Stardate:2406.11.25 (USS Nimitz - Sickbay - Private Kane Curtis - 1324) Kane's strange behaviour had stopped for allready quite some time. The medical staff managed to get him back on the bed, in order for him to restore. But only few hours later, Kane woke up again, this time he realised what was going on around him. He saw his combadge lying on a tray next to his bed. Without thinking, he stood up, grabbed the combadge, and headed out the door, making his way to the marine staging area. "Marine Kane Curtis to Major Dorkin, orders Sir." He bellowed, while he stepped into the turbolift. (reply Dorkin) (posted by Anthony Struelens) Stardate:2406.11.25 (USS Boudicca - Transporter Room 1 - CMO - Doctor Mor'rel - 1445) Mor'rel felt his form shimmer back into existence. He looked to one side and saw Doctor Farely materialize beside him. Mor'rel nodded to Ellen and grabbed his medical bag. "I am sure, Doctor, that there is a great deal of work to be done. I am going back to sickbay. You should probably get some food," stated Mor'rel and started towards the doors. (USS Boudicca - Transporter Room 1 - CMO - Doctor Mor'rel - 1447) Mor'rel turned on his computer and immediately saw the report from the meeting that took place earlier. He nodded at the instructions to be ready to receive injured directly to sickbay. He started keying instructions into his computer and decided to contact Lieutenant Commander West. He tapped his comm badge. "Mor'rel to Lieutenant Commander West. Doctor Ellen Farely and myself are back onboard the Boudicca. I have just reviewed the orders from the staff meeting which took place while we were operating on the marine. I see no difficulty in doing as you wish. We shall set up the triage center immediately. I will, however, ask how many individuals will be taking part in this away mission," asked Mor'rel dispassionately. (Reply West) "I see. Might I suggest, Sir, that they take one of the three of us as a field doctor with them? Doctor Natalie Farely would seem a logical choice," replied Mor'rel. (Reply West) "As you wish Sir. I would also request that some additional power be given to the medical replicators and equipment. We will have to run diagnostics over the next few days and ensure we have enough material to treat the injured properly. I will also ask, at this time, how Captain Sevant is to be treated upon his arrival," stated Mor'rel. (Reply West) Mor'rel considered this thoughtfully, "It may be necessary, Sir, to ensure that a counsellor is on hand and ready as well. Captain Sevant could have been affected my his captors in more ways than physical. We should ascertain his level of psychological damage immediately on his arrival and include the possibility they may have attempted brainwashing." (Reply West) "Understood Sir, Mor'rel out." (Reply West, any, none) (Posted by Jeff Bergeron) Stardate:2406.11.25 (USS Nimitz - Sickbay- CO- Captain Devan Sash - 1455) Once the situation with Zzt had been cleared up, or at least, dealt with, Sash headed down to sickbay. He needed to check out his new ACEO and the marine. He also wanted to check in with the Boudicca marine. As he walked through the door he could hear the CMO, BigWill Kinkaid. He wan't being to quiet about what had happened to his patient. "What in God's green Earth...?" he exclaimed. "He's lucky to still have a full yard of usefull intestine. Okay, get the cellular regenrator over here. We're going to have to grown this man a new small intestine." There was a pause. "Oh my Lord, what did he hit this man with? He threw him against the what? The ceiling? I hate to see what the ceiling looks like now." Sash came to the observation window of the intensive care unit, now seeing what Kinkaid was complaining about. "This man has internal injuries and a concussion. I can't believe he's still alive. Thank goodness for whatever it is he has inside him. Dr. Kirien, ladies choice. I'll give you your choice of patients." (reply Michaella) "Dr Kinkaid," Sash finally interjected, "I know you're busy, but I need a moment." Kinkaid moved out of the sterile field looked up at Sash. "Captain I can't believe it, I just can't..." "I know how you feel doctor," Sash nodded. "How are they." "They'll live," Kinkaid sighed and shook his head. "Lichfield won't be the same for a while, and he'll be eating soft foods. But this marine, Kane, he's made of some sturdy stuff. A beating like that would have killed most men. He's lucky to be alive right now, and he'll be out of commission for at least a coupleof weeks." Sash ran his fingers through his hair. "See what you can do. I'll need every hand for what's ahead of us." "Then I should get back to work," Kinkaid said. "If you'll excuse me capptain?" "Absolutely, Doctor," Sash stepped back. As the doctor went back to the operating room Sash made his way to recovery where he saw the Boudicca's marine, trying to get out of the bed. Unfortunately, for him, Nurse Sander's had a different idea. "Mister Johnson," she said sternly, "I must insist that you stay in bed and rest." "There'll be plenty of time to rest when I'm dead," Johnson said defiantly, trying to throw off the bed sheet. "Then you'd have been resting just fine about an hour ago," Sanders shot back, pulling the sheet back up. They struggled with the sheet for a few moments until Sash stepped into the room. "I'm pretty sure you won't be very helpful to the Boudicca," he said, "if you can't even get past our head nurse." Johnson dropped the sheet, and looked up at Sash, trying to be at attention while sitting on the bed. Sash stepped over to the bed side. "How you feeling, son?" he asked. "I've been worse Captain," Johnson said. "I bet," Sash nodded, "but you've also been better. You're doing nobody any good in the shape your in. Listen to the nurse, and you'll be out of here in no time. You hear me." "Yes, SIR," Johnson replied, a little dejected. But this guy sure knew how to treat a marine. "I just wanted to come in here and thank you for what you did," Sash said. "We won't know how successful our attempts were until we get there, but if it made our job a little easier then it was worth it. Good work son." "Umm.. thanks," Bubba replied. " I appreciate that sir. I was just doing my job. When can I get back to my ship?" Sash patted the marine on the shoulder and stepped away. "When the doctor says so. Even I have no authority over that. Rest easy son, I'm sure that Lieutenant Drizzt will have you back before he really misses you." Sash went back out and waited for Dr. Kinkaid to emerge. He sat down in a chair and began to relax. (USS Nimitz - Sickbay- CO- Captain Devan Sash - 1535) Sash startled awake, the sounds of screaming, from his dreams, still rininging in his ears. He'd seen too much of war in his lifetime. Some of it still haunted him. He looked up and saw Kinkaid smiling down at him. "Have a good nap?" the doctorr asked. "Doctor, I'm sure that I cna rely on your confidentiality in this matter," Sash looked at him warily. "Always, sir," Kinkaid chuckled. "I'll never tell a soul. I just thought you'd like to know that Lt. Commander Lichfield is coming around. You should be able to talk to him briefly." "Thankyou," Sash said. "And Kane." "He's still unconscious," Kinkaid replied, "but I think hios body does it on purpose. I've never seen anything like it. His cells are regenerating at an astounding, even alarming rate." "Really," Sash said, "that is amazing. Well, keep me posted. I'll see Lichfield now." Kinkaid lead Sash into the recovery room. Lichfield was awake and looking around the room. "Well, Lt. Coimmander," Sash began, "how are you feeling?" (reply Lichfield) "According to the doctor, you're lucky to be alive. You want to tell me what happened?" (reply Lichfield) (posted by Al Muir) Stardate:2406.11.25 (USS Boudicca, Ready Room, Ensign Caleb Talda, 1508) "Aye, sir!" Ensign Talda responded with his academy-best salute. As was often the case, he failed miserably in the attempt to mask the huge grin that had seated itself on his face, and it remained there as he spun on his heel and exited the ready room. ~Outstanding! Finally, a real chance to do something fun!~ If anyone on the bridge noticed the bounce in his step, Caleb didn't pick up on it. Of course, that wasn't altogether surprising, as his mind was already in another place as he made his way to the turbolift. "Deck five," he spoke idly as he entered the lift. ~First stop will be the xeno lab, take a look at any information we have about those systems, then start collecting data for the report. Need to make sure to keep a military spin on it, God knows that Stratton will care less about the ecology, only whether it'll eat us.~ As the door closed, he chuckled at his own unspoken joke. ~Better get someone to cover for me in sensor duty.~ Upon reaching the xeno lab, Caleb called up today's duty roster on the computer. Seeing a name he recognized, the ensign tapped his commbadge. "Talda to Jacobs." =/\=Crewman Jacobs here.=/\= came the answer almost immediately. "Mister Jacobs, how would you feel about manning the sensor station on the bridge today, rather than working on the Grenedan experiment? I don't want to take you away from anything..." The last point was spoken with tongue firmly in cheek; Caleb had overheard the crewman complaining about the boredom inherent in Doctor Grenedan's statistical analysis of his latest batch of stellar observations. Not surprisingly, there was enthusiasm in the young man's voice. =/\=I'd be honored to do it, sir. When do I start?=/\= Grinning, Caleb filled him in on the details. "I'll most likely be here in the xeno lab, pulling together some data for Commander West. If you need me, or see anything unusual, don't hesitate to call me." =/\=Aye, sir.=/\= came the reply, then a short hesitation. =/\=Thank you, sir.=/\= Caleb snorted. Jacobs was bright and willing; the ensign personally thought that he should have looked at the Academy, rather than enlisting. He was more than happy to do small favors for someone of the crewman's ilk. (USS Boudicca, Xenobiology, Ensign Caleb Talda, 2218) Caleb rubbed his eyes as he scanned the information in front of him for the umpteenth time. Unfortunately, he really didn't have the details he would like to have had; the Boudicca was simply too far out from the target system to possess enough reliable sensor data. He had cross-referenced the available information with every conceivable log, star chart, and long range scan he could find, but the sum total of what he had was less than satisfying. He had likely annoyed poor Jacobs half to death with requests for new long-range scans and suggestions on how to better tweak them; by now, the crewman probably longed for Grenedan's tedium. Until they were closer - ideally, in-system - there would be little else to report. To further complicate matters, many of the required details of the planet's surface would likely only be available to the planetary scanner platforms. They could send a probe, and he would reccomend doing so to Commander West, but there really was no substitute for an in-orbit comprehensive scan. The ASCO suspected that the FO wouldn't want to hear that. Sighing with resignation, Talda downloaded his report to a PADD and gave it a final re-examination. *****Begin Report***** Spectral Analysis of system JB-21923: Classification A-9V This star is considered cool compared to other Class A (light blue) stars; however, it is still better than two thousand degrees hotter than Sol. Planetary summary: Interestingly, the system possesses two large zones of class-I planetoids (asteroid belts), one near the star, and another on the outer fringes of the system. By all indications, these are likely to be very mineral-rich, and would provide excellent mining opporunities. Intelligent strategists would certainly use these to their benefit, as well, as these zones provide excellent cover for hidden sensor posts, minefields, and other defensive measures. As for planets themselves, there are four, listed from the furthest distance to the star on into the closest. Planet 4: Class L (Geo Inactive) - barren, frozen surface. Distance from star: 41.62 AU. Diameter: 3800 km. Likelihood if life forms (of any variety): 0.0000000121 percent. Planet 3: Class L (Geo Inactive) - similarly barren and frozen, slightly larger than planet 4. Distance from star: 33.13 AU. Diameter: 5100 km. Likelihood of life forms (of any variety): 0.0000000268 percent. Planet 2: Class B (Gas Giant) - buffeted by extremely violent winds and neverending storms, this planet almost certainly harbors no life. Distance from star: 15.41 AU. Diameter: 56,200 km. Likelihood of life forms (of any variety): 0.0000001712 percent. Planet 1: Class M (Terrestrial) - almost certainly the location of any life in system JB-21923. Distance from star: 2.16 AU. Diameter: 15,600 km. It appears that the gravity of this planet is somewhat high, estimated to be approximately 1.4 times that of Earth. All indications are that the planet possesses water (61 percent planetary coverage) and a breathable atmosphere, but with less oxygen than earth's (approximately 17 percent as opposed to Earth's 21 percent); AWAY teams should expect lightheadedness and fatigue resultant from higher gravity coupled with reduced available oxygen. Be advised that local forces will almost certainly be acclimated to these effects. There are trace elements of sulfuric compounds present in the atmosphere; these should not pose any immediate threat, but prolnged exposure should be monitored. The planet's crust has a very high concentration of heavy metals - nickel, iron, and magnesium are all abundant. This could interfere with some sensor and/or transporter operations. It is likely that the surface of the planet is abundantly forested; several computer models suggest that trees larger than the greatest California redwoods may be commonplace. From the scans we currently have available, this planet merits a Richter scale rating of AAA - no known sentient indigenous life forms. However, wildlife will almost certainly be commonplace, even abundant. Most models suggest a wide range of avian, mammalian, reptilian, and insectoid life. Be advised that avian predators are likely bigger and stronger than those on earth, due to the evolutionary requirements of dealing with the gravitational and oxygen issues. It is likely that there are no mammal species larger than raccoons. *****End Report***** Caleb frowned at not being able to give any more details, but at the present time, it couldn't be helped. Tapping his combadge, he summoned the commander. "Talda to West. I have my report for you, sir. Shall I bring it to the ready room?" (Reply West) "Aye, sir. I'm on my way. Talda out." NRPG: The next assumes that West will meet Talda in the ready room. If not, edit as necessary. (USS Boudicca, Ready Room, Ensign Caleb Talda, 2224) Upon entering, Talda saluted before handing over the PADD. "Sir, I have my report, such as it is. System JB-21923 is unexplored, so I only have long range scan data to work with. I've been running one of my techs ragged trying to get as much as we can, but there's only so much we can glean from this far out." The ensign took a breath, a bit reluctant to suggest anything to command for fear of overstepping his bounds, but decided to go on. After all, a competant commander would want to hear an informed opinion, right? "Sir, if we - or the Nimitz - could send a probe, we'd have a better chance of knowing what we're up against. I know that you may be reluctant to do so, as it will certainly risk us alerting the enemy as to our intentions, but flying in blind seems to be a bad idea, too." Caleb paused. "A probe would be very helpful, sir, but I probably won't be able to give you all of the details we need until we're in system, more likely in orbit; our planetary scanners simply don't have the reach to do much more." (reply West) Talda nodded. "Aye, sir. Shall I go on and give Major Stratton a copy of the report as is? It won't tell her everything, but I think there are a few valuable things she can incorportate into her simulations." (reply West) (posted by Olan Suddeth) Stardate:2406.11.25 (USS Nimitz - Bridge - OPs - Ensign {SG} Dartena Bixx - 1512) ~This place is weird,~ thought Dartena as she scanned the bridge of the Nimitz. Part of her longed to be back in her nice safe shuttle bay where Klingon officers didn't shout at her, where she didn't have to talk in code and where big fuzzy bears didn't tear apart cabins... or they may have, she just didn't have to worry about it. She did have to admit, one way or another it was exciting on the bridge of the Nimitz. She looked at the chronometer... still a bit over two standard hours to go on her shift. Dartena knew that the ship had to be ready for what would be coming, and as she was in charge of where the 'power' went, she had better get in touch with the others on her ship. Dartena hit the intercom key on her console. "All department chiefs, this is Ensign Bixx on OPs. I need your power requirements for the upcoming mission. If there are any special items or stations that you require more energy or service to please let me know. Likewise if your useage shall not change, let me know immediately." (Reply Kinkaid, Xavier, Harrison, O'Neill, Gralen, Dorkin, K'ven, Sash) Dartena sat back and waited for her board to light up like a Christmas tree as the various individuals concerned checked in. One of the first was Tactical and Security. =^=Bixx, this is Casely. I'll need extra power for training simms on the holodecks. We're likely to be starting regular training rotations at 0600. Closer to contact, we'll have to ensure sufficient power is available to shields and weapons. Please also ensure that powerflow is sufficient for sectional forcefields. I'm sending you the powerflow requirements now. Thank you. Casely out.=^= Dartena nodded. One down, eight to go. This would make it easier. ~I think I'm finally starting to get the hang of this.~ (Reply Kinkaid, Xavier, Harrison, O'Neill, Gralen, Dorkin, K'ven, Sash) (Posted by Jeff Bergeron) Stardate:2406.11.25 (USS Nimitz - Main Engineering - Ensign Miles O'Neill - 1513) =/\=All department chiefs, this is Ensign Bixx on OPs. I need your power requirements for the upcoming mission. If there are any special items or stations that you require more energy or service to please let me know. Likewise if your useage shall not change, let me know immediately.=/\= ~When did I become a department chief? I thought that was Zzt. Oh well.~ Miles thought as he pressed his commbadge, "O'Neill to Bixx. I'll need to run some level three diagnostics on all power systems before we reach the system, I'll need some allocated power to run them. I'm sending the power requirements now. I hope they're satisfactory." Miles typed some commands into his console, and the file was sent. (Reply Bixx, any) (Posted by Matt Kirk) Stardate:2406.11.25 (USS Boudicca - Holodeck 2 - TAC/ASC Lt. Stolev - Day 2 - 1514) "Alright," Stratton began, "the Death Dealers will be lending fire support as needed. Lt. Stolev, you and your people are in charge of finding Sevant and subverting any security systems in the facility. Lt. Tagon, your assistance in those regards will also be helpful. The two CE's are carrying a jump point. A portable short range transporter. Once we find Captain Sevant and get him to a defendable location they will set up the jump point, if normal transport is blocked due to hostile interference, and get him back to the ship. Questions so far?" "Too bad," Drizzt said out loud in interruption before anyone could say anything. "Welcome to hell." And with that he hit he hit the 'execute' button before anyone could say a word in response. Suddenly the holodeck grid vanished and the party found themselves in a heavily forested area. Here and there Stolev could see various rock outcroppings of rock. He recognized the terrain as similar to the information contained in the planetary database records he had been reviewing earlier. However he saw no sign of any facility, sensor outpost, or anything else that their advance information had indicated they should be seeing. Stolev quickly glanced around for the most defensible rock outcropping, then silently indicated to his team to head for it. "Cooper, where the hell are we?" he asked once they got into the relative shelter of the rocky overhang. Cooper studied her tricorder for a few moments, then looked up at Stolev with a bemused expression. "Looks like we're a little over 3 kilometers off from our projected beam-in point," she reported. "The facility where the Captain is likely held is located that way," she said, pointing to the west. "Maybe there was some sort of transporter interference? A scattering field perhaps?" Stolev looked around at the rest of the group. It seemed that at least whatever scattering the holodeck program might have been simulating, it at least redirected the entire party to the same location. "Well, at least it looks like the whole group is still together. I suppose that's something. What else do you have, Ensign?" Cooper tapped a few buttons on the tricorder. "Well, the good news is, we appear to be a bit outside their security perimiter. I'm picking up several security patrols on the tricorder but they're all at least a kilometer away." "What about the terrain?" asked Stolev. "Is it like this the whole way?" "Looks like it, sir. Easy for us to hide, but easy for the patrols to hide as well," she added. "Great," muttered Stolev. "Major," he said, turning to Stratton. "I assume you have some CEs with specialized training in this type of terrain?" (reply Stratton) "Ok. We'll need them once we get closer to the patrols. I suggest we head out. It'll be slow going. While we progress, Cooper here will be studying the movements of the patrols to help identify the path of least resistance." "Uh, sir," interjected Cooper. "Looks like they already know we're here." She pointed to several flashing dots on her screen. "These groups have started to move in our direction." As she moved her finger to indicate the current position of the team, the flashing dots began to vanish. "Looks like they've got biomasking equipment, too." "Figures," replied Stolev. "Let's get our own biomaskers active and head out. We're sitting ducks here." (reply Stratton, any) (posted by Aaron Scifres) Stardate:2406.11.25 (USS Nimitz - Counsellor's Office - COUNS - Ensign {SG} John Harrison - 1514) Harrison was sitting in his office, wokring his way through Sevant's Starfleet record, when something chimed. =/\=All department chiefs, this is Ensign Bixx on OPs.=/\= he heard, =/\=I need your power requirements for the upcoming mission. If there are any special items or stations that you require more energy or service to please let me know. Likewise if your useage shall not change, let me know immediately.=/\= He tapped his commbadge and replied. "Counsellor Harrison here. My output won't change at all. In fact, I'll probably only need enough power for a computer and a PADD, so if you need any more, I can always revert to the old pen and paper methods," he chuckled. (reply Bixx, iyw) (posted by James Batchelor) Stardate:2406.11.25 (USS Nimitz - Bridge - CSO Gralen - 1515) "All department chiefs, this is Ensign Bixx on OPs. I need your power requirements for the upcoming mission. If there are any special items or stations that you require more energy or service to please let me know. Likewise if your useage shall not change, let me know immediately." The request for information caught Holis a bit off guard as he was studying what little the long range sensors were reading from their destination but he didn't have to thing long about his reply. Holis tapped the data entry key and typed in his requirements. Long range sensors would be active and need full power for the next two days and the computer would be processing the data as fast as it came in, also he would need the Astrometrics lab at 0800 to be at full capacity and stellar cartography was working at half capacity since he had stationed two people there to monitor the area of space they were traversing. He thought for an instant then referred to a PADD that he had brought with him and added the needs of the other labs that were active at the time. After inputting all of the necessary data he tapped the enter key and forwarded the info to Bixx's station. Holis sat back and cracked his knuckles after finishing and looked at the readout again, a new energy signature caught his attention and he watched it closely for a moment to see if it would alter but it continued to rise, Holis smiled and cupped his chin in his hand for a second before he began to whistle slightly. ~Interesting! I will have to keep an eye on this, it could work to our favor.~ He tapped the console a couple of times then smiled to himself and started checking the other readings again, tomorrow would tell if it remained constant. (Reply: Any, none) (Posted by Charles) Stardate:2406.11.25 (USS Nimitz - Corridors - Strat Ops - Sogh la' K'ven - 1515) K'ven had left the meeting and was wondering the ship looking at every system. He wanted to see if there was anything that he could do for the crewmen working there. They needed every system working at optimal levels and maybe then some. The ship was a good ship, but, the little thing could bring them down with the mission they will be embarking on. They needed the support from the people they were working for, encouragement that things will go right. He would have not done this on his ship as Klingons don't need encouragement to do their jobs. But, it seemed that on Starfleet vessels they do. =/\=All department chiefs, this is Ensign Bixx on OPs. I need your power requirements for the upcoming mission. If there are any special items or stations that you require more energy or service to please let me know. Likewise if your usage shall not change, let me know immediately.=/\= K'ven heard Ensign Bixx say over the comm line. "Ensign, this is Sogh la' K'ven. I will be bringing up the systems on the battle bridge around 0200 - 0230 which will need power reserves. I will also be running diagnositc level five, allocate needed power at that time. K'ven out." K'ven cut the link knowing that she would do what he ordered. (reply Bixx, any) (posted by Frank) Stardate:2406.11.25 (USS Nimitz - Bridge - OPs - Ensign {SG} Dartena Bixx - 1517) Dartena, as expected after Casely's, began hearing the regular reports from across the ship. It was interesting to hear the different requirements and attitudes of the senior officers. Of course, she wasn't largely surprised by most of them. =^=Counsellor Harrison here. My output won't change at all. In fact, I'll probably only need enough power for a computer and a PADD, so if you need any more, I can always revert to the old pen and paper methods,=^= he chuckled. "Thank you Sir, I appreciate that. Some of the other requests are... excessive. I'll try to leave your replicator on," she giggled. He was a polite on at least, willing to joke and talk a bit. Unlike some other officers. Then, as if on cue, the Klingon who was stern with her before cut in. =^=Ensign, this is Sogh la' K'ven. I will be bringing up the systems on the battle bridge around 0200 - 0230 which will need power reserves. I will also be running diagnositc level five, allocate needed power at that time. K'ven out.=^= and then the link cut before she could answer. ~How rude!~ ~Hmmmph... not surprising. What the heck is a 'Sogh la' anyway?~ she thought, not really caring that much. She set her controls to take care of his needs at the appointed time. She set his replicator to turn off when power needs began to rise. ~Best to be VERY polite to your OPs officer~ she thought with a grin knowing that he probably wouldn't be using replicators often anyway, ~He probably prefers to chase down his food, they'd better look out in the biolabs.~ She giggled and set back to work, waiting for other department chiefs to check in. (Reply Sash, O'Neill, Kinkaid, Gralen, Xavier) (Posted by Jeff Bergeron) Stardate:2406.11.25 (USS Nimitz - Bridge - OPs - Ensign {SG} Dartena Bixx - 1530) Dartena nodded with a certain amount of self satisfaction as the last of the reports came in. She began to compile them into a full array of the ship's needs and got prepared to send the report to the Captain for perusal. As she did so, she decided that perhaps she needed to add a little note to the whole mess, after all one needed to be professional, especially on the bridge. The rest had important duties and things, at times she felt like a glorified battery charger so she needed to impress the captain with her professionalism and abilities. Dartena began to key in her opening information remembering the business letter course she had taken when on Bolarus: "Dear Mr. Captain Sash, Here are the power needs of the crew for the next 24 hours for your authorization. I am fairly sure I can meet their needs with a minimum of difficulty. If you don't like something that someone wants, tell me and I'll change it to what you want because they don't matter as much as you. Please let me know when you can, but I know you're busy doing all those things captains do... whatever they are. Have a nice day, Ensign Dartena Bixx OPS" With that, Dartena smiled to herself and sent it along with the data. ~Perfect,~ she thought, ~how can he not love a message like that! I'm doing so well!~ (Reply Sash) (Posted by Jeff Bergeron) Stardate:2406.11.25 (USS Nimitz - Ready Room - CO - Captain Devan Sash - 1531) Sash sat back in his seat. It had been a most trying day, and he was ready for it to be over. A beep came across his computer. There was a message, from ...Bix? "Dear Mr. Captain Sash, Here are the power needs of the crew for the next 24 hours for your authorization. I am fairly sure I can meet their needs with a minimum of difficulty. If you don't like something that someone wants, tell me and I'll change it to what you want because they don't matter as much as you. Please let me know when you can, but I know you're busy doing all those things captains do... whatever they are. Have a nice day, Ensign Dartena Bixx OPS" Sash almost gagged on his laugh. All that was missing was the X's and O's for hugs and kisses. She was young and inexperienced, but she was definately a live wire. He'd have to keep an eye on that one. He went over the numbers that she had sent him. Everything looked in good order. The power transfers were well twithin the ability of the ship, without causing any disruption to any of the systems. One of his "captain things" was to make sure that the crew continued to work at best capacity. He thought that Bix would get a kick out of a personal note from him. He began to type. "Dear Ms. Ensign Bix, Thank you for your note earlier. It was most informative, and looked great. All of your recomendations have been noted and will be implemented. I also want to say what a wonderful job you're doing with all of the Ops things you do. I hope to see you at the billiards tournament tomorrow. Captain Devan Sash" He looked at it for a moment, smiled at the humor then pressed send. He hoped that it would pick up her spirits as hers did his. (reply Bix) (posted by Al Muir) Stardate:2406.11.25 (USS Nimitz - Main Engineering - Ensign Miles O'Neill - 2101) =/\=Good work Miles! Thanks a lot for your help. Make sure you get yourself some sleep tonight. I get the feeling the next two days are going to be a bit crazy. I'll have a look at the data and sim in the morning and send you any suggestions for changes I might have. I should warn you though that morning for me is going to be in the order of 0300. Thanks again for your help.=/\= replied Paul. "You're welcome, Paul. Good night." Miles replied. ~Looks like I'm going to have to modify those probes.~ Miles got to work. (Reply any) (Posted by Matt Kirk) Stardate:2406.11.26 (USS Nimitz - Bridge - TAC/SC - Ensign {SG} Paul Casely - 0248) =^=Less Interruptions would be a good start. And while you're at it, you can get your scrawny behind and a few of your squads down here to the helldecks so we can start running massive training programs.=^= Paul rolled his eyes. ~He's a charmer to be sure.~ "Yes Sir, I'll have Delta and Epsilon squads head down. I'll be along as well," said Paul as he tapped his comm badge to send his instructions to the teams. (Reply Dorkin iyw) (USS Nimitz - Hallway to Helldeck - TAC/SC - Ensign {SG} Paul Casely - 0253) Paul walked down the hallway with Delta and Epsilon squads. They were not too happy about this training exercise. "But why Sir?. Why train with them? We have our own simms," asked one of the team. Paul surveyed the crewman in front of him and considered his answer. "The marines have certain areas of expertise which we lack in. I want us to be ready for everything. That means going through some of our training. None of you have ever shirked away form hard work before. Lets do this and see what we can pick up," said Paul authoritatively. "But sir..." said one woman, "the marines are... insane." Paul at this point did his best to stifle a laugh. In many ways he certainly agreed with her. The behaviour he'd seen exhibited by marines in the last while was not... inspiring... however. "Crewman, their mental state is neither here nor there. They have excellent training programmes, you will take part in them. Is that understood?" said Paul just as they walked up to Major Dorkin, standing in the middle of the hallway, looking typically grouchy. "Yes sir," the woman said sadly. (Reply Dorkin) (Posted by Jeff Bergeron) (reply: Any) (posted by Trout) Stardate:2406.11.26 (USS Nimitz - Astrometrics lab - CSO Holis Gralen -0750) Holis walked into the astrometrics lab and looked momentarily at the technicians that were preparing for the change of personnel, he walked over to the tech in charge and said. "Mr. Jenkins please inform the next shift that I will be using the lab for the next..." He paused for an instant as he thought. "... For the next two hours just in case, I'll notify them if there is a change." The man nodded and walked over to a comm unit to do as requested as Holis began reconfiguring the wall of monitors to run the simulations and the main console near the door to run the commands as they went about the task of attempting to deceive and penetrate the defenses of the enemy, after everything was ready he tapped his combadge. "Paul this is Holis, the lab is ready for our researches." (USS Nimitz - Helldeck - TAC/SC Ensign {SG} Paul Casely -0751) Paul moved out of the way of the battlefire just in time. He'd been at this... he'd lost track of how long he'd been at this. It was hours to be sure. Suddently his comm badge chirped, =^=Paul this is Holis, the lab is ready for our researches.=^= Paul shook his head for a second... over four hours... he'd been doing sims with these crazy Marines for over four hours. "Holis, I'll be cleaned up and there in a second," he panted feeling slightly out of breath. (USS Nimitz - Astrometrics Lab - Tac/Sec Chief Paul Casely and CSO Gralen - 0758) Paul spent some time making himself presentable again, that included removing the volumes of perspiration from his person and stepped into the turbolift. In and instant he was walking into the astrometrics lab. "Sorry about that Holis, I lost track of time... Dorkin wanted me for some simulations," said Paul rolling his eyes. Holis looked up with a start and gave a laugh as Paul made his entrance. "Understood Paul, I got here a little early to get things situated." He leaned back in his chair and crossed his arms. "Now tell me what you were planning again will you? I had some thoughts overnight but I want you to refresh my memory." "I have already figured out a way to outfit several probes so they will "recognize" each other as starships and not probes, thus meaning they won't fly over each other's physical 'presence' when they're overlayed with holograms. O'Neill has already completed that task. Now we need to figure out a way to make the probes look like starships, that should be the easy part, and rig up something to disrupt the functioning of any enemy starships we come across. That way it looks like we're a fleet instead of two ships and we have a way to slow them down at least," stated Paul plainly. Holis nodded and gave a wicked grin. " I thought as much and it appears that the system's sun is already helping us toward that end." Paul looked quizzically at the doctor for a second. He knew Holis had a much greater understanding than he did, hence his request for help from the scientist. "How do you mean Holis?" asked Paul. "Simply put.." Holis began. "The Class A star of the JB-21923 system is in the throes of a perferctly normal stellar flux and is giving off powerful solar flares which as you know are great geysers of superheated helium and hydrogen with an added great "Wind" of electromagnetic fields. The fields of the flare are beginning to envelope the fifth planet and are going to play havoc with their communications and make their sensor net... and the sensors of their vessels much more susceptible to blind spots and deception." "Will that affect holographic imaging at all?" asked Paul. "As a mater of fact no and it will add a bit of realism and panic to the ships command crews. I had been toying with an idea of how to blind the sensors of the vessels that they have available and with the flares' interference we just might be able to make it work, think of it... they see a fleet of attacking starships on their sensors only an instant before their whole sensor network goes blind, think of the confusion that would cause!" Holis' eyes shone at the thought of the Boudicca sneaking through a completely helpless and panicked enemy. Paul smiled for a second, "What do we have to do?" "In a sort of round about way what I had planned on doing to try to stop the skip probe, we load the probes to give off the holographic signatures you are proposing then set them to use all of their energy in one electromagnetic pulse. We will just have to make sure they are detonated close enough to the ships to have the desired effect, that's one of the simulations I need to run through. And the Nimitz will benefit of course as well, they will have more on their minds than trying to pick out a lone Sovereign class ship in all of the confusion." Paul thought for a moment and nodded, "It sounds promising. We have less than a day to do it in though, think we can do it in time?" The scientist nodded and turned to the main board. "All we can do is try Paul." He turned back to the young man for a moment and paused as he considered his next words. "I actually think using the fields with the right amount of care by the Nimitz could get us through the hole in their sensor net and deep into the system but I'm aware that's not the plan but to draw off the defenders, still it would have been an interesting ploy." He then turned back to the board. "I see... I have to report to Captain Sash at 1200 on our progress and I should let K'ven know what's going on, especially if he does end up having control of the battle bridge. I wouldn't want him getting freaked out by our diversion," said Paul with a grin. The thought of the Klingon trying to do battle with the probes would be amusing if not for the fact he was on THEIR side. "Do you want to present this with me to K'ven and the Captain? I'm thinking I'll ask K'ven to breakfast and we can spring it on him there and then we can make the formal report to the Captain later," said Paul. The Betazoid tapped in the first set of commands then looked back around. "To K'Ven first I would think and see if he can add anything to our plan. I am by no means military and he might be able to come up with something particularly nasty to help our position. Battle planning is best left to those who know how to do it though I am sure you are quite capable yourself." "Well, technically StratOps is supposed to coordinate with other vessels in the fleet to faciliate a broader plan but I agree, he might have insights we don't have," replied Paul. "We are in agreement then so let's get to work on the problem shall we?" Holis began typing in the next set of commands as he began unknowingly to whistle a classic betazoid martial tune. (Reply:Any, none) (Posted by Jeff and Charles) Stardate:2406.11.26 (USS Nimitz - Ready Room- CO- Captain Devan Sash - 1000) When Sash had checked his logs in the morning he saw that he wasn't the only one who had spent a sleepless night. Apparently Ensign Casely, who appeared to be bucking for Admiralty, had been hard at it since 0200. He also noticed the K'ven had logged into the battle bridge a little later than that. There had also been activity down in the marine decks. The captain just shook his head. Well, if he couldn't sleep how could he expect the others to. He had spent his own night in restless slumber, finally giving up on it at about 0330. He worked out more details of strategies that he might need to try out as they began their assault on the planet. Sash had informed Lt. Commander West that he would be contacting the Boudicca at 1000 hours. He stifled a yawn, and stretched before hitting the comm panel on his desk. "Priority message to USS Boudicca." The image of West appeared on his screen. He wasn't looking very well rested either. They all better relax before the ensuing mission, or it could be more disastrous than he imagined. "Lt. Commander, status report on the Boudicca." (reply West) "How is your extraction team coming together?" he asked. (reply West) "You have Tagon and Lt. MacRannon. Do require any further personnel?" He wanted to be sure that they were ready. No matter what the Nimitz went through, it would all be for naught if the Boudicca fails. He knew that there were well trained men over there, but there was an inexperienced CO at the helm, and that could mean a great deal in the long run. (reply West) "I don't mean to treat you like a cadet, Lt. Commander," Sash apologized. "I'm putting a lot of confidence into you and your team. If you need anything further, don't hesitate to ask. We should be in sensor range of the planet by tomorrow. Let's communicate again then. Same time?" (reply West) "Excellent, Sash out." As the Angossian turned off the comm channel he couldn't help but sit back in his seat and worry. (reply West) (posted by Al Muir) Stardate:2406.11.26 (USS Boudicca, Ready Room, Lt Cmdr Trevan West, 1001) Trevan had already started his day out with routine reports and status updates, he was just beginning to get up for a walk down to the lower decks when the computer alerted him to an incoming message. "Priority message to USS Boudicca," came onto the viewer. It was Captain Sash of the Nimitz. "Lt. Commander, status report on the Boudicca." Trevan eased back into his chair, he couldn't keep doing this much longer. "Boudicca is a hundred percent sir. We are a few hours behind you under cloak." "How is your extraction team coming together?" Sash asked. "I was just going down to check things out but from last reports things were going just fine and everyone is doing their best sir." Even if they weren't, he wasn't going to tell him. "You have Tagon and Lt. MacRannon. Do require any further personnel?" Trevan rolled his eyes slightly, "No sir. Again everything is great, things will be fine. With all due respect sir, I feel like I am at the Academy again," he said with a smile. "I don't mean to treat you like a cadet, Lt. Commander," Sash apologized. "I'm putting a lot of confidence into you and your team. If you need anything further, don't hesitate to ask. We should be in sensor range of the planet by tomorrow. Let's communicate again then. Same time?" "Sounds good, actually there is something you can do for me. My ACSO needs some detailed sensor scans of the area, to help in research and it would also benefit the extraction team. I would like you to launch a class six probe just as you enter the system. If you can modify it so it won't be picked up by anyone, we could pick up the telemetry while we are still a few hours away. That would help greatly sir." "Excellent, Sash out." (reply any) (posted by Kerry Fletcher) Stardate:2406.11.26 (USS Nimitz – Captain’s Ready Room – COUNS – Ensign (sg) John Harrison – 1015) Counsellor John Harrison, PADD in hand, pressed the appropriate button by the door to the Captain’s ready room, activating the familiar chime in the room beyond. (Reply Sash) The doors slid open and Harrison walked in, standing to attention before his commanding officer’s desk. “Counsellor Harrison reporting, sir,” he said out of habit, “I have the profile on Commander Sevant, as well as my evaluation on his probable status. I also have a brief profile on his captors, and a prediction of what they are likely to be doing to the Commander.” (Reply Sash) “Very well, sir,” he said, taking a breath before he started. My profile of Sevant has mainly been pieced together from his Starfleet record. The man has been through a remarkable amount of extraordinarily traumatic events, both on and off-duty. He has had a breakdown, but he has undergone counselling for this, and records show that he has recovered adequately. He has been in hostage situations before, but one in particular could have relevance here. He was held captive by the Romulans – I’m referring to Stardate 2404.07.01 - and he managed to escape. Rather than doing the obvious but foolhardy thing of trying to escape completely, he carried out guerrilla tactics until an away team arrived to extract him from the site.” Harrison took a moment to pause, noting that Sash was listening intently. This gave him more confidence, and he continued. “I believe that in his current situation, he may attempt something similar. Depending on the security there, he may well try to escape and stay mobile until the Boudicca arrives. Given his dedicated Starfleet history, I am sure his faith in his crew is unshakeable.” ~Mark of a good CO,~ Harrison thought briefly. “It may well be that the marines find him moving around his captors’ complex, possibly even armed. If so, his extraction will be much simpler. However, while this is possible, I highly doubt that he will attempt escape if the odds are against him. There is always the possibility that he will take his own life to defeat his captors’ overall objective, but I do not think this likely. He lives for Starfleet, and he would not abandon her. Plus, he has already died once before – I imagine he wouldn’t want to experience death again if he can avoid it.” He paused for a moment. “As for his captors, it is my understanding that we are fairly certain that it is the other Starfleet responsible. Assuming that was the case, I cross-referenced the commander’s Starfleet record with our records of their laws, rules, regulations, directives and so on.” He took a breath, deciding on how to phrase this. “By their standards, the Commander is a traitor of the highest order,” he said gravely, “Such traitors are dealt with either by trial followed by execution, or stand-alone execution. As far as I can tell, it is highly probable that they will put him on trial. To miss such an opportunity to ridicule one of our most respected officers would be humiliating, to say the least. If this is the case, I find it surprising that they have not announced their hold over him. If I were in their position, I would be broadcasting this over sub-space in order to strike a blow to us and to rally their own supporters. Perhaps they have refrained from doing so to avoid being located. “In any case,” he continued,” if Commander Sevant is being placed on trial, the security will be heightened. Not only to deter anyone attempting a rescue, but also to keep anyone away from what passes as their ‘courtroom’. There may also be more guards assigned to Sevant, beating him or torturing him if he doesn’t cooperate. “I generated various other scenarios, but these are the most likely. The full profile and the scenarios I came up with for both Sevant’s own escape plans, as well as other possible captors and motives, are detailed here, sir.” He placed the PADD on Sash’s desk, and waited. (Reply Sash, and feel free to interrupt Harrison at any point!) (posted by James Batchelor) Stardate:2406.11.26 (USS Nimitz - Ready Room - CO - Caprain Devan Sash- 1017) Sash had signed off from the Boudicca and was going over his plans one more time when the door chime went off. Looking up at the door he called out, "Come." The counselor practically marched up to his desk, standing at rigid attention. Sash had to fight the urge to smile. He knew that Harrison was trying to be serious "Counsellor Harrison reporting, sir," he said out of habit, "I have the profile on Commander Sevant, as well as my evaluation on his probable status. I also have a brief profile on his captors, and a prediction of what they are likely to be doing to the Commander." Sash took the PADD that Harrison was offering, and put down in front of him, knowing that the conselor was more than likely to give an oral presentation aswell. "Relax Counselor," Sash said, "and have a seat." "Very well, sir," Harrison replied, taking a deep breath as he sat. He stll seemed to sit at attention. Sash wondered how the counselor would profilehim. He began to go through Sevants record, which Sash already knew. He had a habit of going through the records of all he served with, and he knew well the hardships of Sevant's life. "I believe that in his current situation, he may attempt something similar. Depending on the security there, he may well try to escape and stay mobile until the Boudicca arrives. Given his dedicated Starfleet history, I am sure his faith in his crew is unshakeable." Sash began to frown. The counselor was making a lot of assumptions here. He seriously douted whether, even Sevant would be able to escape. He remebered finding the Vulcan at the hands of the Alternate Federation. It made him shudder to remember that time, even in his own life. Harrison's thought on Sevant wandering around, armed even, was not in his realm of possibility. But the idea that he might take his own life, rather than divulge any information was quite high. "But I do not think this likely," Harrison cautioned. "He lives for Starfleet, and he would not abandon her. Plus, he has already died once before - I imagine he wouldn't want to experience death again if he can avoid it." ~Probably not.~ Sash thought, ~but I wouldn't put it past him if they were trying to get information from him.~ Harrison continued. "As for his captors, it is my understanding that we are fairly certain that it is the other Starfleet responsible. Assuming that was the case, I cross-referenced the commander's Starfleet record with our records of their laws, rules, regulations, directives and so on." When Harrison paused, Sash said sternly, "Captain." He could see the uncertain look on the Counselors face. "You said Commander. Sevant is a Captain." Harrison was beginnng to look a bit uneasy. "By their standards, the Commander, Captain, is a traitor of the highest order. Such traitors are dealt with either by trial followed by execution, or stand-alone execution. As far as I can tell, it is highly probable that they will put him on trial. To miss such an opportunity to ridicule one of our most respected officers would be humiliating, to say the least. If this is the case, I find it surprising that they have not announced their hold over him. If I were in their position, I would be broadcasting this over sub-space in order to strike a blow to us and to rally their own supporters. Perhaps they have refrained from doing so to avoid being located. Sash had not thought of that. Executing Sevant would indeed have a double strike advantage. First it would boost the moral of th heirarchy of the Federaton Prime. And it would dishearten many in the New Federation. Although, there are those who would consider him to be a martyr to the cause, on both sides. Someone they could rally together over. "I generated various other scenarios, but these are the most likely. The full profile and the scenarios I came up with for both Sevant's own escape plans, as well as other possible captors and motives, are detailed here, sir." Sash looked down at the PADD, looking at it, but not its contents. He sat back in his chair, contemplating the device. ~If they were to execute him, they'd want to do it soon, but they'd also want some high level witnesses.~ Not looking up he said, "Thank you counselor." Harrison stood and made to leave. "Ensign," Sash looked up, and Harrison stpped and turned around. Sash got out of his chair and wnet towards him. What he was about to say was almost painful. "You may have noticed in his file that Captain Sevant and I are personal friends. He has been in this situation before, as you said. My biggest concern is his mental state when, and I do mean when, we rescue him. He is strong, but in the face of a certain death, I am concerned about his abilitiy to command, when torn from that fate. When we get him back, I want a full psych eval done on him. Use everything you have to get him to cooperate. if we have to go to Vulcan to have someone meld with him we will, but I must know that he is capable, before I allow him to gain control of his ship again." (reply Harrison) (posted by Al Muir) Stardate:2406.11.26 (USS Nimitz - Ready Room - COUNS - Ensign John Harrison - 1019) "I believe that in his current situation, he may attempt something similar. Depending on the security there, he may well try to escape and stay mobile until the Boudicca arrives. Given his dedicated Starfleet history, I am sure his faith in his crew is unshakeable." Sash began to frown. Inwardly, the counsellor winced. His commanding officer's frown said it all. He'd completely mucked this up. ~Still,~ he thought, ~Better show the effort i put into it.~ And he continued. Harrison continued. "As for his captors, it is my understanding that we are fairly certain that it is the other Starfleet responsible. Assuming that was the case, I cross-referenced the commander's Starfleet record with our records of their laws, rules, regulations, directives and so on." When Harrison paused, Sash said sternly, "Captain." He could see the uncertain look on the Counselors face. "You said Commander. Sevant is a Captain." ~Oh. Crap.~ Harrison thought. In his haste to put together a good, detailed report for his Captain, he'd overlooked a crucial detail like rank. His report now essentially disrespected Sevant. He tried not to think of how embarrassedhe was going to be when he met CAPTAIN Sevant. Nonetheless, he continued. "By their standards, the Commander, Captain, is a traitor of the highest order. Such traitors are dealt with either by trial followed by execution, or stand-alone execution. As far as I can tell, it is highly probable that they will put him on trial. To miss such an opportunity to ridicule one of our most respected officers would be humiliating, to say the least. If this is the case, I find it surprising that they have not announced their hold over him. If I were in their position, I would be broadcasting this over sub-space in order to strike a blow to us and to rally their own supporters. Perhaps they have refrained from doing so to avoid being located." Sash had not thought of that. Executing Sevant would indeed have a double strike advantage. First it would boost the moral of th heirarchy of the Federaton Prime. And it would dishearten many in the New Federation. Although, there are those who would consider him to be a martyr to the cause, on both sides. Someone they could rally together over. "I generated various other scenarios, but these are the most likely. The full profile and the scenarios I came up with for both Sevant's own escape plans, as well as other possible captors and motives, are detailed here, sir." Sash looked down at the PADD, and seemed to be thinking about something. His frown had receded at Harrison's theory of a morale-boosting execution, which he took heard from. Not looking up, Sash said, "Thank you counselor." Harrison stood and made to leave. "Ensign," Sash looked up, and Harrison stpped and turned around. Sash got out of his chair and went towards him. What he was about to say was almost painful. "You may have noticed in his file that Captain Sevant and I are personal friends. He has been in this situation before, as you said. My biggest concern is his mental state when, and I do mean when, we rescue him. He is strong, but in the face of a certain death, I am concerned about his abilitiy to command, when torn from that fate. When we get him back, I want a full psych eval done on him. Use everything you have to get him to cooperate. If we have to go to Vulcan to have someone meld with him we will, but I must know that he is capable, before I allow him to gain control of his ship again." "Understood, sir," Harrison replied. He had noticed the friendship between Sash and Sevant, but had chosen not to bring it up. Wishing to leave before he got anything else wrong, he walked out casually. As the doors to the Captain's ready room slid shut behind him, he crouched briefly and held his head in his hands. Then he grinned to himself idiotically and headed for the turbolift. (reply any) (posted by James Batchelor)