USS Spectre Compile - April 1st-30th 2017 by Alan Reading ================================================================= Mission: Stone Skipping Day: 12 Stardate: 2414.11.12 (USS Spectre - Bridge - ATC/ASC Ensign Darpeg - 19:36) (USS Spectre - Bridge - TAC/ASC, Ensign T'Solen Fairfield - 19:37) (USS Rome - Deck 6 Corridor - Strategic Officer, Lieutenant Commander Jonathan Warwick - 19:37) (USS Spectre - Bridge - TAC/ASC, Ensign (jg) Garek Darpeg - 19:38) (USS Rome - Forward Launcher - Strategic Officer, Lieutenant Commander Jonathan Warwick - 19:40) (USS Rome - Forward Launcher - TAC/SC, Lt Kerge - 19:41) (USS Rome - Forward Launcher - Strategic Officer, Lieutenant Commander Jonathan Warwick - 19:42) (USS Rome - Forward Launcher - TAC/SC, Lt Kerge - 19:43) (USS Rome - Forward Launcher - Strategic Officer, Lieutenant Commander Jonathan Warwick - 19:44) (USS Rome – Bridge – CMO, Cmdr Andrew Williams - 19:47) (USS Rome – Security Office – TAC/SC, Lt Kerge - 19:49) (USS Rome – Bridge – CMO, Cmdr Andrew Williams 19:53) (USS Rome – Ready Room - CO, Captain T'Vhor - 19:54) (USS Spectre - Bridge - TAC/ASC, Ensign T'Solen Fairfield - 19:55) (USS Rome – Bridge – CMO, Cmdr Andrew Williams - 19:56) (USS Rome – Bridge – CO, Captain T'Vhor and TAC/SC, Lt Kerge - 20:01) (USS Spectre - Jefferies Tube - TAC/ASC, Ensign (jg) Garek Darpeg - 20:14) (USS Spectre - Jefferies Tube - ACEO, Lt Norman Bates - 20:15) ================================================================= Mission: Stone Skipping Day: 12 Stardate: 2414.11.12 (USS Spectre - Bridge - ATC/ASC Ensign Darpeg - 19:36) Darpeg entered the Bridge and said to the Acting Chief of Tactical / Security T'Soren Fairfield, "Ensign DArpeg reporting for duty." (Reply Fairfield) Darpeg then went to the secondary tactical station and started tracking down damage to the communications array. After a few minutes, he said, "Ensign Fairfield, I have found a fault in ODN conduit 34-Zeta." (Reply Fairfield) (Posted by Gary Dupree) (USS Spectre - Bridge - TAC/ASC, Ensign T'Solen Fairfield - 19:37) "Ensign DArpeg reporting for duty.", said the voice from beyond. Fairfield swung about from the console he was overseeing and then nodded, recognising the novice officer as one that had joined them only just recently. He was a Klingon of course, but clearly respected the chain of command, even though Fairfield's rank was only one step above him. "You can take TAC 2", he answered, motioning then towards the secondary console. "We've been running tests on all systems to see what else those four lobed idiots might have messed with" (Reply Darpeg, IYW) Darpeg then moved over to the secondary tactical station and started work. "Ensign Fairfield, I have found a fault in ODN conduit 34-Zeta.", said Darpeg. "Well, that was quick", said Fairfield, impressed at the Klingon's finesse. "Is it in the primary or secondary link?", he enquired. (Reply Darpeg) Fairfield pondered that, and then returned to his console to confirm the diagnostics with a nod. It looked like the ODN relays might be fried on the shunt panel, but how might that be? "Ensign. How are you for going down and taking a look at that junction?", he asked. (Reply Darpeg) (Posted by Alan) (USS Rome - Deck 6 Corridor - Strategic Officer, Lieutenant Commander Jonathan Warwick - 19:37) "The Rome was duly commandeered to give pursuit", answered Kerge. "Which, brings us to your arrival" The doors hissed open. With instinct the Lt. Cmdr. walked out of the lift. The two officers strolled toward the forward launcher; Jonathan slowed down so Kerge would slightly be leading as Jonathan didn't know where the room was exactly. "Interesting. So, now we must locate the ship, most likely find a way to defeat the Ferengi on board and reclaim the vessel. Of course, any damage or commandeered items will need to be fixed or replaced. I know I must sound like a broken record, but it certainly seems like a good thing I showed up when I did. I'm good at finding things." (reply Kerge, iyw) (Posted by Calvin) (USS Spectre - Bridge - TAC/ASC, Ensign (jg) Garek Darpeg - 19:38) "You can take TAC 2", he answered, motioning then towards the secondary console. "We've been running tests on all systems to see what else those four lobed idiots might have messed with" Darpeg raised an eyebrow at the idiot comment. After all, the same idiots had managed to hijack a starship, but he decided to let that comment slip, since it must have come from Human sarcasm. Darpeg then said with Klingon humor, "I will see what kind mess there is using TAC 2." Darpeg then moved over to the secondary tactical station and started work. "Ensign Fairfield, I have found a fault in ODN conduit 34-Zeta.", said Darpeg. "Well, that was quick", said Fairfield, impressed at the Klingon's finesse. "Is it in the primary or secondary link?", he enquired. "Internal scans are inconclusive." The scans were distorted to where he could not ascertain exactly what the problem was. He was then asked by Fairfield to go take a look at the junction. Darpeg then responded by saying, "It would be a most logical way of learning the internal structure of the ship. I will go immediately and comm my findings" Darpeg then left the bridge and picked up a hand light, a tool box, and a tricorder from engineering tool storage. He did not want to be unprepared. There was no way of knowing what the surprizes that the Ferengi had left. He then went to the appropriate jefferies tube, opened the hatch, and began to crawl down it. As he approached the junction, he saw a device that was not Starfleet issue. He checked it with the tricorder. After his tricorder scan, he tapped his commbadge and said, "Darpeg to Fairfield. The is a blue sphere fifty centimeters in diameter attached to a red ring that is adhering to the conduit and is emitting thoron and kappa radiation." By starfleet protocol, he has not permitted to touch it or get closer to it until assistance arrived. (Reply Fairfield) (Posted by Gary) (USS Rome - Forward Launcher - Strategic Officer, Lieutenant Commander Jonathan Warwick - 19:40) Lt. Cmdr. Warwick entered the room. The room held a single 2 man console, the modified torpedo, and two other Starfleet personnel. Jonathan's eyes focused, and did less jumping around than they had up to this point. His breathing settled, and became more exact. His voice lowered, and didn't emit the same higher pitched voice as before. Speaking to the personnel in the room he requested, "Lt. Kerge and myself will be inspecting this modified torpedo. Please open the case." The two officers seemed hesitant and one of the two looked directly at Kerge. Lt. Cmdr. Warwick simply stood in a military at ease position and waited for the personnel to comply. (reply Kerge, any who might be here) NRPG: someone can play these 2 personnel or if your character would be here have them be one of the two personnel I mention. (Reply Kerge, Any) (posted by Calvin Capps) (USS Rome - Forward Launcher - TAC/SC, Lt Kerge - 19:41) Warwick made his presence known to the two crewmen putting the finishing touches to the modified torpedo, requesting it be opened for inspection. Both looked at the rank pins of the newly arrived officer, clearly uncertain as to who this man was, but nonetheless acknowledging his superiority. Kerge simply nodded to visually 'authorise' the request before turning to Warwick. "The torpedo has been designed to specifically sniff out the particles that might be left behind in the presence of a cloaked vessel", began Kerge, "and certain key indicators unique to the Spectre", he added. (Reply Warwick, IYW) Kerge moved around the torpedo as the two crewmen busied themselves upon it. Then he returned to the subject of Warwick himself as there still seemed something not quite right in regards the man's candour. Kerge certainly trusted the Captain more than this newcomer, that much was for sure, and when T'Vhor sensed trouble, trouble usually presented it pretty quickly in the Klingons experience. "Just how did you find us so easily?", he enquired, referencing Warwick's earlier mention that he was 'Good at finding things'. "Were you really out here all alone?", he asked. After all, a small vessel like the raider was unlikely to have travelled too far from a larger consort, and if indeed there was another ship aligned to Warwick's, then as Sec Chief, Kerge wanted to know about it now rather than later, as he wasn't the kind of officer that particularly liked surprises.. (Reply Warwick) (Reply Warwick, Any Crewman) (Posted by Alan) (USS Rome - Forward Launcher - Strategic Officer, Lieutenant Commander Jonathan Warwick - 19:42) The two crewmen in the room began to carefully remove the case of the modified torpedo. As they did Kerge began to explain, "The torpedo has been designed to specifically sniff out the particles that might be left behind in the presence of a cloaked vessel", began Kerge, "and certain key indicators unique to the Spectre". "Very clever," responded Jonathan. "Are you aware of the article that I wrote that was published in the New Ships of Today's Journal titled 'Cloaked Vessels and How to Find Them'." Lt. Cmdr. Warwick glanced away from Lt. Kerge, and monitored the two crewmen removing the large casing of the torpedo. Jonathan bent over and began to look at individual internal parts of the modified torpedo. "Well done, well done! PADD please." Lt. Cmdr Warwick held his hand out palms up to obviously receive the PADD that was linked to the components of the modified torpedo. He looked over the specs of a few of the modified sensors that Kerge mentioned. "Just how did you find us so easily?", Kerge enquired, referencing Warwick's earlier mention that he was 'Good at finding things'. "Were you really out here all alone?", he asked. The Lt. Cmdr stood back up, looked at Lt. Kerge, handed the PADD back over to one of the crewmen, and smiled. "I see your question and raise you another. Is a magician still a magician if they reveal all their secrets. The answer is of course, no. I'm afraid it is a trade secret at the moment. Lieutenant Kerge I understand you are looking out for your crew and ship, and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. Just remember, I have the trust of Captain T'Vhor. I am supposed to be here. Now, this torpedo looks magnificent. I approve that it will do exactly what you hope. What do we do next?" (reply Kerge) (posted by Calvin Capps) (USS Rome - Forward Launcher - TAC/SC, Lt Kerge - 19:43) "Are you aware of the article that I wrote that was published in the New Ships of Today's Journal titled 'Cloaked Vessels and How to Find Them?'." asked Warwick, once again seemingly enjoying talking about himself, but ceasing momentarily in order to glance into the torpedo casing to nod approvingly. ~At least you approve of something anyway~ Thought the Klingon, wondering just how long it would be before he would want to talk about himself again. "Just how did you find us so easily?", enquired Kerge, referencing Warwick's earlier mention that he was particularly 'Good at finding things'. "Were you really out here all alone?", he asked. Warwick pursed his lips at the query, and then nodded as though to say, 'I know what you're up to', without actually saying it of course. "I see your question and raise you another", he offered, turning it all into some strange kind of game which returned him as 'game-master'. "Is a magician still a magician if they reveal all their secrets. The answer is of course, no. I'm afraid it is a trade secret at the moment. Lieutenant Kerge", said Warwick, before explaining then that even though he had not specifically given an answer, he understood the Klingon's line of questioning in regards the safety of the ship and crew. Kerge pondered the strange Magician based query. He wanted to say that it would depend upon who the Magician was revealing his secrets to, and whether or not they watched his act again. Someone who knew how the tricks were done would perhaps be less enamoured by the illusions he projected, whereas the rest of the audience would still be spellbound. But he chose to keep his thoughts to himself and allow the Lieutenant Commander to continue... "Just remember, I have the trust of Captain T'Vhor. I am supposed to be here. Now, this torpedo looks magnificent. I approve that it will do exactly what you hope. What do we do next?", he said, displaying that self same arrogance that he had displayed the very moment that he had set foot on the deck plates of Hanger Bay 2. That was it of course, contrary to what Warwick thought, the Captain did not trust him. He didn't trust him one iota, which was precisely why he had ordered the man to accompany him on torpedo duties. "We fire the torpedo, Sir", answered Kerge. "We load it into the launcher and send it on its way" (Reply Warwick, IYW) "Which reminds me", said Kerge, "I have something to attend to in Security. I will have Ensign Parminter escort you back to the Bridge for the launch, which I have little doubt you will be wanting to oversee", he added, glancing then to one of the crewmen now screwing down the panels of the torpedo. Parminter nodded accordingly and then stood to brush his hands down his tunic. (Reply Warwick) "Very good. I will see you on the Bridge then, Sir", said Kerge. And then he was gone... (Reply Warwick) (Posted by Alan) (USS Rome - Forward Launcher - Strategic Officer, Lieutenant Commander Jonathan Warwick - 19:44) "We fire the torpedo, Sir", answered Kerge. "We load it into the launcher and send it on its way" Jonathan paused and gazed at the security chief. His blood began to simmer. Kerge's answer was obviously a sarcastic remark in response to Warwick's question. To himself Jonathan began counting to ten slowly. He had obviously done it again. He had failed to see that his personality was rubbing off the wrong way with Lt. Kerge. With a tone of calmness, a volume between normal and a whisper, and with a half smile Lt. Cmdr. Warwick said, "Of Course," he added a slight head nod at the end. "Which reminds me", said Kerge, "I have something to attend to in Security. I will have Ensign Parminter escort you back to the Bridge for the launch, which I have little doubt you will be wanting to oversee", he added. Attempting to recover, "Absolutely. I hope to help you and your crew to locate and win back your ship. I shall see you on the bridge," Jonathan said. "Very good. I will see you on the Bridge then, Sir", said Kerge. Lt. Cmdr Warwick turned to Ensign Parminter and followed him out the room. Jonathan thought to himself, ~Remember why you are here. Follow your orders.~ (reply none, any) (posted by Calvin Capps) (USS Rome – Bridge – CMO, Cmdr Andrew Williams - 19:47) Andrew looked around the bridge as he scanned the information that was being given to him. They had been approaching the planetoid where Jo smith had glimpsed something which could have been the Spectre. He tapped his comm badge. “Andrew Williams to Mr Kerge?” (Reply Kerge) “We are approaching the area where we might think that the Spectre is. What is the status of the torpedo?” (Reply Kerge) (Reply Kerge, any) (Posted by Robbie) (USS Rome – Security Office – TAC/SC, Lt Kerge - 19:49) Kerge had been running through the ships internal security logs in the Sec office, noting as he did so that there were entries that had been securely deleted from the internal sensor logins, which in turn had left huge gaps in the files. It bothered him somewhat. Why would anyone want to delete logs from a docked vessel? It could have been station maintenance of course, but normally deleted files contained headers explaining why they had been removed and the name of the tech responsible. Once again, something wasn't adding up here. Kerge closed the files and settled back into the chair. It was a lot less comfortable than his own on the Spectre, more like the chair of a Klingon vessel, which prompted the Lieutenant to question whether or not he was becoming soft. Kerge frowned at the thought and then stood to stretch his neck muscles, an audible click emanating from his vertebra as he did so. =/\=Andrew Williams to Mr Kerge?=/\= The Comms had took him off guard, but the distraction was probably necessary anyway. "Go ahead Doctor", answered Kerge. =/\=We are approaching the area where we might think that the Spectre is. What is the status of the torpedo?=/\= "The Torpedo is ready for firing", said Kerge. "I will be there shortly to oversee its deployment" (Reply Williams, IYW) "On my way", said Kerge as he headed out the door and towards the nearby turbolift. (Reply Williams, any) (Posted by Alan) (USS Rome – Bridge – CMO, Cmdr Andrew Williams 19:53) "I will be there shortly to oversee its deployment" “Understood Mr Kerge.” =^=On my way=^= As the comm line to Kerge closed down he tapped his comm badge again. “Captian this is Williams.” (Reply T’Vhor) “We are getting into position to deploy the torpedo at the Spectres rought area.” (Reply T’Vhor) (Reply T’Vhor, any) (Posted by Robbie) (USS Rome – Ready Room - CO, Captain T'Vhor - 19:54) The Captain was pacing the ready room and looking out onto the starfield through one of the observation windows, wondering just where his ship might be. With so many planetoids and rocks scattered all around, it could be anywhere. The Vulcan hybrid closed his eyes briefly, his mind searching the expanse in the hope that his Betazoid senses might provide an answer. 'Where would I hide the ship if it were me?', he pondered. By now of course he had watched the 'CO Eyes Only' communique, brought to him by Warwick, and he had to admit that it was odd in the extreme. Indeed, the Alexander he knew was not the same man on the screen of the display he had been watching, which only compounded the situation even further to signal that either Warwick was lying, or the Admiral himself. At one time he would have vouched for the Admiral with his life. Now though, he would not. Something was amiss and it was clear to him now that the man had been compromised. The comms indicator though suddenly broke him from his thoughts, his eyes reopening to the sound of the Doctor on the Bridge. =/\=Captain this is Williams=/\= "Go ahead Doctor", said the Captain. =/\=We are getting into position to deploy the torpedo at the Spectres rough area.=/\= "Very good. I will be with you shortly", said T'Vhor, moving then towards the desk in order to pick up and drain the last of the drink upon it. "Is Lieutenant Kerge back yet, Andrew", he enquired, wondering then as to the wherabouts of their new 'guest', and whether the Security chief might have some answers on him... (Reply Williams) (Posted by Alan) (USS Spectre - Bridge - TAC/ASC, Ensign T'Solen Fairfield - 19:55) Fairfield had been running his usual scans of the Spectre internal components, trying to work out why so many of their key systems were still offline. Initial isolation procedures had failed to reveal anything tangible that might explain their systems failures, which was frustrating to the Vulcan in the extreme. It was then though that his commbadge sounded, Ensign Darpeg's familiar gruff voice coming over the speaker. =/\=Darpeg to Fairfield. There is a blue sphere fifty centimeters in diameter attached to a red ring that is adhering to the conduit, and it is emitting Thoron and Kappa radiation.=/\= Fairfield pondered that for a moment. Thoron? Now that sounded familiar... The Vulcan quickly pulled up their database files to cross reference the description coupled with Thoron and Kappa radiation as a theory began to manifest in his head. Then he nodded as the realisation finally set in as to why their systems were now running amok. Darpeg had hit the jackpot with his find. They were dealing with some sort of an antagonist device. Thoron was often used to interfere with a starships key systems, most notably its communications and transporter systems. It was a particular favourite toy of the Ferengi, which of course put the final piece of the puzzle firmly into place. Why hadn't he thought about it before? "Ensign, remain where you are. Don't touch the device. Someone will be with you shortly", said Fairfield. (Reply Darpeg) Fairfield then hailed the First Officer... "Sir, I think we've found out what's been causing our system failures" (Reply Remae, IYW) (Reply Darpeg, Remae, Any) (Posted by Alan) (USS Rome – Bridge – CMO, Cmdr Andrew Williams - 19:56) =^=Is Lieutenant Kerge back yet, Andrew=^= Andrew glanced over his shoulder in case Kerge had entered and he had not noticed but there was no sign of him or the new lieutenant commander. “Yes Sir. He is on his way up to the bridge but has not arrived at this time.” (Reply T’Vhor IUW) Andrew nodded as the channel closed and looked out of the view screen. He hoped that they would be able to get the Spectre back soon. It would be good to use the larger resources that the Spectre could bring to get a hold on the parasite infestation. (Reply T’Vhor, any) (Posted by Robbie) (USS Rome – Bridge – CO, Captain T'Vhor and TAC/SC, Lt Kerge - 20:01) The Captain strode onto the Rome's bridge with his head bowed, his mind clearly still focused upon Alexander's curious message. They had shared information of a particularly sensitive nature over the last few weeks, and had quite rightly resorted to codes in order to ensure that neither had become compromised by the ever growing threat that existed within Starfleet right now. And now those codes had been either answered incorrectly by the messenger, or they were curiously absent from the communique itself. T'Vhor took the centre chair as it was vacated by the CMO, the realisation now that the Admiral himself had obviously been infected with the parasitic organism. There could be no other logical explanation now. The thought troubled him. As he settled into the chair though, Kerge arrived suddenly from the turbolift beyond. Alone... Where was Warwick? thought the Captain as he gave an acknowledging nod to the Security Chief, who moved promptly over to the tactical console. Kerge began accessing the console before him, pulling up the weapons array and the associated defensive systems on the display. Then he turned to the Captain. "The modified torpedo is programmed and loaded into the forward launcher, Sir. Awaiting your order to fire", he said. He then paused for a brief moment or two before continuing on. "Lieutenant Commander Warwick will be with us shortly", he added, sensing correctly now that the Captain might want to know that. "Very good Mr Kerge. Please stand by", said the Captain as he ordered the helm to bring the ship to a full stop. (Reply Helm) T'Vhor leant an arm onto the armrest of the command chair, studying the asteroids as they meandered about without any particular pattern or reason. Somewhere out there, the Spectre was hidden. Or rather he hoped it was hidden. Certainly there had been no reports of any anomalous debris outside of what they might expect to find in an asteroid field, so it was reasonable to assume that the ship was likely still intact. What state it might be in though and why it was currently so silent communication wise, was another matter entirely. It was at that point that the turbolift doors slid aside behind them, Ensign Parminter arriving with the aforementioned Warwick now in tow. (Reply Warwick, IYW) "Please, take a seat Mr Warwick", said the Captain. "Let's go fishing, shall we" (Reply Helm, Warwick, Any) (Posted by Alan) (USS Spectre - Jefferies Tube - TAC/ASC, Ensign (jg) Garek Darpeg - 20:14) Darpeg heard Fairfield's voice coming in response to his comm, =/\= Ensign, remain where you are. Don't touch the device. Someone will be with you shortly =/\=, "Aye, sir." replied Darpeg. "Observing all protocols in relation to unknown alien devices found aboard ship." Those orders and the reply might have been redundant, but it cut out misunderstandings. Judging by Fairfield's reaction, it must be an important find. He would have to wait to find out who was being sent. A few minutes later, the hatch opened, and an officer started crawling towards him. (Reply anyone) (Posted by Gary) (USS Spectre - Jefferies Tube - ACEO, Lt Norman Bates - 20:15) Bates pulled the access panel off the bulkhead and then climbed into the aperture. Then he crawled through the narrow tube until he arrived in the much bigger junction area with its grated metal walkways. He looked down at his tunic as he stood, brushing off the errant layer of dirt that had by then accumulated at his right knee. "Dust", said Norman, talking to himself again. "Why don't people keep these areas clean when their done poking around in them?" Exhaling, he slung his kit over his shoulder and then walked on, pondering the device that he'd been warned about by Fairfield. Thoron was unstable in the wrong containment and the descriptive of a blue and red device like a ring, didn't sound particularly reassuring. Indeed, if this thing was what he thought it was, then he'd have to exercise a little more caution than he normally did, which led to him wondering just when O'Hara, their resident Marine explosives experts might arrive. He was thankful that Fairfield had called him also and Bates was of the thought now that the best option for him right now, after scanning the device that is, was to try to place a local forcefield around it without upsetting it too much. Rounding the corner up ahead, he espied a Klingon Officer in red Security colours sitting in the jefferies tube and looking as though he'd really rather be elsewhere. "Hey there", said Bates, moving to the officer and then crouching down next to him. (Reply Darpeg) "So, what have we got here?", asked Bates, examining the device a little more closely now. (Reply Darpeg) (Posted by Alan) =================================================================