Compound, Ambassador Joanne Turner, Day -3, 0001) (USS Rosenante, Personal Quarter - ACSO Lt jg Viskhard - 0145) (Beta Aquillia IV, Federation Embassy Compound, Ambassador Joanne Turner, Day -3, 0047) --------------- (Beta Aquillia IV, Federation Embassy Compound, Ambassador Joanne Turner, Day -3, 0001) In the darkness, there was a low rumbling. It seemed like something unreal, something on the edge of awareness. It quickly grew in volume and intensity, rushing inward, like some voracious predator falling on its prey. Everything shook, and all that existed, was swallowed by its fury. With a gasp, Federation ambassador, Joanne Turner, abruptly sat up in her bed, her eyes heavy and her mind clouded by sleep. Blinking, she looked around her bedroom, wondering what had disturbed her rest. A sound louder than thunder crashed around her, vibrating her stomach, shaking the room, and knocking objects off the nightstand. There was a pounding at her door. "Ms. Ambassador! Ambassador Turner! Are you all right?" Jo knew that voice. Pushing away the last bits of slumber that held her, she jumped out of bed and ran to the door, just as another explosion shook the building. "Major Stone. What's going on?" For the briefest of moments, Major Robert Stone, the commanding officer of the marine contingent guarding the Federation embassy compound on Beta Aquillia IV, eyed Jo. She was 5' 6", with long, brown hair, brown eyes, and an attractive face. She was past age 50, and though she had some extra pounds she had vowed for several years to work off, she was still a beautiful woman. She was wearing a white nightgown that was low-cut, and just short of revealing what lay hidden beneath it. Feeling her face growing warm with embarrassment, she grabbed her bathrobe and put it on, tying it closed around her middle. "We're under attack, ma'am," said Stone. "It's not just us, it's all over the city. Explosions and gunfire erupted precisely at 0000 hours. I need to get you to your shuttle. Now." His strong voice emphasized that last word. "Attacked? By whom?" said Jo, not quite believing what Stone had told her, though another explosion rocked the building. "We don't have time to discuss it," said Stone, his voice much firmer. He grabbed her hand and pulled her out of the room, almost dragging her behind him. She scrambled on her bare feet to keep up with him. Everything was a blur as they raced from the living area, down a connecting corridor, through the offices, and to the corner of the building that held the shuttles and runabouts, though her sharp mind was analyzing the situation. The only possibility was, that the Veil of the Sky was behind the attacks. For years, they had been against all alien influences being on their world. They had tried politically to make changes, but because there was so much prosperity from exporting their minerals to the Federation, they had been defeated, both in Parliament, and in general elections. Jo had been on Beta Aquillia IV for about a year now, having established very good relations with the president and governing officials. It was a relationship that greatly benefited both sides. It hadn't always been good for her, as the Aquillians didn't trust her when she first arrived. No matter what she did, there was something there, something she couldn't get past. She had searched through the cultural database to see if she was violating a custom that offended them, but there was nothing. She finally learned the reason why, when Keela, her Aquillian aide that was her liaison to the government, explained that her name, Joanne, was the same as an Aquillian word, j'yoa'an, that was slang for crude sounds an ill-mannered person made in public. In Aquillian, her name was Fart. Once that became known to her, and she had explained to the Aquillian leaders that on Earth, her name meant, God is Gracious, she had been accepted with open arms. The Aquillians had a rich religious history, so they considered her to be a blessed woman; her arrival on their world was viewed to be divinely inspired. Now that things had changed, and the compound was under attack, Jo hoped and prayed for all the blessings she could have bestowed upon her. Jo and Major Stone were almost to the shuttle area, when there was a cracking sound, and the power in the building went out. Stopping for a moment, Stone turned on a flashlight he had, and they resumed their trek, but now, slowly and cautiously. "Why haven't we seen anyone else," Jo said in a whisper. Stone didn't answer right away. Jo thought he might be keeping bad news from her. Perhaps he just didn't know. "Stay here," said Stone. "I'm going to scout ahead to make sure it's clear." He turned off the flashlight. "If it is, I'll blink this on and off once, and you get here fast." Jo nodded, but unsure if he saw her in the dark, she spoke. "Okay." Stone moved off and disappeared around a corner. The explosions in the complex had stopped, but she could still hear the echoes of shelling in the distance. What were the Veil doing to her beloved Beta Aquilla IV? Even with the noises of combat in the city, goosebumps began to form on Jo's skin because of the eerie silence inside the embassy. Pulling her robe tighter around her, she strained to hear something, but there was nothing. After what seemed like forever, there was a crash in the darkness ahead. Several blasts of energy weapons fire ripped through the air. There was a sickening thud, and it was deathly silent again. Jo was already afraid, but she was now beginning to panic. Her breathing had increased, and her heart was pounding; her blood felt hot. She began flexing her hands, balling them into fists. It was primal, like every instinct in her was screaming at her to run. She had to force herself to calm down. It took all her inner strength, but she was slowly regaining control. More time passed, and she saw two, shadowy figures cautiously advancing towards her; they were tall and had broad shoulders. Recognizing the silhouettes of Aquillian males, she ducked behind a water cooler in the corridor, daring not to breath. Her heart began to pound again. This time, so loudly, she was sure the two could hear it. The Aquillians stopped when one reached out and grabbed the arm of the other. He began sniffing the air. "Come out now, Human, and you will not be harmed." Jo tried to make herself as small as possible, scrunching her knees against her chest, wrapping her arms around her legs, and burying her face on her knees. Her eyes were closed so tightly, they began to water. "Come out now." To Jo, the Aquillian voice had become unintelligible gibberish in the background. All she could hear now, was the treasured sound of her mother singing her a song, when as a little girl, she had been wakened in the middle of the night by a thunderstorm. She could feel the comfort and safety of her mother's loving arms wrapped around her. She never wanted to leave that place. (reply none) (posted by Bob B.) --------------- (USS Rosenante, Personal Quarter - ACSO Lt jg Viskhard - 0145) Viskhard was catching up on some of his studies. The comet and other lfe factors had pushed back his most recent paper on Abiogenesis and the effect different chemical compositions could have on this pehnomenon. He'd even decided to stay in his quarters so he would not get distracted. An empty plate was nearby and beyond it his attention was caught on the standing plaque Blake had given to him the week prior. He smiled as he thought of her and decided it was time for a surprise. He pulled one of his special papers close and let his pen hover over it for a moment as he thought of the right words. [My dear Blake, Please accept this as a small token of my heart for you. Always, Visk] He stood and headed out the door for the arboretum to find the perfect flower that he could leave by her door for her to find in the morning. He would send her a quick note when he got back to his quarters to tell her to look outside her door. (reply none needed) (posted by Lori) --------------- (Beta Aquillia IV, Federation Embassy Compound, Ambassador Joanne Turner, Day -3, 0047) According to the chronometer on the wall, Jo had been sitting in a chair in the main lobby, for about a half hour. The two Aquillians that had captured her, were silently standing guard. Major Stone was lying on the floor, his hands and legs in shackles. He had awakened from being stunned, but he hadn't said anything. The man was proud of his position, and took his duties to the utmost, so she could imagine how he must be feeling about not being able to get her to safety. Of course, she didn't blame him, and at the first opportunity, she would tell him. Things were quiet at the embassy, but sounds of fighting could still be heard around the city. Being a diplomat, Jo was a very patient person, but she was beginning to become irritated over waiting and wondering what was going to happen next. As if on cue, she heard someone coming. By the sounds of the gait, she could tell it was an Aquillian female. When she arrived, the two males snapped to attention. When Jo saw who it was, her eyes widened and her mouth dropped open. A chill ran up her spine. "I apologize her waking you, Ambassador, but as you can see, other plans were made." Jo glared at the female, anger inside her beginning to boil into fury. "What are you doing, Keela? Why are you part of this?" For the last year, Keela had been Jo's trusted Aquillian aide. They had many discussions about Beta Aquillia IV, about it's people and customs, and about its future. They had talked about their past, about their dreams for the future. They had shared storied about their families. All that time, Jo had considered her to be a close friend. It turned out to have been a fraud, a ploy to get close to her, to learn inside information. Keela held out a PADD. "We've accounted for all embassy personal, except for these six. Everyone has been taken alive, so if you want to keep it that way, you'll help us find them." Jo looked at the PADD, then glared at Keela. She wanted to leap out of the chair and strangle the life out of her. "My guards would shoot you before you got two steps out of that chair," said Keela. Jo grunted. How well Keela knew her. What had she done wrong to not know Keela just as well? "The six people, Ambassador?" Jo didn't want to help the Veil find the others, but at this point, it was probably the smart thing to do. They had made it a point not to kill any of them, so it was best to keep the missing six alive as well. Keela could be lying about that, but they could have killed Stone. Capturing everyone could also be the reason they had seen any bodies when they were trying to reach the shuttles. She decided to take the chance that Keela was telling the truth. Jo snatched the PADD from Keela and studied it. For a few minutes, she tapped the keyboard area, and handed it back. "The two names in green aren't on Beta Aquillia IV anymore. One was transferred to another post. The other returned to Earth to visit a sick relative. In the basement of the main building, we have a secret vault. It's hidden behind a row of computers in the southwest corner. The three in red are probably hiding there. The instructions on how to find and open it are written there. The one in yellow, I don't know. He could be anywhere." Keela gave Jo a look of skepticism. "Fifty people work here," said Jo. "Personnel are transferred in and out all the time. I don't personally know everyone." Keela carefully studied Jo's face. After about thirty seconds, she handed the PADD to one of the guards. He nodded and left. "Once we find everyone, and after I've heard from my superiors, you'll be moved to a more secure location." Keela paused, her tone changing from harsh to polite. "I'll see to it that you have other clothes to wear." Jo didn't say anything. At this point, it didn't really matter anymore why Keela had done what she did. The Federation would eventually send help, so for now, all she could do was wait. Being an ambassador, waiting was something she was very good at doing. (reply none) (posted by Bob B.) =============== Mission: The Veil of the Sky Day: -2 Stardate: 2414.04.20 =============== (USS Rosenante, Astrophysics Lab 1 - ACSO Lt jg Viskhard - 1245) (USS Rosenante - Astrophysics Lab 1 - CSO Lt. Lanista - Day -2 - 1248) (USS Rosenante, Astrophysics Lab 1 - ACSO Lt. jg Viskhard - 1249) (USS Rosenante- Bridge- CO, Captain Ahmed Ibn Salid, Day -2, 1300) (USS Rosenante- Bridge- FO, Lt. Cmdr Ben Soma, Day -2, 1302) (USS Rosenante- Bridge- COPS, Thomas J. Jackson, Day -2, 1303) (USS Rosenante- Stellar Cartogrophy- QM/ Strat Ops- LT Chance Raschen- 1308) (USS Rosenante- Ready Room- Co, Captain Ahmed Ibn Salid, Day -2, 1310) (USS Rosenante- Ready Room- FO, Lt. Cmdr Ben Soma, Day -2, 1312) (USS Rosenante- Ready Room- CO, Captain Ahmed Ibn Salid, Day -2, 1315) (USS Rosenante- Ready Room- FO, Lt. Cmdr Ben Soma, Day -2, 1317) (USS Rosenante- Bridge- CO, Captain Ahmed Ibn Salid, Day -2, 1318) (USS Rosenante- Bridge- CSO, tlha’nISta’ -Day -2, 1319) (USS Rosenante, Personal Quarters - Lt. Nayeli - 1320) (USS Rosenante- Bridge- FO, Lt. Cmdr Ben Soma, Day -2, 1320.5) (USS Rosenante, Astrophysics Lab 1 - ACSO Lt. jg Viskhard - 1321) (USS Rosenante- Sickbay - CMO's Office - Day -2 - 1323) (USS Rosenante- Personal Quarters – Lt Jg Tayla Fraiser - Day -2 - 1324) (USS Rosenante- Stellar Cartography- QM/ Strat Ops- LT Chance Raschen-1324.5) (USS Rosenante Bridge COPS LT. Tom Jackson Day -2 1325) (USS Rosenante- Observation Lounge - Strat Ops/Quartermaster- LT Chance Raschen- 1327) (USS Rosenante – CMO's office – Lt Jg Tayla Fraiser – 1331) (USS Rosenante- Bridge- QM/ Strat Ops- LT Chance Raschen-1336) (USS Rosenante- Bridge - CSO, Lt. tlha'nISta', Day -2, 1340) (USS Rosenante- Bridge - CO, Captain Ahmed Ibn Salid, Day -2, 1342) (USS Rosenante- Observation Lounge - Strat Ops/Quartermaster- LT Chance Raschen- 1535) (USS Rosenante- Observation Lounge- COPS, Lt. Tom Jackson Day -2,1538) (USS Rosenante- Observation Lounge- FO, Lt. Cmdr Ben Soma, Day -2, 1545) (USS Rosenante - Observation Lounge - CSO, Lt. tlha'nISta' - Day -2, 1547) (USS Rosenante, Observation Lounge, Lieutenant Sanok, Day -2, 1549) (USS Rosenante, Observation Lounge - Lt. Nayeli - 1550) (USS Rosenante, Observation Lounge - ACSO Lt. jg Viskhard - 1552) (USS Rosenante- Observation Lounge- CO, Captain Ahmed Ibn Salid, Day -2, 1600) (USS Rosenante- Observation Lounge- CSO, Lt. tlha’nISta’, Day -2, 1607) (USS Rosenante- Observation Lounge- Science Officer – Ensign JG Andrew Maddox – 1614) (USS Rosenante- Observation Lounge- CSO – Lt. tlha'nISta' – 1617) (USS Rosenante- Observation Lounge- COPS – Lt. Tom Jackson–1620) (USS Rosenante- Observation Lounge- FO- Lt. Cmdr Ben Soma –1622) (USS Rosenante- Observation Lounge – ATAC Ensign (sg) Jessica Signos – 1625) --------------- (USS Rosenante, Astrophysics Lab 1 - ACSO Lt jg Viskhard - 1245) Visk was in his heyday. The comet was fascinating and he was as excited as a kid in a candy store. He was examining the comet's physical outlay in an attempt to figure out a full tragectory, both future and past. He wanted to know where it had come from just as much as where it was going. ~Where have you travelled my fine friend?~ Visk gazed at the screen, which was awash with information about the current path the comet was on, the tail of the comet, the gas that was breaking off it and the salt compounds that were coming from the crevices. All of it was fascinating and unusual and made Visk almost as happy as Blake made him. He had designs on naming the comet. But the whispers all around the science department included everyone's ideas about what to name it. "Barbell" was not one that Visk was terribly found of - not very original, but it was functional for the time being. (reply any, none) (posted by Lori) --------------- (USS Rosenante - Astrophysics Lab 1 - CSO Lt. Lanista - Day -2 - 1248) Lani' entered the Astrophysics Lab. She'd intended to meet with member of the Sciences Department but had found it difficult to coordinate. "Lieutenant Viskhard," she said upon finding the officer she was hunting, "I would like to know if there are any experiments underway that I should be aware of. Also, if there are any plans you might have for any undertakings. In short, tell me about the Department, and about yourself." (Reply Visk) (Posted by Frank) --------------- (USS Rosenante, Astrophysics Lab 1 - ACSO Lt. jg Viskhard - 1249) Visk was passing a sidearm to a junior officer and punching his name into the panel when the new CSO came up. They way she came up to him without preamble still made him nervous and Visk nearly dropped the phaser he was holding out. His eyes flushed a bright, embarassed purple and he grinned lopsidedly at the imposing woman. "Lieutenant Viskhard, I would like to know if there are any experiments underway that I should be aware of. Also, if there are any plans you might have for any undertakings. In short, tell me about the Department, and about yourself." Visk had to fight the old instinct to puff out his face, and was able to manage... mostly. "Ah, Lieutenant," he managed to get out before his compsure returned and he actually processed what she'd said. "As you know we are currently tracing and observing this comet - most of the crew has labelled it the Barbell. I'm not altogether fond of this name, but it fits the physical features and does an adequate job." Visk was rambling, he did that sometimes when he was nervous, he also did it when he got especially excited. (reply Lani) "Currently I'm plotting a reverse course from the comet's current trajectory. I believe that finding out where it came from will help us determine how and why it is composed as it is. It's a rather unusual comet after all - quite unique." He quickly strode over to his console and brought it up to the larger display in the centre. (reply Lani) "I don't understand?" Visk blinked at her, not sure what to think or say. (reply Lani, any) (posted by Lori) --------------- (USS Rosenante- Bridge- CO, Captain Ahmed Ibn Salid, Day -2, 1300) The Rosenante trailed alongside the comet that the crew had playfully dubbed, the bar bell. The unusually shaped comet slowly tumbled through space, shedding an outer layer of methane, hydrogen and water vapor as it slowly edged closer and closer towards the planet less white dwarf star that it orbited. the rock was one of the largest comets ever recorded, nearly 320 kilometers across at it's longest axis. The unique gas-ice that made up it's icy surface was also fairly unique, not in composition so much as proportions of that composition. Mixed into the gas jets were radioactive salts, which were intriguing, since it was only the second comet ever discovered to contain some of those particular elements. "She is certainly beautiful" Ahmed commented to Soma, his new first officer, "and this is the reason I really joined Starfleet. once we've completed our survey, and map her course, we'll get the honor of naming her. I think we should hold a contest among the crew for the honor, what do you think?" (reply Soma) "Regardless, I think it's a very unique opportunity, after all the last time a starship crew was able to explore something new and name it was nearly two-hundred years ago, with the first 5-year missions." There was a chirp at the operations station and the noise made Ahmed raise an eyebrow."Incoming priority communication Captain from Admiral Talbot, Starfleet Command. He's requesting that you and Commander Soma speak with him privately." Ahmed looked over at his first officer, trying hard to figure out why an Admiral in Starfleet Intelligence would be sending a requite to the Rosenante in person. "Route it to my ready room." Ahmed replied as he rose. "Mister Soma you're with me, Mister Sanok, you have the Bridge, continue with our survey of the comet." (reply Soma, Sanok) --------------- (USS Rosenante- Bridge- FO, Lt. Cmdr Ben Soma, Day -2, 1302) Ben looked at the view screen at the display the comet was putting off as it tumbled through space just ahead of the Rosenante, it was a sight to behold. Ben now had a different view sitting at Salid's right rather then his familiar position at Tactical. He watched as the comet shed some of it's exterior presenting them with a never ending kaleidoscope of colors and patterns, he had to admit it was nice doing something a little more routine for a change. The crew deserved a break from the more interesting adventures the Rose had grown accustomed to. "She is certainly beautiful" Ahmed commented to Soma, his new first officer, "and this is the reason I really joined Starfleet. once we've completed our survey, and map her course, we'll get the honor of naming her. I think we should hold a contest among the crew for the honor, what do you think?" "Sounds like a good idea." Ben said. "I'm sure they can come up with some interesting or strange names for her." He had to admit he was curious to see just what the crew would come up with, it was better they got to name her rather then some one back at headquarters giving it some ridiculous designation and a string of numbers. "Regardless, I think it's a very unique opportunity, after all the last time a starship crew was able to explore something new and name it was nearly two-hundred years ago, with the first 5-year missions." There was a chirp at the operations station and the noise alerting them to an incoming message. "Incoming priority communication Captain from Admiral Talbot, Starfleet Command. He's requesting that you and Commander Soma speak with him privately." This was interesting, why would an admiral request an audience with both the CO and FO? Something in the pit of Ben's stomach was telling him this wasn't a social call, something somewhere wasn't right. He hated when his gut told him that, it was rarely wrong. Ben met Salid's glance almost mirroring his expression. "Route it to my ready room." Ahmed replied as he rose. "Mister Soma you're with me, Mister Sanok, you have the Bridge, continue with our survey of the comet." Ben was right behind Salid and entered the ready room behind him. --------------- (USS Rosenante- Bridge- COPS, Thomas J. Jackson, Day -2, 1303) Tom was a bit tired - raising twins took a lot of extra time and energy. It was a happy tired though. At long last they were exploring doing what a lot of officers joined wanted to do. Tom was sick and tired of war and conflict. He looked at the majestic view before him. Tom noted that this was one of those rare chances non-scientists might get to name it. Tom thought for a moment and had an inspiration ~ Jacob's Hope ~ now that' s got a nice ring to it he thought. So far nothing weird had been detected. That bothered Tom his sixth sense was starting to tingle. ~Uh oh~ Tom thought. The ' here we go again' feeling was creeping over him once more. (Reply : None) (Posted by: Bill West) --------------- (USS Rosenante- Stellar Cartogrophy- QM/ Strat Ops- LT Chance Raschen- 1308) Chance looked at the view screen at the display of the comet as it tumbled through space just ahead of the Rosenante. It was a heck of a sight to behold. He watched as the comet shed some of its exterior presenting them with a never ending kaleidoscope of colors and patterns. Even he had to admit it was nice doing something a little more routine for a change. It was a welcomed break from the more adventurous moments the Rosenante crew had become accustomed to. ~Sure is a pretty thing~ he thought as he updated his course lines and figures of the un-named comet. Chance was working to plot its apparent course and its recipical course in an attempt to find out where the comet had come from and where it was heading. Raschen was beginning to enjoy being Quartermaster. Granted he didn’t like dealing with the supply issues like the Marine Quartermasters, but he loved working the navigation issues like the Naval Quartermasters. Keeping the ship’s Logbook up to date was simply a neccesary evil of the job, but Raschen didn’t mind it to much. Being Quartermaster on the Rose reminded him an awful lot of when he started as a boy working on the S.S. Bounty for his grandfather; the bounty hunter “Easy Ed”. Plus no one bothered him to much down there. Chance hit a couple of buttons to call the bridge. “Bridge, this is Raschen.” (Reply any) “I have an updated DR track (NRPG: DR=Dead Reconing) of the comets course.” (Reply same, any) “Copy that, sending it to the helm now.” (Reply same, any) (Reply same, any) (Posted by Charlie) --------------- (USS Rosenante- Ready Room- Co, Captain Ahmed Ibn Salid, Day -2, 1310) Ahmed stepped into the ready room, followed closely by Soma. He moved behind his desk, while Ben settled into one of the other available chairs. The captain transferred the data on the display screen from the smaller desktop display to the wall unit. before activating it. The logo of the United Federation of Planets disappeared to be replaced by an older human man in an admiral's uniform. The admiral's hair was artificially colored, although the temples were beginning to revert back to his more natural gray. His brown eyes quickly snapped up to the display as the channel was connected. "Admiral Talbot." Ahmed greeted the man. =^=Captain Salid, Commander Soma. Congratulations on your promotion Commander, it was well earned.=^= (reply Soma) =^=I know it's a bit unusual to receive a call from me, but I've been speaking with Admiral Ostermund and you and your crew have come highly recommended to handle a very delicate mission Ahmed.=^= Ahmed inwardly cringed at the use of his familiar name. When an admiral called you by first name, there was a very good chance that you were about to find yourself in a very difficult situation. "Thank you admiral, how can the Rosenante be of service?" =^=Yesterday we received reports from Beta Aquillia IV, that a group of pro-isolationist revolutionaries have managed to out the government and have taken our Ambassador there, hostage along with several federation personnel, including some Starfleet Marines.=^= =^= The group was not considered a threat to the stability of the government or the planet, yet somehow they managed to pull off several dozen simultaneous assaults across the planet. They seized power plants, critical utilities, government facilities, police stations and some military bases. We believe that they may have had some outside assistance, but we don't have any idea who is helping them.=^= =^=The planet is critical to our security. We currently export roughly 30% of our Triiculum ore from them. This ore is being used to rebuild the fleet, and in other strategic projects. In addition, their location in your sector makes them a strong forward operational zone that will limit Federation expansion into the sector should we be forced to bypass their space.=^= He paused for a moment. =^= There's something foul here, Captain, and we suspect that either the Romulans or the Cardassians could be behind this latest insurrection. We've received requests from the new government to recognize their legitimacy, but for the moment we've managed to stall them. With them holding Federation resources and citizens hostage, I'm afraid that we may find ourselves on the verge of conflict with these people if we cannot work out a peaceful solution.=^= =^= You're ordered to head to Beta Aquillia IV, officiate negotiations with the new government with the sole purpose of securing the release of the hostages by whatever means you deem necessary. Ideally, we'd like for you to do some snooping around and see if you can figure out who may be supporting the new government if possible. It's a tough mission, Ahmed, but if you can pull it off, then we may well prevent a war with the Aquillians.=^= "I understand Admiral." Ahmed replied. =^= I'll send you a complete data packet, everything we have on the planet, our people there and the situation as we understand it. Command is going to put together plans for a potential military action against the planet as a fallback should you be unable to achieve your mission.=^= "I don't think that will be necessary Admiral, we'll get the job done." =^= I hope so Ahmed, for all our sakes. Talbot out.=^= Ahmed sighed as the image of the Admiral flashed off the screen and the UFP logo once again returned to its usual place. "Thoughts?" Ahmed asked Soma. (reply Soma, Sanok) Daniel Greene --------------- (USS Rosenante- Ready Room- FO, Lt. Cmdr Ben Soma, Day -2, 1312) After entering the ready room Ben took one of the chairs on the outside of the Captain's desk while Salid took his seat and transferred the data on display from the desk top monitor to the wall unit. When activated the seal of the United Federation of Planets was replaced by Admiral Talbot. "Admiral Talbot." Ahmed greeted the man. =^=Captain Salid, Commander Soma. Congratulations on your promotion Commander, it was well earned.=^= "Thank you Admiral." Ben replied. =^=I know it's a bit unusual to receive a call from me, but I've been speaking with Admiral Ostermund and you and your crew have come highly recommended to handle a very delicate mission Ahmed.=^= Ben could read between the lines, delicate translated into volatile and dangerous. The fact that Admiral Talbot referred to the Captain by his given name also indicated that he was about to order them into a difficult situation. He had little experience dealing with Admiral's directly but he heard a few stories along the lines of "If an admiral uses your first name it usually means your not going to like what he's about to tell you." Ben hoped this was the exception to the rule. "Thank you admiral, how can the Rosenante be of service?" Salid said. Talbot went on to inform them about the situation, the overthrowing of the government on Beta Aquillia IV. The taking of hostages, the assaults, the taking of resources and the suspicion of outside involvement. He explained why the planet was important to the Federation and Starfleet and then stated they believed either the Romulan's or Cardassian's were behind the whole thing. =^= You're ordered to head to Beta Aquillia IV, officiate negotiations with the new government with the sole purpose of securing the release of the hostages by whatever means you deem necessary. Ideally, we'd like for you to do some snooping around and see if you can figure out who may be supporting the new government if possible. It's a tough mission, Ahmed, but if you can pull it off, then we may well prevent a war with the Aquillians.=^= "I understand Admiral." Ahmed replied. =^= I'll send you a complete data packet, everything we have on the planet, our people there and the situation as we understand it. Command is going to put together plans for a potential military action against the planet as a fallback should you be unable to achieve your mission.=^= "I don't think that will be necessary Admiral, we'll get the job done." =^= I hope so Ahmed, for all our sakes. Talbot out.=^= Ahmed sighed as the image of the Admiral flashed off the screen and the UFP logo once again returned to it's usual place. "Thoughts?" Ahmed asked Soma. "A few." Ben stated. "None of them pleasant." He sat back in his chair and crossed his arms. "If the Romulan's or the Cardassian's are behind this it could be an indication of a new threat." He continued. "This could seriously hamper the fleets efforts to rebuild. The Romulan's thirst for conquest and domination is second only to the Klingon's and the Cardassian's are a close third." Ben paused for a moment to collect his thoughts. "Either could be hoping that by assuming control over the planet it may cripple us." He said. "But why now after we've been at peace for so long." (reply Salid) (posted by Milo Young) --------------- (USS Rosenante- Ready Room- CO, Captain Ahmed Ibn Salid, Day -2, 1315) "A few." Ben stated. "None of them pleasant." His first officer sat back in his chair and crossed his arms. "If the Romulans or the Cardassians are behind this it could be an indication of a new threat." He continued. "This could seriously hamper the fleets efforts to rebuild. The Romulans thirst for conquest and domination is second only to the Klingon's and the Cardassians are a close third." Ben paused for a moment to collect his thoughts. "Either could be hoping that by assuming control over the planet it may cripple us." He said. "But why now after we've been at peace for so long?" "That's a very good question," Ahmed replied, "And to add to it, we should ask ourselves if this is a government backed operation or an independent one. It wouldn't be the first time that someone went rogue out of some malformed sense of duty." Ahmed rubbed his chin for a second as he thought, "This escort is the easiest and most worthwhile area for all three of the major players to expand. The Romulans, Federation and Cardassian Union all border it, and there are a lot of resources here to be had, as well as potential colony planets. intelligence reports have indicated that the Romulans have been thwarted in their attempts to advance deeper into the beta quadrant, so this may be a renewed interest in expansion into this area of space. The Cardassians are very much in need of resources and that could be a strong motivator for them as well, so I don't know that we can rule either party out at this stage." Ahmed paused. "Distribute the data packets to all senior staff. Have them take a good look at everything and be prepared for them to put forward theories, suggestions and basic operational proposals upon our arrival. Have Sanok be prepared to have a security team move to recover the hostages if a tactical response is warranted. You are going to get to play Ambassador planet side as my direct presence may prove to be a very tempting target for another kidnapping. I want you and Raschen to work up some sort of military capabilities for the Veil, and see what they may have available to them. Assume that their coupe could have only been successful if at least 60-70 percent of the military backed them. Senior Staff meeting at 1600 hours sharp." (reply Soma) Daniel Greene --------------- (USS Rosenante- Ready Room- FO, Lt. Cmdr Ben Soma, Day -2, 1317) "Distribute the data packets to all senior staff. Have them take a good look at everything and be prepared for them to put forward theories, suggestions and basic operational proposals upon our arrival. Have Sanok be prepared to have a security team move to recover the hostages if a tactical response is warranted. You are going to get to play Ambassador planet side as my direct presence may prove to be a very tempting target for another kidnapping. I want you and Raschen to work up some sort of military capabilities for the Veil, and see what they may have available to them. Assume that their coupe could have only been successful if at least 60-70 percent of the military backed them. Senior Staff meeting at 1600 hours sharp." "I agree Sir, your presence on the planet would present a very tempting target for the Veil." Ben said. "I was about to suggest to remain on board the Rosenante anyway. The brass would rake me over the coals if I allowed something to happen to you." "I'll foward the data packet to all senior staff, speak with Sanok and Raschen to see what we can come up with." Ben continued. "Between the three of us we should be able to come up with something to work with. I'll inform the Senior Staff about the briefing at 1600, that should give them time to go through the packet and think of a few things." With that both headed to the bridge. --------------- (USS Rosenante- Bridge- CO, Captain Ahmed Ibn Salid, Day -2, 1318) Ahmed and Soma both exited the Ready Room a few moments later. Ahmed assumed his command chair, and pressed the intercom. "Attention, all Hands, this is the captain speaking. As of an undisclosed time yesterday, a military or at least political coup has taken place on the planet Beta Aquillia IV. During this development, citizens of the United Federation of Planets were taken hostage. The new government is directly opposed to dealing with the UFP, so we have been assigned to the sector to force a reopening of negotiations and to attempt to affect the release of the hostages. This is a very volatile situation and will require the complete focus and dedication that I have come to expect from this crew. Beginning immediately all personnel will be armed for potential counter-boarding operations until further notice. Full security Protocols are now in effect. Personal communications and electronic emissions will be placed on hold. All hands will remain at Yellow Alert until further notice. That is all." Ahmed tapped his commbadge. "Salid to Engineering, we are going to require emergency speed. We'll be powering up the spiral drive in order to reach our destination as quickly as possible. Salid out." (reply Engineering) Ahmed then turned to Operations, "Mister Jackson, I want complete emissions control and energy rationing. Have the galley set up a meal rotation, and limit all personal replication off-limit for any crew below the rank of Lieutenant Senior Grade." (reply Jackson) He tapped his commbadge again, "Salid to medical" (reply Medical) "I want you to begin plans for evacuating Federation Citizens from Beta Aquillia. Star replicating any basic supplies that you may need to deal with a military conflict, I don't know what we're going to find down there, but I want to be prepared when we arrive." (reply medical) "Salid out." Salid turned to Lanista, "Mister Lanista, I want a detailed report on the Beta Aquillia system, resources, and planetary data ready for the senior staff briefing at 1600 today." (reply Lanista, Medical, Engineering, Jackson) Daniel Greene --------------- (USS Rosenante- Bridge- CSO, tlha’nISta’ -Day -2, 1319) Lani’ thrilled at the Captain’s declaration – to all hands: “Beginning immediately all personnel will be armed for potential counter-boarding operations until further notice. Full security Protocols are now in effect. Personal communications and electronic emissions will be placed on hold. All hands will remain at Yellow Alert until further notice. That is all." ~pup 'oH!~ she thought. ‘Perfect…’ Salid issued orders to Engineering, Operations, and Medical, then turned to Lanista. "Mister Lanista, I want a detailed report on the Beta Aquillia system, resources, and planetary data ready for the senior staff briefing at 1600 today," he demanded. “Yes, of course,” she replied. “yajchu’!” (Reply Salid/any bridge crew) (Posted by Frank) --------------- (USS Rosenante, Personal Quarters - Lt. Nayeli - 1320) =^=Attention, all Hands, this is the captain speaking. As of an undisclosed time yesterday, a military or at least political coup has taken place on the planet Beta Aquillia IV. During this development, citizens of the United Federation of Planets were taken hostage. The new government is directly opposed to dealing with the UFP, so we have been assigned to the sector to force a reopening of negotiations and to attempt to affect the release of the hostages. This is a very volatile situation and will require the complete focus and dedication that I have come to expect from this crew. Beginning immediately all personnel will be armed for potential counter-boarding operations until further notice. Full security Protocols are now in effect. Personal communications and electronic emissions will be placed on hold. All hands will remain at Yellow Alert until further notice. That is all.=^= Nayeli did not like this news, Beta Aquilla IV rang alarm bells in her head and she immediately started looking up all the information she could get on the system and the sector. She made careful note of the UFP individuals and the political feelings on the planet and the amount of support the Federation may have given the planet. She also noted the sector bordered several major powers, including Romulan and Cardassian. After her studying, Nayeli went out to get 'armed and dangerous' according to the Captain's orders. (reply none needed) (posted by Lori) --------------- (USS Rosenante- Bridge- FO, Lt. Cmdr Ben Soma, Day -2, 1320.5) Salid set about addressing the crew about the situation and then started handing out assignments to different departments, Ben used his console to forward the data packet containing what they new about the Veil to the senior staff as well as informing them about the briefing at 1600. When he had finished that task he got up and went to the security station to speak with Sanok. "You heard the Captain." He said. "Have security ready to move in for a rescue mission, if diplomacy fails your their last hope. Have a couple contingencies in place should you have to go in, notify the armory to begin handing out phasers to all crew members. You know the drill." (reply Sanok) After Ben had finished speaking with Sanok he headed back to the center of the bridge and sat down again, he was about to request that Chance join him in the observation lounge when he walked onto the bridge and came to stand before him and Salid. "Lieutenant." Ben said in greeting. (reply Salid) "Captain, as per our agreement, I am requesting permission to use my personal disruptor pistols for the duration of this mission." Raschen said hoping he would get the answer he wanted. Ben knew Chance and how he like his pistols but with a new crew member on board this wasn't the best time to play favorites, Lanista would no doubt echo the request should Salid allow Raschen to carry his disruptors. (reply Salid) After Salid was finished speaking with Chance Ben spoke up. "Lieutenant," He said. "join me in the observation lounge." They crossed the bridge and enter the Rosenante's observation lounge/ briefing room, Ben went to the table and sat on it's edge. "They Captain wants us to do a work up on the Veils military capabilities." He said. "We're to assume they had military backing of some kind to help them over throw the government. Someone had to back them, whether it was their own military or an outside source." (reply Raschen) (posted by Milo Young) --------------- (USS Rosenante, Astrophysics Lab 1 - ACSO Lt. jg Viskhard - 1321) =^=Attention, all Hands, this is the captain speaking. As of an undisclosed time yesterday, a military or at least political coup has taken place on the planet Beta Aquillia IV. During this development, citizens of the United Federation of Planets were taken hostage. The new government is directly opposed to dealing with the UFP, so we have been assigned to the sector to force a reopening of negotiations and to attempt to affect the release of the hostages. This is a very volatile situation and will require the complete focus and dedication that I have come to expect from this crew. Beginning immediately all personnel will be armed for potential counter-boarding operations until further notice. Full security Protocols are now in effect. Personal communications and electronic emissions will be placed on hold. All hands will remain at Yellow Alert until further notice. That is all.=^= Visk groaned inwardly at the news. He hated wearing a sidearm. ~I'm a scientist, not a commando.~ He muttered to himself but got up from what he was doing and went over to the cabinet where the phasers were stored. He opened it up and checked that they were all there and waited for the other reluctant scientists to come and get weapons, which he would have to sign for. (reply none needed) (posted by Lori) --------------- (USS Rosenante- Sickbay - CMO's Office - Day -2 - 1323) Josh heard the Captain's message and rising made her way out of her office into the main sickbay. Having already changed her staffing schedules to include Lt Fraiser's limited duty shifts she had moved Kitty back to day shift and moved Dr Oren to cover Kitty's old dead shift until further notice. Catching Kitty's eye she beckoned her over and gave her the code to unlock the weapons locker. "Start by handing everyone on shift a weapon and then contact everyone off shift to stop by sickbay and pick one up asap." =/\= Salid to medical. =/\= Josh walked back into her office in time to hear the Captain contact her. "Caskie here. How can I help you Sir?" =/\= I want you to begin plans for evacuating Federation Citizens from Beta Aquillia. Star replicating any basic supplies that you may need to deal with a military conflict, I don't know what we're going to find down there, but I want to be prepared when we arrive.=/\= Nodding Josh replied. "Will do Sir. I'll get Lt Fraiser on it immediately. Caskie out." As soon as Josh cut that channel she opened a new one. "Lt Fraiser please report to the CMO's Office asap." (reply Fraiser) (posted by Marilyn) --------------- (USS Rosenante- Personal Quarters – Lt Jg Tayla Fraiser - Day -2 - 1324) It had been just under a week since her talk with Salid and things had seemed to be getting better. Tayla sat by herself looking out at the stars and the comet that the ship had come to investigate and sighed. No matter what those that knew what had happened had said to her or their actions, nothing seemed to make her feel any better. She knew that the rumour mill on the ship had been at it's peak when people began to look at her differently whenever she left her quarters to talk to Parker or to get her medication in Sickbay. Trying not to show it, she had come close to breaking down on a number of occasions and refusing to leave her quarters. Luckily, it seemed that Parker was always around with a word of comfort or just his presence. Remebering what she had done to him made his presence and his promise to stay by her side all the more special. Sighing, she stood and wrapped her arms around herself and said, to no-one in particular, “This is something real.” Suddenly, the comm activated, "Lt Fraiser please report to the CMO's Office asap." Josh's voice shook her out of her revelrie and she tapped her comm badge and replied, “I'm on my way.” She walked to the door and stopped. A flutter of nerves ran through her but she swallowed them down and said, “Not this time. You don't get to rule me.” --------------- (USS Rosenante- Stellar Cartography- QM/ Strat Ops- LT Chance Raschen-1324.5) Chance felt the slight shift and acceleration of the ship before the enertial dampeners compensated. "What the hell.....?" He started to say as he looked at the large screen and saw the destination and ship's speed displayed. As he began working out the details of the new route, ~I would never dare tell Dralar how to fly; but I can do what I can to help make it easier for him.~ he thought. Just then Raschen heard the skipper speaking; =^= Attention all Hands, this is the captain speaking. As of an undisclosed time yesterday, a military or at least political coup has taken place on the planet Beta Aquillia IV. During this development, citizens of the United Federation of Planets were taken hostage. The new government is directly opposed to dealing with the UFP, so we have been assigned to the sector to force a reopening of negotiations and to attempt to affect the release of the hostages. This is a very volatile situation and will require the complete focus and dedication that I have come to expect from this crew. Beginning immediately all personnel will be armed for potential counter-boarding operations until further notice. Full security Protocols are now in effect. Personal communications and electronic emissions will be placed on hold. All hands will remain at Yellow Alert until further notice. That is all.=^= "Well, so much for peace & quiet." He said as he went back to work on the details of the route before sending them to the helm, and then heading up to the bridge himself. --------------- (USS Rosenante Bridge COPS LT. Tom Jackson Day -2 1325) Tom was on duty and monitoring the ship’s systems as he had been doing for a long time. The change in orders made him sigh under his breath. Never,ever did they get a pure exploration mission. Captain Salid and FO LCDR Soma enter the bridge and assumed their places. The captain spoke to several of his officers indicating what he wanted done. Tom’s assignment was to limit replicator access –to conserve energy and to mask any emissions the rose would normally make. Jackson acknowledged his assignment with a quick “Aye. Aye Sir” and turned to issue his instructions. Jackson typed in the codes to limit replicator status as the captain ordered effective immediately. He included a short introductory message indication the restrictions. This he did to avoid a series of calls asking why the restriction was in place. Tom sent a message to Steve Matrix asking for assistance in masking any emissions the Rose might produce. This reminded Jackson of how old earth naval officers would change their fuel to not produce black smoke out of their smokestacks. Tom also tapped his comm badge sending “Jackson to Sheridan”. The crusty old chief replied =^= Yes Lieutenant? =^= “Phil we are to be armed with phasers due to the potential of unauthorized borders –You handle that” Tom said. =^= Understood Sir. PO Graatz and I are initiating that as we speak =^= Sheridan responded. “Thanks,Jackson out” and Tom closed the link. He then sent a message to Dahlia telling her of the potential issues and asking her to secure the door to their quarters. Only she, he and the CO/FO and Security Chief could over ride their code. These three men Tom trusted implicitly. (Reply: None) (Posted by: Bill W ) --------------- (USS Rosenante- Observation Lounge - Strat Ops/Quartermaster- LT Chance Raschen- 1327) As Chance and Ben entered the lounge, Soma went to the table and sat on its edge and spoke "The Captain wants us to do a work up on the Veils military capabilities." He said. "We're to assume they had military backing of some kind to help them over throw the government. Someone had to back them, whether it was their own military or an outside source." Raschen crossed his arms, “Well, any of the Federation’s non-member allies or enemies could have supported the coup because they would all have something to lose if Beta Aquillia IV joined the Federation. It could be as large as a coalition of our enemies backing them with advisors and equipment with financial support from non-member allies and neutrals.” (Reply Soma) Chance turned and looked out the observation window as he continued to speak thoughtfully to the First Officer. “In my experience sir, the best way to get an idea of you opponent’s capailities and support is to first get a list of targets taken, how long it took to take each target, how many were assaulted at once, as well as how each was attacked, the distance between targets, and how prisoners are dealt with.” (Reply Soma) “Sir, you know as well as I do, that every government uses their military differently. The goals and basics are the same, but the hows and whys are kinda like fingerprints. Each service has its own.” Suddenly his mind began to wander to some of the things he did as a Federation Privateer and get enough of the details correct that he was able to start fueds between different houses in the same empire. He did it a lot in Klingon, Orion, and Cardassian territories. (Reply Soma) (Reply Soma) (Posted by Charlie) --------------- (USS Rosenante – CMO's office – Lt Jg Tayla Fraiser – 1331) Taking a breath, Tayla knocked on the door to Josh's office and said, “I'm here. How can I help?” (Reply Caskie) (Posted by Jackie Smith) --------------- (USS Rosenante- Bridge- QM/ Strat Ops- LT Chance Raschen-1336) (NRPG: this is off the assumption that that Salid, and Soma is on the Bridge.) Raschen walked over to the center where the captain and first officer were seated. (Reply Salid, Soma iyw) "Captain, as per our agreement, I am requesting permission to use my personal disruptor pistols for the duration of this mission." Raschen said hoping he would get the answer he wanted. (Reply Salid, Soma iyw) (Posted by Charlie R.) --------------- (USS Rosenante- Bridge - CSO, Lt. tlha'nISta', Day -2, 1340) Raschen addressed the CO, saying, "Captain, as per our agreement, I am requesting permission to use my personal disruptor pistols for the duration of this mission." "Mister Lanista, listen up" Ahmed replied more loudly than Humans usually did. Lani' respected his bluster. "You and Raschen are permitted to carry your personal weapons for the duration of this mission, but excessive unnecessary force is not permitted. If I find out that either of you caused unnecessary injury or force when there was another alternative, you will be brought up on charges. Are we clear lieutenants? You will however remain in standard uniform, so any weapons that you carry will have to conform as much as possible with the uniform. I don't want anyone mistaking us for anything other than Starfleet. Carry on." “With respect, Captain,” said Lanista, “there are precious few weapons in my batlh bey’ that would pass a Federation inspection. The vast majority of the armaments in my possession are intended to be as … cruelly efficient as possible. I do, however, have a TR-116 with exographic sensor, and a UFP-issue kabar. If you will permit me, I will arm myself with those now.” (Reply Salid) (Posted by Frank) --------------- (USS Rosenante- Bridge - CO, Captain Ahmed Ibn Salid, Day -2, 1342) “With respect, Captain,” said Lanista, “there are precious few weapons in my batlh bey’ that would pass a Federation inspection. The vast majority of the armaments in my possession are intended to be as … cruelly efficient as possible. I do, however, have a TR-116 with exographic sensor, and a UFP-issue kabar. If you will permit me, I will arm myself with those now.” Ahmed nodded. "Very well, permission granted. Let's also be clear, any personal weapons will be in addition to any deemed standard for any given operation, not in lieu of them." (reply Any as needed) Daniel Greene --------------- (USS Rosenante- Observation Lounge - Strat Ops/Quartermaster- LT Chance Raschen- 1535) Chance decided to remain in the Observation Lounge and sit in one of the darker corners of the room and prepare his portion of the brief after he and LCdr Soma had finished their discussion about who was possibly supporting the Veil. There was always something soothing about the lounge that he really liked. Perhaps it was the sence of solitude with a real view instead of a holo-image. Raschen would have sat in his quarters and sat looking out the window at the wonders of the universe, but this was ‘different’. The former privateer continued to consider all of the variables needed to figure out who was supporting the Veil. So lost in his thoughts that as other entered the room, Chance would politely nod a greeting of acknowledgment and return to gazing out the window. Once enough of the others had entered the room he went over and found his seat next to Tom. “Hey Pop, how’s family life?” (Reply Jackson) As Raschen sat, he interlaced his fingers behind his head and put a smirk on his face. With the intent of lightening the mood a little before the brief “Are we having fun yet?” he asked everyone in an excessively sarcastic tone, hoping someone else would get the joke. (Reply any) (Reply Jackson, any) (Posted by Charlie) --------------- (USS Rosenante- Observation Lounge- COPS, Lt. Tom Jackson Day -2,1538) Tom arrived early hoping to avoid Ben Soma. Jackson still had not come to grips with command changes on the Rose. He entered and nodded at the FO and another officer he reckoned was the new CSO. He only remembered his staff had an issue with this particular officer getting settled in. He looked intently at Ben Soma. Tom was still smarting over his promotion debacle. Tom had avoided Ben off duty partly out of not being sure how he would react and partly because he was jealous of Ben's position. Tom reviewed his information and reviewed the Captain's initial orders. The implementation of the replicator and holodeck usage restrictions almost caused a minor riot in some quarters. Jackson enforced the limits and replied "See the FO with your complaints! They remain in force til further notice". That had been way out of character for the COPS but Tom didn't really care. Steve Matrix had worked closely masking the ship's E.M. signature. Tom narvelked at Steve's skill. Like all good engineers he viewed the Rose as his baby. Others arrived. Jackson greeted his crewmates. (Reply: any) (Posted by: Bill W ) --------------- (USS Rosenante- Observation Lounge- FO, Lt. Cmdr Ben Soma, Day -2, 1545) Ben was in the observation lounge preparing for the upcoming briefing, this would be his first briefing as FO. He felt a little nervous but knew he was being foolish, the room would be filed with the same people as before and the only details that were changed were is rank, position and where he would be seated in the briefing. He went to the wall unit and made sure that all pertinent data had been transferred to it regarding the upcoming mission, then he made certain that all the padds he had placed around the table held the information packet that he and Salid had received. "Alright Soma." He said to himself. "This is no different than any other briefing, you just may be required to say a little more then your used to." He glanced out of the transparent aluminum windows and caught his reflection, command red with Lieutenant Commander's pips. He assumed one day he'd achieve as much but not so soon. He remembered stepping onto the Dennison for the first time as a green Ensign still wet behind the ears. That wasn't the man he now saw staring back at him, so much had changed in the last couple years. He'd seen more then his fair share of action, phase shifted out of his reality for purposes of experimentation, shot down and taken captive, he'd faced Kavol, Turok, a dagger beast, faced down the Borg and got his parents back and finally found Marah. Most of which the Academy couldn't train you for, sure they had a great curriculum but without his martial arts training there were times he wondered if he he would have gotten out of some of the scrapes he'd been in. He shook his head, a lot has changed over the last couple years and so had he. He crossed back to the table and had a seat, the senior staff would be arriving soon and he didn't want them to see him caught in reflections of the past. Time to get his head back in the game and prepare for what was to come, no matter how it turned out. (reply ALL) (posted by Milo Young) --------------- (USS Rosenante - Observation Lounge - CSO, Lt. tlha'nISta' - Day -2, 1547) ~'Observation Lounge' ... how typically humanly euphemistic for 'War Room'~ Lani' thought as she entered. Soma was present, and Lani' sat atypically deferentially distant from him. They'd be promoted to Lieutenant together -- within minutes of each other. Now, years later for her but somewhat less long for him, he outranked her. The man's body posture though suggested tension, almost an ill-at-ease quality that on the battlefield might prove fatal. ~How remarkably unlike them am I...~ she found herself thinking. ~But is that nature or nurture?~ Lanista could relate a bit to his position -- but only a bit. From what she understood, this was his first briefing as FO. She had had a similar experience aboard her father's flagship: the Chalche'yon. It was technically the second IKV to bear that name -- the first having been destroyed by a Romulan bomb. But whereas Soma seemed as though he'd rather be the man in the casket than the one delivering the eulogy, when Lani' was first afforded the opportunity to speak as her CO's wa'DIch she took full advantage of it. ~Demonstrate strength when in doubt...~ "So'maH," Lani' said, pronouncing his name as though it were an honorable tlhIngan monicker. Her history with the man perhaps getting the better of her, she offered, "You are an exemplary officer. Show them that. While you may have them, you must never actually confess weaknesses. Your gholpu' ... opponents ... will use that to their advantage..." (reply Soma) (posted by Frank) --------------- (USS Rosenante, Observation Lounge, Lieutenant Sanok, Day -2, 1549) When Sanok entered the observation lounge for the briefing, he paused for a second before finding a seat. Though no one was saying anything the precise moment he entered, there seemed to be something in the air. While seated, Sanok remembered something. In the past, he and Ben had always had an unspoken competition between them over who would arrive for a briefing first. Though he never admitted it, Sanok often delayed his arrival so Ben could make it before he did. The good-natured kidding was a part of their friendship that was agreeable to him. Now that his friend was FO, that aspect of the friendship was gone. That was not agreeable to him. When off duty, or when he was alone with Ben, the familiarity was still there between them, but when on duty, and especially with others present, he had to maintain the discipline of the chain-of-command. Sanok had no trouble adjusting to that. If it was odd for Ben, or uncomfortable in any way, or if he was still adjusting to it, Ben had not mentioned it to him. They had their duties and their positions, but the friendship would always be there. (reply any) (posted by Bob B.) --------------- (USS Rosenante, Observation Lounge - Lt. Nayeli - 1550) Nayeli walked in and found an out of the way seat to the side. By virtue of her position she had entry to the briefing, but she didn't have anything to report by that same measure, so she sat and did what she was supposed to do - observe. She nodded when someone acknowledged her, but she kept quiet.\ (reply any iyw, none needed) (posted by Lori) --------------- (USS Rosenante, Observation Lounge - ACSO Lt. jg Viskhard - 1552) Visk loped into the room and went around the table. He sat near the CSO and ducked his head into his padd. He'd been given the task of giving a final report on the comet as they'd left it and he wanted to keep it brief - what they knew of it, it's tragectory and how long it would be before comet chasing was out of the question. ~Considering our speed to Beta Aquilla IV, that number is increasingly closer.~ He complained to himself, but didn't voice it. (reply any iyw) (posted by Lori) --------------- (USS Rosenante- Observation Lounge- CO, Captain Ahmed Ibn Salid, Day -2, 1600) Ahmed strode into the Observation lounge followed closely by Mike Rosenbauer. The Two men moved quickly around the long conference room table until Ahmed reached his chair at the head of the table and Mike reached the Primary display screen for the compartment. Since the notice of their mission, Ahmed had monopolized the technical expertise that the ex-starfleet Ranger possessed. They were after all trained to do exactly the sort of operations that had taken place on Beta Aquillia Iv. Even if they didn't know who supported the operation financially or militarily, there were certain key movements that had to be made in order to seize an entire planet as rapidly as the Veil of the Sky had proven they could. "Good Afternoon, Everyone." Ahmed stated as he turned his attention to the officers assembled in the compartment. "As you all know, two days ago a pro-isolationist group named the Veil of the Sky seized control of the government of the planet Beta Aquillia IV. The move was smooth, unexpected and tactically sound. Until the series of rapid objective operations had commenced, it was not generally believed that the Veil could have performed such a coupe." "The group was reported to be a fairly small, mostly peaceful organization. Their leader Habrii was educated in the Federation and was an advocate of peaceful political reform. The party's fundamental core values, however were not popular, as they hinged almost exclusively on the expulsion of all non-Aquillian personnel on the planet. It was commonly believed that the resulting forced-exodus would plunge the planet into economic collapse and that the conditions would create a social backlash that when weighed against the proposed benefits would prove a deficit." "However, despite this the Veil formed a quasi-paramilitary branch, which has been waging very small-scale terroristic and militaristic actions against non-Aquillian personnel, property and holdings. This group, although claiming to be a part of the mainstream branches of the Veil, were generally denounced by the Veil's highest leadership until recently." "What we know is that somehow, overnight, the mostly peaceful Veil of the Sky managed to plan, coordinate and execute a highly complex and militarily complicated series of planned and carefully considered military operations. This group went from being a generally small fundamentally pacifistic group to a militaristic group capable of seizing control of the majority of a planet's infrastructure. To make matters more confounding, they seemed to have done so without a change in leadership or the obvious support of an outside force." "In the coup, several hundred thousand non-Aquillians are fleeing the planet as they are able, but even with those numbers, there are sizable populations on the planet that are unable or unwilling to evacuate. Among those persons, are a large number of Federation Citizens, including our Ambassador, her staff and a group of Starfleet marines who were assigned to the Embassy there. Our mission is multilayered. First we are to protect federation citizens, and Property, where the later is tactically reasonable. Second, we are to force open negotiations if necessary for the purpose of recovering our Ambassador, her staff and any other Federation hostages. Third we are to render aid, protection and support as we are able to refugees as we are capable without compromising our overall mission, and lastly we are to uncover the means by which the Veil of the Sky managed to orchestrate the coup. Currently our mission does not include the restoration of the overthrown government, nor does it include the overthrow of th e present one, but as I have some broad definitions as to the means that I may employ to fulfill the objectives of this mission, I will keep those available as last-ditch options at this stage." "Before I move to hear the results of your analysis of the provided data packets, there is some additional information that Lieutenant Rosenbauer will now convey to you. Lieutenant." "Thank you captain." Mike replied as he motioned to the viewer. "What we have on Beta Aquillia IV is nothing short of brilliant military operational skill and execution. The Veil of the sky, launched nearly three-dozen simultaneous attacks at key strategic points all around the planet. These operations were met with disorganized and ineffective resistance to the operations and was successful in overwhelming smaller military and paramilitary forces whose tasks were to safeguard infrastructure critical sites. What is more impressive is that weapons, reconnaissance and communications were covertly put into place prior to the operation, which would have been operationally beyond the technical and tactical scope of the Veil of the Sky. This is corroborated by several observational and covert surveillance dockets that were fulfilled by both Beta Aquillian and Starfleet intelligence operatives. data collection consisted of chatter capture, man-in-the-field intelligence and prisoner interrogations. in the several months prior to the coup there was no drastic increase in Intel, beyond those things that were normally observed in preparation for political rallies. As a result of this lack of apparent operational build-up, and the subsequent unexpected nature of the operation, within a single 24-hour period the Veil had managed to effect nearly complete control of all critical planetary infrastructure. These assets include the six primary geothermal power plants that supply the planet's population.; three space ports; two fairly intact military facilities; a ship yard; and hydro-pumping stations all over the planet. On a local scale, government buildings, embassies, police stations, smaller military outposts and travel hubs have been seized. This shows exceptionally thorough planning and execution on a professional scale, and is in my opinion a plan put into place by a foreign government." He tapped the monitor to show the distribution of the critical infrastructure targets that had been seized. they pulsed in a dull red glow. "The remaining critical facilities are cut off, isolated and uncertain of the chain of command. The veil has managed to isolate most military and governmental traffic and sequestered unwanted communications. Media programs are underway to reassure and bolster public confidence in the new government. Considering the scale of the operations, the coup has been fairly bloodless, although there are divergent pockets of disorganized resistance and refugees. I estimate that if the Veil continues to operate this smoothly, they will be able to assume complete control of the planet within 30 standard days or less." He tapped a series of buttons to show some poor resolution images of some freighters in orbit around the planet. As he continued he pointed out some of the details of the images. "Current intelligence tells us that the Aquillians have seized ten freighters in orbit and are currently refitting them, most likely as portable battle platforms or military enforcement vessels. It is believed that two of these vessels could be operational and a potential threat within as little as five standard days from today. The possession of armed starships will greatly strengthen Aquillian operational capability and put a new political token into play to their benefit." "Currently we believe that the greatest concentration of federation citizens are located in the Capital city of Joba, specifically in near or adjacent to Atlantis station, a hotel owned by a Federation Citizen named Niambh McNulty." Mike smiled then, and looked at Jennifer, "leave it to the Scots to give us a place to set up shop. That's all I have sir." Ahmed nodded, even smiled at the reference to Scots, before going back to the mission briefing. "Alright, now it's time to hear what you've all found. Let's hear it." With that he leaned back in his chair and turned his complete attention to his senior staff to bring forward their findings. (reply Everyone!) Daniel Greene --------------- (USS Rosenante- Observation Lounge- CSO, Lt. tlha’nISta’, Day -2, 1607) When it was tlha’nISta’s turn to impart information, she offered the following: “ß Aquillia IV is what Humans have historically called a Superearth: an extrasolar planet with a mass higher than Planet Earth's, but substantially below the mass of the Sol System's gas giants. ‘Super-Earth’ refers only to mass. It has never been intended to imply anything about surface conditions or habitability. The planet in question is Class-M, however — due to global climate conditions and to some extent highly unusual geology — regions suffer from at times severe water shortages, making portions of the planet occasionally Class-L. Wide-spread ice-mining and desalinization have been the Aquillians’ typical responses to periodic potable water shortages. This may have a great deal to do with the widespread seizure of hydro-pumping stations. “However, I would like to express caution in evidencing undue admiration of these rebels. In my experience, no home-grown coup is ever all three of these: smooth, unexpected and tactically sound. Usually it’s only two. It’s like saying to an engineer ‘I want this fast, reliable, and cheap.’ But ‘Pick two’ is the commonplace response. “Having said that, regarding a ‘fairly small, mostly peaceful organization’ mounting an even temporarily successful military coup, I would like to point out that my mother, Ti’amah, was a descendant of members of the now-defunct V’tosh ka’tur Galactic Army of Light — a paramilitary group of misguided pilgrims seeking enlightenment at the center of the galaxy. In any event, this so-called Army managed to seize political prisoners AND a starship with an application of a minimum of force. Ultimately, though, this ‘Army’ failed. I do not think it wise to suspect outside help where there may in fact be none. “As to any sequestering of unwanted communications or the seized freighters in orbit, I think we could apply a certain amount of pressure there. My maQmIgh alone could deal with the freighters before they are adequately refitted as man-of-war vessels." (reply any) (Posted by Frank) --------------- (USS Rosenante- Observation Lounge- Science Officer – Ensign JG Andrew Maddox – 1614) Andrew had entered the Lounge moments before the Captain and Rosenbaur. He found a spot near the new Lieutenant in charge of the Science Department. He was thoroughly unfamiliar with her history, but a Klingon with pointed ears pointed to a mixed species heritage, probably Klingon with some Vulcanoid; Vulcan, Romulan or Rigelean. However, Andrew was by no means an expert. Soon the meeting was underway the preliminaries kicked off by the Captain and Mister Rosenbaur. The Lieutenant inserted her portion of the brief and a possible solution to one of the ‘political movement’s’ tactical options. She proposed using what Maddox assumed to be a smaller vessel. The very same one that brought her here presumably. “Sir if I may?” Maddox said speaking up. (Reply Salid or Lt Lanista) “ I assume that this ‘maQmIgh’,” he said pronouncing the Klingon word with a heavy Terran accent, “ is a Fast Attack or Fighter craft?” (Reply Lt Lanista) “Good, I propose using the Lieutenant’s craft, for a good many reasons. First the Veil will just assume it’s a Klingon attack ship, here to gain glory for the Empire, that will give us an advantage in that they will not know we are here yet. Second the craft’s torpedo launchers could be outfitted to fire a warhead with a nanite payload. These nanites could then capture the computers and other systems aboard each vessel. Third this will have the added bonus of not killing any innocent bystanders on board. Since the systematic takeover of each vessel by nanites will take some time, they will report back to the surface that the attack failed. Then once the takeover is complete the nanites on board each vessel will have their communications frequencies and protocols, allowing us to listen on their transmissions. By the time the ground forces know we have taken over the freighters we can already have several foot-holds across multiple fronts.” (Reply Lt Lanista, Salid, Soma or Any) (Posted by Todd) --------------- (USS Rosenante- Observation Lounge- CSO – Lt. tlha'nISta' – 1617) Someone in blue (the color of Molor) chimed in. Lani' was as yet not too familiar with the members of her department. She wasn't sure of his name. He was Human, though, by the look of him. That by itself was no help. Humans were too plentiful in the Galaxy to judge race simply by appearance. “Sir if I may?” Maddox said speaking up. (Reply Salid or Lt Lanista) NRPG: Lanista would defer to the CO. “ I assume that this ‘maQmIgh’,” he said pronouncing the Klingon word with a heavy Terran accent, “ is a Fast Attack or Fighter craft?” "Very much so," said Lani', having built the craft herself. Her pride at her achievements prevented her from having much evident reaction to Maddox's attempt to pronounce Klingon. “Good, I propose using the Lieutenant’s craft, for a good many reasons. First the Veil will just assume it’s a Klingon attack ship, here to gain glory for the Empire, that will give us an advantage in that they will not know we are here yet. Second the craft’s torpedo launchers could be outfitted to fire a warhead with a nanite payload. These nanites could then capture the computers and other systems aboard each vessel. Third this will have the added bonus of not killing any innocent bystanders on board. Since the systematic takeover of each vessel by nanites will take some time, they will report back to the surface that the attack failed. Then once the takeover is complete the nanites on board each vessel will have their communications frequencies and protocols, allowing us to listen on their transmissions. By the time the ground forces know we have taken over the freighters we can already have several foot-holds across multiple fronts.” "ghuy'cha'!" escaped Lani's lips. The Ensign's plan was a good one. Or, at least, a logical one -- and reasonably within the Starfleet paradigm of tactics. Klingons, of course, would never let nanites fight a battle for them. "But it is good as far as it goes. The Captain has not authorized it's present armament loadout. There are Federation Treaties to be mindful of, after all. However, using it as is would provide plausible deniability. Plus, if you suspect outside agents are involved, the use of the maQmIgh may bait them into showing more of their hand. I will bow to the Captain's wishes in this matter -- as much as I would like to fire on our enemy." (Reply Salid, Soma, Maddox, Any) (Posted by Frank) --------------- (USS Rosenante- Observation Lounge- COPS – Lt. Tom Jackson–1620) Tom listened to the new chief science officers report. It was detailed and informative. Discussion broke out about use of the newly a acquired vessel Lani had brought in. Jackson was concerned military options were being discussed initially. He raised his hand to gain recognition. When he got the nod to speak, he looked at each officer seat at the table intently. " Well I agree a military option may prove necessary " Tom said. " I'm curious as to the extent of the diplomatic option. Who will compromise the diplomatic team? And how far are we allowed to go to reestablish the true representative government?" Jackson asked (Reply FO or CO) Tom listened to the replies. He was concerned about the Prime Directive once again. Jackson was glad to have a JAG officer as part of the Rose's crew. The Prime Directive was a dual edged sword. It protected species and races from inappropriate advancement of their time line why at times hampering the efforts of starfleet out in the real world. A bit more discussion continued. When it ran out, Tom began the operations report. " As ordered, replicator use has limited.All holo-deck usage has been restricted on a similar basis. Operations and engineering have been working jointly working on ways to reduce or eliminate the detectable energy signature of our vessel. LT. Commander Matrix will have the technical specifications and our joint recommendations a bit later." Tom stated. (Reply : Any Present ) "Two more items if I may? " Jackson asked (Reply: CO/FO) "First, All personnel are armed with standard sidearms. This brings me to my second suggestion. If alright with the 2O and FO I suggest a series of intruder alert drills - scheduled at various times " Jackson said. (Reply: any) (Posted by: Bill W.) --------------- (USS Rosenante- Observation Lounge- FO- Lt. Cmdr Ben Soma –1622) Ben listened to the discussion and reports that were being offered from the officers assembled, he had to admit that Lanista's ship could be used as a diversion. The ship wasn't Federation in origin and it would throw the Viel of guard for a while, the nanovirus was also a good idea to consider. Both plans would take time to implement. Tom spoke up. " Well I agree a military option may prove necessary " Tom said. " I'm curious as to the extent of the diplomatic option. Who will compromise the diplomatic team? And how far are we allowed to go to reestablish the true representative government?" Jackson asked. Ben nodded. "Diplomacy will be our first course of action, all attempts will be made to reason with the Veil." He said. "A military option will be a last resort. As for the diplomatic team the Captain has chosen me as his representative, I'll be going with a security detail and a few others whom the Captain has selected." NRPG: Hope I'm not overstepping here Daniel RPG: (reply Salid) After that was sorted out Tom continued his report detailing what measures were being taken to ration energy and reduce their energy signature if not eliminate it altogether. "Two more items if I may? " Jackson asked. Ben nodded and waited for Salid to give him the go ahead. (reply Salid) "First, All personnel are armed with standard sidearms. This brings me to my second suggestion. If alright with the 2O and FO I suggest a series of intruder alert drills - scheduled at various times " Jackson said. The suggestion was an excellent one, one that Ben was glad someone had brought up. "By all means." Ben replied. "I'll leave it to you and Lieutenant Sanok to work out." (reply Salid, any present) (posted by Milo Young) --------------- (USS Rosenante- Observation Lounge – ATAC Ensign (sg) Jessica Signos – 1625) Jessica has arrived at the briefing early enough not to be late, but not so early that it would be required to engage in a large amount of small talk. The conversation she had earlier with Sanok still sat bitterly in her mouth, as she stood in the back corner of the observation lounge listening to the Captain and the new FO outline what had happened on Beta Aquillia IV, the situation didn't sound good. A peaceful political movement doesn't conduct a full military overthrow of the government this efficiently with out side support. The back planning alone would of taken years. The government would to have been blind not to know something like this was up. Jessica refused to believe that they did not have some kind of intelligence gathering system. Every fiber of Jessica's and Lily's shared mind told her that there was more to the situation a well to do backer that did not want the federation to gain a foot hold in this sector of space. Romulan and Cardasians both had strong motives to keep the federation out of this area and control this space. Mineral resources were high and the federation still recovering from the civil war had lost more ships then anyone cared to admit. even though the rebuilding effort was underway it would still take time brefore the federation was up to full strength, and in that time ships and crew of ships like the Rosenante would have to get use to being spread thin. Jessica waited till the conversation had died down in the room before she decided to speak. She had chosen her words carefully has she knew she had to. "This mission is a tricky matter from all angles. Even from the limited intelligence reports we have, I feel its safe to say that the Veil had support from an outside source to say who that is however is the tricky part. I'm sure that both the Cardasians and Romulans both have black operation organizations that handle things like this that there government can claim that they have no part in." Jessica spoke in speculation she hope that those who new the secret of Lily would know better, being a person from the world of cloak and daggers she had run in with special operatives from both worlds, and that she was speaking from experience. "If we turn this into a military action it will give whatever supporter to the Veil a excuse to declare war on the federation. Since the Veil has already made it clear they want the sovereign rights of the planet and her resources. If we do expose the group and the race supporting the Veil that planets government will claim they had no knowledge of the events going on Beta Aquillia IV. This puts us at an disadvantage, the Veil will no dough us the federation citizen they have hostage as a bargaining tool to further there goals. We must remember that any person that is being used has a hostage is a non combatant and has no rank...." NRPG: This is according to current police and military standard, if anyone else in those fields would like to confirm this. "I bring this up because if we have to go after them or when we open up a communication channel the Veil might us them to try to force orders, I'm sure the Captain and the rest of the command red's know this but those people in some of the other departments might not have known this." Jessica paused for a moment to let what she said sink in before continuing. "Now thanks to the owner of the Atlantis station we will have at least a strong position to get planet side. However I feel, we are gonna need people to gather intelligence, and hopefully be able to find our lost ambassador from behind enemy lines. A dangerous and risky venture, has I'm sure our resident ranger will agree with me on this. I would like to suggest that a small group loaded with the proper equipment would be able to move..." She looked at the Salid from across the table she add an small amount of emphasis on what she said next. "Ghost like behind enemy lines find those hostage smark them with locator tags so the Rosenante can beam them to safety." Jessica hoped the Captain understood that Jessica meant to use the ghost infiltration suits that the Rosenante had acquired from their run in with Section 31. Jessica believed a multilevel plan would be the best for this mission. First, keep them in negotiations and use that has a screen. Second, infiltrate with the ghost locate and remove hostages, then try to gather key information on who the backer of the Veil was. Third, allow the ghost team to neutralize the backers giving the Rosenante the political leverage to find a peaceful solution or allow for a military response to be launched from space and the Atlantis station. After all to Jessica this is what seemed the most logical action. She had all this outlined on the PADD she carried with her, one she planned on making available to the Captain once the brief was over. Jessica hated not being able to outline everything now, but not everyone there had knowledge of the ghost suit and other technology that was recently gained from Section 31 operatives. (reply Salid, whoever.) (posted by Matthew Locke) =============== Mission: The Veil of the Sky Day: -1 Stardate: 2414.04.21 =============== (USS Rosenante- Sickbay – aCMO Lt jg Tayla Fraiser – 0902) (USS Rosenante- Signos' Quarters – ATAC Ensign (sg) Jessica Signos – 0914) (USS Rosenante, Security Office, 2O/CSec Lieutenant Sanok and aTac Ensign Jessica Signos, Day -1, 1035) --------------- (USS Rosenante- Sickbay – aCMO Lt jg Tayla Fraiser – 0902) Standing outside sickbay in her uniform, a flutter of nerves came. The first time she had been allowed, albeit only for half a day, back to work and it was terrfying. Closing her eyes, she thought back to the session she had had with Parker that day and the things that had come out. She had spoken to her mother a few days ago and Jack had made a remarkable recovery. But even now, he was suffering. Taking a deep breath, she walked into sickbay and headed straight for Josh's office. Knowing that she would be alone, she walked in and said, “Good morning.” (Reply Caskie) Taking a seat, she nodded and said, “I'm doing okay. It's hard every day but i'll get there. I do have one question.” (Reply Caskie) Taking a deep breath, she began, “I know that I can never have this monitor off, not yet anyway but is there anyway that it can be placed subcutaneously. It's enough that the rumour mill on the ship is working over time with everything. The last thing I need is to be stared at everytime my hair moves.” (Reply Caskie) She nodded. Standing, she said, “Let's get it over with then, before I lose my nerve.” (Reply Caskie) (Posted by Jackie Smith) --------------- (USS Rosenante- Signos' Quarters – ATAC Ensign (sg) Jessica Signos – 0914) Jessica's situation on the rose had gone from bad to worse. she knew she was being watched from the shadows. He access to certain area's of the ship were being monitored if not restricted out right, there were rumors running around the ship that Tayla had attacked Parker in medical shortly after the dance. Jessica knew Lily had something to do with it, but what exactly her role had been still evaded Jessica. Lily was smugly silent and not giving up any information, Jessica had many times to try to get her alternate personality to give up the ghost but she had yet to get her to cooperate. Jessica hated being left in the dark, monitored and treated with kit gloves. But what surprised her the most of all no one had come to talk to her about the indecent. To fill her in on what had happened so far, that would give Jessica the leverage to get Lily to talk and expose what she knows. who knows maybe there was a reason behind what Lily did, and if so why, oh why was she still being punished for it. ~ Because that is their justice.~ Lily replied to the thought that passed though Jessica's mind. ~Why must you continue to make problems for me, Lily.~ Jessica responded bitterly. ~It's in my nature.~ Lily responded. The thought sickened Jessica for Lily was an artificial creation the need to kill, violence, and death were in her nature Jessica knew this she herself had lost herself in that joyful rage before when the need to kill, to strike out against those that stood against you. Jessica remembered tearing though the Borg with wild abandonment to get to Volus. She had made him pay with his life for he did to Eian. And so it continued has it seemed more of the crew of the Rosenante turned against Jessica she with drew from the crew. She would show up do her duty and be gone again, no longer caring for a world that seemed to turn it's back on her. She would of gone to Parker, told the ships counselor about her growing worry and fear. But she couldn't it was the most that Lily had told her. That she had indeed had a hand in what happened with Tayla and with her and Parker's relationship do you expect he would be able to put that aside and help you, Lily had warned. Sanok almost always now looked at her with emotionless, no heartless eyes, he knew she was a threat. That left only the Captain. But was it right to always be a bother to him, after all he had his own duties and his own task that occupied his days. Lily had managed what she had sent out to achieve, she had isolated Jessica now it was only a matter of time. Time was one thing Lily had, and she was patient. Eian was a fool to leave her, true there relationship wasn't the strongest Lily had seen to that but Jessica had hidden behind that shield of Love long enough, and it was making Lily sick. Soon though Lily would be free from Section 31 and the Federation. Free to share her love with all the galaxy, and to make it run red with blood. Lily never wanted power, never had a greater goal. she wanted nothing better than the indiscriminate killing of everyone and everything. Jessica was now alone with only Lily to share her fears. In do time Jessica would fall to Lily and the killing would once again commence. (reply non needed) (posted by Matthew Locke) --------------- (USS Rosenante, Security Office, 2O/CSec Lieutenant Sanok and aTac Ensign Jessica Signos, Day -1, 1035) Sitting in his office doing paperwork, Sanok paused and thought about Ensign Signos. As per the captain's orders, he had put restrictions on Signos, reducing her security access and limiting her duties. He agreed with these sanctions, but he still would have preferred that she be put off the ship. In any case, he had not spoken to her about the sanctions, which wasn't fair. She was still a Starfleet officer, and she deserved an explanation. =^=Sanok to Ensign Signos.=^= Jessica had just started to go over the new mission data, when the voice came over the computer. It struck Jessica as odd, that Sanok of all people, would be contacting her. She pressed her comm-badge to open the channel and replied, "Yes, sir?" =^=Please come to my office.=^= =^=On my way, sir,=^= she replied coolly. Right now, Sanok was one of the last people Jessica wanted to talk to, but maybe, just maybe, she would get some straight answers as to what was going on around her. Jessica wasted no time in making it Sanok's office. She entered and stood at attention before his desk. "Ensign Signos reporting as ordered,sir." "Thank you for coming, Ensign," said Sanok. "Please sit." Jessica sat. Not because the chair was offered, but more than likely, she was gonna be there a while. She had a sneaking suspicion what this was about, but she decided to keep silent and let Sanok start the business that was at hand. She looked across the table, her face was so devoid of any emotion, it would of made any Vulcan proud. "I will get directly to the point. While on Asrai Prime, I observed you." Sanok paused for a few seconds. "Your behavior in combat was excessively brutal, far beyond what was necessary. Once the mission had ended, I brought my concerns to the captain." Sanok paused again. "He told me about Lily." "As by all rights, you should of known. As for my actions," she replied, "while they may have in fact been brutal, to call them excessive, is a matter of opinion. As written in my report, my weapon malfunctioned. II was faced with an enemy that was using lethal force. We were just led into an ambush, and we had two officers that were captured, and we were being faced with the prospect of execution. Had I the time to subdue the target, that may have been an option, but as things stood, and with the threat of life to two of our senior crew elevated the threat level, my... our actions, I felt, were justified." "We are not here to debate what was justified and what was not," said Sanok. "As you know, certain restrictions have been placed on you. As a Starfleet officer, you deserve an explanation. You also deserve total honesty. It was an error on my part that I did not speak with you sooner." "That it may have been, sir," she replied before allowing him to continue. Jessica for one, would like to know why she was not being allowed to do her duty. Sanok wanted to tell Signos about Tayla Fraiser's empathic contact that revealed the existence of Lily. However, it fell under medical confidentiality laws. What he could say was limited. "Captain Salid told me about Section 31 and what they did to you. Though you are a victim, and it is most impressive that you are trying to overcome the Lily personality, it is my judgment that you are a danger to this ship and crew. If it were my decision, you would not be here." He paused. "However, Captain Salid is a good man, and he wants to keep you here in the hopes that you will prevail over Lily. He does not want Section 31 to take you. He wants to protect you. He asked me to help and I gave my word that I would. You must prove to me that Lily does not control you. If you cannot, you will remain on restricted duty. Because you have succeeded thus far as a Starfleet officer, I have confidence that you will be able to do this." "Sir, If I can be blunt." Jessica looked away before continuing. "I know you want me off this ship, but the story of me having to prove myself before you'll grant me my security clearance back, is a lie. I lived many a year in a world of lies and half-truths. I know when someone isn't giving me the full story. You would not have been able to revoke my command codes without the captain's approval, and since he knew about Lily and still saw it fit for me to continue my duty. Unless something has changed to make the Captain reconsider that decision...." She let her voice trail off, leaving the unspoken, but well-known conclusion to where her thought was going. An emotional reaction began to well inside Sanok, but he quickly suppressed it. He maintained his blank expression on the outside. Signos was wrong about much of what she just said, but she was correct that he wasn't telling her everything. "Ensign, you are mistaken if you believe I cannot revoke your codes or restrict your duty. As Chief of Security, it is well within my rights to do so. In fact, if this was not a unique situation, it would be within my rights to insist that you be transferred off this ship." His voice had a slight harshness to it. "It is true that your current situation was ordered by Captain Salid, but that does not change what my authority is." Sanok studied Signos for a moment before continuing. "As I said, we are not here to debate. I felt I owed you an explanation. I also wanted you to have a clear understanding of where you stand. Ensign, I want you to be a successful Starfleet officer. I do not wish for you to turn to the dark side." There was another pause. "Because of what happened on Beta Aquillia IV, we may need to send rescue teams to retrieve Federation citizens and Aquillian personnel. You can be part of that, but again, you must show me that you are in control, not Lily. Instead of brooding over your circumstances, I am challenging you to be the Starfleet officer I know you can be." Jessica looked across the table at Sanok, unafraid by the harshness of voice. "But that is just it. My situation is unique, and I'm sorry that does not sit well with you, and I understand that you want to protect this ship and crew. You're right. This is not a debate, but it is neither an explanation. Please don't insult me or Lily by playing us as a fool. The most you have told me, is that you convinced the captain to revoke my security codes for some obscure reason. If it was due to the actions on Asrai Prime, you would not of waited this long to get to this point. I would of been in this office as soon as we got back, and my codes would of been pulled then, but that didn't happen. "You say you wanted to explain. You said that I deserve honesty. Then own up to your own words, sir. As for the upcoming mission and the need for what I would assume would be covert rescue mission, I may be able to help with that more than you know, as a sign of good faith." This was not going as Sanok thought it would; Signos seemed to be ignoring everything he was telling her. She was also being belligerent. He had been honest with her. He had told her what was required of her and exactly where she stood. He had even tried to edify and encourage her. It seemed he would need to simply tell her this was all she was going to get. "Ensign Signos, I have explained to you what you must do in order to serve on this ship. I have not lied to you. You must realize and accept, that sometimes, those in command cannot tell their subordinates everything." The room was filled with an uncomfortable silence. Jessica was not at all amused by the situation. To be told that she was deserved the right to know why she placed so suddenly on restricted duty, but there was no explanation. There was a half-baked story, and that was all it was. "Sir, you say you want to help me, but helping someone doesn't mean you make their situation more difficult. How do you expect me to trust you, if you can't give me a straight answer on this? The fact of the matter is, that you were unprepared, or unwilling, to stand by your words and handle this appropriately. Of all people, I know that people in command must keep certain secrets, and if that's the case, then you should of mentioned it far sooner. I'm sorry if what I say offends you, and I'm sure I'll find myself before the captain for this, and I really don't mind. If need be, I'll tell him the same thing, if that is the case." Jessica stood then, and continued to speak with an unexpected sharpness. "If there is nothing else, I'm sure you have plenty on your plate. If you need me for something more productive than just sitting here, you know how to reach me." And with that, she turned and exited the security office and went about her own business. Sanok stared at the door after Signos left. She had been insubordinate, obstinate, and she clearly had a woe-is-me attitude. In order to save her from whatever Lily was doing to her, was going to take more work than he thought. (reply none) (posted by Bob B. and Matthew Locke) =============== Mission: The Veil of the Sky Day: 1 Stardate: 2414.04.22 =============== (Kravis – Bridge – Gul Matan – Day 1 - 0600) (Surface Beta Aquillia IV GLINN Lasanar Day 1 0603) (Hotel Owner - Niahm McNulty - Atlantis Station - Day 1 - 0610) (USS Rosenante – Corridor, Deck 21 – Marine FORSCOM – Lt Col T’Larah Sullivan – 0633) (Beta Aquillia IV - Atlantis Station - President in Exile- Kaloth- Day 1 - 0800) (Beta Aquilla IV – graveyard – Lieutenant Alaya – Day 1 - 0806) (Beta Aquillia IV – Government Offices – Alaya – Day 1 - 0855) (Beta Aquillia IV – Government Offices – Habrii – Day 1 - 0900) (USS Rosenante- Sickbay – aCMO Lt jg Tayla Fraiser – 0902) (Beta Aquillia IV – Harbour- Lt Alaya – Day 1 – 1032) (Beta Aquillia IV – Harbour – Habrii – Day 1 – 1040) (USS Rosenante – Tradewinds – Marine FORSCOM – Lt Col T’Larah Sullivan – 1907) (USS Rosenante - Tradewinds – Marine FORSCOM – Lt Col T’Larah Sullivan – 1915) --------------- (Kravis – Bridge – Gul Matan – Day 1 - 0600) Matan was in his chair looking at the view screen at the world below, so different from what it was just a few short days ago. A call here, a bribe there, a couple shipments intercepted here, a couple well placed suggestions and offers had completely disrupted everything on Beta Aquillia IV. What started out as a simple idea spun into a plan and then jumped into action. He was surprised that it happened so easily, he had thought he would have received more in the way of opposition to his plan. Things went like clockwork, at least for him. Sure there had been losses on both sides but he didn't have to lift a finger, all he did was supply arms and advise on strategy. Not one Cardassian had been sacrificed for the cause, there were Cardassian's on the planet but none had engaged in the hostilities that occurred. He leaned back in his seat, a smile growing ever wider across his face. His musings were interrupted from behind. "Gul." Someone called. "Incoming message from the surface." "What is it." Matan demanded. "It's Krem." Came the response. "He's requesting more weapons, some of the inhabitants are still putting up a fight and he's reported losses." Matan reminded himself that such things were unavoidable, losses were part of the game and were to be expected. "Very well." He said. "Send down another crate of Romulan disruptors. Tell him to get things under control or he's going to have to answer to me. If he can't handle it I'll find someone who can." Things were proceeding well, if not smoothly. Resistance was bound to be encountered until the people accepted the new government, that's how things went on Cardassia. Governments came and went, there were uprisings and they were dealt with. Those who didn't conform were eliminated, simple as that. This would be no different. Soon everything would work to his favor, soon he would get his reward. (reply no one) (posted by Milo Young) --------------- (Surface Beta Aquillia IV GLINN Lasanar Day 1 0603) GLINN Lasanar siled with satisfaction. Gul Matan's scheme had succeeded beyond any possible expectation. Krem was always asking for more arms. They had to be very careful to not reveal they were the arms suppliers the rebels. He personally wanted to 'advise' from the front but had been turned down. Still he kept trying by edging as close to the front as he could. This was made easy by Alaya's and her forces rapid advances. He wondered what his Cardassian superiors back in the home world were thinking. They instructed Lasanar to report Matan's efforts. He supposed they were worried about being cut out if the Cardassian power circle. Lasanar watched from a distance as the Federation compound was beginning to be encircled. The end must come smoothly and quickly. (Reply: None) (Posted by: Bill W.) --------------- (Hotel Owner - Niahm McNulty - Atlantis Station - Day 1 - 0610) Stretching Niahm looked out of the window and realised that it was early, really early and wondered what had woken her. Finally the beep of the comm channel wormed it's way into her brain and getting up on putting on her dressing gown she crossed the room and hit the button that would allow her to talk to who ever needed to talk to her. The screen finally resolved itself into the face of her Assistant Security Officer. "Hey boss we might have a problem, I need to talk to David." Niahm batted her hand in the air. "Yeh, yeh, you always do at this time in the morning. Don't you realise that we are... Her ASO cut her off as soon as he could. "No boss I really, really need to talk to David and I need to talk to him now and you probably better hear this too. There's some kind of take over gone on this planet and from what I can find out the present government has been overthrown and the Veil are now in power. I need you to wake David up now. Both of you need to hear this." Niahm didn't waste a lot of time waking David up. Kicking him gently with her foot she waited only until he grumbled himself awake and then filled him in. Niahm gave David one terminal to talk to security and she used her other one in the living room to organise everyone else setting up a department head meeting in her office. (No reply needed yet) (posted by Marilyn) --------------- (USS Rosenante – Corridor, Deck 21 – Marine FORSCOM – Lt Col T’Larah Sullivan – 0633) T’Larah and Doug began the first leg into their third lap. Sometime yesterday Captain Salid had ordered a constant yellow alert status for the entire ship, complete with energy rationing and restrictions on secondary systems like replication and holodeck use. As she wasn’t the First Officer anymore, she couldn’t just activate whatever system she wanted, she would have to come up with a practical reason, and then go ask. Rather than that, she elected to go to deck 21, where there were no crew beside her-self and MAJ Masters and start doing deck laps. A second added bonus, her now Marine rank allowed her access to the Marine training facilities and control of the gravity plating. Oddly enough it was under the training sub-set of commands in the LYCARS interface. She had the program set for increasing increments of gravity by 0.05 G per lap. She was on the third so it was 1.15G she was due for two more laps after this one. At the final lap the gravity will be at 1.25G. “How can you run like this?” Doug inquired. He had trouble speaking. He was losing his breath and sweat was dripping off of every pore. “If the temperature were almost twice this, it would be the conditions on Vulcan where I grew up.” She said easily. “Yeah… but… aren’t you going to give me… a chance to … warm up?” he said catching his breath between phrases. “You have, that’s what the first two laps were for.” She answered. “Do you want a break?” she asked. “Well…. Yeah.” He answered. “Quick time. March.” She said, and they both dropped from a double time to a quick time. NRPG: Note to those who are not Drill and Ceremony savvy, Quick time = 120 steps per minute 30 in steps, Double time = 180 steps per minute 30 in steps. The former is marching speed, slower than a brisk walk; the latter is more of a jogging pace if done correctly. If you get an overzealous runner up front as the pace person, who strides it out to like a 35 to 40 in step for some it can be a dead sprint. “Halt.” “Front leaning rest position, move.” She ordered. “Oh, brother.” Groaned Doug. “In cadence, exercise.” She ordered. “One, two three..” the cadence T’Larah was calling could be heard echoing off of the corridor in deck 21. (reply any who want to join the pain) --------------- (Beta Aquillia IV - Atlantis Station - President in Exile- Kaloth- Day 1 - 0800) Kaloth stood facing out of the massive bay windows that dominated the wall of his hotel room. The clear blue waters of the harbor were in keen opposition to the tall columns of smoke that rose from the city that edged the harbor. The sounds of explosions only marginally could be heard from here, there was still some conflict, mostly inconsistent, intermediate affairs that were punctuated by peaks of violence. The smaller pleasure craft that normally stood in port had fled a couple of days ago now, leaving him with a fairly unobstructed view of the distant marinas and waterfronts of his capital city. Behind him, in the room, three regional governors had joined him in exile. The remainder of his cabinet scattered and the whereabouts of his ministers unknown. Even the Federation ambassador was unaccounted for. The makeshift command center that dominated his suite was filled with noise and confusion. There simply were not enough people to run a government in exile, especially since the Veil had blocked any attempts to escape from the facility by transporter. Attempts to contact high officials within the military or police had proven impossible and Kaloth wasn't even certain that there was a military or a police force to contact. All he knew is that he was currently an exile on his own world, separated from his destiny as the greatest statesman his people had ever seen. Instead he was a refugee, forced to rely on others for the most basic of needs, and a President in name only. A few military personnel had been gathered together to protect the government in exile. They had been joined by a few Federation citizens with prior Starfleet experience and even a few displaced Starfleet Marines. together the few soldiers did what they could to protect the hotel against attack, police the population within and maintain some semblance of order. With thousands displaced and groups arriving everyday, most of them off-worlders, the resources of the Hotel would soon be stretched thin. Yet despite his title, his general popularity and his desire to help, he found himself powerless to affect immediate change. He could only hope that his oldest ally, the Federation, would send help soon. (reply none yet) Daniel Greene --------------- (Beta Aquilla IV – graveyard – Lieutenant Alaya – Day 1 - 0806) Standing outside in the warm sunshine of the morning, Alaya closed her eyes. The movement had been swift and had achieved the goals that they had wanted. The ousting of the Federation Ambassador and the installation of Habrii as ruler had gone smoothly from their eyes. Obviously not from the eyes of those that they had ousted. There had been some fighting and loss on both sides but, once they had realised that they meant business and that The Veil of the Sky was going to take power, the federation people had lain down their weapons. The feeling of success still flowed through her as she opened her eyes and looked down at the small and simple gravestone that stood infront of her. Dropping to her knees, Alaya brushed off some of the grass and various bits of detirous that had covered the stone and the mound beneath it. Reaching behind her, she pulled the simple native flower to the fore and placed it on the grave, saying, “We did it, Verai. We did it for you.” Feeling a tear in the corner of her eye, she wiped it away. Thinking of her sister always made her sad. Verai had been her twin, her one friend that understood her and the federation had taken her away and for what? Someone's fun. Thinking of that night when they had been jumped still hurt but it also gave her fire. The fire she needed to do what had to be done. To release their proud city, nation from the Federation. She had vowed that night, as she cradled Verai's lifeless body in her arms, that she would do anything possible to see that they were ousted never to return again. Sighing, she rose to her full height and said, “I will return, my sister, once we are free.” --------------- (Beta Aquillia IV – Government Offices – Alaya – Day 1 - 0855) Striding through the building, Alaya walked with purpose. Many of the people here did not look at her. They knew that she was Habrii's favourite, his second in command and they respected that. Stopping one of the people, she asked, “Is he in his office?” The man looked at her and nodded, fear evident in his eyes. Nodding her thanks, she continued on her course of action. Stopping outside the door, she took a breath and entered. “Sir, I have this morning's report. We have had some minor skirmishes outside the city. Nothing much but it maybe an indicator of some unrest. The main issue is the hotel. That traitor is still refusing to back down and force the federation dogs to leave. No matter how we explain it to …..” Realising, she was getting angry, Alaya stopped for a second, regained her composure and continued, “...... I apologise. This should not be a time for harsh words.” Smiling, she said, “We did it. We did it, Sir.” He nodded and smiled, "Yes, we have. We have ousted the oppressive government from the corridor of power, but now we must decide how best to bring our conflict to a close. We can not rule this world if we fight amongst ourselves. we must expel the off-worlders and re-educate our people or we will certainly find ourselves bogged down with social unrest and dissension. once we have secured our position, we will be able to expel all foreign powers from this world and Beta Aquillia will once again belong to us." She nodded and stood tall, hands behind her back and asked, “What do you wish me to do now, Sir?” "Take some patriots and push back any resistance you encounter to the hotel. We will blockade it for now, until we receive the recognition that we desire from the major races in this quadrant. Once we have that, we will be able to control our system as we see fit, and they will conform to our demands or they will not be able to trade with us for finished goods." "Take some of the military's large transport inhibitor units and isolate the Hotel. we will not prevent them from taking transports out or in, because we can control those, but we must not allow them to beam into the hotel or out, without our knowledge." "Since we have some of the air wing loyal to our cause, we will use them to monitor any shuttle activity coming or going into the city. And as soon as the converted freighters are finished, we will deploy them to be a deterrent to any other ships that dare to threaten our space." She nodded and said, “Yes, Sir.” she turned on her heels and strode out of the office, her heart pounding. Standing still outside the office, she took a breath. Being in Habrii's presecence always had a profound affect on her. Smiling, she called, “Moza, get me the military and some trucks, we're going to the hotel.” (Reply None) (Posted by Jackie Smith) --------------- (Beta Aquillia IV – Government Offices – Habrii – Day 1 - 0900) Habrii too looking out of the window of the office that had once belonged to the president of the Planetary Government. The city looked to be in good condition, with the soldiers of the Veil of the Sky in control of the primary urban resources, the Military and police forces had been quickly over run in a stroke of military genius. Communications, Military, Police and Utilities were all under the control of the Veil now. The revolutionaries from the prisons and jails that the government had imprisoned had been freed and the transition was proving to be smoother than he had anticipated. Even now, the Federation Ambassador and her troop of aides and Marines were in custody to insure the lack of intervention by their government. Only a few of the Federation troops had managed to withdraw, and those had been sent to secret away the President and some of the members of his staff before Habrii and the loyal forces of the Veil could capture him. Still despite the setback, The veil had managed to seize the vast majority of the government infrastructure without significant damage. The speed and precision of his troops had proven to be an unexpected force that the previous government had not been able to resist. Even now, however, he knew that the forces that might oppose him could still reorganize, rearm and pose a threat. He understood that the two opposing forces had fundamentally traded sides. He also understood that partisans were considerably more flexible in their doctrine than any government could ever be. "And the food distribution depots are back in operation. Our estimates are that we should be able to begin restocking the city's outlets within the next day or so. I am confident that our efforts to restore outlet transportation and shipping will have a positive effect. Our new food distribution plan is estimated to increase food rations to the planetary population by at least 15% per person. The new ban on exporting food stuffs off planet will give us significant resources to see to that." Habrii nodded and gave a small grunt of appreciation to the report. After only 2 days in power, they had managed to shut down all the major export points from the planet. They were still being inventoried, but the practical resources, like processed food, raw grains and vegetables that were being exported were seized and would be re-purposed for the masses on his own world. No longer would the resources of his planet be sent off world to benefit others. The state would regulate all off-world shipments and only finished products would be permitted to be exported. The rest would be used to promote prosperity among his fellows and to promote the economic growth of his world. "And what about the Police and basic services?" Habrii asked. Moza, one of Habrii's junior secretaries spoke up next. "We've begun administering the oath of support to the new regime to the police and other public servants. Those that refuse the oath are being detained and will be forcefully expelled as traitors to the Aquillian people." "And so far how many are refusing the oath?" he asked. "It's hard to say at this stage, perhaps as many as one-in-fifty. Most of the public servants understand that they can expect better wages, better training and more prestige for their service. Some still believe that we plan to forcefully oppress the people." Habrii turned to face his small assembled coterie of ministers and intellectuals. "Then we need better propaganda. I want to see a media campaign showing everyone that we are the rightful government and that we will support the Aquillian people. I want us to be seen as saviors and friends, as a government concerned with the welfare of our people, dedicated to keeping Aquillia free from alien influence and greed. I want reports detailing resistant governmental forces atrocities, and displays revealing off-worlder exploitation of our people, resources and world. Stark contrasts between our policies and those of the previous government. But most of all we need to get the supplies and situation back under control. Let people work, let them play, let them enjoy their new found resources free of off-worlder imperialism." Half the room was nodding in agreement, the other half looked to be on the verge of tears. All of the members in the room were visionaries and revolutionaries who saw reform as the only way to save their world. Some of them had personal reasons, some acted out of social interest, but they all shared a common goal. He had just finished his little speech when the door to the office opened and Alaya entered the room. Everyone turned to look at her. They feared her tenacity and her dedication and Habrii had used her passions to help him turn his dream into a reality. "Sir, I have this morning's report." she began uncaring for the presence of the other ministers. "We have had some minor skirmishes outside the city. Nothing much but it may be an indicator of some unrest. The main issue is the hotel. That traitor is still refusing to back down and force the Federation dogs to leave. No matter how we explain it to …" She paused for a second to wrestle her rising temper back down. Once she regained her composure she continued, "…… I apologize. This should not be a time for harsh words." Habrii nodded and looking at his assembled ministers, replied, "You have your duty. See to it immediately." Each of the lesser ministers rose and giving Alaya a quick fearful glance, shuffled out of the room. The last minister was careful to close the door behind them. Alaya smiled then as she spoke, "We did it. We did it, sir." Habrii nodded and allowed himself to smile in response to his lieutenant's enthusiasm. "Yes, we have. We have ousted the oppressive government from the corridors of power, but now we must decide how best to bring our conflict to a close. We cannot rule this world if we fight amongst ourselves. We must expel the off-worlders and re-educate our people or we will certainly find ourselves bogged down with social unrest and dissension. Once we have secured our position, we will be able to expel all foreign powers from this world and Beta Aquillia will once again belong to us." (reply Alaya) "Take some patriots and push back any resistance you encounter to the hotel. We will blockade it for now, until we receive the recognition that we desire from the major races in this quadrant. Once we have that, we will be able to control our system as we see fit, and they will conform to our demands or they will not be able to trade with us for finished goods." "Take some of the military's large transport inhibitor units and isolate the Hotel. we will not prevent them from taking transports out or in, because we can control those, but we must not allow them to beam into the hotel or out, without our knowledge." "Since we have some of the air wing loyal to our cause, we will use them to monitor any shuttle activity coming or going into the city. And as soon as the converted freighters are finished, we will deploy them to be a deterrent to any other ships that dare to threaten our space." (reply Alaya) Daniel Greene --------------- (USS Rosenante- Sickbay – aCMO Lt jg Tayla Fraiser – 0902) Standing outside sickbay in her uniform, a flutter of nerves came. The first time she had been allowed, albeit only for half a day, back to work and it was terrfying. Closing her eyes, she thought back to the session she had had with Parker that day and the things that had come out. She had spoked to her mother a few days ago and Jack had made a remarkable recovery. But even now, he was suffering. Taking a deep breath, she walked into sickbay and headed straight for Josh's office. Knowing that she would be alone, she walked in and said, “Good morning.” (Reply Caskie) Taking a seat, she nodded and said, “I'm doing okay. It's hard every day but i'll get there. I do have one question.” (Reply Caskie) Taking a deep breath, she began, “I know that I can never have this monitor off, not yet anyway but is there anyway that it can be placed subcutaneously. It's enough that the rumour mill on the ship is working over time with everything. The last thing I need is to be stared at everytime my hair moves.” (Reply Caskie) She nodded. Standing, she said, “Let's get it over with then, before I lose my nerve.” (Reply Caskie) (Posted by Jackie Smith) --------------- (Beta Aquillia IV – Harbour- Lt Alaya – Day 1 – 1032) The sea air hit her nose and caused it to wrinkle. Never liking the sea, the thought of going out on the boats to surround the hotel sent a shiver through Alaya but she would not let it show on her face. Turning to the assembled captains of the ships and aircraft and said, “Thankyou all, firstly, for your loyalty to The Veil. This will not go unnoticed. We are about to blockade the hotel where the Federation members that have managed to escape our clutches are holding out. This will not be easy as we can be sure that some of the people there will have military training so a ground assault is most definitely out for now. We must maintain our courage and our fortitude and stay strong. The greed of these people knows no bounds and we must show them that this planet now belongs to us and they have no part to play here!” A rousing cheer went up from the assembled troops and she nodded at them all as they moved off to their assigned vessels. Looking to the young soldier by her side, she said, “Tomak, which ship is ours?” With a glint of terror that most of the people had when they were in her presence, he pointed to the nearest one and said, “That one.” Nodding her thanks, she took a deep breath and walked on board. After a few moments settling herself in the captain's seat, she opened the comms and said, “Alaya to all captains. Move out.” --------------- (Beta Aquillia IV – Harbour – Habrii – Day 1 – 1040) Sighing, she realised that they were arriving at their destination. Checking the reports coming in from the other ships and aircraft, they were all in place. Sitting up in the chair, she ordered, “All ahead stop!” Alaya stretched and clenched her fists and then opened a comm channel and said, “This is Lieutenant Alaya of The Veil. Mcnulty, I wish to speak with you.” (Reply Mcnulty) A smile crept over her face as she said, “Well, as I am sure you know by now, you are completely surrounded and cut off. We will allow you to leave but only if you send out all the Federation members that we know are currently hiding within your hotel.” (Reply McNulty) (Posted by Jackie Smith) --------------- (USS Rosenante – Tradewinds – Marine FORSCOM – Lt Col T’Larah Sullivan – 1907) T’Larah stepped through the double doors as they parted with an audible hiss. Being on Yellow Alert still, she was wearing her green-collared duty uniform and wearing her Type II-D on her left hip. She noted there weren’t many people here, in-fact there was one other person in the corner. His nose was buried in some PADD, perhaps going over material or writing a report. Earlier in the week Chance had invited T’Larah to Tradewinds for drinks. With the rationing of replicator power, T’Larah thought it wise to bring something to drink in case the replicators weren’t allowed to be used. She held a glass bottle under the crook of her right arm. A bottle of Vulcan Port she had received from her Uncle when she was on Vulcan last. If she hadn’t known better, she would have thought such a gift was the Vulcan equivalent of telling your marrying age daughter that she looks good in white. No, her Uncle had meant it as a ‘small taste of home’ gift. No doubt Chance had a similar stash somewhere. T’Larah had met some of his family on an earlier mission, ‘Easy Ed’ was quite the character and from the small amount of time that Chance had carried her Katra before she could undergo the Fal-tor-pan, she had gleaned some ‘feelings’ on what he knew of his family. ~I just hope Chance got something positive out of the experience.~ The bartender nodded at T’Larah and she returned the courtesy. She chose a table with a view of the spiral warp effect from the bow. She placed the bottle on the table and indicated to the bartender two fingers. Soon he returned with two glasses. “Do you need anything else Colonel?” the man asked. “What is available? How much can you use the replicator?” she inquired. “Replicator use is limited. Rationing is one drink per off-duty personnel per day. As we are on yellow alert, no one is on a real off duty status.” He explained. “So no replicator.” She simplified. “Correct.” “I won’t need anything at the moment. I’m waiting on someone, so I’ll call if I need something.” She stated. “Very well.” He said and walked behind the counter. (Reply Chance) (Posted by Todd) --------------- (USS Rosenante - Tradewinds – Marine FORSCOM – Lt Col T’Larah Sullivan – 1915) “May I sit?” Chance casually asked. “Absolutely.” She responded, indicating any of the chairs with an open palm gesture. After he sat down, he handed her the wrapped bottle and a data chip he had tucked in the same hand “This is for you. Also if you find yourself at Geneva Station and want to get away for awhile, the Tranquility is in hanger bay 69-Tango. The authorization codes are on the chip; please make sure you return her.” He said. She tucked the isolinear chip in a belt pouch. “If I do, I will, thank you.” She answered simply. Just then a waiter walked up “May I get you anything?” Raschen looked at Sullivan “I was going to order a couple of glasses and some ice. Anything else you want?” “I am fine. We have enough to drink on the table, thank you.” She said and the waiter departed. “The two bottles you brought are of the same dimensions and approximate mass, is it safe to assume that they have the same contents?” She asked. (Reply Chance) She picked up the bottle of Vulcan port that he had just indicated. “Yes, it is. A taste of home for me, something more exotic then you are used to.” (Reply Chance) “Indeed, that is why I brought it.” She said while she poured a glass for him, one quarter full, then a glass for herself, one half full. “You can try what I’ve brought then, I’ll try what you’ve brought.” She handed him his glass. (Reply Chance) “A ‘kick’? If you are referring to the alcohol content. It can intoxicate Vulcans.” She said. (Reply Chance) “Well with my metabolism I could eat a bowl of termites and it wouldn’t bother me.” She said. NRPG: I know the ability to eat a bowl of termites has no bearing on the effects of ETOH on anyone’s physiology. A nod to ST: V, McCoy said it to Kirk when talking about the effect of Bone’s ‘Secret Ingredient’ in his family recipe beans would have on Spock. We will continue assuming that Chance tries the offered beverage. I will repost if he decides not to. Shortly after the pair sampled the dark purple beverage, the waiter came with a pair of shorter, stout glasses, a bucket of ice on a stand and a pair of metal tongs. Chance poured both glasses according to his liking. He began looking into his own glass, almost as if studying it. Lost in thought as it were. “Do you remember the visions we shared when you gave me your Katra on the Bastion?” He asked. “Yes, those visions were your mind’s interpretation of what was going on.” She explained. “I know it sounds silly, but to some extent, after your Fal-tor-pan I haven’t really been the same. I can’t remember simple little things from before then, and I once again feel the need to find my place in the universe.” Chance admitted. “That is not unreasonable.” She admitted. “Though I can’t say if it is normal, because the last recorded instance of a Fal-tor-pan was with Ambassador, then Captain Spock and Dr. Leonard McCoy. And before that it was literally hundreds of years before that, nearly predating the teachings of Surak. The occurrence of minor memories being suppressed or even destroyed in the process is a possibility. Feeling the need to find your place in the universe is very similar to what I felt when I was your age. It was one of the reasons I joined Star Fleet.” (Reply Chance) (Posted by Todd) =============== Mission: The Veil of the Sky Day: 2 Stardate: 2414.04.23 =============== (USS Rosenante Main Engineering - Apollo Console Center CEO LCDR Steven Matrix - Day 2 1334) --------------- (USS Rosenante Main Engineering - Apollo Console Center CEO LCDR Steven Matrix - Day 2 1334) With the mission underway Matrix started to focus his attention on getting back into the groove as-it-where. Alura had disembarked and was heading back to Star Fleet Command to pursue her research post. She was excited to see Steve and there would be more visits, but she felt complete and that part of her life rekindled. It was time to get back into her own career. Alura and Steve had talked about their future together and decided it wouldn't include serving together on the same ship. Things would simply be too complicated. Steve agreed, but felt a bit of sorrow and renewed energy in his own career at the same time. He would worry about Alura surely, but he could more easily focus on what he was doing. Alura wouldn't serve on the front lines in her research unless some special assignment came her way. That made Steve feel more at ease, she was safe. Tom Jackson's message came across the message center while Matrix was looking over the new command center he had constructed during their down time. The center was basically his new office, but could accommodate up to a dozen officers and and crew. It was now his life line into every system on the ship. He could monitor, if not control, almost anything from the new command center. Apollo center was named after the first manned mission to Earth's moon, was just off the main engineering deck, nearly center to main engineering. It consisted of nearly two dozen monitors and work platforms and a center worktable the doubled as an oversized monitor and holo-generator. The bugs were still to be worked out, but they could view any aspect of the ship in 3D from this new console and the outer displays could be configured to display any aspect of ships operations. Matrix was standing over the center console viewing a 3D representation of the Rose in her current state. The display projected a three dimensional view of the Rose while at warp speed. The display projected stress levels in various colors that represented stresses on the haul. New sensor modules along the haul provided detailed information from any part of the haul and could be extrapolated to include information such as particle density, damage, power flow, pressure and any radiation phenomenon that any standard sensor could be programmed for. In addition, the display allowed for physical manipulation of the display. By touching he 3D display an engineer could zoom in on any part of the ship to obtain detailed information for any desired section. Matrix punched up the message from Tom Jackson and replied. 'Glad to help. Engineering might be the best place to confer on this issue. I can show you our new toys down here.' replied Matrix. (Reply Jackson, IYW) (Posted by Steve) =============== Compiled by Milo Young ===============