>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< Mission: You Can’t Go Home Again Day: 3 Stardate: 2444.06.03 >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< (Mars Base, Medical, Medical/Counselor, Ensign J.G. Quinna Solice 0019) (Mars Base - Sickbay - Pilot – Ensign (J.G.) – Ire Williams - 0021) (Mars Base, Engineering Center, engineer Ensign jg R'Vek Kental, 0035) (Mars Base – Medical –Pilot - Ensigns (J.G.) – Ravok / Ire Williams – 0037) (Mars Base, Engineering Center, Sec/Tac Ensign jg Taya, 0038) (Mars Base – Quarters of Ailynn Bracken - CONN - Ensign (JG) – Trip Williams and MO - Ensign (JG) Bracken - 1130) (Starbase - OPS – Pilot – Ensign (J.G.) – Ire Williams – 13:42) (Fighter Hangar Bay, Mars Base ENS j.g-OPS Alexandra Petrova, PO3rd Chris Castile ENG 13:46 Hours) (ENS j.g (Ops) Petrova Main Hangar Bay, Mars Base 1350 Hours) (Type 11 Shuttle Craft Draco, Cockpit, ENS JG Trip Williams - 13.50) (Starbase – Docking Bay 3 - OPS - CO Admiral Remae Ktell – 13:51) (Runabout Docking Bay, SECTAC Ens(jg) Carson Peters, 1351) (Starbase – Docking Bay 3 - OPS – Pilot – Ensign (J.G.) – Ire Williams– 13:52) (Starbase - Docking Bay 3 - OPS - Ambassador Addison MacCaulay 13:53) (PO3 Castile,Main Hangar Bat 1355 Hours) (FIghter Hangar Bay, SECTAC, Ensg(jg) Carson Peters, 1357) (Mars Facility – Admiral’s Office - CO Admiral Remae Ktell – 1410) (Mars Facility – Operations Center - Science Officer – Ensign Sekal- 1425) (Mars Base, Security Center, Sec/Tac Ensign jg Taya, 1426) (Mars Facility – Security Section – Holding Cells - Science Officer- Ensign Sekal – 1432) (Mars Facility – Security Section – Holding Cell 3- Science Officer- Ensign Sekal – 1437) (Mars Base, Admiral's Office, Ensign jg Ravok, 1600) (Mars Facility – Admiral’s Office - CO Admiral Remae Ktell – 1605) (Mars Facility – admiral's office- Pilot Ensign jg Ravok – 1606) (Starfleet Martian Ground Facilities -1st Fighter Wing of Mars, Hangar 1, Maintenance bay – Pilot - Ensign (J.G.) Ire Williams - 1607) (Starfleet Martian Ground Facilities -1st Fighter Wing Briefing Room – Pilot - Ensign (J.G.) Alexandra Petrova- 1619) (Mars Facility – 1st Fighter Wing Briefing Room - aFSXO ENS JG Trip Williams – 1625) (Mars Facility – 1st Fighter Wing Briefing Room - ENS JG Ravok – 1629) (Mars Facility – Main Security Control Room - ENS JG Garek Darpeg – 1635) (Mars Facility – M03 hangar bay- ENS JG Ravok – 1641) (Mars Facility, main engineering, engineer ensign Jg R'Vek Kental, 1650) >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< (Mars Base, Medical, Medical/Counselor, Ensign J.G. Quinna Solice 0019) "Excuse me? Now is not the time." Taya looked at the woman in blue. "Yes, Doctor, which is why I said, when you're able. I know the pilot needs medical care, but I also need to conduct an investigation. The fresher things are in his mind, the better the chance of discovering what happened." She looked at the pilot. "How long until he can answer questions? He looks like he can now." Quinna took the comment the wrong way when Taya answered her. But she chooses not to reveal that. She always ran when people made her feel like a moron. It was one of her insecurities. Given the hour, she wrote it off as fatigue. “I would prefer for a decent hour. I need him to rest a few hours before I release him.” Quinna stated. “It’s okay.” Ire told Quinna. “Fine, I will …” What was Quinna going to do? “…just go.” Quinna new better than to stick around. She was not apart of this He gave a reassuring smile knowing that if he gave a preliminary statement then he could give a more in depth one later. “I can give you a preliminary statement and I will make sure it will not take too long.” He looked from Solice to Taya. Quinna watched Taya leave giving a nod to note of the officer’s departure. She turned to her patient, “Get some rest. You can be released in the morning.” Quinna lowered the lights and went about her business. (Reply if any) (Played by Kris) (Mars Base - Sickbay - Pilot – Ensign (J.G.) – Ire Williams - 0021) "I have just one more question. Since you were flying a ship with a history of mechanical problems, why were you alone? Don't flight regulations require you to have someone with you in case something like this happens? Oh, and I need your name." Ire paused for a moment before speaking. “I was running a maintenance flight to try and find the problem. My flight was down for off duty rotation and I was in mars orbit. I was coved by Martian orbital and we are also short staffed like everyone else. Regulations do in certain situations at the behest of the squadron commander. As I am the squadron commander, I felt that I had taken all the precautions needed for the flight. My name is Ire Williams.” (Reply Taya, any) (Reply Taya, Solice, any) (Posted by Robbie) (Mars Base, Engineering Center, engineer Ensign jg R'Vek Kental, 0035) R'Vek was bent over a panel going over the scans from the starbase and docking bays. He found a dock that peaked his interest, dock 57 it held the frame and some started parts of a classified ship, it wasn't finished and probably never would be. The design was like none he had ever seen before. He was lost in thought and ideas when a voice brought him back to reality. "Ensign Kental, I hope I'm not interrupting anything important. I'm Ensign Taya from security. I don't know if you're aware, but within the past hour, one of the Peregrine fighters crashed on the Mars surface. I just came from sickbay, the pilot will live. I'm conducting an investigation as to the cause. I need the engineering department to find the wreckage, examine it, and retrieve the data from the flight recorder. So far, it seems like mechanical failure, but with the importance of the Mars mission, we need to be certain it isn't sabotage. When you have the results, will you send a copy of your report to security?" He listens and was caught off guard at first, he was glad the pilot was ok and did his best to hide his frustration. Engineering was pulling double shifts like everyone else but the sheer scope of the work they were doing was mind-blowing. Now he would have to task a few engineers to find the wreckage so he could take a trip to examine it. "I will have a few engineers start looking, and will examine it as soon as we know the location. I wouldn't be surprised if it was mechanical failure based on the shape of most things but will keep you up to date" he said trying to smile. "Ensign, can you tell me what the pilot remembers happening, we will look the whole craft over but any details will help us prioritize where to start" he asked (Reply Taya) "Thank you, I will contact you as soon as I have any updates for you." He replied, from the report given it could have been mechanical or foul play it was guess untill he had a chance to examine the vessel. He made a mental note to push this up his list. (Reply Taya) (Reply Taya) (posted by Andrew Rock) (Mars Base – Medical –Pilot - Ensigns (J.G.) – Ravok / Ire Williams – 0037) Ravok laughed and shook his head and grabbed a chair and sat down next to Ire. " No need to thank me , I am just glad your alive. Ensign Petrova isnt wrong in her view of people flying solo. Anything can happen as you now know. I'm just thankful I'm talking to a living breathing Ensign Williams and not a box full of your remains." “You and me too. Getting splattered across the ground is not the way I would want to go.” "About that drink though. Most people regret drinking with a romulan. Hell most people. regret even talking to a romulan let alone throwing back shots with them. We romulas get wild when we drink. One drunk romulan can make a group of drunk klingons seem like cuddly kittens. Us romulans are an emotional people. Our emotions good or bad come to the surface when we drink.” Ire grinned. “Well we can try and stop you getting absolutely drunk, but I will hold you to that once I get discharged from here. I am sure there is on bar some where on the base if not I am sure we can find one on the starbase.” Ire said "We should see what we can get into " Ravok replied He looked at Ravok for a moment and then his smile went. “You know this could be bad for me. Irresponsible flying of a fighter, not following protocol. People have lost more for less. If it goes well, I could get my flight status revoked or worse I could louse the squadron. Commanders who don’t follow safety rules aren’t responsible for command. Well I still have the drones which will be good.” "Whoa whoa" Ravok said and put his hands up. "You didnt break any protocol going up there alone in the attack fighter isnt against the rules. It's more of a guidelines type of thing. " Ravok paused for a moment. ~ She died because she flew alone, I never had her because she flew alone. I almost died because she flew alone ~ Ravok looked at Ire " Look I'm glad you were up there alone because had there been two of you , I would have been forced to make an impossible choice. The only reason I have a guideline or suggestion of no one flying alone is because my mother died in a shuttle accident. She was pregnant and flying around a ship yard near new Romulus. She flew into the side of a civilian star base. Investigation of the incident revealed her flight path became locked and her attempts to unlock it were unsuccessful. So she attempted to pilot the shuttle in manual and crashed, she was a horrible pilot. Luckily they found her in the wreckage and delivered me just in time to save my life." Ravok said to Ire who looked at him for a moment before he spoke. ~Bloody hell and there you go brining that up Ire way to go~ “Ravok I am so sorry. There was a slight silence before Ravok spoke again. "I can cover your shift for you and help get it up and running if you need me to or unless you have someone in your squadron who is up to the task." Ravok stated Ire sighed slightly. “My second Biel is good she can run things with out any problem while I am grounded. But I do owe Chief Tyrol maintenance shift. I told him that 13 was just another ship and she did not have feelings.” Ravok laughed. " Well you weren't wrong ships don’t have feelings. 13 was just a nearly 30 year old piece of junk that should of been decommissioned a long time ago. But hey that's just this Romulans opinion" Ire smiled. "You should let your family know you're ok though. " “The problem is to change them to what. Most of the stuff here is about the same ago or older.” Ire’s smile faltered. “My parents are dead presumed missing…” Ravoks eyes widened with worry. As listened to Ire ~Great, good job as if Ire hasnt been through enough now I brought this up...how was I supposed to know~ ~Ire you can’t stop there~ He paused gathering himself. “….My mum and dad were two of the finest doctors in Starfleet. They both met at the academy and my father Andrew Williams was the doctor on the USS Spectre where he became Chief Medical Officer. My mother Jay after her stint as a surgeon became the Captain of the USS Road Runner where I was born. They were on a research mission deep into the subspace river when what ever happened to Starbase Geneva happened then all of a sudden the Geneva and the sectors around it was deemed a no go area and the subspace tunnel network deemed hazardous and must be avoided. They were gone, my parents, the ship’s crew which I had know since childhood and the Road Runner which was my home. I tried desperately to find out what had happened, but the security lock down was so tight there was not chance. it was as though they had never existed and were just a sad stastistic to be recoreded somewhere. Even my Aunty who has worked with special operations part of Starfleet Intelligence could not get any answers.” ~She even hacked the database and found nothing~ “I went to live with my Aunty Coleridge.” He gave a slight smile. “She is a sentient AI from Minos who is in command of a merchantman. She did her best to bring me up but a bratty emotional teenager. She comes across as sarcastic and stern but there is a caring side it just took me time to realise this until much later.” ~Just unload Ire why don’t you~ He looked at Ravok. “Sorry didn’t mean to unload on you.” Ravok smiled at Ire "I am sorry about your family and I am even more sorry that starfleet Is covering it up. The fact that you are willing to serve in Starfleet says alot about who you are as a person. I could never bring myself serve if that were my family. And dont aogize for telling me of your family heritage. Among Romulans this is a sign of trust and friendship. " Ravok sat straight up in his chair "Temhlomaus hvaedr'oalh mhashe vidhaes. Exchange of clan history , as we call it. Kind of like a klingon singing a song of valor. We honor not only our families but honor and welcome friends by telling them of our family Chronicle. Your parents were great medical officers . You hail from that and it's a great honor to hear about them. When we talk about our lost ones they become, Oa yearhoaiumm'u flaeon allie flaeon Swain aeulleakjs'hnvaeh'n. That means those who stay and remain with us. My family ,my clan was Shara . We were farmers unlike most families we stayed away from the military. Although our crops fed the military, clan Shara lived simple lives until my father whose name was Rogek decided he had enough of farming and wanted to sail the stars he got a job on a mining vessel that orbited the planet of Remus. He met a reman man named S'vet. The two of them became close and my father bought him and freed him. S'vet and my father bought a civilian class freighter and began transporting various goods across the empire. My father met my mother shortly after the destruction of romulus and eventually I was born. I grew up not knowing my real mother but when I was 2 years old my father met a klingon woman named Kora and I have called her my mother all my life. So I grew up having my father, my uncle S'vet and my stepmother. Being raised on a freighter all my life ." Ravok said and started to laugh " Now our clans are known to each other welcome to romulan culture " Ire smiled at the acceptance. “Thank you for telling me. It’s nice to get a better understanding Romulan culture. Do you think that we have a better perspective about cultures and races because we have grown up on ships rather than on a planet? I do sometimes feel sad that others have not had the experiences that we have had.” Ravok crossed his arms and nodded his head at Ire . " I think we have an advantage when it comes to being accepting of others ,yes . Growing up on ship I have been to many starbases and have met a bunch of different people. I really never noticed just how closed minded people were until I joined the academy. I remember my first day when the medical staff were doing our physicals , the nurse refused to even examine me. His reason being that I had no right to even breath the same air as him and others supported his view . Security pulled me aside and sat me in a room for 9 hours just to have a snobby lt.cmdr come in and acuse me of conspiracy because thats what romulans do. Even though starfleet accepted me knowing right and well I was romulan . After another 1 hour of accusations I was released and given a academic write up for reporting late . No matter who I turned to no one would help me. I knew I'd just have to prove myself. " Ravok chuckled " This one time 4 human cadets attacked me. Well this was a big mistake on their part because these humans had no idea that we romulans are about 3 times stronger than the average human. I sent all four to medical infirmary and to be honest I felt horrible about it . Security reviewed the situation and deemed them guilty and as a federation citizen I was asked if I wanted to press charges, i declined . I went and visited them and expressed just how sorry I was. After that I became friends with all of them. I even went on holiday with Cadet Wyatts family. His grandmother couldn't wait to have a romulan try her cooking" Ravok said with a laugh “Growing up on the Road Runner and then with my Aunty I have had the privilege to see new places and meet different people." Ire responded " Well hopefully you and I can share our acceptance of people with our fellow officers. You know I seen you at the academy a few times and never approached you. I wish that I'd had . " said Ravok Ire smiled. “Yes I know what you mean but as you know we hardly had time to eat and sleep then actually find time to socialise.” Ire was about to say more but the door opened, and the nurse stepped in. She looked at Ire and then to Ravok. “I think you better leave. It’s not visiting hours and is the Doc catches you in here there will be hell to pay.” Ire nodded and looked at Ravok “You better go. Trust me, you don’t want to irritate the Doctors.” Ravok nodded his head. At the nurse " understood " he replied at he stood up. “I was great to see you. Thank you for coming to see me.” Ire said He looked at Ire . " I broke a few of your ribs , it's the least I can do. Get some rest " he said with slight laugh.Ravok turned and walked out the medical bay. ~ Hell of a day it's been so far~he thought to himself . (Reply any) (Posted by Robert and Robbie) (Mars Base, Engineering Center, Sec/Tac Ensign jg Taya, 0038) "I wouldn't be surprised if it was mechanical failure, based on the shape of most things, but will keep you up to date," said Kental. "Neither would I," said Taya, "but we need to be certain." Kental asked what the pilot had said about the incident. Taya tapped her PADD. "I uploaded the pilot's statement into the general engineering folder so you can read it." "Thank you," said Kental. "I will contact you as soon as I have any updates for you." "Thank you. By the way, you can call me Taya." With a nod and a smile, she headed out. (reply R'vek iyw) (posted by Rob B.) (Starbase – Main Triage – MO Ens(jg) Kasian Poldan (3 – 13:16) “Look, I’ve been a terrible person these last two days, especially with the Alyl thing. I lost sight of what I could have done, and what I should have done; and I’m truly sorry.” “Bracken it’s ove…” kasian was quickly cut off by Ailynn he couldn’t help but smile a little he would never admit it but he admired her strong will. She went on to explain how she was sorry for everything and kasian listened but the trusty was it some of the thing just was there was nothing to be sorry for. If he wanted to be honest with himself he was holding onto the past and now letting the fact that both of them had grown up.“...and…I’m sorry.” “Look you shouldn’t be apologizing for taking charge we have a job that is literally life or death. So in reality someone has to take charge and as we don’t have a CMO might as well fall to someone who has command in their blood. Hell your mum was CMO and is now captain you have to be the most qualified for the job. Kasian sighed a little he didn’t feel like this was the right time to have this conversation, but with their busy life who knew when the mat would be. “Listen, I’m not going to tell you it’s all okay because it’s not, however, we are not kids playing in the vineyard hell it has been years since we even seen each other. Things and people change that’s life. We either adapt and grow or move on. We are here so fair has clearly said We need to grow.” (Reply Bracken IYW) (Posted by Richard) (Mars Base – Quarters of Ailynn Bracken - CONN - Ensign (JG) – Trip Williams and MO - Ensign (JG) Bracken - 1130) Trip had spent most of the morning running from point A to point B. Just trying to get stuff done. At some point he was going to need to track down Ire and give him grief for the solo night flight that could have killed him. But that would need to wait. He needed to deal with another friend first. His parents had lived next to the Brackens since Trip was still in diapers. He had grown up next to Ailynn. He had hoped they didn't have secrets kept from the other, but he was apparently mistaken. He chimed the door and entered. She looked around the spartan surroundings, she knew that almost everyone else would have pictures on the wall, reminders of home, who knew what else. The walls here were bare, the bed simply somewhere to sleep, the desk strewn with things. ~the state of my mind perhaps?~ she thought as Trip entered the room. “Trip...Come in, I’m sorry about the state of the place, I...haven’t unpacked yet, there’s things everywhe…” "Ailynn, we need to talk." ~Ailynn. My full name that…is never good.~ “Okaaaaayy?” She answered tentatively, “about?” "So I talked to my dad this morning and he told me that he and my mom knew about my fighting, but let me continue and didnt tell me they knew, because they thought I needed it to grow or mature or whatever." AIlynn had a nasty feeling in her water, that this was going to be one of those conversations. "Okaaaay...." she answered tentatively, pushing her discarded underwear out of sight. "Dad also told me you knew that they knew. Is that true." Her eyes shut tight she knew that that was going to be the next sentence. "Oh Smeg...." "Ailynn, you knew it ate me up inside that I was hiding this from then, and when I quit, you knew I felt guilty, like I could never tell them this. Feeling like it would let them down and they would judge me for it. And all the times I came to you guilt ridden I had lied to them….you knew they knew…" Trip paused. "You stood there and let me agonize over nothing." She sighed deeply, her mouth momentarily silent while her brain worked furiously. "Oh smeg…" She pointed to the couch, "sit...please. This one is going the distance. Coffee? Excellent." Trip sat down. He didn't really like coffee, but he politely nodded in acceptance. He wasn't about to turn this into a thing about coffee. "Two coffees recipe thre…" she turned to Trip…"decaff recipe five hint of cardamom." The coffees appeared on the tray and she picked up both, sipping both and passing the other over. "Wall. Face. Changing." She pointed to the adjacent wall, and pulled at her top indicating that she was about to undress. Her nudity didn't bother her, years of ER shifts and med school had changed that, it was more for their friendship. Trip took the coffee and took a sip. He turned his head to make sure he was facing the wall. It was straining his neck but her couch was more comfortable than the one in his quarters. ~Why are these cushions so much comfier than mine. So much for an egalitarian society. And is this decaf. Gross.~ Trip was trying to occupy his mind while he waited. As she pulled off her top and trousers, she began to speak, slowly and gently, a hint of sadness filled her voice. "I'm rather afraid I need to start with me.." Trip turned to face her thinking she was done changing. "I said wall" Ailynn snapped, blushing furiously, covering herself. "Sorry, sorry," Trip said blushing. "I swear I didn't see anything." She shrugged. "It's okay. Now...I was 12 and mum was away. So I stayed at yours, in the junk room, I always loved that room - you remember?" "The junk room, you mean my play room? I guess it was kind of a mess…." There was a reason people called it the junk room. "So I stayed with you...your mum gave me cocoa and tucked me up, and your Dad came up when he got in, checked on you two and then came in to me…" she sipped at her coffee wishing she hadn’t had decaff. "Was that the weekend that I got my head stuck in the bannister?" Trip was trying to place the event. "Don't jump the story, It was late...and I was sat up in bed...petrified. i was sat up cradling my knees crying silently, I'd had a massive panic attack as I could feel my heart…" she touched the right side of her chest "...skipping beats as I lay there scared out my wits thinking I was dying. Your mum calmed me down, and your Dad tucked me back up." Ailynn smiled deeply, "I remember the hug he gave me, the bristles of a late night beard, and that awful damned aftershave. I fell asleep on his arms and woke up in the morning and he'd slept there, sat up, next to me." Trip smiled. He had lost count of how many times his dad had fallen asleep in the rocking chair of his room whenever Trip was having nightmares. "That sounds like my dad." "It was like i had a Dad, when mum arrived next day she was guilt stricken. Took your mom ages to calm her down. She swore a promise that morning that my family would always help yours. Hell of a sense of drama my mother." "I mean, yeah I get that my folks are great. Tell me something I don't know." “Bear with me...please. I’m sorry...truly Trip.” "But how does a promise your mom made keep you from not telling me? Also are you done changing? My neck hurts." "I’m decent.”. She picked up her cup, and sipped, then put it down, and then sat down right next to him, her hip touching his. “Okay, so we’re now at the academy, I was doing okay, but mums shadow was everywhere. Regarding your fights, Your parents found out first, then went to mum, initially to talk to a friend. You remember how close they were, you remember the conversations that they had in that study, that we weren’t allowed anywhere near?” She paused, “I wonder if they worried, if they knew what was wrong...even then?” “Worried about what?” “Sorry, we’ll come back to that.” she moved to pick up the coffee once more but didn’t bother picking it up. “They knew. The second fight you had. You remember what it was like, we were known in that town, for who we were. We couldn’t walk twenty yards without being spotted, and you wonder how people found out.” “Well, yeah I guess you’re right.” “Second fight, mum came to me, and told me everything. I saw a picture of that...stupid kid that you’d been, so angry, so...lost...that I promised to her that I’d do anything to help you. Anything. She, mum...gave me a backdoor - an emergency code that no one would check, one that she and only she ever had watch over.” “Well and I guess, I mean, as much as I wanted to believe I could get in trouble, the fights weren’t actually illegal. They were sanctioned in some like super duper dumpy fighting league. Worst case was a semester suspension. I knew I wasn’t going to get kicked out, but. I don’t know Lynn, I was always the good kid, followed the rules. The Rules were the rules because before they were the rules, people died. That was my mentality. Sure I was a screw up in a lot of other things, you know like head stuck in a bannister. But Sy was the party girl. I was the boy scout. I only got involved in this to feel like the bad boy. I was jealous. Jealous that I had a charmed life, jealous that I had no pain. Hell even when the things with Celia were going on, I used this as a way to work out the stress. Plus she loved being with the bad boy. Rae got it too. Sy encouraged it, but mom and dad, I didn’t want to be knocked off that pedestal. I set it up to where if I got caught, well I had a license and a contract, it would be a minimal punishment. But I craved the rush of them not knowing. I wanted so desperately to be broken. Everyone around me was.” Ailynn made a snorting noise, “Yeah well ‘talk to me about pedestals’” Ailynn realised how she was beginning to sound. She listened as Trip continued. “This is going to sound stupid, I hated being privelged, I hated having everything, that I wanted to be bad, I wanted to be broken, because it would mean fitting in. Every fight I had in high school, I turned myself in. I was too good, and too nice, and I wanted to be broken. I hated being dealt a perfect hand. And it killed me inside that I was lying to my parents. You knew that, you knew they knew, and you let me suffer knowing that if I knew they knew, it would mean I could finally come clean. Why? Why would you…” Trip paused, he could sense there was something troubling Ailynn, his empathic abilities were blaring like a red alert. “I was failing an optional engineering course." She said eventually, her tone sorrowful, ashamed. It wouldn't have mattered if I failed it but any interviewer or any posting would have looked at failures first. I figured ai just needed more time to work. The odd tablet here and there. Eventually...rather rapidly actually I had a rather serious amphetamine addiction, a derivative of an old drug called adderall." Trip looked at Ailynn and just listened. "Mum and Dale found out and got me clean, and we went to your father to help me. Walked finals that year top 5." "So what, my dad tutored you so then you became my doctor, then what forced a penance on me, that after treating my stab wounds, you decided to keep the knowledge that my parents knew from me a secret, and then let me wallow in the anguish that I let them down and they'd never know, never know how sorry I was." "They all knew that if you knew that we'd just bail you out that you wouldn't learn. That's why it was secret. It had to be me because mum being in at all odd hours would be noticed. An over ambitious med student though - no one looks at. And yes it fell on me to look out for you afterward when you were out because of what I'd done. I needed the responsibility to make me grow up and realise how close to the edge I'd got." Trip then ran his hands through his hair, "Lynn, what are we doing?" Ailynn looked at him "you're here cross at me because we hid things from you?" She answered, half confused, half joking. "No seriously. We crumbled under imaginary pressure. Seriously, I could have been a birthday clown and my parents would have been proud. You could have made butterfly paintings in your basement and your mom would still love you." "We spent most of our lives ashamed of our parents, that we never thought they wanted us to be ourselves." "We were dealt pocket aces and we crumbled under the pressure because we thought we were playing poker. So we rebelled against the dealer. We didn't realize, or at least I didn't, that we weren't playing poker. We were playing go fish." "All those years we were arguing against a point that they weren’t even making. They wanted the best for us, sure, but the best us, not the best clone of them." She sighed deeply, and leant on his shoulder. "I've been such a cow. And a poor friend." Trip put his arm around Ailynn's shoulder and turned to her and smiled. "No Lynnie, we've just been brats." Ailynn stood up, stretched her back, and then sat back down shifting her weight, but slipping into Trip’s embrace once more. She was quiet for a few moments, thoughtful. “I always hated that type of Fleet Brat.” she spoke sadly “I never realised until now that we were their leaders.” "Are we perfect no, do we have our faults, no. Have we had tragedy yes. But did we have it made. Yes. We had great parents, who are still alive. Some of our crewmates lost families, homeworlds, addiction, real tragedy. And we just wanted to be broken. But we're a lot more whole then we wanted to believe. The time for the pity party is over. We can't be brats. We need to step up, and be our real selves. The competent people we were raised to be." Ailynn laughed, gently. “You appreciate the irony, of course. That we are now the Fleet devoted versions of our parents that they probably didn’t want us to be, and we fought against anyway?” "Haha. You know Lynn, my dad is my hero. He was until I was 13, and then today I realized he still is. Why I didn't want to be like him, well I was stupid. But I know what I want in life know. Plus, dedication to fighting gave me this chiseled physique and im told chicks dig scars." She felt herself warm. If it were possible to feel one’s own soul lift, and become richer, that could be what was happening. Turning to him, she smiled, impishly. “Yeah we do...I mean...some of us. Don’t look at me...I don’t fancy you. You lovable oaf.” Trip removed his arm from around Ailynn's shoulders and stood up. "I never said you did. But maybe thou doth protest too much." His insults warmed her heart once more, rising to it, she found herself beaming, a warm smile. "And for the record, I don't think you're perfect. You can't sing, you have no poker face, and you cheat at hide and go seek." “I was 5’11” at 14 of course I cheated, and I can too sing. I just can’t sing in these trousers. Now get your arse out my bedroom, and go fly your kite...Ace.” she paused, and said what was deep in her heart. “Love you...idiot.” Trip smiled and brought Ailynn into an embrace. He wanted to make a joke about trousers and bedrooms. But he didn't. It probably would not have gone over well. Ailynn was his oldest friend, almost family. The love he felt for her was fraternal. Of course it would be easier if Ailynn was ugly. But Ailynn was like family and had her mom died when she was A kid, Trip's parents probably would have taken her in. Still the joke about how your Supposed to drop your trousers and get your aarseinti bedrooms might not have gone well with the sweet girl who had never been romantically kissed. "I reached 6' at 14 and I never cheat. And keep your trousers on. You sing worse with them off." Trip then brought Ailynn into a warm hug and gave her a friendly peck on the cheek. "I guess I'll be off, unless there is anything else." He said before releasing the embrace. Ailynn felt slightly saddened as his arms released her, his shoulders reminded her of those occasions where Trip’s father had acted as much as her own would have, the flow of muscle under her cheek, the way that the forearm wrapped round her back, and the gentle squeeze, that perhaps he didn’t even know he did. In all those moments she had always felt regret, but now...she realised that although a traumatic moment, that’s all it had to be, she had to pull herself up and realise that it didn’t define her, in the same way that Trip’s past didn’t define him; and that they truly had been the worst of the bunch of the brats in their crowd. She nudged her head toward the door. “I’m due on duty. You too. I’m...I’m good.” She smiled, a deep, warm smile, “You? We friends?” Smiling he said, "more than friends. We're family." (Reply none) (Posted by Mark and Will) (Fighter Hangar Bay, Mars Base ENS j.g-OPS Alexandra Petrova, PO3rd Chris Castile ENG 13:46 Hours) "You got to be flipping kidding me!" Castile exclaimed as security searched the Breen, he had a knife, a dirsuptor pistol AND a copy of all legimite inbound and outbound traffic schedules. More then that there was a list of names that were in some odd language. Officers that were meant to be targets. The breen stood there its arms raised saying nothing. Ptrova looked at Castile. "Perhaps its time we let security take him away and hand this data over." She said calmly. "I think we should beat the hell out of him till he confesses!" Castle said, "%$#^!@,,,, She..%$#@!^" Was what the breen said inbetween garbled sounds. Castile picked up a spanner like he was ready to hit the thing. THen let himself calm down, =^= Castile to security, we have a team of enlisted security officer, myself and a flight officer but nobody with any real arrest powers. Can we get somebody down here to take custody of this..thing. Execuse me this female breen =^= "$#@!.. Your Respect is noted human..!#@$%^*Hiss* You will be the last to die." The breen said. Castile stormed into the room with the coffee maker, it was either that or bash this things enviormental suit open. Alexandra tapped her com =^= Petrova to Red Dragon Leader, Trip are you on the ground yet? I have a report to file with you when you can get here, =^= (Active PC officer from Security respond please) (Trip Respond please.) (This post brought to you by Kaylah and Robert H.) (And support from readers like you.) (ENS j.g (Ops) Petrova Main Hangar Bay, Mars Base 1350 Hours) =^= Petrova to Red Dragon Leader, Trip are you on the ground yet? I have a report to file with you when you can get here, =^= =^=Petrova, I'm still inbound. Want to make sure there are no nasty surprises out here that might target our mysterious VIPs. Why don't you meet me in the briefing room at 14.30 hours. I should be Marside by then.=^= Was what Trip replied back with. Castile and a small group of security forces had their phasers trained on the Breen, they were still waiting for a senior security officer to step in and take charge, =^= Alright, we got that unwanted guest waiting on security to get here so if the bay is crowded when you get here,,, that's why.=^= "Roger that. Dragon Leader out She felt a twitch deep down, she was glad to know he was alive. She was also damn glad a gorilla like Castile was in here pinning the Breen searching it for any more contraband. (No response needed) (Posted by Kaylah) (Type 11 Shuttle Craft Draco, Cockpit, ENS JG Trip Williams - 13.50) Trip was hanging back as the Trill ship made it's way to the Martian Starbase. He wanted to make sure there were no nasty surprises. He had active sensors sweeping the system. He would feel terrible if the Trill ship were attacked on hid watch. "Sir, incoming message," chimed Chief Taris. "Put it through." Trip replied. =^= Petrova to Red Dragon Leader, Trip are you on the ground yet? I have a report to file with you when you can get here, =^= "Petrova, I'm still inbound. Want to make sure there are no nasty surprises out here that might target our mysterious VIPs. Why don't you meet me in the briefing room at 14.30 hours. I should be Marside by then." (Reply Petrova) "Roger that. Dragon Leader out" (Reply Petrova) (Posted by Will Banowsky) (Starbase – Docking Bay 3 - OPS - CO Admiral Remae Ktell – 13:51) The TDS Nineveh was moored at the only functioning docking bay of the starbase. An external door led to the docking port of the Trill ship, which had docked without further incident. Ensign Ire Williams was by his side and taking his new job as the Admiral’s Aide very seriously but Remae suspected the pilot was eager to get back to his regular duties but for the moment, he was going to remain. A couple of security officers had flanked the door, armed of course. “Ensign.”, Remae said to Ire as and an indication that he wanted the door open and the Ensign pressed the button. The doors open to reveal the awaiting party. “Welcome aboard, I am Admiral Remae Ktell, CO of this facility.”, said the Admiral is a semi-formal tone, “If you’ll follow Ensign Williams, he will escort you to quarters for the moment, I am afraid I am needed back on the surface… can we meet at 1800?”, he asked and he hoped the answer was yes, there wasn’t many other options. (Reply from Ambassador Addison MacCaulay) “Ensign, please escort the Ambassador to quarters…”, Remae looked around at the state of the station, “I must apologise for the state of the station… its been a while since it was looked after.”, he said apologetically and then added, “Ensign, you may return to duty when the Ambassador is all settled.” And with that, the Admiral was hoofing it back to his office on Mars… (Reply from MacCaulay, Ire) (Runabout Docking Bay, SECTAC Ens(jg) Carson Peters, 1351) No sooner had he and Ensign Taya touched down in the Runabout had a call come through the comm. requesting a senior security officer to the fighter main hangar. Since minutes before he'd asked the other senior officers to take charge of welcoming the diplomatic Trill party, Carson looked to Taya, sighed and then hit his comm. badge to respond. "Castile this is Ensign Peters, myself and Ensign Taya are on our way." as he finished speaking, he pulled up the information on the current security detail assigned to the Fighter Hangar and then tapped his comm. badge again as he and Taya began moving out of the docking bay and towards the Main Hangar, "Jensen I assume you're with the detail, detaining the suspect?" he said. He and Taya were rounding the first corner as the response came through, =^=Yes, Sir. Me, Ackles, Sara & Jou'pla have the Suspect in our scopes. Orders?=^= "Hold tight, we'll be there momentarily" Carson said as he cut the comm. link off. As they reached the entrance way to the Main Hangar he turned to Taya, "Shall we see what we're in for?" (Reply Taya) (Starbase – Docking Bay 3 - OPS – Pilot – Ensign (J.G.) – Ire Williams– 13:52) Ire was standing beside and slightly behind the Admiral as the Trill ship docked with the Starbase. He glanced at the two armed security officers and hoped this was not some elaborate trap by the Trip. He was pulled from his thoughts as the Admiral spoke to him. “Ensign.” Ire glanced at the door where Remae was indicating and stepped forward to pressed the door release which opened the door with a hiss. “Welcome aboard, I am Admiral Remae Ktell, CO of this facility.” “If you’ll follow Ensign Williams, he will escort you to quarters for the moment, I am afraid I am needed back on the surface… can we meet at 1800?” ~what crap where are we putting them. Ow yes diplomatic quarters. I hope some one has cleaned them. “Ambassador Addison MacCaulay and 1800 sounds perfect, give us time to relax and look around the base.” ~That might not be as exciting as you may think~ “Ensign, please escort the Ambassador to quarters…”, Ire nodded. “I must apologise for the state of the station… its been a while since it was looked after.” “Ensign, you may return to duty when the Ambassador is all settled.” “Yes Admiral.” He turned and looked at the Ambassador as Ktell headed away down the corridor. “Williams was it?” She asked him. He nodded. “Yes Ambassador. I am Ensign (J.G.) Ire Williams.” He glanced past the Ambassador to make sure that everyone was there. “Madam Ambassador would you and you staff please follow me.” He indicated along the corridor and headed for the turbolift at its far end. As they walked the Ambassador stepped up to him and walked beside him “Tell me what is your actual position on here as I dought its looking after old Ambassadors that show up.” He paused for a moment caught off guard by the question. “I am one of the flight squadron officers of the 1st fighter wing. My colleagues were the ones that escorted your vessel in. I am grounded for medical grounds so I cannot fly at the moment. Which means that I was up on the starbase monitoring the fighters when your vessel arrived and as we are little short handing you are stuck with me unfortunate.” He did realise that he may have been talking a bit too much, but it was not like he was telling national secrets or anything. He pressed the button for the turbolift and waited for it to arrive. (Reply MacCaulay) (Reply MacCaulay, any) (Posted by Robbie) (Starbase - Docking Bay 3 - OPS - Ambassador Addison MacCaulay 13:53) As the doors opened Addison saw the Admiral she noted his pips that marked his rank. She listened as he introduced himself and asked her to follow another officer. Then asked for a meeting at 1800. Addison was in no position or hurry to demand a meeting right then she had other reason for being here. “Ambassador Addison MacCaulay and 1800 sounds perfect, give us time to relax and look around the base.” Addison said with a small smile at the Admiral. She never thought she would be back here never thought she would return to starfleet in anyways possible. Yet here she was leading the way of a diplomatic mission. Addison watched as the Admiral left quickly leaving her with the young officer. “Williams was it?” Addison asked looking at the man (reply Ire) Addison took a step standing next to the man she could tell by the looks her security detail gave her they didn’t approve, but she really didn’t care. “Tell me what is your accual possition on here as I dought its looking after old Ambassadors that show up.” Addison couldn’t help but let her curiosity run wild she hadn't seen a starfleet officer in years. (reply Ire) (Reply Ire, Any) (Posted by Richard) (PO3 Castile,Main Hangar Bat 1355 Hours) The Breen had its hands up and the only sound it had made was a demand for "Its neutral intercessor," Castile heard his name called, "Right here sirs. Hombre really put up a fight," He motioned down to his leg which was leaking a little bit of hydraulic fluid and blood. The breen looked over and raised its hands it made some garbled noises which the UT could not translate. Castile looked down at his cybernetic leg and sighed, "Alright.. here you go. We just stripped it of its equipment. Seems they knew patrol schecudles and even the incoming civilian ship. Its odd with the VIPs here they didn't hit that first. If you are looking for Petrova she is in the debriefing room waiting for somebody to debrief her whatever pilots do after these sorts of things." he rubbed the back of his head, "All I know is I had been working for the past day and a half on getting the flight area ready, when the Runabout Samson lands, Blondie comes out screaming that she has a prisoner in a stasis field. I wasn't about to let a dainty flower like the ensign.. and don't repeat that cause she would murder me.. search a breen so me and some of the landing crew grab the breen and start to search it. Found a lng knife, disruptor pistol and an inbound/outbound schecudle." (Response from Security if needed) (Posted by Robert H) (FIghter Hangar Bay, SECTAC, Ensg(jg) Carson Peters, 1357) As he and Taya got closer to the scene, he could see the female Breen suspect surrounded by the four security officers, all of them had their phasers out and trained on the woman. A few feet away on the ground were the items Carson assumed his officers had detained from the Breen. He picked up the disrupter and knife, handed one to Taya and then picked up the padd. He briefly read through the contents before then also passing it to Taya. This was a serious issue, if seemed that the Breen woman had information leaked from the base. "Wheres Castile?" He said as he moved towards Petty Officer Jensen. Jensen shrugged and nodded his head toward the door which looked to lead into an office. "Who captured her?" He said nodding to the Breen. "Ensign Petrova" Carson nodded and turned to Taya, "You wanna go find out what they know and how this happened?" (Reply Taya) There was somewhat of a crowd gathering now. He turned around towards the Breen. "I'm Ensign Peters from Security..." He said directly to the woman being held by the stasis beam, ".. You have attempted to raid vessels within Starfleet & Federation space, because of this you are currently under arrest. Do you understand?" The only response made was a snarl, Carson took it as acknowledgement of what he said. "You will now be transported to a cell, where you will be held until required for questioning." another growl as her eyes began to frantically look around as if looking for a means of escape. "Jensen, Sara. Use the transporter on the vessel to transport our prisoner directly into Cell 3." They nodded and then began moving around to do as directed. Carson moved away slightly and tapped his comm. badge once again. "Ensign Peters to Admiral Ktell, be advised we have a Breen Prisoner being transported to our cells for questioning." (Reply Ktell, Taya, Petrova, Castile, Anyone Present) (Posted by Jono Bradley) (Mars Facility – Admiral’s Office - CO Admiral Remae Ktell – 1410) =^= Ensign Peters to Admiral Ktell, be advised we have a Breen Prisoner being transported to our cells for questioning. =^= The Admiral jumped out of his chair and headed for the Security Centre, “On my way, Ensign.”, he said as the door opened in front him. (Mars Facility – Security Section – Holding Cells - CO Admiral Remae Ktell – 1420) The Bajoran burst onto the scene to find a real, life-size, no fooling Breen in a holding cell. It made some noises but if the universal translator was online, it wasn’t working with the Breen language. “Situation report?”, he said Ensign Peters. While he waited for the reply, the Bajoran started to get angry as he closed in on the holding cell holding the prisoner. What was the Breen doing here? From his point of view, it was the start of an incursion so blatant that it could throw what’s left of Starfleet into a another war, a war that it wasn’t ready for or prepared to fight. They had to find out what’s going on. “Admiral Remae to Ensign Sekal - Ensign, we need you in the Security Holding Cells immediately. We have a technical difficulty that requires your expertise.”, he said hoping the Ensign would be able to dream up a way to communicate with their new guest. (Reply from Peters, Sekal, Any) (Posted by Anthony Keen) (Mars Facility – Operations Center - Science Officer – Ensign Sekal- 1425) Hookup of the diagnostic equipment had been delayed due to the Red Alert and arrival of unexpected visitors. The Vulcan had taken the opportunity following the cancellation of that alert status to continue adjusting the ops center sensors and troubleshoot the issues with the two planet bound arrays that had been weak. Should the arrays be damaged externally as array twelve was it would be an issue for the engineering department to deal with. Array five however had been simpler with a partially burned isolinear chip he had been able to replace from a nearby stores room. After bringing it back online and warming the sensor up he had noted it had been noticeably improved and was about to begin adjustments when his combadge chirped and the voice of the Admiral issued forth. =^=Admiral Remae to Ensign Sekal - Ensign, we need you in the Security Holding Cells immediately. We have a technical difficulty that requires your expertise.” 'Technical difficulties' sounded more the forte of he engineering department but obviously there was more to the matter that Ktell had not stated. Sekal rose from his stooped posture over the console and tapped the communications device. "Sekal here, acknowledged." He was moving to the door before he finished. "I am en route." (Mars Base, Security Center, Sec/Tac Ensign jg Taya, 1426) "Would you follow me into the office, Admiral?" said Peters. With the Breen secured in a cell and covered by security, Taya followed Remae and Peters. "She's not been questioned yet, Admiral. However, I have had the chance to go through her personal belongings and my main concern is this," said Peters, handing Remae a PADD. When Taya and Peters first arrived on the scene, Peters had given her the PADD. It wasn't encrypted, so she was able to read that it contained information about incoming and outgoing vessels in the sector. Information that likely came from someone on the Mars base. This made Taya's antennae shudder, as she thought about the Peregrine crash earlier. Peters told Remae the investigation they would conduct, should be kept as secret as possible. She agreed, especially if the fighter crash turned out to be something suspicious. She never expected anything like this when she was assigned to Mars. (reply Remae, Peters) (posted by Rob B.) (Mars Facility – Security Section – Holding Cells - Science Officer- Ensign Sekal – 1432) There was a heavy security presence he noted as he made his way to one of the cells, a number of officers from both security as well as at least one pilot whom he assumed was involved in some fashion were clustered around the Admiral and a prisoner. He nodded his head at several security personnel who were watching the activity then shouldered past them till he was within speaking distance of the group. "Sekal reporting Admiral." (Reply Ktell) The group parted and the object of their attention came into view. Sekal lifted an eyebrow slightly at the presence of what was obviously a Breen which was not unexpected considering the chatter he had been hearing in the control center. Still, he found actually looking at one to be quite interesting. "In what way may I be of help in your 'technical difficulty'?" (Reply: Ktell, any present) Mars Facility – Security Section – Holding Cell 3- Science Officer- Ensign Sekal – 1437) A female pilot told Sekal all he needed to know. The universal translator normally hooked up to the holding cell due to the possibility of heretofore unknown life forms being held was proving insufficient to the task at hand. The Breen was certainly not reticent in being communicative as any comment addressed to it was being answered by their typical clicks and buzzes that sounded vaguely electrical along with the occasional understandable word. "One moment if you please." Sekal went to a panel near the cell and popped it open and began scanning with his tricorder. It was receiving power and data but the latter was showing significant latency. It took a moment to find the offending component then reroute around it. Once data was flowing sufficiently he adjusted the inputs for optimization, closed the panel and returned to the group while reviewing records on the tricorder he was downloading from the main computer bank. This didn't take long. "Records of the Breen language are scarce and it will take the universal translator several minutes of questioning to begin filling in the gaps. The presence of a Breen here is going to bring unexpected dividends." (Reply: Any) "It's a common assumption that the universal translator works instantly in all cases. Normally there are some language similarities between species which is the reason for this. In the case of such a foreign vocalization however it takes the algorithms some time to adjust and set the proper vocal parameters." (Reply: Any) "The more the Breen talks the more words it will translate and the faster it will adjust. I recommend starting out with simple concepts and working your way into a more detailed interrogation." Sekal then looked at the Breen which he noted was female then stepped back so that they could begin the interrogation. He adjusted the tricorder to scan for life forms and began taking a wide spectrum of readings regarding the beings physiology, personal technology and atmospheric requirements which would be in high demand by command. (Reply: Breen, any present) (Posted by Charles Gatling) (Mars Base, Admiral's Office, Ensign jg Ravok, 1600) Ravok gathered himself as he walked with purpose to the admirals office. ~ keep calm dont make the admiral think your on some personal vendetta. This attack is a threat to us all ~ He walked into the admirals office as the doors opened . " Admiral Ramae Sir, sorry to bother you Sir but may I have a word regarding the attack today ?" ( reply Ramae) " I would like to launch a mission to seek out these attackers , and prevent this from happening again . I have received word from my stepmother of an attack in vulcan space . I believe these two incidents are related. With your permission I would like to have an exchange of information with vulcan intelligence about what they have gathered on the attack in their space. I have seen these fighters in action and I believe I can mount an effective counter attack." Ravok paused and nervously awaited the admiral's response . His skin was flush and turning green from the anxiety ~ way to lay it all out there ( reply Ramae ) ( reply ramae ) ( posted by davis ) Remae had returned to his office to see that Ensign Ravok was there to see him, good timing on both their parts. “Come in Ensign.”, he said and he listened to the Ensign had to say. "… I believe I can mount an effective counter-attack.”, reported Ensign Shara, the Romulan reported that Vulcan had also suffered similar attacks. Before he replied, the Admiral touched his commbadge, “Admiral Remae to Ensigns Foxglove and Rozen, I need to see either of you or both as soon as possible.”, he said and then he yelled, “Jenny… Get me Starfleet Command.” The Yeoman shouted back something like, “Use the commbadge, dummy.”, or something like it. Jenny was becoming the long-suffering assistant to the Admiral. Remae looked back at the Romulan, “Well, Ensign, perhaps the rest of us can give you a hand…”, he said smiling. “Let’s go.”, he said standing up, he tapped his commbadge again, “Senior Fighter Pilots, assemble in your briefing room in 15 minutes.”, he said leaving the room again. (Mars Facility – 1st Fighter Wing Briefing Room - CO Admiral Remae Ktell – 1620) Remae walked into the room followed by Ensign Davies who took his seat. The Admiral headed for the front and waited for all to settle down. “I am waiting for confirmation from headquarters that the Breen have attacked other Starfleet Interests in nearby sectors but the truth is, it doesn’t matter.”, he said and walked around to the front of the desk, “I am ordering the 1st Fighter Wing to hunt down the Breen and their base to secure the sectors around Sector 001.” A map appeared, “I am hoping to have more intelligence for you soon but in the meantime, I want you to hammer out a plan. I am giving you 1 week to complete this mission and no longer.”, he said and looked around one more time. “This mission needs a leader, someone to coordinate the squadron. Ensign Trip Williams, for the duration of this mission, I am naming you Acting Flight Squadron Executive Officer (aFSXO). Come up with a plan, be ready to leave first thing tomorrow… I’ll get you all the intel I can between then and now. Carry on.”, he said and began to leave the room. (Reply from Trip, Ire, Shara, Patrova, Any) (Posted by Anthony Keen) (Mars Facility – admiral's office- Pilot Ensign jg Ravok – 1606) “Well, Ensign, perhaps the rest of us can give you a hand…”, the admiral said smiling. Ravok nodded his " Thank you sir " “Let’s go.”, Ramae said standing up, he tapped his commbadge again, “Senior Fighter Pilots, assemble in your briefing room in 15 minutes.”,the admiral said leaving the room again. Ravok followed the admiral with haste to the briefing room... (Starfleet Martian Ground Facilities -1st Fighter Wing of Mars, Hangar 1, Maintenance bay – Pilot - Ensign (J.G.) Ire Williams - 1607) Ire grinned to himself as he had managed to link with one of the UMTSCs and powered it up. He had made it hover and then very slowly manoeuvred it on thruster around the maintenance bay. It had been a bazar and slightly out of body experience. He knew that he was standing in the maintenance bay deck, but he felt himself hovering and could also see his human self-looking at his drone looking back. He had then tried it with each one individually and then worked up until he had all six hover in front of him. ~Well that is so cool. But I need to make sure that I have some anti-nausea medication, or the first flight might be spectacular for the wrong reasons~ =^= Senior Fighter Pilots, assemble in your briefing room in 15 minutes=^= Ire lost concentration and all the hovering UMTSCs wobbled. ~Ow Crap~ He froze making sure that they would not drift into each other or the ground. ~Okay you have had too much fun lets land them~ He let out a breath as the six UMTSCs landed back onto their transport support cradles. He grinned to himself as he unplugged his micro data link wire from the control console he had installed and headed for the briefing room. (Starfleet Martian Ground Facilities -1st Fighter Wing Briefing Room – Pilot - Ensign (J.G.) Ire Williams - 1619) Ire slipped into the briefing room nodded to the others and took a seat. Ravok entered the room and took a seat followed by the Admiral who went to the front and faced them. “I am waiting for confirmation from headquarters that the Breen have attacked other Starfleet Interests in nearby sectors, but the truth is, it doesn’t matter.” ~Ow no that’s not good~ As the admiral spoke, he walked around to the front of the desk, “I am ordering the 1st Fighter Wing to hunt down the Breen and their base to secure the sectors around Sector 001.” Ire paused for a moment taking it all in as he watched as a map appeared, “I am hoping to have more intelligence for you soon but in the meantime, I want you to hammer out a plan. I am giving you 1 week to complete this mission and no longer.”, “This mission needs a leader, someone to coordinate the squadron. Ensign Trip Williams, for the duration of this mission, I am naming you Acting Flight Squadron Executive Officer (aFSXO). Come up with a plan, be ready to leave first thing tomorrow… I’ll get you all the intel I can between then and now. Carry on.”, With that the Admiral left the room and Ire turned to look at Trip with a big grin. “What’s the plan Boss?” (Reply from Trip, Ktell, Shara, Patrova, Any) (Posted by Robbie) (Mars Facility – 1st Fighter Wing Briefing Room - pilot – Ensign jg Ravok-1621) Ravok followed the admiral into the room and sat down . When everyone got settled the admiral laid out the plan ., I am waiting for confirmation from headquarters that the Breen have attacked other Starfleet Interests in nearby sectors but the truth is, it doesn’t matter.”, the admiral said and walked around to the front of the desk, “I am ordering the 1st Fighter Wing to hunt down the Breen and their base to secure the sectors around Sector 001.” Normally Ravok would be smiling and excited but after hearing about the death of his father . Felt only the immediate need for action A map appeared, “I am hoping to have more intelligence for you soon but in the meantime, I want you to hammer out a plan. I am giving you 1 week to complete this mission and no longer.”, the admiral said and looked around one more time. “This mission needs a leader, someone to coordinate the squadron. Ensign Trip Williams, for the duration of this mission, I am naming you Acting Flight Squadron Executive Officer (aFSXO). Come up with a plan, be ready to leave first thing tomorrow… I’ll get you all the intel I can between then and now. Carry on.”, the admiral said and began to leave the room. Ravok looked at Tripp and nodded his head " Congratulations Sir" ~I could not think of anyone better to lead this mission. I hardly know this man but I already know that I will follow him to hell and back ~ ( reply Tripp) (Posted by davis ) (Starfleet Martian Ground Facilities -1st Fighter Wing Briefing Room – Pilot - Ensign (J.G.) Alexandra Petrova- 1619) Alexandra assembled figuring she was going to get yelled at for being too by the book up there. She was shocked when the Admiral promoted Trip to the position she had wanted. She felt her heart break a little but showed no outward emotion. She applauded Trip. Then offered a salute. "Sir I would recommend the Red Dragons and Void Hunters go on this escort mission. The Warbirds and White Skull should stay behind in case of any problems." (Respond any) (posted by Kaylah) (Mars Facility – 1st Fighter Wing Briefing Room - aFSXO ENS JG Trip Williams – 1625) Trip sat intently waiting for the Admiral to start. He had an idea what this meeting was about and listened closely to the Admiral's words. “I am waiting for confirmation from headquarters that the Breen have attacked other Starfleet Interests in nearby sectors but the truth is, it doesn’t matter.”, he said and walked around to the front of the desk, “I am ordering the 1st Fighter Wing to hunt down the Breen and their base to secure the sectors around Sector 001.” ~Makes sense, we can't have a weak spot in our defenses. Hell, how did they even get in without us noticing.~ A map appeared, “I am hoping to have more intelligence for you soon but in the meantime, I want you to hammer out a plan. I am giving you 1 week to complete this mission and no longer. This mission needs a leader, someone to coordinate the squadron. Ensign Trip Williams, for the duration of this mission, I am naming you Acting Flight Squadron Executive Officer (aFSXO). Come up with a plan, be ready to leave first thing tomorrow… I’ll get you all the intel I can between then and now. Carry on.”, he said and began to leave the room. ~Well damnit all to hell, Well, what did Dad tell me about leadership. Be like a duck, calm on the outside, paddle like hell under the surface.~ As the admiral left Trip looked at his squadmates trying to guage their reactions. " Congratulations Sir" was the reply from Ravok. Ire then followed suit. “What’s the plan Boss?” ~Hell if I know.~ Trip tried his best to look calm. Finally, Alex spoke up. "Sir I would recommend the Red Dragons and Void Hunters go on this escort mission. The Warbirds and White Skull should stay behind in case of any problems." Trip paused to think, shook his head, and stood up. "No that, doesn't make sense, I'm not leaving two of my best horses in the stable when things are gonna get messy. This isn't an escort mission, this is a raid." Trip looked at the map. Whatever decisions he made, whatever choice he made, however many lives might be lost where on him. ~Am I ready for this, oh Rae, am I ready for this. It's a lot easier to go into a fight when only my life is on the line.~ Trip took a deep breath. ~You're right, I can do this.~ "We don't want to leave Mars defenseless. We are going to go with a combo squadron of 15 fighters, made up of the best from each of our squadrons. Each of you will be in charge of a flight of 5. I'll run mission ops, we'll bring all four type 11s, running sensor jamming on any foes, keeping any enemy craft off balance. I'll be commanding them. Runnabouts will be left behind for martian use and permiter defense. We might be out there for mulitple days, make sure the bunks in the back of the peregrines are prepared." Trip then smiled. He felt more at peace. "Ok, so, Ire and Alex, I need you to go through all four squadrons, find the 15 peregrines that are in the best shape. Get those bird up and running. Make sure the phasers are working properly and that they have a full compliment of photons." (Reply Ire and Petrova) "Ravok, check with Ensign R'Vek, get the other type 11's ready for action. Also I acquired a captain's yacht for the admiral, but we're repurposing it. Work with R'Vek, get it set up for combat, mission ops, electronic warfare, and surveliance, just like the type 11s. I'll quarterback from there." (Reply Ravok) "Everything needs to be ready to go by 0900. But make sure you get sleep. I'll work with admiral on intel and put together a solid plan. Check in with me as needed. We'll have a full briefing at 0700. Dismissed." (reply Ravok, Petrova, Ire) (reply Ravok, Petrova, Ire) (posted by Will) (Mars Facility – 1st Fighter Wing Briefing Room - ENS JG Ravok – 1629) "Sir I would recommend the Red Dragons and Void Hunters go on this escort mission. The Warbirds and White Skull should stay behind in case of any problems." Responded Alexandra Trip shook his head, and stood up. "No that, doesn't make sense, I'm not leaving two of my best horses in the stable when things are gonna get messy. This isn't an escort mission, this is a raid." "We don't want to leave Mars defenseless. We are going to go with a combo squadron of 15 fighters, made up of the best from each of our squadrons. Each of you will be in charge of a flight of 5. I'll run mission ops, we'll bring all four type 11s, running sensor jamming on any foes, keeping any enemy craft off balance. I'll be commanding them. Runnabouts will be left behind for martian use and permiter defense. We might be out there for mulitple days, make sure the bunks in the back of the peregrines are prepared." Stated Trip Trip then smiled. "Ok, so, Ire and Alex, I need you to go through all four squadrons, find the 15 peregrines that are in the best shape. Get those bird up and running. Make sure the phasers are working properly and that they have a full compliment of photons." (Reply Ire and Petrova) "Ravok, check with Ensign R'Vek, get the other type 11's ready for action. Also I acquired a captain's yacht for the admiral, but we're repurposing it. Work with R'Vek, get it set up for combat, mission ops, electronic warfare, and surveliance, just like the type 11s. I'll quarterback from there." Ravok nodded his head. ~ Good thing R'Vek and I started those repairs earlier. ~ Ravok thought to himself "Everything needs to be ready to go by 0900. But make sure you get sleep. I'll work with admiral on intel and put together a solid plan. Check in with me as needed. We'll have a full briefing at 0700. Dismissed." Trip ordered. Ravok stood up and quickly made his way out of the room. Work had to be done. ( reply alexandra, Ire,Trip) (Posted by davis) (Mars Facility – Main Security Control Room - ENS JG Garek Darpeg – 1635) Darpeg was redoing the wiring of the missile launching system, when he noticed that the launch doors were jammed. He tapped his combadge and said, "Security to Engineering, I request assistance in the repair of the missile launch doors." (Reply any engineer) "They are needed in the event of another attack. Preparation is the best defense." (Reply any Engineer) "Good. I will be waiting here." (Reply any Engineer) (Posted by Gary Dupree) (Mars Facility – M03 hangar bay- ENS JG Ravok – 1641) Ravok made his way Into the hangar bay . He seen some of squadron members in there working at the various terminals and finishing up repairs . " Everyone listen up!!" He yelled loudly. They stopped and came closer to him as he spoke. " I need every attack fighter ready to go by 0600 tomorrow. I want photon torpedoes loaded I want phasers primed . I want every system on every ship ready to go ." Ravok exclaimed with intensity. " Crewman Reyes" he said Maria Reyes stepped forward " yes sir " " I need all the shields set to a frequency of 281.2 . This will give every vessel the capability of taking 3 maybe 4 direct hits before being completely disabled. Pass this information to the other squadrons. I need those transporters working for both outgoing and incoming transport as well" he ordered . " Yes sir " she responded " Daniels, Trevi, Lucas, and Vrygo . You are my best pilots get with your flight officers. Pack your bags and make up your bunks on ship we will be gone a few days. " Ravok looked around the hangar" Dismissed !!!" His squadron staff went on their way to making the arrangements necessary. Ravok looked at Maria Reyes . " Reyes , a word " He said as he walked towards his squadrons office .Maria Reyes followed him " yes sir " she said to Ravok . He turned to her and leaned in close to her ear " Set the shield frequencies to 289.6 and do it yourself do not discuss this with anyone other than me and Ensign Trip Williams, Ire Williams and Ensign Petrova. We have to be careful. See to it that you are the only one who makes this adjustment is that clear ?" Ravok said . She looked at him and shook her head in agreement " you can count on me sir " she replied . " Get to work" he said as she ran off quickly . Ravok tapped his commbadge " Ravok to Ensign R'Vek ,please come to the M03 hangar " ( reply R'Vek) He tapped his commbadge again. " Ravok to Ire, I have all 9 attack fighters which will be launch ready by 0600. You only have to worry about 6 more" (Reply Ire) Ravok sat down and leaned back in his chair looking up at the ceiling . Trying to calm himself. His mind was racing a million kilometers a minute . Saving Ire, saving Alexandra, loosing his father.... ( reply R'Vek, Ire any) (Posted by davis ) (Mars Facility, main engineering, engineer ensign Jg R'Vek Kental, 1650) R'Vek, was working on the table in the center of the room, pulled was a list of most ships in the docks and registration numbers, a few of the docks had been damaged and weren't giving a reading once he finishes the weapons systems and sensors on the station he'd give them a look. There were only 650 enlisted engineers and a few officers trying to work together on a massive list of to do's. Most of them were pulling double shifts to try and get them somewhat operational. He knew at some point he had a physical he would have to do but he pushed that thought out of his head and went back to the task at hand. He transfered the list to a a extra Padd before taking a deep breath. They were all running around like crazy but knew that he had to update the admirall. It has been crazy but it was better to relay information twice then have it missed. He also had a request for him. Dock 57 had a classified ship, where they attempted to build a hybrid ship combining two different federation ships and using andorian technology but that back fired and left something that was a cross between a Skelton and ship under construction. He straighten his uniform and headed out of the room. (Mars facility, CO's office, engineer ensign Jg R'Vek Kental, 1705) R'Vek navigated the halls and paused out side the admirals office. He rang the chime and waited for a reply. (Reply Ktell) The door slid open and R'Vek entered the room. He looked at the Admiral and took a deep breath. He knew the admiral was a busy man and didn't want to take up to much of his time but as protocol called for he waited before launching into his update which was unplanned and unasked for but he had another reason for the visit as well. (Reply Ktell) "Sir I have a updated list of ships in the docks, 22 ships that need repairs or a systems replaced, 6 ready for the scrap yard and 5 skeletons. There are a few docs that we haven't been able to get a reading on yet either." He said handing the Padd over for him to review. It contained the updates on the ships in orbit plus a summary of a couple different prototype ships and the ship he was here to talk about. It also contained a update on the station repairs. (Reply Ktell) (Reply Ktell) (Post by Andrew Rock) >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<