>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< Mission: You Can't Go Home Again Day: 23 Stardate: 2444.06.23 >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< (USS Mystique - Personal Quarters - Ensign JG Erin Cortez - 0931) (USS Mystique - Shuttlebay - Ens. Garek Darpeg - 1012) (USS Mystique - Shuttlebay - Sec/Tac Ensign (jg) Garek Darpeg - 1014) (USS Mystique - Bridge - aACSO, Ens(jg) Sienna Williams-Verin - 1017) (USS Mystique – Ready Room - CO - Admiral Remae Ktell - 1017) (USS Mystique - Bridge - CO - Admiral Remae Ktell - 1017) (USS Mystique - Hangar Bay - Tac/Sec, Ens(jg) Garek Darpeg - 1017) (USS Mystique - Bridge - aASEC, Ens(jg) Carson Peters - 1018) (USS Mystique - Ready Room - Ens. Svend Saarsgard - 1020) (USS Mystique - Ready Room - CO - Admiral Remae Ktell - 1020) (USS Mystique – Ready Room - CO - Admiral Remae Ktell – 1030) (USS Mystique -- Ten-Forward -- Medical/Counselor -- Ensign J.G. Quinna Solice -- 10:37) (Trill homeworld - Personal Office - Kazran Batos - 1105) (USS Mystique - Shuttlebay - Ens. Saarsgard - 1014) (Kir Kumari - Deck 1, Bridge - Col. Leonal ‘Spider’ Drizzt - 1130) (Kir Kumari - Bridge - Kumari CO, Kera Sheia- 1132) (Kir Kumari - Deck 1, Bridge - Col. Leonal ‘Spider’ Drizzt - 1134) (Kir Kumari - Bridge - Kumari CO, Kera Sheia- 1135) (Kir Kumari - Bridge - Col. Leonal ‘Spider’ Drizzt - 1138) (Kir Kumari - Bridge - Kumari CO, Kera Sheia - 1140) (USS Mystique - Bridge - CO - Admiral Remae Ktell - 1205) (USS Mystique - Bridge - CO - Admiral Remae Ktell - 1215) (USS Mystique - Bridge - CONN - ENS JG Trip Williams - 12:07) (USS Mystique – Bridge – aACEO – Ensign JG Keira Merek – 1207) (USS Mystique - Transporter room- TAC. ENSIGN JG Ravok- 1225) (Trill - Outside - CO - Admiral Remae Ktell - 1230) (Trill -- Beam in Site -- Medical Officer/Counselor -- Ensighn J. G. Quinna Solice -- 12:30) (Trill- Outside - TAC. ENSIGN JG Ravok- 1232) (Trill - Outside -Mission OPS Ensign JG Billy Alexander - 1232) (Trill - Outside -aACSO, Ensign Sekal- 1233) (Trill – Outside – aACEO – Ensign JG Keira Merek – 1234) (Trill homeworld - outside - Kazran Batos - 1235) (Trill – Outside – TAC. Ensign JG Ravok – 1236) (Trill -- Tresh, beam-in site - Science Officer Ensigh Jaton Alyl -- 1236) (Trill surface- City Center - Petty Officer, Steven Hammons - 1245) (Trill - Outside - CONN - ENS JG Trip Williams -12:47) (Trill - Outside -aACSO, Ensign Sienna Williams-Verin- 1249) (Trill - Outside - aASEC, Ens(jg) Carson Peters - 1250) (Trill - Outside - Pilot - ENS JG Ire Williams -12:52) (Trill - Outside - EO Ensign Boone Foster -1253) (Trill surface- Jovan's Tavern - Petty Officer, Steven Hammons - 1255) (Trill surface- Jovan's Tavern - Petty Officer, Steven Hammons - 1259) (San Francisco - Federation Headquarters - President's Office - President Staiave - 1300) (USS Mystique - Corridor outside Transporter room - Ensign JG Erin Cortez - 1301) (USS Mystique - Outside Transporter room - ENS jg Counselor Ariel Trei - 13.03) (USS Mystique - Engineering, - Ensign Scott Matrix - 1432) >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< (USS Mystique - Personal Quarters - Ensign JG Erin Cortez - 0931) Having spent a restless night, tossing and turning, Erin finally sat on her sofa with a cup of coffee in her hands, trying to go through the recent events. ~ Should i have sent that report to Starfleet? I have no clue but, if i hadn’t sent something there would have been questions. Am i loyal to the Admiral? Well, yes, he is my commanding officer. Do i think he is stable enough for the job? That is another question entirely. The man has been through a lot, most of which remains unprocessed by him. That much i can tell. Mental block or not, whatever happened to him needs to be uncovered. For him and for us. If he is to continue leading us, he needs to be clear of this, to process it. Only then will he be able to truly lead without any impingement. Ugh, i don’t know if i am ready for this. I shouldn’t be doing this level of evaluations and decision making. I’m barely qualified. But i know one thing, this decision has fallen to me and i will deal with it to the best of my ability and i will not be rushed. By the Admiral, by Starfleet, hell even by the god damn president. If i am going to do this, it needs to be the right decision, backed up and quantified. That and i need to be prepared that, should i recommend his removal, i am going to be hated by everyone here. That said, haven’t made myself many friends as it is. Well, apart from billy…. I wish i could tell him…. What was bothering me, why i am so on edge right now but i can’t. ~ Taking a long sip of her coffee, Erin sighed heavily, “Well, Trei is on the bridge, it’s not my duty roster time yet, so i might go for a walk around the ship, try and clear my head.” (Reply no-one) (Posted by Jackie) USS Mystique - Shuttlebay - Ens. Garek Darpeg - 1012) "Ensign Darpeg. Shuttle is clear sir." ~Of course it is, did you expect me to try hiding a torpedo under my seat?~ Yup, he was definitely becoming irritated. Not good. He half turned his head to look at the crewman. ‘I have a time sensitive message for the Admiral. I can’t cool my heels here for hours, as pleasant as the conversation is, while events are afoot. “Now that it is established I'm not armed or carrying a bomb, please send a private message to the Admiral informing him of my arrival and the reason for it. If *he* wishes me to wait here while he plays intergalactic checkers with a warrior race, I will wait without further complaint.” "I am Ensign Garek Darpeg, I am to be your escort." Darpeg noticed a familiar expression in Saarsgard's face and said, "In case you are wondering, my mother is Vulcan." (Reply Saarsgard) "No apology is necessary. It keeps potential enemies off guard." (Reply: Saarsgard) (Posted by Gary Dupree) (USS Mystique - Shuttlebay - Sec/Tac Ensign (jg) Garek Darpeg - 1014) Hammond's grin got bigger and he tapped his combadge. "Chief Peters this is Petty Officer Hammons. Our guest in the shuttlebay would like to be informed immediately once the Admiral is available. With your permission sir I would like to take him to ten forward so that he can have a drink and cool off. It appears the temperature in the shuttlebay is a little high and he's getting overheated." Steven then turned a smile on Saarsgard. "I'm afraid you'll have to wait your turn sir. Care for a drink?" Darpeg raised an eyebrow. The temperature in the Hangar bay was quite comfortable to him, but he had to make allowances for Humans since they functioned better at lower temperatures. He then replied, "I still must function as Mr. Saarsgard's escort, so I must not consume alcohol or synthehol. I will sit at the table while you recover from the temperatures that you Humans have difficulty in adapting to." (Reply Hammons, Saarsgarrd) (Posted by Gary Dupree) (USS Mystique - Bridge - aACSO, Ens(jg) Sienna Williams-Verin - 1017) The bridge had been quite busy since they crossed over into Trill space. She had been scanning as well as security, quite curious about what information she could find about the new technology of the andorians. What she was unsurprised about was the tactical information that they were outclassed and outgunned. Luma's unhappiness was tangible, you could almost feel it in the air. She did NOT approve of the andorians being here and she felt as if the Trill were being duplicitous by the presence of the andorians. It was enough to give Sy a headache. Then there was the shuttle that rendezvous'd at warp, which was likely due to Luma's superb handling and the guy who had come aboard and Sy really wanted to be a fly on the wall for that meeting with the admiral. Sy had been under the impression that there were not really any ships available and that was why the Mystique had been chosen. She had not questioned that before, but she did now, wondering exactly where he had come from. she knew that she would hear all about it at some point. She stretched, then sent a message to Sekal, text only, telling him that she had been invited with her brother to go on shore leave, and he was welcome to go with the Admiral to his meeting with the Trill. She knew that he would be more interested than she would be, and she really needed some quality time with her twin and her girl. She logged off, letting one of the other ensigns take her place on the bridge to head to her quarters and change before meeting her group on the surface. (reply none) (posted by Mel) (USS Mystique – Ready Room - CO - Admiral Remae Ktell - 1017) Remae had received the PADD back from the Ensign but if the larger-than-life Ensign knew Jana or had any idea that he was married to her, or otherwise involved, he didn’t show it. The Bajoran thought for a moment that he was lucky that she ran a tight ship. Maybe they were both too old, for anyone of these young ones to know about their exploits. “I’m a fairly new assignee to the Wraith, Admiral, I didn’t have much to do with the senior command staff. But from what I saw and heard, the Captain appeared to be in good health and spirits.”, he said rather formally. “Admiral, do you know when the next resupply mission to Sol is scheduled, so I can get a boost back to my ship? I can, in the meantime, take detached duty as part of your security forces.”, he asked and he seemed to have no great desire to stay but was willing to make the best of his situation. “At ease, Ensign... you don’t know me from a bar of soap but, I am not like other Admirals you may have met or heard of but I don’t walk around with a stick up my butt.”, he said and he hoped the ease the tension, if only slightly. He spun his computer around and accessed the personal file of the Ensign and read for a moment. “Very well, permission granted. I am afraid we might be at Trill a few days but as soon as we get back to Mars, you can assess your options.”, he said and then added, “Report to the acting Assistant Chief Security Office, Ensign Peters.” “Thanks again for delivering the PADD.”, he said and nodded that the Ensign had permission to depart and after a few parting words, the larger than life officer left the Ready Room. Remae took the chance to look at the PADD that Jana had sent him, whatever was on it, she risked a lot to get it off the Wraith and into his hands. (USS Mystique - Bridge - CO - Admiral Remae Ktell - 1017) The Mystique was about 90 minutes from Trill and Remae was contemplating their Andorians, he was blocking out the other noises around him as he thought about the mission. "Admiral Remae. Sir. I have a private message from Captain Bell of the Wraith.", said a new officer he didn't seem to recognise. ~ Jana? ~ The CO of the Mystique was confused, but if Jana had sent a secret message, via a courier, he wanted to know more. Did Starfleet still use couriers? They must be in more significant trouble than he had realised. "Ensign, come with me a moment.", he said and headed for the Ready Room. He stopped for a moment. this was going to happen each time he left, he turned back and looked at the Bridge of Ensigns. Some of whom we were ready to jump into the big chair. "Work it out, yourselves.", he said and walked into the Ready Room, smiling to himself. (USS Mystique - Ready Room - CO - Admiral Remae Ktell - 1020) "Ensign, take a seat.", he said and reached out for the PADD that the Ensign was carrying. "How is Jana?", he said thumbing the PADD for a moment, it refused to cooperate and he handed the PADD back to the courier. "If you don't mind?", he said and waited for the Ensign to unlock the PADD for him. (Reply from Saarsgard, Any) (Posted by Anthony Keen) (USS Mystique - Hangar Bay - Tac/Sec, Ens(jg) Garek Darpeg - 1017) Carson's voice came over Darpeg's commbadge, =/\=Ensign Darpeg, the discussion with the Andorians is complete. If he so wishes, your guest in the shuttle bay can make his way to the Bridge. Though I can't guarantee the Admiral will be ready for him upon arrival.=/\= Darpeg answered, "Aye, sir. Mr. Saarsberg is clear for being escort free to go to the Bridge. I will resume my normal duties." (Reply any) (Posted by Gary Dupree) (USS Mystique - Bridge - aASEC, Ens(jg) Carson Peters - 1018) "Admiral Remae. Sir. I have a private message from Captain Bell of the Wraith." the Security officer which entered the Bridge said. The Admiral turned to look at him, a look of knowing on his face. "Ensign, come with me a moment.", he said and headed for the Ready Room. The Admiral stopped short of the door and look around the Bridge, "Work it out, yourselves.", he said and walked into the Ready Room with the Security Ensign behind him. Carson waited a moment and one nobody else stepped in, either due to nervousness or not believing they should, he signed off his console and stepped around it to take control of the Bridge of the brief time the Admiral would be in the Ready Room. (USS Mystique - Ready Room - Ens. Svend Saarsgard - 1020) "Ensign, take a seat." Svend opened his mouth to say he’d have to unlock it, but decided the Admiral would figure it out, if he didn't already know. He handed it over and looked to the chairs in the ready room. As usual, none were his size. He winced internally as he crossed over to the nearest and gingerly let himself down. While he was doing so, the Admiral asked about the Captain by first name. But before receiving an answer, he handed the PADD back to be unlocked. He took the PADD back and very quickly thumbed the biometrics sensor, and tapped the unlock commands. If Captain Bell had used any security beyond that, he didn’t know it, but he strongly suspected she had. He offered the PADD back within just a few seconds. “I’m a fairly new assignee to the Wraith, Admiral, I didn’t have much to do with the senior command staff. But from what I saw and heard, the Captain appeared to be in good health and spirits.” ~What else did you want me to say, really, that she dresses up and goes on dates every other night? How would I know?~ (reply: if desired) NRPG: I figure he doesn’t know the two are married :P RPG: Svend waited for a thirty count while the Admiral read, before gently clearing his throat. “Admiral, do you know when the next resupply mission to Sol is scheduled, so I can get a boost back to my ship? I can, in the meantime, take detached duty as part of your security forces.” Oh, how that last had hurt to say. From his glance at the ship’s security forces so far, he thought he would rather eat his own left food with mustard, then work with them for more than a few hours. (reply: Jopek, any) (posted by Trout) (USS Mystique – Ready Room - CO - Admiral Remae Ktell – 1030) The PADD contained information regarding Sven’s transfer to the Mystique but more importantly, a full sensor scan of the Andorian ship was included. The Wraith got very close indeed to their ship. No doubt, their phase cloak came in very handy and it helped them make their escape. The data was transferred to their tactical database. At the end of the PADD was a set of coordinates, it seemed Jana was taking station nearby and was waiting. He smiled to himself as he stood up, and returned to the Bridge. (Reply from Any) (Posted by Anthony Keen) (USS Mystique -- Ten-Forward -- Medical/Counselor -- Ensign J.G. Quinna Solice -- 10:37) Quinna stood with her coffee looking out the windows of 10-Forward. Trill looked absolutely georgeous. She was about to go down with as a part of the inital team. The oceans were a purple as she heard. She imagined herself on the coast line watching the waves. She would then plunge herself into the water and go for a nice long swim in the purple water. She wondered if the water was different. Does it have more or less salt content? She was prepared for Trill. She wore a light blue linen pant with a halfskirt wrap along with a matching cap sleeve shirt. With high hopes, under her outfit, she wore her swim suit. She longed to get into the waters. (Trill -- Beam in Site -- Medical Officer/Counselor -- Ensighn J. G. Quinna Solice -- 12:30) The team beamed down to Trill. As Quinna rematerialized, she was hit with the heavy humid air. She body went from a comfy temperature to a hot a hot and humid. It almost took her down. She pluued a pair of sunglasses from a pocket in her pants and put them all. It helped her eyes but not her skin. After a few minutes, Quinna’s body adjusted. She stood there and listened to the exchanges but also stared at the area around her. Before long, they were free to go about. "Hey, so here we are, a bunch of green horns, on our first interplanetary mission, with freedom to explore," Trip then pointed at Jaton, "And one of the locals. So who is up for a bit of lunch, shopping, and fun?" Carson shrugged, it seemed like a good enough start to the day. "I'm game, Jaton, when were you last on Trill?" (Jaton Reply) Quinna waited patiently until people finished speaking and then spoke up. “Why not do it all. I notice there seemes to be a small cafe about a block away. Shall we try there?” Quinna suggested. She took a step closer to the group. Quinna really wanted to go to a beach but was not ready to explore on her own. (reply Sienna, Williams, Ire, Jaelle, Carson, Jaton, Boone) (Played by Kris B.) (Trill homeworld - Personal Office - Kazran Batos - 1105) Sitting back in his chair, Kazran closed his screen down. He’s been re-reading the communique from Ambassador Macaulay. The report that had said his brother, his baby brother was alive. ~ 25 years…. 25 years in which the whole family grieved, cried and dealt with this. Now, He’s alive? I can’t even begin to fathom how. That mission, that foolish mission that killed him was at Starfleet’s behest. And now, she’s telling me her boyfriend is alive after all these years…. I just…. How do i believe that? We mark every year the day of his death. All that emotion for nothing. All that pain for nothing. Is this the fevered imagination of a grieving woman. Wanting, hoping and praying for her man to return and finding someone that reminds her of him and trying to convince herself that he has come back to her?~ Sighing, he leant on his desk, rubbing his forehead with his hands, trying to wrap his mind around the news. His com system chirped, “Go ahead.” “Sir, the Federation are almost here.” Closing his eyes, he replied flatly, “Thankyou.” ~I can’t…. I don’t know how to deal with this.” (Reply No-one) (Posted by Jackie) (USS Mystique - Shuttlebay - Ens. Saarsgard - 1014) "Looks like you're good to go Ensign, if you will follow us please? By the way my name's Hammons, Steven Hammons." “Very well.” Saarsgard, who had basically been standing still but looking around, unclasped his hands from behind his back and began to follow Darpeg out of the shuttlebay. Once they were out, the PO fell in behind, leaving him neatly surrounded in a diamond formation. He was an unknown on a ship at alert, he understood what they were doing - but he sure as hell didn’t like it much. He kept his eyes roaming, like any good security officer, as they made their way to the turbolift. There wasn’t all that much to see, it was a short trip. And once in the turbolift, it was an even shorter jaunt to the bridge. ~Thank. You. God. What a monkey show this place is. Getting off this hellhole soon... won’t be half soon enough.~ When the doors opened and he was escorted onto the bridge, he stopped and came to attention once he’d seen the Admiral. “Admiral Remae. Sir. I have a private message from Captain Bell of the Wraith.” He deliberately moved his hand into his uniform slowly, so as not to spook his babysitters. He pulled out the PADD he had been given and held it in plain view, waiting for either permission to approach, or for someone to take it from him. (reply: Ramae, Hammons, Darpeg, any) (posted by Trout) (USS Mystique -- Counselor's Offices - Medical/Counselor Ensign J.G. Quinna Solice -- 11:15) “Seems like your placement here is all positive, so what is your icing on the cake? What is the one thing that would make it better?” "A hot tub in my quarters would be nice." Billy said with a laugh. "Honestly counselor, I really don't know. This is actually my dream assignment." “Your dream assignment?” "I majored in Human Resources, was in the Operations department track. I wasn't going to be the best on the computer and software aspect of it all. Was probably going to be mainly quartermaster type stuff. I was good enough to get into the Academy, to graduate, but my career advancement wasn't going to be to, present, so to speak if I was in an OPS position, would have been outperformed by a lot of folks."]’ “A lot of people feel inadequate in their potential jobs. Please go on.” Quinna made a note on the PADD next to her. "My best bet would be a desk job like the one I have now. I'm well organized, could at seeing and memorizing data. I'm just not the best at math and engineering and the like. So Thankfully enough of my classmates turned this position down, because they didn't want to get stuck behind a desk. I love my desk." “You seem really content in your position. However if you have a desire for the ops position, the math and the engineering will soon become second hand. Just be happy.” (reply Alexander) “I heard you say you are now seeing Ensign Cortez.” Quinna had to reeassure herself this was part of the job and not her being nosy. “You have not been here lone, how did this all start?” (reply Alexander) “What have you discovered about her that you really really really like?” (Reply ALexander) (played by Kris B.) (Kir Kumari - Deck 1, Bridge - Col. Leonal ‘Spider’ Drizzt - 1130) Drizzt’s bushy white eyebrows might as well have been flying buttresses when he stepped out of the turbolift and saw, of all things, the schematic of an Akira Class ship on the main viewscreen. It made sense, of course, but it was still something he’d not expected to have ever seen again. He leaned against the bulkhead and crossed his arms as he studied it. “You know, when I accepted a reduction in rank back to Colonel, so I could be the head of the ceremonial diplomatic guard, I did not expect I would run into one of my old ships. Someone must be truly hard up to have yanked the Mystique out of hock.” Hard up indeed. He’d still be in the 52nd at the time, stationed on the Steel Talons as a Marine liaison, in charge of breaking up what was left of the SMEF evenly, and sending them to new ships for a fresh start. Thankfully, it wasn’t a ship he was emotionally attached to. It might have been different if the Boudicca or Champlain were sitting in front of them, he'd met his wife in the first, and witnessed the birth of his Daughter in the other. Why an Akira, of all things? Spider shook his head and looked over at the Captain. “I don’t even have to study her, we can find my way around easily should the Ceremonial Guard have to, well, get ceremonial on their arses. So, do we know who is commanding her yet?” (reply: Any on the bridge) (posted by Trout) (Kir Kumari - Bridge - Kumari CO, Kera Sheia- 1132) Having returned to the command center after the meeting Kera Sheia had ordered the schematics of the Akira class displayed on the view screen and herself and the commander were studying it closely. Kera Sheia had never served on that class of ship having "broken through" on the Prometheus Class. Having been in the Fleet she knew the high points such as number of phaser arrays and torpedo launchers along with a rough estimate of the number of fighter and shuttlecraft it carried. The class had been fitted with formidable phaser arrays for it's time but that was not its primary offensive armament. It had been designed as a torpedo launch platform primarily and the number of type XV torps it could put on target in a matter of moments made for a withering fire. Very few starship types had been designed as carriers either and even though the number of such fighters was not exceptionally high it still gave that class of ship another offensive capability. As stated before though she was not overly concerned with its offensive complement since it was unlikely they would be able to penetrate the highly advanced primary and secondary defensive shielding and neutronium ablative armor of the Kir Kumari. One could argue this was over-confidence but it was not, it was fact. Fact in a perfect galaxy of course and the galaxy was not a forgiving place. There was always the possibility of catastrophic engine or shield failure to consider which could never be foreseen though it could be prepared for and her ship had gone through rigorous testing and maintenance schedules. So in the end you had to trust your ship and crew, that they would perform to their capability and your own expectations. In short then you planned and trained for victory. But all this wasn't her true intent in these studies. While the blood thirsty would prepare for a battle with the intention of total annihilation she was more concerned with disabling the ship if it came to a battle and saving as many of the crew alive as possible. Fortunately then as a member world Andoria had been given access to this data. While her ship would not start a battle or a war here she would certainly end it as quickly and efficiently as possible. “You know, when I accepted a reduction in rank back to Colonel, so I could be the head of the ceremonial diplomatic guard, I did not expect I would run into one of my old ships. Someone must be truly hard up to have yanked the Mystique out of hock.” Sheia had heard the lift door open but had been too absorbed to note who had entered so she turned now to a grizzled veteran leaning against the bulkhead not far from it. Kera had noted his arrival onboard with the Ambassador but had not had opportunity for inclination to speak with him outside of pleasantries. He gave a shake of his head then turned his attention to her. “I don’t even have to study her, we can find my way around easily should the Ceremonial Guard have to, well, get ceremonial on their arses. So, do we know who is commanding her yet?” Another veteran from the Fleet like herself and Tesha of course. Sheia nodded. "An Admiral surprisingly named Remae Ktell. He is unfamiliar to me, do you know of him?" (Reply: Drizzt) She turned back to the screen. "I am quite frankly surprised that they managed to get this ship ready and to Trill so quickly since our information was that activity on Mars had only started up a few weeks ago. Tactical scans showed that their weapons systems are intact though as yet unpowered so I must assume in the event of a battle that they will work as intended as per standard loadout. What was her fighter complement when you served on her?" (Reply: Drizzt) She turned her head back to him in surprise. "An explorer configuration which cut out its fighter complement?" Her attention immediately went to Tesha. "While I would like to assume there are no fighters aboard it is best to err on the side of preparedness. How many fighters do you estimate they could get on that ship if they started reconfiguring it at the time activities started back up on Mars?" (Reply:Tesha, Drizzt) (Posted by Charles Gatling) (Kir Kumari - Deck 1, Bridge - Col. Leonal ‘Spider’ Drizzt - 1134) “...So, do we know who is commanding her yet?” The Captain nodded at him. "An Admiral surprisingly named Remae Ktell. He is unfamiliar to me, do you know of him?" Drizzt’s expression turned grim. “Oh, yes, I know him - he’s a vet from the 52nd battle fleet during the War, same as me.” Drizzt looked at the ship again on the screen. “That war produced five admirals, and maybe two dozen captains, who were true strategic geniuses. He’s one of them.” He looked at the Captain and spoke in a slightly archaic form of Andorian, for only it had the words he needed, words with the proper gravitas. “He’s a peacemaker, but one who isn’t afraid to hold a the sword if peace isn’t possible. He’s worthy of respect.” That meant something, coming from an Andorian. (reply with room for more, if desired) The Captain seemed to be thinking out loud when she said she was surprised they’d gotten the ship going with the state Starfleet and the MDP was in. Spider wasn’t nearly as surprised, leaders with charisma could move mountains if they felt like it. There were plenty of ships in mothballs near the old shipyards that they could raid for parts. “What was her fighter complement when you served on her?" Captain Kera finally asked. Drizzt scratched his neck and under his chin as he thought back. “Three, as I recall, and my Marine Command brought one of them with us when we were assigned. Only my fighter was configured for combat, the other two were configured as forward scouts.” The look of surprise on her face was priceless. "An explorer configuration which cut out its fighter complement?" An amused chuckle escaped Drizzt’s lips, though it didn’t last long. Most of this generational crop had never been to the extreme frontiers; for example, the Captain had only been an Ensign before changing flags to the newly independent Andoria. Granted, that meant she was exquisitely trained in starfleet procedures - but she'd be short on experience in how the outer wings of the Old Federation practically functioned. Not to disparage her skills, far from, she had served with absolute distinction in the years since Andoria had withdrawn its name from the Federation’s charter. “Her Captain preferred peace, Fighters in bulk only have one purpose, to swarm and kill.” The soldier briefly wondered where Winters had gone, where she’d ended up. He supposed she’d still be alive, if approaching the last part of her life. So many of those old comrades, getting older, and sitting on the wrong side of the thin line between Andoria and the Federation. If it came to war some day in the future, he hoped those old friends would have already retired. Come to it, he hoped *he* would have retired. He didn’t particularly want to be known as one of the high generals of the Andorian Imperial Guard which destroyed what was left of Starfleet. He grunted, “My Marines ended up taking over about half of the secondary shuttlebay, so there wasn't room for them. What’s more, the Subspace River still existed at that point - fighters didn’t do very well in its vicinity for the first few years until protections were found... and we were almost always in its vicinity.” His insight didn’t do much to convince her, and she asked for an estimate of the number of fighters that Mystique could be carrying, and she addressed it to more than just him. It didn’t take long to do a theoretical mental count with the size of the shuttlebays that he remembered. “If they were set up to run as a carrier, stripped down of shuttles and with all the proper gear to maintain the fighters - maybe just over half a squadron. IF they packed them in with only one mission in mind and no serious maintenance, they might be able to squeeze a couple of squadrons. Depending on which fighters they’re using. If they’re using the last production fighter, of which few were made, then they’d get only half as many in no matter how few maintenance bays they drop by the wayside. I don’t find that likely, though.” He walked forward to look at the schematics. “But I would look more to guile in your plans; Mystique is no match for this ship in a fist fight, and Ktell knows it. Marine Boarding Torps might still be advanced enough to to hide from our sensors. If they have a full complement of standard crew, and they pack in her former demi-company of Marines, that theoretical number of Fighters would decrease. Our old BDUs were rather bulky, as was all the maintenance equipment. That's why we took over a shuttlebay. "Though again, if they just stuffed as many warm bodies as they could into that sardine can for a single suicide mission, then they could have a company of Marines and still have just under two squadrons of Fighters. But that would be hot bunking, eating in shifts, a real ‘off my foot and get your elbow out of my eye’ situation.’” “Or you could mix and match, play tetris with it. But keep in mind hey can’t run without at least a 3/4 complement of normal crew, if they want to go into combat. Those old torpedo boats are crew hungry.” He grinned at the Captain, "And that's an old ship, seemingly rushed through reactivation. I'd lay a bet they're carrying a heavy engineering compliment to repair old systems the reactivation missed, as they go." (reply: any on the bridge) (posted by Trout (Kir Kumari - Bridge - Kumari CO, Kera Sheia- 1135) To say Sheia was impressed by this "Ceremonial Guard Commander's" knowledge of the Mystique would be an understatement as she listened to his exhaustive rundown of possible crew and hardware configurations for the ship. "And that's an old ship, seemingly rushed through reactivation. I'd lay a bet they're carrying a heavy engineering compliment to repair old systems the reactivation missed, as they go." In every generation there were warriors and there were thinkers. Sometimes and very rarely there were crossovers. This was due not only to intellect of course but also to exhaustive training and only the best made that transition. These were the Pattons, the Gohols and the Shrans of warfare; Beings who could not only outfight but outthink their opponents and she realized she was looking at one of them. StarFleet had of course created a disproportionate number of them as they had lured in the best and brightest of many generations from a number of planets. His caution about the Admiral who commanded the other ship then carried that much more weight. It was one thing for a common or even an uncommon soldier to praise those under who's command they had served or seen, quite another to hear one who had seemingly attained that level of awareness. And she realized something else in that instant. On the surface her concerns were valid and precautionary. On the other hand she was dangerously close to building up a Phah Wraith in her mind, an unconquerable creature of legend. While they could and would consider every possible danger and take every precaution in the end she had the ship and crew to overcome any obstacle. All eventualities would be considered and planned for but in the end she could not allow her awe of one of quadrant's premier civilizations of which she had once been a part to paralyze her at a pivotal moment. And as her eyes dropped down to the command monitor at her right hand which gave a visual of the nearing vessel she knew she was not seeing a Ptah Wraith or a "boogeyman" but a tired old ship hurriedly placed back into service on a diplomatic mission of supreme importance for a desperately grasping government. And at the core of her being this saddened her. She raised her head then to meet his eyes as she stood to her feet. "Your counsel has not fallen on deaf ears and your knowledge of the ship has been invaluable. You have my gratitude. We will be prepared for all eventualities because of it." She reverted to the old speech. "You have my thanks warrior." (Reply: Drizzt) She shook her head slightly. "I do not know why you have made the diplomatic ceremonial guard your command of choice and it is none of my concern except to say this: Your talents while not wasted there would be of greater use elsewhere and if I could claim you for this ship I would." (Reply: Any present) (Posted by Charles Gatling) ' (Kir Kumari - Bridge - Col. Leonal ‘Spider’ Drizzt - 1138) "Your counsel has not fallen on deaf ears and your knowledge of the ship has been invaluable. You have my gratitude. We will be prepared for all eventualities because of it." She reverted to the old speech. "You have my thanks warrior." Drizzt gave a nod and turned back to the specs. “I will prepare the guard and Ambassador accordingly.” "I do not know why you have made the diplomatic ceremonial guard your command of choice and it is none of my concern except to say this: Your talents while not wasted there would be of greater use elsewhere and if I could claim you for this ship I would." At this, Drizzt really did smile, so he turned back to the Captain one last time. “It took me ages to get this command. I’ve spent most of my life on the front lines, in one theater or another. It’s a joy to see simple diplomacy work its magic every once in a while. Bloodless victories, celebrations unmarked by the death of companions. Weapons of war polished not for combat, but for ceremony and honor. If we’re lucky, a bit of simple contingency planning will be all we’ll need to do. If not, well - then I suppose I’m in the right place.” He slid himself into tight attention, giving the Captain the honor due her. “Captain, I must prepare the troops. If you would, please keep me apprised of tactical changes.” (reply: if desired) Spider left the bridge, and his smile faded as soon as he was out of sight. Diplomacy: he hoped it worked. In his experience, a history marred with blood and misery, it so rarely did. (reply: any, if desired) (posted by Trout (Kir Kumari - Bridge - Kumari CO, Kera Sheia - 1140) “Captain, I must prepare the troops. If you would, please keep me apprised of tactical changes.” "Of course." She said as he turned away then left the bridge. She then turned to her tactical officer. "You will liase with the Guard Commander. Everything you see will be relayed to him as well." "Certainly Kar." "Have you inputted the firing solution?" "It is ready Kar." "You will not initiate it except on my order." "Of course." She then returned to the command chair. "Remove the schematic from the view screen." The slice of the Trill homeworld returned to the lower screen, space above as her ship orbited the planet. She and the commander had settled on a plan of attack should the Federation ship initiate hostilities just before the guard commander had arrived and were going through the steps one last time. Having spoken with him she now believed they would not have to be used but they would remain prepared. She had no desire to do battle with the ship, it would not be a glorious victory, there would be no tales told, no songs sung. The Kumari's weapons would shred its shields and slice through critical eps junction nodes near its bulkheads leaving it without command/control or weapons. Her Ceremonial Guard and security forces would be transported to critical defensive points, the bridge and TIC in overwhelming numbers. It would be butchery not battle, slaughter and not victory. There would be numerous deaths, burns and suffering among the ship's defenders because of a madman's hubris. But according to the guard commander this would not be necessary. She trusted that he was correct. She remained there as the Mystique took orbit peacefully and began beaming down landing parties. Her operations officer finally turned to her. "The second wave of transports are down." It was time. "Stand down from alert." He returned his attention to the console and pressed a button which darkened the lamps then hit his comm. "All departments stand down from alert and return to normal duty." She then stood to her feet, satisfaction evident in her voice. "Commander you have the bridge." She walked to her ready room relieved. There would be no slaughter today. (Reply:Tesha) (Posted by Charles G) (USS Mystique - Bridge - CO - Admiral Remae Ktell - 1205) The Mystique had made an uninterrupted and incident-free trip across the remaining space to Trill, even though it was known as a non-aligned space, Trill had setup monitoring, ships, surveillance around their planet. It wasn't long before the Mystique had been contacted and clearance granted. "Take us out of warp.", ordered the CO and the Mystique complied. Remae was pretty sure the engines would be a lot happier given the time they'd remained at high warp. "Impulse power, take us into standard orbit but keep us close to them.", he said and the ship and crew obeyed. (USS Mystique - Bridge - CO - Admiral Remae Ktell - 1215) It was quiet, the Andorians were quiet, Trill was quiet, even the Bridge was quiet. "Transport coordinates are being received.", reported OPS and Remae stood up. "I will meet with the Andorians but I want to beam down first and meet the Trill delegation. Away team, to the transporter rooms.", said Remae and he headed to the turbolift. (USS Mystique - Bridge - CONN - ENS JG Trip Williams - 12:07) As they approached closer to Trill Trip was getting antsy. He was looking forward to going down on to the planet and explore. It would add another planet to his list, after Earth and Mars. It was a very short list, and the fact that he was actually doing what Starfleet was supposed to be doing, exploring space and going on diplomatic missions. "Take us out of warp." was the order Trip received as he then silently punched the requisite commands. They were almost there, he could feel the excitement in his bones, the chill going up and down his arms. ~I can't wait, I can't wait. New food, new views, new music. Come on you sweet beautiful ship, lets get there as soon as we can, safely.~ "Impulse power, take us into standard orbit but keep us close to them." Trip nodded in acknowledgement as he followed the Admiral's orders. He put in the requisite commands and followed proper procedures for entering into standard orbit. He switched to impulse power going as fast as was considered safe and proper for within system when trying to establish orbit. It was the first time he ever managed this without being on a simulator or a holodeck. Flying a fighter or a shuttle was much different then an Akira class starship. This was exciting to him. Like a 5 year old about to open a birthday present. Slowly, steadily, the Mystique arrived and entered smoothly into its orbit. A large smile appeared on Trip's face. ~Jackpot!~ They arrived at a Trill, they were on a diplomatic mission, and he had just put a Starship into standard orbit. Trip had a feeling that today was gonna be a great day. (reply none) (posted by Will) (USS Mystique – Bridge – aACEO – Ensign JG Keira Merek – 1207) "Take us out of warp.", ordered the Admiral. As the helm adjusted their speed, Keira automatically gave the computer commands to adjust power flow. They wouldn’t need warp power in sublight, unless they got into a fight. Which she hoped wasn’t likely. She checked the chronometer, much like using a location map similar to the old style GPS when getting somewhere in San Francisco would give an ETA, and she would try and beat it. The Mystique seemed to have done that here, they had arrived ahead of schedule. ~I wonder if that put a rock in anyone’s cogs us showing up early?~ The view screen changed from the familiar “streaking stars” to the impossibly green world of Trill. "Impulse power, take us into standard orbit but keep us close to them.", came the Admiral’s order. The power had been ready before it was called for, the Engineering department had become a well-oiled machine in the past week or so. The helmsman had initiated impulse speeds to attain standard orbit. (USS Mystique - Transporter room- TAC. ENSIGN JG Ravok- 1225) Ravok stood on the transporter pad with the away team. Ensign Taya had suggested one of them remain on the bridge while the other went to the surface. Always to keep constant communication with the other, functioning as single force in two different spots. (Trill - Outside - CO - Admiral Remae Ktell - 1230) Remae had been warned about the heat and humidity of Trill. Many of the away team had changed into their lighter clothes. The landing coordinates had them beam down to the centre of one of the major cities and upon arrival, Remae looked around for the welcoming committee. (Reply from All) (Posted by Anthony Keen) (Trill- Outside - TAC. ENSIGN JG Ravok- 1232) Once they beamed down to the surface, Ravok had instantly began to be very envious of Ensign Taya. She was on the nice climate controled ship and he was on the hot humid rock known as Trill. Thankfully some his ancient Vulcan ancestry started going to work adapting his core temperature to the external environment. Ravok looked around taking in the sights of this strange world. He could feel the eyes of the interested locals upon them. Ravok already felt out of place being one of the only members of the away team still wearing his uniform, now he had to contend with the feeling of being starfleet here on Trill. Would the people welcoming of them or untrusting. Only time would tell. ~ Where is this welcoming committee? Fashionably late or testing our patience~ Ravok thought to himself. ( Reply any) ( posted by Davis) (Trill - Outside -Mission OPS Ensign JG Billy Alexander - 1232) As the away team beamed to the surface, Billy materialized next to the admiral. He was still wearing his uniform and was carrying with him a briefcase filled with research material and notes. It would be everything the admiral would need when making a point with either the Trill or the Andorians. He wish he would have changed as the humidity was apparent from the moment he arrived. It wasn't yet stifling or suffocating, but wearing black was not the best choice. Still he wanted to look professional which is why he did not change. He had spent most of the trip going through the admirals notes and other talking points and compiling them into easy to access stat sheets and note cards. Such was the life of the one in the position that his cousin had affectionately called "The Admiral's &!@%$" Still he was happy with it, it was what he was good out. Sure he was a glorified yeoman, but had he been in engineering or ops, well the damage he might accidentally cause might make Ire Williams explosion count look tame. Looking around for the welcoming committee he turned to the admiral. "Don't worry sir, I've got all your notes and data right here." He then patted the brief case. (reply Remae) "I hope wherever your meetings are that those buildings are air conditioned." (reply Remae) (reply Remae, Any) (posted by Will) (Trill - Outside -aACSO, Ensign Sekal- 1233) Sekal had transported down with the Admiral and was a part of a very small group with those not present busily taking advantage of an opportunity for shore leave. The Vulcan had neither the need nor the inclination to spend his time frolicking about or sightseeing. He was also in full uniform and while the heat was a pleasant respite from Mars and shipboard temperatures the humidity was a factor he had not been presented with before. The oppressive atmospheric moisture threatened to clog pores needed for heat dissipation but he would be able to compensate for that momentarily. For the time being he watched and listened as the operations officer who was carrying the Admiral's paperwork and data padds was boyishly engaging him in idle banter. "I hope wherever your meetings are that those buildings are air conditioned." Sekal could agree with that to a point, the most profound byproduct of air conditioning and filtration was that it would dry the air considerably which made a body's cooling system function more efficiently. He remained silent while the Admiral answered the officer and watched the welcoming party approach. His presence here wasn't necessary certainly and as a scientist his expertise was unlikely to be called upon however he had a lifetime of exposure to diplomats and diplomacy. While his research on the ship was likely to be more profitable he was curious and perhaps he could offer some insights. Unlikely, yes it was unlikely but he would make himself available all the same if called upon. (Reply: Any) (Posted by Charles G.) (Trill – Outside – aACEO – Ensign JG Keira Merek – 1234) Keira joined the away team with the Admiral. She didn’t see him order any security detachment, and wasn’t comfortable with him going alone, peaceful planet or not. She left Engineering in Matrix and Foster’s expert hands. The pair were more than capable of performing the post warp checks. She had also decided on whether to bring a weapon or not. In the end, she elected not to. Bringing a weapon if discovered would be catastrophic to the proceedings and she couldn’t take that risk. She did bring her Engineering tricorder, so that she could scan for architecture techniques and for surveillance and weapons emplacements. She did change out of the full jacket and opted for the optional “Away team vest” and three quarter engineer’s sleeve, which promised to be orders cooler. She also took no effort to advertise anything that she was not just a simple engineer. She put her hair down to cover her ear points just before beaming down. She materialized on the planet and was instantly reminded of home. The humidity was similar to Carraya IV, Trill was slightly hotter but, her home planet was no where near as urban as this. She surveyed the surrounding area quickly and spotted Ravok immediately. ~What a pleasant surprise.~ She smiled at him quickly and continued surveying the surrounding area as others beamed down including a security detachment. (Reply Ravok) The area they materialized on to was a small cul-de-sac area that had been cleared for their arrival. At the center was a large decorative water fountain with three tiers progressively getting smaller in size going up, sharing a center axis, two above then the main pool. The fountain portion in the center ejected water up to approximately 15 meters, which filled the top tier, which over flowed filling the second tier, which in turn overflowed returning water to the main pool. Surrounding the circular fountain was a knee high stone ledge made of mortar and presumably locally sourced stones, perfect for sitting. Irregularly shaped flag stones encircled that creating the path around the fountain and the cul-de-sac itself. The circular path was surrounded by various flowering plants, fronds and ferns typical of a tropical world. She edged closer to Ravok while they all waited for the diplomatic party and envoy to arrive. “I didn’t expect to see you here, but I am pleasantly surprised.” She said not whispering but lower than a normal conversational volume. (Reply Ravok) “No, of course not. I would never jeopardize the mission by bringing weapons.” She said at lower volume but an even tone. (Reply Ravok) “Correct. If I were carrying weapons I would not announce it, to anyone.” She confirmed. (Reply Ravok, any) (Posted by Todd) (Trill homeworld - outside - Kazran Batos - 1235) Standing at the door of the government building, Kazran took a deep sigh. Knowing he had been chosen to greet the Starfleet party despite his mixed feelings about this, was still a great honour for him. He could see the party just in the square, looking around. ~My word, they are all so young.~ he thought to himself as he looked at them each individually. Suddenly, his eyes fell on the young male Trill in their midst. ~No…. It’s…. ~ His mind betrayed him as memories of his younger brother flooded through. Closing his eyes for a second, he smoothed down his suit, took a breath and opened his eyes and walked through the door towards them. Reachingthe party, he nodded towards the person who was clearly the Admiral, “Admiral Ktell?” (Reply Ktell) “My name is Kazran Batos. I am the Chief Science Officer of the Trill Government. The president is currently speaking with the senate. So, if you would please follow me, i will show you to the meeting room where yourself and your delegation can wait.” (Reply Ktell) (Reply Ktell, Any) (Posted by Jackie) (Trill – Outside – TAC. Ensign JG Ravok – 1236) Ravok saw Keira materialize and smiled slightly. Keeping it professional. He was happy to see her and expected nothing less. Over the past few days the two of them had gotten to know each other more and more. He could almost anticipate her next move, yet she always maintained an element of surprise. Ensign Merek moved closer to him. “I didn’t expect to see you here, but I am pleasantly surprised.” she said to him . " Ensign Taya and I agreed it would be best if one of us were here. " he said and leaned towards her." I'm guessing you didnt bring your phaser." he whispered jokingly to her. “No, of course not. I would never jeopardize the mission by bringing weapons.” She said at lower volume but an even tone. He smirked. " You'd probably be more likely to bring something smaller and more easily hidden, more discreet and you wouldn't tell me." He whispered at the end “Correct. If I were carrying weapons I would not announce it, to anyone.” She confirmed. He nodded his head as he noticed her hair was covering her ears. In noticing that he felt slightly upset that she felt that she needed to hide her one visible trait that she was either Romulan or Vulcan, but he understood why. Romulans and Trill had no established relationship between their governments. He however had no other choice but to face whatever racism that might be hurled his way. He could not hide what he was. (Reply any) (Posted by Davis) (Trill -- Tresh, beam-in site - Science Officer Ensigh Jaton Alyl -- 1236) As Jaton rematerialised on the surface of his homeworld, he felt the telltale heavy ness of the air wash over him. The warm and humid air caressed him and he let himself almost float in it, as though he were slipping into a hot bath. He was home. He looked around and took in the stone architecture of the square in which they found themselves. Immediately he knew where he was: Tresh! The city of his birth. It was so familiar, and yet still somehow strange. It wasn’t a part of the city he recognised. From the signs and the lack of wear of the stones he guessed that this area might not have existed last time he was on Trill. An odd choice for a beam-in site. "I'm game, Jaton, when were you last on Trill?" The question caught his attention. He thought about the last time he had been home. Like now, it was another lahaina festival. If only he’d known it would be the last time he’d be home. The last time he’d see his parents alive. “26 years, 6 months, and 5 days,” he choked out . “Far too long.” The weight of the decades he’d lost with the people he loved almost seemed unbearable in that moment. A few tears trickled down his face. (Reply any) (Posted by Spencer) (Trill surface- City Center - Petty Officer, Steven Hammons - 1245) It had been over three weeks of nearly non stop duty between long shifts or splits. The security department had been swamped, overloaded and run ragged between base security, hunting one or more infiltrators and fighting a load of baddies who had tried to co-opt the Mystique not to mention ten days aboard her. Steven Hammons along with the rest had gotten a day off here and there to relax but it really hadn't been 'restful'. Restful was 'blowing off steam' with more than an extra few hours of bunk time or four hours in the holodeck which he'd used and made every minute count. The cute and more than a little exotic Betazoid counselor had helped spice the simulation up more than a little. Hammons had been in the third wave of transporter driven visitors to the planets' surface and he had a completely different brand of 'rest and relaxation' in mind. He planned on finding a bar and using a goodly portion of his credits on getting sloshed, hammered and generally all around drunk. It felt like years already since he had imbibed in a good whiskey or its simulacrum. Today that was all going to change which is why the first Trill native he saw got his undivided attention. "Excuse me sir but could you direct me to the nearest bar?" The native gave him an appraising look as if wondering whether the presence of a human, and an officer at that, was an insult but the pleading look on the PO's face must have moved him. Or perhaps he just wanted to get the guy moving along and out of his face. He pointed toward a nearby street corner and to the left. "Turn left there and go down one block then right for two I think. You will see Jovan's Tavern near the corner." Hammons felt like giving him a man hug but restrained himself, more important matters were afoot such as his thirst. "Thanks, I owe you one." He gave the native a big grin and a 'thumbs up' then left the native behind wondering what the strange gesture meant. (Reply: Any) (Trill - Outside - CONN - ENS JG Trip Williams -12:47) After the welcoming committee had said their piece and the Admiral and those were staying went with him, Trip looked around to see who was left on the 'Away Team'. They had been given some good freedom to explore around the city. In fact it was a good way to get a pulse on the situation on Trill, see what the people in the cities thought about reunification, not just the big wigs who ran the show. Trip was excited about the prospect, not the local pulse, but the exploration. Sure Mars was technically another planet, but its culture was basically like earth. This was a new culture, new music, new sights, and sounds. He was raring to go. They were given a lot of freedom on what to wear while on the planet due to the humidity. Trip was wearing light khaki pants made out of a linen material with some brown sandals. Not the roman looking sandals of the locals, but something comfortable. He was wearing a white short sleeve button down, unbuttoned with a red tank top underneath. It was his favorite color after all. Looking around at who was there, he noticed there was a good group around him, some he knew well, some he didn't. His amazing, sweet, and smart sister was around, as was the counselor/doctor extraordinaire Quinna Solice, the engimatic Jaelle Foxglove, his friend and sometimes thorn in his side Ire Williams, Starfleet's resident hunk Carson Peters, Boone Foster the engineer from an anti tech planet, as well as Jaton Alyl, the man who shouldn't exist who was on a bit of a homecoming of sort. Most of the others had either gone with the Admiral or doing their own thing. Trip turned to the group he had spied, as they were the closest ones to him. "Hey, so here we are, a bunch of green horns, on our first interplanetary mission, with freedom to explore," Trip then pointed at Jaton, "And one of the locals. So who is up for a bit of lunch, shopping, and fun?" (reply Sienna, Solice, Ire, Jaelle, Carson, Jaton, Boone) (reply Sienna, Solice, Ire, Jaelle, Carson, Jaton, Boone) (posted by Will) (Trill - Outside -aACSO, Ensign Sienna Williams-Verin- 1249) Sy was nervous, after they had beamed down she stood really close to her brother. She was surprised by how much being on this new world was affecting her. What had been an incredible experience being in space for the first 48 hours had quickly turned to boredom at the same old, same old hum drum of being in space. But then they had reached the stellar nursery and the phenomena was amazing, it was gorgeous and there was little about it in the scientific archives before they had taken the time to study it and discover a lot of new information. It had made Sienna feel proud to scan it and she wished that they had stayed for several days in order to really give it an in depth study. Maybe on the way home from Trill, she could talk the Admiral into staying for several days to really give it heir attention. That was part of the reason she had joined starfleet. She knew that Sekal would want to return to study it as well. Maybe he could use some of his famous vulcan logic that she found so irritating to help her convince the Admiral. Sienna tilted her chin up, enjoying the feeling of the sun on her face. The humidity was rough, but not much worse than the Texan ranch she grew up on. She enjoyed it, and she was pleased that she had gone by her quarters to change her clothing. She was wearing a purple and white tie-dyed sundress over her turquoise bikini. She wore lace up sandals, that ended at her knees, her sundress ending about an inch above that. She had been hoping that Lynn was going to be down soon, and as each wave beamed down, Sy kept an eye out for her. Sy saw Alaya beaming down, and moving to stand next to the Admiral. Sy waved to the counselor, then turned as Trip and Carson and some of the others were speaking. Sy bounced on the toes of her feet, then hit the comm badge pinned to her dress, "Ensign Verin to Dr. Bracken, Lynnie are you on your way? I have been looking forward to this for days!" (reply Lynn, any in that party) (posted by Mel ) (Trill - Outside - aASEC, Ens(jg) Carson Peters - 1250) Carson dematerialised on the surface of Trill surrounded by the first Away Team, he was stood next to the Admiral just in case there was a fractous welcome party from the Trill or Andorians. He'd changed out of his normal Starfleet Uniform however as he had never planned to join the Admiral for the negotiations, he had a full security team going with him for protection. He planned to explore the surroundings to try and find some more information on how the planet had fared outside of the Federation. Once the initial welcome was put aside and the Admiral headed towards the initial phase of their discussions, Carson moved from the Security team after giving them final orders to contact him if anything began to go wrongly and joined a small portion of the officers who were also out of Starfleet Uniform. "Hey, so here we are, a bunch of green horns, on our first interplanetary mission, with freedom to explore," Trip then pointed at Jaton, "And one of the locals. So who is up for a bit of lunch, shopping, and fun?" Carson shrugged, it seemed like a good enough start to the day. "I'm game, Jaton, when were you last on Trill?" (Reply Jaton, Sienna, Solice, Ire, Jaelle, Boone, Trip) (Posted by Jono Bradley) (Trill - Outside - Pilot - ENS JG Ire Williams -12:52) Ire stood on the surface of Trill and paused. He inhaled deeply and smelt the smell of a planet. When he was young, he was always told that when you arrive on a new planet he should take a moment and smell the air around him as this is what really air smells like and not the processed stuff that was circulated on a starship. Even through he had enjoyed every planet that he had visited he did feel the relief when he finally made it back up into space but he wuld enjoy him self while he was planet side. He was wearing a pair of linen trousers and a short sleeve line shirt he did however wear a pair of light weight walking boots. "Hey, so here we are, a bunch of green horns, on our first interplanetary mission, with freedom to explore," Ire looked over at Trip who then pointed at Jaton, "And one of the locals. So who is up for a bit of lunch, shopping, and fun?" Ire smiled and nodded as Carson shrugged and spoke to Jaton "I'm game, Jaton, when were you last on Trill?" (Reply Jaton, Sienna, Solice, Peters, Jaelle, Boone, Trip) (Posted by Robbie) (Trill - Outside - EO Ensign Boone Foster -1253) Boone materialized on Trill. The trip to the surface makes Trill his 4th ever planet to visit. Echo Earth, Earth, Mars, and now Trill. After the small delegation visited and many leader left Trip turned to everyone, "Hey, so here we are, a bunch of green horns, on our first interplanetary mission, with freedom to explore," Trip then pointed at Jaton, "And one of the locals. So who is up for a bit of lunch, shopping, and fun?" Carson shrugged, it seemed like a good enough start to the day. "I'm game, Jaton, when were you last on Trill?" “26 years, 6 months, and 5 days,” he choked out . “Far too long," replied Jaton. “Why not do it all. I notice there seems to be a small cafe about a block away. Shall we try there?” Quinna suggested. She took a step closer to the group. After Boone attended the baseball party, he decided he wanted to follow Trip to this 'fun' as Trip described it to him when invited to come along. "I'll follow you all." On Echo Earth there was fun, but it wasn't anything like Trip described fun. Boone felt out of place, but he was eager to try new things. (reply Jaton, Sienna, Solice, Ire, Jaelle, Trip) (posted by Calvin Capps) (Trill surface- Jovan's Tavern - Petty Officer, Steven Hammons - 1255) He had set a blistering pace at walk and entered the tavern then cased the joint thoroughly from near the doorway. It wasn't smoky and the scent reminded him of incense or spices. ~Exotic~ This was an off time for the establishment so there weren't very many here and he had a lot of time to waste so his timing was perfect. He passed up a number of tables and walked directly to the bar. On the "backbar" were a large number of bottles containing no doubt noxious and thoroughly enjoyable beverages but word had filtered down from the science department about the local brews and he planned on getting drunk enough that their mind altering effects should care of itself. "Have you got any Terran whiskeys?" The Trill perked up at that. "We don't have much demand for that kind of beverage." "And you didn't answer my question." Steven shot back. The Trill gave him a smile then. "You are correct I didn't. I have a few bottles of a human label I bought on consignment." He turned and opened a cabinet beneath the back bar and brought out a glorious sight. "Will this do?" Steven felt an inner peace wash over him. "I'll take the bottle. You said you have more?" "Three more." "Don't misplace them. I'm going to be here a while." He paid for the bottle and grabbed a couple of glasses off the bar and took them to a table where he opened the bottle of Johnny Walker red label scotch and poured himself a healthy snort then got down to sipping with a sublime look on his face. Red label was a little on the raw side but that was all right, by the time he got a few drinks in he knew he wouldn't notice. (Reply: Any) (Posted by Charles Gatling) (Trill surface- Jovan's Tavern - Petty Officer, Steven Hammons - 1259) He had just poured his second glass when his combadge activated. =^= Hey Hammons where are you? I just hit land.=^= It was the voice of his Mars partner and security compadre Petty Officer Jared Boyles. Steven tapped it to reply. "I'm in a place called Jovan's Tavern. Where did you beam down to?" =^= City called Tresh near a square with a fountain. Hey did you say a tavern? =^= Jared's voice sounded hopeful. Hammons smiled. "That's where I am. Do you see a white building with three arches?" =^= Yep!=^= "Go to it then turn left down that street and walk a block. Take the next right and go two blocks. The tavern will be on your left and has a green awning with black trim." =^= Got it! I'm on my way. Don't drink everything they've got before I get there! =^= Hammons chuckled as he signed off. The wait for Boyles wasn't long, just a little over half the time it took him to get there before his partner made an appearance. He walked in huffing and puffing with a red face covered with sweat. Hammons waved him over and shook his head as he approached. Jared had gone 'native' with loose fitting trousers and shirt. A cloth hat with a brim was perched atop his head. The combadge he was wearing looked very out of place. "What did you do, run? Geez man you're going to give yourself heat stroke down here doing that." He noted that Jared was smiling with his eyes fixed on the bottle in front of him. "Want a snort?" He grinned and was filling the other glass he had brought to the table before Jared even thought about a reply. Jared sat down with a thump and picked up the tumbler dreamily. "Like you even had to ask. I'm surprised they have this here." Steven shrugged. I'm sure there are traders that trade with traders that get out this far. It's only eight years old by the date." Boyles picked up the glass, sniffed it then placed it to his lips, opened his mouth, tilted his head back then 'threw it down'. Hammons grinned as he coughed. "Good isn't it?" "It's wonderful." Boyles croaked. " How about another?" "Sure but the next bottle is on you. You might want to slow down or you'll peak too soon. Did you eat anything?" "Yeah, that's why I had to wait till the fifth wave, that and changing into something suitable. What about you?" "I had a good meal, I knew if I found alcohol I'd need something to dilute it with." Jared grinned. "Sounds like we're prepared then. He lifted his glass. Salud!" They both tossed their drinks back and Hammons poured another round. There was over a half bottle to go and he wanted to hurry to the next one which Jared would be buying. Boyles had now started a race he would have to pay for. (Reply: Any) (Posted by Charles G.) (San Francisco - Federation Headquarters - President's Office - President Staiave - 1300) The computer terminal beeped that special kind of beep that caught the attention of the President, it was a kind of beep that couldn't be avoided. Flashing on the screen was a report from one of the Counsellors onboard the Mystique, it showed the psychological evaluation of members of the crew, including the Admiral. She glanced at it for a moment, read the overview and then closed the file. She brought up the records of the Counsellor involved. Ensign Cortez. The Bajoran raised an eyebrow; the ship was following its standard processes on the crew and running evaluations prior to their arrival. Yes, this information on the ship of Ensigns would be most useful to them. Admiral Donovan Cayne appeared as a hologram once more. She sighed inwardly. The file addressed to Starfleet so anyone with clearance had seen it but knowing how the CINC operated, he would probably suppress the information or use it to his advantage. =^= That was interesting, if not unexpected =^= Cayne was even smiling slightly, as if, the new Counsellors report had put the icing on the cake, he'd been baking. "Yes, if you call the internal destruction of one of my friends, interesting.", she said glowering at the hologram. =^= It's only a matter of time now =^= The President spun her chair around in disgust at the gleeful Admiral, turning her back on him. =^= The memory block is going to expire and when it does. =^= She spun around again, "Let's buy some more time. this Counsellor seems quite useful, let's beam her back and use her to reinforce Remae's mental stability, then we can deal with it in a safe, controller manner.", she said almost pleading to the CINC. =^= You want to transwarp beam her? Pluck her out to her and then, tell her the details, put her back and then hope she can, what, delay the inevitable? =^= He sneered, =^= Control? It's not what we wanted or we would have dealt with him here, but that's not what we wanted, is it? =^= The channel closed and the hologram flickered away. The President bit off the final nail from her hands and sat back in her chair. The flashing light on her console blinked away. it could be pressed at anytime but again, she hesitated and waited. (Reply from None) (Posted by Anthony Keen) (USS Mystique - Corridor outside Transporter room - Ensign JG Erin Cortez - 1301) After having walked probably the whole length of the ship, Erin had gone back to her quarters and changed into a pair of light coloured linen pants and a white tshirt and a shirt. Knowing that she had things to consider and things that needed addressing, she also knew that she needed time off the ship, to rest, recover and to think. Walking towards the transporter room, she had walked past a number of the crew without even realising. ~This whole thing with the Admiral has thrown me for a loop. Did i do the right thing by sending that report? I could have delayed it but there would have been more questions. There’s so much i don’t know and that he doesn’t either. I really would like to speak to Jana…. But that isn’t gonna happen. I have no idea where she is or how to get in touch with her. Do i approach this with the Admiral? Is that a good idea?~ Looking up as she approached the transporter room, she saw Ensign Trei and smiled, “Good afternoon, Ensign.” (Reply Trei) “I’m heading down to the surface. Care to join me? I hear there is a good market and plenty of opportunities to explore.” (Reply Trei, Any) (Posted by Jackie) (USS Mystique - Outside Transporter room - ENS jg Counselor Ariel Trei - 13.03) She saw Erin approach her in the hall heading to the transporter room. She was wearing a bright shirt and a flowy skirt over her cheetah print bikini's. She had some nice sunglasses on and was ready to explore the surface so she took Erin up on the offer. She turned to Erin. "I was heading that way anyway. Let's go." (Reply Cortez) (Posted by Edward) (USS Mystique - Engineering, - Ensign Scott Matrix - 1432) Scott had been working feverishly since being assigned and in a short time had become very familiar with almost every system, nuance, sound, smell and caveat. It was good to be aboard a starship. Still there was a lot to learn. Nothing was ‘fixed’ for good and often, depending on the request, it was never done right. Captains especially were very particular about their ship. Repairs were always critical and everyone had to be in the docket first. Luckily being an ensign meant he didn’t have to endure too many confrontations with senior starship commanders and their demands. He just kept up with his assignments and moved onto the next task. Scott Matrix had closed up the EPS conduit after it passed diagnostics and put away his tools. His ever-present PADD detailed the next thing he was assigned. First stop was sustenance. (Reply none) (Posted by Steve)