>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< Mission: You Can't Go Home Again Day: 4 Stardate: 2444.06.04 >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< (Starfleet Martian Ground Facilities Williams-Verin family Suite - CONN, Ensign JG Trip Williams, SO Ensign JG Sienna Williams-Verin - 06:00) (Mars Facilities - -Ravoks quarters room 103- Ensign jg Ravok-0601) (Starfleet Martian Ground Facilities – Personal Quarters - MO Ens(jg) Ailynn Bracken – 0630) (Mars Facility – 1st Fighter Wing Briefing Room - aFSXO ENS JG Trip Williams, ENS JG Ire Williams, ENS JG Alexandra Petrova, ENS JG Ravok Shara - 0700) (Starfleet Martian Ground Facilities – Starbase – Admiral’s Office – MO Ens(jg) Ailynn Bracken– 0734) (Starfleet Martian Ground Facilities – Starbase – Admiral’s Office – MO Ens(jg) Kasian Poldan 0736) (Mars Base, Medical, Medical/Counselor, Ensign J.G. Quinna Solice 08:00 (Captain's Yacht, God of War - Cockpit - aFSXO Ensign JG Trip Williams - 0900) (Mars Base, Sec/Tac Ensign Taya, 0903) (Mars Base, Medical Center, Staff Room 2, SPC CPO Yeoman Kathy Miller, 1014) (USS Mystique – Bridge - CO Admiral Remae Ktell – 1025) (Starfleet Martian Ground Facilities – Main Triage, Staff room 2 - aACMO Ens(jg) Ailynn Bracken –1025) (Mars Facilities - Main Triage staff room 2 - ENS jg Counselor Ariel Trei - 10.26) (Mars Base, Medical, Medical/Counselor, Ensign J.G. Quinna Solice 10:28) (Starfleet Martian Ground Facilities – Science Annex– Personal Office- aACSO– Ensign Sekal – 1031) (Starfleet Martian Ground Facilities – Main Triage, Staff room 2 - aACMO Ens(jg) Ailynn Bracken –1038) (Starfleet Martian Ground Facilities – Main Triage, Staff room 2 - MO Ens(jg) Kasian Poldan–1044) (Starfleet Martian Ground Facilities – Main Security Office – aACSO– Ensign Sekal – 1430) (Starfleet Martian Ground Facilities – Main Security Office – SecTAC– Ensign Garek Darpeg – 1435) (Starfleet Martian Ground Facilities – Main Security Office – aACSO– Ensign Sekal – 1437) (Starfleet Martian Ground Facilities - arrival and security checkpoint - Civilian spec Kora- 1300) (Starfleet Martian Ground Facilities – Sub-Basement 4 - Main Engineering – Civilian spec. Engineer Kora– 1655) (Starfleet Martian Ground Facilities – Sub-Basement 4 - Main Engineering - E/SYO Ensign Boone Foster - 1659) (Starfleet Martian Ground Facilities – Sub-Basement 4 - Main Engineering – PO2 Castile– 1710) (Starfleet Martian Ground Facilities - Hangar - Civilian spec Kora- 1908) (Starfleet Martian Ground Facilities, Red Sands Tavern, PO2 Castile/Captain Allison Kelley - 2100) >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< (Starfleet Martian Ground Facilities Williams-Verin family Suite - CONN, Ensign JG Trip Williams, SO Ensign JG Sienna Williams-Verin - 06:00) Trip had taken a nice shower after his run and was eating a leisurely breakfast of eggs and a protein shake. He was starting to feel like he was forgetting something when he realized he hadn't yet told his sister he was leaving. He also noticed two yellow roses in a vase. There was no note there. He couldn't tell if they were for him or Sienna. "Sy wake up this is important." He shouted. Sienna was asleep. Deeply asleep. Because she was all exhausted and it had been a hell of a few days. She did not want to wake up. Trip knew from the past that a telepathic call would be more likely to wake her up than his annoying bellows that she had learned to tune out. ::Sis, I really need to tell you something.:: Sienna woke up and stretched under her nice, warm bed coverings. She was still tired. ::What time is it?:: When Trip told her what time it was, well, she didn’t need to report in until 0800, so she sighed and stretched again, emerging from the coccoon of blankets. ::Blessed Goddess, did the environmental controls break again? It’s -freezing- in here. I swear I see my breath in the air.:: She picked up her robe, slipped it on and left the room for the more normally temperatured common room. “What.” She spoke, her hair a mess, the raccoon shadows under her eyes still there, but not as bruised. When his sister emerged from her room Trip walked up to her and put his hands on her shoulders. "I'm leaving." Sy glared at him, “What the hell do you mean that you are leaving? You aren’t allowed to leave. We’re stuck here, remember?” She growled at him. Trip was smart enough and knew his sister well enough to go over to the replicator and get her a warm mocha caramel coffee with whipped cream and shaved chocolate. With an extra shot of espresso. He handed it to her as he continued to speak. "We have a mission, Kuiper belt, take out some pirates. I'll be gone for at least 32 hours give or take. We leave at 0900. I just wanted you to know. In case, I don't come back." Sy sipped her offered coffee, glaring at him at the fatalistic attitude. ::Really? That’s where you want to go with this? Seriously? You are going into a mission with the idea you might not return? You are the Acting Commander. Guess what, that means that you get to be at the back, commanding. Not in the middle of it all, fighting. Thank the blessed Goddess.:: Sy was more religious than Trip, and felt connected to the Betazoid Goddess over their Father’s Earth God. “Look I just want us to be in a good place, just in case, you know. I haven’t been the best brother, I haven’t been there for you. I’ve put my work, I’ve put too many things ahead of you, and I just wanted to make peace before I left. The mission will be a success. I have a great team, I’ve planned it well, I’ve gone over the data. But…” Trip paused. “I’d just hate if something happened to either of us, while I was gone, and I left us, in this way.” Sy continued to sip her coffee, "Nothing -will- happen to you. Others maybe. But not you." She was worried about how he was going to handle it when the people he commanded inevitably died. She was seriously worried about that. He had not handled Rae's death well. He had been suppressing his empathic abilities and that was not healthy. And while she had been at that stupid diplomatic dinner the night before, he had been partying with his pilots and then boning someone. She had no idea who. They were too darned close at times. “I haven’t been ignoring you on purpose, Sy, I swear it, you have to believe me. But I can feel the friction between us. I don’t want to risk anything happening to either of us with us in this state. Something bad could happen to me, or that raccoon could come back, bite you and give you rabies and then you die of rabies or something. I don’t know sis. I know I’m coming back, but I didn’t want to leave without saying I’m sorry.” Sy was pretty angry about a lot of things right this second. She was upset that Trip had woken her up again with his need to talk at oh dark thirty after she had been up half the night at that stupid diplomatic dinner for Kaz. She was tired of him putting her on a shelf, ignoring her, then coming and disturbing her sleep when he needed to talk. For goodness sake, couldn't he have at least bribed her with chocolate chocolate chip pancakes? She needed to talk to him too! Sy sighed, the depression setting in, and anger blossoming in her. Now that he had said those pretty words, he was just gonna… move on. A tear escaped one eye. "By the way," Trip said changing topics, "Are those flowers for me or you. There is no note. I'm guessing you, Alex doesn't seem like the flower giving type, but she's also pretty surprising so...maybe they are mine." Sy’s eyes flicked over to the yellow roses and she shrugged, “I really have no idea. I don’t know that anyone would be sending me flowers, roses or not. By the way, really? You went out and slept…” She very nicely used the polite term, not the one she was thinking, which had him wincing, “Your subordinate officer, on the night before a mission where you may have to command her into a situation where she might die? You thought this was a good idea? To break your fast after Rae with -her-? The craptastic, rude, bitchy ice queen? She who has a stick so far up her ass that it might as well come out of her mouth? That Alex? The one that the enlisted females can not stand because she’s so rude to them?” Sy was not pulling any punches. ~Is this where you want to go with this, really Sy, really. While I’m trying to make peace, well fine. Sibling spat it is.~ "I'll tell you all about her once you answer one question.” Trip said defiantly, “I felt something the other day, at the bar. You wanted to kiss Lynn, on the lips, all romantic like." And neither was Trip apparently. Of course he was going to turn this onto her rather than deal with his own poor choices. She was not going to let this go. He could not be sleeping with his subordinates. "Do you have feelings for her?" Sy sighed. “All right. Because you aren’t going to let it go. Let’s sit down and talk.” She gestured to the couch which was covered with a dirty uniform, a pair of dirty underwear, and a towel. “You know, all of this is yours. I am capable of putting my dirty laundry in the refresher unit.” She waited for Trip to move the dirty laundry off the couch. “Truth is, Trip, I don’t know. She did that thing where she grabbed me and the skin on skin contact made those feelings of love/admiration/sisterly affection clearer, except it didn’t feel like entirely ‘sisterly’. She’s like me, she has had every guy ever interested in her scared off by you, Dad, her Mom, etc. She’s fragile. She’s confused and she feels in above her head and like she’s never going to be able to live up to her Mom, kinda like you with Dad?” “I know Sy, and I get that.” Trips demeanor turned to more conciliatory. “I don’t want to fight sis, I never liked fighting with you. I’d rather get stabbed again then fight with you. I only brought up Lynn, because, I was feeling cornered. You have me on the ropes here Sy. I feel terrible for hardly spending time with you and you just keep coming with haymakers and I had to try and give myself some breathing room.” Sy really had no idea what that meant, but the accompanying mental image was vastly amusing. It even brought a twitch of a smile to her lips. She finished her coffee and looked at it pretty pointedly expecting him to take the hint. Trip stood up and took his clothes to his room and tossing them into a hamper. He contemplated locking himself in there. He had three great fears, Being a failure in his parents eyes, ducks, and hurting his sister and right now he felt like he was the worst brother ever. “I never meant to scare off any one. Ok, there were a lot of nice ones, I’m sorry if my being your brother has caused you any hurt or pain. Trip didn’t return to the coach, he went back to the dining table. He wanted to keep his distance. “Besides, if you and Lynn, were to, you know, it would be cute. I guess. I’d ship it. I just don’t want you to get hurt. But you’re a grown woman and you can make your own choices, and I’ll back you up no matter what.” She pointedly reached over and put the glass in front of him. "I do not really like guys. That nice one? Buddy Taylor? Super gay. But I dont really like girls either. Maybe I just have not met the right person, regardless of gender. But you, you are my utter opposite. You try and try as if you are looking for the right fit and maybe what you really need to do is separate sex from intimacy and friendship Trip. Look at me, sounding all like a Counselor. " “I’m a flirt, I get it, but, well, you know before last night, I’d only ever slept with Rae, right? I didn’t sleep with Celia and we dated for three years. I don’t know what happened last night sis, but I don’t regret it. I am going to make my own choices, and you may not like them, and they may not always seem the smartest. But Sy, I felt something ok, something real. Things just happened ok. I know you disapprove, I get it, but you don’t even know her. Nobody does. I get it, she comes of as distant, emotional, rude, like a russian bear. But if you give her the chance, she’s not a bad person. Not everyone has been as blessed as us.” Trip returned back to where his sister was. “Look Sienna,” Trip paused, “You deserve a better brother than me, someone who is more considerate, kind, someone who isn’t over protective, someone who…” Trip paused again, his heart felt heavy, “Maybe your life would be better, maybe you would feel happier, if, what I’m trying to say is, do you really think that I scared off everyone? Sienna, I’m sorry, for making your life harder, for my rudeness. I didn’t know, I didn’t know that you felt like I was so overprotective and controlling.” Trip stood up and turned his back to his sister, “I need to be free to make my own choices, figure out my life, be free to have successes and failures. Personal and Professional. And so do you Sienna, and I guess I never realized how difficult I made life for you. You deserve better than a stupid, idiot, selfish brother like me.” Did the boy actually listen to her? Didn't he get it? Now she was getting pretty steamed, "What do you value most? Your command, flying, or the oh so perfect Alex? Because if you pursue her, at best you are looking at losing your command. You can not pursue a relationship with someone whose life you command. Mom proposed to dad because of exactly that reason. But they HAD a relationship, and they avoided sex for exactly that. If you do not believe me, talk to them about it. If you want to pursue her, and the sex is so important to your relationship then give up your command and make sure you do not command her squadron. " She was pretty upset he got tagged and not her, but it was not about that. It really was not. "If the Admiral finds out, you are screwed. If anyone else in the department does, you are too. The second you promote her, it is going to be someone screaming preferential treatment. You can not do this. Wait a year. Be friends with her. Let the relationship grow. But do not date her, unless it is in a group or sleep with her." Sy had said her piece and was suddenly exhausted. "So I went to dinner last night while you were out partying with Kaz Poldan and his family pretending to be the love of his life so his Mom would not try and force him to wed some Trill chick he despises. " she tried to keep the smile off her lips. "It was an utter farce and I am not sure… " Sy's cat, Kenna flew out of Sy's room and launched her gorgeous shedding self onto Trip and began kneading with her claws dangerously close to his man parts. Sy found this absolutely hilarious. Trip nonchalantly grabbed the cat and placed her on the floor. The cat hopped right back up and continued her kneading talents. “Was the dinner nice, was he nice, did he treat you like a Lady?” Trip was trying to not be pushy, while at the same time, all he could focus on was what Sy had said previously. His head was doing calculations. What would he rather see happen, be in command, or see where things might go with Alex. "It was a diplomatic family dinner with Momma the Ambassador. It was a lot of tension, a lot of emotions not on the surface. It was unpleasant but not because of Kaz. His Mom was a counselor before becoming a diplomat and she is scary good at manipulating him. Oh and since he is one of Linnie's docs, he doesn't want her to know about the family drama. I am not sure I fooled Mama but the food was good. I like him but I do not care about him like that." She sighed. "I would rather be his friend. He is joined. I find that super interesting." “Sometimes having a telepathic bond with your twin is like having a parasitic symbiote.” Trip said with a hearty laugh so she would know he was joking. “I’m glad you had a good dinner.” Trip went to sit near Sienna, staying as far away from that damn cat as he could. “Hey, listen, I appreciate your concern, and you;’re right, I might have screwed up. But opportunities for love are few and far between. I want to see where this is headed. I felt butterflies sis, no girl has made me feel butterflies since Rae died.” Trip went over to his sister and proceeded to give her the biggest hug. “Thank you for worrying about me.” Releasing the hug he continued, “After this mission is over, I will go talk to the Admiral, I’ll tell him what happened. If it is going to be an issue, if I’m going to take the hit for it, I’d rather he hear it from me. Maybe I’ll lose command, maybe I’ll get in trouble. Maybe I might not get a chance at command for another ten years. And lets not argue about this anymore. I’m going to go to the Admiral, and whatever happens, happens. I’ll grow from this. But I know you have my back, and I don’t want this to be a secret, and I don’t want it to damage her reputation. Honesty is the best policy right. And please don’t talk me out of it. I’ll bounce back. I’ve got you around to help me back up. Just promise me one thing. If you ever think Lynn is worth it, like you might have a shot. Don’t let it pass. Besides, then we could double date, you know, if I’m not court martialed into the brig.” She shook her head, "I ah, don't know where this thing with Lynn is going. Maybe one day I will figure it out. And yeah, telling the Admiral is one plan, but you could just Back off for a bit and let the thing build. Isn't that better for the long run? And ah, did you have a chance to call Mom and Dad the other night?" “I talked to dad yesterday. Mom was out. Dad said work, he didn’t specify where. Gramps was over. I apologized to dad. It felt good. Sis, I’m not worried about his shadow anymore. I’m my own guy, and I”m gonna be ok. He is a great dad, and I could have been stuck with a lot worse. Have you heard from mom?” She shook her head no. She was worried about her them, for some reason she felt like she needed to talk to her Mom. “I guess I’ll comm them. Any news from home though? Anything at all? I just..I feel like I need to talk to Mom.” "Same old same old. I got the sense that dad was hiding something. Like he had something up his sleeve. But he seemed happy. Like his heart was full. You don't think the adoptions got approved do you?" “Maybe? I know they were trying hard to find some next of kin. I think if Mom had her way she’d adopt every kid who lost family, but she’s really good with them. She always has been. And she loves being a Mom you know. I really wish she and Dad could have had more you know blood children but all of them over the years, even the ones that moved on to other homes, the ones she found good parents for? I still keep in touch with most of them.” “I do my best as well.” Trip then smiled at his sister, “We good Sy?” “You OWE me chocolate chocolate chip pancakes, Bro. You -owe- me. From scratch." "With extra whipped cream and a cherry on top. Just the way grammy made it? It would be my pleasure." She grinned. “Linnie too?” She raised an eyebrow. There were other things she really needed to talk to him about. “Yes Lynnie too.” “So, you know the scuttlebutt about there being a talking, living ship at UP? It’s true. Her name’s Luma and she said yesterday that I wasn’t enough of a telepath to be the bondmate she was looking for. And I think the Admiral is gonna pick the Vulcan for command over sciences, like, why wouldn’t he? I’m the one that fainted after having her medical condition interact with a drug. He hasn’t. He’s -perfect-” She made a yuck face. “And I guess. I just don’t feel good enough, ya know? For the first time in my life, I am not enough of anything to be …” She sighed and hugged herself. She was angry and depressed and melancholy and exhausted and scared. “Like for a few minutes, when the ship talked to me telepathically, I thought… I thought maybe it would be cool to be her bondmate. Then out of nowhere in front of the Admiral the ship goes ‘The Sienna is not enough of a telepath to bond with Luma’. I thought it would be like.. Like.. having another sibling, or finding what you had with Rae, since I literally can not find someone to love.” ~Or figure out what romantic love really is~ She was so Betazoid that she would have an imzadi and that would be it. Except she just was not Betazoid enough apparently. “So I guess later today I’m going back to the Mystique to figure out what the ship wants in her bondmate so that I can get the Admiral to send the information to Starfleet so that maybe someone can come and make her happy because I am like the biggest failure at being an adult and it’s only the fourth day of my career.” She was feeling really sorry for herself. Speaking of… “When was the last time you had one of those mandatory counseling sessions?” She narrowed her eyes at her brother. She loved him, but she had a lot of their parents in her and she was determined he wasn’t going to flush his career down the jeffries tubes. “I saw one two nights ago on my own initiative. Don’t worry, as long as my record asks for me to meet with a counselor, I will meet with one. And I think I’m finally ready to embrace my abilites and not, you know, cut myself off from my heritage, my betazoid empathic abilities. I don’t want to suppress them anymore. But you know it’s weird.” Trip paused in reflection. “I’ve thought about Rae a lot these last few days, and that moment, but I only had the one anxiety attack. I haven’t even felt the hint of one since…” He was going to say since he met Alex, but he caught himself. “And don’t worry about that stupid Vulcan. You’re just as good as he is, I can feel it. Of course I am biased. But I believe that you can show everyone just how capable you are. Mars is a new start, out last name means nothing here. We can make our own destiny here. Sy, I have your back no matter what. I think you are going to kick major ass. If he names the Vulcan then you have three choices, quit, be sad, or prove him wrong. And deep down, I know you’re gonna prove them wrong. You’re punk rock Sy, you know like that one year in high school. With the spiked bracelet, the black lipstick and eyeliner, the fierce haircut, the rocker chick who kicked Tommy Connicky so hard in the groin he cried like a baby because he called Ashlyn Jones a bitch. If you can channel that chick, you’re going to prove all the haters wrong and turn some heads. Just don’t kick the Vulcan in the nuts.” Sy laughed and willingly hugged her brother this time, no longer worried, angry or nervous. For the time being. She needed her twin and was unsure what would happen if they were posted separately. She didn’t want to think about that. For now she was happy, and that is all that counted. Live for the moment. (Reply none) (Posted by Mel and Will) (Mars Facilities - -Ravoks quarters room 103- Ensign jg Ravok-0601) Ravok woke up at 0555 and jumped in the shower. Letting the water run down over his body, steam was filling up the room. He became lost in thoughts of memories past. Memories of her ... " Come on just try it for me " a human girl in a cadets uniform said to him. Her name was Lauren, Lauren Larson. A beautiful girl with olive skin, green eyes and long black curly hair and a smile that would make any man weak in the knees. Ravok laughed as he held her hand and kissed it . " I cant play the piano " he said to her as he sat there with a rolled out mat in front of them. It was a synth piano. "You never even tried " she replied to him. " I'm not a musician like you .I would just end up embarrassing myself" he said to her. She rolled the piano up and put it aside as they sat on his bed . " You know that's not the only birthday present I have for you" she said with a playful smile. Ravok laughed and kissed her " You know I have to go. You are such a tease though" Ravok said to her . He stood up from the bed and started to put his uniform on. " I have to meet up with R'Vek before I go to class . We have to swap some notes" he said to her " I swear the two of you are so...odd a reman and romulan being friends ." Lauren said " What would you have us be enemies? Master and slave ? No him being a Reman means nothing to me hes a friend and a good person. " he snapped slightly at her " oh calm down you're so passionate about things , it's so Romulan of you . " she giggled. " oh before I forget are you coming with me for leave on break ? " she asked him Ravok placed his commbadge on his uniform " Yes , are you sure your parents are fine with it ?" He asked " Of coarse they are they are excited to meet you ," He looked at her and smiled " what ? " she asked " Nothing I just cant believe how lucky I am to have you " he answered. She walked over to him and put her head on his chest and her hand on the lower right side of his abdomen where his heart was . " I'm the lucky one because I have this " she said . He looked down at her " I love you " he said . " love you too " she said as she kissed him..... Ravok snapped out of it and turned the water off in the shower and grabbed his towel and began to dry off. ~ I'm gonna talk to Trip before this meeting. ~ He thought to himself . He Walked into his bedroom and opened a box and pulled out the piano mat and unrolled it and began playing it, riffing some Jerry Lee Lewis licks . He smiled as he played . " If only she could hear you now " he said.... ( reply none) ( posted by davis ) (Starfleet Martian Ground Facilities – Personal Quarters - MO Ens(jg) Ailynn Bracken – 0630) Ailynn awoke slowly, at about the normal time, feeling slightly more refreshed than normal, then as thoughts, worries, and fears from the previous evening came back to her, she felt her mood sadden once more. After a quick shower, and a light breakfast which she didn’t even particularly take any notice of, she left her quarters, intent on starting her rounds earlier than normal. =^=Ensigns Sekal, Merek and Bracken, report to the Admiral’s Office.=^= (Mars Facility – 1st Fighter Wing Briefing Room - aFSXO ENS JG Trip Williams, ENS JG Ire Williams, ENS JG Alexandra Petrova, ENS JG Ravok Shara - 0700) As 0700 hit the clock, Trip made his way to the front podium of the briefing room. The configuration had changed from board room, to more of an auditorium with numerous seats facing the front. All Flight personnel that were going on the mission were assembled. The briefing did pertain them after all. Trip looked out at the team assembled. “I’m just going to get right to it. 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. 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.” Trip looked down at his PADD to double check his notes and then continued. “ 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 the pirates that attacked the Maid Mario are using her as a base. 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. There is a large shipment coming in from Alpha Centauri to Mars in the next 20 hours or so. Civilian stuff, mostly, but looks like it could sell for a lot of latinum. Looks like they are waiting for it.” Trip ran his hand through his hair, “The Pioneer was never reported missing. The dock supervisor at Qualor II was afraid of punishment. Starfleet HQ just got verification that she is not there. The Pioneer is 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.” Trip then pulled up an image of the Solar System on the monitor behind him and showed the visual details of the mission. “If we make our course as if we were looking to clear the Solar System headed to Proxima Centauri, we can arrive in the Kuiper Belt in 16 hours. This route will also make it look like we are unaware that the Pioneer is not friendly. Then we go in, disable the Pioneer, blow it up if we need to, and take out any escaping raiders.” The image stopped and Trip looked at the assembled crowd. “Prepare for a long haul, we’ll be gone for around 33 hours. Ensign Petrova will be leading Alpha Flight. It will be a diamond formation of four flights. Delta Flight will take point, Ensign Williams will lead Beta Flight on the left flank, Ensign Shara, Gamma flight on right flank. I’ll take Alpha Flight, covering the rear. Once we engage, keep formation, I’ll be quarterbacking from the converted captain’s yacht, hereby known as the God of War. Any questions?” Ravok stood up . "Sir, I would like to bring awareness to the possibility that this is a trap and that the Pioneer is bait. Simply put our enemy cant face us head on so they resort to deception. The icy bodies which make up the kuiper belt could theoretically provide hiding places for other ships to be waiting if they have powered down their systems they could be difficult for us to detect until we are right on top of them, by then Sir it would be too late" “Noted Ensign, but our intel points to this being the real deal. They can hide from us visually but not our long range scans, so we’ll know they’re movements. We’ll be approaching at full impulse, so we should no full well what is out there, and they will know we’re coming. Still, we’ll be going on, shields hot, but as soon as we are in range, we’ll be doing our best to end out jamming signals.” Ravok looked around and in a worrisome voice said " Sir , for the sake of everyone in this room I hope our Intel is right. There is an old Romulan proverb that says. Those who have lost ,expected to win ." Ravok took his seat to allow others to make their inquiries. He couldn't help but feel concerned, but he trusted Trip and would not let him down. He knew Trip was the leader , his leader and he would follow him to the end . “Understood Ensign, but those who did not expect to win, also never win. There is a human saying, those that fail to plan, plan to fail. We’ve planned, I’ve run the data by the Admiral. They’re in our backyard. They can’t warp into the Kuiper belt, to dangerous, and we have a large number of satellites and long range sensors scanning that area. I understand your trepidation, but sometimes a chair is just a chair. Are there any more questions?” Ravok listened to Trips response. ~ A chair is a chair I like that. ~ “Do we have the Pioneers transponder code? If so we can shut it down when we get within range. The tech they have is mostly cobbled together, A sixteen hour flight, could we do a near warp flight to the location? They would see us coming but if we can transponder code shut it down?” Alexandra asked and hinted at the same time. “The safest way to get there is full impulse, we haven’t been cleared for using warp in the Sol System. Command doesn’t think it’s prudent. Too many young faces to risk accidently warping into Neptune or something like that. As to the transponder codes, everything we have for the Pioneer is loaded into our E-Warfare systems, we’ll hit the Pioneer with some nasty stuff once we are within range.” Ire waited until Alexandr had spoken before he ask his question. “What’s our search and rescue plan for this mission if anyone gets hit. As we are a long way out and there is no warp available.” ~Prepare for the worst hope for the best~ Ravok stood back up and looked at Ire "I had the transporters on the Peregrine attack fighters reconfigured for outgoing and incoming transport. All transporters will be linked creating a safety net if you will . So any ships that encounter any problems transporting any personnel during an emergency would have other transporters ready to receive said personnel. The main control of this safety net is controlled by the Yacht. With the type 11s acting as a backup for primary control " Ravok stated as he sat back down “There you go Ensign Williams. But let’s try our best not to need to use them.” Trip smiled. “Ensign Williams, I’m designating you as temporary second in command, only for this mission. If anything happens to me, you are in charge of getting everyone home. This designation carries no weight otherwise, and it is not an official promotion. I’m only establishing a chain of command as a precautionary measure and it ends as soon as combat is over.” Trip then moved in front of the podium. “We are going to get in, get out, show those pirates, Sector 001 has teeth. We are like the Spartans of old, fierce warriors, ready to leave it all for the cause. No one flies better than us, no one fights better than us. We are the Spear of Starfleet. Start flight checks, take off at 0900. Let’s get after it Dismissed. (Reply none) (Posted by Robbie, Davis, Kaylah, and Will) (Starfleet Martian Ground Facilities – Starbase – Admiral’s Office – MO Ens(jg) Ailynn Bracken– 0734) She’d entered with the other requested Officers, and took a seat, the medic in her noticing that to her eyes anyway, Remae seemed to look tired, she wondered if he’d rested at all. “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).”, The sentence genuinely blindsided her. Of all the things that she thought had been about to happen, it certainly wasn’t that. “Thank you Admiral.” She answered simply. The meeting drew to a close a few minutes after that, and after leaving, Ailynn tapped her commbadge and opened a channel. “Bracken to Ensigns Poldan, Solice , Trei, and Ravenstone. Please can we meet again in staff 2 at 1030 hours. Bracken out.” (Starfleet Martian Ground Facilities – Starbase – Admiral’s Office – MO Ens(jg) Kasian Poldan 0736) =/\=Bracken to Ensigns Poldan, Solice , Trei, and Ravenstone. Please can we meet again in staff 2 at 1030 hours. Bracken out.=/\= “Ugh damn it why” kasian said slamming his hand on his combadge to close the channel rolling back over in his bed pulling the cover over his head. The pounding from the amount of drinking he did they night before was killing him. Worst of all he didn’t want to deal with another medical meeting. Him now being awake his mind rolled with the events of the night before. Had he really made a friend so easily. (Mars Base, Medical, Medical/Counselor, Ensign J.G. Quinna Solice 08:00) The hour that Quinna had long been dreaming about had come. It was 08:00 and the night shift had ended. Since she had the night shift on Day 2, then Day 3 consisted of an attack, and now she had to wait for the meeting at 10:30 to finish before she could have a long relationship with her pillow. For the last hour she pictured herself jumping into bed and giving her pillow a big embrace. She would smell the clean pillowcase and gently place it under her head. With a gentle tug, she would then pull the pillow towards her shoulders and snuggle the side of her face into the pillow. With a deep breath, Quinna would then close her eyes and enjoy sweet slumbering bliss with her pillow. The problem was she needed to be at the meeting at 10:30 and if she were to sleep, she would not wake in time for the meeting. At this time, she decided that she would stay where she was at. It will make her all important relationship with that pillow even sweeter. Quinna found her a nice corner of Medical. More specifically she hid in the secondary storage closet. She found herself on the floor where she pulled a PADD that she put in storage and began to do some research. She was going to find coping methods for anyone that needed it. She pulled out some old school coping methods. (Captain's Yacht, God of War - Cockpit - aFSXO Ensign JG Trip Williams - 0900) Trip settled into the Captain's Yacht's cockpit at the pilot control. Petty Officer Rix was to his right serving as a weapons officer. Chief Taris was in the back leading the crew of enlisted that would handle the E-Warfare and support end of the mission. He wondered if he should be commanding from back there, but his places was at the controls. He took in a deep breath as the engines of the yacht began to hum as everything came to life. Trip opened a comm channel, "God of War to all flights, this is Alpha One, thrusters only until we clear the atmosphere, then full impulse." He then made some calculations in the ships computer and sent them to all the craft, "I am sending you all the flight plan and coordinates. Do not deviate. We have a long flight ahead of us, so take some shifts getting rest. Everyone is to be at their stations however by 2300 hours. We've trained for this, now lets show the Admiral his trust in us is not misplaced. All flight leaders check in, and depart. Happy hunting." (reply Petrova (Delta), Ire (Beta), Ravok (Gamma)) He then opened another channel. "Ensign Williams to Mars Security, the 1st Fighter Wing is off on the hunt, departing base now." (Reply any Security if you want) As trip sat and watched the other craft depart he returned to the comms. "Alpha flight check in." =^=Alpha Two, Draco standing by.=^= =^=Alpha Three, Jolly Roger standing by=^= =^=Alpha Four, Eclipse standing by=^= =^=Alpha Five, Raptor standing by=^= "Alright, Alpha Flight, you are cleared hot. Let's get after it." With that Trip punched the controls and began move the yacht from the hangar into the open air, up, and up into the atmosphere being flanked by the four Type 11 craft, the Dracom the Jolly Roger, the Eclipse, and the Raptor. As the God of War exited the Martian Atmopshere and entered the cold, darkness of Space, Trip accelerated her engines to full impulse and laid in the course. Smiling he turned to Rix, "Might as well put on some tunes, Computer play Strike True by the Earth Band Damocles." Damocles was a 25th century rock band from Earth made up of a Vulcan Bassist, Betazoid Lead Singer, a Human Lead guitarist and a Klingon drummer. Trip had seen them live in concert five times. "Tis foolish to despair, hope in the new tomorrow, a journey starts with a single step, pick up the sword, strike true, and end the fight, strike true, and conquer death, strike true, the truth is in the stars, strike true, we are the new tomorrow." ~We are the new tomorrow indeed.~ (reply Ire, Ravok, Petrova, security if you want) (posted by Will Banowsky) (Mars Base, Sec/Tac Ensign Taya, 0903) =^=Ensign Williams to Mars Security. The 1st Fighter Wing is off on the hunt. Departing base now.-^= "Acknowledged," said Taya. "We'll see you when you get back." After closing the channel, she silently recited an Andorian clan blessing spoken before going into battle. Taya had gone outside to watch the fighters leave. Going back several generations, her family had served in the Andorian Imperial Guard, so watching ships leaving on missions, without knowing who would or would not return, was something very familiar to her. Taya had met and spoken with Ire and Trip, but with things on the base being so busy, she hadn't gotten the opportunity to meet any of the others. Still, knowing what they were potentially flying into, tugged at her heart. The odds were that someone wouldn't come back. How had things gotten to the state where a small group of pirates could operate undetected in the heart of the United Federation of Planets? How could this great amalgam of so many diverse cultures, have fractured so badly? Taya was beginning to fully comprehend just how monumental the mission they were facing truly was. When the last spacecraft was out of sight, Taya inhaled deeply and let it out slowly. It would be many hours until their people would be on Mars again and she needed to get back to work. Her antennae drooping slightly, she headed back inside. (reply any) (posted by Rob B.) (Mars Base, Medical Center, Staff Room 2, SPC CPO Yeoman Kathy Miller, 1014) Dr. Bracken had informed Kathy there would be a senior staff meeting at 1030 hours in room 2. At age 40, with 22 years experience as a medical yeoman, all on Earth before being reassigned to Mars, Kathy was well-versed in such things. She was protective of her people, always doing her best to make their difficult jobs less difficult. Doctors always wanted things a certain way, but each was different. She had seen that herself and her the frustrations and comments of many nurses. Being new to Mars, Kathy was still learning the wants of her people. The first thing Kathy did, was make sure the room was clean. A custodial crew arrived, but it seemed they didn't appreciate her glowering over them like an owl sitting in a tree searching for mice. She didn't mind that. A clean room was more important than their feelings. The next thing was to make sure there was a chair for each person attending, including herself. Getting the list of names, she arranged the chairs, with one at the head for Dr. Bracken. Kathy's chair would be behind and to her right. Kathy placed a PADD on the desk in front of each chair in case someone didn't bring their own, as well as a mug. In the center of the table were three pitchers: ice water, coffee, and tea, with bowls of pre-packaged cream and sugar. Looking around the room, Kathy smiled and rubbed her hands together. She hoped she got everything right. (reply medical) (posted by Rob B.) (USS Mystique – Bridge - CO Admiral Remae Ktell – 1025) Luma had agreed to the Admiral’s suggestion that the ship and Luma would be able to help as required and she agreed to not leave without permission, it was all very cordial, the entity seemed to have a deep understanding of protocol and Starfleet regulations. =^= And the skin will be repaired properly? Even the cosmetic damage the intelligence small ones did? =^= “Eventually.”, said the Admiral a little wary, “We have many such skins and other facilities that need attention and we have limited resources, everything will get repaired as soon as possible.” =^= If you find such a bond-mate, Luma would be most pleased and you can be assured that Luma would not escape with the skin. It is a ... mutually beneficial symbiosis. =^= She was lonely, she was looking to be helpful and she was sincere, Remae was convinced and he looked around at the assembled officers, “Well, I certainly will not stand in the way of such a union but I’d have to look further into it.”, said the Admiral, he’d be looking for a conversation about that matter although it was unusual and he was a little uncomfortable with the idea. He’d need some more reassurance before the union could take place. Luma seemed excited to be heading out space and Remae couldn’t help but smile, he knew exactly what she meant, he couldn’t wait either. Although mention of the Trill ship didn’t make sense to Remae but, he wasn’t going to dwell on it, it could have been a miscommunication and he made a mental note to ask her later about that. Finally, the intelligence asked about having talk with the intelligence officers that were under his command and Remae simply said he would introduce all his crew to her when the time came but he left it at that for now. “Thank you Luma, I must return to my duties now but I will be back to have a further chat soon.”, he said and then looked around, “Ensign’s Taya and Peters, no one outside the senior officers are to come on the Mystique without my express approval.”, he said and added, “Thank you all.”, and headed off the Bridge. (Reply from Any) (Posted by Anthony Keen) (Starfleet Martian Ground Facilities – Main Triage, Staff room 2 - aACMO Ens(jg) Ailynn Bracken –1025) Sitting back in the chair, she sipped a coffee, her second of the day, quietly going over what she’d got in her mind to do. She smiled gently, and greeted each of them as they entered the room, and ordered their drinks of choice. (Reply Medics) (Posted by Mark) (Mars Facilities - Main Triage staff room 2 - ENS jg Counselor Ariel Trei - 10.26) She entered the room and ordered an Earl Gray like her father usually did and took a seat. She waited for the others to arrive. (Reply Any) (Posted by Edward) (Mars Base, Medical, Medical/Counselor, Ensign J.G. Quinna Solice 10:28) Quinna made her way to the meeting room. Her eyes where dark with fatigue. She was not bug eyed yet, but she could be any second. She turned to Trei. “Good Morning.” Quinna said as she stifled a yawn. (Reply Trei, Reply anyone.) (Played by Kris) (Starfleet Martian Ground Facilities – Science Annex– Personal Office- aACSO– Ensign Sekal – 1031) Sekal was sitting behind his desk with the monitor retracted and two PADD's sitting on the desk before him. With his fellow scientists now in attendance he brought the meeting to order. "It may perhaps have already come to your attention that the Admiral has appointed acting department heads and I have been tasked with overseeing this department. Owing to this my duties have been increased therefore it is necessary to increase yours as well." He leaned forward and picked up a PADD. "Ms Verin due to your experience in Life Science and related disciplines I am appointing you liason with the Medical Department." He handed the PADD to her. " Any necessary researches required by that department will be your responsibility primarily and any researches carried out by this department with associated health or safety risks will be relayed by you to Medical along with pertinent recommendations. Your full duty list is contained on the PADD." He leaned forward with his elbows firmly planted on the desk. "If you are unsure of associated risks I will be available for consultation. Together we should be able to make a comprehensive guide." (Reply: Verin) He picked up the other PADD and handed it to Jaton. "Mr Alyl owing to your experience you will be the lead on the trimethyl selenide research otherwise known as the Anelurian crystal. The verification of data is solidly within your purview. Once that is accomplished I will be working with you closely on applying the technology for Starfleet use. The PADD contains all information currently available on the mineral." He leaned forward with fingers interlaced. "This research is crucial to our departments plans for enhancing Federation technology as we have already discussed and its importance cannot be downplayed." (Reply: Alyl) Sekal leaned back in his chair. "Due to the dilapidated nature of the facilities and equipment I will be expecting daily reports until the labs have been completely repaired and restocked. To that end I intend to return to the Mystique where specifications for the items we require should be available." (Reply: Any present.) Sekal nodded. "Duly noted." "On to other business, you have brought the items requested I see, could you please summarize the most outstanding repair needs you currently face." (Reply: Any present) (Posted by Charles Gatling) (Starfleet Martian Ground Facilities – Main Triage, Staff room 2 - aACMO Ens(jg) Ailynn Bracken –1038) She took a last sip at her coffee, and stood up the room falling silent. She noted that Ensign Poldan was late again, but all things considered, she’d go easy on him. When he arrived he’d suffer mild sarcasm to go alongside his probable hangover. “Thank you everyone, and I’m sorry for inconvenience. Especially if you’re up after nights. As you may have heard the Admiral has seen fit to appoint me acting ACMO, and believe me, if anyone is uncomfortable with that, it’s nothing on how I feel. Welcoming new staff, Ensign Methor will be joining the medical team, and Ensign Ravenstone has been assigned to us as Consultant Counsellor.” It was then that Kasion entered, looking shower fresh, but still ropey. “Only 10 minutes late Kaz. Early today.” “On to business. I can see a lot of very tired eyes around us, and we’ve all been pulling double shifts since we arrived. Now, we’re all medics, but our first duty is to ourselves. So apart from emergency calls, Crash team, Trauma team and the like, ideally I don’t want us to see us pulling any doubles where possible, but I understand that its sometimes unavoidable.” (Reply any IYW) “Secondly, duty areas, “On top of our normal A&E, ward sweeps, and clinics…yes…we all still get that joy, There’s too much to do if we’re all doing the same thing separately. So…Ensign Poldan, with Surgical and trauma. Ensign Trei you’re still with counselling as you know, and Ensign Solice I’d like you to take on Primary Science Liaison. This is a new base, and I know that sciences are up to who knows what, and they’ll need a medic to help work alongside them, but also facilitate our resources with theirs. In the first instance, see if you can have a conversation with Ensign Sekal, and Ensign Verin-Williams. I will of course, be working with all of you.” (Reply any Medics) “We have some new kit arrived. I’ve procured some brand new medical kits, they’ll be with your duty stations, top of the range Kassa Fabrication equipment. We also have parts on order to repair the type 6 scanners, and new sets of mark V holoprojectors for the diagnostic suite. It’s a lot of information, and as normal I can’t keep my mouth shut, so…enough from me…any questions?” (Reply any medic) (Posted by Mark) (Starfleet Martian Ground Facilities – Main Triage, Staff room 2 - MO Ens(jg) Kasian Poldan–1044) “Only 10 minutes late Kaz. Early today.” Kaz only rolled his eyes at Ailynn he wasn’t in the mood for any of this. Glaring at her as she talked about their positions. He couldn’t believe he had to take orders from her. Even worse, he had to be on Trama he should of trained in something beside surgical skills. Kasian zoned in on the new kit arrival he didn’t think they where do for any new stuff right now. As far as he knew most of the medical stuff was what they had or could make. Did he miss something. The second she asked for question Kaz spoke up. She would either love him for all his questions or hate him it did t matter to him either way. “Where did you get this medical stuff?” Kasian asked then followed again “how did you procure such expensive items. It’s not like mark V holoprojectors are easy to get we only got them 3 years ago in the hospital on Trill. (Reply any Bracken, any) (Posted by Richard) (Starfleet Martian Ground Facilities – Main Security Office – aACSO– Ensign Sekal – 1430) With the verification of the Anelurian crystal in Jaton Alyl's hands Sekal had spent an hour with the Trill watching the initial proceedings. Satisfied that things were going apace after an initial hiccup due to a faulty component he had made the decision to look up Carson Peters in the security department. The reason being that he had some curiosity concerning the Breen prisoner and wanted to see if they had learned anything more from her. While Vulcan space was well protected by the VDF the presence of raiders who had managed to penetrate into sector 001 was a caution that could not be ignored. The prisoner was outside his department of course but as he had been involved in the interrogation he had a vested interest. Peters wasn't there but another officer was in attendance who was busy working in a command/ control interface panel with his back to him so the Vulcan walked over. He stood to the side and looked the officer over with interest, he had the ears reminiscent of a Vulcan but his build was heftier and more bulky. He also had Klingon brow ridge markings though not so distinct as a pure Klingon marking him as a half breed which was not in any way defamatory. Sekal was no expert on the circuitry he was working on but it appeared to be the control for the base shields which he recognized. "The most efficient way to reroute that circuitry would be through the phase harmonics override, running it through the iso-optical return relay gives a thirty five percent chance of current leakage resulting in data corruption and grounding out the circuit." The security officer looked up at him with a start and to his credit despite his Klingon heritage didn't take offense at the correction. Sekal remembered his name as he spoke, he realized the delay was caused by him not getting out of the science annex to any real extent except for a few forays. Since his new duties were going to be no less heavy it stood to reason that mingling after hours would be his best and perhaps only opportunity. "But a rogue ship could use an IFF to get in under our shields." Sekal shook his head. The International Friend or Foe circuitry has a number of backup parameters tied into base sensors including ships profile and energy signature. An intruder attempting to use a false IFF to gain entrance to the base without distinct cover measures would be detected immediately." The officer's intent was becoming clear. "Base energy weapons are designed for use through the shielding, if you are having issue a simple calibration of the shields would be in order. As for torpedo weapons..." He stepped forward and pointed at one of the components. ".. the phase circuit limiter is tied directly into the data feed between fire control and torpedo tracking sensors and is set up to allow approved warhead signature trace to penetrate the shields. Check the component for proper function, I believe you will find it to be defective." "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." Sekal cocked his head a bit at the reply as he came to his 'at rest' position, Ensign Darpeg obviously had some training or at least knowledge of it. "I am Sekal, acting assistant chief science officer. I believe you are ensign Darpeg are you not?" (Reply: Darpeg.) "I must confess some curiosity as to where you were born and one of your parents was obviously Vulcan. If you would care to tell me your story at some point I would be interested in hearing it." (Reply: Darpeg) "Is there any way I can be of help?" (Reply: Darpeg) (Posted by Charles Gatling) (Starfleet Martian Ground Facilities – Main Security Office – SecTAC– Ensign Garek Darpeg – 1435) "The most efficient way to reroute that circuitry would be through the phase harmonics override, running it through the iso-optical return relay gives a thirty five percent chance of current leakage resulting in data corruption and grounding out the circuit." stated Sekal from behind Darpeg The security officer looked up at him with a start and his Vulcan side didn't take offense at the correction, and held his Klingon side in check. "But a rogue ship could use an IFF to get in under our shields." Sekal shook his head. "The International Friend or Foe circuitry has a number of backup parameters tied into base sensors including ships profile and energy signature. An intruder attempting to use a false IFF to gain entrance to the base without distinct cover measures would be detected immediately." "Base energy weapons are designed for use through the shielding, if you are having issue a simple calibration of the shields would be in order. As for torpedo weapons..." He stepped forward and pointed at one of the components. ".. the phase circuit limiter is tied directly into the data feed between fire control and torpedo tracking sensors and is set up to allow approved warhead signature trace to penetrate the shields. Check the component for proper function, I believe you will find it to be defective." "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." "I am Sekal, acting assistant chief science officer. I believe you are ensign Darpeg are you not?" "Affirmative." "I must confess some curiosity as to where you were born and one of your parents was obviously Vulcan. If you would care to tell me your story at some point I would be interested in hearing it." "My father was an officer in the Imperial Klingon Navy, and my mother was a holographer for Vulcan Network News. I went to the Vulcan Science Academy and the Klingon War College. And I learned self defense from both cultures." "Is there any way I can be of help?" I am endeavoring to bring the torpedo launch systems on line. One aspect of it is that I need to devise substtutes for the Andorian components that have been removed." (Reply Sekal) (Posted by Gary Dupree) (Starfleet Martian Ground Facilities – Main Security Office – aACSO– Ensign Sekal – 1437) I am endeavoring to bring the torpedo launch systems on line. One aspect of it is that I need to devise substtutes for the Andorian components that have been removed." This was a common issue that would be occurring with regularity on the base, was still occurring and his reply did not surprise Sekal in the least fortunately a possible solution had presented itself. "Mr. Darpeg I believe I have a solution that might intrigue you. There is a ship in orbit which has components that should closely match the technology used on the base and the specifications will be in its database since it escaped the Andorian purge ." (Reply: Darpeg) Sekal shook his head. "Under no circumstances should an attempt be made to remove any component from that ship much less fire control. The entity residing aboard it would take immediate offense and the systems aboard it may be necessary in the future. My suggestion is that you transport to the ship and request the specifications for the needed components from the entity ." (Reply: Darpeg) Sekal shrugged. "There will certainly be some variances between the components however the ship's technology will be a relatively close match. It should be simple to adjust them to what is needed here." (Reply: Darpeg) "Unfortunately such a solution will not be of use for the Republic since the bulk of it is advanced by several generations in technology over what is available there. Merely having similar components will not get us to the solution we need." (Reply: Darpeg) (Posted by Charles Gatling) (Starfleet Martian Ground Facilities - arrival and security checkpoint - Civilian spec Kora- 1300) Kora arrived and cleared the security check point. She looked around at everyone moving around. Going about their day. they all seemed busy . She was excited to be here and couldn't wait to see her step son Ensign Ravok. He was currently away on a mission but she was informed one of his friends from the academy would greet her. She sat down on a bench and looked down at her PADD and started ready a few of her notes . She received a message her quarters were 101 she was to room with her step son. As she shifted on the bench a little the bench started to feel really loose, she jumped up and opened her tool and started repairing the bench ass ot was coming detached from the floor. As she was repairing the bench a young man tried sitting down on it . " Are you blind? Or rude? " she asked him " No, why ? " he asked " No to which question? " she asked " What ? " he responded " Oh my oh my the possibility of you being deaf exist too ? Let me make this simple get off the bench or I will throw you off the bench " she said with a smile . The young man jumped off the bench and walked away . She finished her work on the bench and sat back down "There that's better " she said . And she continued waiting for her sons friend to arrive ( reply R'Vek) ( reply any ) (Posted by Davis) (Starfleet Martian Ground Facilities – Sub-Basement 4 - Main Engineering – Civilian spec. Engineer Kora– 1655) Kora walked into the room with a rather relaxed looking demeanor to her and saw a pretty young Romulan looking woman patiently waiting for the others to arrive ~ I wonder if my son has met her yet . Shes beautiful ~ " Hello Sir, my name is Kora I am your civilian specialist. It is a pleasure to meet you " She said as she smiled. Hopefully this young romulan woman didnt have any bad feelings about a klingon working for her ( reply Keira) (Posted by Davis) (Starfleet Martian Ground Facilities – Sub-Basement 4 - Main Engineering - E/SYO Ensign Boone Foster - 1659) Boone scurried to the meeting place. He wasn't technically late, but he wasn't exactly on time either. Scurrying wasn't exactly something Boone was good at. It took practice, and after four years of doing it in the Academy he was getting better at it. Back on Echo Earth things were ran much slower. And it didn't help that Boone had only been on Mars for half a day. He didn't exactly have a photographic memory of the place. Upon entering the room he saw that chairs were setup. He gathered his thoughts on where he should sit and then chose a seat. He noticed that he didn't recognize many of the faces in the room. He obviously had not met many of his fellow senior engineers since his arrival. Because of his late arrival he didn't have the chance to greet anyone. The meeting began. Ensign Merek wanted an account of work complete. That would be easy for Boone to offer as he just barely started on anything. He didn't exactly take the biggest project on the list as he still felt lost on the station. She then explained that she has been put in charge, and wanted everyone to understand her expectations of their behavior. Boone felt this would be an easy task to fulfill as he was easy going. The boss then moved on to an interesting topic of relationships, and brought up some specific examples of inappropriate relationships. Boone wondered if she was speaking from experience. Keira then moved on to the rotations and scheduling she wanted the Engineering department to run. To Boone it seemed normal and doable. Although, 12 hour shifts sounded pretty long to him. Lastly, Ensign Merek explained that work order tickets only needed to be signed by an officer in that department, thus making things more streamlined and efficient. Seemingly to be done, the floor was open. Boone stood from his chair. Eyes peered his way. He looked at each of them and gave a smile. "Howdy everyone. I'm Ensign Boone Foster of Echo Earth. I can't help but notice I don't know many of you. I've only gotten here since last night. It's a pleasure to be here, and to work with you all." Boone then looked at Ensign Merek. "As far as what I've been workin' on. Well, I was handed a to do list this morning, but they've all been small fish. I didn't really start on any big projects today. I'm capable, and ready to tackle one if need be." (reply Merek, any, all) (posted by Calvin Capps) (Starfleet Martian Ground Facilities – Sub-Basement 4 - Main Engineering – PO2 Castile– 1710) Castile breathed a sigh of relief. "I have been getting the orders done without signatures due to the frahouse nature of some base personel." He then took out a PADD. "I want permission to set up some geothermal backup generators and a small mining operation and foundry so that way we can fabricate tools that we can't replicate or even make tritanium plating from the ore around here. I brought a proposal with me about the matter. We are running out of things to cannibalize. In another life I was a Deep Space Miner and a heavy equipment fabricator. If given the time and consideration I can have a small craft dockyard up in a full month. With just my team pulling an extra shift." He looked at his new boss. "Ma'am I know you are inheriting quite a mess, I have been a Chief Engineer myself, but with the Merchant service so.. this is my proposal formally. The rocks around here are sound, and we got a few industrial replicators that need parts we don't have to make working. If I can get a tool foundry, I can have them up and running in a week. Once that is set up we can lay out the workings for a small ship dockyard and possibly an orbital one if given enough time." (Response Any) (Posted by Castile) (Starfleet Martian Ground Facilities - Hangar - Civilian spec Kora- 1908) 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. Kora listened at parade rest and watched as Castille received his promotion she had heard things about him during her short time here on Mars and looked forward to working with him (reply none ) ( posted by davis ) Allison Kelley) Castile really wasn't in the mood for celebrating his promotion. He had felt overworked ever since he got here and had just wanted to sleep. he was going back to single shifts and was grateful. He had been burning the candle at both ends and it started to show. He sat at the table with the rest of his squad. They were all drinking Boilermakers. He was also making a mental note that he could finally get his leg repaired when he saw her standing in the entryway. It was Allison. He had enough liquid courage in him to stand up. Allison stood there she wasn't in the company jumpsuit, she was in the Red dress he had loved. It framed her wonderfully. She had a PADD in one hand and walked over to him setting it down on the table. "I got a bunch of cargo that nobody is touching... Maybe you could get some folks to start offloading the cargo for little old me?" Allison asked grabbing his hands, letting him lead in a dance. "Don't you have porters for that?" He asked gruffly. With a sultry and smart alec tone Allison replied, "Yeah and I am asking him and his dockworkers to help me." Castile pondered for a moment. He heard la Chance say "DO IT!" "Well I could never say no to you we will haul it off in the morning as duty permits?" He said. She smiled at him. But she had a look in her eyes. "You saw the papers about Anna didn't you?" She gave a nod. "I never meant to hurt her. I never meant to break you two up... She was my best friend." Allison tried to talk further and Castile kissed her. The squad hooted and hollered. Castile broke the kiss. "You guys are too low class!' he said with a chuckle. "Look who made it to Petty Second and thinks he is better then us!" Schummer said drunkenly. Rickman decided to get into the chop busting, " So when's OCS?" Castile laughed, "I already attended it, well the TMC's OCS. That was what a decade? Two decades ago?" Allison said, "Fifteen years." Castile sighed, "That long ago?" "That long ago." he said. He then invited her to sit at the table. He propped his cybernetic leg up on a chair. She looked down at it, "You look like you should be in sickbay." "It has a bad joint motivator and has a slow hydraulic leak in it. I keep saying next time I have down time. I plan on going first thing in the morning, baring catastrophe. Failing that I am going to stick some nylon fibers in some hydraulic fluid patch it and keep me going." Castile said. Allison sighed, "Still thinking you are never going to break?" She asked. "No, just been working like mad to get everything working Officers stuff have taken priority as well as primary systems. As it stands I don't know who donated the replicators for the Enlisted Mess. I have been getting questions for the past two days and I can only play dodge so much before I feel like the weak kid on the playground." He said. He looked down at his food and picked over it. "Well do you guys mind if I borrow Castile for a few hours? I need to talk with him about a few things and catch up?" Allison asked. La Chance knew just what she meant. He smirked, "Anybody deserves a good bit of downtime its you boss, You and the Skip have fun. We will settle this up." (No Response Needed) (Posted by Robert H and Kaylah)