>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< Mission: You Can't Go Home Again Day: 4 Stardate: 2444.06.04 >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< (Mars Facility – Petrova’s Quarters - aFSXO Ensign JG Trip Williams and FSO Ensign JG Alexandra Petrova - 00:00) (Mars Facility – Security Customs' Area - COUNS Ensign Alaya Ravenstone –01.00) (Mars facility-1st fight wing- Ensigns jg Ravok /R'Vek Kental-0100) (Mars Facility – Petrova’s Quarters- aFSXO Ensign JG Trip Williams and FSO Ensign JG Alexandra Petrova - 04:00) (Mars Facility – Admiral’s office - Admiral Remae Ktell and Ensign JG Trip Williams - 05:00) (SNPC Freighter Captain Allison Kelley/ PO3rd Chris Castile 0500) (Mars Ground Facility - Gym - Pilot - Ensign (J.G.) Ire Williams - 0555) (PO3 Castile 4,0600) (Mars Facility – 1st Fighter Wing Briefing Room - ENS JG Trip Williams and ENS JG Ravok Shara–06.40) (Mars Facility – 1st Fighter Wing Briefing Room –Pilot - Ensign (J.G.) Ire Williams –06.55) (Starfleet Martian Ground Facilities – Admiral’s Office - CO Admiral Remae Ktell – 0700) (Starfleet Martian Ground Facilities – Lab 3. Office - SO- Ensign Sekal– 0702) (Starfleet Martian Ground Facilities – Personal Quarters – Engineer – Ensign JG Keira Merek – 0703) (Starfleet Martian Ground Facilities – Main Security Office – Security/Tactical – Ensign JG Garek Darpeg – 0730) (Starfleet Martian Ground Facilities – Starbase – Admiral’s Office - CO Admiral Remae Ktell – 0730) (Starfleet Martian Ground Facilities – Starbase – Admiral’s Office - SO- Ensign Sekal– 0731) (Starfleet Martian Ground Facilities – Starbase – Admiral’s Office – Engineer – Ensign JG Keira Merek – 0732) (Starfleet Martian Ground Facilities – Main Security Office – Security/Tactical – Ensign JG Garek Darpeg – 0750) (Mars Base– Science Annex - aACSO- Ensign Sekal– 1000) (Starfleet Martian Ground Facilities – Sub-Basement 4 - Main Engineering – aACEO – PO3 Castile – 1650) (Starfleet Martian Ground Facilities – Sub-Basement 4 - Main Engineering – aACEO – Ensign JG Keira Merek – 1650) (Starfleet Martian Ground Facilities – Sub-Basement 4 - Main Engineering – aACEO – Ensign JG Keira Merek – 1710) (Starfleet Martian Ground Facilities - Hangar - PO2 Castile 1907) (Starfleet Martian Ground Facilities - Hangar - aACEO - Ensign JG Keira Merek - 1907) >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< (Mars Facility – Petrova’s Quarters - aFSXO Ensign JG Trip Williams and FSO Ensign JG Alexandra Petrova - 00:00) As Trip and Alex exited the Turbo lift to the first floor of the residential wing Trip was all smiles. He was sharing a story with Alex about his childhood, about the family ranch in Texas and how much he loved the blue skies. Part of him felt like he was bragging, he had an easier life, a simpler childhood, but he just couldn’t help himself. Besides it was a pretty funny story. “So there we were on the ranch, and there is a pond on the property right where it meets up with my grandparents land. There were a lot of ducks that would hang out there. I was about 8 years old, I was there with my sister and Ailynn, umm Dr. Bracken from the med department. Anyways I was eating a sandwich, we were having a picnic, and I put it down to go throw a baseball with my dad. Then I turned because my sister screamed, a duck was eating my sandwich, so I run to go take it back, and I guess I pissed off the duck, because the next thing I know I’m being chased by like five, I trip, I fall, and they attacked. And that is how I was bit by a duck.” She bit her lower lip. She really felt bad for him but at the same time she really wanted to laugh. But compassion took the better part of her and she pushed the desire to laugh deep down in the pit of her stomach. “Not the most entertaining story I know, but thats why my secret fear is ducks. You know, the sky out there out on the range is about as blue as your eyes.” “Flattery? You impress me Acting Wing Commander.” She said trying to be cheeky but it sounded more awkwardly formal then Alex had wanted. As they continued to walk down the hall, with whispered conversation so as not to wake those asleep, Trip felt emboldened and tried to slip his hand into hers. She took an inward breath, this was going to be tough for her. She had trust problems, but he wasn’t the case. She took in the moment. ~ It’s alright, let him.~ She gave herself permission to enjoy the moment. She looked at Trip and allowed a brief smile. Trip walked with a giddiness in his step. They had just walked by his quarters but he didn't say anything. Instead he kept walking towards hers, "You know, you have a very pretty smile." “You have good teeth to match your chin.” She said. Trying to return the earnest compliment, or at least she thought it was earnest. "That's probably because some of the front ones are fake." Trip said with a laugh. "During my time as an amateur cage fighter, during my I hate everything because my life was too nice phase, had a few of the front ones knocked clean out." “That will do it, Everything on me is..in its original packaging. Only thing I wear down are nerves.” She said with a smirk. “You will also be happy to know I have gotten my medical approval to fly, I am uncompromised, unbowed and unbroken.” She handed over a copy of her medical exam leaving out the part of her birth control shot. "I wasn't worried about you getting cleared. A lot less red tape than the other two." Trip paused for a moment, "I think this is your place." “I just wanted you to know that everybody is ready..” She paused for a moment. “I don’t know… I haven’t done this in a very, very long time. But I have had a very nice time this evening, the alcohol wants me to invite you in, so does the way I am feeling. But I do not want to emotionally compromise you. So when we get back from this… we will have that dinner and see where things go from there yes?” She said. ~ You can only let him in so far, don’t rush into things Alex, remember you always play things safe for a reason.~ She thought. "Alex, don't worry about me." He said with a reassuring smile. "I don't need to go in, but I do still have a bottle of bourbon in my bag." ~Careful Trip. Don't do anything rash. But one more drink couldn't hurt. Right?~ She pressed opened the door, “One nightcap would not hurt.” She said and she pressed the code to open her quarters. The lights came on and The walls were standard Starfleet gray. She had a framed picture of mars hanging on the wall. There was a large wooden desk with green felt on it, the federation flag sat hanging from a mounted pen set on the desk as well as a flag of the Russian Federation. It also had a folded closed log book upon it, where she would write all of her personal logs by hand. The remainder of the furniture was standard issue save a coffee maker along with several pewter tankards that bore the Utopia Emblem on them. She pulled a second mug out and said, “Computer play Petrova Music file one.” It only took a moment for the song Dominique to play. She tapped the counter. “Fill them up.” Trip took out the bottle of bourbon from his bag. Walking over to the replicator he produced to empty glasses with ice. He filled both glasses and offered one to Alex. He then made his way to her couch and sat down. "I must confess Alex, sometimes I wonder if you're really the Russian witch baba yaga and if you have me under a siren spell." Trip took a sip from his glass. "Or maybe its just because you're smoking hot. And what did you say earlier, all the original parts." ~Umm dude, where the hell are you coming up with your lines Trip. Baba Yaga. Original parts. Do you even know how to talk to a woman.~ She said, “Well you know I am not a virgin, but that aside, Everything on me is still original. I haven’t had anything taken out, Made a few bad choices, but who hasn’t” She raised her glass. “To choices.” She said. ~Life would be so much easier if we could just read each other’s thoughts.~ Trip looked at Alex and with a smirk replied. “To choices.” Taking another drink he looked at her and said, “All of the important parts are original on me, heart, lungs, kidneys, that other thing” he added a flirtatious and playful tone. “But I’ve voided a lot of warranties on some of my organs.” Trip paused, in a small way reliving the pain, “I was almost stabbed to death once.” He then added nonchalantly. She took his hand and brought it to the back of her head, “Feel, it is almost like sandpaper Fell out of my fighter and got dragged by my safety harness ten feet. Took three months for the hair to grow back.” “Oh, so it’s a competition then.” Trip said with a smile. Maybe it had been the level of comfort, maybe it had been the alcohol, maybe naivete, but without thinking he began taking off his uniform tunic, shirt, and the tank top he had underneath. His upper body was muscular and well defined. It was evident that Trip took physical fitness seriously. On his upper right arm was a tattoo of an Ace of Spades, on the Upper left was a tattoo of the Roman Numeral III. His torso and lower back were riddled with scars, including a rather long one on his chest. “Let’s see, this one here,” he said pointing at his chest, “Bar fight, some guy though my sister wasn’t being as friendly as he liked, so I clocked him with my fist, then he slashed at me with a broken beer bottle, leaving this little reminder of him. Of course after he cut me I knocked him out cold. Either act like a gentleman or get knocked out.” Trip then pointed at the smaller scars that looked liked stab wounds, “And these glorious little bastards are the ten stab wounds I got after a cage fight. You lose control and beat a man within an inch of his life. Then his buddies jump you in an alley and try and Julius Caesar you to death. Had it not been for Dr. Bracken, I probably would have bled out and died.” Trip was wanting to show of his scars, it wasn’t until after he showed off the last one he realized he probably should have kept his shirt on. Alex hadn’t decided if she should show the mother of all scars to this guy. She wasn’t sure if it was the alcohol or her own drive kicking into overtime. But she stood up. She tossed her own tunic off and starting at her neck there was a tattoo covering up a scar that started at her collarbone, wrapped around her back, underneath her sports bra and vanished down the waistband of her pants. “Run over by a shuttlecraft. Coded and everything, they stitched me back together like Frankenstien’s monster.” She then looked down at him, then into his eyes. Without another word she kissed him, very ravenously. ~Really wish we could read each other’s thoughts~ Trip thought to himself as Alex removed her tunic. Before he could say that she was too smoking hot to be Frankenstein’s monster she kissed him. He was taken aback, he wanted to resist. But instead he kissed her back. He wrapped her tightly in his arms and returned the kiss with equal passion. She knocked over everything on that desk of hers and pushed him on top of it. She said, “Computer dim lights.” The song Tear You Apart began to play. She leaned down and kissed him again. (Mars Facility – Security Customs' Area - COUNS Ensign Alaya Ravenstone –01.00) An exhausted Alaya beamed down into the customs' area, not the expected transporter room. She had been warned that the base was under a lockdown currently, and that all personnel, civilian, enlisted of officer was required to go through this customs' office, essentially a sort of border control. Alaya breathed a pleased sigh that there was no one here. She moved over to the desk and hit the silver tinkly bell on the desk. She laughed as it reminded her of the sound that some Betazoid's used to thank their Goddess for food. When no one appeared quickly, Alaya moved to the replicator in the wall and tried to get something to drink. "Computer, please give me a cup of coffee, two cream, one, ergh three sugars." She laughed as she took the cup and tasted it. "My Goddess, computer, what the blessed hell is this?" The computer chirped, whirred and tried to make a sound. Alaya replaced the cup in the replicator, "Computer..ah.. recycle please. And give me some water, please, iced." Alaya picked up the glass and took a sip. Luckily the computer had managed to get the water right. Alaya turned and smiled as a person in the security gold. "I'm Counselor Alaya Ravenstone, Ensign (JG), recently assigned from Earth. I was told that I had to come through this office before I would be allowed into the base?" (reply security, any) (posted by mel :-) (Mars facility-1st fight wing- Ensigns jg Ravok /R'Vek Kental-0100) R'Vek had been hard at work with the assistance of The M03's technicians getting the type 11s fitted with censor jamming capabilities and cyber warfare enhancements. M03s lead technician Maria Reyes was ose at hand to make sure everything was completed on time. Ravok and R' Vek were inside the captains yacht running diagnostics and bringing the ships tactical systems up to par ,as they had not been updated in some time . Technicians were moving around with purpose panels were being placed back on walls terminal displays were being recalibrated. Technicians were on the out side of the yacht making minor repairs and alterations to the phaser banks. The sounds of beating and banging echoed through the massive hangar area . R'Vek had been working for a long time. Extremely dedicated to the task at hand. Ravok had been in counseling earlier in the evening and had missed some of the work that needed to be done. Ravok was silent as he was focusing on the recalibrations of the tactical systems. Ravok stopped what he was doing.For a moment and looked at his friend. "You know, I thought the tactical systems would be the easiest part of this. At least the advanced surveillance systems were a breeze. How are you looking with cyber warfare enhancements over there R'Vek?" Ravok asked . R’vek ran a hand across his face. He was tired and sweat dripped down his face. “Slowly but surly, the systems are old and outdated and not all of this is matching up as easy as expected” he replied his voice showed he was tired it had been over 36 hours since he last slept. “I’m not suprised the tactical systems are a mess. This ship has seen much better days” he looked over at Ravok “WHats your duty schedule looked like? This would be easier if id slept in the last 36 hours” he said with a chuckle Ravok looked at him " Hey take a break . You have been at it too long. You have spent hours helping us. I wont have you worked to death. You should of told me you have been up this long." Ravok walked over to him and placed a hand on his shoulder " You need to go get some sleep. I can have the technicians and the civilian engineers wrap things up. " "Besides I have to report for a meeting before our mission. The meeting is 0700 and we leave at 0900. I have lost track of time. My mind has been on the loss of my father. I got word at 1500 that he died in an attack 2 days ago ." Ravok said with a sigh. "You lost your father?" R'Vek asked caught off guard Ravok looked at his friend . " Yes " he replied "I'm sorry, do you want to talk about it? Are you ok?" He asked in reply. Ravok looked around and asked very quietly " Do you still have it ? The rock , the piece of home ? " "I do, I'll never lose it" R'Vek replied " my father was my rock. The only piece of Romulus I had left . Now it's gone Romulus is truly gone for me . I know it sounds crazy because it was destroyed long before I was even born. But it's like I have lost my home " Ravok said with tears in his eyes. " I know the last thing you want to hear about is that shit planet full of shit romulans who treated you like scum, but your the only true friend I have " "I may share not love for romulan's but you are my friend, and nobody deserves to lose a family member" he replied looking at Ravok. " The only thing. I have is the name Shara left. I am the last of my family . You know I hate what Romulans did to Remans, every Romulan who held power over a reman deserved a terrible death. But there were many like my family who didnt support that. Thank you for listening R'Vek" "If you want to talk I'll listen we still have some work left so it's a good setting" he remembered the loss of remus of the only family he had ever truly known. Ravok smiled . And nodded his head. " let's finish this work up. So we can both get some sleep. Besides my stepmother is arriving here tomorrow around 1300 . I will be gone but shes excited to meet you. You remember me telling you about her? . You didn't believe me when I told you my step mother was klingon. " he said with a laugh . " Shes gonna be in engineering she can probably give you a hand " "1300 hours, I'll make sure I'm there, I know I have some work at the station in the morning, still need to get most of it up and running and will have 200 enlisted engineers running around, and need to visit the science department, so not sure about the sleep but I am looking forward to meeting her" he replied with a smile. The life of Starfleet not quite what he expected neither was befriending a romulan. So there was truly no telling. (Reply None) (Post by Robert Davis and Andrew Rock) (Mars Facility – Petrova’s Quarters- aFSXO Ensign JG Trip Williams and FSO Ensign JG Alexandra Petrova - 04:00) Trip woke up in the middle of the night, he wasn’t sure what time it was, he just knew that he was in Alex’s bed, holding her in his arms. He looked around for a clock, it was 0400. He didn’t want to move, he wanted to stay there, he just wanted to stay with her in this moment forever. He wasn’t the kind of person to sleep with someone on the first date, or no date, but Alex knew the prefix code to his shields. Disarmed him, captivated him. But he knew he needed to go, he needed to get back home, get ready for the busy morning. He spent a few moments looking longingly at the sleeping Alex, she looked at peace. She looked happy. He didn’t want to ruin that picture. He took a mental snapshot. Slowly he slid his arm out from underneath her to begint to roll away. As soon as his arm was free, he slowly rolled her over and kissed her on the forward. “You are so beautiful when you sleep.” He then began to slowly gather his things without waking her. She stirred and sat up, “You are at least going to leave a note right?” She said rubbing her forehead. The events of the night still playing in her head. “I mean I hope I get a note or at least a gold star?” She sounded so deadpan. Struggling to put his pants back on while standing, he smiled and then tripped to the ground. Picking himself back up, he walked back to her side and gave her a kiss on the lips. “I don’t know, I was thinking of just walking straight to the hangar and leaving for Earth and have you wonder whatever happened to me.” “Well, always have an exit strategy?” She said with a smile. It faded for a second. “You don’t think this was a mistake do you?” He sat back down on the bed and held her in his arms up against his body. Caressing her hair, he smiled, “I’ve done some stupid things in my day. Things that I look back on and wonder what I was thinking. But every stupid mistake has made me a better person, and every dumb move is one who has made me the man that I am. No matter how idiotic I’ve been, I have no regrets. But this, this doesn’t feel wrong to me, doesn’t feel like a mistake. It feels like...well I don’t know yet what it feels like, but it doesn’t feel wrong.” “Usually when they don’t wake me, I get a note saying thanks, bye and am never spoken to again. Just had a moment of insecurity.” She sat up and walked over to the coffee maker and shoved a pod in, she was making herself a cup. She then motioned with her hand. “Because I could get used to whatever this is...that we have.” “Well, I’ve never been in the position to leave someone while they were sleeping before.” Trip smiled hoping to reassure Alex. “But I just didn’t want to wake you up, you were just too beautiful sleeping there. It would have been a shame to wake you.” “Just..if you decide that this isn’t for you. Don’t string me along. I am not one for games. I don’t do casual flings. I am not asking for a ring or anything right now. I am asking you to consider what you are getting into with me. I have no regrets.” She tried to sound self assured as she stood there drinking her coffee. She was wearing a purple silk robe. “I’m a puppy, Alex, I’m loyal.” Trip smiled, “It’s just a feeling I get about us. Maybe it's my empathic abilities, I don’t know. But I think, I think there could be something here. And I want to see where it goes. I want to know who the real Alex is, deep down inside. Not just physically. But the one who lives in your heart.” Tripped searched the floor and began to but his tank top on. “You have seen me at my most intimate, You have seen me at work and at play. I assure you, that you opened another doll to find another. I think highly of myself but I am also a nervous wreck.” She handed him his tunic. She checked her PADD and smiled, “Castile said he got the Red Dragon Paint scheme done on your fighters.” “I’m thinking of getting a tattoo of a red Dragon, coiling around my forearm. Or maybe the entirety of my back. It’s a silly thing, I know.” Trip finished putting on his uniform, he still couldn’t find his socks. “Alex, I want us to be whatever you want us to be. I want to see where this goes. Both of us have said that we haven’t had the best luck in love, and that is true. But, for the first time in a long time, I see someone, who, who, umm how do i say this. I think you’re worth it, at least worth finding out if you’re worth it.” Trip paused, “Have you seen my socks?” She picked one off the top of the replicator and picked the other off the edge of her desk. “For your marking, Shoulder because when you get old, you will loose muscle tone and I do not want to be the only woman in the retirement home to correct folks about it not being a muppet.” She kissed him on the cheek and handed him a coffee mug. “I know this doesn’t need saying but I am going to say it anyway, I want you to treat me no differently when it comes to combat rotations or risky assignments. I also took my birth control shot so I am good for thirty days while we decide this trial run is workable or not?” She said with a nod. “Well there goes my plans of making a whole army of baby Trips.” He said with a laugh. “Don’t worry. I won’t treat you any differently. Why don’t you take the point spot then. Ravok and Ire will flank you’re wings, and I’ll cover you.” “We did that last night.” She quipped. “In thirty days we will revisit the army idea. We are after all the.. Brave generation rebuilding right?” She punched him in the arm playfully. “Haha, I mean, you did say you were going to be in the old folks home with me.” Trip said smiling. He took a few sips of coffee, then placed it down. “You should go back to bed, get another hour of sleep. I’d stay, but I need to do a last minute intel check, and get my run in this morning.” Trip paused and smiled, “I know, I know, we worked out last night, but it’s just part of the routine, the daily run.” “Its okay, I am going to do my preflight ritual, Eggs benedict, coffee and two runs in the flight sim. We have a working simulator now as well.” She used her officer reporting voice. Then gave him a kiss on the cheek. Trip pulled her into an embrace and kissed her on the lips. “See ya around sunshine.” He said as he then turned heading to the door. “You know, they should change your callsign to Hot Stuff, because you’re sizzling.” “I would settle for Lamb, start wearing my flightsuit low cut.. Look at my… You get the picture?” She said with a laugh. Trip smiled as he approached the door, “Hey, let’s not make me jealous on the first day huh. I’ll see you at 0700, briefing room. Don’t be late.”’ She waved bye at him as he left. Trip then left her quarters and looked down the hallway, a pep in his step. Still he wanted to try something. Like many half betazoids, he had empathic abilities, but no telepathy. The only people he could ever communicate with telepathically where his mother, his twin, and Rae, the love he had lost. But he was curious. He didn’t care if he and Alex could ever have a psychic connection or not, he was fine with the not, but he was curious. Curious about what might be. So he focused, to see if he could plant a thought in her head. ::I like seeing you happy:: He thought wondering, just wondering if maybe she could hear it in her head. She was thinking about mission prep, her nerves were getting to her, then she stopped and for some reason just smiled. She said to the computer, =^= Computer send to Acting Wing Leader Williams two yellow roses. Have them appear in a small vase, no note. =^= (reply none) (posted by Kaylah and Will) (Mars Facility – Admiral’s office - Admiral Remae Ktell and Ensign JG Trip Williams - 05:00) Trip was pushing himself harder than he normally did on a morning run, trying to get the adrenaline pumping. He had maybe gotten three hours asleep. He was nervous. He had all the intel he needed, his team was coming together, and well, he and Alex were closer than ever. He had finally gotten PT clothes that said MARS BASE on the front of the shirt rather than Starfleet Academy and he was more than happy to show them off. He was making record time running around the interior of the base and was rounding the corner where the Admiral’s office was located. Thankfully the tech team had gotten the onbase gravity to be more akin to earth’s gravity which helped him immensely in his run. As he rounded the corner he noticed that the admiral’s lights were on. ~Is he an early riser?~ Trip asked himself as he stopped to see if the Admiral was home, pressing the chime he waited for a response and the door opened. Trip took out his head phones from his ears and walked in. “Sorry to bother you sir, I was going for a jog to keep my mind off of stuff and I saw that your lights were on.” “Come on in, Ensign - I was just getting a head start on the day, it seems to be busier than ever.”, he said waving the Ensign to come on in. "Mind if I take a seat sir,?” Admiral Remae nodded and simply sat back in his chair while the aFSXO took his seat. Trip checked the back of his shirt first to make sure he wasn’t too sweaty, realizing that he was he decided to stay standing. “Anyways sir, planning is almost done. I think we’ve tracked them down. From what I can gather, there is a Reliant Class starship in the Kuiper belt, that arrived there yesterday and sort of parked itself there. It didn’t trigger any warning bells, because its blasting a Federation IFF. But the thing is there is something odd about it.” “What’s that, Ensign?”, he asked. The Admiral began to think about the somewhat old Reliant class ships. “The ship is the NCC-1500-D USS Pioneer. Retired in 2425. The second of the Reliant class of ships. She was a testbed for post Andorian weapon tech. Didn't pan out. She was retired to to the ship graveyard near Qualor II. Where she was supposed to be sleeping peacefully. But about a year ago, she went missing.” The Admiral began to access the records of the ship, the graveyard was very carefully maintained, so it was a surprise that he couldn’t find any records of the disappearance. “The man in charge of the Shipyards decided not tell a soul, because well, didn’t want to get fired. Not the first time negligence at Qualor II has happened. We studied the missing T’Pau and the attempted Romualn-Vulcan unification efforts of Ambassador Spock at the academy.” “The raiders are carrying weapons of Qualor origin. And don’t worry they aren’t the breen, just opportunistic pirates. Long range sensors shows that the Pioneer has no weapon systems, and minimal shields and the hull looks like a mess. Some of the chatter indicates that they think they are using her as a base. Anyways, from what we can gather, she’s not sending out a warp signature. Working theory is that she came in to hide, apparently knew our supply schedule. Was waiting for the Maid Marion. Trills came as a surprise to them, and us.” “Anyways, there is a large shipment coming in from Alpha Centauri to Mars in the next 24 hours. Civilian stuff, mostly, but looks like it could sell for a lot of latinum. So we think they are waiting. Like I said, I don’t think they are aware that we know. The Pioneer was never reported missing. Starfleet HQ just got verification. And she’s emitting a positive IFF and saying she’s there on a cataloging mission. Proper orders too. Forged, but they fooled a lot of folks until it was looked into. They can’t warp away from there, not in the solar system. If we make our course as if we were looking to clear the Solar System headed to Proxima Centauri, we can arrive in 16 hours while making it look like we think they’re friendly. Then we go in, disable the Pioneer, blow it up if we need to, and take out an escaping raiders.” “Sounds like you have quite the mystery, Ensign. Your plan sounds like it will have a good chance of success.”, he said continuing to listen. “Anyways, the Pioneer was spotted in vulcan space two days ago, which matches up with the timeline of the death of Ensign Shara’s father. That is what we have. The squadron should be ready to go at 0900 hours. Getting us there at 0100 tomorrow, Martian time. I just wanted to give you what I have before I brief the guys, and you just happened to be here. Do I have your blessing.” “Mission approved, nice work.”, he said and then Trip seemed to more to say. Trip then ran his hands through his hair. “Sir, can I ask you something personal?” Trip didn’t even wait for the Admiral. “How do you handle command, I graduated last month. How do I know I’m ready for this? I shouldn’t be leading something like this for at least another year. Why did you pick me? Surely there is someone more experienced out there.” “Instinct, Ensign and experience. Noone knows if they are ready for command but as for more experienced people. The point of this is, I don’t want experienced people from the old administration running these kind of department positions, we need new blood and I have a good feeling about you Ensign.”, he said smiling, “Good hunting, Ensign, we’ll do our best to monitor your progress from here.”, said the Admiral standing up. Trip stood at attention and gave the admiral a salute. The Admiral trusted him. He didn't know why, but he wasn't going to let the admiral down. Once the admiral returned the salute Trip turned and left the room. He placed his headphones back in and got back to his jog. (reply None) (posted by Anthony and Will) (SNPC Freighter Captain Allison Kelley/ PO3rd Chris Castile 0500) Captain Kelley knocked on the door to the 1308th Maintenance and Repair Team. She saw La Chance quietly cooking something on a hotplate. Schummer was reading something it looked like a Klingon novel and Crewman Ricky was applying burn ointment to himself. But the person she was looking for was Petty Officer Castile. She walked over and touched his hair, the love she tried to convey with her gaze to that sleeping man was unmistakable. She looked at the Divorce paperwork and then at La Chance. “Remmy how is he taking it?” La Chance stood up, “Skipper! How the hell are you doing? Castile.. You mean El Diablo of the Workplace. He hasn’t really had time to do much other then work. We got in hot water for repairing and replacing a defense system door that needed it badly. Thought the Ensign was actually going to crap himself, and you know Anna… she still is mad. Like unreasonably mad. At him, at you at all this nonsense.” Allison sighed, “I didn’t mean to wreck his home.. Man he is dead to the world. Has he been eating alright?” Ricky sighed, “We got some new type three replicators in. He spent the better part of the day working on getting them installed. Hey Schummer wrap my hands bro?” Schummer sat down his copy of Dream of the Fire and began to bandage his friends hands, “Ja now we are being forced to double duty getting the fighters and hangar up and running, we caught things that the regular repair crews missed, but that is why we are the Q.C team.” Allison said softly, “Ship isn’t the same without you guys. Remmy can we get the replicator pattern for your gumbo. I miss that on some nights.” “Sure thing skip. The military outfits not so bad, I mean we are doing a lot of good work, but its a lot of work. Company treating you guys alright?” “Company is the Company, we hit a Ditanium pocket on Oros Two, We all got bonus. Then ended up having to set up a particle fountain to harvest it because we got called here on a supply run. I was shocked to see a Trill Diplomatic ship here. We didn’t hail or approach it because we are civ traffic. When he is awake I need to borrow him okay? The Ion engines are out of whack and I want an excuse to see him.” She touched Castile’s face. He was snoring peacefully. “Poor guy, I just hope all of you are happy here. If it changes, the Company will snap you back up in a heartbeat.” She said. Schummer sighed, “Military owns us for the next eight years.” That made Allison look very frustrated. (no Response Needed.) (Posted by Robert H and Kaylah) (Mars Ground Facility - Gym - Pilot - Ensign (J.G.) Ire Williams - 0555) Ire drifted in zero-g in the corner of the gym. He had dimmed the lights in his area just enough to see what he was doing and as the only one in the gym at that time he found it quiet and peaceful. He had changed the grave plates to give him a sensation of zero-g. He would have preferred to have gone up to the Endeavour and floated there but he did not have enough time. ~Okay again~ He began with slow graceful movements which gave him enough momentum to counter the opposite spin and keep him in place so that he would not drift out of the field. He could not sleep and needed to get himself in the right head space so that he could go on the mission prepared. His arm overcompensated as his concertation drifted, which caused him to slowly spin in a circle. ~Dam it~ This had been happening since he got here. He would start fine get into the flow of the patterns and then when he relaxed and began to flow through the movements his thoughts would change to what happens if I lose some one, what if I get out but I am left drifting, what if I can’t fly, what if the others think I am a joke, what if I mess up and they won’t let me fly again and he would miss time a movement and drift out of position. He took a deep breath and calmed himself again. He knew that it was all rubbish, but his mind would not let it go. He was going to lead men and women into battle and if he was really, really lucky they would all come back alive and in one peace. ~Okay just calm it. You can do this its just the waiting, it’s always the waiting once you are flying you will be fine~ He waited until he had done a full rotation and then stopped himself. “Again.” He took a slowly steadying breath and began again. “Ow come on. You can do this.” He let his anger and frustration rolled out of him as a miss timed kick moved him out of the pattern. ~Come on you idiot this is not hard you have done this many, many times. Stop being stupid and do the pattern, you have done it for years and can do it in your sleep~ He flailed his arms and legs widely releasing his frustration as he slowly spun into a backwards summersault. As he came back to up right be countered the movement and drifted up right. “Right then. Now that you have had your tantrum lets go again.” He began again. (Reply any) (Posted by Robbie) To:Acting Chief Engineer From: Repair Department Work Orders Completed: (Require Final Inspection) Installation of Type 3 Replicators, Enlisted Mess Installation of EPS relays Enlisted Mess Repair of Main Hangar bay doors, Fighter Wing Fuel Line Repair, Fighter Wing Full Repair of Runabout Samson Completed Repairs Completed on Projectile Bay Doors Completed Water Filtration/Reclamation Systems Online Main Power Online Work Orders needing Authorization: Armory Bay Door repair Admiral's Office Bathroom repair Docking bay 2 is having power fluxes. Atmospheric Processor 2 is Offline, Cause unknown Industrial Fabricator Three and Four are burnt out and require parts not on base Holoprojector system for Ops,Engineering and Living quarters are offline, Parts not on base. Enlisted barracks 8,7 and 12 Enviormental controls are offline Signed, Petty Officer 3rd Castile (Mars Facility – 1st Fighter Wing Briefing Room - ENS JG Trip Williams and ENS JG Ravok Shara–06.40) Ravok made his way to briefing room hoping to arrive before anyone else. Hoping Trip was already there . Ravok with his PADD in hand entered the room . He saw Trip . “Ravok, you’re a bit early, what’s up?” Ravok stood there and stared at him " Sir , I have the final check list all preparations are complete just like you wanted but I will give you that in ten minutes but for now I need to speak with you" “Go ahead, I’m all ears, well not really all ears, but I have two and they work. What is on your mind?” Ravok sat his PADD down on the table and exhaled deeply and let it out slowly. " I need to talk to Trip, not acting flight squadron executive officer Ensign Williams. but Trip." “Ravok, I’ll drop the formality, but here is the truth, they are one in the same, I can’t separate the two. I am me, and if you have an issue with anything I do in this acting capacity, it’s coming from me. I don’t hide behind titles. My dad and grandpa taught me that one. Don’t let the rank change who you are, don’t be two different people, one in the uniform, one not. Be yourself, be true to yourself. That being said, you have permission to speak freely,” " I wanted to thank you. The person you are for making me face something inside myself. You were right one hundred percent right. I was disobedient. You acted well within regulation… and most importantly within good conscience. I owe you an apology man to man. So here it is . I am sorry Trip, and I will never let you down again as my superior , my equal and maybe some day a friend . You were looking out for the best interest of us all. Completely selfless. " Ravok said as he stepped closer to Trip " So here it is ,me bearing all that I can to you. Had I not gone to the councilor last night I wouldn't be here today. I'm cleared to fly. But I only do so if you forgive me. Your forgiveness will clear my conscience." Ravok extended his hand . " Thank you for making me get the help you knew I needed " Trip shook Ravok’s hand then smiled. “You have nothing to apologize for. We are emotional beings, and you were acting on emotion. It’s normal for us to try and use our work as a way to hide from our grief, and that was being taken from you. No one wants to be told that they are not up to snuff, if you had cowered I’d be more worried.” " Thank you , Sir" “So don’t worry about it, we’re all friends here.” Trip smiled, he was glad Ravok was doing better, and he was glad that he stuck with his gut. “That being said, if I give you an order you follow it. If you disagree with it, there are channels, if I ask you to do anything immoral call me on it.” " You can count on it " “But if we are going to make this work, you are going to need to find a way to let logic and emotion work together. We can’t let our feelings override our heads. Vice versa we can’t let logic paralyze our gut.” Ravok nodded his head " yes sir" “Next time, let your logic and reason engage before your heart does. Everything works as a system, your gut feeling and your brain need to both work in tandem.” " do you know anything about us Romulans. We really aren't known for our logic" he said in a playful manner with a smile. " I'm glad we can clean the water...or is it clear the water ? Either way . I'm thankful you took this time to talk to me " “It’s clear the air,” Trip said with a smile, “And I don’t care if your Romulan, Reman, Vulcan, Human, KIingon, or an anthropomorphic raccoon with a phaser rifle. If you are a sentient being, I expect you to act within the realm of logic and reason. I am sorry for your loss, I truly am, and I am glad you got cleared. But when we get back, you have mandatory 24 hours of bereavement, and you can take an additional 48, and I’m not fighting you on that. Are we clear?” Ravok nodded his head . "Yes sir diamond..I mean crystal clear sir. I will be fine with the 24 hour bereavement sir, and thank you...Trip I mean it. My father would of liked you. " he said with a smile. “Well, it’s because no matter how hard I try to be a grizzly bear, I’m nothing more than a panda.” Trip said with a laugh. He wanted to be firmer, he wanted to get on Ravok for his outburst yesterday. But he knew that Ravok was nothing more than a man who lost his father, struggling to make words of the tragedy. Part of leadership, part of the lessons that Trip was beginning to learn, was that sometimes, even if you are in the right to be angry, it is better to give a smile, rather than a punch. Besides, Trip knew that if he had just found out his father died, he’d be in his quarters right now, in tears, using all the bereavement time he could. (reply none) (posted by Will B. and Robert D.) (Mars Facility – 1st Fighter Wing Briefing Room –Pilot - Ensign (J.G.) Ire Williams –06.55) Ire paused for a moment outside the door to the briefing room He felt a lot calmer than he had an hour earlier. He still had fears and worries but he was beginning to realise that this may just be how he process things and he hoped that once he got into the fighter all his worries would disappear like the normally did. He glanced down at his PADD and sighed. There was another wrinkle as when he had gotten back to his quarters, he found a update to the crew roster. He found out who was going to be his new Flight Officer. It had been a surprise to find that is was a Smith an Ensign Greta Smith. He had no idea how she had been placed as his flight officer, but he needed one and she was it. ~But a Smith of all people~ He had not had a chance to meet her yet, but he would soon. It was just strange as five members of her family was also lost on the Roadrunner. He had known them all well and Jennifer Smith the ships conn was one of the main reason he wanted to fly as she had explained all a young Ire’s inexhaustible amount of question. Ire entered the ready room nodded to the others and took his seat. (reply Trip, Ravok, Alexandrea) (posted by Robbie) (Starfleet Martian Ground Facilities – Admiral’s Office - CO Admiral Remae Ktell – 0700) Remae had not slept most of the night, and he had been working but not on the base, not on schedules of repairs but on what motivated Remae to promote up Ensign Trip Williams to his position of Acting. He was looking over the roster and decided that he couldn’t do this alone anymore. Starfleet were not going to send their experienced command officers to help him, they were on their own and that was it. He had to start now and start putting a form of command structure into the base before it was going to send him insane and has a friend had pointed out recently, he had to start sharing the burden of the responsibilities that were solely on his shoulders. “Ensigns Sekal, Merek and Bracken, report to the Admiral’s Office.”, he said to the communications system. Noone had said command was easy… he sat back in his chair and waited for them to arrive. (Starfleet Martian Ground Facilities – Lab 3. Office - SO- Ensign Sekal– 0702) Sekal had been drinking a hot cup of tea to start the morning. At this point he had not completely taken to the beverage and was considering changing though the warmth of it he found to be bracing. The selection of hot beverages however was limited and he had been told that coffee was even more bitter than what he was currently drinking. The effects of heat and cold on his body temperature could be regulated to an extent of course so cold or room temperature drinks could be sampled even on the chilly planet he was assigned to. The iced tea he had tried the first day had not particularly suited him either though. He was currently reviewing reports from the technical staff in his office on the progress of repairs to the science annex. Fortunately there was much that could be done without engineering assistance but not all and during the departmental meeting scheduled for eleven hundred hours the three science officers would be collaborating on a batch of tickets to be sent to that department for needed repairs. There had been a number of setbacks to the schedule for implementation of Lab three which could be overcome today if there were no more interruptions. =^=Ensigns Sekal, Merek and Bracken, report to the Admiral’s Office.=^= His eyes left the monitor at yet another interruption and he tapped his combadge. "Ensign Sekal here, acknowledged." (Starfleet Martian Ground Facilities – Personal Quarters – Engineer – Ensign JG Keira Merek – 0703) The personal quarters in the ground facilities were mixed. Most still had pressurized water plumbing, a small few had more modern (and efficient of course) sonic showers. Keira’s was the former. As such she was very glad that Mr. Castile had done an overhaul of that system and fixed everyone’s hot water. After the back to back late night repair sessions, fixing various systems on the surface and at the docks, the woman’s muscles were tense, even after an extended cardio session 12km at a sub 5 minute per km pace. She took a little extra time in the shower today, and felt like singing. She had some late 20th century “bubblegum pop” song that she was singing along to playing loud but not loud enough to make disturb her neighbors. The acoustics in her latrine were amazing, unfortunately her untrained singing voice was not. [♫ Shake your love, I just can’t shake your love.. ♫] She brought the loofah-stick up like a microphone as she sang and danced along, soap suds everywhere. The music stopped, and her combadge on the sink counter beeped. =^= Ensigns Sekal, Merek and Bracken, report to the Admiral’s Office. =^= “Computer, stop music.” She ordered before the music could auto-resume. At that point she was very glad that it was not a video call. She finished rinsing off, her skin tone was slightly greenish from the vasodilation brought on by the hot water. She grabbed a towel to cover up and glanced at the chrono. ~Don’t want to keep the Admiral waiting.~ She dried off and quickly started to get ready. (Starfleet Martian Ground Facilities – Main Security Office – Security/Tactical – Ensign JG Garek Darpeg – 0730) Darpeg had heard of the promotions in the other departments and he wanted the promotion, but he would let the Admiral decide who would fill as Acting Security Officer. That officer would make the most logical choice since he knew what everyone was doing. Darpeg had slipped back into Vulcan mode since he was working on the shield frequency bypass circuit. He wanted the base to be able to fire torpedoes and phasers through the shields. That way, they would not have to open a path through the shields to defend themselves. In that latter method, there was a chance that an enemy could fire something through at the same time that they were being fired upon. He was just about to synchronize the warhead interface between the shield frequency bypass and the warhead CPU when a science officer came into the room. (reply any science officer) Darpeg replied and said, "But a rogue ship could use an IFF to get in under our shields." (Reply Science Officer) "That would be a good idea. A sensor to act as a final check before detonation and as a backup to the Security sensors. Very logical." (Reply Science Officer) Posted by Gary) (Starfleet Martian Ground Facilities – Starbase – Admiral’s Office - CO Admiral Remae Ktell – 0730) Luckily for the Admiral, the 3 officers arrived together into his office, and all three were invited in and asked to take a seat, actually, it was more of an order to the three of them. Remae started to speak, “Its been four days, Ensigns, and it’s becoming clear to me that this facility needs to start putting into place officers who are going to take the lead in their departments. Promotions are one thing that are out of my immediate control at this time but, I can start asking certain people to take on additional responsibilities.”, he said and he began to read from a PADD. “Ensign Sekal, you are to immediately assume the role and responsibilities of the position of acting Assistant Chief Science Officer (aACSO), Ensign Merek, you are to assume the role and responsibilities of the position of acting Assistant Chief Engineering Officer (aACEO) and finally, Ensign Bracken, you are to assume the role and responsibilities of the position of acting Assistant Chief Medical Officer (aACMO).”, he said and then added, “Along with our new acting Flight Squadron Executive Officer, you will become the start of the senior command staff here on Mars.”, he paused for a moment and then added, “Please inform your departments directly, this isn’t a formal affair, but please begin to arrange your departments as you see fit. Any questions?”, he asked and stopped to allow anyone with any questions to speak up. (Reply from Sekal, Merek, Bracken, Any) (Posted by Anthony Keen) (Starfleet Martian Ground Facilities – Starbase – Admiral’s Office - SO- Ensign Sekal– 0731) Sekal and the two other officers of note were sitting in chairs that would once no doubt have been considered comfortable but time and use had changed their aspect. Fortunately he could ignore most of the hard edges of his seat. None of the three were showing any effects to the Admiral of course. His first and only consideration was why they had been called in, this was shortly answered. “Its been four days, Ensigns, and it’s becoming clear to me that this facility needs to start putting into place officers who are going to take the lead in their departments. Promotions are one thing that are out of my immediate control at this time but, I can start asking certain people to take on additional responsibilities.”, he looked at his PADD and began reading formally. “Ensign Sekal, you are to immediately assume the role and responsibilities of the position of acting Assistant Chief Science Officer (aACSO), Ensign Merek, you are to assume the role and responsibilities of the position of acting Assistant Chief Engineering Officer (aACEO) and finally, Ensign Bracken, you are to assume the role and responsibilities of the position of acting Assistant Chief Medical Officer (aACMO).”, He looked up then continued. “Along with our new acting Flight Squadron Executive Officer, you will become the start of the senior command staff here on Mars.”, During his pause Sekal began factoring in what the additional workload would do to his schedule. Ensign Verin had Life Sciences under control and would have to start liaising with Medical at some point soon and Ensign Alyl would be in charge of the initial researches which would give him time to get accustomed to his new duties. Their help was going to be necessary and invaluable. He looked back at the Admiral as he began speaking again. “Please inform your departments directly, this isn’t a formal affair, but please begin to arrange your departments as you see fit. Any questions?” "None Admiral...' Sekal replied. "...the science department has had a meeting scheduled today which will cover much of the necessary business including repairs and equipment requisitions which I assume will be part of my job scope. Since engineering and medical are represented here today I would also mention that I will be contacting them within the next three days to inquire what assistance they may require from us." (Reply: any ) (Posted by Charles Gatling) (Starfleet Martian Ground Facilities – Starbase – Admiral’s Office – Engineer – Ensign JG Keira Merek – 0732) The entire way over Keira was thinking to herself ~What had I done wrong?~ Did she do something with out permission? Was it the rover, and the damage, minor cosmetic damage really she had caused to that? Was it firing a phaser on Starfleet grounds? She however kept her outward composure and discipline and showed no outer sign of the inner turmoil. As she arrived at the Admirals office Ensign Sekal was already there. She sat quietly on the chairs until addressed. ~Are these the same model chairs at the academy, only less maintained?~ she thought to herself. The distracted thought help ease the inner tension. Then the Admiral addressed the gathered officers. “Ensign Sekal, you are to immediately assume the role and responsibilities of the position of acting Assistant Chief Science Officer (aACSO), Ensign Merek, you are to assume the role and responsibilities of the position of acting Assistant Chief Engineering Officer (aACEO) and finally, Ensign Bracken, you are to assume the role and responsibilities of the position of acting Assistant Chief Medical Officer (aACMO).”, he said and then added, “Along with our new acting Flight Squadron Executive Officer, you will become the start of the senior command staff here on Mars.”, he paused for a moment and then added, “Please inform your departments directly, this isn’t a formal affair, but please begin to arrange your departments as you see fit. Any questions?”, he asked and stopped to allow anyone with any questions to speak up. ~Did not expect that.~ She thought. "None Admiral...' The Vulcan was quick to respond "...the science department has had a meeting scheduled today which will cover much of the necessary business including repairs and equipment requisitions which I assume will be part of my job scope. Since engineering and medical are represented here today I would also mention that I will be contacting them within the next three days to inquire what assistance they may require from us." "It’s been brought to my attention that on many repair requisitions two signatures are required to authorize repairs, one from Engineering and one from the department effected. It seems to be unduly slowing us down and with your permission I’d like to change that policy to require an Engineering Officer or an Officer from that department to sign. The intent is to not have our repair teams having to hunt down Engineering officers to start work on needed repairs.” She requested. (Reply Adm. Remae, any present) (Posted by Todd) (Starfleet Martian Ground Facilities – Main Security Office – Security/Tactical – Ensign JG Garek Darpeg – 0750) Darpeg had heard of the promotions in the other departments and he wanted the promotion, but he would let the Admiral decide who would fill as Acting Security Officer. That officer would make the most logical choice since he knew what everyone was doing. Darpeg had slipped back into Vulcan mode since he was working on the shield frequency bypass circuit. He wanted the base to be able to fire torpedoes and phasers through the shields. That way, they would not have to open a path through the shields to defend themselves. In that latter method, there was a chance that an enemy could fire something through at the same time that they were being fired upon. He was just about to synchronize the warhead interface between the shield frequency bypass and the warhead CPU when a science officer came into the room. (reply any science officer) Darpeg replied and said, "But a rogue ship could use an IFF to get in under our shields." (Reply Science Officer) "That would be a good idea. A sensor to act as a final check before detonation and as a backup to the Security sensors. Very logical." (Reply Science Officer) Posted by Gary) (Mars Base– Science Annex - aACSO- Ensign Sekal– 1000) Sekal strode through the main portal into the small reception area and nodded to the technician who was behind the desk and involved in reassembling the computer terminal. Since his bout with the verbally affectionate device it had not been activated to his knowledge but the main computer core for the science labs had been checked several times since that point and appeared in efficient working order. The secondary core replacement was not a priority at the moment and wouldn't be needed until more in depth researches like high energy and warp field came on line which could be weeks or even months from now. The preparation of the labs was just beginning though, they had barely gathered enough equipment for the initial researches and to go past mere verification of data on the crystal would require a great deal more for a number of other labs which would have to be fabricated here on Mars (unlikely) or requisitioned from Earth. He knew THAT would not be simple. Supplies for Ensign Verin's Life Sciences labs and the Arboretum were another consideration. The meeting was going to start soon in his office and would be an excellent time to start getting business squared away, as he had mentioned to Admiral Ktell. It would mean a late lunch and another delay to beginning research if they held to their original schedule. He tapped the combadge as he reached the office door, pausing in the hall momentarily as he spoke. "Ensigns Verin and Alyl please meet in my office at ten thirty hours due to rescheduling. Reports on needed repairs and equipment requisitions should be included." (Reply: Verin, Alyl) (Posted by Charles Gatling) (Starfleet Martian Ground Facilities – Sub-Basement 4 - Main Engineering – aACEO – PO3 Castile – 1650) Castile made his way to the sub basement. Normally this was where they stuck the stuff that was too mucked up to be repaired. He had come down here a few days ago to remove the kegs they were using to brew beer with. He saw that it had been turned into a makeshift meeting room. It looked dark and gloomy and matched the mood he was feeling. He checked his PADD. "This is the correct area for the meeting room yes?" He asked. (Respond Any) (Posted by Robert H) (Starfleet Martian Ground Facilities – Sub-Basement 4 - Main Engineering – aACEO – Ensign JG Keira Merek – 1650) The Romulan woman walked into the central hub of engineering for the first time since stepping foot on Mars. Some errant boxes and containers of spare parts, while organized still littered the floor in a far corner. In front of her about the size of a pool table in a dive bar was the master display console for power distribution. If she was correct it was salvaged from a galaxy class starship that had sustained heavy exterior damage in some conflict or battle. Through it one could allocate power through out the entire ground facility. All sections showed green, though some subsections had to yet turn power on at their level. They had the power if they wanted it. To the left from the door was access to the EPS power grid, and all the shutoff mechanisms to the various sections. All the controls were labeled and color coded to what they went to. To the right was the access ladders. Similar to the Jefferies tubes on a star ship these had ladder access to every floor and underneath main thoroughfare walkways. This allowed an accessible path for ODN conduits and EPS power flow, even some of the older systems like the water plumbing used these conduits to get around. In the far back part of the room the matter / antimatter reactor dominated the far wall. Keira had sent a message out to all the Engineering Officers and select Enlisted individuals to attend an Engineering meeting. In the message she described that she wanted to focus the efforts of the Engineering section, and get an accounting of all efforts to date. The meeting was set for 1700. She showed up to clear the space and ensure they had a meeting area. She was very grateful that their former Ursine companion had brought a team down to ensure that the matter/antimatter reactor was prepped and ready now they had a surplus of power available to them. She placed out the number of chairs she would need for those she had called to the meeting. Now all she had to do was wait for them to arrive. (Reply Kental, Brown, Foster, Castile, Kora) (posted by Todd) (Starfleet Martian Ground Facilities – Sub-Basement 4 - Main Engineering – aACEO – Ensign JG Keira Merek – 1710) Keira waited for the pleasantries to settle down and gave a small amount of time for stragglers to settle in. She was nervous, but she used the discipline drilled in to her at a young age from her task-master of a father to squash at least all outward appearance as she called the meeting to order. “Thank you all for coming.” She said in an even tone as she stood. “As I said in the message, I’d like to get an accounting of what has been done so far, so I can send it up the Admiral.” (Reply any, iyw) “I know, it’s not required as we all can use various technological methods to send files, lists and databases over various channels even by courier, I get it. Sometimes it’s good to meet face to face to discuss.” She offered. “Especially when one is just starting.” “First, however. What I expect of all of you. As I have been put in charge of you, for ever how temporarily or permanently, from this point forward your conduct reflects on me. As such respect for other departments and each other is not only expected, but it is required. If you are having trouble with another department, and you can’t hash it out in a civilized manner, come to me. I’ll handle it before it goes to the Admiral. We have accomplished a lot of work already, but still ahead of us there is more. We can’t accomplish this if we are at each other’s throats.” She explained and then paused a moment to let it sink in. “I’ve been hearing rumors about what’s going on. People leaving others’ quarters at odd hours. Personal relationships. I don’t care who you choose to spend your off time with, but it better be your off time. None of it during duty hours, well you can eat meals together if their schedule permits. You may move your breaks to accommodate schedules to allow this. I am going to strongly discourage people that are your superiors or subordinates. I would prefer it be someone from another section to avoid that issue all together. I won’t get involved unless it effects your work, or if it’s starts to look like favoritism or anything of that nature.” She paused a bit before continuing. “From this point forward Engineering crew works a three shift rotation. Our crew have been working, some non-stop. While dedication to duty is commendable at that level it is not sustainable. There are roughly 600 enlisted engineers, 200 go to each shift. Each shift being 8 hours, this gives ample personal time to unwind and sleep time, volunteers can work doubles as often as they want, until they show signs of fatigue as determined by their immediate supervisor. Then they’re on rest until cleared by medical. Officers I will leave to your discretion as to where you think your talents will be needed best, however we will work twelve hour shifts, you can volunteer to extend another half shift. If you want to use your personal time to work I’m not going to stop you, unless it’s a detriment or a safety issue.” She pointed at the warp core. “That thing will be staffed 24 hours a day as long as it’s running. With a minimum of 3 people, which is the minimum required to activate the manual eject of the antimatter pods and the warp core. That starts right after this meeting is over. We are all engineers I don’t think I have to explain what happens to the planet if we have a breach this deep underground and it is not ejected.” “Those damned work order tickets. Mister Castile. You’ll be hopefully happy to know that the Admiral has given the green light for one single authorization signature on any and all work orders starting at 0800 this morning. So, if for example Tactical want to install a torpedo launcher, science want extra power for an experiment or medical needs a bio-bed repaired, you don’t have to hunt down an engineering officer too, they can sign their own ticket if they want their stuff fixed. “ she said. (Reply Castile) “At this point I open the floor. What are you currently working on and what has been accomplished to this point?” she said, “then we can discuss where everyone is going to funnel their efforts.” (Reply all, IYW) (Posted by Todd) (Starfleet Martian Ground Facilities - Hangar - PO2 Castile 1907) Merek had the whole of the engineering enlisted in formation out on the main hangar. She had each shift of roughly 200 each in there own close interval rectangular formation. So that there were 3 large groups with one individual in charge of each. All facing a center stage of sorts where the newly minted aACEO stood, with her senior enlisted advisor. Officers that attended were lined up in the back. She looked out at the gathered 597 souls she was responsible for and wondered silently if she was ready for something this big. She nodded indicating to the engineering Senior Chief to begin. "Bring your units to parade rest." He called out. The command "Parade. Rest." was called out by the subordinate shift Chief Petty Officers all the crew in attendance went in an instant from the position of attention to parade rest with their hands clasped behind their backs. Castile felt so out of place at formal gatherings. He and La Chance had a twenty minute joke about who was getting demoted,promoted or spaced. Schummer was grinning like he knew something nobody else did. Even Rickman was looking pleased. But the squad came to formation with all of the others. (Reply Kora) "Good evening, Engineers." she started. "I am Ensign Merek and I'm the acting Chief Engineer. I've brought you here to speak with you briefly and commend you all on the great work you've done so far. If they haven't already your superiors should be explaining to you how things are going to work here going forward. With eight hour shifts and options to work doubles will be voluntary. I can see Senior Chief has already split you into your shifts. I expect you all to continue to work as efficiently as you have up to this point. I would love to continue to send the admiral progress notes about being ahead of schedule." There were a few chuckles from the crowd that were stifled faster than warp 8 with a slight look from a CPO. "Many of you may be thinking, how someone as young as me and of my rank is the chief engineer. I'm sure the Admiral would promote many of us, but promoting officers has a substantial amount of red tape. Red tape I don't need for enlisted. I've checked the regs for the signatures I need and as it turns out I need one. For the person I want to recognize I got that signature earlier today." She smiled and nodded to the SCPO. He brought out a PADD. Keira brought herself to attention. "Petty Officer Castile, post front and center." ~ Wait what? For what? Shucks. Okay Chris get your stuff together.~ Christopher walked over and stood at attention. He was expectng maybe a Merit citation but not this. He held his poker face. Came to a dead stop after getting front and center. Once Castile had posted in front of Merek. She called out in a loud clear voice. "Attention to orders!" The gathered group of roughly 600 snapped to attention in unison. The sound of heels clicking in all at once echoed through the hangar. "Publish the orders." she commanded. "The Secretary of Starfleet has reposed special trust in the fidelity and technical acumen of Christopher Castile. Due to his demonstrated service and leadership potential he is therefore promoted to Petty Officer 2nd Class with an effective date and date of rank on stardate two-four-four-four-point-zero-six-point-zero-four, Signed Admiral Remae Ktell, Commanding." the SCPO said in a very loud and practiced voice carrying throughout the entire space. The time while the orders were being read Keira reached up and took the insignia off the experience Petty Officer's collar. It was tradition when removing the rank to usually throw it, as he wouldn't need it anymore. Merek adjusted this tradition slightly because having magnetic foreign objects in a hangar was not conducive to engine workings, she dropped it and stepped on it with her boot grinding a little bit for flair. The SCPO then handed her a small black box which she opened. Inside were two sets of PO2 rank. She took one and handed the box back to the SCPO. She affixed the rank to his collar where the old one was, she gave it a look to ensure it was straight. Grabbed the box back handing it to the newly minted PO2 Castile with her left and gave him a handshake with the right. "Congratulations. Well deserved. Any words you would like to say?" Castile clear his throat, and in his calm and softspoken voice, "Thank you sir, When I took this post there was no Chief Engineer, Acting or otherwise. So I began to direct my team and several others to start repairing things. It is in that gard work that we have built friendships and learned to hate the EPS conduits on deck eight." There was a brief chuckle from anybody who had ever worked on deck eight. "But guys now there is somebody to sign for repair orders, see her. So maybe we can fix the holodeck? But in all seriousness I am honored and humbled by the faith you have put in me." He then took a step back. There was some more chuckles Once he was finished she went back to attention. "Engineers. You are released to your sections." (Reply Kora, any) (Posted by Robert H) (Starfleet Martian Ground Facilities - Hangar - aACEO - Ensign JG Keira Merek - 1907) Merek had the whole of the engineering enlisted in formation out on the main hangar. She had each shift of roughly 200 each in there own close interval rectangular formation. So that there were 3 large groups with one individual in charge of each. All facing a center stage of sorts where the newly minted aACEO stood, with her senior enlisted advisor. Officers that attended were lined up in the back. She looked out at the gathered 597 souls she was responsible for and wondered silently if she was ready for something this big. ~I have to be.~ She nodded indicating to the engineering Senior Chief to begin. "Bring your units to parade rest." He called out. The command "Parade. Rest." was called out by the subordinate shift Chief Petty Officers all the crew in attendance went in an instant from the position of attention to parade rest with their hands clasped behind their backs. (Reply Castile, Kora) "Good evening, Engineers." she started. "I am Ensign Merek and I'm the acting Chief Engineer. I've brought you here to speak with you briefly and commend you all on the great work you've done so far. If they haven't already your superiors should be explaining to you how things are going to work here going forward. With eight hour shifts and options to work doubles will be voluntary. I can see Senior Chief has already split you into your shifts. I expect you all to continue to work as efficiently as you have up to this point. I would love to continue to send the admiral progress notes about being ahead of schedule." There were a few chuckles from the crowd that were stifled faster than warp 8 with a slight look from a CPO. "Many of you may be thinking, how someone as young as me and of my rank is the chief engineer. I'm sure the Admiral would promote many of us, but promoting officers has a substantial amount of red tape. Red tape I don't need for enlisted. I've checked the regs for the signatures I need and as it turns out I need one. For the person I want to recognize I got that signature earlier today." She smiled and nodded to the SCPO. He brought out a PADD. Keira brought herself to attention. "Petty Officer Castile, post front and center." (Reply Castile) Once Castile had posted in front of Merek. She called out in a loud clear voice. "Attention to orders!" The gathered group of roughly 600 snapped to attention in unison. The sound of heels clicking in all at once echoed through the hangar. "Publish the orders." she commanded. "The Secretary of Starfleet has reposed special trust in the fidelity and technical acumen of Christopher Castile. Due to his demonstrated service and leadership potential he is therefore promoted to Petty Officer 2nd Class with an effective date and date of rank on stardate two-four-four-four-point-zero-six-point-zero-four, Signed Admiral Remae Ktell, Commanding." the SCPO said in a very loud and practiced voice carrying throughout the entire space. The time while the orders were being read Keira reached up and took the insignia off the experience Petty Officer's collar. It was tradition when removing the rank to usually throw it, as he wouldn't need it anymore. Merek adjusted this tradition slightly because having magnetic foreign objects in a hangar was not conducive to engine workings, she dropped it and stepped on it with her boot grinding a little bit for flair. The SCPO then handed her a small black box which she opened. Inside were two sets of PO2 rank. She took one and handed the box back to the SCPO. She affixed the rank to his collar where the old one was, she gave it a look to ensure it was straight. Grabbed the box back handing it to the newly minted PO2 Castile with her left and gave him a handshake with the right. "Congratulations. Well deserved. Any words you would like to say?" (Reply Castile) Once he was finished she went back to attention. "Engineers. You are released to your sections." (Reply Castile, Kora, any) (Posted by Todd)