USS Spectre Compile - May 1st-31st 2013 by Alan Reading ===================================================================== Mission: Inimicus Invisa Day: 5 Stardate 2414.10.05 (Amleth - Amparus, Corvus District - CSO lt. jg. Kurt Palmer - 18:15) (Amleth - Amparus, Corvus District - CO, Captain T'Vhor - 18:30) (Amleth - Amparus, Safehouse - CSO lt. jg. Kurt Palmer - 18:40) (Amleth - Amparus, Corvus District - Cardassian Military Subpost - Gul Majeth - 18:45) (Amleth - Amparus, Safehouse - CO, Captain T'Vhor - 18:47) (Amleth - Amparus, Safehouse - SFI Lieutenant David Gerald - 18:48) (Amleth - Amparus, Safehouse - Civilian, Lotheran Pessoj - 18:49) (Amleth - Amparus, Safehouse - CO, Captain T'Vhor - 18:50) (Amleth - Amparus, Corvus District - Cardassian Control Zone 25 - Search/Interdict Team 25 - 18:51) (Amleth - Amparus, Safehouse - SFI Lieutenant David Gerald - 18:52) (Amleth - Amparus, Safehouse - ACOUNS, Dr. Riven Mias - 18:53) (Amleth - Amparus, Safehouse – Civilian Lotheran Pessoj/ACSciO, Ens.(jg) Ilana Grey - 18:54) (Amleth - Amparus, Safehouse – CO, Captain T'Vhor - 18:55) (Amleth - Amparus, Safehouse - CSP, Lt. jg Kurt Palmer - 18:55) (USS Spectre – Main Engineering – Engineering Officer, Ensign Scott Smith - 18:55) (Amleth - Amparus, Safehouse – SFI Agent, Lt. David Gerald - 18:56) (Amleth - Amparus, Safehouse – CMO, Noah - 18:57) (Amleth - Amparus, Safehouse – ACOUNS, Dr. Riven Mias - 18:57) (Amleth - Amparus, Safehouse – ACOUNS, Ensign Elani Caras - 18:58) (USS Spectre - Battle Bridge – TAC/ASC, Ensign JG Harrison Walker - 19:00) (USS Spectre - Battle Bridge – FO, Cmdr Hoshimi Tsukawa - 19:01) (USS Spectre - Photon Flux Cannon Pre-Charge Assy - TAC/SC, Lt Kerge and FO, Hoshimi Tsukawa - 19:02) (USS Spectre - Battle Bridge – Sec/Tac Ensign JG Harrison Walker - 19:03) (USS Spectre – Turbolift Two – TAC/SC, Lt Kerge – 19:04) (USS Spectre – Security station Delta – Engineering Officer, Ensign Scott Smith - 19:05) (Amleth - Amparus, Corvus District - Cardassian Control Zone 25, - Search/Interdict Team 25 - 19:05) (Amleth - Amparus, Corvus District - Cardassian Control Zone 25, Safe House - Search/Interdict Team 25 - 19:13) (ATV Garralon - Bridge, Science One - Cadets Porsa & Kurrik - 19:47) (ATV Garralon - Ten Forward lounge - Cadets Porsa and Kurrik - 20:34) (ATV Garralon - Ten Forward lounge – Cadet T’lissa Dorien - 20:42) (ATV Garralon - Ten Forward lounge – Cadets, Porsa and Kurrik - 20:44) (ATV Garralon - Ten Forward lounge – Cadet T’lissa Dorien - 20:46) (USS Spectre – Sickbay – Nurse, CPO Douwsy – 23:00) (Earth - Home - Dr. Angeni O. Windsong-Trommashere - 23:35) ===================================================================== Mission: Inimicus Invisa Day: 6 Stardate: 2414.10.06 (Earth - Home - Dr. Angeni O. Windsong-Trommashere - 00:10) ===================================================================== Mission: Inimicus Invisa Day: 5 Stardate 2414.10.05 (Amleth - Amparus, Corvus District - CSO lt. jg. Kurt Palmer - 18:15) Grey made a crack about their experience at the tavern before she and Palmer found their way back to work. Before Kurt could even find his pocket, the ensign was already showing him her readings. “I’ve got a few Theta band variances, Can you confirm?” "Ahh..." Kurt fumbled in his costume pockets for a second and flicked open his toricorder. " let's see..." He prodded the various buttons for a second as their two toricorders hummed in unison. "I can confirm, this is quite strange." He looked up "I didn't detect this earlier..." “A lot of EM activity, some of it not native to Cardassian technology although I wonder if I’m picking up our equipment?” Came the ensigns response He clicked the device shut "should we do something?" He asked, realizing this was a dumb question for a department head to ask.... Ilana closed her toricorder as well, “We could offer to go find what is causing this power spike, it might be something pertinent to the mission, or even something dangerous to this planet, while I understand we don’t have the best relationship with the Cardassians, many people on this planet are just civilians and it’s our duty to try to protect sentient life.” But before they could delve into this new debacle, the captain was already to press forward. Kurt gathered there was some sort of safe house. "Maybe in a few minutes, he whispered to his colleague." (Reply, none) ((Post by Cody)) (Amleth - Amparus, Corvus District - CO, Captain T'Vhor - 18:30) ~Captain's supplemental log - Stardate 24141005.4~ It is with a great deal of trepidation right now that I walk the path that I am taking. Having left the confines of Corvus districts market place and the rowdyness of the Inn therein, we find ourselves having little choice but to trust in the word of one of Starfeet Intelligences 'finest' as he leads us, inevitably towards our goal. Somewhere above us, hopefully, the Spectre is still in one piece. The earlier reports of 'incidents' worry me greatly, an emotion that does not come easy to one such as myself, tempered as it invariably is courtesy of my Vulcan half but maintained by my Betazoid heritage. A curse, and perhaps a blessing at times also. I can only continue to hold on to the positives, and that is that the ship has prevailed, and that it will respond when we have need to activate the signal. Until then, our own fate is uncertain. We are en route to the 'safehouse' indicated to us by our intrinsically untrustworthy SFI man, Gerald. Hopefully, Lau will be there waiting, and then we can finally leave this place behind us. End supplemental log. append to existing... (Reply None) (Posted by Alan) (Amleth - Amparus, Safehouse - CSO lt. jg. Kurt Palmer - 18:40) The team was looking down upon the small building. Kurt discretely opened his tricorder, he looked on for a moment while device registered their surroundings. He looked back, no lights, no beeps, no hums. ~oh, come on.~ This was Kurt's luck. He tapped the buttons haphazardly but It was then, he realized the group was headed on. (Reply None) (Postedby Cody) (Amleth - Amparus, Corvus District - Cardassian Military Subpost - Gul Majeth - 18:45) Majeth looked up impatiently as the subordinate entered his office once again with a satisfied look on his otherwise rigid face as he tried to keep up a professional decorum before his commanding officer. "Well?" Majeth was not in the mood for military mind games. The man he had sent scrambling from his office earlier relaxed his features and gave him a nod. "Sir! Teams one through thirteen have begun their searches within the city's inner districts and are scanning for any unusual activity. Teams fourteen through thirty are making sweeps around the outskirts as ordered." Majeth kept a stern face as he looked the young officer in the eye till he glanced away. Satisfied that he made a point of the gravity of the situation he leaned back in his chair. "What were the orders given?" "To check in every fifteen minutes with the base, report any abnormalities to me and to report to you directly in case of alien contact." His aide then waited for either pleasure or disapproval. "You have done well Shalej. This is why I had you promoted to your current position. Continue to do your job. You are dismissed." Shalej gave his commander a stiff nod and left for the base communications node where he would monitor and report during the rest of the operation. So far so good, things were looking good for his continued upward mobility within the Cardassian military. (Reply: None yet) (Posted by Charles) (Amleth - Amparus, Safehouse - CO, Captain T'Vhor - 18:47) For the moment, the away team were settled just beyond a tree sheltered ridge looking down upon a small stone building set into a walled compound. Suffice to say, this did not look like any safehouse to the Captain, and judging by the expressions of the others, it would seem that it didn't to them either. There was only one way into the area which housed the building itself, an almost perfect place for an ambush if ever there was, and yet Gerald was still indicating it to be their goal! The Captain turned about and then settled down into the dirt once again, his 'Cardassian' skin irritating him now as he cast an inquisitive glance towards Gerald. "You are sure that 'this' is the place?", he asked, not quite believing why it could possibly be so. "Logic dictates that a safe house is 'safe' for reasons that do not include the lack of an escape route in an emergency", he added. "Unless you are about to tell me that you know of underground tunnels that lead into, and away from this place, then I am afraid that I see little that is safe here", said the Captain. (Reply Gerald, Any) (Posted by Alan) (Amleth - Amparus, Safehouse - SFI Lieutenant David Gerald - 18:48) Gerald sat on his haunches and looked down the hill at the compound for a moment before pulling a small number keyed sending unit from a hidden pocket and inputting the code he would need to enter the safe house. Once near the entrance there was a hidden scanner, if he didn't use the correct code then it would alert anyone within to flee the area thus putting their quarry to flight. From behind him he heard T'Vhor's query. "You are sure that 'this' is the place? Logic dictates that a safe house is 'safe' for reasons that do not include the lack of an escape route in an emergency. Unless you are about to tell me that you know of underground tunnels that lead into, and away from this place, then I am afraid that I see little that is safe here" Gerald turned his head to look at the Spectre CO and gave him a wink. "Very astute Captain. The house is only a small part of the total package. There is a concealed basement as large as the building above ground and a tunnel made of synthecrete that runs for nearly two kilometers to that low line of hills there." He pointed at the rolling land beyond that which was thickly wooded. "The house also has its own power supply and is well stocked. If your man is here he probably feels like he's on vacation." He turned from gesturing and saw the human denizen of this planet named Loth whispering with T'Vor, shrugging his shoulders he turned back, rose from his crouch and brushed his pants. "Sorry to disrupt your conversation but it's time I got down to there, you can stay here or come if you wish. (Reply: T'Vhor, any) Small Padd in hand he began a brisk walk that ate up the two hundred yards to the compound, actuating the button on the Padd where the scanner was hidden in the wall then stepped to the door which opened easily at his touch. (Reply T'Vhor, Any) (Posted by Charles) (Amleth - Amparus, Safehouse - Civilian, Lotheran Pessoj - 18:49) Loth looked down at the house and shrugged, he was no tactician, it could be a safe house, or it could be his death, mind you at his age he was starting not to really care, he had seen more in his life than most of the youngsters around him. He looked at the Vulcan captain, he wondered if the captain actually cared about his crew Vulcan’s were known for being fairly unfeeling, needs of the many and all that. He glanced across that the Captain wondering what he was thinking, then Loth piped up with a small suggestion. He whispered across to the Captain “Er… T’vor I could wander over there and say hello, I’m know around Amparus if it’s a Starfleet safe house they probably wouldn’t shoot me, if it isn’t then they may not shoot me.” Loth thought about it, “Hmm that gives me a fifty fifty chance of survival.” (Reply T’Vhor) “Well I’m grabbing a ride off you guys so fairs fair I should pull my weight” Loth replied with a shrug. (Reply T’Vhor) Loth clicked his fingers a couple of times as he listened to the captain, he looked at the others in the group, none seemed that comfortable in their disguises he the one without a disguise openly human on a Cardasian planet, was the most comfortable…. Not for the first time since he had met Riven Loth began to wonder why he had never felt so alive before. (Reply T'Vhor, Any) (Posted by Jo) (Amleth - Amparus, Safehouse - CO, Captain T'Vhor - 18:50) Lotharan's suggestion seemed sound enough but, a Human walking into an area they had no means of ascertaining to be safe! He didn't like the sound of that at all, it played upon his conscience more than just a little. As it was though, Gerald quickly took control of the situation in typical 'SFI' manner as he stood abruptly. "Sorry to disrupt your conversation but it's time I got down to there, you can stay here or come if you wish", he had stated. No discussion, no alternatives, he was just gone, leaving the entire away team somewhat confused at the situation that this now placed them. The Captain was sure that he had heard someone utter the word 'fool' as Gerald marched off, and then headed down the verdant slope towards the safehouse. If indeed it was a safehouse. Needless to say though they were all now commited to follow by his actions. If Gerald was going to betray them then he would do so anyway, and besides, they could hardly stop him now! Reluctantly, they all stood, a casual glance exchanged between each of them as they spoke amongst themselves. (Reply Any IYW) The Captain set his sights on the man ahead as he moved towards the single entrance way, then he stopped to wait for them all to catch up, a mischievous grin upon his face that instilled uncertainty in the Captains mind. A raised eyebrow, a quizzical look that queried his current actions. "Well, I got you here didn't I?", said Gerald, as though anticipating the Vulcans thoughts. "Next stop the basement, any who wish though are welcome to use the facilities or scrounge in the pantry. I'm sure some of you must be hungry." he added as he set about entering his codes into a concealed access port set into a rock nearby. A door then opened ahead of them and Gerald moved onwards, seemingly unphased but familiar with his surroundings. (Reply Gerald, IYW) The Captain briefly took the chance to survey the area from their new location, then he suggested that someone remain behind to guard the only definate exit they knew to exist. After all, there was still the possibility that Gerald might be leading them into something they would rather not be in. (Reply Gerald, Any) NRPG: Assuming some argument here along the lines of keeping the team together, despite the tactical advantage of leaving at least two people behind. RPG: Gerald was probably right, and although it was perhaps unwise to place all of their eggs into one basket, they could not risk being separated at this moment in time. The away team then followed Gerald in through the door, all of them, plus Riven himself it would seem, on their guard now as the dimly lit andgently sloping corridor opened up ahead of them, lights flickering on as they progressed, activated no doubt by proximal sensors that had been set into the rough stone walls. A little further on they came to an elevator. It was barely big enough to hold them all but suffice to say, the alternative of breaking up the congregation right now seemed unthinkable, and so after a brief discussion they all moved in, the doors finally closing as the rickety chamber clunked downwards in a manner that was nothing at all like a modern starship turbolift! Two floors down and the doors finally opened up once again onto a spacious cavern, into which they all alighted from the cramped elevator. The Captain then found himself pondering once again, didn't Gerald say a basement directly beneath the house itself? Why had they decended two floors? Peering out through the now opened doors of the elevator though, a track was to be seen over by the furthermost wall, a small transport sitting upon it that appeared to be running via a magnetic central rail, this clearly being the means to traverse the aforementioned two kilometre tunnel that led away to the hills. Was it an escape route perhaps? Were they about to traverse that tunnel now, or was their target here, and somewhere very nearby? Nobody knew the answer to that but Gerald. The Captain then turned towards him and awaited his next move.... (Reply Gerald, Any, All) (Posted by Alan) (Amleth - Amparus, Corvus District - Cardassian Control Zone 25 - Search/Interdict Team 25 - 18:51) The three man Cardassian team was hunkered down near a small clearing, one man using a scanning device that had a three kilometer zone of effectiveness. The two Cardassians with him had their weapons at the ready as they watched the clearing and its approaches. The hike to this point from the central command node for zone 25 had been done at an efficient pace, these types of exercises were monitored by their superiors and the efficiency of the teams were always compiled and the groups graded within the space of a few days. This kept the men on their toes and working with alacrity. "I'm picking up movement." The man muttered half to himself. The team leader glanced back at him quickly. "Animals?" "No." The man shook his head violently. "Scans indicate humanoid." "Numbers!" His lead growled. "At least a half dozen." He frowned. "And moving together. 27 degrees and a half kilometer from our position. Moving North/North east, bearing 13 degrees." The Team lead rose from his crouch and faced in the indicated direction. "Move ou..." "I just lost them." The man with the scanner frowned and adjusted the instrument. The leader whirled on him. "They couldn't have moved that fast!" He shook his head. "It wasn't due to an accelerated movement, they just vanished one by one." "Cloaked, hidden. Hmm." The leader mused. "This is worth calling in." He pulled a communicator from his belt. "Command base, Alzeth, zone 25 reporting in. We have had a short contact on scans. Approximately one half dozen humanoids north east of our position at one half kilometer distance. Individuals disappeared from the scan, how and why unknown." =^= Salej here, move to the last known position of the contact and investigate. Report in when you have more data.=^= "Acknowledged." Alzeth put away his communicator. "I'm picking up a compound." The man with the scanner interjected. I added a topographical reference to the data and it shows a building that has a stone fence or wall around it. No former signs of occupation." "Well." Alzeth gave a thin lipped grin. "It looks like we are about to encounter the occupants at last. Getting this information will look good on our record. Move out." The other two men gather their feet under them quickly and followed him at a brisk pace through the underbrush off the trail that would give them a direct route to this strange and interesting location. (Reply: Not yet :) (Posted by Charles) (Amleth - Amparus, Safehouse - SFI Lieutenant David Gerald - 18:52) He didn't turn to see who was following as he entered the foyer off the main hall and living area, there was a faint hum of the climate control machinery and he noted the place was well lit. After he had penetrated the living area he turned and waited for the ones following him to catch up. From here he would lead them down to the lower living area where they would find out if the man was indeed here. First impressions said yes due to the lighting which should otherwise be dormant. "Well, I got you here didn't I?" He gave a devil may care grin. "Next stop the basement, any who wish though are welcome to use the facilities or scrounge in the pantry. I'm sure some of you must be hungry." (Reply: Any) (Posted by Charles) (Amleth - Amparus, Safehouse - ACOUNS, Dr. Riven Mias - 18:53) Riven followed in silence as they moved through the spacious house, there was very little furniture and that utilitarian which was perhaps to be expected. He did avail himself of the 'facilities' as it were though and they appeared to be antiseptic; having seen little use. The lighting in the abode was bright, almost garish and he wondered what might be in the larder, mostly out of curiosity rather than hunger. He was too tired to be hungry now and his legs felt leaden. Was the food freeze dried? Refrigerated or replicated? Or would replicators give away too much technology and lead to questions? And what was such a large facility used for really? Was it meant to be a forward operations base for intelligence operatives or a halfway house for those fleeing the Cardassian government such as their current quarry? ~Probably both and yet more~ he thought as they entered the rickety elevator which seemed out of place amidst such a modern backdrop. Much of his silence was due to his current mental investigations. As he had surmised Lt. Gerald was highly trained and very little of his thoughts rose to the surface, to pry further would violate the Telepathic Moral Laws not to mention his own disciplines. He sensed amusement rather than subterfuge and curiosity as well, about what he had no idea. Also he was casting out with his mind both before and behind them to make sure no surprises awaited them. Before was ... He gave a start. he sensed a number of minds in this place, perhaps a dozen individuals. "A dozen?" His startled exclamation elicited questioning looks from a number of individuals including Lt. Gerald who turned his head quickly to give him a bemused look, that amusement he had noted still evident. (Reply: Any) "Above us." He turned to his left and saw a door that was partially hidden from their current location by stacked metal containers. (Reply: Any)' "Yes." Lt. Gerald shrugged as he followed his eyes. "That door goes to another lift which will take us up to the basement I told you about." (Reply: Any) "But a dozen." Riven's eyes suddenly shot open in surprise. His searching mind had found others as well but not those currently on his agenda. they were further away, beyond the house and closing on their current location. He closed in on those minds, unmindful of the questions being thrown at him. (Reply: Any) The questions seemed far away, he touched one of those minds and could hear the thoughts that were being broadcast almost like a shout. Two others were with this one and they were hunters, searching for someone. ::There! That house! See commander! They must have gone inside. No I don't know why they disappeared from the scanner, there must be something in the compound blocking our scans. If they are aliens no doubt it is some kind of base,:: Riven broke the contact and looked about with wild eyes. "We've been followed, someone has discovered our location!" (Reply: Any) (Posted by Charles) (Amleth - Amparus, Safehouse – Civilian Lotheran Pessoj/ACSciO, Ens.(jg) Ilana Grey - 18:54) Loth followed the starfleet group, as a hanger-on, this was the craziest thing he had done… well since K’tral and himself had got leathered and decided to sit in the town square singing an old Cardassian folk song, ok maybe this was more crazy. Loth shaded his eyes from the harsh strip lighting, Cardassian’s hated bright lights and Loth’s own eyes had become used to the almost perpetual gloom, if he was going to move back to the Starfleet he might have to get himself some glasses. Lt. Gerald gestured towards a pantry, Loth shrugged he wasn’t that hungry, especially not for anything that wasn’t freshly cooked. Not that he was a particularly good cook but he had customized himself to K’tral’s wifes cooking. Loth almost ran into Riven’s back as he stopped suddenly “What is it?” Loth asked "Above us." Said Riven as he turned left it took Loth a little while to see the door that Riven was looking at. “Oi Gerald, where does that head?” Loth asked pointing at the door. "Yes." Lt. Gerald shrugged "That door goes to another lift which will take us up to the basement I told you about." Loth shook his head, “Bloody special ops, all Starfleet are alike if you ask me.” He grumbled under his breath, “Tell you just enough to get you killed and not enough for you to do your job.” Loth was thinking of a time that he had been asked to assess an operative who had supposedly suffered from trauma, turned out they had suspected that the operative was some sort of polymorph, turned out it was worse than that some weird creatures had attached it’s self to the mans back and was controlling his actions. Once Loth had identified that the man wasn’t quite right he had been attacked. It was only because two security personal had been outside the door, and unbeknownst to Loth monitoring the whole session, had they been able to come in and kill the agent, and the creature. "But a dozen." Said Riven, Loth thought about it he counted around the room, there were the two science officers, and a few others but they didn’t count a dozen, could be he meant who was already in the building. (reply any) Riven suddenly spoke up loudly "We've been followed, someone has discovered our location!" Loth swore loudly, “Any chance of a teleport thingy?” He asked turning to the captain, “Failing that a weapon?” He asked, he had never had much use for weaponry but he knew how to operate a hand phaser, heck a child could, push the button while pointing in the vague direction of the opponent and hoped you hit. Ensign Ilana Grey pulled out her Tricorder and started scanning, pushing towards the door “I’m getting a lot of interference captain, there is no way they could be scanning us in here not with hand scanners, however if they saw us coming in they wouldn’t be able to pick up our life sign’s which would give them enough reason to investigate.” She thought about it briefly, “I could set up a emitter to show five Cardassan life signs, and one human, they could think that their recording devices had malfunctioned briefly, but knowing Cardassian efficiency they would still investigate.” She said preparing to emit the false signatures in advance. (Reply, Any) (Posted by Jo) (Amleth - Amparus, Safehouse – CO, Captain T'Vhor - 18:55) "We've been followed, someone has discovered our location!", exclaimed Riven, a remark that had everyone immediately on their guard, not least of which, the normally stoic and unemotional Captain. "A trap?", said the Captain, suddenly wondering if the SFI man had more to hide than they had at first suspected. (Reply Any, IYW) "Any chance of a teleport thingy?", asked Lotheran, "Failing that a weapon? The Captain lowered his hand to his own concealed phasor. Of course they had weapons, what away team wouldn't arrive in a possibly hostile environment without one? It felt reassuring under his hand, but now was not the time to be utilizing it and for the moment anyway, his attention was upon Ensign Grey, who had seemingly read his mind and was already in the process of scanning the area with her tricorder. "I'm getting a lot of interference Captain, there is no way they could be scanning us in here, not with hand scanners, however if they saw us coming in they wouldn't be able to pick up our lifesigns, which would give them enough reason to investigate", said Grey. "Indeed", said the Captain, as the science officer then suggested projecting false lifesigns to confuse their pursuers if they were to get closer. The Captain thought about that and then turned to Riven, who looked somewhat perturbed now. "Whatever lifesigns we project, they will still be investigated as Ensign Grey says. We need to move on and we need to move on quickly. What do you advise, Doctor?", said the Captain, placing his trust now in the Betazoid empath. (Reply Riven) "Would the magneto train be an option once we had secured Lau?", he added, hoping now that Riven might deliver something along the lines of a quick solution to their predicament, and that the train, if it was actually viable, might put at least two kilometres of distance between them and whoever Riven himself was now 'reading'... (Reply Riven, Any) (Posted by Alan) (Amleth - Amparus, Safehouse - CSP, Lt. jg Kurt Palmer - 18:55) Before long they had arrived. Kurt checked his Tricorder again. Still nothing ~of course.~ Then through the banter came "We've been followed.." It was Dr. Mias He gave his tricorder a shake and a sturdy knock against his palm. It let out a pitiful whine and flashed a few times sporadically before coming back to life. ~Huh... Didn't think that would work.~ "I'm getting a lot of interference Captain.." Came Ilana's response. Kurt made use of his newly working tricorder, it seemed like the building extended beneath the a ways, He listened as T'Vhor and the others assembled a plan. (Reply, any) ((Post by Cody)) (USS Spectre – Main Engineering – Engineering Officer, Ensign Scott Smith - 18:55) "In case you are all not up to the latest news we have a saboteur on board." Scott paused for a moment. “Well that explains a lot.” "One of our top priorities right now is to make sure the Phase Cloak remains sacrosanct with no hiccups which is why I've pulled you away from the projects you were working on. You will each be going to one of the control nodes for the phase cloak and standing by if needed. Hudson is already standing by at his station near the Jeffries tubes." He paused for a breath before continuing. "I don't want any of you throwing yourselves in harms way if there is any other choice, your purpose is as a fail safe in case anything goes wrong and repairs need to be made. OPS is taking precautionary measures and will no doubt have security available as well." Scott smiled to him self ~Robert must be having a good time~ “Its good that the Ops is looking into it.” He dropped the smile and looked back at Haltom. "Scott I want you on deck eleven, check in with security station Delta, your area of interest is here." Scott looked at the position that Haltom indicated to. "Render any and all aid you can but as I said don't take matters into your own hands if it can be helped. I will have your relief there in four hours so you can get some down time and rearrange the schedule if necessary so you can get a full shift off." ”No problem.” Haltom then instructed Redding to go to deck four, Walters to deck seven and Renalda to deck fourteen with similar instructions. "Any questions?" Scott shook his head. “Nope.” "All right off you go, call me immediately if you need back up." Scott smiled at Haltom. “Have fun see you later.” (Reply Haltom IYW) He then headed off to deck eleven, check in with security station Delta. (Reply Haltom, Any) (Posted by Robbie) (Amleth - Amparus, Safehouse – SFI Agent, Lt. David Gerald - 18:56) Gerald had begun moving toward the doorway he had indicated earlier when Riven's warning shout echoed through the hanger which caused him to stop in his track and spin on the Betazoid with shock and anger on his face. The remarks of the others in the party cut through the air as he took a sharp breath and cursed. "A trap? The Captain responded with shock and a note of betrayal. "Hell no! Not a trap, at least not from us!" The Agent flared back at T'Vor. "This is not a soap opera Captain and I am not going to put myself in danger just to drag your carcass into a net." (Reply: T'Vhor IYW) "Damn It!" Gerald balled his fists and began speaking out loud as he thought through the situation. "This is why coming to the safe house was the last option, now its existence is compromised and everybody, I mean everybody has got to be evacuated." (Reply: T'Vhor IYW) Gerald shook his head savagely. "They have their own way off but they need to be warned now. If you fear you are rushing into danger then stay here and I'll bring them down, if you choose however to extend a little trust to fellow StarFleet personnel you can follow me." He turned and without looking back hurried for the door that would take him to sub-basement 1A which was above the cavern. He could hear Loth querying the CO behind him. (Reply: T'Vhor, any IYW) (Posted by Charles) (Amleth - Amparus, Safehouse – CMO, Noah - 18:57) "We've been followed, someone has discovered our location!" said Riven ~Ow grate~ Noah paused as he turned and looked behind them. “Any chance of a teleport thingy?” ~yeh that would be nice~ Loth turning to the captain, “Failing that a weapon?” ~No need for a weapon~ Noah spread his fingers as he heard the soft cracking sound of electrical energy dancing across them. “I’m getting a lot of interference captain, there is no way they could be scanning us in here not with hand scanners, however if they saw us coming in they wouldn’t be able to pick up our life sign’s which would give them enough reason to investigate.” Reported Grey “I could set up a emitter to show five Cardassan life signs, and one human, they could think that their recording devices had malfunctioned briefly, but knowing Cardassian efficiency they would still investigate.” Grey continued. ~I swear this oath by Apollo physician, By Asclepius, by Health, and by all the gods and goddesses. In whatsoever place that I enter, I will enter to help the sick and heal the injured, And I will do no harm~ Noah gave himself a mental shake. ~In whatsoever place that I enter, I will enter to help the sick and heal the injured, And I will do no harm~ Noah muttered softly under his breath. Not for the first time he had with that he had not been a doctor and to respect all life. He gave his hands a shake to dissipate the electrical charge. Do not harm does not mean that he could not cause someone a painful surprise. He looked over at Grey “Hope it works. Or we are going to have problems.” (reply Grey) (reply Grey, any) (Posted by Robbie) (Amleth - Amparus, Safehouse – ACOUNS, Dr. Riven Mias - 18:57) Lt. Gerald's outburst at T'Vhor shook Riven out of the first hint of panic, while he wasn't sure if that was what the agent had intended he was grateful at least that it had happened, his mind was clearing already. And then Gerald's outburst was done and he had turned and was walking away hurridly. "Any chance of a teleport thingy?", asked Lotheran, "Failing that a weapon? Riven saw T'Vhor's hand go unconsciously toward his weapon which made only the barest outline among his Cardassian clothing and the Betazoid knew the rest of the LP would be similarly armed. Unfortunately he was a civvy and was not. The whine of Grey's tricorder made it's annoying presence known as he did so. "I'm getting a lot of interference Captain, there is no way they could be scanning us in here, not with hand scanners, however if they saw us coming in they wouldn't be able to pick up our life signs, which would give them enough reason to investigate", said Grey. "Indeed" T'Vhor said simply as Gerald continued to make his way across the cavern. "Whatever life signs we project, they will still be investigated as Ensign Grey says. We need to move on and we need to move on quickly. What do you advise, Doctor?" Riven motioned with his chin toward the rapidly moving SFI agent. "I suggest we follow him, some or all. He's angry and disgusted but he is not the reason for what has happened and the other twelve individuals here are friendlies. I can sense that profoundly." "Would the magneto train be an option once we had secured Lau? "I believe so Captain. It seems Gerald indicated that would be the escape route the others would have to take. I assume they have some type of ship at the end which they will try to use to attempt a run out of Cardassian space. Unless it's cloaked their chances are slim at best but I can sense they would not allow themselves to be captured here." (Reply: Any) (Posted by Charles) (Amleth - Amparus District – ACOUNS, Ensign Elani Caras - 18:58) Ellie's eyes widened in fear when the others spoke, her mind mostly unshielded as she had been casting her mind about to make sure that nothing was sneaking up on them. But there were people pursuing them and somehow, she wasn't really sure how, they had been made. She didn't really care. What mattered was that her people were in danger, and in spite of her brave words on the ship, she was having one of those doubts that Ensigns usually had, and almost always at the worst time. This was definitely the worst time that she could be faced with these doubts. It wasn't until Riven touched her shoulder, helping her shield herself from the others, and with that shielding came a much calmer mind. She was able to think, to realize that she was picking up the emotions of the away team and that waas making her own doubts so much worse. She smiled up at Riven before she quickly followed the others down into the basement. They needed to get out of this building quickly and it was the SFI's agent who stood the most chance in order to get out of here and fulfill their mission, and honestly Ellie was beginning to worry that they weren't going to find the object of their search. She shook her head, being in the middle of the pack near Riven, as she was the one least able to take care of herself and her particular security officer was pushing her ahead of him, guarding her back. Perhaps it was a good thing that she had been assigned her own security officer. She wasn't all that good with a phaser after all. Elani looks back towards the others, hoping to see them following the SFI Officer to safety. Her thoughts touch Riven's mind instinctually, finding the other Betazoid's tranquil mind soothing her own rising panic away. (reply those on the away team) (posted by Mel :-) (USS Spectre - Battle Bridge – TAC/ASC, Ensign JG Harrison Walker - 19:00) After an uneventful few minutes, Harrison let out a deep sigh. Nothing happening, the saboteur was unusually silent and things seemed to settle down on board. Suddenly, his console infront of him began to beep alarmingly. Looking down, he felt the blood run from his face. The Cardassian ships were changing course again, towards them. He checked his readings again and then said, “Commander..” (Reply Tsukawa) “The Cardassian vessels have changed course again and are heading right for us.” (Reply Tsukawa) “I don’t know. They shouldn’t be able to see us. The cloak is operational and we aren’t venting anything that would show up on any scanners.” (Reply Tsukawa) (Reply Tsukawa, any) (Posted by Jackie Smith) (USS Spectre - Battle Bridge – FO, Cmdr Hoshimi Tsukawa - 19:01) So far, the mood on the battle bridge had been a little more relaxed now that the Cardassians had apparently stopped their seemingly anticipated countering of each move the Spectre had taken. All of that though was suddenly about to change when Harrison's voice came in witha sense of urgency attached to it from the tactical console. "Commander", he said. "Go ahead Ensign", said Hoshimi. "The Cardassian Vessels have changed course again and are heading right for us", said Harrison, and Hoshimi's attention was immediately upon it. "They can see us?", she exclaimed, knowing that as she said it, the phase cloak dictated that they could not. "I don't know", said Harrison. "They shouldn't be able to see us. The cloak is operational and we aren't venting anything that would show up on scanners", he added. "All ships, or just one of them?", asked Hoshimi, hoping now that the tactical officer wasn't going to say that they had all changed course to intercept the Spectres current heading. (Reply Harrison) Hoshimi then gave the order to change course again, this time tangentially to the nearest approaching vessel. (Reply Helm, IYW) "Take careful note of any changes any of those ships make Ensign Harrison, I want to be sur.....", said the FO, just as a call from the Security chief came forth. =/\= Kerge to Cmdr Tsukawa, please respond=/\= Hoshimi took the call as a matter of urgency of course, but was mildly irritated at his timing. "This better be important Lieutenant, I'm a little busy right now", she said, her hands already dancing across her own armrest console set into the battle bridges command chair. Then came the somewhat curious request to 'disarm' their weapons! Hoshimi was mortified, as were a good number of the battle group crew on hand. Why would the security chief of all people request that they took their 'teeth' offline? A blow by blow dissemination of what that might actually mean then took place between the FO and SEC chief, the rammifications thereof being spelled out as the Cardassian vessels closed in. =/\=You MUST cut power to our weapons arrays, Commander, and you MUST do it now. I will explain the intricacies of this decision later=/\= came the insistent voice of the Klingon over the comms system. Hoshimi baulked at that at first, but then pondered the fact that there was no way whatsoever that their own TAC/SC, a Klingon TAC/SC at that, would ever make such a request without a damned good reason, and with that in mind, she finally capitulated. "OK Lieutenant, you win. But if you're wrong then you may just be sealing our fate", said Hoshimi, turning her attention thenceforth to Harrison on Tactical. "Power down our weapons arrays Ensign, but maintain full shields and our red alert status", she ordered. (Reply Harrison) The FO then addressed Kerge once again. "I sincerely hope that you are right, Lieutenant", she said. =/\=We will find out soon enough Commander. Kerge out=/\= Hoshimi then settled back into the command chair, her eyes fixed upon the relayed forward aspect of space and the Moon of Amleth below them. "If any of those ships make a move to counter us, or show any sign of hostility, I want those weapons back online at a moments notice", she ordered. (Reply Helm IYW, Harrison, Any) (Posted by Alan) (USS Spectre - Photon Flux Cannon Pre-Charge Assy - TAC/SC, Lt Kerge and FO, Hoshimi Tsukawa - 19:02) Kerge tapped at his combadge, his earlier postulations regarding the flux cannon being used as a signaling device by their saboteur looking more and more likely by the minute. McKenzie had worked with Bates to analyse the contents of the pre-charge buffer, and although it seemed that the data had been previously 'cleaned', the ever resourceful science officer had managed to recover trace data that correlated their assumptions to at least an 80% probability of concurrence. "Kerge to Cmdr Tsukawa, please respond", said Kerge. =/\=This better be important Lieutenant, I'm a little busy right now=/\= Kerge allowed himself a frown at the remark. Of course it was important, the security chief was hardly in the habit of making unecessary calls to the command officers during a crisis, and Tsukawa must surely have known that. Kerge centred himself a little, and then began again. "I believe that we may have found the reason for the arrival of our Cardassian friends, Commander", answered the Lieutenant, "this may sound a little drastic but, we must cut all power to the primary weapons systems immediately" An obvious pause inevitably followed, such was the gravity of his request. =/\=Are you seriously asking me to remove our ability to defend ourselves at a time when we are being hunted, Lieutenant?", exclaimed Tsukawa. "I have four Cardassian warships currently heading for our position, regardless of the fact that they supposedly cannot see us, and you want me to take our weapons offline?=/\= Kerge saw her point, and yet he knew that it was imperative that they did precisely as he had requested. "I understand Commander, but I must ask you to trust me, our position is almost certainly being given away by way of saboteurial tampering of the photon flux cannon", said Kerge, knowing as he suggested this that his suggestion to disarm themselves was effectively contra to everything a security officer held high, and that by acting on this request, Hoshimi would indeed by leaving the ship unable to defend itself! Kerge interjected the inevitable silence once again. "You MUST cut power to our weapons arrays, Commander, and you MUST do it now", he snapped, this time a little more insistently. "I will explain the intricacies of this decision later" Another delay then added to the Lieutenants angst as his patience grew thinner with every passing moment. =/\=OK Lieutenant, you win. But if you're wrong then you may just be sealing our fate. Power down our weapons arrays Ensign, but maintain full shields and our red alert status=/\= came the reply, Kerge nodding as he heard the FO give the order to the officer manning tactical on the bridge. =/\=I sincerely hope that you are right, Lieutenant=/\= said the FO. "We will find out soon enough Commander. Kerge out", said Kerge as he looked to Bates and McKenzie who both seemed to have sighed a breath of relief at almost the same time... (Reply McKenzie IYW, Any) (Posted by Alan) (USS Spectre - Battle Bridge – Sec/Tac Ensign JG Harrison Walker - 19:03) "All ships, or just one of them?", asked the FO. Checking his screen, Harrison replied, “All of them, Maam.” After giving orders to the helm officer, Tsukawa turned back to Harrison and said, "Take careful note of any changes any of those ships make Ensign Harrison, I want to be sur.....", came the reply and then an urgent call came through from the security chief. Turning his attention to his screens, Harrison made careful notes on the current heading and position of the Cardassian ships. After what sounded like a slightly heated discussion, the FO turned to Harrison and said, "Power down our weapons arrays Ensign, but maintain full shields and our red alert status" Nodding, Harrison replied, “At once.” Keeping one eye on the approaching vessels, he powered down the weapons arrays and made sure that they could be accessed and powered up at a moments notice. "If any of those ships make a move to counter us, or show any sign of hostility, I want those weapons back online at a moments notice", Tsukawa ordered. “Of course, Maam. Already sorted. “ He paused a second and then said, “Maam, do you want me to run any internal scans to see if there are any communications between our ship and theirs? It could lead us to the saboteur?” (Reply Tsukawa, any) (Posted by Jackie Smith) (USS Spectre – Turbolift Two – TAC/SC, Lt Kerge – 19:04) Kerge was on a roll. For the first time since they had arrived in Cardassian space, they had something a little more concrete than a simple breadcrumb trail to go on. Bates, in collaboration with Lieutenant McKenzie, had uncovered an unexpected electronic signature that surely had to belong to whoever had been recently tampering with the pre-charge assembly, ie the saboteur themselves. Had they really been so stupid as to leave it there for them to find though, or was it simply a red herring designed to lead them away from the protagonist? The very nature of the signature implied that this was a legitimate pointer that had NOT been planted in a deliberate manner, thus Kerge was now manifesting what could only be described as a smile, or perhaps wind! Either way, he was most assuredly 'rolling'... “Lt Kerge to Ensign Frost“, he snapped activating his combadge as the doors of the turbolift opened up onto to deck Ten. (Reply Frost) “I want you to assemble a team. Your task is to begin looking for all evidence that might indicate any crewmember that may have been, or may have had connections to the Maquis" (Reply Frost) "Your target is most probably female, highly empathic, possibly to the level of an empathic sevant. They will likely have unaccountable gaps in their service record, gaps explained by medical leave, or gaps that indicate courses that were never actually attended. It is possible that we may be looking at a command, or ex-command type officer.”, said Kerge. (Reply Frost) “Use discretion by all means, but do not leave any stone unturned. And I do mean ANY stone Ensign. Report only to myself in regards any findings you might make, is that understood?”, said Kerge. (Reply Frost) “Very good. Kerge out” The Klingon then made his way towards the security centre. (Reply Frost, Any) (Posted by Alan) (USS Spectre – Security station Delta – Engineering Officer, Ensign Scott Smith - 19:05) Scott walked up to security station Delta “Hay how are you doing. I have been sent here from engineering. Has anything weird happened here?” (Reply Delta security) (Reply Haltom, Delta security any) (Posted by Robbie) (Amleth - Amparus, Corvus District - Cardassian Control Zone 25, - Search/Interdict Team 25 - 19:05) Alzeth had waited long enough, the soldier using the scanner was unable to penetrate the interference which appeared to be localized on the house itself and not the grounds or even to isolate exactly what was causing said interference. The more he considered it the more it appeared to be a holdout for spies, saboteurs or fugitives. And there was no way yet of knowing their numbers, they were assured of at least six but many more could be waiting inside armed and it was not beyond the realm of possibility that they were aware of the presence of himself and his men due to their own scanning devices. Bursting in on their own without orders was not advisable so he pulled out his communicator once more to report in. "Command Base, Alzeth reporting." =^= Report team 25.=^= The voice of Salej answered back within seconds, no doubt he had been waiting for just such a call. "I'm sending you our coordinates now." He pressed the homing button on the device and waited. There was a short pause then Salej answered again. =^=We have your location, I'm waiting for that report.=^= Alzeth shifted to a more comfortable position on his haunches before continuing, it gave him another instant to properly frame his reply. "We are within 30 meters of a walled compound containing a house which appears to be made of stone at least on the outside like the wall. Scans are unable to penetrate the interior of the structure due to interference which masks any life signs. Number of occupants is unknown as well as the extent of the structure's interior or possible escape routes. I am awaiting orders." There was a momentary pause. =^= Stand by while I patch you through to the commander.=^= "Understood." There was silence for a moment, Alzeth looked around at his men who had grim expressions, the unknown was always the place that held danger and they were all on edge, even he could feel the adrenaline rush of the fight or flight instinct. =^=Gul Majeth here team 25, I want a full report of all facts and any extrapolations you can make concerning your situation.=^= Alzeth clearly and succinctly repeated everything to the commander from the time they had picked up the life signs till the current moment. "Enemy numbers, weapons or escape routes unknown Gul. There could be many armed men hidden inside or only a few. We are currently outnumbered by at least two to one with unknown weapons and resources." =^= Hmmm. As of this moment I am rerouting teams 18 through 24 to your location and holding 26 through 30 in reserve but sending them to a rendezvous point 300 meters from your location. Your orders as my forward team is to breach the exterior and hold your position once inside till your reinforcements arrive. If you encounter heavy resistance you are to withdraw and link up with the reserves while 18 through 24 assault the house. Their ETA is fifteen minutes. If you have to withdraw I want as much info as possible on numbers of enemy combatants and weaponry as you can give me. Do you copy?=^= Alzeth repeated the orders back to the Commander. "Team 25 copies." =^= Good, the teams are already on their way. Carry out your orders. Gul Majeth out.=^= Alzeth replaced the communicator on his belt and as he turned his head he noted the man with the scanner had already likewise holstered the device and drawn his own weapon. "You heard our orders, move out." His stomach was fluttering as he sprinted across the courtyard to the door, unaware that an alarm had begun blaring in the depths below the house. He gestured with his weapon hand toward the door and turned to watch their flank as the two others pressed the firing studs on their disruptors and began burning through the reinforced portal. He watched expectantly until he heard the disruptors quiet and one of his men kicked the door open. "Clear!" (Reply Any) (Posted by Charles) (Amleth - Amparus, Corvus District - Cardassian Control Zone 25, Safe House - Search/Interdict Team 25 - 19:13) Alzeth turned with weapon at the ready and followed the others inside, they immediately spread out and searched the interior quickly, there were only a few rooms to go through and they found no one. One door once activated however revealed a boxy transport device. "Orders sir?" Alzeth slowed his breathing and looked calmly at the man. "We do as ordered. Watch this door while Jontun and I look for any more surprises." "Yes sir." It took only a few minutes to verify there were no more elevators inside from which an enemy could spring. Alzeth checked his chronometer, nine more minutes before reinforcements would arrive. "Wait and watch." He told the others as he divided his attention between the elevator and front door. (Reply: Any) (posted by Charles) (ATV Garralon - Bridge, Science One - Cadets Porsa & Kurrik - 19:47) With the words of her good friend, Kurrik, still meandering through the syntaxes of her mind, Porsa proceeded to begin analysis of the class M world the ship had just entered orbit of. True to form, the Captain had followed academy protocol by asking her to classify, clarify and then re-classify and re-clarify the official starfleet record regarding this planet. "Class M, currently devoid of any kind of population. Analysis and locational data confirms that we are indeed looking at Tarren IV, sir... One thing thou..", she had reported, her final query going comlpletely overlooked. "Very good cadet", came the curt reply, "log the findings and prepare a report for your instructor. Helmsman, set a course for the Delta Aquilae system and prepare to leave orbit" The helm had responded accordingly of course and the Captain had then opened a channel to the transporter chief and given a somewhat curious command. "Code green, execute the priority order" Porsa raised an eyebrow. ~Code green? What the hell is a code green?~ "Sir", she began, "I was about to report that there was something else detected on the surface of Tarren IV, a lifeform perhaps, I'm not sure if..." The Captain cut her off once again, an irritation in his voice as he spoke. "Carry out your orders cadet. It is not yours to question my orders any further", he said. Porsa looked to Kurrik stationed at tactical, who simply shook his head as though confirming her unease. During her scan of the planet she had most definately detected something alive that was not in the official report of this particular planetoid, grouped in a small cluster and comprised of more than one organism. This warranted further action and yet, the Captain had dismissed it without question, informing the transporter room chiefto execute an order that at best seemed contra to normal procedure, and at worst, not even in the book! Porsa's confusion was mounting by the hour. ~What is going on here?~ she thought, her attention once again turning towards the Vulcan tactical officer who by now seemed busy with his console. (Reply None) (Posted by Alan) (ATV Garralon - Ten Forward lounge - Cadets Porsa and Kurrik - 20:34) With their official duty shift having now ended, Kurrik had requested Porsa's presence for lunch, and with only one thing really on her mind now, she had hoped that it might have something to do with the earlier episode on the bridge. She was not disappointed. Needless to say, it was most uncommon for a Vulcan to show any kind of emotion, but right now, Kurrik looked positively worried as he took his seat opposite Porsa, a hot bowl of Plommik soup placed upon the table before him. He wasted no time at all in coming straight to the point. "Something, was beamed aboard the ship", he stated under his breath. "I took the liberty of maintaining background tactical scans during our time in orbit of Tarren IV, covertly as best I could of course", he added. Porsa looked surprised, partly due to the fact that 'something' had been beamed aboard without anyone being told about it, a direct violation of protocol perhaps, and partly because Kurrik himself had never violated protocol when it came to 'by the book' operations. Porsa leaned closer as Kurrik took a spoonful of his soup. "What was beamed aboard?", she exclaimed, equally under her breath. "I am not sure", replied Kurrik, "whatever it was though, it was beamed directly to secure storage in the security section. The transport record was then apparently amended" Kurrik resumed eating his lunch, this time breaking a small piece of bread in to two and then dipping one piece into his soup. "Amended?", asked Porsa. "Why would someone do that unless...", she began, pausing then as though to ponder the ramifications of such a breach in protocol. "Kurrik", she said, "we have to find out what it was that was beamed aboard. I deduce that if we can find out what that something is, then we might be able to fill in the gaps as to why it's record may have been removed from the transport logs" "A logical conclusion", said Kurrik, "however, we must not rule out the possibility that this may simply be a training exercise to test our own attention to detail regarding starfleet protocol during operational procedure", he added, as always looking at both sides of any given situation. Porsa sat back into her seat and exhaled heavily at that notion. Kurrik could be right of course but her gut feeling was that something was wrong and that they needed to find out what it was sooner, rather than later. "Whether it is a test, or something a little more sinister", she answered, "our next move should be to find out more. If we are being tested then by following our hunches we will most assuredly pass it with flying colours. If it is not a test, and it is indeed something 'not quite right', then it is our duty likewise to investigate further" Kurrik nodded his assent. As ever, he could not argue with Porsa's logic but suffice to say, offered some recommendations of his own. "Indeed. Our choices then are limited to one, but we must still maintain stealth as best we can. One must assume that as cadets, our actions are being observed, so we must try to remain covert in any action that might go against defined starfleet protocol" Porsa nodded enthusiastically. "It would be in our best interests to garner support from our fellow cadets also", added Kurrik, "but only those whom we trust emphatically" Again Porsa nodded. "So when?", she asked, as Kurrik proceeded to finish off the remainder of his plommik soup. "Dorian would be a good choice I think, and with her Betazoid abilities she would be an asset to us. Also Twinnings. He seems to have taken a liking to Dorian and we may have need of his engineering skills at some point" "Agreed", said Kurrik, "as for when though, I would suggest as soon as I have digested my meal" Porsa smiled, possibly for the first time in many hours... (Reply Any, IYW) (Posted by Alan) (ATV Garralon - Ten Forward lounge – Cadet T’lissa Dorien - 20:42) Sitting quietly by herself, T’lissa sighed heavily. Even without her empathic side, she could tell that there was something wrong, something was very wrong onboard. Ever since the training vessel had left port, there was something going on that she could not place her finger on. Sitting in this crowded place had helped to quell the quiver in her mind. So many different people with their joys and woes tended to drown out the overwhelming emotion that they were not being told everything. .:Of course, this could just be part of the training mission :. Dorien said to her. Smiling to herself, T’lissa replied, .: I know. I know that, Dorien. This is something different. Surely you can tell that yourself. After all, how many of these kinds of trips have you done during your long life? :. .: Oh many. :. He replied and said nothing more. Standing, T’lissa turned to head to the bar to request another drink when she spotted two other cadets glance towards her. Searching her memory, she recognised them as Porsha and Kurrick. The two were thick as thieves. She nodded a hello and proceeded to the bar and requested her drink. Once obtained, she returned to their table and said, “Good evening. Is this seat taken?” (Reply Porsha, Kurrik) Sitting down, she took a sip of her drink and then said, “So, which one of you is going to tell me why you have been watching me for the last ten minutes?” (Reply Porsha, Kurrik) (Reply Porsha, Kurrik, any) (Posted by Jackie Smith) (ATV Garralon - Ten Forward lounge – Cadets, Porsa and Kurrik - 20:44) “Good evening. Is this seat taken?”, came a voice from beyond the two cadets. Porsa turned to look at the cadet that had just addressed them, it was Dorien, the very person they had been discussing not ten minutes beforehand. A Betazoid yes but... ~Oh my, did she hear us~ thought Porsa suddenly, before realising then that if she had, then she had just done so again. Porsa fell embarrasingly silent and Kurrik took the initiative by gesturing with his hand towards the requested seat. "No it's not, Please join us", he said, and Dorien sat, taking a sip of her beverage immediately coming straight to the point. “So, which one of you is going to tell me why you have been watching me for the last ten minutes?”, she asked. Porsa raised both eyebrows at that and then glanced to Kurrik, who raised just the one. Eyebrow raising aside, Porsa felt awkward but given the circumstances she felt that she might as well just be honest with the woman. After all, honesty seemed to be in short supply on the Garralon right now. "Umm. Yes. We were. I mean, umm... OK....", she began, still slightly flustered at the thought that the Betazoid might already know what they were thinking anyway. "OK", she said once again, "we could use your help" (Reply Dorien) "We can't really discuss this in depth right now.", said Porsa, again glancing at Kurrik and then running a hand back through her hair as she often did whenever she was nervous about anything. (Reply Dorien) "The Science lab after our duty shifts, shall we say, 01.30hrs?", said Porsa, hoping that T'Lissa was actually on the same shift as they were. She was almost sure that she was but, she could have been mistaken. (Reply Dorien) "You HAVE sensed something... odd?", said Porsa in hopeful anticipation, "please, you're a Betazoid, tell me you have. Please tell me you have", she urged. (Reply Dorien) Kurrik quirked his head slightly to the left and then stretched his shoulders to ease a tension that had been building up there for quite sometime now. Then he addressed the Betazoid. "We would hope that you might bring Cadet Twinnings along also", he asked. "We may have need of his... engineering skills" (Reply Dorien) "Then it's a date", said Porsa, sitting back into her chair now and feeling slightly more at ease at the presense of the 'to the point' Betazoid. Actually, that was a first for Porsa, for she never had felt at ease around Betazoids, too damned nosey for her liking and more than likely unphased by the moral laws and their limitations. After all, how could one tell if they were obeying them? It's not like they changed colour when doing something that they shouldn't be was it. (Reply Dorien) Porsa took a deep breath and then glanced to the chronometer on the far wall. It was coming up to 20.50hrs and almost time to resume her duty shift. 01.30hrs would come soon enough but for the moment anyway, she allowed Kurrik to engage in small talk whilst she pondered what the Captain might be doing up on the bridge. (Reply Dorien, Any) (Posted by Alan) (ATV Garralon - Ten Forward lounge – Cadet T’lissa Dorien - 20:46) "Umm. Yes. We were. I mean, umm... OK....", Dorien smiled as she could tell that she had caught them both unawares. "OK", she said once again, "we could use your help" Raising an eyebrow, Dorien said, “Oh really? With what exactly?” "We can't really discuss this in depth right now.", said Porsa, again glancing at Kurrik and then running a hand back through her hair. .:They’ve noticed the strangeness as well :. Dorien whispered in her mind. Smiling, T’lissa nodded and said, “I understand. When?” "The Science lab after our duty shifts, shall we say, 01.30hrs?” “That sounds agreeable. I take it this is about the strange things that have been going on?” "You HAVE sensed something... odd?", said Porsa in hopeful anticipation, "please, you're a Betazoid, tell me you have. Please tell me you have", she urged. “As you said, perhaps now is not the right time to discuss these things. But, in answer to your question, yes.” The other cadet, Kurrik, turned to her and said, "We would hope that you might bring Cadet Twinnings along also", he asked. "We may have need of his... engineering skills" A wry smile flew across her face. She hadn’t realised but it seemed that it was not only her that had noticed the two cadets getting close. Although, T’lissa was not sure of her own feelings at the moment, she nodded and said, “I will ask him.” "Then it's a date", said Porsa. Nodding once more, T’lissa said, “That it is. I should get going. I’m on shift shortly. “ Standing, she nodded her goodbyes to the two cadets and walked out of the lounge. (Reply No-one) (Posted by Jackie Smith) (USS Spectre – Sickbay – Nurse, CPO Douwsy – 23:00) “It is too soon to say with any certainty on my part.” Douwsy nodded. “I understand Doctor.” “What about yourself, I mean you have served aboard ship a measure longer than myself, It could be said with some certainty that yours would be the more informed opinion. Do you have any thoughts or experience you could be encouraged into sharing with the less experienced ACMO? “ She gave a smile. “I would not presume that you would be less experienced then me.” Her smile grew a little wider. “But as you are asking I will tell you what I was told when I first joined the Spectre by the previous CMO.” She paused as she remembered a young Dr Williams telling her his words of wisdom. “You cannot same every one no matter hard you try. Do the best that you can and the most important thing of all is to enjoy what you do.” She paused again. “Hope that is helpful?” (Reply N’Dar) (Reply N’Dar, any) (Posted by Robbie) (Earth - Home - Dr. Angeni O. Windsong-Trommashere - 23:35) Lucca knelt before Angeni, his bright blue eyes trembling in their sockets. Angeni pointed to the door and clicked her tongue. Ayya stood up, giving Lucca the stink eye before walking out the room. From just outside the room, the wolf laid down, heaving a deep sigh. His nose stuck out just past the doorframe and it wiggled slightly as he continued to take in the scents of the room. She set the pistol down and she took the glasses off her face, hooking one of the ear hooks into the titanium chain that hung around her neck. She cocked her head to the side, glaring angrily at the man before her. "What in Mothers' name made you decide to break into my home?" "I...I didn't break in. I 'ave a code, remember?" A raised eyebrow was her only response as she put her hands on her hips. "Look, I 'ave nothin'. Sophie kicked me out..." "Again?" He nodded and looked down, "It's for good, Ang." He raised his left hand as a tear streaked down his face. A bright white tan line graced his ring finger. Angeni winced and she knelt down, hugging him to her tightly. "I'm sorry, hon. You can stay here as long as you like." He nodded as she let him go. "Can I stand up now...not that I mind the view..." Angeni rolled her eyes as she turned on her heels, "Come downstairs, we'll have a beer." (Reply None) (Posted by Kari) ================================================================================= Mission: Inimicus Invisa Day: 6 Stardate: 2414.10.06 (Earth - Home - Dr. Angeni O. Windsong-Trommashere - 00:10) Angeni slowly peeled the label off a brown bottle. The tangy scent of apples filled her nose as she savored the amber liquid in her mouth. So many years of drinking Sythale had made her forget just how much she liked the hearty taste of a good hard cider or ale. As Lucca came down the steps, she slid a chilled bottle across the table to him. He twisted the cap off and took a long draught from the bottle. "I owe you." She smiled at him, raising her bottle to her lips, "I know. You owe me a lot." He sat next to her, putting an arm around her shoulders. He kissed her on the side of the head and for a moment, Angeni basked in the attention before stiffening up and pulling away slightly. "So...what do you want in rent and what not?" Angeni shook her head, "Nothing..." She looked down, rubbing the neck of the bottle with her fingers. Lucca stared at her for a moment, then winced. "Oh, Ang. I'm sorry...I forgot. How's Tim doing?" "As well as he can..." She sighed, "He just couldn't live here anymore without her, so I moved in. I was able to pay off the rest of what they owed with no issue." She glanced over at a picture on the wall of her and Madison, her sister. "Did they ever figure it out?" "Yeah. It was a mutation of the Tankaren Pis'gar Virus. It was dormant for years, but the pregnancy kicked it back up..." She took a longer swig from her bottle before sighing. "How is Jeramiah?" "He's fine. Absolutely no sign of the virus." Lucca nodded and patted Angeni's hand, which she pulled away to take another swig of beer. He furrowed his brow, but didn't say anything about it. "How's the team?" "Fine." She stared at her bottle, then finished it off in a few gulps. "I have work in the morning. Put Ayya out and feed him before you leave. He gets the meat in the cooler outside." With that, she got up and went back upstairs, leaving Lucca at the table. "Ang, Ang, Ang...When are you going to open you heart again and just start talking to someone again..." Lucca shook his head and finished his beer before turning off the light and going back to bed. (Reply None) (Posted by Kari) =====================================================================