USS Spectre Compile - June 1st-30th 2013 by Alan Reading ===================================================================== Mission: Inimicus Invisa Day: 5 Stardate: 2414.10.05 (USS Spectre – Security Station Gamma – TAC/ASC Ensign JG Will Frost – 19:05) (Amleth - Amparus, Safehouse - Main Lift - SFI Agent, Lieutenant David Gerald - 19:06) (Amleth - Amparus, Safehouse, Main Lift - CMO, Noah - 19:07) (Amleth - Amparus, Safehouse - Sub-Basement 1A Foyer- SFI Agent - Lieutenant David Gerald - 19:08) (Amleth - Amparus, Safehouse - Sub-Basement 1A Foyer - CO, Captain T'Vhor - 19:09) (Amleth - Amparus, Safehouse - Sub-Basement 1A Foyer - SFI Agent, Lieutenant David Gerald - 19:10) (USS Spectre – Security Station Foxtrot – Lieutenant (JG) – Security Officer, Jo Smith – 19:10) (Amleth - Amparus, Safehouse - Sub-Basement 1A Foyer - SFI Security Team Lefferts and Culligan - 19:11) (USS Spectre – Security Station Gamma – Lieutenant (JG) – Security Officer, Jo Smith – 19:15) (USS Spectre - Battle Bridge - FO, Cmdr Hoshimi Tsukawa - 19:15) (USS Spectre – Security Station Gamma – Ensign JG, Will Frost – 19:16) (Amleth - Amparus, Safehouse - Sub-Basement 1A Foyer - ACOUNS Dr Riven Mias - 19:17) (USS Spectre - Main Engineering - ACEO, Ensign JG Jack Dixon - 19:18) (USS Spectre – Security Station Gamma – Security Office Lieutenant (JG) – Jo Smith – 19:18) (Amleth - Amparus, Safehouse - Living quarters, Den area - Scientist Targin Lau - 19:18) (Amleth - Amparus, Safehouse - Sub-Basement Den - SFI Security officer Culligan - 19:19) (Amleth - Amparus, Safehouse - Sub-Basement Den - CO, Captain T'Vhor and Targin Lau - 19:20) (Amleth - Amparus, Safehouse - Sub-Basement Den – CMO, Noah - 19:21) (USS Spectre – Security Station Gamma – TAC/ASC Ens JG Will Frost – 19:21) (USS Spectre - Security Station Gamma – Security officer, Lieutenant(JG) Jo Smith - 19:23) (Amleth - Amparus, Safehouse - The Den - ACOUNS Dr Riven Mias - 19:23) (Amleth - Amparus, Safehouse - Sub-Basement Den – ACOUNS, Ensign Elani Caras - 19:24) (USS Spectre - Security Station Gamma - ACEO, Ensign JG Jack Dixon - 19:25) (Amleth - Amparus, Safehouse - Sub-Basement Den - CO, Captain T'Vhor - 19:25) (USS Spectre - Security Station Gamma - TAC/ASC Ensign JG Will Frost - 19:26) (Amleth - Amparus, Safehouse - Surface, Search/Interdict Team 25 - Alzeth - 19:26) (Amleth - Amparus, Safehouse - Sub-Basement Den – CMO, Noah - 19:26) (Amleth - Amparus, Safehouse - Sub-Basement Den – CMO, Noah - 19:27) (USS Spectre - Photon Flux Cannon Pre-Charge Assy - TAC/SC Lt Kerge and Engineer, Norman Bates - 19:28) (Amleth - Amparus, Safehouse - Sub-Basement Den - CMO, Noah - 19:29) (Amleth, Amparus, Safehouse - Sub-Basement Den - CSO lt. jg. Kurt Palmer - 19:30) (USS Spectre – Deck 9, Quartermaster's Office – ACEO, Jake Haltom - 19:30) (Amleth - Amparus, Safehouse - Surface Assault Team, Hevnek - 19:33) (USS Spectre - Captain's Ready Room - TAC/SC, Lt Kerge and FO, Cmdr Hoshimi Tsukawa - 19:35) ===================================================================== Mission: Inimicus Invisa Day: 6 Stardate: 2414.10.06 (ATV Garralon – Astrometrics – Cadets, Porsa and Kurrik – 01:59) (ATV Garralon – Corridor – Cadet Twinnings – 02:00) (ATV Garralon – Astrometrics – Cadet T’lissa Dorien – 02:05) (ATV Garralon – Astrometrics – Cadet Twinnings – 02:07) (ATV Garralon – Astrometrics – Cadets Porsa And Kurrik – 02:08) (ATV Garralon – Astrometrics – Cadet Twinnings – 02:10) ===================================================================== Mission: Inimicus Invisa Day: 5 Stardate: 2414.10.05 (USS Spectre – Security Station Gamma – TAC/ASC Ensign JG Will Frost – 19:05) =/\=Lt Kerge to Ensign Frost=/\= "This is Frost, go ahead sir." =/\=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=/\= "Aye Sir," Will replied, "Anything else to go on sir." =/\=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.=/\=. "Aye sir, I will get a team on it right away.=/\= =/\=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?=/\= "Yes sir, I will get a team together and begin searching right away." =/\=Very good Kerge out=/\= ~Research and fun, lets see, who on Security staff are the best detectives that might be able to lend a hand.~ "Ensign Frost to Lt. Jo Smith, and Ensign Walker, your assistance is needed at Secureity Station Gamma. Please report as soon as possible. Frost out." (Reply Walker, Jo Smith) (Posted by Will) (Amleth - Amparus, Safehouse - Main Lift - SFI Agent, Lieutenant David Gerald - 19:06) David had taken the more modern lift from the cavern, heedless of who had been following. He was worried and anxious and more than a little put off by the lack of trust by his new comrades. Was it true that SFI normally had hidden agendas? Yes it was true but normally they were working under orders from their superiors for the good of the Federation. The shiny lift took mere seconds to make the nearly 100 meter ascent to the nerve center of the complex as he remained silent and sullen. (Reply: Any IYW) When the ride stopped with smooth deceleration he straightened from his slump and turned to the door, it slid open smoothly as soon as the lift came to a halt. Immediately the sound of voices from inside carried clearly to the members of the away team who were standing nearly shouder to shoulder. He made no hesitation in stepping out of the lift and turning the corner. (Reply Any) (Posted by Chalres) (Amleth - Amparus, Safehouse, Main Lift - CMO, Noah - 19:07) The lift was small, cramped and the whole away team. He always had strange thought when going in lifts. Such as how long would it take to plummet to the bottom and because they were all packed in like squashed Manda fruit would they all survive the impact. Luckily before he could dwell on the matter further the lift stopped and the doors opened they all got out of the lift. They followed Lieutenant Gerald saw him stop heard some commotion at the from of the group where it sounded like they were getting stopped by two security guards. ~Well its good that they don’t just let any one down here~ He listened more attentively as Gerald and the guards spoke again "Captain T'Vhor of the USS Spectre and away team and two civilians, Dr. Riven Mias and Dr. Lotheran Pessoj, retired." "This is Captain T'Vhor." "If so your medical team does good work. I assume you have proof of your identification?" Noah smiled at to him self He was proud of the work he and the others had done changing the away team into Cardassians. Although it would be nice to see his own face in the mirror again. They then proceed to authorise T’Vhor’s identity when there was a sudden cry from one of the security officer "Control what have you got?" =^= Waverly here. I have three enemy attempting to burn through the door to the surface house.=-^= "Acknowledged." "So are you the real deal or is this a ruse to get you in on the inside?" Noah looked forward to see the security guards finger start to tightened over the firing stud of his phaser. ~Ow great. Getting hunted from behind and then these idiots in front~ Noah slid forward and stood beside T’Vhor as he looked from the security officer and then back to T’Vhor. “Captain it you would like I can prove who we really are?” (Reply T’Vhor) (Reply T’Vhor, Security Officer, Away Team, any) (Posted by Robbie) (Amleth - Amparus, Safehouse - Sub-Basement 1A Foyer- SFI Agent - Lieutenant David Gerald - 19:08) The two agents who met him had phasers out and leveled as they looked with suspicion on Gerald and those who had accompanied him. "State your names and do it quickly, VISITORS must show proof of Federation identification and certified credentials or you will be held in detention." Gerald smoothly reached into a pocket as they watched, their phasers tracking his movement as he began speaking lest he be trying to pull a 'sleight of hand' on them. "David Gerald, Lieutenant, SFI." he kept his voice calm as he pulled out the small padd he had used earlier in order to gain entry. "I am going to hand this to you slowly. It contains my credentials, bio, commanding officer's name and orders. Feel free to verify them at your leisure." He held out the padd for the man on the left to take. The officer lowered his phaser unconciously as he took the padd. "Watch them closely." His partner grunted in reply as his hawkish eyes swept over the group, his weapon turned to a position that could include anyone in an instant. (Reply: Any IYW) The man on the left powered up the unit after putting away his weapon and began searching through it slowly and methodically. "I don't want to be percieved as hurrying you." David said politely but with emphasis. "But we have a security breach Alpha 3." The man's head snapped up. "What? Imminent enemy action? From who?" "Cardy's." he replied. My orders were not to come to this safe house unless necessary as you will be able to see lest we give away its location however we believe there is a man here whom it was necessary to locate." "What is his name?" The man sanpped as he hurridly reviewed the data on the PADD once more. "Lau." The man's eyes snapped up again but it appeared what he was seeing was allaying his suspicions. "How did you know Lau was here?" Gerald nodded his head at the PADD once more. "Keep reading." He did as David suggested, his eyes skimming the orders quickly. "Yes I see. But who are these others with you? Most especially the Cardassians." "Captain T'Vor of the USS Spectre and away team and two civilians, Dr. Riven Mias and Dr. Lotheran Pessoj, retired." he then pointed at the Captain. "This is Captain T'Vor." The man looked at the CO of the Spectre who was in Cardassian guise." If so your medical team does good work. I assume you have proof of your identification?" (Reply: T'Vor) (Posted by Charles) (Amleth - Amparus, Safehouse - Sub-Basement 1A Foyer - CO, Captain T'Vhor - 19:09) The ride in the lift had been both uneventful and surprisingly 'not' in keeping with the lift they had travelled in when they had first arrived in this place. Whereas the previous one had been rickety and seemingly 'hand-cranked', this one had been almost state of the art, having well greased transit guides and smooth pneumatic door release mechanisms to boot. Why the difference? It seemed that they had not travelled very far at all and yet, as the doors had opened the Captain could have been forgiven in thinking that this was no longer the safehouse. Gerald, his usual efficient self, had stepped out to be challenged by two security officers, both aiming phasors at their party. The SFI man had then introduced himself before going on to explain the Alpha 3 breach and why they were actually here. Immediate alarm had followed, especially once the Cardassians had been mentioned in the same sentence as the phrase 'Alpha 3', but the name 'Lau', had clearly raised extra interest in one of the security detail. "How did you know Lau was here?", he had asked, surprised. Gerald simply intonated to the PADD whilst asking the man to continue reading. Then came the introductions, followed by a raised eyebrow at the notion that the Cardassian now standing before him was none other than Starfleet Captain T'Vhor himself! "If so your medical team does good work. I assume you have proof of your identification?" The Captain quirked his head. That was a foregone conclusion of course, Noah was one of the best there was, indeed even the good Doctor himself was a Cardassian right now, and standing right before him. "If I could not prove who I was, then what would be the logic in my even coming here to retrieve Targin Lau?", he asked. The security officer screwed his eyes into a slant and furrowed his brow at that. Was it agitation at the Captains response, or simply confusion that a Cardassian was mentioning 'logic' in his response? (Reply, Security, IYW) The Captain then offered that he was authorised to impart coded ID details ONLY to Lau himself. It was quite pointless at that stage though for an alarm was suddenly sounding, the sec officers appearing shocked that Gerald had not been exaggerating when he had mentioned that Alpha3 breach. A burst of communications with their superiors then ensued, followed by an apparent stalemate as the officers again saw fit to challenge the away team. "So are you the real deal or is this a ruse to get you in on the inside?", one of them asked, his phasor once again at the ready. "Your alarms are sounding already", said the Captain, in his usual calm, controlled voice. "That means that our foe is already 'inside' as you say. What would we gain right now by fooling you?" (Reply Security, Any) "The magneto train in the basement levels", said the Captain, "I suggest that we might avail ourselves of it at the earliest instance. With Targin Lau in our company of course", he added. (Reply Any) (Posted by Alan) (Amleth - Amparus, Safehouse - Sub-Basement 1A Foyer - SFI Agent, Lieutenant David Gerald - 19:10) As the two men spoke while T'Vor was having his credentials reviewed an alarm began blaring through the safe house. "Damn he was right!" The man on the right muttered as he tapped a combadge, his eyes and phaser not leaving the group yet, not until their credentials were verified. "Control what have you got?" =^= Waverly here. I have three enemy attempting to burn through the door to the surface house.=-^= "Acknowledged." he tapped the combadge to turn it off. "So are you the real deal or is this a ruse to get you in on the inside?" His finger tightened over the firing stud of his phaser as he addressed the 'Cardassians' in the group. (reply: Any) (posted by Charles) (USS Spectre – Security Station Foxtrot – Lieutenant (JG) – Security Officer, Jo Smith – 19:10) Jo scanned the console in front of her scanning the security sub routines to look for any unauthorised access. She creaked her neck, stretched the muscles in her neck and gave a sigh as her eyes scanned the information. =^=Ensign Frost to Lt. Jo Smith, and Ensign Walker, your assistance is needed at Security Station Gamma. Please report as soon as possible. Frost out=^= ~Okay lets go~ Jo nodded to her self. As she logged off her and powered down the console. She then headed for the turbolift. (Reply Frost and Walker, any) (Posted by Robbie) (Amleth - Amparus, Safehouse - Sub-Basement 1A Foyer - SFI Security Team Lefferts and Culligan - 19:11) "If I could not prove who I was, then what would be the logic in my even coming here to retrieve Targin Lau?", he inquired. Lefferts saw the 'Captain ' quirk his head before handing over his credentials, it was a move typical of a certain Federation species of which he was intimately familar as well as the 'logic' comment. He took the chit from the Captain carefully however and placed it in a reader which he pulled from hs belt and began perusing the file carefully to make sure it was all in order. Everything was going smoothly until the alarm sounded. While Culligan's suspicions were noteworthy he was not the one looking over the CO's credentials. Out of the corner of his eye he noted Culligan's aggressive stance but before he could tell him to stand down another of their number stepped forward. “Captain it you would like I can prove who we really are?” "Your alarms are sounding already", The 'Cardassian' identified as the Captain intoned. "That means that our foe is already 'inside' as you say. What would we gain right now by fooling you?" "It's not necessary." Lefferts broke in then snapped his head toward the other officer. "You can ease off Culligan, the Captain's credentials appear to be in order." The younger and greener man gave him a startled look but lowered his phaser to a non-aggressive posture but didn't put it away just yet. The Captain's remark about coded details had Lefferts shaking his head but he rode with it. "All right Captain, everything seems seems to be in order. It is sufficient that you and Gerald can vouch for the rest." Yes the mannerisms and speech patterns were Vulcan, no doubt about it. Not one of Lefferts favorite Federation races due to their often stiff nature but a valuable member species none the less. "Whatever you have for Lau stays between you and Lau. We were told to be expecting a ship to pick him up. The timing is certainly propitious to say the least." Having spoken he handed TVor's credentials back to him. "The magneto train in the basement levels", said the Captain, "I suggest that we might avail ourselves of it at the earliest instance. With Targin Lau in our company of course". "Of course." The older agent said in agreement. "Just as long as Lau is satisfied. With Cardy's come a callin' we'll have to evacuate this facility soon anyway, you are welcome to join us." He turned to Culligan. "Escort these people to the Den so the Captain can get on with his business, I'll go to the control room and help them get the equipment 'rigged' for our departure. I'll meet you there along with the others when we're done and ready to move out." It was at that moment that the tone of the klaxon changed to a more shrill whoop. "They're inside already.' Lefferts shook his head disgustedly. "Well move out everyone!" Culligan nodded and hung his phaser on his belt. "This way Captain." (Reply any) The rauquous whoop of the alarm followed them down the corridor of the base as Culligan led them along, Lefferts soon turned off to go to the control room. The walls down here gleamed as though they had stumbled into an underground starship though it was not nearly as extensive, neither were there any other levels. "We'll be reaching the living quarters soon." he said after another hundred feet. "The Den is the muster station for the civilians and in a central location." (Reply: Any) (Posted by Charles) (USS Spectre – Security Station Gamma – Lieutenant (JG) – Security Officer, Jo Smith – 19:15) Jo entered the Security Station Gamma and saw Ensign Frost. She walked over to him and smiled. “Hallo Ensign Frost. You wanted me?” (Reply Frost) (Reply Frost and Walker, any) (Posted by Robbie) (USS Spectre - Battle Bridge - FO, Cmdr Hoshimi Tsukawa - 19:15) Hoshimi leant forwards in the chair, one arm rested upon the armrest as she surveyed the tactical overlay, which had been superimposed over the viewscreen for the last few minutes or so. In the centre of that display, a computer representation of the Spectre sat with concentric circles placed outwardly around it to denote the specific markers and the Cardassian vessel locations she had requested from the Tactical Officer. "Helm", she said, the tension in her voice only slightly registering now after seven successive calls for course changes since they had taken the weapons array offline. "New course heading, maneuvering thrusters only. One four nine mark two four", she added. (Reply Helm) The ship then began turning slowly to the new heading, the visual confirmation of that appearing on the tactical display as the four red ships swung about in relation to the Spectres position. Hoshimi then gave orders to the tactical officer. "Calculate the vectors associated with any of the ships that alter course within twenty seconds of our own course change", she said. (Reply Harrison) For now anyway, none of the ships had altered their headings in any other manner that might indicate they had 'seen' the Spectre since the time that the weapons arrays had been powered down, and it seemed that Kerge's recommendations had been right after all, despite what some on the bridge had thought at the time. It was hardly unexpected though, leaving a ship effectively 'pulled' in the tooth department whilst negotiating a path through enemy vessels was hardly standard Starfleet protocol, and yet on this occasion, it had proved to be the correct thing to do. But what of their saboteur? If the flux cannon pre-charge assembly had been rigged to transmit the equivalent of a subspace morse code, then what other systems had been compromised to achieve the same goals? Whatever the case, it looked liked the Cardassians had just lost their ace in the hole... Hoshimi settled back into her chair and exhaled. She wanted to try just one more course change, just to be sure. After all, if they switched to the main thrusters and began moving to a standard holding pattern in orbit of Amleth, then they had to be sure that the Cardassian vessels truly had lost them. "Helm", she called again. "Course change. Come to course Two One Five, mark Ninety. Execute" (Reply Helm) "The FO then watched as the red ships rotated once again around the concentric rings of the tactical display, their orientation changing according to the Spectre's new heading. "Calculate the vectors Mr Harrison", said Hoshimi, "if the Cardassians course headings and changes thereof remain random, or that they follow standard search vectors, then we can assume that we have blinded our foe", she added. (Reply Harrison) Once again the course changes had appeared to verify the earlier assumptions that nothing was being detected, and with that in mind, Hoshimi made preperations to stand down the battle bridge and return control to the main bridge. "What is the operational status of the main bridge", she asked. (Reply Ops, Any) "Helm, plot a course to take us to a standard holding pattern above Amleth at the nearest geosynchronous position to our away teams location", said Hoshimi. (Reply Helm) "Make it so Mr Smith", she ordered, and once again the ship began moving on thrusters to the requisite position, the red ships on the display this time moving out of the area of the concentric rings until they disappeared completely. "Inform me the moment any of the Cardassian vessels appear to move to a higher orbit Mr Harrison, ordered the FO, this time directing her request to the Tactical Officer behind her. (Reply Harrison) The helmsman then confirmed that they were in a standard holding pattern above the village of Amparus on the Cardassian Moon. "Very good. Prepare to stand down all battle bridge operations and return to the main bridge", said Hoshimi as she then opened a channel to the Security Chief. "Hoshimi to Lieutenant Kerge" (Reply Helm, Ops, Harrison, Any) (Posted by Alan) (USS Spectre – Security Station Gamma – Ensign JG, Will Frost – 19:16) Will was thumbing through some personnel records when Lt. Smith walked into the Security Station. “Hallo Ensign Frost. You wanted me?” "Yes, lieutenant, Lieutenant Kerge has a task for us." (reply Smith) "By the way Lieutenant, are you familiar with Ensign Jack Dixon, he is an Engineer." (reply Smith) "According to his personnel records, he is a computer code whiz, might come in handy for our assignment. I'll get the briefing when we are all here." Will then tapped his commbadge. "Ensign William Frost to Ensign Jack Dixon, please report to the Security Station Gamma. You are needed for maintenance." (reply Dixon) "Thank you Ensign, Frost out" Will then turned to Lieutenant Smith, "Now we wait for Walker and Dixon, and the fun can begin." (Reply Dixon, Walker, Smith) (posted by Will Banowsky) (Amleth - Amparus, Safehouse - Sub-Basement 1A Foyer - ACOUNS Dr Riven Mias - 19:17) Riven was peripherally aware of the discussions going on and the stance of the suspicious SFI agent but in actuality he was concentrating more on the 'atmosphere' of the facility, much as he had done when he had first stepped onto the USS Hades the first time. The mental condition of the crew had been in some ways similar to what he was feeling here, depression and despondency mixed with dutiful focus. The dutifull focus he sensed was coming from the SFI agents and the other from the civilians he sensed here who were anxious to be away from this place and the institution from which they were running. The landing party exuded some chagrin though all were bolstered by the Captain's presence, Elani Caras however was visibly nervous with overtones of indecision. Riven's diagnosis was that she seemed to be new to the experience of taking forays into hostile situations and most often was sheltered aboard the ship. This was in no wise a judgement against her, this kind of thing was common among younger crew members who had limited exposure to such elements and it often went away after they had had a few away missions under their belts. Thus he was not worried at all about her mental condition long term. He saved his worrying for the huddled masses here who had limited options and were counting on the operation here to safeguard their persons and were now in fear of the future because of the attack upon the facility though they were not aware of the extent of their danger. This only made things worse as the unknown held terrors for many people, especially those who were already under great stress. But there was another mind here who was acutely different and Riven felt depression, despondency and fatalism mixed with a steel resolve borne from some undisclosed errand or goal. Shaking his head visibly he closed out the bombardment of other minds as the agent Lefferts ordered them to move out. Riven fell in step with Loth at the rear of the group and matched his pace with the others. "Well Loth it looks like we have some work to do in our chosen profession should we be spending time with the civilians present here. They have been under a great deal of pressure and will need reassurance. I think it best they not know the situation if they have not already been informed" (Reply: Loth more iyw) (Posted by Charles) (USS Spectre - Main Engineering - ACEO, Ensign JG Jack Dixon - 19:18) With all that was going on, Jack was certainly up to his ears in work, though he enjoyed every second of it. His first assignment was way out in Cardassian space, and he had no idea what he had gotten himself into. The hustle and bustle was most definitely not what he was accustomed to, but he needed to learn it quickly, otherwise he would be left behind. The call came for him to report to Security Station Gamma. Jack tapped his comm badge in response. "Acknowledged," he said to the mystery voice. With everything going on, he had yet to meet many of the crew members. With that said, he was terrible with names, though he never forgot a face. Jack came to a natural stopping point in his task, cleaned up his area, and made his way to the next destination. (Reply None) (Posted by Brandon Deller) (USS Spectre – Security Station Gamma – Security Office Lieutenant (JG) – Jo Smith – 19:18) "Yes, lieutenant, Lieutenant Kerge has a task for us." ~Okay if Kerge wants us then it must be inportant~ Jo nodded. “Okay.” "By the way Lieutenant, are you familiar with Ensign Jack Dixon, he is an Engineer." Jo paused for a moment thinking about all the engineers that she had met on board and then shook her head. “No I have not but then I do not have a lot of interaction with engineering.” "According to his personnel records, he is a computer code whiz, might come in handy for our assignment. I'll get the briefing when we are all here." She watched as Frost tapped his commbadge. "Ensign William Frost to Ensign Jack Dixon, please report to the Security Station Gamma. You are needed for maintenance." (reply Dixon) "Thank you Ensign, Frost out" "Now we wait for Walker and Dixon, and the fun can begin." Jo gave him a grin. “Fun, do you not think that we have had enough fun already?” (Reply Frost) (Reply Dixon, Walker, Frost, any) (Posted by Robbie) (Amleth - Amparus, Safehouse - Living quarters, Den area - Scientist Targin Lau - 19:18) The alarm was still being broadcast and Lau like the other fugitives here was jittery. He had been here for over two weeks waiting and had been notified only days ago that his 'escort off the planet' was on its way. There were seven others like him sharing cramped quarters and hoping they would eventually be 'liberated' from this place. His route to this planet had been circuituous, almost torturously so but he had made sure his trail had been well covered. From Federation space to Cardassian to avoid not only the ones he knew were out there but the suspicion that had followed him "Stormcrows" people like him were known, the bearers of bad news and always met with disbelief if not utter disdain. He had known, had seen it with his own eyes but they chose not to believe. Everywhere he went he was watching those around him and searching for signs. He wasn't worried so much about being 'liberated' as he was about being safe. That was why he was here, because there was safety on the periphery where blinded eyes could not see. Where ears were deafened. Of course being among so many meant lending his trust to some, trust he was loathe to give but he couldn't run, couldn't hide forever. The news that the Federation was sending a ship was both comfort and worrisome, there was no telling how far their tendrils stretched though he knew some but not all. As it was he would have to entrust himself to someone but perhaps this was good, perhaps they were now willing to listen. The alarms worried him but not as much as the torture of his own thoughts, not like the things he had learned, they were peripheral, a physical predicament that could be met and grappled with. But the thoughts, the nighmares his eyes had seen they were not so easily defeated. They haunted him like demonic specters and interrupted his rest. The data he had accumulated was damning and dangerous in the wrong hands, he had to make sure it was not derailed in its delivery. This was the muster area for all of the civilians here, the central area they called the den and they had all met here quickly after the alarm had been sounded. What would happen from here he wasn't sure but he did know there was a ship that could be accessed from the cavern below if necessary and the alarms portended desperate things. It was Ernest Hemingway who had written it wasn't it? For Whom the Bell Tolls? "It tolls for thee." He murmered quietly as one of the Cardassians looked over at him quickly. "What?" "Nothing." he tried to smile but could only manage a rictus grin."Nothing." He was itching to go to the control area and find out just what was going on but didn't dare move in case the Intelligence agents in charge came to escort them to safety. He would watch... and wait... and hope. But above all he would not let down his guard for an instant. (reply: Any) (Posted by Charles) (Amleth - Amparus, Safehouse - Sub-Basement Den - SFI Security officer Culligan - 19:19) The corridor was lined by a number of doors as they came to an archway from whence voices could be heard talking excitedly. Culligan stepped through and everyone turned their head to look. There was plenty of light and seating here though it wasn't luxurious in the least though it looked marginally comfortable. Most of those here were Cardassians, fugitives from their government and two humans. Everyone turned to look immediately except for one dark headed human with thinning hair who seemed to be lost in thought but looked up as they drew near. His haunted eyes passed over the group before fixing on Culligan. "When are we leaving and who are they?" His voice seemed drawn out and listless. "Your ticket back to the real world." Culligan replied and looked back at the group. "Provided they meet your criteria that is." Lau's gaze settled on each one in turn before he spoke again. "If you really have been sent to fetch me back to federation space then one of you has something in particular to say to me. If you don't have it you can throw yourself into the Maelstrom for all I care." (Reply: Any) (Posted by Charles) (Amleth - Amparus, Safehouse - Sub-Basement Den - CO, Captain T'Vhor and Targin Lau - 19:20) The Captain had been slightly relieved that they had actually arrived here in one piece, for the younger of the two security officers guiding them had looked as though he would rather be beating the entire lot of them over the head and throwing them all in a holding cell. Luckilly though, the more experienced and senior officer seemed to be keeping his compatriot on a short leash as they entered into the room to be confronted by a number of Cardassians scattered about in small groups. At first, the Captain had not seen Lau hunched by himself in the corner, but as the two security officers made their way towards him, he realised at long last that their target was now in sight. "When are we leaving and who are they?", he had asked, directing his attention at the away team with a suspicious nod. "Your ticket back to the real world... Provided they meet your criteria that is.", answered the security officer. Lau looked to each of the Cardassians in turn, his mind clearly unsure then as to whether this might be a trap set by those that were hunting him. He took a deep breath inwards, and then standing up, he spoke to no one in particular. "If you really have been sent to fetch me back to federation space then one of you has something in particular to say to me. If you don't have it you can throw yourself into the Maelstrom for all I care.", he said, before taking his seat once again and then awaiting any response. The Captain wasted no time in stepping forwards, after all, time was now of the essence considering that the safehouse was currently in the process of very probably being raided. Regardless of that factthough, Dr Noah, seeing that one of the assembled Cardassian women seemed to be injured, moved away to offer his medical assistance, and together with Ensign Caras, they proceeded to treat her whilst the Captain proceeded on with his side of Lau's offered puzzle. "It is a curious thing that the flora and fauna of Avalon grows less sparsely near to the coast... don't you think?", he offered. For a brief moment some of those assembled looked somewhat oddly at the Cardassian peasant standing there spouting such a strange sentiment to the otherwise silent Lau, slowly though, Lau rose from his chair once again as the Captain spoke again. "Do you still require that we throw ourselves into the Maelstrom Doctor Lau?", he asked, at which point Lau smiled and then advanced forwards, a suitable response already forming upon his lips ashe did so. "It certainly is, but the flora and fauna of Glastonbury is far more beautiful than that which grows near the coast of Avalon", he replied, at which point he threw his arms around the Captain in a warm greeting, an act that was to take the unemotional Vulcan slightly off guard. "I suggest that we proceed forthwith", he said, "we cannot remain here any longer. It is not safe anymore" The Captain then turned to the security officers once again, their fate now resting most assuredly in their hands. "Gentlemen. Lead the way", he said, and then followed their lead accordingly, Noah and Caras standing to follow also. (Reply Culligan, Any) (Posted by Alan) (Amleth - Amparus, Safehouse - Sub-Basement Den – CMO, Noah - 19:21) As Noah walked along the corridor he saw that is was lined with a number of doors. He heard voices talking excitedly as they came near an archway. They followed Culligan as he stepped through and everyone turned their head to look. Noah entered a room that was well light and had seating for the people inside. He saw that there were groups of Cardassians, which he assumed were fugitives from their government as well as two humans. He saw that everyone in the room turned to look immediately except for one dark headed human with thinning hair who seemed to be lost in thought but looked up as they drew near. Noah noticed themans haunted eyes as he looked at the away team before fixing on Culligan. "When are we leaving and who are they?" ~This must be Lau then~ "Your ticket back to the real world." ~Well you don’t have to come. You could stay here~ "Provided they meet your criteria that is." Noah’s attention turned back to the fugitives in the room. They all looked tired, scared and a bit malnourished which was not surprising under the circumstance. As he looked at the fugitives he saw an older Cardassian lady holding a small child who looked like she was in a lot of pain. He could see it clearly etched across her face. He glanced over at Lau talking to the Captain. "If you really have been sent to fetch me back to federation space then one of you has something in particular to say to me. If you don't have it you can throw yourself into the Maelstrom for all I care." ~This could take for ever~ He moved away from the group and knelt beside the woman. “Hallo, is there anything I can do for you.” The lady looked up at him and gave a sad smile. “I have Yarim Fal Syndrome there is not a lot you can do for me young man.” Noah’s mind plucked out the information. Yarim Fal Syndrome was a terminal condition which attaché the organs. This caused organ damage, finally organ failure and then death. It was excruciatingly painful but there was no cure apart from a full organ transplant of the affected organs which would be impossible in these circumstances. The child which Noah noticed was a little girl of about seven uncoiled her self from the old woman’s arms and looked at him. “Are you going to help my Muuda. She is very sore” Noah gave her a smile. “I am a Doctor and I will try my very best to help her.” He opened the small Cardassian medical kit that he had and pulled out a hypospray, check the drug and looked back at the old lady “What is that?” Asked the girl. Noah showed her the hypospray. “This is medicine that will help.” He looked back at the lady. “This is a relatively strong dose of pain killer. It will not take all the pain away but should reduce it for a few hours at least.” The lady nodded as Noah injected the vile of pain killers. He leaned back and watched as the drugs went to work. He saw that some of the pain on the ladies face reduced and she gave him a grateful smile and a nod of thanks. Noah smiled back. “Not a problem just happy to help.” He then had an idea. “I will be back in a moment.” He looked over at Kirrin standing with the away team. ~Why not its not like we are going to be down here for much longer~ He stood and moved over to Kirrin and spoke softly to her. “Kirrin. The lady over there has Yarim Fal Syndrome. I need any spare analgesics that you have in your kit. Leave enough in case we get into trouble but I think we will be back home shortly and I want to give them to her. She will be needing more then we do at the moment.” (reply Kirrin) (Reply:Kirrin Any) (Posted by Robbie) (USS Spectre – Security Station Gamma – TAC/ASC Ens JG Will Frost – 19:21) "Someone call for maintenance?" The engineer asked as Will then motioned at the engineer to come over. "I did ensign. But I don't think you will need your equipment. Its a different kind of maintenance." (Reply Dixon iyw) Will then ushered his team to a unused quiet group of consoles where they could work without interruption. "Alright team here are our orders. Our 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. Our 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.” (Reply Dixon, Smith iyw) "Between the three of us we can cover every one on board. Ensign Dixon can you help us develop an algorithm to make the search faster and also to cover our tracks. Once we have a suspect list we will handle the interviews. " (Reply Dixon, Smith iyw) "Let's get started. Empathic command leavel. Probably female. Let's start with anyone with betazoid ancestry, lieutenant commander and higher. Any thoughts? " (Reply Dixon, Smith) (Reply Dixon, smith any) (Posted by Will Banowsky) (USS Spectre - Security Station Gamma – Security officer, Lieutenant(JG) Jo Smith - 19:23) "Alright team here are our orders. Our 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. Our 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.” Jo paused as she took in the news of what had been said. “Well that’s gong to be fun.” She said dead pan. "Between the three of us we can cover every one on board. Ensign Dixon can you help us develop an algorithm to make the search faster and also to cover our tracks. Once we have a suspect list we will handle the interviews. " Jo nodded it was a good idea but interviewing some one who was as good as this saboteur was, was going to be a big battle of wills. “No problem.” "Let's get started. Empathic command leavel. Probably female. Let's start with anyone with betazoid ancestry, lieutenant commander and higher. Any thoughts? " She watched as Dixon began types on the console he had sat down beside. "Given the information you suggested, it will likely take an hour or so to do the basic search. Once we get the basics out of the way, though, there is probably not much we can do automatically. We'll have to comb through this one piece by piece." “At last head count we have about six betaziod in the permanent command staff. Three are either humand/betaziod or Vulcan betaziod. With leaves three full betaziods. Out of that two are off the ship namely the captain and Ensign Caras. Of the remaining betaziods the they are all Lieutenant Junior Grade.” (Reply Frost) "We do have clearance to do this, right? I mean, technically speaking, a lot of this stuff may be sensitive information." (Reply Frost) Jo looked at Dixon and Frost “You should also look at the non permanent command staff that are on rotation on board at the moment. It will widen the search but at lest we will cover all the bases.” (Reply Dixon Frost) (Reply Dixon Frost, any) (Posted by Robbie) (Amleth - Amparus, Safehouse - The Den - ACOUNS Dr Riven Mias - 19:23) Being in the middle of the populace of the safehouse brought back the emotional tenor of the people here with a vengeance and Riven had to withdraw from it till it was at a manageable level. One of the perks of being as sensitive as he was is that he could gauge the impact on the rest of the LP as well. The Captain was focused on his objective while the CMO had jumped with a vengeance into seeing who needed healing true to his profession. Loth was steady and inquisitive and the rest of the LP were focused on the objective as well. That left only Elani... he watched as she moved to aid the CMO by opening to him the contents of her medkit in order to help a lady in pain. Her empathic defenses however were disorganized and therefore weakened and he could feel the emotional toll it was taking on her. He gathered the energies of his own mind as she must have sensed his scrutiny and turned to give him a worried look, in return he gave her a wink and nod and sent to her a portion of his mental strength in the form of a calming wave that would help to insulate her from the influx of negative and draining emotions. This would enable her to be more effective and focused. (Reply: Elani more iyw) Now satisfied and noting that the one holding that steely goal was none other than Targin Lau himself whom the Captain was speaking to he made hinmself useful by walking up to a young adult Cardassian male with a beaming smile. The young man watched him with great caution until he had sat down facing him. Riven turned his head to look about which gave the fellow time to get used to his presence before turning back to him. "Hello my name is Riven." He made a point not to attempt contact such as with a handshake since Cardassians often interpreted this as aggressive behavior. "Might I ask your name?" The young man was cautious and a bit on the aggressive side as he had expected. "Excuse me but I don't know you and I don't feel this is the right time for introductions. We are under an alert and anything could happen." "Have they told you why the alert is going on?" Riven inquired. "No." The man snapped. "We have heard nothing! I would sure LIKE to know something though! Waiting this out is excruciating, we could be under attack or having a core meltdown for all I know!" Riven nodded his understanding. "Of course, it always makes one feel better to know what is happening so that one can adjust to the circumstances." The man gave him a calculating look. "So do you know what's happening? If you do I want you to tell me." Riven kept the smile up and it wavered not a bit. "Of course I do, there's a bit of trouble with the power sdystems and they think it's going to necessitate evacuating the facility." he waved his hand as the Cardassian opened his mouth. "No it's not a core meltdown or anything disasterous like that. The grid is long overdue for repair and they can't get the parts they need out here so they are just going to relocate their operations, I'm certain though that they wil take you to wherever you need to go first." The man visibly relaxed. "Well it's stupid to have that infernal alarm blaring the whole time, they've scared a lot of people." "I assure you it is unintentional." Riven remarked. "It's just standard procedure to get everyone ready for departure without having to contact them singly. They'll be shutting things down right now so that they can depart and are very busy." "Well if you say so." The Cardassian's mind relaxed noticably. "Thank you, there are others here who will appreciate the information." "You're welcome." The counselor stood and stretched. "If you'll excuse me I'd better get back to my group. "Of course." The young man smiled at him then turned to talk with another, as Riven had planned his lie would soon make the rounds thus calming everyone down. had he told the young man the truth it would have terrified everyone, possibly causing panic. Now when the evacuation began they would be calm and easily moved. It wasn't that he enjoyed misleading anyone, he just knew that it was beneficial that they not know. Believing something even though it was untrue gave them all a reason to have hope. Another benefit is that Elani wouldn't be bombarded as heavily since she unlike Riven himself was more susceptible to the emotional content of the assembly. His work here done he rejoined the small group around T'Vor to hear what was happening. (Reply: Any) (Posted by Charles) :) (Amleth - Amparus, Safehouse - Sub-Basement Den – ACOUNS, Ensign Elani Caras - 19:24) Elani had followed the others, her Betazoid senses picking up on the feelings that the others were leaking, and she was thankful that Cardassians didn't seem to run towards empaths. Had they the game would have been given up long since. Though she supposed that their time in the bar had definitely given towards suspicions so it shouldn't be surprising to her that the Cardassians were now chasing them. She had been looking around when Noah spoke and she quickly moved over, the suffering that the woman was going through ate at Ellie. She knew that both the Captain and Riven had noticed how susceptible she was to that sort of pain. It wasn't physical pain, it was mental as well, the two twined with desperation and the near unbearable agony that nothing would change her fate. Perhaps the Captain was right in his idea that young officers weren't correct for undercover missions. She'd wanted to prove herself, yet she hadn't done so on this mission, though she had certainly tried. “The lady over there has Yarim Fal Syndrome. I need any spare analgesics that you have in your kit. Leave enough in case we get into trouble but I think we will be back home shortly and I want to give them to her. She will be needing more then we do at the moment.” "I understand, Sir." Ellie flipped open her kit and removed several of the small vials, pressing them into the woman's hands. She looked back over her shoulder and noticed Riven watching her, and she wasn't sure what to make of that. ~Probably tell the Captain he should leave me on the ship nextime.~ A soft sigh under her breath as she waited for whatever was coming next. (reply the away team...) (posted by Mel :-) (USS Spectre - Security Station Gamma - ACEO, Ensign JG Jack Dixon - 19:25) Jack listened intently at the specifications of his first legitimate task. It was rather involved, especially for an engineer, but he was certain that he would be able to get it done. As Frost continued with his description of the task, Jack sat down at one of the consoles and brought up a standard search program. He began to input basic search commands for some of the information Frost had indicated. The command experience protocol was always something that would limit the potential pool, but Jack was certain it would not be enough on its own. "Given the information you suggested, it will likely take an hour or so to do the basic search. Once we get the basics out of the way, though, there is probably not much we can do automatically. We'll have to comb through this one piece by piece." (Reply Frost, any others involved) Jack paused before initiating the search. "We do have clearance to do this, right? I mean, technically speaking, a lot of this stuff may be sensitive information." (Reply Frost) (Posted by Brandon Deller) (Amleth - Amparus, Safehouse - Sub-Basement Den - CO, Captain T'Vhor - 19:25) And so the exodus continued forth with all of those assembled in the make-shift waiting room following suit as the away team, complete with Lau and the SFI men in tow, progressed through a dimly lit corridor towards wherever Culligan was now leading them. Somewhere above them though, the Captain could still hear the noise and the chaos being caused by beligerant Cardassians no doubt pulling things apart in their search for anything that might spell a promotion for one, or possibly all of their team. With any rigid, hierarchical military machine such as that which the Cardassians seemed to feel at ease with, it was invariably the case that everything centred around elevation of the self within the group, as the alternative meant little more than becoming trampled under the feet of those that took advantage of certain beneficial situations. Thus was the Cardassian way... Regardless though, the important thing now was that the Captain and his team succeeded in eluding their rank driven hunters above, Culligan suddenly approaching then to outline his projected best view of their escape plan to the Captain himself, which culminated in allowing three of their own team to travel with seven of the civilians on the first trip, thus making as effective use of the ten capacity magneto train as they possibly could, whilst ensuring the survival of the man that apparently held all of the cards in something that Culligan knew little of. The Captain nodded, Culligan's plan seemed logical and logic further dictated that the first three of his own team to go would be Lau himself, accompanied by the Doctor, just in case Lau became injured, and one of their own security officers to protect them. The Captain then broke away to inform Noah and Stevens that they were to keep close to Lau at all times in order to ensure his safety at any cost. (Reply Noah, Stevens) The group then descended another set of stairs which in turn led into ever darkening corridors stretching away into the distance, that for the moment anyway seemed devoid of any reassuring light whatsoever. "It would appear that your generators seem to have been either disabled or switched off", said the Captain, addressing Culligan once again in regards the failing light. (Reply Culligan) "How much further?", asked the Captain. The Captain nodded accordingly and then picked up pace, Noah then falling back with Caras to assist with a few Cardassians that seemed to be struggling to keep up due to injuries they had sustained. (Reply Noah, Caras, IYW) NRPG: Room for more here if required... RPG: Up ahead, about twenty five or so metres further on, a light could be seen emanating from what looked like a turning off of their visible route. It was a welcome sight considering that the alternative further ahead had now become all but black, and certainly foreboding to any that might be fleeing a resourceful enemy. Culligan saw it too and after pointing it out and implying it to be their desired course, the Captain picked up speed with the SFI man and Stevens following suit, the latters phasor having already been drawn. Briefly though, they stopped as they reached the junction in question, a tricorder now having been drawn in order to scan the immediate vicinity for any sign that someone might be hiding in readiness for an ambush. Four contacts, standing still and spread out in a rectangular format in a room spanning twelve metres by nine. The Captain immediately queried them with the SFI man. "How many men do you have waiting for us down here?", he asked. (Reply Culligan) It seemed then that SFI, for once were not trying to pull the wool over anyones eyes, Culligan himself then entering into the alcove leading to the freight annex, which ultimately contained the magneto train itself and their planned route away from this place. (Reply Culligan) The Captain and the rest of them then followed suit into the annex... (Reply Noah, Stevens, Culligan, Caras, Any IYW) (Posted by Alan) (USS Spectre - Security Station Gamma - TAC/ASC Ensign JG Will Frost - 19:26) Will waited as his team took in the information he gave them "Given the information you suggested, it will likely take an hour or so to do the basic search. Once we get the basics out of the way, though, there is probably not much we can do automatically. We'll have to comb through this one piece by piece." Dixon replied. “At last head count we have about six betaziod in the permanent command staff. Three are either humand/betaziod or Vulcan betaziod. With leaves three full betaziods. Out of that two are off the ship namely the captain and Ensign Caras. Of the remaining betaziods the they are all Lieutenant Junior Grade.” Chimed in Lieutenant Smith." "We can probably rule out anyone on the away team. We can also rule out most of those remaining aboard. None of them fit the MO. Not high enough up the food chain, plus we can account for most of there whereabouts for the last 3-6 months." Will replied stroking his chin as his mind processed. "We do have clearance to do this, right? I mean, technically speaking, a lot of this stuff may be sensitive information." Will turned to Ensign Dixon as he asked the very important question. At least for one afraid of getting caught. "Don't worry Ensign, we have clearance, besides, we have you to help cover our electronic tracks." Will replied hoping to help calm the engineer. "“You should also look at the non permanent command staff that are on rotation on board at the moment. It will widen the search but at lest we will cover all the bases.” Will looked at Lieutenant Smith after she just made those remarks. "You're right, let's reset the search, lets include anyone who joined the Spectre during the last 6 months. Lot's of us came aboard. Even just a week ago." Will paused for a moment as he had a thought, "If you were trying to sabotage a ship, what department would you go in to, like make sure you were assigned in?" (reply Dixon, Smith) "See I have a thought, right, I don't know why it just hit me, but you would have to blend in right?" (reply Dixon, Smith) "If you were a doctor, or a Science officer, wouldn't people look at you twice if you were at some console you weren't supposed to be at. Like if a nurse was trying to fix something right." (reply Dixon, Smith) "Maybe I am just over thinking things, but, would it be too far fetched to say we can rule out flight, science, and medical staff. Probably the marine contingent too. It would be too obvious if a marine was snooping around." (reply Dixon, Smith) "I mean, it's got to be someone in a yellow shirt, right, I mean not necessarily but there has to be a higher percentage that our suspect is more than likely in the ops or engineering department. Or maybe I have just played too many holonovels. If I want to eavesdrop at a party on a Spy program, what better than to be a waiter, no one gives you a second glance as you move through the party right. Same as someone in ops or engineering. No one thinks twice if they are tampering with stuff. It is their job." (reply Dixon, Smith) "So I guess, run a search, Female, Lieutenant Commander, operations department or engineering. Empathic Abilities. Someone who may have come aboard the Spectre in the last 6 months." (Reply Dixon, Smith) (posted by Will Banowsky) (Amleth - Amparus, Safehouse - Surface, Search/Interdict Team 25 - Alzeth - 19:26) The Gul's ETA for reinforcements wasn't far off, Alzeth met the Team leader for the Assault squad at the door to the compound. "What have you found Alzeth?" "The house is empty but there is a lift of some sort Hevnek." He jerked his head and led what was now his superior officer to it. "As per orders we have secured the house and waited for your arrival." Hevnek's eyes darted from the device to Alzeth. "Is it functional?" "No attempt has yet been made to make the lift operational, I was waiting for reinforcements as there is no way of knowing how many enemy might be hiding below." "Krek get in here and get this lift running for me!" Hevnek snapped. One of his men darted forward and entered the lift and began scanning the control panel but quit after a few seconds. "Interference is keeping me from getting any readings," With a growl of disgust he began trying a variety of power up routines before abandoning that route and forcing the panel open. Hevnek left two men posted outside to watch any approaches, the rest waited impatiently as the tech worked. "The reinforcements are in position?" Hevnek nodded curtly. "With this sensor interference it is possible our communications may be blocked as well once we are below." Hevnek glanced at Alzeth and considered his point. "It is a possibility and a good one." He pulled the communicator from his belt. "Hevnek to reinforcement group, reply." =^= Balvez here, go ahead assault team leader.=^= "Communications are not guaranteed after we begin our assault. There is a lift to some below ground level which we are working on making operational. I will notify you when we are ready to enter. If you do not hear frrom me within five minutes after that notification I want you to follow us down." =^= I will have to get authorization for that Hevnek.=^= =^= Gul Majeth here.=^= Hevnek gave a visible start at the prompt cut in though it made sense the Gul was monitoring the channel. =^= You have your authorization Balvez. Hevnek you are in charge of the assault, Balvez you will follow his orders. If communications are indeed cut once the assault team leaves the surface and your team is forced to deploy I will give you fifteen minutes for a report before ordering in additional reinforcements which I have on stand by. Is that understood? =^= =^= Understood Gul.=^= 'This is Hevnek, your orders have been noted Gul." =^= If you encounter resistence annhilate it Hevnek. if you can take prisoners so be it, if not then bring back any data you can find. Is that understood?=^= "Completely understood Gul." =^= Excellent. Carry out your orders. Gul Majeth out.=^= (Reply None) (Posted by Charles) (Amleth - Amparus, Safehouse - Sub-Basement Den – CMO, Noah - 19:26) He gave Caras a reassuring smile and laid a reassuring hand on her shoulder. ~Your not the only one with doubts and regrets~ He glanced around looking at the refugees. His eyes lingered on the old lady with the young child. He would have liked to have helped more. He had done and been to some dark places in his past. With every bit he could give back that dark stain on his sole would reduce but it was never enough. With the medicines the old lady would at least get some rest bite from her pain but it would not cure her. They had told him when he had first become a doctor that he could not save the world and that you could only do what you could as he was only Ornaran. Some times he felt that it was just not enough. “Good luck.” He muttered under his breath as he turned to look at the Captain. "Gentlemen. Lead the way", he heard T’Vhor say. ~Looks like we are moving again~ He looked back at Caras and gave her a smile trying to get the sadness out of his eyes. “Come on. Lets go, shall we?” (Reply Caras) (Reply Caras, any) (Posted by Robbie) (Amleth - Amparus, Safehouse - Sub-Basement Den – CMO, Noah - 19:27) Noah watched as Caras gave the lady the extra. He then gave her the hypospray and instructed her how to use it. “I have set it on the lowest dose. Take it every four to six hours but try not to use it any more as it will make to you weaker. “This should last for a couple of days at least. I am sorry that we could not give you anything stronger but we just don’t carry any it.” The lady smiled and nodded thanks. He gave her a smile and back away to where Caras was standing a few paces back. He turned and looked at her. She had just been looking at Riven and he could see worry, fear, anxiousness and pain flash across her face. He gently guided her to a quiet corner and lowered his voice so that only she could her “Elani what is the matter?” (Reply Caras) (Reply Caras, any) (Posted by Robbie) (USS Spectre - Photon Flux Cannon Pre-Charge Assy - TAC/SC Lt Kerge and Engineer, Norman Bates - 19:28) The main protocol has been identified and isolated sir", said Norman, "and may I say, whoever did this is no novice by anyones standards" Kerge just frowned as ever he did, or was it his normal expression, it was hard to say with a Klingon. "But are you able to identify that particular 'no novice' Mr Bates?", said Kerge, gruffly, "until we find and apprehend this 'fly in our ointment', then they are still free to compromise any systems on the ship at will" Bates just sighed. He liked Kerge, he really did, but was it really too much to ask for just a simple thank you these days? This had not been an easy task by anyones standards, indeed, Bates liked to think that perhaps nobody else on the ship might have been able to deduce what he had just deduced, and that because of that, he had perhaps earned just a little more kudos. The awkwardness that he normally felt amongst the rest of the crew, but rarely with Lieutenant Kerge suddenly began to rear it's ugly head once again. McKenzie simply quirked his head and then pursed his lips as he returned his tools to his science kit, obviously reading Bates' feelings as he did so. (Reply McKenzie, IYW) "In time, I guess it's... it's possible", stammered Bates, in response to Kerges insistence. "In time Norman, we might be scattered to the four corners of Cardassia or attempting to surf to the surface of Amleth on a surfboard fabricated from one of the ships hull plates", said Kerge. "I - I appreciate that sir but...", began Norman, "this is not, not just a simple problem, extrapolation of the culprit via a piece of code is useless without the cypher used to create it. The C-cypher, if we could get it, would allow us a kind of... s-signature , sir", said Bates, the stammering increasing in direct relation to his fraying nerves. Kerge placed a hand on Normans shoulder, and then gripped it firmly as he stared hard into Normans eyes and nodded. "I'm sorry Mr Bates", said Kerge, "perhaps I was being a little hard on you. You have done well to isolate the problem, if you can also isolate the culprit then that will be a stellar achievment", he added. "Take the code to engineering, work with whoever you wish in order to get this problem solved", he said, glancing then to the Science Officer who had now stood, his work kit firmly grasped in his hand. "Take Mr Mckenzie here if you wish", said Kerge, "you appear to work well together" (Reply McKenzie) Bates then closed the hatch to the pre-charge assembly and stood up. "If you're not t-too busy", he said, in response to McKenzies offer. (Reply McKenzie) Kerge then nodded, trying his very best to appear appreciative but instead looking menacing as usual. Was that actually a smile? No, surely not. Whatever it was that had appeared on the Klingons face that had resembled a smile quickly disipated as the comms came alive with the voice of the FO. =/\=Hoshimi to Lieutenant Kerge=/\= "Kerge here, Sir", he snapped, "are we clear of the Cardassian vessels?" =/\=We are indeed Mr Kerge", said the FO, =/\=my respect to you and your team, be sure to pass the same to Mr Bates and Mr Mckenzie also. In the meantime though, the Captain's ready room on the main bridge please if you will. I have some things to discuss with you. Hoshimi out=/\= Kerge then turned to Bates and McKenzie, the two of them looking as though they were afraid to move unless Kerge gave them permission to do so. Then he nodded curtly. "Duty calls", he said, "inform me of any progress" And then he simply marched off towards turbolift Two... (Reply Mckenzie, Any) (Posted by Alan) (Amleth - Amparus, Safehouse - Sub-Basement Den - CMO, Noah - 19:29) Noah nodded to himself as T’Vhor told him that he and Stevens were to stay close to Lau in case some thing happened him on their way out. “Understood Captain.” (Reply Stevens) Noah moved down another set of stairs which the led into ever darkening corridors stretching away into the distance. Noah slowed slightly as he stared into the dark corridor. ~Like some kind of horror move~ He glanced around to try and find Lau. It would not do to louse him now after all the effort that they had taken to find him. He found him in the middle of the group and nodded to him self before glancing back and saw that Caras was helping a few Cardassian stragglers that were falling behind. ~Lau may be a priority but he is not my only priority~ He moved back down the group as he reached Caras. “How are we dong back here?” He said with a pleasant tone of voice. (Reply Caras) . Noah nodded and gave a supporting arm around one of the Cardassian’s “We are nearly there. Not far now.” He felt the group slow down slight as they were nearing the magneto train station. He looked over at Caras and said quietly. “I, Mr Lau and Mr Stevens have been ordered to get in the first group. I will stay at the other end as the refugees are moved across. Is there anything that you need before I go?” (Reply Caras) (Reply Caras, Stevens Any) (Posted by Robbie) (Amleth, Amparus, Safehouse - Sub-Basement Den - CSO lt. jg. Kurt Palmer - 19:30) The order had been given to evacuate. It seemed the away team had been followed and was now in potential trouble if they didn't move fast. Kurt had volunteered to stay with the final group to escape down the lift. Tricorder drawn, and finally functioning, Kurt kept a constant scan going while they forged ahead. The tension in the group continued, as they moved forward. Kurt finally caught up with doctor Noah. "Doctor." Kurt said discreetly as he tried to keep pace. "Perhaps this isn't the news you want to hear at the moment, but ensign grey and I had noticed a low level theta variance on the surface." (Reply, Noah) He paused and took a couple quick steps to stay next to the medical chief "point being, even though minor exposure is not incredibly harmful, we may want to check for minor side effects in the group." (Reply, Noah, any) ((Post by Cody)) (USS Spectre – Deck 9, Quartermaster's Office – ACEO, Jake Haltom - 19:30) Jake was sitting in a chair across from the Quartermaster and wishing he was in bed. Duty shift had ended over an hour and a half ago and it had been a full day. Warp core threatening to overheat, exploding panels and injured engineering crew including one casualty.A cobbled together warp coolant loop, saboteurs undermining life support on the bridge and that wasn't including ongoing repairs to damaged bulkheads from the incidences the last few days along with other equipment to be replaced. He rubbed his forehead with his right hand and sighed as the officer looked over the PADD. "I see you got the CEO's approval this time." "Yeah, he was hard to track down." Jake noted. The man let his face relax a bit. "This is an extensive list, I assume you have them down in order of priority?" "Of course." Jake settled back a bit in the comfortable chair and relaxed. "I have the warp core coolant loop rerouted so the master control valve and associated components can be replaced at any time. I"m more concerned with the power coupler nodes that are weakened from the surge and the engineering control panel components listed. Not to mention the armored bulkheads for replacing damaged hull sections which has been highest priority." The man nodded in agreement. "It takes time to get the materials for the bulkheads replicated but I've got the spare components, they just need to be optimized and tested before I send them down. They've ostensibly been checked before being sent out but I'd rather be certain before passing them on to you considering the usage some of the damaged ones have gone through." "No problem." The ACEO shrugged his shoulders. "I can understand that and the weakened ones have some life left, if we go through another power surge ike the last one though they'll blow and we'll have to use the spare ones anyway." The Quartermaster nodded thoughtfully. "I'll make it a point then to get them checked and sent to you immediately. Where do you want them to go?" "Just send them en masse to main engineering. The panel components as well. When the Coolant loop components are available I want them rerouted to the CEO's office so we can control when they're replaced. How much longer on the bulkhead replacements by the way?" "Another ten hours for the last of them." The man watched Jake rub his eyes. "Looks like you need to knock off soon, you can't do everything." Jake waved his hand. "I know but I've got another engineer running OT as well and I'm not going off till he's been relieved." "Suit yourself." The Quartermaster shrugged and leaned back. "But I'd take it easy if I were you and get a fresh start in the morning." Jake gave him a wan smile. "Roger that. I'm planning on some EVA tomorrow since the last of the hull plating will be done. Hopefully there won't be any more emergencies. You know as well as I do that during an alert the senior officers have to be available." "That's up to your superior how long you're needed." The other man said pointedly. "He has every right and authority to make sure you get some bunk time." "True." Jake said thoughtfully. But I'll stay up nonetheless. Thanks for the input though." "Anytime." The officer noted as Jake rose to his feet. Jake walked out of the office stifling a slight yawn, covering his mouth as he stepped out into the hall. If this infernal alert ever stopped he would get some sack time. First off though he needed to make sure Scott got a replacement so he headed back down to main engineering to find a non-essential personnel he could send to deck eleven. (reply: Any) (Posted by Charles) (Amleth - Amparus, Safehouse - Surface Assault Team, Hevnek - 19:33) "Sir I have the lift working." "Six at a time, Teams 18 and 19 to be followed by 20 and 21. GO!" The six men deployed quickly and the lift door closed. "Teams 22 and 23 will follow 20 and 21. Alzeth your team and mine will be last." "Understood." Alzeth leaned against a wall as he waited impatiently for the lift to return, since the operation was now running full bore he wanted to get it over with... quickly and get out with as little loss of life as possible. Tonight after it was all over he planned on getting roaring drunk to vent the stress of the day." (Reply: Any, none) (posted by Charles) (USS Spectre - Captain's Ready Room - TAC/SC, Lt Kerge and FO, Cmdr Hoshimi Tsukawa - 19:35) Hoshimi took a sip of her tea as she stood looking out across the forward saucer section of the ship and at Amleth sprawling far below them, it's surface not unlike that of Earth with it's green and blue tapestry just visible beneath wisps of white clouds that obscured the land masses below. Somewhere upon that tapestry, the away team was still engaged in tracking Lau, perhaps they even had him already, Hoshimi was uncertain, but as she gazed upon the rolling vista of the Cardassian Moon, her thoughts drifted to Earth itself and thenceforth inevitably to Ito, her husband. Missing Earth of course was nothing compared to the emptiness that she felt from the destructive passing of her soulmate, the thoughts of their future together and their carefully laid plans to retire near to Mount Fuji in their later years at the forefront of her mind now, plans that would of course never be realised now courtesy of the civil war... and of one man in particular. That emptiness was palpable, like a knife twisting in her side whenever she allowed her mind free reign to visit those painfully fresh memories, still so clear and tangible in her mind, regardless of the timespan involved or of the little box that she had created in order to keep them in without them spilling into her here and now. And then there was 'his' face. Admiral Rodrigo Doenitz, the man that had been most directly responsible for Ito's execution regardless of the fact that the death sentence had been abolished hundreds of years beforehand, only to be reinstated on the wrong side of the bloody civil war that had raged like a tsunami, wrecking everything that the Federation had ever stood for and claiming lives on both sides of the conflict. Hoshimi clenched her hand into a fist at the thoughts in her mind, her teeth clenching as her brow furrowed at the still painful memories thatwere now assailing her synapses. ~I hope that you're burning Ridrigo, simmering in the fires of hell for all eternity for your treachery~ she thought, those thoughts themselves slowly, but surely dissipating then as the sound of the door annunciator finally reached her ears through the cacophony of other sounds that still continued to haunt her. The Spectre's First Officer then took a deep breath inwards and exhaled as she spun about in response to the call. "Enter", she said, moving then towards the Captain's desk in order to take a seat and place her drink to one side, the door sliding open with it's familiar pneumatic hiss. The Security chief then stepped in to the room, his heavy gait seeming to shake the deckplates as he advanced to take his position opposite her. "You wished to see me Commander", he stated, not so much a query but more a statement of fact. "I did Lieutenant", said the FO, settling back then into the chair and putting the Lieutenant at ease and requesting that he sit. Kerge did as he was told irrespective of the fact that he often preferred to remain standing. "First off", began Hoshimi, "good work on the job with the flux cannon. If we hadn't discovered what was happening until later, then we might very well be heading for Amleth in escape pods by now. You are to be commended. Indeed I will ensure that Captain T'Vhor is made aware of your dilligent and professional resourcefulness in this matter", she added. Kerge nodded accordingly, but deferred that recommendation. "With all due respects, Maam", he offered, "the real work was carried out by Lieutenants Bates and McKenzie. I only choreaographed their dance" Hoshimi returned the nod, the somewhat bizarre, but slightly amusing thought of Bates and McKenzie doing the Waltz together in the corridor suddenly entering into her thoughts at his somewhat colourful terminology. "Nevertheless", said Hoshimi, "you yourself had the forethought to explore the possibilities that uncovered the subterfuge of our saboteur, and for that you are indeed to be commended." Kerge quirked his head and then nodded once again. "As you wish", he said. "I have a feeling though that commendations regarding tasks leading to the increased security of this ship, my job in fact, are not the only reasons that you have called me here now", he added. Hoshimi picked up her drink once again and took a sip, then she nodded in the affirmative as she placed the cup back onto the table, her thoughts now upon another matter entirely as she reached towards a nearby PADD, picking it up and then bouncing it off her palm as she continued on. "Mr Kerge", she began, "what I am about to show you is not to be discussed with anyone else but myself and the Captain. Do I make myself clear?", she asked. Kerge shifted slightly in his seat and then nodded his acceedence to that fact as Hoshimi passed the PADD over to him. Kerge took it and then glanced at the screen, a flashing cursor already indicating that a file was awaiting decription and alerting him to the fact that this was something a little more important than just a simple security update. "I want you to take the PADD to your office. Read the information that you are being presented with, and then securely erase the file. As I have already stated you will keep the information to yourself, no one is to be informed as to the content unless either myself or Captain T'Vhor give orders to the contrary, and all reports pertaining to the relevant data that you are now being made privy to are to be made directly to myself or to the Captain. Is that understood?", said Hoshimi, her expression fixed now as though to indicate the absolute assuredness that she now required of him. Kerge looked at the PADD once again, the flashing data entry cursor awaiting entry of the requisite code, reminding him once again of the apparent seriousness of what he was soon to be shown. "Understood", said Kerge. Hoshimi took another sip of her drink and then bowed her head as she contemplated matters further. Kerge deserved to know more of what was really at stake here of course, as Chief of Security that much was obvious. The fact that he was now being brought into an apparently closed loop though indicated that matters had changed somewhere along the lines, the game pieces were in motion, perhaps some had even been 'taken', Kerge could only wonder. "Your personal security access codes will open the file for viewing", said Hoshimi, "read it, and delete it. Nobody else must be made aware of the contents at this stage", she reiterated. "I understand completely", said Kerge. "May I ask if Lau has been found?", he asked, wondering then if events on the Cardassian Moon may have been a catalyst for why he was now holding the PADD in his hands. "We have heard nothing as yet", said Hoshimi, "however, passive scans of the surface have revealed heightened military movements in the area of Amparus so, we can assume that we will know more sooner rather than later", she added. "You will be kept informed of course, until that time though, you are dismissed" Kerge nodded and then stood, pulling at his tunic as he did so. "Commander", he answered, as he turned about and then headed for the door, Hoshimi stopping him briefly mid stride and then reminding him of her previous orders pertaining the importance of the data in his hand and the need for absolute discretion in regards it. Kerge made his assurances accordingly, and then left the ready room, his thoughts already wandering as to what this was all about... (Reply None) (Posted by Alan) ==================================================================== Mission: Inimicus Invisa Day: 6 Stardate: 2414.10.06 (ATV Garralon – Astrometrics – Cadets, Porsa and Kurrik – 01:59) The meeting was supposed to have been low key, under the radar, away from any kind of scrutiny from those that were currently being scrutinised, and yet already the cadets had run into two command personnel that had requested breakdowns on their activities in the science lab. Kurrik had kept his calm though, as had the slightly more nervy Porsa, both managing to keep the brass from becoming too suspicious of why they were performing runtime calculations on recently acquired science data at such an ungodly hour. Initiative was to be commended after all, or so Porsa had reminded Commander Vex at the time. Needless to say though, their foray in the lab itself had come to a somewhat abrupt end and Porsa had had to leave a covert note there to inform the others that the meeting would continue in astrometrics. Leaning against the console, Porsa sighed aloud at the fact that Dorien and Twinning had yet to show. Had they even seen the note? Had they even gone to astrometrics? So many questions running around in her head. Kurrik, seeing her apparent nervousness attempted to calm his jittery companion with suggestions that they had perhaps been held up, that they had been to the lab and had simply not found the note, but Porsa remained concerned. “What if something has happened?”, she asked. “Nothing has happened”, replied the Vulcan. “How can you be so sure?”, asked Porsa, her mind still working overtime. “Logic, suggests that if something had indeed happened to our absent colleagues, then we would have had some indication that it had. A raised security alert, a message of some kind, however brief”, said Kurrik. “Well, it doesn't sound good to me”, said Porsa, “we left the science lab thirty minutes ago, surely they should be here by now?” Kurrik raised an eyebrow, apparently unconcerned. Or was it just that he was trying not to worry Porsa any more so? Either way, he had already begun accessing the system maps via the console, skewing the holographic display back and forth to display gas giants, anomalous rifts, nearby sink holes and known spatial disturbances. Then, as ever the inquisitive Vulcan mind that he was, he began plotting the Garralon's coordinates and projected course on the holographic display, overlaying the recent deviations against the projected route accordingly. Porsa tapped her foot impatiently and then ran her fingers through her hair once again as she looked to the door, willing them to come. It was a curious thing, how she thought that 'willing' a desired outcome might actually make it happen. It hardly ever did of course and yet, it was something that she often did. “Curious”, said Kurrik, scrutinizing the display as he spoke. Porsa's concentration was immediately broken by the Vulcan's sudden remark and she turned about quickly. “What's curious?”, she asked. “The course deviations over the last twenty four hours do not follow any logical training projections. This one here...”, he said, indicating the location with his finger as he spoke, “is not in keeping with any defined Starfleet protocol. The course took us into an area of space that left us out of contact with any of the tactical transponders, thus rendering us invisible to Starfleet itself for seven hours” Porsa's attention had piqued. “So we were.... off the radar?”, she asked. Kurrik nodded and then began inputting commands into the astrometrics interface to display long range tactical route projections against standard planetary observations. “We should be here by now”, he said, again indicating a location as he spoke, “indeed, we should have passed the Kalsos four array five hours ago, and yet we did not” “So, what exactly does this mean?”, asked Porsa, “why would we be off course by such a large margin?” Kurrik had no answer to that question, he simply shook his head as he contemplated the displays further. Porsa then interjected by moving beside him and pointing to one single point about One Hundred Million kilometres distance to their current port aspect. “What's that?”, she asked, “it looks like a shadow void” This time is was Kurrik's attention that piqued. “A shadow void?”, he enquired, turning to his effervescent and slightly bubbly colleague. “Yes”, said Porsa, “they were supposed to be a myth. As children, we were often told that an area existed in space that would reach out and grab us if we misbehaved, even if the 'shadow void', as we had come to know it was nowhere near us. My father claimed to have actually seen one on a scouting mission to the Minakor expanse. He drew me a picture of it, and that...”, she said, pointing again to the previous location, “is what he drew” Kurrik raised an eyebrow once again and then returned his attention to the display. “Fascinating”, he said. “It sounds as though you are referring an old Earth custom designed to scare children into unfaltering subservience. A bogeyman, if you like” “A bogeyman?”, enquired Porsa. “I will explain it to you at a later time”, said Kurrik, motioning then towards the doorway of astrometrics as it opened to reveal the missing colleagues. “Our friends have arrived” Porsa smiled to the accompaniment of a heartfelt sigh. “We thought that you were not coming, or that something had happened”, she said, at which point Kurrik corrected her. “You thought those things, not I”, he said as Dorien and Twinning's explained their delay accordingly. (Reply Dorien, Twinning's) (Posted by Alan) (ATV Garralon – Corridor – Cadet Twinnings – 02:00) “Cadet Twinnings what are you doing skulking around.” Twinnings slowed gave a soft curse and turned to face Ensign Bass. He was already late to meet Poras, Kurrik and Dorien. He look at Ensign Bass as he walked towards him. ~Ow great Ensign Ass~ He came to attention. “Sir I am not skulking I am taking a report to Astrophysics Lab and Astrometrics.” Astrophysics Lab was next door to the astrometrics which was close enough. “A report let me look.” Ensign Bass put out his hand towards the PADD that Twinnings was carrying.. Twinnings looked at the out stretched hand and then back up into Bass’s face. “Sir I have been told by Lieutenant Nobel to do this right away.” He saw Bass’s fingers twitch involuntary at the mention of Lieutenant Nobel and gave a mental grin. Ensign Bass was a bully and only qualified just before they left for the cruse. The scuttlebutt had said that Bass had wanted a posting on a galaxy but had gotten the ATV Garralon instead and he was not happy. He gave the cadets hell for to try and cover up his inability. Lieutenant Nobel was the person that Bass feared most on board even more then the XO and CO. “Lieutenant Nobel.” Muttered Bass he then shook his head and pulled back his hand as thought he had been electrocuted. “You better get going Cadet. If I see you skulking around again at this time I will put you on report.” Twinnings came to attention again and held the PADD by his side. “Yes sir.” He then turned and hurried away before Bass could cause any more trouble. (Reply None) (Posted by Robbie) (ATV Garralon – Astrometrics – Cadet T’lissa Dorien – 02:05) Walking towards Astrometrics, T’lissa began to think about what could be going on. She knew there was something big going on but she wasn’t sure what. Walking through the door, she spotted Porsa and Kurrick and nodded a hello. “Our friends have arrived” “We thought that you were not coming, or that something had happened “You thought those things, not I” T’lissa began to open her mouth to reply but a voice from behind her began, “Sorry I’m late. I got collared by Ensign Ass but I pulled a Lieutenant Nobel on him and he is now hopefully gone and hope fully annoying someone else.” A small smile grew over her face as she turned and said, “Hey Twinnings.” (Reply Twinnings) Turning back to the others, T’lissa fought to keep the grin off her face as she said, “I’m sorry too. Sickbay was a little busy. I had to tell the CMO that I needed to run some test results by one of the engineering staff.” Turning back to Twinnings, she said, “I hope you don’t mind being my alibi?” (Reply Twinnings) “Don’t worry, how does dinner sound as a thankyou?” (Reply Twinnings) Nodding, T’lissa turned back to Porsa and Kurrick and said, “So, guys. What’s going on?” (Reply Twinnings, Porsa, Kurrick, any) (Posted by Jackie Smith) (ATV Garralon – Astrometrics – Cadet Twinnings – 02:07) “Hey Twinnings.” Twinnings turned around to see T’lissa walking towards him. “Oh Um, Hi T’lissa.” ~What was that! Why can’t you just speak to her like a normal person for goodness sake~ He smiled at her and then mental shook himself and turned back to Porsa, Kurrick. ~You are such a burk. Get a grip its not like you don’t know her~ He kept the blush from his face just. He liked T’lissa a lot but was at that stage of not sure about taking it to the next stage or just be happy with the he had. He tried to play it cool but knew that Porsa, Kurrick and T’lissa probably new. “I’m sorry too. Sickbay was a little busy. I had to tell the CMO that I needed to run some test results by one of the engineering staff.” Dorien turning back to Twinnings, she said, “I hope you don’t mind being my alibi?” He frowned for a moment before looking at her in puzzlement “Yeh not problem but…. He paued trying to rack his memory “…… I had no tests apart from the thing last week I should be okay?” “Don’t worry, how does dinner sound as a thankyou?” He grinned and nodded “No problem I can be your alibi any time.” He gave him self a mental sigh. ~No, No why did you just say that. Now she thinks you’re a total moron~ “So, guys. What’s going on?” ~Yeh thank you for changing the subject~ “Yeh what is this all about?” (Reply Dorien, Porsa, Kurrick, any) (Posted by Robbie) (ATV Garralon – Astrometrics – Cadets Porsa And Kurrik – 02:08) Kurrik had once again returned to the console as Twinnings and Dorien explained the reasons why they had been late for their surrepticious meeting. The one thing that Kurrik, as a Vulcan, could never quite understand though was why some Humans almost always resorted to colourful metaphors regarding other peoples names whenever they referred to them. Twinnings had ascribed to Ensign Bass, the moniker 'Ensign Ass', and the notion that he might make a habit of that with others made Kurrik wonder if he referred to him in a similar manner. As far as the Vulcan could tell, there wasn't a lot that rhymed with Kurrik so perhaps he was safe from Twinnings wit, at least for the moment anyway! Their idle chatter ended, Dorien then asked what was going on, and Twinnings followed up with a 'Yeh, what is this all about?" "It is about a number of things", replied Kurrik, turning his attention back to the group, "a suspicious cargo beam in whilst we were in orbit of Tarren IV, our current course deviations from our projected route, the suspicious actions of the command crew and our 'guests', the one they call Madon in particular", he added. (Reply Any, IYW) Kurrik continued on. "Working on the bridge at the time of the beam in, I took the liberty of covertly maintaining background tactical scans whilst we were in orbit of the planetoid. Whatever it was that was beamed aboard was removed from the ships itinerary the moment transport was complete, the item itself then stored in secure storage in the security section" (Reply Any) Porsa then interjected. "Our view is that if we can find out what that something is, then we can fill in the gaps along the way", she said, "Kurrik has pointed out the possibility that this may simply be a training exercise designed to test our loyalty and prowess given a situation that does not conform to normal Starfleet protocol. I however think that that is poppy-cock" Kurrik raised an eyebrow quizzically at his cohorts use of that last phrase. "Poppy-cock?", he inquired. Porsa dismissed his query with a wave of her hand and simply told him that it was nothing, just something that she had picked up from Cadet Rogers when he'd mentioned something being incorrect in an argument she had had with him. (Reply Any) "Our course is way off the grid", said Porsa, pointing to the course plot that was still displayed on the holographic display of astrometrics, courtesy of the ever resourceful Vulcan Science officer. "That course", she added, pointing once again to the relevant highlighted area, "has taken us out of range of our location beacons, meaning that for the past two days we have been totallt invisible to Starfleet. What do you make of that?", she asked. (Reply Twinnings, Dorien, Any) Porsa leant back against the console and ran her fingers through her hair, a particular nuance that she seemed to have little control over. Then she came back with a plan of action. "Whatever reason we are off course we need to find out what is in that storage locker, that's where you come in Mr Twinnings", she said, "you are proficient in engineering protocol, you should be able to come up with some way of gaining entry to security without tripping anything that we shouldn't be tripping." (Reply Twinnings) "Kurrik seems to think that he can bypass the security sensor grid long enough for you to do that", she added. (Reply Twinnings) Porsa then glanced to Kurrik, who simply nodded as though agreeing to what she was about to say. "Dorien, how are you in regards the moral laws of telepathy?", asked Porsa, thinking back then to her previous thoughts about that whilst they had been in Ten Forward, and how the notion of Betazoids sneaking about in peoples minds had initially unnerved her. (Reply Dorien) (Reply Twinnings, Dorien, Any) (Posted by Alan) (ATV Garralon – Astrometrics – Cadet Twinnings – 02:10) "It is about a number of things", replied Kurrik, turning his attention back to the group, "a suspicious cargo beam in whilst we were in orbit of Tarren IV, our current course deviations from our projected route, the suspicious actions of the command crew and our 'guests', the one they call Madon in particular", he added. ”A magical mystery trip. That’s just grate.” Twinnings grinned as Kurrik continued on. "Working on the bridge at the time of the beam in, I took the liberty of covertly maintaining background tactical scans whilst we were in orbit of the planetoid. Whatever it was that was beamed aboard was removed from the ships itinerary the moment transport was complete, the item itself then stored in secure storage in the security section" ”Well that’s locked tighter then a Farengi’s purse on tax collection day.” He muttered as Porsa then interjected. "Our view is that if we can find out what that something is, then we can fill in the gaps along the way", she said, "Kurrik has pointed out the possibility that this may simply be a training exercise designed to test our loyalty and prowess given a situation that does not conform to normal Starfleet protocol. I however think that that is poppy-cock" Twinnings was Kurrik raised an eyebrow quizzically at his cohorts use of that last phrase. "Poppy-cock?", Twinnings grinned again “Yeh Right!” "Our course is way off the grid", "That course", Twinnings looked at the star chart in front of them "has taken us out of range of our location beacons, meaning that for the past two days we have been totallt invisible to Starfleet. What do you make of that?" ”If this is a magical mystery trip it sucks and I want my money back.” (Reply Dorien, Any) "Whatever reason we are off course we need to find out what is in that storage locker, that's where you come in Mr Twinnings.” Twinnings felt a little unsure about what was coming next “You are proficient in engineering protocol, you should be able to come up with some way of gaining entry to security without tripping anything that we shouldn't be tripping." He paused for a moment thinking of all the different way that it could go horribly wrong. “I would need to do a hardwire tap to fool the security system but that would mean I had to be physically in security at the time.” "Kurrik seems to think that he can bypass the security sensor grid long enough for you to do that", Twinning gave a mental roll of his eyes. ~Of course you can~ “Yeh no problem.” He said with more enthusiasm then he felt. He also did not want to seam scared in front of Dorien. He looked over a Dorien when Porsa looked at her "Dorien, how are you in regards the moral laws of telepathy?" (Reply Dorien) (Reply Dorien, Porsa And Kurrik Any) (Posted by Robbie) =================================================================