Stardate:2406.03.05 (Starbase Geneva, Officers Lounge, Nimitz ACEO, Ensign Porter, 17.50) "It is interesting that you use the phrase "London minute" Mr Porter, for one of my hobbies is horology. In particular I am interested in the solving of the longitude problem by your planet's John Harrison. As a matter of fact I have a holodeck program that I would like your opinion on. It is of Greenwich and London as a whole at the time. Unfortunately I have never had time whilst on Earth to make the trip and to see what it is like for myself. I was wondering if maybe you would care to glance at it and give me your opinion." DC nodded. "When and iffin' I've got the time, we'll make it happen." "Captain, if you don't mind me askin', when do we return to the mighty black yonder?" Porter listened as the captain answered him and lost himself in the rest of the conversation. He was beginging to get antsy and was looking for something to do. He slowly wandered away from the captain and ACEO and moved up to the serving area. Behind it a young crew member was having a tough time with a replicator. A few kicks and Porter was behind him, hand on shoulder. "Kickin' it'll get ya nowhere lad. You've got to love these machines..." The young man turned and was about to give a curt reply until he saw the tall engineer behind him and quickly nodded and quickly moved out of the way and to the other side of the serving area. Porter leaned in and began to fiddle with the machine, poking in and out, checking wires and systems. Most checked out, but there was a chunk of something in the power conduit. Raising an eyebrow, the ACEO leaned closer. It was cake, or something akin to cake. Someone, by mistake or practical joke on the officer, had placed cake in the wiring machine and brought any production of party stuffs to a halt pretty fast. With a slip and a whack, the cake hit the floor and the machine once more hummed into working power. DC stood and walked out, nodding to the shaken officer kindly. All was well that ended well. Stardate:2406.03.05 (Starbase Geneva - Stardock - Freighter Io- Aragorn - 18.34) After taking a steadying breath, Zephrine looked straight back at the woman. "First of all. Unless you expect me to carry you around all day, I don't see what my size has to do with my doctoring ability. As to whether I'm any good? I'd be stupid to say No, and if I said yes, you could call me egotistical. I do my job, and noone has seen fit to complain about it up until now." Aragorn grinned broadly and pulled up his shoulders when the 'barrel-woman' shot him a quick glance. The woman looked back at Zephrine. "Self opinionated, headstrong, almost arrogant, bordering on rebellious. Hmm, I like that in a woman. Tell me, Doctor, do you have any problems with giving me anti-histodine? Most Starflleet doctors seem to regard it as the drug of death. Oh, and I can assure you that I know that it will destroy my braintissue, liver and kidneys. But as long as it lets me work without having to think about pain, I will be one big happy bunny. And believe you me, Doctor, you will WANT me to be one big happy bunny, am I right, Aragorn?" "I take the fifth," Aragorn said quickly, nodding to Zephrine. "You would," the 'barrel-woman' said snarling then eyed Zephrine, waiting for her to answer. (reply Zephrine) The woman shot her a sarcastical smile. "Well, whether you want to come or not, you will do. Somehow you remind me of my niece. Nice girl, unless you were a Pug-dog. Tell me, Doctor, are you fond of animals? Oh, and I include children into that definition too." The woman's face contorted in sudden agony which lasted for a few seconds. After the attack, she slowly opened her eyes and sighed. "You'll have to increase the dosage. 200cc isn't enough anymore. Anyway, if you want to come, you are welcome to come. But beware, we are going away for a some time. Ok, if you want the job, come to the Nimitz before 20.30 and you'll be in. If you don't show up, no hard feelings. I know Starfleet Doctors aren't selected for their backbone and ability to withstand adverse situations. Ok, Aragorn, what's happening? Why are we still here?" the scientist turned around to face Aragorn. Stardate:2406.03.05 (Starbase Geneva - Stardock - Freighter Io- Dr Drouhin - 18.35) The woman looked back at Zephrine. "Self opinionated, headstrong, almost arrogant, bordering on rebellious. Hmm, I like that in a woman. Tell me, Doctor, do you have any problems with giving me anti-histodine? Most Starflleet doctors seem to regard it as the drug of death. Oh, and I can assure you that I know that it will destroy my braintissue, liver and kidneys. But as long as it lets me work without having to think about pain, I will be one big happy bunny. And believe you me, Doctor, you will WANT me to be one big happy bunny, am I right, Aragorn?" "I take the fifth," Aragorn said quickly, nodding to Zephrine. "You would," the 'barrel-woman' said snarling then eyed Zephrine, waiting for her to answer. Zephrine met the womans gaze. What she was asking her to do was almost unethical. It was a doctors job to save their patients, not administer drugs that would slowly kill them. However, in this case, Zephrine was not quite sure. Her patient was obviously well aware of the side effects, and also well aware that she was suffering from an incurable disease that left her a virtual prisoner in her own pain racked body. It seemed to Zephrine that her patient had decided she would rather have a relatively pain free life bought to a premature end by the drugs, or a painfilled one. ~and who am I to argue with that~ "Given that you seem to have done your research and are well aware of the side effects, I don't think I have the right to withhold what sounds like the only pain relief that works for you. I may not agree with it, but while you're still of relatively sound mind, it is your decision to make. Besides, I haven't decided whether I will come or not yet." The woman shot her a sarcastical smile. "Well, whether you want to come or not, you will do. Somehow you remind me of my niece. Nice girl, unless you were a Pug-dog. Tell me, Doctor, are you fond of animals? Oh, and I include children into that definition too." ~whats being fond of animals got to do with anything?!?~ Zephrine bit back her what she was tempted to say, and instead smiled slightly. "Yes, I am fond of animals actually......and children." ~are you perhaps comparing your behaviour to the former or the latter~ The woman's face contorted in sudden agony which lasted for a few seconds. After the attack, she slowly opened her eyes and sighed. Zephrine wanted to instinctively do something, but she knew at the moment there wasnt alot she could do. "You'll have to increase the dosage. 200cc isn't enough anymore. Anyway, if you want to come, you are welcome to come. But beware, we are going away for a some time. Ok, if you want the job, come to the Nimitz before 20.30 and you'll be in. If you don't show up, no hard feelings. I know Starfleet Doctors aren't selected for their backbone and ability to withstand adverse situations. Ok, Aragorn, what's happening? Why are we still here?" the scientist turned around to face Aragorn. ~I guess that means I'm excused then~ Zephrine nodded politely toward them both. "Nice to meet you. Aragorn, I think I'll head back to the party unless there was anything else you wanted to spring on me?" Stardate:2406.03.05 (Starbase Geneva, Officer's Lounge, ACEO Shtorr, 20.00) The conversation had started to pale for Shtorr, so he decided to make his way to the drinks counter and grab another drink. As he was about to order his combadge bleeped. =^= Emergency recall. All Nimitz crew to return to ship before 20.30. =^=. Cursing inwardly Shtorr pressed his combadge again. =^= Computer. Request Emergency Transport to Engineering. Authorisation Shtorr 25 Delta Tango.=^= =^= Request denied. Authorisation not recognised=^= ~What the hell~, thought Shtorr. He made his way over to one of the Geneva officers and explained the problem. The officer arranged for Shtorr to be transported via the starbase's transporter system. There was a flash of blue light. Stardate:2406.03.05 (Starbase Geneva, COUNS/MCO Quarters, Nimitz COUNS, Vanyssa Winters, 2015) Vanyssa was tired, still, though she had recovered from her pregnancy almost fully. She supposed that it had to do something with a newborn. Not that her beautiful daughter was a newborn still, but... =/\=Emergency recall! All Nimitz crew to return to the ship and arrive here before 20.30. Anyone not in by that time will be regarded as AWOL and liable to be prosecuted=/\= Vanyssa's eyes flew open as she jumped up adn ran around her quarters dumping things into carisacks and such, and grabbing toys. Katie came running in 5 minutes later to help her, 1 neatly packed duffel swung over her shoulder. "Come on Vanyssa, we have to go" Katie spoke, running into the other room to get Jennah woken up and into a robe and slippers. "Vanyssa where is David?" Katie asked, remaining calm as vanyssa swung carisacks over her shoulder. She had her stuff, the babies adn Davids. Katie had taken Jennahs. "I don't know." Vanyssa replied softly. =^= Counsellor Winters to MCO Dark! =^= she spoke, tapping her comm badge. =^= David, i have our stuff and will meet you on ship? =^= She spoke, not being able to keep the smile out of her voice. The computer replied, =^ MCO David Dark is not aboard the Geneva =^= Vanyssa nodded, taking this to mean that David was already aboard the Nimitz. "We should stop by Vicki Sevant's quarters and see if she needs any help..." Katie spoke. Vanyssa replied, "The Sevants should already be on board the Nimitz, they didn't stay behind like we did on leave." "What about hte Captain's children?" Jennah asked quietly, rubbing her eyes. Vanyssa looked at the chronometer - they had 10 minutes. "I heard they were staying with the former, CO, what is his name.." Katie mused as they began walking. =^= Counsellor Winters to Captain Rivers, Sir, are your children on board yet? If not would you like me to collect them? =^= (reply Captain Rivers) Finally everyone was gathered up and Vanyssa and group ran for the Nimitz, pushing people out of the way. Vanyssa was cradling her baby to her .... Vanyssa hit the barrier for the Nimitz with 2 minutes left, and looked up in puzzlement. Her command codes were deauthorized? =^= Counsellor Winters to Commander Sevant? =^= Vanyssa demanded of the air. =^= I can't seem to get aboard, Sir? The computer won't accept my codes? And i am down to 2 minutes? =^= (reply sevant) Vanyssa heaved a huge sigh and waited. She was sure that they made quiet a sight, standing there clutching children toys and knapsacks. Once they were finally on board, Vanyssa slowed down. She stopped at the day care center and dropped the children off, handing her baby to Katie. Katie nodded and took the appropriate bag, and Vanyssa took katie's bag, assuring her that she would drop it in her quarters. While Vanyssa was in the child care center, the klingon children came aboard, with their frazzled looking betazoid mother. Jennah came running over. "Come on, and play with me, please?" She asked. Vanyssa turned to Dierdra. ::A handful, aren't they?:: She sent, with a smile on her face. (reply Dierdra, if desired.) Vanyssa followed the woman out, and headed for her office. "Michael!" She spoke, walking in. "Computer, where is Michael!" =^= Please define query. =^= Vanyssa sighed, keeping her temper, but barely. ::Michael Solan!:: She projected, aiming it for his general though patterns. Vanyssa sighed as she sat down at her computer and played through the messages. Nothing, nothing, nothing, nothing..... She sighed, then jabbed the message pad. Just what was this about? And where was David? And Michael? She rose to her feet and strode towards the bridge. She took her seat and surveyed around and did a double take. Aragorn was aboard. WHAT WAS HE DOING IN CAPTAIN RIVERS SEAT?!?!?!? Vanyssa calmly poured fire over the anger that arose to see this person in her Captains seat. But what in bloody blazes was going on aboard her ship? Stardate:2406.03.05 (Starbase Geneva, Officer's Lounge, MO Colette Lafayette, 20.15) Colette was just finishing her dance on the dance floor. "Why thank you." She said politely. She was just about to make another comment to the gentleman she had been dancing with when her commbadge sounded. =^= Emergency recall! All Nimitz crew to return to the ship and arrive here before 20.30. Anyone not in by that time will be regarded as AWOL and liable to be prosecuted. =^= Colette looked at the gentleman before her. "Duty calls, gotta run. Thanks for the dance." She called as she made her way with the pile of other Nimitzers on their way back to the ship. Stardate:2406.03.05 (Starbase Geneva, Officer's Lounge, SPC MO Deirdra Eistal, 20.15) Deirdra was looking longingly at the dance floor, her mind kept wandering back to her kids, she hoped that they were behaving themselves. That was the ultimate last thing she needed to arrive home and find that her quarters had been torn apart by the three as they had a babysitter. She reflected on the months that had passed, having had only two of the triplets at home, the third being on the Nimitz still. B'EtaK and V'Tral on their own were well, rather good, but when you added V'Staq into the mix, that was trouble. Deirdra's thoughts about the three troublemakers that were her children were interrupted by her commbadge beeping: =^= Emergency recall! All Nimitz crew to return to the ship and arrive here before 20.30. Anyone not in by that time will be regarded as AWOL and liable to be prosecuted. =^= ~prosecuted!~ Deirdra thought. ~so much for the party...~ She touched her commbadge and called her dwelling. "B'EtaK, V'Tral, V'Staq? are you there?" "Yes, " They chirped in response. "Pack everything, throw it into crates, you've got five minutes, hurry!" She dictated. She was out of the room like a shot, as was everyone else. She made her way to her temporary quarters where the triplets had thrown together their belongings in a couple of trunks. "Great, just great." She said as she grabbed some of the luggage. "Hurry we've got to move." She said as they made their way to the ship. "What's going on?" B'Etak asked. "Why is everyone leaving so quickly?" Deirdra shook her head, "I'm not sure we all go summoned back and rather quickly I might add. We have exactly five minutes to be aboard or well, I can be put in prison." The triplets looked at her with wide eyes. "You did something bad!" They chorused. Deirdra just shook her head, "It's entirely possible that we all did." was her only answer back. As the four of them were hurrying themselves onboard, Deirdra realised that they no longer had quarters onboard the ship and that for them to go there would be futile. And yet, she had to report for duty so where was she going to put the kids? ~The child care centre!~ She realised with an epiphany. As quickly as she could, Deirdra lead the kids to the child care centre with their belongings and parked them all there. "DON'T LEAVE OK? I will be back and I'll get us quarters, but do me a favour, things are already amuck enough on this ship, don't move!! Got it?!" The three just nodded meekly. "Yes, Ma'am" they chorused. Stardate:2406.03.05 (Starbase Geneva, Officer's Lounge, SPC Vicki Sevant, 20.15) "Enjoying the party?" Captain Rivers had asked. Vicki just nodded from sitting on the chair, she was feeling quite exhausted after the fairings at the party this evening, she knew that she was going to have to call it a night soon. Vicki however did not get a chance to voice any of her ideas on the party as the commbadges of everyone surrounding her chirped at that moment with the following message: =^= Emergency recall! All Nimitz crew to return to the ship and arrive here before 20.30. Anyone not in by that time will be regarded as AWOL and liable to be prosecuted. =^= Vicki gasped as Captain Rivers spilt the spring wine she was drinking down her uniform and it made a nice reddish fern shape all down the front of her uniform. "Excuse us, please! Number One." She said to Sevant, "You're with me!" Vicki smiled as she watched her husband head off with Captain Rivers, ::don't worry, I'll catch up.:: She said as she started making her way towards the Nimitz. Vicki watched as everyone who was destined for the Nimitz made their way there, they didn't want to be left behind and the intonation of that recall had sounded so... soo.. ... well, so crisp and serious. She kept walking, remembering to breathe deeply as she moved. Stardate:2406.03.05 (Starbase Geneva, Officer's Lounge, ACSO, Ensign Roman Kalik, 20.15) Roman gulped down on his third glass of bloodwine, and was about to ask for another, when his Commbadge chimed. =^= Emergency recall! All Nimitz crew to return to the ship and arrive here before 20.30. Anyone not in by that time will be regarded as AWOL and liable to be prosecuted. =^= ~What the..~ "Nevermind that drink, then," he told the bartender, and ran for the Nimitz. Stardate:2406.03.05 (Starbase Geneva, COUNS/MCO Quarters, Nimitz COUNS, Vanyssa Winters, 2015) Vanyssa was tired, still, though she had recovered from her pregnancy almost fully. She supposed that it had to do something with a newborn. Not that her beautiful daughter was a newborn still, but... =/\=Emergency recall! All Nimitz crew to return to the ship and arrive here before 20.30. Anyone not in by that time will be regarded as AWOL and liable to be prosecuted=/\= Vanyssa's eyes flew open as she jumped up adn ran around her quarters dumping things into carisacks and such, and grabbing toys. Katie came running in 5 minutes later to help her, 1 neatly packed duffel swung over her shoulder. "Come on Vanyssa, we have to go" Katie spoke, running into the other room to get Jennah woken up and into a robe and slippers. "Vanyssa where is David?" Katie asked, remaining calm as vanyssa swung carisacks over her shoulder. She had her stuff, the babies adn Davids. Katie had taken Jennahs. "I don't know." Vanyssa replied softly. =^= Counsellor Winters to MCO Dark! =^= she spoke, tapping her comm badge. =^= David, i have our stuff and will meet you on ship? =^= She spoke, not being able to keep the smile out of her voice. (reply David) "We should stop by Vicki Sevant's quarters and see if she needs any help..." "What about hte Captain's children?" Jennah asked quietly, rubbing her eyes. Vanyssa looked at the chronometer - they had 10 minutes. Vanyssa hit the button on Vicki's quarters, while Katie ran down the hall to see if the Captain's kids were there. (reply any who wish here) Finally everyone was gathered up and Vanyssa and group ran for the Nimitz, pushing people out of the way. Vanyssa was cradling her baby to her .... Vanyssa hit the barrier for the Nimitz with 2 minutes left, and looked up in puzzlement. Her command codes were deauthorized? =^= Counsellor Winters to Commander Sevant? =^= Vanyssa spoke (reply Commander sevant) =^= I can't seem to get aboard, Sir? The computer won't accept my codes? And i am down to 2 minutes? =^= (reply sevant) Vanyssa heaved a huge sigh and waited. She was sure that they made quiet a sight, standing there clutching children toys and knapsacks. Stardate:2406.03.05 (USS Nimitz, CSO's Office, CSO, LtCmdr Jim Cale, 2015) Jim was checking over the final report, for a third time, that he and Ensign Kalik had prepared for Captain Rivers on the safety of the area of space surrounding the location of the anomalies that the Nimitz had found herself on her last mission. It had taken them quite a while to sift through all of the sensor logs and data as well as crew testimonies to prepare the briefing for the Captain, and here he was now alone in his darkened office re-reading the report just to make sure that nothing had been left out. Had anyone passed his office they would have sworn that it was empty, Jim had done this deliberately so that he wouldn't be disturbed until his report was finished. =/\=Emergency recall! All Nimitz crew to return to the ship and arrive here before 2030. Anyone not in by that time will be regarded as AWOL and liable to be prosecuted=/\= ~ Hmm, good thing I never left then huh? ~ he asked himself. Finally satisfied that everything they had was contained in the report Jim saved it and filed it as well as forwarding a copy to the Captain for her review. That done he headed for the bridge to see what was going on. (USS Nimitz, Bridge, CSO, LtCmdr Jim Cale, 2020) Jim stepped out of the turbolift just as an Admiral emerged from the Ready Room and addressed the FO in the command chair. "Commander Sevant? The missus wants a word with you. You're relieved. Now get out of my chair!" ~ My chair??? Who the hell does this guy think he is ordering our people around like that? ~ Sevant stood in one fluid motion, "Yes, Sir." he said crisply. He walked around the Admiral and into the ready room. Jim moved to the Science station and lit up the computer and the sensors and performed a brief diagnostic just to confirm that all were operating at peak efficiency, which he knew they were. Whatever the hell was going on he wondered would they be told what it was that required an emergency recall order and this strutting Admiral ordering the Nimitz's FO out of *his chair*??? Stardate:2406.03.05 (Starbase Geneva, Officers Lounge, CONN/OPS Ensign Onyx Kateb, 2015) Onyx was wondering what to say next, she barely had anything in commun with anyone and first she didn’t know them. She decided to go and get a refill for her drink when suddenly a message came through. =/\=Emergency recall! All Nimitz crew to return to the ship and arrive here before 20.30. Anyone not in by that time will be regarded as AWOL and liable to be prosecuted =/\= ~ What the hell? ~ “Sorry… Got to go!” Onyx observed that Captain Rivers had problems transporting out of the Starbase. She didn’t like this. “I guess I will have to take the long way.” (USS Nimitz, Bridge, 2021) Onyx started to run like a lot of her other crewmates. More or less, five minutes later, she arrives at the bridge, a little out of breath and when at CONN. "Begin all startup procedures, make this ship ready for launch." “Yes Sir!” Onyx replied. Stardate:2406.03.05 (Starbase Geneva, Officer's Lounge, ACEO Porter, 2015) Porter sat in the corner once more, watching his fellow crewmates. He felt it best to know what he had gotten himself into when he was whisked over into this universe by whatever had deemed it neccesary to get him here. Now, he just watched and catalouged the information he was taking in. For what it was worth, he felt close to the crew, even if they only knew him as the tall and imposing engineer. For the moment, that suited DC just fine. =/\=Emergency recall! All Nimitz crew to return to the ship and arrive here before 20.30. Anyone not in by that time will be regarded as AWOL and liable to be prosecuted=/\= That snapped Daniel Calhoun Porter straight up in his chair and his feet were moving out the door faster than his brain had begun to digest exactly what was going on. ~What a way to start this on the road, I was at least hoping for some rest, at least something before we start this madness again. Guess I was wrong.~ Quickly, the tall londonman tapped his commbadge. "Computer, emergency transport to USS Nimitz, ACEO Porter code 223.223." The computer beeped a warning chime, kindly informing him that that was really not possible and it was best for him to contact someone else and after that point he just tuned that voice out and quickly began to run. The USS Nimitz wasn't fully up and running until engineering had her that way. And with 15 minutes and counting, Porter was not expecting whatever was ontap to go smoothly in anyway state or form. He snagged a high ranking looking officer and explained while looking all over the place for his Captain or someone. The man seemed to take pity and made an exception to get the Assitant Chief over to the Nimitz and did so so quickly that Porter himself didn't have time to thank the man. Stardate:2406.03.05 (Starbase Geneva - Officers Lounge - Lt Cmdr Sevant - 2015) "Enjoying the party?" Sevant turned his attention up to Captain Rivers, and cocked his head to the side as he noticed Zach Falthgood beside her with a slightly flushed and quite happy look on his face. He squeezed his wife's hand and was about to reply when all throughout the room, combadge suddenly blurted =/\=Emergency recall! All Nimitz crew to return to the ship and arrive here before 20.30. Anyone not in by that time will be regarded as AWOL and liable to be prosecuted=/\= Sevant shot a glance to his wife as the Captain said a quick apology, and stood half a moment later when she said "You're with me!" (reply Vicki, any - if desired) "Captain Rivers to Nimitz transporter room 1. Two to beam to the Bridge, immediately, emergency authorization, Rivers, Alpha One, Gamma Three!" =/\=Authorization denied. All previous authorizations for Nimitz crew have been overridden=/\= Sevant frowned, "No red alert, this shouldn't be happening." Sevant followed the captain and watched the room clear frighteningly fast as Nimitz crew streamed out. The crew was battle tested, a surprise like this would have little impact on their performance, rather it would make them move even *faster* Rivers talked to Captain Arianna and requested an emergency beamout, and a few moments later... Stardate:2406.03.05 (Starbase Geneva, Officer's Lounge, Nimitz CO, Captain Susan Rivers, 2015) Susan looked around and found herself close to the Sevants' table. "Enjoying the party?" she asked, thinking that Vicky looked a little tired. ~No wonder if she is, in her condition!~ Before either of them could reply, however, her commbadge chimed. As did every Nimitz commbadge in the room, although Susan was not aware of that at the time. The good mood engendered by meeting Zephrine, Aragorn and Louise again, and the unexpected dance, vanished instantly as she heard the words that came through the commbadge. =/\=Emergency recall! All Nimitz crew to return to the ship and arrive here before 20.30. Anyone not in by that time will be regarded as AWOL and liable to be prosecuted=/\= Susan frowned at the sound of the computer's 'voice', and her hand jerked involuntarily, spilling red Spring wine down her whites. She didn't notice, however, and merely nodded curtly at Vicky as she put her glass down on the table. "Excuse us, please! Number One," she added to Sevant, "Your'e with me!" (reply Sevant, Vicky, any other Nimitzers around - you all get the call!) Susan immediately tapped her commbadge. "Captain Rivers to Nimitz transporter room 1. Two to beam to the Bridge, immediately, emergency authorisation, Rivers, Alpha One, Gamma Three!" =/\=Authorisation denied. All previous authorisations for Nimitz crew have been overridden=/\= ~What the h***!~ (reply Sevant iyw) Susan's frown grew deeper as her temper rose, and she looked around for Captain Arianna. Spotting her over by one of the windows talking to a junior officer, she made her way over hastily, closely followed by Sevant. "Captain Arianna, I'm sorry to interrupt but I need your help." (reply Lise) Susan quickly explained the situation. "So I'd like to request that you authorise an emergency transport through the Geneva transporters for myself and Commander Sevant direct to the Nimitz Bridge." Lise nodded. "Of course, Captain," she said, and tapped her own commbadge. Seconds later the familiar transporter haze took Susan and Sevant away from the party and onto the Nimitz Bridge. Stardate:2406.03.05 (USS Nimitz - Bridge - Lt Cmdr Sevant - 2019) Sevant's eyes swept the bridge, as he had been trained to do since his first year in the Academy. It didn't take much to realize someone that wasn't supposed to be on the bridge was there. As the Captain walked to the front, he stepped forward to the Tactical console and grabbed the phaser that was always kept under it. He flipped it on, and took three steps back, so he wouldn't be hindered if he had to fire. "And just what the h*** do you think you are doing on my shi..." Sevant frowned, and brought up the phaser to a ready position. "What are YOU doing here? This is MY ship and you have no right to issue orders to MY crew!" a moment passed, then she addressed him as "Sir!" "Hiya, Suse! Commander! Yes, I'm glad to see you too. By the way, I noticed red wine to make horrendous stains on white uniforms. Perhaps you wish to change?" Sevant put the phaser back at his side and slowly made his way back around the bridge, keeping his eyes on the two individuals. He recognized the second as soon as he got a good look, Captain Aragorn from Geneva, and formally of the Nimitz. "Don't try to change the subject!" His own captain said crossly. "What are you doing here and what makes you think you have the right to give orders to my crew from MY Bridge?" The Admiral didn't seem to pay any attention. "Mind you, I have heard that red wine helped prevent an old ailment called heart-attack and seeing the color of your face, you might have been very prudent to drink it. Computer, identify the commanding officer of the USS Nimitz." <> Sevant's eyes narrowed as Aragorn said "Any more questions?" ~Plenty of them~ "Oh, just one or two," Captain Rivers said sarcastically. "But let's start with the main one. What the frag is going on and why have I been suddenly relieved of command with no explanation?" "Oh, you want an explanation? Why didn't you say so? Since I expect the Bridge to be filling up soon, I suggest we go to my Ready Room? By the way, you shouldn't have been able to transport onto the Bridge, when my authorization codes came into effect yours should have been suspended. Only temporary, of course. Whoever heard of a First Officer without authorization codes?" "They were suspended," Susan ground out. "Captain Arianna was good enough to help us out. WHAT DO YOU MEAN, FIRST OFFICER?" Sevant blew out a breath, as the Admiral continued, "I should have remembered. You were always a smart cookie. And there I was, thinking how you with lightening bolts flying out of your eyes would be running towards the Nimitz. Trust you to spoil a good joke. Not that I mind, mind you." "A joke? This is a JOKE? Oh very funny. Very funny indeed. Now GIVE ME BACK MY SHIP!" "Computer, enable First Officer Susan Rivers' command authorization, Captain's level. Happy now?" "NO I AM NOT HAPPY! Computer! Remove command authorizations from Cap- REAR-ADMIRAL Aragorn. Authorization Rivers, Alpha One, Gamma Three." <> "We'll see what Admiral LoDona has to say about this!" "If you must," Aragorn said sighing. "Although I'm afraid even he won't have sufficient level. This pack of orders came straight from Fleet Admiral Doenitz, Starfleet HQ. It wasn't my idea, but apparently I'm in charge of Operation Scout and I seem to speak for Fleet Admiral Doenitz." Aragorn stood, and said "Commander, hold the fort until someone else shows up on the Bridge. Then follow us into my Ready Room. Oh, there's a party of 50 people waiting to come aboard. The computer will have the details. They are to be housed in the VIP section. Suse, I am NOT going to let you read something." "You might want to restore Sevant's command codes too," Rivers replied, "Otherwise he might find it a little hard to bring them aboard." "True. Computer, re-enable all recent command codes. Authorization Doenitz delta delta one." Sevant glanced at Captain Rivers, who looked back at him. "Make it so, Number One," Sevant watched them disappear, silently. Once the doors had closed, he looked at the collected bridge staff. "Get everyone aboard, I want full departmental status reports in twenty minutes, Alpha shift is now on duty." He looked over at Operations, "Find whoever those fifty are and get them beamed aboard, we can straiten them out once we have them here." (reply All departments) "Begin all startup procedures, make this ship ready for launch." (reply Engineering, Ops, CONN) He sat in the command chair, in thought. There was something very interesting about all this, but it also didn't sit right. He flipped the screen around and keyed in a list of waiting passengers, and singled out the fifty that were to come aboard. His eyes narrowed as he read the list, and some of the listed credentials. He tapped his fingers against the armrest for several seconds, then tapped his badge. "Sevant to Falthgood." =^=Sir.=^= came a slightly out of breath voice. "Present location?" =^=Just making it into the Science research labs, sir.=^= "Find a secure room, now." =^=Uh, aye sir...=^= a few puffs of breath, and some obvious sounds of moving around and a shutting door, then =^=Secure in the unused ACSO's office, Sir.=^= he said with some puzzlement. Sevant tapped his fingers together in thought, wondering if he would get in trouble for this one, then hit 'send' on the screen. "I'm transmitting a list of names to you, tell me your thoughts." He said. Zach had been a research scientist in several different places, his primary skills dealt with step back engineering and science, mostly used on-site at several archaeological digs for highly advanced scientists. It was Falthgood's memory he wanted to pick now, however. A few moments passed, and then Sevant frowned as he heard a whistle. =^=Impressive list Sir, a veritable Who's Who.=^= He paused and muttered something, =^=Including the short-list of some of the most short tempered people I know in the Academic community, people with absolutely no sense of humor.=^= "Thank you Lieutenant, say nothing of this for now." =^=Sir?=^= "You will find out," he said shortly. "These people are coming aboard and no one seems to know why at this moment." Zach's voice became far more professional, in a very short period of seconds. =^=Understood, Sir.=^= Sevant cut the channel and licked his lips. He continued deep in thought, giving orders and affirmatives to those who required them until the Ready Room doors opened. He tapped the arm of the command chair as Aragorn paused just outside of the Ready Room doors. "Commander Sevant? The missus wants a word with you. You're relieved. Now get out of my chair!" Sevant stood in one fluid motion, "Yes, Sir." he said crisply. He walked around the Admiral and into the ready room. He took exactly five steps and ended up in front of the desk, "Captain?" he asked. Stardate:2406.03.05 (USS Nimitz, Bridge, CO, Captain Susan Rivers and the Admiral, 2019) They materialised behind the tactical console, and Susan swept her gaze around the Bridge. She saw instantly that someone was sitting in the command chair as if he owned the ship. Scowling, she strode around to the front of the chair. "And just what the h*** do you think you are doing on my shi..." she began furiously, then stopped, stunned, as she recognised the occupant of the command chair. And realised that once, indeed, he had effectively owned the ship. Or at least had once been in command of her. A moment later her voice returned. "What are YOU doing here?" she demanded, glaring at him, her anger by no means assuaged by discovering the identity of the one who sat in *her* seat. "This is MY ship and you have no right to issue orders to MY crew!" Belatedly she noticed the Admiral's pips on his collar. "Sir!" she ground out between gritted teeth, still too angry to be surprised at his sudden elevation in rank. "Hiya, Suse! Commander! Yes, I'm glad to see you too. By the way, I noticed red wine to make horrendous stains on white uniforms. Perhaps you wish to change?" Susan automatically glanced down and frowned slightly as she noticed the stain on her uniform. Then she shot him a look from under her brows. "Don't try to change the subject!" she said crossly. "What are you doing here and what makes you think you have the right to give orders to my crew from MY Bridge?" ~not to mention MY chair!~ "Mind you," he continued, "I have heard that red wine helped prevent an old ailment called heart-attack and seeing the colour of your face, you might have been very prudent to drink it. Computer, identify the commanding officer of the USS Nimitz." [The commanding officer of the USS Nimitz is Rear-Admiral Aragorn] Aragorn flashed the astounded officers a quick smile. "Any more questions?" Susan scowled. "Oh, just one or two," she said sarcastically. "But let's start with the main one. What the frag is going on and why have I been suddenly relieved of command with no explanation?" "Oh, you want an explanation? Why didn't you say so? Since I expect the Bridge to be filling up soon, I suggest we go to my Ready Room? By the way, you shouldn't have been able to transport onto the Bridge, when my authorisation codes came into effect yours should have been suspended. Only temporary, of course. Whoever heard of a First Officer without authorisation codes?" "They were suspended," Susan ground out. "Captain Arianna was good enough to help us out. WHAT DO YOU MEAN, FIRST OFFICER?" Aragorn shook his head. "I should have remembered. You were always a smart cookie. And there I was, thinking how you with lightening bolts flying out of your eyes would be running towards the Nimitz. Trust you to spoil a good joke. Not that I mind, mind you." Susan grasped at the straw she thought she had been flung. "A joke? This is a JOKE? Oh very funny. Very funny indeed. Now GIVE ME BACK MY SHIP!" "Computer, enable First Officer Susan Rivers' command authorisation, Captain's level. Happy now?" "NO I AM NOT HAPPY! Computer! Remove command authorisations from Cap- REAR-ADMIRAL Aragorn. Authorisation Rivers, Alpha One, Gamma Three." [Insufficient authorisation level] Susan glared impotently at Aragorn, then a thought struck her. "We'll see what Admiral LoDona has to say about this!" she said, moving her hand towards her commbadge. "If you must," Aragorn said sighing. "Although I'm afraid even he won't have sufficient level. This pack of orders came straight from Fleet Admiral Doenitz, Starfleet HQ. It wasn't my idea, but apparently I'm in charge of Operation Scout and I seem to speak for Fleet Admiral Doenitz." Susan's hand dropped. Doenitz had not thought it funny that she had told his fellow-admiral that he had the brains of a rocking-horse almost a year ago now, after the Romulan battle. She doubted very much that *he* would be willing to listen to anything she had to say. Aragorn got up and walked over to the Ready Room. "Commander, hold the fort until someone else shows up on the Bridge. Then follow us into my Ready Room. Oh, there's a party of 50 people waiting to come aboard. The computer will have the details. They are to be housed in the VIP section. Suse, I am NOT going to let you read something." "You might want to restore Sevant's command codes too," she pointed out acidly. "Otherwise he might find it a little hard to bring them aboard." "True. Computer, re-enable all recent command codes. Authorisation Doenitz delta delta one." Susan glanced at Sevant and nodded as his eyes met hers. "Make it so, Number One," she said, flinging Aragorn a defiant glance. Aragorn sighed and entered the Ready Room. Susan followed him, frowning. She was not at all happy. Stardate:2406.03.05 (USS Nimitz- Engineering- ACEO Porter- 2020) The engineering room quickly came back into focus and Porter took a deep breath. "Begin emergency startup of warp core, begin power activation for all systems. Run a systems check and confirm all are working. Put engineering on alert standby...and get this place moving! We need this girl ready to move in less then ten minutes. You, get the reports on the bugs we've been looking at for the last two days. And you, get the power reports from three months ago and compare where we are at now and see if we're doing any better. Report?! Someone find Shtorr!" The room had dissolved into chaor even before Porter had entered the room. He hadn't seen Shtorr, although the man couldn't be taht hard to miss. Officers quickly ran down reports to him, telling him the ship was starting up well enough, the warp core was being watched and had had a few small things go wrong on activation, but all was better now, as far as they could tell. Nodding to them all, he dismissed them quickly. The british man tapped his commbadge while he moved to the master situations monitor, his eyes watching the movement of information. The Nimitz was having a remarkably well enough startup. For the moment. "Assitant Chief Porter to Bridge, this is Engineering. What timetable are you lookin' at for departure?" Stardate:2406.03.05 (USS Nimitz, Ready Room, XO, Captain Susan Rivers, and CO, RADM Aragorn, 2023) "OK," Susan said as the door slid shut behind her, "So what's in this 'something' you are not going to let me read? It better be good," she added. Aragorn halted for a second, then walked over to the window, looking out into space. "Oh, you must mean the PADD with highly-classified material that I accidently left on the desk? Well, since you're obviously not going to read it, because like I said, it iS highly-classified... You know, this is my most favourite spot on this ship. You feel so close with the universe here." Aragorn remained looking out of the window. Susan stood looking at him for a moment, reminded of her arrival back at Geneva with half a crew and a ship so damaged it took them almost two months to repair. She swallowed. "It's mine too," she said softly. She walked over to the desk and picked up the PADD, holding it in her hands for a moment, thinking hard. "Especially do not read the last bit, the section about my psychological profile." She began to read. When she was half way through, she went back to the beginning and read again, this time through to the end. When she had finished, she laid it gently back on the desk. "I'm sorry," she said simply. "I didn't know." Aragorn turned round and smiled weakly. "And still don't know, of course." "Of course." Aragorn smiled for a second. "Let's face it. In my career I have made more enemies than a Xenolian trader who hands out free tribbles to the whole of the Klingon High Command. I'm a has-been and will never command a ship again. That's my future. That's my destiny. I guess I should be thankful for the JAG position on Geneva. A lot of people would be." Aragorn fell silent for a second. "But I'm not. And when I get even the remotest possibility to command a ship for one last time, I'll grab it. If it's the last thing I do." "I've made a few enemies too," Susan pointed out. "And they still let me have the Nimitz. Or -" "Don't read the next page," Aragorn interrupted. She shot him a glance and wondered whether he meant it this time. "I take it the next page has comments about me too?" she said. "It's true that you've made some enemies. But unlike me you've made some friends as well. And to be honest, since my career is down the drain anyway, I decided to take as much 'blame' on me as possible. You'll be alright. Just be careful of Doenitz. He's a vicious bastard. You know why I got command of a starship again? Only so that he could take it away from YOU." Susan snorted. "That doesn't surprise me. But surely - if they've given you the Nimitz...?" "During the Second World War on Earth, one of the fighting parties sent out the biggest battleship in the world to beach it so that it's cannons could supplement the artillery on an island. It never got there. And even if it had, it would have been an end unworthy of such a magnificent ship. A bit like me, really." Susan stared at him. "You mean that b*****d wants to dismantle the Nimitz?" she said incredulously. "Just to score points over us?" "Oh no. Not the Nimitz. The Nimitz has a good name. A very good name. No, the ones they want dismantled are you and me. I am sent away into oblivion and you are supposed to get so angry that you will leave Starfleet voluntarily. Oh, I took the precaution of disabling the loggers in this room. I'm afraid I couldn't do it on the Bridge. So watch out, anything you say there will ultimately land on the desk of our beloved Fleet Admiral." Susan's mouth twisted in a sour smile. "If I didn't resign when they kept me desk-bound for nearly a year, I'm not going to give them the pleasure of doing so now. And I WILL fight this. You have friends too, you know? He might think he has sent you into oblivion but he's wrong. It won't be for ever!" ~I won't let it be forever~ "You will NOT fight this. You will keep your mouth shut and you will smile and you will do your flippin' duty. How can I claim to have friends if by claiming that, I will make sure that they get penalised for it? No, you will perhaps for ONCE in your life, keep your flippin' mouth shut!" "Does Louise know?" she asked suddenly, deliberately refraining from answering him on that point. Aragorn eyed her for a second. "I mean it, Susan. As for Louise, I told her almost everything. I didn't show her the PADD, which is quite ironic because her hacking allowed me to retrieve the file in the first place. But as far as she knows, the information on the PADD only concerns the mission. I am afraid that she will do something very stupid if she ever reads the info." Susan thought about Louise for a moment. She could only agree. Louise was likely to go ballistic if she ever read that file. "Does anyone else know?" she asked. Aragorn narrowed his eyes. "Greely doesn't, that I know for a fact. LoDona might, because he has been giving me a lot of leeway even though I have been told that his heart's desire would be to direct me to the nearest airlock and space me. You know, I can't blame him. I was quite obnoxious. And I did go over his head several times. But apart from some b*****ds at SFHQ, I doubt someone else would know about it. Apart from one person, that is. A remarkable headstrong lady without whom I would have received orders to space you." Susan frowned at that. "Surely not even Doenitz would think he could get away with - oh, you mean figuratively, right? So who is this remarkable person. Is she coming aboard too?" "She will be my other XO. She's civilian, and she told me that I can stick my Starfleet ways where the sun doesn't shine. Yeah, you'll like her. Well, you will HAVE to like her, because I decided to bunk her in with you." "You WHAT?" "Well I decided it would be better for communication purposes, etc. You will be the expert on the ship and its crew and she will be the expert for the mission." "You have heard of talking to one another, right? and the commsystem? So why stick me with some stranger? I have kids now, remember? Those little brats are more than enough to cope with in my off-duty hours, if you don't mind!" "But that's the beauty of the plan. She told me that she was very experienced with handling boistrous children, as she put it. Ask her about the story she told me about her keeping her niece out of trouble with her parents. According to her, no brat has been invented that would get the best of her." Susan grinned. "Her niece must have been quite something if she could out-brat Loren and Shun." "Hmm, the stories I've been told. There was this one story about an old pear tree and a sling-shot. Nah, I'll let her tell you that one. She tells it so much better than I do." Susan stared at him. ~no, it can't be...~ she told herself. "My grandmother had a pear tree," she remarked. "I used to love climbing up it. She had a small wheezing bad-tempered pugdog as well. You wouldn't believe how loud that nasty little thing could yelp or how fast it could run if you hit it with a sling-shot from the top of that tree." "You see? You already find out you have lots in common with her. Trust me, Suse. This is something *i* came up with, not Doenitz. I need my Exec to focus on the job fully, without distractions. And the silly old bat can do with a bit of human interaction. Life hasn't been too kind to her lately. She suffers from Hyper Sclerosis." "How awful!" Susan said sincerely. "Don't say that to her. She'll rip your head off. The last thing she wants is to be pitied. OK, I agree, her manners are sometimes a bit over-excessive, but she's got a heart of gold." "I think you're right," Susan said. "She sounds like a remarkable person." She sighed. "OK, you've got my ship, foisted some old bat on me, is there anything else I can give you?" ~apart from give you your life back, which for the moment is out of my hands~ Aragorn smiled. "Nothing. Apart from your assurance that you will let ME fight my own battles, and not get involved." Susan looked him straight in the eyes. "I promise I will get involved in nothing that I am not already involved in," she said. Aragorn shook his head as he smiled. "You should have become a politician. Oh, there is one more thing you can do for me. I was expecting to be able to sit on the Bridge on my chair for a bit longer than you let me. In the computer database you will find a mission outline called Scout One. I'll relieve your First Officer so the two of you can have a look at it whilst I.................... You know, this is my last chance and I intend to enjoy every damn second of it! If you need me, I'll be on the Bridge." "Aye, Sir," Susan said simply. "Will you send Sevant in here? Or would you prefer us to use the FO's office? I can get him to move his stuff out to the 2O's office, if you like? It's not being used at the moment." "My universe is not in here, it's out there," Aragorn said, smiling, as he walked through the door. "Commander Sevant? The missus wants a word with you. You're relieved. Now get out of my chair!" Stardate:2406.03.05 (USS Nimitz, Ready Room, XO, Captain Susan Rivers, and CO, RADM Aragorn, 2023) "OK," Susan said as the door slid shut behind her, "So what's in this 'something' you are not going to let me read? It better be good," she added. Aragorn halted for a second, then walked over to the window, looking out into space. "Oh, you must mean the PADD with highly-classified material that I accidently left on the desk? Well, since you're obviously not going to read it, because like I said, it iS highly-classified... You know, this is my most favourite spot on this ship. You feel so close with the universe here." Aragorn remained looking out of the window. Susan stood looking at him for a moment, reminded of her arrival back at Geneva with half a crew and a ship so damaged it took them almost two months to repair. She swallowed. "It's mine too," she said softly. She walked over to the desk and picked up the PADD, holding it in her hands for a moment, thinking hard. "Especially do not read the last bit, the section about my psychological profile." She began to read. When she was half way through, she went back to the beginning and read again, this time through to the end. When she had finished, she laid it gently back on the desk. "I'm sorry," she said simply. "I didn't know." Aragorn turned round and smiled weakly. "And still don't know, of course." "Of course." Aragorn smiled for a second. "Let's face it. In my career I have made more enemies than a Xenolian trader who hands out free tribbles to the whole of the Klingon High Command. I'm a has-been and will never command a ship again. That's my future. That's my destiny. I guess I should be thankful for the JAG position on Geneva. A lot of people would be." Aragorn fell silent for a second. "But I'm not. And when I get even the remotest possibility to command a ship for one last time, I'll grab it. If it's the last thing I do." "I've made a few enemies too," Susan pointed out. "And they still let me have the Nimitz. Or -" "Don't read the next page," Aragorn interrupted. She shot him a glance and wondered whether he meant it this time. "I take it the next page has comments about me too?" she said. "It's true that you've made some enemies. But unlike me you've made some friends as well. And to be honest, since my career is down the drain anyway, I decided to take as much 'blame' on me as possible. You'll be alright. Just be careful of Doenitz. He's a vicious bastard. You know why I got command of a starship again? Only so that he could take it away from YOU." Susan snorted. "That doesn't surprise me. But surely - if they've given you the Nimitz...?" "During the Second World War on Earth, one of the fighting parties sent out the biggest battleship in the world to beach it so that it's cannons could supplement the artillery on an island. It never got there. And even if it had, it would have been an end unworthy of such a magnificent ship. A bit like me, really." Susan stared at him. "You mean that b*****d wants to dismantle the Nimitz?" she said incredulously. "Just to score points over us?" "Oh no. Not the Nimitz. The Nimitz has a good name. A very good name. No, the ones they want dismantled are you and me. I am sent away into oblivion and you are supposed to get so angry that you will leave Starfleet voluntarily. Oh, I took the precaution of disabling the loggers in this room. I'm afraid I couldn't do it on the Bridge. So watch out, anything you say there will ultimately land on the desk of our beloved Fleet Admiral." Susan's mouth twisted in a sour smile. "If I didn't resign when they kept me desk-bound for nearly a year, I'm not going to give them the pleasure of doing so now. And I WILL fight this. You have friends too, you know? He might think he has sent you into oblivion but he's wrong. It won't be for ever!" ~I won't let it be forever~ "You will NOT fight this. You will keep your mouth shut and you will smile and you will do your flippin' duty. How can I claim to have friends if by claiming that, I will make sure that they get penalised for it? No, you will perhaps for ONCE in your life, keep your flippin' mouth shut!" "Does Louise know?" she asked suddenly, deliberately refraining from answering him on that point. Aragorn eyed her for a second. "I mean it, Susan. As for Louise, I told her almost everything. I didn't show her the PADD, which is quite ironic because her hacking allowed me to retrieve the file in the first place. But as far as she knows, the information on the PADD only concerns the mission. I am afraid that she will do something very stupid if she ever reads the info." Susan thought about Louise for a moment. She could only agree. Louise was likely to go ballistic if she ever read that file. "Does anyone else know?" she asked. Aragorn narrowed his eyes. "Greely doesn't, that I know for a fact. LoDona might, because he has been giving me a lot of leeway even though I have been told that his heart's desire would be to direct me to the nearest airlock and space me. You know, I can't blame him. I was quite obnoxious. And I did go over his head several times. But apart from some b*****ds at SFHQ, I doubt someone else would know about it. Apart from one person, that is. A remarkable headstrong lady without whom I would have received orders to space you." Susan frowned at that. "Surely not even Doenitz would think he could get away with - oh, you mean figuratively, right? So who is this remarkable person. Is she coming aboard too?" "She will be my other XO. She's civilian, and she told me that I can stick my Starfleet ways where the sun doesn't shine. Yeah, you'll like her. Well, you will HAVE to like her, because I decided to bunk her in with you." "You WHAT?" "Well I decided it would be better for communication purposes, etc. You will be the expert on the ship and its crew and she will be the expert for the mission." "You have heard of talking to one another, right? and the commsystem? So why stick me with some stranger? I have kids now, remember? Those little brats are more than enough to cope with in my off-duty hours, if you don't mind!" "But that's the beauty of the plan. She told me that she was very experienced with handling boistrous children, as she put it. Ask her about the story she told me about her keeping her niece out of trouble with her parents. According to her, no brat has been invented that would get the best of her." Susan grinned. "Her niece must have been quite something if she could out-brat Loren and Shun." "Hmm, the stories I've been told. There was this one story about an old pear tree and a sling-shot. Nah, I'll let her tell you that one. She tells it so much better than I do." Susan stared at him. ~no, it can't be...~ she told herself. "My grandmother had a pear tree," she remarked. "I used to love climbing up it. She had a small wheezing bad-tempered pugdog as well. You wouldn't believe how loud that nasty little thing could yelp or how fast it could run if you hit it with a sling-shot from the top of that tree." "You see? You already find out you have lots in common with her. Trust me, Suse. This is something *i* came up with, not Doenitz. I need my Exec to focus on the job fully, without distractions. And the silly old bat can do with a bit of human interaction. Life hasn't been too kind to her lately. She suffers from Hyper Sclerosis." "How awful!" Susan said sincerely. "Don't say that to her. She'll rip your head off. The last thing she wants is to be pitied. OK, I agree, her manners are sometimes a bit over-excessive, but she's got a heart of gold." "I think you're right," Susan said. "She sounds like a remarkable person." She sighed. "OK, you've got my ship, foisted some old bat on me, is there anything else I can give you?" ~apart from give you your life back, which for the moment is out of my hands~ Aragorn smiled. "Nothing. Apart from your assurance that you will let ME fight my own battles, and not get involved." Susan looked him straight in the eyes. "I promise I will get involved in nothing that I am not already involved in," she said. Aragorn shook his head as he smiled. "You should have become a politician. Oh, there is one more thing you can do for me. I was expecting to be able to sit on the Bridge on my chair for a bit longer than you let me. In the computer database you will find a mission outline called Scout One. I'll relieve your First Officer so the two of you can have a look at it whilst I.................... You know, this is my last chance and I intend to enjoy every damn second of it! If you need me, I'll be on the Bridge." "Aye, Sir," Susan said simply. "Will you send Sevant in here? Or would you prefer us to use the FO's office? I can get him to move his stuff out to the 2O's office, if you like? It's not being used at the moment." "My universe is not in here, it's out there," Aragorn said, smiling, as he walked through the door. "Commander Sevant? The missus wants a word with you. You're relieved. Now get out of my chair!" Stardate:2406.03.05 (USS Nimitz, Childcare facility, SPCs B'Etak, V'Tral and V'Staq of the house of De'Ktor, 20.25) The De'Ktors had been deposited in the childcare facility and told to stay put and be good. So, for while Deirdra was still there, they sat alongside the trunks. B'Etak was just about to speak up and say something when Jennah came running up to them. "come on, and play with me, please?" B'Etak laughed. "Hey Jennah, how are you, I've not seen you in a long time! How's your family?" (Reply Jennah) NRPG: The two of the triplets had been on Geneva for the past mission. RPG: V'Staq just looked at the girl, "I want to go be with the Marines, I don't want to be stuck here." He grumbled. (Reply Jennah) V'Tral just sighed. "So what do you want to play?" he asked, he really wanted to go exploring and find out what was going on, these adults were acting so oddly and he wanted to know precisely why. Stardate:2406.03.05 (USS Nimitz, Childcare facility, SPC MO Deirdra Eistal, 20.25) Deirdra had just dropped the kids off at the childcare centre and was on her way out when she heard a voice being projected into her head, ::A handful, aren't they?:: Deirdra turned around to see the Counsellor, who looked a lot less pregnant since the last time she saw her. ::Oh, more than.:: she replied back. After the two of them had cleared the doorway they went their separate directions. Stardate:2406.03.05 (USS Nimitz, COUNS/MCO quarters, MCO - Lt. Major David Dark, 2025) The summons had been a bit of a shock to David, and judgeing from the frantic sounds of people almost running outside, probably to the rest of the crew as well. After scrambleing to get back to the Nimitz he had first gone to his quarters to get changed into his non-dress uniform. Vanyssa was not there, and there was no sign she had arrived as yet so he quickly wrote "Ness, I am on board. Let me know when you get this. I will contact you as soon as I get things squared away with the marines." on a PADD and left it where she would find it. NRPG: I figured that leaving a note would not interfere with the time lines and what Melinda has posted. (Reply from Vanyssa if she wants to find this.) He hurried out the door and worry began to set in. ~I Hate the unexpected, something bad happens whenever things happen unexpectadly on this ship.~ Stardate:2406.03.05 (USS Nimitz, Sickbay, ACMO, Lt. Kestra Troi-Wolf, 2025) Kestra had finally managed to arrive on the nimitz to make her way to sickbay. She knew that she had to ensure that all was ready for anything that could happen. She knew though that before she had left to attend the party on Geneva that all was in order. She had also contacted the starbase to ensure that what she was short on would be sent over, hence, the cargo that was in the middle of the floor. "Sickbay to Bridge, We are in order and ready" Kestra had known that the bridge would be looking for a report as to thier readiness. Kestra opened her cargo and was placing the contents where they belonged as she was talking. Stardate:2406.03.05 (USS Nimitz, Bridge, ACSO, Ensign Roman Kalik, 20.27) Roman got out of the turbolift, and went to the Science station where Jim was already sitting. He took the console next to him and asked. "Do you have any idea what the hell's going on, sir? Stardate:2406.03.05 (USS Nimitz, Personal Quarters, SPC Vicki Sevant, 20.28) Vicki sat down in her quarters after having relieved the babysitter the moment she'd arrived. Vicki groaned as she shifted the weight she was carrying and put her feet up on the sofa. "This has got to be the worst...." her voice trailed off. ~who would do something like this? I wonder what's happened? I hope that everything's ok~ Vicki reasoned that as the wife of the Nimitz FO, she spent a lot of time not knowing and worrying that something was happening, or that something had happened. She trusted their empathic link that would let her know if something unspeakable ever were to occur, but still, that didn't stop her from worrying about the situation. She let her mind drift near to Callys, and sensing confusion and some sort of chaos, she retreated quickly before her presence was felt. The last thing she wanted to do was to distract him from his task at hand. All she could do is wait, and hope. Rising to her feet, she slowly made her way over to the bedroom intent on trying to catch some sleep. Stardate:2406.03.05 (USS Nimitz - Marine Staging Area - 1st Lt Richard Ian Lee - 20.29) Rich walked into the staging center, and stifled a small groan at the confusion. Marines bumped past his large form, intent on finding their proper spots with their squads and squad leaders. He caught sight of the Suicide Kings, newly rebuilt with fresh souls after their suicidal two battles 6 months ago. If he gave it two minutes, everyone would be together with only a few stragglers coming in. However, he wasn't that patient. "Colette Lafayette reporting for duty. Major Dark? Lieutenant Lee? Anyone? What's going on?" Lee found Lafayette off to one side with her squad, then decided he had already had quite enough of this. "One second, Lieutenant." he called over the chaos. He cupped his hands together and in his best battlefield bellow, yelled "ALL UNITS, TEEEEEEEEEN HUT!" Two seconds passed, and without fail everyone in the room dropped what they were doing, grew roots to the deck and came to attention. (reply any, if desired) Rich looked around the room, and nodded. "Much better." he said in a 'normal' tone of voice. "Quickly but efficiently, form by squad and platoon!" He looked over at Colette, and walked over. "I don't know what's going on, Lieutenant, but I intend to find out." (reply Colette, if desired) Rich tapped his badge, "Lee to Bridge, situational report please." =^=Unknown at this time,=^= came Sevant's voice. =^=Hold Steady. Bridge out.=^= "That was useful, " he said with no small amount of disdain. "Once they are formed, Lieutenant, see to it that they get weapons and armor by squad. I've got to find Dark." Stardate:2406.03.05 (USS Nimitz, Bridge, M-CO, Aragorn, 20:29) =^= Security to Bridge! =^= Aragorn glanced over at the empty First Officer's chair and slapped his own badge. "Bridge here, What is the problem?" =^= No problem, Sir. There is just a Doctor...Drouhin? Yes, Dr. Drouhin with a load of animals and a purple ball on a lead. She said she didn't know where to go to but that she was supposed to be here. =^= "Great!" Aragorn shouted out, beaming, "You can tell her she has the Ambassadorial suite on deck 2. And her patient is quartered in with Susan in the CO's suite. But let her settle in....hang on.. Purple ball you said? Hmm, tell me, can you see a rather strange looking male with very colourful trousers?" =^= Uhhhh, no Sir. =^= "Hmm, I see. Oh well, never mind. Just tell her to hop onboard and I will see her at the meeting." Stardate:2406.03.05 (USS Nimitz, Marine Staging Area, SPC MO Colette Lafayette, 20.30) Colette ran on deck. She looked about, everyone was filing into their positions. "Report." She called out to her squad. They responded that they were there, but no other relevant information was conveyed. "Colette Lafayette reporting for duty. Major Dark? Lieutenant Lee?" Colette called out into the confusion that was the staging area. "Anyone? What's going on?" Stardate:2406.03.05 (USS Nimitz, Bridge, CONN/OPS Ensign Onyx Kateb, 2030) NRPG : Never two without three. RPG Onyx patiently waited for the computer, when the test revealed that the ship was ready, she check if everyone was on board. She return in her head the conversation that she just had with Captain Rivers and Captain Drouhin. ~ Who is Admiral Aragorn? they compared him between an entire troup of klingons. I barely had a glimpse at him at the party.~ “Sir! The Nimitz is ready for launch, but not everyone is on board. Where are we going if I may ask?” Stardate:2406.03.05 (USS Nimitz - Docking Bay? Or inside somewhere? - Dr Drouhin, 20:30) "Security to Bridge!" Zephrine tugged Rachels lead abit tighter, noticing the security guard was keeping a wary eye on them both. ~the last thing I need is a repeat of the Ensign Lee episode!~ =^=Bridge here, What is the problem?=^= ~thats Aragorn?! What would he be answering for?~ Judging by the slightly perplexed look on the security officers face, he was wondering the same thing. "No problem, Sir. There is just a Doctor.." He glanced at Zephrine and asked, ".Drouhin?" She nodded, and he continued with his conversation. " Yes, Dr. Drouhin with a load of animals and a purple ball on a lead. She said she didn't know where to go to but that she was supposed to be here." ~a load of animals?!? We're talking 2 cats and rachel, hardly a load! There's crew members on board with more kids than this!~ =^=Great! You can tell her she has the Ambassadorial suite on deck 2. And her patient is quartered in with Susan in the CO's suite. =^= ~the ambassadorial suite?!? Oh god, surely not with rachel! and Raoul!~ She was thinking about the sort of damage they might cause when the last part of Aragorn's words filtered through. =^But let her settle in....hang on.. Purple ball you said? Hmm, tell me, can you see a rather strange looking male with very colourful trousers?=^= ~Tobias.~ The security officer stared at her for a few moments as if he half expected her to produce the afore-mentioned man from within one of her cages. "Uhhhh, no Sir." =^=Hmm, I see. Oh well, never mind. Just tell her to hop onboard and I will see her at the meeting.=^= The security officer began opening his mouth to repeat this to Zephrine, then realised she had heard it. "What meeting?" NRPG: According to Liz's post the message about the meeting wasnt sent out til 22:10? Erm, so I'll make something up hehe RPG: The officer shrugged. "No idea. Perhaps there's a meeting later for the senior officers or something. Umm, you should check when you get to your room I guess." He eyes Rachel warily. "Do you need a hand with this stuff or..........." Zephrine nodded her thanks. "If you could just arrange for my bags to be sent up, I'll take the animals myself I think." She noticed he heaved a sigh of relief as they left the room. Stardate:2406.03.05 (USS Nimitz, Sickbay, SPC MO Deirdra Eistal, 20.31) "I swear I'm here!" Deirdra gasped as she raced into the door. "Sorry I forgot I don't have quarters here anymore and then I didn't know where to park the kids and I knew you didn't want them here, so I didn't bring them here, but I'm not AWOL so don't space me or stockade me or liable me or anything, because I'm HERE!" Stardate:2406.03.05 (USS Nimitz, Marine Staging Area, 1st Lieutenant Colette Lafayette, 20.33) "ALL UNITS, TEEEEEEEN HUT!" Colette heard Lee's voice bellow. ~Figures, gotta be the loudest~ she thought wryly. The room came to a standstill in a matter of milliseconds. ~Could hear a pin drop~ Colette thought of the proverb that her mum often used when she demanded silence at the dinner table. "Much better." Lee stated. "Quickly but efficiently, form by squad and platoon!" Colette could hear the not so silent shuffling of the BDUs on the marines as they made their way to organize themselves as the Lieutenant had ordered. Lee walked over towards Colette. "I don't know what's going on, Lieutenant, but I intend to find out." Colette nodded. "Good, then at least someone'll know what's up , at least down here." She muttered. She really got so little time to dance and had been enjoying herself at the party, this being ordered into a battle situation without the slightest inclination of what the heck was going on, had her a little perturbed to say the least. Lafayette listened to the conversation that Lee had with the bridge "That was useful, " Lee said his voice distinctly betraying the feeling behind his words. "Once they are formed, Lieutenant, see to it that they get weapons and armour by squad. I've got to find Dark." Colette nodded. "Aye sir." She turned back to the Marines, "Squad 1 arm up" She shouted over the clatter of equipment, "Then 2, and so forth.... but let's keep the noise down." She added. Stardate:2406.03.05 (USS Nimitz, Sickbay, ACMO Lt. Kestra Troi, 20.33) "I swear I'm here!" Deirdra gasped as she raced into the door. "Sorry I forgot I don't have quarters here anymore and then I didn't know where to park the kids and I knew you didn't want them here, so I didn't bring them here, but I'm not AWOL so don't space me or stockade me or liable me or anything, because I'm HERE!" Kestra stopped putting the medical supplies away to listen to the spill that MO Eistal had for being almost too late. Kestra had to laugh at her rambling trying to ensure that she was not reported AWOL and thrown into the brig. "Relax Deirdra, I have not reported anyone being late...yet." Kestra informed her with a smile then continued putting medical supplies away. "I hope that during the brief stay we had, you were able to enjoy yourself." (Eistal) "Well, I did but it was too short." Kestra answered, "even got to meet a young JAG officer out trying to make a name for himself. You should have seen his face when he found out that Admiral Aragorn was the sector JAG. He made a hurried exit to go looking for him." (Eistal) "Well, I need to get to the bridge to see what is going on that caused the emergency recall. Can you take care of things here and let me know if anything comes up?" Kestra asked as she was curious to see what was going on. She also wanted and felt like she should be on the bridge. (Eistal) "Ok will be back when I find something out." Kestra said as she turned to walk out. (USS Nimitz, Bridge, ACMO, Lieutenant Kestra Troi, 20:45) Kestra exited the turbo lifts onto the bridge to see a flury of activity which brought back more momories of her time there. As she walked over to where she thought that Susan would be, she noticed that someone else was sitting in the command chair. The person that was sitting in the chair seemed familiar and as she got closer she knew who it was. "Capt..." she noticed the pips,"Admiral Aragorn!! What are you doing here sir." Kestra asked as she came around to give him a big hug then backed up and remembered where she was. "Ah excuse me sir for not remembering proper protocol." Stardate:2406.03.05 (USS Nimitz, Sickbay, SPC MO Deirdra Eistal, 20.34) "Relax Deirdra, I have not reported anyone being late... yet." Troi stated with a slight smile as she was putting medical supplies away. "I hope that during the brief stay we had, you were able to enjoy yourself." NRPG: Deirdra has actually been on Geneva since the Nimitz had left and then returned. But I'll have her talk about the party here anyway ;) RPG: "Yes, the party was fun, I did enjoy myself, although a little time to get moved over to the ship would have been appreciated, it reminded me sort of like those fire drills during grammar school, except for the fact that during those there was actually a purpose. Well not saying that there isn't a purpose to this, but... you know. Did you enjoy yourself?" Deirdra asked finishing up her longish rant. "Well, I did but it was too short, even got to meet a young JAG officer out trying to make a name for himself. You should have seen his face when he found out that Admiral Aragorn was the sector JAG. He made a hurried exit to go looking for him." Eistal laughed alongside the ACMO. "That sounds like an interesting sight indeed. Is there anything I can do around here Lieutenant?" She asked. "Well I need to get to the bridge to see what is going on that caused the emergency recall. Can you take care of things here and let me know if anything comes up?" Deidra nodded. "Absoutlely Lieutenant." She stated. "Ok will be back when I find something out." Lieutenant Troi said as she turned to walk out of sickbay. "Good luck!" Deirdra called as she turned her attention back to putting away some of the supplies that had been beamed over. A couple mintues later, someone came in cupping elbow. It seemed that they'd been trampled in the stampede to get aboard the ship. "Just have a seat, let's see what happened there." Deirdra said as she went over to fetch a tricorder. ~now where were they kept again?~ She wondered, trying to recall precisely where everything in the Nimitz sickbay was kept. Stardate:2406.03.05 USS Nimitz, Marine Stageing Area, MCO - Lt. Major David Dark, 2035) David walked into the stageing area to see that nearly everything that needed doing was done. The marines were all preped and ready to go, but people were looking uneasy. No one even knew if they were to be called up or if the ship was simply leaving on VERY short notice. David looked around and had no trouble spotting Rich, and with him Collette. ".... I've got to find Dark." David heard as he walked up to them. "I'm here, so I guess you have found me." He said to them both. "Has there been any word yet as to what exactly is going on?" Stardate:2406.03.05 (USS Nimitz - Ready Room - Lt Cmdr Sevant - 20:38) "Captain?" Sevant watched Susan for several moments as she in turn studied him, she apparently decided she had seen enough and said, "The rank is certainly correct, But not the position. I am now the XO of the USS Nimitz, under C... Admiral Aragorn." Sevant frowned, "By what right, and who's orders." he asked in his gravely voice. "And being XO, am I now transferred out?" "You are still the FO, Sevant. As I understand it, my position is neither more nor less than Aragorn chooses to make it. So the day to day running of the ship will still fall to you and whatever happens, you will ensure that is carried out as always. Otherwise," and a not entirely pleasant smile crossed her lips, "You will answer first to me and then to Aragorn, and I can assure you that it will be a hard thing to decide which will be the more unpleasant." She paused, and the smile faded. "You will also make it plain to the crew that they will accept Aragorn's orders as they have my own. They will not question him, nor will they look to me for confirmation. He IS the CO of the ship now and I will not tolerate anything other than complete acceptance of that on the part of the crew." That was going to be very hard to swallow for the veteran crew of the Nimitz, who had been through hell with her. The newer crew, that wouldn't be so much of a problem. He stayed very silent as he considered his answer most carefully, then finally said "Aye, Captain." She appeared lost in thought as she played with a PADD, then said "There are... reasons for this change of command, and for the way it happened," she said. "I can't tell you more than that. Not because I don't trust you but because it is not MY story. At least, most of it is not my story," Sevant cocked his head to the side, then she seemed to shake her head and said, "Oh sit down!" she snapped at him suddenly. "I can't talk to you when I have to keep craning my neck to look at you!" The Vulcan sidestepped, and sat at the seat that had been to his right without a word. She was shaken, unhappy, not a good combination on the whole. "I'm sorry," she apologized. "Things.. are not good." Sevant folded his hands together and once again said nothing, as she appeared she wanted to say more. "I can tell you this much, since unlike the Bridge this room is safe to speak openly in," she said, suddenly reaching a decision. "Aragorn has made a powerful enemy, one who is also my enemy. He thinks to get rid of both of us, Aragorn by sending him on a remote mission from which he is not required to return and on which his enemy fondly hopes he will rot away for the rest of his career, and as for me..." She twisted her lips in a bitter smile. "I am supposed to be so outraged by them taking the Nimitz away from me that I will lose my temper completely and either say or do something so outrageous that they court-martial me and drum me out of Starfleet, or resign on the spot. Unfortunately for D..... *him*, I intend to do neither." Sevant remained still in his chair, wondering just who the Admiral was they both had made angry. It would be an easy thing to dig through the database and see if any of them had given both Rivers and Aragorn reprimands. He was wondering if it was worth the effort, there was nothing he could do in his place as the First Officer of the Nimitz. He could, however, make things worse by probing the wrong places. ~No, I will wait, my need for intelligence doesn't go that far yet, not until I know what I'm dealing with.~ "I will be the perfect XO," she continued, "I will not create waves, I will ensure that this mission goes to plan, even if I do think it stinks!" "Sound," he said carefully. "But difficult to achieve. With all do respect captain, you are a fighter and this smacks to me as a cause. Admiral Aragorn also has a history of being defiant." "Aragorn won't fight it," she said regretfully. "He refuses to put his friends in the firing line. He told me that I am to keep my mouth shut and smile and do my flippin' duty. He also asked for my assurance that I will let him fight his own battles, and not get involved." She grinned, and Sevant shifted in his chair. "I promised him that I will get involved in nothing that I am not already involved in." The Commander considered that for a moment, "One could say, Captain, that anything that happens on or near the Nimitz you are involved in, since you are one of her dedicated officers." "And now I suppose we had better look at the mission that lies before us. Aragorn said it would be in the computer database under Scout One..." Sevant rearranged himself as she turned the monitor around, and read carefully and quickly as it began scrolling. Once they were done, she sat back again and said, "An expedition to the Morgana system deep in the Gamma Quadrant...The system was discovered during explorations of the subspace river and a team of seven archaeologists were sent out to examine some ruins on the fourth planet in the system. What they found there is of sufficient importance for another team of 50 archaeologists and scientists to be sent out there, together with a significant Starfleet presence." "At least it will make a nice change from cataloguing the systems around Geneva,'" "So Aragorn is given command of the mission and the ship, and it is our task to ensure that it all goes smoothly." Sevant considered that for a moment as he sat back in his chair again. "I took the liberty of quickly looking over the information provided on the visitors. They all had one thing in common, archaeology. I took the liberty of quietly contacting Lt Falthgood on the subject, he recognized most of the names, and some of them he knows personally. A "who's who" as he worded it." He crossed his fingers together, in the last few months all the crewmembers had been reviewed by himself and Captain Rivers. He had taken an interest in Zach, the highly eccentric scientist. In doing so, he had learned much of his past. "If Lt Falthgood knows them personally, well enough to know that he doesn't like half of them and vice versa, then it would be logical to assume they had worked together at some point. It is something I intend to do some light researching on at a later time." Sevant paused, then said "And if they worked together, it is also logical to assume that these ruins are important to the Federation for more then their historical value. Zach is not an archaeologist, among his primary skills is an exceptionally strong talent at reverse technology integration, the sites he worked were all far more technologically advanced then our own... In some cases enough so that his findings were classified." He frowned as he leaned forward, "I recommend caution, Captain. When something this size is afoot, it would be easy to misstep." (reply if desired) The Captain said, "I'd like to talk to Nishi, if you wouldn't mind sending him in?" she said in a carefully neutral tone. "Tell him I want to sort out quarters for him and Eloise and the baby." Sevant kept his face strait as she said it, then as she looked at him. "After all I have to do SOMETHING as XO," Forgetting the fact that quarters would usually be his duty, or the Quartermasters, he nodded and stood. "It would be best to get them squared away as quickly as possible, Captain." he said in his typical Vulcan-neutral tone. "As you wish." (reply if desired) He stepped out of the Ready room, and locked his gaze on the Security Chief... Who happened to have a few other talents about him, which would come in use. He walked up in his typical manner, and in a normal voice said, "Captain Rivers would like to have a word about you, about your new quarters for your family." Stardate:2406.03.05 (USS Nimitz, Ready Room, XO, Captain Susan Rivers, 20:38) Sevant came immediately, as she had known he would. He took exactly five steps into the room and ended up in front of the desk. "Captain?" he asked. Susan regarded him for a moment, trying to gauge his reactions to events so far. "The rank is certainly correct," she acknowledged finally. "But not the position. I am now the XO of the USS Nimitz, under C... Admiral Aragorn." (reply Sevant) "You are still the FO, Sevant. As I understand it, my position is neither more nor less than Aragorn chooses to make it. So the day to day running of the ship will still fall to you and whatever happens, you will ensure that is carried out as always. Otherwise," and a not entirely pleasant smile crossed her lips, "You will answer first to me and then to Aragorn, and I can assure you that it will be a hard thing to decide which will be the more unpleasant." She paused, and the smile faded. "You will also make it plain to the crew that they will accept Aragorn's orders as they have my own. They will not question him, nor will they look to me for confirmation. He IS the CO of the ship now and I will not tolerate anything other than complete acceptance of that on the part of the crew." (reply Sevant) She toyed with the PADD for a moment. "There are... reasons for this change of command, and for the way it happened," she said. "I can't tell you more than that. Not because I don't trust you but because it is not MY story. At least, most of it is not my story," she amended. She looked at him for a moment. Aragorn hadn't exactly told her *not* to tell Sevant. But then again, neither had he given her permission to do so. On the other hand, he had made the point about this room being 'safe' to talk in... "Oh sit down!" she snapped at him suddenly. "I can't talk to you when I have to keep craning my neck to look at you!" (reply Sevant) "I'm sorry," she apologised. "Things.. are not good." She fell silent again, turning the PADD round and round on the desk. "I can tell you this much, since unlike the Bridge this room is safe to speak openly in," she said, suddenly reaching a decision. "Aragorn has made a powerful enemy, one who is also my enemy. He thinks to get rid of both of us, Aragorn by sending him on a remote mission from which he is not required to return and on which his enemy fondly hopes he will rot away for the rest of his career, and as for me..." She twisted her lips in a bitter smile. "I am supposed to be so outraged by them taking the Nimitz away from me that I will lose my temper completely and either say or do something so outrageous that they court-martial me and drum me out of Starfleet, or resign on the spot. Unfortunately for D..... *him*, I intend to do neither." Her level gaze met that of Sevant. "I wil be the perfect XO," she said. "I will not create waves, I will ensure that this mission goes to plan, even if I do think it stinks!" (reply Sevant) "Aragorn won't fight it," she said regretfully. "He refuses to put his friends in the firing line. He told me that I am to keep my mouth shut and smile and do my flippin' duty. He also asked for my assurance that I will let him fight his own battles, and not get involved." She grinned again a little wolfishly. "I promised him that I will get involved in nothing that I am not already involved in." (reply Sevant) "And now I suppose we had better look at the mission that lies before us. Aragorn said it would be in the computer database under Scout One..." She pulled up the file and turned the console round so they could both see it. Once they had both read it, Susan sat back. "An expedition to the Morgana system deep in the Gamma Quadrant..." she mused, recapping as much for her own benefit as Sevant's. "The system was discovered during explorations of the subspace river and a team of seven archaeologists were sent out to examine some ruins on the fourth planet in the system. What they found there is of sufficient importance for another team of 50 archaeologists and scientists to be sent out there, together with a significant Starfleet presence." She glanced at Sevant. "At least it will make a nice change from cataloguing the systems around Geneva,'" she said with a slight twinkle in her eyes. She knew full well that he had found their previous task as boring as she had. "So Aragorn is given command of the mission and the ship, and it is our task to ensure that it all goes smoothly." (reply Sevant) NRPG: If there's anything you want him to discuss with her, there's room here ;-) RPG: Once they had finished talking, Susan fell quiet again for a few moments. "I'd like to talk to Nishi, if you wouldn't mind sending him in?" she said in a carefully neutral tone. "Tell him I want to sort out quarters for him and Eloise and the baby." She met Sevant's look blandly. "After all I have to do SOMETHING as XO," she said, straight-faced. Stardate:2406.03.05 (USS Nimitz, Bridge, M-CO, Aragorn, 20:40) Aragorn had watched the woman walk on the Bridge in a rather cramped style. She was obviously not happy about something. When the female officer sat down on his left, Aragorn nodded. He thought he had recognised her, but now he was sure. He smiled at the Counsellor and waited for her to shift her attention to him. "Good evening, Lieutenant Winters. I hope you have had enough time to settle your family in? I can still remember the time when little Jenny was born. It's amazing how much time suddenly has to be spend in looking after the little ones, don't you agree?" (Reply Vanyssa) "By the way, I noticed that you are unhappy about something. Is there something I can do to help? Of course, i am sure that Susan will be more than glad to help you too. She's having a conference with Commander Sevant at the moment in her Ready Room. Oh, and don't mind me, I am just here for the ride, as they say." Aragorn finished grinning. Stardate:2406.03.05 (USS Nimitz - Corridor - Lt(jg) Zach Falthgood - 2045) Zach crossed his arms as civilians and Starfleet personnel of all types brushed by him in a small flood. They were all in small groups, being loosely led by a Nimitz crewmember, to find their quarters. Of course, given that more then three quarters of them were civilians, that actually meant it was hardly controlled chaos, waves of voices and protests and questions. The usual awe of being aboard a Starship, the usual grousing that someone hadn't gotten enough sleep, or to be careful with this and that bit of equipment, and the usual tall tails about the past and history in general. This was the type of crowd he had spent nearly half his working career with, mostly at archaeological digs on old T'Kon worlds, though he also spent time on Verniz to study the newly discovered Ichon society and her technology. One didn't major in Reverse Technology Integration without spending at least some of their career buried in technology that didn't originate within the Federation. He smiled as he noticed one of the faces he was looking for, and started moving forward against the tide. It wasn't as easy as it appeared, pushing against dozens of people who were intent on finding their beds or starting discussion groups for whatever had been found. He weaved in and out of people better then his large frame would suggest, until he came face to face with the wizened old man that he had come looking for. "Grandpa, d*mn have you gotten older!" The man paused in his speaking, to another Doctor that Zach recognized but couldn't place a name to, and turned to face him. "Zach Falthgood? Zach, the guy who never drops his shades and INSISTS on calling me 'Grandpa', Falthgood ?" The old man's face broke into a grin, and he surged forward to give the 7 foot man a hug. "Its been a long time, pipsqueak!" Zach nodded, "Yeah, since Pyylarn Eight as I recall, that major T'Kon port site." "Starfleet never did know what they had there, and you certainly didn't make a point of explaining it to them!" the four and a half foot man said as he reached up to poke Zach in the chest. "You knew as well as any of us just what lay under the surface there!" Zach put a theatrical finger to his lips. "My report ended up getting most of the project sacked and classified, as it happened. I am, and I quote, "paid to rip their computers apart and plug the components into our Starships, not tell horror stories and fables about doomsday races, machines and endless sources of energy!' " Zach snorted, "End quote." The old man put out a hand and turned Zach around with amazing strength both for his size and apparent age. What was little known was the little man wasn't much older then Zach, nor was he human... It was something Zach had found out only by reading the man's file not long after they had first met. As he recalled, the wizened old individual had come blundering into his lab yelling about something while Zach had been dismantling something of particular.. Erm, instability. In short, the loss of concentration had nearly killed them all. The old man steered them into a set of quarters, and he breathed a sigh of relief as his form dissolved into something a lot larger. The 'old man' was a Chameloid, a shape shifter, and it was something Zach never got tired of watching. He sat in one of the chairs and leaned back. With care he pushes his shades up on his forehead, then folded his hands together in his lap. "Quite a gathering we have going here, I haven't seen so many of these people in once place in... Ages." he finally said, "In fact, I cant recall ever seeing such a collection together ever before in my life." He cocked his head to the side, "...and I haven't exactly been a stranger to large scale finds when it comes to old technology or advanced civilizations." 'Grandpa' (Zach couldn't remember his real name) looked at him, then sat on the bed. The creature (which was very hairy, something like a nine foot bunny with an apes nose and camels ears, Zach couldn't remember the name of the creature either) sagged on the bed and quivered. "Oh, its exciting, this find. They up and pulled me from that new Ichon site over near the badlands, and we had just found a nearly intact shuttle, complete with some sort of pods, we can only assume what they were for since nothing we have can open them!" "Alright," Zach said after a moment. "Ill bite, what's this great find?" "Weeeeeeeelll, I'm not supposed to say." Falthgood rolled his eyes, "Come now, together we hold more orders to stay silent on what we know of ancient technology, and have our names on more Confidential blacklists, then any five Admirals in the fleet. If they cant trust me to keep a secret, who are they going to trust?" "How about that redhead you found on Verena, or the blonde on Tyvoln Seven, or..." "They promptly forgot what they knew," Zach said darkly after a moment. "You know that as well as I do." "Yes, yes." the beast said without hesitation, "I'm well aware the power you were given in your office at Starfleet, I don't need to be reminded." NRPG: Get the idea there is more to Zach then just the nut, maybe has a somewhat darker past then his bubbly nature would account for ? No, he aint SFI, Alister has no competition from me *chuckles* RPG: After several seconds of silence, the creature reformed into his 4 foot 'human' guise. "Alright, but keep this quiet." He leaned forward and looked around, as though looking for someone else in the room. "A ship..." "A ship?" Zach said, just as quietly as the Chameloid had whispered. "Yess... But not just any ship, a ship and a city and... And... The prospects are marvelous. Far above what we ever studied, far above what we ever could have learned or you could have divined from the rusted technology we have dug up in the past. A pristine, untouched, and completely..." Grandpa shut up in a second as the doors opened. A woman walked in, and Zach's brow immediately furrowed. "Lockwood." he said in a dark tone. "I wish I could say it was a pleasure." He leaned back in his chair again and pushed down his shades as a somewhat young, but very fierce looking trill came to a stop just in front of the bed that Grandpa was sitting on. "Zach," she said in a sickly sweet tone, "One would think you would have more respect after the whipping I gave you on Verena." "No worse then the time I brought you up on charges and had you in the brig for six months on Pyylarn." he shot back in reply. "Conduct unbecoming, theft, theory theft and debunking, as I recall." "Yes, you always were so sweet to me." she purred in reply, "By the way, how is your son doing?" The color drained from Zach's face, and he stood to his full height in an instant. She looked up at him, that smile never leaving her face, and Grandpa quickly stood to put himself between them. "Enough!" he bellowed, more for Zach's benefit then hers. "It will never be enough," he snarled as he started pushed Grandpa aside to reach the Trill scientist. He reached out with one of his huge hands, only to find it covered in a paw at least three times bigger. He looked over, and noticed that Grandpa had changed back into the beast. He looked back, and strained with all his strength (which was considerable) but to no avail. He bit his lip hard enough to bring blood, then turned away. After a few moments, he turned back. "I'm out of the loop, I don't have half my powers that I had.. The ones I never liked having. But if you mention him again, you will disappear into the deepest, darkest pit that you can imagine." Gone was the friendly, goofy exterior, replacing it was that of a man only barely holding onto his rage. Zach's son, the one he had treasured, had disappeared from one of the work sites he had been at so many years ago. No trace had been found, but this trill woman had made mention of it so many times afterwards, he had come to the conclusion long ago that she knew something she wasn't telling. She was the one person in this universe that he quite literally hated. "I only came to tell you how wonderful it would be to be in such close proximity again, it has been far to long since we worked together." she said, with a hint of playful humor about her that Zach just wanted to rip her open for. "Besides, I wanted to catch up on the old times and see if you had any old photo's of the digs we were on." "Melina, I should have had you killed." Zach said, tonelessly and with a completely strait face. Her own smile faltered for an instant, then returned with it's full mocking brightness. "But you didn't, live with it." She turned on her heel to exit the quarters, leaving Zach staring after her, his fists clenched and the cords on his muscles bulging. Grandpa, satisfied he wasn't going to go running after her, changed into his older looking form once again. "You cant change her, you know she does that to bait you. Ever since you proved her wrong, ever since you had her public ally discredited and forced her to reachieve each of her degrees..." "I don't care." Zach said, cutting in. "I mean what I say to her, so you had best take heed of it. Ill be back, when I can concentrate." He didn't wait for an answer, instead walking out the door and heading for the bridge so he could have a little chat. Stardate:2406.03.05 (USS Nimitz - Nakamura's Quarters - Eloise Ferenc - 2045) For the moment Eloise and Ryuchi were sitting in Nishi's old quarters, waiting while he arranged some new one's. Or rather, that's what Eloise hoped he was doing. The panicked last minute rush on board had made her wonder if this really was the place to be bringing up a child. But on reflection she realised she would rather be at Nishi's side than anywhere else. The other thing that was upsetting her was that she hadn't had a chance to say goodbye to Zephrine. ~that seems to be coming more and more of a habit~ Eloises gaze dropped to the floor where her son lay on his back, kicking chubby legs in the air. As with most things he seemed unperturbed by the latest happenings. "Lets hope Daddy can find us a nice big room, with lots of space for toys." The baby gurgled in response and shifted his concentration back to the rattle he had clutched in one hand. Stardate:2406.03.05 (USS Nimitz - Bridge - Lt Nakamura - 20:47) Something didn't feel right, or felt different, Having Eloise and Rhyuichi on the ship they added a weight to Nishi's mind that he bring himself to forget. He wished they had stayed on Geneva, even if it meant that he'd hardly see them, it also meant that they were safe, and not about to rush off on some mission into wherever, to face all kinds of risks and danger. Nishi was wondering where they were, when Commander Sevant approached the Tactical station "Captain Rivers would like to have a word about you, about your new quarters for your family." "Thanks" he replied a little absently, wondering why the captain would want to discuss such a thing - but, then again, maybe she did discuss such things with the crew who had families aboard. Nishi reminded himself that he wanted to hold a small gathering, to introduce the crew to his son, when he could find the time. The captain was sitting at her desk when he entered her ready room. "You wanted to see me, Sir?" Stardate:2406.03.05 (USS Nimitz, Bridge, M-CO, Aragorn, 20:47) "Capt... Admiral Aragorn!! What are you doing here sir." "Ah excuse me sir for not remembering proper protocol." Aragorn eyed his former Councellor, TAC/SC, 20 and FO wearily. "Who told you that I had turned into a protocol-freak?" he asked her with a frown. Then the frown disappeared as he smiled broadly. "It's good to see you, Kestra. Very good, indeed. You know, it makes this journey almost worthwhile. Oh, I heard about your father. My condolences, he was a remarkable man." (reply Kestra) Aragorn got up and hugged Kestra. "It's so good to have you back, you know?" he said smiling. Stardate:2406.03.05 (USS Nimitz, Ready Room, XO, Captain Susan Rivers, 2048) She was still sitting at the desk, fiddling with the PADD, when Nishi entered. "You wanted to see me, Sir?" he said. She looked up at that, regarding him closely for a while before replying. "Yes," she said at last. "Yes I do. You will have to see the quartermaster about new quarters, your own won't be big enough now you have a family aboard." Her gaze dropped olnce more to the PADD on the desk, then she glanced up at him shrewdly. "But you knew that, of course. No, I wanted to talk to you about something else, really." She stood up and walked over to the window and stood looking out. Beyond the forcefield of the docking bay the stars could just be seen. "Beautiful, aren't they," she remarked. "You know, I resent every minute we spend docked at a station. Like so many of us, I guess I belong out there." (reply Nishi, iyw) Susan turned round. "We've been through a lot together on this ship," she said. "And because of that, and because you trusted me in the past, I am going to trust you now. I am also going to ask you to do something which you are free to refuse to do, and I will not hold it against you if you do, because it could spell the end of your career in Starfleet if you are discovered. It will almost certainly spell the end of mine, but that is my decision. Whether or not to get involved, must be yours." (reply Nishi) "You will be aware by now of the change of command on this ship," she began. "Admiral Aragorn is now her commanding officer and I am the XO under him. The reasons for that are... Let's just say the reasons for that are complicated. I'm sure if you dig deep enough in the appropriate files, with your connections you will find them out. But if you do, then be aware that you WILL make a very powerful enemy at SFHQ." (reply Nishi iyw) Susan smiled bitterly. "Making enemies of powerful people is one of my talents," she said. "It's not a talent I would wish you to learn." She paused. "I need your help," she said frankly. "I need information, the kind of information that only SFI can get its hands on. But the difficulty is that no one at SFI can know you are doing this, if you do it." (reply Nishi) Susan remained silent for a moment. So far she had told Nishi nothing of note. He would have guessed before she spoke to him that there was something peculiar going on here. But if she told him the rest, then that involved him too. For her there was no choice. She was involved, willy nilly. Not just because of the move Doenitz had made against her, but because of Aragorn. Her ties to him were too deep to allow her NOT to get involved. It was, for her, a matter of loyalty. There was no question in her mind as to WHAT she would do. The only question was HOW she would do it. It would be easier with Nishi's help, but not entirely impossible without it. "Before I tell you anything more, I want you to think carefully on what I have said so far," she said slowly. "I meant it when I said this could spell the end of your career, and you have a family to think of now. I also meant it when I said I will not hold it against you if you decide not to get involved. I have no family to suffer - my wards can live with me as well outside of Starfleet as in it, and putting my career on the line is my choice. But if you get involved, it must be YOUR choice. And it's not something you can discuss with ANYONE except me. Not even Eloise." Stardate:2406.03.05 (USS Nimitz, Bridge, ACMO,Lt(jg) Kestra Troi-Wolf, 20:48) Aragorn eyed his former Councellor, TAC/SC, 20 and FO wearily. "Who told you that I had turned into a protocol-freak?" he asked her with a frown. Then the frown disappeared as he smiled broadly. "It's good to see you, Kestra. Very good, indeed. You know, it makes this journey almost worthwhile. Oh, I heard about your father. My condolences, he was a remarkable man." "Yes sir he was and thank you for saying so." Kestra replied softly Aragorn got up and hugged Kestra. Kestra enjoyed the hug from a person that she both respected and loved. "It's so good to have you back, you know?" he said smiling. "It is good to be back sir. It is also good to see you back in action also. Louise told me a bit about what has happened to you back at the party. Sector JAG? You? never if you had the choice." Kestra replied after the hug and chuckled at the last part. "So, Sector JAG what you doing out here and not on the base prosecuting?" She finished with a big grin. Stardate:2406.03.05 (USS Nimitz - Ready Room - Lt. Nakamura - 2049) "Yes," she said at last. "Yes I do. You will have to see the quartermaster about new quarters, your own won't be big enough now you have a family aboard." Her gaze dropped olnce more to the PADD on the desk, then she glanced up at him shrewdly. "But you knew that, of course. No, I wanted to talk to you about something else, really." She stood up and walked over to the window and stood looking out. Beyond the forcefield of the docking bay the stars could just be seen. "Beautiful, aren't they," she remarked. "You know, I resent every minute we spend docked at a station. Like so many of us, I guess I belong out there." Nishi smiled "It's funny, but I hardly ever look at them anymore. I used to spend hours staring out of my window, but now I guess I accept them as being part of my day. The captain turned round. "We've been through a lot together on this ship," she said. "And because of that, and because you trusted me in the past, I am going to trust you now. I am also going to ask you to do something which you are free to refuse to do, and I will not hold it against you if you do, because it could spell the end of your career in Starfleet if you are discovered. It will almost certainly spell the end of mine, but that is my decision. Whether or not to get involved, must be yours." Nishi narrowed his eyes "What is it that you need?" He asked, knowing that the captain wouldn't ask him to break the rules, without good cause. "You will be aware by now of the change of command on this ship," she began. "Admiral Aragorn is now her commanding officer and I am the XO under him. The reasons for that are... Let's just say the reasons for that are complicated. I'm sure if you dig deep enough in the appropriate files, with your connections you will find them out. But if you do, then be aware that you WILL make a very powerful enemy at SFHQ." "I've already made a couple of minor enemies there sir, I may as well have a major one to finish the set" Nishi grinned, a small spark of rebelliousness flaring up inside him. After SFI had used him, and made a mess of his life, it felt only right that he should have no compunction about using them. Susan smiled bitterly. "Making enemies of powerful people is one of my talents," she said. "It's not a talent I would wish you to learn." She paused. "I need your help," she said frankly. "I need information, the kind of information that only SFI can get its hands on. But the difficulty is that no one at SFI can know you are doing this, if you do it." Nishi thoughts about it for a couple of seconds "I could try captain, it's not going to be easy and I don't have much weight to throw around with starfleet intelligence, in fact I think they put me out here to get rid of me." Susan remained silent for a moment. So far she had told Nishi nothing of note. He would have guessed before she spoke to him that there was something peculiar going on here. But if she told him the rest, then that involved him too. For her there was no choice. She was involved, willy nilly. Not just because of the move Doenitz had made against her, but because of Aragorn. Her ties to him were too deep to allow her NOT to get involved. It was, for her, a matter of loyalty. There was no question in her mind as to WHAT she would do. The only question was HOW she would do it. It would be easier with Nishi's help, but not entirely impossible without it. "Before I tell you anything more, I want you to think carefully on what I have said so far," she said slowly. "I meant it when I said this could spell the end of your career, and you have a family to think of now. I also meant it when I said I will not hold it against you if you decide not to get involved. I have no family to suffer - my wards can live with me as well outside of Starfleet as in it, and putting my career on the line is my choice. But if you get involved, it must be YOUR choice. And it's not something you can discuss with ANYONE except me. Not even Eloise." The little spark of rebelliousness in Nishi was starting to smoulder, a little smoke was rising from whatever it had touched. Nishi considered what the captain was asking, and a narrow grin slipped onto his lips. "to tell the truth captain, I've been wondering if a starship is the right place to raise a family" ~of course a prison might not be the best alternative~ "what do you need to know?" Stardate:2406.03.05 (USS Nimitz - Bridge - Lt Cmdr Sevant - 2049) "Sit." Sevant turned and sat in the First Officers position, and immediately flipped the monitor so he could see the condition of the ship. His eyes glanced over the readout, then turned back to the admiral expressionlessly. "You know, Commander? I can still remember the first day I came onboard this vessel. When I entered the Bridge, someone shouted Captain on the Bridge and I immediately stepped aside to let my CO pass. It was only then that I realized that this baby was mine and I was the one in charge. So I took every chance I got to spend time on the Bridge, because this is where it all happens. And during those long hours, you tend to notice little things. Like the area underneath the Science position? If you look at it from the Command Chair, the shadow forms a large wolfs-head. Next time you sit here, try it. You'll be amazed. Also you will see that if you look at the OPS panel from the chair in just the right angle, it works as a mirror, showing you the Tactical position behind you." Sevant's eyes narrowed ever so slightly. "Commander, next time you draw a phaser on me I will make you eat it." ~Best of luck, Admiral.~ "You will no doubt have noticed that I am NOT a run of the mill CO... " ~you are certainly a piece of work.~ "...I have no intention of being a run of the mill CO. Run of the mill CO's are boring and colourless. And overall, coulourless CO's are less respected by their crew. Frankly, I never cared, whether my crew would respect me or not. As long as they did what I told them to do. And I guess in general, they did." That smacked to Sevant as dictatorship. What was it that Accius had said, 'Let them hate, so long as they fear.' ? It wasn't a style that sat well with his own style or experience. The Admiral leaned over and whispered, "Do like they did. Your master is in such deep sh*t that she'll need all the help she can get. Give it to her, that's ALL I require you to do." ~Master, hmmm.~ Sevant kept his face even, "She has never had anything but, Admiral." He leaned over, and in just a quiet a voice said "And next time someone is on the bridge that is unidentified, I will have a phaser in hand to protect my captain, my ship and Starfleet. Rank, appearance or person be damned. That phaser came down once you were recognized, so I would recommend in the future you remember that when taking a starship by force, subterfuge or secret orders. You might very well find yourself on the wrong end of an excitable security crewman." He leaned back again, "For your protection, of course, Admiral. Meeting an untimely doom while carrying out Starfleet orders would not be in Starfleet's best interest, I think." ~Perhaps, anyway~ Stardate:2406.03.05 (USS Nimitz, Bridge, M-CO, Aragorn, 2049) Aragorn watched the TAC/SC going into the Ready Room and signalled Commander Sevant. When the Vulcan came over and stood waiting in font of him, Aragorn indicated the now empty First Officer's chair. "Sit." Aragorn smiled as he watched the activity on the Bridge. "You know, Commander? I can still remember the first day I came onboard this vessel. When I entered the Bridge, someone shouted Captain on the Bridge and I immediately stepped aside to let my CO pass. It was only then that I realised that this baby was mine and I was the one in charge. So I took every chance I got to spend time on the Bridge, because this is where it all happens. And during those long hours, you tend to notice little things. Like the area underneath the Science position? If you look at it from the Command Chair, the shadow forms a large wolfs-head. Next time you sit here, try it. You'll be amazed. Also you will see that if you look at the OPS panel from the chair in just the right angle, it works as a mirror, showing you the Tactical position behind you." Aragorn leaned over to the Commander and whispered softly. "Commander, next time you draw a phaser on me I will make you eat it." Aragorn leaned back. "You will no doubt have noticed that I am NOT a run of the mill CO. I have no intention of being a run of the mill CO. Run of the mill CO's are boring and colourless. And overall, coulourless CO's are less respected by their crew. Frankly, I never cared, whether my crew would respect me or not. As long as they did what I told them to do. And I guess in general, they did." Aragorn leaned over to the Commander again and whispered softly. "Do like they did. Your master is in such deep sh*t that she'll need all the help she can get. Give it to her, that's ALL I require you to do." (Reply Sevant) Stardate:2406.03.05 (USS Nimitz, Bridge, M-CO, Aragorn, 20:49) "It is good to be back sir. It is also good to see you back in action also. Louise told me a bit about what has happened to you back at the party. Sector JAG? You? Never if you had the choice." Kestra replied after the hug and chuckled at the last part. "So, Sector JAG what you doing out here and not on the base prosecuting?" She finished with a big grin. Aragorn's gaze drew to the FO's chair. His smile had almost disappeared. "Doing things I shouldn't have," he muttered more to himself than to Kestra. Aragorn shook his head, then looked back at the Betazoid. "You know that feeling when it almost shouts out at you, that you did something you'll regret for the rest of your life, however long?" Aragorn sighed. "But enough of me now," he said with a smile, "I hear you are Medical now? Counsellor, TAC/SC, Medical, when are you going for your engineering exam?" Aragorn ended with a grin. (Reply Kestra, any) (USS Nimitz, Conference Room 1, M-CO, Aragorn, 22:53) "Admiral, you said we, as in the Federation, would be attacked right away if this leaked. That leaves us in clear and present danger, permission to run at yellow alert." Aragorn looked at the Commander. "That's a good suggestion. Susan? It's still your baby?" Aragorn said, turning towards Susan. (Reply Susan, any) Looking around he saw the ursanoid raise a 'hand' and Aragorn nodded. "Zzt question," the Gerratlian said with a strange sounding voice. "Dis river we swim. It known to adversely affect ship systems? Der been some minor abnormalities, so Zzt want know so him keep his paws on it." The huge bearlike humanoid then dropped a paw on the table making several glasses jump up and spill their contents over the owners of them. Aragorn barely had time enough to jump out of the way, but the experience of handling a toddler whilst feeding had made him surprisingly able to jump out of the way of oncoming mouthfulls, porridge and other foodstuff. A quick scan around the room showed him that not everybody had the 'parental' reflexes that Aragorn had acquired at the expense of several of his uniforms. Aragorn for a moment frowned at the Gerratlian but seeing it's snout hanging open and with a look of despair in his eyes, or it was simple hunger, you could never really tell with ursanoids, his frown disappeared. Instead, he frowned towards the room where still a number of people were examining wet patches on their uniforms and talking out loudly with an accusing tone. "QUIET! It's only water and won't stain! " Aragorn bellowed, "The Gerratlian Engineer has asked a very pertinent question and DESERVES to get a fair answer!" He saw a few looks of horror and bewilderment appear but everybody went quiet. Aragorn smiled to the ursanoid. "That was a good question and I would like to have an equally good answer. Unfortunately, the only answer I have is, we don't know. We know from past experiences flying through the River that there are precautions to take like changing shield frequencies. But this part of the River is basically unknown to us. The ten scientists who have used it before us were in a Runabout and as you are aware, that is much smaller than a Sovereign. I expect us to have to fly pretty well to keep away from the River-sides, especially through certain areas. Those areas have been plotted by the Runabout and are now inside our databanks. The first difficult spot will arrive in about two days. The Runabout never experienced any negative effects but like I said, it's much smaller and thus had more room to manouever. I guess we will just have to keep our eyes and ears open." Aragorn nodded to the Gerattlian. "If you don't mind, were you in Starfleet Academy Class 82B? The only time I ever encountered a Gerratlian in Starfleet was in that class. I have very fond memories of him, when during a college match of back-ball, he flattened me whilst we both were trying to unblock the ball. Best thing that could have happened to me, in the afternoon we had a test on Xenobiology and the hospitalisation gave me the time to do some extra study and pass the exam afterwards." (Reply Zzt, any) Aragorn then looked around. "Ok, any other questions?" Stardate:2406.03.05 (USS Nimitz, Ready Room, XO, Captain Susan Rivers, 2051) Nishi appeared to consider what Susan was asking, then a narrow grin slipped onto his lips. "To tell the truth captain, I've been wondering if a starship is the right place to raise a family," he said. "What do you need to know?" Susan regarded Nishi for a long moment before nodding gravely. "I think you should know the background," she said slowly. "That will put the request into perspective for you." She gave him the same brief outline she had given Sevant, then continued: "What I need from you is to dig up all the dir you can on Fleet Admiral Doenitz. If he so much as swiped a jumja stick off another kid at the age of five I want to know about it! No one gets hig up as he is without making enemies along the way as well as friends. I want to know who both his enemies and his friends are. I want to know what happened to anyone who stood in his way. I want to know particularly anything that might indicate a black mark - or even an off-white one - on his record, even if it's not there now. In short, anything and everything." (reply Nishi) "'Know your enemy'," Susan quoted, though she couldn't remember who had first said it to her. "He seems to know me and Aragorn pretty well - although not so well as he thinks - and I think it's time I returned the favour. In spades!" (reply Nishi) "I know it will take you some time to get all the information," she said. "And I warn you again - for your own sake be very, very careful. Doenitz is a nasty piece of work. And Nishi? Thank you. I appreciate this more than I can say." Stardate:2406.03.05 (USS Nimitz - Ready Room - Lt. Nakamura - 2052) "What I need from you is to dig up all the dir you can on Fleet Admiral Doenitz. If he so much as swiped a jumja stick off another kid at the age of five I want to know about it! No one gets hig up as he is without making enemies along the way as well as friends. I want to know who both his enemies and his friends are. I want to know what happened to anyone who stood in his way. I want to know particularly anything that might indicate a black mark - or even an off-white one - on his record, even if it's not there now. In short, anything and everything." Nishi considered it for a moment "This is a big request, especially if I try to keep it hushed up, inquiries like this tend to set off alarms and I don't have that many connections within SFI. I'll see what I can do" he assured her, not really sure what there was he could do. "'Know your enemy'," Susan quoted, though she couldn't remember who had first said it to her. "He seems to know me and Aragorn pretty well - although not so well as he thinks - and I think it's time I returned the favour. In spades!" Nishi nodded, his thoughts were still on the lines of inquiry he could take, but he recognized the determination and conviction in the captain's voice. He's find a way, somehow. > "I know it will take you some time to get all the information," she said. "And I warn you again - for your own sake be very, very careful. Doenitz is a nasty piece of work. And Nishi? Thank you. I appreciate this more than I can say." " can't make any promises, sir, but I will do what I can" Stardate:2406.03.05 (USS Nimitz, Bridge, M-CO, Aragorn, 20:52) "She has never had anything but, Admiral." He leaned over, and in just a quiet a voice said "And next time someone is on the bridge that is unidentified, I will have a phaser in hand to protect my captain, my ship and Starfleet. Rank, appearance or person be damned. That phaser came down once you were recognized, so I would recommend in the future you remember that when taking a starship by force, subterfuge or secret orders. You might very well find yourself on the wrong end of an excitable security crewman." He leaned back again, "For your protection, of course, Admiral. Meeting an untimely doom while carrying out Starfleet orders would not be in Starfleet's best interest, I think." Aragorn grinned. "I wouldn't be too sure about that, if I were you. Anyway, since I am now 'recognised', as you call it, I can assume that my back will not be the target of any trigger happy Starfleet personnel, excitable security crewman or otherwise, now can't I? Good to know, good to know, indeed. Frankly, Commander, i don't give a cahoots about how you perceive me, I AM in command, whether you like it or not. Susan doesn't like it, bit she accepts it. I suggest you do the same. And just so that we are clear on the subject, If Louise were ever to find out that I was shot in the back for my own protection, I wouldn't give two cents for the culprit's li.....BL*ST, LOUISE!" Aragorn shot up and tapped his commbadge. "Aragorn to Louise Palmer on Starbase Geneva! Louise, everything is sorted out, I booked us a nice room on the VIP deck. You can come aboard anytime, as long as it is before ten! Aragorn out!" Aragorn grinned as if in dire pain as he sat down. "Have you ever met my wife, Commander?" Stardate:2406.03.05 (USS Nimitz - Bridge - Lt Cmdr Sevant - 20:54) "I wouldn't be too sure about that, if I were you. Anyway, since I am now 'recognized', as you call it, I can assume that my back will not be the target of any trigger happy Starfleet personnel, excitable security crewman or otherwise, now can't I? Good to know, good to know, indeed. Frankly, Commander, I don't give a cahoots about how you perceive me, I AM in command, whether you like it or not. Susan doesn't like it, bit she accepts it. I suggest you do the same. And just so that we are clear on the subject, If Louise were ever to find out that I was shot in the back for my own protection, I wouldn't give two cents for the culprit's li.....BL*ST, LOUISE!" Sevant's eyebrow shot up as the Admiral quickly tapped his badge, "Aragorn to Louise Palmer on Starbase Geneva! Louise, everything is sorted out, I booked us a nice room on the VIP deck. You can come aboard anytime, as long as it is before ten! Aragorn out!" "Have you ever met my wife, Commander?" "I cant say that I have, Admiral." he replied. Stardate:2406.03.05 (USS Nimitz - Bridge - Lt Cmdr Sevant - 20:54) "I wouldn't be too sure about that, if I were you. Anyway, since I am now 'recognized', as you call it, I can assume that my back will not be the target of any trigger happy Starfleet personnel, excitable security crewman or otherwise, now can't I? Good to know, good to know, indeed. Frankly, Commander, I don't give a cahoots about how you perceive me, I AM in command, whether you like it or not. Susan doesn't like it, bit she accepts it. I suggest you do the same. And just so that we are clear on the subject, If Louise were ever to find out that I was shot in the back for my own protection, I wouldn't give two cents for the culprit's li.....BL*ST, LOUISE!" Sevant's eyebrow shot up as the Admiral quickly tapped his badge, "Aragorn to Louise Palmer on Starbase Geneva! Louise, everything is sorted out, I booked us a nice room on the VIP deck. You can come aboard anytime, as long as it is before ten! Aragorn out!" "Have you ever met my wife, Commander?" "I cant say that I have, Admiral." he replied. Stardate:2406.03.05 (USS Nimitz, Ready Room, XO, Captain Susan Rivers, 2100) Susan regarded the list of missing officers and crew with a frown. There were not many, but she was not pleased nevertheless. All crew had been ordered to report in by 2030 hours, and most had made it, some by the skin of their teeth. Some a few minutes past the deadline. And some had not reported in at all. She sighed and typed in a memo to Captain Arianna and Lt Tybrin. === To: Captain Arianna, CO, Starbase Geneva cc: Lt Jonathan Tybrin, JAG, Starbase Geneva From: Captain Susan Rivers, USS Nimitz The following Nimitz crewmembers are as of now officially AWOL: Ens (sg) Taylor Medeira Holland, TAC/ASC Ens (sg) Michael Solan, ACOUNS Crewman Ferrell W'rten, Engineering department Crewman John Edwin Robert Keith Goehbe, Tactical Department Crewman Har'te Shen T'ras, Science Department If they are still on Geneva, they are to be arrested and held on charges of dereliction of duty and court-martialled. Thank you. === She read the message through, and sent it. Hardly had she done so than her commbadge sounded. =/\=Uhhh....Captain Rivers? Crewman Ianto Jones here.=/\= Susan frowned, trying to place the voice and the name. "Yes, crewman?" she said, wondering why he was contacting her. =/\=Uhhh... it's probably none of my business, look you, only I've little 'uns of my own, see, and if it was me, like, I'd want to know about it, if you know what I mean, buttie...... uhh....Captain?=/\= Susan pinched the bridge of her nose, hard. "No, Crewman Jones, I do NOT know what you mean!" she snapped. =/\=Well, it's sort of like this, you see. I was, well to be truthful I still am, look you, for another six hours, on janitorial duties. Not that there's much to do, mind you, not yet, although with all these civilians aboard I expect there'll soon be a lot more to do for all of us. I mean, if you don't mind my saying so, they're not exactly Starfleet, are they? Not tha you could expect them to be, mind, and that's what I told Crewman Evans. Bob, I said, you 'ave to make allowances for them, buttie. They're not Starfleet, I said, and - =/\= "CREWMAN JONES!" =/\=Yes, Captain?=/\= "Would you mind awfully cutting out the story of your no doubt fascinating conversation with Crewman Evans and GET TO THE POINT?" =/\=The point, Sir?=/\= If Crewman Jones' hearing was particularly acute he might have head Susan's teeth grinding together. "Yes, Crewman Jones. The point. The reason WHY you contacted me in the first place?" =/\=Oh, that! Well, there I was, see, doing my janitorial duties, minding my own business, when I 'ears it, see? And I says to myself, Ianto, I says, you better tell Ramr.....=/\= There was a fierce but entirely false coughing sound and then Jones continued, =/\=You better tell Captain Rivers about this, she'll want to know about it, you mark my words, I says.=/\= An expectant silence fell at both ends of the conversation. At Susan's end because she was waiting to find out what Jones was talking about and at Jones' end because he expected Susan to say something. Susan sighed. "Mr Jones," she said in a dangerously quiet tone. "Will you please tell me RIGHT NOW what it was you heard and why you thought I'd want to know about it?" =/\=Oh, didn't I say? Well, it was those 'orrible screams, see? I could 'ear them even through the closed doors to your quarters. Mind you, I didn't want to bother you at once, but when I talked it over with Evans - did I mention we're on tea-break at the moment? - he agreed with me, didn't you Bob? I said, you agreed with me that the captain'd want to know, didn't you?=/\= ~Oh shards, it must be Shun and Loren doing something dreadful to that poor woman Aragorn foisted on me! I KNEW something like this would happen!~ Susan was on her feet and heading for the door. Over the commbadge the conversation between the two unseen crewmen continued. =/\=Well, was I right or was I right? She did want to know, right?=/\= she heard. "Yes, yes, thank you Crewman Evans. Jones. Whatever! I'm on my way!" she snapped and closed down the link. Stardate:2406.03.05 (USS Nimitz - Personal Quarters - Lt(jg) Zach Falthgood - 2100) Zach picked up a tricorder and ran it over the small piece of T'Kon technology he had brought with him from Cochrane, for the thousandth time. And like the other nine thousand times, it reflected all scans. He changed the bandwidth slightly, if absently, but nothing would penetrate this hunk of metal. He shut the tricorder slowly, and rubbed his hands over it absently as his attention was focused on one spot on the wall.. And inward to his own memories. With a sudden bellow he turned and tossed the Tricorder with all his strength across the room and into one of the bulkheads. Being made as it was it didn't break, but it made an ungodly metallic *thump* against the metal of the wall. Falthgood turned and gave a royal kick to the T'Kon technology, and ended up both bruising his foot nearly immediately and kicking the hunk into his bedroom. He sat down, and ran both his hands through his very short hair, trying to decide if he wanted to commit murder or simply break down and cry. He had often felt this way, a couple breakdowns would do that to a person, but he had long since recovered and had attained the personality he had before he had ever gotten seriously into Reverse Technology, into a Starfleet Think-tank designed for the utmost secrecy. The official findings had been many, but very few had ever been released. Each year the Federation Council would deliberate in public council if it was worth the resources to keep up such a strong Research and Reverse Engineering department devoted to the various long-gone races. Every year Starfleet would quietly present its last years findings and, publicly at least, the Council would reluctantly pass the budget statement for the next year. Secretly, Zach had never lacked for anything he asked for on his requisition forms. Be it equipment or personnel, they were always close at hand. Heading up research and development on several quiet worlds had its advantages, and a whole slew of disadvantages. "Melina Lockwood," he said to himself, looking at his hands and rocking in his seat ever so slightly. "Of all the people in the universe, Lockwood had to be put on this project." He knew he had acted rashly in Grandpa's quarters, but he didn't much care either. All the time he had within his control certain discretionary powers to maintain secrecy of his projects, the only time he had ever considered using them with enthusiasm was against her. He hadn't been attached to Intelligence, but he had been sorely tempted to call in a few favors, just for a small interrogation. It had been Grandpa who had stopped him then as well, the not-so-old not-quite-human being had been his guardian idiot for most of the years Zach had been in close contact with Archaeologists and the whole Slew of Reverse Engineers. And because Melina had continued to stick around most of the major projects Zach would be assigned to, even after her 'retraining' (which was a joke, she passed every class in days, not years), he found he couldn't stay around. It had taken a lot to be released, and that release had included so many extra secrecy orders and such a hefty demotion from Captain to Lt(jg) that he was surprised they hadn't just given him to SFI to be quietly reprogrammed. He knew where a lot of skeletons lie, he supposed he was still being watched and would continue to be watched until the advances he had found, decoded or designed were comfortably included in typical Starfleet technology. His official record would probably never clear from the Fiction that it was today, half the places he had been no longer existed on that record, most of his older promotions, compared to most people with the years he had in the fleet, his biography and official transcript was awfully short and very censored. He closed his eyes for several moments, memories welling to the surface unwillingly... (Planet Pyylarn - Ruins of Lyyran, Archaeology/Reverse Engineering Headquarters - Head of Reverse Technologies Integration, Captain Zachary Falthgood - Many Years Ago, 0940) "The perimeter has been searched several times, no point of forced entry has been found and the sensor logs concur with that assessment. No other signs have been found, Sir." Zach continued looking out at the primordial Rain Forest that was ringed the entire set of ruins, he had been watching the rain pour in buckets for the last couple hours, not moving an inch as his Security force roamed the area with Tricorder out and mandatory phasers at their sides. That same forest had to be cut from the edge of their perimeter every day by men with industrial phasers, its undergrowth grew at a phenomenal rate, it had presented the Archaeological groups no end to troubles. Time and time again he had laughed at the dismal faces of his colleges and friends who where there to study the history of the place, and to a lesser degree the technology as well, as their mapping and digging crawled at a horribly slow pace in all the mud and amongst all the plant life. This place was, as Grandpa had termed it, an Archaeologists Purgatory... Heavenly for the finds, and Hell in location. The ruins were not his business, though he had a certain fascination with the abundant history. His job was figuring out the gizmo's that people brought him after they had been recorded by the Scientists and Archaeologists. And in figuring them out, also figuring out how to apply their benefits to current Federation Technology, or at least theorizing how they could be useful when His own peoples technology progressed a few years. Today however, he wasn't laughing. Nor was he working. His son had gone missing, without a trace and without a cause. Funny how one of his most hated enemies had come back into the fold not a week ago, such a coincidence, really. "What you are telling me is that the one person I actually care about most in this world has up and disappeared like a fart in the wind, right past one of the most paranoid security forces ever assembled by This Mans Starfleet, and you have absolutely no way of knowing either what happened or why he disappeared." he said after several silent moments. "Am I correct?" He turned on his heel, licking at the tip of his the moustache he had taken to wearing since being in this climate. The Security Chief didn't flinch, Zach had to give him credit for that. The guy knew exactly what Zach could have done to him, yet he stayed in place and said "That is exactly what I'm saying, Sir." The Real world of Reverse Technologies, for all the science and engineering that it stood for, had been overshadowed in the last twenty years by secrecy, blacklists and paranoid admirals who buried everything that was advanced in years of cross referencing and trickle down release. Zach had joined the fleet with a lot of skills in ripping things apart and figuring out how they ticked, along with a solid base in Subspace Mechanics. His science degree had an engineering minor to it, and after reverse engineering a few other winning science projects to show the principle of what was considered 'theft' by many full Scientists and Engineers, he had been rushed into the program by some guy named Captain Doenitz, and had spent the rest of his working career thus far moving from one planet to another. Most of what he did would never make it into his file, but that didn't bug him much. He had managed to find a job he liked doing, people with the same interests (including a now deceased wife), and he had a way to continue his line by way of a Son from his wife. Except that now his wife was long dead and his Son missing. "Find him, Lieutenant." he said in a hard tone, "Or bring me the head of the person that caused it. I don't care what it takes, or who it is." The Lieutenant came to attention, "Yes Sir!" As the security chief turned away, a mocking laugh sounded from the other door. He didn't need to turn to see the face, he knew exactly who it was. "Loose something, Falthgood?" "I'm not in the mood, Lockwood." he said as he turned to her anyway. "Don't push it." "Me, push?" The Trill walked fully into the room and shook off her rain coat. "would I ever do such a thing?" Zach put his hands behind his back, and watched the woman without saying a word. He had already busted her down once, he knew he could do it again if he wanted too. Right now though, he was thinking he would much rather kill her and be done with it. She smiled all the broader a few moments later, "Oh, I guessed wrong... Did you loose *someone*, Falthgood?" The mask which had been his face thus far thought he morning started to crack, and her smile faltered when she saw what her words had caused. Without any warning, he crossed the distance that separated them with his large steps, and grabbed her throat with his huge hand. "Why?" he said sweetly as he squeezed and she let out a tortured breath. "Do you know something about it I don't?" He squeezed a little harder, his anger and grief starting to come through. She beat at his arm uselessly, but couldn't break loose of his death grip on her. He felt a hand on his shoulder, and only turned his head enough to look over at the hand. It was huge, and hairy. "Grandpa," he said in a pleasant, yet entirely fake, tone. "Welcome to the party, I was just about to find out if Ms Lockwood here had any knowledge about my son's whereabouts." "You know as well as I do that she couldn't tell you now, even if she knows." the very heavy bass voice from behind him said. "If you kill her, you will not only find out if she knows anything, but you will end up in prison as well." Zach considered that for many moments, then let her go as her face was starting to turn purple. "Of course, Grandpa. You are right, but..." His grin was evil in the extreme. "I will only ask once, and if I don't get the answer I like, Melina... Well..." She was coughing, and the eyes that looked at him from the floor where she had crumpled were full of hate. "I..... Don't....... Know....... Anything..... B*stard!" "Nope, I didn't like that answer." he replied a moment later. He was just reaching over to tap his badge when that same hairy paw covered his own fist. Grandpa was the only person that could do that, as large as Zach was. He took a breath, "I would let go, Gramps." he said quietly. "You wont have me killed or my memory erased, Zach." the Chameloid responded, "Don't even think about it. And to her, she could be right." "I doubt it." he said, hissing slightly. "Well then, lets find out, shall we?" The Chameloid shifted slightly behind him, and he heard a channel being opened. "Security to headquarters." Moments later a couple security crewman walked in. The Chameloid nodded to the woman on the floor, "Take that woman in and question her on the disappearance of Ian," the beast said. Both looked over at Zach, who closed his eyes and nodded slowly. Melina screamed at both of them, curses and promises and many other things, but she was dragged out in either case. After a few moments, the Chameloid released Zach's hand, and took the form of the wizened old man. "Get a grip on yourself, Zach..." he said, "This will not help your son." Stardate:2406.03.05 (USS Nimitz, Corridor, Outside Rivers' Personal Quarters, XO, Captain Susan Rivers, 2110) As she hurried down the corridor towards her quarters, Susan could hear various sounds coming from that direction, which only made her increase her pace and did nothing to lighten her mood one iota. She had almost reached the door to her quarters when she heard an unearthly screeching caterwaul, and the door flew open. A large ball of orange fur cannoned out of the door and hit Susan full in the chest. Instinctively she grabbed at Pangur Ban, wincing slightly as he dug his claws through her uniform top in an effort to cling on or climb over her, she was not sure which. She held him close to her and opened her mouth to demand what on earth Shun and Loren had been doing to the poor cat to scare him so. She never got the words out, however. A loud "YEE-HAAAAAAAA!!" was heard, then Susan was bowled over by some kind of... of what, she didn't know. She was vaguely aware of something gliding over her as, momentarily winded, she lay on the floor, still holding the terrified cat. As it did so, a voice called out in triumph, "GERONIMO!!!" Pushing herself up on one elbow she glared down the corridor after the miscreants, who were now out of sight around the corner. Shun's voice floated back, raised in puzzlement. "What was Aunty Susan doing on the floor?" Abruptly there were two bumps, two "OW!"s and then a few seconds later her mysterious assailant reappeared. Pangur Ban, veteran hunter, fearless pursuer of all four-legged rivals, vanquisher (in his own mind) of Klingon triplets, and bane of the janitorial teams, hid his face in Susan's armpit. Susan managed to sit up and stared at the apparition moving towards her at a far more sedate pace than it had just been doing. Shun was clinging to the front of whatever it was, and Loren to the back. In between the two of them, Susan could just about glimpse a mass of white hair. Whatever it was came to a halt and a gruff female voice said, "OK, hop off now, you two and go play in your rooms. I want to talk to your Aunty Susan." To Susan's utter and complete amazement not only did the two children do as they were told, but they did so immediately and without argument. ~I wish I could get them to behave like that!~ she though enviously as she took in the weird metal barrel-like object that hovered in front of her, then lifted her eyes to the head sticking out of it. She was still staring when the woman spoke to her. "Well? Are you going to sit there all night with your mouth open like a nincompoop, or are you going to put that creature down and give your Aunt Luisa a hug?" Stardate:2406.03.05 (USS Nimitz - Personal Quarters - Lt(jg) Zach Falthgood - 2118) "You will get a hold of yourself, and you will do it now." he said sternly. "You are no longer under any of the rules you were once under, you are a simple research scientist. Only a few people know what you have been in your past, and the largest handful still alive are on this ship now, but wont say a word unless they are tortured. So get a grip, this is only a vision of the past, not a glimmer of the future." With a bit of resolve he opened his eyes again, and stood. He had a date, and he hated being late. He grabbed a couple little things from his desk, small gadgets he had been working on earlier, along with a PADD he had downloaded from the Science lab, and walked out. Stardate:2406.03.05 (USS Nimitz - Nakamura's Quarters - Eloise Ferenc - 21:20) Eloise was wandering about their new quarters, putting things here and there, doing her best to make it look good. Ryuchi lay on the floor mouthing on a rattle. Eloise glanced at him and sighed. She hadn't even considered the possiblity of Nishi and the baby not getting along, and now it seemed like they didn't. ~maybe they just need a chance to get used to each other~ "Would that work darling? If you and daddy spend more time together without mummy?" Ryuchi stared at her with his large dark eyes. ~after all, he's only really used to me and mother and father~ She pushed the images of him and Zephrine to the back of her mind. After all, just because he had taken to Zephrine straight away didn't mean anything really. She decided that somehow she was going to make it possible for Nishi and his son to spend alot more time together. She'd have to find out what shifts he was doing, and then arrange for them to have a few hours a day of father-son time. ~yes, I think that'll work~ Eloise was determined that one way or another her son and his father would learn to love each other. "Now baby, how about we put you to bed now? Daddy must be working late, but I promise you'll see him in the morning." She stooped down to scoop him up and carry him into his bedroom. "And maybe you boys can hang out while mummy tries to find herself a job." Stardate:2406.03.05 (USS Nimitz - VIP Quarters, 'Grandpas Quarters - Lt(jg) Zach Falthgood - 2125) The 'old man' looked at Zach in shock, but Falthgood simply pushed passed him into the Quarters. He tossed the PADD onto the bed and turned slowly. A moment later he pushed a button on one of the homemade gadgets he had brought, and tossed it on the bed as well. It was a scattering device, it would confuse internal sensors enough that their conversation would go unnoticed, but not enough to alert the internal alarms. "You, Lockwood, Johnson, Baltrav, T'Jonen, Xenit, Paltrav and Ooolish." he said, "Archaeologists, all in Ancient Advanced Civilizations with a particular interest in their technology. He crossed his arms, "Sevelick, Herbrandt, Wilson, Jackson, Lilu and Varinat. All former Starfleet officers with Engineering degrees, half of which worked under me in the Reverse Integration Technologies program, all now have Archaeological degrees...either earned or granted for their years of work with the T'Kon, Ichon or Iconian civilizations." He waved his hand, "Plus a slew of others, for a force of 50... One of the most comprehensive groupings of Archaeologists ever to hit the public scene, if this gets out. But even more then that, behind the scenes and knowing the skills of at least most of you, this is one of the most impressive groups ever assembled. There are more minds attuned to Ancient Technology then has probably ever been gathered before. I cant help but think that I would be included in this group if I hadn't taken myself out of the crowd." Zach paused, "Tell me what the hell is going on." Grandpa considered him for many moments, "I began telling you earlier, before," Falthgood cut him off with a hiss, "To Hell with her, Ill have her killed if she gets to be to much of a pain, I still have that much pull. Continue on, you were saying about a ship..." The Chameloid considered him careful for a long period of time, then licked his lips. "You realize the constraints we are working under, the conditions of secrecy and the level of paranoia, correct?" "I worked under them for a long period of time." he responded. "These are more then your typical black projects. We don't even have all the information yet, and we are the ones supposed to be studying these things. Has that ever happened to you before?" Zach considered that carefully, "Only once, and it turned out to be a false alarm." Grandpa moved to the side, and pulled out a small, very compact PADD from his briefcase. He looked at Zach, then tossed it over. "That never came from my hands," "Officially, I don't think we can even be connected, Gramps." Zach responded as he moved to a chair. "Most of my Starfleet past is buried under ten levels of officialdom and security clearances." He sat down without another word, and began to read. He didn't know exactly how long he had been reading, but he was brought out of the PADD and sketchy diagrams by a general announcement by someone named Aragorn. =^=Now hear this! Now hear this! This is Admiral Aragorn, temporary commanding officer of this vessel. I wish to inform you that we have just embarked on a highly classified mission. At the moment I cannot divulge any other information, but will inform all senior staff at a later time of the specific mission objectives. Until then, Starfleet, me, AND your beloved Captain Rivers will expect everybody to do their duty. Also note that we have a number of civilians on board who should be best described as troublesome. I hope I can count on everybody to decrease the likelihood of any regrettable incident. However, if you feel that you cannot perform your duty because of said civilians, contact me or Mr Shrek, who is responsible for the security of the civilians. Let me finish by stating that it is unlikely that ANY ship would have had such an important mission as the Nimitz now has. I am sure that you will be worthy of the trust put in you by Starfleet Command. Aragorn out.=^= Zach looked over at Grandpa, who had pulled out his own PADD and had been making notes. "Aragorn ? He wasn't one of our usual operators." The Chameloid chuckled, "Besides the fact you have been out for several years and there are new faces, you are right. He had his name on the list for a while for a find out in the middle of nowhere.." "Oh yeah, right.. I remember his name now." NRPG: You can figure that part out if you either read the really old Compiles, or if you are an original Nimitz'er like Adrie and Liz *chuckles* (Or you happen to know some really old Nimitz'ers and talk history with em, like me..LOL) RPG: Zach tapped the PADD for a few moments, then passed it over. "Heavy stuff." he said, and stood. "Probably best if we aren't seen together again for a while." He picked up his gadgets and the PADD he had brought, then licked his lips. "I only hope all that is true." He turned without another word, and walked out the door. This time around, he did have to talk to the Captain. He tapped his badge, "Falthgood to Rivers, have a moment?" Stardate:2406.03.05 (USS Nimitz, Ready Room, M-CO, Aragorn, 21:48) "Susan! Take over please, I have to make a delivery. I'll be back in time. Engineering! Emergency Transport. One to beam over to the Operations Deck on Geneva!" (Reply Susan, any) Stardate:2406.03.05 (Geneva, Operation Deck, M-CO, Aragorn, 21:50) Aragorn materialised in the middle of the hustle and bustle "Captain!" Aragorn said as he saw the Klingonoid woman look at him. "I need to have an urgent word with you." "This way, Capt...Admiral." Aragorn followed his former FO into an office and waited until the door was closed. "I'm sorry, Lise, but I don't have much time. The Nimitz will leave in ten minutes, with or without me. And I HAVE to be onboard. But you DESERVE an explanation, one which you won't get through the proper channels. The Nimitz is going out on a super-secret mission, so secret that 99% of Starfleet HQ doesn't know about. If there is ANYBODY who asks you about the NImitz or me in person or has a question about any archeological expedition, you know nothing. Which, I guess, is true." Aragorn grinned. "BUT make sure you note down WHO asked it of you. Or of one of your officers. But never ask yourself. Let THEM come to you instead. Also, after the Nimitz has left the base, please arrange that all relevant sensor log files....get mislaid? I don't want anybody to know which way we were heading. Don't destroy them, just make sure that they are unavailable to anybody but me and Susan. Again, note down ANYBODY who asks you for the logs. Even if it is to study a rare solar eclipse of which you have the only log-report." "Oh, and another thing, I am afraid I had to ask Attache Drouhin to accompany me. I hope this won't create too many problems for you but I need her on the ship. Oh, and if anyone asks you about another opening in the subspace river, you don't know about it, ok?" Aragorn smiled at the CO. (Reply Lise) "Oh, and before I go, Lise, I have made some nasty enemies. So nasty that I probably won't return to this Quadrant. However, if you hear that I have died, please give this PADD to your Commander White? In it is all information that, if it became publicly known, would rip the Federation apart. AND incite a full stellar war. Ask him to do with the information what he thinks necessary, but only give it to him AFTER I am no longer." Aragorn hastily thrust the PADD in the hands of Lise and smiled apologetically. "Sorry, got to go now. For what it's worth, Lise, you were one of my best FO's and it has been a pleasure working with you." Aragorn smiled as he tapped his badge. "Nimitz, emergency transport! One to beam to the Bridge!" "Goodb..." Arargorn wanted to say when a blue haze enevloped him to take him to the Nimitz Bridge. Stardate:2406.03.05 (USS Nimitz, Bridge, CO, Admiral Aragorn, 21:59) The shimmering transporter field faded leaving Aragorn standing on the Bridge. NRPG: There will be another post explaining where Aragorn went and why he had to transport back to the Bridge. Just be aware that he is not on the Bridge from about 21:40 onwards. Also we intend to finish off all open leads tomorrow. RPG: "Time!" "21:59, Sir." "Just in time then. Good. Mr Kateb, as soon as we leave the docking area, disengage positional transponders and no communication is to leave this ship. We will remain listening to subspace messages, but under NO circumstances is any message to go out. Mr Nakamura, I suggest you use the internal sensor grid to detect any transmission. You have my permission to erect a jamming-field around the ship." "Computer, engage security protocol Alpha Gamma Tau." Instead of answering back, the viewscreen went black and without any human interaction the conn position came to life. "OK people, we are now as they say on automatic pilot. Due to necessary secrecy, our waypoint has been programmed into the computer. We will arrive at Point Nova at 2230 hours. Once we have arrived there, we will use another mode of transport. As soon as we enter it, I will hold a meeting for all senior staff in Conference Room 1." Aragorn looked around, smiling smugly, and walked over to his chair. "You won't mind, will you?" he asked Susan. ~like it matters if I do~ she thought to herself, but stood up and vacated the seat immediately. She stood to one side and glanced around. There didnt seem to be anywhere for her to sit, since Sevant was occupying the FO's seat and Counsellor Winters was in her customary place on the other side of the Captain's chair. Aragorn sat down. "Mr Sevant? Where I come from, we consider it extremely rude if a gentleman would not offer his seat to a lady. I hope you are not that discourteous?" Susan bit her lip, hard, but failed to prevent herself from saying, "Sir, I am a Starfleet officer, NOT a lady! I will stand with Lt Nakamura at Tactical, as his assistant is one of those who have not reported back to the ship." "Really, Captain? I am sorry but I know you. And you know me. And you know Commander Sevant. And Commander Sevant knows you. Now I think I know Commander Sevant a little bit, and probably Commander Sevant knows me a little bit. But on the whole, I'd rather have someone close by that I would know better. Besides, if I remember correctly, Commander Sevant has earned his spurs in Tactical, and if anyone would be best suited to occupy the Tactical station, it would be Commander Sevant. As for you not being a lady... well, let's pretend, shall we?" (reply Sevant) Susan cast Aragorn a fulminating glance, but said nothing except, "As you wish, Sir." "I wish indeed, Captain," Aragorn said, grinning. "And to think that there are millions out there, who think that common courtesy has died. Mr Kateb, if I'm not mistaken we will have cleared the docking bay by now. Block all outgoing transmissions. I'm sorry but there will be other times for you to fly the ship." Aragorn nodded in a friendly manner towards her and opened the shipwide channel. "Now hear this! Now hear this! This is Admiral Aragorn, temporary commanding officer of this vessel. I wish to inform you that we have just embarked on a highly classified mission. At the moment I cannot divulge any other information, but will inform all senior staff at a later time of the specific mission objectives. Until then, Starfleet, me, AND your beloved Captain Rivers will expect everybody to do their duty. Also note that we have a number of civilians on board who should be best described as troublesome. I hope I can count on everybody to decrease the likelihood of any regrettable incident. However, if you feel that you cannot perform your duty because of said civilians, contact me or Mr Shrek, who is responsible for the security of the civilians. Let me finish by stating that it is unlikely that ANY ship would have had such an important mission as the Nimitz now has. I am sure that you will be worthy of the trust put in you by Starfleet Command. Aragorn out." ~'beloved captain' indeed!~ though Susan sourly. ~Hah!~ Aloud, she said, "I will contact all senior staff and inform them of the meeting, Sir." Aragorn grinned. "Of course you will. See? I told you I knew you!" He sighed and turned towards Susan. "You know what?" he whispered. "It's good to be back." In spite of herself, Susan grinned. "You know what?" she whispered back. "It feels like you've never been away." Aragorn sighed again, but then his head shot up. "Oh, Science station? If I find out that any attempt is made to plot the course of this ship, you BOTH will be walking home. Without spacesuits." (reply Jim, Roman) Aragorn grinned again. "And they say being in command is difficult." Stardate:2406.03.05 (USS Nimitz, Bridge, Lt. Nakamura, 21:59) "Just in time then. Good. Mr Kateb, as soon as we leave the docking area, disengage positional transponders and no communication is to leave this ship. We will remain listening to subspace messages, but under NO circumstances is any message to go out. Mr Nakamura, I suggest you use the internal sensor grid to detect any transmission. You have my permission to erect a jamming-field around the ship." "yes, sir" Replied Nishi taking a few moments to place security locks on the ship's communications, nobody with a rank below Lt. Commander, or himself as Security chief, could assess normal ships communications (and even that would be registered by the computer). Secured communications, he also increased the required authorisation level to Lt commander. And set up a ship wide sensor network to detect, any outgoing subspace communication. Nishi knew that there were ways around this, tricky ways to fool nearly any monitors he put in place, but was fairly certain that the authorisation restrictions would curb that, only Lt. commander Sevant, Captain rivers, admiral Arogorn, and himself could successfully request a channel be opened. Stardate:2406.03.05 (USS Nimitz, Bridge, CONN/OPS Ensign Onyx Kateb, 2159) Onyx got her curiosity satisfied about Admiral Aragorn. ~ He doesn’t seem that terrible, but I would probably die if he started to give a lengthy lecture. ~ Onyx made more verification, got up a few times to check a few things at the OPS console. It seemed that a lot of people were nervous, true that this wasn’t an ordinary situation. Admiral Aragorn asked. "Time!" "21:59, Sir." "Just in time then. Good. Mr Kateb, as soon as we leave the docking area, disengage positional transponders and no communication is to leave this ship. We will remain listening to subspace messages, but under NO circumstances is any message to go out. Mr Nakamura, I suggest you use the internal sensor grid to detect any transmission. You have my permission to erect a jamming-field around the ship." Tactical replied. "Computer, engage security protocol Alpha Gamma Tau." “USS Nimitz to Starbase Geneva… Permission to leave.” “Permission granted, you may leave.” “Thank you Starbase Geneva.” Onyx started the departing procedure and in no time they were out of the station. After a safe distance, she disengage the positional transponders and lock the communication system like ordered. “Sir. Positional transporders are disengaged and communication system is lock… we can only receive.” (Reply from Aragorn) Onyx listen to the conversation, just making sure that everything was in order, she made her way to the OPS station. ~ Can’t believe that guy attitude. On a klingon ship… he would have. No matter, he is a superior officer, he can say what ever he wants. Keep yourself under control… What’s going on with my temper today, I need an hour in the holodeck and get this excess energy out of my system. ~ Her replacement arrived, it was the end of her shift. “Is there anything I should know?” “Nothing… There will be a staff meeting later, you will remain here. In the mean time, I will be in the holodeck if there’s anything .” Onyx left the bridge. Stardate:2406.03.05 (USS Nimitz, Main Engineering, ACEO Shtorr, 21.59) Shtorr walked slowly around engineering. Everything appeared to be in perfect order but one could never tell. He noticed that there was a slight phase variance in the transducer coil for the warp drive, only 0.2 microns but still worth correcting if possible. Taking his wrench out of his toolkit, he set to work, within ten minutes it was fixed. Shtorr sighed, pleased with himself at a job well done. He decided to contact the bridge, to discover if they needed any increase in speed that would require engineering work. =^= Enginnering to Bridge. This is ACEO Shtorr Captain. All engineering sysytems fully functioning. Request that we proceed at warp factor 5 for the time being to allow the warp drive to heat up before we increase acceleration.=^= Shtorr waited for Captain Rivers to reply. Stardate:2406.03.05 (USS Nimitz - Bridge - Lt Cmdr Sevant - 21:59) "Time!" "21:59, Sir." "Just in time then. Good. Mr Kateb, as soon as we leave the docking area, disengage positional transponders and no communication is to leave this ship. We will remain listening to subspace messages, but under NO circumstances is any message to go out. Mr Nakamura, I suggest you use the internal sensor grid to detect any transmission. You have my permission to erect a jamming-field around the ship." Sevant looked sidelong at the Admiral for a moment, then shifted his eyes to look at Rivers again before refocusing on his own monitor. "Computer, engage security protocol Alpha Gamma Tau." Callie's eyes narrowed as he was watching the ships computer, activity suddenly burst to life in several key points, Helm and sensor control mostly. That command had locked out several ships functions. "OK people, we are now as they say on automatic pilot. Due to necessary secrecy, our waypoint has been programmed into the computer. We will arrive at Point Nova at 2230 hours. Once we have arrived there, we will use another mode of transport. As soon as we enter it, I will hold a meeting for all senior staff in Conference Room 1." Sevant turned his monitor, most of the processes he was supposed to watch now offline for close inspection. He leaned forward in his chair as the Admiral came to the Captain's chair. "You won't mind, will you?" he asked Rivers. Sevant's face remained neutral only by force of habit, as his own Captain stood and the Admiral immediately took the vacated seat. Sevant put his arms on the chair a couple moments later to stand, but was interrupted by Aragorn. "Mr Sevant? Where I come from, we consider it extremely rude if a gentleman would not offer his seat to a lady. I hope you are not that discourteous?" Sevant paused in his action, and turned his head. "Sir, I am a Starfleet officer, NOT a lady! I will stand with Lt Nakamura at Tactical, as his assistant is one of those who have not reported back to the ship." "Really, Captain? I am sorry but I know you. And you know me. And you know Commander Sevant. And Commander Sevant knows you. Now I think I know Commander Sevant a little bit, and probably Commander Sevant knows me a little bit. But on the whole, I'd rather have someone close by that I would know better. Besides, if I remember correctly, Commander Sevant has earned his spurs in Tactical, and if anyone would be best suited to occupy the Tactical station, it would be Commander Sevant. As for you not being a lady... well, let's pretend, shall we?" Sevant's eyes moved to the Captain again, as he stood without a word. She didn't much seem to be happy either as she said, "As you wish, Sir." The Vulcan moved to the side and walked around the bridge. He took a place in one of the relief spots behind Nakumura at Tactical, and crossed his arms. "I wish indeed, Captain," Aragorn said, grinning. "And to think that there are millions out there, who think that common courtesy has died. Mr Kateb, if I'm not mistaken we will have cleared the docking bay by now. Block all outgoing transmissions. I'm sorry but there will be other times for you to fly the ship." The Admiral opened a shipwide comm channel, and said "Now hear this! Now hear this! This is Admiral Aragorn, temporary commanding officer of this vessel. I wish to inform you that we have just embarked on a highly classified mission. At the moment I cannot divulge any other information, but will inform all senior staff at a later time of the specific mission objectives. Until then, Starfleet, me, AND your beloved Captain Rivers will expect everybody to do their duty. Also note that we have a number of civilians on board who should be best described as troublesome. I hope I can count on everybody to decrease the likelihood of any regrettable incident. However, if you feel that you cannot perform your duty because of said civilians, contact me or Mr Shrek, who is responsible for the security of the civilians. Let me finish by stating that it is unlikely that ANY ship would have had such an important mission as the Nimitz now has. I am sure that you will be worthy of the trust put in you by Starfleet Command. Aragorn out." The Captain waited a few moments, then said "I will contact all senior staff and inform them of the meeting, Sir." Aragorn grinned. "Of course you will. See? I told you I knew you!" He sighed and turned towards Susan. "You know what?" he whispered. "It's good to be back." In spite of herself, Susan grinned. "You know what?" she whispered back. "It feels like you've never been away." "Oh, Science station? If I find out that any attempt is made to plot the course of this ship, you BOTH will be walking home. Without spacesuits." Sevant's eyes narrowed again, this had to be one of the most odd missions he had ever heard of, much less been part of. He considered carefully the unknown nature of the mission, and the likelihood that if things got sour he could arrest the Admiral for conduct unbecoming, one didn't threaten two Officers lightly. In the end he decided to wait, and see. Rivers knew this man better then most, he would have a chat with her later. Stardate:2406.03.05 (USS Nimitz, Bridge, CONN/OPS Ensign Onyx Kateb, 2202) “Sir. Positional transporders are disengaged and communication system is lock… we can only receive.” "Well done, Ensign. Just make sure that you keep an eye on the subspace channels. As soon as even a pip is found, I want to know about it." “Yes Sir! I reconfigurated it this way!” Onyx listen to the conversation, just making sure that everything was in order, she made her way to the OPS station. ~ Can’t believe that guy attitude. On a klingon ship… he would have. No matter, he is a superior officer, he can say what ever he wants. Keep yourself under control… What’s going on with my temper today, I need an hour in the holodeck and get this excess energy out of my system. ~ Her replacement arrived, it was the end of her shift. “Is there anything I should know?” “Nothing… There will be a staff meeting later, you will remain here. In the mean time, I will be in the holodeck if there’s anything .” Onyx left the bridge after making sure that the instruction Aragorn gave pass to the other officer at CONN. Stardate:2406.03.05 (USS Nimitz, Bridge, M-CO, Aragorn, 22.02) “Sir. Positional transporders are disengaged and communication system is locked… we can only receive.” Aragorn nodded. "Well done, Ensign. Just make sure that you keep an eye on the subspace channels. As soon as even a pip is found, I want to know about it." (Reply Onyx) Stardate:2406.03.05 (USS Nimitz - Bridge - Lt Nakamura - 22:03) "Oh, Science station? If I find out that any attempt is made to plot the course of this ship, you BOTH will be walking home. Without spacesuits." Nishi turned to Sevant with narrowed eyes, and a disapproving look on his face at the admiral's tone. Of all people Nishi should be the one most used to secrets, but it was the way this was being handled that he didn't like. "Commander" he said to Sevant "Would you take over here, I would like to organise a roster for this mission and check on security for our guest?" Stardate:2406.03.05 (USS Nimitz - Bridge - Lt Cmdr Sevant - 22:04) "Commander, Would you take over here, I would like to organize a roster for this mission and check on security for our guest?" Sevant studied the look on Nishi's face for a few moments, then his eyes briefly turned to the center command chairs. "Very well." he said as he turned his gaze back to the Security Chief. "Report any special security concerns if they appear, Lieutenant." Stardate:2406.03.05 (USS Nimitz - Quarters - Dr Drouhin, 22:10) "Rachel! No, stop that right now!" Zephrine winced as she watched Rachel tearing across the couch and leaving a couple of rips in the fabric. For the best part of a half hour, the animals had been racing around their new quarters, glad to finally be out of their crates. (or in Rachels case, off her lead.) Oliver had settled in his customary hiding place under the nearest chair, but Rachel and Raoul seemed to be delirious with excitement and made a black and purple tornado as they tore about. Zephrine placed a cushion over the worst of the two rips, and prayed they would calm down soon. There was a chrip from her console as an incoming message arrived, and she glanced quickly at it. === From: XO, Captain Susan Rivers To: All Senior Staff Re: Staff Meeting There will be a meeting for all senior staff at 22:40 tonight. The meeting will be held in Conference Room 1. Please be prompt. === ~what?? From *XO* Rivers? what in gods name is going on here?!?~ Somehow she knew it had to do with Aragorn, which was hardly suprising. But she wondered how Susan would be taking her apparent demotion. NRPG: Feh! It's hard to listen to music and concentrate at the same time hehe RPG: She pondered this latest suprise, and despite herself smiled. Aragorn was definately up to something, and part of her felt nostalgic. It was almost as if he was gathering his old crew around him to carry it out. NRPG: Now I have a problem! Ever since I saw the first LOTR, I cant think of Aragorn as just plain fat CO Aragorn anymore hehe. And I'm beginning to wonder where Legolas is hiding :D RPG: ~lets just hope it isnt anything too illegal~ Stardate:2406.03.05 (USS Nimitz – Crew quarters – 2210) Onyx was changing to her combat clothes but then a message went through the comm. === From: XO, Captain Susan Rivers To: All Senior Staff Re: Staff Meeting There will be a meeting for all senior staff at 22:40 tonight. The meeting will be held in Conference Room 1. Please be prompt. Onyx lift her head toward the ceiling and decided to change in her uniform. “Can’t believe my luck! Where ever we go, I hope there will be some action. Better go back on the bridge then." (USS Nimitz – Bridge – 2215) Onyx came back on the bridge, went straight to the OPS console, the officer seem surprised. “I didn’t know that the meeting would be this early. So I changed my mind and just slip in something far more comfortable then the dress uniform. Stay at your post, I will relieve the conn officer.” "Yes Sir!" Stardate:2406.03.05 (USS Nimitz, Bridge, M-CO, Aragorn, 22.12) =^= Enginnering to Bridge. This is ACEO Shtorr. Captain. All engineering sysytems fully functioning. Request that we proceed at warp factor 5 for the time being to allow the warp drive to heat up before we increase acceleration.=^= Aragorn looked at Rivers as he heard the voice through the comm system. He shook his head at her when he tapped his badge. "Admiral Aragorn to Engineering. I am afraid that is a definite no-no. We are flying under automatic pilot and we can not tamper with the pilot-program. Once we are free to do so, I will order a Warp 5 burst for as long as you like. Aragorn out." (Reply Susan, Shtorr) Stardate:2406.03.05 (USS Nimitz - Nishi's quarters - 22:12) It was a hunch, a vague hard to explain hunch tapping Nishi on the back lightly every time he thought about this mission, about how things were being handled. The secrecy, the bullying, the silence it all smelled familiar, it all quietly said Starfleet intelligence. The doors to Nishi quarters slip open with a hiss and he stepped inside, "I've got good news" he told Eloise as she walked out of the bedroom, "I've spoken to the quartermaster, and they are giving us larger quarters, family sized ones" he said with a smile. "They said there are a couple we can choose from, so we could take look and see which we like the most." "I just have a couple of things I need to take care of, I can be ready in about an hour, how does that sound?" (Reply: Eloise) "Alright, sounds good" Nishi walked into his bedroom, the place was a bit of a mess, Eloise had brought quite a bit of luggage with her, most of which seemed to be Rhyuichi's. There were cases with baby sized clothing, bottles and other baby related items all over the place. Rhyuichi was asleep in the middle of the bed in a small nest of pillows and bedding. ~Better not let him know I'm here, or he'll start screaming~ he thought, but didn't really believe, he smiled at Eloise and tentatively slid an arm around her shoulders. Where the two of them stood, he still wasn't sure, they hadn't discussed it, they hadn't had time. All he knew was that he was happier than he had been in nearly 2 years, but hadn't been able to tell her. "I've missed you" he said kissing her forehead. Stardate:2406.03.05 USS NImitz, Engineering, 22.12 Shtorr listened to the reply to his request. =^= Enginnering. This is Admiral Aragorn. We are unable to accede your request at the present time, we are on a preprogrammed course.=^= ~Admiral Aragorn. Just what the hell is going on up there.~, thought Shtorr. Perturbed Shtorr wandered about looking for ACEO Porter, in order to discuss this new development. Stardate:2406.03.05 USS NImitz, Engineering, 22.12 Shtorr listened to the reply to his request. =^= Enginnering. This is Admiral Aragorn. We are unable to accede your request at the present time, we are on a preprogrammed course.=^= ~Admiral Aragorn. Just what the hell is going on up there.~, thought Shtorr. Perturbed Shtorr wandered about looking for ACEO Porter, in order to discuss this new development. Stardate:2406.03.05 (USS Nimitz, Bridge, M-CO, Aragorn, 22.15) Aragorn regarded the Bridge with satisfaction. It was good to be in command of the old lady again. He had to admit that he had missed her. He scanned the Bridge until his eye fell on his XO. He felt a stab of pain as he became aware that he had done exactly to her what Starfleet had done to him. He narrowed his eyes as he looked at her. ~She's a tough cookie, she'll survive,~ he thought which didn't make him feel better. Susan became aware that he was looking at her and met his eyes levelly. "Sir?" she said "Sa good ship, Susan. Take good care of her and she'll take good care of you." He said wondering why he said such a stupid thing. Susan was saved from answering by her commbadge. =/\=Falthgood to Rivers, have a moment?=/\= She glanced at Aragorn, raising an eyebrow in query before replying. Aragorn nodded then hissed softly. "Beware, he's one of the old Doenitz boys. Blue-eyed boy, according to your aunt." (Reply Susan, any) Stardate:2406.03.05 (USS Nimitz, Bridge, XO, Captain Susan Rivers, 22.16) =/\=Falthgood to Rivers, have a moment?=/\= She glanced at Aragorn, raising an eyebrow in query before replying. Aragorn nodded then hissed softly. "Beware, he's one of the old Doenitz boys. Blue-eyed boy, according to your aunt." Susan stared at him for a moment. Zach had been a member of her crew for a long time, and whilst she could not have said that she knew him well, what she did know of him didn't mesh with his having been close to Doenitz. ~But then again, what do I REALLY know about Zach? That he gives the impression of being both eccentric and happy-go-lucky, yet is remarkably good at his job. HIs record doesn't mention any work for Doenitz, but then again, it doesn't mention that much either...~ She nodded to Aragorn to show she understood the warning, and tapped her commbadge to make a reply to Zach. "I have some time free now, Mr Falthgood. Please come to the Ready Room." (reply Zach) Stardate:2406.03.05 (USS Nimitz, Ready Room, XO, Captain Susan Rivers, 22.20) Susan sat behind the desk and pulled up Zach's profile while she waited for him to arrive. ~Maybe I missed something? Or... maybe it's just not there?~ Stardate:2406.03.05 (USS Nimitz, Nishi's new quarters, Lt. Nakamura, 22:20) Nishi searched the stack of luggage that had been transported from his old quarters, what he was looking for had been at the back of his cupboard, but now seemed to be underneath everything else. He pulled it out queitly, trying not to wake the baby sleeping on the bed and set it on the floor ; an old black case with a few books still in the bottom of it, it had been sitting here since he came aboard the Nimitz the second time, and had been stored with the rest of his belonging while he had been away. He listened for a few seconds, trying to determine where Eloise was, when he was certain that she was not in the room, he pulled the books out of the case and ran his fingers around the inner seam of the case. His fingers found two tiny protrusions under the lining in the case's bottom, he pressed them both down, then released the left one before the right. The bottom of the case lifted slightly from it's seam and Nishi pried the false bottom open, revealing a number of items he thought he'd never use. He removed a tricorder, Padd, and starfleet comm badge from the selection, then a rectangular box about the size of one of the books he had removed from the case. He opened the lid and inspected what was inside; Starfleet pips, 2 sets of each rank, from crewman to admiral. He took out a set of Ensign's pips, closed the box and placed it back in the false bottom of the case, piled the books back in and stood up, after pocketing the comm badge, and pips. After closing the case and putting it back amongst the pile, he took few moments to watch his son sleep, smiling at the way his mouth moved in his sleep. Nishi noticed that he didn't have much in the way of toys, plenty of clothing, but he was sleeping there alone on the bed. "I think he's dreaming of food" He whispered as he approached Eloise, a grin on his face. (Reply: Eloise) Nishi kissed her forehead "I'm sorry to leave you with this mess" he said apologetically, then with a playful smile "you know I'd help you, but I have duties to attend to, very important ones" Stardate:2406.03.05 (USS Nimitz - Bridge - Lt(jg) Zach Falthgood - 22.22) NRPG: *chuckles* Keep looking ;o) I was wondering if anyone was going to pick up on that little nugget. RPG: Zach looked at the bridge for a few moments from the turbolift doors, and shook his head briefly at what he saw. He walked down the path and threw a glance at the Admiral, before pushing the button on the Ready Room to announce himself, then simply walking in. Captain Rivers was sitting behind her desk, so Zach simply pulled his two PADDS out of his specially tailored pockets on the side of his leg, and sat down. "Captain." he said, quietly. Without another word, he pulled out his special gizmo, activated it, and put it on her desk. (reply, if desired) Zach, with no ado at all, tossed both PADD's up on the desk. "I'm not senior crew, I won't be at that meeting later, but I wonder just how much you are going to be finding out. I cant tell you exactly, but...well, I cant hint anyway." He gestured to the PADDs. One was the official list of people that Sevant had given him, the other was one from his own quarters, heavily encrypted. "You have yourself fifty people, all of them connected in some way with T'Kon, Gulorians, Icons or Iconians. Half of them aren't even full time archaeologists, but Starfleet or Ex-Starfleet Engineers...." He broke off for a moment, wondering just how far he should go, then shrugged. "I know most of them, I worked or commanded most of the Starfleet side at one point. The rest I rubbed shoulders with for more years then I care to remember." He tapped his fingers together, "Anyways, you have yourself fifty people interested in history and past technology, you have one Admiral who had fifteen minutes of fame finding a Gulorian Baseship. And you have one ship that has been quietly taken over in a style all to familiar. You should be able to put the rest together, but if you have questions I'm sure I shouldn't answer them." He reached over and tapped his gizmo with a small smile. Stardate:2406.03.05 (USS Nimitz , Ready Room, XO, Captain Susan Rivers, 22.23) The doorchime sounded but before she could say "Enter!" the door opened and Zach walked in. As he approached the desk he pulled two PADDS out of his specially tailored pockets on the side of his leg, and sat down. "Captain." he said, quietly. Without another word, he pulled out some small gadget, activated it, and put it on her desk. Susan raised an eyebrow, wondering what this... *thing* was. Zach simply tossed both PADD's up on the desk. "I'm not senior crew, I won't be at that meeting later, but I wonder just how much you are going to be finding out. I cant tell you exactly, but...well, I can hint anyway." He gestured to the PADDs. "You have yourself fifty people, all of them connected in some way with T'Kon, Gulorians, Icons or Iconians. Half of them aren't even full time archaeologists, but Starfleet or Ex-Starfleet Engineers...." He broke off for a moment, then shrugged. "I know most of them, I worked or commanded most of the Starfleet side at one point. The rest I rubbed shoulders with for more years than I care to remember." He tapped his fingers together, "Anyways, you have yourself fifty people interested in history and past technology, you have one Admiral who had fifteen minutes of fame finding a Gulorian Baseship. And you have one ship that has been quietly taken over in a style all to familiar. You should be able to put the rest together, but if you have questions I'm sure I shouldn't answer them." He reached over and tapped his gadget with a small smile. Susan frowned. "First, I'd like to know what this -" she indicated the gadget sitting on her desk, "is. I assume from your actions that it's some kind of transmission blocker? In order that we can speak freely?" ~Because if it's not, then that probably means everything I say will go direct to the person I want least to hear it... Can I trust him? I wonder.~ (reply Zach) Susan regarded him closely, still not sure. Her instinct, based on her knowledge of him as one of her officers, was to trust him, but her commonsense told her there were too many unanswered questions at the moment. "You seem to have a great deal of knowledge about this mission already," she said. "Knowledge which is not yet commonly available to the crew, or even the officers, of this ship. I take it you have been 'rubbing shoulders' with some of your old friends?" (reply Zach) Susan nodded. "You will have seen from the list on your PADD that my aunt is amongst the civilians present. She speaks very highly of you," she lied, pokerfaced. In point of fact Aunt Luisa had told her nothing about him at all. "She said that she first heard of you when you did some work for a Captain... what was the name? Doenitz? Though I believe he is an Admiral now," she added casually. "Since then, she's followed your career with interest. And of course, amongst the circles she moves in, you are famous for some of the work you did on the Cochrane with the T'kon technology there." (reply Zach) Susan wanted to trust him. She hated to think that one of her officers, especially this happy-go-lucky genius, would be deliberately involved with someone like Doenitz. She sighed softly to herself. "One more thing," she said. "You said that this ship had been quietly taken over in a style all to familiar. How familiar *exactly* are you with this kind of thing?" Stardate:2406.03.05 (USS Nimitz - Ready Room - Lt(jg) Falthgood - 22.23) "First, I'd like to know what this is. I assume from your actions that it's some kind of transmission blocker? In order that we can speak freely?" "You assume correctly." he said with a nod, now slightly more serious. "Lots of ears on this ship." She regarded him closely, and Falthgood just returned the stare. He had been in this kind of position enough times, it didn't even make him uncomfortable again. After a time, she said "You seem to have a great deal of knowledge about this mission already, Knowledge which is not yet commonly available to the crew, or even the officers, of this ship. I take it you have been 'rubbing shoulders' with some of your old friends?" He considered that for several moments before answering. "In a word, yes." he replied. "You will have seen from the list on your PADD that my aunt is amongst the civilians present. She speaks very highly of you, She said that she first heard of you when you did some work for a Captain... what was the name? Doenitz? Though I believe he is an Admiral now," she added casually. "Since then, she's followed your career with interest. And of course, amongst the circles she moves in, you are famous for some of the work you did on the Cochrane with the T'kon technology there." Zach tapped his fingers, and grinned largely. "Oh, I'm infamous in a few circles all right." he said. "But I don't really know your aunt, I'm assuming you mean Doctor Rivers, we moved largely in different circles. I was on Cochrane only for a short time, and the work I did on the T'Kon there was piecemeal." He tapped his fingers again, once again wondering just how far he should go for this woman. She knew Doenitz, that was interesting.. But he had other duties then overseeing the projects he had been on, in fact he had heard rumors that Doenitz had pulled entirely and was now in charge of some sector command office somewhere. His smile slowly disappeared as he considered the circles within circles of lies and deceptions he could tell her, before actually reaching the truth. "Keep fishing though, the truth is so much more interesting." He cocked his head to the side, "Not many followed my career, fewer still would know half the stuff I have done. Your aunt might be one, but I doubt very much she will say a word of it. You could send a request for information to Admiral Doenitz; but I didn't have much contact with him after he hired me, and even forgetting that he was an unforgiving and tight-arsed individual, I also doubt he would say much of anything about my projects." He smiled tightly, "One day I might tell you some of the story, I promise you will be amazed but I doubt you would believe me." (reply if desired) "One more thing," she said. "You said that this ship had been quietly taken over in a style all to familiar. How familiar *exactly* are you with this kind of thing?" Zach leaned forward, his face no longer holding any hint of humor. "I orchestrated a couple such takeovers, familiar enough for you?" He gave a humorless smile, "But you wont find that in my record, so don't bother looking. But let me assume for a moment, and we will see if I have it right." he leaned back again. "A mysterious person comes with absolutely no warning, but with nice official orders from a high ranking individual. In this case, I would say Admiral Yamamara, Admiral Doenitz, Admiral Link, Admiral Penhalin or Admiral T'Van cut the orders, although the last time I had contact with em was years ago so there could be a few new hands." Zach folded his hands together in his lap as he continued. "The CO, you, has been demoted to a substandard position while this ranking visitor took command and runs the ship in all officiality. A very complex program was uploaded into the computer and database, that stuck its fingers into most ships systems... Most notably into Flight Control, Sensors and Communications. In fact, all communications have been cut off unless the sender has approved command protocols and the ship is probably flying on auto-pilot. Your officers were all warned not to stick their noses into anything, not to track the course, not to even wonder too deeply at what was going on or they would be shot on sight, or something like it." Falthgood waved a finger in the air, "That program will remain in the computer, assuming it's there, and will erase all queries about this particular timeframe from anyone but a high ranking admiral from anytime in the future, by the way..." his following smile said that he knew how to take care of that little problem. The smile slowly disappeared, and he closed his eyes, and continued. "There will be at least one stop over and major course correction, probably two. And half the time there was also a vessel switchover to confuse intelligence agents." He opened his eyes again, though she wouldn't know the difference as his eyes were still behind his dark shades. "The new CO will either be an Engineer, an Archaeologist or will have intimate knowledge about *something* of historical purposes. In this case, Admiral Aragorn knows of something estoic.. A Gulorian Baseship, quite a find for a former backwater Captain." Stardate:2406.03.05 USS Nimitz, Corridor, Lt.(jg) Zzt, 22:25) Zzt hurried down the hall way as fast as his paws could carry him. He cursed himself again for over sleeping and not reporting in earlier. Now the ship was under way and he was probably listed as AWOL. Security was probably out looking for him right now. ~Just had to take a nap didn't I!?~ Zzt careened around a corner slamming into the wall, denting the paneling. Nervously, Zzt's tried to cover the large dent with one paw. He looked around to see if anyone was looking. Not seeing anyone, he rushed off making a note to repair the panel after he got out of the brig for being so late. Up ahead the turbo-lift doors opened, Zzt thanked his luck. He charged into the lift nearly trampling a poor crewman in the process. She stared up at Zzt in wide eyed terror. Zzt bared his large fangs in a semblance of a grin. ~Why her skin go all white?~ "Zzt sorry," He said, in broken Federation Standard, "Bridge." As the lift started the crewman collapsed in a heap to the floor. Zzt licked his fangs nervously, poking the crewman with one paw. He sniffed the air. "Wake up. Dis no place to sleep," He said shaking the crewman lightly. ~Why this always happen to me!? Now how I suppose to give human mouth to mouth again?~ He tried to get his snout around the small human mouth. Zzt was so intent on helping the passed out crewman that he failed to notice the lift doors opening onto the bridge. A small cry of alarm drew Zzt's attention away from the unconscious crewman. Stardate:2406.03.05 (USS Nimitz - security area - Lt. Nakamura - 22: 28) That feeling that SFI was involved with this somehow kept returning, if they were connected to this mission, it concerned him that they hadn't contacted him. "Has anybody been in?" Nishi asked the ensign at the security desk, as he walked through the door. "No sir" replied the young man. "Thanks" he said, trying to shake off the the paranoid thoughts brewing in his mind. He walked straight to his office and took a seat, placing the ensign's pips, tricorder and padd on the desk. He stared at them for a while, almost reluctant to begin, he hadn't wanted to do this kind of thing on his own ship. He exhaled heavily and took up the padd, after tapping a few buttons it lit up with a display almost like that of a tricorder, only this tricorder had one purpose, it received ultra low frequency short range communications signals, to a ship's internal scanner, or tricorder the signal wouldn't even appear, it might register as resonance from a plasm conduit, as residual replicator energy, but not as a communications signal. Starfleet intelligence were sneaky, when it came to spying on their own people, very sneaky. The device itself wasn't a communications device, not like a comm badge, it was a receiver, which worked in conjunction with a hidden listening device; the Pips. Nishi tapped away at the Padd's readout, a small green light appeared in the top left hand corner of the screen, indicating that it was receiving a signal from the ensign's pips on his desk. ~Ok, now lets see what we can do~ he thought, tapping more buttons on the padd. Stardate:2406.03.05 (USS Nimitz - Bridge - Lt Cmdr Sevant / Lt(jg) Zzt - 22:30) Sevant turned his head at the sound of a squeak,, then noticing that his vision of *whatever* was going on was covered by a console, stood. What greeted his eyes was not something he had ever expected to see, one of his daughters bears blown up to double life size, kneeling over a woman who appeared to be passed out. He stepped over immediately, and caught the pips on the... The... Bears collar. "Lieutenant..." he growled, "Just what do you think you are doing?" Zzt looked up when he heard the voice, it had an air of command. Zzt saw the pips on the Vulcans collar and jumped up coming to attention, nearly stepping on the unconscious crewman in his haste. "Lt. Zzt, reporting for duty as CEO!" He said, briefly forgetting about the prone crewman. Sevant's eyes glanced down, then back up again. "You can report in a few moments, what did you do to that crewman ?" He took a few steps forward and tapped his badge, "Medical team to the bridge." (reply medical) Zzt looked confused from Sevant to the unconscious crewman and back again. "What Zzt do? Zzt not do nothing. She see Zzt, she fall sleep. Zzt try to wake her up. Maybe she sick. Zzt try to help." Sevant licked his lips as he moved to the edge of the turbolift, "For the time being, please step away, Lieutenant..." He watched the being move aside, then he himself knelt down and felt for a pulse. The woman was pasty white, but her pulse was strong. He looked back up at Zzt, and considered for several moments. It seemed like he had scared her, he would have her give medical a description of what happened. In the mean time, he had other duties. He stood, and walked over. He had to crane his neck, but he managed to look at the extremely tall being. "Do you have your reporting orders, Lieutenant Zzt ?" Zzt, still worried that he was in trouble, patted his chest looking for the pocket he knew was there. Finding it, he pulled a PADD out and handed it to the Vulcan. "Here Zzt's orders," He said, licking his fangs nervously. Trying to keep his claws from clattering. Callie took one look at the PADD as he took it, then glanced at the Lieutenant. "At ease." he said as he looked back down at the PADD. ~CEO, great.~ He took a breath, and looked back up. "Chief Engineering Officer, indeed." He tapped the PADD against his hand for a moment, "The Captain is currently indisposed, Lieutenant. I will tell her of your arrival, make your way to Engineering and see to making us ready for departure. The rest of your department should be there. " He looked back over at the woman, then back to Zzt. "And try not to hurt anyone on the way there, am I understood ?" "Zzt not hurt anyone. Zzt not like to hurt anyone. Zzt try to be good. Zzt sorry." Zzt moved back toward the lift to head for engineering. He looked down at the crewman still on the floor. He turned his massive head back to look at Sevant. "You want Zzt take her to sickbay first? Zzt carry her easy," He asked, trying to be helpful. ~Oh, give me strength.~ Sevant thought. "No lieutenant, we have a medical team enroute." he replied, "We might have to leave at a moments notice, on the double!" Zzt shook his head. "Right, Zzt hurry!" Zzt said, turning quickly toward the other lift. He slammed into another bridge officer who was sent sprawling. Zzt stumbled, trying not to step on the fallen officer. Bouncing off a console, and nearly falling on two other officers, Zzt managed to get his paws back under him. He turned to help the fallen officer back to their feet. Sevant was not impressed. He took a deep breath, and crossed his arms. "Without hurting anyone, Lieutenant..." Zzt nodded. "Zzt not hurt anyone." Picking up the fallen officer, Zzt placed them on their feet and headed once more for the lift. He stepped into the lift and the doors closed behind him. Sevant hung his head for a couple moments, before making his way back to the command chair. First, his captain had been displaced. Now, they had what appeared to be a 10 foot goofball for a Chief Engineer. What next ? Stardate:2406.03.05 (USS Nimitz - corridors - Lt Nakamura - 22:32) Nishi thought he had managed to get the padd/reciever to do what he wanted. It seemed that each time it was used it would use a different way to mask itself, the Padd seemed to dictate which. Nishi had the padd in hand, the comm badge, Pips, and tricorder he had locked in his office, which should be secure enough, considering it was under constant (albeit, unintentional) watch by whomever was sitting at the security desk. Right now, Nishi had something else on his mind, he was making a quick detour past the larger items replicators, with the intention of finding something for Ryuichi. Nishi was trying to remember the toys he had had as a child, but wasn't doing very well, for some reason it didn't seem that he had had any. Again Nishi wondered how fathers learn what they know, what toys to get for a child, how to calm a crying baby, there must be some handbook? Maybe they just make it up as they go along? A list of toys was forming in Nishi's mind...a train, a model shuttlecraft, or model of the Nimitz even, but he suspected that this were wrong for a child so small. Suddenly Nishi came to a dead stop in the hallway, his mouth agape, as a ten foot tall bear wearing a starfleet uniform stepped out of a turbo lift and walked down a corridor. (USS Nimitz - Nishi & Eloise's Quarters - Lt. Nakamura - 22:40) Nishi crept up trying not to wake his tiny sleeping son, curled up in the same nest of pillows and bedding in the middle of the bed. Carefully he reached out and placed the teddy bear dressed in a security uniform next to the sleeping baby. ~I hope this doesn't confuse him too much, if he ever meets that guy~ he thought turning and creeping out of the room again. Stardate:2406.03.05 (USS Nimitz - Bridge - Lt Cmdr Sevant - 2235) "Sir, can you tell me what caused this crew member to collapse?" Kestra asked the FO. Sevant sighed, "According to the officer that was found hovering older her, "She see Zzt, she collapse.." I think he was describing a fainting, which isnt hard to believe considering the creature. (reply, if desired) Sevant nodded, "Wake her up, take her to sickbay if required. I want a report on the situation, if it was foul play or just... Her being scared half to death for some reason. I will also want a report from her when she is able." Stardate:2406.03.05 (USS Nimitz, Bridge, ACMO, Kestra Troi-Wolf, 2235) When Kestra arrived on the bridge she saw that a crewmember had collapsed for some reason. The FO was sitting in the command chair when she looked around the room trying to see what might had caused the crewmember to collapse. “Sir, can you tell me what caused this crew member to collapse?” Kestra asked the FO. (Sevant) (USS Nimitz, Conference Room 1, ACMO, Kestra Troi-Wolf, 22:50) Kestra had made sure that Eistal could take care of the crew member that had collapsed ant then just made it to the meeting before it was about to start. She found a chair that she was suppose to sit in and sat down ready to listen to what was going to be said. She nodded to Admiral Aragorn with a smile as she did so. Kestra looked around the room to see a lot of strange new faces. She remember a time when she sat where Aragorn was sitting now and looked around at the new faces that had replaced a lot of her crew a thousand years ago it seemed. She saw Aragorn look to his left then right and nodded to both Luisa and Susan just before he got up. He stood there waiting for the noise to quiet down. "Good afternoon, for those of you who do not know me, I am Admiral Aragorn, Mission Commanding Officer of Mission: Scout and as such in temporary command of the USS Nimitz. Let me start off by saying that although I am technically in command, as far as I am concerned, Captain Rivers is STILL the master of this vessel." Aragorn looked around the room. "The lady on my left hand side," he said, waving to his left, pretending not to have heard the snort, "Is Professor Luisa Rivers, Federation's most skilled T'Kon archeologist. She is the head of the archeological team currently aboard the Nimitz and is, just like Captain Rivers, to be regarded as my Executive Officer." Aragorn looked at the two women. "Before I will brief you on mission: Scout, let me set the scene. One of the previous missions of the crew of the Nimitz involved an extinct race in the Gamma Quadrant, called the Gulorians.” Kestra remembered their encounter with the Gulorian base ship with the six cardassian ships and the battle that ensued as Aragorn was talking. She remembered that the ship had been like 40 miles in diameter and had been very hard to beat but they had at a cost. She came back to herself as Aragorn was talking about it. “found by the Cardassians, who were about to take it over to the Alpha Quadrant as part of the invasion fleet. A Gulorian baseship is a half sphere, which a diameter in the order of miles, so an extremely large spaceship, which also has warp capabilities. During said mission, we were able to recapture the baseship, de-militarise it and give it a peaceful mission.” She was suppose to take the Nimitz in the Gamma quadrant to search for other baseships but had resigned her commission to help Aragorn. She had went to Vega with him and Louise to help them settle in and to take care of Aragorn until others came to help him. ”However, form that moment onwards, Starfleet has been most interested in finding other Gulorian baseships. But during an extensive search in the Gamma Quadrant no sign of another baseship has been found and Starfleet came to the conclusion that the Cardassians must have found the last baseship in existance." Aragorn looked around. "And Starfleet would still think that if not for the ground-breaking work performed by Professor Rivers during an excavation on a T'Kon base-planet. She discovered amidst the ruins a T'Kon computer system that was still operational, even after 300.000 years. The computer contained a large amount of data about the closing stages of the T'Kon Empire and a lot of questions have been answered because of that. But it also gave rise to new questions. Some of the date found told about how a group of T'Kon people from a whole sector had decided to evacuate the sector before it was destroyed. As method of transport, they built an enormous spaceship that was supposed to take them into the Gamma Quadrant. The designation for the group of T'Kon was Guhl-O-rio, or in Federation Standard, the Travelers." Aragorn waited for the noise to quiet down again to begin again. Kestra sat there listening to what Aragorn had to say about the area and the mission. Kestra must have been in a daze or something cause when she heard the loud THUD she jumped and her water dropped in her lap as did many others. She hastily picked up the goblet out of her lap as she stood up to let the excess water fall to the floor. She looked around and finally saw where it had come from. She had never saw something so huge as what looked like a bear looking around at everyone. She got the impression from looking at it that it might want to eat each and everyone there but the feelings that she got was totally different. Then Aragorn exploded as Kestra began to sit down and again it made her jump. "QUIET! It's only water and won't stain! " Aragorn bellowed, "The Gerratlian Engineer has asked a very pertinent question and DESERVES to get a fair answer!" Aragorn smiled to the ursanoid. "That was a good question and I would like to have an equally good answer. Unfortunately, the only answer I have is, we don't know. We know from past experiences flying through the River that there are precautions to take like changing shield frequencies. But this part of the River is basically unknown to us. The ten scientists who have used it before us were in a Runabout and as you are aware, that is much smaller than a Sovereign. I expect us to have to fly pretty well to keep away from the River-sides, especially through certain areas. Those areas have been plotted by the Runabout and are now inside our databanks. The first difficult spot will arrive in about two days. The Runabout never experienced any negative effects but like I said, it's much smaller and thus had more room to manouever. I guess we will just have to keep our eyes and ears open." Aragorn nodded to the Gerattlian. "If you don't mind, were you in Starfleet Academy Class 82B? The only time I ever encountered a Gerratlian in Starfleet was in that class. I have very fond memories of him, when during a college match of back-ball, he flattened me whilst we both were trying to unblock the ball. Best thing that could have happened to me, in the afternoon we had a test on Xenobiology and the hospitalisation gave me the time to do some extra study and pass the exam afterwards." Kestra decided that she would just wait till the end of the meeting before mentioning anything to Aragorn about what she remembered about that time. As she was about to leave she walked by Aragorn, “Brings back memories Admiral don’t it.” She said with a sly smile. Stardate:2406.03.05 (USS Nimitz, Bridge, ACMO, Kestra Troi-Wolf, 2235) When Kestra arrived on the bridge she saw that a crewmember had collapsed for some reason. The FO was sitting in the command chair when she looked around the room trying to see what might had caused the crewmember to collapse. “Sir, can you tell me what caused this crew member to collapse?” Kestra asked the FO. Stardate:2406.03.05 (USS Nimitz - Conference Room 1 - Dr Drouhin, 22:39) Not quite sure what to expect from the meeting, Zephrine entered the room nervously. "Am I the only one who doesnt know whats going on? Or is everyone in the dark as much as I am?" she asked those who were already there. Stardate:2406.03.05 (USS Nimitz, Conference Room 1, XO, Commander Susan Rivers, 22:39) Susan nodded to those already present and was just about to sit down when Zephrine entered. "Am I the only one who doesn't know whats going on? Or is everyone in the dark as much as I am?" she asked. Susan grinned at her friend in welcome. "Well, in short, Admiral Aragorn is in charge of the Nimitz for a special mission, which he is about to reveal to us all at this meeting," she said, remembering that the room might well be bugged, and that she was not supposed to know yet what it was all about. She wondered how much - and more importantly, *what* Aragorn had told his former CMO. "So, no, you are most emphatically *not* the only one who doesn't know what's going on," she continued. "And you know Aragorn, he will probably enjoy surprising us all. But welcome back aboard, Zephrine! It's good to have you here! Oh - did you know your patient is my aunt?" (reply Zephrine) Susan grinned again. "She's the most awkward, cantankerous old bat this side of the Bajoran wormhole, and in all probability, the other side as well," she said. "And that's when she's well and in a good mood! Don't stand any nonsense from her, she'll like you better for giving as good as you get. She's already let slip that she likes your attitude, and -" Susan broke off as Luisa Rivers, in her floating barrel, entered the room. "Too bad your father couldn't find anyone decent to marry!" she snapped at Susan. "Otherwise you might have had more respect than to call your aunt a cantankerous old bat." Susan stood back to let her aunt go past. "AWKWARD, cantankerous old bat," she said unrenpentantly. "And if I remember rightly, my father had to go all the way to Bajor to find someone YOU couldn't frighten off," she added with a grin. "Hmmph!" Luisa snorted. "You see what I've had to put up with?" she added turning to Zephrine. "You'd never believe I raised her from a small child, would you?" (reply Zephrine, anyone else present, iyw) (USS Nimitz, Conference Room 1, XO, Commander Susan Rivers, 22:53) Because she already knew what Aragorn was telling the meeting, Susan allowed her gaze to wander the room from time to time. She observed with interest the new CEO, sitting on the floor yet still towering over those sitting nearest him. "... So, any questions?" Aragorn concluded. Susan, glancing round the table, noticed Sevant tap his fingers together for a few moments, before saying, "Admiral, you said we, as in the Federation, would be attacked right away if this leaked. That leaves us in clear and present danger, permission to run at yellow alert." "That's a good suggestion. Susan? It's still your baby?" Aragorn said, turning towards her. ~Oh, really? I thought it was YOURS now!~ Aloud, she said, "I agree, Sir. Make it so, Commander." The CEO then raised one huge paw high in the air. When Aragorn nodded to him, he spoke. "Zzt question," he said, his voice trembling, "Dis river we swim. It known to adversely affect ship systems? Der been some minor abnormalities, so Zzt want know so him keep his paws on it." ~Is he nervous?~ Susan wondered, just as Zzt let his paw drop down on to the table top with a loud THUD! The glass in front of Susan rose in the air, and emptied itself over her. The fact that Aragorn managed to dodge the contents of *his* glass only meant that Susan was soaked twice. His snout hanging open, eyes wide, Zzt tried to stammer an apology but no oneseemed to be listening. Susan glared at Aragorn as she wiped the water out of her eyes. ~If he hadn't moved, I wouldn't be so wet! Where did he learn to dodge out of the way like that?~ she wondered. Aragorn had never been the fittest person in Starfleet, but his reflexes when faced with a soaking would have impressed even Pangur Ban, whose dislike of water had been tested to the limit by Shun and Loren three weeks ago when they decided he needed a bath. "QUIET! It's only water and won't stain! " Aragorn bellowed, "The Gerratlian Engineer has asked a very pertinent question and DESERVES to get a fair answer!" The room fell silent, except for the dripping of water off the table and various officers around it. NRPG: Of course, not everyone in the meeting will have the lightening 'parental' reflexes of the Admiral. So I assume that Susan will NOT be the only one to be soaked :-) RPG: Aragorn smiled at the CEO. "That was a good question and I would like to have an equally good answer. Unfortunately, the only answer I have is, we don't know. We know from past experiences flying through the River that there are precautions to take like changing shield frequencies. But this part of the River is basically unknown to us. The ten scientists who have used it before us were in a Runabout and as you are aware, that is much smaller than a Sovereign. I expect us to have to fly pretty well to keep away from the River-sides, especially through certain areas. Those areas have been plotted by the Runabout and are now inside our databanks. The first difficult spot will arrive in about two days. The Runabout never experienced any negative effects but like I said, it's much smaller and thus had more room to manouever. I guess we will just have to keep our eyes and ears open." Aragorn nodded to Zzt. "If you don't mind, were you in Starfleet Academy Class 82B? The only time I ever encountered a Gerratlian in Starfleet was in that class. I have very fond memories of him, when during a college match of back-ball, he flattened me whilst we both were trying to unblock the ball. Best thing that could have happened to me, in the afternoon we had a test on Xenobiology and the hospitalisation gave me the time to do some extra study and pass the exam afterwards." Susan stared, she couldn't help it. She would never, in a hundred years, have thought that Aragorn could have made the college back-ball team. Of course, she would never have thought he could move so quickly out of the way of spilling water either. ~Full of surprises tonight, aren't you~ she thought dryly. Aragorn then looked around. "Ok, any other questions?" Stardate:2406.03.05 (USS Nimitz, Conference Room 1, CONN/OPS Ensign Onyx Kateb, 2240) Onyx entered the conference Room and took her seat. She was rather surprised to see Lt. Zzt sit beside her. She felt slightly worried, but concentrate on the briefing. When Lt. Zzt asked a question and that is paw hit the table. Onyx was rather relieve to have drank her entire glass of water, she had the reflex to catch her glass before it fell on the floor. Others got splash by there glass of water. What has more effect on her was, Admiral Aragorn tone, forcing everyone to listen and put things into perspective, true that it was only water. "QUIET! It's only water and won't stain! " Aragorn bellowed, "The Gerratlian Engineer has asked a very pertinent question and DESERVES to get a fair answer!" The room became very quiet, then Aragorn answered. "That was a good question and I would like to have an equally good answer. Unfortunately, the only answer I have is, we don't know. We know from past experiences flying through the River that there are precautions to take like changing shield frequencies. But this part of the River is basically unknown to us. The ten scientists who have used it before us were in a Runabout and as you are aware, that is much smaller than a Sovereign. expect us to have to fly pretty well to keep away from the River-sides, especially through certain areas. Those areas have been plotted by the Runabout and are now inside our databanks. The first difficult spot will arrive in about two days. The Runabout never experienced any negative effects but like I said, it's much smaller and thus had more room to manoeuvre. I guess we will just have to keep our eyes and ears open." Aragorn nodded to the Gerattlian. "If you don't mind, were you in Starfleet Academy Class 82B? The only time I ever encountered a Gerratlian in Starfleet was in that class. I have very fond memories of him, when during a college match of back-ball, he flattened me whilst we both were trying to unblock the ball. Best thing that could have happened to me, in the afternoon we had a test on Xenobiology and the hospitalisation gave me the time to do some extra study and pass the exam afterwards." (Reply Zzt, any) Onyx took a deep breath, and imagine the scene in her head, but maintained a tight control over her emotion and remain attentive. ~ I would have… No don’t go there. ~ Aragorn then looked around. "Ok, any other questions?" When his gaze was toward her. “Don’t have any question, Sir!” Said Onyx with a little smile. Stardate:2406.03.05 (USS Nimitz, Conference Room 1, M-CO, Aragorn, 22:44) Aragorn looked to his left and right and nodded to both Luisa and Susan. Then he got up and waited for the noise to quiet down. "Good afternoon, for those of you who do not know me, I am Admiral Aragorn, Mission Commanding Officer of Mission: Scout and as such in temporary command of the USS Nimitz. Let me start off by saying that although I am technically in command, as far as I am concerned, Captain Rivers is STILL the master of this vessel." Aragorn looked around the room. "The lady on my left hand side," he said, waving to his left, pretending not to have heard the snort, "Is Professor Luisa Rivers, Federation's most skilled T'Kon archeologist. She is the head of the archeological team currently aboard the Nimitz and is, just like Captain Rivers, to be regarded as my Executive Officer." Aragorn looked at the two women. "Before I will brief you on mission: Scout, let me set the scene. One of the previous missions of the crew of the Nimitz involved an extinct race in the Gamma Quadrant, called the Gulorians. It was during the aftermaths of the battle for Bajor that we were assigned to intercept a so-called Gulorian baseship, found by the Cardassians, who were about to take it over to the Alpha Quadrant as part of the invasion fleet. A Gulorian baseship is a half sphere, which a diameter in the order of miles, so an extremely large spaceship, which also has warp capabilities. During said mission, we were able to recapture the baseship, de-militarise it and give it a peaceful mission. However, form that moment onwards, Starfleet has been most interested in finding other Gulorian baseships. But during an extensive search in the Gamma Quadrant no sign of another baseship has been found and Starfleet came to the conclusion that the Cardassians must have found the last baseship in existance." Aragorn looked around, trying to remeber who had been around during that mission. "And Starfleet would still think that if not for the ground-breaking work performed by Professor Rivers during an excavation on a T'Kon base-planet. She discovered amidst the ruins a T'Kon computersystem that was still operational, even after 300.000 years. The computer contained a large amount of data about the closing stages of the T'Kon Empire and a lot of questions have been answered because of that. But it also gave rise to new questions. Some of the date found told about how a group of T'Kon people from a whole sector had decided to evacuate the sector before it was destroyed. As method of transport, they built an enormous spaceship that was supposed to take them into the Gamma Quadrant. The designation for the group of T'Kon was Guhl-O-rio, or in Federation Standard, the Travellers." Aragorn waited for the noise to quiet down again. "They used a previously unknown part of the subspace river to travel to the Gamma Quadrant. According to the material found by professor Rivers, that section of sub space river was specifically constructed for the transport of the huge baseship. Without precise knowledge of that section, it could not be found or even used. Luckily, the compter system that was found contained enough information to enable us to use that part of the river. And so a small group of archeologists set out and travelled through the sub space river to the other side of the Gamma Quadrant. They found a planet there near the exit of the river, which contained evidence of a large population who used T'Kon technology." "And that's where we come in. We are to travel the subspace river, drop the archeologist we have onboard and assist them in finding out what happened to the migration baseship. Unfortunately we have no idea where it might be or even what it looks like, all we know is that ist is supposed to be big. But what we DO know is that the ship contains an extensive library on T'Kon technology, which is much further advanced than ours. And according to the unearthed computer system, that base is still operational!" Aragorn took a sip of water. "To find a large ship, still operational after 300.000 years with technology Federation scientists haven't even dreamed about, THAT is Mission Scout." "You will appreciate that if it became known that the Federation would be searching for extended technology, the other races would immediately attack, to prevent us from finding and using it against them. That is why the security has been set up so strict and that is why we have moved so quickly. At the moment, only one person in the whole of SFHQ knows all about this mission. All others have been told on a strictly need to know basis. So you can easily state that at this moment, YOU have more knowledge about it than the majority of Starfleet Admirals." Aragorn grinned. "And that's why I am in charge. It will be my job to ensure the success of Mission: Scout. And that's why we are currently under computer control inside the sub space river flying at subspace speeds. The way the river has been constructed makes it impossible to use higher-than-light speeds. In about one week we will arrive at the other end of the river where a group of 7 archeologists eagerly are awaiting our arrival. Now I hope you can appreciate the importance of this mission and the honour of being amongst the few who can change the future of the Federation so drastically. There is a lot I have told you, and a lot I haven't because YOU also will operate on a need to know basis. However, if you have any questions, I will do my best to give you an answer, if possible. So, any questions?" Stardate:2406.03.05 (USS Nimitz, Conference Room 1, CEO, Lt. Zzt, 22:47) "...So, any questions?" Zzt was quite as a mouse, sitting on the floor on one side of the table, there being no chairs large enough to accommodate Zzt's large bulk. The table was still a little lower than he would like. Looking a little awkward with his knee's pushed up into his chest, Zzt looked meekly around at the other officers. After the Admiral answered Commander Sevants question, Zzt raised one paw high in the air and waited for the Admiral to acknowledge him. "Zzt question," He said, his voice trembling, "Dis river we swim. It known to adversely affect ship systems? Der been some minor abnormalities, so Zzt want know so him keep his paws on it." With out thinking, Zzt let his paw drop down on to the table top with a resounding THUD! The resulting vibrations sent through the table, sent several glasses into their respective owners laps. There were several shrill cries around the table as several, now drenched officers, jumped from their seats. His snout hanging open, eyes wide, Zzt tried to stammer an apology. ~Oh, hell! I'm dead!~ Stardate:2406.03.05 (USS Nimitz, Conference Room 1, ACMO, Kestra Troi-Wolf, 22:50) Kestra had made sure that Eistal could take care of the crew member that had collapsed ant then just made it to the meeting before it was about to start. She found a chair that she was suppose to sit in and sat down ready to listen to what was going to be said. She nodded to Admiral Aragorn with a smile as she did so. Kestra looked around the room to see a lot of strange new faces. She remember a time when she sat where Aragorn was sitting now and looked around at the new faces that had replaced a lot of her crew a thousand years ago it seemed. She saw Aragorn look to his left then right and nodded to both Luisa and Susan just before he got up. He stood there waiting for the noise to quiet down. "Good afternoon, for those of you who do not know me, I am Admiral Aragorn, Mission Commanding Officer of Mission: Scout and as such in temporary command of the USS Nimitz. Let me start off by saying that although I am technically in command, as far as I am concerned, Captain Rivers is STILL the master of this vessel." Aragorn looked around the room. "The lady on my left hand side," he said, waving to his left, pretending not to have heard the snort, "Is Professor Luisa Rivers, Federation's most skilled T'Kon archeologist. She is the head of the archeological team currently aboard the Nimitz and is, just like Captain Rivers, to be regarded as my Executive Officer." Aragorn looked at the two women. "Before I will brief you on mission: Scout, let me set the scene. One of the previous missions of the crew of the Nimitz involved an extinct race in the Gamma Quadrant, called the Gulorians.” Kestra remembered their encounter with the Gulorian base ship with the six cardassian ships and the battle that ensued as Aragorn was talking. She remembered that the ship had been like 40 miles in diameter and had been very hard to beat but they had at a cost. She came back to herself as Aragorn was talking about it. “found by the Cardassians, who were about to take it over to the Alpha Quadrant as part of the invasion fleet. A Gulorian baseship is a half sphere, which a diameter in the order of miles, so an extremely large spaceship, which also has warp capabilities. During said mission, we were able to recapture the baseship, de-militarise it and give it a peaceful mission.” She was suppose to take the Nimitz in the Gamma quadrant to search for other baseships but had resigned her commission to help Aragorn. She had went to Vega with him and Louise to help them settle in and to take care of Aragorn until others came to help him. ”However, form that moment onwards, Starfleet has been most interested in finding other Gulorian baseships. But during an extensive search in the Gamma Quadrant no sign of another baseship has been found and Starfleet came to the conclusion that the Cardassians must have found the last baseship in existance." Aragorn looked around. "And Starfleet would still think that if not for the ground-breaking work performed by Professor Rivers during an excavation on a T'Kon base-planet. She discovered amidst the ruins a T'Kon computer system that was still operational, even after 300.000 years. The computer contained a large amount of data about the closing stages of the T'Kon Empire and a lot of questions have been answered because of that. But it also gave rise to new questions. Some of the date found told about how a group of T'Kon people from a whole sector had decided to evacuate the sector before it was destroyed. As method of transport, they built an enormous spaceship that was supposed to take them into the Gamma Quadrant. The designation for the group of T'Kon was Guhl-O-rio, or in Federation Standard, the Travelers." Aragorn waited for the noise to quiet down again to begin again. Kestra sat there listening to what Aragorn had to say about the area and the mission. Kestra must have been in a daze or something cause when she heard the loud THUD she jumped and her water dropped in her lap as did many others. She hastily picked up the goblet out of her lap as she stood up to let the excess water fall to the floor. She looked around and finally saw where it had come from. She had never saw something so huge as what looked like a bear looking around at everyone. She got the impression from looking at it that it might want to eat each and everyone there but the feelings that she got was totally different. Then Aragorn exploded as Kestra began to sit down and again it made her jump. "QUIET! It's only water and won't stain! " Aragorn bellowed, "The Gerratlian Engineer has asked a very pertinent question and DESERVES to get a fair answer!" Aragorn smiled to the ursanoid. "That was a good question and I would like to have an equally good answer. Unfortunately, the only answer I have is, we don't know. We know from past experiences flying through the River that there are precautions to take like changing shield frequencies. But this part of the River is basically unknown to us. The ten scientists who have used it before us were in a Runabout and as you are aware, that is much smaller than a Sovereign. I expect us to have to fly pretty well to keep away from the River-sides, especially through certain areas. Those areas have been plotted by the Runabout and are now inside our databanks. The first difficult spot will arrive in about two days. The Runabout never experienced any negative effects but like I said, it's much smaller and thus had more room to manouever. I guess we will just have to keep our eyes and ears open." Aragorn nodded to the Gerattlian. "If you don't mind, were you in Starfleet Academy Class 82B? The only time I ever encountered a Gerratlian in Starfleet was in that class. I have very fond memories of him, when during a college match of back-ball, he flattened me whilst we both were trying to unblock the ball. Best thing that could have happened to me, in the afternoon we had a test on Xenobiology and the hospitalisation gave me the time to do some extra study and pass the exam afterwards." Kestra decided that she would just wait till the end of the meeting before mentioning anything to Aragorn about what she remembered about that time. As she was about to leave she walked by Aragorn, “Brings back memories Admiral don’t it.” She said with a sly smile. Stardate:2406.03.05 (USS Nimitz - Conference Room - Lt Cmdr Sevant - 22:52) "And that's where we come in. We are to travel the subspace river, drop the archeologist we have onboard and assist them in finding out what happened to the migration baseship. Unfortunately we have no idea where it might be or even what it looks like, all we know is that it is supposed to be big. But what we DO know is that the ship contains an extensive library on T'Kon technology, which is much further advanced than ours. And according to the unearthed computer system, that base is still operational!" Sevant cocked his head to the side as he listened. "To find a large ship, still operational after 300.000 years with technology Federation scientists haven't even dreamed about, THAT is Mission Scout." "You will appreciate that if it became known that the Federation would be searching for extended technology, the other races would immediately attack, to prevent us from finding and using it against them. That is why the security has been set up so strict and that is why we have moved so quickly. At the moment, only one person in the whole of SFHQ knows all about this mission. All others have been told on a strictly need to know basis. So you can easily state that at this moment, YOU have more knowledge about it than the majority of Starfleet Admirals. And that's why I am in charge. It will be my job to ensure the success of Mission: Scout. And that's why we are currently under computer control inside the sub space river flying at subspace speeds. The way the river has been constructed makes it impossible to use higher-than-light speeds. In about one week we will arrive at the other end of the river where a group of 7 archeologists eagerly are awaiting our arrival. Now I hope you can appreciate the importance of this mission and the honor of being amongst the few who can change the future of the Federation so drastically. There is a lot I have told you, and a lot I haven't because YOU also will operate on a need to know basis. However, if you have any questions, I will do my best to give you an answer, if possible. So, any questions?" Sevant tapped his fingers together for a few moments, one of the Admiral's earlier statements had rung a bell in his mind. "Admiral, you said we, as in the Federation, would be attacked right away if this leaked. That leaves us in clear and present danger, permission to run at yellow alert." Stardate:2406.03.05 (USS Nimitz - Conference Room - Lt Nakamura- 22:52) ishi sat half listening to the the Admiral's briefing, it was sound pretty far fetched, but then again he had been sent on some crazy mission in the past. Every now and again he would drops his gaze to the Padd/Reciever that he had casually placed on the table in front of him. "You will appreciate that if it became known that the Federation would be searching for extended technology, the other races would immediately attack, to prevent us from finding and using it against them. That is why the security has been set up so strict and that is why we have moved so quickly. At the moment, only one person in the whole of SFHQ knows all about this mission. All others have been told on a strictly need to know basis. So you can easily state that at this moment... Again he checked the padd, as it scanned through the whole range of signals at it's disposal for covertly receiving a transmission, it was certainly taking it's time. ... knowledge about it than the majority of Starfleet Admirals. And that's why I am in charge. It will be my job to ensure the success of Mission: Scout. And that's why we are currently under computer control inside the sub space river flying at subspace speeds. The way the river has been constructed makes it impossible to use higher-than-light speeds. In about one week we will arrive at the other end of the river where a group of 7 archeologists eagerly are awaiting our arrival. Now I hope you can appreciate the importance of this mission and the honor of being amongst the few who can change the future of the Federation so drastically. There is a lot I have told you..... Nishi felt his heart sink as he looked down at the padd/receiver, a tiny green signal light had appeared in the top right hand corner of the display, just as it had when he tested it in his office. Somebody in the room was wearing a set of pips (hidden listening device) and was transmitting this meeting.... Whoever it was who was listening, or recording it had to be on the ship, and as this was starfleet intelligence technology, it would be only fair to assume that they were an SFI agent. Sevant tapped his fingers together for a few moments, one of the Admiral's earlier statements had rung a bell in his mind. "Admiral, you said we, as in the Federation, would be attacked right away if this leaked. That leaves us in clear and present danger, permission to run at yellow alert." ~I think it's too late for that~ Nishi thought looking around the room in a vein hope of figuring out who was unknowingly working as an SFI spy. The list of obvious candidates included the captain - who presumably the admiral would confide in, Lt. Commander Sevant - who theoretically would be privy to mission briefings like this one. Of course the most obvious choice would be the admiral himself. He had to talk to the captain... Stardate:2406.03.05 (USS Nimitz - Conference Room - Lt Cmdr Sevant - 22:52) "And that's where we come in. We are to travel the subspace river, drop the archeologist we have onboard and assist them in finding out what happened to the migration baseship. Unfortunately we have no idea where it might be or even what it looks like, all we know is that it is supposed to be big. But what we DO know is that the ship contains an extensive library on T'Kon technology, which is much further advanced than ours. And according to the unearthed computer system, that base is still operational!" Sevant cocked his head to the side as he listened. "To find a large ship, still operational after 300.000 years with technology Federation scientists haven't even dreamed about, THAT is Mission Scout." "You will appreciate that if it became known that the Federation would be searching for extended technology, the other races would immediately attack, to prevent us from finding and using it against them. That is why the security has been set up so strict and that is why we have moved so quickly. At the moment, only one person in the whole of SFHQ knows all about this mission. All others have been told on a strictly need to know basis. So you can easily state that at this moment, YOU have more knowledge about it than the majority of Starfleet Admirals. And that's why I am in charge. It will be my job to ensure the success of Mission: Scout. And that's why we are currently under computer control inside the sub space river flying at subspace speeds. The way the river has been constructed makes it impossible to use higher-than-light speeds. In about one week we will arrive at the other end of the river where a group of 7 archeologists eagerly are awaiting our arrival. Now I hope you can appreciate the importance of this mission and the honor of being amongst the few who can change the future of the Federation so drastically. There is a lot I have told you, and a lot I haven't because YOU also will operate on a need to know basis. However, if you have any questions, I will do my best to give you an answer, if possible. So, any questions?" Sevant tapped his fingers together for a few moments, one of the Admiral's earlier statements had rung a bell in his mind. "Admiral, you said we, as in the Federation, would be attacked right away if this leaked. That leaves us in clear and present danger, permission to run at yellow alert." Stardate:2406.03.05 USS Nimitz - Conference Room 1 - Lt Cmdr Sevant - 22:53) "... So, any questions?" Aragorn concluded. "Admiral, you said we, as in the Federation, would be attacked right away if this leaked. That leaves us in clear and present danger, permission to run at yellow alert." Sevant followed the Admiral's gaze to *his* Captain, and he said. "That's a good suggestion. Susan? It's still your baby?" She said, "I agree, Sir. Make it so, Commander." Sevant nodded his head and tapped his badge, "Yellow Alert, kill the klaxons after the first 10 seconds." His eyes turned as the yellow alert klaxons went off and yellow lights started going off. The sound died down after the ordered ten seconds, just enough to wake everyone up.. Not enough to be highly annoying. Sevant turned his head back to Rivers and nodded, then looked over at the CEO who had his hand up. "Zzt question, Dis river we swim. It known to adversely affect ship systems? Der been some minor abnormalities, so Zzt want know so him keep his paws on it." Sevant was about ready to fold his hands together and wait for the answer, as he knew little about the river, when the huge beast let his paw drop on the table. Sevant reached out and caught his glass before it fell in his lap, but many others were not nearly so fortunate. He placed his glass back on the table and leveled his gaze at the Lieutenant. ~Wonderful, I hope he is better with machines...~ The beast was trying to stammer an apology, but the Admiral cut off all the murmurs both from him and from others around the table. "QUIET! It's only water and won't stain! " Aragorn bellowed, "The Gerratlian Engineer has asked a very pertinent question and DESERVES to get a fair answer!" Sevant looked over at the admiral, and frowned when he noticed the man smiling. "That was a good question and I would like to have an equally good answer. Unfortunately, the only answer I have is, we don't know. We know from past experiences flying through the River that there are precautions to take like changing shield frequencies. But this part of the River is basically unknown to us. The ten scientists who have used it before us were in a Runabout and as you are aware, that is much smaller than a Sovereign. I expect us to have to fly pretty well to keep away from the River-sides, especially through certain areas. Those areas have been plotted by the Runabout and are now inside our databanks. The first difficult spot will arrive in about two days. The Runabout never experienced any negative effects but like I said, it's much smaller and thus had more room to maneuver. I guess we will just have to keep our eyes and ears open." ~Wonderful, flying blind into an unknown situation.~ His frowned remained on his face as the Admiral took a tour down memory lane, Academy sports and the like. Sevant resisted the impulse to shake his head, this was turning out to be a very undesirable mission. He only hoped this ship was worth it. "Ok, any other questions?" Sevant looked around, and waited. Stardate:2406.03.05 (USS Nimitz - Conference Room 1 - Lt Cmdr Sevant - 22:53) "... So, any questions?" Aragorn concluded. "Admiral, you said we, as in the Federation, would be attacked right away if this leaked. That leaves us in clear and present danger, permission to run at yellow alert." Sevant followed the Admiral's gaze to *his* Captain, and he said. "That's a good suggestion. Susan? It's still your baby?" She said, "I agree, Sir. Make it so, Commander." Sevant nodded his head and tapped his badge, "Yellow Alert, kill the klaxons after the first 10 seconds." His eyes turned as the yellow alert klaxons went off and yellow lights started going off. The sound died down after the ordered ten seconds, just enough to wake everyone up.. Not enough to be highly annoying. Sevant turned his head back to Rivers and nodded, then looked over at the CEO who had his hand up. "Zzt question, Dis river we swim. It known to adversely affect ship systems? Der been some minor abnormalities, so Zzt want know so him keep his paws on it." Sevant was about ready to fold his hands together and wait for the answer, as he knew little about the river, when the huge beast let his paw drop on the table. Sevant reached out and caught his glass before it fell in his lap, but many others were not nearly so fortunate. He placed his glass back on the table and leveled his gaze at the Lieutenant. ~Wonderful, I hope he is better with machines...~ The beast was trying to stammer an apology, but the Admiral cut off all the murmurs both from him and from others around the table. "QUIET! It's only water and won't stain! " Aragorn bellowed, "The Gerratlian Engineer has asked a very pertinent question and DESERVES to get a fair answer!" Sevant looked over at the admiral, and frowned when he noticed the man smiling. "That was a good question and I would like to have an equally good answer. Unfortunately, the only answer I have is, we don't know. We know from past experiences flying through the River that there are precautions to take like changing shield frequencies. But this part of the River is basically unknown to us. The ten scientists who have used it before us were in a Runabout and as you are aware, that is much smaller than a Sovereign. I expect us to have to fly pretty well to keep away from the River-sides, especially through certain areas. Those areas have been plotted by the Runabout and are now inside our databanks. The first difficult spot will arrive in about two days. The Runabout never experienced any negative effects but like I said, it's much smaller and thus had more room to maneuver. I guess we will just have to keep our eyes and ears open." ~Wonderful, flying blind into an unknown situation.~ His frowned remained on his face as the Admiral took a tour down memory lane, Academy sports and the like. Sevant resisted the impulse to shake his head, this was turning out to be a very undesirable mission. He only hoped this ship was worth it. "Ok, any other questions?" Sevant looked around, and waited. Stardate:2406.03.05 (USS Nimitz, Conference Room 1, Lt. Nakamura, 22:55) Nishi had to smile, in fact he fought back a laugh, the meeting was in chaos many people including himself were wearing their beverage of choice. "Any questions" asked the admiral. Nishi had more question than he could ask, many of them still taking shape in the back of his mind, but they weren't question he could ask here. Not while somebody was listening. The meeting calmed itself and continued around him, as Nishi was trying to think of a way to talk to the captain without being overheard. (after the meeting) Nishi stood, collected the Padd from the table and approached the captain in a casual manner, this was going to sound odd, but he hoped the pure obscurity of it would clue her in. "Captain" he said with a smile, walking towards her "I know it's late, but are we still on for for tennis in holodeck 3, say half an our?" he said as if she would know what he was talking about, "I just replicated a new racket and I'm dying to try it out" It was all he could think of, a location that wouldn't be watched, and a situation that didn't include any starfleet pips, belt buckles, or comm. Badges.