Illuminar Compile Death in the ShadowsDates:  August 23rd to September 12thMission:  Death in the Shadows>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Mission: Death in the ShadowsDay: 15-16Stardate 2446.02.15-2446.02.16>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>DAY 15(USS HiIlary - Flight Deck - Pilot Vic ÔRaidÕ Montero, aCEO Ensign Scott Matrix - 1815)(USS Illuminar - Bridge - 2/O LCDR Dieter Gregory, Lt (jg) TÕMur - 1820)(USS Illuminar - Bridge - 2/O LCDR Dieter Gregory, CTO Lt(jg) TÕMur - 1827)(USS HiIlary - Flight Deck - Pilot Vic ÔRaidÕ Montero, aCEO Ensign Scott Matrix - 1830)(USS Illuminar - Bridge - 2/O LCDR Dieter Gregory - 1835) (USS Illuminar - Deck 4 - Explorers Lounge -  PO1 Steven Hammons and Counselor - Lt(jg) Alaya Hammons - 1900) (USS Illuminar - Deck 5 - Holosuit-  Chief of Security Lt (jn) Keung Lee- 1930) (USS Illuminar - Deck 5 - Holosuit-  Chief of Security Lt (jn) Keung Lee- 1950)DAY 16(USS Illuminar - Deck 6 Ð Personal Quarters Ð ACEO Scott Matrix - 0410)(USS Illuminar - Deck 4 - Personal Quarters - Temas Loredo and LumaÕLenai- 0900)(Betazed - Near  Lake Cateria Resort  - LCDR Dieter Gregory, Lt (jg) TÕMur, Ensign Bohb, ME Mason Quincy, PO1 Steven Hammons- 0915) (USS Illuminar - Deck 11 - Main Engineering - Engineer Ens jg Tycho Alantar - 1015)(USS Illuminar - Deck 5 - Sickbay - Security Cadet  - Jane Walker -1021)(USS Illuminar - Deck 5 -  Sickbay - MedTech Eugene Rizzo -1022 )(USS Illuminar -- Sickbay -- Deck 5 -- CMO/3XO Lt. Quinna Solice --1025 )(USS Illuminar - Deck 5 -  Sickbay - Security Cadet Jane Walker -1026 )(USS Illuminar - Deck 5 - Sickbay - Engineer Ens jg Tycho Alantar - 1028)(USS Illuminar - Deck 5 - Sickbay - Engineer Ens jg Tycho Alantar -1029 )(USS Illuminar - Deck 5 Ð Sickbay Isolation Room Ð Chief of Security -1030)(USS Illuminar -- Corridors -- MS Dr. Mason Quincy -- 1123)(USS Illuminar -- Sickbay -- Deck 5 -- CMO/3XO Lt. Quinna Solice --1125 )(USS Illuminar -- Sickbay -- Deck 5 Ð Chief of Security Lt (jn) Keung Lee --1130 )(USS Illuminar -- Sickbay -- Deck 5 -  SPA  LT JG   Ariel Trei - 11.31)(USS Illuminar -- Sickbay -- Deck 5 -  CMO 3XO Lt. Quinna Solice -- 11:32) (USS Illuminar -- Sickbay -- Deck 5 Ð CMO/3XO Lt. Quinna Solice --1135 ) (USS Illuminar -- Sickbay -- Deck 5 Ð Chief of Security Lt (jn) Keung Lee --1140 )(USS Illuminar -- Sickbay Iso room-- Deck 5 Ð CMO 3XO Lt. Quinna Solice --1145 )(USS Illuminar -- Sickbay Iso room-- Deck 5 Ð Chief of Security Lt (jn) Keung Lee--1150 )(USS Illuminar - Deck 1 - COps Office - 2/O LCDR Dieter Gregory - 1200) (USS Illuminar - Deck 4 - Medical - 2/O LCDR Dieter Gregory - 1230) (USS Illuminar - Deck 5 - Medical - ME Mason Quincy and CMO 3XO Lt. Quinna Solice - 1240)(USS Illuminar - Deck 5 - Medical - SPA   LT JG   Ariel Trei - 12.46)(USS Illuminar - Deck 5 - Medical - ME Dr. Mason Quincy - 1250)(USS Illuminar - Deck 5 - Medical - SPA   LT JG   Ariel Trei - 12.55)(USS Illuminar - Deck 10 - Main Shuttlebay - 2/O LCDR Dieter Gregory - 1300)(USS Illuminar -Deck 5 - Medical - Dr. Mason Quincy - 13.00) (USS Illuminar - Deck 10 - Main Shuttlebay - Engineer Ens jg Tycho Alantar - 1301)(USS Illuminar -Deck 5 - Medical - SPA   LT JG   Ariel Trei - 13.05)(USS Illuminar - Deck 5 - Medical - ME Dr. Mason Quincy - 1307) (USS Illuminar - Holodeck 1 - SPA   LT JG   Ariel Trei - 13.20)(USS Illuminar - Deck 11 - Main Engineering - 2/O LCDR Dieter Gregory - 1330) (USS Illuminar - Deck 11 - Engineering Lab 2 - EO - Ensign Bohb and COps Lt. Commander Deiter Gregory - 1331)(USS Illuminar- Deck 14 - CSOÕ Office - CTO Lt. TÕMur and CSO Lt. Keung Lee- 1400)(USS Illuminar- Deck 14 - CSOÕ Office - CTO Lt. TÕMur and CSO Lt. Keung Lee- 1400)(USS Illuminar -- CMO Office - SPA   LT JG   Ariel Trei - 15.25)(USS Illuminar -- CMO Office - Deck 5 -- CMO/3XO Lt. Quinna Solice - 15.27)(USS Illuminar -- CMO Office -   SPA   LT JG   Ariel Trei - 15.30)(USS Illuminar -- CMO Office -- Deck 5 -- CMO/3XO Lt. Quinna Solice -- 1531)(USS Illuminar -- CMO Office   SPA   LT JG   Ariel Trei - 15.35)(USS Illuminar -- CMO Office -- Deck 5 -- CMO/3XO Lt. Quinna Solice --  15.40)(USS Illuminar -- CMO Office --  SPA   LT JG   Ariel Trei - 15.45)(USS Illuminar Ð Deck 14  Chief of Security Office.  Chief of Security Lt (jn)  Keung Lee -- 1545(USS Illuminar- Deck 1 - Bridge - 2O/COps Lt. Commander Dieter Gregory and CTO Lt. TÕMur - 1600)(USS Illuminar- Deck 4 - Sickbay - 3O/CMO Dr. Quinna Solice and CTO Lt. TÕMur - 1645)(USS Illuminar- Deck 14 - Security Equipment Storage - 3O/CMO Dr. Quinna Solice, CTO Lt. TÕMur, Ensign Francesca (Frankie) OÕRiley, Luma - 1650)(USS Illuminar- Deck 2 - Personal Quarters - FO Commander Sienna Williams-Verin and CTO Lt. TÕMur - 2210)DAY 17(USS Illuminar - Deck 1 COps Office - LCDR Lieutenant Dieter Gregory - 0500)>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>(USS HiIlary - Flight Deck - Pilot Vic ÔRaidÕ Montero, aCEO Ensign Scott Matrix - 1815)Vic finished all the checks.  ÒReady  Gunsmoke?Ó he asked.ÒLight my fire Raid,Ó she replied. He entered the final sequence and the docking clamps were released.  Using the RCS controls, Vic eased the Hillary out of the docking bay.  When it was 100 meters below the Illuminar he tapped the com.  ÒHillary is free.  Repeat Hillary is free.  Beginning trials now.Ó ÒSetting course 125 by 90, one quarter impulse,Ó Vic said.  ÒWatch the power consumption and keep an eye on the sensors to see if the Illuminar paints us.Ó  ÒCopy,Ó Gunsmoke said.  ÒMr. Matrix,Ó Vic called out, ÒStart up your sequence.  WeÕll be ready to give it a try in about 5 minutes or so.ÓÒSequence starting now.Ó replied Scott. A few moments passed. ÒSystems are coming up. Everything appears to be working correctly.Ó ~LetÕs see if we got everything plugged in correctly.~ thought Scott.The telemetry information started to populate his display screen. All green so far except for one EPS flow.ÒSir, one of the EPS flow regulators isnÕt within specs...it's not providing enough power to the input matrix. IÕll need a bit more time to adjust it.Ó Scott moved over to the secondary station and tapped several commands into the console. The display generated a real time representation of the EPS power flows of the ships systems. Scott was specifically interested in the cloaking device. ~GoodÉ.good.~ÒSir, the EPS flows are coming up to specifications. I had to adjust the regulators...for some reason the cloaking device is consuming more power than anticipated.Ó Scott continued. Vic nodded, Òkeep an eye on that output Gunsmoke.  Take weapons off-line and see if that helps the power.ÓBebe ran her fingers over the controls, ÒWeapons off-line.  All extra power returned to Engineering,Ó she said. ÒMy guess is, the Hillary's systems are not as efficient as the simulator predicted. IÕve adjusted the EPS programming to compensate. This shouldnÕt be a problem, but keep in mind we canÕt run the cloaking device for more than an hour at a time.Ó replied Scott.Vic frowned, one hour cloaked at warp 5 was just under 200 billion kilometers.  ÒThatÕs not enough. We need more time on the cloak.  HillaryÕs max speed is warp 5 for 12 hours.  If we can run the cloak that long weÕll be 2 trillion kilometers away.  A ship at war 9 would take a bit over an hour to intercept,Ó Montero said, shaking his head.  Maybe this was going to be a sucide mission.  WOuldnÕt be the first heÕd undertaken. Gunsmoke heard the tone in VicÕs voice, ÒYou ok?Ó she asked softly. ÒSplendid.  Splendid indeed.  This is just a trial so letÕs kick the tires,Ó  Vic said.  ÒMake sure youÕre strapped inScott heeded the advice and cinched his harness as tight as it would go. HeÕd learned in several simulated and real excursions things get dislodged quickly. ÒGot it!Ó he bellowed.>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>(USS Illuminar - Bridge - 2/O LCDR Dieter Gregory, Lt (jg) TÕMur - 1820)On the bridge, Gregory watched as the Hillary disengaged from the Illuminar and started traveling away.  ÒMs. TÕMur, confirm targeting solution for the Hillary.  Science, keep scanning and look for odd emissions from the Hillary.  I would like a baseline before they disappear.  TÕMur pulled up the readout on her monitor and began to scan the ship, locking onto it and programming the sensors to anticipate its trajectory in order to maintain the readings.  ÒTarget confirmed,Ó she reported.  ÒWe should be able to keep a lock on her even after the cloaking device is engaged.  The operative word there is should since we have no real idea what will happen with our sensors once the device is running.  However, I have anticipated any logical deviations from the plan.  As long as Mr. Montero follows the flight plan.ÓGregory chuckled, ÒMs. TÕMur, I am not sure if you have reviewed Ensign MonteroÕs jacket.  He is one of the top pilots in the fleet, as good as our Lieutenant Grey Wolf, so I would not count on him following any flight plan.  However, this is an initial test, so we wonÕt be playing at Warp speeds, that will have to wait to make sure that the device doesnÕt cause damage to the Hillary.Ó ÒAs I suspected,Ó TÕMur replied. ÒYes, I have read Mr. MonteroÕs file.ÓÒScience, what is the particle output from the Hillary?Ó Looking up from the data, the young man at science replied, Ò0.25 over background, Sir.  Mostly quasiparticles from fermion decay,Ó he replied.~That was a good thing~ Gregory thought. ÒKeep monitoring that decay. See if you can isolate spin values on any of them.ÓÒBut Sir,Ó the man started.  ÒI am well aware of the observer effect Mr. Goodfellow, and using the Bohr transformation, you can correct for that.Ó (USS HiIlary - Flight Deck - Pilot Vic ÔRaidÕ Montero, aCEO Ensign Scott Matrix - 1825)Vic was ready as he was ever going to be.  ÒMr. Matrix, engage the cloak on my mark.Ó ÒThree É Two É Mark.Ó  ÒEngagedÓ replied Scott.As the cloaking device began to do its magic, as Vic thought, he felt a strange shimmy in the controls.  ÒFeel that Gunsmoke?Ó he asked his copilot.ÒYea, but itÕs stopped now,Ó she replied. ÒWhat are the sensors reading,Ó Vic asked. ÒEverything looks normal, no changes on that end,Ó she replied. ÒMr. Matrix, how is your power consumption.  WeÕre only playing at sub-light speeds.  Will I have warp speed?Ó ÒPower levels are holding. Light speed at your command.Ó he replied. Vic grinned. ÒOK, letÕs see what this can really do,Ó  he said, changing course.  Gunsmoke looked at the heading, ÒThat's going to take us outside of the operational grid.ÓVic shrugged, ÒOh well.  If they canÕt see us, they wonÕt know.  And when is a test ever fair?ÓÒHowÕs it going, Matrix?  Are we still invisible?Ó Scott glanced at the display, ÒYes...so far...umbilical feeds are within expected tolerances, but the frequency jumps might give their sensors some scrutiny. IÕm attempting to compensate.Ó replied Scott.>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>(USS Illuminar - Bridge - 2/O LCDR Dieter Gregory, CTO Lt(jg) TÕMur - 1827)Gregory moved back to the command chair, pulling up the data on his screen.  ÒHelm, steady as she goes.  LetÕs give our sensors the best chance.ÓWatching the main viewscreen, he watched as the Hillary suddenly disappeared.  ÒThe game's afoot,  Science, Tactical, do your best.  Find the Hillary.Ó Fortunately TÕMur had taken precautions ahead of time and managed a tracer program in the Hilary months ago, in case the ship ever ÒdisappearedÓ with the captain in it.  However, in order not to ÒcheatÓ the exercise, she did not continually reference it.  Instead she would deduce where the ship most likely was and scan for it.  Standard scans were not able to penetrate the cloak.  Then she switched to a tachyon sweep.  She adjusted the sensor array to emit a series of tachyon beams in a wide spread, and then scanned for any reaction to the beams.  Periodically she would get a hit and know where to concentrate her sweep.  Then the Hillary would make a sudden turn.  She also had the readings of the ships power grid.  However, once the cloak had engaged those readings did, indeed, disappear.  Suddenly there was a beep on her panel.  The next hit on the Hilary from the tachyon sweep came in.ÒCommander,Ó she called out, Òtarget acquired at 267.35 mark 87.4 mark 102.2.ÓÒParticle emissions are now 0.5 over background, with a shift to the dominant component being phonons.Ó >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>(USS HiIlary - Flight Deck - Pilot Vic ÔRaidÕ Montero, aCEO Ensign Scott Matrix - 1830)ÒThey are painting us with a tachyon pulse,Ó Gunsmoke called out. Vic shook his head, Òthat is not good,Ó he replied. ÒMatrix, can you do anything about that?Ó ÒPerhaps...I could try to alter the power curve and see if we can bend the tachyon feed to mimic background energy.Ó started Scott. ÒWorking on a solution now. Give me a few moments.Ó >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>(USS Illuminar - Bridge - 2/O LCDR Dieter Gregory - 1835)ÒPut the telemetry on screen,Ó he called.  ÒLetÕs see what our pilot is doing.ÓGregory watched as the track from tactical was displayed.  ÒSo we can find them with tachyon pulses.  Is the cloak giving off any other emissions we can track?ÓTÕMur tapped some keys and her panel and the projected path of the Hilary was displayed on the screen.ÒAs of yet, there has been no evidence of emissions,Ó TÕMur replied, although there are signs of displaced space debris showing that something has traveled through the area of space.  To be fair to engineeringÕs work, I did have a logical deduction on where to start looking.ÓGregory nodded.  ÒWell it's a start.Ó  Tapping his comm badge ÒIlluminar to Hillary.  Good job, bring it home now Mr. Montero and we can begin to review the data.Ó=^= Acknowledged Illuminar.  Hillary is RTB=^=(Reply None)(Posted by Al, Steve and Tim)>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Mission:  Death in the ShadowsDay: 15Stardate: 2446.02.15 (USS Illuminar - Deck 4 - Explorers Lounge -  PO1 Steven Hammons and Counselor - Lt(jg) Alaya Hammons - 1900)They drifted into the Lounge and Steven made straight for the serving table where he ordered 2 large glasses of lightly sweetened iced tea, a ribeye steak (medium rare) and a loaded baked potato with crumbled bacon then carried his tea glasses to the closest four person table. They had cleaned up in their cabin and changed before venturing out to eat a late meal.He first pulled out a chair for Alaya and seated her then sank into the chair across from her with a sigh and drank a big slug of tea before speaking. "I'm tired and sore and feel like I just got into a fistfight with Godzilla É and lost."Alaya watched her mate in amusement, and was dressed in the blue uniform gown of counseling.  It showed off her cleavage and it was a few shades lighter than her fabulous blue hair. She had picked it mainly for StevenÕs benefit.  She had quietly ordered a strawberry chicken poppyseed salad and an extra large chocolate peanut butter milkshake as well as corn chips and queso.  She loved queso.  The chips and queso were ready immediately so she took them to her seat. Her milkshake and salad would take a bit. She dipped a warm, lightly salted chip into the cheesy goodness and ate it with a satisfied crunch.ÒAll I had to do was stand back and make sure all of you were still living at the end. But it was tiring. A lot more walking on ah, uneven paths, than I was used to.  Different than some of the other things weÕve played.  I wish you had asked me to join you though. Luma seems to love sending me in to rescue you though.Ó Alaya spoke in amusement. ÒI noticed that my outfit was a little out of place in that environment. ItÕs snow, cold, sleeting and people willingly had bare skin to it.Ó She shivered. Alaya was well known to be a hot house tropical flower. ÒI liked my warm wool, leather and fur.Ó  Luma had ideas about what one was supposed to wear in a cold environment and it had to be stylish as well. ÒInteresting to meet Mr. Bohb. Luma finds him utterly fascinating.Ó She stole the other glass of iced tea and took a long drink since her milkshake was not ready yet. "I just wanted to try it out and hadn't planned on getting deep into the program but people started popping up and that dadgum quest chain kind of pulled us all in." Hammons chuckled. "One thing is for sure it gives a good workout and will probably toughen me up. Swinging a sword against a brick wall does wonders for forearm and wrist strength." He took another gulp. "It was fun having Bohb and Lieutenant Trei along for the ride and I hope we can gather the party again sometime. In the meanwhile we could duck in and maybe immerse ourselves in a little more flavor without spoiling any of the major quest lines. Speaking of whichÉ"Their order arrived and his mouth began watering at the sight of the steakÉ at least it looked like a nicely cooked ribeye steak with a loaded baked potato, who knows what it had been in a former life. Now THAT was a thought trail he didn't want to go down!He cut off a beautiful bite and enjoyed the taste along with a mouthful of potato before resuming his thought. "It kind of got lost at the end but apparently we leveled up to six and have six perk points to spend. I'm going to have to look it up and do some research on the game. Not enough to spoil any surprises hopefully. Did you enjoy it?"Alaya smiled as her salad arrived at the same time.  Crispy romaine leaves mixed with spinach, feta cheese, honeyed walnuts, fresh strawberries and blueberries and tender, juicy chicken in a strawberry dressing. It was decadent and fresh and pleasing to the hedonistic betazoid. Her peanut butter chocolate shake was creamy, thick and rich and the pairing would be odd to a non-betazoid. ÒSeriously, next time we should invite Luma to play. SheÕd have fun and fit in with the world.Ó Alaya applied herself to her food with pleased gusto. ÒI like other games that we play on the holodeck. That other one we played togetherÉÓ She teased him sending him the image. ÒIÕd like to go back there next time we have a block of time to spend.  But if we go back to the Skyrim, there are some changes IÕd like to make to my character. Like being a dragon person too.Ó  She grinned at him, then took a large slurp of her shake.Steven smiled at the thought she sent his way. "I agree but that's our private program and not something I'm comfortable sharing. Give it points that it taught me how to use a sword properly, the instruction was intense." It tasted like real beef and not mystery meat so he dug into his steak with gusto then alternated with potato he had thoroughly mixed in the skin to spread the flavors. The program had caused him to work up an appetite and he had been starving. When he was halfway through he finished off his glass of tea then rescued the other from Alaya who had only lightly sipped it."Luma is welcome to come join if she wants and it would be the perfect opportunity for her to get in with a group of people."Alaya had mixed her salad and was eating through the decadent flavors with joy. Her salad had disappeared very quickly, so she went back to her corn chips with queso and sipped her shake.  It was a strange mix of flavors but she liked it. ÒGosh. IÕm still hungry. But if I eat anything more IÕll need an extra long workout.Ó She frowned at her empty plate. ÒI know you like my padding but IÕd prefer more muscle than padding.Ó  Alaya grinned at the thought of her fighting with Steven using her daggers to his sword. The question would be how long it would take Steven to take her down. ÒBut IÕm too tired to workout today. That simulation was a workout.ÓAlaya leaned back with a soft groan for her sore muscles. ÒI think I want a hot jacuzzi tub. I know there is one in the gym. Shall we go there and soak our aches away?Ó She looked hopeful. Steven had made short work of his meal and gulped down the last of the tea. "That's a wonderful idea, let's go." He stood up and moved to where she was sitting and offered a hand to lift her from the seat. "It will be just the thing to get the kinks out.".Alaya took his hand with a smile, then after she was standing brought his hand to her lips and kissed it. She too was aching and looking forward to the hot water.(reply none)(posted by Charles and Mel)>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Mission:  Death in the ShadowsDay: 15Stardate: 2446.02.15  (USS Illuminar - Deck 5 - Holosuit-  Chief of Security Lt (jn) Keung Lee- 1930) The office was small and windowless. It took up a corner of a large warehouse and was little more than a plywood box with space for two desks, a photocopier, a filing cabinet, a small fridge and five steel lockers. On the wall above the filing cabinet was a chart and Lee went over to look at it. A group ere due to start at nine-thirty so he went to check the battle arena. The warehouse was a paintball venue   There were five floors in the building, linked by a staircase at each end. There were firemanÕs poles and ladders, wooden walls, chain-link fences and other obstacles to make a battlefield which was illuminated with a computer-controlled light and laser system. The top four floors were used for combat, and on the ground floor was the office, along with a changing room and shower facilities, a shop selling paintballs, equipment and clothing, and a large practice area where the players could fire their guns at targets.  There were no windows anywhere in the warehouse other than in the roof so everywhere was illuminated As Lee walked over to the computerised console which controlled the lighting system, two men arrived carrying nylon holdalls. They were both in their late twenties, well groomed and tanned as if just back from Mediterranean holiday. One of them dropped his holdall on the floor. ÒYou in charge?Ó he called over to Lee ÒSure am,Ó answered Lee. ÒWhich team are you?Ó ÒWeÕre the Bayswater Blasters. Is the other side here yet?Ó ÒYouÕre the first,Ó said Lee. ÒYouÕre due to start at nine-thirty, right?Ó Five more young men arrived, all dressed casually in jeans and sweatshirts. ÒThey here, Simon?Ó one of them shouted. ÒNo, you sure they said theyÕre still on?Ó the man in glasses replied. ÒSure. I spoke to their captain on Wednesday.Ó ÒWhy donÕt you get changed while youÕre waiting?Ó He  showed them where the changing room was and gave them photocopied maps of the arena. When they reappeared ten minutes later there was still no sign of their opponents.Lee watched them as they waited by the main entrance. They were wearing camouflage outfits and military-style boots and carrying futuristic paintball helmets and facemasks. They were all equipped with neck protectors, padded gloves and special vests to hold extra paintballs and had clearly spent a lot of money on their gear. Their weapons werealso expensive. Their leader, the one called Simon, was carrying a Tippmann Pneumatics 68 Special semi-automatic which had been fitted with a twenty-ounce carbon dioxide constant-air cylinder and a large capacity bulk loader which would hold up to two hundred rounds. It would pack a punch, Lee knew, and the TASO red dot sight meant it would be accurate, too, though he also knew from experience that most players who used semi-automatics just kept firing blindly until they hit something, relying on brute force rather than skill. The Ôspray and prayÕ method. Lee looked at his watch. It was nine-forty. He went over to Simon and asked him if they wanted to start. ÒOur opponents still arenÕt here,Ó he said. ÒYouÕve booked it for the next two hours whether they come or not,Ó said LeeLee thought of something  ÒIÕll take you on,Ó said Lee , quietly. ÒWhat do you mean?Ó said Simon. ÒI mean IÕll give you a game. IÕll take you all on.Ó Several of the men laughed. Simon  said ÒWhat? You against the seven of us? I donÕt think so,Ó he said. ÒCome on, Simon, give the guy a chance,Ó shouted one of his team-mates. ÒI tell you what,Ó said Lee, ÒIÕll show you a new game. No enemy flags to capture, no teams. You go where you want to go, IÕll come in and get you. I call it Hide and Kill.Ó ÒYou against the seven of us?Ó Simon repeated. ÒWhat, you donÕt think thatÕs fair?Ó said LeeÒOkay, youÕre on,Ó he said. ÒI tell you what, why donÕt we make it a bit more interesting? Why donÕt we have a bet on the side?Ó Lee looked at him. ÒHow much were you thinking of?Ó Simon shrugged. ÒHow does fifty pounds sound?Ó ÒSounds fine to me.Ó Simon nodded. ÒOkay, so what are the rules?Ó ÒNo rules, no umpires. Everything is allowed.Ó ÒHeadshots?Ó ÒHeadshots, physical contact, whatever.Ó Simon smiled. ÒOkay, Mr Lee, you have yourself a game.Ó Lee went back to his office Ó Lee opened his locker and pulled out a pair of paint-splattered blue overalls. Ò. He pulled on the overalls and took a pair of plastic goggles from the top shelf. Ò  At the back of the drawer was his paintgun, an old single-shot Splatmaster which took he took out Lee zipped up his overalls and slid the goggles on. He checked the bolt action of the gun and that it had a full twelve-gram carbon dioxide cartridge. He  walked together back to the Bayswater Blasters who were fastening their gloves and neckprotectors. ÒReady?Ó asked Lee. Simon raised his eyebrows when he saw LeeÕs gun. ÒYouÕre going to use that?Ó he said. He lifted his own gun, with its skeleton stock and laser sight. ÒAgainst these?Ó Lee winked. ÒWanna raise the bet?Ó Simon shook his head in amazement. ÒWeÕre ready.Ó ÒOkay, there are four floors above here, you go up and pick your positions. IÕll give you two minutes.Ó Simon put the helmet on and slipped the goggles down so that his whole head was covered. He turned to his team and signalled for them to move out.  (reply none) (posted by John)>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Mission:  Death in the ShadowsDay: 15Stardate: 2446.02.15  (USS Illuminar - Deck 5 - Holosuit-  Chief of Security Lt (jn) Keung Lee- 1950)  Lee stood at the bottom of the stairwell and waited a full ten minutes before moving up to the first level. The stairs opened out into a large bare room off which led three doorways. Once he was satisfied that the room was clear he stood with his back against a wall for another five minutes, waiting for his eyes to get used to the gloom. There was no point in rushing. He wanted them to be over-eager because that way theyÕd be careless. He heard a footfall from somewhere above him and muffled voices. Lee smiled. They had no patience, these game-players. Amateurs. He began to clear the first level, moving silently from room to room, his gun at the ready. There were twelve rooms on the first floor, linked by doorways but no doors. Several had furniture in, old tables and sofas, armchairs with the stuffing oozing from torn leather like purulent wounds. He found his first opponent crouched behind a wooden chest, his gun aimed chest high at the doorway. Lee ducked his headaround the door jamb, saw the barrel of the weapon and his opponentÕs plastic mask, and pulled his head back. He took a deep breath then rolled through the doorway, hitting the floor with his shoulder and coming up with his gun at the ready before the man had a chance to aim. The red dot of a laser sight flashed across his chest but the guyÕs reactions werenÕt anywhere near fast enough. Lee fired and the paintball hit his opponent smack in the middle of his mask, knocking his head back and splattering the plastic with green paint which shone blackly under the dim red overhead lights. ÒYouÕre dead,Ó said Lee. The man sat back on the floor, resting against the wall. ÒRats,Ó he said. Lee reloaded. There were only two rooms remaining on the first floor and both were clear. Three levels left, and six men to go. He doubled back to one of the rooms, which had a trapdoor leading to the second level. A thick hemp rope hung down and Lee grabbed it. He twisted it from side to side and then set it swinging before rushing back to the stairs. He took the stairs three at a time on the balls of his feet, keeping close to the wall, his gun at the ready. He had to pass through one room before he reached the room where the rope was, and it was clear. He put his head close to the doorway and listened. He heard something rustle and he risked a quick look. The rope was swinginggently. In the far corner of the room one of his opponents was moving cautiously towards the trapdoor, his eyes fixed on the hole and the rope, the barrel of his gun pointing down. Lee stepped into the doorway and shot the man in the chest. The man looked up, unwilling to believe that heÕd been hit so easily. He put a gloved hand onto the wet patch of paint and looked at it. Lee raised his gun in salute, then motioned silently that the man could go down the rope and wait for his friends. Lee chewed his gum thoughtfully. So far heÕd been lucky. His paintgun could only fire a single shot at a time so heÕd have real problems if he came up against more than one opponent. He could have borrowed PrestonÕs gun but something about the team leaderÕs attitude had got under his skin. He reloaded and ducked into the next room. Clear. He heard a cough from the room ahead and smiled thinly. Despite all the money they spent on the gear, the weekend warriors just didnÕt take it seriously. They got hit, they wiped off the paint and they played again. That made them careless because they knew that theyÕd always get another chance. Lee had trained in a different school. He picked up a wooden chair and placed it at the side of the doorway, careful to make no sound as the legs touched the wooden floor. He placed his foot against it and then kicked it hard into the middle of the next room. It hadnÕt travelledthree feet before it was peppered with paintballs. The guy had his finger tight on the trigger sending out a stream of the small spheres which burst in fountains of yellow paint whenever they hit their target. Lee bent low around the doorway, and aimed and fired with one smooth movement, catching the man dead centre in his chest. The man stopped firing and shook his head sorrowfully. ÒDumb, dumb, dumb,Ó he muttered. ÒCanÕt argue with that,Ó said Lee, reloading. He waited until the defeated opponent was going back down before moving ahead, knowing that the sound of footsteps on the stairs would be a distraction. Three down, four to go. would provide a perfect vantage point, but climbing up would expose himself. He decided not to risk it, not with fifty pounds at stake. There were four entrances to the maze, one on each side, and Lee chose the one furthest from the stairs which heÕd climbed. He went in low, checking left and right before standing up. He listened. There was a scuffling noise from somewhere off to the right but it sounded more like a scavenging river rat than a pair of Reeboks. He approached a junction and bent down so that his head was at waist level before looking around the corner. Nothing. He kept his gun moving, ready to lock onto any target, his left hand out for balance as he crept forward. He felt ratherthan heard the presence behind him and he twisted and ducked in one movement as a stream of pellets blasted into the wall where his head had been a second earlier. He fired and saw his paintball thwack into SimonÕs neck protector. Simon levelled his gun at Lee and pulled the trigger, but before the first ball had left the barrel Lee had launched himself to the side and into another section of the maze. The team leader was a sore loser and was refusing to acknowledge that heÕd been hit. Lee reloaded and kept moving. He could hear Simon behind him. He took a left turn and then a right, and was about to head left again when he almost bumped into the last remaining player. Lee heard the presence behind him and he twisted and ducked in one movement as a stream of pellets blasted into the wall where his head had been a second earlier. He fired and saw his paintball thwack into SimonÕs neck protector.  ÒGame, set and match. I should think.Ó Said Lee. Still got it, Lee thought. ÒComputer. End programÓ (reply none)(posted by JOhn>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>DAY 16>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>(USS Illuminar - Deck 6 Ð Personal Quarters Ð ACEO Scott Matrix - 0410)The replicator did a decent job and creating one of his favorite Earth breakfast dishes. Still, he noted in his Ôdo later tasksÕ that the eggs were a bit rubbery. Sauce and seasoning didnÕt mask the texture, but it was nonetheless not too bad. He finished the ham and cheese omelet and gulped down the vegetable juice and put everything back in the replicator slot. A few moments later the mess was disposed of in a flash of recycled energy. The flight testing was going relatively well onboard the Hilary, but he didnÕt like the long hours. His time on the Hilary pulled him away from his formal duties on the Illuminar and things were backing up a bit. Nothing too urgent, but everything was a priority aboard a starship. Scott tapped a few buttons and assigned several diagnostic tasks to the engineering team, including several to himself. When he would get the time, he wasnÕt certain. Guessing he wouldnÕt be sleeping much the next few days. A shower, shave and a dawning a fresh uniform, Scott vacated his quarters and headed to main engineering. There was much to be done. HeÕs hoped to get the bulk of the EPS work done before 10am in time for the senior staff meeting.(Reply none)(Posted by Steve)>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>(USS Illuminar - Deck 4 - Personal Quarters - Temas Loredo and LumaÕLenai- 0900)Temas was laying in his bed, his eyes closed, his mind focused.  It had been a couple of exciting days, and his meeting with Captain Sekal went well, he thought.  There had not been a repeat of the intrusion into his awareness during the night, which caused him to doubt what he had Òheard.Ó  But he knew he was right, and the ship might be in some kind of danger.But now was a time for him to focus, and bring his mind to his center.  It just wouldnÕt do for him to start randomly hearing peopleÕs thoughts now that heÕd found a home.  And his bonding with Luma had decreased his need for such stringent mental shielding.He took a deep breath and relaxed.  Suddenly, before any notice, he knew there was a problem.  There was a cry out from somewhere.  Then there was another cry out, in his mind.Luma was screaming in grief, crying telepathically. She was babbling what sounded like a dirge in the language of the Illuminari and she was not blocking it from any of the telepaths aboard. He heard Sienna shout telepathically then disappear as she shielded herself from Luma, leaving him to deal with her. ::The small one known as Winston Soar went on a training exercise and he was embraced by entropy!!!:: She screamed the news unhappily, and this pain seemed worse than the physical pain Luma suffered as her skin, the ship, was repaired or changed.  ::Training is to avoid entropy not to embrace it!!:: Luma was frantic and broadcasting her panic to the ship, likely loud enough that the psi-nulls were glad that they were not able to hear her.Temas threw up a shield to his mind, but LumaÕs cries still made it through.  He wondered how the other psionics were handling the overload.  Finally he rolled his eyes out from the back of his skull and sat up,  Slowly he reached out.::Luma.  Stop.  You are hurting others.  Tell me about this Winston Soar.  What happened to him?::Luma was unhappy and unfortunately her moods tended to dictate the ship. ::Luma did not know this small one very well::  She flashed the memories she had with Winston quickly, only two interactions. The interesting thing was that her wail would have happened seconds before SoarÕs death, something that Luma must not find out about. Whatever had clued her in, it had been right before his readings began to get back to the ship.  ::His equipment failed! He has embraced entropy!!:: Luma was not calming much but anything was better than the state she had been in seconds before.Temas nodded, ::People will do that Luma.  Remember that humanoid lives are finite.  We are all tending towards entropy eventually.  Accidents happen, and equipment fails.  It is sad.  I donÕt know Winston Soars, and I am sad that he has died.  Now we need to find as much information as we can about this accident.  We need to help make sure this accident doesnÕt happen again.::::Our Sienna is concerned that it was a sabotage. She hopes she is wrong. She has closed the door between us that our bonding gave her.::  Luma was displeased about that.  She still was singing the dirge, but in a much more quiet telepathic voice.  ::Luma wants to fix the mistake and make the small one return.::  She was absolutely not allowed to change time, and mostly agreed with the reasons, but the death of a small one was surely the best reason to do oso.::No, Luma, it is not right to change the timeline.:: Temas felt he needed to ground Luma to the moment.  ::Even if we were to change the timeline, who is to say the death ahead of Cadet Soars would not be worse.  And what of the lessons learned from others by that death.  Although entropy is sad, it has a purpose.  Time has to progress as it was meant to.::Luma clearly disagreed but the logical argument was helping her to calm down. This was the first true test of their bond. Temas had to be responsible for Luma and calming her, as well as giving her that presence to ground her in this time. ::Luma is sads.:: She spoke after a moment.::I know.::  Temas had managed to get her to calm down somewhat, but he needed to get her to understand that life goes on. ::Maybe we should talk to the others involved. They may be sad as well. Perhaps even more sad than you. They knew the cadet. Would you you like to be with me when I speak to them?::::Yes.:: She spoke much more quietly, and even more sadly. ::Luma wishes to be with her Temas when he speaks to the other small ones. Luma would like them to be safe. Luma wants  all the small ones to be safe. Luma is sads.:: She repeated again.::Luma when humans are sad they cry. Water comes from their eyes. Sometimes the release is helpful. I can come to the holodeck and give you a hug and let you cry on my shoulder if you like.::Luma circled that thought with a curiosity. ::Luma desires the holo-emitters to be installed in the quarters of Our Temas.  Luma does not know how to make water come from the hologramÕs eyes. Luma could flood her Temas with the emotions and the Temas could cry instead? But Luma would be pleased to experience a hug. Luma has never been hugged before.::::If it would help you, I would cry for you. Meet me on holodeck 2, and I will give you a hug and accept your sadness.::That sense of Luma being present fades from his quarters. She had already moved her presence there, likely evicting whoever was using the holodeck.>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>(USS Illuminar - Deck 5- Personal Quarters - Temas Loredo - 0907)Temas had run to the turbo lift and from the turbo lift to the holodeck. When he entered he wasnÕt sure which version heÕd see, but realized the feline form would be best for a hug. Luma was standing on a cliff. The sky was sparking lightning, and it was overcast, grey and dismal. The sea was raging  below them. It was a storm about to break. Luma stood in her Ôsmall one formÕ as a cat person, her tail twitching, ears laid back.  She was pretty magnificent but had no appropriate ways to express her emotions. In the past her bondmate had helped her through them as Temas now would.=^= Luma thought expressing herself in the environment would help but it only makes Luma sadder.  But changing the environment would be wrong? The ending of a small oneÕs life is a sad occurrence. The embrace of entropy is a sad event. Entropy is the enemy and should be fought at all costs.=^= She was struggling with the concepts. She saw things on a grand scale, and did not like people dying. She understood transfers, and accepted them as necessary to the skin. But death? Death was the Enemy.Temas took in the scene with a mixture of awe and concern. He was not really surprised at the weather, as it indicated her upset mood. The raging sea, though, seemed to be a symbol of her anger. He stepped close to her and held out his hand. ::Yes Luma, we should fight entropy, but we need to be careful of the cost. Some prices are too much and could unbalance the universe. Changing outcomes that have already happened would be one of those.  It is very sad when someoneÕs life comes to an end. But we have to learn to accept the loss, or it will create conflict within us that becomes too much to handle.  That is why we turn to each other for support.::=^= What is the quantifiable cost of death then? When does one draw the line and say this is the point where it is ok ? =^= Like a small child trying to understand. Luma existed in all times and needed the connection of the bondmate to help anchor her. But she had also experienced immense death with the generation ship. She could not save her people from the deaths caused by the generation shipÕs technology failing.Temas blinked at that question. He was still so young and being asked the question of the quantifiable value of life was not something he had an opportunity to put much thought towards. All he could think was what he believed. ::Life, and therefore death, does not have a quantifiable value as I understand it. The value is more perceptual or intrinsic. The cost is emotional which is difficult to put an actual value to. ItÕs not that death is ok, or acceptable, but that it is inevitable for all beings that live in a linear timeline. We have to be able to accept that death occurs, becauseÉ weÕll because it does.::He thought about how he could explain finite existence to someone who lives in all time and needs an anchor to hold them to the time they are in. ::Our finite existence defines an urgency to do the best we can in the limited time we have. We want to accomplish things before we die. Also, as we age, our bodyÕs already move towards entropy. Our systems break down and we die. WeÕve fought hard to increase our longevity, but the bottom line is, we have to die. That is why we procreate. It gives us a sense of continuation.::Then he asked,::Do the Lenai have signs of aging?::::Did they? No. They went until the physical form just stopped. But a Lenai could live for thousands of years. We did not procreate easily, perhaps due to the length of our lives.  Luma had a child, a male in your terms.  He did not make the transition to the star song when the host planet died. Very few Lenai made the transition. We became, immortal?  Longer lived as we could still ÔdieÕ.::  She sounded confused on this subject. ::It was a long, long time ago.  A sad time for the Lenai when all the potential embraced entropy and entropy won the war between life and death.::  She sighed quietly. =^= Luma could always ask the Father. He is wise and knows all. =^= She sent an image of the Vice Admiral Saleke.  =^= Though our Sekal is wise as well, but lacking in experience.=^=Temas smiled recalling his own meeting with Sekal and how intimidated he felt, lacking in experience is not how he would have categorized the Vulcan. However, LumaÕs respect for Sekal mirrored his own.ÒIf you feel that he could help you understand better than I have, that might be a good idea,Ó Temas said.  ÒIf he doesnÕt have the answer he may be able to get information for you.Ó  Then he returned to the reason that he had run to the holodeck.  Luma seemed much calmer now.  ÒAre you feeling better now Luma?  Would you still like a hug?Ó=^= Yes Luma desires to experience this hug. Once from the Temas and then while the Temas is embracing another. Luma wants to experience all the sensations.=^=  A giggle came from Luma, =^= The Temas should embrace LumaÕs PÕRah!=^=Temas smiled, ÒWeÕll have to see about that. But it would be awkward right now. However, I can hug you now.ÓHe moved over to the glowing feline figure of Luma. Slowly he reached out his arms and stepped closer. He could feel the hairs on his arms and the back of his neck stand on end from a slight static charge. Then, still moving slowly, he brought his arms around the cat body. It wasnÕt exactly as he expected, although to be honest, he had no idea what to expect. LumaÕs body was soft and spongy, but it didnÕt feel furry. Then he pulled himself into her and put his head on her shoulder. He squeezed her tightly and held onto her. Luma awkwardly put her holographic arms around Temas and mirrored his pose. She stayed there, enjoying the sensations.::How does that feel for you?:: Temas though, emphasizing the word feel. ::More importantly, does it make you feel better, emotionally.::  He created an image of a child smiling. Luma considered for a moment, ::Not really better but different. Less sad. :: She admitted to Temas. ::Many of the cadets from security are in the medical sickbay. Luma is not supposed to monitor the medical places, but they hurt and fear and that draws her. One is hiding under a biobed and that is not a safe place.  Their leaders are not leading well.:: Luma was very critical of certain people. ::Luma wants the cadets to not be scared.:: Luma spoke more kindly. ::Do you think the Riven would go to the sickbay with you to help them?:::;He probably would. Why donÕt you ask him and I will meet him there. You can be there with me as well.::LumaÕs presence seemed to fade from the holodeck as she ran off to ask Riven to help. As it faded so did her hologram and the program, leaving Temas standing on the black and yellow grid squares.LumaÕs sudden departure from TemasÕ embrace was a little disorienting but he smiled.  Apparently it was time to go. He turned and exited the holodeck, heading for sickbay.(reply none)(posted by Al and Mel)>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>(Betazed - Near  Lake Cateria Resort  - LCDR Dieter Gregory, Lt (jg) TÕMur, Ensign Bohb, ME Mason Quincy, PO1 Steven Hammons- 0915) Gregory surveyed the scene, fortunately it was far enough from the main resort area that there were not any gawkers here to see the scene.  The  Betazoid emergency teams were there, treating a couple who appeared in shock.  ÒDr. Quincy, please examine what remains of Cadet Soar.  Mr. Bohb, when the doctor is completed, please retrieve the data recorder from the suit.  I want that sent immediately back to the ship for analysis.  Ensign Chifukukku is busy correlating the telemetry data we have received.  The secondary task will be to do a complete analysis of the suit.ÓÒYou got it, Lieutenant Commander,Ó Bohb replied. He looked over at the medical examiner and ushered him forward. ÒLooks like itÕs you and me Doc.Ó  They began to head over to where a group of the local constabulary force was gathered. Turning to TÕMur and the two security officers Gregory went on, ÒPlease get statements from those here.  We may need to do a grid search in case some debris is missing from the suit.Ó  ÒYes sir,Ó TÕMur replied. She motioned with her head to Ensign Morse and Cadet Taylor to sweep the area as she headed over to the witnesses, who were flanked by several medics and Betazoid security officers. Hammons nodded and called for a tricorder which was transported down nearby along with more equipment including thermography and spectrographic scanners. The tricorders could be calibrated to do the same job in a pinch but when you have properly tuned equipment from the get-go you use it. This was an important exercise that wasn't an exercise, it was as high profile as you could get under these conditions. Using the tricorder he began walking over to where a couple were corralled who looked shaky, they must have been very close to the event.Gregory heard a throat clear, and he turned around, standing there were two people standing there, ÒDCI Cassie Stuart and DI Sunil Khan,Ó the woman said introducing the two.ÒLieutenant Commander Dieter Gregory, USS Illuminar,Ó he replied, ÒIt is unfortunate to be meeting like this.  I have brought a team to begin our investigation.  The working hypothesis is equipment failure, but we wonÕt know till we get the suit back to the Illuminar and study it.ÓCassie nodded, ÒWe understand and recognize that Star Fleet has jurisdiction on this, but we would like to be kept in the loop on the status of the investigation,Ó she said.ÒIf you are willing, we could use your help Detective Stuart.  You know the area and the people better than we could ever know.  While we donÕt suspect foul play, we canÕt rule it out.ÓÒThat is an excellent idea, Commander Gregory,Ó Stuart said.  ÒWeÕll get some bodies out here to help with a perimeter search.Ó As TÕMur approached the witnesses a medic and a security officer stepped forward together. She nodded at them in acknowledgment. ÒGentlemen, I am Lieutenant TÕMur, Chief Tactical Officer if the Illuminar. I have need to speak with the witnesses.ÓÒTheyÕre in shock,Ó the medic reported. ÒIÕm not sure what youÕd get out of them. We havenÕt been able to get much.ÓÒStill,ÓTÕMur insisted, ÒI will speak with them.ÓÒNow hold on girlie,Ó the officer stepped in front of the CTO, Òthose witnesses are under the protection of the Betazoid Security Forces. Nobody speaks to them without our say so.ÓUnbeknownst to the uppity planetary security reps Hammons had snuck around their cordon and was speaking with the couple in questionÉ while capturing the interview with the tricorder.TÕMur raised an eyebrow at the older manÕs condescending tone, but gave little other indication of acknowledging his authority. ÒOfficer..?Ó she began. ÒMiller,Ó the officer said. TÕMur nodded and began again, ÒOfficer Miller, I have no intention of wasting anybody's time obtaining permission to speak to those two witnesses that I already have, as this investigation is in our jurisdiction. However, if you are looking to test your manhood against me I will oblige youÉ after I speak to the witnesses. Now if you would please step aside.ÓÒTest my É,Ó he sputtered, then after a moment he stepped out of her way. TÕMur stepped up to the couple. They were wrapped in blankets, sitting on portable chairs.   Their hair and faces were still steamed with blood. She squatted down in front of them and looked into their faces. Hammons stepped back as the CTO approached, he was wearing his patented grin after speaking with the couple and was going to compare what he had been told with the new line of questions.ÒMy name is TÕMur,Ó she began, ÒI would like to ask you some questions.ÓThe pair looked up at her with blank eyes. The femaleÕs eyes were red rimmed, indicating that sheÕd been crying. ÒSure,Ó the male finally answered. ÒDonÕt know what we can tell you. I was getting ready to propose to Felicity when we heard a noise. I looked up in time to get her out of the way when the É when he fell onto our picnic breakfast. It was supposed to be perfect.ÓThe woman turned to him and choke out, ÒIt wa a perfectly horrifying Chad. How can I marry you now?Ó  She buried her face in her hands and began to sob again. ÒThatÕs about all we got too,Ó the medic said from behind TÕMur. "They forgot to tell you about the direction the chute they saw was blown." Hammons interjected helpfully.The Vulcan stood up and took a deep breath. She looked around the area and turned to Miller. ÒI need access to the satellite images of this area for this morning. I want a splatter zone marked offÉÓ she looked at the couple again, Òand IÕll need their clothes.ÓÒWhat?!Ó Miller said, dumbfounded. ÒTheir clothes,Ó she repeated, ÒI want them. I seriously doubt that they will desire them any longer.  So theyÕll need a change of clothing. He looks your size.Before Miller could say any more TÕMur turned her back on him and knelt beside Felicity. She leaned over and whispered in her ear. ÒI found love while suffering from a horrible disease that would have surely killed me. My love stayed with me through it all. Note that Chad is still beside you. It would be illogical to give up on him just yet, over something that was not his fault.ÓFelicity looked at TÕMur in surprise then looked at Chad at the corner of her eye. TÕMur nodded, stood up and went out to her people to check on their progress. When she looked back she saw the couple locked in an embrace. Hammons broke into the local yokel confab as the rest of the investigation team was arriving and began barking orders. "You don't have a proper perimeter set up yet and I'm going to have to ask you to back away. Starfleet is here and this is one of our own. Set up a containment field 20 meters from the impact zoneÉ.," he looked around then corrected himself, É 30 meters from the impact zone and tell your response team to please stay behind the perimeter until we have completed the initial investigation. We will let you know when you can re-enter."The men and women weren't all Betazoid and there was a bit of grumbling but they did as directed. Steven expected to hear about a lack of manners from his superiors later but that was the job.Mason put on gloves and moved to the body.  Taking a tricorder, Mason took pictures and a 3 d scan of the body.  It was not hard to guess that the cadet died of but he could not be completely sure until he would be able to complete a full autopsy.His initial duty over Hammons shrugged, he was only a PO1 and wasn't being listened to so he looked in the direction the couple had indicated and began hiking. The prevailing winds at ground level weren't that strong but higher in the atmosphere was a different story and the chute had been following a vigorous route. The terrain was wooded and hilly so if it came anywhere near the ground it would be captured by tree limbsMason called Bohb over, ÒMr. Bohb, can you please come help me?Ó  Mason asked.  ÒWe need to turn him over.ÓHammons climbed to the top of the hill and looked around, his sight was still screened partially by trees but he thought he saw a white and red flutter in the distance and made toward it.It was the smell that reached BohbÕs sensitive nostrils that caused the Magillan more of a problem than the sight.  Blood had a distinctive odor that was somewhat metallic.  However, it wouldnÕt do for him to be nauseous right now.  ÒAt your service Doctor,Ó he finally said, attempting to hold his breath as much as possible.  He looked down at what was left of Cadet Soar and wondered what possible need they would have to turn the body over, but he reached down and gently lifted the body to its side.With QuincyÕs aid the two turned the cadet over.  The Chest was caved in.  Broken rib bones were protruding from the cavity.  A pool of blood rested on the side.  ÒMr. Bohb, as grotesque as this looks, this is typical for an impact death.  Multiple broken ribs I am willing to bet that the major organs were punctured and if the fall did not kill him, the blood pouring out of his body did.  He did not stand a chance.  Though I cannot be 100% sure until I complete a full autopsy.ÓBohb blinked as he looked at the same sight the ME did.  He was pretty sure that it wasnÕt the blood pouring out the body, but the blood that splattered over the surrounding area, and the body tissue that was inside that perimeter that might have caused the death.ÒDoc,Ó Bohb said, Òif that fall didnÕt kill him, heÕs tougher than me.  IÕd say that the only doubt in my mind would be if he were dead before he hit the ground.  I will need to get the data recorder off the suit.  Am I clear to do that?  Then we can get the body up to autopsy.Ó  ÒThat is a possibility, and I would not rule that out.  I try and make sure that all possibilities are taken care of.  You can go ahead and get what you need.  The body is good to be sent back to the ship.Ó  Mason informed.Bohb stepped into the macabre circle of the bodyÕs eruption and searched for the data storage device.  After moving things around he was finally able to locate the data chip port.  He pulled a pair of tweezers from his belt and manipulated the device until the chip was ejected.  Chip in hand he stepped out of the circle and inserted it into his own PADD and then transferred the data to the awaiting team on the Illuminar.ÒAll done here Doc,Ó Bohb announced.  ÒYou can transport the body when youÕre ready.ÓÒThank-you, Mr. BohbÓ  Mason then ordered the Medics to get the body ready for transport.Hammons waded through a gulley with a foot of mud beneath a few inches of running water. His pant legs and boots were soaked and muddy water was accumulating inside the footwear. When he reached the other side and was on dry ground he pulled the boots off with difficulty and cleaned them out as best he could. He rinsed his socks out as his feet dried then wrung out as best he could. His boots had also been rinsed out and allowed to drip for a scant few, he didn't have a lot of time. Putting it all back on and feeling better he made his way through the scrub brush in the direction he thought the chute had landed.(Reply None)(Posted by: Al, Charles, Kris and Tim)>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>(USS Illuminar - Deck 11 - Main Engineering - Engineer Ens jg TychoAlantar - 1015)The first couple hours after the incident had gone relativelysmoothly. The cadets were handling things well, until they weren't.With any line officer, he'd simply dismiss them to the counsellor, orthe medics, but these cadets were specifically his responsibility andthis time he elected to walk - almost frog march - the obviouslyaffected cadet up to medical.Cadet Stara had been next to him, running a diagnostic under hissupervision, when he noticed her eyes going misty and her handspressed against the console to still her shaking breath. He turned toher with a look, "Cadet, you are free to see the counsellors if youneed to."She shook her head no and went back to work, and she'd seemed to havehold of herself, but shortly was back to a state of shock. Tychosighed, "Alright Cadet, let's go." Stepping away from the console, heturned and started towards the doors, waiting only long enough to knowshe was following.When they entered the next empty 'lift, he turned to her with armscrossed loosely, "Emotions are not something we can deal with at thesame time we are trying to deal with sensitive equipment. You don'twant to be a liability in a dangerous situation."The Aenar cadet ducked her head, her pale eyes closing against thetears and her antennae drooping, "I'm sorry sir, I didn't really knowhim that well, but..."Tycho raised a hand softly to stop her, "No apologies, noexplanations, the incident affected you and you need to process. I'mnot upset, I just want you to understand."She nodded with some measure of defeat, "Yes, sir."He had half a mind to ask if the innate Aenar telepathy had anythingto do with her emotional state, but he didn't want to intrude on whatcould possibly be a sensitive subject so he left that aside and wentfurther, "Stara, your mental health is as important to me as yourwork. I would be lacking in my job if I let you go on in a bad state,your life, my life, this ship depends on everyone working together,and doing it well. You can't do that if you are preoccupied.">>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>(USS Illuminar - Deck 5 - Sickbay - Security Cadet  - Jane Walker -1021)Jane still had tears escaping from her when they arrived at sickbay.  Carol had been nice enough to her, but she could tell, behind her eyes, that she just wanted the cadet to "suck it up."  People in security tended to die and that was just the way it was.  There used to be an ongoing joke about how security people were cannon fodder for whatever they encountered in space.  They used to be called red shirts.  Now they are gold.  But Winston wasn't a redshirt.  He wasn't a gold suit.  He was her friend.  Who was she kidding, he was her boyfriend.  And every step he wasn't with them reminded her of where he was now.She also hadn't been too pleased with Lee's response to who was going to contact Winston's family.  "I expect someone from Starfleet will be visiting."  Really!  You expect that Lieutenant Lee?  Don't you think you should have a better answer.  How long will that take?  Weeks of no communication from their son and then, then some stranger shows up at the door. She played the scene out in her head.  Knock, knock, knock."Mr. and Mrs. Soars?""Yes.""We're here from Starfleet.  We are here to inform you that your son," they would check a clipboard for the name, "Winston was killed in a training exercise, we are sorry for your loss."Hand over a flag.  Turn and walk away.It wasn't good enough.  Now she was angry.  This was all a bunch of crap anyway.  When would we ever have to jump from a starship to parachute into action?  We are an exploration vessel, not in a war.  What were we doing out there?  Winston died... for nothing.  Hard as she tried, tears began to slip past her eyelids again.As they walked into Sickbay Lee suddenly broke off Fromm the group and headed directly for Dr. Solice. From out of nowhere two burly medical technicians grabbed the chiefÕs arms and pulled him into an isolation room. ÒWhat are should doing?Ó Jane cried out, then ran over to room they dragged Lee to. ÒEasy there little lady,Ó an orderly said taking hold of the JaneÕs arm. Her eyes narrowed, tears stopped, and a rage built in her as she screamed, ÒGet your goddamn hands off me!Ó  With that she grabbed the orderlyÕs thumb and pulled it away from her quickly. There was a loud and the orderly screamed, holding his hand with the thumb that had turned in an impossible angle.  She turned to see the Other cadets in a rustle with the medical staff. The Klingon trainer had chosen to sit this fight out. To make matters worse Carol Innes ran into sick bay with two Burly guards. They were all carrying.. was that a baton?  What in GodÕs name were they doing traipsing through the ship carrying batons. When was that standard issue.  And how did they get here so quickly. She left the ASC on Deck 14. Suddenly Jane realized that there was something very wrong with this situation. She crawled under a bio rs and curled into a ball, hugging her knees, crying to herself.ÒWinston I need you, Winston I need you.ÓEven when Dr. Solice yelled at everyone and took control of sickbay, she couldnÕt bring herself to unball herself. The doctor order all of the cadets to a bio bed and Jane chose to stay underneath hers and cry until she felt a soothing hand on her leg. (Reply Solice or anyone in sickbay)(Posted by Al Muir)>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>(USS Illuminar - Deck 5 -  Sickbay - MedTech Luther Rizzo -1022 )Rizzo loved it when the CMO got feisty. He wasnÕt sure what that ASC was planning to do with her two goons and their little clubs. But back in the bayou that would surely have lead to a seriously bad sitchiation. But Doc Solice took care of them fast and proper, and the room cleared of everyone cept those that belonged there. As the ringing in his ears finally started to dissipate the doors opened and a couple of engineers walked in, a man and a female albino Andorian. The man looked like the person to talk to. Rizzo stepped over to the pair. ÒWell howdy folks, how can ah hep you?Ó (reply Tycho)(Posted by Al Muir)>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>(USS Illuminar -- Sickbay -- Deck 5 -- CMO/3XO Lt. Quinna Solice --1025 )Quinna took a deep breath before she entered the ios room.  She was angry that her sickbay was again in a state of chaos.  Something about Lee made her angry.  She seemed to never have a pleasant encounter with the Chief of Security.  She sought that as a challenge when she went to check on him.  She wondered why he was not put in the iso room that was isolated from even seeing others.  ÒComputer, activate the opaque observation walls.Ó  She needed to conceal Lee for the moment.Quinna turned to see a young cadet crying on the floor.  Instead of trying to get the cadet to get on the biobed, Quinna chose to sit on the floor next to her.ÒHi, Cadet Walker.Ó  Quinna was calm and offered your lady a shoulder to cry on.  Quinna did not want to pull the girl into a hug but allowed her to do it.(Reply Walker)ÒHoney, I know you are distraught, will you let me check you out?Ó  Quinna was handed a warm blanket from Medic Klinger.  She placed it around the young cadetÕs shoulders.(Reply Walker)(Posted by Kris)>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>(USS Illuminar - Deck 5 -  Sickbay - Security Cadet Jane Walker -1026 )Jane finally allowed the sound of the doctorÕs voice break through the shell of her mind. It was warm, calm, and caring.  It wasnÕt yelling at her or asking her to risk her life. It was simply inviting. Let me comfort you. Slowly she I balled herself and moved over to wrap her arms around the doctorÕs neck. Once again she let the tears fall. ÒItÕs just not fair,Ó she kept saying, until she finally was able to pull herself together. ÒHoney, I know you are distraught, will you let me check you out?Ó  Solice offered while wrapping a blanket around JaneÕs shoulders. Still not ready for speaking she simply nodded. She let Solice help her up and on top of the bed sheÕd been under. As the doctor began to run her tricorder Jane managed to speak. ÒIÕm sorry,Ó she said.  ÒItÕs not very becoming of a security cadet is it. This probably wonÕt reflect well on my evaluation. But but Winston was more than just a friend. WeÕd made plans. And when Lieutenant Lee started talking about like he wasÉ last weeks news, I just couldnÕt stand it.ÓJane leaned forward and whispered in SoliceÕs ear, ÒYou know he can be quite insensitive.Ó(reply Solice)Then she sat back. ÒI know itÕs not protocol but I want to deliver the news to his parents. But theyÕre on Mars. I wish I could contact them. They deserve better than a chaplain and a speech. Winston deserves better. He was not just a great cadet and group leader, he was the type of person you want others to be like.  IÉ I loved him.Ó(reply Solice)(posted by Al Muir)>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>(USS Illuminar - Deck 5 - Sickbay - Engineer Ens jg Tycho Alantar -1029 )Tycho relaxed slightly when the tech approached, he wasn't upset, justalert and ready for anything.ÒWell howdy folks, how can ah hep you?ÓTycho gestured to his charge, "I have a Cadet in need of somecounselling. She is a classmate of the cadet from the trainingexercise, and I wanted her to have the chance to talk with the rightpeople. Stara is one of my charges, but wasn't up to coming alone, soI brought her up."(reply Rizzo)Stara stood at her name, her posture halfway to attention, but feelingunsure about herself, she shrugged rather than speak.(reply Rizzo)The pale stalks that came out of her near translucent hair twitched asshe spoke, "I... I just felt too much, I'm sure I'll be fine."Tycho smiled softly and gave the tech a gentle clap on the shoulder ashe spoke to them both, "I would love to stay and chat with you both,but my duties need me back downstairs. I trust you'll find your wayback when you are ready, Stara, but not before." He tilted his head asif to say, please take the time you need.She nodded, her antennae bowing in tandem, "Thank you, sir."(reply Rizzo, any)(posted by Lorenz)>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>(USS Illuminar - Deck 5 Ð Sickbay Isolation Room Ð Chief of Security -1030)Lee sat on the bio bed against the wall.  With his authorisations lock out, there wasnÕt much he could do to entertain himself not until he was release from the Isolation Room.  He could see from his window, everyone seems to settle down.  His Assistant chief of Security had left with the security guards Ð probably still fuming that she couldnÕt do much.  All this fuss because he forgot his appointment time.  It looked like to Lee, that Dr Solice was going to take her time checking over the physicals of the cadets before coming to him.  Perhaps the idea to was make him stew a bit and regretful.  Lee wasnÕt the least intimidated by what she was doing.  He wasnÕt even angry..no point..  Let her do what she want!  Lee wasnÕt particularly bothered.  If he was going to be brawled and shouted at when she does eventually come to release him..so be it.  Lee had learned long ago when he was faced with verbal confrontations was to accept what was being said.  Nod, say ÔyesÕ and ÔnoÕ at the appropriate places. After all it was their emotional energy that was being spent and not his.  Let them have their victories.  As long as it doesnÕt become physical, Lee accepted it all. He smiled at the thought when he was a fresh off the cuff army recruit back in the 21st Century when he had the constant shouting of abuse from the regimental sergeant major even further back as a former teacher facing all sorts of behaviour challenges from his students and verbal abuse from parents.  He adapted the mindset of not taking it personally.  Step out of the red zone was his thinking.  This is what he was doing now..step out of the red zone.He thought about the death of Winston Zoar..an unfortunate accident.  As far as he was concerned, he was satisfied with the training simulations and the safety protocols that had been followed to the letter!  Starfleet regulations and procedures were acted upon whenever a training exercise goes wrong!    At least, his ACS had delivered all the personnel and training records to whoever was handling the investigation.  If there was a need for change of procedures, it would be upto Starfleet Chief of Security Operations to make the change of policy.  After all it was policy to allow fourth year cadet graduates to be assigned to Starships on deep space exploration and patrols Òto give them the experience of developing and adapt their skills and talents in real life scenarios.Ó   Basically the premise behind this was to see if they could cope with put under pressure and to be placed in  stressful situations.Ó  Can they cope being in the kitchen!! USS Illuminar is essentially a science ship and in theory, Security assignments should be relatively easy unlike being assigned to warships and starbases in areas of conflict!.  In some ways, judging by recent history, the ship is somewhat unique having its fair share of action.  ÒDidnÕt  we used to be explorers and our job is to discover sciency thingsÓ he once overheard someone.  (reply anyone)(posted by John>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>(USS Illuminar - Deck 5 - Sickbay - Engineer Ens jg Tycho Alantar - 1028)Arriving at Sickbay, Tycho walked in the door and found chaos ratherthan the usual serenity of the med bay, which cut off any reply fromthe cadet. He raised an eyebrow and scanned the room. Finding what hewas looking for, he pointed to an empty seat, "Have a seat, CadetStara, I'll see what's happening."The young Aenar sat as she was directed, and Tycho tried to see ifthere was a single unoccupied med tech that he could direct to hischarge.(reply any)(posted by Lorenz)>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>(USS Illuminar -- Corridors -- MS Dr. Mason Quincy -- 1123)Mason just beamed aboard the Illuminar. He knew now more than ever that he made the right decision.  He made his way to HezzieÕs quarters and rang the chime.    He stood in the hallway when the door opened.  He placed his hand around her face and brought her in for a passionate kiss.(Reply Hezuela)ÒI love you.  We made the right choice in my book.Ó(Reply Hezuela)ÒI have to get to work but I want to have dinner with you tonight.  We need to work everything out.Ó(Reply Hezuela)ÒLook, I have to go.  You should check in with Quinna.  Sickbay is suddenly busy.Ó  Mason suggested as he reached in for another kiss.Ó(Reply Hezuela)(Posted by Kris)>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>(USS Illuminar -- Sickbay -- Deck 5 -- CMO/3XO Lt. Quinna Solice --1125 )Quinna looked at the PADD at hand.  She read the reports.  She wanted to get Lt. Lee cleared.  She entered the iso room and was ready for anything.  ÒSorry to keep you waiting, Lt. Lee.  It took a while to get sickbay back in control and get the cadets out.  Our counselors are going to be extremely busy.Ó(Reply Lee)ÒI want to make sure the effects of the Adrenaline rush out of your system.  You, My friend, are in for a deep sleep tonight.Ó(Reply Lee)ÒI actually want to document the physical effects of your body as an excuse as to why you did not report to sickbay when ordered to.Ó  Quinna looked up,  in her calmest voice, ÒDonÕt bother asking.  I have my ways. Of knowing.Ó(Reply Lee)Quinna smiled at Lee.  at one point, she wanted to go off on the man.  She wanted to yell and ask him what he was thinking.  Now that she waited, she didn't.  What good would that do?  It would not bring back Winston. (Reply Lee)(Posted by Kris B)>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>(USS Illuminar -- Sickbay -- Deck 5 Ð Chief of Security Lt (jn) Keung Lee --1130 ) Lee was learning against the wall sitting on the biobed almost half asleep when Lt Quinna Solice walked in.  He was prepared for a angry confrontation with the doctor but her body language showed otherwise.  Infact, she looked quite calm and serene.. ÒI want to make sure the effects of the Adrenaline rush out of your system.  You, My friend, are in for a deep sleep tonight.ÓShe said ÒDeep sleep!Ó said Lee surprise.  What do you mean!Ó ÒI actually want to document the physical effects of your body as an excuse as to why you did not report to sickbay when ordered to.Ó  Quinna looked up,  in her calmest voice, ÒDonÕt bother asking.  I have my ways. Of knowing.Ó ~DonÕt argue.  Let her have her victory.  The sooner she does her physical, the sooner he be out of here~ thought Lee as he sat on the edge of the biobed.  She was actually smiling. ÒWell Lieutenant Solice.Ó Invited Lee. ÒBe that as it may, IÕm ready for my physical.Ó  Lee wondered if there was the medical technology to get erase some of his scars which he obtained in his century!! (reply Solice) (posted by John)>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>(USS Illuminar -- Sickbay -- Deck 5 -  SPA  LT JG   Ariel Trei - 11.31)She walked up to Quinna and proposed to do the Klingon Death ritual to honor Winston."Quinna.  I wish to honor Winston with the Klingon Death Ritual even though I am only 1/4th Klingon.  I believe  the ritual will help you greatly to deal with the death of your friend.  I will explain what to do if you accept the offer.">>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>(USS Illuminar -- Sickbay -- Deck 5 -  CMO 3XO Lt. Quinna Solice -- 11:31) Quinna was running around sickbay.  She was on her way to see Lee.  Trei stopped her mid-stride.  "Quinna.  I wish to honor Winston with the Klingon Death Ritual even though I am only 1/4th Klingon.  I believe the ritual will help you greatly to deal with the death of your friend.  I will explain what to do if you accept the offer." Quinna wondered what Ariel was talking about.  ÒOh, that is sweet of you, but I did not know Winston.  You can do what you need to do but Mason is conducting the autopsy.Ó  Quinna said. (Reply Trei) ÒI am sure when he is done, he will let you in to take care of the ceremony,Ó  Quinna suggested. (Reply Trei) (Posted by Kris B)>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>(USS Illuminar -- Sickbay -- Deck 5 Ð CMO/3XO Lt. Quinna Solice --1135 ) ÒWell, Lieutenant Solice.Ó Invited Lee. ÒBe that as it may, IÕm ready for my physical.Ó   ÒActually this is more of a specialist visit than a physical,Ó  Quinna said as she moved closer to take some medical readings.    (Reply Lee) Quinna pulled out a vial and started to draw LeeÕs Blood, ÒCan you walk me through the jump?ÓQuinna asked, looking at her tricorder. (Reply Lee) ÒI mean the jump from the beginning.  I am not talking about the accident.Ó  Quinna confirmed. (reply Lee) (posted by Kris B.)>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>(USS Illuminar -- Sickbay -- Deck 5 Ð Chief of Security Lt (jn) Keung Lee --1140 ) Lee was mentally prepared for the physical checks that was going to undertake by Lt Quinna.  He wondered how far does his medical history actually go back when the doctor said ÒActually this is more of a specialist visit than a physical,Ó   Looking surprise, Lee replied ÒOkay..a specialist visitÓ.  ~What on earth was a specialist visit~ thought Lee.  Still never mind!!  He watched as the doctor inserted a needle into LeeÕs arm whilst he looked away!!  As Quinna checked LeeÕs blood against her tricorder readers, she asked ÒCan you walk me through the jump?Ó ÒCadet ZoarÕs accident?Ó asked Lee ÒI mean the jump from the beginning.  I am not talking about the accident.Ó  Quinna confirmed. "Oh I see.Ó Lee gathered his thoughts together. ÒAt about 0800 ish, myself, the cadets and their instructor Giisq Ao Lik were getting ready to drop.  Like the others, I was wearing a semiflexible drop suit and had my helmet on.  We follow the regulated procedures for preparation for the dive.  The technicians went through the final checks and ensure that the internal systems. -  Coolant control, Communications activation, the chute deployment and adjustment systems as well as the spare emergency chute Ð checked and double checked.  I proceeded to the edge of the hanger entrance.  I could hear in my helmet the computer checking the readiness and I read the readings inside of my visor confirmed that was everything was ready to go.  You know I felt actually nervous and I could feel my heart rate going up!!  It was always like that I when used to do parachute jumps out of an aircraft.  So it was no different leaping out of a spaceship except there was there risk I could burn up in the atmosphere.  But I managed to control myself and that includes my breathing.  I folded my arms across my chest and then leaped off the hanger deck and launched myself into space.  I activated my suit thrusters to manavoure myself into a dive position and my arms stretched forward.Ó Explained Lee, as he demonstrated what he did by bending over with his arms outstretched.  He straightened himself up again before continuing. ÒIt was quite an exhilarating experienceÉa wow moment,   The nervousness was gone and it was like a buzz!  Free falling through the atmosphere.  Obviously there was no sound and all I can hear was my own pounding of my heart.  As I dived towards Betazed, I managed to regulate my respiration and heart rate by applying the special breathing exercises. That Dr Winslow taught us.   One thing I did not notice that the transporter recall on my helmet was showing green.  Eventually I found myself going through the atmosphere of Betazoid where I went through heat barrier and remarkable I felt quite cool and comfortable as the suit system compensated for the heat.  I changed my body to facedown in a spread eagle position and I could feel the full resistance of the air pressure.  At four kilometres up, I then deployed my parachute and floated down to the ground.  ThatÕs it really.ÓLee stopped talking and glanced at Lt Quinna who still holding her tricorder and her expression showed that she was taking it all in with interest!   She didnÕt interrupt once.(reply)>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>(USS Illuminar -- Sickbay Iso room-- Deck 5 Ð CMO 3XO Lt. Quinna Solice --1145 ) Quinna sat and waited for Lee to finish his recalling of events.  ÒSo, Lt, you said and I quote, ÔThe technicians went through the final checks and ensured that the internal systems. -  Coolant control, Communications activation, the chute deployment and adjustment systems as well as the spare emergency chute Ð checked and double checked.Õ  Why would you not check your own equipment?Ó  Quinna asked(Reply Lee)ÒI am sure you are right.  You are free to go.  Just be careful.Ó  Quinna said as she stood to walk out of the room.(Reply Lee)(Posted by Kris B)>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>(USS Illuminar -- Sickbay Iso room-- Deck 5 Ð Chief of Security Lt (jn) Keung Lee--1150 ) Lee thought over Lt QuinnaÕs question of why  didnÕt he check his own equipment.  ÒI can check the basics regarding the chute deployments and the spare chute but everything else I donÕt have the technical skills for. This falls into the realm of the technicians who have an in depth technical knowledge of the equipment. There is no way that Federation safety regs would allow a layperson to interfere. DonÕt forget you need a minimum of 10 hours to get fully trained in the skills of orbital sky diving Ó He was then informed that he was free to go.  As Quinna left the room, Lee wondered what she meant by Ôjust be careful.Ó  Probably just a throwaway comment as he wandered back into the main sickbay to have a reassuring word and to cheer up the remaining cadets. (reply none) (posted by John >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>(USS Illuminar - Deck 1 - COps Office - 2/O LCDR Dieter Gregory - 1200)After several hours of reviewing the site where Cadet Soar had crashed, the team returned to the Illuminar. Gregory headed up to his office to begin to record his first impressions."Computer, begin recording.  Store at security level 7.   Inquiry to the death of Cadet Soars.  Initial impressions on the site.  A team including CTO Lieutenant T'Mur, engineering officer Ensign Bohb, Doctor Quincy and PO1 Steven Hammons, as well as security officers Ensign Morse and Cadet Taylor and myself transported to the site where the Cadet crashed.  Cadet Winston Soar was participating in an orbital HALO exercise under the direction of CSO Lieutenant Lee and Training Crewman Giisq Ao'Lik.The purpose of the inquiry  is to determine the cause of Cadet Soars death, be it equipment failure, sabotage or poor training.  We have received telemetry reading from both the Illuminar and some ground based sensors.  This is being correlated with data from the suit recorder.The participants in the exercise have been sent to medical so that Doctor Solice can get the necessary samples to confirm there are no biological reasons that could have compromised the exercise.Once Doctor Quincy completes his review of the remains, Ensign Bohb will be investigating the cadets suit for any mechanical failures.  The additional suits have been locked down and all the records are also being reviewed.The witnesses on site provided no information as they were lovebirds and the male had proposed to the female.  A detailed search of the area has not revealed the parachutes.  Hopefully with the telemetry fully analyzed we will be able to recover the parachutes for examination.Initial impressions are this was either equipment failure or at worst sabotage.  The review of the other suits and the cadets suit will be quite telling.  End recording."There was a chime. "Enter," he called out.  Ensign Chufukukku entered the office.  "Sir, I've completed the telemetry analysis," he said.Gregory motioned to a seat.  "Conclusion?"Chufukukku tapped his PADD and the screen on the wall popped to life. "I have reconciled the data we have and have identified the approximate area where the parachutes have landed," he said.Gregory tapped his comm "Mr. Hammons assemble a team, we have approximate locations of the parachutes based on the telemetry."(reply Hammons)Turning back to Chufukukku, "What else?""There is nothing else unusual about the early part of the jump. Everything is nominal and he was well within his window for the jump. It is only after the parachutes were dislodged did he fall out of his trajectory."Gregory nodded as he looked at the data. "Very good Mr. Chufukukku. Write up your findings and send it to me asap.""Aye sir," he replied.(Reply Hammonds,IFW)(Posted by Tim) >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>(USS Illuminar - Deck 4 - Medical - 2/O LCDR Dieter Gregory - 1230)Gregory walked into sickbay.  It was still chaos with everything going on.  Looking around, he asked one of the nurses where Dr. Quincy was. Once he was oriented, he headed over to the doctor's lab.  Walking into the lab, he was struck by the smell, something he wasn't used to. Another reason he liked particle physics."Dr. Quincy, I know it's only been a short time, but is there any evidence that Cadet Soar was incapacitated by any foreign substance?"(Reply Quincy)Gregory nodded, "Please forward that my attention as soon as possible.""Is there anything else that you have been able to glean from the remains?"(Reply Quincy)"How much longer will you need the remains before the suit can be released to engineering for a failure point inspection?"(Reply Qunicy)"Very good, I'll let them know to check back with you."Leaving the lab, he looked around and spotted Dr. Solice.  Making a bee-line to the hardworking CMO, he cleared his throat to get her attention, "Sorry to disturb you Doctor, but I was wondering if there were any results from the tests on those involved in the training exercise today?"(Reply Solice)"Thank you doctor, if you get those sent to me so I can add them to the inquiry, I would appreciate it."As he started to go, he turned back around, "One more thing Doctor.  We never decided on a time for my physical.  Are there times later this evening, when I can take a break from this inquiry?"(Reply Solice)(Posted by Tim) >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>(USS Illuminar - Deck 5 - Medical - ME Mason Quincy and CMO 3XO Lt. Quinna Solice - 1240)Mason just finished the autopsy.  He managed to confirm that the man died on impact."Dr. Quincy, I know it's only been a short time, but is there any evidence that Cadet Soar was incapacitated by any foreign substance?"ÒActually, No.  All indications indicate that he was solid until he hit the ground.  Gregory nodded, "Please forward that my attention as soon as possible.""Is there anything else that you have been able to glean from the remains?"ÒNope.  The impact was the cause of death.  I found no toxins in the blood.Ó"How much longer will you need the remains before the suit can be released to engineering for a failure point inspection?"ÒIt is ready.Ó  Mason then pointed to the evidence box."Very good, I'll let them know to check back with you."ÒThanks,Ó  Mason replied as he sat at his terminal and sent the report.Quinna was in the process of mass releasing the cadets.  All have been cleared medically.  They were all due for a break.  "Sorry to disturb you Doctor, but I was wondering if there were any results from the tests on those involved in the training exercise today?"ÒHey there." Quinna turned and smiled,  Oh yeah.  Everyone is being released and sent on their merry way.  I have already set the system up to compile a mass report.  We just need time to finish checking everyone out."Thank you doctor, if you get those sent to me so I can add them to the inquiry, I would appreciate it."As he started to go, he turned back around, "One more thing Doctor.  We never decided on a time for my physical.  Are there times later this evening, when I can take a break from this inquiry?"ÒJust come to my office when you are ready.  I will make time especially for you.Ó  Quinna winked at Dieter.(Reply Gregory IYW)(Posted by Kris B.)>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>(USS Illuminar - Deck 5 - Medical - SPA   LT JG   Ariel Trei - 12.45)When Mason went back to finish the reports on the autopsy, Ariel went in after him to offer the Klingon Death ritual to honor Cadet Soar."Mr. Quincy.  I am here to offer the Klingon Death Ritual to honor the fallen cadet Soar,  Even though I am 1/4th Klingon I would like to honor him anyway.  I can walk you through the ritual if you like to participate.  I know it is supposed to be done when the warrior has his last breath but we can do it here just the same."(Reply Mason)(Posted by Edward)>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>NRPG:  Tim has offered to step up to play Mason as I am having much homework with my class. ~ Kris B.Mission: Death in the ShadowsDay: 16Stardate: 2446.02.16(USS Illuminar - Deck 5 - Medical - ME Dr. Mason Quincy - 1250)As Dr. Quincy was finishing his report to the Second Officer, he heard a womanÕs voice speak.  "Mr. Quincy.  I am here to offer the Klingon Death Ritual to honor the fallen cadet Soar,  Even though I am 1/4th Klingon I would like to honor him anyway.  I can walk you through the ritual if you like to participate.  I know it is supposed to be done when the warrior has his last breath but we can do it here just the same,Ó said Lieutenant Trei. Looking up, he stared at the former councilor for a moment.  ÒIÕm sorry.  The Klingon Death Ritual?  The one where you peel open his eyes and scream to warn Sto-vo-kor that a Klingon warrior is coming?Ó  He paused, ÒHmmm.  I have heard of this ritual before, even seen some of the  clandestine videos that have been made of it.  As a researcher of death, understanding these final rituals is a bit of a hobby of mine.ÓHe took his cup and stirred it with a finger, ÒThe Ancient Egyptians, from Earth, had an extremely complicated ritual, that would take days, and culminated in the mummification of the body, that is, if you could afford it.  The Ancient Vikings, on the other hand, used to burn their honored dead.  Quite interesting, wouldnÕt you say?ÓHe raised his finger and shook it at Trei, drops of coffee flinging towards her.  ÒThe BajoranÕs have a chant, over two hours long, to honor their dead and if the chant is not performed, the poor soul cannot enter the Celestial Temple.  Sounds a bit like the Klingon practice, but less guttural and noisy.ÓÒAnd look at the Trill, my what a complex and diverse set of rituals they have.  Especially for those who have the honor to bear a symbiont.  And should a symbiont die, there is much sadness and mourning that goes on, not just among the Trill, but especially in the Caves of MakÕala,Ó he leaned forward, ÒIt seems the symbiotes can feel each other over interstellar distances.Ó ÒNative American tribes had various rituals as well.  The Iroquois, that is the Haudenosaunee, used to suspend a body over a fire for up to 10 days.  If there were no life signs, the fire was extinguished and the body left to decompose before being buried.Ó ÒAll of these are quite interesting, wouldnÕt you agree, Lieutenant?Ó He pulled up something on his computer, ÒWhat makes you think that a Cadet is worthy of such an honor as the Klingon Death Ritual.  From his record, he had not been in any real combat, never slew an opponent.  I doubt he tasted the blood of his enemies.  I am fascinated why you would bestow such an honor on him?Ó(Reply Trei)(Posted by Tim, for Kris) >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>(USS Illuminar - Deck 5 - Medical - SPA   LT JG   Ariel Trei - 12.55)"It is true Cadet Soar did not face combat with all the danger that comes with it.  I have recently done these things.  I have tasted  the blood of those vile pirates and enjoyed doing it.  I believe Cadet Soar showed courage to do the base jump.  I also believe it will be an honor for me to do the ritual.  I am preparing to go through the Rite of Ascension.  It will be good experience to get me into that mind set.  We can begin when you are ready.  Keep in mind I will be speaking Klingon throughout the ritual.  Your COMM Badge should be able to translate what I am saying.  You can yell with me at the end if you like."(Reply Quincy)(Posted by Edward)>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>(USS Illuminar - Deck 10 - Main Shuttlebay - 2/O LCDR Dieter Gregory - 1300)Gregory's next stop was to the shuttle bay to see how the review of the work was going.  The medical information was coming along and should remove any doubt that illicit substances were involved in the accident.So that left the suits or the parachutes.  Unless the cadet panicked but the recording didn't suggest that to his untrained ear.Walking into the shuttle bay, it was as busy as sickbay has been. Cadets and engineers were scattered around, each team with a set of equipment going through the suits with a fine tooth comb. He nodded, pleased with the energy these young men and women were throwing into this work.  It was not easy, not pleasant, but critical for his inquiry.Looking around, he saw Ensign Alantar reviewing the work of one of the teams.  He strolled over to the group.  "Ensign Alantar, do you have an update for me?" he asked.(Reply Alantar)(Posted by Tim) >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>(USS Illuminar -Deck 5 - Medical - Dr. Mason Quincy - 13.00)Dr. Quincy listened to Trei's reply.  He shook his head at her comments before standing up from his seat."You believe?  You believe?  What lily-livred, yellow-bellied non-committal words are those?  And you call yourself a Klingon?  Your lack of faith in Cadet Soar's true place in Sto-vo-kor will send him to Gre'thor," the doctor said in a harsh tone.He paused, "Will you adopt him into your family and pledge to win a great battle in his name?  Then he will be truely assured a place in Sto-vo-kor."(Reply Trei)(Posted by Tim) >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>(USS Illuminar -Deck 5 - Medical - SPA   LT JG   Ariel Trei - 13.05)She took Mason's response as a challenge.  She felt a certain anger at his challenge to her honor.  Mason would regret continuing down this road.  A challenge to a Klingon's honor always ended badly more often than not it ended in many deaths on both sides of the challenge.  She hoped for Mason's sake that he had sense enough not to go there.  Her reason for the Death Ritual is simply to offer Cadet Soar a better chance in death than he had in life.  She responded."My pledge is here and now.  I am offering Cadet soar a better chance in death than he had in life.  If I can push his soul to an honorable place then I am willing to try.  As far as my own honor, you should know better not to go there.  An honor challenge will go badly for you."(Reply Mason)(Posted by Edward)>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>(USS Illuminar - Deck 5 - Medical - ME Dr. Mason Quincy - 1307)Mason listened to Trei's response.   Finally he felt that he was getting some where.He started laughing.  "Very well Lieutenant Trei, you may perform the ritual," he said.  "You are showing your Klingon side.  Excellent.""I must decline participating in the ceremony, but wish you well," he said.  "And as a piece of advice, do not judge a book by it's cover."Quincy made a motion with his hand, "No be off, I have a mountain of paperwork that the Second Officer requires for his investigation, on top of my usual workload."With that, he sat back down and turned to his computer terminal.(Reply Trei, IYW)(Posted by Tim) >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Mission: Death in the ShadowsDay: 16Stardate: 2446.02.16(USS Illuminar - Holodeck 1 - SPA   LT JG   Ariel Trei - 13.20)"She walked up to the panel and spoke to the computer."Computer.  Resume the Betazed meadow scene and place an image of Cadet Soar lying peacefully in the grass as if he is relaxing."She heard the computer chime "Program complete."  She entered the scene.  She walked over to the sleeping Cadet Soar in the grass and prepared for the ritual.  She kneeled down beside Cadet Soar and began the ritual."yaS cha'DIch quldaq SuvwI'pu' suvwI'pu'.   quvHa'ghach Qu' qochDaj ngoH qechvam.layerteS."(Cadet Soar is about to enter the afterlife)  (May his soul have a better lot in death than he had in life.  Good luck my friend.)   She touched Cadet soar's eyelids and screamed to the heavens of the incoming soul of Cadet Soar.  She would have liked Cadet Walker to be present for this as she may have better closure this way.  She will find another way to do that for her."RRRRRRRRRRRRRROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR"The ritual was complete.  She told the computer to save program without the image of Cadet Soar.  She asked for the arc and left the holodeck.(Reply None)(Posted by Edward)>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>(USS Illuminar - Deck 11 - Main Engineering - 2/O LCDR Dieter Gregory - 1330)Next stop on Gregory's trip around the ship was to Engineering. He wanted to check in with Ensign Bohb for two reasons - to discuss the results of last nights test of Ensign Matrix's cloaking unit and more immediate was the efforts on suits.  He had the information from Ensign Alantar, but he wanted a second set of eyes on things.Entering the space, Gregory stopped for a moment to admire the warp core. The power that could be generated was mind blowing, and it was an engineering marvel. Even so, mistakes could happen, even if they did their job correctly.Not seeing the Magillan around, he asked one of the engineers who pointed him to a room off to the side.  Gregory entered the room, "Mr. Bohb, report." he said(reply Bohb)(Posted by Tim) >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>(USS Illuminar - Deck 11 - Engineering Lab 2 - EO - Ensign Bohb and COps Lt. Commander Deiter Gregory - 1330)After Bohb had finished his analysis of the staff from Cadet SoarÕs recorder he gathered the chutes of the remaining divers and brought them to the lab. He had meticulously torn apart the devices and laid each part on a table. Then he scanned each piece looking for some kind of anomaly or similarity to the readings he had for the remains of SoarÕs. He stepped back from the table and frowned. They all seemed identical. The only difference he could find was in the production numbers of the chutes release mechanism. All of the chutes were produced by a Mars based company, with the exception of SoarÕs. His was produced by a Ferengi corporation that had a sales base on Mars. =^=Ensign Bohb, report.=^=It was the call from Lt. Commander Gregory that broke his train of thought.   He tapped his comm badge. ÒBohb here, Commander,Ó he replied, ÒIÕm in Engineering lab 2 if youÕd care to join me?Ó=^= On my way=^=When Gregory entered Bohb had already restarted his pacing around the table, deep in thought. ÒMr. Bohb, you look perplexed.ÓÒAhh, Commander,Ó Bohb said, but did not share his usual smile of welcome, ÒI wish I could say glad to see you, but considering the circumstancesÉ .  As you can see, I have disassemble all of the chutes involved and scanned them.  They are all perfectly functional.ÓÒSo whatÕs the punchline then?Ó he asked.   ÒThe only anomaly I can find is in the production of Cadet SoarÕs chute. It was the only one in use produced by a Ferengi production company and sold on Mars. The others were produced and sold on Mars.ÓÒWhat exactly are the anomalies?Ó he askedAs Bohb was saying it he still had trouble believing his findings. ÒThe chute release mechanism had a catastrophic failure, which literal entangled the lines so as it deployed it was incapable of opening correctly. He literally deployed a mass of cable and material.  At best it only caused his descent to accelerate.ÓGregory sat down at a terminal as he listened to Bohb.  He entered his security codes and sent a coded message to the Inspector General, requesting a private meeting.ÒDid you examine the connections points for any metal fatigue?  And do we have quality control documents on Soars system?ÒIt took us a while to separate what was left of the suit from the cadets body,Ó Bohb said. ÒTo be honest, IÕm not certain we could ascertain an answer to that hypothesis with the amount of damage. It is possible.ÓÒAre there any more suits on the Illuminar that have the same parachute manufacturer?Ó Gregory asked. Bohb shrugged, ÒI donÕt have that information.  IÕm not sure who would.ÓÒWe need to go through all the suits and make sure the specifications on the system match what is actually on the suits. ÒJust then the terminal binged.  ÒAdmiral Fuller for Commander Gregory on a secure line,Ó the computer announced. Gregory nodded, ÒComputer, lock the door and put us under a level 7 security lockout.ÓOnce that was completed, he entered his security code, ÒAdmiral, this is a surprise,Ó Gregory said.  ÒWell, there has been a cadet death on the Illuminar, and you reach out to my office, clearly there is something afoot.ÓGregory nodded, ÒSir, with me is Ensign Bohb, an excellent engineering officer who has been inspecting the suit of the cadet who died and the others who were in the training mission.  He has found one issue with the suit the dead cadet was wearing.  It had a Ferengi made parachute and our best working hypothesis is that there was a catastrophic failure of the deployment systems.ÓThe Admiral looked at Gregory across the light years.  ÒThis is a serious problem Commander.  Let me speak to Ensign Bohb.ÓBohb stepped up to the monitor and looked at the admiral with a scrutinizing look. ÒAdmiral Fuller?  I seem to recall a skinny, little, runt of a Lieutenant by the name of Fuller. But that was 20 years ago, sir.Ó=^=Bohb, itÕs good to see you. IÕd heard you were back. The fleet is better for it. We need a few more old timers to remind the young bucks that it wasnÕt all rainbows and unicorns back in the day.=^=ÒWell Admiral, IÕm doing my best,Ó Bohb smiled. =^=So tell me about this catastrophe.=^=ÒCatastrophic failure, Admiral,Ó Bohb corrected, managing to remember FullerÕs rank. ÒItÕs just as the Lt. Commander said, the jump suit that Cadet Soar was wearing seemed to have a faulty deployment mechanism. As far as I can tell, itÕs the only one in the batch I checked that had that issue. It seems to me to be a manufacturer issue.Ó=^= Send me specifications on this parachute mechanism.  I need to find out how many there are in the fleet and issue a STIR for the units along with a level 1 recall on the mechanism and any suit it was installed in. =^= The admiral looked peeved.  Gregory did a quick calculation, with an average of 20 suits on a vessel, that was a big order.  The Special Technical Inspection and Repair order would require a complete downcheck on all the suits, followed by a level one diagnostic on each suit.  That would take about 2 hours a suit, with technicians working in pairs, and all the additional paperwork it would entail.ÒMr. Bohb will provide all the information on the unit, such as it is,Ó Gregory said.  ÒIÕll send you my data as soon as weÕre done here,Ó Bohb said with a nod. =^=IÕll expect your package soon.=^=. The AdmiralÕs image disappeared. After they signed off with the Admiral, Gregory shook his head.  ÒWell, it seems we will be keeping folks busy for a while.  Good find Mr. Bohb.  I have to ask, whom else do you know in leadership positions?Ó  He waved his hand, ÒNevermind.  That is a conversation for another day.  I also came to ask how progress was going on the liquid crystal system.  We had the first test of the cloak installed on the Hillary, and still have to crunch all the data.  It was subwarp, so a bit unfair, but when we have time and space, we can do the warp testing. ÒÒIÕll be interested to see that data, as weÕre working on installing the device we obtained into the IlluminarÕs systems. As for my little side project, I believe IÕm about ready for a final test. The secret was in the harmonics. The clue was right in front of us in LumaÕs music.  Have you ever just listened to her music?ÓGregory raised an eyebrow.  ÒHer music?  I must admit I have not been fortunate enough to listen to her music.  I will have to ask her about that sometime,Ó he said. ÒI will make sure you have access to the data from the testing.  I would appreciate your thoughts on it. Overall, I believe that Mr. Matrix has done an excellent job to create what he has.  It would be good to see it refined, as at the moment, it has a 1 hour time frame before it has to shut down.  That is very suboptimal.  But itÕs a start.ÓÒSo what do you need from me to get this test started?Ó he asked.ÒFrom you Commander?Ó Bohb said thoughtfully. ÒI just need a little more time, and access to the crystal.  I should have everything ready for an actual transfer test in a couple of days.Ó(Reply none)(Posted by Al and Tim)   >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>(USS Illuminar- Deck 14 - CSOÕ Office - CTO Lt. TÕMur and CSO Lt. Keung Lee- 1400)TÕMur had spent the morning going through the reports concerning the death of Cadet Soar.  There was something that did not make sense.  If all of the safety procedures had been followed then how was this ÒaccidentÓ possible.  It was not logical.  She had decided that she needed more information and the most logical source of that information was Lt. Lee.Knowing that he had been released from sickbay with a clean bill of health, she went into the security offices and headed towards his private office.  The door was opened, but she did not enter.  Standing on the invisible line that separated his office from the rest of the chamber she watched as he sat at his desk.ÒLt. Lee, may I have a moment of your time?Ó she asked.Lee was concentrating on working out any discrepancies in the duty rostas which his Assistant Chief of Security had provided.  He became aware of  TÕMur standing by the entrance to his office.ÒLt Mur. Ò greeted Lee ÒCertainly.  Come and take a pew!  What can I do for you?ÓTÕMur looked around for a pew, and seeing none she assumed that Lee was speaking figuratively.  This was not a visit that was geared towards semantics.  She sat in the seat across from the Security Chief.ÒI have some unanswered questions about the death of the cadet,Ó TÕMur began, Òand I believe you can help me.  Did you observe the inspection of the jump equipment?ÓÒWell, of courseÓ said Lee ÒI may not be technical on understanding the jump equipment but I watched the technicians working on them.  I was given a copy of the checklist and compared that with what the technicians were doing.  All the dots covered.  We were however responsible for checking on the usage of the jump gear.  Thus the hours of training in the holosuiteÓTÕMur looked at Lee with curiosity, ÒSo you are telling me that you oversaw the inspection of each and every suit?  How much time did that take?ÓÒWe all did, and double checked each otherÕs equipment.  The instructor did too.  All according to Federation regs.  I reckon about an hour!  All tickley boo!ÓÒIndeed,Ó she continued, her eyebrow furrowed, ~ Tickley boo?~ She knew this was an accurate translation into Federation Standard since her UT was accurately translating the rest of the words. ÒAnd how much time passed between the inspections and the jump?ÓÒI suppose it was no more than half an hour before I made the jump first.  Everyone was obviously raring to go.  The jump only took place after the technician made a final check and was satisfied that the safety protocols had been put into place.  If there was the slightest doubt then it would be a no go.Ó  explained Lee.  Then he thought of something ÒOn reflection, maybe I should have gone last until I saw everyone else got off safely.  Then again, that wouldnÕt do morale or the rep of the leader any good if the participants didnÕt see the boss go off first!  Lee grinned at TÕMur ÒThatÕs human nature for you.  Let the boss take all the risk then we follow!!  Mind you I could have booted the Klingon instructor out first!  The cadets would have love to take the mick out of a Klingon!Ó  Lee knew, like the rest of the human security officers, he had a sense of black humour which would be lost on someone like TÕMur.ÒI am certain,Ó TÕMur replied, Òthat your cadets realize, especially now, that you do not take the entirety of the risks. I seriously doubt that you ÒbootingÓ the instructor out first would not give them the confidence to follow, even if I believed you were capable of such a feat.  However, if we go back to the question at hand, it took about an hour to completely check all six of your sets of gear, and there was a thirty minute period between the check and the jump. Is that accurate?  Where was the gear stored for that period of time?ÓSo much for TÕMurÕs lack of humor, thought Lee.  Still you canÕt beat them all. ÒYes there is, '' confirmed Lee. ÒThe gear would have been stored in its own containers but during that time, we were helping each other to don the pieces. It takes all that time to do so.  You are well aware, of course, if we were to prepare for a mission, the preparation would have been quicker?ÓÒSo from the time that you checked the equipment, there was no time in which it was not in contact with the wearer?Ó she asked.ÒThe equipment was..er..in contact with the wearer as we were getting ready.ÓTÕMur nodded, ÒMay I ask who tended to the equipment before it was assigned?  And who assigned the gear to each cadet?ÓÒIt would be in the hands of the technicians and the lead technician would the one to assign the gear to myself, and the cadets as the suits would be custom designed for each person.ÓÒAnd it would be his responsibility to give the equipment a more thorough examination prior to assigning it out for a mission, correct?Ó the Vulcan asked coldly. Lee was wondering where this questioning was going ÒCorrectÕ said Lee.  ÓFinal decision for something like this falls to the specialist technician teams.ÓÒDo you have the name of the technician in charge of the suit that Cadet Soar wore?Ó TÕMur began taking notes on her PADD at a furious rate.  ÒEr..Ensign Frankie OÕRiley.Ó TÕMur added to her notes and looked up at Lee, ÒSo let me get this clear, Ensign OÕRiley was responsible for the care of the equipment before it was assigned. From there they are assigned out to you. You assigned the equipment to each of the cadets. From there the cadets were responsible for their own gear.ÓLee was beginning to get frustrated with TÕMur line of questioning. ÒYes..thatÕs right.ÓTÕMur was completely oblivious to LeeÕs growing irritation. ÒAnd you are certain that once assigned the gear containers were never out of the cadetsÕ care?ÓPatience is a virtue, thought Lee.  He would do very well in an interrogation.  A prisoner would confess to anything!  ÒTÕMuir.  The answer is a definite qualifying  YES. . The technicians and everyone else involved including myself checked following strict Starfleet regulations..no tÕs & Q;s would escape the beady eye of the technicians.  Nothing hidden under the rock.  Everything kosher.  Straight down the line,Ó replied Lee raising his voice and slapped his desk surface with a bang..for effect!The Vulcan looked up with a vaguely interested gleam in her eye. She stood up without warning and said, ÒI thank you for your time Lieutenant. Clearly, my next stop is to question Ensign OÕRiley.ÓShe turned to leave then suddenly stopped, ÒJust one more question. Is a HALO jump standard training for a security cadet?  I did not have that training in the academy. It was my understanding that such jumps were left to the Marine Expeditionary Force at this stage of their training.ÓÒThe academy has only just introduced it as part of the programme for final year cadets specially those who are training to be security officers.Ó explained Lee, thankful that the interview was over. ÒWith more hostile encounters, Starfleet security felt that their security officers should develop similar skills as the Marines.ÓTÕMur shrugged her shoulders, thinking that since the Ònew fleetÓ was supposed to be more interested in exploration than imperialistic growth, that line of thinking seemed illogical. ÒPerhaps after this incident that policy may get rethought,Ó she offered. ÒThank you again for your time. Perhaps we should have a joint Security/Tactical meeting soon.ÓWith that she turned back and walked out, heading to the security equipment maintenance team. (reply none)(posted by Al and John)>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>(USS Illuminar- Deck 14 - Security Equipment Room - CTO Lt. TÕMur and Ensign Frankie OÕRiley- 1430)TÕMur entered the equipment room and asked to be directed to Ensign Frankie OÕRiley.  She was pointed to an open doorway at the back.  As she walked through the door she scanned the smaller room that was full of shelves of well organized equipment.  Sitting behind a desk was a young redheaded woman.ÒEnsign Frankie OÕRiley?Ó TÕMur asked.  Frankie sat with a PADD as she was conducting safety checks on the equipment.  Since the ÒAccidentÓ it was now ordered to have everything checked.  She was working alone.  ÒYes?Ó  Frankie jumped at the sudden loss of the tranquility of the silence.Ó ÒI am Lt. TÕMur,Ó the Vulcan introduced herself.  ÒI have some questions that I need to ask you regarding the incident with Cadet Soars equipment failure.ÓFrankie made her face sullen at the name.  ÒSure.  Whatever I need to do to help.  We are all sadden by his loss.ÓTÕMur pulled out her PADD and looked at her notes.  ÒFirst of all I need it clarified, that you, personally, fully inspected all of the equipment that had been given to Lt. Lee before this morning's jump.ÓÒIt was my job to inspect the equipment three weeks ago.  This week it was Ensign Lava has the duty to inspect the equipment in this room.  We do general inspections every week.Ó  TÕMur nodded and made some notes.  ÒAre you aware if Ensign Lava made any such inspection this week?ÓÒInspections are done at the end of the week.  We also do inspections on the equipment right before it is used.  It was not during Ensign LavaÕs duty shift when the jump happened.Ó  Frankie supplied.ÒI see,Ó TÕMur said, Òso who would have checked the equipment out to Lt. Lee?ÓFrankie nodded her head, ÒWell, on a typical day, it would have been me.  Today is not a typical day, was it?  Ensign Tavay, you know the Romulan, wanted a shift change.  She asked me to switch with her.Ó  TÕMur took a deep breath and let it out slowly.  ÒSo Ensign Tavay checked the equipment out to Lt. Lee, is that correct?ÓÒIt should have been her.  I was in my quarters the entire time.  I have no idea what she was doing.  You donÕt suppose she is a Romulan spy, do you?  I hear the Tal Shiar are not gone.Ó ÒI find that highly unlikely,Ó TÕmur said.  ÒWhen you inspected the equipment three weeks ago, what was your assessment of the equipment?ÓÒIt was all in tip top shape.  No issues.Ó  Frankie started, ÒWhich makes me wonder why these 3 jump bags,Ó Frankie pointed at the bags on the floor, ÒThey are damaged.ÓTÕMur raised an eyebrow, ÒHow are they damaged?ÓÒWell, This one,Ó  Frankie picked up the bag, Òthe straps are cut.Ó  Franking then picked up another bag, Òand this one, the computer components are inoperableÓ  The Frankie picked up the third one, Òand finally this one is missing its chute all together.ÓÒI will be taking these bags with me when I leave,Ó TÕMur said matter of factly.  ÒWhen did you discover these problems?ÓÒJust within the last couple of hours.  I felt that after what happened, I should check all the equipment.  I felt bad that I changed shifts and was not here at the time.Ó  Frankie started to relax her game as everything naturally started to flow out of her brain.ÒA logical assumption,Ó the Vulcan admitted.  ÒDo you have any thoughts as to what caused the damage to these bags?ÓÒI have no clue when they were damaged but I am guessing a knife was involved.Ó  Frankie Ôspeculated.Õ ÒAccording to Lt. Lee, each pack was checked by a technician as well as the cadets before the jump,Ó TÕMur stated.  ÒAre you aware of which technician assisted Cadet Soars?ÓÒNo.  Like I said, I was not here.Ó  Frankie said, trying to maintain her cool, ÒI just cannot imagine what Jane is going through.   I would have called it a freak thing but until I found tampering with these bags.ÓTÕMur added more to her PADD and then thought silently for a moment.  ÒI need a couple of items from you Ensign,Ó she finally said. ÒFirst I need the report of the last inspection of the equipment. I also need the assignment listing of which equipment is assigned to which cadet. I want to know who these bags were assigned to. The last thing I need is the list of the technicians on duty and which assisted which cadet. Those should all be on the duty logs.ÓÒSure thing.Ó  Frankie smiled knowing that everything was set in place.  She walked to the door and grabbed the PADD there.  Shr brought it over to the commander and handed it to her.  ÒEverything you need to know is here.ÓTÕMur took the PADD, and looked at the data briefly.  It was everything she had asked for.  The odd part was that it was already prepared.  She had expected it to have taken the ensign at least an hour to gather.  It was as though she had prepared for the moment.  Perhaps she simply anticipated the need for the information.ÒThank you Ensign,Ó  TÕMur finally said.  Before she turned she looked at OÕRiley.  ÒOne more question.  Did you know Cadet Soar?ÓÒJust as a classmate.  He was my friendÕs boyfriend, but that is all.  I never spent any social time with him.Ó  Frankie replied.  And that was true.ÒI was just curious if there might be a reason for someone to sabotage his equipment,Ó TÕMur mused.Frankie shook her head, ÒHonestly, I donÕt have a clue.ÓÒIndeed, neither do I,Ó TÕMur agreed.  ÒThank you for your help Ensign.ÓTÕMur turned and left the room.  She had a great deal to think about.(reply none)(posted by Al and Kris)>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>(USS Illuminar -- CMO Office -- Deck 5 -- CMO/3XO Lt. Quinna Solice -- 1523)Quinna sat at her desk as she was finishing the rest of the general medical reports.  There was one last item on her desk.  Quinna needed to sign off on Winston SoarÕs death certificate.  A priority was placed on the certificate as the body was going to be sent back to the family.  When Quinna read about the religion, Quinna jumped to tap her combadge.  ÒLt. Solice to Lt. Trei.Ó(Reply Trei)QuinnaÕs heart pounded hard.  She hoped Trei would answer her question. As calmly as she could she asked,  ÒAriel, have you performed your death ritual for Cadet Soar.Ó(Reply Trei)ÒI think you better come see me immediately.  I am in my office. I will wait for you.Ó  Quinna said.  Quinna did have plans to go back to her quarters and crawl into bed.  She hoped there would be a strong someone that would hold her down and make her rest.As she waited for Trei to join, QuinnaÕd brain turned into a one-track mind.(posted by Kris B.)>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>(USS Illuminar -- CMO Office - SPA   LT JG   Ariel Trei - 15.25)She entered Quinna's office and took a seat.  She thought of her answer to the question of the ritual."Yes I performed the ritual on the holodeck with an image of Cadet Soar to serve as his body.  Is that a problem Ma'am?"She waited for her answer.  She ordered an Earl Gray from the replicator as she expected there will be a lot of things need explained.(Reply Quinna)(Posted by Edward)>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>(USS Illuminar -- CMO Office - Deck 5 -- CMO/3XO Lt. Quinna Solice - 15.27)  Quinna watched as Trei walked into her office.  Quinna was not used to Ariel entering without a chime, but Quinna was not upset about it.  She was happy that Ariel was comfortable about entering.  Quinna figured that Ariel must have been near.  She entered to answer her question. "Yes, I performed the ritual on the holodeck with an image of Cadet Soar to serve as his body.  Is that a problem Ma'am?" ÒAn image?   How does that work?  Does it still open the road to Sto-Va-Kor for Cadet Soar?Ó  Quinna was curious.  Quinna herself had plans in place for when she passed.  None of them involved any Klingon traditions.  QuinnaÕs view followed TreiÕs as she helped herself to the replicator to order some tea. (Reply Trei) Quinna bit her lower lip as she thought about what Trei was explaining to her.  ÒHow well did you  know the Cadet?Ó  Quinna felt concerned for her friend. (Reply Trei) (Posted by Kris B.)>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>(USS Illuminar -- CMO Office -   SPA   LT JG   Ariel Trei - 15.30)She felt her concern."Sto va kor to my understanding is for Klingon warriors or Klingon descent only.  What I did for Cadet Soar is to provide him a chance at a better place in the afterlife.  I wish him luck."She know more questions were coming.  She sipped her Earl Gray.(Reply Quinna)(Posted by Edward)>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>(USS Illuminar -- CMO Office -- Deck 5 -- CMO/3XO Lt. Quinna Solice -- 1531) Quinna knew that Trei was wanting to complete the Rite of Ascension.  Quinna knew that Trei had the answers but Quinna wanted to clarify her thinking first.  ÒWhat do you mean by a Better Place?Ó  Quinna asked as she watched Ariel with curious eyes.(Reply Trei) (Posted by Kris B.)>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>(USS Illuminar -- CMO Office   SPA   LT JG   Ariel Trei - 15.35)"Cadet Soar dying in the jump was a fate he didn't deserve.  I was trying to give him a better place in death than he had in life.  I will take his death ritual into the Rite of Ascension with me.  I will use his spirit to push me through the pain of the Rite."Quinna's questions were very good and thought provoking.  To be honest it was the unknown of the level of pain that concerned her more than the Rite itself.  Traditionally her friends and family stood at the end of the gauntlet.  She would like Quinna to be in that group.  There was also a special honor to be in the last station of the gauntlet.  She hasn't decided who will  have the honor.(Reply Quinna )(Posted by Edward)>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>(USS Illuminar -- CMO Office -- Deck 5 -- CMO/3XO Lt. Quinna Solice --  15.40) "Cadet Soar dying in the jump was a fate he didn't deserve.  I was trying to give him a better place in death than he had in life.  I will take his death ritual into the Rite of Ascension with me.  I will use his spirit to push me through the pain of the Rite." Quinna thought for a moment then took a deep breath, ÒIt is a noble thing you have done to usher him into a better existence in his afterlife, but I wonder how your ritual will interfere with his and his family.Ó  Quinna looked for a reaction from Ariel. (Reply Trei) ÒCadel Soar is a practicing Hindu.  Their religion has specific guidelines for death.  One of the big concerns was for his soul.  You see, Hinduism has a strong belief in reincarnation.  They believe the soul will be reborn again into a new body.  I was afraid that your ritual would stop Cadet SoarÕs soul from rebirth.  The Family has the right to know the way you have honored the Cadet.  Do you understand what I am trying to say?Ó  Quinna asked, wondering if she was clear.(Reply Trei)ÒI am glad we are getting to talk to each other about this,Ó  Quinna said.(Reply Trei)(posted by Kris B)>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>(USS Illuminar -- CMO Office --  SPA   LT JG   Ariel Trei - 15.45)"Well since I didn't actually have his body and soul in the Holodeck when the ritual was performed, I don't that his actual soul was affected.  I can explain what I did to his parents if you like.  It was a noble gesture after all not the actual physical death ritual as it would have been traditionally done  by Klingon tradition."She hoped that was a good enough answer for Quinna.(Reply Quinna iyw)(Posted by Edward)>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>(USS Illuminar Ð Deck 14  Chief of Security Office.  Chief of Security Lt (jn)  Keung Lee -- 1545 Lee had just finished listening to an update routine report from Carol Linnis, his assistant chief of security when he noticed that Carol was looking behind his shoulder at the window.  Lee turned to see out of his window to watch a huge, oblong vessel in gaudy red hull colours was slowly manoeuvring across the IlluminarÕs path.  It looked close but it was a couple of miles away.  He recognized it as one of Jupiter Mining Corp's super-sized mining vessels, over nine thousand metres long and three thousand metres wide, with a massive forward ramscoop and cargo holds so enormous you could park the Illuminar inside one of them. The purpose of this enormous vessel, of course, was to mine and process ore from the distant, uninhabited outer rim territories and transport the materials back to Federation space. A fully-laden vessel could supply a major colony or a city for years. It had, relatively speaking, a small crew of just over a thousand, with holograms and the ship's artificial intelligence complementing the other required roles on board.ÒWow!Ó said Carol ÒYou donÕt see many of these mining ships in this sectorÓ.  Both of them watched it crawl along, Lee couldn't help but think that the vessel would take nearly four hours just to accelerate to full impulse, and the better part of a day to reach warp speed: it was all about maximizing engine efficiency, of course.  In the unlikely event of collision, . the Illuminar  could end up for months in drydock getting her hull panels beaten out, and the mining ship probably wouldn't feel a thingÒYou know I admire the crew of that mining shipÓ continued Carol ÒSailing off into the relative unknown without even a fraction of the defensive systems which a starship carried.ÓIt would be one hell of a job trying to defend her," mused the chief of security. "Or trying to take her, for that matter. You could wage a guerrilla war aboard something that size for weeks, if not months.  Mind you, these  vessels were  aren't built for war or exploration. They were fully self-contained mining, factory and cargo vesselÓ "I didn't know you were so conversant about mining vessels, boss"  Carol said."I have friends who ended up in the private sector, " said Lee. "And they're always looking for experienced officers." (reply none) (posted by John)>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>(USS Illuminar- Deck 1 - Bridge - 2O/COps Lt. Commander Dieter Gregory and CTO Lt. TÕMur - 1600)The turbo lift doors opened and TÕMur stepped onto the bridge. She looked over at Ensign Bott at the tactical station and nodded. Then she saw Gregory standing behind the Ops station. She stepped over to him and nodded in acknowledgment saying, ÒLt. Commander, may I have a moment of your time?ÓGregory turned around from helping Ensign McFry with an issue of prioritizing requests.  He was coming along well, and Gregory hoped to graduate him to alpha shift backup to Lieutenant Menzi.  ÒGood day, Lieutenant,Ó he said, ÒOf course, let's go to my office.ÓGregory lead TÕMur to his office, just off the bridge, and offered her a seat.  ÒSo Lieutenant, what can I do for you today?ÓTÕMur sat on the chair across from him and put her PADD in his desk.   ÒI have completed my interviews with all involved with the preparations for the jump this morning. My report is on this PADD. However there are a great deal of inconsistencies.ÓGregory took the PADD.  ÒInconsistencies?Ó he asked, ÒEnsign Bohb has identified the primary cause of the accident as a faulty shoot deployment device.  WeÕre sharing our data with the Inspector General, and I am sure a STIR will be issued along with a class 1 recall.  Please summarize your findings,Ó he concluded. ÒAnd therein lay the inconsistencies,Ó TÕMur admitted.  ÒI was investigating the assignment of the equipment, and according to Ensign OÕRiley, who maintained the equipment, she found several other pieces that had, what appeared to be, intentional damage.  When I inspected the equipment myself, that damage happened after this morningÕs incident.  If one was to believe in intuition, I would say that the ensign had something to do with the damage.  Not being one to believe in intuition I discovered that Ensign OÕRiley was responsible for the assignment of the units to the cadets.  Although it may be true that the chute failure was due to a mechanical failure, the person who received that failing chute lay in the hands of OÕRiley.ÓBefore Gregory could say anything TÕMur had to ask, ÒSir, is the reason that Lt. Lee is not investigating this due to the fact that he was involved in the jump?  I do not recall him asking to be involved, nor when I spoke with him did he seem interested in the investigation.  In fact, he seemed to grow irritated and defensive by my questions.ÓGregory frowned at the news, ÒThe reason Lieutenant Lee is not involved in the investigation is the fact that he is, at minimum, a witness to the event, and therefore cannot be involved in anything related to the investigation,Ó he said.  ÒUnderstood,Ó TÕMur said.  ÒTell me more about your impressions of Mr. Lee during your questioning,Ó Gregory said.TÕMur took a deep breath, ÒHe seemed very disassociated with the incident.  He did not ask about the well being of the remainder of his team.  As I asked clarifying questions he seemed to grow more and more anxious.  At one point he had an emotional outburst.  When I checked with medical he had not requested counseling services.  For lack of a better way of putting it,  I would say that I am É concerned for him.ÓGregory nodded slowly, ÒEveryone deals with tragedy differently. He is an artifact from another time, so who knows how he will process the events.  Do you have any concerns that he may be culpable for the accident?ÓTÕMur shook her head, ÒI do not have any evidence that would lead to that conclusion.  As you and Ensign Bohb have surmised, it would appear to be an accident caused by a malfunction.  However, my investigation was led by the question of why that malfunction was not detected prior to the jump.  I had gone to Lt. Lee simply to find out who had handled the maintenance of the equipment.  His É reluctance to clarify his statements to me was my primary concern for him.  And his use of É unusual language.  I am certain that they are twentieth century phrases that I am unaware of.  Although he did threaten to throw his trainer out of the ship. However, I do believe he was attempting to use humor.ÓÒPoorly timed humor at that,Ó Gregory said, ÒAs I recall it was the Klingon Giisq AoÕLik who was the trainer.  Speaking of which, have you had a chance to talk to him?  Or do you think it would be better to send an NCO as he is only a crewman.ÓÒI had a brief conversation with him,Ó TÕMur said.  ÒHe informed me that Cadet Soar was adequately trained.  Since he had nothing to do with the assignment of equipment that was as far as I took the questioning.  I will say that I highly doubt that Lt. Lee could throw him out of the shuttlebay.ÓÒSo it is felt that the Cadet was properly trained.  We have evidence it was an equipment failure.  I have to review the medical reports, but I suspect those will also be clean. Ò Gregory paused.  ÒWe tested those who were in the jump, but not those who prepared the suits.  As  you point out, how was the failure missed.  I will only say, Admiral Fuller, head of the Inspector General, will have heads when he finds out where the failure in the supply chain was.ÓÒMs. TÕMur, I want you to go to medical and check with Dr. Solice.  Ideally, I would like you to escort someone from medical to go get samples from Ensign OÕReilly and anyone else who was involved in checking the suits before the jump.  We need to exclude gross negligence from the equation.Ó TÕMur nodded, ÒYes, sir.  I will get on that immediately.Ó ÒThank you Ms. TÕMur,Ó Gregory said.  ÒWe will unravel the root cause of this death.Ó(Reply None)(Posted by Al and Tim) >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>(USS Illuminar- Deck 4 - Sickbay - 3O/CMO Dr. Quinna Solice and CTO Lt. TÕMur - 1645)TÕMur walked into sickbay and found Quinna sitting behind her desk.  She stepped up to the entrance and waited.ÒGood afternoon, Quinna,Ó she said.Quinna looked up from her terminal.  She had just finished the medical reports on the cadets and sent them to Commander Gregory.  Quinna looked up at TÕMur and then looked for Sienna.  ÒHello, TÕMur.  What do I owe the pleasure?Ó  Quinna stood and walked towards her friend.TÕMur was never one to spend time on small talk.  Sienna had attempted to convince her of its usefulness in interpersonal communication, but the Vulcan was yet to be swayed.  So she got straight to the point.ÒI need help from medical, and was hoping that you were free,Ó she said.  ÒI need someone to come down to security to take some more samples and readings from the team that did maintenance on the chute packs from this morning.ÓÒI just finished my reports.  I am available to come down.  Just let me grab a med kit.Ó  Quinna said as she took a step the the storage closet where she kept the kits. She grabbed a kit and was ready to follow.  ÒWhat are you thinking?ÓTÕMur turned and headed out of sickbay.  ÒLt. Commander Gregory wants to have physical evidence that everyone involved with the equipment is medically cleared from culpability of the failure of Cadet SoarÕs equipment.  That includes one Ensign Francesca OÕRiley.ÓÒOk, that should not be a problem. Curious that you point out the one specific Ensign though.Ó  Quinna said wondering if there was not more going on.ÒEnsign OÕRiley made some inaccurate statements during our interview,Ó TÕMur said.ÒOh, Ok.Ó Quinna simply said.>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>(USS Illuminar- Deck 14 - Security Equipment Storage - 3O/CMO Dr. Quinna Solice, CTO Lt. TÕMur, Ensign Francesca (Frankie) OÕRiley, Luma - 1650)The duo entered the security storage area, to find OÕRiley running scans on the rest of jump suits.  ÒEnsign OÕRiley, as per the orders of Dr. Solice, everyone is required to have a full physical,Ó TÕMur stated.  ÒSince you have not set an appointment with the good doctor, I have brought her here to perform her tests on you now.Ó  She thought it best to edit out the fact that Gregory had also ordered the tests.ÒDid I miss that?  Well the orders are recent and I have not had a chance to make my appointment.  Sorry, however now is not a good time.  I need to finish my duty here.Ó  Frankie said.ÒThat is ok, I can give you an evaluation while you work.Ó  Quinna pulled out her tricorder and started scanning.Frankie pushed the doctor away, ÒI am sorry, but you are in my way.  I need to finish.ÓTÕMur moved quickly and put a hand on OÕRileyÕs shoulder.  She applied enough pressure to insist on her cooperation, but not enough to render her unconscious.ÒPlease settle down, Ensign,Ó the Vulcan said calmly.  ÒWith your cooperation we should be done with an abundance of time to complete your duties.  Of course, I could simply relieve you of your duties and we can do this in a more restrictive environment if you prefer.ÓFrankie was getting angry now.  ÒLook, I have been cooperative with you.  I have stopped my duties putting me behind in my inventory as it is.  Now, you drag a doctor here to interrupt me again?  Just what do you think is going on here?ÓÒEnsign,Ó TÕMur said sternly, Òyou seem to be under the impression that this is open to debate.  It is not.  This is an order. Now choose, here and now, or in a security cell.ÓQuinna moved closer to Frankie.  As TÕMur and Frankie were arguing, Quinna managed to get her medical scans.  All she needed was blood.  She was hoping that while TÕMur was keeping Frankie engaged she could get some.  There were locations not so common that she could pull from.Frankie turned to TÕMur, ÒAnd have you had your physical?  Did the doctor have someone pull you away from your duties to perform it?  A man dies because of tamperend equipment.  DonÕt you think I should find all the affected bags?ÓÒIndeedÓ TÕMur agreed, ÒI think that would be a priority.  However, ensuring the health of all those involved with said equipment failure takes a higher priority.  And the time this exam takes is nominal.  Quinna managed to do a blood draw.  She was midway through a second vial before Frankie caught on.  ÒBy the time you were protesting the physical, I am now done.Ó  Quinna said.ÒI will be filing an official report against you two.Ó  Frankie yelled.  ÒYou two violated me!ÓTÕMur looked at O'Riley in the eyes, ÒI would welcome that report.  Perhaps at the same time we could discover the purpose of you falsifying your duty report to me earlier.ÓÒExcuse me?!Ó  Frankie pretended to me in shock, Òwhat exactly are you accusing me of?Ó  ÒYou informed me that you were not on duty during the equipment check out,Ó TÕMur stated.  ÒYou had said that Ensign Tavay had taken your place.  But Ensign Tavay was on duty on the bridge at the time.  I have confirmation of that.  I also have a record that you were on duty here.  Why would you you lie about something that was so easy to check up on?ÓÒI do not know what you are talking about, I was in my quarters.  Someone is trying to frame me.  CanÕt you check for tampering?Ó  Frankie said.ÒThat has already been done, Ensign,Ó TÕMur stated.  ÒThe fact that you choose to maintain this line indicates a much greater issue here.  Are you certain that you wish to... what is the phrase?Ó  She looked to Quinna, ÒAh yes, Are you certain that you wish to stick to your story?ÓÒYes, and when it is proven I am right, I will file harassment charges against you.Ó  Frankie said.  Quinna looked at TÕMur.  ÒI think we need to go.Ó  She suggested.  She needed to talk outside the room anyway.TÕMur paused, then raised an eyebrow at the ensign, ÒI will look forward to receiving your grievance, Ensign OÕRiley.ÓThe Vulcan turned and followed Quinna out of the room, and into the hallway.ÒYes, Doctor,Ó TÕMur said blankly, Òwhat do you have to tell me?ÓQuinna stopped outside the door refusing to move.  ÒShe needs to be escorted either to brig or to sickbay.  Her body chemicals are out of whack which can be a sign that she is lying.  Notice how quick she went from helpful to defensive to accusatory.ÓÒI did recognize that pattern of behavior,Ó TÕMur agreed. ÒWhich would you suggest, sickbay or the brig?ÓÒWe can put her in a secured isolation room.  I will need to do some neurological testing.  Do you think she intentionally killed Soar? Or was it neglect and she was trying to cover her negligence ?Ó  Quinna asked.ÒI amÉ uncertain at this time,Ó TÕMur admitted. ÒI will need more data to make that recommendation.ÓShe turned back to re-enter the equipment room. Looking over her shoulder she raised a questioning eyebrow, ÒYou should probably go and get the isolation room prepared clearing it of anything breakable would be the first step. I shall be up soon.ÓWith that she stepped back into the room. Quinna already kept a room situated for such an emergency.  She was not going to let TÕMur in there alone.  Frankie stood there, ÒWhat did you forget now?  Do I need to pee in a cup or something?ÓÒPerhaps later, Ensign,Ó TÕMur said. ÒFor the moment I need you to accompany me to sickbay, immediately. You are relieved of duty.ÓTÕMur touched the wall to make contact with Luma.  ::Luma, please note the date and time that I am relieving Ensign OÕRiley of command. I believe she is medically compromised.::::Luma does not like her feels.:: Luma admitted.Frankie moved back to the corner of the room.  Quinna followed.  It may have to come to a site to site transport but anything Frankie has would be transported with her.Frankie pulled something off the shelf.  Quinna could not catch sight of what it was.  Frankie was able to conceal the device in her hand.LumaÕs voice came out of the speakers, =^= She is holding a maintenance tool that can cause damage to the corporeal bodies. She is attempting to create entropy.=^= Luma was NOT pleased.TÕMur was already in motion and before anyone could react she had her hand on OÕRileyÕs neck.  This time she applied all the force that was required to render the woman unconscious.  She removed the item from her hand as she fell.ÒLuma, STS transport to an isolation room in sickbay, please,Ó TÕMur requested. Once the ensignÕs body dissolved into the transporter effect she examined the tool in her hand.  She did not recognize the implement and decided that she would need to reference the item with engineering. Then the Vulcan turned to Quinna.ÒIt looks like you have some work to do now, Quinna,Ó TÕMur stated.  ÒI hope you didnÕt have plans.Ó(reply none)(posted by Al, Kris and Mel)>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>(USS Illuminar- Deck 2 - Personal Quarters - FO Commander Sienna Williams-Verin and CTO Lt. TÕMur - 2210)TÕMur walked into the room.  As soon as the door closed she divested herself of her tunic and trousers.  She went to the sofa and plopped down, pulling her legs under her, and leaning her head back so that it rested against the wall.  Her mind was going through all of the information that had been gathered with regards to the death of the cadet.  There were so many inconsistencies, and her mind could not rest until she could make sense of the data. What she wanted was a distraction.Sienna strode in from her office, sensing that TÕMur had finally gotten home. Today had seemed like it would never end. She had shadows under her eyes, so tired. ÒHow are you holding up?Ó Sienna had changed into a long skirt with a camisole in a pretty mint-green.  She curled up beside her mate and laid her head on TÕMurÕs shoulder.  ÒItÕs been a hard day. This should never have happened.Ó She spoke in exhaustion. TÕMur nodded, rubbing her cheek against her mateÕs head.  ÒI would say that the word unusual would be the descriptor IÕd use. It was surely a preventable occurrence.TÕMur knew how personally Sienna took the lives, and deaths, of all of her crew.  It was one of her greatest strengths, and also one of her greatest sources of pain.ÒI need to inform my Father and heÕs going to be angry. He wonÕt blame me, but I blame me.Ó She admitted in a small voice. ÒI donÕt want to but it should be me that tells him, not the Captain.ÓThe Vulcan turned and kissed Sienna on the head.  ÒIf you must then you should.  I am uncertain if Sekal will see the logic, but I am certain he would see your need.  You should inform him soon, before Lt. Commander Gregory and I have finished our reports.ÓSienna smiled at the comfort that TÕMur offered her, ÒDo you want to talk about what has happened? Luma is much calmer now, but she does not approve of our insistence that we not change the timeline. She thinks we should go back and prevent SoarÕs death.ÓÒThat, my sweet Sienna, is a problem for Mr. Laredo to deal with now,Ó TÕMur said.  ÒI have confidence in his abilities.Ó  Then she shook her head. ÒThere is so much about this that doesnÕt make sense. And several items that concern me.ÓSuddenly she sat up and looked at SiennaÕs face and asked, ÒHave you noticed that Lieutenant Lee seems to have made no connection to the death of one of his cadets?ÓÒNo, I havenÕt talked to Lee at all since the incident. Can you show me the memory?Ó She asked curiously. ÒMaybe I can help with context.ÓTÕMur replayed the entire conversation with Lee, and focused her attention to the details of the CSOÕs demeanor and attitude. ::I have no other way to put it as a very emotionless conversation, until he got angry and defensive.::Sienna came out of the memories, blinking in confusion, ÒWhat the heck is wrong with that man?  I mean, I know heÕs from the past, he had a temporal accident. He is still acclimating to this time period. So his social cues are off. But thatÕs a step beyond callous to rude and concerning. ÒWhat the heck is a ÔAll tickley boo?Õ I grew up on earth and have never heard that expression before.  He should have treated you like his equal, not something lesser. He should have been more respectful and less insensitive.ÓTÕMur shrugged, ÒTo be honest I had not considered the insensitivity towards me, but his vernacular was a little confusing. However I was concerned with his insensitivity towards the incident. He just didnÕt seem to É care.Ó ÒI wonder if itÕs a ptsd response. Military in the past were not treated for it. He should probably be in mandatory counseling but I donÕt want to inflict him on Alaya. Maybe I can send him to Riven or Mr. Laredo to deal with.  At the very least a psychological report should be included with the incident reports.ÓÒI did research the term tickley boo, and the closest I came to was tickety boo, which was a phrase coined in the early twentieth century meaning in good working order. Which makes sense.  Except it was completely inaccurate in the context of this incident, since clearly everything was not in good working order,ÓÒMaybe he is disassociating? Trying to distance himself mentally in order to cope.  I feel like I am  making excuses for him.Ó  She turned her head just enough to place her lips on TÕMurÕs neck in a soft kiss. ÒRegardless he needs some psychological evaluation.Ó She made the mental note to order it, then yawned. ÒAnything else bother you about this? It feels like random sabotage to me, not like a personal attack. As much as I despise the very existence of Weston on this ship and want to boot him out the nearest airlock without a suit, this seems up his alley. You might want to try talking to him and see what he can scrounge up. If heÕs doing something he wonÕt be making trouble.Ó Sienna said that last sentence grimly.TÕMur closed her eyes, enjoying the sensation of her loverÕs lips on her neck. ÒMmmmÉ then thereÕs this thing with Ensign Francesca 0ÕRiley. She lied to me about being on duty this morning. Why would she do that?  What was she trying to hide?  All evidence points to an accident, but she showed me evidence of further damage to other jumpsuits.Ó::You are making it difficult for me to concentrate.:: she sent out as she felt the BetazoidÕs teeth nibble at her flesh.::Mhmm. Employ some of that famous vulcan discipline.:: Sienna replied but she did not stop her attentions. ÒDo the logs show that? Luma records everything on this ship passively and actively on the areas that should be under surveillance. The area that the cadets were using  is part of the security feeds. What do they show? Was it tampered with?Ó  She bit a little harder and held the bite for a moment then released it, drawing back from TÕMur with a smile.TÕMur looked at her with a look that said Ònaughty girl. ÒÒYes, I did check, on both the duty roster and security feeds. She was most assuredly on duty. She didnÕt even try to hide her lie. It was as though she believed that I would not check her story. ::And perhaps I am choosing to not employ my Òfamous Vulcan discipline.Ó  Perhaps I realize I ÒneedÓ the distraction.::With that she grabbed a handful of SiennaÕs hair, pulled her head to the side to expose her own neck, and buried her own teeth into her mate's neck, with small, sustained bites. Sienna went limp as TÕMur grabbed her hair and bit her. Sharp, wonderful marks that proclaimed TÕMurÕs bonding to Sienna. ::More.:: The discussion forgotten for a moment, but something about it was bothering her, but she let her brain percolate on the thought, maybe it would float up to the service and she could get back to it after TÕMur had her fun.(reply none)(posted by Al and Mel)DAY 17>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Mission:  Death in the ShadowsDay: 17Stardate: 2446.02.17(USS Illuminar - Deck 1 COps Office - LCDR Lieutenant Dieter Gregory - 0500)Gregory had been up half the night, trying to figure out the words for the final report on the accident that claimed Cadet Winston SoarÕs life. There were the obvious and the not so obvious issues that needed to be addressed. He took a sip of his now cold tea as he looked over the words flashing back at him from the screen.  He needed to think so he decided not to dictate his report, but rather type it in.  The act of typing helped him keep his thoughts focused.  ÔSecurity Cadet Winston Soars was participating in his first HALO - high altitude, low opening orbital jump over the planet Betazed.  All training records are in order and their training instructor was certified as an instructor for HALO jumps.  A review of the trajectory of Cadet SoarÕs jump shows everything was nominal.  He emerged from the blackout zone on course, 40 kilometers above the planet.  He declared an emergency on release of the final parachute.  This caused him to increase speed and reach terminal velocity.   When he attempted to deploy is emergency parachute, which also suffered a failure.  Emergency transporter protocols were initiated, and there was an initial capture of Cadet Soar, but that also failed.  Due to a series of catastrophic failures, Cadet Soar eventually landed on Betazed at terminal velocity.The attached report from the Medical Examiner details the results of an autopsy performed on the Mr. SoarÕs body.  In summary, there were no medical reasons that would suggest any biochemical reasons for Mr. SoarÕs to commit suicide or other forms of self-harm.  A review of her personal logs showed a bright eager young man ready to take on all the challenges that Star Fleet could throw at him. A complete investigation into the cause of the cadetÕs death was initiated.  All the suits on the USS Illuminar were rechecked. Cadet SoarÕs suit was separated and examined by Engineering Officer Ensign Bohb.  After a complete review of the suit, Mr. Bohb determined that the parachute deployment system on the Mr. SoarÕs suit was made by a Ferengi manufacturer.  A comprehensive review of the remaining suits on the Illuminar revealed that Cadet SoarÕs suit was the only suit with this deployment device.  With this information in hand, a call was initiated with Admiral Fuller, the head of the Inspector General's office.  He was made aware of the information that Mr. Bohb had uncovered, along with the supporting details and analysis. As of Stardate 2446.02.17, the Inspector General has issued a STIR - Special Technical Issue Report and a Class One recall.  A secondary cause of the accident was the insistence by Chief of Security Lee initiating a HALO training program for cadets on the USS Illuminar.  While both Lieutenant Lee and the training officer are certified for training HALO jumps, the traditional training doesnÕt have a full space jump until the 4th or 5th jump a person makes.  The training program at the academy is more rigorous and contained, something that is not present on the USS Iluminar.  It is recommended that all HALO training of cadets and novices remain at specialized training facilities.  While practice by trained individuals should be continued, there needs to be better oversight of these exercises.All other factors have been considered and data does not indicate any of these play a role in the tragedy.  All records from the investigation are appended to this report. Signed, Lieutenant Commander Dieter GregorySecond Officer, USS Illuminar. Gregory pushed back from the terminal and yawned.  He pushed a button and the report started to assemble itself.  Moments later it was fully compiled. With that, he gave it one more quick read and sent it on to the Captain for review and approval.  Looking at the time, he realized that he had just enough time to get to the holodeck and work out the kinks of an allnighter. (Reply none)(Posted by Tim) >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>-----------------------------------------------------END TRANSMISSION------------------------------------------------------