USS_Rosenante_The_Veil_of_the_Sky_Compile_3 =============== Mission: The Veil of the Sky Day: -2 Stardate: 2414.04.20 =============== (USS Rosenante - Main Engineering - CEO LCDR Steven Matrix - 1113) (USS Rosenante - Ten Forward - ACEO Lt Eian O'Neill - Day - 2 - 1115) (USS Rosenante - Bridge -FO- Lt. Cmdr Ben Soma - 1116) (USS Rosenante - Bridge -COPS- Lt. Tom Jackson - 1118) (USS Rosenante – Astrophysics Lab 1 – CSO tlha’nISta’-Day -2 – 1251) (USS Rosenante, Astrophysics Lab 1 – ACSO Lt jg Viskhard – 1251.5) (USS Rosenante, Astrophysics Lab 1, CSO Lt tlha’nISta’, -2, 1253) (USS Rosenante, Astrophysics Lab 1 - ACSO Lt js Viskhard - 1254) (USS Rosenante, Astrophysics Lab 1, CSO Lt tlha’nISta’, 1255) (USS Rosenante, Astrophysics Lab 1 - ACSO Lt jg Viskhard - 1256) (USS Rosenante, Astrophysics Lab 1, CSO Lt tlha’nISta’, 1258) (USS Rosenante, Astrophysics Lab 1, CSO LT tlha’nISta’, 1301) (USSRosenante, Astrophysics Lab 1 - ACSO Lt jg Viskhard - 1302) (USS Rosenante, Astrophysics Lab 1, CSO Lt tlha’nISta’, 1304) (USS Rosenante, Astrophysics Lab 1 - ACSO Lt jg Viskhard - 1305) (USS Rosenante, Astrophysics Lab 1, CSO, LT tlha’nISta’, 1307) (USS Rosenante, Astrophysics Lab 1 - ACSO Lt jg Viskhard - 1308) (USS Rosenante- Personal Quarters – Lt Jg Tayla Fraiser - Day -2 - 1328) (USS Rosenante- Observation Lounge - FO- Lt. Cmdr Ben Soma - 1329) (USS Rosenante – CMO's office – Lt Jg Tayla Fraiser – 1331) (USS Rosenante - Sickbay - CMO's Office - CMO Josh Caskie - Day -2 - 1333) (USS Rosenante - Sickbay - CMO's Office - aCMO Lt Jg Tayla Fraiser - Day -2 - 1335) (USS Rosenante - Sickbay - CMO's Office - CMO - Cmdr Josh Caskie - Day -2 - 1337) (USS Rosenante, Bridge, CSO, Lt. tlha’nISta’, Day -2, 1345) (USS Rosenante - Observation Lounge - COUNS Parker Davis - Day -2 - 1623) (USS Rosenante, Observation Lounge - CSO tlha'nISta' - 1625) (USS Rosenante - Observation Lounge - CMO - Cmdr Josh Caskie - Day -2 - 1627) (USS Rosenante- Observation Lounge – ATAC Ensign (sg) Jessica Signos – 1628) (USS Rosenante - Observation Lounge - aCMO - Lt jg Tayla Fraiser - Day -2 - 1631) (USS Rosenante- Observation Lounge- CO, Captain Ahmed Ibn Salid, Day -2, 1645) (USS Rosenante- Observation Lounge- QM/Strat Ops- Lieutenant Chance Raschen- 1646) (USS Rosenante- Observation Lounge- COPS, LT. Tom Jackson , Day -2, 1647) (USS Rosenante - Observation Lounge - ACEO Lt Eian O'Neill - Day -2 - 1648) (USS Rosenante, Observation Lounge, CSO, LT tlha’nISta’, Day -2, 1649) (USS Rosenante - Observation Lounge - CMO - Cmdr Josh Caskie - Day -2 - 1650) (USS Rosenante - Observation Lounge - Cmdr Josh Caskie - Day -2 - 1651) (USS Rosenante – Observation Lounge – Science Officer – Ensign JG Andrew Maddox – 1652) (USS Rosenante - Observation Lounge - aCMO Lt Jg Tayla Fraiser - Day -2 – 1653) (USS Rosenante - Observation Lounge - ACEO Lt Eian O'Neill - Day - 2 - 1654) (USS Rosenante - Observation Lounge - COUNS Parker Davis - Day - 2 - 1655) (USS Rosenante – Observation Lounge – Science Officer – Ensign JG Andrew Maddox - 1657) (USS Rosenante – Observation Lounge – CSO – LT tlha’nISta’ - 1659) (USS Rosenante- Observation Lounge- FO, Lt. Cmdr Ben Soma, Day -2, 1700) (USS Rosenante - CMO's Office - ACEO Lt Eian O'Neill - Day - 2 - 1701) (USS Rosenante- Observation Lounge- CO, Captain Ahmed Ibn Salid, Day -2, 1703) (USS Rosenante – Observation Lounge – Science Officer – Ensign JG Andrew Maddox – 1704) (USS Rosenante, Observation Lounge, CSO LT tlha’nISta’, 1705) (USS Rosenante – Corridor - Science Officer – Ensign JG Andrew Maddox – 1707) (USS Rosenante, Corridor, CSO, LT tlha’nISta’, 1709) (USS Rosenante - Counselor's Office - COUNS Parker Davis - Day - 2 - 1710) (USS Rosenante – Shuttle bay 3 – Science Officer – Ensign JG Andrew Maddox – 1725) (USS Rosenante, Deck 13, Shuttlebay 3, CSO, Lt. tlha’nISta’, 1727) (USS Rosenante- Deck 2 Operations Suite - COPS, LT. Tom Jackson , Day -2 1730) (USS Rosenante - Counselor's Office - Counselor Parker Davis and Ensign (sg) Jessica Signos - Day -2 - 1732) (USS Rosenante- Deck 2 Operations Suite - COPS, LT. Tom Jackson , Day -2 1740) (USS Rosenante, Deck 13, Shuttlebay 3, CSO, Lt. tlha’nISta’, 1741) (USS Rosenante- Personal Quarters – Lt sg Tom Jackson -Day -2 - 1800) (USS Rosenante - Davis' Quarters - Day -2 - COUNS Parker Davis and Lt Tayla Fraiser - Day -2 - 1830) (USS Rosenante- Security Offices – ATAC Ensign (sg) Jessica Signos – 1920) (USS Rosenante, Security Offices, 2O/CSec Lt. Sanok, Day -2, 1922) (USS Rosenante- Security Offices – ATAC Ensign (sg) Jessica Signos – 1925) (USS Rosenante - Nayeli's Quarters - Day -2 - JAG Lt Nayeli & aCMO Lt jg Tayla Fraiser - Day -2 - 1930) =============== (USS Rosenante - Main Engineering - CEO LCDR Steven Matrix - 1113) "I'm sorry I didn't quite hear that…what did you say?" said Matrix. [Transmission Ends] "Damn it….what the hell is going on?" continued Matrix. "Computer, what is the problem with the transmission?' [Transmission ended at the source. No other information is available at this time.] "Computer, try raising them again and regular intervals and let me know if you obtain contact." ordered Matrix. [Transmission relays are offline until 0231. Relay will be attempted at that time.] "Fine, just let me know if you establish connectivity." replied Matrix. =^= Mister O'Neill. What is your status? I could use your help in main engineering. =^= (Reply O'Neill) =^= We need to test the navigational array and long-range sensors…fine tune maintenance. I also need to get a team together to work on the port nacelle thrusters. They are showing offline. =^= (Reply O'Neill) Matrix punched up the 3D schematic of the ship and noticed the yellow highlighted areas. Just as he described to O'Neill., "Crap…why are these systems offline?" [Please rephrase the question.] "Never mind computer, just talking to myself." said Matrix =^= Matrix to bridge. The port nacelle thruster system is showing offline. I'm assembling a crew to investigate. =^= (Reply any on the bridge) "Peter could you get beta team assembled and start working on the navigational maintenance? I don't think it will take too long, perhaps an hour or two." asked Matrix. "Yes sir, I need to stop over to astrophysics and drop off a power sensor…they are doing some experiments of their own down there. I'll get right back and get on that navigational systems." replied Peter Cohen. "Thanks Peter." replied Matrix. (Reply O'Neill, bridge, any) (Posted by Steve) --------------- (USS Rosenante - Ten Forward - ACEO Lt Eian O'Neill - Day - 2 - 1115) Eian was eating lunch and reading the data packet he was supposed to comment on during the staff meeting later that day. He was delving deep into Aquillian history and technological developments when Matrix commed him. =^=Mister O'Neill. What is your status? I could use your help in main engineering.=^= "Aye, Sir. I'm just finishing up lunch. May I take another five minutes or is it urgent?" =^= We need to test the navigational array and long-range sensors…fine tune maintenance. I also need to get a team together to work on the port nacelle thrusters. They are showing offline. =^= "Understood, Sir," Eian said. He knew this mission would involve a lot of work. It sounded as if five minutes would be acceptable, though. "I'll be there in a few minutes, then." When Matrix didn't respond, Eian assumed that there was no objection, so he took the time to finish up his lunch and then headed straight to main engineering. (reply Matrix iyw, not necessary) (posted by Morgan G) --------------- (USS Rosenante - Bridge -FO- Lt. Cmdr Ben Soma - 1116) Ben was on the bridge sitting in the command center manning the helm so to speak, things were pretty quiet so Salid had retired to the ready room. It was nice to do something quiet for a change, though that would be changing soon enough. Hopefully things would be resolved peacefully and there wouldn't be a need to fight anyone this time. Commander Matrix announced a problem, things were getting exciting already. =^= Matrix to bridge. The port nacelle thruster system is showing offline. I'm assembling a crew to investigate. =^= Ben didn't like the sound of that, it could cause them some trouble and may even interfere with the mission. "Keep me apprised of the situation Commander." Ben responded. "This isn't the best time for the thrusters to start acting up." (reply Matrix) "I have every confidence in you and your team Mr. Matrix." Ben said. "I'll let you get to it." (reply Matrix iyw) Turning to OPS he added. "Begin diagnostics on all ships systems." He said. "Let's hope this is the only surprise we're in for." (reply Jackson) Ben noticed that Tom had been avoiding him lately, likely a result of Ben's promotion and appointment to First Officer. He felt bad about it, Tom had also been an FO for a short time but found out Pez was behind it. They would soon have to work the situation out, at least bring it out in the open. They were friends but now it was like they were strangers, Ben thought it was best to give his friend some space but now he wondered if that had been the best idea. (reply Matrix, Jackson) (posted by Milo Young) --------------- (USS Rosenante - Bridge -COPS- Lt. Tom Jackson - 1118) Tom was manning OPS as they headed towards another new mission. The situation on Beta Tom heard Steve Matrix call the bridge and reported a thruster malfunction. Ben Soma turned to Jackson and ordered "Begin diagnostics on all ships systems". Tom's fingers flew over console initiating the requested tests. Another mystery - Tom hated mysteries. Ben added "Let's hope this is the only surprise we're in for." Jackson nodded vigorously adding "Amen" . The data began scrolling in Tom sent copies to Engineering. Jackson noticed a couple of minor components seemed to have failed. This caused a cascade effect and brought the thrusters off line. As Ben turned back to the view screen Tom studied his friend closely. Jackson had been avoiding Ben off duty. He knew Ben and he needed to settle this and soon. (Reply: None) (Posted by: Bill W ) --------------- (USS Rosenante – Astrophysics Lab 1 – CSO tlha’nISta’-Day -2 – 1251) Lanista suppressed a chuckle at the Denobulan’s effort not to puff up at her own deliberately abrupt approach and direct (if not confrontational) manner. Denobulans would absolutely not ‘cut it’ in an Officer Exchange Program aboard any IKV vessel. ~Denobulans,~ she thought, somewhat scoffing silently. The Klingons’ first exposure to the race precipitated the so-called ‘Augment Crisis.’ ~Just because a good idea fails once does not mean it’s a bad idea…~ "Ah, Lieutenant," he said after calming himself. "As you know we are currently tracing and observing this comet - most of the crew has labeled 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, and he also did it when he got especially excited. “Funny,” Lani’ offered. “I would have called it “jey'naS”.” The jey’naS was the Klingon medium-hafted, double-headed battleaxe. The Denobulan puff-adder-in-uniform mentioned that he was plotting the ‘reverse course’ based on its movements, adding, "… 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 brought up a display. “jISIv…” she said. "I don't understand?" Visk blinked at her. “Ah. Merely, ‘I wonder…’ in Klingon. I wonder how hard it would be to convince your Captain to let us stage an away-mission to the surface. It is large enough to actually land a shuttlepod on. Or we could clearly beam to the surface. Environmental suits, coupled with extraordinarily over-cautious administrations by the Sickbay staff, should ensure we live long enough to report our findings…” Lani’ grinned, but not in a too-Klingon-esque fashion. Besdies her very prominently pointed ears, she had the teeth of a Vulcan – or as some had observed in the past – those of an herbivore. (Reply Visk) (Posted by Frank) --------------- (USS Rosenante, Astrophysics Lab 1 – ACSO Lt jg Viskhard – 1251.5) “Ah. Merely, ‘I wonder…’ in Klingon. I wonder how hard it would be to convince your Captain to let us stage an away-mission to the surface. It is large enough to actually land a shuttlepod on. Or we could clearly beam to the surface. Environmental suits, coupled with extraordinarily over-cautious administrations by the Sickbay staff, should ensure we live long enough to report our findings…” The CSO smiled - well grimaced at Visk in what he assumed was a happy expression - but Visk really wasn't too worried about that. He had jumped on her idea and was already working out if it was indeed possible. He piped up after a moment, "We'd need to be certain about where to land and be able to provide a blow by blow of our intended purpose and sequence of events. And Captain Salid would want a better reason than simple scientific curiousity, but permission is theoretically possible." (reply Lani) Visk thought about this, "I would like a more detailed look at the comet's composition, it may tell us more about a possible trajectory if we can predict what portions of the comet will decay fastest." Visk gazed off into space, his mind brimming with possibilities. (reply Lani, any) (posted by Lori) --------------- (USS Rosenante, Astrophysics Lab 1, CSO Lt tlha’nISta’, -2, 1253) This Denobulan responded well to Lani’s suggestion that an away-mission would be dangerous. Perhaps too well. He started rambling enthusiastically. "We'd need to be certain about where to land and be able to provide a blow by blow..." She stood briefly dumbfounded by the officer’s zeal … and he went on. ~Does he even breathe?~ Lani’ wondered. "I would like a more detailed look at the comet's composition," he said, "it may tell us more about a possible trajectory if we can predict what portions of the comet will decay fastest."Then he seemed to stare somewhat blankly at a nearby bulkhead. ~Is it zeal, or did I get assigned to the only ship in the Quadrant with an actually mad scientist aboard?~ “Very well,” she said with a shrug. “Handle this. If the Captain approves it, I will obviously recommend that you are part of any such away-mission.” (reply Visk, any) (posted by Frank) --------------- (USS Rosenante, Astrophysics Lab 1 - ACSO Lt js Viskhard - 1254) “Very well,” she said with a shrug. “Handle this. If the Captain approves it, I will obviously recommend that you are part of any such away-mission.” Visk was jolted from his thoughts. "Whaa...??" He managed to get out before he fell off his chair. (reply Lani) He sat up and blinked, "I... I.. uhm." Visk couldn't think. The thought of putting on an environmental suit and traipsing across the surface of a frozen comet was daunting to say the least. And closer to heart-stopping for him. (reply Lani, any) (sted by Lori) --------------- (USS Rosenante, Astrophysics Lab 1, CSO Lt tlha’nISta’, 1255) Visk sputtered "Whaa...??" at Lanista’s saying he’d be on any such away-mission, just before falling off his chair. At this, Lani’ burst into truly Klingon laughter. Visk sat up and blinked, "I... I.. uhm," he hyperventilated further. ~So he DOES breathe…~ Lani’ observed. “Well, you said you wanted a closer look. How much closer do you think you could get than being, well, cometside?” (reply Visk, any) ~I shall have to remember never to suggest him for an Officer Exchange assignment with the KDF.~ (Posted by Frank) --------------- (USS Rosenante, Astrophysics Lab 1 - ACSO Lt jg Viskhard - 1256) She stopped her laughter enough to address Visk's complete non-sensical blathering, “Well, you said you wanted a closer look. How much closer do you think you could get than being, well,cometside?” Visk's eyes turned a violet that was sheer embarassment as he stood and dusted himself off. "I... I suppose not." ~I think that will stay out of any conversations with Blake, for the forseeable future.~ He half-smiled and went back to the main console. "So, a cometside mission? Do you have anything that should be looked at?" Visk was more cautious in his words, but understanding the comet up close would be an ideal opportunity. (reply Lani, any) (posted by Lori) --------------- (USS Rosenante, Astrophysics Lab 1, CSO Lt tlha’nISta’, 1258) Lani’ noted that the ACSO’s eyes turned violet. She wasn’t at all sure why, but the color-change was intriguing. "I... I suppose not," the man said finally, in response to her question about a comet-side mission. Then he half-smiled and went back to the main console. "So, a cometside mission? Do you have anything that should be looked at?" His demeanor seemed more cautious now. ~Alright, so he’s not mad…~ Lani’ thought. ~But he is still a zealot, and like the clerics of Boreth, he is probably quite unaccustomed to leaving his cloister.~ “Anything that a firsthand, direct analysis would yield better than probes and sensors. You are probably not aware, but in Klingon we have a word that means ‘to test conclusively’. tob jIH. 'I test conclusively.' I can think of near a dozen compounds that interfere with remote data acquisition. Fistrium and kelbonite are two. I’m sure you know the rest without my having to name them.” The Klingoness braced herself by planting a palm, flat and firmly, against the ceiling over the deck. There were few rooms aboard the Rosenante where she would be unable to do this — Engineering, the center of the Bridge, and so forth. But the standard ceiling-over-deck measure in Starfleet would allow the posture in most places on most vessels. The move was an experiment. ~Once he regains his composure, how easily is he rattled again…~ Her stature and forwardness had startled him, so she felt she need to push a little further. ~If the man is this easily disturbed when not actually threatened, how will he fare on such a mission as this?~ “Given the comet’s size and potential composition," tlha'nISta' went on, "and that Starfleet is rebuilding their fleet after the so-called ‘civil’ war, we would be remiss if we did not take as thorough an inventory of potential resources as we could. A comet this size could theoretically be refined and processed and, in a relatively short time, be turned into a formidable assault craft ... for example. Or, it may be home to life we cannot detect from a distance. Or, it may be a place where a cure for the Rudellian plague occurs naturally.” Lani’ leaned forward and continued. “A bird of prey may see a rodent from a very high altitude. But it still needs to swoop down very, very close to land to catch its quarry. We must do — or at least be prepared to do — the same. Get as close a look as possible -- a take what we want from the encounter. In short, you asked if I have anything in mind that should be looked at. My answer is ‘Everything.’" (Reply Visk) "Or, we may only catch bugs," Lani' joked, finally taking her arm down and standing more at ease. Then she added, "Are you up to preparing a briefing for the Captain's ear?" (reply Visk, any) (posted by Frank) --------------- (USS Rosenante, Astrophysics Lab 1, CSO LT tlha’nISta’, 1301) At Lani’s having said “Everything!”, in reference to the comet-side mission, Visk’s eyes went bright blue. This was intriguing to tlha’nISta’. She was familiar with Chameloids. She had even served with one, during her days as a privateer on the chalche’yon. But this eye-thing of Visk’s was amusing. It seemed to have something to do with his mood. This would warrant some leisurely study, over time. The man would be no good at klin zha, or poker, or even tongo... But he was clever. Lani’ liked that. Even his response to her Klingon joke about catching bugs was intelligent. "We may only catch bugs,” he said, “but if those bugs lead to something else, we haven't just caught them, we've caught something bigger." ~He’s the first person to ever suggest using the bugs as bait…~ He registered the second part of her last and replied to the question, "What kind of report?" “An outline of what we intend, and expect,” Lani’ said. “If you want me to do it, I’m sure I can find something else for you to concern yourself with. However, if you’d like to at least write the preliminary outline, I’ll see to it that the Captain knows who deserves credit…” (Reply Viskhaard) (Posted by Frank) --------------- (USSRosenante, Astrophysics Lab 1 - ACSO Lt jg Viskhard - 1302) "What kind of report?" “An outline of what we intend, and expect,” Lani’ said. “If you want me to do it, I’m sure I can find something else for you to concern yourself with. However, if you’d like to at least write the preliminary outline, I’ll see to it that the Captain knows who deserves credit…” Visk nodded, "I'm sure I can handle that. What size of team would you want on this mission?" (reply Lani) Viskhard's mind was whirring with possibilities. He didn't relish getting into one of those infernal suits, but he did relish the idea of doing something out of the ordinary. "I'll have a full report on your desk by the end of the shift." He spoke briskly and turned to his consoles in order to start right away. He'd need some input from others in the department and thought Ensign Coryn Toran, an archeologist by trade, would be useful. (reply Lani, any) (posted by Lori) --------------- (USS Rosenante, Astrophysics Lab 1, CSO Lt tlha’nISta’, 1304) "What kind of report?" Lani’ had asked. And Viskhard indicated he would undertake the project — a submission of a plan for the comet-side mission, for the Captain’s approval. Visk then asked, "What size of team would you want on this mission?" “Just two,” Lani’ answered. “Myself and whoever’s brave enough to accompany me. There is an element of risk involved, and EVA suits will certainly be involved. I personally dislike going anywhere if I have to include air among my supplies. But fortune favors the bold, does it not?” Viskhard said he’d have the report on her desk by the end of the shift. “Very good,” tlha’nISta’ said, nodding approval. “When you visit my desk, please ignore the horga'hn there…” (Reply Viskhard) (posted by Frank) --------------- (USS Rosenante, Astrophysics Lab 1 - ACSO Lt jg Viskhard - 1305) “Very good,” tlha’nISta’said, nodding approval. “When you visit my desk, please ignore the horga'hn there…” Visk's eyes widened... what would he say to Blake if she knew his department head had a horga'hn on her desk. He steadied himself on the edge of the console. "I'll do my best." (reply Lani) His mind finally kicked in with what he thought might be a brilliant idea. "Would it be possible to borrow your horga'hn at some point?" (reply Lani, any) (posted by Lori) --------------- (USS Rosenante, Astrophysics Lab 1, CSO, LT tlha’nISta’, 1307) Visk’s eyes widened at the mention of Lani’s horga’hn. The hybrid Klingon/Vulcan officer wondered what he might manage to sputter in response to this latest surprise. “I’ll do my best,” was what he answered first. This was something of a disappointment to Lanista, but he very quickly followed with "Would it be possible to borrow your horga'hn at some point?" This question actually shocked Lani’, and for a moment she could manage no response herself. Ultimately, though, she laughed heartily and clapped Visk on the back. “Mister Viskhard! Your borrowing it would clearly preclude your ignoring it, as I just asked you to,” she said, mock-scolding him. “But,” she added, through chuckles, “you may certainly borrow it! I’m not certain I want to know why, but whatever use you may put it to may result in a story worth hearing!” (Reply Visk) (Posted by Frank) --------------- (USS Rosenante, Astrophysics Lab 1 - ACSO Lt jg Viskhard - 1308) Visk staggered under the solid blow the Half Klingon gave him. He was glad that he was already against the console, or he might have ended up against another. “Mister Viskhard! Your borrowing it would clearly preclude your ignoring it, as I just asked you to,” she said, mock-scolding him. “But,” she added, through chuckles, “you may certainly borrow it! I’m not certain I want to know why, but whatever use you may put it to may result in a story worth hearing!” Visk's eyes flushed violet again in embarassment. He muttered something about a cultural experiment and hurredly turned back to his console, not sure why he had said it in the first place. (reply Lani) (posted by Lori) --------------- (USS Rosenante- Personal Quarters – Lt Jg Tayla Fraiser - Day -2 - 1328) 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- Observation Lounge - FO- Lt. Cmdr Ben Soma - 1329) 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.” Ben didn't like the sound of that, a coalition of the Federations enemies providing support to the Veil. "Let's hope that isn't the case but for the sake of argument let's say your right." Ben said. "We have to put together stating what military capabilities they posses and how they may benefit from collaborating with the Veil, possible strengths and weaknesses." 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 capabilities 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.” "What we know is contained in a data packet, from what we understand the coupe was well planned and executed quickly." Ben explained. "The Veil are pro-isolationists but they have always been peaceful. They must have had some support from their own military for things to have happened so quickly. It's hard to believe that the government would have fallen so quickly if it had the full support of it's miltary, though it is possible someone in the government became sympathetic to the Veil's cause and used their position for that end." Chance had been around for a while, he knew how things got done and how things worked. Ben remembered serving with him for a short time on the Dennison, though that period was brief Chance had shown even then he had a good understanding of the overall scheme of things. “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.” Ben nodded. "True enough." Ben said. "Earth's own history has shown us that time and again. Every politician has their own agenda, be it power, profit or or a genuine need to help others. We have to get to the bottom of this as quickly as possible, there's a lot hanging in the balance." Ben stood and crossed to look out a transparent aluminum window, the stars stretched out into long lines due to the speed at which the Rosenante was now traveling. "Why is it there's always someone willing to stir up trouble?" Ben asked rhetorically. "I'll get you the information we have on the Veil, give it a look and see what you can come up with." (reply Chance) (posted by Milo Young) --------------- (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 - Sickbay - CMO's Office - CMO Josh Caskie - Day -2 - 1333) There was a slight knocking at her office door and Josh looking up authorised whoever was outside entry. Lt Fraiser entered quietly and spoke. “I'm here. How can I help?” Josh smiled at her and offered her a seat before beginning. "Tayla you will no doubt have head the Captain's orders. I wish you to take full charge of the Rose's efforts during the rescue mission. I would like you to be in charge of any Sickbay response regarding co-ordinateing everything to do with this starting with organising the medication we might need if we need to launch a rescue mission. I suggest you liaise with Nate and Kitty regarding this since both of them have experience in this field. Further I need you to liaise with every other department on this ship since Sickbay will need to be kept informed about what SF personnel on planet have been found and who needs to be beamed aboard and when. You will have to decide given our existing triage system who of the wounded needs immediate treatment and who can wait. You will also have to decide, on which refugees need to be beamed up first, and who are in a safe enough position to be left where they are at present. You will probably need to work with Ops and the Quartermaster's Office to find space for the civilian refugees from the planet once they are beamed aboard and you will also need to make sure that no-one beamed up from the planets brings up any diseases that we cannot cope with. I know that this is a rather large amount of work, but I would not ask you to take this on if I did not believe that you could do it." "There is a briefing at 1600. Go away and come back with some thoughts on this. It need not be your entire thoughts at present just a rough idea." (reply Tayla) (Posted by Marilyn) --------------- (USS Rosenante - Sickbay - CMO's Office - aCMO Lt Jg Tayla Fraiser - Day -2 - 1335) "Tayla you will no doubt have head the Captain's orders. I wish you to take full charge of the Rose's efforts during the rescue mission. I would like you to be in charge of any Sickbay response regarding co-ordinateing everything to do with this starting with organising the medication we might need if we need to launch a rescue mission. I suggest you liaise with Nate and Kitty regarding this since both of them have experience in this field. Further I need you to liaise with every other department on this ship since Sickbay will need to be kept informed about what SF personnel on planet have been found and who needs to be beamed aboard and when. You will have to decide given our existing triage system who of the wounded needs immediate treatment and who can wait. You will also have to decide, on which refugees need to be beamed up first, and who are in a safe enough position to be left where they are at present. You will probably need to work with Ops and the Quartermaster's Office to find space for the civilian refugees from the planet once they are beamed aboard and you will also need to make sure that no-one beamed up from the planets brings up any diseases that we cannot cope with. I know that this is a rather large amount of work, but I would not ask you to take this on if I did not believe that you could do it." "There is a briefing at 1600. Go away and come back with some thoughts on this. It need not be your entire thoughts at present just a rough idea." It took her a moment to realise what Josh was telling her. She was taking full charge of the sickbay efforts in helping these people. After a second, she rested her hands on the desk and said, “Are you sure? I mean, after everything that's happened, are you honestly sure you want to trust me with this?” (Reply Caskie) Taking a deep breath, she nodded and said, “Then I shall endevour to not let you down on this front. Thankyou.” (Reply Caskie) Fingering the Padd she had brought with her, she said, “There is something else. You asked me to return with my request in writing.... so......” she bit her bottom lip a moment and then handed the Padd over to Josh and said, “I am sorry for before. Everything has been so mixed up lately.” (Reply Caskie) A small smile crept over her face as she replied, “Perhaps, after this is over, you would like to take dinner with a crazy lady and put the world to rights?” (Reply Caskie) Tayla stood and said, “I shall. Thankyou once again” --------------- (USS Rosenante - Sickbay - CMO's Office - CMO - Cmdr Josh Caskie - Day -2 - 1337) “Are you sure? I mean, after everything that's happened, are you honestly sure you want to trust me with this?” Josh paused for a while and looked across at Tayla. Taking a deep breath she smiled at her. "Tayla, let's be totally honest here. After what happened the last time there is no way that I would authorise you as fit to go on any away team, so there is no way apart from the Captain or FO overriding my decision that you will get on to this planet. I am giving you a way to make a substantial contribution to what happens there. Do you wish to do so yes or no?" Taking a deep breath, she nodded and said, “Then I shall endevour to not let you down on this front. Thank you.” Josh smiled at her again. "No Tayla I don't believe you will." Fingering the Padd she had brought with her, she said, “There is something else. You asked me to return with my request in writing.... so......” she bit her bottom lip a moment and then handed the Padd over to Josh and said, “I am sorry for before. Everything has been so mixed up lately.” Josh took the padd and quickly read it smiling. Looking up at her ACMO Josh grinned. "Well this certainly all seems to be in order. It will take all of five minutes to do the procedure so why don't we just do it now?" A small smile crept over Tayla's face as she replied, “Perhaps, after this is over, you would like to take dinner with a crazy lady and put the world to rights?” Josh grinned. "By all means. If you can find me a crazy lady she's welcome to join us for dinner." Tayla stood and said, “I shall. Thank you once again” (No reply needed) --------------- (USS Rosenante, Bridge, CSO, Lt. tlha’nISta’, Day -2, 1345) “With respect, Captain,” Lani’ had said moments ago, “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.” The CO nodded – a sign of affirmation among Humans; of submission among Klingons. The Captain said, "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." Lanista was puzzled by the addendum. ‘In addition to’ was superior to ‘in lieu of’, to Lani’s way of thinking. ~Wait, I am permitted to carry MORE than the standard…?~ Half-Vulcan though she was, tlha’nISta’ could not wholly wrap her head around the concept of being ‘too prepared.’ With the Captain’s blessing, tlha’nISta’ departed the Bridge for her quarters as she softly said, “ghajwI' nIv law'ba’ ghajbe'wI' nIv Pus.” In essence, ‘it is better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it.’ She had never scene the ship’s arsenal, and doubted – in her (half-)Klingon heart – whether the vessel had any such compartment actually worthy of the name. However, she knew that her personal billet was more than adequately eaqupiped to furnish ‘defensive’ materials for nearly a full squad. A full squad of Klingons, though. There were only 3 weapons in Lanista’s possession that the Captain would authorize. He had earlier approved her wearing the ahn-woon as a belt. Logically, this would not immediately appear to be a weapon. Salid had now added her TR-116 and UFP-issue kabar to the list. Everything else in her arsenal was Klingon in origin, with the following exceptions: She had A Breen CRM-114, a Dreman SItlhHar blaster, and three other Vulcan weapons – a trillpa, a khaiya (archery bow), and a lirpa. The Breen and Dreman weapons were family war-prizes, taken in battles long prior to the House Feud with Qurta. The Vulcan weapons were part of Lani’s inheritance – from when her mother had passed. Lanista affixed the kabar to the TR-116 as a bayonet. She had not too long ago developed an affection for bayonets. She then slung the armament and left her quarters to resume her duty station. She eagerly hoped for an opportunity to repel boarders, but she also thought she was probably the solitary being aboard the Rosenante who had this desire. "Fortunately, there is no such thing as Fate by Majority Rule…" she said as she made her way back toward the Bridge. (Reply any/none needed) (Posted by Frank) --------------- (USS Rosenante - Observation Lounge - COUNS Parker Davis - Day -2 - 1623) When those present began talking about the prospect of military action, and how diplomacy would be attempted first, Davis chimed in. "Sirs," he said, "I've compiled something of a group profile for the Veil of the Sky, based on their leadership and their past actions, and based on the actions of similar groups in Federation and Aquillian history. The profile will continue to mature as I get more information, particularly about the individuals running the show, but as it stands right now, I concur with the opinion that they are getting some kind of outside help, and I will go one step further to say that it's unlikely we'll get through this without some kind of significant violence from their side. My reasoning is this," he stated, making eye contact with all in the room, "Whether or not they are being financed or directly assisted by another power, they have been frustrated by their political process. They were unable to make the changes they saw as necessary for Aquillian survival. They see the Federation as an encroachment not only on their territory but on their culture. It's a classic insurgency that we're seeing here. If they're smart, or if their benefactors are smart, then they won't publicly execute anyone, they won't publicly harm anyone at all, because they'll understand that in classic a classic battle between an existing government and insurgents, it's not how many of each other they kill, it's who the public supports, that determines the victor. There will always be more public than there will insurgents or government, which means that either the insurgents will become successful in winning their hearts and minds, or they will be forced to settle for just their minds by coercing them into believing that they are only safe by siding with the insurgents, not with the government. If they're not smart enough to realize that, then they'll most likely end up escalating violence in public. Either way, they *will* escalate violence. Their disenchantment with the political process and their feelings of being threatened by the Federation will only increase with our arrival, especially because our arrival is very public. Those that they haven't managed to locate yet will be hunted down, and those that they have managed to locate might be killed. But they will become paranoid. It's possible that they will feel the need to display their power with a terrorist attack. It's equally possible that they'll keep their violent action secret, hoping to convince the public that they're in the right and that the Federation is the invader. They may organize protests or rallies that could turn into violent and deadly riots. But as you see with any crime, after a positive reinforcement such as the successful capture of a planet's government, they will only escalate." His monologue over, Parker sat back and awaited feedback on his profile. (reply any) (posted by Morgan G) --------------- (USS Rosenante, Observation Lounge - CSO tlha'nISta' - 1625) In response to Nayeli saying, "Captain, I'm sure this is all talk that will be considered only after Directive 010 has been exhausted?" Lanista couldn't help but grumble somewhat contemptuously: "tlhIngan wo' Daq ra' wa'DIch 'oHbe'..." It was one of those 'did-I-say-that-or-just-think-it' moments. The CSO hoped no one would respond. (reply any/none) (posted by Frank) NRPG: The phrase means, "In the Empire, there is no Prime Directive!" --------------- (USS Rosenante - Observation Lounge - CMO - Cmdr Josh Caskie - Day -2 - 1627) Josh had simply sat and listened to the briefing and the various bits of conversations that had broken out regarding information that had surfaced. One comment from Mr Rosenbauer had simply made her smile. However she would correct his and the Captains misassumption once she gave her report. Mr Maddox's comments regarding use of nanites had sent a shiver down Josh's spine, given her last two run ins with these insidious little beasties. However she could not argue that his plan was not indeed a stroke of genius and finally when there was a lull in the conversation Josh put her padd down on the table with an audible click that caught everyone's attention and, before anyone else could begin talking again, she began her report. Quickly flashing Mike a smile by way of apology she began. "Firstly on a lighter note, whilst I am quite happy to take the credit on behalf of all Scots for any benefit the Federation garners from what we as a race do I feel it my duty to point out that Ms McNulty, the owner of Atlantis Station, is actually Irish. Close cousins indeed, however I'm fairly sure she wouldn't be too happy to be called a Scot. Smiling slightly Josh immediately moved on. "I must admit that I think Ensign Maddox's plan is excellent and I do think that if we decide on this, Lt thla'nISta' should indeed be allowed to pilot her own ship. She knows how to fly it best and will make it more believable that this is simply a Klingon scouting out what is happening and finding out how the Klingons can turn this to their own advantage." Turning to the new Science Chief Josh smiled. "No offence intended Lieutenant. I simply think you would make this more believable and make it easier for all of us." "Now, as for Sickbay's role in this. I have put Lt Fraiser in charge of the rescue mission and you will all need to liaise with her regarding Sickbay's role in this. Also she will keep in close contact with everyone else, both on and eventually off the ship to make sure that everything runs smoothly. Please do her the courtesy of keeping in close contact with her at all times." That is all I have to say at present, but perhaps the Lieutenant may well have something to add to this." (Reply Tayla iyw) (you can add anything you want here Jackie) (posted by Marilyn) --------------- (USS Rosenante- Observation Lounge – ATAC Ensign (sg) Jessica Signos – 1628) Jessica listened to the rest of the briefing in silence it was clear the Captain understood what she meant for a covert operation with the ghost suits to find the federation hostages. She knew she pointed out some hard facts about the mission but they, everyone needed to know what they were going into. Jessica was slightly put out that the fact the Captain gave her the task of ship security. In the grand scheme of things it was just another way of saying. 'I don't trust you with anything more important.' True it may be a needed duty but not one she cared to be stuck with. She listened has Lt.Parker gave his profile of the Veil and Jessica only thought was that it would help support her earlier statement that a swift covert operation would be needed. As soon as the Rosenanate showed up any hopes of talking will be with a blade at those hostages neck.Jessica knew the Captain did not want to use technology gained from such a source has Section 31, but if one was to look past pride or in her case Lily. They would be able to see it would be the route of less bloodshed and loss of life, to see it dismissed so easily hurt Jessica. ~Is that all people see when they look at me now is Lily~ She allowed herself to wonder. She needed more answers, to the mounting pile of questions that filled her mind. (posted by Matthew Locke) (reply none) --------------- (USS Rosenante - Observation Lounge - aCMO - Lt jg Tayla Fraiser - Day -2 - 1631) "Now, as for Sickbay's role in this. I have put Lt Fraiser in charge of the rescue mission and you will all need to liaise with her regarding Sickbay's role in this. Also she will keep in close contact with everyone else, both on and eventually off the ship to make sure that everything runs smoothly. Please do her the courtesy of keeping in close contact with her at all times." That is all I have to say at present, but perhaps the Lieutenant may well have something to add to this." Taking a breath, Tayla nodded and said, “I have gone over our current emergency evacuation protocols and determined that they should be sufficient for the mission ahead. If any of you are unsure of what these are, then please feel free to ask either myself or Commander Caskie. As for Triage... There is a simple system in place. Those that are not wounded will be evacuated last. Those that have minor injuries... broken bones, cuts and scrapes etc will be next. The most critical patients, those in immediate need of a sickbay should be evacuated first. These will be given the highest priority. If any of those that are not injured wish to be evacuated then it should be the elderly and those families with children that come up first. Perhaps we should make sure we have enough room in the cargo bays for this?” (Reply anyone) “There is one last thing. I need a list of all Rosenante crew that will be beaming down to the planet. From every department head. A full list and no 'I'll be taking three crew.' . These people are in need of our help. Lets give them the best that Starfleet can offer.” (Reply Anyone) (Posted by Jackie Smith) --------------- (USS Rosenante- Observation Lounge- CO, Captain Ahmed Ibn Salid, Day -2, 1645) When Maddox spoke up, wishing to speak, Ahmed nodded his consent. “ 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," replied Lani' "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." There was a simplicity to the way that Maddox outlined his plan that Ahmed had to appreciate. It was a simple concept more difficult to implement, but worthwhile if it achieved even a portion of his objectives. Apparently he was not the only one that thought it held merit. "ghuy'cha'!" escaped Lani's lips, apparently a term of admiration. "But it is good as far as it goes. The Captain has not authorized its 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." "It has potential to yield us a great deal of tactical intelligence." Ahmed commented then. "Lieutenant Maddox, Provided Lanista agrees, I want you to work together to make the adjustments needed to field your nanite system you'll have until we arrive to simulate and test the system. I want the payload capacity limited, to one torpedo per ship plus one additional round. You'll have to be absolutely certain that your nanites will perform only the tasks we've determined and nothing else. If there is any chance at all of them failing to operate completely as decided, the mission will be scrapped. Is that understood? If you require additional help, coordinate with Commander Matrix." (reply Lanista, Maddox) Next up was Tom, with concerns. "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 "Diplomacy will be our first course of action, all attempts will be made to reason with the Veil." Ben explained. "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." Obviously satisfied with the answer, Jackson then went on to report on his department's progress. " As ordered, replicator use has been 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. Lieutenant Commander Matrix will have the technical specifications and our joint recommendations a bit later." Tom stated. "Two more items if I may? " "Continue." Ahmed replied. "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. "By all means." Ben replied. "I'll leave it to you and Lieutenant Sanok to work out." "Yes, an excellent idea." Ahmed agreed. "He liked the fact that Soma, like T'Larah wasn't shy about getting involved in the briefings, it made his job that much easier. "This mission is a tricky matter from all angles. Even from the limited intelligence reports we have," Jessica added next, "I feel it's 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 their government can claim that they have no part in "If we turn this into a military action it will give whatever supporter to the Veil an 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 then 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 doubt use the Federation citizens they have hostage as a bargaining tool to further their goals. We must remember that any person that is being used has a hostage is a noncombatant and has no rank...." "I bring this up because if we have to go after them or when we open up a communication channel the Veil might use 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 before continuing. "Now thanks to the owner of the Atlantis station we will have at least a strong position 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, as I'm sure our resident Ranger will agree with me on this." Ahmed noticed Mike nod his agreement. " I would like to suggest, Signos continued, "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 hostages, mark them with locator tags so the Rosenante can beam them to safety." Ahmed's eyes narrowed for a brief, almost imperceptible moment, before he spoke. "I will consider your plan. once we have more data available to us, I'll determine the need for such action. Covert military action, in this instance, will be kept to a minimum, as our presence here must be public and diplomacy must be our first and best chance for resolution of this matter." "If I may, the desalinization plants would be a prime target for the Veil, if they have any brains. If we can control the majority of those - or render them useless to the uprisers we will bring the situation to a close much more quickly and have more footing for negotiations." Viskhard added. "A very good point mister Viskhard, one that will be readily considered. Any military action by us to sieze them, however, could create a conflict that could destroy them or damage them leaving hundreds of thousands or perhaps millions of Aquillians without water. They are indeed, a valuable asset, but we do want the Aquillians to be somewhat receptive to us when this is all over with." Ahmed commented, "for now, operation concerns for capturing said planst will be tabled, although I would encourage you to do some research and see if you can find a means to gain control in a manner that will forego military operations." (reply Viskhard) "Captain, I'm sure this is all talk that will be considered only after Directive 010 has been exhausted?" Nayeli inquired. He heard a grumble from his new Klingon officer. Ahmed nodded, "As stated, our mission here is the safe return of our people, not the restoration of the Aquillian Government. We will be conducting Diplomatic negotiations, setting up defensive perimeters to safeguard our citizens and any other refugees seeking aid, and those will be our primary mission goals. We will not be conducting military operations save those that are required to support the immediate safety, well-being and security of innocent non-combatants. Offensive military operations will be conducted only as a last resort." "However, " Ahmed added, his voice taking on a hard edge, "if Diplomatic solutions are not successful and I deem it necessary to use military force to complete the objectives of this mission, then I will do so. The Aquillian government in exile is the government currently recognized by the Federation, not the Veil of the Sky. I will use whatever, reasonable means I require to see this mission completed." Then true to her nature, Caskie jumped into the discussion, which as always was a very good thing considering all the seriousness of the conversation. "Firstly on a lighter note, whilst I am quite happy to take the credit on behalf of all Scots for any benefit the Federation garners from what we as a race do I feel it my duty to point out that Ms McNulty, the owner of Atlantis Station, is actually Irish. Close cousins indeed, however I'm fairly sure she wouldn't be too happy to be called a Scot." Smiling slightly Josh immediately moved on. "I must admit that I think Ensign Maddox's plan is excellent and I do think that if we decide on this, Lt thla'nISta' should indeed be allowed to pilot her own ship. She knows how to fly it best and will make it more believable that this is simply a Klingon scouting out what is happening and finding out how the Klingons can turn this to their own advantage." Turning to the new Science Chief Josh smiled. "No offence intended Lieutenant. I simply think you would make this more believable and make it easier for all of us." "Now, as for Sickbay's role in this. I have put Lt Fraiser in charge of the rescue mission and you will all need to liaise with her regarding Sickbay's role in this. Also she will keep in close contact with everyone else, both on and eventually off the ship to make sure that everything runs smoothly. Please do her the courtesy of keeping in close contact with her at all times." That is all I have to say at present, but perhaps the Lieutenant may well have something to add to this." With that Caskie turned the floor over to Fraiser. Taking a breath, Tayla nodded and said, “I have gone over our current emergency evacuation protocols and determined that they should be sufficient for the mission ahead. If any of you are unsure of what these are, then please feel free to ask either myself or Commander Caskie. As for Triage... There is a simple system in place. Those that are not wounded will be evacuated last. Those that have minor injuries... broken bones, cuts and scrapes etc will be next. The most critical patients, those in immediate need of a sickbay, should be evacuated first. These will be given the highest priority. If any of those that are not injured wish to be evacuated then it should be the elderly and those families with children that come up first. Perhaps we should make sure we have enough room in the cargo bays for this?” Ahmed turned to Jackson and Matrix, "Mister matrix, mister Jackson, You have two days to rig the Rosenante to fulfill her maximum evacuation capacity. Convert all cargo bays, unused shuttle bays, holodecks and the marine deck to receive refugees. I want mobile emergency shelters replicated and prepared to be sent down to the surface of the planet upon our arrival. In addition stockpile any materials necessary to set up a refugee camp planetside. We will need a place to screen and process refugees, Lieutenant Fraiser and Davis will be glad to help you with anything you require for such a camp. I want as much of it prepared for transport to the surface as possible. As we may need the runabouts for operations, I want three runabouts on standby at all times. We will also require two holodecks for critical simulations." (reply Jackson, Matrix) "There is one last thing. I need a list of all Rosenante crew that will be beaming down to the planet. From every department head. A full list and no 'I'll be taking three crew.' . These people are in need of our help. Let's give them the best that Starfleet can offer." Ahmed nodded, "Once away teams are decided, Lieutenant, Away team commanders will provide you with a complete list of personnel, prior to disembarking from the ship, no exceptions." (reply Fraiser) "Now, we have a great many busy days ahead of us, so here is the final rundown of tasks. Prior to arrival, the ship is to be converted into evacuation configuration. Preparations for the deployment of a refugee camp will be made, and upon our arrival and the location of a suitable location, we will establish one. This will mean that Mister Sanok will need to coordinate security details to keep those facilities secure. Sanok will hold overall operational security command rank during this operation, he will answer to only myself and commander Soma on matters of Security." (reply Sanok) "Mister Lanista, I want you and Maddox, along with any additional crew you require to help you, start the testing, programming and refit of your ship in order to best utilize her should the need arise. Barring that possibility, I want you to be prepared to lead rescue patrols into the Beta Aquillian capital as needed." (reply Lanista) "Rosenbauer and Raschen will be responsible for reconning possible locations for our ambassador and her staff, along with any other hostages. Once they locate her, a military plan will be drawn up to be implemented in the event that negotiations are unsuccessful." (reply Raschen) "Aye, sir." Mike replied. "Jackson and Parker, You will be responsible for setting up and administering the refugee camp. there will be a lot of people with special needs, we'll need to see to them. You two will be under Fraiser's direct command, as she will be overseeing the extended evacuation mission." (reply Parker, Jackson) "Commander Caskie, and Lieutenant O'Neill, will be responsible for the establishment of a planet side command center. I'd like to see what we can do to set one up at the Atlantis, provided that we can convince the owner of the need. If we can put some administration into place that would be very helpful." (reply O'Neill, Caskie) "Mister Soma will be responsible for the Diplomatic aspect of the mission. He is authorized to tap any officer or crew needed to facilitate that goal, so make yourself available should it be necessary." (reply Soma) "Mister Signos, will maintain ship's security, while we take on refugees." (reply Signos) "Mister Matrix, you will be responsible for supporting anything and everything as needed, from civil support for the camps, to operational military support. I'd like for you to see about getting a hold of some of the hardware that the veil are using and figuring out where it comes from." (reply Matrix) "We have a lot to do and a not a lot of time to do it. We are expected to arrive in roughly 4 days, so that's how much time you have to get your preparations completed. I will expect regular reports every four hours starting at 2000 hours. You do not need to report in person, and I fully expect you all to utilize your staff and delegate as needed. I need everyone at their best." "Are there any other concerns, comments or questions before I dismiss this briefing?" (reply All) Daniel Greene --------------- (USS Rosenante- Observation Lounge- QM/Strat Ops- Lieutenant Chance Raschen- 1646) Raschen sat at the conference table, listening and preparing. Doing his customary thing of waiting until atleast three quarters of the conversation had passed before he said anything. There were things said that he agreed with and just as many other things that he disagreed with. Still he took it all in and even made a note here and there. He agreed that trying to use a military solution was not the way to go, but disagreed that diplomacy would prevail. The Captain had made his disitions and started giving out assignments. When he came to ‘Team R&R’ Salid stated "Rosenbauer and Raschen will be responsible for reconning possible locations for our ambassador and her staff, along with any other hostages. Once they locate her, a military plan will be drawn up to be implemented in the event that negotiations are unsuccessful." "Aye, sir." Mike replied. “Roger that sir. I have an idea I’d like to go over with you after this sir.” Chance figured he would get the CO, FO, and Mike together after the meting to pitch his idea of him and Mike going undercover as reps from a covert corporate backer and ask about using the Captain’s Yacht as transportation. (Reply Salid, Rosenbauer iyw, Soma iyw) (Posted by Charlie) --------------- (USS Rosenante- Observation Lounge- COPS, LT. Tom Jackson , Day -2, 1647) Tom listen and grudgingly admitted Ben was born to the job of FO. Captain Salid made his decisions and issued his orders. Tom's were "Mister matrix, mister Jackson, You have two days to rig the Rosenante to fulfill her maximum evacuation capacity. Convert all cargo bays, unused shuttle bays, holodecks and the marine deck to receive refugees. I want mobile emergency shelters replicated and prepared to be sent down to the surface of the planet upon our arrival. In addition stockpile any materials necessary to set up a refugee camp planetside. We will need a place to screen and process refugees, Lieutenant Fraiser and Davis will be glad to help you with anything you require for such a camp. I want as much of it prepared for transport to the surface as possible. As we may need the runabouts for operations, I want three runabouts on standby at all times. We will also require two holodecks for critical simulations." Steve and Tom replied "Aye Captain". The two friends were busily making notes on thier padds. Both men knew these orders meant long hours but the skipper decided this was what needed to be done and they'd bust a gut to give him what he asked for. Tom sent a message to his staff to meet with him after he was done with the briefing. (Reply: None ) (Posted by: Bill W.) --------------- (USS Rosenante - Observation Lounge - ACEO Lt Eian O'Neill - Day -2 - 1648) Eian was mostly silent during the meeting, spending the time playing with his PADD and 'sketching' out tactical scenarios as people spoke. He took their information into account and was forming thoughts in his head about how the Veil of the Sky might be capable of such a thing, given the data packets they had gone through. Then it came time for mission assignments, and Eian was thrilled to hear the Captain say, "Commander Caskie, and Lieutenant O'Neill, will be responsible for the establishment of a planet side command center. I'd like to see what we can do to set one up at the Atlantis, provided that we can convince the owner of the need. If we can put some administration into place that would be very helpful." "Yes, Sir," Eian said eagerly. He had wanted a chance at this for quite a while, and on a mission as important as this one, which drew upon his tactical training, he was determined to excel. (reply Caskie) (posted by Morgan G) --------------- (USS Rosenante, Observation Lounge, CSO, LT tlha’nISta’, Day -2, 1649) "’It has potential to yield us a great deal of tactical intelligence…’" was actually the last comment tlha’nISta’ expected the Captain to make. There were several potential sticking points — all of which he’d overlooked. ~To pull off such a demonstrably Klingon attack, I will have to fight only as a Klingon would. That will potentially lead to a dispute with the Captain during any debriefing afterward.~ Lani’ suppressed her inner debate as the Captain went on: "Lieutenant Maddox, provided Lanista agrees, I want you to work together to make the adjustments needed to field your nanite system you'll have until we arrive to simulate and test the system. I want the payload capacity limited, to one torpedo per ship plus one additional round. You'll have to be absolutely certain that your nanites will perform only the tasks we've determined and nothing else. If there is any chance at all of them failing to operate completely as decided, the mission will be scrapped. Is that understood? If you require additional help, coordinate with Commander Matrix." Since Maddox was addressed first, Lani’ thought he should reply. When he was finished, she added, “Captain, of course I agree. Maddox may make whatever additions to the maQmIgh he needs to. These nanites, however, must appear to be of Klingon origin … in case they are found and analyzed later by our adversaries. However, while I think you already know, I can — and will — fight as a Klingon during this theoretically last-ditch effort, I would like to suggest that I must also be dressed as a Klingon. There may be a need for opening hailing frequencies. I can hardly respond to queries in Starfleet … pajamas…” Though she wore a Starfleet uniform, she still had rather a great deal of disdain for the tailoring of the garment. “In the unlikely event I am captured, too, I must keep up the appearance of being my own agent.” (reply Salid/any) Lanista listened as several other officers gave their presentations. She very much liked the idea of a ‘series of intruder alert drills.’ That sounded like a great deal of fun. Her delight at the prospect was diminished somewhat at Jessica’s mention of Cardassians AND Romulans. ~One usually doesn’t mention them so casually in the same breath…~ “qarDaSnganpu' tImuS... rIHanSunganpu' tImuS...” Lani’ grumbled, somewhat more audibly than she intended. Fortunately the meeting went on without the other officers letting this becoming too much of a disruption. Perhaps it was the suggestion that an away-team move ‘ghost-like behind enemy lines’ that diverted attention from tlha’nISta’s outburst. ~’Ghost-like…?’ Sounds a bit too Romulan…~ Lani’ listened further, actually holding one index finger horizontally along her mouth to keep quiet. It was a Vulcan habit. Humans did much the same sometimes, but with the finger vertically across the mouth… which seemed rather less effective. Ultimately, someone identifying themself as a ‘Scot’ and expressing pride at this spoke up. Lani’ had heard of Scots, as had her father QolloH. QolloH had always told tales that he’d met one — a Scot, that is — and that meeting had been the cause of tlha’nISta’s father adopting a strange garment for his daily wear. NRPG: QolloH has a ST:F wiki entry. Here’s the pic: http://www.startrekfreedom.com/wiki/images/1/1c/QolloH.JPG RPG: Josh said, "…I do think that if we decide on this, Lt thla'nISta' should indeed be allowed to pilot her own ship. She knows how to fly it best and will make it more believable that this is simply a Klingon scouting out what is happening and finding out how the Klingons can turn this to their own advantage.” Turning to the new Science Chief Josh smiled. "No offence intended Lieutenant. I simply think you would make this more believable and make it easier for all of us." Lani’ smiled back. She rarely showed teeth when doing so. Her herbivore’s dentition made her self-conscious. This time, however, she grinned broadly. She liked the ‘Scot’ and the effort to pronounce tlha’nISta’ correctly. ~Perhaps bloodwine with this one later…~ A few other members of Staff had their contributions, to which Lani’ listened but had nothing to add. The mention of holodecks annoyed her. She didn’t care much for the things. They were a pointless waste of space on a warship. If they had to be present at all, they could be better utilized. One could relatively easily be combined with an industrial replicator. A replicator, at least, was useful - though only industrially, not for food. The two systems shared many similar components. For that matter, transporters used a lot of the same sub-assemblies. ~A repli-porter… now that would be something!~ As the meeting seemed to be drawing to a close, the Captain addressed tlha’nISta’ directly once more. "Mister Lanista, I want you and Maddox, along with any additional crew you require to help you, start the testing, programming and refit of your ship in order to best utilize her should the need arise. Barring that possibility, I want you to be prepared to lead rescue patrols into the Beta Aquillian capital as needed." “yajchu’!” Lani’ said. It was a response of respect. She liked this Captain. Realizing she’d replied in Klingon, she translated: “'Understood, clearly, sir.' I am prepared to do that already, Captain.” Finally, the Captain made his gambit to end the meeting by asking, "Are there any other concerns, comments or questions before I dismiss this briefing?" Lani’ felt she had already expressed her concerns, some of them involuntarily. She waited for the formality of ‘You’re dismissed.’ before she would move to stand. She did, though, make a hand gesture toward Maddox meaning they needed to confer immediately after the meeting. (reply any) (Posted by Frank) --------------- (USS Rosenante - Observation Lounge - CMO - Cmdr Josh Caskie - Day -2 - 1650) Josh listened intently whilst the Captain outlined her task. "Commander Caskie, and Lieutenant O'Neill, will be responsible for the establishment of a planet side command center. I'd like to see what we can do to set one up at the Atlantis, provided that we can convince the owner of the need. If we can put some administration into place that would be very helpful." Making various notes on her padd Josh merely nodded her head at present to accept that she knew exactly what the Captain expected her to do. What she and O'Neill had been assigned wasn't exactly an easy thing to do. They had to put together an entire Command Bunker and structure. Assemble it on ship and have it ready to be shipped planet side as soon as a staging site was found. Josh agreed with the Captain in that Atlantis Station was indeed the best site for this, given that it had its own power, water and other utilities and that would mean that half of their job would already have been done for them, in that they would only have to secure one site but that depended on whether or not they could contact Atlantis, whether or not it had already been taken over, and if not, whether or not the owner would allow them to use the hotel. It was the ideal staging area for a Command Bunker given that it was indeed a wholly self sufficient habitat and Josh decided then and there that this was indeed the best place to locate any Command centre on the planet. That choice made Josh looked up. "I might need a few members of security to beam down to the hotel with us if Atlantis is our first choice. Until I hear from them I have no idea what I will find there." (Reply any) (Posted by Marilyn) --------------- (USS Rosenante - Observation Lounge - Cmdr Josh Caskie - Day -2 - 1651) When the Captain gave Josh and Eian their orders Josh simply watched and smiled as the Lieutenant eagerly replied. ~Oh dear lord was I ever that young and eager.~ Josh thought to herself. The voice that lived in the back of her head laughed and finally replied. ~Oh yes you were. And all you said was 'Yes Sir and how high?~ Smiling to herself Josh turned to Lt Fraiser and Parker. "Would it be possible for you to work out of Mr Parker's office at present so that Lt O'Neill and I can work in the CMO's Office? If you can't we will find somewhere else to work, no problems." (Reply Fraizer, Parker) Turning her gaze on O'Neill she smiled at him. "My office, 10 minutes. Bring any ideas you have no matter how crazy. At this stage I'm more than willing to entertain crazy." (Reply O'Neill) (posted by Marilyn) --------------- (USS Rosenante – Observation Lounge – Science Officer – Ensign JG Andrew Maddox – 1652) “….provided Lanista agrees, I want you to work together to make the adjustments needed to field your nanite system you'll have until we arrive to simulate and test the system. I want the payload capacity limited, to one torpedo per ship plus one additional round. You'll have to be absolutely certain that your nanites will perform only the tasks we've determined and nothing else. If there is any chance at all of them failing to operate completely as decided, the mission will be scrapped. Is that understood? If you require additional help, coordinate with Commander Matrix." The Captain instructed. “Perfectly clear, sir. I don’t believe I’ll need Commander Matrix’ help. Between the Lieutenant’s Knowledge of her own vessel and my capabilities we should be able to complete the project. Should we need additional man power I will send the proper request to Commander Matrix through the Lieutenant.” He responded. When Andrew was finished, the Lieutenant added, “Captain, of course I agree. Maddox may make whatever additions to the maQmIgh he needs to. These nanites, however, must appear to be of Klingon origin … in case they are found and analyzed later by our adversaries. However, while I think you already know, I can — and will — fight as a Klingon during this theoretically last-ditch effort, I would like to suggest that I must also be dressed as a Klingon. There may be a need for opening hailing frequencies. I can hardly respond to queries in Starfleet … pajamas…” Though she wore a Starfleet uniform, she still had rather a great deal of disdain for the tailoring of the garment. “In the unlikely event I am captured, too, I must keep up the appearance of being my own agent.” (Reply any @ briefing) (Posted by Todd) --------------- (USS Rosenante - Observation Lounge - aCMO Lt Jg Tayla Fraiser - Day -2 – 1653) "Would it be possible for you to work out of Mr Parker's office at present so that Lt O'Neill and I can work in the CMO's Office? If you can't we will find somewhere else to work, no problems." Turning to Parker, Tayla smiled and said, “I'm sure that will be fine.” Glancing over to Lt. Jackson, she said, “Lieutenant, I'd like to meet with both yourself and Counselor Parker in 15 minutes in his office.” (Reply Jackson) “Thankyou. Please bring any ideas or suggestions you might have.” (Reply Jackson) Turning back to Parker, she whispered, softly, “Don't leave me, please.” She gripped his hand, under the table, hard. Being in this large a group was a little frightening to her, even though they were all her shipmates, it still terrified her. (Reply Davis) Smiling softly, she said, “I know.” (Reply Jackson, Davis) (Posted by Jackie Smith) --------------- (USS Rosenante - Observation Lounge - ACEO Lt Eian O'Neill - Day - 2 - 1654) "My office, 10 minutes," Caskie ordered him. "Bring any ideas you have no matter how crazy. At this stage I'm more than willing to entertain crazy." "Aye, Sir," he said with enthusiasm, and as the meeting concluded, he found himself nearly bouncing on his heels at the prospect of setting up a command base on this planet. He wasn't sure why Caskie seemed to have an attitude about this mission that things had already gotten 'to the stage' where she could 'entertain crazy'--in his opinion, things had certainly gotten out of hand on the planet but it wasn't anything new in terms of military strategy or history. However, he was encouraged by her attitude, as his creative mind thrived on 'crazy' ideas. He couldn't wait to get started. --------------- (USS Rosenante - Observation Lounge - COUNS Parker Davis - Day - 2 - 1655) "Would it be possible for you to work out of Mr Davis's office at present so that Lt O'Neill and I can work in the CMO's Office? If you can't we will find somewhere else to work, no problems," Josh asked. Turning to Parker, Tayla smiled and said, “I'm sure that will be fine.” Glancing over to Lt. Jackson, she said, “Lieutenant, I'd like to meet with both yourself and Counselor Davis in 15 minutes in his office.” (Reply Jackson) “Thank you. Please bring any ideas or suggestions you might have.” (Reply Jackson) Turning back to Parker, she whispered, softly, “Don't leave me, please.” She gripped his hand, under the table, hard. Being in this large a group was a little frightening to her, even though they were all her shipmates, it still terrified her. Parker placed his other hand over both of theirs and gave them a quick squeeze before releasing her hand and whispering, "It's going to be okay." He wasn't sure what to say. Jackson and he would be going down to the planet and setting up a refugee camp, something he was familiar with doing, as a counselor. He had worked in many refugee camps and understood how they were run and what the dangers, problems, and necessities were. His expertise would be needed and there was no question that Tayla would have to function on the ship without him. He would have to leave her. Smiling softly, she said, to his relief, “I know.” Parker nodded and as they were dismissed, he stood. He nodded his head to Tayla so that they could walk out together. --------------- (USS Rosenante – Observation Lounge – Science Officer – Ensign JG Andrew Maddox - 1657) After the conclusion of the briefing and the formal declaration of the Captain, the new Science chief waived Andrew over, presumably to speak with him. It was only now that Andrew got to see how tall she really was. She towered almost a full meter over him. Andrew couldn’t remember any time anyone was that much taller than him. ~Oh, except maybe Lt Xim.~ he thought off-handedly. “Was there anything specific, sir? I will need either detailed schematics or detailed scans of your craft before I begin my work.” He said. (reply Lt. Lanista) (Posted by Todd) --------------- (USS Rosenante – Observation Lounge – CSO – LT tlha’nISta’ - 1659) Maddox, in contrast, to Viskhard, responded to Lani’s stature not with fear but possible wonder. ~This one isn’t intimidated…~ “maDDotlh,” Lani’ said, stumbling her way through ‘Maddox’ with a tongue that had formed almost exclusively Klingon words for half a decade. “You have real dirt under your fingernails,” she said approvingly, using the literal content of a Klingon idiom. (reply Maddox) “Was there anything specific, sir?” he asked. ‘Sir’, in reference to a woman. That was a Starfleet tradition Lanista had always found difficult to accept, even back aboard the ill-fated USS Dennison. In the Empire, she’d been called joHbe’, or “Lady.” It was an honorific difficult to not still be hearing. Otherwise, she liked this officer. He was direct and innovative. While it was her suggestion to make use of the maQmIgh, this officer had on the spur of the moment devised a nearly-operational plan. Maddox stated, “I will need either detailed schematics or detailed scans of your craft before I begin my work.” “You’ve got quite the set of qIvon, don't you Ensign! The maQmIgh is in Shuttlebay 3. Let’s go have you examine it!” (reply Maddox, any) (Posted by Frank) --------------- (USS Rosenante- Observation Lounge- FO, Lt. Cmdr Ben Soma, Day -2, 1700) As the briefing went on reports from all departments were heard, Ben found himself wondering if they would have to resort to some kind of military action. The order was given to outfit Lanista's ship should the need arise. He hoped it wouldn't come to that, he liked a good fight as much as the next guy but this situation was different. Should there be a military strike against the Veil how many innocents would be injured, or worse killed. It was senseless violence once again, he didn't know if it was because he was getting older or the new responsibilities he had but the thought of fighting now didn't appeal to him as it once did. The Captain moved on to issuing assignments to everyone, cargo bay and shuttle bay modifications, emergency shelter and supply replication. They were to ensure that the Rosenante was configured to her full evac capacity, they had to set up a planet side control center to coordinate with the ship which was the resonsibility of Caskie and O'Neill. Medical wanted a full list of everyone going planet side and Salid confirmed that once the away teams were selected that information would be made available. Caskie would handle things on Beta Aquillia IV while Tayla handled things on the ship, Sanok would handle the security measures, Matix would handle the needs of the refugees, Jackson and Parker were to handle the refugee camp, Raschen and Rosenbauer were on recon and Signos would handle ships security. Salid then said, "Mister Soma will be responsible for the Diplomatic aspect of the mission. He is authorized to tap any officer or crew needed to facilitate that goal, so make yourself available should it be necessary." "Aye Sir." Ben said. The briefing continued leaving Ben to plan how he inteded to pull this off, it was his responsibility to negotiate the release of the federation citizens and try to get the Veil to talk again. This was a task that would prove to be quite challenging for him, this would be his first time acting on a strictly diplomatic front. (reply any) (posted by Milo Young) --------------- (USS Rosenante - CMO's Office - ACEO Lt Eian O'Neill - Day - 2 - 1701) He arrived on schedule and rang the chime, awaiting admission. (NRPG: Assuming she grants him admission) Once he was permitted to enter, he walked in with two new PADDs in his hand. In the ten minutes since their previous discussion, he had quickly downloaded his military history database to one PADD and also brought the data packet he had been given to review. He loved studying history, particularly strategic history, and he had a feeling that it might come in handy in this instance. For now, though, they had to concentrate on setting up the most effective and efficient command base possible. (reply Caskie) (posted by Morgan G) --------------- (USS Rosenante- Observation Lounge- CO, Captain Ahmed Ibn Salid, Day -2, 1703) “Roger that sir. I have an idea I’d like to go over with you after this sir.” added. "Very well, why don't we meet at 1900 hours, I have a few other pressing matters to attend to." Ahmed replied. "That time works for me as well, Sir." Mike added. "Then 1900 hours it is, my ready room." (reply none needed- just post into this when you return from sea duty Charlie) Daniel Greene --------------- (USS Rosenante – Observation Lounge – Science Officer – Ensign JG Andrew Maddox – 1704) “maDDotlh,” the Lieutenant said, stumbling her way through ‘Maddox’ with a tongue that had formed almost exclusively Klingon words for half a decade. “You have real dirt under your fingernails,” she said apparently approval. “Sir?” He reflexively said before realizing what she must have said. ~It must be a Klingon proverb, at least it’s better than the one with the cold meal in space.~ “Was there anything specific, sir?” he asked Maddox stated, “I will need either detailed schematics or detailed scans of your craft before I begin my work.” “You’ve got quite the set of qIvon, don't you Ensign! The maQmIgh is in Shuttle bay 3. Let’s go have you examine it!” The taller woman said. “I need my equipment from the lab. Do you want me to accompany you or meet you in the shuttle bay?” he inquired. (Reply Lanista) --------------- (USS Rosenante, Observation Lounge, CSO LT tlha’nISta’, 1705) “I need my equipment from the lab. Do you want me to accompany you or meet you in the shuttle bay?” he inquired. “Very well. Let’s both go to your lab, get what you need, and that will give me time to discuss the matter with you.” Lani’ motioned out of the Observation Lounge — directly toward the nearest turbolift. They’d be headed to Deck 13, Shuttlebay 3. “So,” she said to Maddox, “tell me about your plans…” (Reply Maddox) (Posted by Frank) --------------- (USS Rosenante – Corridor - Science Officer – Ensign JG Andrew Maddox – 1707) “So,” she said to Maddox, “tell me about your plans…” “My plans are the simple part.” He said. “Integrating them into the vessel’s systems will be the hard part.” (Reply Lani) “The last time I worked with Klingon tech was when my father had to make a trip to the Daystrom Institute, I was ten. One of the students was Klingon. Sent by the IKDF to learn enough to bring back to the Empire to improve their weapon capabilities. She didn’t appreciate me ‘meddling’ with her equipment. It almost started a hand to hand conflict when security tried to calm her down.” He said. (Reply Lani) “I saw several ways to improve her equipment. I was a boy. In my mind she would be so happy that I improved her equipment. She took it as a slight on her honor. Because she had threatened his son, Dad sent her home empty handed. If her program had been given more support in the High Council, my Father had told me later, it might have dissolved the Klingon / Federation peace treaty right then and there.” He explained. (Reply Lani) “That’s right. Someone had explained to me later. Had I known that, things might have turned out differently.” He admitted. (Reply Lani) “Yes, my plans. I do tend to ramble. Once I have the technical specifications, and the types of alloys and metals used in your vessel, I can mimic the metallurgical techniques to make it look convincingly like Klingon manufacture. I will link them to your ship’s computer after they are programmed. The warhead will have similar manufacture to your own warheads, only the charge will be just large enough to spread the nanites over a larger surface area. The warhead will contain EMP detonator that will trigger once the warhead explodes. This pulse will initially energize the nanites and make the warhead look like an experimental weapon to disable their systems. It will be too low powered to succeed.” He explained. (Reply Lani) “Yes you will have to use whatever beam weapons you have to penetrate the vessels’ shielding.” He answered. “The warheads have no appreciable tactical yield, to do so would destroy the nanites.” (Reply Lani) (Posted by Todd) --------------- (USS Rosenante, Corridor, CSO, LT tlha’nISta’, 1709) “My plans are the simple part,” Maddox said. “Integrating them into the vessel’s systems will be the hard part.” “Not so hard as you might believe,” Lani’ said. “The maQmIgh is not a purely Klingon vessel. It already incorporates some Federation components. Of course, since they had to be built in Imperial space, some compromises needed to be made. It may not be as difficult to implement your plan as you think, but the craft is still mostly Klingon in character.” “The last time I worked with Klingon tech was when my father had to make a trip to the Daystrom Institute, I was ten. One of the students was Klingon. Sent by the IKDF to learn enough to bring back to the Empire to improve their weapon capabilities. She didn’t appreciate me ‘meddling’ with her equipment. It almost started a hand to hand conflict when security tried to calm her down,” Maddox said. This incident sounded vaguely familiar, and Lanista wondered for a moment if she might have been involved. She tried to dismiss the suspicion, but responded to Maddox by saying, somewhat distantly, “Interesting…” “I saw several ways to improve her equipment. I was a boy. In my mind she would be so happy that I improved her equipment. She took it as a slight on her honor. Because she had threatened his son, Dad sent her home empty handed. If her program had been given more support in the High Council, my Father had told me later, it might have dissolved the Klingon/Federation peace treaty right then and there.” He explained. “Klingons will look always for excuses to dissolve some treaty or other. There is a saying in the Empire. Translated, it goes, ‘We define ourselves in terms of our enemy. As soon as we defeat our enemy, we must find a new one.’” Lanista was still having difficulty shaking the feeling that Maddox and she had met before. While she couldn’t precisely recall any such incident, she couldn’t help but admit that in her younger days this event Maddox was describing was something she might have done. “Sometimes finding a 'new' enemy involves simply reminding an old adversary that there were once open hostilities… However, not every such reminder is an invitation to war. Klingon bravado is often just ... well ... playful.” “That’s right. Someone had explained to me later. Had I known that, things might have turned out differently.” He admitted. “Well, it is good you were left alive at the time … to continue your work—“ “Yes, my plans. I do tend to ramble. Once I have the technical specifications, and the types of alloys and metals used in your vessel, I can mimic the metallurgical techniques to make it look convincingly like Klingon manufacture. I will link them to your ship’s computer after they are programmed. The warhead will have similar manufacture to your own warheads, only the charge will be just large enough to spread the nanites over a larger surface area. The warhead will contain EMP detonator that will trigger once the warhead explodes. This pulse will initially energize the nanites and make the warhead look like an experimental weapon to disable their systems. It will be too low powered to succeed.” He explained. tlha'nISta’ disliked the elements of the plan that called for apparent failure. This would be a successful attack, but it would appear to be an implementation of a tactically flawed system. “The low power level concerns me. Have you given any thought to how the nanites will be delivered through shielding?” “Yes you will have to use whatever beam weapons you have to penetrate the vessels’ shielding.” He answered. “The warheads have no appreciable tactical yield, to do so would destroy the nanites.” “Very good then,” Lani’ said, smiling. “You may proceed. Concentrate on the nanites. I will work on the integration.” (Reply Maddox) (Posted by Frank) --------------- (USS Rosenante - Counselor's Office - COUNS Parker Davis - Day - 2 - 1710) Parker met Tayla and Jackson there and, since it was his office, felt that he should somewhat be in control of the meeting. He stood behind his desk, signifying the formality of the moment and not willing to let this turn into a counseling session with Tayla--he recognized that this was the time when he had to show 'tough love' and pull away, or she would never be ready for his departure to the planet. Even though hurting her was the last thing he wanted to do. "I think we should start with what Dr. Fraiser has to say," he said, nodding to Tayla, "since Lt. Jackson and I have a refugee camp to plan. I assume you'll need us to make accommodations for on-ground triage centers and beam-ups to the ship for medical treatment? And you'll need to continuously coordinate with us as far as medical supply shipments go. We'll need an organized inventory kept close at hand...I don't know if you want to assign personnel to that or handle it yourself..." He was then quiet, allowing her to share her thoughts. (reply Fraiser, Jackson) (posted by Morgan G) --------------- (USS Rosenante – Shuttle bay 3 – Science Officer – Ensign JG Andrew Maddox – 1725) As he strode into the Shuttle Bay he was carrying an Engineering kit and his Tricorder. He immediately flipped open his palm-held scanning device and began, well, scanning. “Lieutenant tell me about her. What can the maQmlgh do?” (Reply Lt. Lanista, room for more.) “You obviously take a lot of pride in her.” He said rather directly, but not attempting to be rude. (Reply Lt. Lanista) “The alloy is easier to manufacture and lighter than standard Star Fleet metallurgy, but not as durable.” He said as he continued the scan. (Reply Lt. Lanista) “That actually makes a lot of sense. If you kill your enemy swift enough, you won’t have to worry about what their weapons will do to you.” He admitted. “Also that would aid in atmospheric flight and landing.” (Reply Lt. Lanista) “Fascinating.” Andrew muttered. (Reply Lt. Lanista) “The ship designer chose only a mono-phasic power feed for the structural integrity field generators.” He said. (Reply Lt. Lanista) “Well installing a bi-phasic one wouldn’t prove too difficult. I predict it would boost energy efficiency by seventy percent at rest and increase protective yield by one and one half times.” He said. (Reply Lanista) “I apologize. Old habits die hard. The project. I can manufacture the nanites with variations of known Klingon alloys and metallurgic techniques. Programming will ultimately be in binary, however I can make the nanites receive commands from your vessel with Klingon frequencies and in Klingon.” (Reply Lanista) “The torpedo launcher is fairly standard for a vessel this size, however admittedly I was expecting a magneto-variant instead of this gravimetric that you have. I should have expected Klingon weapon science to be on the cutting edge.” He said. (reply Lanista) “Five warheads, the better part of two days. I will have to run the replicators extensively during that time. If you can speak to the Captain or Lt Jackson about allotting us more replicator time, I don’t think I can do it with the replicator rationing that is in place.” He admitted. (Reply Lanista) (Posted by Todd) --------------- (USS Rosenante, Deck 13, Shuttlebay 3, CSO, Lt. tlha’nISta’, 1727) As they entered the shuttlebay, Maddox wasted no time in getting to work. He produced his tricorder and began scanning. “Lieutenant tell me about her. What can the maQmlgh do?” Maddox had asked. “It has an STN-2 Dilithium Conversion Graf Unit for warp power, and a K-HEU-6 Impulse Engine. It is, like a Bird of Prey, capable of atmospheric operation. It’s armed with 2 disruptor/phaser cannons. That’s an invention of mine, a combination of Klingon and Starfleet technology. I don’t know if you are aware, but my first assignment in Starfleet was as an Engineer, aboard the USS Dennison.” (Reply Maddox) “In any event,” she said, continuing with the business at hand. “The two dissimilar weapons are fired in alternate pulses, held on target by means of an Annular Confinement Beam. You should see it fire. The color is distinctive – impossible to discern as being either phaser or disruptor – due to the rapid rate of fire. The primary weapons are supplemented by a Frequency-Modulated Subatomic Particle Emitter — or FMSPE — under the nose, and a rack of Energy Field Suppression drones, mounted aft. The particle emitter, while developed to serve as a countermeasure to deflector shielding, can actually generate a wide range of subatomic particles, creating a variety of desired effects. The drones can either be fired at a target, or pre-programmed – even to act as mines if need be. The maQmIgh carries 4 such drones. “The deflector screens are Zigarktar. And, of course, it has a cloaking device. There’s also a ‘Rapid-Bloom’ Micro-device Deployment System — or RBMDS — that can launch a great many micro-probes or micro-torpedoes. At present, it has none of either. I could not traverse Federation space with the torpedoes, and I had no need for probes as I was only intent on reporting aboard the Rosenante. Micro-probes, however, could deployed quickly as a ‘satellite network’ around any given phenomenon while micro-torpedoes (if part of the loadout) would effectively create ‘a swarm of angry hornets.’ NRPG: For the ‘satellite network’, imagine each individual micro-probe being deployed to the vertices of a geodesic figure (as in the ‘okudagram’ pic I shared earlier). RPG: “The maQmIgh has a Ku-Tan central processor, Hov’buS navigation, and there’s an exocomp aboard, named vInSen. I have always … enjoyed … using them whenever a situation warrants. “You obviously take a lot of pride in her.” He said rather directly, but not attempting to be rude. “Yes, very much so. DujwIj vIvoq!” said Lanista. “That expression has a double-meaning in Klingon. Typically, it is taken to mean ‘I trust my instincts,’ but it also means ‘I trust my ship.’ This vessel has proven itself as valuable to me as my instincts – on more than one occasion.” “The alloy is easier to manufacture and lighter than standard Star Fleet metallurgy, but not as durable.” Maddox said as he continued the scan. “Yes, the armor is primarily diburnium, alloyed with only as much neutronium as was available. What you cannot scan, though, for is the sheathing of monotanium. With monotanium present, sensor signals are refracted – making the vessel difficult to acquire as a target. Which is why your tricorder won’t register it. Starfleet, in contrast to the Empire, has always constructed their starships more cautiously. Long gone are the days when Humans would pride themselves on being able to construct a ’90-day gunboat’, for example. Klingons build their ships only as durable as they need to be. We don’t waste materials, or build in such things as will only be occasionally necessary. Further, if you have a purpose-built ship, one actually intended for combat, when you enter battle you expect to inflict damage – not suffer injury. Plus, the maQmIgh is actually much lighter than it could have been. Had the proportion of neutronium to diburnium been inverted, for example, or had only-occasionally-useful components been added…” “That actually makes a lot of sense. If you kill your enemy swift enough, you won’t have to worry about what their weapons will do to you.” He admitted. “Also that would aid in atmospheric flight and landing.” “Yes, well,” Lanista looked very approvingly at her personal craft. “When last I flew her in combat, I decided not to use the cannons for any sort of strafing run. The House of Qurta had declared a pointless war on my own House. Honor demanded that I face him directly.” “The ship designer chose only a mono-phasic power feed for the structural integrity field generators,” Maddox observed. “Well, yes… I did,” confessed Lanista. “Well installing a bi-phasic one wouldn’t prove too difficult. I predict it would boost energy efficiency by seventy percent at rest and increase protective yield by one and one half times.” He said. “Perhaps if time permits. Our first priority will be in adapting your nanite warheads to the existing systems and configuration.” “I apologize. Old habits die hard. The project. I can manufacture the nanites with variations of known Klingon alloys and metallurgic techniques. Programming will ultimately be in binary, however I can make the nanites receive commands from your vessel with Klingon frequencies and in Klingon.” “The oldest Klingon counting system was actually Base-3 in nature. Be that as it may, the nanites don’t need to actually receive or process my commands. Since they’ll be launched from the existing armaments, I can make do with the existing interfaces.” “The launcher is fairly standard for a vessel this size, however admittedly I was expecting a magneto-variant instead of this gravimetric that you have. I should have expected Klingon weapon science to be on the cutting edge.” He said. “The gravimetics were necessary to accommodate the Energy Field Suppression drones. A standard magneto-type would interfere with their operation.” “Five warheads, the better part of two days. I will have to run the replicators extensively during that time. If you can speak to the Captain or Lt Jackson about allotting us more replicator time, I don’t think I can do it with the replicator rationing that is in place.” He admitted. “I’m sure they will allocate the energy needed, but I will speak with them if you meet with any resistance.” (Reply Maddox) (Posted by Frank) --------------- (USS Rosenante- Deck 2 Operations Suite - COPS, LT. Tom Jackson , Day -2 1730) Tom sat at the head of the table waiting for rest of his staff to arrive. He was usually early. This gave him a chance to collect his thoughts. The skipper's orders were detailed. Sighing, Tom sighed - more conflict! Tom was troubled with the rush to military action. He uses to crave action but was he mellowing as he approached 30? He was a father now - something a few tears ago he never thought he would become Jackson reviewed the requirements placed on his team. Captain Salid ordered " You have two days to rig the Rosenante to fulfill her maximum evacuation capacity. Convert all cargo bays, unused shuttle bays, holodecks and the marine deck to receive refugees. I want mobile emergency shelters replicated and prepared to be sent down to the surface of the planet upon our arrival. In addition stockpile any materials necessary to set up a refugee camp planetside. We will need a place to screen and process refugees, Lieutenant Fraiser and Davis will be glad to help you with anything you require for such a camp. I want as much of it prepared for transport to the surface as possible. As we may need the runabouts for operations, I want three runabouts on standby at all times. We will also require two holodecks for critical simulations." Tom whistled. He though about his staff. He assigned the task of fixing to hold the maximum evacuation personnel in the Rose to Chief Sheridan Again Tom re-read the orders. PO Graatz would get the task of getting the mobile emergency shelters stockpiled. That left the the planetside screening facility and the shuttle bays and holodecks. Tom assigned the planetside faculty to himself and gave Chance the shuttle bays and holodecks to get ready. (Reply: None ) (Posted by: Bill W.) --------------- (USS Rosenante - Counselor's Office - Counselor Parker Davis and Ensign (sg) Jessica Signos - Day -2 - 1732) Parker had prepared for this interview for hours but he still didn't feel ready. Like a doctor who had lost a patient, he felt directly responsible for Lily's dominance over Jessica. He felt he had truly let her down. =^=Ensign Signos, this is Counselor Davis. Please report to my office at your earliest convenience.=^= The voice echoed in the stillness of her room; something about the briefing did not sit well with her. She did not know why everything seemed so different and everyone seemed to not trust her. Nodding she decided now was as good a time as ever to speak to the counselor, even though it was probably the last thing she wanted today. To Jessica the day just seemed to go from bad to worse and she did not know why. Jessica made her way to the counselor's office, it did not take her long since she knew the way there so well. She pressed the button that would announce her presence and waited to be allowed entry. Davis granted her entry and stood to greet her. "Jessica, thanks for coming. Take a set anywhere," he said, and waited until she was seated to seat himself nearby. "It's been several days since our last session." Jessica took an offered seat and answered simply. "It has." ~So she doesn't plan to be forthcoming. Great.~ "How have you been?" He asked. To prevent her inevitable 'fine', he added, "Have you been keeping up on your mental exercises?" "I've been well," she nodded briefly. "And yes I've been keeping up with them as much as time allows." Parker nodded. "Do you find that you're getting anything out of the exercises or do you find them to be a waste of time?" He asked, figuring he might as well get to the crux of the problem since she wasn't about to. "I thought so, but now I just don't know" Jessica speaks softly. Parker nodded. "What's happened to make you doubt their effectiveness?" "That's just it. I don't know what happened." She said exasperated. "I even went out of my way to do something nice, but ever since the dance people have been acting..." She paused to find the right words. "Like I don't even exist." He nodded reflectively. "Okay...so you're not sure exactly what happened...can you narrow down a time frame? When is the last time you remember people acting normally toward you?" "What is normal?" She answered cryptically. "But to answer your question more accurately, just after we returned from Asrai Prime." He smiled. "Good, so this is a recent thing. Things that happen quickly rarely are as well established as things that have taken root, so it'll be easier to uproot this problem. And for the record," he added, "Normal is whatever state you noticed people were in back when you thought the exercises were helping." He sat back. "Now tell me why you think that people's behavior toward you has to do with the exercises?" "That's just it--I don't know if any of this has to deal with the exercises or not. I was so excited at the idea of the dance that the captain planned. I decided all the women on the ship could use a spa day to help calm down and plan what they wanted to wear and to get some much needed preparing out of the way. But before then Eian left me, Then after the dance my duty became restricted, and it seems everyone is treating me like some kind of loaded weapon that no one knows when it will go off, and the worst thing about it all is that I don't know why, and no one seems willing to give me a straight answer." He nodded. She seemed genuinely upset and puzzled. Parker had his doubts still but it seemed Lily had hidden her actions from Jessica. It was worse than Parker thought...it was now possible for the Lily personality to take subversive action. He would have to go to the Captain with this. "Okay...so you mentioned the women getting together. And before that, Eian left you. Did he give a reason why?" "Why else, Lily. He's afraid of her, afraid of what she might do though me." She looked away sightly ashamed of hearing those words. She lost him and it was her own damn fault, Jessica had lost count of the times she wished she was strong enough to stop Lily. She should have been but Lily was designed to dominate Jessica's will. It was the only way Section 31 could have made Lily work, and Jessica was starting to understand that now. Jessica pulled in on herself wrapping her arms around her knees and pulling them tightly into her chest, as a cold chill passed over her, the growing sense of being alone. Parker listened, and sympathetically touched her knee briefly. "It's going to be okay," he told her. "Do you think you could tell me how this news affected the gathering with the women? Do you remember saying anything someone could have taken the wrong way?" "I don't think so." She answered meekly as she shook her head to add emphasis. This sent her long black locks rolling off her shoulders. She looked to Parker. "Why does everyone fear me so, why is it no one can look past my dark past while everyone else who seems to share such darkness seems to be forgiven and forgotten?", She looked up at Parker, "even yours." Parker paused. So she had read his file. He had read hers. He tried not to address the comment. "Jessica...do you remember what we talked about? How asking 'why me?' won't get you anywhere? What you *should* be asking is 'what now?' Where do you want to get to? What is your goal?" "My goal is to live a normal life to have friends, and just maybe find someone who will love me, care for me." She shrugged anger evident in her movement. "It just seems the harder I try to work toward those goals the farther they seem to be. It's like I'm working in reverse." He nodded. "And do you remember how we discussed that having a 'why me' attitude will drive people away? It's a self fulfilling prophecy. It's something that you can control, though. If you transform that attitude into a 'what now's attitude, thinking about what you'll do next to get closer to that goal, then people will gravitate towards you. They'll see you're not discouraged and you'll give *them* strength." He let that sink in for a moment before he said, "Did anyone treat you oddly at the spa gathering?" "I was trying to do just that with the spa gathering, to open up make friends. To work toward a life with out Lily." She became silent for a moment thinking back to that day. "Talya," She spoke suddenly. "She left suddenly saying she had something she forgot to do. I figured most of the girls would have duties or other personal demands, so I thought little of it." Parker frowned. "Did she specifically tell this to you? What makes you think she didn't simply have another appointment she had forgotten?" "She very well could have. She didn't say why she had to leave, just that she did." Jessica sighed. "But that was the out of the ordinary thing that happened." "Okay, fair enough," Parker asked. It was becoming more clear to him that Jessica was either the best actress he had ever seen or that she was truly at a loss to know what had happened. "After the gathering a the spa, what was the next odd thing that happened?" "The Cotillion." Jessica replied more harshly than expected. "It went much as I expected it. Maybe it was because of events that happened earlier that my heart wasn't in being there. However, it was the next morning that took me by surprise. When I woke to find myself on restricted duty with no explanation. A couple days later Lt. Sanok calls me to his office to explain why this had taken effect. But his explanation was lacking and illogical not what I would expect from a Vulcan. It was like a story he threw together to cover up some greater scheme, and since in the conversation he told me he knew of Lily I thought he would know my ability to see though such an falsehood." Her last statement intrigued him. "Does Lily give you an ability to see through people? As in...empathy? Or even telepathy?" He asked curiously. "Or are you referring to her interrogation training, and the ability to tell when someone is lying?" "Don't need telepathy when the other person is already in your head." Jessica replied with a shrug. "But combined with that yes her training in interrogating and the ability to tell when someone is lying to her is some of the best of Section 31, and I've seen how they trained her to be that way." She shook her head casting out the darker imagines of Lily's past. "Jessica..." he paused a moment, considering his words, "I am not a neurophysiologist. But I do understand basic brain mechanics and body mechanics. From what you've told me, they tortured your body and morphed Lily's mind...if that's the case, that in order to give her these abilities, a certain amount of gruesome training was involved...did you not go through the same training? Weren't you present?" "But I was, when Lily was beaten it was my body that felt the blow. When Lily's mind was morphed was it not also my mind? I understand now Section 31 made sure all of Lily's wounds healed with out a scar to help hide her from me. But the scars on the mind are so easily shared that it horrifies me every moment of the day and night. I have had to force myself to come to terms with what Lily has done and what has been done to her... us" Parker nodded. "Your burden is shared. It's important to remember that, because I believe that even if one day she is taken out of you, and you're the only one left, you'll still bear the burden of dealing with her imprint. And if you separate it completely, that burden will be nearly impossible to deal with once she's no longer there to share the pain. Additionally," he conjectured, "I think it may also be the first step toward asserting yourself against her. In fact, *not* challenging yourself to remember what was done to you may push the two of you further apart and allow her to take over your body. As you mentioned, that may be exactly what happened after our last mission, and it may be the reason everyone is treating you oddly and the reason you can't remember why." She thought about it for a moment before answering. "You mean to tell me that I may be one the right track and Lily is rebelling against that fact and in trying to find any way she can to assert herself." Parker nodded his head in agreement. "Yes. It's conjecture but I think that's why, subconsciously, you suspect the exercises have stopped working. Lily is trying to take over and there's a good chance, given what you've said, that she's to some degree succeeded. But there's good news. You're still the dominant personality. Now we need to talk about how to keep it that way." "But is so hard," She sighed. "I'm tired of being alone, feared, rejected. I've been that way most of my life now. A tool for war..." She stopped, she turned her head and spoke the thought out load. "Would it be suicide or martyrdom, if I was just to end it all now. You know how often I fear waking up and find myself at with fresh blood on my hands and a friend at my feet. If she's trying to take control subversively then why not when I'm asleep." Parker was now intensely concerned. "Jessica...you can beat her. You can. It's not going to be easy by any stretch of the imagination but if you quit..." he stopped. "Answer a question for me. Do you believe you're winning?" Jessica shrugged "You tell me. She's taken away my friends, my duty, my love. She's isolated me from all I love and care about and the only way I can get that back is by beating her at her game." "What do you believe her game is?" Parker asked. "And what would you define as beating her? Living with her? Or would beating her mean that she's no longer in existence?" "I don't know what's she's after its only a feeling I get. I think she knows that the only way I'll be accepted is if she no longer existed. I feel that if she can't be allowed to live then I shouldn't be allowed to have the life I want either. I don't think she wants me dead at least not yet there is something more to it, something she wants me to do and thats what worries me." Jessica replied looking at the clock they she had been there for sometime now the conversation helped, and she relaxed a bit. It felt good to get some of the problems that have been plaguing her mind of late out in the open even if that meant the rest of her duty. "I've thought about it." She spoke slowly. "Ending it all, I had the phaser in hand all it would of taken was pressing the firing stud." She shook she head slightly ashamed of her action but at the time she had felt so trapped. "Only one thought stopped me, that fact that there could be others like me, that have been forced to endure the same horrors I've faced. I can stop and I can't let Lily go not until I can make sure this fate..." She pointed to herself. "Will never effect another, only Lily knows how to identify and locate the other operatives that hide like her. Only though her can this horror end." Parker studied her for a moment, his expression sympathetic. "Jessica..." he thought for a moment. "I can understand why you've been thinking about ending it all. To be honest, most people would have thought about it if they were in your position. But as you just stated, there is more at stake here than just you. If Lily does indeed want something from you...then you have two duties here. The first is to those people like you that you alluded to. The second is to yourself. If you ever manage to overcome Lily or if her personality is eventually taken from you, your life is not over. You haven't accomplished everything you've been put into the universe to do until you are actually done. I know that seems like circular logic, but it's something you need to begin to think about. Don't stop thinking about your duty to those other people. But...start to consider your duty to yourself. Lily doesn't have to define you. Imagine yourself without her. And attempt to do the things you want to do. When she stops you, identify exactly what she's done to stop you. Narrow it down. And once you've done that, you'll have identified a piece of her." He pursed his lips. "I'm guessing here because, you understand, I'm in completely uncharted territory. But I think that if you're able to identify her completely, you'll be able to control her completely." "We're all in uncharted territory and that's what makes this so difficult. No definitive answers." Jessica replied letting what Parker said sink in. Jessica felt better now that she'd had this conversation. She knew that he was gonna have to report to the Captain on her mental status and that would more than likely end her duties for a while, and that thought saddened Jessica. But she did have some news, a different perspective on things. "Counselor Davis, I know you're gonna report some of what I told you to the Captain. I would like to know what you plan on telling him so I can be better prepared for when and if he calls for me or my duty status changes." He considered this request. "I have to get some more information first. I'll need to ask you some questions and you can refuse to answer if you want." He paused. "The first question is...do you want to harm yourself?" "I will not deny that, in order to make all the..." Her voice trailed off. "To make the pain stop. I thought I was losing going mad, getting lost, not knowing whether Lily or I would end being in control. But I never harmed myself." She answered honestly. He nodded understandingly. "Do you plan to harm yourself?" Jessica again responded honestly. "Only that once." He nodded again. "Even though you don't have plans to harm yourself, do you think you could do so in an act of passion--for example, if something truly upset you and you did something you would later regret." "I don't know. It's always possible, but I just don't know." She answered. "Okay. Then that's all I'll tell the Captain," he said. Jessica nodded "Is there anything else, Counselor?" She asked quietly Parker smiled at her. "I want you to keep up the exercises even if you don't think they're helping, and if you ever suspect that you might not be completely in control of yourself, go to Sickbay. Okay?" "I will. Now I think we both have a great deal to accomplish before the upcoming mission, so I'll leave you to your task. That is if you have nothing else for me?" Jessica smiled, if what Counselor Davis said was true than there was no reason for to be sad or upset but rather to be happy. She would do this, for her sake, no one else's, and then maybe Eian would have her back. "Nothing else," he said, and stood. "Thanks for coming, Jessica. You know you can stop by anytime you want to." "I'll do that," she stood and made her way to the door to leave. She had a good deal of work to do. Jessica figured she would head to her quarters get a bite to eat then off the the security offices. (reply none) (posted by Morgan G and Matthew Locke) --------------- (USS Rosenante- Deck 2 Operations Suite - COPS, LT. Tom Jackson , Day -2 1740) Chief Sheridan arrived first and made himself comfortable. Tim kooked at the older man closely. Phil was nearing the end of his time in Starfleet. Tom knew Sheridan was at loose ends. All the man knew was the fleet. Phil Sheridan had shepdarded the young Tom Jackson. They had been together since the days of the Nimitz. Time had passed and now Tom was Phil's boss. Phil Sheridan had no post retirement plans. Tom was worried what would happen to Sheridan. Phil needed to think about this and soon. Emily Graatz arrived next. Emily was a Petty Officer. She had blossomed over the last several missions. Tom and Phil were working in a surprise for her. Tom and Sheridan had put together a packet to get Emily a Warrant Officer appointment. He needed only to get the FO and CO to sign off and forward to SF Personnel. His brief time as command officer taught him to enjoy promoting deserving people. Emily was certainly deserving. And next to arrive was his old friend Chance. It seemed as if Tom and Chance were polar opposites. Tom was stodgy and by the book. Chance was the daredevil. Tom at times wished he was more like Chance. After each person had sat down Tom began the meeting. "We've been ordered to Beta Aquillia IV. The U.F.P. recognized government has been replaced by a group of insurgents called the Veil of the Sky. Our ambassador and other personnel are being held by the Veil forces" Jackson paused allowing the news to sink in. Jackson went on " The Rose had been ordered to the area to effect the release of our personnel. We are to see to the restoration of the recognized government to power if at all possible. Failing either purpose we may have to use military action ti alive that end. Questions?" Tom asked. (Reply: any present ) "Here's what I have come up with assignment wise" Tom added - he outlined each person's task. "O.k. questions anyone?" Jackson asked a second time. (Reply: any present) (Posted by: Bill W.) --------------- (USS Rosenante, Deck 13, Shuttlebay 3, CSO, Lt. tlha’nISta’, 1741) Maddox and Lanista had essentiallty finished their initial nanite discussion, then parted to each pursue their own part of the plan. Lani’ sat in the cockpit of the maQmIgh, her person Klingon fightercraft. She had not only designed it, she had built the majority of it. Though officially a Scientist now, tlha’nISta’ had been first (and would always at least partly be) an Engineer. She even still had her ‘Ensignearrings’ – jewelry she’d made upon graduation from the Academy and assignment as an Ensign to the USS Dennison. They were fashioned from 2285-2293-era Starfleet Ensign rank insignia – minor family heirlooms seized during a time of open hostilities between the Emprie and the Federation. They hung from the ceiling of the cockpit now. During her final approach to her ultimate confrontation with Admiral Qurta, the Ensign-earrings had served as a visual reminder to use non-Klingon tactics. Federation symbols had reminded her to implement ways of thinking that were very different from what Qurta would expect. Now, however, Lani’ pondered storing them away. The upcoming engagement would require her to fight only as a Klingon. “They must not conclude I am a Starfleet officer,” she said, thinking of her potential adversaries – be they Veil, qarDaSngan, or rIHanSu. “Sanu…” said vInSen, the exocomp in the small aft compartment of the maQmIgh. “Du tor va’prahn starkrus.” The exocomp only spoke Vulcan -- deliberately so. Another reminder to think elsewise than the Klingon norm. “I’m going to have to reprogram you, vInSen… or leave you home.” ~Home?~ Lani’ was puzzled by this. Had she that quickly come to feel at home aboard the Rosenante? “Sanu, du tor va’prahn starkrus,” the device repeated. ‘Please restate the nature of your request…’ Lani’ directed the exocomp to shut down, in Vulcan. “I don’t really need you for this, vInSen,” she added, essentially to herself, as she continued her pre-flight check of the maQmIgh’s systems and sub-systems. When all of the diagnoses were completed, Lanista sighed. Everything checked out. The maQmIgh would succeed in its staged appearance of failure. “It will be the most effective evidentally pointless attack in the history of space-combat… making me truly worthy of a statue in the Hall of Warriors,” she grumbled sarcastically. “I wonder,” she added as she exited the fighter, “if I can persuade the Captain to let me at least severely damage one of the freighters…” There was a slight pain then, in her left hand. Lanista opened her fist and saw her Ensign-earrings. She hadn’t been consciously aware she’d removed them from the cockpit of the K-Fighter, or even mindful of having squeezed them hard enough to draw blood. “baQa!” Lani’ cursed. “toDSaH!” A stream of explitives began... Lani' realized, finally, that she genuinely was more at home in Federation space than Imperial territory. There really was no place for her in the Empire. That was why she had had to ensure her father's claim to be Head of the House of DI'al would be acknowledged. That was why she had come back to Starfleet. But there was no glory for the Self in Starfleet, she believed. And the opportunity to find none, anywhere, was something her Klingon self was having difficulty accepting. Everything, it seemed, that she had done in the last five years was for the House, not for herself. And she couldn't even enjoy the products of her labors... The explitives continued... (Reply any who might have overheard/none needed) (Posted by Frank) --------------- (USS Rosenante- Personal Quarters – Lt sg Tom Jackson -Day -2 - 1800) Tom plopped down on the couch. He closed his eyes and massaged his aching head. The upcoming mission was weighing on his mind. ~More strife~ he sighed. Dahlia brought the twins in. She knew her man well. Smiled and said gently " Hi poppa". "Hi momma " Jackson replied reaching out fir his daughter Hope. Hope cooed and smiled up at her daddy. Tom's heart belted lightening his mood. He looked at the three most important people in his life. He was a father and husband now. Would he meet the new challenges? Tom prayed he would be able to do so as he looked unto Hope's blue ryes. Dahlia held Jacob and sat down next to Tom and Hope. She looked to Tom and studied his features. "Tom, what are you thinking right now?" she asked. Tom thought a long moment before answering. He took a deep calming breath and spoke from his heart. "I want our kids to have so much more. I....." Tom faltered. Dahlia gently stroked his arm. Silence passed as it only can between those deep in love. Tom went on. " I joined Starfleet to make a better universe. But in my years in the fleet have seen nothing but strife and death. I am so tired of this yet SF brought us together and gave us the kids ". Dahlia said nothing letting Tom vent. He spoke his doubts only to her. Finally, she spoke. "Thomas - you're a fine man both as a father and husband. You've made me happy and given me more love that I thought possible" she paused to gather her thoughts. "Yet you can't ever give up your dream. The United Federation of Planets needs dreamers like you as well and rogues like Chance Raschen" Dahlia implored. Tom smiled and grinned. Jackson chuckled and said "Chance and I pillars of the UFP? Oh my God?. (Reply: None) (Posted by: Bill W.) --------------- (USS Rosenante - Davis' Quarters - Day -2 - COUNS Parker Davis and Lt Tayla Fraiser - Day -2 - 1830) Tayla stood by the door to Parker's office and sighed. She knew that he was concerned that it seemed she was going down to the planet but she wasn't. Allowing the door to chime her arrival, she waited to be allowed inside. Parker saw that it was Tayla outside and eagerly let her inside. "Hey, Doctor," he greeted her with congratulations. "I bet you're excited. I know I would be in your place." She smiled and walked in, saying, "I'm not going at first. It's too much. If I have to, then I will but not at first." It took him a moment to realize she was talking about going down to the planet. It occurred to him that it had to have been tough for her, unable to sense others' thoughts and emotions. He imagined that she was having difficulty remembering what was said and what she thought, as someone recently blind might have trouble remembering characteristics of an object they had felt or seen. "Have a seat," he told her and walked over to the replicator. "Are you hungry, thirsty?" Taking the seat offered, she replied, "Just a water, thanks." Glancing out of the window, she sighed heavily. The past few days had been horrible. Not being able to 'hear' people and being stared at because she was wearing the monitor still hurt. Taking a breath she said, "I can't go down. Not yet." "So you said," he said gently, and handed her the water before he sat down. "I bet you're really frustrated with all this." After taking a sip, she placed the glass down and let a little laugh escape as she said, "You have no idea. Try imagining someone telling you that you couldn't believe in God anymore and you might have some idea of where I am right now" "Hm," Parker said, and sat back in consideration. "Do you feel like someone, or some entity, is responsible for your situation?" "I know I have only myself to blame for being in this situation. I understand that but it doesn't stop me wanting to blame someone for it." "It's a natural reaction," Parker said. Considering that she was a doctor, Parker thought about what might help her feel more comfortable with the tendency to want to blame someone. "In addictions it's very common for someone to want to blame someone else for their problems that stem from the addiction. It's actually a psychological function of how our brains process disappointment. When we disappoint ourselves, we try to protect our own self esteem and convince ourselves that we're still okay. With an addiction, it's a repeat behavior and so it becomes a habit, and on top of that, your brain is asking for more of whatever you're addicted to, so it's trying to convince you that the addiction isn't the problem. Your brain is trying to outsmart you." He smiled. "I'm giving you this lecture because I'm hoping that it'll help, considering you're a doctor. Now that you know what's going on in your head, you can recognize it and stop it. A means of empowerment." Smiling, "I understand that and I accept that but it doesn't stop the feelings." Tayla replied with a heavy sigh. Looking down at her feet, she said, "It's just so hard not doing something that i've taken for granted for so long." Closing her eyes, she took in a deep breath and then, looked into Parker's eyes and said, "That's why I don't want to go down to the planet just yet. The emotion of the situation would be way too hard for me." "Yes, it would be hard on you. But you said something else that I think you may have not realized the gravity of...you said ' not unless I have to.' You should be proud, Tayla. That's huge." "Then why does it feel so small?" She asked weakly, a tear threatening to fall down her face Parker purposely did not console her because that was exactly what would reinforce the behavior. Though it was hard, he kept his hands on the arms of the chair and said, "Because your brain is trying to trick you into taking that temptation. All you have to do is not take your medicine. Then you'll be able to gain that sense back that you lost.' He decided to try an experiment to demonstrate that to her. "If you decide not to take your medicine, then you don't have to deal with any of this." She looked at him and said, "Then I say good bye to everything that means anything to me." The tear ran down her cheek as she continued, "I'd lose you." "We've been over that one. I'm not going anywhere. I already told you, we'd find a way to make it work. So are you saying that something else means more to you?" Parker challenged her. "More to you than relief from dealing with this? What you're dealing with--the loss of a sense--it's one of the hardest things that you will ever have to face. I would want relief from that in your shoes." "Then take it. Please." She asked. Sighing and shaking her head, she said, "I can't do this right now. Too much to do. I've got a relief mission to plan." She went to stand and then stopped, realising what he had said. Lowering herself back into the seat, she continued, "Nothing is more important to me than you." "Tayla, I need you to focus right now," he said, and by way of apology, took her hand. "Okay? Listen to me. You were just about to answer a really important question. Other than me," he smiled, "is there anything that means more to you than relief from this challenge that you're dealing with? Is there any other reason why you don't just stop taking your medication?" She gripped his hand and said, "Knowing that I have to talk to Jag. That's the only other thing keeping me going right now. The thought that that bastard is gonna get what's coming to him." she answered simply. This answer disappointed him, but he didn't let it show. He had been trained not to let patients' answers affect his facial expression. He nodded. "Okay," he said. "Let's say there's a trial and that he's given the maximum sentence. What will you do after that?" "Throw a party!" she answered with a smile. Removing her hand from his, she continued, "In all honesty, I'd find release. Not having to think that he's gonna come after me or hurt anyone I care about." He nodded. "Will you stop taking the medication?" he asked her. "No. Of course not." she replied simply. Taking a breath, she stood from her seat and walked to the window and looked out onto the stars. After a moment, she spoke, "I realise that what I have been doing is wrong. I understand that. I know I need that medication right now and that there is no shame in admitting that. Solving one of my problems doesn't stop the rest." "Then Tayla," he asked her, going back to the beginning, his expression showing his pride in what she had just said, "What is it that is making you solve these problems? Why do you want the rest of those problems to go away? It's obviously not wanting a man to be punished for what he's done, because after he's punished, you still want to solve the rest of the problems. So what is it?" "The realisation that I stand to lose so much more than i would gain by not dealing with it. This is what happened last time. My mother showed me the error of my ways as you did." He decided to let that incorrect statement slide for the moment. Instead, he stuck on his track, knowing she was getting very close. "What is it you stand to gain?" "Everything. Myself." She answered simply. "What is that?" he challenged her. "What will be different?" He interrupted himself. "Tayla--people live with disabilities, people live with infirmities...people live with all sorts of shortcomings and challenges. They are still themselves. They simply live through that. What is it you'll be able to do, what is it you'll be able to be, if you overcome this that you couldn't if you had to live with it as it is right now?" "I'd be stronger, freer than I am now. Now, every time I close my eyes, all I see is his face and Lily. They wouldn't be the driving force in my life, taking over every waking thought and preventing me from being what I know I can be." He nodded. "And what can you be?" "An officer, a wife and a mother." He grinned, reached over, and squeezed her hand. It took all of his will to push what she said to the peripheral. "So...when you stated that you would go down to the surface if you had to...that was no small victory, Tayla. Do you see what I'm trying to say? What you gain is duty. Duty to your profession. Duty to others. And duty to love." "But they shouldn't be a duty. It should be a want to do it, not because I have a duty to do it." "From your perspective, no one has a duty to anything, really," Parker stated. "You could walk away or you could stay. Right? No one has locked you in your quarters. No one has told you that you couldn't leave Starfleet. Something is keeping you here." He paused. "Duty isn't like a strap tying you down. Duty is a mentality. It's the way you're currently thinking, which is a change from a few days ago, and you should be proud of that change." "I know but then they win and I'm a sore loser." She replied with a smile. He was slightly confused. "Who wins if you're proud of that change?" "I win." He nodded. "That's right. Keep reminding yourself, Tayla. You're winning. You're in the lead and the enemy is far behind you--he was far behind as soon as you asked for help. You don't realize how far ahead you are." He smiled. "Now...if you have to go down to the surface, what do you plan to do?" "Panic." She said with a smile. "Really? Do my job." "How do you plan to do it? What tools will you take with you that will make sure that the temptation to just skip one hypospray treatment won't overcome this new sense of duty to your job?" "The knowledge that I will let down every one person that has had faith in me." "Okay, that's a powerful tool, but you can't just rely on others' opinions of you. You have to rely on your opinion of yourself. Your personal ethics. And furthermore, you have to be willing to ask for help--that's your most powerful tool. Ask for help--if you *need* it. Get yourself as far as you can and then reach out." "But isn't asking for help a sign that I can't do this by myself?" She asked, her eyes betraying her need for strength from outside herself. "It depends on how often you do it," Parker told her honestly. "And how honest the question is. If you're asking for help all the time, saying that this is too much and that you need to put it off, then that means you need to look for strength in here," he pointed to his heart. "But if you're asking for help as a last resort, when you've already honestly searched yourself, then that's a sign that you *can* do it." Smiling, Tayla replied, "See this is why I love you. You always know just the right thing to say." He gave her a hug and a kiss on her forehead. He waited a moment and then asked her, "Were you serious about what you said? An officer...a wife, and a mother?" Nodding, she replied, "yes to all three but the last two .... Not now, in the future. I need to sort myself out first." He nodded and said, "I'll wait for you." "Thank you. But that doesn't mean you can't ask." She replied with a grin. His eyes grew wider, and he grinned back at her. "Then I think I will. But not here. In a better spot. I'll surprise you--you'll never know what hit you." He gave her shoulders a squeeze and then let go. "I'm going to talk to that JAG lady soon." She responded, "I think this is something I need to do myself." He frowned slightly. "Are you sure? By yourself?" She nodded and replied, "If I'm ever going to get better, then I need to do this. Just be ready for the aftermath because I may need looking after." "If you think you won't be able to handle the aftermath yourself, you shouldn't handle the event yourself, either, Tayla," he said with caution. "But, if I don't, then I won't ever get better and I run the risk of relapsing." she replied. Taking his hand in hers, she continued, "Trust me in this. I need to do this." Parker looked into her eyes and said nothing for a moment. "I hope you realize what you're promising to do. You're going to rehash everything you told me to this woman and it's her *job*, her *duty* to ensure that you aren't lying. She's going to ask prying, accusatory questions. She's going to have to prove that you're not out for self-gain or revenge or that you were the one who came onto him. She's going to ask you very specific, prying, private questions and you're going to have to give honest answers *and* remember to take your medication after that interview, and not succumb to the temptation of ignoring that duty." Walking away from him, she stood still in the middle of the floor and said, "You are going to have to trust me on this. I know that I haven't given you much cause to believe in me recently but you can do on this. It needs to be done and I *will* not forget to take my medication. Not least of all because Josh will have my head if I do forget." He smirked, and then nodded. "Okay. I'll trust you. But I'm right here when you're done." (reply none) (posted by Morgan G and Jackie Smith) --------------- (USS Rosenante- Security Offices – ATAC Ensign (sg) Jessica Signos – 1920) Jessica was up and working later than normal it seemed that everyone was still working hard for the Rosenante's up coming arrival at Beta Aquillia IV. The tricky part was how to maintain ship wide security with the minimum amount of personnel. There was also the problem of the Rosenante could only handle so many people before the environmental system would become over taxed and begin to fail. If this was to happen it would cause wide spread panic though out the ship and that was the last thing anyone wanted. Jessica did have a few ideals on how to handle these rising concerns, has she made a few notes in her PADD she pressed the button that would announce her to Sanok's office. (reply Sanok) Excuse me sir," Jessica entered the office when finally acknowledged. "I know your busy but I wanted to run somethings by you and get your advise on some ideals I've had on how to improve ship security when we start taking on refugees. First of course is the standard additional armed security to key area's of the ship; Bridge, Engineering, and the like. What I would like to propose is a processing system for all the people we take on." She handed Sanok the PADD she carried, before continuing. "First, shuttle bay one will be our in processing. We'll need to get names of people and families, background checks, and confirmation of federation citizenship, to name a few. My main concern here is if fighting starts up on the surface we would have the chance to do this kind of work on the surface and that could lead to terrorist, or people loyal to the Veil getting aboard. This will also give separated families a place to regroup and find lost love ones." She gave Sanok a few moments to absorb what she said before continuing. "Second shuttle bay two will become a medical clinic has it were. This would give people a place to go and get there medical needs attended to with adding that burden to the main medical office. That could be dealing with people far more injured.It would also help limit the refugees movements around the ship." "Third, the marine deck it is currently not in heavy use and can hold a good deal of people. I plan on using that has the main hold if we disable the turbo lifts into and close off the other entry ways to that deck. We can maintain security with a minimum of officers. I main concern is that once the marine deck and both shuttle bays reach capacity the environmental systems of this ship alone may not be enough." Jessica paused for a moment to catch her breath. "This is what brings me to what I really wanted your opinion on. If we end up taking the Aquillian frigates in orbit around the planet. I wanted to know the possibility of using those ships has a kind of lifeboat. We can lock out the on bridge navigation control, weapons, or anything else we wouldn't want the refugees to have; and have the ship take all navigation cues from the Rosenante. If we were to do that we could greatly increase the number of people we can evacuate and the speed in which we evacuate our people of the planet." She stopped allowing Sanok the ability to look over what she proposed and awaited an answer. (reply Sanok) (posted by Matthew Locke) --------------- (USS Rosenante, Security Offices, 2O/CSec Lt. Sanok, Day -2, 1922) Sanok was in his office, preparing for the upcoming Beta Aquillia IV mission. He was going to call for Ensign Signos to come see him, as he had an assignment for her, but she came to see him on her own; she had suggestions and ideas for ship security during the mission. "What I would like to propose," said Signos, "is a processing system for all the people we take on." She handed Sanok a PADD, but in lieu of him reading it, she outlined the plan. Most of the plan was basic and logical, things he had already decided to do. However, he had not considered using the orbiting frigates as extra room for refugees. "Implement this plan," said Sanok simply. "I will speak with the FO about using the frigates. It is a good idea, Ensign." There was another matter he wished to discuss. "The security department on the Rosenante is highly-trained and skilled. However, the captain and FO feel we need to run security drills. I am placing you in charge of that. I expect the efficiency ratings to match their usual high standards." He paused to gauge her reaction. "Unless you have questions, you are dismissed." (reply Signos) (posted by Bob B.) --------------- (USS Rosenante- Security Offices – ATAC Ensign (sg) Jessica Signos – 1925) "The security department on the Rosenante is highly-trained and skilled. However, the captain and FO feel we need to run security drills. I am placing you in charge of that. I expect the efficiency ratings to match their usual high standards." He paused to gauge her reaction. "Unless you have questions, you are dismissed." An evil smile and excited gleam came to her eye, in fact Jessica since the last mission had been giving it some thought on the running of security drills. "I might have a few ideals sir, give me to morning to get some thing put together and I'll show you what I have planned." She turned to head out the door stopping just short of the door way. "Sir, I'm sorry when last we spoke I said some things that were out of line. Lets just say mymind was not where it should of been and I'm sorry for that." (reply Sanok, iyw.) After all was said she exited the security office and made her way to set her plans in motion. (reply Sanok iyw) (posted by Matthew Locke) --------------- (USS Rosenante - Nayeli's Quarters - Day -2 - JAG Lt Nayeli & aCMO Lt jg Tayla Fraiser - Day -2 - 1930) Nayeli heard the chime and called out, "Come." She had two teacups and a piping hot teapot ready, with honey, sugar, milk and a small assortment of other additives from a variety of worlds set on the table. Doctor Frasier had agreed to this meeting, and had even agreed to it being between just the two of them. Nayeli had only suggested it as an option because that left Tayla free to choose for herself. Nayeli herself had been slightly - but not completely - surprised; it was a sensitive situation, after all. She was going to record the whole meeting - also agreed upon - and send copies to the Captain and the Ship's Counsellor - by the Captain's orders. Tayla walked into the office and smiled, a half-hearted one given what she was there to discuss. Nayeli smiled, "Hello Doctor Frasier, would you like some tea? This isn't going to be an easy meeting for either of us and I want to help ease it as possible." She shook her head and said, "to be honest, I'd rather just get this over with." Taking a seat, she asked, "So how do you want to begin?" Taking a breath. She knew that Parker had offered to come with her but she also knew that this was something she had to do herself. "We will start with the nuts and bolts, and then we will get to the reason for this meeting." Nayeli wasn't one to beat around the bush, even with her patience, she knew when to be business like and official. "This meeting, as we agreed before, will be recorded," Nayeli indicated the recording padd on the table, "But before we start recording, I'd like to set up a signal with you. Something to tell me without it being recorded that you want to stop for a bit." Nodding, she replied, "Okay." Nayeli leaned forward, "We have to get through this, but we don't have to do it all without pauses to let off steam. Show me what you will do to tell me you need a break." Without saying a word, Tayla simply lifted her left hand and presented it flat infront of her. Nayeli nodded, "That's fine, let's get started ok?" "Please go ahead." Nayeli pressed the record button on the padd. It sprang into life, ready to record everything that was said until it was de-activated. Nayeli spoke, "This is JAG Investigations Officer Lt Nayeli. Service Number UW-505-686 interviewing Lt jg Doctor Tayla Frasier. Please state your name and service number for the record." "Lieutenant Tayla Fraiser, Doctor, UW 506-943" With that out of the way Nayeli nodded and switched out of her official tone. "Tayla, May I call you Tayla?" She nodded without replying verbally. The gravity of the situation was beginning to hit her and she was feeling the nerves. Nayeli nodded, "You know why we are holding this interview?" She was a patient person when she needed to be, and she needed to be able to get as much information out of Tayla as possible - and do it without sounding like she was leading the witness. Nayeli's questions would remain rather vague unless she needed to mine for more information. "Yes. I do." She replied, softly. Looking up at the woman, she continued, "You have to get my side of the story. To check the facts and highlight any inconsistencies." Nayeli nodded and prompted the vulnerable looking woman, "The facts about?" Taking a deep breath, she said, "That Captain Thomas Johnson, my previous Captain, tried to.........." she stopped as the memory hit back at her. The feeling of his hands on her and being slammed into the wall of his office. Nayeli could see that Tayla was already struggling with visions or images, "Tayla, take you time and tell me what you are seeing." Taking a breath, she replied, “I see him.” Nayeli occassionally had subjects come to the point quickly, but this quickly and without proding was unusual. A sign to her that this was either genuine and very close to the surface or false. She chose not to make a judgement, but to leave Tayla free. "Tayla, do you wish to take a moment?" Shaking her head, she replied, “I need to get this out in one go. Please?” Nayeli nodded, "Do this at your pace, not mine. Please continue when you are ready." Her eyes remained closed as she spoke, spoke about the incident that had changed the course of her life so dramatically, “It started small. Duty shifts changed so that I would be on at the same time that he was. Coming to Sickbay for no reason and engaging me in conversation. Then, one morning, he sent me flowers. With a note that spelt things out... I was so shocked that I didn’t know what to do. I marched to his office and demanded an explanation. The poor guy looked so shocked at my reaction I felt so bad for him that I stayed in the office whilst he talked. He talked a lot about his late wife and how I reminded him of her. It was then that I realised what had happened. He saw me as his wife. I tried to leave...” She paused a moment, knowing she was shaking a little. Nayeli needed everything down to the last moments, so she pressed just a little, "And then what?" Clenching her fists, Tayla continued, “As I reached the door, he grabbed my shoulders and spun me round, shouting at how ungrateful I was and how I didn’t understand. I tried to push him away but this only mad him angrier. He slammed me against a wall and kept shouting, kept his hands on me. I had no choice, I kneed him in his privates.” Nayeli smiled inwardly but kept her face fairly neutral, the girl had some wits about her. She prodded again. "How did he react?" Tayla lifted her hand to indicate she needed to stop. Standing, she walked to the window and tried to rub the tears from her eyes and calm herself down. Keeping herself seated so as not to present a threat, Nayeli watched Tayla, doing as much observation as she could. The woman was visibly upset, but this could mean she was a good actress or it could mean she was a victim. Nayeli spoke again, "Only when you are ready." Taking a moment to gather her thoughts, she turned back and said, "I'm ready." The young doctor sat down again and Nayeli repeated what she had said, "How did Captain Johnson react?" "He was angry.... he tried to stop me from leaving. He threw me onto his couch and tried to pin me down." she started to shake a little Nayeli nodded. She knew from her studies and from experience that a situation like this could be traumatizing, but there seemed to be more. She pursued her gut, "Tayla, what was in the note?" Fighting to keep the shakes under wraps, she looked at the woman and said, "It said that he loved me and that he missed me. That he wished I had never gone." Nayeli raised an eyebrow. That corroborated the idea that Johnson thought she was his wife. Nayeli made a mental note to check into the man's mental state. "Alright, what happened next?" "I managed to push him off. I ran. I did the only thing I knew I could do and ran." She sighed heavily. She looked away from Nayeli and said, "I found the First Officer, well, he bumped into me. He knew something had happened, so I told him the whole story. He must have known what this could do for the Captain's career and he offered me an easy way out. Transfer. He told me to transfer out of the situation and I took it. I took the easy route." Nayeli's eyes darkened, but she was able to control the colour better than most, and this was one situation where she needed to keep control. "So, the First Officer knows about this?" She nodded once and said, "He knows. But he only did what he thought was best. To protect us both." Nayeli nodded, "I won't confront him directly, but I will be looking into his career as part of the investigation. Is there anything else you need to tell me, Tayla?" Thinking for a second, she replied, "No. He didn't do anything else. I never spoke to the Captain or saw him after that night." Nayeli nodded again and, putting on her official voice close the interview. "This concludes the interview with Lt Tayla Frasier." She tapped the padd and it signed off, putting the current stardate and time at the bottom of the file. With that over with Nayeli went into 'mother' mode. She leaned forward, making sure she had Tayla's full attention, "You listen to me Lieutenant. You did not take the easy way out. You are braver than you know. The easy way out would have been to play the part and stay." "But how could I stay somewhere with the knowledge that I assaulted the captain? I'm at fault for that, if nothing else." she stated, softly. Still feeling like she let herself down, that she should have been able to sense the oncoming problem. It hit her then that this may have been the cause of her current problem, the cause that had lead her to meet Lily. By feeling that she should have sensed the problem, it had lead her to go into overdrive, to become the addict she was. Nayeli shook her head, "The only ones at fault are the ones who have covered this up. I will get to the bottom of this and expose those who are in the wrong. You have nothing to worry about," she paused and smiled a little, "unless you have something else you need to tell me about?" That question made her stop. ~Lily. She knows.... but Captain Salid asked me to keep it safe. Secret.~ she thought to herself. After a second, she replied, "There's nothing else. I just wish that things hadn't come to this. I keep thinking I should have seen this coming." The pause spoke to Nayeli of something hidden, but she respected Tayla's choice not to share - even off the record. She took the younger woman's hand for a moment and patted it, suddenly having the urge to protect her. "Tayla, remember this, you acted in self-defense. You assaulted no one. I will take that to the highest courts that we know and would stake my career on it." Nayeli thought wryly to herself, ~You have in fact, already staked your career on it.~ She nodded and said, "Thankyou. It means a lot to know i'm being believed." Nayeli smiled and let go, "Anytime you want, day or night, I'm available to chat. If you remember anything - no matter how small - I'll be around. Even if all you want to do is chat about nothing in particular." A small smile crept over her face as she said, "I'd like that. I don't have many friends here. It would be nice to talk to someone." Nayeli nodded, "I look forward to it. And honestly, don't worry about calling me at three am. I'm always awake - it's a peculiarity of us Denobulans." Nayeli indicated the now cold teapot, "I'd offer you some tea, but it appears to have gone a bit cool." A smile crept over her face as she replied, "That's okay. I think i should be going now anyway. Someone will be worrying about me." Rising from her seat, she said, "Thankyou." And left without saying another word. (Reply no-one) (Posted by Jackie Smith & Lori Winterhoff) --------------- =============== Mission: The Veil of the Sky Day: 1 Stardate: 2414.04.22 =============== (USS Rosenante - Deck 21 – Marine FORSCOM – Lt Col T’Larah Sullivan – Day 1 – 0638) (USS Rosenante, Deck 21, CSO LT tlha’nISta’, 0635) (Beta Aquillia IV – Main Government Compound – Jail – Lt Alaya – Day 1 – 0903) (Beta Aquillia IV, Main Government Compound, Jail, Federation Ambassador Joanne Turner, Day 1, 0905) (Beta Aquillia IV, Main Government Compound, Jail, Lt Alaya, Day 1, 0909) (Beta Aquillia IV, Main Government Compound, Jail, Ambassador Joanne Turner, Day 1, 0911) (Beta Aquillia IV, Main Government Compound, Jail, Lt Alaya, Day 1, 0914) (Beta Aquillia IV, Main Government Compound, Jail, Tal'Shair Operative Trez, Day 1, 0915) (Beta Aquillia IV - Atlantis Station - Niambh McNulty - Day 1 - 0916) (Kravis, Bridge, Gul Matan, Day 1, 1300) (Surface - (Beta Aquillia IV, Glinn Lasanar ,Day 1,1303) =============== (USS Rosenante - Deck 21 – Marine FORSCOM – Lt Col T’Larah Sullivan – Day 1 – 0638) “Mind if I join you?” Lanista asked. T’Larah looked up at the easily over two meter Klingon. “Halt. Position of attention, move. Relax.” She gave the commands to Doug.” I don’t believe we’ve met.” T’Larah said. (Reply Lanista) As Doug recovered his breath he looked up and was taken aback. “You might not have, but I think we have.” (Reply Lanista) “Kind of hard to miss a seven foot Klingon. Weren’t you going through the Academy when I was an instructor?” Doug asked still catching his breath. (Reply Lanista) “Well then, I’m Lieutenant Colonel Sullivan, this is Major Doug Masters.” T’Larah finished her side of the introductions. “The new Chief Science Officer? You are welcome to join our regimen.” (Reply Lanista) “That’s about right the gravity is currently at 1.15G, each lap it will increase by 0.05G. We have two deck-laps to go to finish what we started. We should probably make this an ‘at your own pace run, running in cadence will become problematic. You may take the time to stretch if you have not already. (Reply Lanista) Once Lanista signaled that she was ready. “Very well. Let’s begin.” T’Larah said. (Reply Lanista) (Posted by Todd) --------------- (USS Rosenante, Deck 21, CSO LT tlha’nISta’, 0635) The entire ship had been put on energy-rationing, which meant that tlha’nISta’ couldn’t maintain the gravity in her quarters at QonoS-normal. The Klingon homeworld and most ships in the imperial fleet had a 1.254g environment. After a little research, however, Lani’ had learned that the training protocols did allow for higher-than-Earth-normal gravity in at least one location. And she had headed there for her morning workout. Arriving, she found T’Larah Sullivan and one other person with apparently the same plan as Lani’ had. “In cadence, exercise,” Lani’ heard T’Larah order. “One, two three..” “Mind if I join you?” Lanista asked. (Reply T’Larah, Doug, any) (Posted by Frank) --------------- (Beta Aquillia IV – Main Government Compound – Jail – Lt Alaya – Day 1 – 0903) Standing outside the room that held the Federation Ambassador, Alaya took a quick glance inside the room and then turned to the guard outside and said, “No-one has gone into that room other than the guards that deliver the meals?” The young guard nodded and said, “Correct, Maam.” Nodding, she replied, “Open the door.” As the door swung open, Alaya strode in and stood before the Ambassador and said, “Good morning.” (Reply Ambassador) Alaya smiled and replied, “Surely you do know who I am?” (Reply Ambassador) “Madam, I will not dignify that question with a response. What I will tell you is why I am here. I want you to tell the damned owner of that hotel to allow us entry and to take the Federation staff that reside there into custody.” (Reply Ambassador) Knowing that this was going to be the response, Alaya crouched to her level and said, simply with malice, “You will do what I ask you to do. One way or the other. The easiest way would be to simply ask her to do this. If, however, you refuse, things could get a lot worse for you.” (Reply Ambassador) (Posted by Jackie Smith) --------------- (Beta Aquillia IV, Main Government Compound, Jail, Federation Ambassador Joanne Turner, Day 1, 0905) Ever since the Veil had taken control of the Federation embassy and taken her captive, Jo had been locked up in a jail cell in the main government complex. It must have been a cell to keep someone other than a common criminal, as it was clean, had a reasonably comfortable bed, and some privacy in the bathroom. It even had a small shower stall, which also allowed for some privacy. As promised, Keela had gotten clothes for her to wear, other than her nightgown and robe, though a jumpsuit and sandals, with no socks or undergarments, wasn't quite what Jo had in mind. Still, things could have been much worse. Since being brought to the government facility, Jo had not been given any news or updates on what was happening. She hadn't seen Major Stone or any of her staff. In fact, the only people she did see, were the Aquillians that brought her meals everyday. They must have been given strict orders about contact with her, as they entered the cell, did what they had to do, and left as quickly as possible. All her attempts at getting them to talk, had resulted in silence. They wouldn't even look at her. Jo had heard stories about prisons from past eras, that the inmates did little else, but spend time in their cells and think. In her few days in the cell, she had experienced the same thing. Where were the other people from the embassy? Were they being treated well or badly? Were they even still alive? What was going to happen to her? When was the Federation going to send a ship? Maybe one had arrived. Were they having any success in their negotiations? Would she get out of this? Was her family informed, or was this being kept quiet? If Jo wasn't a patient and disciplined person, she could have imagined herself going crazy. One's thoughts and imagination could take them to some terrifying places. Jo heard a sound at the door. The cell didn't have bars, but an actual door, with a window. She had her breakfast already, and it was still several hours until lunch. Perhaps someone was finally coming to deal with her. A female Aquillian she didn't recognize, walked in, closing the door behind her. Jo remained sitting on the edge of her bed. “Good morning.” Jo looked at the Aquillian and harrumphed. “Surely you do know who I am?” said the Aquillian with a smile. "No, I don't," said Jo. "I missed the last police report listing the most wanted criminals. Was your picture in there?" “Madam, I will not dignify that question with a response. What I will tell you, is why I am here. I want you to tell the damned owner of that hotel, to allow us entry and to take the Federation staff that reside there into custody.” At first, Jo didn't know what the Aquillian meant, though she quickly realized it had to be Atlantis Station. It was owned by a woman that was a Federation citizen, but Jo couldn't remember her name. Apparently, they had been able to withstand the attacks made by the Veil. Good for them. She hoped a lot of people had been able to find refuge there. "Go to pythos," said Jo. In the religion of the Aquillians, pythos was an underworld realm of eternal punishment for those that had been betrayers in life. The Aquillian ignored the remark, crouching to Jo's level. “You will do what I ask you to do, one way or the other. The easiest way would be to simply ask her to do this. If, however, you refuse, things could get a lot worse for you.” By her tone, Jo knew the Aquillian was deadly serious. The thing was, if Jo did this, who was to say things wouldn't go worse for her anyway? It also told her something else, something both important and disheartening. A starship hadn't arrived yet. If Starfleet had come, the Veil would have more important things to deal with. The starship would also likely have removed Federation citizens hiding there. The Veil wanted all aliens off their world, so they were simply looking for more leverage in negotiating with the Starfleet captain that was coming. Jo could try to stall, but she might pay a price for that. Accepting that she was going to experience some pain in the near future, Jo brightened inside when she thought of something. "All right. I'll ask the hotel owner." (reply Alaya) (posted by Bob B.) --------------- (Beta Aquillia IV, Main Government Compound, Jail, Lt Alaya, Day 1, 0909) "All right. I'll ask the hotel owner." A smile crept over her face as she rose and spoke, “You've made the right choice. Come with me.” (Reply Ambassador) Alaya stopped, with her hand on the door, and turned back to the Ambassador and said, “There is one other thing.” Reaching into her pocket, she pulled out something. Keeping her hand closed, she spoke, “I visited Major Stone earlier.” (Reply Ambassador) A grin spread across her face as she replied, “I asked him the same question I asked you. He was not as helpful as you are.” Opening her hand, she handed the Ambassador what was in there. “Just a little reminder that we mean business.” She handed the Ambassador a pair of dog tags that she knew had on them the Major's rank and serial number. (Reply Ambassador) Seeing the woman's reaction to them, she said, “I mean what I say. Try anything and you will be punished. Am I understood?” (Reply Ambassador) Alaya opened the door fully and said, “Come with me.” --------------- (Beta Aquillia IV, Main Government Compound, Jail, Ambassador Joanne Turner, Day 1, 0911) "All right. I'll ask the hotel owner," said Jo. The Aquillian smiled as though she had won a great battle. Jo maintained her diplomatic face, though inside, she was disgusted. “You've made the right choice. Come with me.” Jo followed the Aquillian to the door, but before exiting the cell, they stopped. “There is one other thing.” ~There always is,~ thought Jo. The Aquillian got something from her pocket, but she kept her hand closed over it. “I visited Major Stone earlier.” "And you're still alive?" said Jo. “I asked him the same question I asked you. He was not as helpful as you are.” The Aquillian opened her hand, revealing a set of dog tags. “Just a little reminder that we mean business.” Jo looked at the tags, seeing Stone's name. She shrugged casually. "All this means, is you have him captive." “I mean what I say. Try anything and you will be punished. Am I understood?” The situation was definitely serious, but Jo couldn't help project a light-hearted, humorous attitude. It helped her get through the stress of the situation. "Yes, I understand." "Come with me." With that, they left the cell. Moving down a set of corridors, they ended up in a communications room. Jo was told to sit at a table. She watched while the Aquillian made contact with Atlantis Station. “Miss McNulty, please acknowledge.” ~McNulty! That was her name,~ thought Jo. Listening to the exchange between the two, Jo grew to like the hotel owner. The woman had guts. When it was time for her to speak, Jo stood up. "Good morning, Ambassador," said McNulty. "I must admit that you're looking a little peaky this morning, and to be honest, your current choice of clothing does nothing for your figure. Couldn't you find something a little more chic to wear, or did you just simply get out of the wrong side of the bed this morning?" "With what happened today, Ms. McNulty, every side of the bed was the wrong one," said Jo. Pausing to take a breath, she continued. "My Aquillian friend here, though she never did tell me her name, requires a favor from me. Ms. McNulty, will you allow the Veil of the Sky to enter Atlantis Station so they can take into custody all Federation citizens?" (reply McNulty, Alaya iyw) (posted by Bob B.) --------------- (Beta Aquillia IV, Main Government Compound, Jail, Lt Alaya, Day 1, 0914) As she sat at the table, the communications equipment infront of her, a sigh escaped. Opening a chanel to the hotel, she spoke, “Miss Mcnutly, please acknowledge.” (Reply McNutly) “As you are no doubt aware, we are barricading your building. You know why I am calling.” (Reply McNutly) “You are the most stubborn ape I have come across. I have your Ambassador with me. She wishes to speak with you about this situation.” (Reply McNutly, Ambassador, Any) (Posted by Jackie smith) --------------- (Beta Aquillia IV, Main Government Compound, Jail, Tal'Shair Operative Trez, Day 1, 0915) Trez had infiltrated the veil of the sky with an ease that only the most skilled Romulan Tal'Shiar officer could perform. He had been collecting data for some time, tracking down shipments of Romulan weapons stolen from a pari of weapons storage facilities in the heart of the Empire. The mission had been a long one, one that had required patience and planning, but most importantly one that had required him to work very closely with the Veil of the sky as one of their own. For three years, members of the Tal'Shiar had been working to uncover a spy ring within their capital. The people and the means by which a series of top secret storage facilities had been robbed and their military hardware circumvented. Trails had begun and ended in a series of dead ends, some seemed too perfectly implicate the Federation, while others seemed to point to Cardassians. Three aides to Romulan senators had been arrested, tried and found guilty of treason, but so far only minor information had been found detailing the plans for the weapons. Eventually Trez found himself here, on Beta Aquillia, infiltrating a pro-isolationist organization, that quite suddenly seemed to have acquired the stolen Romulan weapons. In the year he had been here, he had established himself as a loyal member of the Veil and no one suspected his real allegiances lay with the Romulan Star Empire. Now he was acting as a security aide on Habrii's staff, and was carefully monitoring all the movements that his lieutenant Alaya, seemed to be making, including her visit to the Federation Marine Major Stone, and now the federation Ambassador. His name, Trez, was Aquillian, his background, family and friends were all Aquillian, and he even had an Aquillian lover. His replacement of the original Trez was so seamless that sometimes he didn't even know where the neural imprints began and his own ended. It didn't matter, in the end, he'd be successful in his mission and in so doing would serve the empire in a honorable and unprecedented accomplishment. He felt that things were communing to a head and that once the federation starship arrived for their people there would be plenty of opportunity to acquire the last bit of data that he needed and to be able to finally put this entire mystery to rest. Three Romulan Warbirds were cloaked and hidden in the system, awaiting any command from him necessary to punish those responsible for breaking the sovereign space of the Romulan Star Empire. Trez was certain that there was something very dangerous being played out here on this miserable, but resource rich world. And he was certain that he would be able to get to the bottom of it soon. (reply none yet) Daniel Greene --------------- (Beta Aquillia IV - Atlantis Station - Niambh McNulty - Day 1 - 0916) “Miss McNutly, please acknowledge.” Niambh was in her security control room. She had already told David to tell all the Aquillian staff working for her that they could indeed leave if they wanted to, but if they wished to stay, she would double their wages for the duration of the troubles. Most of them had elected to stay and that gave Niambh some encouragement regarding their situation. If the local staff stayed with you then it wasn't quite as bad, yet. Niambh however wasn't stupid. She knew that all it would take was one stupid mistake and everything she had put together would unravel and then everything would most likely go all to hell in a hand basket. She was just about to go get a cup of tea when the person on the comms channel told her that she had an incoming message. Nodding Niambh told him to pipe it through. It turned out to be from the one woman who seemed to be Niambh's own personal nemesis. “As you are no doubt aware, we are barricading your building. You know why I am calling.” Niambh grinned. "Yup I do. You don't have the manpower or the ships to take this hotel outright so your trying to wear my down by boring me to death. Am I right. No, don't bother to answer. That was a rhetorical question. “You are the most stubborn ape I have come across. I have your Ambassador with me. She wishes to speak with you about this situation.” Niambh grinned. "Ooh sticks and stones darling. You really need to take some lessons in insulting people, but what he heck put the Ambassador on. Anything is better than talking to you." Niambh waited and shortly the Ambassador appeared on the screen clad in a simple jumpsuit and sandals. Grinning Niambh addressed the Ambassador. "Good morning Ambassador I must admit that you're looking a little peaky this morning and to be honest your current choice of clothing does nothing for your figure. Couldn't you find something a little more chic to wear. Or did you just simply get out of the wrong side of the bed this morning? (Reply Turner) (Posted by Marilyn) --------------- (Kravis, Bridge, Gul Matan, Day 1, 1300) Matan sat on the bridge reflecting on how well things were progressing, the Veil had over thrown the Aquillian government easily. There were still pockets of resistance but those were being dealt with. He rose from his seat and walked around the bridge looking at various consoles, so far no one had come to interfere but he knew a transmission had been sent out for help. It was only a matter of time before someone came to the Aquillian's aid and he would have to deal with them. How he dealt with them depended on how they reacted to his presence, there was very little if anything on the surface to suggest the Cardassian's had anything to do with current situation. His men had strict instructions to stay out of the fighting, advise and coordinate was their role. Walking over to the communications console he spoke with the officer on duty. "Open a channel to the surface." He informed them. "I want to speak with Lasanar." "Channel open Gul." Came the reply. "Lasanar." He said. "How are things progressing?" (reply Lasanar) "Good." He responded. "Make sure Krem doesn't get in anymore trouble." (reply Lasanar) "I know, just keep him in line." Matan said. "We've all worked hard for this and I don't want him causing us any trouble." (reply Lasanar) (posted by Milo Young) --------------- (Surface - (Beta Aquillia IV, Glinn Lasanar ,Day 1,1303) Lasanar ground his teeth in frustration. He desperately wanted to be in on the action. Gul Matan had been succinct o > n this point NO Cardassian was to be caught in combat. > The Gul had reminded him of the fact he and his family were under the eye of Obsidian Order operatives. This stayed his hand. > Lasanar's attention was brought back to the here and now when he heard the Gul's incoming message. "Lasanar." He said. "How are things progressing?" "Well Sir. The locals have surrounded the faciity where the Federation personnel are housed" he answered. "Good." the Gul responded. "Make sure Krem doesn't get in anymore trouble." "I know,just keep him in line." Matan said. "We've all worked hard for this and I don't want him causing us any trouble." Lasanar smiled and said "He won't Gul Matan. I promise you that". (Reply: Gul Matan) (Posted by: Bill W.) =============== Mission: Veil of the Sky Day: 2 Stardate: 2414.04.22 =============== (USS Rosenante - Bridge -CO Captain Ahmed Ibn Salid- Day 2- 2000) (USS Rosenante - Bridge – CSO Lt tlha’nISta’ – Day 2 – 2005) (USS Rosenante, Strategic Operations Room, 2O/CSec Lt. Sanok, Day 2, 2118) (USS Rosenante - Bridge- FO, Lt. Cmdr Ben Soma- Day 2- 2122) --------------- (USS Rosenante - Bridge -CO Captain Ahmed Ibn Salid- Day 2- 2000) Ahmed stepped out onto the bridge with a swish of the turbolift doors. He had just been in his quarters looking over the latest intelligence reports from Starfleet intelligence concerning the situation that was steadily worsening on the surface of Beta Aquillia IV. The Veil had wasted no time in solidifying their control of the government, in the short days since Ahmed had been told of the mission, Habrii the leader of the Veil had managed to subvert or outright seized two major military outposts when the commanders surrendered them rather than fight. It seemed that the Veil's actions were either supported by the general population or that the veil was running an exceptionally effective campaign. Thinking over the details and considering the new complexities of the mission Ahmed settled into his command chair with a sense of dread. He had never been forced to act in the capacity of diplomat and military commander in a situation anything like this. He was faced with dealing with a government in exile, dealing with their usurpers and safeguarding the displaced citizens of the Federation. It was a daunting task. "We'll be arriving in the system shortly captain." The helmsman stated. "Mister Sanok, all hands red alert, shields up, all weapons charged. I want to be ready should we be forced to defend ourselves." He ordered. (reply Sanok) As the red alert alarm sounded twice before glowing silent, leaving only the red flashing light to remind the crew of the ship's condition, Ahmed could almost feel the tension in the crew. "Beta Aquillia system, captain." Helm reported. The mighty Rosenante dropped out of spiral warp and as space solidified around her, Ahmed quickly took in the view on the main screen. There centered on the viewer was Beta Aquillia IV, the last planet in the system, the other three being much too close to their world for any real chance to harbor natural life. Space stations surrounded the "Super Earth" sparkling like a ring of jewels hung around a lovely woman's throat. The three moons, One not much smaller than Earth's beloved Luna, the other two captured asteroids, hung in the sky above the world. It was a beautiful place from up here, and for just a moment Ahmed couldn't believe the mayhem that was taking place on the planet below. He looked over at Soma, a look of concern but also of confidence. He had no doubt that he and his crew would pull through this mission, it was going to be a competition of wills between Habrii, the new but inexperienced leader of the planet, and Ahmed Ibn Salid, Captain of the USS Rosenante. "Mister Sanok, any sign of those freighters?" (reply Sanok) "That's good news, as long as they are in the dock, they're not much of a threat to us. See if there's any way you can find out why they originally belonged to and maybe pull some schematics of their original systems." (reply Sanok) "Mister Jackson, has there been any increase in comm chatter indicating that the Veil knows we've arrived?" (reply Jackson) "Monitor all their communications, coordinate any tactical command you might overhear to Sanok. He will advise me if there is any need for tactical action." (reply Jackson) "Mister Lanista, is your fighter ready to deploy should we find it necessary?" (reply Lanista) "Very good. I want you to run a full sensor sweep of the system, map and report any anomalies you may find. If there is a ship hidden somewhere out there, I want it found." (reply Lanista) Ahmed tapped his commbadge, "Salid to Matrix." (reply Matrix) "I want you and O'Neill to be prepared to transport down to the planet within the next two hours. I'll need some engineers down there to assess the situation from a technical standpoint, please be ready to join Commander Caskie when they depart for the surface." (reply Matrix) "Very good commander, be prepared for all sorts of things, we won't know what the conditions are down there until you get there for a survey. Salid out." Closing the Channel, Ahmed turned to Soma, his first officer, and with a great deal of confidence said. "I'll want you to be ready to head down to the planet, specifically to Atlantis station. We'll have Lanista escort your shuttle craft down with her cloaked fighter in case there's additional trouble. I want you to take Jackson, O'Neill, Davis, Nayeli, Sanok, Caskie, Xim and Matrix. Add a security team. I want our presence to be seen by the people of that station and for them to know that we are there to help. Time to put a face on our arrival and to let the rest of the players in this little political game know that we've arrived. If you need anyone else, let me know. We won't be using transporters until we know that they don't have inhibitors available. I don't want my away teams trapped down there. We'll have a pre-mission briefing in the Strategic Operations Room in 45-minutes." (reply Soma) Ahmed nodded. He turned back to the viewer. The main viewer now showed a much larger view of the planet, the semi-naked bones of the shipyards could be clearly seen as well. The freighters had grown from just two to a new total of five, it appeared that some additional ships had entered the system unaware of the situation and had been seized. Their crews were probably being held somewhere. "Geosynchronous orbit above their capital city Helm." Ahmed commanded. "Geo-orbit over Joba, Aye sir." The Rosenante slipped into the orbit over the capital city, placing herself smoothly into the orbital pocket between one of the ship yards refitting one of the freighters and one of the smaller asteroid-like moons. "Sir, Sensors are showing a ship dropping out of warp. I've never seen a ship quite like this, so it may take a few seconds to identify it." "On screen" The image of the planet shifted and there a massive ship, oddly shaped appeared. It looked almost as if it could be as large as a city, yet it maneuvered as deftly as any other vessel Ahmed had ever seen. "Captain, we are being hailed. It's from the new arrival sir." "Put them on." The images shifted once again, this time displaying a figure very familiar to Ahmed and the vast majority of his command crew. It was Ambassador Dralar, Prince of Skoria. =^=Greetings War Captain Salid. I greet you on behalf of my father High King Kamuth, ruler of the Skorr Hierarchy.=^= "It is good to see you Ambassador. I greet you in the name of the United Federation of Planets. Long have we been allies." Ahmed replied, rising to his feet and allowing himself to smile. =^= Do not be so quick to judge Captain.=^= Dralar replied, =^= I have been sent here to resolve some issues with the new Government of this insignificant world. It seems that in their desires to take control of the government, they have seized several Skorr diplomats including our Ambassador, Toraz, my older brother.=^= "I see," Ahmed replied gravely. "I completely understand Ambassador, we too are here in the interests of the Federation. We also have many citizens that have been taken hostage by the Veil of the Sky. Perhaps we can work together in mutual cooperation to see both our peoples restored to their freedom?" Dralar cocked his head slightly to the side. =^=That will be agreeable for the moment.=^= He replied, allowed a short pause before continuing, =^=I have missed my friends aboard the Rosenante these many months. May I come aboard with some of my officers and we can discuss events? Perhaps we can share knowledge?=^= "I don't see why not Ambassador. You and your officers are welcome aboard, in fact I am certain that there are many members of the crew that would enjoy seeing you again." Ahmed replied. =^=Thank you captain. It is my hope that we can see this to a conclusion. If we are unable to achieve our goals, we will be forced to unleash our military, and I do not see these people well disposed to warfare. It will be a slaughter =^= Ahmed didn't exactly know what to say about that, so instead he nodded solemnly and replied simply, "I am certain it would be. I sincerely hope that we are able to come to a peaceful arrangement." =^=As am I. but before I am able to join you, I must see to our tactical preparations.=^= "Of course, lieu- I mean Ambassador. Until later then." =^= Until later=^= Dralar agreed as he closed the channel. Ahmed looked over at his first officer as he returned to his chair, "Things just got very dangerous." he added. (reply All) Daniel Greene --------------- (USS Rosenante - Bridge – CSO Lt tlha’nISta’ – Day 2 – 2005) ~ß Aquillia IV…~ Lani’ thought as the Rosenante came into orbit around the planet. ~ghI’yaH!~ she thought. It was one thing to determine from research that a planet was classified as a super-earth, but to actually see the thing was another matter. When Red Alert was sounded, Lani’ murmured “Finally…” But it wasn’t the impatient Klingon ‘finally’ but a more Vulcan acknowledgement of completion of one stage and the beginning of another. Just before the ship’s arrival at its destination, Lanista had spent a half hour in her Quarters meditating. Well, at least she had tried. As it turned out, she proved to be allergic to Vulcan incense. So instead she burned a Klingon variety and did a Vulcan kata. It was the combination that had actually seemed to have a calming effect. "Mister Sanok, any sign of those freighters?" the CO asked. Lanista listened very intently to the reply, since the data would bear directly on her part of the mission. She agreed with the Captain’s estimation that as long as they are in dock they weren’t going to be a danger. Salid further ordered Sanok to “See if there's any way you can find out why they originally belonged to and maybe pull some schematics of their original systems." Lani’ would want that data too, and Sanok’s analysis of any inherent weaknesses. "Mister Lanista, is your fighter ready to deploy should we find it necessary?" “It is, Captain. As is its ‘special cargo.’” (Reply Salid) "Very good. I want you to run a full sensor sweep of the system, map and report any anomalies you may find. If there is a ship hidden somewhere out there, I want it found." “HISlaH, joHwI’!” she barked, ‘Yes, m’Lord!’ in Klingon. “However, departing from the Rosenante while cloaked would be our best option here. Perhaps you could find some excuse for deploying a shuttle? I could pilot the maQmIgh out after it, already cloaked.” (Reply Salid) After the Captain spoke with Matrix, he turned to the FO and said, "…We'll have Lanista escort your shuttle craft down with her cloaked fighter in case there's additional trouble…” This didn’t seem to Lani’ to be strategically sound. The maQmIgh could not fire weapons while cloaked. Decloaking to defend the shuttle would compromise the future (pending) action against the freighters. tlha'nISta’ would voice this concern to the Captain later, if need be. Someone saying, "Sir, Sensors are showing a ship dropping out of warp…!” caught Lanista’s attention and she caught herself thinking ~wIy cha’!~ precisely as the Captain said “On screen.” ‘On screen’ was one of the few phrases in Human that was as efficient as it was in Klingon. Both were two-syllable commands. "Captain, we are being hailed. It's from the new arrival sir." "Put them on." As the image changed from the unfamiliar starship to the entity evidently in charge of the strange vessel, Lani’ took a step forward, her eyes wide. ~Wings?! I don’t have wings!~ Lani’ thought. The creature – Lanista wasn’t even familiar with its species – address the CO as ‘War Captain…’ ~I like him already.~ As the impressive, humanoid avian spoke, tlha’nISta’ realized two things that affirmed her gut reaction. First, the being was perhaps just as inherently bellicose as she was. Second, ‘Dralar’ as he seemed to be called, had an honor-claim: his brother Toraz was among the hostages. When the exchange between the Captain and the birdman was over, Salid said to the FO, “Things just got very dangerous." “Not at all, Captain,” said Lanista, stepping forward. “If I may…” (Reply Salid, Soma, any) (Posted by Frank) --------------- (USS Rosenante, Strategic Operations Room, 2O/CSec Lt. Sanok, Day 2, 2118) "You have something, Mister Sanok?" said Salid. "Yes, sir. Three things, actually," said Sanok. "If we are still going to do the plan where we take control of the five freighter using Lanista's ship and the nanite weapon, I have a suggestion that was given to me by Ensign Signos. "I feel we should limit as much as possible the number of Aquillians we allow on the Rosenante. As an alternative, we can use the freighters to hold any refugees leaving the planet. "Secondly, I must advise you to watch Lt. Lanista." He paused and glanced at Ben. "Lieutenant Commander Soma and I served with her in the past. Though I do not question her loyalty, she can sometimes be a loose cannon. The suggestion that she use her K-fighter to attack the Skorr vessel, is an example of how reckless she can be. Again, I do not question her loyalty, but she still desires Klingon glory." Sanok handed Salid a PADD. "While preparing for the mission, I discovered that the Federation ambassador, Joanne Turner, is a relative of Ensign Blake Turner from security. I informed the ensign, who desires to be part of the security detail on the surface. I was initially going to assign her to remain here. However, if someone important to me was held captive, I would want to go as well." He glanced at Ben again. "I am assigning her to the command center at Atlantis Station. She won't be in direct contact amongst the Aquillian people, but being on the planet will help her feel like she's doing something. I just wanted you to be aware of this." (reply Salid, Soma, iyw) (posted by Bob B.) --------------- (USS Rosenante - Bridge- FO, Lt. Cmdr Ben Soma- Day 2- 2122) Ben remained with Davis and Nayeli at Salid's request, the remainder of the away team was assembling in the shuttle bay preparing for launch. Final preparations were being made, equipment and supplies being loaded and preflights being taken care of. The Captain addressed Dralar's ship requesting an escort which didn't receive a warm welcome at first until they were notified that the area they were heading to was a hot spot. Next he addressed McNulty to request permission to land at Atlantis Station and set up a base of operations, which was okayed. Then he tried to reach the Veil, but there was no response. Ben didn't expect any but he was hoping that the Veil were open to diplomacy. When everything was done Salid turned to the three assembled officers. "Observations? Comments?" "I dislike being negative," Ben said. "but I learned a long time ago to trust my gut. Right now it's telling me this situation is going to get worse before it gets better." "The fact that the Veil didn't respond to our hail tells me they have no interest in what we have to say, they have what they want for now and are waiting to see what we are going to do. Our presence is going to fuel the flames, so to speak." He continued. "No matter how we sugar coat it the Veil is likely to take our presence as aggression. The situation is very volatile and my skills as a diplomat and a negotiator are going to be put to the test. Even if the leaders of the Veil are inclined to see reason their benefactors may not, they may press their position and influence on the Veil. Now we've had another twist thrown at us, the Skorr are now involved. Dralar was once a Starfleet officer but now he has the interests of his people to contend with, let's hope his years of service have tempered him a little. The last thing we need is for them to be provoked into a fight, that will put us in a very difficult situation." (reply Davis, Nayeli, Salid) (posted by Milo Young) =============== Compiled by Milo Young ===============